SATURDAY 30TH MAY 2020

15 Former African Presidents Back Adesina, Urge US not to Distract Him Okonjo-Iweala: AfDB boss doing a great job, he’ll find a way through the squabble

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos Fifteen former African Presidents yesterday released a joint statement backing the

embattled President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, after the United States and several other European countries called for a fresh “impartial and independent”

probe of his affairs at the bank.

On the same day, the Board Chair of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance and former Managing Director of the World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said Adesina was doing a good

job at the AfDB and expressed optimism that he would find a way through the squabble.

The US Treasury Secretary had called for an independent investigation following allegations that Adesina

violated AfDB’s Code of Ethics, which he had strongly denied as fabrications and misinformation to disparage and discredit him.

The call by the United States and its partners for

an independent probe is also seen as going for the jugular of Adesina.

While calling for caution, the former African leaders told the United States Government Continued on page 5

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Bandits Sustain Attacks in Katsina, Kill 14, Tambuwal, El- Rufai Meet with Buhari Customs officer in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

This is coming as the Sokoto State Governor Aminu Bandits have again killed Waziri-Tambuwal and that of 14 people and kidnapped Kaduna State, Malam Nasir four others, including a el-Rufai, held a crucial meeting Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja, Francis Sardauna in Katsina and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa yesterday to discuss issues of banditry and insecurity in their states.

The hoodlums, who launched the fresh onslaughts on Ungwan Gizo, Sabon-

layin Galadima, Mai Gora and Mairuwa, according to residents, stormed the villages late on Thursday night.

A resident, Aliyu Lawal, who confirmed the development to THISDAY in Faskari yesterday, said

the armed bandits riding on motorcycles killed 14 people and injured six others in Ungwan Gizo.

Lawal said the miscreants also invaded Mairuwa village and kidnapped two people, forcing many residents to flee

their ancestral homes.

"The bandits numbering about 150 riding on motorcycles entered Ungwan Gizo and killed 13 and injured six people. They also Continued on page 5

Lai Mohammed: With Buhari’s Courageous Leadership, Nigeria on the Road to Greatness President: We’re poised to upstage Asia in manufacturing, close to $1 billion stolen by a junta in the 1990s PDP, Secondus punch holes in achievements Iyobosa Uwugiaren, Omololu Ogunmade and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, yesterday, took a holistic assessment of the Buhari administration in the last one year and concluded that President Muhammadu Buhari had been providing bold and courageous leadership and that the country “is marching surely and steadily to join the comity of great nations.”

But the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) fired back, saying that the five-year administration of President Buhari and the All Progress Congress (APC) had taken Nigeria 60 years backward.

On the same day, the President in an article published in Newsweek magazine on post-Coronavirus Africa, stated that the renewed infrastructural development in Nigeria and other subSaharan regions of Africa had positioned it to be the new global manufacturing hub in the post COVID-19 era.

Lai Mohammed spoke in Abuja at a press conference to mark the first anniversary (second term) of the Buhari administration.

The minister said though the President came to power on ‘change’ mantra, but that change was never easy and the birth of a new nation comes with pain.

Continued on page 5

Anguish, as Gunmen Kill Five at Cafeteria in Plateau... Page 14

FIVE YEARS OF ACTION...

Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and his wife, Dame Edith, during the thanksgiving service held at the Government House Chapel, Asaba, to mark Okowa’s five years in office …yesterday

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PAGE FIVE LAI MOHAMMED: WITH BUHARI’S COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP, NIGERIA ON THE ROAD TO “With the bold and Islamic Development Bank, will unrelenting in facing down the $1 billion Stolen from courageous leadership provided revolutionise our agriculture at canker worm of corruption.

Nigeria under a Junta by the President, Nigeria is scale,� he explained. marching surely and steadily to On power supply, the We’re Poised to Upstage in the 1990s join the comity of great nations. Minister of Information said Asia in Manufacturing, President Buhari also disclosed in Change is never easy, and the that top on the list was power, birth of a new nation comes or electricity, saying it would Post-Covid-19, Boasts his article that close to $1 billion was stolen from Nigeria “under with pain. be an “understatement� to say President “We thank Nigerians for their support and perseverance, and hereby reassure them of the administration's unrelenting commitment to making life more meaningful for the citizenry. “President Muhammadu Buhari was elected in 2015 on the strength of his promise of change.

Nigerians, who are satisfied with his performance, especially in the cardinal areas of fighting corruption, tackling insecurity and revamping the economy, overwhelmingly re-elected the President in 2019,� the federal government’s spokesman said.

In his message, “1st Anniversary (2nd term) of Buhari Administration: A Year of Momentous Change,� the minister added that one year later, the President was taking Nigeria to the “next Level of irreversible change for the better� and that the intractable power problem was finally being tackled in a way that would end poor power supply that had stunted Nigeria's socio-economic development.

According to him, “The days of unbridled massive importation of food are coming to an end, as Nigeria moves to become self-sufficient in major staples, especially rice. Thanks to the provision of many platforms and improved welfare, the Nigerian military is living up to the billing in tackling insurgency.�

Mohammed said as the President begins his second year of the second and last tenure, the stage was set for the implementation of the greatest agricultural revolution in the history of Nigeria. “The unprecedented approval by the Buhari administration to inject $1.2 billion in-kind loan into the agriculture sector through the government-to-government bilateral loan from Brazil, with support from Deutsche Bank and the Islamic Corporation for Insurance of Export Credit of the

that inadequate power supply, hallmarked by regular blackouts, had stifled Nigeria's economic development.

He claimed that it was perhaps the single most formidable obstacle to the country's economic development; but added that following an agreement with German company Siemens in July 2019 to boost power supply in Nigeria, the stage was set for the perennial power problem to become a thing of the past.

He added, “Under the threephase agreement, Nigerians will enjoy 7,000 megawatts of reliable power supply by the end of 2021 (phase 1), 11,000 megawatts by the end of 2023 (phase 2) and 25,000 megawatts in the third phase. “To put things in perspective, Nigeria's current power generation capacity is more than 13,000 megawatts, but only an average of 3,400 megawatts, reliably reach consumers.

Explaining what the administration had done to boost infrastructure development in the past years, the Minister further said the administration had embarked on a massive infrastructural renewal, the type of which the country had not witnessed since Nigeria's return to democratic rule in 1999.

He gave examples of the Second Niger Bridge, AbujaKano Expressway, the Owerri Interchange, Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Port HarcourtEnugu Expressway, and the commencement of road repairs in 92 locations across 24 states by the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA).

The minister further claimed that the fight against corruption, which he described as a “cardinal programme of the administration,� had continued unabated during the period under review, saying the leading anti-corruption agencies had been

Meanwhile, President Buhari yesterday stated that the renewed infrastructural development in Nigeria and other subSaharan regions of Africa had positioned it to be the new global manufacturing hub in the post COVID-19 era.

In an article he contributed to Newsweek magazine on postCoronavirus Africa, the President said Nigeria had established the first private oil refinery, which he described as one of the largest in the world, and thanked foreign countries that repatriated stolen funds to Nigeria for the rapid infrastructural provisions.

He said the story was the same with other African countries, describing sub-Sahara Africa as a more promising destination than Asia, North America and Europe in terms of the foreign direct investment inflow to the gross domestic product (GDP).

Buhari also noted that the position of Africa was not to contest with any world power or paly politics but merely to present the opportunity to contribute her own quota in solving global problems, especially with the youthful population of African countries.

He said as bright as that information looked, what was brighter was that Africa, which he described as the brightest manufacturing location, was not interested in geo-political competition.

He described Africa as "an opportunity," with no threat to anyone, assuring that in future, institutions such as African armies or continental airline would never be created.

He argued that the continent's drive was to grow its manufacturing prowess and not to showcase any strength but rather poised to position itself as partner in progress.

a previous, undemocratic junta in the 1990s�.

Although Buhari did not mention the name of late General Sani Sani Abacha directly, it was clear that he was referring to the dictator who presided over the nation between 1993 and 1998.

The Nigerian leader thanked countries that had returned the looted funds to Nigeria.

PDP: Buhari, APC Have Set Nigeria 60 Years Backward The opposition PDP yesterday said its review of the five-year administration of President Buhari and the ruling APC showed that they had taken Nigeria 60 years backward.

The National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, who stated this at a press conference in Abuja, added that in line with the assessments of majority of Nigerians, "Our party views the last five years of Buhari administration as wasteful and could at the best be described as the season of the locusts."

The PDP lamented that the Buhari-led APC government had turned the nation into a wasteland, devastated her economy, shattered the national dreams, crushed the hope of citizens and set the country backward.

The PDP further stated that the APC administration had reversed all the gains achieved by the PDP for which May 29 was always celebrated and left the country dejected and despondent.

According to the PDP, "Under President Buhari, May 29 has become a day of grieving for Nigerians; a day for commemoration of failed promises, reversal of gains achieved by past leaders and retrogression in our body polity as a nation.

GREATNESS "This administration has failed woefully in its three major governance planks of provision of security, economic recovery and fight against corruption."

The PDP said that in the last five years, the APC administration had done nothing but drive the nation along the precipices; reneged on all its campaign promises, ruined the productive sector, frustrated the farmers, manufacturers and small scale entrepreneurs, devalued the Naira, wrecked employment opportunities for the youth, turned the once prosperous nation into the poverty capital of the world, while accumulating huge foreign debts for this and future generation.

Under five years, it claimed, "President Buhari has borrowed from every corner of the world. These include external borrowing of $10.72 billion (N4.1 trillion) in 2015; $11.41 billion (N4.4 trillion) in 2016; $18.91 billion (N7.3 trillion) in 2017; $25.27 billion (N9.8 trillion) in 2018; $27.68 billion (N10.7 trillion) in 2019; as well as 2020 loans of $3.4 billion (N1.3 trillion) from IMF; $4.4 million (N1.594 billion) internal borrowing; $22.7 billion (N8.8 trillion) external loan and the recently yet to be approved $5.513 billion (N2.1 trillion) waiting before the National Assembly.�

According to the PDP, "Under the APC administration, insurgents, marauders and bandits, who have been pushed to the fringes under the PDP, have resurged and are now having field day ravaging communities and killing our compatriots while government continue in its lip service and empty condolence messages."

The party said that it was distressing that “instead of heeding wise counsel to accept failure and avoid making false performance claims, the Buhari Presidency just yesterday, released a list of recycled fictitious achievements, including very insensitive claim of having routed out bandits; even as marauders were pillaging communities and killing our compatriots in Sokoto

and in other states, particularly in the Northwest.�

Ologbondiyan said, "Our party once again asks President Buhari to wake up to the reality, accept failure and seek help since it has become clear that his administration, as presently constituted, has devastated our nation and is leading us on a journey to nowhere."

Secondus Appraises APC Years in OfďŹ ce The National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has described the five years’ administration of President Buhari and the ruling APC, as a road Nigeria should not have passed.

Prince Secondus said in a statement appraising the five years of President Buhari and the APC he personally signed titled “Five years of Buhari- The Road that should not have been followed� that in the last five years, all negative indexes in our socio-political and economic life as a nation were activated.

He said that the last five years have been regrettable years of anguish to the people due to the glaring incompetence and incapacity to deliver good governance.

Secondus said: "All gains after independence, the civil war as well as the era the PDP successfully midwifed the nation's democratic evolution up to the point of successfully seeing an opposition win and transit into power have been destroyed. This happened at a time small nations like Ghana witnessed astronomic growth in all spheres."

He said that "In 2015 the global international community stood in salute for Nigeria for the great feat recorded in area of democracy but rather than progress from it, the nation under the watch of APC has continued to go in retrogression.

"Our general elections have been anything but fair, with security agencies and the Election body abandoning their legitimate responsibilities of neutrality and fairness to being visibly partners of the ruling government".

BANDITS SUSTAIN ATTACKS IN KATSINA, KILL 14, TAMBUWAL, EL- RUFAI MEET WITH BUHARI kidnapped two people including a Customs officer.

"The injured persons are currently receiving treatment at Funtua General Hospitality. That same night, they went ahead and entered Sabon Layin Galadima and Maigora, destroyed their shops and catered away with their properties. Some of the bandits also went to Mairuwa and kidnapped two people.

"We are calling for urgent military intervention because these people (bandits) have taken over this place. These attacks have been going on for the past 10 years."

Efforts made to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah, for comments were futile as at press time.

Meanwhile, the bandits had recently killed 34 people in Kurmiyal, Yandaka, Maidoriya,

Tashar Kadanya, Garin Goje, Watangadiya and Dutse Maizane villages of Batsari Local Government Area of the state.

Similarly, the hoodlums had last March, killed 73 people and rustled hundreds of cattle belonging to residents in DutsinMa, Safana and Danmusa Local Government Areas of the State.

The Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri-Tambuwal and that of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, yesterday held a crucial meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa yesterday to discuss issues of banditry and insecurity in their states.

The governors, who met with the president, separately, behind closed doors, expressed concern about the rampaging bandits in the North-west and

demanded for greater federal interventions. Both Sokoto and Southern Kaduna have become the hotbeds of banditry in recent times.

Tambuwal’s visit to the president was spurred by the killing of no fewer than 74 people by bandits that attacked Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari and Katuma towns, all in Sabon Birni Local Government of Area of the state on Wednesday night.

Tambuwal said he was particularly concerned about the scourge of banditary in the South-Eastern part of Sokoto State, and had come to ask the president for assistance in mobilising men and resources promptly to halt the problem.

The governor said he also asked the president for more military interventions in Sokoto to effectively combat

the activities of bandits.

He said he equally solicited for logistics and support for the internally displaced persons (IDPs), in the state.

He said, “I requested to see the president yesterday (Thursday) and he granted me audience today (Friday). “I have seen him, briefed him on the security situation in Sokoto State, in particular, the security situation in Sokoto Eastern Senatorial District and of very special concern, Sabon Birni Local Government Area of the state. “Apart from the previous attacks, only two days ago, through banditry attacks, we lost about 74 people in a very heinous and dastardly act of aggression from the bandits.�

El-Rufai expressed concern over Buhari's order for military

offensive in Sokoto, saying the directive could force the bandits to relocate Kaduna.

He said whereas the menace of banditry in Sokoto State only generated public attention few days ago, the trend had been a norm in other North-west states of Zamfara, Kaduna, Niger, and Katsina over the years.

The governor said he was in Abuja to solicit the help of the armed forces for the protection of Kaduna State as he thanked the Nigerian armed forces for their support to Kaduna so far.

He said, "We've been dealing with this issue and our concern now is with the operations in Sokoto and Zamfara, many of the bandits will move to Kaduna, this is part of the reasons I'm here. I'll be meeting with the Minister of Defence and the service chiefs to try to get

more military activities, some operations to be strengthened.

"I must say that they've been doing very well. They've supported us, but this banditry is a big problem. It's going to affect agriculture unless it is dealt with and I believe that it will be dealt with.

"The Chief of Air Staff has assured me that whatever will be needed to be done to wipe out the bandits, to enable our farmers to go to farm as the rains advance, will be done.

We are confident that things will get better.

"It's most unfortunate that we've had to deal with it in the North-west in the same way that Boko Haram ravaged the North-east, these bandits are also becoming a serious problem in the North-west, but the problem is being addressed."

$3 billion “Fight COVID-19� social bond, the largest ever US dollar-denominated bond in world history.

The African leaders noted that the bank “is powered by Adesina's vision and leadership,� and that the shareholders from 80 countries all approved a general capital increase of $115 billion for the bank, the largest in its history since establishment in 1964.

They stressed further that the bank had been doing a lot for women, with a $3 billion fund to provide access to finance for women, supported by G7 countries and Africa.

They emphasised that across

the continent, the bank’s presence and work had been highly visible and impactful, adding that in less than five years, the bank’s High 5 agenda had impacted over 333 million people, from access to electricity, food security, access to finance via the private sector, improve transport and access to water and sanitation. “The bank has maintained its stellar AAA rating among all global rating agencies. The shareholders of the bank have all played very important roles in supporting the bank to achieve these impressive results,� said the African leaders.

15 FORMER AFRICAN PRESIDENTS BACK ADESINA, URGE US NOT TO DISTRACT HIM that no nation, regardless of how powerful, had veto power over the African Development Bank and urged all shareholders to work together.

In a joint statement signed by the 15 former African Presidents, they said at this critical time that Africa was battling with COVID-19, the bank and its President should not be distracted.

The African leaders said that the continent was facing an unprecedented challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic and that all hands must be on deck to tackle it.

They said the Ethics Committee of the Board of

Directors, a legal oversight body of the bank, made up of representatives of shareholders, cleared Adesina of all 16 allegations, declaring them as baseless and unsubstantiated and exonerated him completely.

They said: "We understand that the bank fully followed its rules, procedures and governing systems, which have served it well since African countries established it in 1964.

"Governance is all about respecting and abiding by rules, laws and established governing systems of organisations. In the case of the AfDB, while differences may exist among

parties, the best way to address them is to first respect the rules, procedures and governance structures of the bank.

"To do otherwise will be tantamount to undermining the bank and its long and hard earned reputation, and that of its President.

"The African Development Bank is a pride for all of Africa, and its President, Dr. Adesina, has taken the bank to enviable heights. At this critical time that Africa is battling with COVID-19, the bank and its President should not be distracted.

"Differences will always occur but we urge that all shareholders work together. All shareholders

should work with mutual respect, and honour the rules and procedures of the bank and its governance systems that have served it well for 56 years.

"No nation, regardless of how powerful, has a veto power over the African Development Bank, and no nation should have such power."

They pointed out that the AfDB, under the leadership of Adesina, had been doing a remarkable job in steering the organisation.

They said that the bank announced a $10 billion crisis response facility to support countries in Africa, while it also successfully launched a

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

PDP Salutes Own Governors, Hail Achievements Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated state governors elected on the platform of the

party on the occasion of May 29 Inauguration Day, describing them as leading drivers of national development.

The party said it was proud of the commitment and success so

Almajiris Made Buhari President in 2019, Says Sheikh Musa Laleye Dipo in Minna

President, Centre for Quranic Recitation in Nigeria, Sheikh Hassan Musa, yesterday revealed that it was the vote of the Almajiris in the 19 Northern states of the country that returned President Muhammadu Buhari to office for a second term in 2019.

Hassan Musa said in Minna, the Niger State capital that the 16 million strong Almajiris in the Northern part of country were mobilised to cast their ballots for the then All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate to pay back for the alleged derogatory remarks made about the region by former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan.

Speaking at the flag-off of the isolation of some Almajiris by the Niger State Government, Musa said the North did not take the alleged derogatory remarks well though Dame Patience Jonathan did not know the import of her remarks because “she spoke in Hausa”.

“We agreed that Jonathan will not return, we asked all the Almajiris to vote for Buhari that is how he won the election.”

Musa warned the political class against toying with the issue of Almajiris the way they were doing now saying that “we will wait for them again in 2023”.

He said they (clerics) had agreed to allow the Almajiris to be isolated and tested for the

Coronavirus disease but said “we are releasing these children to you on trust if you fail us, we will get back to you.”

The Centre for Quranic Recitation President said part of the agreement was to “put the Almajiris in conventional schools, clothe and feed them and they should not allow these people to suffer.

“We are all over the 19 Northern states, so I plead with the governments to keep to their part of the bargain if not they will regret in the future.”

The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane who inaugurated the scheme at the hajj camp in Minna, said the children would be isolated for 14 days after which they would be tested for the disease and if found clean, would be reunited with their parents across the country.

During the isolation the Almajiris would be engaged in western and Islamic education tutorials in addition to the government footing their feeding and medical bills.

Exchanging views with newsmen later, Matane said the members of the NationalAssembly did not know the “embarrassment the issue of Almajiri is causing state governments which is why they asked that they should not be repatriated to their states of origin.”

Edo PDP Gov. Primary Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has extended the sale of nomination forms for the Edo State governorship election.

By this, the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan said the party extended the last day for the sale of nomination forms from the earlier announced date of Friday, May 29, 2020 to a new date of Monday, June 1, 2020.

Consequently, he said that the submission of nomination forms for the Edo State governorship election was now extended from the earlier announced date of Tuesday, June 2, 2020 to Wednesday, June 3, 2020 “All leaders, governorship aspirants, critical stakeholders and members of our great party in Edo state should be guided accordingly,” the party said.

Meanwhile, the party yesterday expressed worries over the worsening insecurity in various parts of the country and called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wake up, end the propaganda in his administration and take immediate decisive action to secure our nation.

The PDP condemned the bloody attack by bandits who reportedly had field day ravag-

ing communities including Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari, Kutuma, all in Sabon Birni Local Government of Sokoto State on Wednesday’s night in an onslaught in which no fewer than 74 compatriots were killed.

According to the party, “It is more distressing that bandits had reportedly taken control of some parts of the state and now hold courts and even grant permission and consent to residents before they can conduct weddings, naming ceremonies or operate their markets.”

far recorded by PDP governors, particularly in the delivery of good governance marked by landmark development projects in critical sectors as well as exceptional programmes on wealth creation and economic empowerment of citizens, in line with the PDP manifesto, despite daunting challenges.

The PDP noted the passion, zeal and dedication to duty being demonstrated by its governors,

leading to their unparalleled transformation of their respective states, further testify to the credibility of the party’s nomination processes to produce the best for elective positions at all levels.

According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, “it is indeed, the broad-based achievements of our governors in key sectors including, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas, power,

road infrastructure, education, housing, healthcare, water resources, ICT, entrepreneurship, job creation, urban and rural development as well as creating enabling environment for peaceful co-existence, show their sensitivity to the aspirations of the people in line with our party’s direction for national development.”

Particularly, the PDP commended the governors for their

deft handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in caring for the needs of the people at this critical time.

In congratulating the governors, the party urged them to continue to remain steadfast to their commitment and serving as examples for other leaders at various levels across the country in providing good governance to the people.

PALLIATIVES FOR VULNERABLE . . .

L-R: District Head of Tofa Local Government and Makaman Bichi Emirate, Alhaji Isiaku Umar Tofa; Kano State Fund Raising Committee Chairman, Prof.

Yahuza Bello; Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and his deputy, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, at the flag-off of the 2nd batch of 50,000 households that will be given palliatives by the Kano State Government

Air Peace Evacuates 15 Chinese Doctors, 289 Others Chinedu Eze

Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace has evacuated 301 Chinese from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China’s most populous, commercial city.

The evacuation which was arranged by the Chinese Government took off about 10:00p.m. Nigerian time and arrived at about 1:15p.m.

Nigerian time yesterday.

The Nigeria carrier was also the airline that evacuated Israelis living in Nigeria late March and has been contacted by other countries for evacu-

ation operations.

Spokesman of the airline, Stanley Olisa, confirmed the successful flight and said Air Peace operated its second flight to China as “we evacuated 301 Chinese nationals back to their country. The flight departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos at exactly 22:05hrs to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, China. Countries have been contacting us to evacuate their citizens.”

Air Peace said it deployed its Boeing 777 aircraft with the registration number 5N-BWI for the evacuation exercise.

The Regional Airport

Manager, South West, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Victoria ShinAba, said the flight: P47807 pushed back from the Echo terminal of MMIA at 21:40hrs with 325 souls onboard - 301 Chinese evacuees and 24 crewmembers.

She explained that all relevant government agencies like FAAN, Nigeria Immigration Service, Port Health Services officials and others were on ground to ensure success of the evacuation exercise.

Air Peace is slated to carry out more evacuation operations for other nationals living in Nigeria, as the airline

and other domestic operators gear up to resume scheduled flight operations soon.

Meanwhile, UK government evacuated another batch of its citizens from Nigeria yesterday, airlifting about 307 passengers to Heathrow Airport, London from MMIA. The flight was operated by Virgin Atlantic Airways with flight registration number, G-VPOP and according to FAAN, the flight took off at about 4:26p.m. Nigerian time.

UK statement earlier indicated that there would be three evacuations of its citizens from Nigeria from May 29, 2020 to June 1, 2020.

CAN Asks FG to Free Nasarawa State Chairman from Abductors Onyebuchi Ezigbo Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has asked the federal government to deploy all necessary resources to ensure that Chairman of CAN, Nasarawa State, Bishop Joseph Masin, was freed unconditionally from his captors.

Thisi is as the body in Kaduna State appealed to Governor Nasir el-Rufai to consider reopening worship centres in the next review of lockdown procedures so that normal church services could resume.

The bishop in Nasarrawa was kidnapped on Wednesday night, by some gunmen who stormed

his residence in Bukan-Sidi, Lafia metropolis, and are demanding N20m ransom.

In a statement issued on Friday by Assistant (Media and Communications) to the CAN President, Pastor AdebayoOladeji,thebodydemanded immediaterelease of Bishop Joseph Masin from his captors.

It called for immediate release of Leah Sharibu and all Nigerians in the captivity of terrorists and kidnappers.

The Christian association also asked the federal government to ensure end to the ongoing genocide in Southern Kaduna and other states in the country where similar detestable crimes were ongoing.

“Since we have no Police

of our own and we are trying as much as possible to avoid chaotic situations, we are placing a demand on the federal government and the Nasarawa State Government to ensure the safety and immediate release of Bishop Masin before it is too late.

“We will not accept losing another state Chairman like we lost the late CAN Chairman, Rev. Lawan Andimi, in Adamawa State, who was gruesomely murdered by terrorists while our security agencies appeared powerless, helpless and derobbed of their armor,” it said.

CAN said that it was disheartening, disappointing, and reprehensible, how terrorists, herdsmen, kidnappers and

bandits have been operating in the country, killing and maiming innocent citizens unabated.

“This is totally unacceptable and demeaning to the prowess of this great country which is generally styled as the Giant of Africa. It is only in Nigeria that we are having mass burials when we are not in a civil war.

“This kind of non-responsive situation can easily lead to a breakdown of law and order and must be consciously avoided by a positive responsiveness of our leaders.

“Just a few days ago, some hoodlums in the guise of Fulani herdsmen invaded some predominantly Christian

communities in Kaduna State, killing the innocent people and up till now, no one has been brought to book.

“Everyone knows that it is the primary responsibility of government anywhere in the world to protect the lives and property of its citizens, but this has become history in Nigeria.

This should not be.

“In view of the above, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) is making demands of the Government as follows: Immediate release of Bishop Joseph Masin from his captors and Immediate release of Leah Sharibu and all Nigerians in the captivity of terrorists and kidnappers,” it said.

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NEWS

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

Uzodinma Inaugurates Orlu Isolation Centre

DISCUSSING SECURITY MATTERS...

L-R: Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri-Tambuwal; President Muhammadu Buhari; and Chief of Sta to the president, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, during a visit of the governor to the presidential villa, yesterday

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has inaugurated a 100-bed Isolation Centre at Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH), Orlu.

The isolation centre, donated by Access Bank Plc and described as first class by the governor would take care of all COVID-19 cases and other diseases that may be traced in the state.

Addressing people during the ceremony, the governor said Imo State was lucky, unlike other states, not to have recorded any casualty from COVID-19.

He thanked Access Bank Plc for their gesture and advised Imolites to continue to observe the pandemic protocols of hand washing, use of sanitisers, face masks and social distancing as a way of staying safe from the pandemic.

The governor seized the opportunity to explain to IMSUTH personnel why their salary had

not been paid, promising that as soon as the authorities do what was expected of them, the salary would be credited to their accounts electronically.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Damaris Osunkwo thanked the governor for giving the ministry the needed support to ensure that Imo was free from COVID-19 pandemic.

She further said for effective service delivery, the ministry had been able to train 270 health workers at the state level, 2,204 at the local government level, and 4860 community mobilisers who were in the field sensitising people.

Imo State Chairman of COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Maurice Iwu, said that the centre was the best as all the facilities therein were brand new and not refurbished.

He thanked Governor Uzodinma for giving Imo State the best of protections through his approach to the curbing of the disease.

Call Governor Bello to Order Despite Pandemic, Plateau now, NMA Tells Buhari Targets N22bn IGR 387 news cases recorded Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Kogi State Government to allow the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) unfettered access to do what was necessary to help contain COVID-19 in the state.

On the same day, 387 new case of Coronavirus were recorded yesterday in Nigeria, taking the tally to 9302, with 261 deaths and 2,697 patients discharged This is as the Medical Laboratory

Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) yesterday warned against use of non-validated rapid diagnostic test kits in the country. It said that so far no rapid diagnostic test kit had met the standard certification for use in testing for COVID-19 or any infectious disease in Nigeria.

In a letter to President Buhari, NMA President, Dr. Francis Faduyile said that the move had become necessary because two indigenes of Kogi State were recently confirmed COVID-19 positive.

It said given the fact that Kogi State borders 11 other states of the

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos federation and Lokoja, the state capital, a significant road transport interchange, there was the need to ensure safety and protection of citizens from COVID-19 infection now than ever before. “The Association, therefore, appeals to President Muhammadu Buhari to call the State Governor and his officials to order immediately. He may issue an order granting unfettered access and protection to NCDC officials into Kogi State and do all that is necessary to contain COVID-19 which we believe is gaining a serious foothold in the state.

“This order may include siting testing facilities in the Army Barracks or any secure location free from the encumbrances posed by the State government,� it said.

The medical laboratory scientists while presenting approved guidelines for private sector medical laboratory participation in the testing for COVID-19 virus, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of MLSCN, Tosan Erhabor said that none of the four variants of the rapid diagnostic test kits that so far scaled initial hurdle for validation had met the required standards.

ASCAB Blames FG for Spike in COVID-19 Spread The federal and state governments have been warned to take practical steps to stem COVID-19 spread and the associated financial meltdown failure of which may stir social and economic upheavals that may threaten the country’s stability and wellbeing.

In a statement yesterday, Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, (ASCAB) blamed local and central authorities for the upsurge in COVID-19 infection across the country saying the economic and

cultural consequences arising from the scourge may affect sustainable development in the country.

The coalition of over 70 organisations working on COVID-19 said this week’s briefing of the Chairman, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha suggested that the battle against COVID-19 was not making the expected speedy progress.

ASCAB said the government is at the mercy of the constitution and has no tenable excuse not to provide

health security for Nigeria’s teeming population.

The group, a coalition of labour and several civil society organisations identified ignoring early warning signals, lack of pro-active national strategic plan, unwillingness to cut waste and the contempt for inclusion of critical stake holders in the campaign against the pandemic as some of the reasons responsible for the spread which peaked at almost 9000 cases as at mid-last week.

ASCAB led by prominent human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana said the Federal and State Governments appear to be more interested in the politics of the pandemic than a critical understanding of the pandemic for a holistic solution. The group said as at today the Federal and State Governments have come up with programmes that exist more on paper than in reality all of which have failed to allay the fears and aspirations of millions of Nigerians.

Despite the ravaging effect of Coronavirus pandemic on the economy of Nigeria, Plateau State Internal Revenue Service (PSIRS) has said that it was determined and strategising to meet its N22bn Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) target for the year 2020.

Addressing a press conference in Jos yesterday, the chairman of PSIRS, Mr. Dashe Arlat said the Service in collaboration with the MDAs had already achieved over N7.2bn in the first quarter of 2020, adding that the stride was made through an aggressive revenue drive and an improved technology that reduced cash handling thereby preventing pilfering.

He noted that though the pandemic had posed serious challenge on achieving the N22bn target, the Service was not relenting as it was engaging sectors like telecommunication, health, transport and agriculture that are not so affected by the current lockdown with a view to maximising their potentials to achieving the target.

Arlat said, “The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting the world and Nigeria in various ways and has resulted in unforeseen and devastating health and economic consequences. Crude oil prices, the

main driver of Nigeria’s economy has been on a decline since 6th March 2020 falling below 20USD per barrel by the end of March 2020 – the lowest in over two (2) decades. “With the unprecedented drop of crude oil prices that resulted in the drop in statutory revenue allocation to the state, taxation and charging fees for services have become a ready-made alternative source of revenue.

This however has become a challenge with the attendant lockdowns across the states and country stifling economic activities in an effort to keep citizens safe from the dreaded COVID-19.�

He said prior to the pandemic, the service in its efforts to get the best out of tax payers had populated a list of 2019 compliant tax payers and defaulters across the state which will add up to the already existing list the Service has to make an updated database of all taxable individuals and organisations in the state.

He said, “As a strategy to educate and sensitise tax payers and the citizenry to illicit voluntary tax compliance, the Service through the Corporate Affairs Department had stepped up its activities by periodically issuing press releases, news commentaries and news releases to the media in 2020.

Firm Donates Food Items, Others to Edo Govt NASFAT Spends Over N60m on Vulnerable People Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City As part of efforts cushion the effect of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Edo State, an engineering construction company, Harbour Engineering yesterday donated food items and other items such as face masks and sanitisers to the Edo State Government.

The items donated are, 100 bags of 25kg rice, 80 bottles of two litre vegetable oil, 10 cartons of tomatoes puree, 100 carton of Noddles, 90 bags of 25kg beans, two bags of facemasks, 100 pieces four litre palm oil and 1,200 pieces of hand

sanitisers.

Making the presentation at Government House, Benin City, yesterday, representative of the company, Mr. Segun Okeni, said the gesture was part of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of Harbour Engineering to give back to its host community and state.

He said “Edo State Government partner with us especially in the development of the Benin River Port. So we want to identity with the state government.

Okeni also disclosed that Harbour Engineering was a subsidiary of China Communication Construc-

tion Company (CCCC) providing infrastructure such as marine engineering, dredging and reclamation, road and bridge, railway company which makes the second largest dredging company in the world.

He said they decided to use the state government to reach out to people of the state in this time of global pandemic to cushion the effects suffered especially during the lockdown.

While asking the state government to distribute the items judiciously as he thrust they will do so, Okeni promised more partnership towards development of the Edo.

Bennett Oghifo As Muslims all over the world celebrate the Eid-Al-fitr, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT), in celebration of the end of Ramadan, fed no fewer than 6,500 less-privileged across Nigeria and showered over N60 million on vulnerable people.

The Islamic organisation on Salah day put smiles on the faces of the needy in the society during Eid Al-Fitr celebration. The society, through its ‘feed a mouth’ programme reached out to 6,500 persons in 130 outlets across the

22 zones of the society.

The programme, which is a tradition of the society, was to felicitate with Muslims in Nigeria and in the diaspora to mark the end of Ramadan. The programme this year was extended to zones of the society outside Nigeria. Some of the outlets which benefitted from the feeding include, Alausa community, Ikeja, Ogba, Imota, Epe, Ijora Olopa, just to mention a few.

According to a statement by NASFAT’s Welfare Secretary, Alhaji AbdulRahman Olarinde, the initiative was designed to cater for those intending to fast but have no means. It equally provided saahu

and Iftar meals for the beneficiaries through the fasting period.

Prior to the feeding programme held on Sunday, NASFAT had also, disbursed N60.9m in cash and food items to the vulnerable in the society, as palliative measure to mitigate the effect of the lockdown and movement restrictions occasioned by the COVID-19 Pandemic ravaging the country and the world at large.

It would be recalled that the government recently announced a complete lockdown and restriction of gatherings of people in the nation to curtail the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 30, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Uche Jombo is Playing ‘Dr. Love’ Nollywood actress turned producer/director, Uche Jombo, is back with a new television series titled Dr. Love. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

I

Uche Jombo

n between a fight in a good and bad relationship comes only one woman for the job and that’s Dr. Love, played by Nollywood actress turned director/producer, Uche Jombo. She commenced production of the television series back in January and has been working round the clock to get the first episodes running. The screen star has been posting snippets and set pictures from behind the scenes of her upcoming series.

Just recently, the actress released the teaser for Dr. Love, which will premiere exclusively on ROK, Nigeria’s streaming platforms. Directed by Yemi Morafa, the series follows the adventures of a psychologist who helps couples mend their relationships. Expected to be refreshingly interesting, this Uche Jombo Studios Production was written by Joy Isi Bewaji, a screenwriter known for Seven and a Half Dates, City Crimes, and Love Potion.

Executively produced by Mary Njoku and ROK Studios, Dr. Love will be starring a vibrant cast of Nollywood actors. The stars are Kalu Ikeagwu (as Eric), Kiki Omeili (as Winifred), Lilian Afegbai (as Precious), Nkechi Sunday (as Brenda), Bobby Obodo (as Esosa), Ifeoma Obinwa (as Tochi), Steven Chuks (as Paul), Chisom Ogbu (as Kelechi), Uche Mac-Auley (as Grace), Vicky Nwogu (as Amaka), Emem Inwang Udonquak (as Loretta), Jide Oyegbile (as Dozie), Chamberlyne Okoro (as Chika), and Junaid Olawale Moshood (as Elijah).

While it is not quite clear where the plot will eventually take its characters to, it is however believed that Jombo is thinking outside of the stereotypical Nollywood conventions and attempting to gain millennial and Gen-Z attention by casting straight actors who have also built major personal brands on social media platforms like Instagram. This in part explains why Steven Chuks, the comedian who has gained a cult following for his portrayals of Igbo family life has a support character on the new show and why she picked Kalu Ikeagwu as a leading man.

The last time she was in the news for her work, Jombo flipped the script and ticked off a major Nollywood milestone, directing her first film project, with ‘Heaven on my Mind’ which premiered on December 7th, 2018. Jombo is back at directing again, this time on the small screen. Jombo’s film was a moderate success at the box office and as such other things have kept her away from her fans’ screens and from the director’s chair behind them.

Jombo is one of the more believable actresses from Nollywood’s glamour age and she continues to create projects and explore her potential through new mediums. It is expected that Dr. Love becomes a streaming sensation for both Rok Studios and Uche Jombo Productions. Just as she does on set, the actress has brought her drive and passion to bear on this project she described as one dear to her heart.

Jombo ventured into the Nigerian movie industry in 1999 in the movie Visa to Hell. As a screenwriter she has written and co-written several movies some of which include: The Celebrity, Games Men Play, Girls in the Hood, A Mother’s Fight, Unconditional, A Time to Love, Be My Wife, and A Time to Love.

Jombo went on to produce films such as Nollywood Hustlers, Holding Hope and her work Damage which deals with the issue of domestic violence. She has

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 30, 2020

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SUPER SATURDAY Uche Jombo is Playing ‘Dr. Love’ risen to become one of the most sort-after screen goddesses in the entertainment industry today.

However, she didn’t just get all of the fame and fortune in one day but through her consistency and tenacity over the years which she has proved. Months back, the veteran actress reached a milestone of 20 solid years in the film industry. The occasion provided her as usual the space to effusively recount her success and journey so far. In her celebratory post, she thanked everyone who had given her a chance and partnered with her on projects. The mother of one had also expressed her interest in contributing more to Nollywood as she went down memory lane into her struggling days down to achieving stardom.

She wrote: “Today 20 years ago I made my debut in a Nollywood film (Visa to Hell). What a journey it’s been...worked my way from playing lead in my first 2films to waka pass roles, supporting roles, to no role, moving to writing the roles I wanted as a script writer, back to leading roles with (Games Men Play which I co-wrote with @ ememisong) to eventually investing back into this industry that changed my life through @uchejombostudios (one of the actors with the highest number of self-funded films) I want to say a big thank you... everyone who gave me a chance, worked with me, partnered with me on projects and most importantly you. ...My true ujlovers thank you.

“With over 200 films as an actor, over 30films as a screenwriter, over 30 films as an executive producer, lately 6 films as a director and still going!!! I made it this far because of you and we only just began. Join me in raising a glass to #UJ20yearsinNollywood… I look forward to many more years contributing to taking Nollywood where it should be.” Prior to this moment the actress had addressed disrespectful actors in the industry.

Jombo who is not shy to speak her mind on burning issues in society and the industry had revealed that she personally does not like disrespectful people even if they are talented or not. She then addressed the fact that some young actors have no regard for veterans and even try to insult them with statements like, “you are getting old”.

Uche Jombo and Chamberlyne Okoro on set of Dr. Love

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NEWS

MAY 29‌MAY 29‌MAY 29‌ Why I Didn’t Doubt Our PDP, Kwara Govt Trade Re-election in 2015, Says Okowa Words over Performance Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Charges Nigerians to trust God for revival of economy after COVID-19 Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, yesterday reminisced on his 2019 re-election with his deputy, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, saying that it was because he trusted in God Almighty to deliver them despite the mountain of opposition, including campaign of calumny in certain quarters at the time.

Speaking at an interdenominational thanksgiving service on the first anniversary of his second term, and the fifth as Governor, Okowa expressed confidence that in the same manner he ensured his resounding electoral success in 2019, God will

take away the current global health challenge and revive the economy at the state and national levels even as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. “The COVID-19 had posed a major challenge to economies of the world and Christians should pray fervently for a divine solution to the scourge, which had led to severe drop in crude oil prices, which remains Nigeria’s major source of revenue,� he said.

Okowa recalled how a certain media publication mocked him about his daily fellowship with God, saying that rather than dampen his spirit, the publication strengthened him in his belief and trust in God.

“At that point, I knew that the battle of my re-election was over because I saw the publication as a challenge to God, not mine; and, of course, the rest is history because I won the election more convincingly than in 2015,� he pointed out.

The governor said that the Thanksgiving was remarkable and necessary despite the relative disruption of socio-economic life in the land by the Coronavirus.

Okowa said, “We thank God for making it possible for us to gather here today; if not for the season that we found ourselves, I am sure that by now we would have been at the Event Centre with many gospel artistes

coming to perform for us while we dance to glorify the name of God. “I thank the Chaplain and his assistant for being able to arrange the Chapel in such a manner that we are able to obey the rules of the state regarding COVID-19 protocols. “It’s unfortunate that all of us cannot worship the way we desire, but for those of us who are able to gather together and are able to call on the name of the Lord, He will answer us. “For those who are at home praying and giving God glory for this day as we celebrate our first year in the second term and the fifth year in office, we give God glory for their lives.

Wike Sues for Unity, Promises We’ll Soon Roll Out New Master Plan for Economy, Says AbdulRazaq More Development Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday said that, his administration would soon roll out new state master plans in economy, energy and agricultural sectors.

Speaking with newsmen to mark his 365 days in office yesterday, the governor said that the gesture would allow the people at the grassroots to have more dividends of democracy at their doorsteps.

According to him, “it is also a part of strategy to advance the socio economic growth of the residents and thereby enhance their wellbeing.�

He also said he would not share money to them as was the practice in the past but would spread development to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

AbdulRazaq noted that it was the past administration’s penchant for sharing money that put them into trouble and their consequent failure in the last year’s general elections.

He assured the workers in the state of his commitment to implementing the N30,000 minimum wage, adding

that “my concern, however, is how the local governments would be able to implement the new wage for their workers.�

He praised President Muhammadu Buhari for granting the state legislature and judiciary autonomy, saying that the development would relieve states of huge burden.

On his achievements in the past one year, AbdulRazaq said 35 roads across the state were under reconstruction while five water works had been rehabilitated and were now supplying residents with water.

He added that his administration had also restored the lost glory of the education sector through payment of necessary counterpart funds to the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) saying “we have paid N8 billion counterpart funds and with this we will be able to access N16 billion from UBEC.�

He also disclosed that arrangements were in top gear to revamp the three state-owned media outfits- The Herald, Kwara State Broadcasting Corporation (Radio Kwara) and Kwara State Television Service (KWTV).

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called on Rivers people no matter their political affiliation to join hands with his administration to build a stable and vibrant economy.

He said while the first anniversary of his second tenure in office called for celebrations, the many deaths occasioned by the Coronavirus pandemic in the state had made it imperative for a solemn period.

In a state-wide broadcast to mark the first year of his second term in office yesterday, Wike stated that the state could overcome the present global economic situation if citizens come together in unity of thought and purpose. “This is a time for governance, not politics, and we welcome everyone on board to create an environment that promotes balanced economic growth, thriving private investments, boundless opportunity and a State we can truly call our pride and heritage. “For us, nothing matters more than Rivers State, our people, our interests, our treasures, our enormous resources

and assets, our accomplishments and our greatness,� he stated.

The governor pointed out that within the last one year, his administration had embarked on urban renewal programme in the state capital and the construction of multi-billion naira three flyover projects at Rebisi, Okoro-nu-Odo and Rumuogba.

He listed several road projects embarked by his administration in various local government areas of the state and said they were at various stages of completion.

On healthcare delivery, the governor said the Mother and Child Hospital had been furnished, equipped and only undergoing necessary testing and preparations for inauguration.

The Braithwaite Memorial Hospital, he said, has been fully equipped and converted to the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH) leading to the accreditation of the programmes of that facility for the training of medical students by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

Ikpeazu: We’re on Course to Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Projects Make Abia Better Segun James

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday said that his mission to put the state on higher pedestal of development remained on course and yielding visible results.

He made this known in his message to the people of Abia to mark the first anniversary of his second term and fifth anniversary of his ascendance to post of executive governor of God�s Own State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ikpeazu, who was reelected for a second tenure last year, assured that his vision for a greater and economically strong Abia remained intact, adding that his total commitment to ‘the Abia dream’ had been reinvigorated. “I make bold to state that even in the face of daunting challenges, we have made tremendous progress in practically every facet of governance and evidence abound that we shall finish very strong in our quest to stabilise governance in our state,�

he said.

He said that strenuous efforts have been made to reverse the infrastructure deficit in the state. especially in the capital city of Umuahia and Aba, the commercial hub.

Citing the main artery into the capital city, the state governor stated that the reconstruction of the first phase which had been completed by a high grade first is a beauty to soils dual carriage way.

He assured that his plan to give the state capital the desired aesthetic look would be fully implemented with a solid dual carriage way that would welcome visitors right from Ubakala junction off Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway into the heart of the capital city.

The Abia chief executive said that the road networks in Abia had started wearing new looks as several strategic roads had been completed, adding that “our people (can now) connect Eziukwu Road Okigwe Road, something that has been impossible for several years.�

As the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu continues to roll out the drums in commemoration of his first year in office, the governor yesterday virtually inaugurated 18 projects at ceremony held at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja.

The virtual inauguration, according to the governor is in line with the reality of situations the world over at this time of COVID-19 in which the state remains the epicentre in the country.

This is coming as the governor yesterday dedicated his first year in office to frontline health workers in the battle against the Coronavirus pandemic at a ceremony where he honoured 10 of their representatives at Marina House, Lagos.

At the inauguration of the projects which included a concrete jetty with shoreline protection at Ikorodu, rehabilitation, upgrading and construction of road projects at Somolu, Mushin and Badagry; over 500 houses and apartments in various parts of the state and construction of classroom blocks

in both primary and secondary schools in different local government council areas of the state; an elated Sanwo-Olu said that even though the last four months had been very challenging in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the cardinal part of his Greater Lagos vision was infrastructural development and that his government had worked assiduously to achieve this. “If Lagos is to sustain its Centre of Excellence status in the country, vital infrastructure must be carefully built across all sectors. Universally, infrastructure development is critical to achieving human capital development. The economic impact that infrastructure improvement has on nation building cannot be overemphasised. “Considering the statistics that about 85 per cent of the people in the world reside in the developing world and transition economies, and with 67 per cent of that population below age 35, the need for infrastructure development to support enduring development remains a matter of major concern for all nations of the world.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has scored the administration of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq low in its performance in the last one year.

The leading opposition party described the one year of AbdulRazaq in office as disappointing and a waste.

But, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye shot back that the administration had improved the lives of the Kwarans in the last one year that cut across the health, education, water, infrastructures, among others, adding, “Kwara, for the record, is not yet an eldorado. No such state exists. But the administration inherited and has rescued a state that once tottered on the brink of collapse — at least in the area of human capital development indices.�

The PDP in a statement issued in Ilorin, signed by its State Chairman, Hon. Kola Shittu, posited that the “euphoria that greeted the coming of the present administration has waned significantly.�

The statement said that, “no tangible achievement or accomplishment in any sector could be attributed to the governor since he assumed office on May 29, 2019, adding that the government had always churned out false performance indicators. “The Governor’s performance has been utterly disappointing, uninspiring and a colossal waste.

This explains Kwarans’ growing disillusionment with this government. There is no gainsaying that the euphoria that greeted the coming

of the present administration has waned significantly.�

The statement added, “It’s saddening and disappointing to Kwarans that after a year in office, the present administration cannot point to any tangible achievement or accomplishment it has recorded in any sector. “The AbdulRazaq’s administration cannot lay claim to the completion of a single project, initiated by it in the last 365 days, save for rehabilitation of roads, construction of culverts, interlocking and fixing of potholes here and there. “Even, the new Civil Servants Secretariat which the administration inherited from the PDP administration of Abdulfatah Ahmed at about 95 per cent completion stage is yet to be completed. “Also, in the last 365 days, the Abdulrazaq’s administration has not implemented any policy or programme that has had direct impact on the lives of Kwarans. “The administration which prides itself as a pro-masses is yet to implement its much-talked about social intervention programmes for the suffering masses that voted it into power. It also has not initiated any programme to address the issue of youth unemployment in the state�.

The statement noted that, “The PDP government of Maigida ( former Governor Abdulgatah Ahmed) had at inception, launched the Kwara Bridge Empowerment Scheme (KWABES) as a platform to generate reliable data of unemployed youths in the state and engage them in productive ventures.

Makinde Gives Account of One Year in OfďŹ ce Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, said his administration has completed 307 projects in the education sector, while 236 others are on-going, within its first year in office.

The governor, in a state-wide address aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCoS), also expressed the confidence that, going by the performance of his administration in its first year in office, the future is, indeed, bright for the state.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted Makinde as also appreciating residents of the state for the trust they have reposed in his administration.

He equally urged the people to keep supporting the administration, with a view to making the best decisions for their overall good, noting that in one year, he has remained focused on the goal of developing the state.

The statement also quoted the governor as saying that in line with his promise to build on the programmes of past administrations that were structured properly, his administration has, so far, completed 239 projects awarded by the previous administration in the education sector as well as 68 others awarded by his government.

Governor Makinde, who maintained that despite the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, the administration had remained focused and that it has leveraged

the setback to improve the health care system, implored residents of the state to keep following the directives of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force on social distancing, wearing of face masks and proper hygiene practices.

According to him, “It has been one year since we took over office as administrators of the Oyo State Government. And like every administrator knows, there is a time for acting, and a time for accounting.

Ultimately, we will be rendering a full account of our stewardship by 2023.

But before then, it is only fair and just to mark where we are coming from, so we can determine how far we have gone. As our elders say, when a person embarks on a journey, he should stop from time to time, to ensure he has not strayed from the path. “But, before I share with you some of our accomplishments in the past year, let me take a moment to thank you. Yes, I especially thank every one of you good citizens of Oyo State for your trust and support in the past year. I felt your love when I came down with COVID-19. Your private and public messages and prayers were well received. Again, I thank you. “I have always said that our COVID-19 response in Oyo State will be backed by data, science and logic. So far, these parameters have not failed us. Indeed, despite the international, national and local setback of this pandemic, we remain focused.

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ÍťÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Dampened by Covid-19...

The Future of Music in Nigeria

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create beautiful things thanks to the cooperation of all beautiful people. igerians are going deaf by the minute.Shared speech which is the basis of Music should wake people up from lassitude; good music makes listeners close friendship is limited. In public places, citizens shout to get the attention of an acquaintance because of the deafening music out of boom boxes. Before their eyes when they listen to the messages in-built for it is enjoyable and noble. I hardly see people in public places close their eyes whilst listening, how can with long Nigeria will witness an environmental Armageddon. too much noise. The listener enjoys a psychological health unadulterated by the Nigeria’s environment is tropically rich with music, but music of which kind? ordinary, unmelodic, coarse sounds that tear apart the Nigerian air space.

Teenagers do not read anymore, but they listen to music with headphones.

I often wonder why the type of music that resonates with youngsters now is Nothing excites a Nigerian youth more than to listen to music. the type that promotes sex, a brand that legitimizes loose-living, and a music that My mother Christiana Asmau Abah (nee Maha) woke me up in my teens to doesn’t call for youngsters to reason and think. listen to Christy Essien Igbokwe’s “Seun Rere,� whenever the video was played I often wonder why there isn’t an intellectual confrontation to the garbage we on television in Sokoto State because she considered it good music for children. hear as music, to the beat and rhythm of sex, worse than pornography.

My father Audu Daniel Abah bought many turn-tables which he considered I often wonder why the regulating agencies tolerate songs that make our fitting for us all to enjoy as well. We children played many on our Conion Stereo youngsters sexually active encouraged by people that these agencies recognize player in his absence. as brand ambassadors and most of whom have become titled chiefs in native Today I still have emotional associations with many singers of my youthful domains. Awards and commendations are given to these musicians by governdays.

Children now are taught to be fashionable for all reasons, right and wrong by ment and children watch these trails. musicians. They are told that passions are different and should be simplified and Why wouldn’t children flout the rules of parents and become ambassadors that some values are old-school, never time-tested. campaigning for sexual insurrection?

And to be an avid reader for nonphysical satisfaction should be discarded for The societal fulcrum now is to rebel, now you see why it is hard for Nigeria the pursuit of the absurd. How is it that good students read hard and then listen to develop. Sycophancy, hate and sex are common to all. Gone is the inspiring, to music afterwards but bad students listen to music first and read later, if they decent, aesthetic, reflective and gentle. read at all?

Kids do homework today while wearing headphones. Their lives revolve Ask a youngster why he listens to music and you may be surprised to get around fakery and fantasy, with their inability to think of ends from the begina concrete answer. Music in Nigeria is for beats only and not message. Many a ning. No thanks to many a pseudo musician with love for crassness feeding them music listener hides under different radar to look for something that responds to with make-believe. their needs even when some of the needs aren’t decent.

Simon Abah, Abuja I listened to the music of a popular Nigerian songster. In the penthouse of a popular place, that day was the first time I heard it. I loved the singer without even knowing her and longed to know her. It is hard to be an artist but music should speak to the youthful generation and affect their lives deeply. Plato, Socrates, Rousseau, Nietzsche knew this a long time ago.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R A youth’s most difficult but important step in life EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE is to take a critical look at the things he enjoys, to DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU withdraw for the purpose of self-examination, to doubt MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO what he loves so as to establish the real essence of love DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI or otherwise. Unfortunately youths are fed with lies in EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN music, the falsity of being and they buy it wholesale.

MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE When you raise this up in public with some youths, you see looks of crossness, the easy way out of small minds that forever are wont to reorder their cosmos to defend what they love.

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D Plato advised that good music should feed the soul EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA but Nigerian music is about rhythm and dance.

GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, And so Nigeria cannot divorce herself from the ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI music in its space. The music in a country’s space DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE determines the level of its soft power, China and her DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI bitter rival India understand the place of culture but SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO Nigeria doesn’t appear to know.

CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Music enables a people to understand their higher DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO purpose, to love self and humanity, to make man full HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA and not empty. It makes man accepts responsibility TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com and not only demand for rights. It erases the dark from the beautiful and makes all men beautiful to

Almajiris and Covid-19 Lockdown

D

iscerning minds will observe that the subtle Islamisation agenda of the APC federal government is being driven through the visible route of Almajirinci while the not-so-subtle Fulanisation agenda is being facilitated through the terror route of banditry. And, phew! out of nowhere (well, out of a lab at the Wuhan Institute of Virology according to Mike Pompeo) the Covid-19 pandemic threatens to put a spanner in this wellorchestrated scheme to rid Nigeria of “heathens-unbelievers� (read this as “Christians�) but the Islamisation and Fulanisation concept-drivers are having none of this. Thus, banditry continues unabated at Plateau, Niger, Delta, and other states whilst a grand scheme has been concocted to “divide Almajiri up� amongst the Christian states of the South and send them down there as “indigenes� who should claim these states as their “states of origin.�

Mind you, these Almajiris are hardened Islamic religious scholars who have been brainwashed that they are being sent as frontline “evangelistsâ€? to the lands of the kaďŹ rs, those people who eat pork, drink alcoholic brews, and whose womenfolk marry late and do not cover their heads. You can also see these Almajiris as “sowed Islamic seedsâ€? for a near-future agenda of disrupting the population and political balance of the localities they are being sent to. It is now clear that the uniďŹ ed and clarion call for a “great Nigeriaâ€? means zilch to the Muslim North and what is important above all else is forced Islamisation under the banner of extreme deprivation and poverty.

Sunday Adole Jonah, Department of Physics, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ ͺ͎Ͱ͎

NEWS

Gunmen Kill Five in Plateau Cafeteria Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Five persons were Thursday night shot dead by gunmen that attacked a fast-food joint in Miango community of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.

THISDAY gathered that the victims were eating at the canteen in Nzharuvo, Miango when the gunmen swooped on them, killing all the customers and the shop owner, Miss Asabe Samuel. A school teacher identified as Mr. Gideon Tunku was among the customers killed.

Chairman of Miango Youth Development Association, Nuhu Nkali who confirmed the kill-

ings yesterday, said the incident happened on Thursday night.

Nkali lamented, “We just lost five of our people in a fresh attack. The victims were killed at a food shop in Nzharuvo Miango around 9:50p.m. on Thursday. The shop is just along the road about 18 km to Jos. “The victims just went there to eat when the gunmen came and shoot all of them dead; Miss Asabe Samuel, the shop owner, Mr. Gideon Tunku (School teacher), Bala Adi Joro, Audu Amadu Mi, and Shedrack Joshua.�

Nuhu said that incident had been reported to the security agents who he said were already interrogating 10 persons

suspected to have carried out the attack.

He said, “When the attack took place yesterday, we informed the security personnel at their duty post not more than one kilometre from the scene of the incident. “A few hours later around 1:18a.m., a vehicle carrying 10 young men was intercepted by the vigilante at Jebu Bassa community. The vehicle made some suspicious turns before it was blocked by vigilantes and when they were interrogated, they claimed to be returning to Kaduna after supplying tomatoes in Shendam. But when one of them was interviewed separately, he said a different

thing and claimed to be coming from Faringada Market in Jos. “Right now, they are at the police station in Bassa because they are suspected to be the

ones who carried out the attacks in our community and were making their escape when they were caught.�

State Police Public Relation

Ekiti Set to Inaugurate Molecular Lab, Generates N2m from Lockdown Offenders Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ

offenders arrested since the beginning of the lockdown procedure .

The members of the State The Ekiti State Government would on June 1, inaugurate the COVID-19 Committee spoke COVID-19 Molecular Labora- in Ado Ekiti yesterday while tory established to boost the giving an update on the status of the pandemic in Ekiti. testing capacity of the state.

Speaking during the press The government disclosed that a sum of N2 million had briefing, the Commissioner for been realised from the court fines Health, Dr. Mojisola Yaya-Kolade, imposed on over 100 lockdown said the laboratory located at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital would be inaugurated

by Governor Kayode Fayemi.

"We are still perfecting some regulatory procedure with the delivery services, infrastructural Nigeria Centre for Disease Control development, aviation, youth and , but everything will be fine-tuned women empowerments, rural before Monday. development, sports and tourism.

"We have had 20 COVID-19 " Today, from the rice fields in cases so far, two are still active, Ini Local Government Area, to we have recorded two deaths garri processing mills scattered all and 16 have been treated over the three senatorial districts, with investigational drugs and to fertilizer blending plant which discharged," she said. helps with our agricultural outThe commissioner disabused put, to improved seedlings and the minds of the people that cases storage of our excess produce, of COVID-19 had become a to our most modern flour mill financial gain to a state, clarifying which produces the flour for our that "it Is a financial drain to any bread and other confectionary state, not a benefit". needs, our vegetable Green The Director General, Office House, which produces most of Transformation, Strategy and of which we consume, these Delivery, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, huge investments in agriculture said security was still tight at have helped us stay ahead of the border towns and that the Covid-19.

"From remodeling of hospitals across the ten Federal constituencies to the world-class isolation centres at the Ibom Specialist Hospital, the one at Ikot Ekpene and the icing on the cake - the James Sowole Ă“Ă˜ Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?

300-bed Isolation Centre at Ituk Mbang which will be commis- A pastor, Kolawole Samson sioned later today, we have been has been sentenced to death by able to utilize the lean resources hanging by an Ondo State High to work for our people.

Court sitting inAkure for killing oneAyo Olaniyi in a village near OkeigboinIle-Oluji/OkeigboLocalGovernmentAreaofthestate.

The pastor was sentenced The Ijaw traditional High by Justice Ademola Bola, who Chief noted that the wellbe- held that Kolawole was guilty of ing of the environment must inflicting injury on the deceased's not be compromised due to head with a cutlass at Gberinlegi its effects on the health of Village, via Okeigbo, which later the people living in the area. led to his death at hospital.

He charged multinational The State Attorney-General oil companies to desist from and Commissioner for Justice, playing politics with environ- represented by two government's mental issues, and adopting lawyers Mr. Olusegun Akeredolu divide and rule tactics in the and Mrs. Omotola Ologun, had process of remediating the earlier told the court that the pastor environment. on 3rd of March, 2016, inflicted He added that residents deep cut injury on the head of of coastal communities suffer late Olaniyi when he went to from environmental pollution hunt for frogs with his three other leading to several health friends at a fish pond owned by challenges, sometimes death. the convict at the village, near Indigenes of Ugborodo Okeigbo. and Ogidigben communiThe lawyers argued that the ties had alleged that Shell CHANGE polluted the Escravos River, thereby destroying fishing I, formerly known and addressed as MISS nets, aquatic lives and CAROLINE OTANEGBE ORIBHABOR, heightening poverty in now wish to be known and addressed as the areas.

The rights activist has MRS CAROLINE OTANEGBE ODIBO. mobilised environmental All former documents remain valid. The experts and a team of Center general public should take note. for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, an NGO, I, formerly known and addressed as to Eacravos, Forcados and CHINENYE FELICIA ASIEGBUNAM, Gbaramatu Rivers to ascertain now wish to be known and addressed as the economic impacts of the CHINENYE FELICIA NJOKU. All former pollution on fishermen and documents remain valid. Zenith Bank PLC women in the creeks.

It’s Too Early for 2023 Politics, Says Gov Emmanuel Okon Bassey inUyo Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, has said that it was too early to indulge in preparations, ahead 2023 politics.

Rather, he said strengthening the economy of the state remained his priority for now.

He disclosed that a Polymerase Claim Reaction (PCR) laboratory for the running of critical tests like COVID-19 samples and other infectious diseases had been completed.

Emmanuel who made this known in a statewide broadcast in Uyo yesterday to mark his fifth year in office said emphasis had been on ensuring a steady economic growth for the state.

The governor called on the people to lay less emphasis on party politics with its attendant negative consequences on the social and economic life of the state but concentrate on issues that could build and unite the state.

"As I have always said, this is the time for governance and all hands must be on deck to

ensure that we move our state collectively to a path of steady growth and development. It is too early to engage in the politics of 2023. We will have enough time to do so, when the time is ripe. Good leaders do not plan for the next elections; they plan for the next generations.

"Let us therefore, see the next generation of Akwaibomites as assets that must be nurtured, expanded and made ready for the future. Destroying the chords of our unity at the altar of partisan politics, or waging wars against brothers and sisters just to settle ancient animosities should be discouraged.

"Let me emphatically state here, that Akwa Ibom people enjoy the peace and security we currently have and will resist any attempt by individuals or groups to return us to the evil years when kidnapping and politically motivated killings brought untold fears into this land. Akwa Ibom people have made a choice to stay and live in peace, and this is the new normal. Those who traffic in

violence should take note.

"Government will ensure that those who are planning such evil as a strategy for winning elections will be sorely disappointed.

Akwa Ibom people have gone beyond those fearful years. I call on all patriotic Akwaibomitmites to come join the train of peace and development as it moves gingerly on the path of our Completion Agenda. “We have achieved a lot for our people in five years, and we hope to do as much with the resources at our disposal in the coming years." He said.

"May history celebrate and reward those who work to make our people be more in thoughts, actions and deeds; do more to strengthen our cords of unity and brotherhood, dream more of opportunities for growth and development and inspire more to become great and all that God desires for us," he concluded.

Emmanuel maintained that he had been able to utilise the resources of this State to touch lives in the areas of industrialisation, agriculture, education, healthcare

A Niger Delta environmental rights activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has urged the federal government to probe into the reported pollution of the Forcados, Escravos and Gbaramatu

Rivers in Warri South West and Burutu Local governments areas of Delta State.

Comrade Mulade, also a community leader from the region, gave the charge in Warri in a swift reaction to Shell's denial of its involvement in the pollution of

EFCC Nabs BenueVigilante Commandant for Alleged N449.5m Fraud Sylvester Idowu in Warri The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi Zonal Office, has arrested one George Mbessey over allegation of conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds to the tune of N449.5 million.

Mbessey, who is the Commandant, Benue State Vigilante Group, BSVG, was arrested by operatives of the EFCC on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 in Makurdi following a petition urging the Commission to investigate a case of alleged financial recklessness against the suspect.

The petitioners stated that, the BSVG used to receive its official

funding of N20 million monthly directly from the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs through its official account.

It added that, between October 2018 and May 2020, the suspect allegedly collected funds meant for the Benue State Vigilante Group to the tune of N449,500,000 (Four Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira), using personal account, an act they claim did not follow due process. Hence, the petition to the EFCC. Meanwhile, the suspect has volunteered useful information to the Commission and would be arraigned in court as soon as investigation is concluded.

Niger Delta waters.

He said the call became necessary following Shell Petroleum Development Company's denial of the allegations made by residents of Escravos communities, Ugborodo, Ogidigben and others, affected by the discharge of wastes from SPDC's Escravos Operations and the dangerous chemical used in its Well-73 Operations near Sokubolou, Yokiri and Obotebo communities both in Warri South West and Burutu local government areas of the state, thereby polluting the entire water.

He said rather than Shell seeking ways to remedy its action, it had resorted to faced saving lies and denials of the brazen and deliberate pollution of the people’s waterways, the main sources of their livelihood.

Mulade asserted that Shell’s denial was capable of arousing tension and inciting violence and conflicts from the deprived communities which he said should not be allowed to happen at a time when the world is grappling with COVID-19 pandemic.

state had not recorded serious incursion through the borders in recent time.

Aluko stated that the fact that all the quarantine centres in all the 16 local government areas were currently empty, corroborated the fact that the borders were well secured.

The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, said the government had undertaken the fumigation of all major towns across the three Senatorial districts in the state to ward off COVID-19 spread. "To ensure that we have a healthy environment, the government has declared that all Ekiti residents must observe the monthly environmental programme of Saturday, May 30 to make our state clean".

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Dr. Jimlas Ogunsakin, added that sensitisation on the danger of COVID-19 is still being intensified across the 133 towns in the state to contain its spread .

Ogunsakin said the disease has not reached the level of community transmission due to the right strategies put in place by the state government via the COVID-19 task force.

Court Sentences Pastor to Death for Murder

Activist Wants SPDC Probed Over Pollution of Niger Delta Waters Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Officer, Mr. Gabriel Ubah Ogaba also confirmed the killing. He added that investigations were ongoing to unravel the people behind it.

and the general public should take note.

offence was contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State (2006).

Some of the witnesses including the mother of the deceased confirmed the allegation against Kolawole.

The mother of the deceased, Bimbo Olaniyi stated that "on 1/3/2016 her late son Ayo Olaniyi went behind her house to hunt for frog and that one Samson Kolawole accosted him and inflicted a deep cut on his head before the deceased fell into the pond.

Also police report indicated that "after a careful study of the case file, the following facts emerged that one Samson Kolawole accosted them while other three people escaped. The deceased was apprehended by the convict who took him to his house before he released him to his mother.

"That the deceased sustained a deep matchet cut on his head, soaked in his blood and was taken to the hospital but later died."

OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as ONU-ERNEST, OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as ONU, OGECHI DELIGHT. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS JULIET ENIOLA OHUE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS JULIET ENIOLA KEHINDE. All documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͝͸ 2020

08054699539

Five Years of Blood, Blubbing and Clannishness

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he entire Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State is still in tears; tears for the 74 people killed by bandits who attacked Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari and Katuma communities in the area last Wednesday. Children have been turned to orphans and women turned to widows.

Some tears may never dry. This brazen attack reflects the level of insecurity in Nigeria in the last five years. Daily, it degenerates.

Let’s flip to the popular Muna Garage camp for Internally Displaced Persons in Maiduguri. It was gutted by fire last Saturday, with 1,613 temporary shelters destroyed and two persons killed. This camp, home to thousands of IDPs, has been devastated by fire severally with hundreds of people killed. In the first quarter of this year alone, several IDP camps in Nganzai, Ngala, Mafa and Monguno were destroyed by fire, with scores killed. These traumatised IDPs dream of going home, but they can’t because their towns and villages are still dominated by Boko Haram terrorists. The few that returned home had to scamper back. As I pen this piece, there are over 700,000 troubled people in scores of IDP camps in Borno State. They struggle for a meal a day, while scores die daily of hunger, disease and malnutrition.

These facts and figures punch holes in the lies that the Buhari administration has kept to its promise of tackling insecurity. It came to power in 2015 with an avowal to tame insecurity but Nigeria continues to degenerate. The inability to tackle terrorism is one of the biggest failings of Muhammadu Buhari’s five-year-old government.

Those pushing out pro-Buhari materials to celebrate the anniversary are simply heartless and coldblooded.

It is depressing for a government to persistently make claims of degrading

Obasa

Lagos Speaker Should Be Impeached The image of the Lagos State House of Assembly is at low ebb. Allegations of embezzlement and financial misappropriation against the Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, and some of his allies in the House pour. The N51 million approved for himself and nine others to attend a leadership summit in Austria; the N34.7 million released for a media and civil society parley; the N53 million released for a trip to the United States for the 2019 US-Nigeria Trade and Investment Global Summit and the N80 million estacode paid to Obasa; the Deputy Speaker, Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, and some other members for a five-day event in Dubai, constitute abuse of office and misuse of public funds. What about Obasa’s long list of suspicious bank accounts and contracts he allegedly cornered? Yes, he has not been convicted by any court, but in decent societies, Obasa would have resigned, to protect the image of the Assembly. This won’t happen here. Lagos lawmakers should do the needful by impeaching him.

Buhari

Boko Haram, yet, IDPs can’t return to their homes. The big question is: Why would a man, his wives and children remain in a squalid IDP camp if his village had been recovered from Boko Haram? Under Buhari’s watch, Boko Haram became the deadliest terror group in the world, with thousands of Nigerians killed in the last five years. Even in IDP camps, people are persistently attacked and killed by Boko Haram.

It is so sad that several weeks after Chadian soldiers entered Nigeria and truthfully degraded Boko Haram, our gallant but poorly motivated soldiers are still struggling to end the war. All the lies about having defeated Boko Haram have collapsed like a pack of cards. The peak of this reckless falsehood was the wild celebration of a fantasy victory over the terrorists in December 2016 by Buhari.

I shed tears on that day that Buhari, a retired general, accepted a flag and Quaran purportedly captured from Shekau, as a symbol of victory over Boko Haram from Army Chief, Tukur Buratai.

The Army under the command of Buratai and the Air Force under the command of Sadique Abubakar have never been this mismanaged. In war situations, service chiefs are judged by performance.

Buratai and Sadique have failed abysmally.

The military urgently needs a change of leadership, yet, our President refused to allow this happen. These service chiefs have spent almost five years without result. Our gallant soldiers now struggle for allowances and equipment on the war front. Many of them have over-stayed on the war front, contrary to the rules of engagement.

It is a big shame that herders, bandits and kidnappers are slaughtering thousands of Nigerians, unhindered, under Buhari’s watch. Guerrillas protecting herdsmen roam freely unchecked by security agents. From Kaduna, to Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Kogi, Zamfara and Enugu, it has been tales of massacre by killer herdsmen. At a point in Benue State, the killer herdsmen controlled some local governments like Gwer West, Gwer East, Logo and Guma. Bandits are rampaging in Kaduna, Niger, Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states, with thousands of Nigerians sent to early graves. No solution in sight after five years; it’s so depressing.

The Buhari administration’s other avowals were to stamp out corruption and improve the economy. Unfortunately, this government hardly engages the statistics that are constantly rolled out about its failure.

Nigeria’s economy has suffered greatly under Buhari’s five years. Thousands of businesses are gasping for breath. Many have closed shop, while millions of Nigerians have lost jobs. At a point, inflation was almost at an unparalleled 18.72%. When he assumed office in 2015, the rate oscillated between 7.7 per cent and 8.7 per cent. The truth be told

without sentiment; the economy handed over to the Buhari administration was a fairly good one with consistent growth in GDP and industrial capacity utilisation.

Nigerians were their businesses with little encumbrances. The forex policy was also friendly to industrialists.

The Naira, our symbol of nationhood, is now in shreds. As at yesterday, it was trading at N450/$ in the real market. This is the same Naira Buhari inherited at about N220/$. Existing industrial estates across the country are in tatters and under-utilised due to infrastructural challenges and inclement operating environment. Buhari should visit the likes of Kakuri, Sherada, Bompai, Ogba and Ikeja industrial estates to understand what I am talking about. Manufacturers are panting for survival, while providing their own electricity, water, road, security, in addition to stifling multiple- taxation by all levels of governments. Power supply is still one big mess. Buhari promised to increase generation to 10,000MW within his first term. This is still a mirage.

The employment rate is a vital measurement of any economy’s health. Nigeria’s unemployment rate of 14.2 per cent in Q4 of 2016 jumped to 16.2 per cent in Q2 of 2017 and 18.8 per cent in Q3 of 2017.

The joblessness rate worsened in the third quarter of 2018, rising to 23.1 per cent.

The number of unemployed Nigerians rose from 17.6 million in Q4 2017 to 20.9 million in Q3 2018. We all now have an army of unemployed youths in our homes.

Regrettably, this government lacks pragmatic job creation strategy. Our dear President is still jumbling in his management of the economy. As a result, Nigeria surpassed India as the country with the largest number of people living in life-threatening poverty in the world. This is an insignia of disgrace that should task Buhari.

Buhari’s much talked about war against corruption remains a fantasy. Because of this skewed war, under Buhari’s watch, rent seekers in the oil industry are still collecting the proceeds of crude oil sales. This is why the NNPC spent a monstrous $5.8 billion on the importation of 9.8 million metric tons of petrol in four months - October 2017 to January 2018. This is why refineries are still not working; yet, this administration has spent billions of Naira on turnaround maintenance.

Until the collapse of oil price in April, billions of Naira went down the drain in the name of paying subsidies on imported petrol. Which corruption is bigger than plunging Nigeria into unprecedented foreign debt? What do we have to show for all these borrowings in the last five years? The 2017 Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International revealed that sleaze in Nigeria was more severe under the Buhari administration.

In that year, Nigeria was downgraded

by TI from 136 to 148 in the CPI. Nigeria was ranked 146 out of the 180 countries considered in 2019. The memo written by the former Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu on sleaze in the NNPC remains fresh in my memory. The cabal in charge of this administration tightened the noose on Kachikwu, forcing him to recant.

Some of the payments made by the Buhari government for some comical services often leave me wondering whether the interest of the public is paramount. The latest of such puzzling expenditures was the $4 million paid to an unknown lawyer from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) for God knows what. The Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, is still struggling to supply details of the lawyer who was paid the $4 million from the already depleted excess crude account, and the nature of the job done.

But for persistent protest by Nigerians, Babachir Lawal, the legendary grass cutter, would have remained as the SGF after allegedly mismanaging about N2.5 billion in the account of the Presidential Initiative on the North East, PINE. What about the sleaze allegations against the then Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf? This public servant, under investigation by anti-graft agencies, was reinstated with fiat. What about the then Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Maihaja, struggling to explain how he spent billions of Naira allocated to his agency? What about the pension thief, Abdulrasheed Maina, who was effectively protected by agents of this government for years? What a war against corruption!

Aside from its five years of ineptitude, for me, the biggest sin the Buhari administration has committed against this country is the division created with its clannishness. Our President’s clannishness is frightening. Buhari has spent five years stoking our fault lines with no respect for Federal Character in his appointments. The military, para-military and key departments/agencies are largely headed by people from a section of this country. Hatred and bloodshed across ethnic and religious divides have assumed an unprecedented dimension, with our fault lines persistently stoked. This is certainly not the Nigeria of our dream.

Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution is very clear: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few State or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.�

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s remark about Buhari’s clannishness on August 2016 is instructive. He said: “At no time in our history, except probably during the civil war, has Nigeria been so fractured in the feeling of oneness by the citizenry.� The ex-Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Dahiru Musdapher, concurred in September 2016, saying “Nigeria has never been as divided as presently, since it’s amalgamation over 100 years ago.�

Bishop Matthew Kukah, hit the nail on the head during his sermon at the burial of Michael Nnadi, a seminarian killed by kidnappers. The cleric remarked that Buhari was running the “most nepotistic and narcissistic government in known history,� and concluded that the President had not only relegated the national interest to the background, but had also introduced nepotism into the military.

Can Buhari honestly say that he has delivered on his promises of building a new and united Nigeria in the last five years? Can he honestly say that Nigerians are better under him than they were under his predecessor? Can he say that he has positively impacted on the lives of the masses of this country in the last five years? The frank answers would be negative. Power supply, federal roads, hospitals and schools are in tatters. Bandits, kidnappers and Boko Haram are rampaging. Poverty and unemployment pervade our country. My dear President, you still have three more years to amend your ways. The first step is to discharge the legions of sycophants around you and surround yourself with unpretentious and selfless patriots. You must also consistently remember that you were elected President of the whole country, not of a section of the country, and start acting as father to all. This is the way forward for our beloved Nigeria.

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SATURDAY MAY 30, 2020 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY MAY 30, 2020 • T H I S D AY

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˜ ˞ MAY 30, 2020

POLITY

Dapo Abiodun

Ogun Now Looking Good with Focused, Qualitative Governance The Prince Dapo Abiodun administration in Ogun State clocked one year last Friday. The governor took time o his tight schedule to speak to select journalists about his achievements and challenges in the state in the last 365 days. Olaoluwakitan Babatunde was there

Y

ou have since set up some committees on assumption of ofďŹ ce as the governor of Ogun State to look into some policies and actions of your predecessor. But one year in the saddle, people are still expecting White Papers on the ďŹ ndings of these committees, what is possibly delaying these reports?

When we came in, we found out that many of the issues we met on ground require further explanations because the hand-over notes we got were rather hazy and we needed to hit the ground running. Yet we have so many uncompleted projects from previous administration so we need to take stock and be sure we prevent future occurrences of such. For instance, about a week after I came into office, I paid a visit to the State-owned tertiary healthcare facility at Sagamu – the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital based on information received at an earlier meeting with the hospital’s management. I was shocked at the level of rot in the hospital. That Teaching Hospital used to be one of the best medical facilities in the country but, it had become a shadow of itself. Most of the medical equipment were obsolete and others dysfunctional. The mortuary and the entire vicinity was filled with bad odour, due to lack of maintenance and non-availability of needed equipment to make it functional. I had to set up a nine-man committee headed by the Chief Medical Director of Reddington Hospital, Dr. Yemi Onabowale. The committee’s specific terms of reference include: To assess the current operations of the hospital in line with expectations as a teaching/tertiary institution; determine the state of facilities of the various units and departments and make recommendations to the state on the steps necessary to ensure sustainable operations in the institution.

The committee was also to determine quick wins and palliative actions to stem further degeneration of the institution and facilities and review all third party arrangements in the institution, including the Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and other services provisioning arrangement and determine their level of compliance at the time of their engagement and with the efficacy. We had an administrative panel on the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic and the Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology.

Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) which the ex- Abiodun governor purportedly converted to Moshood Abiola University of Science and Technology (MAUTECH) without the wherewithal to nurture the new institution. It is instructive to note that while the institution was being converted, on paper from MAPOLY to MAUTECH, the staff of Tai Solarin College of Education were being owed 24 months’ salaries. When you consider the fact that MAPOLY had produced many leading lights in this country and was probably the most flourishing institution, being able to substantially generate and pay its staff’s salaries as and when due, the disruption caused should give any right-thinking administrator some concern. It was most galling misadventure.

These institutions were not functioning. Another Committee set up was on the Review of Appointments and Promotions in the State Civil Service and Enterprises, to give us an informed assessment of employments and promotions between February 1 and May 29, 2019. Yet, another one was set up to review the appointments, installations and promotions of 75 traditional rulers in the State in the twilight of the previous administration. Of course, we set up one to investigate the propriety of the last minutes contracts and projects. None of these was set up to witch-hunt.

They were set up to provide the right type of leadership to enable the state to perform optimally. All the people brought in have the requisite training, exposure, experience and integrity to drive the sectors where we called them to serve. To review the appointment of 75 coronet Obas, we had a paramount ruler, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle and other traditional rulers and others drawn from that institution. To head the projects, we brought in the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Engr Adekunle Mokunolu as Chairman. You’ll see that in ensuring that we provide focused and qualitative governance, we didn’t politicize these important assignments. Luckily, the state is renowned for its professionalism, commitment and dedication and I’m happy to report that all these committees delivered. They were thorough

and we have started implementing their reports. They were set up to bolster participatory democracy, to promote or highlight the features of a solution, product, or service. OOUTH is gradually returning to its pride of place. You can see what they have been doing in the fight against COVID-19. That is where the first state-funded molecular laboratory is located. MAPOLY is running seamlessly.

TASCE now has a Governing Council; it held its first graduation ceremony in 11 years as a result of the Panel’s activities. We didn’t set up any frivolous committee. These panels tried to perform the dual role of presenting firm government policies while at the same time inviting opinions upon them. These are the essence of White paper in Government as first used in Britain under Winston Churchill in 1922. We have also been able to mainstream almost 2000 workers into the workforce and none of the 18 Permanent Secretaries lost their jobs, even when we spotted grey areas in the manners of their promotions and appointments.

Of course, we set aside the appointment and promotion of Obas because they didn’t conform to laid-down statutes. So, we have started implementing the reports and that should put to rest any fears and establish that we set these committees up to be seen as an ethical, fair and firm administration.

The immediate past governor said that his administration had paid all the contractors handling road and other infrastructural projects in full, yet, several uncompleted roads and projects litter the state.What is your take on this?

The Kunle Mokunolu committee is peopled by professionals – structural engineers, architect, quantity surveyors, civil engineers, and lawyers etc to give us a balanced idea in ascertaining if or not there was budgetary provision for the projects in the Budget Estimates for the year. They were also to identify all outstanding significant construction/projects in the State, ascertain the process

of award of contracts in line with the established procedures and necessary regulations; determine the level of execution and quality of output of the projects; assess the disbursement pattern in line with the established process and procedure and to recommend any viable pathways for the completion of project, or in alternative, determine other actions, including, but not limited to reversal or cancellation of the contract that best align with the intent of the State Government. I am sorry to say that most of these projects fall short of the demands of international best practices. But we are determined to ensure that projects met on ground are completed since taxpayers’ money is involved and the welfare of the people is our priority.

Yes, most of them were fully paid for before these projects were and most without certificates but now contractors are still asking for variations. We had to intervene before the Judicial Complex could become functional. We have moved into the supposed 250-bed specialist hospital now and we shall ensure that no project is turned into the people’s nightmare, no matter the nature of its conceptualization.

You have seen that some hitherto White Elephant projects had been tweaked to become relevant today. For example, the Tech Hub on Kobape Road on the outskirts of Abeokuta was one of the supposed Model Schools that was moribund for 8 years. Ditto for the one in Ikenne. We have turned that into a 128-bed Isolation and Treatment Centre for COVID-19. No project will be allowed to waste. We will creatively put all of them into purposedriven ventures. The process for the preparation of year 2020 budget started with a sensitisation programme on the vision and mission of government. It was followed with town hall meetings in the three senatorial districts. We discovered the centrality of roads and so, we started rehabilitating roads by bringing the Ogun State Public Works Agency. Cognisance has been taken to eliminate white elephant projects or any such projects that would boost the public perception of any political actor in the state. We have realized the futility of channelling efforts towards the routine patterns for the use of public resources for those in power. We therefore devised a system of strategic allocation of resources, which ensure politics is secondary and that projects and programmes of the government in the first full budget have impact on the people who are the real essence of government. Trust me, we won’t abandon any inherited projects.

Apart from venturing into rehabilitation of public primary schools across the 236 wards of the state, what other steps have you taken to revamp the state’s education sector?

I have no illusion as to the position of education and the enormous challenges in the sector. As an Omo Teacher, I know education is the best legacy that can be given to the leaders of tomorrow. At my inauguration as Governor, I declared a state of emergency on the sector with a firm pledge of ensuring that the pride we used to have in education will be completely restored. So far, we have walked our talks by increasing budgetary allocation to 20% this year, and we will continue to do that on yearly basis till the United Nation Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) benchmark is achieved. We are implementing the Universal Basic Education Act, as well as ensuring free education for all children in Primary and Junior Secondary Schools. The welfare of teachers is being given utmost priority in order to ensure that best brains are attracted and retrained in the system. Our Government approved and implemented career elongation of degree holders in Public Primary Schools for teachers who had been stagnated on Grade level 14 for years. We promoted 10,000 teachers whose elevation had been delayed since 2016, employed 1, 500 Basic School Tecahers and the Teaching Service Commission has also

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

Ogun Now Looking Good with Focused, Qualitative Governance... Continued from Page 18 advertised to recruit about a thousand others. We facilitated the release of 2014-2017 UBE Matching grant to the tune ofN10 billion, which translates into 952 Education Projects. These Projects have two special features including Yellow roof and terrazzo floor in our public primary and secondary schools. We donated free teaching aids. We keep expanding the capacity of our teachers.

We sponsored ANCOPSS representatives to leadership training in Dubai to enhance their performance and service delivery on the job. We also reinstated Oluwole Olusanjo Majekodunmi, the Deputy Director in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology who was sacked by the previous administration. Also the former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, Ogun State Chapter, Dare Ilekoya who was compulsorily retired was also re-instated. This special act was displayed to show the government’s resolve in addressing all sorts of injustice.

Of course, the introduction of virtual learning via the Ogundigiclass, a Digital Classroom for Primary and Secondary Schools learners on OGBC, OGTV, DSTV 260 or GoTV 100 holding on Mondays to Fridays between 9:00am – 2:00pm has achieved tremendous success, which attests to our innovativeness in the face of the coronavirus pandemic which has paralysed formal classroom learning and teaching.

All teaching videos can be viewed on www. ogundigiclass.ng.

In education, we are simply unstoppable and we have awards by our students and teachers to show for our investment in that sector.

Local government areas in your state are manned by transition or caretaker committees, which have been described in some quarters as unconstitutional.When is your administration planning to conduct elections into these local governments?

The tenure of the elected Chairmen of the Councils ended in October last year, necessitating the need to set up the Transition Committees to temporarily run the Councils’ affairs. Like the name implies, what we have now is a stop-gap arrangement. We recently sought permission of the House to extend the tenure for three more months, ostensibly because of the pandemic that has distorted everything in the world. But we are committed to hold free, fair and credible election into all our local councils as soon as peace returns to the world. We are democrats and must live by the dictates of democracy – free election, accountability, rule of law, people’s participation or inclusiveness, etc Having signed a timely memorandum of understanding with the organised labour on the implementation of new minimum wage, reports indicate that your administration had yet to commence payment of the minimum wage.Why the delay?

Let me say that I am committed to a “social contract� with the workers of Ogun State. We have always paid promptly since I came into office and never owed any worker. Our administration provides ‘people-centred’ governance that identifies with their yearnings and, not the one that glorifies the welfare of cronies and family members. Our administration will continue to take the welfare of the civil servants as priority to guarantee industrial harmony. We shall continue prompt payment of salaries, leave bonuses and other allowances. That is why the agreement of Wednesday, February 5, 2020, on the payment of the new minimum wage, with effect from January 1, 2020 remains. We have considered its affordability and sustainability. I can only

appeal to the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), that they should trust us to pay. If in spite of the economic challenges on COVID-19, we are still paying regularly and not owing, we’ll not only pay the promised minimum wage, which in our case is higher than the national minimum wage, we will pay the Consequential Adjustment of 27 per cent for Grade Levels 07 and 08 (20%), Grade Level 09 (19%), Grade Levels 10 to 14 (15%) and Grade Levels 15 to 17 (14%) as well. We shall not renege.

We are adjusting the budget to accommodate these.

What are you doing to clear the backlog of arrears, deductions, gratuities, promotion exercises of salaries?

Like the minimum wage and consequential adjustment, no person will be owed. The conditions of the workers are germane for good governance. Even the organized labour has applauded us for attaching much importance to the welfare of the workers of the state. So, their deductions and arrears, they trust that we will not take this goodwill for granted. Check offs deducted are being remitted and of course, it is a moral obligation to pay our senior citizens who spend their youths to develop the rest of us.

Your administration has made some huge investments in the area of security. At a time, you set up SecurityTrust Fund and procured patrol vans, motorbikes and communication gadgets for police and other security agencies which are quite commendable.Would you say these have had the desired impact on security situation of the state?

On assumption of office on May 29 this year, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, I decided to take some immediate steps, the first of which was to call a meeting of all our security chiefs and I was amazed to find out that a security meeting of that nature had not been held three years before that day, which was May 30th. And at that meeting, a lot of things unfolded. It was a meeting held to establish the needs of security agencies and also carry out a security assessment of the state.

Subsequent to that, the security reports were submitted to me by all our security chiefs, and the report enumerated all that was required to keep our state secure, including how we can look after our investors and also those that have chosen our state to be their home. We realised the fact that our law enforcement agencies did not have a communication system or equipment in place in Ogun State, meaning that the commissioner of police could not speak with his counterpart in the military or in the Department of State Service, DSS, or even worst still, he could not speak with his Area Commanders or the DPO in any of the police stations across the state.

There was hardly any functional vehicle.

There were no tracking devices. There was hardly enough finance to look after the welfare of the personnel and obviously, there was hardly anything available to maintain those vehicles.

So, we decided that we would do everything possible to give the needed support to the security agencies. As you will no doubt agree, we cannot do it alone. And in line with our vision, which is to provide focused and qualitative governance while creating an enabling environment for a Public Private Sector Partnership, which we believe is fundamental to the economic growth of the state and the individual prosperity of our people; we decided to look towards the private sector for the needed partnership. We appreciate that to do that, it will be important for us to instill

Abiodun in the private sector, the level of confidence that will allow it to partner with us. So, we said what do we have in place? On assumption, we had the Security Trust Fund. Why hasn’t it worked?

We looked at it, we reviewed it, and we ensured that it had all the necessary ingredients to make it function, particularly corporate governance. We sent it back to the House of Assembly and it has since been passed into law.

Following that, I consulted with my brother, the chairman of the STF in Lagos and consulted also with the captain of the bankers as I call him and we all agreed we should head hunt Mr. Bolaji Balogun to be the chairman of the STF. Mr. Bolaji Balogun graciously accepted and after we found him, we now began to talk to our other colleagues in other banks. Let me on this note state that the board position is not closed. Because I am sure that other bankers will be wondering how come I am not on that board? So let me state that the door is very much open. We have Mr. Balogun; we have Mr. Opeyemi Agbaje who has a lot of institutional experience, coming from almost eight years of working on the same fund in Lagos State. And we have EDs from different banks, and a former AIG. Having done that, we now said, what is the next thing? While we were doing that, our resolve was tested. We had a couple of cases of kidnapping in the state and I realised the fact that this underscores some basic things like emergency response. I immediately reached out to the President, because the kidnapping incident happened while we were having a retreat in Abuja.

And I said to Mr. President, my state is perhaps one of the most important states in this country, and if people cannot travel between Lagos and Ogun and the rest of the country without fear of being kidnapped along the Lagos- Ibadan Expressway, the entire economy of Ogun State and the rest of this country is actually under threat. And Mr. President asked me what do I need and I said I will need to have a helicopter so that we can respond swiftly in this kind of cases.

I want to appreciate Mr. President again because

that afternoon, a helicopter was dispatched to the Ogun State Police Command and has been with us since that time. Through the helicopter, we were able to immediately track the kidnappers; we were able to liberate the victims, and we were also able to send a clear signal and message to all those that intended to make criminality their occupation in Ogun State that we have zero tolerance for crime and criminality.

We went further and decided to support the STF initiative by showing commitment. We purchased 100 vehicles and 200 motorcycles and we got the Inspector General of Police to launch the equipment, further demonstrating our resolve to fight crime and zero tolerance to criminality. Since then, we have had an unusually low incident of criminality in the state.

Also, the five southwest states have agreed to set up a joint patrol team that will be called “Amotekun.� Each of the states is required to donate at least 20 patrol vehicles, communication equipment and personnel to that joint patrol task force. It will consist of men from the police, army, vigilantes and hunters.

As we speak, we still need quite a lot more.

We need communication equipment, we need monitoring and tracking devices to monitor and track criminals. The vehicles need to be maintained, the officers need to be look after and in this regard, we have appealed to the private sector for assistance so that we can ensure that we only have the funding, but that it is sustained.

You have always attributed your emergence as governor to God. But notwithstanding, many people believe certain political bigwigs, includingVice President Yemi Osinbajo, Asiwaju BolaTinubu, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, among others, helped your ascension to power. Do you still have cordial relationship with these personalities?

Very cordial. They have been the pillars behind our emergence and have been supportive all the way.

Breaches in NASRDA DG’s Appointment Duku Hameed

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he scramble for the leadership at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) after the former acting director general, Mr. Jonathan Angulu retired from the agency on the 15th of May, 2020 has exposed the underbelly in anomalous practices in the agency.

Being science based, the leadership of the agency is picked from the ranks but there is disquiet over the refusal to elevate the most senior in the agency. Apart from that, the agency is seriously embroiled in fragrant disregard of established laws of 30th August, 2010.

The law was clear in Part V number 27, 28,

and 29, where the provisions stipulated that the agency submit in each year, latest 31st July, it’s programmes and estimate of its income and expenditure for the following year, audited accounts of the agency not later than six months after the end of the year and report of its activities. These have so far not been followed because merit has been discarded and use of incompetent hands enthroned.

The retired director general, a history graduate, was appointed in acting capacity in June last year after the expiration of the two terms of Professor Seidu Mohammed. On his retirement on 15th of May, the most senior, Dr. G.I. Agbaje was bypassed for a junior to become the acting director general.

There are fears within the parastatal that

this might lead to crisis if justice is not done on appointment of the substantive director general. Currently there are two senior officers jostling for the substantive headship of the agency. The two most senior are Dr. G.I. Agbaje, Director, Centre for Space Science and Technology Education, Ile Ife and Dr. F.D. Chizea, Director of Planning, Policy and Research now on acting capacity as director general.

However, Dr. G.I. Agbaje, an indigene of Lagos, having become a deputy director earlier in 2006, is the most senior. He was seconded to the Federal Civil Service from the Lagos State Civil Service Commission with reference number LB/616/5.6/32 in September 2004 starting with the position of

an assistant director and is currently the most senior.

The agency the staff are waiting on the government to do the right thing by correcting the mistake made in the headship of the agency and it is incumbent on the decision makers to set the records straight and save the agency from the macabre dance it is being forced into.

Nigeria has the capacity to do the right thing and in this age of science, allowing such an important agency to become moribund on account of favouritism and internal politics while it’s contemporaries are breaking new grounds in definitely avoidable.

Duku Hameed, a public commentator wrote in from Abuja

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˜ ˞ MAY 30, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/TRIBUTE

BY

Grassroots, Not Grassroot

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OU are welcome to this edition: â€œâ€Śin their various constituencies to synthesise (synthesize, preferably) grass root (sic) opinions on this all important (all-important) project.â€? Not my view: grassroots opinions‌. “In many respect (respects) it is out of tune with modern reality‌.â€? “Nigeria has never degenerated to (into) this level, security wise.â€? “That is why the state governments need to be given the impetus to pool their wisdom and resources together‌.â€? Delete the last word in the extract. â€œâ€Śthe states and local governments sufficiently financially empowered to take care of its (their) responsibilities.â€? There should be a conjunction between ‘sufficiently’ and ‘financially’.

The next two lexical frauds are from the Editorial of one of the newspapers under review today: “The minister exposed the shock find during an official visit to PHCN’s facilities in (on) the premises of the‌.â€? â€œâ€Ścontributed to PHCN’s woeful (abysmal) failure to provide regular electricity supply to the nation.â€?

Still on the recurring pool of grammatical disasters: “The minister had, on Tuesday, drew (drawn) the ire of workers by arguing that‌.â€? â€œâ€Śthe federal government must embark on some cost saving (cost-saving measures‌.â€? “His arguments on the introduction of N5,000 notes was (were)‌.â€? “FG to sanction DISCOs over over-billing of customersâ€? A rewrite: “FG to sanction DISCOs for overbilling customersâ€? “Teachers employed by the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to complement‌.â€?Education Today: Parent-Teacher Association (PTA),,,, “CANNU donates to flood relief (flood-relief)

fundâ€? “Eduwatch gathers students, scholars togetherâ€? Yank off the last word in the excerpt. “Geepee proudly introduces world class (world-class) multilayer (multi-layer) composite panels‌no painting, no maintainenceâ€? Bloated pride: maintenance!

THE GUARDIAN Opinion Page of May 26 circulated two improprieties: “With preparations in top gear, and barring any last minute (last-minute) hitches‌.â€? “The final death nail (sic) came with the present political dispensation that began in 2000 that paid lip-service to governance.â€? Get it right: death knell or just knell. There is nothing like ‘final death nail’! “If the Abia PDP stalwarts have forgotten, we will gladly remind them that candidates who stand for elections under (on) the platform (platforms) of political parties‌.â€? “Kaduna gears up for LG polls amidst (amid) fears of violenceâ€? “Records show that their actions and inactions, in the past, have (had) contributed in (to)‌.â€? “Non-partisan intelligence driven mechanism panacea to Boko Haramâ€? A rewrite: “Non-partisan, intelligence-driven mechanism, panacea to Boko Haram “The elders also said they are (were) in support of the probe of alleged missing‌.â€?

(SOUTH EAST NEWS, May 20) “Therefore, it behooves on our sports authorities to rise up to the occasion and restore the country’s lost glory in (to) many of the sports‌.â€?

FEEDBACK RE: Which one: ‘celebrant’ or ‘celebrator’?

Shorthand is phonetical. Some of us did shorthand and also taught it. In shorthand dictation and/or transcription, one should be sure which—British or American Eng-

lish! We find out even though Nigerians are basically pro-British, their pronunciations are majorly pro-American. Shorthand writers are usually advised to adopt British English because of implications to writing and transcription. The foregoing is indicative there are points of difference between British and American English. So, let us not confuse issues. Reference to the words, ‘celebrant’ and ‘celebrator’: It should be pointed out that they are not the same in British English. For instance, someone celebrating something e.g. a party is a celebrator. The Catholic priest celebrating Mass is a celebrant. In a wedding Mass, the priest is the celebrant while the couple constitutes the celebrators.

Prof. A. Ugwu Obayi/08068861837 CONTRARY to Sunny Agbontaen’s opinion on the effective use of the word, ‘celebrator’, I think ‘celebrator’ is more appropriate in this our clime. Nigeria was colonized by the Britons and, as such, we ought to speak the Queen’s English without adulteration of any kind. It is totally unethical of any individual to combine the American English with that of the Britons in a formal speech or an article. The use of the word, ‘celebrant’, is unacceptable in our learning society.

Itoro Esq., Uyo/09067592524 IF the late Pa Bayo Oguntuase, the English language guru, will hear that some Nigerian journalists are still hyphenating phrasal verbs, committing a blunder like ‘point accusing finger’, a solecism like ‘reoccur’, a pleonasm like ‘return back’, he will weep in his grave because he had corrected all these errors over and over again. Thank God you have stepped into his shoes and you are doing

Don’t Let Covid-19 Make You Mad

I

t has become increasingly clear in these strange and perilous times that we are battling issues beyond, or as a consequence of, the novel Coronavirus disease pandemic. There are emerging and sadly sporadic issues bordering on mental health, of which our country is immensely inadequate to cope with, even in less challenging times.

Of course, there is the seemingly inevitable matter of instability in food security, and impending famine - in all likelihood, this can exponentially escalate our poverty index, and provoke social upheavals and massive class unrest.

The combination of (or the increasing fear of) hunger, dwindling purchasing power, crash in international trade, and consequently, dwindling shareable revenues, dumping down of government projects and interventions...and more negative kicks on the sad-line check list, will certainly take a toll on the mind or spirit of the average Nigerian.

Consequences are as diverse as they are truly worrisome. In addition to prayers, planning, working hard, and adapting work and social ethics to conform with current worldwide realities, our people must device the means and occasions to relieve stress, promote friendliness and excitement within the home and work environment.

Here is my own antidote (still no vaccine in sight, and we continue to ignore our herbal alternatives, like plague) in confronting the madness of the moment...

When you have a family of five that all are very active and adventurous, it is a profound test of cohabiting and tolerating one another while holed up in the same house for four weeks of official isolation/lockdown fiat, circa March 30, 2020. Ours was made more incisive as we had begun self-isolation two weeks prior to the presidential “lock-up� broadcast.

Now, we are on the second leg of a four-week phased lax isolation, making it a solid 10 weeks of partial immobility! So, we had to be creative, and diffuse any hint of acrimony or stress we read about in some families.

One of our strategies is something like a #you-think-you-cancook? sort of game. Each member of the family picked a day when he or she would cook brunch (lockdown automatically cancels elaborate breakfast - on account of commonsense and “over-sleep�) and dinner. All the works: washing the dishes, pots and all that, cleaning the kitchen, cooking a full meal, depending on what the “C-in-C� ordered or advised, with full support of the children.

At the beginning, it looked as if it was a “gang-up�...as if they had been waiting all these years to “deal� with me. It appeared that I was always “blessed� on my chosen days with some complicated meals. But in the spirit of the moment, I plodded on... determined not to ruin the fun... and once in a while I would catch a glint of surprise, as they had never seen Daddy in full kitchen/cooking mode.

Of course, I dug deep into past experiences as “ex-border� in Lisabi Grammar School, Abeokuta, before the last two years, when boarding houses were cancelled in Ogun schools, with the coming of venerable journalist, Chief Bisi Onabanjo as civilian governor in 1979.

I remembered my “anti-buka-neering� days in the University of Jos, Plateau State, with regular cooking “competitions� inside our tiny rooms in the Bauchi Road and Naraguta Road Hostels of 1983/84.

By the grace of God, one has not missed one’s day, every week, in spite of our “busy schedules� - and we now have a hunch that the children are always looking forward to Daddy’s Tuesday “concoctions�...well, one may be fooling one’s self.

So, here’s my advice: do some dirty work (domestic), and create a spark of liveliness in your homes. This is strictly for husbands (in enlightened self-interest, I dare suggest)... We challenge you to a #husbands-can-cook-too game... try it, and challenge others to make themselves useful during this pandemic - and, in doing so, be a few steps away from going “mental�.

Adeboye: Only But Once...

Still in pursuit of anti-boredom activities, we continue to rummage through piles of history and memorabilia...clucking at interesting excavations, shaking head in bewildered remembrances of better-forgotten events...and so on, and so forth...then, I stumbled on a piece we wrote few weeks after radio live show impresario, Gbenga Adeboye died in 2003. The effervescent entertainer died 17 years ago on April 30, in a dramatic and suspense-filled sequence of intrigues and “myths�.

In honour of his memory, and his outstanding contributions to Nigerian broadcasting, literature, comedy, music and culture, we present to you the “Eulogy to Oduology�: “What is life? Who is death? What is the purpose of attainments when you will eventually lose control of your life? Why does it always seem as if the Almighty is making a mockery of us, as He plucks out those whom we celebrate or adore so much? Is He jealous that no one should command as much adoration, as much devotion, as much reverence than anything remotely close to the one reserved for the Almighty?

When things like this occur I am perplexed at the complex and undefinable ways of God. Who amongst human mortals, can confidently predict January last year (ie 2002) that Prince Elijah Olugbenga Abefe Adeboye (Funwontan) would not be with us today? I am afraid, no one.

Were it not for death or my business as a journalist, I will find it difficult to believe that he was only few years older than me. He spoke with and addressed me with so naked a humility that I was usually embarrassed after his greetings.

You could easily see that his happy-go-lucky visage and

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

creditably. More power to your elbow and may God bless you.

Osabenyi Onefeli/08066227593 WORTHY brother, latest editions of Oxford and Longman dictionaries say: ‘clap in prison/jail/irons’—not ‘clamp‌into jail’ as used on April 29, 2020 (see line 5, paragraph 2 of your back-page column in Daily Sun of the above edition. Can ‘clamp’ and ‘clap’ be used interchangeably in the context?

Dr. Stanley Nduagu/Aba/08062925996 COLUMNIST’S RESPONSE: Both words cannot be used interchangeably. One of the meanings of ‘clamp’, according to Longman’s Dictionary of Contemporary English, 7th Edition, for Advanced Learners, is: ‘to put limits on what someone is allowed to do’—which, by contextual extrapolation, is sheer imprisonment which informed my usage of it. ‘Clamping someone into jail’ is indicative of all manner of restrictions and sanctions, after due judicial processes, usually. ‘Clapping somebody in prison/jail/irons’ is merely literary and has an element of suddenness—it is not as deep and legalistic as ‘clamping someone into jail’.

ADDENDA DEAR contributors, I prefer that messages are sent to me via my email portal—not SMS—except they are not for publication. Thank you all for your usually cerebral interventions.

IT would be further interactive if Oga Sunny Agbontaen could reestablish his stance on this week’s subject by way of elucidation and possibly responding to the foregoing observations and declarations.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

hilarious disposition is a facade to cover a very deeply volatile mind and brilliant artistry. He’s so much older than his 43 years and four months that not a single person I have met - and I’m not exactly a kid in this business - who has justifiably unkind words against him.

Who am I to write a tribute - about a giant of my generation?

My answer is simple: who else would be authorised if not those who are members of his generation, and who, by merely the grace of God, have stayed a day longer on this earth - and have shared a word or two with him; studied his craft and personality? You and I, who are Funwontan addicts, have the moral force to salute this young colossus whose major inadequacy (perhaps one or two more) is his regard for his own greatness, even when he boasted of his gift freely and volubly.

Let me make a confession: 1 was part of the hip Lagos audience who grew up on RN2’s Patrick Oke, JAJ, Phil Ushe, Jones Usen, Stagger Lee and such radio grand masters of the late 70s, 80’s. I couldn’t imagine a switch to any other FM stations, not to mention a shortwave station like Radio Lagos. In the mid 80’s, I could stroll, once in a while (in the air that is) to OGBC 2’s Sesan Ekisola and a few others. Yet, a Saturday “vigil� on Radio Lagos was forced on me by the loud dexterity and immaculate presentation of Gbenga Adeboye on his Funwontan programme.

And I am not a post-humous traditionalist - I mean those who only wax lyrical at the death of a notable person. In my “Millennium Mementos� (circa, 2000) I signposted Adeboye as one of the leading lights of Nigerian entertainment industry. He is. Death cannot turn that into past tense.

He is one of the first, if not the first, independent producers on radio - buying up spots and air time on stations that would crawl to have him as a staffer. Adeboye is a bold pioneer.

Because he is magnanimous, his rise has led to drastic labour turnover headaches for many radio stations - more of his acolytes and peers dropped regular employment to swim with Adeboye. Just look around you, go to Radio Lagos, OGBC, Radio Nigeria-Ibadan, BCOS, and other stations in the SouthWest, where his voice is more recognizable than any heads of state or the lyrics of the national anthem; then you will realize that his passage could not have been a whisper.

Gbenga Adeboye left in a gale of ovation and adulation: as if he scripted it himself. Good night, Abefe.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ͸˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Shirley Igwe

I’mTired ofTalking about Men and Marriage… If It Happens, It Happens Shade Okoya Tinkles at 43 pg. 24

COVID-19: Bringing Africans Together with Music pg. 26

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

I’mTired ofTalking about Men and Marriage‌ If It Happens, It Happens Screen diva Shirley Igwe doesn’t have to be padded, made-up and wear colourful masks to be beautiful; she has beauty bequeathed on her by nature, so much so that, before she graduated from school, she was already the beautiful face of Delta Soap. From modeling, she naturally metamorphosed into acting before serving as Chief Protocol Officer to former Governor Rochas Okorocha. Shirley could be any man’s dream woman but she is still single. Taciturn Shirley missed going on set to work owing to the Covid-19 outbreak. But she is putting herself together and getting set for work again, having used this period to restructure her life. She recently spent some time chatting with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

ell us a little about y o u r family background and upbringing and how it shaped you?

I come from a Christian family from the eastern part of Nigeria. Being a Christian and knowing Christ from childhood has helped me stay strong even as my both parents are no more...the love of God keeps me going.

You were a successful model before acting. As it is now it appears you have completely given up modeling for acting and movie production.

What’s your take on this?

I still model if the opportunity presents itself.

The fact that I move from location to location gives me no time for anything else.

You did quite a lot of shoots during your reign as a commercial model. How did that prepare you for the life on screen?

Modeling is totally different from acting. I had to take acting classes at New York FilmAcademy before taking up acting professionally.

Your ďŹ rst acting experience must have been memorable.Tell us how your ďŹ rst experience on set/screen was?

My first film was in Ghana and it was quite an interesting one. It was called “I Broke My Heart�.

I was still in school and had to finish schooling before any other thing but I got a lot of feedback on how well my role was interpreted.

You have been in the limelight for a while now, how has that changed your life?

It changed a great deal but I thank God for everything.

What’s the most

challenge you have encountered in your career?

Being able to balance work with social life; it’s been a bit tasking. My social life is suffering.

We understand that talent is important to a successful acting career but in Nollywood, it seems there is emphasis on physical assets.

What’s your view on this?

Well, I think that talent is never enough. You need to surround yourself with people who love and inspire you; you also need to work really hard and smart before you start counting whatever physical asset you have.

How do you get through the Covid-19 pandemic period? And what’s your attitude to life generally?

At first it seemed like unexpected holidays but then, I realized that this is the time God has given us to reevaluate and restructure our lives to serve him.

I’ll say that I coped really fine. God is forever faithful.

Shirley Igwe has it all going well. But single.

How would you describe your dream man?

I can’t really say there’s a particular dream I have about the type of man I must have...you know I’m tea tired of talking about man/men. If it happens, it happens.

From being the Chief Protocol OfďŹ cer to former governor Rochas Okorocha, you came back to Nollywood.

This was after years of modeling. Have you grown into the woman of your dreams following your life and career paths?

Yes, life so far has been fulfilling... I have grown and still growing... I’m on a blessed journey of becoming the best version of myself ever.

Shirley Igwe

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ 2020

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Charles Uwagbai

World will Marvel at ‘The Blood of Enogie’ Prolific filmmaker, Charles Uwagbai, has been at the forefront of projecting Benin folktale. He was on set producing a new TV series for iROKOtv, titled Blood of Enogie, when COVID-19 pandemic broke out. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, he shares the impact of the pandemic on filmmaking and also his passion for Nollywood

H

aving recently jumped ship from single to married, how has this impacted on your work life?

Marriage has elevated my work life as it motivates me to work harder than ever. My wife has lived a completely different life than me, so she offers a different perspective to my creativity which inspires me to think outside of the box

Tell us about your new projects I have two new works in the making Charlie Charlie (the movie shot in Nigeria, Ghana, Canada and Italy) and of course, Blood of Enogie Series coming soon on IROKOtv. Since you started your career, what has been the most challenging job you took on, and why?

My most challenging job so far is the Blood of Enogie Series; 78 days on set and counting, and we are still not done with principal photography, over 400 casts and crew. Permit me to talk a bit more about this film we are creating. The Blood of Enogie is an epic series produced by Creative Unit Studios for RokTV Nigeria. The plot begins with a stinging message from the gods which sends panic to the household of the Enogie (king) of Idugbor community in the ancient Benin kingdom. After five miscarriages and an unending pressure from friends and kinsmen, the Enogie marries a new wife with hopes that the gods will grant them favour and mercy.

Then, there is a conspiracy in the palace. To secure her place as the only wife of the Enogie, the new wife devises a well-thought-out plan. A taboo is said to be committed and the first wife is sentenced to death. Unknown to everyone, she is expecting a child, a possible heir, so the story goes.

Shot in several locations in Benin and Abeokuta, the intrigues of Blood of Enogie Series centres around a simple story, simple yet so captivating. I dare say you cannot read a few pages of the over 1250 scenes script and drop it. Apart from this, the production design, arts, sets, locations, costumes, etc, were so real and beautiful. I am excited to have done this work.

I also need to add that the actors were on fire.

They came with a passion and preparation I have never seen. Stars that featured are Chioma Akpotha, Caz Chidebere, Maryanna Apollo, Etinosa Idemudia, Angela Eguavoen, Iyabo Ojo, Moyo Lawal and many other amazing actors.

Finally, the culture and traditions of the Binis (people from Benin, Edo State) played dominant in the Blood of Enogie Series. The costumes, the music, oh my God! I can’t wait for the world to see what we have prepared with the Blood of Enogie Series.

You have produced a couple of Bini folklore, why are you so passionate about Bini?

I am passionate about Bini because it is my root and culture. I am proud of our history and how far we have come. Our stories are unique and diverse so they translate well to film.

In Nollywood, when movies stay in the cinemas for a while, the rights are bought over by content aggregators, OTTS, SVOD, TVs, etc. Do you think that ďŹ lm distributors and producers are doing right by cutting off the DVD sellers? Are we not losing a lot of money from cutting that chain?

I will not say that distributors are cutting off DVD sales, but I will rather say that asides from fighting piracy, times have changed and things are different. You will agree with me that DVDs are not so much in high demand as it used to be. So naturally, the supply will fall.

A ďŹ lm producer chooses the script, directors, characters, location, etc.

He also takes key decisions for every project. Asides funding, government support, societal issues, etc, can we say that the ineptitude of producers are a major chunk of the issues plaguing the Nollywood industry today?

Again, I do not agree totally with this, even though there might be some upcoming producers that are learning the ropes out there. A lot of those issues listed in your question cannot be so in every movie.

Also, remember that the audience has a lot of say with the kind of movies that Nollywood producers make as with other industries around the world. Many producers will want to produce similar content to anything they feel will be successful.

With regards to ďŹ lm productions and distributions, is Nollywood where it should be?

Nollywood is not where it should be, but not where we started from. The industry is growing and really growing fast.

Charles Uwagbai

that filmmaking is such an easy job and not for serious people. Filmmaking is hard and tasking and needs a lot of intelligence and commitment.

What measures do you think can be taken to have more quality productions/ distributions for our movies?

What we need in Nollywood is more funding, training, retraining and the right partnerships.

If you had the opportunity to go back right from when you started, what will you do differently?

If I had the opportunity to go back in time, I will do things smarter but I will not change a thing. However smartness grows with experience.

What are some of the most common misconceptions about what you do?

One major misconception is people think

Was there a time you almost gave up your art? If yes, how were you able to pull through?

It wasn’t easy at the beginning as I studied electrical engineering as my first degree and my parents didn’t want to hear about filmmaking.

Apart from no support, I was stressed out daily to get a real job and almost gave up the dream but I am glad I am here today.

Please share four tips for ďŹ lmmakers who are hoping to become successful like you in the entertainment industry.

Don’t sit and wait, Get up and do something.

Strive to be better on every job. Consistency is key and humility will take you places

In what ways would you say COVID -19 is impacting the movie industry?

As per the health care professionals, COVID-19 spreads through close contact with others so the current advice is to practice social distancing. A good quality movie, even with very few actors, still requires a crew that works so hard behind the scenes; from lighting & sound operators, to costume, makeup and everything else in between. We need each member of the crew to work on set. With COVID-19, it is unsafe to continue filming while around several people. This has caused a lot of movie productions to be put on hold. That being said, I would assume a lot more people are spending a lot more time watching movies now they are stuck at home with the country on lockdown.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Shade Okoya Tinkles at 43 Shade, wife of billionaire businessman, Razaq Okoya clocked 43 last Monday. The day was celebrated quietly at home in Lagos with an intimate dinner with her husband, kids and close family members. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

B

illionaire businessman, Chief Rasaq Okoya’s elegant wife, Shade clocked 43 last Monday and celebrated the special day in splendid style with loved ones. As a matter of fact, the high society lady would have loved to celebrate her birthday in grand style with the high and mighty in the country but for the global pandemic that has led to a lockdown order by the government.

She however held an intimate gettogether with her husband and family in their living room, which features a mini-bowling alley.

The sizzling, brilliant and hardworking woman was all joy and thankful to Almighty Allah who made her to witness yet another glorious year.

She posted a video on Instagram, shortly before the celebration, with the caption. “Happy birthday! #ShadeOkoya.� Expressing her feelings, the fashion icon and MD, CEO of Eleganza Group, a leading conglomerate in the manufacturing industry in Nigeria, spared no words on her high emotions at the close-knit event, noting that she had a great time marking the special day with her family, notwithstanding COVID-19.

The mother of four beautiful children said she felt so blessed and grateful to have spent that special day of her life with the family. The loving wife of the billionaire industrialist and the Aare of Lagos, Okoya shared colourful pictures and videos of her birthday celebration on her Instagram page with another caption: “Throwback to my 43rd birthday dinner.

With the ‘new normal’ we may not be able to gather together for special occasions, however, I was incredibly thankful and blessed to spend my 43rd birthday with my family.

Shade Okoya and husband, Chief Rasaq Okoya

We ended the evening bowling. We had so much fun we didn’t finish until 3:30am! #ShadeOkoya.�

In one of the videos, the lady of substance could be seen bowling in

their magnificent home as other members of the family joyously surround her. Her face lit up with a smile‌ Though the event was not with the razzmatazz of her past celebrations,

Shade posted stunning pictures of her and her husband in front of her beautifully designed birthday cake, attesting to the mood the occasion conjures and the feeling that there could be absolute beauty in simplicity, added to her birthday menu which offered assortments of food.

Shade had lately revealed she spent most of her time meditating while in lockdown over the coronavirus outbreak. In one of her recent posts, she shared a video of her luxury air-conditioned restroom where according to her, she spends most of her time reflecting, with a caption: “During this period of self-isolation, I have been spending most of my time in my bathroom reflecting on all the lessons I have learnt from this experience,� she wrote. For those who don’t know, Shade Okoya graduated from the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

At 43, she still wears a comely and fragile look that makes it difficult to remove 22 years from her age, and not picture the slim-framed lady, who married Chief Akanni Rasaq Okoya two decades ago. From when they met till now it, has been love all the way and these moments. For many who have been familiar with the Lagos socialite scene, the Okoyas are not a stranger. To those who remember her from her time as a young wife, it is almost hard to believe that it has been over 20 years.

Folashade’s husband is well known in the Nigerian business circle as one of Nigeria’s foremost business men, who has established a business empire that is certain to outlive generations.

80 year old Razaq is the owner and founder of Eleganza group of companies, with a market spanning Western Africa. Mrs. Okoya is responsible for the day-to-day running of the company.

Koko Pee Returns with New EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

After a two-year hiatus, the artiste Koko Pee is returning to limelight with a new EP. Titled ‘Spoil the Gen’, the five track EP is coming on the heels of his viral tracks ‘Calculate’ which featured comedian Ushbebe and ‘No Underrate’, in which he teamed up with Afrobeat singer, Terry Apala. According to the artiste popularly known as D’lyrical Engr, ‘Spoil the Gen’ was inspired by his personal experiences, where he once went broke and had nobody to come to his rescue.

The EP also addresses the current realities in the country like social inequality and applauds unity. “The song speaks volumes of the realities in the country.

This is because we have more people who are suffering today than those who are

enjoying.

So, I want a lot of poor people to mingle with the rich who are not their enemies.

But definitely, they are the ones who can help them,� the ‘Burst ma Brain’ crooner noted.

On the meaning of the popular line in the title track, “Two poor men no fit help each other�, the ‘Burst ma Brain’ crooner who hails from Isoko North, Delta State, stressed the need to bridge the gap between the poor and the rich in society. “We need light to chase away darkness.

We also need ideas to change situations; we need to eat to be able to function properly. These are things that a poor man cannot do for himself. He believes that good life is not for him, and that’s why he holds grudges against anyone that’s doing well in life just as he finds comfort in the

midst of people of his class.�

Koko Pee added: “In this time of COVID-19, it’s hard for two poor people to really help each other. A man without food cannot give what he does not have.

Two poor people can hardly support each other because they don’t have the means to do so. This is why for society to be balanced, the poor need to value and appreciate the rich in order to change their status.�

Born Okokowa Ogaga in Dublin, Koko Pee broke into the mainstream Nigerian music scene in 2013, with his hit song “‘Party Till The End’. He graduated from Igbinedion University before venturing into music. He expressed optimism that his new EP would be a break from the regular urban sounds for avid music lovers.

Koko Pee

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ 2020

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Rudeboy Serves Women in a Special Way One half of defunct Psquare music group, Paul Okoye aka Rudeboy serves his fans and music lovers a new single titled ‘Woman’. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

E

arly this week, Superstar Rudeboy premiered his new single “Woman� exclusively on AKtivated Sessions.

The song reiterates the saying that “No one is perfect� and it is dedicated to every woman. In the song, Rudeboy likens relationship to a waving flag, which he says requires a lot of compromise to flow. Woman is a follow up to his 2020 hit song, ‘Take It’ which featured BBNaija winner Mercy Eke as the video vixen.

This new smashing Afrobeat/ pop record was produced by Chrisstringz, the video shot and directed by the highly creative Amazing Klef. Shortly before the song release, Rudeboy posted on Instagram, saying:‌.. “Should I just drop it? Cos I really wanna separate the boys from the men musically speaking #musicallyrude by @amazingklefâ€?. King Rudy as fondly called, on this new jam talks to the men who are still single because they are hunting for that perfect woman, someone who is Holy (God Fearing), pretty, hardworking and would never disappoint.

Tackling the subject of relationships, the singer is giving pointers on how to get a perfect marriage or relationship with the song. On “Woman,� he lectures that it is impossible to marry a perfect woman but possible to have one if one is willing to build. He sings that people should marry for love rather than perfection. His message is that no woman is perfect, one just have to build one to your taste. “Even the men that want the perfect lady/wife do not have a perfect lifestyle, as all is with flaws. If you want a perfect woman, you have to build her yourself and if you want a rich man, you have to build him likewise, he emphasized in the song.

The Fire Department INC boss Rudeboy dropped a couple of hit videos last year. In September 2019, he dropped the visuals for

Rudeboy

‘Audio Money’, featuring Shatta Bandle, Ghanaian Instagram personality and self-acclaimed billionaire. His record breaking ‘Reason with Me’ video gathered over 10 million views just a month after release. Paul would then boast of this feat, saying he broke Psquare ‘Bank Alert’ record.

Interestingly, one noticeable feature of Rudeboy songs since he went solo is female. The songs Nkemji Keke, Reality, Reason with Me, Somebody Baby and Take It all appeal to the female folks. ‘Woman’ comes off as a popping record and at the same time, gives a more conscious found in celebration of women.

Meanwhile, a lot of fans still yarn for the return of the legendary P-Square duo in recent times.

The Nigerian singer in a recent post recounted his struggle to limelight, saying he suffered a great deal.

Paul had taken to his Twitter page to share a picture of his luxury home, asking Nigerians not to be blinded by his glamorous lifestyle. “I don suffer forget the life style and glamour; when I think back with all the struggles and hustle,� he wrote in Pidgin English while sharing pictures of his luxury home. “How I got to this stage, without going for holidays and trips till date, just

strictly doing what I know how to do best ‌‌. I just thank God for life.�

Paul’s tweet comes nearly a month after his twin brother and singer, Peter Okoye, revealed that he had nothing when he met his wife Lola Omotayo-Okoye, so as to douse claims that she was the gold digger.

In 2017, Peter and Paul (PSquare) agreed to split after they had engaged each other in heated arguments both in public and on social media. The brothers had a disagreement as regards what Peter perceived as lopsidedness in individual input of songs getting featured on their joint albums.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍťÍ¸Ëœ 2020

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COVID-19: Bringing Africans Together with Music Tolulope Ibukunoluwa

A

frica has not been left out of the ripples put into effect across the globe by the COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented outcome of the breakout has left a lot of people as well as organizations reeling and seeking relief. The UN Conference on Trade and Development reported that global commodity prices fell by a record 20% in March 2020 alone. Industries like the aviation and tourism industries have been hit the hardest.

According to the World Economic Forum, 90% of the world’s global fleet is grounded and tourism is expected to fall this year by between 58% to 78%. On base levels, these effects have been weightiest in the most vulnerable and underserved communities across the continent.

In response to this now all too familiar waves of struggle, Africans and other entities from many different works and sectors have had to come together to fight COVID-19.

Among these sensitive organizations is MultiChoice. The video entertainment provider has always made a point to enrich the lives of people, communities, and enterprises across Africa. In keeping to this, MultiChoice has partnered with the One Africa Global Foundation for a fundraising initiative, aimed at providing essential supplies and relief to vulnerable communities and individuals across Africa.

MultiChoice and the One Africa Global Foundation have collaborated for a broadcast of the ‘COVID-19 Hope For Africa Concert’ on Sunday, May 31. The three-hour broadcast will span across the continent from 7PM WAT on Africa Magic Family (DStv channel 154 and GOtv channel 2).

A shared appreciation for world-class entertainment and music has brought people together for a long time. Music holds a special place in the hearts of the African people. The love of music has led to a free flow of emotions for many and has been able to inspire optimism in the face of daunting situations. Finding places of shared solace is a constant quest for an incredible number of people during these times. A common ground where many people find it is music.

The African acts who deliver world-class music are a warmly welcome group in the hearts and homes of many.

The concert will feature special performances by some of Africa’s top music artistes and goodwill messages of hope and encouragement by past and current leaders, health workers and COVID-19 survivors. On the line-up are superstar favorites, 2Baba (Nigeria), Adina (Ghana), Bombshell (Zambia), Bovi (Nigeria), Dakore Egbuson-Akande (Nigeria), Davido (Nigeria), DJ Spinall (Nigeria), DJ Vivian (Uganda), Efya (Ghana), Falz (Nigeria), Flavor (Nigeria), Jose Chameleone (Uganda), Keche (Ghana), Ladipoe (Nigeria), Lij Micheal (Ethiopia), Mawuli Gavor, (Ghana), Mr 2Kay (Nigeria), Nandy (Tanzania), Osas Ighodaro (Nigeria), Sarkodie (Ghana), Scientific (Liberia), Tekno (Nigeria), The Ben (Rwanda), Tiwa Savage (Nigeria) Wanjira Longauer, (Kenya) and Yasirah Bhelz (South Africa). These familiar faces will serve as torchbearers of upliftment and hope, to help lift the spirits of individuals across the continent.

MultiChoice has stayed on course in its commitment to serve millions of people with world-class entertainment. The organization has used digital innovation to facilitate entertainment experiences in different forms, to be engaged at any time. Its Direct-To-Home satellite (DTH) platform - DStv, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform - GOtv, Video-On-Demand, and OTT platforms

Showmax and DStv Now, are all cutting-edge vehicles used to deliver these experiences.

Across more than 49 countries where MultiChoice operates, people have been able to access shared entertainment experiences. These experiences have served as a conduit for people to reach across countries that were seemingly worlds away. The broadcast of ‘COVID-19 Hope For Africa Concert’ is another offering of world-class music entertainment that will bring people together for an eventful 3-hours. Individuals across Africa will celebrate their shared love for music with the very best music talents across Africa.

As the world looks eagerly towards the end of the pandemic, more partnerships have sprung up. These partnerships have been necessitated by the fact that only a collective effort will lead to the containment and the eventual curb of the scourge. The MultiChoice and One Africa Global Foundation partnership serves as a perfect archetype for the kind of collaboration needed for Africans to come out on the other side, a stronger unit.

The focal point of the partnership is to actively foster the restoration of the continent back to health. The One Africa Global Foundation is a development arm of One Africa Global and a non-government, notfor-profit, committed to working for the social development of vulnerable and less privileged people.

One Africa Global pioneered a platform for the celebration of African music and culture,

the ‘One Africa Music Fest’. The One Africa Music Fest is one of the leading platforms that showcase the biggest talents out of Africa on the global stage. This humanitarian cause has been used as an exhibition of African culture, history and heritage. OneAfrica Music Fest has been hosted in a number locations across the world, including: Dubai, London and New York. It has also featured globally recognised artists like Wizkid, Tiwa savage, and Burna Boy. The One Africa Global Foundation, since its inception, has sought to create a community where various entities can collectively make strides towards providing access to quality health care. These provisions have mostly been directed to disadvantaged people and communities in need of medical attention.

As one of its many points of action, the foundation sought to reduce the burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV and AIDS. It has now joined in on the fight against COVID-19. The One Africa Global Foundation has focused its attention on helping stop the spread of the virus. The ‘COVID-19 Hope For Africa Concert’ is an avenue and a rallying cry for individuals as well as other entities to lend a hand and donate.

The proceeds from the fundraising production will go into acquiring testing equipment, personal protection equipment (PPE), providing support for the front liners in Africa, and spreading these resources across all 54

countries in Africa.

As MultiChoice joins in on the fight against COVID-19, it has continued in its mandate to give back to the communities where it operates and beyond. This is a major motivation for this partnership. As true believers in the power of storytelling and entertainment, MultiChoice now seeks to harness that power to inspire and encourage comradery among African people. Standing together is important during this trying phase, more than ever, which is why the organization has placed itself in this unique position. These efforts see the MultiChoice serve as a converging point for people from all facets to see the value of collaboration.

MultiChoice and the One Africa Global Foundation have relayed their shared belief that COVID-19 can be contained and controlled in Africa, with accessible functional medical equipment, adequate COVID testing stations, and an extensive number of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Dispensing these infrastructures primarily to the most vulnerable communities and beyond will serve to minimize overall exposure and resulting hazards. These feats can only be achieved through collaborative efforts from individuals as well as other entities.

The COVID-19 Hope For Africa Concert in its intent seeks to encourage a communal approach towards defeating the pandemic.

The concert invites people to come together in their shared passion for music, spurring them to actively participate in this joint fight.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

30.05.2020

Moses Simon

Nantes New Cult Hero

NEWS

STANDING STILL PAGE. 31

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 30, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Moses Simon

Nantes New Cult Hero

Simon

Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, was on Wednesday voted FC Nantes Player of the Season for the 2019/2020 campaign after scooping 40 per cent of the total vote cast by the fans. With this new feat, the French club may be encouraged to take the option that allows them to sign the player permanently for €5 million in the Summer

S

uper Eagles winger, Moses Simon, has been voted FC Nantes player of the season for the 2019/2020 campaign after the striker scooped 40 per cent of the total vote cast by the fans to name the canaridelasaison for the year 2020, the club has revealed on their social media page.

Simon has enjoyed his best season with Nantes since moving to Europe, finishing as the club’s top scorer with nine goals, he recorded eight assists which is the highest by any player and also bagged one hattrick to his name.

Simon only arrived at the club last summer, on loan from Spanish Premiere Liga side UD Levante and the former Gent man has proven to be an instant hit at the club, which has encouraged Nantes to be interested in taking up the option that allows them to sign the player permanently for €5 million in the Summer.

Simon says he’s delighted to win his first player of the year award since moving to Europe.

The 24-year-old who joined FC Nantes from Levante made 30 appearances for the French side in the just-concluded campaign, scoring nine goals and registered eight assists.

“It can only be God, I think it a wish season for me, my first season in the French League Une, I became the Player of the Season in FC Nantes a traditional club, it could be recalled that Samson Siasia played in the same club and the arrival of my newborn baby it’s a

double blessing for me this Season, I’m so excited it gives me a sense of recognition in my career,” he said.

Simon went on to dedicate the award to his wife Ibukun Sarah Simon.

“I think one of the best Seasons for me, I could still remember vividly I had this kind of season with Genk in Belgium where I played in the Champions league that first season, it was awesome to know that I was voted the best player of FC Nantes this season. I give Glory to God and I dedicate this moment to my beloved wife who stood by me throughout the season. It’s not easy to manage the family for me, at the end of the day the arrival of my newborn baby a double blessing for me,” he said.

The former Trencin forward concluded that he had not made decisions over where he would be playing his football next season.

“I look forward for a better season if I will remain with FC Nantes in France or return back to Spain, the future lies in the hands of God and as well my manager,” he stated.

Life for Simon in Spain was far from rosy as he failed to establish himself in Levante’s starting 11 last season. He then decided to take his trade to French Ligue 1 side, Nantes, and the move has proved to be a success story.

The 24-year-old, who was named the club’s best player in October last year also saw off competition from Imran Louza, Nicolas Pallois and Kader Bamba to secure his second award in March.

Simon has been impressive since joining FC Nante on loan from Spanish side, Levante.

In October last year, he scored four goals including a hat-trick against FC Paris in the French League Cup and it therefore came as no surprise when he was voted the Player of the Month.

Simon revealed he was thoroughly enjoying a new lease of life in France.

“I am more relaxed and settled at Nantes, no pressure. I am also playing to my full potentials because here I am a very offensive winger,” he explained.

“At Levante, I had to fall back to help out in the defence. Now, I am a winger in a 4-3-3 formation as against the 3-5-2 we played in Spain. And so the goals and assists are coming now.”

Simon is however optimistic his current scoring form for FC Nantes would continue with the Super Eagles.

“It’s been an amazing season for me so far here in France; the team is doing well and I hope to also take the same form to the national team, especially with the AFCON qualifiers fast approaching,” Simon said then.

The 24-year-old stated that he hoped to mark the landmark appearance with yet another international goal but posited that the team’s overall success remained the goal for him and not personal glory.

Simon moved to Levante UD for about five million Euros, which is a figure far from the 20 million Euros a top official had predicted KAA Gent would eventually sell him.

Gent sports director Michel Louwagie proudly predicted that his club would break transfer records when they eventually sell

the Nigerian winger after they bought him from Slovak club AS Trencin for 650,000 Euros in January 2015.

“The transfer record in Belgium will have to be shattered when we sell Moses. We will be talking of about 20 million Euros,” Louwagie predicted. The prediction was prompted by the fact that Moses was an instant sensation in Belgium.

But the player will go on to suffer injuries and lack of consistency for such huge hope not to be fulfilled in the three and a half seasons he was there.

Altogether, he scored 21 goals and provided 18 assists in 136 appearances for ‘The Buffaloes’. He was handed a five-year deal

by Levante to finally live up to his potentials in Spain.

He won the Belgian league with Gent in his first season after his transfer from Slovak club AS Trencin.

KAA Gent paid glowing tributes to Simon after the player secured a move to Spanish club, Levante. “He leaves the club with his head up and will forever belong to the select group of players who won the first league title in the history for our club and then became part of an historic Champions League campaign stamped in the collective Belgian football memory.

The following season, he was also a member of the group of players that beat Tottenham at Wembley in the Europa League,” the club said in its official website then.

“Immediately after his transfer, he was the only player who spoke openly about obtaining the title “with the help of God”.

It turned out to be prophetic words.

Simon had his first call-up to the Nigeria national team by Coach Daniel Amokachi in March 2015 and made his debut on the 25th of the same month in an international friendly against Uganda, when he replaced Anthony Ujah.

The 24-year-old has now made 33 appearances for the Super Eagles and has scored five goals.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 30, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

i Sotana

Ayodeji Sotana

Man Utd’s New Kid on the Bloc Manchester United’s academy is world-renowned for its quality. Over the course of history, the likes of David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Ryan Giggs have come through their youth system, while more recent notable alumni include Marcus Rashford, Paul Pogba, and Mason Greenwood. Like always, there are many promising talents currently working their way through the ranks, with players like James Garner and Hannibal Mejbri seemingly on the verge of a first-team breakthrough. Ayodeji Sotona is another who is showing abundant potential, and one who could become special in the not-too-distant future.

S

otona has shown his exceptional ability and good form this season. The attacker has four goals and two assists from six starts in the U18 Premier League, showing his worth to the side.

Furthermore, he has been an outlet when played down the left, and equally useful when deployed in a more central role.

The 17-year-old has demonstrated his talent running down the wing, and making beautiful crosses into the centre, putting himself on the scene as one of United’s most encouraging players.

Adoyeji Sotona is officially the fastest player within the club.

As the Daily Mail reported, United held sprint speed timings at Carrington in September. Just 16 at the time, he stepped up to the plate, outpacing everyone in

the academy and first-team, overtaking players such as Daniel James, Rashford, and Diogo Dalot. This has shown in his gameplay too. Being electric down the wing, combined with his dribbling ability, makes for a menacing player.

The Irish born attacker, who is also eligible for both Nigeria and England, is developing diversity across the front-line.

Having started the season as a leftwinger, the 17-year-old is now playing comfortably at centre-forward, thanks to an injury to Dillon Hoogewerf, who recently signed his first professional contract.

Sotona has been as excellent as ever since the change in positions. He registered a brace in their most recent game, a 3-2 win over Everton U18s.

He could now be in consideration for a promotion to the U23s, and with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ’s liberal approach

to giving youth a chance, you never know when he could even appear in the Manchester United first-team.

There is a glut of Nigeria-eligible starlets on the books of Premier League clubs, players who are very talented and willing to take risks for the betterment of their careers, and prominent amongst them is Sotona.

It is nigh impossible to count one too many youngsters at the Leigh Sports Village without naming the fleet-footed winger, having seen him maintain an incredible rise with the youth teams of the Red Devils and there could be more to come for him in the nearest future.

Sotona has been touted as the fastest player at Manchester United, clocking a staggering maximum speed of 22.9mph – more than 1.2mph ahead of second quickest Diogo Dalot in tests at United’s Carrington training complex last September.

Still aged only 17 and playing for the U-18s, to say he is talented enough for the U-23 side is trite even, as he has been tipped to break into the club’s reserve squad anytime soon based on his goalscoring prowess.

Blessed with an unwavering knack for getting into decent positions in the final third as well as a silky drive tailored to beat the keenest of markers, Sotona is a player very well suited to the modern game, which is precisely why he will benefit Nigeria’s national teams.

Though he was born in Ireland, the youngster is eligible for the Flying Eagles or the Olympic Eagles and is a player that deserves to be courted by the NFF, as he will add value to any of these youth teams he is added to.

First team gaffer Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has already witnessed first-hand the potentials of the lad, as he has been in attendance a couple of times to watch the sensation dazzle for the club in the FA Youth Cup. It is important the NFF do not sleep on such talent, and should set the wheels in motion with respect to convincing him to pledge to the Nigerian course as Ireland will be waiting on the wings to do so.

The most intriguing part of Sotona’s game has been his recent transition into a centre-forward, having previously played as a winger.

He was pressed into this role after an injury to Dillon Hoogewerf and he led the line in the FA Youth Cup against Wigan.

Sotona stepped up, breaking free in the second half to go one on one with the goalkeeper and coolly slot home a late winner.

The way he stepped up was really encouraging and shows he has the temperament as well as the ability to become a success.

He also scored twice in a recent 3-2 away win at Everton and in five games as a striker he has three goals.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 30, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Dennis’ stock rose after he enjoyed fine performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester United in The Europa League

Super-Eagles-in-training

I Can’t Promise Nigeria AFCON 2021 Win, Says Rohr Insists Super Eagles not the best team in Africa Nigeria Manager Gernot Rohr, who has signed a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation, has said the Super Eagles are “not number one in Africa” and may not deliver the 2021 Afcon.

The German told BBC Sport Africa he is “happy to continue” with Nigeria and that the new deal was “good for all of us.”

The contract quagmire between the Nigeria Football Federation and their coach, which lasted for over two months, finally came to an end with the announcement by the President of the Federation on Wednesday. But the NFF statement also highlighted a major expectation - that Rohr is to deliver the Afcon 2021 title to Nigeria, something the manager thinks will be difficult, though not impossible.

“When you go to a tournament it is to win it,” Rohr said.

“We finished third in the last one, and everybody wants to progress. But we know also that it is very difficult to win this tournament because we are not number one in Africa.

“But it is good to have these milestones and ambition.”

Rohr, whose new two-and-a-half year contract runs until the 2022 World Cup, also highlighted that he understands the risks of his contract and knows he has to qualify for Qatar.

“My contract all the time is a risk because it is finished when we are eliminated from a competition - whether the Afcon or World Cup,” he explained.

“I took the risk already when I arrived, and it is still the same. But I am very optimistic, because now we have a team which is playing good football and I have confidence in my players.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria international

Chibuzor Okonkwo believes Rohr can make the Super Eagles the best team on the African continent.

The Kwara United defender also believes that the 66-year-old coach can win the AFCON title with the Super Eagles.

“He has been doing well and I believed he has a good team which can win trophies for Nigeria. He deserved to continue to be in charge of the Super Eagles,” Okonkwo told Goal.

“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations title is not a tall dream because nothing is impossible and I believe Rohr can do it for Nigeria.

Nigeria have won the AFCON title three times and the last time they won the competition was in 2013.

“He needs to bring in more experienced players to the team, although the present young players at his disposal are doing well,” he added.

Napoli Ready to Battle Arsenal for Nigeria Striker Dennis Napoli has become the latest team to show interest in Club Brugge’s Arsenal target, Emmanuel Dennis reports Football Italia.

The Nigerian’s stock rose this season after he enjoyed fine performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League and Manchester United in the Europa League.

He is one of two Nigerian forwards who are highly sought after this season, the other being Victor Osimhen.

Both players have been linked with a

move to Arsenal this summer, however, Osimhen’s asking price is proving a problem for most of his suitors and Arsenal has turned their attention to Dennis.

However, Football Italia is claiming that the Gunners will face tough competition from Napoli for his signature.

Reports in France claim Napoli are turning towards Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis rather than Lilleâs Vic...

The Naples side had wanted to sign

Zambia’s Emotional AFCON Triumph Hits SuperSport With the current shortage in live-action, SuperSport has converted its channels to themed content focusing on the best historical moments – offering viewers the chance to ‘ReLive’ some of the greatest sporting action of all time.

This will go to a whole new level today when SuperSport pays tribute to the emotional and triumphant 2012 Africa Cup of Nations success of Zambia with a special broadcast.

Hosted by anchors Lwazi Ziqubi and Thomas ‘TK’ Kwenaite, this programme will feature contri-

butions, live via Zoom and Skype, from 2012 AFCON winning coach Herve Renard, Former FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya, 2012 AFCON Zambia captain Christopher Katongo and others.

Zambia’s run to glory at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations was one of the most fascinating and compelling narratives of the continental tournament, with Herve Renard’s team seemingly pulled along by destiny in paying honour to members of the Zambian team which were killed in a plane crash in 1993 near Libreville, Gabon – the venue for the 2012 AFCON final.

Osimhen too, but they have also been put off by Lille’s asking price and they want Dennis now.

The Italians are reportedly preparing to lose the likes of Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne and Dennis represents a good replacement for them.

Mikel Arteta is preparing for his first summer transfer window as Arsenal’s manager and the Spaniard will be hoping that the club can back him this summer to beat other teams to his targets.

La Liga to Resume June 11 Spain’s La Liga will resume on 11 June when Real Betis face Sevilla, and next season will start on 12 September.

Organisers want to finish the season on the weekend of 18-19 July “depending on the evolution” of coronavirus.

The Spanish government’s department for sport said agreements had been reached with La Liga and the Spanish soccer federation (RFEF).

Football was suspended on 12 March but Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said it can resume from 8 June.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said: “The important thing will be when the season finishes, although we’ll only be able to congratulate

ourselves when we start the following season.

“God willing, that day will be 12 September and hopefully we’ll be able to say we have overcome this most difficult period, but at least we will be better prepared.”

Following the Seville derby on 11 June, other clubs will begin playing fixtures over the following weekend.

Tebas said audiovisual testing is being carried out so fans have a choice of different viewing experiences when football returns behind closed doors.

Those watching at home can choose from two options - the real “silence” from the stadiums or “simulation of the crowds” with noises being played.

‘Sound Sports Education Policy, Answer to National Development, Youth Re-orientation’ As Nigeria marked Children’s Day, usually celebrated with parades and various forms of fanfare, interschool friendly football matches and other games to sustain friendship, love and peace among children, this year was without the usual glamour due to the global pandemic that has brought many nations to a standstill.

In concert with the Children’s Day celebration, the Barca Academy Group Nigeria, through the Chairman Blaugrana Sports Group International, promoters of the project in sub - Saharan Africa, Leslie Oghomienor, in a statement to the media, pledged the organisation’s commitment towards a total development of a dependable and reliable individual leader in each young person who had the opportunity to pass through them.

To walk the novel talk, he called on government and policy makers to consider national sports education policy with budgetary provisions to effectively implement such policy of national development for collective interest and the future of the very young sports people, including the physically challenged.

He stressed that this approach would give a lot of encouragement and privileges to talented children whose parents could not afford to sponsor their education.

“Our policy formulators should research and learn from other climes who are doing great in sports and education, two key areas that cannot be ignored when considering the holistic nurturing of the children, preparing them to become leaders,” Oghomienor explained.

He called on parents to pay more attention to the activities and interests of their children and wards especially now that it has become mandatory for the children to spend more time on the internet learning because of the pandemic, in order to guide and protect them against things that would have negative influence on the child’s character development.

According to him, the Barca Academy Group Nigeria would continue to ensure that the interest of the children was given a primary place in the scheme of things of the promoters of the project, with a high inclination for the girl-child to encourage and motivate female children who have the skills and were interested in playing football as a career.

He used the occasion to appeal to parents, especially mothers to encourage and support the girl-child who has the skills in playing football while also studying.

He emphasised that the country stood to gain a lot if government could take the bull by the horns and formulate sports education policies that would make it compulsory for academy institutions no matter at what level to give scholarship to outstanding children who are doing well in sports.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MAY 30, 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) ended weeks of speculation about the future Super Eagles Manager Gernort Rohr after it announced that the Franco-German would remain as coach of the Nigerian men’s national team.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick in a series of tweets on Wednesday announced that both parties had finalised contractual negotiations resulting in the German tactician remaining with the Super Eagles.

Rohr’s contract was set to expire in June and media reports had suggested that England’s Harry Redknapp was one of the names lined up to replace him.

Redknapp was reported last week to be the favoured candidate of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports, the government department that oversees the NFF, with pressure said to have been mounted on the federation to do away with Rohr and look elsewhere for a coach.

However, officials of the federation claim Redknapp was never considered as a replacement for Rohr, insisting the decision would have meant “returning the Eagles to the 1980s”.

Redknapp’s last job was at Birmingham City in 2017, where he was axed following six straight defeats in all competitions. His only international experience was managing Jordan in 2016.

However, two key figures in the Nigeria Football Federation have claimed that the reports were untrue as the NFF never thought of replacing Rohr.

“The news is all a hoax as some people are trying to be mischievous. Even if Nigeria ever thought of having a new coach, it would definitely not have been Redknapp. Hiring him would mean returning the Super Eagles to the 1980s, which is ridiculous.

“Our boys haven’t done badly under Gernot Rohr, so why should we dump him at this critical moment? We in the NFF believe in him and we will let him continue with his good work for the next few years,” the source told Goal.

This was echoed by another NFF chief, who added: “I don’t know about this. Everyone has been calling me about this and I am in my house under lockdown.

“The only thing that I know is that we just extended Gernot Rohr’s contract. We sent him an agreement and he will reply to the General Secretary.As far as I know, we have not discussed anything about another coach and we don’t know where this is coming from.”

“I’m happy to announce that the NFF and Coach Gernot Rohr have concluded all contractual discussions and he will stay on as coach of the Super Eagles. We have always had confidence

Gernot Rohr

Standing Still When President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick read the riot act to Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr - he must live in Nigeria, his salary will be paid in Naira and he must go round league venues and see how he can develop home grown players. And with Argentine tactician, Hector Cuper said to be lurking around to take over, many felt it was the end of the road for the Franco-German tactician as far as Nigeria’s top coaching job is concerned. But Rohr survived and he’s standing still in his abilities and we are confident that the national team can only go higher from here.”

However, Pinnick did not disclose the duration of the contract Rohr agreed to.

Pinnick said that the conclusion of the negotiations meant that the Super Eagles could now focus on developments on the pitch once football resumes.

“We can now focus on qualifying for the World Cup and winning the Nations Cup. In truth, these are sacrosanct and Coach Rohr is aware of these conditions. Like the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development has rightly noted; we are uncompromising in these goals.”

Pinnick maintained that he never at any point lost confidence in Rohr’s ability to improve the Super Eagles stating that he was “convinced our football would only get better from here on.”

It would be recalled that when calls for Rohr’s sack was heightened after what was believed to be a lacklustre performance by the Super Eagles at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, Pinnick reiterated his trust in the German.

“He will remain in the job. I have complete confidence in him,” the NFF president assured in spite of renewed calls for Rohr’s sack following the semi-final defeat to Algeria at the 2019 AFCON. “There are some people that have been calling on me and the federation to sack Gernot.

But I am not going to do that. In fact, Gernot is going on a refresher training period with Bayern Munich after the Nations Cup. We have a long-term plan with him.

“We have had rocky and difficult moments in our relationship, but this is normal in any relationship between two people. He is a good coach and we want him to remain with us. That said, we will work together on what needs to be improved upon,” Pinnick had assured then.

Rohr was offered a new contract at the start of last month but there were hesitations over an agreement due to new clauses set by the NFF. The 66-year-old has been in charge of the Super Eagles since 2016 overseeing their qualification for the 2018 World Cup and a third-placed finish at AFCON 2019.

Rohr said he never had any problems with those conditions.

“I never talk about my contract in public, as you know,” Rohr told ESPN. “But I heard like everybody what was said by President Amaju Pinnick, that I have to accept to be paid in naira, and I have to be resident in Nigeria. I agree to these two things, and even I agree to have a lower salary.

“I am not doing my job for money. I am doing my job because I like it. Because we have built a team like you know, and money is not the most important. But I also have to look after my assistants.

“I accept because I think that my mission in Nigeria is not finished yet, and I know very well my players. I know very well the officials.

We are now just like a family, and I think it is good to continue especially in this period now where it is difficult to change, to travel, to see new people.”

Rohr would not say how much of a cut he is taking from his $US55,000 salary but he made it clear that his three assistants were also paid from his wages and not by the NFF. “For me it is a little bit special because, as you know, with my salary, we are four people. It is not only me. I have my three assistants, Tunde Adelakun, Nabil Trabelsi and also Jean Luc Royer. I can speak in the name of my assistants because we are in touch all the time.

“Like I told you, I don’t speak in public about it. I never spoke about my salary, I only saw that it has been published. But it’s for four

people and not only for me. A lot of people don’t know that.

“I want to work free in all my responsibilities.

Independence as coach who is responsible for results. It is always good to be sure you can do a work with confidence and be free in the choice of good players.”

Rohr had overseen a total of 40 matches with the Super Eagles, winning 23, losing nine and drawing eight over four years since taking charge of his first game against Tanzania on September 3, 2016.

The Super Eagles have also scored 61 goals and conceded 34 in his time in charge.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

Saturday, May 30, 2020

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PDP to Buhari “Buhari should rather apologise for the tragic failures of his administration, which wrecked the once robust and cohesive country, imposed hardship and created acute despondency across the country in the last five years” –The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) warning the Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government against celebrating five years anniversary.

MIKEOZEKHOME GUEST COLUMNIST

Unveiling Dele Momodu: Parable of the Elephant and the Blind Men

H

ow does a writer capture the essence of Dele Momodu? Just how? When I got confused, it occurred to me I could use the allegory of the blind men and their encounter with the elephant. The story first originated from India. A group of blind men who had never seen an elephant were said to have argued fiercely as to what it looks like. Each of the blind men touched and felt a different part of the body. Just one part of the elephant is quite big. Each described what he felt with his hands. Each version of the experience was limited, even though true. Each suspected the other of profanity and dishonesty. They were even said to have come to blows. But they were all right; yet all wrong.

Though there are several Hindu, Jain and Buddhist versions of this story, each of the blind men were said to have groped different parts of the elephant. Their individual perceptions of what the Elephant looks like are as follows: One who touched the trunk said the elephant was like a thick snake. Another touched the large ear, he concluded the elephant must look like a fan.

For another who touched the leg, he said the elephant is a pillar, like a tree trunk.

One touched its hard side and concluded it was like a wall. The one who touched its tail described the elephant as a rope.

Yet, another touched the tusk, and vowed to the heavens that the elephant is like a hard, smooth spear.

The blind men were all partially correct; but also, all partially wrong. In celebrating my brother, friend, and soulmate, Dele Momodu at 60, I have encountered the same difficulty of these blind men. The reason is that Momodu wears many caps, so many that he means a different person to different observers and analysts.

I will show this anon. Dele Momodu stirs controversy, wittingly and unwittingly.

One of these is that people across the globe erroneously believe Dele is a Yoruba man.

You cannot blame such people. He appears so. What with Dele’s one sentence-long Yoruba name, Ayobamidele Abayomi Ojutelegan Ajani Momodu (AAOAM)?

What of the fact that he was born and bred in the cradle of Yoruba civilization, Ile-Ife? How do you blame anyone for thinking Dele is Yoruba when he is also married to a Yoruba woman and his first degree was actually Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Yoruba language in 1982; before Masters in Literature in 1988? During this period, he wrote features for The Guardian and Sunday Tribune newspapers. He had all these degrees at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University), Ile-Ife. Then guess what? His first job was to lecture at the Oyo State College of Arts and Science, also at Ile-Ife (1982-1983).

Still enjoying his apparent Yoruba lineage, Dele worked as Private Secretary to late Deputy Governor of Ondo state, Chief Akin Omoboriowo (1983-1985). He also managed Motel Royal Ltd, Ile-Ife, owned by Oba Okunade Sijuade, Olubuse II (1986). Then, Dele Momodu later worked with African Concord magazine, owned by late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, and was transferred to Weekend Concord, as

Dele Momodu with his Dad, Pa Jacob Momodu in 1970

a pioneer staff, becoming Literary Editor.

In just six months, he was elevated to the position of News Editor. Dele was later to edit May Ellen Ezekiel’s Classique Magazine between 1990 and 1991, also in Lagos. All his birth, education and first working life were effected in Yoruba-land.

So, if you mistake Momodu for a Yoruba man, you could be well forgiven. The truth however, is that Momodu has his pedigree and ancestry in Edo state. Dele is an Edo man of Edoid origin. Pure and simple, he hails from Ihievbe, in Owan East Local Government Area of Edo state.

He is therefore of Afenmai extraction like me (I am from Iviukwe, near Agenebode, Etsako East LGA, Edo state). Edo blood runs through the whole veins of Bashorun Dele Momodu.

As a Human Rights Activist, who strongly believes that “Nigeria died the day we killed June 12, because on June 12, there was no discrimination”, Dele later joined M.K.O Abiola’s campaign team of “Farewell to poverty”. This was after a brief stint with Thisday Newspapers. He loved Abiola with a passion. They both bonded and enjoyed a father-and-son relationship.

When in 1993 General Ibrahim Babaginda annulled the freest, fairest and most credible elections in Nigeria, Dele was caught in the crossfire of the annulment, being intensely involved in the presidential campaign of Chief M.K.O Abiola, the undoubted winner and martyr of democracy who was later illegally detained and killed in hazy circumstances undisclosed till date.

He was charged with sedition (a nonexistent offence) and detained in a dungeon at Alagbon Close, Lagos. Undeterred, Dele used his caustic pen to puncture the heart of dark-googled dictator, Sani Abacha. Though innocent, he was later falsely accused of being one of the brains behind an emergent pirate radio station, Radio Freedom. Later this was renamed Radio Kudirat, in honour of fearless amazon, Kudirat Abiola, who was savagely murdered by Abacha’s faceless goons. Dele was later forewarned by his wife who had hosted strange and faceless elements who came looking for him in the morning, to skip town. Dele therefore disguised like a farmer and escaped from Nigeria (with some “co-conspirators”)

through Seme border, into Cotonou. From Cotonou, he journeyed to Lomé, Togo, Aflao Ghana, and finally landed in London. Dele wept. He was sad because he was leaving behind a barely 2-year matrimony and a ten months old baby, to escape into the unknown. Esmeralda Santiago once asked, “how can you know what you are capable of if you don’t embrace the unknown?”. Dele probably followed the advice of Deepak Chopra, who once counseled, “relinquish your attachment to the known, step into the field of all possibilities”. Thus, an unknown London opened up new vistas for precocious Dele, who seized the bull by the horn in exile to establish Ovation International in 1996. In founding Ovation, Dele probably remembered clearly the immortal words of Williams Shakespeare, “there is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures”. Dele took the current, nurtured the Ovation brand and turned it into a bilingual, celebrity magazine printed in English and French, Ovation has covered events in over 60 countries and read globally. Ovation aims at showcasing African culture, promoting it as a tourist attraction, and correcting primordial negative views about Africa as the “dark continent”. Dele has since grown Ovation stable to include Ovation TV which airs to a global audience and The Boss Newspapers, an online publication.

And he is an Author of several books too.

Ovation also now boasts of Ovation Carol and Awards, one of Africa’s most popular annual events that showcases music, celebrities, drama, fashion, awards and charitable causes. And he once owned the biggest restaurant in Accra, Ghana called The House Of Ovation, where once hosted me to a sumptuous three-course meal with local brew, in 2012.

One of the many caps that Momodu wears is that of a politician. At 22, he ventured into the murky waters of politics. At different times, he was Media Campaigner to Chief M.K.O Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Chief Olu Falae of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) and All Peoples

Party (APP). He actually took a shot, albeit unsuccessfully, at the presidency, in 2011.

Is Dele Momodu wealthy? It depends on what you understand by wealth. Dele is quite wealthy on the matrimonial front, in having a stable, blissful family life, blessed with a beautiful wife of 28 years, Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu, and four lovely children, Pekan, Yole, Eniafe and Korewa. Wealth could also be affluence in sheer cash. But the real measure of wealth is how much you’d be worth if you lost all your money.

As Ayn Rand once put it “money is only a tool…It will take you wherever you wish, but it will not replace you as the driver”.

The wealth of Dele therefore cannot be measured in naira and kobo, Dollars or pounds, yen or Euro and Rouble. It lies in his intellect and his many contributions towards having a better society. Even then, he has solid physical wealth. Palatial mansions?

He has them in form of his investment in young Africans!

You can also not measure Dele’s wealth in the number of presidents, royals, international figures and celebrities he has, over the years, met, interacted, dined and wined with across the globe. No. His writing, especially his Pendulum column, has become a piercing thorn in the flesh of successive governments.

Hate or love Dele, you must admire his writing skills, well-organised thoughts, courage and daring bravado, in exhuming and discussing issues that matter. He does it without apologies; with the typical Edoid stance or frankness, candour, honesty, openness and truth; with history in mind.

And Dele has cut his wisdom tooth in history. In his writes-up, Dele rakes up the issues; speaks truth to authority; and challenges governmental excesses. He asks the right questions. Then, he answers the questions. Occasionally, he questions the answers. That is Momodu for you.

Dele, the typical story of “grass-to-grace” (like me) can be summarised in the Latinic 47 BC Julius Caesar’s phrase in a letter written to the Roman Senate after defeating Pharnaces II of Pontus in the Battle of Zela: “Veni, Vidi, Vici” (“I came, I saw, I conquered”). Congratulations, Ojutelegan Ajani, on your 60th birthday. I can only wish you Exodus 6:3 and Philippians 4:7.

Welcome, Prof Ibrahim Agboola Gambari Dele Momodu What a choice President Muhammadu Buhari made in his new Chief of Staff.

Indeed, most pundits were thrown offbalance when the name of Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari popped up out of the blues! For me, this is an appointment I cannot fault despite what a few naysayers have said about the cerebral, amiable but stern Professor.

I have known and admired Professor Gambari for a couple of decades. I had the privilege of visiting him in New York and interviewing him at the United Nations. He has always been ever so helpful and useful.

Also, he is very humble and unassuming. The last time I visited him was in Lagos about

five years when my bosom friend, Prince Adedamola Aderemi, who is Prof Gambari’s distant relative from the Ebeloku arm of the Sulu Gambari ruling House in Ilorin, and I accompanied Engineer Lanre Shagaya to see Prof Gambari in his Ikoyi home.

No mortal is perfect, but I am reasonably convinced that Prof Gambari is well equipped to use his great intellect, diplomacy, and wealth of experience, to the benefit of his principal, President Buhari, and the country in general. We have already seen a spate of constructive and confident Executive Orders signed by a seemingly rejuvenated President, within 10 days of the assumption of office by the new Chief of Staff. May you succeed in this, yet another, mission, Sir...

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