SATURDAY 23RD MAY 2020

Karibi-Whyte, Former Chairman, 1994/95 Constitutional Conference Dies at 88 Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The erudite Justice Adolphus G. Karibi-Whyte, who was the Chairman of the 1994/95 Nigerian Constitutional Conference died last night at

the age of 88 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The scholarly retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria died at about 6.30 PM in Port Harcourt from heart-related complications, according to Gogo KaribiWhyte, his eldest son and

Lagos based lawyer, who spoke with THISDAY on the passing last night. He was from Abonnema, in Akukutoru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The late Justice was survived by his wife, Faith KaribiWhyte and seven children:

Asikiya Karibi-Whyte, Tonye Edosanwan, Gogo KaribiWhyte, Abiye Karibi-Whyte, Tokini Karibi-Whyte, Sodigi Karibi-Whyte, and Nengi Brai.

A Whatsapp message sent to THISDAY last night said, “The great Justice Adolphus G. Karibi-Whyte, JSC, one of

the most Erudite and scholarly Justices of the Supreme Court of Nigeria has passed on. He went to be with the Lord today, May 22nd 2020. He was 88 years old. As we pray for the repose of his Soul, let us also remember his children: Asikiya, Tonye, Gogo, Abiye,

Tokini, Sodigi, and Nengi as they mourn the loss of their great and illustrious father.

May his Soul Rest in Peace, Amen.

“God has been kind to our father. He served the nation Continued on page 5

Ramadan Fasting to Continue Today, New Moon Not Sighted, Says Sultan… Page 8 Saturday 23 May, 2020 Vol 25. No 9175

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

NBS Data Reveals Lagos Makes More Money than 26 States Combined State hits N398bn IGR generating a total sum of N398.73 billion in Internally Lagos State has continued Generated Revenue (IGR) in to assert its position as the 2019.

Its performance is the country's economic capital, James Emejo in Abuja

equivalent of the IGR of 26 states combined, and accounted for 29.88 per cent of total collections nationwide, according to figures released

yesterday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The N398.7 billion IGR of Lagos State is more than those of Taraba, Gombe, Kebbi,

Ebonyi, Borno, Yobe, Katsina, Ekiti, Adamawa, Nasarawa, Bauchi, Niger, Jigawa, Abia, Zamfara, Imo, Bayelsa, Kogi, Plateau, Benue, Osun,

Sokoto, Cross River, Anambra, Oyo and Edo which had a combined IGR of N375.2 Continued on page 5

COVID-19: Nigeria Moves Closer to Local Production of Testing Kits National Biotechnology Development Agency driving breakthrough; may roll out homemade reagents soon Cases now 7261, with 2007 discharged and 221 deaths Buhari bars govt officials, religious leaders from Sallah homage, to observe Eid prayers at home with family Bennett Oghifo in Lagos, Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, with agency report The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has successfully validated the first phase of the Viral Ribonucleic Acid Extraction which should enable local production of cheap testing kits for Coronavirus.

This is coming on the heels of the decision of President Muhammadu Buhari to bar top government officials and religious leaders from paying him homage during this year’s Eid celebration expected to take place tomorrow, as part of efforts to contain COVID-19.

On the same day, 245

new Coronavirus cases were recorded in Nigeria, bringing the tally to 7261, with 2007 discharged and 221 deaths The validation of the first phase of the Viral Ribonucleic Acid extraction took place last Thursday in the laboratory of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA) in Abuja.

The Director-General of NABDA, Prof. Alex Akpa, told the News Agency of Nigeria after the exercise that the success of the validation was important not only to Nigeria but Africa as a whole.

“The success of this Continued on page 5

UK Court Dismisses Nigeria’s Sleaze Suit against Shell, Eni... Page 6

INTERNET BROADBAND FOR EKITI...

L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; the state’s Head of Service, Mrs. Peju Babafemi and the CEO, Oodua Infraco Resources, Sammy Adigun, during the signing of an M.O.U on internet broadband coverage for the state in Ado-Ekiti… yesterday

2

SATURDAY MAY 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY MAY 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

3

4

SATURDAY MAY 23, 2020 •T H I S D AY

5

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R Ëž Ëœ ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸

PAGE FIVE

Buhari Signs Order to Implement Financial Autonomy for States’ Legislature, Judiciary Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja signed an Executive Order for the implementation of financial autonomy for the legislature and the judiciary at the state level.

The new order follows a Presidential Implementation Committee constituted to fashion out strategies and modalities for the implementation of financial autonomy for states' Legislature and Judiciary in compliance with section 121(3) of the Constitution.

Section 121 (3) of the 1999 Constitution states: “Any amount standing to the credit of the judiciary in the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State shall be paid directly to the heads of the courts concerned.�

The new order tagged Executive Order No. 10 of 2020 for the implementation of Financial Autonomy of State Legislature and State Judiciary Order, 2020 is aimed at strengthening the financial autonomy of the judiciary and legislature at the state level.

According to a statement

issued by Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, the new order will further make the two arms more independent and accountable in line with the tenets of democracy.

"The President signed the Executive Order number 10 based on the power vested in him as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Section 5 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as

Amended), which extends to the execution and maintenance of the Constitution, laws made by the National Assembly (including but not limited to Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as Amended), which guarantee financial autonomy of the State Legislature and State Judiciary", Gwandu said.

According to the statement, the Order provides that "The Accountant-General of the Federation shall by this Order and such any other Orders, Regulations or Guidelines as may be issued by the Attorney-General of

the Federation and Minister of Justice, authorise the deduction from source in the course of Federation Accounts Allocation from the money allocated to any State of the Federation that fails to release allocation meant for the State Legislature and State Judiciary in line with the financial autonomy guaranteed by Section 121(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended)�.

Gwandu noted that based on the new order, all states of the federation shall include the allocations of the

two Arms of Government in their Appropriation Laws.

Article 6 (1) of the order provides that “notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, in the first three years of its implementation, there shall be special extraordinary capital allocations for the Judiciary to undertake capital development of State Judiciary Complexes, High Court Complexes, Sharia Court of Appeal, Customary Court of Appeal and Court Complexes of other Courts befitting the status of a Courts.�

You Can’t Remove Heads of Govt Agencies without Due Process, SGF Tells Ministers The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, has stopped ministers from removing heads of public agencies in the country without due process.

A procedure for the removal of heads of such agencies was subsequently released

by the SGF and sent to all the minsters.

In the circular, Mustapha said the federal government had observed the “arbitrary removal� of chief executive officers (CEOs) and its impact on stability and service delivery.

The circular was issued on Tuesday after the Minister

of Power, Sale Mamman sacked Usman Mohammed, as Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

It is unclear if the incident prompted the circular to the ministers.

The SGF stated emphatically that no minister could

unilaterally remove CEOs of agencies, adding that the president has approved a disciplinary procedure against erring heads of agencies. “Accordingly, Mr. President has approved the following streamlined procedure for the discipline of Chief Executive Officers of government

parastatals, agencies and departments in accordance with the Public Service Rules (PSR),� he said. “When an act bordering on serious misconduct against a Chief Executive Officer is reported, it shall be the duty of the supervising minister through the permanent

secretary to refer the matter to the governing board for necessary action in line with the relevant provisions of the Establishment Act and the principles guiding Chapters 3 and 16 of the Public Service Rules.

Continued on page 8

KARIBI-WHYTE, FORMER CHAIRMAN, 1994/95 CONSTITUTIONAL CONFERENCE DIES AT 88 meritoriously and God blessed him. He lived a memorable life,� Gogo said.

Karibi-Whyte was a legal icon, author and Professor of Law, whose professional career took him through the Nigerian and international judicial systems.

He was born on 29th January 1932, attended Kalabari National College Buguma, Rivers State, 1946-1950 and worked as a clerk of court from 1951-1957.

Karibi-Whyte was admitted to the University of Hull, England in 1957 where he obtained LL.B Degree, Upper Division in 1960. He was called to the Bar in the Middle Temple a year afterwards, and in September, 1962, obtained LL.M Degree of the University

of London, and also Ph.D of University of Lagos in 1970.

In 1973, he was appointed Legal Draftsman in the Rivers State Ministry of Justice, after which this legal luminary attained the ranks of SolicitorGeneral, in that Ministry and became an Associate Professor of Law at the University of Lagos.

In 1976, he was appointed a Judge of the Federal Revenue Court and thus began an illustrious judicial career, which took him through the Court of Appeal from 1980, and the Supreme Court of Nigeria from 1984, thus making him the second Nigerian after Dr. T.O. Elias, to move directly from academia to the judiciary.

During this time, he also served as Chairman of several Commissions of Inquiry

including the Counterfeit Tribunal and the Inquiry into the Nigerian Agricultural and Co-operative Bank.

He was also appointed as Judge, International Criminal Tribunal on November 7, 1993, and Chairman Nigerian Constitutional Conference between 1994/95.

His ad-hoc appointments include: Chairman, Counterfeit Currency Tribunal, Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, Committee of ProChancellors of State-Owned Universities, Law Report Committee of the Federal High Court, Civil Disturbances Tribunal, Committee for the Unification & Reform of the Criminal Code, Penal Code, Criminal Procedure Act & Criminal Procedure Code,

Nigerian Constitutional Conference of 1994-1995.

Karibi-Whyte was also Judge and Vice-President of the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, sitting at The Hague.

He is an author of thirteen books and 55 academic publications in local and international learned journals, and is very much in demand for speaking engagements in his field.

A recent citation on the webpage of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation, noted: “Several years after, His Lordship’s judicial pronouncements on the bench continue to resonate in Nigeria and beyond.

According to Professor Paul Idornigie of the Nigerian

Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, “Justice Karibi-Whyte’s dissenting opinions in obvious opposition to the decision of the majority justices are not only legendary and seminal but unparalleled in Nigeria. “In fact, his dissenting opinions have become illuminating judicial guides for the Supreme Court in subsequent similar cases and the basis of legislative interventions, notably – Savannah Bank of Nigeria Limited v Pan Atlantic Shipping & Transport Agencies Limited (1987), Government of Gongola State v Tukur (1989), Attorney General of the Federation v Attorney General of Abia State (2001) [The Resource Control Suit], Grace Jack v University of

Agriculture, Makurdi (2004) and Patkun Industries Ltd v Niger Shoes Manufacturing Company Limited (1988).�

Karibi-Whyte was described by those who crossed his path as “a quintessential jurist, a scholar par excellence, an intellectual colossus and consummate judicial officer, he is a man driven by his passion for justice according to law, firmly undergirded by his resolute and reputed integrity.�

A gentleman of indisputably stellar accomplishments, Hon Justice Karibi-Whyte is a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) (1998), and also Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) (2008).

He was married to Mrs. Faith Asareme Karibi-Whyte.

billion or 2.21 per cent and Oyo N26.74 billion or 2.00 per cent.

Anambra N26.36 billion, Cross River N22.59 billion or 1.69 per cent; Sokoto N19.01 billion or 1.42 per cent; Osun N17.92 billion or 1.34 per cent; Benue N17.82 billion or 1.34 per cent and Plateau N16.48 billion or 1.24 per cent of total

IGR for the year under review.

Others are Kogi N16.38 billion or 1.23 per cent; Bayelsa N16.34 billion or 1.22 per cent; Imo N16.09 billion or 1.21 per cent; Zamfara N15.41 billion or 1.16 per cent; Abia N14.76 billion or 1.11 per cent; Jigawa N12.92 billion or 0.97 per cent and Niger N12.76 billion or 0.96 per cent of total revenues.

resolves of the president as the month-long Ramadan is fast is coming to an end and Eid-el-Fitr celebration is around the corner.

According to Shehu, the decision was in observance of the lockdown measures put in place in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja "to save lives and protect people from all dangers.�

He also said the move was in line with the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III suspending Eid congregational prayers across the country as well as the protocol against

mass gathering issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

Sultan Abubakar III also suspended all prayers, gatherings in the outskirts of towns and cities amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but that in states where government had reached decision to mark the Eid-el-Fitri, Muslims should observe social distancing, wear face masks and use hand sanitisers provided for worshippers to check the spread of the COVID-19.

The Sultan also warned Muslim leaders against unguarded utterances for the overall interest of the Nigerian Muslim community.

NBS DATA REVEALS LAGOS MAKES MORE MONEY THAN 26 STATES COMBINED billion in 2019.

The Data also revealed that the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), generated a total of N1.33 trillion as IGR last year, compared to the N1.17 trillion recorded in 2018.

According to the IGR at state level for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2019,

all the states and FCT also generated N346.20 billion in IGR in Q4 2019 compared to N294.11 billion recorded in the preceding quarter, indicating a positive growth of 17.71 per cent quarter on quarter.

Lagos accounted for N101.63 billion of the 2019 Q4 IGR and further recorded the highest IGR at full year with N398.73

billion accounting for 29.88 per cent.

It was closely followed by Rivers with N140.40 billion or 10.52 per cent while Taraba State recorded the least revenue of N6.53 billion or 0.49 per cent of total revenue for the period.

The FCT recorded N74.56 billion or 5.59 per cent of total

revenue, Ogun N70.92 billion or 5.32 per cent, Delta N64.67 billion or 4.85 per cent, Kaduna N44.95 billion or 3.37 per cent; Kano N40.59 billion or 3.04 per cent; Akwa Ibom N32.29 billion or 2.42 per cent; Enugu N30.06 billion or 2.33 per cent; Kwara N30.64 billion or 2.30 per cent; Ondo N30.13 billion or 2.26 per cent; Edo N29.47

COVID-19: NIGERIA MOVES CLOSER TO LOCAL PRODUCTION OF TESTING KITS validation shall enable us to massively produce test kits so that more people would be tested for COVID-19, not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

The immediate aim is to produce reagents for real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, and remember, recently the lack of reagents stalled work in Kano and molecular diagnosis could no longer take place,�

Akpa said.

He also recalled that the absence of the same reagent equally stalled COVID-19 diagnosis in Lagos for many days. “This project is, therefore, designed to enable not only Nigeria but the whole of Africa

to put the issue of shortage of reagents behind,� the DG said.

He disclosed that the project was a Pan-African project whose partners include Ethiopia, NCDC and the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, among others with funding coming from the African Development Bank.

A scientist at NABDA and Country Coordinator, Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, Dr. Rose Gidado, said the exercise was historic.

She said the validated RNAswift Test Kit for COVID-19 was developed

by Dr. Alison Nwokeoji, a Nigerian scientist at the University of Sheffield, United

Kingdom. “If we set up more testing centres, we can easily do 50,000 with automation,’’ the scientist said.

She added that the project was a partnership involving NABDA, NCDC, Ethiopia, NVRI Vom, NIMR, and the Ministries of Science and Technology, Health and Agriculture.

Buhari Bars Govt OfďŹ cials, Religious Leaders from Sallah Homage Meanwhile, as part of efforts to contain the spread of

the Coronavirus, President Muhammadu Buhari has said he would not receive any homage during this year’s Eid celebration expected to take place tomorrow.

The President will also observe this year's Eid prayers at home with his family, the presidency said in a statement, yesterday, by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu.

Traditionally during Eid celebration, the president is paid homages by top government officials, political leaders, community heads, Muslim and Christian religious leaders and children.

Shehu said these were the

6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23 , 2020

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Malabu Deal: UK Court Dismisses Nigeria’s Sleaze Suit against Shell, Eni Chika Amanze-Nwachuku with agency report

A court in the United Kingdom yesterday declined to hear the $1.1 billion corruption suit Nigeria brought against Royal Dutch Shell and Italy’s Eni with regard to payment made for the controversial Oil Prospecting License (OPL 245) by the international oil companies.

The Nigerian government had instituted the case in 2018 at a commercial court in London against the oil firms for allegedly paying $1.1 billion in bribes and kickbacks to secure the purchase of OPL 245 (otherwise known as Malabu Oil block) in 2011.

In the charges, government alleged that the Shell and Eni knew that around $1.1 billion

used for the acquisition of OPL 245 would be used to bribe top Nigerian politicians, businessmen and middlemen.

But the UK High Court judge, Justice Christopher Butcher, ruled that the court did not have jurisdiction to hear the claims.

The judge in his written decision said the English case had both the same essential facts and parties as a parallel proceeding in Italy filed by Italian prosecutors.

The oil firms had urged the English Court to decline jurisdiction to entertain the lawsuit, contending that a similar suit was brought against them in a Milan Court.

The companies had noted that the suit amounted to duplicating of the ongoing criminal trial and parallel claims in Italy over the

same oil block deal.

Shell and Eni, both major players in the upstream sector of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and their executives are currently facing charges of bribery before a Milan court, in what is considered the oil industry’s biggest-ever corruption trial.

Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi and four ex-Shell managers, including its former head of upstream, Malcolm Brinded, are among the officials facing charges of international corruption in the Milan trial.

In the charges before a Milan court, prosecutors alleged that Shell and Eni knew that the $1.1 billion used for the acquisition

of OPL 245 would be used for bribery.

Reacting to the UK court ruling, the Nigerian government expressed disappointment that the English court opted not to hear a civil claim against the defendants and insisted that the Milan case and the separate civil proceedings in London have an entirely different legal basis.

“Nigeria continues to support the criminal proceedings underway in Milan and maintains that the separate civil proceedings in London have an entirely different legal basis... we intend to seek permission to appeal this decision,” Reuters quoted an unnamed Nigerian spokesman as saying.

The federal government also vowed it was going ahead with its case in England against JP Morgan, over the bank’s role in the OPL 245 deal.

The bank has said it considers the allegations against it “unsubstantiated and without merit”.

However, a Shell spokeswoman said the oil firm welcomed the UK Court ruling. “We maintain that the 2011 settlement... related to OPL 245 was a fully legal transaction with Eni and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN), represented by the most senior officials of the relevant ministries,” Reuters quoted the Shell spokeswoman to have said.

The OPL 245 is believed to be one of the biggest untapped oil resources in Nigeria with reserves estimated at nine billion barrels.

A former Minister of Petroleum, Dan Etete, allegedly used his position to allocate the lucrative oil prospecting license to Malabu Oil and Gas, a company he had interest.

The oil block license was revoked in 2001 by the then President Olusegun Obasanjo and awarded to Shell, without a public bid.

Malabu headed to court, and the ownership was reverted to it in 2006 after it reached an out-of-court settlement with the federal government.

Airforce Deploys 60 Troops to End Katsina Killings FrancisSardaunainKatsina

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has deployed additional 60 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Special Forces to Katsina State to tackle the prevailing attacks by bandits in the state.

The action followed a recent attack on some communities in Batsari and Jibia Local Government Areas of the state, where many people were massacred.

Addressingthe troops, Abubakar said the 60 personnel comprising three officers and 57 men were to support the ongoing Operation Hadarin Daji in the state.

He explained that the Special Forces would complement the efforts of other security forces on ground to prevent further attacks on innocent citizens.

Represented by the Air Officer commanding Special Operations Command, AVM Charles Ohwo, he assured residents of the state that bloodletting orchestrated by bandits and kidnappers would

soon end.

He urged the personnel to be committed and effectively utilise their experience and training to protect the lives and properties of the people of Katsina State.

The Air Force chief explained that troops under operation Hadarin Daji had killed scores of bandits within 48 hours of their last operations in Zamfara and Katsina states, saying the number of bandits killed would be unveil soon.

“The stage where we are now need special forces to be injected into the fight against bandits. So, the Chief of Air Staff has deployed 60 Special Forces personnel, 3 officers and 57 well trained men.

“Just last week, the Chief of Air Staff graduated 94 Special Forces and 34 Combat Search and Rescue personnel. So, this 60 is to support the operation Hadarin Daji towards ensuring that the fight against bandits is brought to a complete end,” he explained.

Police Foil Attack, Kill 2 Bandits in Sokoto Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Nigeria police yesterday foiled bandits attack on Garki Village of Sabon Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

According to a statement released to newsmen by the Force Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Muhammad Sadiq, “at about 0745hrs the Divisional Patrol Team while on routine patrol along Sabon/Birni - Garki Village sighted two motorcyclists suspected to be armed bandits, whom were pursued and on reaching Garki Village their motorcycle hit the pavement of the road and fell down, suddenly on sighting the police the marauders opened fire on them.

“The police in conjunction with the vigilantes swiftly responded to the attack, as a result the two bandits lost their lives while others fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered from the bandits include One RPG with Breech No. M80 and One G3 Rifle with Breech No. 63660, “At the time of filing this report the corpses of the bandits were evacuated to general hospital Sabon Birni for autopsy, while investigation has commenced in earnest.”

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police Sokoto, CP Ibrahim Sani Ka’oje, vowed to bring the remnants of the bandits to book and also solicited stronger community partnership in Policing the State.

SUPPLICATION . . .

Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State (2nd from left) his two sons, with his Chief of Staff, Ali Haruna Makoda (extreme right), during Friday Prayers at the Government House

‘Lagos Preparing Modalities for Reopening of Schools’ Funmi Ogundare The Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adsfisayo, has said the state was p r e p a r ing modalities for reopening of schools, n o t i ng that it was still considering the safety of the children.

Adefisayo who spoke to journalists at the inauguration of the school feeding programme, i n L a g o s , said the state was already making efforts to achieve this, adding that

once the federal government gives directives, it will obey it.

According to her, “Nobody is happy about schools closure, we want the schools to open as soon as possible. It’s just that we have to watch the pandemic and put the safety of the children first.

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) has denied that they gave a timeline for schools resumption, but as it were, we can’t sit down and be looking, we must prepare the protocols for re-opening of schools. We have started and we are almost done with it.”

She disclosed that the state was planning to distribute transistor radios to public school pupils who were unable to access internet to enhance their learning on its radio/TV programme, adding that the distribution would commence May 25.

“We have already purchased the radios and people have donated towards it for us. It’s is a private donation, which is not from the state coffers, even our staff also donated,” the commissioner said, adding that it was also working on

giving private teachers palliatives.

“The problem is that there is diffusion because they are so many. If we give it to the school owners, we must have a method of ensuring that it gets to the teachers. If you give a school, it is not for the proprietors alone, it is for the teachers and staff, we are working on it.”

Earlier in her remarks, she emphasised on the modified school feeding programme saying it was a continuation of the existing programme of the state government.

Okowa Inaugurates Two Committees on Community Policing Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Few days after announcing plans to establish an independent joint security outfit for the state, the Delta State Government has taken another step to kick-off community policing as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday inaugurated two committees on community policing.

He noted that the task of securing lives and property

or reducing crime to the barest minimum in any given society was too all-inclusive and cumbersome to be left to the police and other security agencies alone.

They are the State Community Policing Advisory Committee (SCPAC) and the State Community Policing Committee (SCPC).

At the ceremony in Asaba, attended by stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police,

the Army, traditional rulers, religious leaders, lawyers, the media and community leaders, Okowa said the move was in response to yearnings of citizens for an effective local policing machinery to arrest growing security challenges in the state.

He expressed the hope that the committees would deepen the security architecture in the state by complementing the efforts of

the police and other security agencies to promptly thrash out security issues before they impacted negatively on the communities and the environment.

Okowa said, “The last six weeks or so have been very tasking and challenging, not just with the existential threats posed by the COVID-19 global pandemic but also of emerging security risks confronting the various federating units.

SATURDAY MAY 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

7

8

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͎Ͱ͎

NEWS

Lagos Set to Reopen Economy, Completes Register-to-Open Guidelines Obinna Chima Lagos State Government has set the process of re-opening its economy in motion, with the rollout of Register-to-Open guidelines.

Governor Babajide SanwoOlu said the state government daily battled the reality of balancing reactivation of economic activities and the continuation of the state’s response to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sanwo-Olu said this while speaking at a webinar organised by the FSDH Group, with the theme: 'A Global Pandemic: Local Realities and Peculiarities – A View from the Frontlines'.

The governor was a panelist in the online discussion that also featured governors of Kaduna and Edo states, Mallam Nasir el-Rufa’i and Godwin Obaseki.

The webinar had about 1,200 people who participated from across the globe.

According to the Lagos State governor, the battle to stop the ravaging virus in Lagos had subjected the state to a delicate

situation of having to manage hunger resulting from weeks of slowdown in economic activities and also the movement of consumer goods to keep the economy afloat.

He said the four-page Register-to-Open guidelines were the major part of the measures initiated to achieve phased reopening of the state economy, adding that government had offered incentives that would affect its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in order to prevent job loss in critical industries that provide employment for a large number of labour.

Sanwo-Olu said the state government remained committed to tackling COVID-19 and breaking the cycle of its transmission, adding that there was need to address hunger and job loss that could arise from prolonged lockdown of the economy.

He said: “We have been caught in a very delicate situation between managing COVID-19 on one hand and managing hunger and sustaining

an economy that is not only depended on commercial activities in Lagos alone, but also other states across the federation. We have had weeks of engagement with players in fast-moving consumer goods sector and part of the measures we are taking is that, we are giving them additional clearance to work for longer hours. “Besides, we initiated what we called Register-to-Open, which is a thorough guideline to help the residents ahead of the full reopening. Some of the things we will be seeing in the four-page guideline is, how we want to manage space at various places of business and what numbers of personnel and clients we expect at a given period, which must be based on the sizes of the facilities. As we prepared for this phased re-opening, we are giving priority to sectors that have higher number of labour.� The governor, however, maintained that the re-opening would not be done in haste, but said construction and manufacturing sectors would

be accorded high priority for full re-opening, given the large number of employment they generate.

He added that entertainment, hospitality and aviation industries would be considered in the second phase of intervention.

Continuing, Sanwo-Olu said the weeks of inertia in the economy also had significant impact on Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs),

“We were hoping to present to our board by late July or latest early August, because the government will need the finance,� Shubham Chaudhuri, its Nigeria country director, told Reuters. “The immediate challenge is a fiscal one: How does the government marshal the fiscal resources to keep basic government functions going?�

Chaudhuri said.

On Thursday, Nigeria’s Finance Minister, Zainab Ahmed said the economy could shrink as much as 8.9% in 2020.

The World Bank expects Nigeria’s economy to shrink by between 3.2% and 8% in 2020, and government oil revenues could fall by a third or possibly more than half, said Chaudhuri.

The Bank’s lead economist on Nigeria, Marco Hernandez, said even if the outbreak were contained, the situation was “unprecedented, shocking.�

Nigeria’s 2016 recession sent 13 million people into unemployment; this crisis might be “much more pronounced,� Hernandez said. World Bank loans like the $1.5 billion often have conditions

Chinedu Eze As predicted by industry pundits, the federal government has finally bowed to Canada High Commission in Abuja by cancelling the planned evacuation of stranded Nigerian in Canada by the indigenous carrier, Air Peace.

The airlift was in continuation of evacuation exercise, which has been ongoing since the

attached to them - reforms that governments must enact to secure the money.

Chaudhuri and Hernandez declined to comment on any conditions for the loan, including contentious subsidies for fuel, electricity and propping up the naira currency that cost Nigeria billions of dollars a year. “We have been recommending a move towards a unified exchange rate and a more flexible exchange rate for some time,� said Hernandez, adding that it would help the recovery and boost investor confidence.

Buhari Appoints Obioma New NECO Registrar Laleye Dipo in Minna Barely three days after removing Professor Charles Uwakwe as the Registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO), President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Professor Godswill Obioma as the new Registrar/Chief Executive officer of the examination body.

Professor Obioma yesterday assumed duties at the Minna headquarters of the Council.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Minna by Head Information

and Public Relations of NECO, Mr. Azeez Sani, Professor Obioma's appointment was contained in a letter dated 15th May, 2020 with Reference No: FME/PS/396/C1/1/134 and signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu.

The statement states that the appointment was for an initial tenure of five years and with effect from 14th May, 2020.

Professor Obioma takes over from Mallam Abubakar Gana who had been acting as Registrar for more than

one year.

Until his appointment Prof.

Obioma was the Ebonyi State Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The new appointee, a Professor of Education Measurement and Evaluation, was born on 12th December 1953 and hails from Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

He was the former Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Educational Research and Development Council,

and was also the Director, Monitoring, Research and Statistics, National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB); Director Monitoring and Evaluation Universal Basic Education Programme; Director Monitoring and Evaluation National Primary Education Commission and Head, Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, University of Jos. An erudite scholar, Prof.

Obioma has many scholarly publications to his credit.

He is married with children.

Ramadan Fasting to Continue, New Moon not Sighted, Says Sultan Onuminya Innocent inSokoto Sultan of Sokoto and President General Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar lll has said Ramadan fasting would continue today since the crescent of Shawwal was not sighted anywhere

in Nigeria.

The Sultan who made the statement in a press release issued and made available to newsmen in Sokoto by the chairman Sultanate moon sighting committee, Professor Bashir Sambo said national and Sultanate moon sighting committees did not receive report from any quarters that

the new crescent of Shawwal was sighted.

He added that consequent upon that, the Sultan declared Sunday as Sallah Day and first Day of Shawwal The statement further called on the Muslims faithful to adhere to all the safety measures by health professionals against spread

operational support that would cushion the effect of economic slowdown on their businesses.

He said: “The other part of our intervention is our conversation with big corporations in various sectors on the requirements they may want from us to ensure that they do not retrench their staff in this emergency period.

This conversation is very important.

Nigeria Bows to Canada, Cancels Air Peace Planned Evacuation of Nigerians

World Bank to Decide Nigeria’s $1.5bn Loan July, Says Country Rep The World Bank expects to make a decision in late July on a $1.5 billion loan to support Nigeria as it fights the novel Coronavirus, Reuters quoted the Bank’s country director to have said in an interview yesterday.

The World Bank is working on packages that could provide more than $3 billion to Africa’s largest economy, which is facing what the lender says may be its greatest fiscal crisis in 40 years, set off by the Coronavirus pandemic and resulting oil price crash.

stressing that millions of smallscale businesses operating in the state could completely fold up if the economy is not fully reactivated.

In addition to granting threemonth moratorium to MSMEs that applied for loan facilities at the Lagos State Employment Trust Funds (LSETF), SanwoOlu said the State Government had started to compile data of registered MSMEs in the state for

of COVID-19 pandemic.

He also called on Muslims faithful to continue to pray for the country against the spread of Coronavirus in Nigeria and the world as large.

He felicitates with Muslims Ummah and wished them Allah's guidance and happy edil fitir.

outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, as Nigeria started evacuating its citizens from abroad over a fortnight ago.

After the initial airlift of Nigerians by foreign carriers, including Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates and British Airways, the federal government vowed that Nigerian airlines would subsequently be evacuating Nigerians, as many other countries have been doing.

But a letter from the Nigeria High Commission in Nigeria, dated May 20, 2020 with the reference number: NHC/OTT/ ADM.56/I with the head: Update on the Flight Postponement,’ and made available to THISDAY, said that the government opted out of the Air Peace arrangement because the Canadian Government expressed reservations concerning the granting of the necessary clearance/landing permit for Air Peace to fly into Canada, due to safety concerns.

The government in the letter agreed that Air Peace airfare was the most convenient and cost effective of all the airlines contacted for the airlift of Nigerians back to the country, but the concern of Canadian government compelled it to cancel the agreement with the airline.

The letter read in part: “The mission therefore engaged a number of airlines and eventually came up with an arrangement and pricing structure with Air Peace, which no other airline was able to match. You will

recall that in our Public Notice of 12th May, 2020, the High Commission announced that the Canadian government had expressed reservations concerning the granting of the necessary clearance/landing permit to Air Peace to fly into Canada, due to safety concerns.� “Kindly be informed that after protracted engagement, the Canadian Government, has unfortunately reverted with what appears to be a final refusal. As a result, the Air Peace Limited arrangement is hereby cancelled.�

In response to this development, Air Peace management has reached out to the evacuees by writing to them and requesting that they should come for the refund of their money.

The letter said, “Dear Esteemed Guests, we regretfully wish to inform you that we have not been given landing permit

by Canada as at today. We are not unaware of the trauma the protracted delay has caused you.

We do not want to continue holding on to this for your sake.

We truly care for our people hence the kind of fare we asked you to pay for your trip to which you did gladly pay. “You have waited for this opportunity to fly, proudly, a Nigerian airline to this destination but it was not meant to be.

We are a nation that believes in God Almighty. In this and, for everything, may we gladly be thankful to God.

You Can’t Remove Heads of Govt Agencies without Due Process, SGF Tells Ministers Continued from Page 5

“The board shall in line with due process, issue him/her a query requesting an explanation with respect to the specific act(s) complained about; the board shall forward its findings and recommendations to the minister for further consideration and necessary action. “The minister, after due consideration of the submission from the board, shall on the advice of the permanent secretary, forward the ministry’s position along with the recommendations of the Board and the explanation of the Chief Executive Officer to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for processing to Mr. President for a decision. “Upon receipt of the submission from the minister, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) shall without delay cause an independent investigation and advice Mr. President on the appropriate course of action.�

He added that it is the responsibility of the SGF to advise the president on the next course of action based on the outcome of the final investigation. “This procedure shall serve as a mandatory guide and all ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and any other public officer in similar supervisory position, are enjoined to strictly abide by its content,� Mustapha said. “For emphasis, on no account shall a Minister of the Federal Republic unilaterally or arbitrarily remove a serving Chief Executive Officer, without recourse to the procedure contained in this Circular.�

9

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺ͝ 2020

08054699539

COVID-19: Enough of Restrictions, Curfew, Anxiety

I

can still clearly remember the DirectorGeneral of the World Health Organisation, Tedros Ghebreyesus, telling the world that Coronavirus will remain with us for a long time. “Make no mistake; we have a long way to go,� Ghebreyesus said few weeks back. He admitted that people in countries with stay-at-home orders “are understandably frustrated� with being confined to their homes for weeks on end and that people, understandably, want to get on with their lives. The WHO DG said the world would not and cannot go back to the way things were and insisted that “there must be a new normal.�

That “new normal� is what we should progress to in Nigeria. However, restrictions, lockdowns, curfew and government-induced anxiety should no longer be a part of this new normal. This is why I find the extension of the restrictions imposed on Lagos, Ogun and Abuja absolutely unnecessary. The curfew, shutdown of businesses, ban on interstate travel, shutdown of schools, churches, mosques and social activities must not go beyond June 1.

These measures have inflicted unprecedented pain on many, with some people losing their lives. We have already created a monster with these restrictions and we will be creating a bigger one if they persist. The curfew is causing traffic crisis with frightening gridlocks.

There is hunger, unemployment, violence by hungry people/delinquents and frustration in the land. Innumerable Nigerians have also lost jobs and some businesses will never return. Bank branches are in shambles with endless queues because they are allowed to open for only few hours. It is pertinent to balance the risk of this virus against these other monsters. We need our lives backs, with a “new normal� that will pragmatically contain the spread of the virus.

For me, we must reopen this economy fully on June 1, with a “new normal� that

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

would see us promoting the highest level of hygiene, wearing protective materials and social distancing in offices, factories, schools, public buses, churches, mosques and other public places. The good news about Coronavirus is that we know the problem and the drug to use. The wonder drug is an open secret. We are also evidently getting result. Lagos State alone has treated almost 700 people that had fully recovered and discharged. The “new normal� should be one in which testing, isolation and treatment will be free and fully decentralised. Doctors, nurses and other medical workers at primary and tertiary health institutions should be massively trained to test, isolate and treat COVID-19 patients. I am happy that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is looking in this direction. He is already talking about involving primary health centres in the

treatment of COVID-19 patients. This is the way to go.

Government-induced fear must also end. There has been too much COVID-19 hyping by government and its agencies, and carelessly presenting the virus as a death sentence. I can’t understand how the imposition of curfew will help contain the virus. Perhaps, the virus will also not come out while the curfew is on. Let’s not deny the fact that Coronavirus is real. At the same time, let’s not make our lives useless. The virus will be with us for a long time to come. We must live with this fact. Emphasis should also be on pragmatic protection. We should also be talking about how people can improve their immunity with simple over-the-counter drugs like vitamin C and Zinc. Of course, the use of local herbs that are evidently preventive and curative should also be encouraged.

Another thing I find depressing is that some of the measures being promoted against this virus lack scientific consensus. For example, numerous countries, including Nigeria, embarked on massive fumigation of streets and open spaces shortly after the outbreak of the disease. Many spent huge amount of money doing this. Suddenly, the World Health Organisation gets up and says spraying disinfectant on streets and open spaces does not eliminate Coronavirus and “even poses a health risk.�

In a document released last Monday, WHO says disinfecting open surfaces as part of the response to the virus can be ineffective: “Spraying or fumigation of outdoor spaces, such as streets or market places is not recommended to kill the COVID-19 or other pathogens because disinfectant is inactivated by dirt and debris.

Even in the absence of organic matter, chemical spraying is unlikely to adequately cover all surfaces for the duration of the required contact time needed to inactivate pathogens.�

According to the health body, streets and pavements are not considered as “reservoirs of infection� of COVID-19, adding that spraying disinfectants, even outside, can be “dangerous for human health�. The organisation warned that spraying chlorine or other toxic chemicals on people can cause eye and skin irritation, bronchospasm and gastrointestinal effects.So, all the noise about disinfecting public places was just a misguided venture.

Social distancing is equally being questioned, with a former WHO doctor, Professor Karol Sikora, saying the excruciating social distancing rule was needless. He rubbished the two-metre social distancing rule put in place by most governments, saying it should be scrapped as it has no scientific backing.

Sikora, an Oncologist added: “The way we use our drugs and the way we do investigations have bases in science, but this two-metre rule has nothing.

The politicians are lost because they get conflicted advice. There is no science about the separation.�

As for state governments implementing usage of face mask overzealously, and terrorising people, they need to realise that not everybody can wear these masks, and accommodate this limitation. They say it is mandatory, forgetting that some people cannot wear it for health reasons. Experts have warned that people who have asthma or other lung conditions should not wear a face mask because it could make it difficult for them to breathe. Masks can make it more difficult to draw air into the lungs and this may trigger asthma for some and cause anxiety, which changes people’s breathing patterns. Experts say people should wear a mask if they comfortably can, to protect themselves and others around them, but not risk their own health in the process.

Mask-wearing rules must be amended to reflect this fact.

The Languid Military Operation in Katsina

Uzodinma

Three Months without Pay in Imo State It seems dark days are back in Imo State; those gloomy days when civil servants work without salaries for months. Governor Hope Uzodinma has not given the civil servants any hope in the last three months. Those in departments and agencies have three months backlog of unpaid salaries. Workers in agencies like the Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) and Imo State University are gasping for breath. Civil servants in the ministries are still waiting for April salaries. A senior editor with the IBC, Mrs. Ottih Vivian, recently picked up courage to expose the Uzodinma no-salary trauma, but was suspended by the governor. Her letter was thought-provoking. Vivian, a nursing mother, wrote about her pain and starvation brought about by unpaid salaries. She also wrote about her colleagues that had fallen sick without money for medicals. Uzodinma has continued to pummel these workers in the name of doing one useless and unending staff audit. Must people die because a staff audit is ongoing? Today, I challenge Uzodinma to rise and clear all outstanding salaries. The pain in Imo, a civil servant state, is becoming unbearable. Uzodinma should show some human feelings.

I was bemused by the Presidency’s recent announcement that “a major proactive operation�

by Special Forces against bandits in Katsina State would soon commence. According to the statement, a planning team has been dispatched to the state, with the mandate to select targets and make preparations for the launch of an “unprecedented operation.� Haba! We are now at a stage where planned major military operations against terrorists are made public. What a country! Now that the bandits know that the Special Force is coming for their heads, I guess they will simply fold their arms and wait for them. That’s what this federal government is telling us. The global standard is for military operations to be discreetly carried out.

This type of announcement shows unseriousness on the part of all those behind it. It was simply showboating. The statement also unconsciously advertises that the military had all along failed to approach this war against bandits seriously.

The situation in Katsina State, which happens to be our President’s state, is pathetic. President Buhari and Governor Aminu Masari persistently fail the people. The bandits are roaming freely in virtually all the local governments in Katsina, killing at will. Hundreds have lost their lives in the last five years. Masari has persistently been taking sides. This is why his hopeless amnesty programme for bandits is not working. I will never forget the killings by Fulani militias in Tsauwa and Dankar villages of Batsari Local Government Area on February 14. Thirty people were slaughtered here, with several houses razed and animals burnt. The reaction of Masari, from the comfort of his office, was to say that the Fulanis simply retaliated. This governor pretends to be unaware that those who kill innocent human beings are as guilty as those who retaliate.

Bandits are also ravaging Sokoto, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna and the killings will persist for a very long time if political leaders and security agents continue to act in support of the warring factions. This is the crux of the matter. What is happening in these states is war between Fulani

herders and Hausa farmers, over grazing land.

The bandits are Fulani militias. They fight for the herders that want unfettered access to farm lands. Herders often call the militias when they suffer casualties. The Hausa farmers in Zamfara and Katsina also have their militias called Yan Sakai. They retaliate for Hausa farmers when their farm lands are destroyed and farmers killed.

I remember Masari saying he had banned Yan Sakai in Katsina State. But he is yet to ban the equally violent Fulani militias.

It is one big mess compounded by politicians and security agents that have refused to act dispassionately. This is why hundreds of lives have been consumed by this disaster. The states mentioned hitherto experienced very tiny crisis between the herders and farmers, prior to Buhari’s emergence as President. But immediately he became President, the Fulani herders were emboldened, because “our brother is now in charge,� and the drive for unencumbered access to farm lands assumed a frightening dimension. Of course, security agents also became partisan. That was why bandits attacked Kajera and Magazawa villages in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State last Tuesday, unhindered, killing five people.

Security agents refused to respond appropriately.

A lawmaker in the Katsina State House of Assembly, Mustapha Jibiya, was apt, when he said the “irresponsibility and insensitivity� of relevant stakeholders was responsible for growing insecurity in the State. The lawmaker said both the federal and Katsina State governments have failed to provide security for citizens, and that his constituents now prefer to call on security forces in Niger republic for help: “My constituents are quick to seek the assistance of the Nigerien troops immediately they are under attack. They feel at home with them and this is because the Nigerien troops will swiftly come to their rescue. It is unfortunate that our people are being killed, yet Mr. President and Governor of Katsina State have remained docile. They have refused to tackle the insecurity conundrum in our dear state headlong. What is wrong with this

Masari

kind of leadership? After Maiduguri, Kastina is the next slaughter slab in the country.�

I guess that was why Senator Ibrahim Gobir, (APC Sokoto East) said the Nigerian military was no longer capable of saving his people from bandits. Gobir reiterated that his people now rely on the soldiers from Niger Republic to ward off the attacks of bandits whenever the hoodlums struck: “There is no protection for my people in the Sokoto East Senatorial District because of the incessant attacks of the bandits. At least 300 people have either been killed or kidnapped in the last three months. We now rely on the Nigerien Army that is helping us since our Nigerian soldiers have abandoned us. “When we call the Nigerian Army, whose personnel are a few kilometres away, we won’t get an instant response but the Nigerien soldiers, who are about five kilometers away, will quickly move in and ward off the intruders. At the moment, the Nigerians in Sokoto East are relocating to Niger Republic because they are no longer safe in Nigeria.�

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY Lisa Omorodion

I Love My Plus Size…I Embrace My Curves and Stay Healthy Nollywood actress, Princess Lisa Omorodion is the CEO of Platinum Studios, a film production company.

She is also on the board of Hensmor Oil and Gas Company, founded by her father. This film maker, just 30, is never scared to express her opinion on any issue. That was exactly what she did in this chat with Azuka Ogujiuba. Princess Lisa shares her opinion on feminism, working at the family company, her elder brother’s death, finding true love, challenges as a film maker, liposuction, her family’s charity organisation and much more I am Princess Lisa Omorodion

I

am Princess Lisa Omorodion, the fifth child of Prince Dr. H.H Omorodion, the Odunaoba of Benin kingdom, and Barrister Chief Philomena Omorodion. I was born in London on the 27th of April 1990. I am an actress, film maker. I am vivacious, determined, and very resilient. I am living my best life and everyday is joy to experience.

Growing up in the Omorodion family

We are close knit family, growing up in that environment was amazing. I have five siblings, Chief Joy Gbinije, late Prince Terry Omorodion, Princess Helen Igbeneki, Princess Trish Okereke and the youngest, Prince Harry Junior Omorodion. We had a very loving childhood.

We did everything together and gave our parents grey hairs occasionally.

Background and career

I attended Corona Primary School where I joined the drama club, which is where my passion for the arts was ignited. I went on to Command Children School and Atlantic Hall School, both in Lagos for my secondary school education. I was also in the drama club in both schools. I studied Economics at the University of Lagos and started working for the family company upon graduation. I founded Platinum Studios at that time and have produced and starred in movies and television productions like Schemes, Karma is Bee, Skinny Girl in transit and so much more.

Juggling oil and gas with film making

I love wearing both hats. In my role as an Executive Director at my family oil and gas industry, I oversee operations, depot logistics, staff performance and revenue. I also develop and direct organisational culture and strategy. My journey as a film maker has not been a walk in the park.

It has been of determination, perseverance and sheer hard work. Many people doubt my talent, thinking I would balk at the challenges of the movie industry. I am so happy and fulfilled to prove people wrong. This is my passion and I’m just getting started. Definitely, being in the limelight is like a two-edge sword. It is a blessing for people to see and love your work, it is also hard when your moves are scrutinised and your actions are misconstrued.

Family business

Learning the nitty gritty of the family business was very important to my parents. They made me to understand the value of serving and understanding from ground up, before leading others. I worked as a receptionist, later as his personal assistant, and now a director. My father always says ‘leadership is about service’ and stresses the importance of a good name. I grew up with strong family and moral values, and it has shaped me into the woman I am today.

Yes, I am a feminist

Feminism is about equality of genders, advocating for equal social, economic, political, and cultural rights and opportunities for both sexes. It is not about women bashing men or vice versa. It is about creating a world where women and men can equally live and thrive and be the best. Yes, I am a feminist and I want that noted.

Liposuction and my plus size

It’s a free world and people are allowed to make their choices. I do not feel pressured to undergo any surgery because of my size. I love being a voluptuous plus size woman. Being plus size is not shameful. I embrace my curves and stay healthy.

My favourites in Nollywood

I look forward to working with two of my favourites - Genevieve Nnaji and Omotola Jolade-Ekeinde.

Losing late Prince Terry Omorodion

My brother’s death is still a shock to my family. I have not spoken about it publicly because it’s still tough. He was an amazing son to our parents, loving brother to his siblings and loving husband to his wife and an affectionate father. He was the strongest person I knew and losing him was a big blow to my family, but God knows best. We miss him daily and our parents are still heartbroken about his demise. We take it and remember the moment and memories. It is still so difficult trying to live without him. Our family is a close-knit one. We are reminded of his absence everyday. It is so heartbreaking to lose a loved one. He is always in our heart and thoughts. Continue to rest in peace brother. My elder sister, Chief Joy Gbinije is now the Managing Director of the family business.

Lisa Omorodion

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

11

SUPER SATURDAY I Love My Plus Size…I Embrace My Curves and Stay Healthy Nollywood is improving and evolving

Nollywood is improving and evolving. The story lines and technical quality are getting better daily with more attention to details and strategic collaborations. There’s a bit more funding now. It’s definitely looking better as a business. However, there are many challenges in Nollywood, and a peculiar one is distribution. It’s a Herculean task to distribute movies the way it should be done and we need to create more structure and channels of distribution so as to maximise profit and create more visibility for our stories and experiences.

Being born with a silver spoon

Everyone was born with a spoon in their mouth.

Does it really matter what type? All I can say is that I am blessed and I thank God for his grace. My background is that of a loving and hardworking family. Family and moral values were ingrained in us. My parent taught us to love God and seek his face, be hardworking, respectful and make use of opportunities around us.

These have shaped how I relate to both business and personal aspects of my life.

Best gift as a child

The best gift I received as a child was my first computer; my parents made good on their promise and I was ecstatic. I can never forget the feeling.

Greatest mistake

My biggest mistake was producing my first film, ‘First Cut’, in 2013 without having practical experience in production.

It was very challenging and emotional for me. The movie focused on the very sensitive issue of rape and domestic violence and the psychological effect on victims. Though, producing the film was difficult, I was very happy at the response of the audience to such a strong message and the fact that people going through those situations know that they are not alone and could seek help. Producing the movie taught me that movie making was about patience, the grace of God and having a great team.

Reaction to my acting journey

I had always wanted to be an actor. On the 27th of February 2013, I told my family that I wanted to be a film maker. They were surprised and not pleased at all. They did not understand why I wanted to chase my dream into another industry and they couldn’t wrap their heads around me wanting to leave a thriving family business to the uncertainty of showbizness. I assured them that I would be fine and make something out of it. They were skeptical at the beginning and also apprehensive because of the way actresses were perceived in Nigeria. They supported me nonetheless, and are proud of my achievements. It is as much theirs as it is mine.

I want to live a happy, joyful life

Lisa Omorodion

Having my film studios (Hollywood standard) would be a dream come true. I am working toward it and hope it will manifest in the nearest future.

my background has opened doors for me as with everyone from affluence but I have walked through the doors and opened many doors and windows. I have worked tirelessly on my craft, honed my skills, paid my dues, still paying and learning on the journey. I am a work in progress and doing so on my own terms.

I have huge shoes to fill

Favourite actresses

have to earn my trust and loyalty.

Future plans

Failure is a great fear of mine, but the greatest fear would be not trying at all and staying defeated. I have huge shoes to fill and I do not want to disappoint my family or myself.

My personal fashion statement

Style to me is about comfort, and what suits my body type. I am not into trends. I love classic pieces. Elegance, they say, never goes out of style.

The ever beautiful Monalisa Chinda is my favourite in Nigeria. She has achieved a lot, yet remained grounded, amiable and amazing. Internationally, I would say Meryl Streep for her acting prowess, dedication to her crafts, longevity and relevance. I hope my career can be like that.

Acting nude

I would never act a nude role. I was not raised like that. No amount of money will be enough.

True love is hard to find nowadays. Everything’s so superficial now and people are more interested in money and good looks. The social media has brought out our narcissistic side and there is no value placed on character, morals and manners. I am more interested in the way a man treats me than the outward trappings, money and good looks. These will come and go but character will stay long after those two things have gone. I want to live a happy and joyful life.

Is there sex exploitation in Nollywood?

I have never experienced such. You hear stories but I thank God I was never a victim of that. I came into Nollywood on my terms. My strategy was to produce my own movies and create roles for myself and wanted to be taken serious as a flim maker, and also to tell the world I am here for the long haul. It paid off and the flood gates opened. I am surprised at how far I have come.

Nick name

I do not trust easily

Influence of my family’s wealth

Advice to youth

Life has taught me that people have their own agenda for being your friend or business partner. I tend to question people’s intention towards me and do not trust easily. You

My family is loving, supportive and we are blessed. It is very frustrating when people attribute my family wealth and background to my achievements in Nollywood. Yes,

My nickname is Skelembe, coined by my family members who made a song for me that I would naively dance to when I was young and ironically very skinny. My friends also nicknamed me Lisa Black, because I love to wear black. Black is my favourite colour and it is beautiful; looks great against the colour of my skin.

Borrowing a quote from lupita Nyongo, “Your dreams are valid, no matter how big they seem. Do not ever stop believing in yourself.”

12

ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE MAN WHO REMOVES THE MOUNTAIN Boniface Onyedi writes that Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, is doing remarkably well

The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones – William Faulkner. ust like yesterday, the rave and captivating moments of the second half of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration began with a resounding symphonies on May 29, 2019 after securing the mandate of Deltans once again. It apparently cascaded into bestriding moments of nostalgia because the victory held unquantiďŹ able hope for the grassroots in the state. His governance style apparently reects the thought of William Faulkner, which he has as his compass to navigate the state to glory.

To say the least, his second coming holds a lot for the commons of the very commoners due to the infrastructural development dotting the length and breadth of the State. A glaring characteristic that earned Senator Okowa the nickname of Ekwueme (talk and do). The eulogy of christening the governor “talk and do� was not far from the evidences of his unquantifiable performances in his first tenure where even the blind could literally touch and see the magnitude of infrastructural development especially on rural roads, inter-city and township remodeling including restoring the dignity of Asaba as the Delta State Capital City.

The desire of enacting mega city legacies encouraged the governor to establish through an edict the Warri/Uvwie and environs development agency similar to Asaba Capital Development Agency to tackle certain development challenges. This has led to building storm water drainages in replication of what is done in Asaba.

Not done with changing the face of governance especially in Asaba, Gov. Okowa inherited agencies and establishments operating from rented apartments across the length and breadth of the state. To this effect, one of the main focus of his administration was to break the old order by building a one-stop-shop State Secretariat Complex which is expected to house all government ministries, departments and agencies.

The project estimated to gulp over N12 billion is already at the completion stage and would hopefully be commissioned in no distant time.

What else could have endeared Okowa more to Deltans? As one from the grassroots, it wasn’t a knotty issue to recognize the fact that education and health are key to them. Acting on the philosophical spirit of the letters of Seri I Dew, a renowned writer, who said: “True leaders understand that leadership is not about them, but about those they serve. It is not about exalting themselves, but about lifting others.�

Equipped with such perception of leadership, Okowa, embarked on strategic programmes to build a stronger Delta where equity, justice and fair-play are the fundamental principles for sustaining the SMART agenda to lift Deltans out of the quagmire of underdevelopment.

In fact, to demonstrate the stronger character of a concerned leader, Gov. Okowa despite the unforeseen challenges of the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, which he has handled with robust expertise and professional pedigree, still pilots the state affairs with passion to accomplishing the vision of a greater and stronger Delta as enshrined in the 2020 budgetary provisions.

No wonder, his actions point towards opening the entire space of Delta to the world by continuing with the massive road infrastructure after taking oath for a second term. One of such critical roads is the Kwale/Beneku/Okpai road with a bridge crossing one of the aged pontoons used to short-change the Ndokwa people in the past.

Significantly, there had been many by-gone political leaders (within and without) who had unfulfilled and dud promises to build the road, but it took the courage, commitment and determination of Sen. Dr. Okowa to break the mysterious jinx of backwardness and embarked on the project which is already at an advanced stage.

J

THE EULOGY OF CHRISTENING THE GOVERNOR ‘TALK AND DO’ WAS NOT FAR FROM THE EVIDENCES OF HIS UNQUANTIFIABLE PERFORMANCES IN HIS FIRST TENURE WHERE EVEN THE BLIND COULD LITERALLY TOUCH AND SEE THE MAGNITUDE OF INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT ESPECIALLY ON RURAL ROADS, INTER-CITY AND TOWNSHIP REMODELING

Ordinarily, many have waved off the completion of sections A and C of the Asaba/Kwale/Ughelli road on the platform of political paddy-paddy (convenience of party-men) as the cause of its abandonment. But no, one man who believes in using the state money for the development of the critical infrastructure reactivated the job. A contract abandoned for the better part of the past administration, this enigmatic leader found an opportunity to define a moment before his people.

Besides revoking the contract from the initial indolent contractors, he re-awarded it to more competent organisations and stood firm to see value for every money paid. Today, the road project that has remained abandoned for over six years is being handled expeditiously with several parts of sections C already in use while section A is being constructed with elaborate details to withstand posterity. Many communities are beginning to understand what motorable roads are with Okowa’s touch of development. For instance, several Ijaw communities in Ogulagha kingdom of Burutu Local Government remain thankful to Okowa’s administration as the stretch of road leading from Obotobo 1 through Obotobo 11 to Sokebolou terminating at Youkiri remains elegant testimonies of the power of committed leadership to the people.

The administration defiled the constraint of the deltaic terrain to deliver the over 20.29 kilometers road to the admiration of the people as it was commissioned last year by the Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

In same manner, several communities without secondary schools are now beaming with great relief as the administration has not only approved new schools, but built what could be termed model schools with state-of-the-art facilities to compete with schools elsewhere. Again, the administration attention to tertiary education is unparalleled as development is spread across the various grades of tertiary institutions owned by the state. Recently many projects handled by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission inaugurated some critical infrastructure at the Oleh Campus of the Delta State University while a multi-million naira auditorium is currently on-going at the College of Health Technology, Ufuoma, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

One area of passion for the talk and do governor is in the health sector. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Okowa as a health professional had a road map for the sector with focus on building and furnishing well modelled Primary Healthcare facilities in several rural communities driven by the Delta State Health Insurance Scheme. This is inspired by his belief on health being the pillar of wealth. Quite sure, there is every correlation between health and the attendance value of wealth, as sick people don’t have savings due to their drained finances by poor health.

On the event of the COVID-19 scourge the pro-activeness of Okowa’s administration was much evident as it paid off in curtailing the spread in the state. It was also apparent in the handling of those that contracted the virus in the state, which received the best of attention from the facilities provided by the state. What more can be said? Okowa’s administration took the health workers as the frontline personnel to saving lives especially at critical times as experienced under the COVID-19 regime. This spurred him to provide total insurance cover for the over 2,557 frontline health workers on the special assignment of combating the corona virus pandemic, in addition to ensuring that that their welfare was properly taken care of. More elating is the Asaba Specialist Hospital, already completed and in use. This is one project that would certainly boost the health sector in the state as it serves as a major provider in the critical health services.

Onyedi, a public affairs analyst, works at FUPRE

DEALING WITH A DEADLY DISEASE AND DISASTER

The Commonwealth needs the support of all to tackle increasing challenges of climate change and disasters, writes Patricia Scotland

T

oday in India and Bangladesh, millions of people are hunkered down in shelters, many with masks on their faces - a chilling reminder of the COVID-19 outbreak that still grips the densely populated countries. Forced to ee their homes, families, some migrant workers who have only just arrived from the cities after walking hundreds of miles to escape the pandemic, wait with agonising uncertainty for the onslaught of super cyclone Amphan.

And in this emerging pandemic reality which has already closely acquainted us with a new type of disruption and hardship, it is hard to imagine the added predicament of the curveball from nature approaching Asia with the record-breaking wind speeds of a category five hurricane.

The data from the Joint Typhoon Warning Center is worrying. Amphan’s storm winds and heavy rainfall is expected to affect 33.6 million people in India and 5.3 million in Bangladesh, and target some of the most vulnerable and least developed regions.

In a pre-COVID-19 world, evacuation and preparedness for a disaster of this magnitude would have been fraught with challenges. In today’s reality those challenges are exacerbated and multiplied. Both India, which has more than 100, 000 coronavirus cases and Bangladesh, which has more than 26 000, have been successful in managing the pandemic, but are still battling the outbreak with social distancing and other restrictions. This means that shelters in some places are only able to

accommodate less than half the usual capacity.

So, as the Commonwealth rallies around the governments and people of India and Bangladesh, we are once again forced to face the persisting reality of climate change and natural disasters. Actually, we are now presented with a new question, how do we analyse and understand the interplay between pandemics, economies, and the environment, and respond to the deadly concoction of disease and disaster?

Indeed, coronavirus crept up on us in the midst of growing skepticism about the effectiveness of multilateral cooperation - reminding us that it’s a small world after all, and eliminating any doubts about the need to collaborate across borders. And Amphan, in the midst of the pandemic, is now demanding that this spirit of interconnectedness must also inspire our problem solving approaches.

This is a lesson that the Commonwealth has had to learn very early on, mainly because of the vast diversity of challenges and opportunities represented in our membership. So, recently, when Commonwealth Health Ministers met to decide how they could join forces against COVID-19, instinctively their discussion went beyond strategies to ensure everyone can access PPEs, ventilators and testing kits, to also address the economic and environmental aspects of the issue.

We have long understood that nothing short of a robust, multinational, multisector and multi-agency strategy can drive innovation and provide solutions to our complex and multidimensional challenges.

Actually, it is this coordinated, out-of-the-box thinking that inspired UNITAR’s Operational Satellite Application Programme (UNOSAT) and the Commonwealth to create our bespoke CommonSensing platform. Already rolled out in the Pacific where islands are most vulnerable to devastating cyclones, the project uses satellite based information to help countries anticipate and plan for disasters, successfully apply for funding for climate action, boost resilience to climate change, and enhance food security.

The Secretariat is also actively engaging with UNOSAT to connect their experts with member governments impacted by extreme events; and will be collaborating on a series of webinars on rapid mapping and population exposure analysis to help countries plan evacuation and rebuilding strategies.

Currently, UNOSAT is supporting Bangladesh with a population exposure analysis as part of a suite of responses that the country can use to manage the impact and aftermath of Cyclone Amphan.

So, as we explore specific steps to support countries who face the twin challenge of a natural disaster and a pandemic, CommonSensing is an excellent example of the kind of collaboration that will save lives and help us bravely enter the much anticipated ‘new normal’. But it is just part of the holistic, complex, clever and creative strategy that we will need to tackle our emerging challenges from every angle, anticipate the intersection of multi-events and protect economies, people and livelihoods.

It is clear that we need more of resources such as the Commonwealth Disaster Risk Finance Portal to help countries facing hurricanes and cyclones to have, at their fingertips, a range of preparedness financing options. We need a robust debt relief and management strategy to support those who are on the verge of crisis. We need schemes to empower marginalised groups such as youth, women and migrants. And we need to ensure that governments are able to recover from recession without undermining environmental protection and climate action, through measures such as tax incentives for investors to use renewable energy, and climate smart technologies to enhance agricultural production.

We also need to be brave enough to embrace innovative solutions such as the Commonwealth Common Earth initiative, which leverages the resources of governments and the genius of environmentalists, climate change experts and indigenous groups to create tailored, country-led, regenerative and holistic solutions to climate change.

In the Commonwealth, we will continue to use our convening power, partnerships, innovation and advocacy to support and stand in solidarity with India and Bangladesh, our nations in other regions that are bracing themselves for hurricane and cyclone seasons, and those who face the often forgotten challenge of drought. But we can’t do it alone. We need a global effort that is big enough to take on this goliath challenge of intersecting and multiple threats to our planet and people.

Scotland is Commonwealth Secretary-General

13

ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Eid Mubarak...

Communication During a Pandemic

Between Covid-19 and Boko Haram

T

hese, indeed, are unusual times for mankind.

Like never before, natural disasters, poverty, hunger, international conicts and many other strange occurrences are helplessly starring man in the face. There is, perhaps, no other time in history when the ability of man to dominate his environment has been so ďŹ ercely challenged than now.

Today, the major news items that dominate the airwaves and other communication channels leave much to be desired. For some time, terrorism has posed a major danger to global peace. Perhaps, the most bizarre act of international terrorism in the history of mankind occurred on September 11, 2001, in a set of well-coordinated attacks on the United States of America, when in an uncommon display of evil genius, terrorists hijacked civilian airliners to attack the World Trade Center towers in New York and the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Before now, in Nigeria, terrorism is alien to our culture. But occurrence in recent years have since altered the equation. No thanks to the dastardly acts of the Boko Haram sect, Nigeria is, today, a focal point of global terrorism activities. Through a series of bloodletting operations, unrivalled in the annals of the country, the sect has become a recurring nuisance to the well-being of the country.

To underline its wide acclaim as a globally recognised terrorist body, the sect was designated by the U.S. Department of State as a terrorist organisation in 2013. In the first half of 2014, Boko Haram killed more than 2000 hapless civilians, in about 95 attacks.

A recent research claimed that Boko Haram attacks have left at least 12,000 people dead and 8,000 crippled in the last 10 years, while thousands have fled their homes for fear of the insurgents.

Perhaps, the most audacious act of the evil the sect has perpetrated in the country was the abduction of over 260 secondary school girls from their school, Government College, Chibok, Borno State in 2014. It was an act that was widely condemned across the world.

As the nation continues to grapple with the arduous task of containing the activities of Boko Haram in the country, out of the blue came yet another danger of a different dimension, but with an equally potent capability to waste human lives. Take the back seat Boko Haram, enters COVID-19 pandemic.

Since February when the index case of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic was confirmed in Nigeria via an Italian, there has been a steady increase in the figure of infected people. As at 11:45pm, on Thursday, March 21, the country has 7,016 confirmed cases of the pandemic with 211 fatalities.

The rising profile of the pandemic in our country is particularly dreadful, considering our huge

population and weak medical system. Logically, this should give everyone a cause for worry. The need to put up a common front against the spread of deadly virus can, thus, not be over-emphasised.

It is quite pathetic, however, that many still regard the evil virus a hoax, claiming it is not a black man’s ailment. Ignorantly, many have equally labelled it a rich man’s pandemic. In many parts of the country, people still conduct themselves without regard to social distancing and other preventive measures put in place to contain the spread of the pandemic. But the truth is that the virus is real.

The way things stand, there seems to be a thin line between Boko Haram and the Coronavirus virus.

Both are agents of death. Both delight in causing fear. Similarly, both have no respect for international borders. Boko Haram has spread its tentacle across African nations such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, Niger and Chad. In like manner, the deadly COVID-19 virus moves across nations without visa.

Also, like Boko Haram, Coronavirus has little or no respect for social classification as they both kill the rich and the poor, the learned and unlearned, the beautiful and the ugly, the innocent and the guilty.

Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

C

ommunication is not only useful during the good times, but adequate communication is also needed more than ever in difďŹ cult times such as the one we currently face in the world, which has changed the way we interact, work and live our lives. It is a pandemic that has put the world on lockdown for the best part of two months.

Some call it Coronavirus, others call it Covid-19.

Whichever you prefer to call does not change the fact that the virus has killed hundreds of thousands globally; it has rendered many jobless and others panicking.

During trying times such as this, communication is of utmost importance. In the early weeks of the virus outbreak, world leaders were swift to address their citizens in order not to spread panic and reassure citizens they were doing everything within their power to put an end to the pandemic.

In Nigeria, however, it wasn’t that straightforward. There were constant calls for the president to address the nation. Before the president finally did, a lot of unpleasant conspiracies had already begun making rounds. That is precisely what happens when there is a perceived lack of communication, especially in a country of over 200 million people.

As much as public communication is critical from the leadership to the entire population during a

crisis such as a war or pandemic, interpersonal communication is ahead in the pecking order. This is the interaction between friends, families, associates, businesses, etc. Keeping interpersonal communication running smoothly is very important to keep the mind and soul healthy. Imagine if you were not able to communicate with friends, family, colleagues during a lockdown period. It can and will do a lot of damage to the mental health of such individuals.

Social media has fostered communication without barriers in the past decade and has become crucial since the pandemic began. Telecommunication networks in Nigeria adopted a unique approach by changing their carrier names to sensitise customers.

MTN changed theirs to “Stay Safe� while Airtel switched to “Be Safe�, they have sustained the messaging for eight weeks and counting on customers’ devices. Such messages will potentially reach at least 100 million Nigerians going by NCC figures for both company’s total subscribers.

They did not stop there, in a period where the internet population was clamouring for free data, The telco companies gave their customers access to free SMS while MTN announced that customers could send up to 300 SMS monthly capped at 10 SMS daily.

Michael Orodare, Lagos

The End of Ramadan T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

A

ll muslims across the globe are currently basking in the euphoric mood of Eid - el - Fitr annual festival also known as “the feast of breaking the fast.�The festival marks the end of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim lunar Calendar where every Islamic adherent mandatorily requires to observe fasting according to Quran 2 : 183 ; “Oh you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you that you may become righteous.�

This festival transcends the period of merrymaking. It is also a reflection of Ramadan teachings. Unequivocally, Ramadan is aimed at spiritual growth. Every muslim is encouraged to extremely indulge in the acts of worship, supplication, charity and goodness due to huge rewards and blessings which accompanied Ramadan.

During this festival, every muslim is encouraged to seek Allah’s blessings and spend time and share food with their family members, friends and neighbours. The financially buoyant ones are also encouraged to render consumable and financial assistance to the poor. Eid - el Fitr teaches that righteousness, compassion and kindness transcend Ramadan period. Every muslim should always exhibit these traits as prescribed in Quran 2 ; 177 and 195.

Binzak Azeez, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

COVID-19... COVID-19... COVID-19...

NDDC Laments Dearth of Health Oba Ogunwusi Donates Facilities in Fight against Pandemic Fumigators to Anambra Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt The acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Prof.

Kemebradikumo Pondei, has lamented that the poor state of health facilities in the country, especially in the Niger Delta region, was a major constraint in the fight against COVID-19.

This is as the NDDC kicked-off the distribution of medical supplies, relief materials and public enlightenment campaign to contain the spread of Coronavirus across

the region.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony at the NDDC Warehouse, Port Harcourt yesterday, Pondei said the pandemic had also taken its toll on businesses and the economy because of restrictions.

He said: “No doubt, the disease has also taken its toll on the socio-economic well-being of citizens, especially as most small and medium scale businesses have been affected with the lockdown imposed in the states.�

Pondei noted that the economic well-being of the people of the

region was further dwindled due to the series of lockdowns being imposed by both the federal and state governments as a precautionary measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The NDDC Chief Executive Officer stated that the commission was always desirous to support the government and people of the states in the Niger Delta region in the area of quality healthcare delivery, adding: “The Commission looks forward to strengthening relationship with the states in the region in the area of health

care for the good and well-being of the residents. “The good relationship between the governments of states in the region offers opportunity for synergy in efforts geared towards providing lasting solution to the socio-economic challenges of the people in the region.�

Pondei said that the NDDC needed to complement the efforts of the nine states covered by its mandate in response to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari, stating: “All the nine NDDC states were supported with funds.

Gombe Inaugurates Isolation Centre in Kaltungo Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

A 60-bed capacity isolation centre has been inaugurated by the Gombe State Government at Kaltungo General Hospital in its determination to expand the frontiers of containment measures against COVID-19 pandemic.

The new centre, which used to be the snake bite treatment facility situated inside the General Hospital, Kaltungo was renovated and upgraded by the state government through the state taskforce on COVID-19 and equipped by

CA- COVID, a coalition of Nigerian private sector.

Inaugurating the centre, the State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau who represented Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, said while the government funded the upgrade of the facility, CA-COVID, a coalition of Nigerian private sector in partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria furnished the facility with operational equipment.

He said that the gesture by CA-COVID was a big push on the state government in handling the

Coronavirus pandemic which has a negative effect on entire humanity.

Dr. Jatau explained that as a global pandemic, Coronavirus had no known trend and presented a lot of thorny issues and challenges with no efficacious treatment known to mankind.

He expressed delight over the foresight exhibited by Governor Inuwa Yahaya and the hard working State Task force on COVID-19 who were doing everything possible to curb the spread of Coronavirus in the state.

The deputy governor charged

other organisations to borrow a leaf from the donors (CA-COVID), appealing to members of the host community to assist the taskforce by giving them accurate and timely information about suspected cases for immediate quarantine, isolation and treatment.

The deputy governor also explained that, even though Gombe State had over 67% recovery rate and only 2% death rate, it was not yet over, especially that World Health Organisation warned that the pandemic may not go away early.

El-Rufai Issues Stern Warning to Health Workers Threatening Strike John Shiklam iĂ˜ Ă‹ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă˜Ă‹

The Kaduna State Government has issued a stern warning to its health workers following threats of strike action over 25 per cent deduction in their salaries The health workers, had in a communique at the end of their joint meeting on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to the state government demanding the refund of their 25 per cent salary deduction.

They also urged the state government to provide them with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), declaring that failure to

meet their demand, will leave them with no option than to take all the necessary actions within the labour laws.

But reacting in a sternly worded statement on Thursday evening in Kaduna, the state government said it would not “bend to the blackmail� of the health workers.

The statement signed by Muyiwa Adekeye, spokesman to Governor Nasir el-Rufai, warned that any person who failed to show up at his duty post will be deemed to have forfeited his or her employment. “Government rejects the strike

threat and will regard persons who fail to show up at their assigned places of work as having forfeited their employment. “Every health worker that is willing to work is required to sign the register at the Ministry of Health and the health institutions to which they are deployed,’’ the statement said.

Adekeye further said ‘’those who are not willing to work are strongly warned against criminal action such as attempts to impede access to workplaces, harass willing workers or to sabotage facilities and equipment.’’

According to him, “declaring strike action amidst the COVID-19 pandemic is naked blackmail, based on the mistaken assumption that the state government will reward irresponsible conduct by some health workers with surrender.’’ He said government would not be misled into granting health workers a special status amongst public servants.

The statement said ’the consequences of concessions made along such lines by previous governments have created a sense that some public servants are more precious than others.’’

David-Chyddy Eleke Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ•Ă‹

The Traditional Ruler of Ile–Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi has donated motorised fumigators to the Anambra State Government, to support the state’s effort in combating COVID-19.

Oba Ogunwusi who delivered the fumigators at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, through his emissaries, said the donation was because of his long standing friendship with the Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie

Obiano, whom he said had demonstrated sterling leadership qualities since he assumed office.

He said, “The fumigator is an initiative of the House of Oduduwa Machine and Tools, a home grown effort to combat COVID-19. “The fumigators serves broad spectrum purposes, most especially to sanitise the environment, but can be used to disinfect homes, offices, streets and various other places,� he said.

Ekiti to Partner Kwara on Dead COVID-19 Patient Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ The Ekiti State Government yesterday said it would reach out to the government of Kwara State to exchange ideas on the medical history of the patient who died of the underlining complication of COVID-19 in Ekiti, on Wednesday.

The 75-old-year woman suspected to have died of COVID-19 in one of the tertiary hospitals, after being hospitalised upon referral from an health institution based in Kwara State.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, said this in Ado Ekiti on when the COVID-19 task force was giving an update on the pandemic.

Yaya-Kolade disclosed that the 75-year-old woman hailed from Ayedun in Kwara and had been hospitalised at the General Hospital Omu Aran in Kwara, where she was initially treated for congesting cardiac failure before referral.

The commissioner stated that though there wasn’t any COVID-19 lockdown in Kwara State, but clarified that the issue of contact tracing was very crucial under the present circumstance. “After they suspected COVID-19 in the deceased, she was referred to Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti

on May 14. She was treated for two days in isolation before the state was informed and specimen was collected which result came on May 20 and unfortunately the woman died on the May 19. “We have been able to establish that the deceased came from Ayedun in Kwara and she was not infected here in Ekiti.�

She said another elderly patient whose case was critical and was hospitalised at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital had been treated in collaboration with the hospital and had recovered. “As of now, Ekiti has no problem, the only problem we have is the people coming or sneaking into Ekiti and only two fatalities have been recorded.�

The commissioner said the state has not recorded upsurge of victims that would warrant introduction of home isolation method adopted by the Lagos State Government.

The Director General, Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, added that the security situation in Ekiti remained stable with no cases of incursion from neighbouring states.

Aluko added that those who had been arrested for defying the lockdown were being given moderate punishment to serve as deterrent .

VSF Donates N154m Food Items, Medical Supplies to Edo

PDP Chides FG for Poor Coordination

Herbert Wiwge Foundation Supports Isiokpo Community

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Chuks Okocha Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

In support of the government effort to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic, and in making living easier for the masses, a non-governmental organisation, Herbert Onyewumbu Wiwge (HOW) Foundation, has put smiles on the faces of thousands of people in some communities in River State.

The foundation recently extended hands of help in form of foodstuffs and other relief palliatives to several homes, families, and communities in the state, as part of its complementary efforts to alleviate the mounting effects of the lockdown and restrictions measures adopted by the Rivers State Government to checkmate the spread of COVID-19.

The foundation’s activities in the state are basically to alleviate the effects of the lockdown, and by extension, aid the underprivileged people in the state to stay home as the

Edo State Government has received donation of medical supplies and food items worth N154.5 million from Victims Support Fund (VSF), a federal government backed intervention agency.

Receiving the VSF team at the Government House in Benin City, the Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, reassured of his administration’s readiness to, within the next two weeks, complete the screening and testing of 500,000 and 5,000 residents respectively.

Governor Obaseki commended the organisation for the intervention, adding that the support would go a long way to further ameliorate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added, “Your humanitarian assistance across the country and the timely nature of your donation would help Edo flatten the curve of the coronavirus pandemic.�

While assuring of even distribu-

tion of the palliatives received, the governor noted that his administration’s approach to containing the pandemic had been data-driven.

Obaseki added that the state government’s collaboration with the VSF would further help in data collation for better record keeping of a social register.

The leader of the delegation and Chairperson of Victims Support Fund (VSF), Mrs. Toyosi Akerele-Ogunsiji, listed items donated to include food items, Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs) and hand sanitisers, worth N154.5 million.

She revealed that the foundation had found it imperative to commence their assistance in the South-south region from Edo State, as it had the highest number of confirmed cases within the region.

Receiving the donated items at the state warehouse, wife of the Governor, Betsy Obaseki, reassured that the items will get to the intended recipients.

With continued spike in the Coronavirus pandemic, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday upbraided the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government for poor coordination and management of the pandemic.

It also upbraided the presidency for seeking to transfer the brunt of its failures to articulate and coordinate an effective national response on COVID-19 pandemic on state governors, describing such as unpardonable manifestation of leadership failure.

The party in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, said that the Buhari Presidency’s decision to run to state governors for solution after it had badly muddled up the process, leading to confusion across the country and consequential spike in infection and fatality rates, was rather coming very late in the day.

The party urged Nigerians to

recall how the PDP and other well-meaning Nigerians repeatedly counselled the Buhari Presidency to involve state governors, the private sector and critical stakeholders for an effective multi-sectoral and multilayered approach, to no avail.

According to PDP, “The Buhari Presidency rebuffed wise counsels and settled for a parochial response marred by corruption, nepotism, incompetence and narrow-minded politics, only to now turn to seek to transfer the brunt of its colossal failure to state governors.�

The PDP described the announcement by the National Coordinator of the failed Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, that state governments should now start taking ownership of the response, as an acceptance of failure by President Buhari, who failed to lead from the front but abdicated the task to incompetent and narrow-minded officials.

lockdown begins.

The foundation’s CEO, Ms. Antonia Ally, made it known to the people of Isiokpo community and its environs that the NGO’s decision was to spread love and alleviate the effects of the lockdown on the people of Rivers State in general, and to connect with the mission statement of the non-profitable organisation.

According to her, the foundation had been feeding several homes and indigents in Lagos State for weeks and had now decided to extend the novel gesture to the people of Isiokpo community and its environs. “We believe that majority of those that are alive today have never experienced a pandemic, and to cushion the effects of the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19, the HOW Foundation had made available palliatives to the people of Isokpo and its neighbouring communities in River State,� she said.

SATURDAY MAY 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

15

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

Imo Repeals Law on Pensions, Gratuity to Ex-governors, Speakers, Others Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has assented to a Bill repealing the law that created pension allowances and gratuities to former Governors, Deputy Governors, Speakers and Deputy Speakers.

Speaking after signing the Bill into law at Government House, Owerri yesterday, the Governor noted that the law had become necessary because it ran contrary to the 1999 Constitution as amended, which stipulates that a pensioner must have worked for at least 10 years and must be up to 45 years of age.

Governor Uzodinma noted: “Apart from the inconsistency of such a law to the provisions of the grundnorm, which is the

Constitution of 1999 (as amended), this has led for a very long time a precedence that does not encourage diligence and prudence in service delivery.’’ He regretted a situation where some of the beneficiaries of such payments equally get huge amount of money as salaries and allowances in other positions they occupied such as Senators or Members of the House of Representatives.

While thanking the Imo State House of Assembly for rising to the occasion and embracing totally the desire of government to strengthen the internally generated revenue base of the State, Uzodinma assured of his commitment and desire to grow an economy that

would stand the test of time.

Addressing newsmen at the end of the exercise, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins informed that they presented two Bills for the Governor’s assent: the Bill on Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and Bill on the repeal of Pensions and Gratuity.

Collins said that the Bill on Pensions and Gratuity had long been repealed in many states of the federation when it was discovered to run contrary to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

The Bill on Imo State University of Agriculture and Environmental

Sciences, the Speaker explained was to ensure that the University was moved to where it belongs: the Imo State College of Agriculture Umuagwo where the National Universities Commission (NUC) visited for accreditation and not Aboh Mbaise as people were clamouring.

Present at the signing of the Bill to repeal the Law on Pensions, Allowances and Gratuities include the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prof. Placid Njoku; the Deputy Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Amara Iwuanyanwu; the Majority Leader, Uche Ogbuagu and other members of Imo State House of Assembly, as well as some members of the State expanded Executive Council.

NIMR Partners Mobihealth on DIY Kebbi Govt Receives 61 Almajiri COVID-19 Home Testing in Nigeria Repatriated by Kano The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) has concluded plans with Mobihealth International, an innovative telemedicine and digital healthcare platform, to launch the country’s first home teleconsultation guided do-it-yourself (DIY) COVID-19 swab sample collection for Nigerians who want to confirm their COVID-19 status.

NIMR, whose mandate stipulates that it shall conduct research into human health problems in the country, notes that the research and development (R&D) initiative is aimed at facilitating the fight against the corona virus disease in the country by taking the containment efforts right to individuals in the comfort of their homes.

According to Prof. Babatunde Lawal Salako, Director-General of NIMR, “This do-it-yourself initiative which addresses the clamour of Nigerians for wider testing for COVID-19 has many advantages, including speeding up sample collection and testing, reducing the spread of infection especially among health workers,

save time and reduce the stress on health institutions, save cost and reduce stigmatisations that hospital testing may bring about, among others.�

Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mobihealth International, Dr. Funmi Adewara, informed that the company runs a similar initiative in the UK where people, who are unable to access the COVID-19 testing through the National Health Service (NHS) platform of the government, enlist on the Mobihealth platform for the test.

She explained how the initiative works: “Interested Nigerians who desire to know their COVID-19 statuses only need to download the Mobihealth App from their respective device play stores, register and enter the discount code to book teleconsultation with a doctor within minutes. An online video guide on how to swab will be sent to the candidate. Also, a test kit will be dispatched to the candidate’s address by a trained courier and the ID is confirmed to match the test kit.�

The Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu yesterday received 61 Almajiri children repatriated

by Kano State Government.

The children who were brought back to their state of origin, Kebbi, were in company of their teachers.

They were received in Birnin Kebbi, by governor Atiku Bagudu at the IDP camp in Kalgo in the presence of other stakeholders, including members of the State Executive Council, local government councils’ chairmen and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) among others .

Speaking at the event, the governor said that, the repatriation of the children to Kebbi- State, by the Kano State Government, was in line with the recent decision taken by the Governors of the 19 Norhern states.

According to him, the children were earlier tested by the Kano State Government and duly declared COVID-19 free.

Bagudu- said that , those who had tested positive to the disease

Zulum Meets Near-empty Secretariats in Six LGs Michael Olugbode Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă“ĂŽĂ&#x;Ă‘Ă&#x;ĂœĂ“ Borno Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum met six local government secretariats in the state barely locked up when he paid a surprise visit to them.

The State Government had two weeks ago, directed top government officials and senior civil servants to report to work after easing its lockdown to prevent spread of Coronavirus.

Senior officials at local govern-

ment areas in Borno are allegedly notorious for abandoning their local government to operate in Maiduguri only to return there for few days when FAAC allocations were received, or when they knew the Governor was paying visit. This has been on for ages even before the lockdown for COVID-19 and threat of Boko Haram.

The governor, aware of antics of the officials, left Maiduguri with many on his entourage having no knowledge of where they

were headed.

He directed to be driven to Chibok, Bama, Gwoza, Damboa, Konduga and Askira-Uba. During his visit to the six councils, senior officials, including some secretaries who currently oversee affairs, were absent with secretariats mostly empty.

The governor who passed the night at Askira-Uba local government area, had the intention of monitoring the quality of governance at the grassroots and to assess ongoing projects.

Bauchi Appoints Kashim Privatisation Agency DG The Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, has appointed Mallam Ibrahim Muhammad Kashim as the Director General of Bauchi State Bureau of Public Enterprises.

The appointment takes effect immediately.

According to the governor, Kashim’s appointment was informed by his “track record of sincerity, hard work, dedication, exemplary behaviour and above all your wealth of experience and sense of responsibility.�

Kashim retired as a Director with the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Abuja in 2015. Until his appointment, Kashim was the Managing Partner of Kauthar Resources Nigeria Ltd, a consultancy that specialises in divestiture, corporate reform and restructuring.

He holds Bachelor of Law degree from University of Sokoto and a Masters in Business Administration from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

Bala Mohammed

were left at Kano, receiving treatment , while they would be repatriated afterwards.

The governor explained that, the decision to repatriate such children to their various states of origin was unanimously taken by the governors.

Bagudu stated, “This decision was taken in the best interest of the children, as well as the educational development of the region.. “ Education is the basic fundamental human right of these children and we will not tinker with it

Bandits Kill 20 in Kaduna Communities John Shiklam in Kaduna Twenty people have been reportedly killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen in communities in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

President of the Adara Association (ADA), Mr. Awema Maisamari disclosed this in a statement yesterday in Kaduna.

He said the killings took place following daily attacks on communities in the past four days. “There have been daily attacks and destruction from Monday to Thursday in the remote settlements of Magunguna, Idazo, Ungwan Galadima, Ungwan Guza, Etissi, Ungwan Ma’aji, Ungwan Dantata, Ungwan Araha 1 & 2, Ungwan Goshi, Ungwan Shaban, Ungwan Jibo, Ungwan Maijama’a, Ungwan Sako, Ungwan Maidoki and Ungwan Masaba. “These are all satellite settlements of Kallah, Libere and Gefe towns. “As at this afternoon (Friday) 20 persons have been killed, several others are injured or missing�

Maisamari said. “We simply lack the words to properly describe the atmosphere of anarchy and despair that is fast taking root in our communities with women, children, the sick and the elderly fleeing with the little belongings they can salvage,� he said.

He said “Our brutalised, dehumanised, terrified and traumatised community members are reeling in pains, ever wondering why this contrived anarchy is still being condoned by the powers that be.�

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as IZUKA UGOH, now wish to be known and addressed as KENNEDY IZUKA UGOH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as GLORIA UZOMA EMECHETA, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORIA UZOMA UGOH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLASUPO ANIFAT AJOKE, now wish to be known and addressed as FASHINA ANIFA AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKE GODSTIME OGORUVWE, now wish to be known and addressed as OKE GODSTIME JAMES. All documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as HENRY MERCY CHIAMAKA, now wish to known and addressed as MBARA MERCY CHIAMAKA. All documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

SATURDAY MAY 23, 2020 • T H I S D AY

17

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

POLITY Ndukwe: Why Powerful Forces Oppose FG’s Forensic Audit of NDDC In this Interview, Christie Ndukwe, a prominent Niger Delta activist and President Citizens Quest for Truth Initiative, who has keenly followed the activities of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), endorses the ongoing forensic audit of the interventionist agency. Emmanuel Addeh brings excerpts

N

Governor Peter Odili to donate the building at no cost to the NDDC was rescinded.

Now, Akpabio decided that the abandoned headquarters must be completed and the fraudulent payment of N300m stopped, even though what the Rivers State government collects on record is N200m.

ineteen years after its creation, the NDDC is still unable to actualise its core mandate.

What’s responsible?

Several factors are responsible for the inability of the commission to achieve its core mandate of developing the Niger Delta region since its creation 19 years ago.

Let me just dwell on the major issues that have impeded development which are not usually talked about by those who claim to be the owners of the region.

First, politics is the reason. The inability of the people of the region, particularly the leaders to come together with a mindset that the interest of the region is paramount and should supersede every other interest. The politics of who should be appointed into the board has been a major cog in the wheel of progress in the realisation of the core mandate of the commission.

The moment people are appointed to represent their states in the board, it is all about making returns to the one who aided their appointment and even screening.

Rather than focus on how to bring real development to the states, they dwell on developing the pockets of their paymasters.

Some people have also blamed poor funding...

Again, the funding of the commission has been relatively poor, far below the provisions in the act that established it.

From findings, the FG has only spent about N700bn for the 19-year period for the nine states.

If you do the mathematics, you will see that each state has received less than N100m each year. And that is not enough to bring about the kind of massive development we expect. The oil and gas companies have also failed on their part to pay the statutory five percent and three percent respectively of their annual income.

So what is projected cannot be achieved, considering the poor allocation of funds. Lastly, I will talk about the budgetary provisions of the commission.

As an interventionist agency faced with security issues that could affect the entire economy, the NDDC must not be used to play politics of settlement. The funding and budgetary provision which must be approved by the National Assembly is a major factor why the commission has not fared well.

The reason is simple. Most of those who ought to help in the ease of passage of the budget for the commission have unfortunately, seen it as an opportunity to bargain for their own share of contracts.

Where the board is not ready to comply, the budget is slashed in a bid to frustrate the commission and in turn the people of the region.

Don’t you think the act setting up the NDDC should be amended?

There should be a amendment of the act in order to reduce the obvious interference by other arms of government. If the president wants to achieve his developmental agenda for the region, using the NDDC, then, there must be a conscious effort to ensure that a N10bn budget for three mega specialist hospitals in three states will not be slashed to a paltry N100m, as is the case with the 2019 belated budget.

Nigerians and in fact the people of the region are not aware of this.

The 2019 budget for the commission was only passed last month.

How can it be implemented within six months before its expiration?

It is a deliberate effort to frustrate the commission and that is simply because the national assembly is not in agreement with the constitution of the Interim Management Committee and the refusal of the IMC to continue paying huge sums of money for phantom training programs which has over the years characterised the commission.

The NDDC is seen as the cash cow of politicians, why do

Ndukwe you think this is so?

Yes, it is a cash cow for politicians and this may be difficult to change. The truth is that those assigned to manage its affairs have not asserted and committed themselves towards a total transformation of the region. Until they are given a free hand to operate, that is if they have shown signs of commitment, it will be business as usual.

Surprisingly, the present board, the IMC is being supervised by the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, Godswill Akpabio.

He’s a certified development expert, yet, not much has happened other than sponsored media attacks on him and the board.

You should ask why he’s slow even though it’s on record that the abandoned permanent headquarters building is now 95 percent completed under him.

It’s all politics. If Akpabio is allowed to function, he will replicate what he did in Akwa Ibom when he served as governor for eight years .

Again, for even daring to stop some of the payments going to some high profile Nigerians in the presidency, national assembly and others, he must be stopped at all cost. The campaign is on.

I give you an instance, he ordered the stoppage of payment of N1 billion yearly to a company responsible for collecting monies from gas companies, and the said company belongs to a former Senate President and another high ranking senator, they have released all arsenal against the minister and the IMC. The company has been a consultant to the NDDC, and is in charge of collecting the three percent of the total annual budget of any oil producing company operating, on shore and off shore, in the Niger Delta area including gas processing companies.

There was another payment of over N2 billion to a company for allegedly collecting for NDDC a statutory payment of $28 million which is an equivalent of about N10bn from Nigeria LNG. For stopping an annual award of N3.6billion contract for the production of plastic school desks and benches for the nine Niger Delta states, the same person owns this same company.

People are asking for payment for jobs not executed and the IMC says no, so, all hell is let loose and that ignites all manner of attacks against the minister.

Nigerians are not asking questions. Why was somebody collecting N300m yearly as rent for the headquarters of the commission? Meanwhile, I can’t remember when the decision by former

Given how you seem to have followed the activities of the NDDC, it does appear that there are people who want to perpetuate the old order.

There’s a lot going on behind the scene, unfortunately, the commission has not been able to tell their story. The NDDC must be rescued from these hawks, otherwise, the development of the region will only exist on paper.

That senior civil servants who have served at the commission since the time of the defunct OMPADEC are transferred out to state offices and their salaries and full entitlements paid, that to them is a wrong move by the IMC. These people who I refer to as Methuselahs of the NDDC have become untouchables simply because they are the conduits used by these high profile Nigerians to syphon and divert funds meant for the development of the region.

Many of them are richer than some governors with posh Cars and sprawling buildings in high brow areas of Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt and overseas.

Uncompleted NDDC projects dot the entire region. Do you think the government and the people of the region are doing enough to monitor the commission?

Let me tell you the simple truth. Jobs awarded in the past 19 years were used to win elections. Monies paid to some of these professional contractors are merely used for elections.

Most of the abandoned jobs have been paid for while some were not even originally in the budget. Without indicating anyone or defending any, I can tell you clearly that there is a contract for sale department in the commission, where you buy the award letters and you are aided by the staff there to get paid without executing jobs.

Why has the National Assembly in the course of their oversight functions not been able to detect this for 19 years?

There is a statutory uudit for the 19-year period by the Auditor General of the Federation, so, why have they not detected this over the years? Some of the contracts were abandoned out of frustration in getting payment.

Some of these abandoned jobs were never in the budget, so when a new management comes, they will refuse to pay. Don’t forget, it’s all more of politics than development.

The frequent change in the management of the commission without serving out their constitutional tenure has also hampered development and led to abandonment of projects. Every new board wants to deal with their own people, cronies, families, friends and loyalists. In some states, insecurity has forced contractors out of site and in some cases, the jobs are relocated to other more peaceful communities.

There is a present case of one lawmaker who got over 1000 jobs to supply plastic chairs to schools in the 9 Niger Delta states. He was paid the sum of N3.8bn without supplying the chairs, rather, the documents show that these chairs were supplied to a warehouse belonging to him in his state.

It is even funny that he was awarded a N2 billion contract by the governor of his state to supply plastic chairs and he took the same chairs meant for NDDC and supplied to them. Can you beat that?

Read full interview online - www.thisdaylive.com

How COVID-19 Has Affected the Film Industry

Olabisi Aguda

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has affected every sector of the economy. Banking, oil and gas, tourism, telecommunication, education, energy, even the film, entertainment and media industries have been directly or indirectly affected by the pandemic.

Prior to this global health challenge, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that cinemas in Nigeria earned over N3 billion in the first half of 2019 and over N1.2 billion in July and August of the same year. Supporting the report by NAN, a report compiled by the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) stated that last year alone, “Nigerians spent almost N7 billion (N6,976,882,087) to watch films in the cinemas”. But with COVID-19, it is uncertain that spending on movie viewing this year will be the same as last year. This is not just in Nigeria alone but globally and this may, in turn, affect the number of television content that are produced this year. This, certainly, will adversely affect the entire chain of film or content distribution.

Cinema and pay television broadcast operators are the worst

hit in the content distribution chain. By observing the physical distancing guideline, cinemas are closed, leaving families with no option but to stay at home. And with limited content in circulation, pay television operators are forced to repeat programmes across their channels.

For example, sports content such as football is huge in Nigeria.

But owing to the pandemic, organisers of notable leagues across the globe have had to postpone games until there is a let-up in the COVID-19 infection/transmission rates. The gap, however, is being bridged, notably by SuperSport, the big sports content provider on DStv and GOtv platforms. Late in March, the provider launched the Relive campaign, an exciting sports show created to highlight the greatest stories in sport. Relieve offers football, golf, UFC the opportunity to see epic matches, documentaries, and interviews from the past.

Besides the shortage of content created by COVID-19, a major reason why repeats are necessary is that they give people a chance to catch up on exciting and memorable moments they might have missed. Different channels have different levels of repeats. A kiddies channel may repeat far more shows than a channel for other classes of audience.

Despite the public health challenge, pay television companies

like MultiChoice have promoted local content. Example is The Mercy and Ike reality show, which is making waves on social media. And because of the love of the programme, there is a repeat broadcast on Africa Magic Showcase on Mondays and Fridays.

While on Africa Magic Urban a repeat broadcast is scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays for those who missed the Sunday show.

We cannot shy away from the fact that programme repeats are an integral part of the television environment. For those who are not aware, the cost of content acquisition and movie rights is based on a model whereby programmes and movies are purchased for a certain number of screenings.

This allows for the movies or programmes to be shown at different time slots to allow viewers a choice of when they would like to access the programming. It is also vital to understand that repeats in the case of a multi-channel environment allow subscribers not to miss out in instances where two or three interesting programmes are flighted (would ordinary people know the meaning of flighted? You may want to consider a simpler word) at the same time. They also enable subscribers to plan their viewing time more effectively.

But with or without COVID-19, the Show Must Go On! even if its live, recorded or a repeat show. The show still has to go on!

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

POLITY 2023: Will Atiku Take Another Shot at the Presidency?

Mohammed Ibn Kachalla

Q

uietly, there seems to be some political re-alignments and strategizing going on by some politicians angling to contest the 2023 presidential election.

While it is an open secret that some politicians are beginning to thinker with the idea of setting up structures across the country, some others are in open consultations, reaching out across the political aisle and setting up outfits.

There is no doubt that 2023 will be an interesting year, especially in the All Progressives Congress, APC, where interests from some of the party chieftains from the North, Southeast, Southsouth and Southwest promises to shake the party to its foundations with many predicting breakages and dislocation.

The APC has performed dismally and abysmally and clearly not provided the ‘change’ it promised Nigerians when it took over the reigns of power in 2015. Whether in the economy, education, health, infrastructure, sports, technology, employment and above all in tackling insecurity, it is one tale of failure after another.

It, therefore, brings the question of credibility and competence as we look up to 2023 . Again, the stakes would be high and it will be up to Nigerians to make a decision on the future of the country. Indeed, our political trajectory since 2015 has been all but satisfactory and hence makes that electioneering year a more than passing interest for every concerned Nigerian.

While the politicians especially in the APC are preparing for an obvious “roforofo”, one name that is being linked for a comeback on the other side of the divide is former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Wazirin Adamawa.

Since the grapevine have him as getting interested, it is said that it is sending political jitters to folks in power as they continue to chew on the possibility of him contesting, as well as the potentialities and power such ambition will always have . And the fears are for good reasons.

The gift of understanding the complex mix, nature, characteristics, history, agitations and desires of Nigerians is one quality that any candidate for the presidency must possess and do so in equal amount and dose. In this, clearly, the former vice president is way up the ladder amongst his peers and hence the likely reason he would make a succcesful president if he were to contest and win the 2023 elections.

Atiku Atiku’s political base and asset is what brings out the managerial expertise in him. He has over the years simply mesmerised others with his gifted and at the same time unique trait of identifying brains across the world and making them household names in Nigeria.

Given the fragile peace in the country at the moment , it is important that an electable candidate is one who does not create suspicion but is seen to be truly nationalistic. Such an individual’s character, antecedents, devotion and values must

speak in this direction. The Waziri Adamawa has never engaged in comments which can be laced along ethnic and religious undertones but rather has always been nationalistic in his approach to national issues even when it creates unease at some quarters who are closely related to him.

Again, that the Waziri has a grasp of all issues in the country came to the fore in his public discussions at the 2019 presidential elections and hence the fear of some of his political opponents who refused to engage in debates, avoiding him like a plague. At those fora, Atiku exhibited class, experience, man management skills, overwheming candour, deep technical know how and a persona laced with adorable humility. His was a presidential poise that was second to none. A poise that clearly made him the darling and favourite of other world leaders who would rather deal with him.

Therefore, if there is any viable candidate ahead of the 2023 elections, it must be candidates in the mould of the Waziri - one lacking in nothing be it political reach, high urbane mindedness, unbridled experience in local and foreign relations and rare leadership skills.

If Nigeria must return to it’s real position and assume its rightful place in the comity of nations come 2023, the electable candidate must have a rare pedigree in both public and private service. He or she must have excellent ability to lead and make hands-on decisions. This, Atiku, posseses and simply pontificates.

There comes a time in the history of our country that it must be said we got it right with a political decision we all made as is being said with the leaderships in India, Rwanda, Canada and others that have turned their country’s development curve for good.

As regards 2023, therefore, if the Waziri remains the answer to our political, economic and national upheavals both home and abroad, then he is welcome aboard and would get my support if he were to contest. It is time we put a stop to political opportunism and make a straight forward choice between politicians in overdressed robes and those with unwavering competence.

It’s left to us, Nigerians to be on the right side of history with our choice of who will lead us to the promised land. The year 2023 is a major junction for Nigeria, and the turn we take to reset our march towards socio-political and economic rejuvenation will be defining.

–––Kachalla, a political commentator, contributed this article from Abuja.

The Impact of COVID-19 Loneliness on Mental Health Adaeze Oreh

T

his week, the world celebrates Mental Health Awareness Week and amid the global pandemic of COVID-19, it means that individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions such as anxiety, mood and substance abuse disorders are likely to have their symptoms worsen on account of the pandemic.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, national lockdowns and physical distancing preventive measures directed across the world coupled with the multiple uncertainties confronting people, have spurred an observed increase in addictive coping strategies, such as the abuse of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and online gaming. According to the United Nations, “Many people who previously coped well, are now less able to cope because of the multiple stressors generated by the pandemic”.

In Canada, there have been reports that 20% of the population aged 15-49 have increased their alcohol consumption during the pandemic, and the UN Women early on in the pandemic highlighted heightened cases of physical and mental risk experienced by women and children as a result of increased domestic violence and abuse. To mitigate acts of violence such as these, several Southern African countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe have in addition to other preventive measures, resorted to placing restrictions on the sale of alcohol during the pandemic.

The uncertainties surrounding the widely spreading infection include but are not limited to fears of infection, fears of death and fears of losing loved ones. Coupled to these, for millions around the world, there are additional fears over sustenance and survival as many have lost their means of livelihood following the pandemic and preventive measures implemented to curb its spread.

At the same time, widely spreading misinformation about the virus and prevention measures, conspiracy theories, in addition to uncertainties about the future, are major sources of distress, whilst prospects of losing loved ones without having a chance to say goodbye or hold funerals for them are other sources of angst.

Global reports appear to show that no continent is spared, with details of high levels of psychological distress from China, United States, Iran and Ethiopia emerging.

According to Matshidiso Moeti , the World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, about 50% of people with depression do not receive treatment, and barriers such as lack of information, stigma and cultural issues, prevent many people from seeking help for psychological disturbances. The relation-

ship between escalating mental health disorders and infectious diseases is not new, and previous research has shown parallels between the mental health impact of COVID-19 and what was observed during the 2014 – 2016 outbreak of Ebola in West Africa, where it was reported that up to half of individuals infected with Ebola experienced fear, depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), and stigmatisation in their communities.

With COVID-19 preventive measures such as lockdowns, physical distancing, and social isolation, it is little wonder that there have been reports of widespread loneliness worldwide.

Health insurance data released in January reported that about 60% of American adults felt some degree of loneliness and this was even before the pandemic hit, and from adults to teenagers, the number of those who have admitted to feelings of increased loneliness has substantially increased since COVID-19.

Research has shown that quarantines lasting 10 days or more increase the risk of PTSD afterwards, and additionally, research following the SARS epidemic revealed that quarantined healthcare workers were significantly more likely to experience alcohol or substance abuse than the general population and global reports of suicides among frontline health workers hint at the looming mental health crisis.

The WHO, together with her partners, has since the declaration of a pandemic of COVID-19 regularly provided guidance on mental and psychological healthcare for health workers, people in isolation and the general public. While it is reassuring that these guidelines are included in the management of infected individuals in many treatment centres including in Nigeria, the road to mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic and whenever it ends will be a long and arduous one. So, several steps will need to be taken to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigerians going forward.

First, mental health needs to be properly integrated into primary healthcare with increased distribution of trained health workers, coordinated care, and systems for referral when more specialist care is required and should also be considered a healthcare priority for national and state governments. According to the WHO, the treatment gap for severe mental disorders in low and middle-income countries can be as huge as 75%. In Nigeria, as is common in many sub-Saharan African countries, there is a large inadequacy of mental health specialist services. Nigeria has approximately one psychiatrist to every one million people, the majority of whom work in a few urban centres leaving the vast majority of the country’s communities with no specialist service.

A recent study in several countries (including Nigeria) revealed that only about 20% of persons with common but serious mental disorders (such as depression with suicidal risk) had received

any treatment in the previous one year, with only 10% receiving minimally adequate treatment. Widespread provision of mental health care services at the primary care level will help close this gap.

Secondly, because of widespread stigmatisation of mental disorders, people with emotional, psychological, and mental challenges tend to avoid seeking for help even when these facilities are available. This same stigmatisation has affected self-reporting to Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) by individuals at risk of infection with COVID-19. Tackling stigma of mental health and infectious diseases will rely on widespread and targeted enlightenment messages in communities through primary care clinics, meetings with community opinion leaders and the enhanced use of technology.

Third, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the benefits of information and communication technology, as maintaining social connections via voice calls, video calls and instant messaging; education through online learning platforms and providing healthcare via telemedicine are just some of the myriad possibilities of technology. Across Africa, less than one-third of the population have access to broadband connectivity, and achieving universal, affordable, and good quality internet access will require huge investments to provide regular access to power and achieve increased connectivity on the continent. This will require governments to provide an enabling environment for private sector investment; support from development partners; and active engagement of civil society to successfully achieve steady and reliable power and internet connectivity across socio-economic divides.

Lastly, the importance of self-care cannot be over-emphasised.

Individuals must take protective actions such as limiting the amount of news consumed, being careful of news sources and taking regular breaks from social media in the relentless COVID-19 news cycle. Staying virtually socially connected to family and friends, keeping physically active and healthy, getting sunlight, and establishing a routine with regular sleep schedules greatly aid mental wellbeing. Now, more than ever is the time to not only maintain positivity, but to remember to be kind to oneself and to others.

In the words of Aristotle Onassis, “It is in our darkest moments we must focus and see the light”. COVID-19 has set upon the world one of its darkest moments in history. Let us focus, see the light and work together to curb the rise and spread of a mental health crisis of unprecedented proportions.

––Dr. Oreh is a family physician in Abuja and a public health expert. She is also a Senior Aspen New Voices Fellow with the Aspen Institute in Washington D.C.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

TRIBUTE A Diamond Diadem for Dapo Abiodun

Kayode Akinmade

O

n May 29, the very day he marks a year in office, Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, clocks 60. Sixty, as we know, is a milestone hallmarked by deep experience; it is not for nothing that the Chinese people say a person who attains age 60 has completed a full circle of life, which calls for a grand celebration. Things are much the same in the Caucasian world where 60 is a huge milestone, often the retirement age. Here in Nigeria, 60 is no less significant: it marks the onset of elderhood, an age in which profound thinking emanating from variegated experiences bursts forth, over and above the ravages of youth and the onset of maturity. For Dapo Abiodun, in particular, the diamond celebration is a study in grace and divine favour. By any standards, his has been nothing less than a life hewn in Rock, the Rock of Ages: his song is gratitude, his timbrel praise unto the Most High who orders the affairs of men. Over the last seasons, it’s been a life anchored in divine providence, inextricably bound up with struggle, tempered by tempests, assailed but unbowed by storms, a powerful metaphor of triumph in the face of endless adversity.

For the governor of Ogun State, life is a struggle and for you to achieve success, you must put everything you have into it. Many days may be rough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. To say the very least, Abiodun’s life so far has been dotted by challenges.

He has had near-death experiences, survived health challenges, witnessed disturbing developments, seen friends suddenly turning to foes for pecuniary interests, faced character assassination, confronted state power in pursuit of the people’s happiness, and cultivated hope at moments of loss. He did not gain office at the first try; he is no stranger to the redrawing of strategies, whether in business or politics. The challenges have come from many angles, but he has never been bowed or cowed; he has taken all in his stride, believing that better days will come and that virtue is crafted in the crucible of trials; that after the storms come showers of blessings.

Clearly, his life has been preserved by God because

Abiodun

he is destined to offer the good people of Ogun State quality leadership at a perilous time such as this moment when the entire globe is undergoing social and economic convulsions. And so if the drums are rolled out this day in praise of the Almighty and in celebration of life, it is for good reason. Let masters of music craft the diamond tunes; let the drummer meet the dancer.The point must be made again: but for providence that would not allow Ogun people to lose the kind of quality governance that he has offered in the last one year, Dapo Abiodun would not be governor this day. Of course, he wanted to be governor before now, but God’s plan for him, it is now sufficiently clear, is that he celebrates his 60th birthday on the same occasion of his first anniversary as the fifth elected governor of Ogun State. He has not come into office as a starry-eyed youth bustling with exuberance but

lacking in wisdom: he comes seasoned with experience from the corporate and political worlds, a man of deep introspection, high intellect and passion to make real, verifiable change in the lives of people; a game changer built for the toughest of times, a technocrat with a difference; a master administrator fully cognizant of the place of a stellar cast of committed individuals in driving developmental agenda, the values of team work, the gains of data-driven governance and, of course, the rewards of perseverance. Excellence is inevitable in Ogun at this moment, and going forward.

Governor Abiodun is approaching governance with passion; as if his life depended on it. It is as if he made a covenant with God to give his all to the uplift of the people, should he be given the opportunity to serve them. Not many governors arrive office at 9a.m, only to leave sometimes as late as 1:00 a.m. the next day. God has sustained him in spite of challenges that arose as a result of the accident he had years ago. He has plodded on as if nothing happened, evidencing the fact that trust in God yields anointing for prosperity and the making of exploits. His approach to the coronavirus pandemic has been novel, whether you are looking at it from the angle of information management and protocol, the level of preparedness, or the facilities on the ground. It is evident that he values human life. His achievements in just one year are stupendous, but that is a matter for another day.

Dapo Abiodun’s life so far has been great. His election came with crisis but all is now past. His life is a testimony that if you place your trust in God, you will endure and survive. At 60, he is bubbling with life, eager and willing to deliver the democratic gains to the good people of Ogun State. His style of governance is easily recommendable to other governors: open door policy, thoroughness in approach. He has programmes for the less privileged and the elite alike. He believes that their interests must be adequately protected and enhanced. At 60, we wish him more prosperous years in service of the people and his fatherland. The celebrations have been richly deserved, but the best is yet to come. ––Akinmade, former Commissioner of information in Ondo State contributes this piece from C27 Winning Clause Estate Gwarimpa, Abuja.

ĂŽĂ?×ÙÖË ĂŽĂ?Ă–Ă?Ă•Ă? Ă‹Ăž Í—Í‘Ë? Ă’Ă? Ă‹Ă‘Ă–Ă? Ă™Ă‹ĂœĂ?

Olumide Lawal

D

ifferent folks! Different strokes; life is of different dimensions to various individuals. It is full of ups and downs. It is full of tribulations and success. For Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke, he exhibits the tenacity and risk-taking path that makes the Adeleke Dynasty of Oluronbi Compound, Ede, Osun State one of the noblest and silently powerful men and women in their individual rights.

Ademola Adeleke ignites insightful conversations on the convergence of leadership, political astuteness and selfless commitment to the good of all.

Ademola Adeleke is of the conviction, that rather than going low as a result of the 2018 governorship election, which he believes he won convincingly by Gods grace and the will of the people, he should trudge on confidently to make the best of the prevailing situation, by re-appraising the whole saga and re-strategies for future endeavours.

At 60, and with extra-ordinary strength, he seeks to shape the destiny of his immediate constituency - the good people of Osun State. This is demonstrable in the various philanthropic gestures, his dynasty have been extending to the Osun people without let or hindrance; a manifestation of their good hearts and beautiful souls.

Ademola Adeleke is a man of destiny.

A God-ordained destiny, that is beyond human comprehension. A biblical David that has stood and still standing against political goliaths in Osun State. He has carved a niche for himself to the bewilderment of his foes, and will very soon

Adeleke

conquer the Political Mountain Everest of Osun State and give her people the best of services for advancement in their various endeavours.

The large-heartedness and charitable endeavours of the Adeleke Family, is evident for all to see in his political statesmanship as displayed after the 2018 election and judicial processes. He was unruffled, but rather he put his acts together and glorified God, believing strongly, that the future holds the best for him. Senator Ademola Adeleke sterling antecedents continue to stand him firmly in good stead on the path of the less-

privileged.

A principled politician with modesty and candours. He believes in robust service to the people with transparency and accountability. No wonder, he was the darling of the General Danjuma-led Board of Directors at Guinness Nig. Ltd in the early 1990s. That goes to show, that he is not new to high-tech managerial calling. An industrious and calculating individual with iron-cast resolves.

His sojourn in the 8th Senate was colourful and impactful. He contributed robustly to debates that touched essentially on religious harmony, security of lives and properties. The Otunba of Oke-Ila is a quintessential Omoluwabi, always ready to identify with the lowly and in the process eradicate poverty out of their lives through massive empowerment programmes. He is therefore a remarkable personality in his own right, who will not hurt a fly.

Like Nelson Mandela, Abraham Lincoln, Mathama Ghadi and Obafemi Awolowo, Ademola Adeleke has passed through political baptism of fire in his quest to serve the good people of Osun State. He remains set and undaunted to do just that at the auspicious time to the glory of God. According to some of his classmates at Muslim Grammar School, Ede, Ademola Adeleke is of boundless energies. Ade Square, as he is fondly called by his mates, is a charitable personality with a Godly heart, who has strict disciplinarians as parents, hence his steener leadership stuff to live above board and carve a niche for himself.

Senator Adeleke, a gentleman, who at 60, is a man who never loses confidence in himself. He is a man who uses crises to re-invent himself. He takes responsibility for every challenge that he face, believing

that tough times don’t last, tough people do. He believes entirely, that with crises, you gain more wisdom and experience.

This may be hard to understand and believe, one great lesson, that Senator Adeleke passes on to his admirers, is that there is no need to be bitter over any issue with any human being, as God sits pretty well in judgment over the affairs of mankind. According to Ademola Adeleke, bitterness erodes good health.

This is a good lesson for mankind, coming from the birthday boy. So those who are currently casting unjust aspersions on the Adeleke family, should have a re-think.

Ademola Adeleke at 60 should be commended for struggling to bear the weight that the ancestral name, Adeleke imposes on him with courage, dignity and equanimity. From Baba Awwal Adeleke Abanikanda (his grandfather) to Papa Raji Ayoola Adeleke, the children, among whom Ademola is one, continues to improve on the solid landscape ably put in place by his forebears. Ademola, like his siblings, were not born with silver spoon. But they all struggled through the challenges of life to be what they are today.

A man with strong determination, Senator Ademola Adeleke is an Eagle that soars. Welcome to the Senior Citizens Club. The graduation of your adorable daughter, Adenike Adeleke at Oakwood University, Alabama, USA on May 10, 2020 is one of your best birthday gifts at 60. Yes, the Eagle soars! Flying higher!!

Enjoy your day. Your best is yet to come. ––Olumide Lawal was Special Adviser (Medial and Public Affairs) to Late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͻ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Omotola Jalade

25 Exciting Years on the Screen ‘Picture Perfect’ is Getting Set for Television pg. 23

With Support, Right Tools, Hollywood will Be Coming to Nollywood pg. 24

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

25 Exciting Years on the Screen From modeling to acting and singing, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde aka Omosexy has touched other flairs worthy of note. Ferdinand Ekechukwu spotlights her career highpoints as she celebrates 25 years in the entertainment industry

Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde

T

wenty five years in an industry isn’t an easy feat, and that’s how long veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has stayed in the entertainment industry. The film star became popular for her many movie roles in the early days of Nollywood.

She took to her social media page last Monday to celebrate the milestone and recount her contribution to the industry. It is noteworthy that Omosexy, as she’s fondly called, deserves all the accolades for staying strong and still very relevant in the scene.

As it seems, Omosexy has not even inched anywhere close to the height of her acting gig.

She is excited and grateful for the journey so far and still has more to offer. Taking to her Instagram @realomosexy like one from slumber, to share the news of her 25th anniversary with stunning photos of herself, the talented actress wrote: “What!!! Stop press Lol‌ It just occurred to me that this year is my 25th year in entertainment!!! 25th anniversary‌ 2020!!! #Timeflies#Godisgood#Grateful.â€?

Continuing, she said: “The laugh you have ‌‌When you know the things coming are way bigger than the things past than the things past!! 25yearsStrong. What would you love to see me still do? say #Next25? #Godisdoingit,â€? she added. From modeling to acting and singing, Omosexy “the real Africa Magicâ€? as veteran OAP, Olisa Adibua once teased her during an AMVCA ceremony, has touched other flairs worthy of note, including writing

her famous column in OK! Nigeria Magazine.

The column - “Omotola’s Diary� - featured writings directly from Omotola on her life and experiences. From her first acting experience which she stumbled upon in 1995, having accompanied a friend to an audition, the 42 year-old has had a tremendous run with roles back to back. Although she played a lead role in that movie, Venom of Justice, which set the stage for a flourishing career for her in the Nigerian film industry, it was her role in the critically acclaimed film, Mortal Inheritance that shot her into limelight.

In the movie, she played a sickle-cell patient who fought for her life despite the odds of survival. The mother of four would later star in several hit movies including, Blood Sister, Games Women Play, All My Life, My Story, The Woman in Me, Last Wedding and a host of others with her first cinema movie role in a 2010 film, Ije, which she co-starred with Genevieve Nnaji. Beyond her show business accomplishments, she is also applauded for her remarkable humanitarian efforts.

After some moment break in acting, Omotola made a comeback in the Moses Inwang’s 2017 movie, Alter Ego alongside British-Nigerian trained actor, Wale Ojo. Ten years after her first screen appearance, the Nollywood diva had launched a music career in 2005 with the release of her debut album titled “gba�. The album produced the singles “Naija Lowa� and “The Things You Do to Me.� Her second album – Me, Myself and Eyes, brought in production from Paul Play and Del B but was

not released. It was supported by the songs “Feel Alright�, featuring former 5Star artiste, Harrysong, and “Through the Fire�, featuring Uche. Later in 2012, Omotola began working on her third album and enlisted the help of The Bridge Entertainment.

It was reported that she went to Atlanta to work with a few prominent producers and songwriters who could help create a sound that would resonate with American audiences. Following in early 2013, she took her career to another level by debuting in a U.S. television series; VH1’s scripted series, Hit the Floor. Due to her exploits in the world of showbiz, Omotola in 2013 made the list of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people in the world alongside Michelle Obama, Beyonce and Kate Middleton.

The impact of her career strides at home across the years, up to launching her own reality show, Omotola: The Real Me, on Africa Magic, was recognised in 2014 when she was honoured by the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, MFR for her contributions to Nigerian movie industry. Omotola in 2018 was also honoured as one of the top 100 influential people in Africa for the year by MIPAD in New York City, following the opening of the 73rd UN General Assembly.

Omotola’s biggest recognition came when she was made a voting member of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science popularly known as the Oscars in 2018. Omosexy was listed among the record-breaking 928 members

admitted that year. According to the organisers, Omotola’s invitation stemmed from the recognition she got in the 2010 romantic drama “A Private Storm� and the 2012 thriller “Last Flight to Abuja,� directed and produced by UK based filmmaker, Obi Emelonye.

Reacting to her inclusion then, the leading Nigerian actress noted that she was optimistic, and happy for Nigeria and Africa. “This is an olive branch stretched out to us, and I believe that they are trying to let us know that we are welcome and that they are looking forward to us coming in,� the actress told CNN. That year’s Oscar’s membership invitees were the largest and most diverse in the Academy’s history, which signals Hollywood’s seriousness to address the #OscarSoWhite controversies.

It included professionals from 59 countries, almost half of whom were women, aligning with its aim of doubling the number of women and minority members by 2020.

She further told CNN there was a curiosity about the industry after meeting Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis at a dinner to celebrate her Time Magazine honour years back. “I know that they are very inquisitive and they’ve been inquisitive for a while. Even in 2013 when I went for Time 100, I came back and I told colleagues about the discussions I had with Daniel Day Lewis and Steven Spielberg. I told them about how curious they were to get to know us and know about our market and how to work with us in future, but obviously we did not explore as much as we should have to draw them in.�

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

‘Picture Perfect’ is Getting Set for Television The critically acclaimed 2017 comedy film, Picture Perfect which is being adapted to television series makes an exciting addition to the small screen. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

R

espected filmmaker, Biodun Stephen, has announced that her 2017 comedy film ¨Picture Perfect¨ is being adapted to a television series. This has elicited not a few interests. Stephen recently revealed this via Instagram that the first and the second season is already set for release, while follow up seasons are still in the works. The critically acclaimed comedy movie was directed by Tope Alake and written by Biodun Stephen follows the story of Kumbi (Mary Njoku), a sophisticated tailor who falls in love with a notorious thug, Jobe (Bolanle Ninalowo).

The ´Picture Perfect´ series titled ´Raising Jobestina´ will focus on Jobe and Kumbi co-parenting Jobestina and how that intersects their different worlds. From the trailer, Kumbi still regrets birthing a child for Jobe; she minimizes the time he gets to spend with her, while hiding Jobestina from her own family. Days back, ROK Studios released the trailer for Raising Jobestina, the series offshoot of the comedy film.

The original film explores the unlikely relationship between Jobe, an area boy and Kumbi, a posh fashion designer. The series will explore how they co-parent their daughter Jobestina despite their different perspectives of life.

In the film’s final act, Jobe promised to turn a new leaf, get a job and be a responsible father. In the series, Jobe is staying true to that promise, leaving the gritty life behind

and taking after his father as a carpenter.

In the original story, Kunbi is a stylist, who finds herself in a precarious situation one night, when on her way to deliver wares to a customer, her car breaks down in an unsafe area of town. Jobe, then a notorious area boy, comes to rescue Kumbi from thugs.

He watches over the car all night, and after this, their paths continue to cross.

Lead actors Bolanle Ninalowo and Mary Njoku reprise their roles as Jobe and Kumbi respectively in the upcoming series. ´Rasing Jobestina´ stars Yvonne Jegede, Karen Spikes, Madam Saje, Nkechi Blessings and Blessing Jessica Obasi. The film is produced by Njoku’s ROK Studios in conjunction with Stephen’s Shutter Speed Projects.

Biodun Stephen, who wrote the screenplay, is replacing Tope Alake as director. ´Picture Perfect´ was a huge hit primarily for its nuanced characters and Ninalowo’s excellent performance as Jobe. The character brings a lot of laughs into the movie and is arguably the fabric of this film. The humor from the acting and story was also stated as a high point in the film, which ensured the entertainment value was on a high.

However, the lack of sufficient and appropriate subtitles was identified as miss. Additionally, the editing and pacing was also indicated as not being professionally done. It got five nominations at the 2017 Best of Nollywood Awards, including categories for Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best Supporting Actress, Best Costume and Best Makeup.

Biodun Stephen

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR has a way of taking care of His own.

What inspires your music mood?

I am a creative butterfly and anything ranging from the sound of keys bouncing on your hand, down to reading the word of God, up to seeing the beauty in nature and just hearing a melodious sound coming from the keyboard, guitar or any musical instruments can inspire me. Even sad situations can inspire. One of my favourite songs was written in the kitchen as I was asking God for answers. And He whispered ‘ You are all I need’. My inspiration is not limited as long as I have the Holy Spirit with me.

As an enthusiast of gospel music, what’s the state of this genre in Nigeria?

It is getting better, brighter and more impactful.

And the acceptance is cutting across all tribes, culture and nations. So far the gospel of Jesus is spreading.

What impact do you seek to make with your music?

I desire to impact nations with the message of hope and inspiration. It is my mission to ensure that when people listen to my music, watch it on TV, YouTube or whatever platform, the seed of hope in God will be birth in you. So when I hear testimony of ‘how your leading worship stopped me from committing suicide’ or ‘your music gave me hope’, I am happy that Jesus is touching and changing lives for good. I bear a message of hope.

How many releases so far?

An album titled Possibility and 7 singles. And our next project is in the pipeline. More updates shall be communicated when the time comes

by His grace.

Ewoma Luther-Abegunde

Ewoma Luther-Abegunde

With Support, Right Tools, Hollywood will Be Coming to Nollywood Multi-talented artiste, Ewoma Luther-Abegunde, can simply be described as a purpose-driven woman with a multi-dimensional grace. With a vivacious personality and soul-lifting voice, she is a figure to behold in the gospel music genre. Also a movie distributor, she believes that with necessary support, and the right tools in place, Hollywood will be coming to Nollywood for collaboration.

She shares her thoughts with Chinedu Ibeabuchi

F

rom Cinema management to music, what’s the drive?

Very beautiful question. The truth, during the time when I was very active in cinema management/film distribution, I was moonlighting even though it wasn’t easy managing both. But when the time came, I knew it was time to face my music squarely. I can’t keep juggling both and expect to get a rewarding satisfaction in terms of fulfilling purpose. So what was the drive?

Fulfilling purpose was the drive.

Are you still into cinema business? What challenges do cinema investors face in the country?

Yes, in the sense that I am open to doing soundtrack/musical scores for movies. Years ago, doing vocals for movie soundtrack was one of the ways we kept body and soul in university.

I also do independent marketing for movies that I see have strong potential and the producers are ready to do the work to push the movie. One major challenge cinema investors face in the country is lack of enough exhibiting centers and

cinema going culture in Nigeria is still developing.

But we are definitely not where we used to be.

Most Nigerian ďŹ lms don’t compete favourable with Hollywood movies in our cinemas.

How can this be improved?

That’s a perception because today our movies are favourably competing with Hollywood.

Go check the box office figures. But in terms of technicalities, yes they are still way ahead of us; all that is gradually changing , judging from the new kids on the block with their innovative approach to making movies. I must say if we have all the necessary support, and the right tools in place, Hollywood will be coming to Nollywood for collaboration. Now with the age of digitalisation, the gap is gradually getting thinner as everyone now has the opportunity to play on a global space and Nollywood is not slowing down.

When did your interest in music begin?

I grew up in a musical home. Apart from their main profession, my dad was a keyboardist and my mum is a superb singer. In short, it was a music family. So the interest for music was from

a very tender age and I did my first recording in our home studio set up by my dad.

At the age of 6-7 years, I led my first major praise session during the children’s day celebration at church. And as junior student in secondary school, I already had a band made of children in the block of flat where we lived.

We were known as the Angelic Voices. It’s been a journey and I am totally grateful to God whom I call Oseme (My Father).

Why gospel music? Are you not concerned that it’s not ďŹ nancially rewarding as secular music?

Growing up, I had people approaching me to come do secular music but I knew on my inside that’s not the path cut out for me.

As for it not being financially rewarding, for me, it is a perception. It depends on the pendulum from which you are swinging and seeing things from. Besides, being a gospel artiste doesn’t stop you from knowing the business side of music. I think our generation is beginning to see that aspect and are leveraging on it.

Also, God who has called you into this ministry

What or who inspires your music mood?

It varies from people, memories, places and divinity. I have the privilege to be mentored

by Sinach and that was and is still an amazing journey for me. I also get inspired by the works of people like Ada Ehi, with her avant-garde style for Jesus, Nathaniel Bassey with the prophetic sound, Maranda Curtis, YolandaAdams, I really love black American singers and there are some cool young dudes in the gospel scene that I really like their vibes and genre of music (rap in our local dialect). We keep learning everyday, we never stop. I sincerely celebrate every gospel artiste out there who is making JESUS proud.

What challenges do gospel artistes face in Nigeria?

Well, I can’t speak for everyone. Hence, I will give a generic answer. Finance is one. To have a world-class musical production, that is, total the package from PR, down to branding, marketing, etc. This requires a lot of money. Secondly, support from our media houses in terms of playing our songs daily and not just on weekends, mainly on Sunday morning radio rotation. These are the two major things I would like to highlight here.

Tell us about your family life?

I am blessed and happy because I am married to my childhood friend turned best friend. We both are very passionate about fulfilling our God given purpose. We are blessed with three wonderful children.

Where do we see Ewoma in the next few years?

Ewoma will be using the various platforms God has given to her to give hope, inspire lives both locally and on the global sphere. She would have won a Grammy Award, touring round the nations with the message of hope and making God proud.

Apart from Music and Movies distribution, what else do you do?

IrunanonlineTVplatformcalledGetinspiredtv and our mission is to inspire people to live their best life with the numerous content that we share.

I also run a clothing line with my daughter called Rara Clothing.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Adekunle Gold Glows with Simi Adekunle Gold and wife, Simi inspire a great deal and have garnered a large number of admirers for this. The music twosomes, who are expecting their first child, have been dishing out pre-natal photographs after photographs, to inspire couple and potential couples.

This striking photo they posted this week got many talking in the social media.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍťËœ 2020

AUTO

Luxury is in the back seat of the Rolls-Royce Phantom

Rolls-Royce Reects on Unique 116-Year History Stories by Bennett Oghifo

R

olls-Royce Motor Cars records another chapter in its long story this week. It was on this day in 1904 that The Hon Charles Rolls first met Henry Royce at the Midland Hotel, Manchester – an encounter after which the motor car, and the world of luxury, would never be the same again.

It is with a fitting sense of historical symmetry that production resumes at the Home of Rolls-Royce on 4th May, the anniversary of Rolls first declaring of Royce, “I have met the greatest engineer in the World.�

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Lagos owned by Coscharis Motors Plc is the exclusive franchise

owner for Rolls-Royce vehicles sales and services in Nigeria.Itcurrentlyhasshowroomsandworkshops located both in Lagos and Abuja.

Astatement by General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, quoted Rolls-Royce to have said together, Rolls and Royce shared a vision to make the future of motoring extraordinary. Henry Royce, an engineer, had a desire for perfection and an innate work ethic that later became the pillar of Rolls-Royce philosophy; “Take the best that exists and make it better.�

Charles Rolls, an aristocrat, was an accomplished motorist, experienced in selling imported foreign motor cars. His business partner, Claude Johnson, stepped into the role of Managing Director of Rolls and Royce’s venture and expanded the fledgling

company’s reputation.

The company they founded has faced extraordinary challenges and difficulties throughout its 116-year history. Though still in its infancy, RollsRoyce endured in 1918 when the greatest pandemic of the 20th Century, Spanish Flu, swept the world.

Adecade later, it again stood firm when the Great Depression laid waste to the global economy. Over the years that followed, Rolls-Royce has withstood the shocks of economic and political crises at home and overseas, embodying calm and constancy in a tumultuous, uncertain world.

In its more recent history, the company weathered the financial crash of 2008 and came out the other side more resilient and determined than ever. The marque has always risen to every challenge with ingenuity, commitment, courage and solidarity, so

while Covid-19 is possibly the biggest test RollsRoyce has ever faced, it’s certainly not the first.

For the current generation of the Rolls-Royce family, working from home has been a new experience. For Sir Henry Royce, however, it was entirely normal. Indeed, some of his most influential designs were produced in the private studio he maintained at his home – Elmstead – at West Wittering, just eight miles from the present-day manufacturing plant and global Head Office.

Royce clearly found inspiration and creative energy in the peace, quiet and solitude that working away from the bustle of the office and factory provided. Famously, while walking on the nearby beach one day, he sketched the initial design for the R-series aero engine in the sand with his walking-stick.

Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations Reports Retail Sales

J

aguar Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations division has said it retailed more than 9,500 high-performance and luxury SV products in Fiscal 2019/20, up 64% on Fiscal 2018/19.

Extremely strong demand for all seven SV vehicles has driven this growth, including the long-wheelbase Range Rover SVAutobiography, which offers airline-style Executive Class seating, and the driver-focused 416kW Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic, the automaker said in a statement.

The 423kW Range Rover Sport SVR remains the best-selling SV model, with demand continuing to grow through its fifth year of production, while launches of the 405kW Jaguar F-PACE SVR and Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic – which both saw deliveries starting in 2019 – made significant contributions to the overall numbers.

Michael van der Sande, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations, said: “Despite a challenging sales environment for the automotive industry as a whole, we’re delighted that the demand for Jaguar and Land Rover SV products continues to grow strongly, just five years after the division was first launched. We currently have our broadest-ever range of models offering enhanced performance and luxury, each with its own distinctive

personality that resonates with our customers.�

This increase in retail sales has been supported by the roll-out of SV Specialist Centres in key markets and the establishment of dedicated SV areas at retailers including the new Jaguar Land Rover Statement Site in Munich, Germany.

These retailers are trained to meet the exacting needs of SV’s customer base and deliver the premium service expected from SV, including personalisation requests. SV Specialist Centres have already launched at 100 retailer sites globally, with more to follow.

Richard Gouverneur, Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover South Africa and sub-Sahara Africa, said:“While focussing on satisfying demand for existing SV vehicles, we’ve also simultaneously expanded the portfolio with new models such as the Jaguar F-PACE SVR and Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic which have both proven extremely popular throughout Africa.�

Special Vehicle Operations’ SV Bespoke department – tailoring paint colour and finish, interior and exterior trim choices to create truly individual vehicles for customers – has also seen 20 per cent growth in bespoke commissions and Premium Palette paint finishes for a selection of Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles.

Jaguar Land Rover

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Taiwo Awoniyi

23.05.2020

Dreams Anfield Return

NEWS

SPECIAL GOAL PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Taiwo Awoniyi

Dreams Anfield Return Taiwo Awoniyi

In spite of having been loaned six times- Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Mouscron twice, KAA Gent and now Mainz,Taiwo Adeniyi still has the conviction that a return to his parent club, Liverpool is not far away after scoring his first goal for Mainz on the return of the Bundesliga last weekend

T

aiwoAwoniyi scored his first goal for Mainz last weekend when the Bundesliga returned, and despite his lack of game time is hoping Liverpool are impressed with his progress.

The Nigerian signed a new long-term contract with the Reds in 2018 but despite his continued association with the club he is yet to feature in any capacity.

An unfortunate injury ruled him out of a planned stint of pre-season training with the first team last summer, before he embarked on a season-long loan spell with Mainz—his fifth such deal since joining in 2015.

Though he made the switch on the advice of Jurgen Klopp,Awoniyi has struggled for minutes at the Opel Arena, but scored his first goal for the club in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Koln.

That came off the bench, and his 34-minute outing was the third-longest of his seven appearances for Mainz so far, but he believes he has improved on loan nonetheless.

And speaking to Liverpool’s official website, the striker outlined his hopes that he could catch the eye of Klopp and his backroom staff ahead of a return to Merseyside at the end of the season.

“Even without playing for a while, coming in on Sunday just really shows I’ve really improved since coming to Germany,” he claimed.

“That’s the goal with being on loan.

“Even when you are not playing, you just have to be ready and keep on improving yourself and wait for your time as well.

“I don’t think I’m the same player as I was in the last few years. I personally have seen improvement in my game and I believe most Liverpool coaches have seen that as well.

“I just have to be prepared to improve myself and work on my weak points as well. When I’m back at LFC, I hope they will see that.”

There is a clear caveat when it comes to any objectives Awoniyi sets out at Anfield, in that he is yet to qualify for a UK work permit.

As much as his spell with Mainz was designed to develop him as a player, the hope will have also

been that he would play enough games—and garner enough international recognition—to grant eligibility.

As it stands, he finds himself in a similar position toAllan Rodrigues, the Brazilian midfielder who joined from Internacional in the same summer of 2015.

Allan spent five seasons out on loan, with SJK, Sint-Truiden, Hertha Berlin, Apollon Limassol, Eintracht Frankfurt and finally Fluminense, only tallying more than 20 appearances with the latter.

Eventually, with his contract due to expire, Liverpool cut their losses and agreed on a permanent £3.2 million deal with Atletico Mineiro in January.

This could be the way Awoniyi is heading, but to remain optimistic, perhaps Klopp’s focus on Mainz will see him show enough to prompt a prolonged effort with his Reds career.

It’s been a long time coming, but Awoniyi finally scored his first goal in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The Nigerian U-23 international was a secondhalf substitute for Mainz and he helped to spark their comeback into action, with the club fighting back from two goals down to rescue a crucial point away at FC Köln.

Awoniyi’s strike was simple enough, finishing off an impressive team move by racing onto a cross at the near post to find a way past Timo Horn, but it was a statement from the 22-year-old ahead of his summer return to Liverpool.

Even when he was brought off the bench against Köln, Awoniyi predominantly played out wide on the right-wing, although he took it upon himself to move into a central position in the build-up to his first Mainz goal - exactly one year after his last goal, which came during a loan spell at Royal Excel Mouscron.

Awoniyi certainly didn’t have enough time to leave a lasting impact on the match against Köln, but it was a small insight into what life could be like for the 22-year-old next season, when he returns to finally make an impact at his parent club Liverpool.

There’s little point in trying to work out exactly

howAwoniyi could impact Jürgen Klopp’s starting XI –Roberto Firmino might have a thing or two to say about that - but his cameo appearance against Köln showed promise of what he could bring as Liverpool’s new impact substitute, with expensive new arrivals atAnfield looking unlikely.

Xherdan Shaqiri should be on his way out of Anfield at the end of the season, while Divoc Origi might also fancy more regular first-team football elsewhere, but Awoniyi’s arrival would make things an awful lot easier for Liverpool to adapt.

The Nigerian probably has a slight edge over Origi as far as athleticism is concerned, something that has been important for Liverpool’s current super-sub both in the Premier League and Champions League over the last few seasons.

Like Origi, Awoniyi has shown he’s just as happy when it comes to running in behind defences as he is holding the ball up with his back to goal, able to go toe to toe with Köln’s Sebastiaan Bornauw and Noah Katterbach from a physical standpoint.

Things will need to improve even more if Awoniyi wants to be able to cope physically in the Premier League, but that’s something which will only come if he gets enough exposure to English defences under Klopp next season.

Productivity has never been an issue for Awoniyi. He was directly involved in 14 goals in 16 games at Royal Excel Mouscron, and although that won’t directly transfer over to the Premier League, Liverpool fans should be confident their new back-up striker will be just as prolific as Origi.

Players moving to the Premier League for the first time from abroad always need time to get up to speed, even more so in a system like Klopp’s, and although many will be guessing if he’ll sink or swim, Awoniyi has all the attributes to be a success as (at the very least) a squad player at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Awoniyi has said Klopp’s impact at Liverpool was similar to what he is seeing at Mainz 05.

Awoniyi joined the Bundesliga outfit on a season-long loan last summer after finding it difficult to break into Klopp’s team at Anfield.

Despite his distance from Liverpool, the Nigerian youth international disclosed the influence of the Reds’ manager at Mainz, where he spent 18 years as a player and a coach.

“He’s more than a legend here. Everyone is so grateful for all he achieved for the club,” Awoniyi told the Liverpool website.

“The love they have for him at the club is unexplainable.

“When I came to the club, I was seeing a lot of stuff that I’ve seen in Liverpool as well. I believe it’s just more of the same impact and the same process.

“I believe they are still living on the legacy.”

Upon his return to football on Sunday after the Coronavirus lockdown in Germany, the 22-yearold forward broke his Bundesliga duck on his seventh appearance as the O-Fivers grabbed a 2-2 draw against Koln.

The move to Mainz 05 isAwoniyi’s sixth loan spell away since he signed for Liverpool in 2015 and he revealed regular playing time makes him forget his worries.

“I would say when I’m playing football I forget a lot of problems,” he continued.

“AsaboycomingfromAfrica,even sometimes when you have nothing to kick, once you have the ball, you forget about most of your worries and you just keep on kicking. I think that was what happened on Sunday.

“Our focus was on getting the goals and equalising,whichiswhathappenedinthegame.”

Awoniyi believes he has developed his game inAchim Beierlorzer’s side further improvement could earn him a place in Klopp’s squad.

“Coming here is just to make myself better. Even without playing for a while, coming in on Sunday just really shows I’ve really improved since coming to Germany. That’s the goal with being on loan,” he added. “Even when you are not playing, you just have to be ready and keep on improving yourself and wait for your time as well.

“I don’t think I’m the same player as I was in the last few years. I personally have seen improvement in my game and I believe most Liverpool coaches have seen that as well.

“I just have to be prepared to improve myself andworkonmyweakpointsaswell.WhenI’mback atLFC,Ihopetheywillseethat.”

AwoniyiwillbehopingtohelpMainz05returnto winningwayswhentheyhostRBLeipzigfortheirnext BundesligafixtureonSunday.

Theyare15thontheleague table with 27 points from 26 games, four points above the relegation zone.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ndidi with his bundle of joy

Wilfred Ndidi

Scores Special Goal

Super Eagles midfielder and Leicester City of England star, Wilfred Ndidi has won many accolades in his blossoming football career - from the best tackler in the Premier League to being rated by FIFA and listed in CAF XI, but none of these has warmed his heart than welcoming his first child - a baby girl. It was a special goal for Ndidi

N

didi last week announced the arrival of his first child with wife Dinma.

The Leicester City star disclosed that the adorable baby girl had been named Jaina as he posted of himself carrying the jewel on his Instagram handle. Ndidi branded himself as the most fortunate man in the world after marrying long term girlfriend Dinma in Abuja last year.

And just about 12 months, later, the love birds have welcomed their first child. “I’m fortunate to know that God is gracious – Jaina,” he captioned the post while carrying the baby. He was also pictured leaving the hospital alongside his wife. Many of Ndidi’s team-mates in the Super Eagles have taken time to congratulate the 23-year-old including John Ogu, Alex Iwobi and fellow Leicester team-mate and compatriot Kelechi Iheanacho.

“Congrats bro, welcome to the club,” Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo wrote, while other colleagues including Ogenyi Onazi, Kenneth Omeruo, Shehu Abdullahi, Ahmed Musa, Victor Osimhen as well as Super Falcons’ Asisat Oshoala were among the first to congratulate the star.

After the end of the 2018/2019 Premier League campaign with Leicester City, Ndidi flew to Abuja where he and his girlfriend

tied the knot. It started with a traditional ceremony on May 23, which held at the Ibeto Hotel event centre at the Gudu District of Abuja.

With a host of his national teammates and friends still on club duties, Kelechi Iheanacho was the only Super Eagles player in attendance at the traditional wedding.

Super Eagles great, Kanu Nwankwo and several Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials were also in attendance.

On Saturday, May 25, the couple completed their nuptial with a white wedding which started with a church service at the National Ecumenical Centre in the central business district in Abuja and ended with a reception at the Pitchvine Marquee Wedding and Event Centre at the Cadastral Zone in Wuye, Abuja.

Ndidi’s best man for his big day was childhood friend Collins Igbobi while his groomsmen included Iheanacho, Israel Adelaja who is the CEO of Cretentive Media, England-based Nigerian musician EBS, Don Daniel, a friend who is based in England, Chris, another friend who is based in Belgium and Mr. Theo, also a very good friend of the Leicester City midfielder.

Premier League star Isaac Success was in attendance alongside Nigerian coach Manu Garba.

Wives and Girlfriends (WAGS) of the Super Eagles were represented by Odion Ighalo’s wife Sonia and Henry Onyekuru’s partner.

Other notable personalities that attended the white wedding include, Larry Gaaga, actor Mike Ezuruonye while comedian Funnybone was the MC. Wilfred Ndidi, however, had little time for his honeymoon with his wife as he joined Super Eagles camp on June 2 for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Ndidi and Fortune, a medical student have known each other since they were teenagers and have been dating for a couple of years.

So far this season and even since the Nigerian joinedPremierLeaguesideLeicesterCity,Ndidi has been one of the best midfielders in the English topflight. And according to the report

by Calciomercato, Juventus have identified Ndidi as the ideal man who will be of good help in their squad.

“The Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi would have ended up in the sights of the Turin leadership. In this season the Nigerian has collected a total of 2224 minutes scoring two goals and one winning assist,” the website stated.

Meanwhile, Ndidi has reiterated his commitment to Leicester city, saying he was enjoying himself with the Premier League club.

The Nigerian international who has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the English top-flight, has delivered a consistent high level of performance since joining the Foxes from Genk in 2017.

His form has seen him linked to Premier League rivalsArsenal and Manchester United, but he is under contract at the King Power Stadium until 2024 and has no plans to move.

“We are doing well and I am enjoying myself here. I still have a contract with Leicester,” Ndidi said.

The Super Eagles star has made 29 appearances across all competitions for the Foxes this season despite suffering from the occasional injury problem.

His form has been a key element of Leicester sitting third in the table prior to the Coronavirus-enforced break in the campaign, but the 23-year-old feels manager Brendan Rodgers is the decisive factor in the team’s success this term.

“It’s the Brendan Rodgers effect,” he said.

“With him, it is not just about the 11 players and subs. Even the players in the Under-23s, he carries everybody along.

“So there is always space for anybody to fill in and to play. He is that kind of coach that always believes in the squad and not just one player. The main thing is the squad, the squad comes first.

“That is why we are doing very well, because we understand that we must always try our best. Where we are is because we work hard and try to improve all.”

Ndidi also praised the influence that Rodgers has had on him individually, adding: “No disrespect to other managers but kudos to Brendan Rodgers. He has done a lot of work on me. I remember the Chelsea game when Mason Mount took the ball from me and scored? That day made me a better player.

“The manager and the staff spoke to me. They made me understand what to do better and made me take it as a habit to do certain things, but he encouraged me to continue to play my game.

“The fact that he trusts and tries to improve the players is one thing. It is very difficult for a manager to come in and then dedicate himself to improving players, getting regular one-on-one meetings with players to help them make improvements.

“This is professional football, some teams won’t have that time for you to do all that.

Everybody just focused on the business, they’re paying you for it and expect you to do the work. But Rodgers is different, very different.”

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER R-L:

Peter Mgbeahuru, Chairman of the COVID-19 donation committee; Secretary General, Ayokunle Jimoh; Vice President, Igho Okor; Mr. Akinola Oyebola, the Warehouse Manager, LCC General Manager, John

chukwueze

Ighalo Admits First Eagles Call up was Shocking Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo has confessed that he did not envisage that he would be called up to the Super Eagles for their international friendlies against Uganda and South Africa back in 2015 because he was playing for a Championship team, Watford.

Despite playing in the strongest league in the world, La Liga for three consecutive seasons, Ighalo was consistently overlooked for national team selection until his move to Watford, where his outstanding performances put him in the spotlight.

“Why I didn’t believe then is because I played three years in the Spanish La Liga with big boys, I wasn’t invited to the national team,” Ighalo said to Offline Utmostt Review.

“Then I came to Watford when they were in the Championship and you’re telling me I am going to be invited. I

was not bothered because they didn’t invite me when I was in La Liga.”

Ighalo struggled for game time during his spell at Udinese, managing only five appearances before ending his association with the Italian Serie A club.

The former Lyn Oslo starlet argued that he had to accept to join third-tier Granada on loan because he found it difficult breaking into the Bianconeri starting lineup due to the presence of more experienced strikers in the squad such as Alexis Sánchez, Simone Pepe, Fabio Quagliarella,Antonio Floro Flores and Antonio Di Natale.

“Udinese came for me and two other teams in Netherlands and Russia. My first season in Udinese was not easy because we had the likes of Di Natalle, Fabio Quagliarella, Floro Flores, Simone Pepe, Alexis Sanchez, we all played in Udinese together back then 2008-2009.

It was not easy I was not playing much.

“I had to go on loan to Granada and they were in Segunda B, when they proposed the loan to me I said I wasn’t going, how would I leave the Italian Serie A for third division.

“Sometimes in life if things are not going well for you, you have to make one, two steps backwards then three upwards, that’s what I learnt about life.

“I was reluctant to go but I went, I did well, scored goals and helped the team gain promotion to Segunda Division.

“I didn’t want to play in the Segunda Division, I got a loan to Cesena in Italy, I played there six months and I said Italian league is not for me, things did not go well.

“I went back to Spain again in Granada then played six months, I even scored the goals that brought us to the La Liga and played in La Liga for three years,” Ighalo concluded.

Caf, NFF, La Liga, Villarreal Celebrate Chukwueze at 21 The Confederation of African Football (Caf), the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), La Liga and Villarreal have celebrated with Samuel Chukwueze on his birthday.

Congratulatory messages have poured in for the Super Eagles winger from wellwishers and his club on his 21st birthday.

Chukwueze has continued to make a key contribution for both club and country and his impacts been praised.

The forward joined Villarreal’s youth team from Diamond Football Academy in 2017, having also played for Future Hope and New Generation Academy

in Nigeria.

Barely a year with the Yellow Submarine’s youth set-up, he was promoted to the first team and has continued to deliver eye-catching displays.

Chukwueze has played 52 league games for the Estadio de la Ceramica outfit and this season he has scored four goals and provided four assists to help them to their present eighth spot on the table.

On the international scene, the forward was a member of the Nigerian team that won the U17 World Cup in 2015 in Chile,

Joshua’s Absolute Focus on Fighting Pulev in UK Anthony Joshua’s “absolute focus” is still on a homecoming world title fight against Kubrat Pulev, unless the UK option is “taken out of our hands”, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

The Matchroom Boxing boss has confirmed Joshua will make one defence of his WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight titles this year against IBF mandatory challenger Pulev, which is unlikely to be staged before the end of September.

Hearn told Sky Sports: “Wouldn’t it be great to come through all this and stage a world heavyweight title fight in the UK this year. For us,

that is the absolute focus and if that’s taken out of our hands, we will look at other options around the world.

“Croatia is a potential option at this stage and just a part of wider discussions.

Given the current uncertainty, I would expect to see him in the ring again end of September at the earliest, but more likely October or November as the restrictions hopefully start to ease.”

Pulev’s manager Ivalyo Gotsev is keen to stage the fight at the end ofAugust and revealed that he has secured financial backing and a date at Pula Arena, a Roman Amphitheatre in Croatia.

whereheshone,clinchingtheBronzeBoot award among other individual prizes.

Since he made his debut for the Super Eagles, he has become a consistent performer and was part of Gernot Rohr’s men that finished third in the 2019Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Chukwueze recently rejoined Villarreal in training ahead of the restart of La Liga which has been put on hold since mid-March due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The winger, dubbed ‘Arjen Robben’ will hope to continue his top-notch displays when the league resumes.

Covid 19: Lagos Country Club Donates Food Items to Lagos Govt As part of support towards the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, leading sports club, the Lagos Country Club, Thursday donated food items serving as palliatives for residents to the Lagos State Government.

Lagos Country Club Vicepresident Igho Okor, who led some members of the club to make the donation which took place at Lagos State warehouse, off Oba Akran Avenue, Ikeja, said the gesture showed that they were with the government be it in good or challenging time.

The food items are 40 bags of rice, 40 bags of beans, 100 cartons of noodles and 100 packs of spaghetti. They

were received on behalf of the state by Akinola Oyebola, an Assistant Director, Ministry of Agriculture.

“Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has proven to be a reliable leader in times of crisis and has given hope to the entire citizen of Lagos State with his approach in the war against Covid-19,” Okor said.

The club, while commending the entire cabinet of the state, pointed out that the high number of coronavirus patients that the state had successfully treated was an affirmation of its proactive approach adding that posterity would be kind to the Sanwo-Olu administration.

Sports is Life which can’t be Lived without, Says Oghomienor In spite of the global pandemic which has not spared any sector of life globally and with high profile sports fiestas put on hold or postponed, men, women and children are still seen either walking, running and jogging to keep fit, especially in the street of big cities.

According to the team leader of Blaugrana Sports Group International, Leslie Oghomienor, in a teleconference with the media, though spaces designed for specific sport purposes were highly appreciated, unknowingly to many people in every space was a good ground for one form of sporting activity.

“Most people of the world now walk as a form of exercise each day to prove that sports is life. Look around and you will experience this very simple grandeur phenomenon, that we ignore,” Oghomienor said.

Reacting to the preparation of some countries to resume football event, he said, it is quite certain that the clubs and countries involved, aside abiding with the guidelines of WHO and FIFA, must have put tested plans, competent medical team, with the necessary equipment, and sustainable structures on ground to give them the boldness and courage to want to continue in their trade, which to me is like breathing, which in the absence of it no life existence. However, they are not also ignorant of the fact that life is irreplaceable.

“Even in real war situation, we have seen and read about instances where sporting event like football is organised between the conflict parties. Aside, that it is good for the physical therapy of those involved, it is an element for peace and well-being of humanity,” he explained.

He stated further that people should be taught to know that sports was not all about competing in the Olympics or World Cup, but a good way to live life better.

“Life is not all about victory, but being able to take full responsibility for one’s own actions and bear the consequences of our actions. Therefore, the best way to lead as a legend, as we strive to make out of our children in Barca Academy Group Nigeria, is to use tested, good examples as our models and modules. That way our future is secured. For they are the reason we are evolving in the very best way possible,” he stressed.

He however frowned at the way sports men like Sam Okwaraji, Rashidi Jekini, Steven Keshi and a host of others were treated by the same country they served.

Though he appreciated the Delta State Government for naming the state stadium in Asaba after Steven Keshi, he sees nothing wrong if the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, is named after Sam Okwaraji.

As federal government named the National Stadium Abuja, Moshod Abiola Stadium, he called on the Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, to make the recommendation of naming the country’s stadium in Lagos, after Okwaraji who paid the supreme price serving his country like good soldiers in the trenches right now.

He sincerely welcomed the initiative of the current Sports Minister in reaching out to the mother of Okwaraji.

He also called for strong support medical facilities and well qualified professional hands during league matches and national sports festivals. According to him, this should not be compromised in any way to protect and save the lives of sports men and women.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 23, 2020

31

INTERVIEW Adegbenro: Buhari’s Efforts against COVID-19 Shouldn’t be Sabotaged Philanthropist, founder and financier of Otunba Adejare AdegbenroFoundation(OAAF),OtunbaAdejareAdegbenro,in recent interview with select journalists, said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to save the nation’s economy from going completely comatose should not be sabotaged, among other issues. Charles Ajunwa brings excerpts

Y

ou are advocating Herd Immunity Strategy on the fight against COVID-19. What’s it all about?

By Herd Immunity Strategy, the virus will kill the weakest in the society while the strongest will develop immunity against the virus. That is what Sweden is doing and Nigeria has just adopted that model. People will contract the virus, they will either die or recover but the economy will keep going and the rest of the people will eventually develop immunity against it. It clearly indicates that his administration has adopted a method known as Herd Immunity Strategy that would threaten the life of the most vulnerable people in the society while the stronger ones will survive.

This is, regrettably, our new reality and if I was in Buhari’s shoes, I would adopt same method.

Can this Herd Immunity Strategy work in Nigeria?

Well, the President has done his best and his efforts should not be sabotaged.

He has given directives and also released funds to various agencies of government to combat this deadly virus. So, the government must remain transparent and accountable to the public. We need to know how the funds and donations by charity organisations across the world to Nigeria’s government are utilised. We need a website to track information on the utilisation of the funds and what they are being used for. How many hospitals are being built? How long are people going to stay in the isolation centres? The government must, as a matter of urgency, begin to revamp our health system.

The Governor of Lagos State has been on the frontline in this battle against COVID-19 and has done tremendously great. Also the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun is personally supervising all the donations and distribution of the palliatives and ensuring that they get to the appropriate quarters.

I will not fail to mention the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), who is working tirelessly to ensure that the nation’s Capital City is safe and people stay at home. Former Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State has also contributed immensely to fight COVID-19 in Ogun State.

How can the method help the economy to bounce back?

President Buhari knows his onion. His resolve to adopt the strategy is okay by me because there will be no alternative way of fighting the virus again. And it does not make sense at this point to continue keeping the economy grounded in the face of glaring hunger and imminent job losses. Since Nigeria is not so rich to continue to shut down the economy and at the same time continue to feed the hungry citizens and having run out of options on how to tackle Coronavirus, Nigeria does not have any other alternative than to ease off the biting lockdown by adopting the Herd Immunity Strategy Model.

Adegbenro As a country, can we survive the COVID-19 pandemic going by its deadly nature?

To survive it, our strategy to move forwards against the deadly disease ravaging the whole world would remain only strict adherence to wearing of face masks and observing high level of hygienic conduct. My advice is that when you are going out from Monday, May 4, do all you can to make sure you will not be among the weak that will contract this Chinese disease and die. Protect yourselves. Work from home always if you can and build your immune system up. In my opinion, we must adopt the strategy of working within your locality.

For instance, if you are living in Ikoyi, you should work within Ikoyi. You cannot go to Ikeja to work. This will help us to track where and how to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Our mantra should be testing and testing the populace the same method they have adopted in Senegal, Ghana and other places. We must have testing or quarantine centres at the borders of our states and ensure all the drivers bringing food items are tested before entering the states.

Has your NGO rendered any help towards cushioning the effects of the lockdown on the masses?

The Foundation has been assisting the community with essential facilities like boreholes, free eyes test and treatment, feeding of the less-privilege among others. Furthermore, palliatives distribution still continues to the less-privileged people to cushion the effect of hardship and hunger by the lockdown against the spread of COVIC-19. And we have reached as far as Alake and Olowu places, as well as Ifo and Ewekoro Local Government areas of Ogun State. The distribution is a continuous process and it has got to the journalists and various Media Houses. Other aspects of life like education, health and financial assistance to the needy are integral aspects of the Foundation. It is a Non-Governmental and Non-Profitable organisation with a Director-General in charge.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Odigie-Oyegun on Edo APC Primary Election “The persons in the leadership of the party at the centre who are part of the contrived crisis in Edo State must not even remotely be allowed to plan, participate or supervise the primary election” – Former National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, clamouring for the exclusion of the party’s national leaders from Edo State’s governorship primary election.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

On May 16, 1960, A Writer was Born

F

ellow Nigerians, I started this story last week, May 16, 2020, the very day I turned 60. The story ended at the point Chief Moshood Abiola threw his hat in the ring, and picked up the nomination forms to contest the Presidential race under the ticket if the Social Democratic Party (SDP). I was naturally elated. I had always been of the firm belief that Nigeria would witness positive and sporadic changes the day the movers and shakers of the country allow one of our many brightest brains and visionary leaders to take power. Without any shade of doubt, Chief Moshood Abiola would have been such a perfect choice.

It is pertinent to quickly explain and describe what made Chief Abiola a perfect choice. Most leaders in Nigeria appeared more like sectional leaders and religious fundamentalists. Chief Abiola was an avowed Nationalist and, though a devout Muslim, he was very liberal and liberated. This was amply demonstrated in practical terms in his many businesses across the nation, and beyond. I was fortunate to have worked at the Concord newspapers from 1988 to 1990 and witnessed first hand how the Yoruba generalissimo, Aare Ona Kakanfo Abiola, clearly reflected the spirit and content of federal character, freedom of worship and association in the employment of his numerous staff.

Chief Abiola’s sudden foray into politics thus forced to follow him, naturally, and I instantly became one of media aides. I was one of the few, including Dele Alake, Segun Babatope and Tunji Bello, who had direct access to him but worked more on the media with his wife and Managing Director of Concord newspapers, Dr Hamidat Doyinsola Abiola. His wives, Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Chief Mrs Adebisi Abiola and others were assigned roles and this helped to reach out to differe parts of the country more readily.

Chief Abiola liked to work in multiple layers.

His strategy was to open a strictly political office on Opebi Road, while members of the inner causes operated in his expansive home. He decentralized everything. His first son, Abdul-Lateef Kolawole Abiola, coordinated a chunk of the highly technical and tedious operations from his home then at Anthony Village. Fortunately, Chief Abiola had introduced Kola and a few of his siblings to high level contacts early in life. This would proof useful and beneficial. Chief Abiola’s ownership of Concord Airlines, and in particular the purchase of a BAC 1-11 private jet, made it easier for him to crisscross the nation in a jiffy.

The first major task was how to win the primary election and secure the party ticket.

This was definitely not going to be easy because the party Chairman, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe was in the race. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Chief Reuben Famuyibo were also in the race. We had less than two months to achieve the near-impossible at the SDP convention in Jos. Structures were set up for mobilizations, funding, media, security, transport, logistics and so on. To cut a long story short, Chief Abiola became the SDP flagbearer after a lot of negotiations and supposed horse-trading with party apparatchik including Retired Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, at the home of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande in Jos. Kola Abiola had to fly in Yar’Adua who was able to persuade Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to suspend

Dele and Mobolaji Momodu

his own ambition. The SDP Governors wanted Babagana Kingibe but they were later softened

by Chief Abiola.

We returned to Lagos after the primaries and went straight into action. I will not bore you with details but it was obvious Chief was way ahead of his opponent Alhaji Bashir Tofa. This became absolutely apparent during one of the best Presidential debates ever organized by the Nigerian Television Authority at Victoria Island, Lagos. The election proper was slated for June 12, 1993. We worked so hard and I knew our candidate would win. And he did, resoundingly!

Ironically, I was not in Nigeria on June 12, 1993. Chief Abiola had sent me on a special mission to Vienna where Chief Abdul-Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi (SAN) was receiving the Bruno Kreisky Awards for Human rights.

Before I departed Nigeria to London on June 9, I had attended the launch of the book, Legend of Our Time: The Thoughts of M.K.O Abiola, edited by Yemi Ogunbiyi and Chidi Amuta. I boarded my flight that night and landed Gatwick Airport on June 10 from where I connected to Vienna. Chief Fawehinmi was stunned when I suddenly appeared to him. “No, this can’t be Dele, it must be his apparition!” he said in his booming voice.

We hugged and exchanged banters. Chief Fawehinmi had, uncharacteristically, attended my wedding ceremony in Ijebu Igbo, Ogun State, on December 19, 1992, as a mark of special bond between us. This Vienna trip was a perfect “retaliation.” I delivered Chief Abiola’s congratulatory letter to him and he was full of gratitude.

The award ceremony took place on June 11, 1993, and I departed Vienna to London on June 12. I was anxious to know how the elections were going on back home as there was no social media then to provide instant communications. There were rumors that some uncharitable and retrograde organisation known as Association of Better Nigeria (ABN) had filed a suit at a High Court and a Judge sitting in the middle of night had awarded them an injunction stopping the election. But the election held as scheduled. It must be noted that it turned out to be the best and fairest election ever held in our dear beloved country.

Not a single case of violence anywhere.

On June 13, I managed to put a call through to the Concord newsroom in Nigeria where it was confirmed that Chairman, as we called Chief Abiola was coasting home to victory. My excitement knew no bounds. On Monday, June 14, 1993, I was able to reach Nduka Obaigbena by phone. He said he’s been trying to reach me frantically because, as put it, “seems your man is winning but he needs to reach his friend Babangida urgently because he might be stopped for taking power!” I found his message strange and incomprehensible. How can a man work so hard to win an election and he would be deprived of his victory and glory. It was odd and inconceivable, to say the least, I kept soliloquizing!

Chief Gani Fawehinmi arrived London from Vienna that day and when we spoke, we agreed to return to Nigeria on June 16, 1993. I told Chief what Nduka had told me but he also dismissed it as unfounded rumor and impossible action. That put my mind at rest. I did not make any effort to reach Chief Abiola in Lagos. Unknown to be, Nduka had delivered the same message to Dr Doyin Abiola but I’m not sure if she found the information worthy of telling her husband. In retrospect,

I wonder if Chief Abiola’s prompt reaction and intervention may have changed the course of events.

Chief Fawehinmi and I boarded our flight to Lagos from Gatwick Airport. It was there we got the report of possible hanky-panky ongoing in Nigeria. By the time we landed in Lagos, human rights activists like Beeko Ransome-Kuti, Femi Falana and others were already waiting to join forces with Fawehinmi to mount pressure on the recalcitrant military government that seemed unwilling to conclude the beautiful democratic process for whatever reasons. Again, no one knows what the role of negotiations and persuasions could have played in resolving the logjam at that stage.

Most of us believed we could force the military to rescind whatever nefarious intentions they planned to execute.

We chose to confront Babangida and his goons. The wonderful election was annulled.

It was my first time of seeing that word, annulment, in the lexicon. I was soon caught up in the crossfire and arrested by the end of July 1993 and dumped inside a detention dungeon at Alagbon Close in Ikoyi. That’s another story for another day. I was in detention when a Chief Abiola disappeared and escaped from Nigeria in his private jet. I was very excited that he left because I didn’t want him to get hurt. From abroad, the battle raged on and neither side was ready to blink first. It went on till President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida announced his sudden departure, which he called “stepping aside”, while announcing an Interim Government to be headed by former Chairman of UAC Nigeria, Chief Ernest ‘Degunle Shonekan.

The emergence of Chief Shonekan, who did not contest election, as the new leader of Nigeria, was somehow strange and bizarre.

This further enraged and infuriated Chief Abiola. What was worse, both Chiefs were from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Chief Abiola was advised to return home. I’m sure he was tricked by members of the Abacha group who were already at an advanced stage of coup plotting but desperately needed Chief Abiola’s tacit endorsement for legitimacy!... (to be continued)

A Zoom Party that Rocked the World I had planned to celebrate my 60th birthday with my family and a few friends at home in London. Thereafter, the grand finale would shift to Lagos for a mother of all parties on May 31, 2020. But man can only propose while God would dispose. COVID-19 sneaked in, like a thief in the night, and all my plans froze ramrod! By the middle of April, reality had dawned on me and I was already dismantling my ambitious plans.

Meanwhile, friends kept asking me about what to do. Most of them truly wanted to party hard. March/April, I was supposed to traverse London, Portugal, Brazil and Turkey, attending events, as usual, but everything changed at the speed of light. And I have been stranded in Lagos ever since!

About a week to D-Day, I got a call from Ayo Animashaun, Chairman of Hip Tv and he told me he and a few of protégés had decided we must have a zoom party. He laid bare their elaborate plans and I was wowed!

Last Saturday, dreams turned to reality as we hosted what’s probably the biggest virtual party yet out of Africa. In total, over 1,400 guests cumulatively attended the extraordinary celebration that trended in several continents.

The event was broadcast live in over 40 African countries by Hip Tv as well as on social media platforms to a global audience.

I’m eternally grateful to too many people to mention here. But I must single out President Muhammadu Buhari for his powerful congratulatory message. The video message from the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo trended endlessly. The Vice President of Liberia, Mrs Jewel Howard-Taylor, sent a beautiful video. Former President Ibrahim Babangida surprised everyone when he appeared on the zoom party and spoke so eloquently. Former President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana spoke from the heart.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu wowed the celebrant and his guests

with a beautiful speech live from his office.

Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State called in during the event. The Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, spoke about his friend from way back. Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi and her husband, Dr Ademuyiwa Ajayi, poured Encomium son a man who has become more of a member of family. Thisday Publisher, Prince Nduka Obaigbena officiated the cutting of the cake.

UBA Chairman, Dr Tony Elumelu, proposed the toast. A special service was organized by Trinity House led by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo.

Prayers were offered by Pastor Sola Fola-Alade from London, Pastor Afolabi Ghandi OLAOYE from USA. Goodwill messages poured in from different parts of the world. Pastor Tunde Bakare was full of appreciation for the healthy relationship between him and his younger friend and Brother. Chief Oyekunle ALEXDuduyemi, Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey were elder statesmen at the party.

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com