SATURDAY 3RD JULY 2021

British Govt Evades THISDAY Enquiry on Fresh Passport Issued to Kanu Says it’s seeking clarification on circumstances of arrest Kenya denies involvement in capture Charles Ajunwa in Lagos and Michael Olugbode in Abuja The British Government yesterday refused to categorically accept or deny allegations that it assisted

the leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, with another passport after he escaped from Nigeria.

Kanu was first arrested in Nigeria on October 14, 2015,

following campaigns for the Sovereign State of Biafra and arraigned for treason. He was granted bail in April 2017 but fled the country. The IPOB leader was rearrested last Sunday in an unnamed

country and returned to court to continue his trial.

THISDAY, in a series of email exchanges with the British High Commission in Abuja, had requested clarifications on how the

IPOB leader obtained fresh British passport.

In the most recent email, THISDAY enquired: “We need some further clarification, please. Are you saying the British government did not

assist Mr. Nnamdi Kanu in procuring a new British passport? The information we have is that after escaping from Nigeria through the land Continued on page 5

Again, Southern Govs Meet, Open Grazing, Restructuring to Top Agenda… Page 5 Saturday 3 July, 2021 Vol 26. No 9581

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Masari: Nigeria Battling with Worst Form of Insecurity Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, yesterday lamented the spate of banditry and other nefarious activities afflicting the country, saying

the nation is battling with the worst form of insecurity.

He expressed worries that people who were living peacefully as neighbours, friends and were attending the same markets, weddings,

funerals, and naming ceremonies without conflict, were now killing themselves and raping their wives and children.

Masari, who spoke in Katsina, during the

commissioning and handing over of Kafur Islamic Centre, urged the warring parties to sheathe their swords and work together to avert bloodletting bedeviling the country and for peace and development

to thrive.

The centre was donated by Wagf Su'ad Al'abdul Jaleel through As-sheikh Tariq, with the support of the African Continent Committee and the State of Kuwait.

He said: "We are battling with the worse form of insecurity, what brought it?; People who were living peacefully before Continued on page 5

Shettima Calls for Power Shift to South, Insists on Rotation Maintians there was a gentleman agreement on rotation in APC

Michael Olugbode in Abuja Former Borno State Governor, Senator Kashim Shettima has thrown his weight behind the call for power shift to Southern Nigeria in 2023.

He said it was only proper for the North, especially the All Progressives Congress (APC), to allow power to shift to the South, insisting that there was a gentlemen’s agreement that power must oscillate between North and South at the formation of the ruling party.

Shettima, who is now a Senator representing Borno Central, made the call for a power shift in Abuja yesterday at the public presentation of a book titled: “Standing for the Truth with Courage”.

He stressed: “After power has resided in the North for eight years, the minimum is that there should be a power shift to the South for equity Continued on page 5

GETTING SET FOR ANAMBRA RACE...

L-R: Former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the forthcoming Anambra State Governorship election, Chief Valentine Ozigbo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and PDP’s National Vice Chairman (South East), Chief Ali Odefa; at the Government House, Enugu, during Ozigbo’s visit to Ugwuanyi… yesterday

Marafa: Matawalle’s Defection Violates 2019 S’Court Judgement… Page 5

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Again, Southern Govs Meet, Open Grazing, Restructuring to Top Agenda Lagos is host on Monday as Sanwo-Olu pledges cordial engagement Segun James Seventeen governors of Nigeria’s southern states will on Monday converge on Lagos for the second time this year to continue their search for solution to the myriad of problems confronting the country.

At the last meeting, hosted

by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State and attended by 15 of the 17 southern governors, they arrived at a 12-point resolution, which included the banning of open grazing in all the states.

Sources said the meeting on Monday in Lagos would examine the progress made

regarding the Asaba Declaration, examine oppositions to some of the demands and come up with a better strategy for actualising the demands.

The source said: “The governors are working towards a better Southern Nigeria within the Nigerian nation. This meeting is in continuation of that agenda. It is a continuation of the meeting held in Asaba.

The southern governors will be looking at the gains of the last meeting and come up with their next move.

“You know the southern governors agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be

taken towards the restructuring of the Nigerian federation leading to the devolution of power. They want inclusive government at the federal level, state police, a review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments, and creation of some other institutions, which will legitimately advance commitment to the practice of true federalism. Strategies are needed to actualise all these.

This is why they are meeting again in Lagos.”

Another source close to Governor Babajide SanwoOlu, who is chief host, said in the spirit of Lagos

hospitality, the Lagos governor has promised to provide a conducive environment for the 17 governors to brainstorm properly.

During the first meeting in Asaba, the southern governors resolved to ban all forms of open grazing in the southern states of the country.

Although, the governors came short of calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to reshuffle heads of top agencies to reflect federal character against the backdrop of the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural nature of Nigeria, they urged the President to ensure that the sensibilities of the people

were respected and reflected in federal appointments.

While affirming the commitment of the peoples of Southern Nigeria to “the unity of the country on the basis of fairness, equity and oneness,” the governors expressed grave concern about the security challenge plaguing the country and charged the President to act decisively to address the situation.

Specifically, the governors of the southern states called on President Buhari to convoke a national conference to address the insecurity and other challenges in order to restore the confidence of

the citizens in the Nigerian geo-political entity.

The communiqué said that the southern governors “observed that incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives, including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security.”

But the federal government responded, saying the southern governors’ proposed plan to enforce the ban on open grazing “is of questionable legality.”

Marafa: Matawalle’s Defection Violates 2019 S’Court Judgement Festus Akanbi Senator Kabir Marafa, a leader of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has described the defection of Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle to the APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a violation of the Supreme Court judgment, which declared that the APC had no candidate in the 2019 governorship election in Zamfara State.

The lawmaker of the Eight

Senate in an interview on ARISE News, warned that if strong reservations expressed by the party members over the defection were not managed properly, they might snowball into a major crisis that would rock the very foundation of the party.

Justifying his opposition to Matawalle’s defection, Marafa stated: “The judgment made by the Supreme Court said APC ought not to have participated in the 2019 election. What that means is that there was no

APC at all. Now, I’m asking this question and I want every Nigerian to tell me: Can a man that is non-existent give birth to children? No, he can’t.”

Giving further clarifications on the Supreme Court judgment, Marafa said, “As far as the law is concerned, there was no APC in the 2019 ballot paper, so APC cannot have a governor, APC cannot have senators, APC cannot have members of House of Representatives and APC cannot have members of the

state’s house of assembly, according to that Supreme Court judgment.

“So, any attempt by anybody to say he is the governor of APC, between 2019 and 2023 without reason of death or resignation that could have warranted issues of byeelection, cannot work. Doing so is acting against the judgment of the Supreme Court. You are making nonsense of our judicial system. These issues are going to come up.”

In what appears to be a

sign of cracks in the ranks of the APC in Zamfara, Marafa distanced himself from the defection of the state governor, saying “We have accepted our fate. We are the ones that fought, we lost and we have accepted that in good fate. “Leave us where we are. You don’t have to rub it on us. Doing so will just ignite series of problems that might spell doom to APC. We don’t want it to happen, so, what people are saying is APC be fair, be just.”

He also stated why he

believes Matawalle should not be the leader of the APC in Zamfara State.

He insisted that the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the APC, Mai Mala Buni, erred by announcing Matawalle as the leader of the party in Zamfara State.

“APC should let the sleeping dog lie. Mai Mala Buni, Chairman of its Caretaker Committee doesn’t have the power under the constitution to make such pronouncements,” he said.

their problems.

“On our western sides are the tiny states of Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana. How can they contain us? I told some western ambassadors that if this country is to implode, we are not going to go through Libya.

Our people will storm Europe through Morocco.”

He added: “If just two million Syrians knocking on the doors of Europe have brought about Brexit and the emergence of Trump in America, what do you say of about 25 million English speaking Nigerians knocking on the doors of Europe? It would cause reverberations. I believe in equity, justice, and fairness.”

Also speaking at the book launch, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, called for unity and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians.

He said the best way to guarantee the unity of Nigeria was for all the people to come together while commending Joe Gadzama for using his experience to illustrate in his book the importance of standing for truth.

He said: “We are going through difficult times in our country, economic and security, but let us recognise that the whole world is going through the same challenge.

“Nigeria is part of the world.

But the leadership under which we operate shows we shall indeed overcome all these. If we keep united, keep building, we cannot be ignored by any other country in the world.

“I am convinced that under the leadership of President Buhari, there is going to be a better future. He belongs to all Nigerians.”

SHETTIMA CALLS FOR POWER SHIFT TO SOUTH, INSISTS ON ROTATION and justice. We are against oppression and marginalisation by any one group against another.

“There's a gentleman agreement in the APC at its formative stage for power to rotate between the North and the South. And even in the colony of thieves, there exist a code of moral behaviour.

“Just because we are politicians, how can we believe anything goes?. NO!!! We should have minimal thresholds below which we shouldn't operate.

President Buhari with his 12 million votes could not become the President on three attempts until we had a handshake across the river. We are an honourable people and we have to honour our commitment to that pact.

“The minimum is for a power shift to Southern Nigeria, unless the advocates of power retention

have a hidden agenda for the dismemberment of the nation.

And to be fair to the President, he has neither endorsed nor showed a preference for any of the gladiators.

“With all sense of modesty, if there's any title for a political godson, I can comfortably claim to be President Buhari's eldest political son. In both the 2015 and 2019 presidential elections, President Buhari garnered the highest quantum of votes, percentage-wise, not in his native Katsina State; not in Kaduna where he calls home for the past five decades; certainly not in Kano with a substantial Daurawa community nor Jigawa with his filial ties to neighbouring Kazaure Emirate. The President got the highest percentage of votes in Borno, where he garnered 97% in 2015 and 95%

in 2019, followed by our sister state of Yobe.”

He advised political gladiators across the country to give ear to his call, noting that: “As the Igbos would say, “If a child washes his hands, he could eat with kings”. We have truly washed our hands and we are a major stakeholder in the Nigeria project. I believe we have a right to air our views and be listened to.”

He said in his remarks at the book launch that the hope of the country rests on the mindset of her people, adding that the problem was not religion or ethnicity but people using them to achieve their goals.

He said: “Our problems are not that of religion or ethnicity.

Religion has become a body of rituals devoid of any practical value. People use religion to advance their interests - we have

God on our lips and devil in our hearts.

“No religion sanctions oppression. The hope for the black man rests not on South Africans or Kenyans. The hope for the black man rests with the people of this country.”

He warned: “We have to make this country work. Our country of 211 million people, if this country is to implode, where are we going to go?

Down is the Atlantic Ocean?

Up is the Niger Republic?

The population of the Niger Republic is not up to the population of Kano State.

We are going to eat up the entire food reserves of the Niger Republic under two weeks. To our eastern side are the mountain ranges of Cameroon and the Central African Republic. They too have been contending with

BRITISH GOVT EVADES THISDAY ENQUIRY ON FRESH PASSPORT ISSUED TO KANU borders, the British government assisted him in procuring another passport in the High Commission of one of our neighbouring countries, knowing

at the time he was a fugitive running away from justice in Nigeria. Do you categorically deny the British government involvement in this? In relation

MASARI: NIGERIA BATTLING WITH WORST FORM OF INSECURITY as neighbours and friends, attending the same market, weddings funerals, and naming ceremonies without any conflict.

"But today, they are killing themselves, stealing their properties, and raping their wives and children. How come they turned overnight and started killing themselves? That means we have to examine ourselves. What went wrong?

We should stop blaming the government because security is everybody's business."

He, however, charged the

management of the Islamic centre to be unbiased while giving out admissions to deserving applicants and educate residents of the host community on the need for unity to enhance harmonious co-existence.

Earlier, the representative of the African Continent Committee, Sheikh Safakirukah Jumat, said the management of the centre would operate in line with the Islamic tenets and thanked Governor Masari for purchasing the land for the building.

to (b), are you implying that since Mr. Kanu’s trial was not in a British court, you do not reckon with the Nigerian court which impounded his passports?”

In reaction, the High Commission said in order to respond to the question, it would need to send the email to “London” because “it does not specially relate to the British High Commission in Nigeria unlike the question you clarified yesterday and which we have answered.”

Dean Hurlock of the British High Commission, after referring the enquiry to “London”, sent the reply yesterday and it read: “We are seeking clarification about the circumstances of the arrest from the Nigerian government. Our policy on issuing passports to those who are entitled to them is

clear and publicly available; we are not going to discuss any individual case.”

Of course, the reply did not address the issues raised by THISDAY. Kanu could not have obtained a new British passport without the approval of the British Government.

In the earlier email, THISDAY enquired from the British High Commission: “The specific allegation we want addressed is whether the British High Commission assisted Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, whose Nigerian and British passports had been impounded by an Abuja court, in jumping bail by issuing him another British passport which he used to travel out of Nigeria and had been using to travel until his re-arrest. How could Kanu have acquired another British travel document in Nigeria without processing it at your

High Commission?”

Jonathan Bacon of the British High Commission replied saying the question refers explicitly to British High Commission and that his response earlier directly addressed this allegation: “We can confirm that the British High Commission in Nigeria did not issue any travel documents for Mr Kanu. We therefore reaffirm the categorical denial sent to you yesterday. Your question (b) referred to London, hence my reply yesterday at 17:23 to say that I needed to ask London for a view on the question, and that given the time the email was sent, I might not receive a reply until the morning.”

Kenya Denies Involvement in Arrest, Repatriation of Kanu Meanwhile,

Kenya

High

Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Wilfred Machage has denied the involvement of his government in the arrest and extradition of the IPOB leader.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, had said the IPOB leader was “intercepted through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services abroad”, but he did not disclose the country where Kanu was arrested.

Kanu’s family later alleged that the IPOB leader was arrested in Kenya with the aid of the Kenyan government and returned to Nigeria. Some publications also reported that the Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta, was privy to Kanu’s extradition.

Continued on page 14

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NEWS

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

NNPC, Total, Others Eye $760m Revenue from OML 130 Gas Supply Deal Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Peter Uzoho

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) yesterday stated that, along with its partners, the national oil company was set to earn over $760m from various fresh agreements on gas supply.

The deals on the Oil Mining Lease (OML) 130 included a Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), Production Sharing Contract (PSC), Gas Supply Purchase Agreements (GSPAs) and Gas Entitlement Agreement

(GEA).

The agreements which are part of the corporation’s gas commercialisation programme involve Total Exploration and Production Nigeria (TEPNG), China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), South Atlantic Petroleum Nigeria Limited (SAPETRO) and Prime 130 Limited.

The sale structure under which the agreements were executed is designed to provide a clear delineation for the allocation of the gas sale proceeds to all the participating parties, includ-

ing midstream handling and transportation.

“This is a very proud moment for all of us. I understand all the delays, they are completely unavoidable. It is desirable for us to have full alignment of all parties before we proceed.

“The end result is that there would be clarity around our relationship and we would be unlocking resources that have been on the table for many years.

“We now have a clear line of sight around gas revenue of up to $250 million and also another $510 million that is applicable to

the rest of us,” Group Managing Director, NNPC, Kyari said during the event.

He noted that apart from the revenue boost, the agreements have also opened up an opportunity to have the dispute settlement deal for the OML 130 PSC and ultimately to have a renewed production sharing contract which would now guide the relationship, going forward.

On the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) that has just been passed, the GMD assured the parties that the fiscal terms proposed in

the oil reform legislation remain some of the most attractive in the global oil and gas industry, noting that investors have no cause to worry.

In his response, Managing Director of TEPNG, Mr. Mike Sangster, expressed delight at the signing of the agreements, adding that the parties were committed to the terms of the contract.

OML 130 is a deep water block located 130 kilometres offshore Niger Delta at water depths of well over 1000 metres.

The block contains the produc-

ing Akpo and Egina fields and Preowei discovery.

Originally known as Oil Prospecting License (OPL) 246, the asset was awarded in 1998 to SAPETRO and was later converted to OML 130 in February 2005 after commercial discovery of oil in Akpo and Egina in 2000 and 2003 respectively.

At conversion, the federal government, represented by NNPC, exercised its rights as concessionaire of the block in April 2005 by entering into a PSC with SAPETRO as contractor and TUPNI as operator.

Lawmakers Passed PIB without Having Copies of Bill, Alleges House Member Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The lawmaker representing Esan North-east/South-east federal constituency of Edo State in the House of Representatives, Hon. Sergius Ogun, has revealed that some members did not have copies of the bill during the clause-by-clause consideration of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in the House on Thursday.

He said it was a good thing that the National Assembly was able to pass the bill, adding that it might not be everything everybody wants, “but it is a bill and no bill is perfect.”

Ogun stated this while speaking with journalists yesterday in Abuja, saying with the passage of the Bill, the President would sign the bill and investors that had been sitting on the fence would come in and invest here.

He stated: “We didn’t have

enough copies, we were told to pick up copies at a particular room yesterday, my aide went there, and they were not available, we went there again this morning, they were not there.

“They brought some to the chambers, it was not enough for everybody; the Deputy Chairman of the committee told us that they will come in a short while.

“I just went to make the Chairman of the ad hoc committee know that we all do not all have copies; as much as I have gone through the bill again and again because I was part of the process that brought it to where it is today, I still needed to have a copy.

“If whatever we have gone through is different from what was presented, I cannot just go ahead and agree to everything, I just wanted to have a copy and flip through.

Ondo Assembly Passes Anti-Open Grazing Bill James Sowole in Akure

The Ondo State House of Assembly has passed into law, a bill to regulate security, rearing and grazing of livestock and establishment of ranches and two other bills into law.

The two other bills passed at the plenary of the Assembly are a bill for a law to provide for the management of funds accruing to the Ondo State Judiciary from the consolidated revenue fund of the state and a bill for a law to eliminate violence in private and public life and prohibition of all forms of violence against persons (VAPP).

The three bills, were passed after the committees set up to scrutinise them presented their reports to the House at its plenary.

Presenting the report on grazing bill, Chairman House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Taofeek Oladele, said that the bill when passed into law would prevent destruction of farm crops in the state.

He added that it would address clashes between herders and farmers, enhance the growth of livestock farming,

prevent control and manage the spread of diseases and as well encourage modern techniques of animal husbandry.

While briefing the House, it was made known that necessary areas of the bill had been scrutinised.

After thorough debate on the bill, it was considered necessary for approval and the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oleyelogun Bamidele David, ruled in favour of the bill after a voice vote.

In the same vein, while presenting the report on the bill on Prohibition of Violence against Persons, Hon. Akintomide Akinrogunde observed that the bill when passed would not only assist in eliminating violence against persons in public and private life but reduce attacks on women, children and other vulnerable persons.

Akinrogunde called on members to consider major amendments to clauses of the bill and consider it for passage.

Also, the bill for a law on the management of funds accruing to the Judiciary from the consolidated revenue of Ondo State was presented by the Selection Committee.

IN HIS VINEYARD. . .

L-R: General Secretary of ILCOM College of Bishops, Bishop Samuel Ocheja; Presiding Archbishop of Dominion Chapel Int’I Churches, Archbishop John Praise Daniel; and his wife, Bishop Hope John Praise at the consecration of 11 new Bishops at the Church Auditorium in Garki, Abuja…yesterday.

Moghalu: Economic Diversification, Panacea for Excessive External Borrowing Festus Akanbi

Former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and former Presidential Candidate, Professor Kingsley Moghalu, has joined the advocacy for economic diversification, which he described as a matter of existential importance given the current realities in the Nigerian economy.

In a paper titled: ‘Economic Diversification and the Wealth of Nations: Lessons and the Path Forward for Nigeria’, delivered at the 2021 Annual Conference

of the Nigerian Economics Students Association (NESA) the University of Port Harcourt, on Thursday, Moghalu, pointed out that Nigeria had very little hope of escaping a poverty trap given the realities of a population of over 200 million, and the future moving toward renewable energy and unstable oil rents.

According to him, the country was borrowing externally at frightening levels as a result of the inability of our government to diversify the economy. He explained that economic diversification was therefore

not an option, but a matter of existential importance.

“As with many petrostates, crude oil has come to define Nigeria over the past 50 years.

It is the small god Nigerian government worship, as its price determines the fiscal health of the country, and the “black gold” is seen as the glue that binds together the county’s political elite and its disparate interest groups.

“Oil has created a crony capitalist economy of rentseekers, stupendously wealthy individuals in Nigeria’s rising

sea of poverty in which 100 million Nigerians now live in extreme poverty -- the highest numbers in the world -- and giving the country the dubious distinction of the “poverty capital” of the world,” he stated.

The former CBN Deputy Governor noted that Nigeria’s undiversified economic structure had not only prevented our economy from achieving sustained growth, it also had frequently left the economy exposed to external shocks.

“This results in boom and bust cycles in the economy.

We will Meet National Expectations, Says Army Chief Celebrates Army Day 2021 Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has declared that the Nigerian Army would meet the expectations of Nigerians with regard to its constitutional role and respect for human rights.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja to mark the Nigerian Army Day celebrations (NADCEL), the army chief said the army was determined to meet the expectations of the citizenry by adhering to its constitutional role, respect for human rights in tandem with rules of engagement.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to employ synergistic approach with

other services and security agencies in consolidating on these achievements. We shall equally employ the support of critical partners to better secure our dear country.

“We shall prioritise welfare of personnel and promote merit, we shall equally celebrate gallantry, honour our heroes as well as support our families,” he said.

Yahaya said the army “shall discharge our constitutional duties in tandem with the rules of engagement, respect for and aspects of human rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as other international principles and guidelines to which

Nigeria is a signatory.”

He said Nigerian Army with its long history stretching to 1861 had achieved so much and would continue to sustain the tempo.

“We remain resolute and require the collaboration of all stakeholders to fight terrorism and insurgency including other forms of criminalities in the country.

“I also want to use this opportunity to solicit for cooperation and goodwill of all law abiding citizens as a necessity to achieving a lasting peace in Nigeria,” he said.

“We all must put national interest first above all forms of primordial sentiments capable of destroying our unity. Together we

shall succeed. I strongly believe so,” he said.

He listed other activities lined up to mark the NADCEL 2021 celebration to include juma’at prayers in all Nigerian Army formations and units on Friday 2 July 2021 which will be followed by interdenominational church service to be held in all Nigerian Army formations and units across the nation on Sunday July 4, 2021.

“The NADCEL 2021 will also enable the Nigerian Army reach out to the public through its Medical Outreach Programme on Monday July 5, 2021, during which inhabitants of some selected communities around the country will benefit from a free medical services.

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NEWS Katsina Police Rescue 9 Kidnap Victims as Bandits Abduct Sokoto River Basin Manager Francis Sardauna in Katsina

BALM TO THE DISPLACED. . .

Honourable Federal Commissioner, National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), Haj. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim (1st from left), interacting with IDPs during her working visits to their camps in Borno State... recently.

Amaechi Canvasses Stiffer Charges Against Rail Vandals Hints of FG’s plan to borrow from Europe to fund projects if China fails Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Transportation Minister, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, has canvassed for stiffer charges to be preferred against anyone found vandalising railway lines and facilities in the country.

He also hinted of plans by federal government to source for funds from Europe to fund railway expansion projects in case China is no longer forthcoming to assist in this regard.

Amaechi, who spoke Friday at the weekly ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team at the State House, Abuja stressed that introducing stiffer penalties such as

manslaughter charges to punish vandals will go a long way to curb the menace, which could cause a train to derail and lead to grave fatalities.

He said: “You can imagine the number of people that will die as a result of that derailment.

This is just because one selfish Nigerian is trying to steal track to make money. I think like other countries, I’m not saying that they should be killed because there’s poverty.

“But I’m saying they should be charged for mass manslaughter because people will die.

But again, they will tell you that manslaughter means that somebody died. If anybody dies, they should be charged

for manslaughter. If nobody dies, they should be charged for stealing. That’s my view.

The minister expressed concern that railway clips were frequently stolen, resulting in huge losses in hard currency adding that he will soon meet with the Inspector General of Police with a view to providing adequate security for the rail tracks His words: “If we enforce the law on the vandalisation of tracks, it will stop. And I have asked the Managing Director of Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRA) about their police. He said they were enough.

“I will meet the Inspector

General of Police (IGP) to give us enough men and materials so that we can use them to police the tracks. Having moved from narrow gauge to standard gauge, it has become a national security issue because it’s a daily movement, involving three, four, five, six trips a day.

“I think the law should deal with those who break it. The law should not be quiet.”

The firmer governor of Rivers State further disclosed that Nigeria and China have signed a contract to manufacture train coaches locally in the country following an initial five year period of just the local assembly of the components.

T B Joshua Died Day He was to Forward Ransom for Abducted Niger Islamic School Pupils Laleye Dipo in Minna

It has been revealed that T B Joshua, the founder and General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) died a few hours to his fulfilling his promise to pay substantial amount out of the ransom demanded by the bandits that abducted the pupils of Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School Tegina in the Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State a month ago.

As at the time he made the promise, the bandits were demanding for N200m before the abductees mostly girls would be released.

A competent source close to the school told THISDAY that

the deceased cleric who died on June 5, 2021 made a call to the Headmaster of the school to commiserate with him and other parents on the abduction of their children.

According to the source T B Joshua told the Headmaster that God directed him to secure the release of the pupils and that he has decided to hearken to the voice of God. He was reported to have said that he did not know if his gesture will be the last humanitarian service he will offer on earth.

Joshua according to the source requested for the details of the school’s bank account promising that “he will send something substantial to the account very

soon” He reportedly called the Headmaster more than 27 times before the HMpickedthecallbecause of belief that the calls could have been from the bandits.

It was learnt that “Four hours later we were so shocked to hear that T B Joshua has died ,” the source said.

“We didn’t believe the news how can somebody we spoke with just four hours ago die like that?” The source said.

“Yes it is true that he called me, he told me that he wanted to assist to secure the release of the girls, that God has told him to do so,” the Headmaster of the school Alhaji Alhassan Abubakar confirmed to THISDAY. According to Abubakar

the deceased said his gesture was “a purely humanitarian service which does not have any religion attached to it.”

The Headmaster said he and others were shocked when four hours after our telephone conversation we heard he was dead, at first we didn’t believe later we realise it is true.” Alhassan who said he had all the discussion with the late SCOAN leader recorded in his cell phone said he had only called the family to commiserate with them, “ we cannot do more than that as human being.”

The Headmaster pleaded with public spirited individuals to come to the assistance of the kids who are suffering adding the their parents have resigned to faith.

Oodua Republic Mega Rally: Lagos Police Warn Agitators to Stay Clear Sunday Ehigiator

The Lagos State Police Command in a show of force, has sent warning signals to organisers of a mega Oodua Republic Rally, planned for the state today.

In a statement yesterday, signed by the states police spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Command warned

the organisers of the planned Oodua Republic Mega Rally, scheduled to hold at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos, to steer clear of Lagos State.

It said the warning was considered necessary due to the available intelligence reports on the planned rally and in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the state.

The statement also revealed that the Command and other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, Federal Road Safety Corps and Department of State Services had put measures in place to prevent any act of lawlessness, oppression and intimidation, of any kind.

“The state cannot afford

to record and experience the violence orchestrated by some individuals during the 2020 EndSARS protest that led to massive destruction of lives and properties in the state.”

The Command further noted that anyone caught participating or facilitating “the so-called mega rally in Lagos State will be dealt with within the ambits of the law.”

The Dutsin-Ma regional Manager of the Sokoto Rima River Basin Development Authority (SRRBDA), Labaran Muhammed Dandume, was on Thursday night kidnapped by gunmen suspected to be bandits in Katsina State.

The victim, according to credible sources in Dutsin-Ma, was whisked away by the hoodlums who stormed his residence located inside the SRRBDA staff quarters in Dutsin-Ma at about 11.47p.m. on Thursday.

Though details of the incident were sketchy as at press time, sources at the scene of the incident said the arms wielding gunmen numbering 10 forced him into their vehicle and sped off in an operation that lasted “less than 20 minutes”.

One of the sources said: “Bandits numbering about 10 attacked the staff quarters of

SRRBDA in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area of Katsina State yesterday (Thursday), where they kidnapped the SRRBDA Manager, Labaran Muhammed Dandume.”

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Gambo Isah confirmed the incident and pledged to give details later.

The incident is coming as the State Police Command said its operatives had successfully foiled kidnap attempt on Kirijam Village in Mahuta ward of Dandume Local Government and rescued nine victims.

SP Isah, in a statement issued to journalists yesterday, said: “On 01/07/2021 at about 23:00hrs, bandits in their numbers, shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked Kirijam village, Mahuta Ward of Dandume LGA and kidnapped nine (9) persons.

Edo Police Arrest 22 Year-old Suspected Kidnap, Armed Robbery Kingpin Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

The Edo State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnap and armed robbery kingpin, Aliu Yusuf. It said Yusuf had been the one terrorising innocent citizens along the Benin/Auchi Road.

The Command through its spokesperson, SP Kontongs Bello yesterday said that the 22 yearold was arrested on Thursday by the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit of the Command.

The statement signed by Bello and made available to newsmen yesterday read in part: “On the 01/07/2021 at about 16:30, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit of Edo State Police Command arrested a kidnap Kingpin one Yusuf Aliu ‘M’ 22 years who has been terrorising Benin-Auchi Road and its environs and has been on the command wanted list for armed robbery and kidnapping.

“The suspect is the leader of a gang of four kidnappers that abducted one Lucky Ojezele at Idumwengie Community along Benin-Auchi Road on 5/01/2021 and fled.

“The Operatives of AntiKidnapping and Cyber Crime Unit of the Command through hi-tech tracking/intelligence arrested him at old Road in Aduwawa, Benin City. One of his gang members, Philemon Timothy had earlier been arrested by the operatives and has since been charged to court.

“On interrogation Aliu Yusuf confessed to the crime of kidnapping and armed robbery, while efforts are in top gear to arrest the remaining two suspects.

“The State Commissioner of Police, Philip Ogbadu enjoin all indigenes of Edo State to go about their lawful businesses as the command is not relenting in its effort of protecting lives and property,” the statement added.

NHRC Seeks Amendment of Extant Legislation on Treatment/ Rehabilitation of Drug Users Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has advocated for the amendment of necessary legislation to provide for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users, as well as the adoption of non-custodial measures for appropriate cases in order to avoid human rights violations.

Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, who gave this position via zoom at a side event on ‘Strengthening the Role of the UN Human Rights System in Drug Policies: The Case of Arbitrary Detention’ at the 47th Session of the Human Rights Council, which took

place on 2nd July, 2021, observed that the availability and high consumption of drugs in some parts of Nigeria have exposed the young people that constitute a significant portion of the country’s population to health challenges.

According to him, illicit drug use is driven by certain social and economic vulnerabilities and these circumstances continue to be at play even during arrests, detention and trial of suspects.

The human rights boss however said addressing inequalities through targeted anti-poverty programmes was key to achieving reduction in drug use and abuse.

SATURDAY JULY 3, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 3,2021

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NEWS I’m not Interested in becoming Deputy Governor, Says Okunna Charles Ajunwa

IN THE IVORYTOWER …

L-R: French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Jerome Pasquier; Vice-Chancellor, Augustine University, Prof. Christopher Odetunde, Alara of IlaraEpe Kingdom, His Royal Highness, Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo, Telade IV, his wife, Olori Bolanle, during Ambassador Pasquier courtesy visit to Augustine University in Ilara-Epe, Lagos... recently.

The renowned Professor of Mass Communication and former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Anambra State, Prof. Chinyere Stella Okunna, has reacted to the news making the rounds about the possibility of her becoming the Deputy Governorship Candidate/ Running Mate to Mr. Valentine Ozigbo, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag bearer in the November 2021 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

Speaking in Awka, Prof.

Okunna said she first heard the news of her becoming the Deputy Governorship Candidate through many associates, as well as men and women of goodwill who called, to her embarrassment, to congratulate her on what they called her “deserving recognition.”

She said when she enquired the source of the news, they referred her to the social media. “I visited different social media platforms and saw different things that were

written on the matter and my first reaction was to wonder how all this had been going on without my knowledge.”

Okunna said: “In 2006, I joined the government of Mr. Peter Obi. Though my salary was much less than what I was paid as a Professor, I still look back on all those years with nostalgia and a sense of immense fulfilment, knowing that Team Peter Obi worked with a world-class leader to actualise his vision of achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) using his innovative, revolutionary and globally-acclaimed Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). It is on record that the Team effectively delivered results which made Anambra Number 1 in the implementation of the MDGs, consequent upon which the United Nations invited His Excellency to New York to share his MDGs experience. As the Chairman of the State’s MDGs Implementation Committee, it is obvious how proud I felt and still feel about that accomplishment.”

Osinbajo: FG Has Given States ‘Bridging Financing’ to Repay Support Foundation, MRA Laud Passage of Access to Information Bill in The Gambia

NEC endorses 2022-2024 MTEF Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday said the National Economic Council (NEC), has been informed that the issue of the repayment of the Budget Support Facility extended to the 36 state governments by Federal Government has now been resolved This is just as he disclosed that NEC had endorsed the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) of the Federal Government which was presented to it at an emergency meeting.

Osinbajo made the disclosure, following an emergency meeting of the Council which he presided virtually, with some State Governors, FCT Minister, Finance Minister, Central Bank Governor, and other government o΀cials in attendance.

According to him, under the new arrangement, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has oͿered a fresh bridging Ànancing to States as they resume the repayment of the FG-backed facility.

He also said they endorsed the 2022-2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and

Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/ FSP) which was presented to it by the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed.

In her presentation, the Minister stated that the draft of the 2022-2024 MTEF/FSP was prepared against the backdrop of global economic recovery, amidst improved vaccination outlook and lower incidence of (COVID-19) infection.

She also said the Nigerian economy sustained a tepid recovery in Àrst quarter of 2021 posting a Year-on-Year (YoY) GDP

Festus Akanbi growth of 0.51%, consolidating the exit from recession in Q4 2020, reÁecting the easing of COVID-19 induced restrictions.

The Minister recalled that the economy, which lapsed into recession in Q3 2020, after two successive quarters of negative GDP growth, promptly emerged from the recession with a positive 0.11% GDP growth in Q4 2020.

She added that the Medium Term Fiscal Framework showed that there were continuing global challenges in the aftermath of the COVID-19.

‘How we Shared Alleged N1bn Seek Redress through Appeal Committee, Campaign Fund in 2019 Kwara Election’ APC Warns Anambra Aspirants Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Chairman, Campaign Committee of All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2019 general election in Kwara State, Hon. Moshood Mustapha has said that, the issue of N1billion campaign funds for the election in the state was shared according to the template released to the party by the National Executive Committee of the APC. There were allegations and counter allegations over the disbursement of the funds in the state to the extent that the state Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq accused some cheiftains of the party of misappropriating the funds and was not given a kobo for the campaign.

Also, the spokesman, of the Bashir Bolarinwa Omolaja-led faction of APC, Alhaji Abdul-Rahoof Bello had, in Ilorin on Tuesday, asked Governor AbdulRazaq to account for N1 billion he allegedly collected from the national headquarters of APC..

Speaking with reporters in Ilorin yesterday on the development, the chairman of the campaign committee for 2019 governorship election in the state, Alhaji Mustapha stated that, there was no basis for such allegations against the governor over the disbursement of the campaign funds in the state

because “the money in question which came from Abuja also came with a template for sharing it.”

He said that, “The money was actually N400 million in the first place and the template given for sharing it accompanied it and so it was not possible for anybody to seize the money.”

He said that, “After the primaries in 2019, state chairman of the party, Hon. Bolarinwa called him for a party meeting at the Savannah Hotel in Ilorin where it was explained the money had arrived from Abuja.

“We proceeded to party secretariat at Fate to constitute a committee for the sharing of the money for the election.

“As directed by the APC national secretariat, sharing committee consisted of Hon. Bolarinwa, the Governor and myself.

“Also included were the three senatorial candidates, three out of the six House Reps candidates of the party, the state secretary of the party, the party treasurer, a party leader and a national official who was Mr. Lanre Onilu.

“As I clearly remember, nobody took custody of that money. It was shared according to guidelines sent by the party.”

He, however stated that the current rancour in the party though sad, should be expected given the process of APC formation.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has called on aggrieved Anambra State governorship aspirants to approach the appeal committee set up by the party, instead of bringing disrepute to APC in public space.

The National Secretary of the Caretaker/Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the party, Senator John Akpanudoedehe, stated this yesterday in Abuja during the inauguration of an appeal committee to hear complaints arising from the recent APC governorship primary in the Anambra State.

The committee had actually started working before it was o΀cially inaugurated.

The secretary said the membership of the committee was carefully selected and composed with persons of character and integrity so that those dissatisÀed with the processes thus far, can approach the committee in conÀdence that they will get justice.

Akpanudoedehe stressed that the constitution of the party, the party guidelines for the nominations would be the reference instruments for the Committee.

He said, “May I use this opportunity to call on all those

who are directly concerned with the just concluded primaries to approach this committee to ventilate their dissatisfaction if any, instead of bringing the party into disrepute in the public space.”

However, despite the recent defections of governors, lawmakers and other political stalwarts to the ruling APC, the Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, has said that Nigeria can never become a one party state.

He said considering the fact that the country runs a multi-party system, a one party state will never arise.

The governor said people were joining APC because its solid, more on ground and more transparent.

He stated: “A party that is in control necessarily has to attract people that are ready to give their support and they are coming because they realise that APC is more solid, more on ground and really more transparent and open in terms of how it deals with everybody; the high and the low. That is why they are coming, so we welcome them and anybody that says no to have to have a rethink because party is about people and all politicians are invited and welcome to any party that they think belongs to the right track. That is what APC is.”

The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) and Media Rights Agenda (MRA) have commended The Gambia’s National Assembly for passing the country’s Access to Information Bill 2021 into law yesterday.

They, however, called on President Adama Barrow to speedily sign the Bill into law to consolidate the restoration of participatory democracy in the country which began with his ascension to power in 2017, following the historic elections of December 2016.

In a joint statement by Executive Director of the GJF, Ms. Ann Iyonu, and MRA’s Executive Director, Mr. Edetaen Ojo, the two organisations noted that “the signing of the Bill into Law by President Barrow will enable the Government of The

Gambia to achieve a signiÀcant milestone in advancing the right of access to information for Gambians as a fundamental human right guaranteed under several international human rights instruments to which The Gambia is a party, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is the foundational human rights instrument on the African continent.”

According to them, 23 African countries presently have speciÀc national access to information laws, with most of such laws coming from countries in West Africa while The Gambia is the only country in Anglophone West Africa that had not yet enacted or adopted a national access to information legislation.

OML 150: Security Reinforced as Host Communities Sustain Siege in Delta Sylvester Idowu in Warri

A reinforcement of security personnel has been deployed around Obodo oil Àeld in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State yesterday as hundreds of indigenes of seven host communities to Conoil Producing Limited sustained siege on the facilities enters the Àfth day insisting the oil Àrm should vacate their land.

The protesting indigenes had again stormed the facilities since last Saturday and vowed not to leave the area until Conoil implement the directive of the Palace of Olu of Warri and Delta State Government to open negotiation with the host communities leaders.

THISDAY observed that the seven host communities had penultimate week embarked on Àve days protest against the oil Àrm until the intervention of the Palace of Olu of Warri and Delta State Government before vacating the Àeld.

It was learnt that the Palace

of Olu of Warri summoned a meeting attended last Thursday by the host communities and the oil Àrm where it was resolved that Conoil should heed the demands of their landlords.

Chairman of OML 150 communities consultative forum, Comrade Monday Agbeyi, told newsmen at the site of the oil Àeld that Conoil was taking the peaceful nature of his people for granted.

He said the host communities would no longer tolerate act of impunity on the part of the oil Àrm that failed to honour the Palace of Olu of Warri, Delta State Government and the Indigenes of the communities.

“I want to state categorically that although the seven host communities of OML 150 were reputed for being peace loving, it should not be misconstrued for cowardice by Conoil Producing Limited as we are ready to use all within our means to ensure justice in our land,” he said.

SATURDAY JULY 3, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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JULY 3, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

OMO-AGEGE: GRACE BEYOND MEASURE The deputy senate president has made a big difference, writes Felix O. Okpe

T

he state of development in Delta State is begging for better ideas.

Delta State should be comparable to the most developed amongst states in Nigeria. In terms of comparative development, Delta State has little or nothing to show for its enormous fiscal allocations from the federation account and natural resources. It is indubitable that there is a clamor for change built on a powerful yearning for a productive, practical, and strategic political direction.

It is against this background that Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, the Deputy President of the Senate (DSP) and Senator representing Delta State Central senatorial district, is a public servant that is graced beyond measure on matters of public policy, effective representation, and good governance. Omo-Agege, has a track record and incredible achievements in just two years as Deputy Senate President (DSP) and the Senator representing Delta Central senatorial district. On assumption of office, Omo-Agege, made a commitment to give a periodic public account of his stewardship at the Senate to his constituents. Premised on the notion that, there can be no accountability without access to elected representatives and the opportunity to speak truth to power, the DSP directed that an objective yearly account of his public service and leadership at the Senate be made available to the people of Delta Central and the public.

Based on anecdotal evidence gleaned from National Assembly records, Omo-Agege holds the record as the most productive Senator elected by Delta Central on core legislative duties, constituency projects, and strategic political engagements. During the second year of his tenure as DSP and Senator representing Delta Central, Omo-Agege secured, facilitated, influenced, and executed more than 75 electrification projects and successfully pursued the federal government approval for the establishment of 1.3 megawatts solar hybrid power plant at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Ugbomro, Delta State.

This was in addition to facilitating the laying of the foundation for the construction of NDPHC/NIPPS injection substation to improve power supply to Orogun town and environs. These verifiable projects were cited and spread across every local government area of Delta Central and benefitting other senatorial district because of its multiplier effects and economies of scale. Rural electrification as a process of connecting electricity to rural and remote communities, is a major development issue in Delta State. In many instances, the national grid fell short of electricity demands. With the policy and economic understanding that improved electricity supply will enrich agriculture, enhance communication, and create employment for farmers, women, and youth, Omo-Agege addressed the issue substantially to the advantage of Delta State.

As a matter of policy and economic development in Delta Central and Delta State, Omo-Agege believes that an improved access to clean, safe, and reliable water system in Delta Central will make Delta State an attractive destination for critical public and private infrastructure and investments. It will also improve agriculture, healthcare, and sanitary solutions. There are many communities that have been neglected by the state government on this problem to the detriment of economic growth

BASED ON ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE GLEANED FROM NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RECORDS, OMO-AGEGE HOLDS THE RECORD AS THE MOST PRODUCTIVE SENATOR ELECTED BY DELTA CENTRAL ON CORE LEGISLATIVE DUTIES, CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS, AND STRATEGIC POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTS

and progress. One can imagine the effect of the dire need in communities that rely on unsafe sources of water. The DSP took up this issue as a matter of urgency for Delta Central. Consequently, on his second year alone, Omo-Agege through the performance of his core legislative duties, executed more than 18 safe water projects to expand access to clean water in Delta Central.

In just his second year in office, the DSP’s legislative agenda dug deeper into educational development in Delta State that focused on the extension and expansion of technical education in the state. The overall idea is to pursue policies and design academic programs that will equip Deltans and other Nigerians with the best tools that will spur innovations in science, business, and technology that can help meet the challenges of economic development primarily in Delta State. To bring this goal into fruition, one of the most significant record of the DSP in his second year in office is successfully pursuing the approval of the Presidency for the take off and commencement of studies at the Federal Polytechnic, Orogun in October 2022. The citing of a Federal Polytechnic in Delta Central is a major development milestone, for which the social and economic advantages for Delta State cannot be overemphasized.

Recall that during the DSP’s first year in office, he initiated and sponsored the bill for the establishment of the Federal Polytechnic at Orogun, Delta State.

In addition to the incredible record of assisting to cite a Federal Polytechnic in Delta Central, the DSP also influenced and executed over 18 remarkable educational and ICT infrastructure in schools across Delta State. These projects include construction of blocks of new and renovated classrooms, ultra-modern ICT infrastructure, provision of desks, computers, and sports equipment to facilitate learning in schools. To enlarge access to primary healthcare, the DSP facilitated the provision and installation of Dental and Opthalmological equipment to Mariere Memorial Central Hospital in Ughelli and the construction of a primary healthcare center at Omavovwe-Agbaraha, both in Delta Central. On human capital development and economic empowerment, the DSP successfully recommended the employment of Deltans from all senatorial districts as political aides, into boards of federal parastatals, governing councils of tertiary institutions, ambassadorial, and key political positions. Focusing on women and youths on his economic empowerment initiative, the DSP facilitated the provision of hundreds of motorbikes, tricycles, sewing, and grinding machines. This was in addition to sponsoring Deltans for federal intervention programs including loans, grants, establishment of SMEs and skills acquisition training.

The most visible legislative activity of the DSP yet, is the DSP’s appointment by his peers as the Chairman of the Senate Committee for the Review of the 1999 Constitution(“CRC”). Coordinating the submission of over 250 memoranda on the thematic areas of the exercise, the determination of the DSP is to give all Nigerians a fair shot to participate in the process to produce a constitution that will work and be satisfactory to all Nigerians.

Dr. Okpe, a lawyer, is Senior Special Assistant to the Deputy President of the Senate

THE MINORITY’S THORNY ROAD TO PARADISE Joseph Ode highlights the plight of the Idoma and Igede minorities in Benue State

“Everybody wants to go to Heaven but none wants to die.” - Peter Tosh

T

o give practical effect to these famous lyrics of the legendary reggae musician, Peter Tosh, a Reverend Father put this question to his congregation one Sunday as introduction to his sermon: “How many of you want to go to Heaven?”

All hands were up. He followed up with another question: “How many of you want to die?”Virtually no hands were raised; even those few that attempted to raise their hands up brought them down, apparently, in order not to look odd.

What has brought to mind this message of conflict between desire and reality is the forthcoming 2023 general election and the permutations by various groups, tendencies, interests and individuals about who gets what. It is a sort of a nightmare scenario for the minorities of the Benue South Senatorial District of Benue State, made up mainly of Idoma and Igede, the second and third major ethnic groups, after the Tiv majority of Benue Northeast and Benue Northwest. The Idoma and Igede are faced with the grim realities of their minority status that require tough decisions and painful sacrifices to be able to actualize their quest to produce the state’s governor for the first time since the creation of the state in 1976.

But the Kwande and Jechira Intermediate Areas of Zone A want to produce the state governor, again, for the third and second time, respectively. Both the Igede people of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas (Old Oju) and the Idoma who occupy seven of the nine Local Government Areas of Benue South (aka. zone C), are eyeing the positions of Governor, Deputy Governor and Senator. The Igede are expected to meet soon to settle for one, which they will present as their common position to Zone C, and the rest of Benue State, depending on their choice.

Now to Peter Tosh’s message. When an eminent son of Igede, Barrister Jacob Ajene, recently publicly declared his aspiration to contest for the position of

Senate, almost everybody on the platform rushed to be the first to congratulate him for his courage and wish him victory. However, a few days later, following observations about the omission of Igede colours in the attire in which Governor Ortom was dressed, how many Igede vs Idoma were seated at the high table, spoke or said what, etc, during the recent BRM-led Zone C delegation’s advocacy visit to the governor, all hell was let loose on the same platform. The reactions reignited a simmering argument about how Idoma hate Igede and the Tiv love Igede more, and which of them the Igede should align or work with to achieve its 2023 aspirations.

In the heat and passion of the intemperate reactions, those of us, the Igede people, working actively with Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM), the organization leading Zone C’s agitation for Governorship in 2023, were personally attacked and variously dubbed as “part of the problem of Igede,” “Idoma apologists,” “sell-outs,” etc., who the doma call, when it suits them, to do the dirty job of undermining Igede interests. The “applause” which these reactions attracted, mainly from the youths, emboldened the attackers to call on the Igede to pull out, not only from BRM but also from any political engagement with the Idoma altogether and align with the Tiv and/or chart an independent course for the Igede.

This position was championed by the same people who congratulated Ajene only few days ago.

Now, the question is: Can Jacob Ajene, whose aspiration for the Senate has been popularly acclaimed in Igede, or for that matter, any other Igede aspirant for the positions of Governor, Deputy Governor, or Senate gain victory without the support of the Idoma or the rest of zone C? The practical and realistic answer is no, just like you cannot go to Heaven unless you die. Our politics in Nigeria is dependent on geopolitical structures, ethnic sentiments, selfish interests, numerical strength, zoning, incumbency factor, fin ancial muscle, etc, none of which confers any comparative advantage on the Igede at the moment. Igede has only two out of nine local government areas in the

senatorial district and I am not sure if the voting population of Old Oju is more than one-third of zone C’s voting total population. In the case of the Senate, the Tiv people of Zones A and B have no hand or voice in this at all, or in tilting any of the aforementioned factors in favour of an Igede aspirant, except, maybe, financial support, for which the Tiv as a group may not have any compelling reason to give. Even the zoning of the Senate to Old Oju cannot be expected to be automatic. If it was that simple, an Igede man would have become Senator before now. There are always contentious issues to thrash out, which experienced politicians are so well aware of.

Even the position of Deputy Governor, which some proponents of Igede-Tiv alliance erroneously believe a Tiv candidate would prefer to give to an Igede person over Idoma, could even be as complicated, if not more so than the position of Senator. Let me use the emergence of Ogiri Ajene as Deputy Governor in 1999 as an illustration, through the account of a key player in the process, General Geoffrey Ejiga (rtd): “After Mr. George Akume had been nominated as the PDP Gubernatorial candidate, the Idoma Senatorial constituency was requested to nominate Deputy Governorship candidate, the post having been zoned to Idoma land...Four persons were interested in the post. They were Benson Abounu, Enyi Obande, Dan Agbese and Ogiri Ajene...The zoning system adopted by PDP... was based on the three original local governments created out of the Idoma Native Authority: Otukpo...Okpokwu... and Oju...Political offices allocated to the Senatorial zone were to be equally distributed: Senator, Deputy Governor and State Party Chairman. John Igomu from Okpokwu zone was the state chairman of the party, Brig-Gen. David Mark from Otukpo zone was for the Senate. It would only be fair if the Deputy Governor went to Oju zone...”

To Gen. Ejiga, then a new comer in politics, the position was clear as both Okpokwu and Otukpo were already adequately represented and should

be out of contention. A panel of PDP Zone C caucus went into the upper reception room of Gen Ejiga’s Otukpo house where Mark, Prof. Ochapa Onazi, Chief David Attah, Mr. Andrew Agom, Chief Reuben Ade and Gen Ejiga were to select the Deputy Governorshp candidate. The process which I thought was going to be simple and straightforward became protracted.

“After interviewing the contestants, two rounds of elections in which the panel Chairman, Gen. Ejiga, did not vote, Agbese dropped out, leaving the final votes tally at 2,2,1 for Abounu, Enyi and Ogiri, respectively; Igomu announced the results without declaring a winner and proceeded to Makurdi to report to Akume and other state party leaders. The selection of Prince Ogiri Ajene became the watershed and the subsequent problems of PDP in our Senatorial zone. David Mark was not happy about it. He laid the blame on Agada Igomu and he organized and subsequently removed Igomu as party chairman.” (More details in: An autobiography of Gen. G.O. Ejiga: The measure of my days; 2014).

This account proves that no Igede man can bypass the rest of zone C to get selected as Deputy Governorship candidate. No serious Tiv Governorship candidate of a serious political party will risk victory by picking a running mate that will bring votes from only two local government areas of zone C and sacrificing the remaining seven simply because he wants to balance the so-called ethnic equation. It is also worthy of note that it was Idoma people of good conscience that stood behind Ogiri Ajene, in spite of his solitary vote which he got only from Chief Reuben Ade, up to when he was finally picked in Makurdi. Even now, in spite of the erosion of values in the country generally, there are still people of good conscience everywhere, including among the Idoma and Tiv, who could stand for equity and fairness if they are engaged constructively. Ogiri Ajene could not have been in contention if he hadn’t participated in the zone C process.

Ode is the Media Relations Officer of Benue Rebirth Movement (BRM)

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JULY 3, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

The heat is on...

Nigeria and Burden of Depression

Buhari, APC and the ‘Dangers’ of Defections

I

n 1999, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had 21 state governors, the then All Peoples Party (APP) had nine, while the Alliance for Democracy (AD) had six. As of May 30, 2007, PDP controlled 30 states, ANPP, four; All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) – one, and AD -one. As of June 2021, the PDP is in control of only 13 states, the All Progressives Congress (APC) controls 22, while APGA, one.

In 2007, PDP became bloated with every politician willing to join, with the party having a large number of governors who became very powerful and controlled every aspect of the party including appointments made by the then president. This was the genesis of PDP’s crisis.

Some 14 years later today, the APC is gradually toeing the same line, gradually becoming saturated, with 22 out the 36 state governors of the Federation, and strong likelihood of further defections by opposition governors to its fold. As 2023 approaches, the governors will be in the engine room of the party; they will decide who gets what. The politics of the 2023 presidency will be trickier because President Muhammdu Buhari is completing his second and last term. His influence will dwindle and his style of non-interference will further give the governors the effrontery to play their games.

Getting more elected officers into the fold of a political party in Nigeria is a good strategy for winning elections.

The APC seems to be banking on that as 2023 approaches.

However, the APC and President Buhari should also be cautious on the dangers of massive defections into the party. The defections appear to be largely skewed to one direction, with the APC having so many powerful competing bigwigs but with few opportunities in the party. The bubble may burst. This was how the PDP found itself in an unending internal crisis. On the other hand, the opposition PDP may be small but with less trouble of massive and counter-productive competition. Such a situation may give the PDP the space to be more organized to accommodate varying interests.

Most effective defection takes its bearing from the state governor. So it seems APC tactically delayed its states congresses to September 18, for the new governors joining it to have the control of the party structures and become its leaders. Any PDP governor in the Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral and Southwest decamping to the APC will for sure meet obstacles that will disrupt an existing stability and leadership structure. For example, the APC in the Northwest, Northeast, Northcentral and Southwest have strong structures, a reasonable war-chest and strong leadership. A new governor coming into a party in Nigeria is automatically the leader of the party, thus displacing the current leaders and making some ambitions weightless. If such a governor is not well-rooted politically he will have strong opposition within the party.

The defection of Zamfara State Governor, Bello

Matawalle and others to APC is understandable; he needs the political environment and the APC platform. But for other governors, especially those from the Southeast, their defections from the PDP to APC is an imbalanced equation to students of politics. In the Southeast, a defecting governor will find zero internal opposition because the party’s structure is weak in the region. However, such a governor will definitely face monumental opposition from the PDP. In the South-South the problem will be similar but with minimal effect on the defectors.

Defection from a party to another is often not a guarantee of an election win. For example, prior to the 2019 elections, some bigwigs defected from the APC to the PDP, but most of them lost the elections in their ‘new party’, with few exceptions like Governor Aminu Tambuwa of Sokoto State. Defection always works if the political environment provides the needed grease to lubricate the wheel of victory.

The political effects of the current defection on President Buhari will come to the fore towards 2023. APC governors are the wonders of the new rising political class, after the dissolution of the Adams Oshiomhole- led NWC, they now fine-tune the APC with ease from the presidency and critical stakeholders. They hold the keys to who gets what, when, where. They can bless at will, they may become the ‘councilors’ of the ruling party. On the other hand, the opposition are seeing defeat on their faces even before the ballots are cast; so they will employ every critical strategy to survive. Buhari and the APC have to be wary of this.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

“

Depression? Never! I am too young for that”.“Mental disorder? God forbid. It is not my portion”. Myths. False assumptions. Misconceptions.

It is both alarming and surprising the number of myths that surround mental health, especially in this part of the world where we attach spiritual connotation to anything and everything. There are many stereotypes surrounding mental illness that are both harmful and stigmatizing.

One major misconception is that people with mental health challenges are unable to function in society. Every day, people dress up and go about their daily lives, completely undetected to be struggling. From the outside, they look completely normal. However on the inside, there is a battle ongoing.

It is important to note that there is no look to mental illness. A disheveled appearance isn’t a symptom of mental illness. Another misconception among the general public is the belief that individuals with mental illness are dangerous to the society. These misconceptions are not accurate and they contribute to stigmatization.

Mental illness is a general term for a group of illnesses that may impact on a person’s thoughts, perceptions, feelings and behavior.

They include: depression, bipolar disorder,

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

schizophrenia and other psychoses, dementia and developmental disorders including autism.

Many mental disorders are severe enough to impair a person’s ability to function. In fact, for many mental health conditions, significant impairment is a diagnostic criterion. In some cases, a mental illness may be less severe, and although a person experiences symptoms, they are still able to function normally, most of the time. This hidden condition is colloquially known as high-functioning mental disorder some of which are depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder among others.

High functioning mental illness is the term that has been adopted to describe those living with a mental illness that is almost undetectable. It covers a broad spectrum; they might have a job, be studying, dress well or even have the ‘perfect’ family lifestyle.

Those characterized as high-functioning are less likely to ask for help because they are convinced nothing is wrong, or that their feelings are invalid. These individuals are often discouraged from seeking treatment, as they tend to be told “but you don’t look like you are struggling” by those they discuss their feelings with.

Imagine someone who seems to be living a perfect life. She has a great job, a loving and supportive partner and plenty of fun outside of work. Getting to the office on time is no problem and she is one of the most productive employees at work.

There’s one problem though; she is miserable, unable to derive happiness from much of anything because she lives with high-functioning depression, it is difficult for people to understand how anything could be wrong.

High-functioning mental illness can be characterized by the same diagnostic symptoms as anxiety and depression, but those with it manage their daily life as though nothing is wrong, and some even excel in certain areas.

The diagnosis for high-functioning depression is officially called Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD). Some experts believe that the term high-functioning depression stems from lack of clarity of Persistent Depressive Disorder or as it is otherwise called, Dysthymia.

Doyin Adeyemo, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 3,2021

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NEWS

Sultan to Nigerians: Let’s Respect One Another to Stay Together Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’adu Abubakar, has charged Nigerians to respect one another to foster unity and cohesion needed for nationbuilding.

Speaking in Kano yesterday at the inauguration of Inter-Tribal Traditional Leaders Association of Nigeria held in Kano, the Sultan stated, “Let’s respect one another.

Let’s be civil in the way we address one another. We must use our diversity as a point of strength for us to stay together.”

The Sultan, who noted that the major cause of most of the problems confronting Nigeria stemmed from lack of understanding of each other, said, “If we understand each other, we can work together,” adding that the newly inaugurated association was “another step towards bringing everybody together as one big family. “According to him, forming the association was timely in the wake of security challenges facing the country, noting that the leaders must work assiduously towards unity and tolerance among ethnic groups

in the country.

He also called for more engagements to proͿer solutions for the leaders to implement while including all.

Also, the Kano State Governor, Mr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, thanked Ohanaeze Ndigbo for their position to support the one Nigeria project.

He also called for more constitutional roles for the traditional institution and for them to be regarded as the fourth tier of government in their role as the custodian of culture.

The National Chairman of the

newly inaugurated association, Boniface Ibekwe, who is also the Eze Ndigbo of Kano, said that “most of the Sarki Hausawas in South-east are indigenes of Kano State, with some of them born there and marrying from those states, like some us too.”

He said the association was not in rivalry with the indigenous traditional rulers but “ambassadors for national unity, peaceful coexistence, progress as well as upholding the values, customs, and tradition of our people in our various host states, hence, we cannot aͿord to let them down.”

‘Run Army of All Nigerians, not Fulani Herdsmen’ Worried by myriad of media reports of involvement of men and o΀cers of the Nigerian Army in providing private armed security services to Fulani herdsmen in Enugu, Ondo, Kaduna and many states, a rights body, Human Rights Writers Associatoon of Nigeria (HURIWA) has charged the Nigerian Army to restore full professionalism in the military institution.

According to the group, the direct involvement of the Armed forces in providing security services for the Fulani herdsmen speciÀcally and the failure of the security forces to combat rising incidence of armed Fulani violence in many communities, had painted the Army as that of Fulani herdsmen.

Besides, the Rights group said it was encouraging that the new Army Chief Major General Faruk Yahaya has personally pledged to the Rights group through a letter of the readiness of the Army hierarchy to uphold professionalism and competent services to the fatherland.

A statement by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, and the National Media AͿairs Director, Miss Zainab Yusuf, charged the Army authorities to refocus the modus operandi of the military to have national outlook and to desist from portraying the Army as an entity that is primarily devoted to providing selective private security services to Fulani herdsmen community in Nigeria.

TravelHub Vows to Stop Touting in Travel Industry Charles Ajunwa

FOR BETTER TRAVEL EXPERIENCE… L-R: BOT Chairman of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Dayo Adeola; former vice chairman, NANTA, Lagos Zone, Lola Adewole; Chief Executive of Travel and Logistics Centre Limited, Mr. Yinka Folami; and President, NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, during a press conference held at the TravelHub, Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos...recently

Alleged N7.1bn Fraud: Court to Decide on Stopping Kalu’s Retrial September 20 Alex EnumahinAbuja Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, will on September 20 decide whether he will stop the planned retrial of former Abia State governor, Senator Orji Kalu in an alleged N7.1 billion fraud suit.

Justice Ekwo yesterday adjourned to the said date for judgment after Kalu and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) adopted all processes filed for and against the suit.

Kalu, who represents Abia North Senatorial District in the Senate by the suit is seeking to stop his retrial

in a N7.1 billion money laundering charges on the grounds that he had been tried, convicted and imprisoned over the same charge.

In adopting his process, Kalu’s lawyer, Professor Awa Kalu, SAN, informed the court that his client stood for trial for 12 years got judgment that convicted and jailed for him 10 years.

The senior lawyer insisted that the former governor having served a period of jail term would be subjected to double jeopardy if allowed by the court to be put on trial for the second time.

He cited section 36 (9) of the 1999 constitution which stipulates that

no Nigerian shall be subjected to double jeopardy, to support his submission.

Professor Kalu produced and read the Supreme Court judgment upon which the ex-governor was released after five months in prison, adding that there was nowhere in the judgment where the apex court made order for the former governor’s trial.

The defense lawyer who asked the EFCC to point out to the court where order for retrial was made against the Kalu, urged the court to prohibit the anti-graft agency from going ahead with the planned retrial.

Responding, the EFCC noted that the judgment that led to the release of Kalu had been declared a nullity by the Supreme Court which also ordered retrial of the appellant in the matter Mr. Udeh Jones who stood trial with Kalu in the same charges.

EFCC’s counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs, SAN, argued that since the Supreme Court order benefitted Kalu, he must bear the burden that arose from the apex court verdict.

Jacobs described Kalu’s suit as approbating and reprobating at the same time, adding that the suit is frivolous, irritating and should be dismissed.

British Govt Evades THISDAY Enquiry on Fresh Passport Issued to Kanu Cont’d from Pg. 5 Addressing a press conference yesterday in Abuja, Machage, dismissed all the allegations and challenged anyone with evidence linking his country to the incident to produce it.

He described as “unfortunate and libelous” the linking of President Kenyatta to Kanu’s arrest.

The Kenyan High Commissioner said the allegation was “concocted” to pitch Nigerians in the South-east against Kenyans.

He said: “I want to address this allegation by denying that Kenya was involved in the alleged arrest in Kenya and extradition to Nigeria of Mr. Kanu. To us, therefore, these allegations are Àctional, imaginary, and deliberately concocted to fuel antagonistic feelings among a certain section of the Nigerian

people.

“I want to challenge anyone with facts relating to this alleged arrest in Kenya to present those facts. This includes when, where, how, and who was particularly involved in the alleged arrest.

“I wish to categorically state that we are not happy at this ridiculous attempt at dragging the name of Kenya and President Uhuru Kenyatta in this matter of arrest and extradition of the self-proclaimed IPOB leader.

“Nigeria is a sovereign country.

It’s your country. Instead of facing the Kenyan High Commission in Nigeria to ask some of these questions, you should face your government. The government of Nigeria knows how they arrested him. They have the answers, not me.”

He said the government

and people of Kenya were also “disturbed, dismayed and astonished by the unfortunate statement on the alleged arrest of Kanu in Kenya.”

Machage added: “The Government of Kenya is particularly appalled by the spurious, derogatory, and libelous mention of our dear President on this matter as has been reported.

“I, as the High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wish to categorically emphasise that our country, Kenya, continues to enjoy cordial diplomatic relations with both the Federal Government of Nigeria and its great accommodating and amiable citizens.”

He noted that Kenya “is committed to sustaining the historical bond of friendship between the two countries and further cement

diplomatic relations with the view to ensuring beneÀcial relations.”

He urged that Kenya should not be dragged into the issue as she has no question to answer but rather that the citizens of Nigeria should approach the Nigerian government for an explanation of where Kanu was arrested.

Last Thursday, Kenya’s DirectorGeneral of Immigration Services, Alexander Muteshi, also dismissed the claim that Kanu was arrested in his country.

While on the run, Kanu piloted the aͿairs of IPOB from abroad, and after his re-arrest, the federal government arraigned him before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where a judge granted the Department of State Services (DSS) permission to keep him in its custody until July 26 when his trial would continue.

Practitioners in the travel industry under the aegis of the TravelHub have vowed to put a stop to the activities of faceless briefcase agents that tout the industry which they said have resulted in unsuspecting travellers being victims of their dubious activities.

They also commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for arresting a notorious fake travel agent in Kaduna, saying that the fraudulent activities of the travel agents apart from giving the

Labour Rejects Alleged Plan to Privatise Transmission Company OnyebuchiEzigboin Abuja Organised labour, under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has opposed an alleged move by the Federal Government to privatise the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

It said the company is a strategic economic asset of immense national security implications that should not be handed over to few privileged individuals.

NLC’ also said that the Sales Agreement for electricity generating companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies (DISCOs) is long overdue for review.

In a statement signed by the NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, the Congress condemned what it described as the continued balkanisation, stripping and stealing of Nigeria’s economic assets.

It said: “The current attempt to hand over the Transmission Company of Nigeria to a few ‘privileged’ Nigerians is selfserving, obtuse, odious, morally reprehensible and criminal.

Nigerian workers and people are vehemently opposed to this plot and will resist this grand larceny.

“NLC’ has learnt with great consternation a surreptitious plan to sell the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by the Bureau of Public Enterprises, a body that has become synonymous with an unending swindle of the people of Nigeria.

industry a bad name, have continued to be a source of concern to the genuine and professional travel practitioners.

Chief Executive of Travel and Logistics Centre Limited and member of TravelHub, Mr. Yinka Folami, who stated these during a press conference organised by members of TravelHub held at its head o΀ce in Opebi, Ikeja, Lagos, said TravelHub is a collaborative travel agency platform that provides physical and virtual o΀ce spaces and facilities to upcoming and credible agencies at no cost.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as OFFIAH CHINYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as DECLAN CHINYERE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as YUSSUF OKANLAWON ABUDULAI, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. YUSUF OKANLAWON ABUDULAI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MAJUK LILIAN, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ESONANJOR LILIAN KUKU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ROSEMARY OSOGBUE, now wish to be known and addressed as ROSEMARY OSOGBUE COBBINAH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OYINTOMI ADEPEJU OSOFISAN, now wish to be known and addressed as OYINTOMI ADEPEJU OBAFEMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as PATIENCE BENSON, now wish to be known and addressed as EFFIONG PATIENCE BENSON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

08054699539

Matawalle and the Zamfara State Debacle

T

he sight was despicable. I’m talking about Governor Bello Matawalle dancing on the podium at a rally in Gusau last Tuesday to celebrate his voyage to the All Progressives Congress. Matawalle dumped the Peoples Democratic Party for the APC. So, what is in it for the traumatised people of Zamfara State? Nothing. It was just to satisfy this governor’s egocentric tendencies.

I am shocked it happened amid unending killings and poverty in Zamfara. Matawalle should be ashamed of himself. There is really nothing to celebrate in this governor’s defection to the APC. It’s almost impossible for this defection to translate into better life and security for the people of Zamfara.

The failings of the APC governors in the neighbouring states clearly testify to this.

The facts and figures are there in terms of security and welfare. Governor Nasir El-rufai was also dancing on the podium in Gusau last Tuesday. He should please tell Zamfara people how the people of Kaduna State are benefitting from his six-year-old APC government in the state.

Matawalle is not the first PDP governor to defect to the APC, but his is particularly painful because he became governor without winning an election. He was a child of circumstances and should be grateful to Allah for this instead of resorting to dirty politics. Citizens of Zamfara State are evidently not interested in the politics of APC and PDP. They are interested in a governor capable of delivering security and welfare to them. So, when the court made Matawalle governor of this state ranked the poorest in Nigeria, the people were not angry and cuddled him with high hopes that he would be different from his predecessors.

In his two years as governor, Matawalle failed woefully to deliver on these vital security and welfare issues. I don’t know how his membership of the APC will now change these deficiencies.

Current statistics from the National Social Safety Net Coordinating Office (NASSCO) in Abuja reveal that Zamfara State has the highest number of poor and vulnerable people in Nigeria, with a record of 3,836,484 people from 825,337 households. Poverty pours in Zamfara State. There are more poor people in Zamfara State than war-ravaged Borno State. That is the truth backed with facts and figures. Unfortunately, Matawalle has failed to impact on the lives of his people.

Hunger and disease pervade this land. I challenge this governor to do a breakdown of how he spent all that accrued to this state in the past two years.

Yes, Matawalle met the state in a very bad situation in terms of security, but Zamfara deteriorated greatly under him. Instead of set-

Matawalle

tling down to tackle the problem, Matawalle is busy with the politics of jumping from one party to another. Zamfara State is a killing field. The blood of innocent people flows freely daily. This has been happening in the last six years. Residents of Kadawa Village, in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State are still mourning the murder of their loved ones by bandits. Many women have been widowed and children orphaned in Zurmi. In all, 93 innocent souls were botched in this Zamfara State community early last month.

Last April, blood flowed again in Dansadau, Maru LG, with the killing of 20 Fulani traders.

It was a reprisal for the slaughter of three people in Ruwan Tofa village, including a member of Yan Sakai.

Within three days, April 20 to 22, 80 people were killed by Fulani militias and counter killings by Yan Sakai in series of attacks in four villages - Gobirawa, Rini, Gora, and Madoti Dankule - in Bakura and Maradun LGAs. The slaughtering in Zamfara is a product of the unending dispute between Fulani herders and Hausa farmers. Fulani militias fight for the herders while Yan Zakai retaliates for farmers.

These infinite killings are depressing. Security agents have abandoned the people. Matawalle has also compounded the problem by heaping money on Fulani militias in the name of amnesty. I was horrified when I saw Auwal Daudawa, who masterminded the abduction of students of Government Science Secondary

School, Kankara, Katsina State, at the Zamfara State Government House, with Matawalle cuddling him. This outlaw, who should be in jail, was again on February 18 frolicking with Matawalle at Government House, Gusau, in the name of a ridiculous amnesty for the brigands. Of course, Daudawa (who eventually died by the sword) and his gang collected hefty ransom. The bandits surely got enough to buy more than the weapons submitted.

That’s what Matawalle has been doing for the militias for almost two years; yet, the attacks have persisted. This governor has pumped huge money into this useless venture that encourages more militias to join the flourishing “business” of killing and kidnapping.

The kinked Matawalle has also been justifying lawlessness by the militias. Can you imagine a governor saying “most of the bandits take up arms due to the injustice to them by some members of the society?” The Zamfara governor remarked: “If you investigate what is happening, and what made them to take the laws into their hands, some of them, sometimes were cheated by the so-called vigilante groups. They normally go to their settlements and destroy property and take their animals. They did not have anyone to speak with, so sometimes, they go for revenge. When vigilante groups attack them, they go for reprisals. That is exactly what happened.” It’s a big shame.

Right in Matawalle’s backyard is the notorious Fulani militia leader, Dogo Gide, who controls the southern part of the Zamfara forest and further into Niger State. Matawalle knows the whereabouts of Gide and his boys. All the security agents know this location; yet, the militias still launch attacks unhindered.

Few days back, hundreds of frustrated residents of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State took over the GusauSokoto highway in protest against unending killings by Fulani militias. The protesters, mostly from Bingi and other surrounding villages in Maru LG, forced travellers to make a U-turn. In Mau, blood flows like tap water daily. More than a dozen communities have been sacked. Many troubled citizens of Zamfara State have relocated to Lagos to join Okada-ridding business.

This Zamfara governor should visit Lagos to confirm my assertion.

Matawalle should find a political solution to these killings and poverty in his state instead of this prickly celebration of his hopeless defection.

It’s so painful that Zamfara State has been unlucky in terms of governors in the last 22 years. The state gets largely corrupt and inept governors, from Ahmed Sani Yerima, to Abdul’aziz Yari, and now the languorous Matawalle. Yari was also on the

Tetchy Push to Criminalise Freedom of Expression I find it shocking that there is a bill in the House of Representatives to amend the Act establishing the Nigerian Press Council, NPC, a government agency set up to regulate the print media. NPC’s existence is still a subject of litigation; so why trying to amend the law establishing such an agency? Our lawmakers should understand better. A case on the matter is still pending in the Supreme Court. The amendment bill should not have been presented because it is sub judice.

In 2010, the Nigeria Press Organisation (NPAN, NGE and NUJ) got a judgement affirming that 17 out of 39 clauses in the NPC Act were unconstitutional. The federal government appealed and got a ruling in its favour in December 2015. That ruling has been appealed by NPO and it is pending in the Supreme Court. The most reasonable thing to do now is for the amendment bill to be stepped

down.

For me, the existing NPC Act is all rubbish and absolutely unnecessary.

The amendments proposed are also all nonsense. The NGE was apt when it remarked that the amendment bill is unconstitutional as it runs against the principles and tenets of the rule of law. It further states: “The bill is, for all intents and purposes, draconian and anti-press freedom being an amalgamation of the obnoxious Public Officers Protection Against False Accusation Decree No. 4 of 1984 and the Newspapers Registration Decree 43 of 1993, both vestiges of the dark days of military rule and, therefore, incurably and irreparably bad, being also inconsistent with values of our democratic society.

“The bill seeks to criminalise journalism practice despite the fact the laws of the country already have enough provisions and avenues for seeking

legal redress; that the bill smacks of an attempt at undue interference in the operations of the media in Nigeria as businesses registered under the relevant laws of the federation; and that the bill seeks for the Nigeria Press Council to usurp the powers of the courts by assuming extra-judicial powers.”

The idea of a government agency governing ethical standards in the Nigerian Press is clearly an attempt to hinder free speech. The federal government is simply aiming at muzzling the print media, just as it is doing at present with the broadcast media. The push for a self-regulatory body to oversee the press gave birth to the NPO. In the interest of free speech, an independent body, rather than a government agency should regulate the media. This is what professionals have been pushing for. The NPC Act must be abrogated and the NPO supported in regulating the print media and its professionals.

stage last Tuesday dancing to the Matawalle beats. Last January, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja ordered the final forfeiture of huge cash found in the bank accounts of companies linked to Yari, to the federal government. Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu ordered that the funds, including $56,056.75; N12.9 million, N11.2 million, $301,319.99; N217,388 and $311,872 be forfeited because the former governor did not show good cause why the order sought by the ICPC should not be granted. The judge concurred that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity.

The bad news is that money stolen from Zamfara State is being forfeited to the federal government. Matawalle did not challenge this order in court to ensure the return of this fund to troubled Zamfara.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, ICPC, has also been in and out of court with Yerima. At a point, he faced a 19-count charge of fraud allegedly committed during his tenure as governor. Yerima purportedly diverted N1 billion meant for the execution of projects. He also allegedly diverted N684 million alongside other accomplices.

Zamfara governors since 1999 have been raping and looting this poverty-stricken state. That is the situation hapless citizens of Zamfara State have been condemned to. The killings of the last six years have compounded its woes. An estimated 5000 innocent people killed so far. Who will save Zamfara State?

Gruesome Murder of Joe Ayomike and wife

Ayomike

The gruesome killings across Nigeria in the last six years are unending. The stories elicit tears. This country has never had it so bad. “Unknown gunmen” enter the home of a septuagenarian, stabs him and his wife.

Then, kill them with gun and cuts their bodies into pieces. That was what happened to Pa Joe Ayomike (Emeritus Director of the Warri Choral Society) and his wife, Chinyere, last Monday at their home in the GRA area of Warri, Delta State.

Son of the murdered couple, whose corpses were found decomposing said in a trending video: “Brothers and sisters, it is with a heavy heart I announce the death of my great father, Mr. Joseph Ayomike, who was found together with his wife murdered in his bedroom. He was found shot, cut with machete and stabbed.”

It’s always “unknown gunmen” killing and raping across Nigeria. Killers of Pa Ayomike and his wife must be brought to book. We must pressure our security agents to do the needful. Ayomike was a respected Itsekiri leader, economist and businessman in the Nigerian hospitality industry.

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SATURDAY JULY 3, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 3, 2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Patoranking

Patoranking Seeks Appreciation, Celebrates Self in New Music Video Ferdinand Ekechukwu

D

ancehall singer and songwriter, Patoranking’s new video for his latest single, ‘Celebrate Me’, makes sense in every ting of the word “street” because he wouldn’t like to be ‘laughed at if he fails or falls’, he connotes, telling part of his grass to grace story. He sings: “Tell me, tell me where them dey/When I dey hustle I dey try sustain/Every, every Saturday from Ilaje down to Costain/ Abeg Abeg no carry my blessings run/Today na you tomorrow Àt be my turn.”

The video opens with the artiste grandly making his way up a stage surrounded by female orchestra and dancers in same

costume. It takes you through market place scenery with women all clad and colorfully surrounded wares, showing oͿ an artful blend of bikers and budding footballers in a local pitch. With catchy relatable visuals, this new single tells much and shows how better Patoranking is.

In all, it’s about the theme of the song, depicted in impressive visuals. ‘Celebrate Me’ lyrics as in his other song ‘Abule’, is bound to cause a stir in the streets, if not already, leaving music lovers in awe of his wordsmith powers. It comes with this frill that pumps your moment whatever the mood. Produced by Yung Willis, and the video directed by Dammy Twitch, “Celebrate Me” serves as his Àrst o΀cial single for 2021, and a follow-up to the album “Three”.

An earlier post had shown Patoranking,

real name Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, in his studio, excited and screaming for a release date from fans just after rounding oͿ the track. The song was then released after his last birthday. Seeking appreciation from his fans and friends to celebrate with him when he is still alive not when he is no more, he goes: “Celebrate me now when I dey alive / Appreciate me now when I dey alive / No be say when I leave this life You go dey fake am for my wife / Celebrate me now when I dey alive / Appreciate me now when I dey alive / No be say when I leave this life / You go dey fake am for my back.”

Typically, Patoranking’s ‘Celebrate Me’, has a catchy tune that you Ànd yourself humming to as well as moving to the groove. He says “Celebrate Me is all about that - celebrate me while I am alive,

don’t wait till I’m dead. Give people their Áowers; you don’t have to wait for them to be in a problem before you show up for them.” The singer has always been a very conscious artiste - many of his songs have messages.

Patoranking is one of Africa’s most successful artistes, known for dancehall, but always reinventing his sound and drawing on Afrobeats and Amapiano vibes too.

His artful blend of Jamaican patois and pidgin hits the spot for fans at home in Nigeria, but also in Jamaica, where he is well celebrated like their own. He’s working on a new album at the moment, but wouldn’t be drawn to what one can expect.

He says in an interview: “Afroboss, you know I like surprising, you have to wait till the listening party two or three days before we drop!”

Jadesola Osiberu Excites with ‘Gang of Lagos’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

F

resh oͿ the set of ‘Ayinla’, her recent production, Àlmmaker Jadesola Osiberu is pushing out back-to-back behind the scene footages from her forthcoming directorial titled “Gang of Lagos”. Principal photography is ongoing and the Àlmmaker isn’t sparing her followers details of the process as she excites her fans. One of her posts revealed “Gangs of Lagos” features Muiz Sanni of Ikorodu Bois. She followed with details conÀrming Fuji veteran Pasuma in the forthcoming feature Àlm will play the character named London.

One of her posts shows Adesuwa EtomiWellington and Tobi Bakre lead a group of gangs, costumed in dreadful black outÀts as they march on in a supposed mission to attack another rival group. Wave making artiste, Chike (‘Boo of The Booless’) is also on the set. The Àlmmaker had taken to her Instagram page to post pictures of the celebrities, which she accompanied with lengthy information about the new project, introducing their characters with a little background story from her 2016 fan-favourite series ‘Gidi Up’.

The new movie is inspired by real-life characters. According to her, Nollywood actress Adesua Etomi-Wellington, reality TV star Tobi Bakre, and RnB singer, Chike will play the roles

of Obalola, Gift and Panama respectively - the three best friends who grew up in the rugged areas of Lagos Island. In a recent post, Osiberu shows oͿ a cast being led on set by a superstar dancehall artiste as they rehearse. ‘Gang of Lagos’ marks a number of Àrsts. It will be Bakre debut lead role and Etomi’s Àrst production since taking a maternity break.

‘Gangs of Lagos’ is produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and directed by Osiberu. Jade had given a look at one of the Àlm’s locations, a rooftop in Isale Eko, where she was inspired to write the story Àve years ago. “2016, I shot a scene from Gidi Up season 3 on a rooftop in Isale Eko and I was inspired to write a Àlm about a group of friends who grow up on the streets of Isale Eko. Fast forward Àve years and we’re standing on that very same rooftop, shooting a scene with best friends Obalola (Bakre, Gift (Adesuwa) and Panama (Chike) in Gangs of Lagos.

“Really grateful that I get to continue my on-screen love aͿair with Lagos, the city we all share a love/hate relationship with but we all acknowledge, there’s nowhere in the world quite like Lagos!” The action has Eniola Badmus, Iyabo Ojo, Yvonne Jegede, among others on set. Osideru produced the highly acclaimed blockbuster “Sugar Rush”, which also featured Adesua Etomi. A former software developer, Osiberu switched her career path to Àlmmaking, and has since then gone to Áourish in the industry.

Jadesola Osiberu

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 3, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR Kashmoney The Force

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

It’s Hard Finding Sincere People toWorkWith

Temple Chukwuebuka Akaran popularly known as Kashmoney The Force is an hip hop rap artiste with a distinct style, class and craft that distinguishes him from other acts. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his career and much more over there, then came back last year and officially started my career in October.

Looking back, I can say I been focused, passionate, positive minded, persistent and always striving to be better. These are some of the qualities that define the personality of the brand called Kash The Force.

I

My World of Hip Hop Rap I have always loved the idea of having to combine words intelligently and in my opinion, I don’t think there is any genre that intelligently knit words together the way rappers do. My brand represents a strength that is unstoppable.

Now, a lot of people might think by cash I meant money. Cash isn’t money. Cash is money that you can touch physically.

So when you combine that together, it means something physical that can’t be stopped. It is designed to inspire people, especially my fans, to make you feel you can keep going no matter what.

Everybody is a force; you just need to find how people will reckon with what you carry.

Early days as an artiste As a young artiste with dreams coming into the industry, all I have are dreams and wishes. I recorded a few songs in 2015 and 2016 although they were not mixed and mastered.

Kashmoney The Force

I just wanted to start but I think the reality of not having money to push myself set in not too long, then I travelled to China.

I spent a couple of years to find my feet

Tony Montana is one of my official singles This was dropped three to four months ago. It’s a motivational song; something to inspire the youngsters and other upcoming artistes in the city. When you look at the situation of the country, you will realise everyone needs one form of encouragement or another. I thought I could inspire a few people in my own way. The acceptance so far is heartwarming and massive; beyond my expectations.

I mean I got back into the industry a few months back, but the response I have gotten so far is amazing.

If not music, I’ll be a businessman I mean at some point I paused music for business. I did business back in school, so

much my colleagues noticed how much I put myself into every business and how I sniff opportunities out and make the most of it. It’s a straight answer for me, if not music, it will be business.

Challenges so far It’s pretty hard finding sincere people to work with; especially when they realised you just moved in from China. Everyone I meet is looking to extort me one way or another. Also, it can be challenging engaging other colleagues: a lot of people live on their high horses; but it is not beyond what one can deal with. I am managing the best way I can.

Success stories I had these school tours sometime back and that has been the greatest moments of my life. Having to interact, encourage and impact youths made those moments beautiful. I saw me in many of those youths and spoke to them the things I thought I would love to hear when I was their age. I hope those words creates a light for them in their dark times.

Mike Godson to Host Schengen Owner ‘The Illuminators 2021’ Teams up with Zlatan The Illuminators is Nigeria’s “First Crowd Funding TV Reality Show”, inspired by the fervent desire of promoting and building a viably sustainable future for young and budding African businesses, as a response to the relevance of promoting local enterprises, which is instrumental to a positive and sustainable economy.

Actor, Mike Godson would be the host of this reality show and would be leading the 20 contestants on a journey to tell a business drama narrative based on African original ideas and craft masters, while introducing the entrepreneur whose time for glory has come.

Speaking further at his unveiling, he said, “Coming on board the show, I felt it’s a platform for me to help young people pitch their ideas to the world and help the world to see them. I’m glad to be on this project and I hope by the Grace of God, it would go well.”

For the organizers, Africa is known for her signiÀcance, the rich economic potentials, beautiful culture, traditions, colourful landscapes, legends, empires and heritages and they believe in supporting this community of diverse and hardworking creators. The organisers said: “We feel incredibly blessed to be in a community where the role of entrepreneurs and local content development are seen as essential in shaping our society.

The reality show, with 20 CEOs of choice in the battle to balance the rationale of building a timeless idea along the path of relevance of service in business, would be having Àve grandmasters tutor them and viewed by over 180 Million contributors during a period of 10 weeks.”

Mike Godson

Network Entertainment artiste, Efuetngong Dion with the stage name Schengen Owner has finally released a follow-up song to this previous music “Liqua” and this time around, he teamed up with Zlatan on his first release for 2021 titled, “Carry Go”.

The Cameroonian Afrobeatz artiste revealed that the new song reflects real life experiences and the standards of contemporary society.

Reeling out his experience working with Zlatan, Schengen Owner noted that it was an exciting experience and fun joining forces with a talented artiste like Zlatan, “and despite his busy schedules; he was full of positive energy.”

‘Carry Go’ was produced by SPELLZ and released on June 25, 2021. It is for download on all music platforms.

Schengen Owner and Zlatan

Sarai Korpacz Continues to Inspire with New Single Based in New York, but with a remarkable backstory that stretches across the world to Africa, Gospel singer, songwriter, and recording artiste, Sarai Korpacz is certainly one that inspires. Building oͿ the momentum of several successful releases in a row over the last years, the interest in her work just continues to rise. Her latest, “Eden in Me” was released on July 1st, 2021, in both audio and video form, showcasing not just her heavenly voice, but also Sarai’s ability as a songwriter to take Biblical ideas and translate them in a way that listeners can relate to and enjoy, as she educates.

She said: “Eden in Me is a song with the potential to reach the center of the heart. Creating an awareness of God’s love and allowing listeners

to see themselves through God’s perspective.

I hope the words of this song leave no doubt in the listeners heart that the Lord longs to Ànd that resting place in our hearts and minds. In return, we give Him back the Eden that He placed within us, for we are His children.”

The production of both the song and the video were dome with the highest standards.

This is Sarah’s Àrst single in 2021, and it will be available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify and the rest of the major streaming platforms.

The music video itself was shot in Hawaii, a remarkable experience, with Sarai describing the beauty of Hawaii as, “a wonderful representation of an Eden that we can all relate with.”

Sarai Korpacz

SATURDAY JULY 3, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 3, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Bolaji Ogunmola

If I Have the Right Context, I Can Go Nude in a Film

Nollywood actress, Bolaji Ogunmola’s image excites. She knows and she is proud of it. Bolaji doesn’t give a hoot about people’s perception of her but her grind and success in her chosen career. Beyond her image lies a pretty brainy, busy and determined creative who knows that whatever positive impact you make of yourself matters. Bolaji on set of an upcoming movie tells it more in this conversation with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Bolaji What’s new with Bolaji Ogunmola. What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently shooting a film called True Colours directed by Biodun Stephen. It has Ibrahim Suleiman, Kachi Onochiri, Jessica Obasi, and a few other people. That’s what is new with me this morning.

You have featured in quite a good number of movies, which one of these movies readily comes to your mind and why?

I think Sobi’s Mystic because it changed the game for me.

A couple of years back it seems appropriate calling you a fast rising actress. Would you say you have gotten stardom at the moment?

Well stardom is relative; the fact that people know what you do and they identify with it and you mix with them. That just makes me happy and humble.

So if that is what qualifies as stardom then, so be it.

If not, I would still say that I’m upcoming (laughs).

anymore. I mean I’m so busy that I don’t even have a social life so to speak. I’m always on the move, always doing stuff always. You literally don’t have a life. That’s the honest truth.

If you weren’t into acting what would you have been doing?

Interestingly I would have been a business owner.

I love business a lot. Though, I’m still a business To what extent has being in the entertainment affected owner anyway. What would I have been? Maybe a lawyer. Yes. Being a lawyer would have been one of your lifestyle? it. I’m sorry I have not even studied anything that is My lifestyle? Well to me I don’t think I have a life

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 3, 2021

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SUPER SATURDAY If I Have the Right Context, I Can Go Nude in a Film not change that. Or will not make you a familyoriented person. I think it all boils down to your values you know - growing up, what you believe in.

These are the things that elevates or make you look it. They now make it look like because you are an actor, no. It’s who you are! It’s like having money and you now say because the person has money now he’s proud. He has always been proud. You know values are things that are innate. It’s something that you have before whatever it is you become. Still talking about this thing, you have to understand that acting is a profession. It’s not a lifestyle. Being a celebrity can be a lifestyle, but acting is a profession like every other profession.

Looking at your career from when you started in 2013 you have done pretty well for yourself you know owning your own production company so to say and all that.

But to some extent perception about the success of female actors in Nollywood mostly is linked to “sugar daddies”…

That’s their business o! See, in this life, any woman that is doing well is automatically seen as somebody being sponged. And it’s not necessarily true… They wouldn’t even look at the number of works; do you understand. Sometimes, you don’t sleep. I can’t remember the last time I actually had a free week – a free seven days to myself. It has not happened in like four/five months and that’s the truth. So it’s a perception. It is the world that we are living in. Some don’t even respect the work that the person puts in.

My job is not to convince you that this is it. My job is to do my own and live my life the way I deem it fit. And I’m good with my conscience. I don’t have any capacity to start explaining. I don’t even want to explain myself to people; there’s no point.

What are the things you treasure most in life?

Family, my friends, God, and my career.

Talking about career as professional actress, if you get offered a mouth-watering sum to go nude in a movie will you oblige?

Well (laughs, laughs again), I feel like being nude; what is the content of the film? Does the script has to do with whether it is really needed to be nude or not? It’s not really fully about the money. Money is a huge consideration for anything in life but what is the context of that script? Do you really need to go nude? Do you understand… if the content is right I would limp towards it. But if the context is wrong, I will not.

So if the context is right you would limp towards the nude role?

That’s the thing. But the truth about it is you know we have Dolby (video technology) these days that you will never know that it is not the person, that you will never know it’s not me if you are not in the room where we are filming.

There are ways to go about it these days. So it’s never about being categorically nude; except for the sake of this interview let me say no because I know that if I have the right context I can go nude in a film.

It appears you are a single mother. Is she searching?

Who is your ideal man?

I’m not a single mother o! I don’t have a child. . .

Bolaji related to arts or law or anything about that.

What excites you most as an actor and what inspires you?

I think the script, the production value, the people involved. There’s something amazing about having people that have you know synergy, that have a goal and a vision. They are all… erm we all work together because filmmaking is collaboration. It’s not one person. So I really, really that excites me.

I always want to give my 100% to those people.

That inspires me so much in my career together with my ability to better myself and the ability to grow as a person.

There’s this issue making the rounds among industry members suggesting that light skinned actresses are hired more than their dark skinned counterparts. What do you have to say about this? Any experience?

Well, yes, I have had an interesting experience about that to be honest and sadly it’s the truth and that was at some period. I think for me, the new generation of directors and casting directors don’t even have a problem whether

you are light or dark. I think that thing started with the older (I’m not sure but I’m just saying) generation. Because the new guys coming up right now that have had like maybe three or four directorial credits to their names really don’t really care about whether you are a dark skin or light skin. What they care about is the content of your talent as regards what you can do and how you can portray the character. This is the most important thing because at the end of the day, we are Africans. Africans are dark skin people.

So if you tell that a person who can only be paid by light skin I think you are shallow. That used to be a problem at some point. But I think generally right now it’s not so much of an issue as regards your skin colour. So it’s relative.

There’s this notion that showbiz is no place for decent women who want to build a home and family. What’s your take on this?

I think it’s untrue. It is whatever you are, is what you are. People cannot change what you are. If you are not a family-oriented person being an actor will

You don’t have a child really, maybe I must have missread somewhere…

No I do not have a child. I have a godson I don’t have a child. Ah I’m not searching o! My ideal man is someone that has values. Someone that is God-fearing. Someone that is spontaneous.

Someone that knows what he wants out of life and pursuing it. Someone that can take care of a woman…

So you are not concern about how rich, how fat his pocket is?

That’s interesting because if you are on your path and doing well you should be comfortable as of to do. If you are not comfortable, what are you looking… why are you craving somebody?

You don’t have to have billions but be on your grind money will come.

Tell us some intimate things about you like your hobbies, phobia, your favourite food, favourite colour…

A lot of people don’t know I’m ambidextrous.

Funny enough my production company has done over five films under the Ogunmola Company. I love to watch films a lot – Korean movies. I love to eat actually… good food. My favourite food is ‘amala ewedu gbegiri’. I like to sleep. Honestly I love to make money. I think that’s my number one hobby (laughs… people around me are laughing at me).

My favourite colour is yellow. My phobia is failure, I don’t like to fail.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

A Pageant of Dramatic Scholarship ÙÙÕ˝ ÜË×Ë ËØÎ ÒÏËÞÜÏ ÓØ ÓÑÏÜÓË˝ ÜÓÞÓÍËÖ ÙßÜÍÏ˛ ͺØÎ ÎÓÞÓÙØ ÎÓÞÙÜ˝ Ï×Ó ÑßØÌÓãÓ ßÌÖÓÝÒÏÜ˝ ËØßÝ ÙÙÕÝ Ó×ÓÞÏΘ ËÑÙݘ ͺ͸͹ͼ ÓÜÝÞ ßÌÖÓÝÒÏν ͹΁΀͹˜ Ϳͻ;ÚÚ ÏàÓÏáÏÜ˝ Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

hehandsomeyounglecturerambledinto the lecture room and did not waste any timewithintroductionsbeforedelivering his first lecture to the drama class. The students did not understand a word of theteacherwhohadthemoviestarlooks of Richard Roundtree, the famous actor of the role of John Shaft in the era of the Blaxploitationmoviesinearly1970sAmerica.Seeingthat thestudentswerenotfollowinghisdrift,thelecturersuddenly stopped and said: “You mean you have not read Fanon? I can’t waste my time talking to illiterates!” He packed his books and stormed out of the class.

The challenged students thenceforth foraged the libraries and bookshops, reading everything by Frantz Fanon. In the course of time, the students were made to read so many more books that they had to collectively confronttheHeadofDepartment,ProfessorWoleSoyinka, stressing that they had come to study for a bachelor’s degree and not a doctorate! Soyinka explained that he was not to blame, that the students should take their complaints to their real “oppressor” who drew up the course contents: Dr.Yemi Ogunbiyi!

The rigour that Dr. Yemi Ogunbiyi put his students through is amply replicated in Drama And Theatre In Nigeria:ACriticalSourceBookthatheeditedandpublished in 1981. A second edition of the trailblazing book was reissued in 2014.

Inhis60-pageIntroduction,“NigerianTheatreandDrama: ACriticalProfile”,Ogunbiyiundertakesagrandsweepofthe historicalrootsoftheatreinmagicandmythastheorizedby GeorgeThomsonandintervolvesthemoderndiversities ofdramainNigeria.AccordingtoOgunbiyi,“Priorto1863, thetwinfaceofBritishcolonialism,theChurchMissionary Society had, under a broad policy of the so-called three ‘C’s’– Christianity, Commerce and Civilisation – pursued a systematic policy of producing an elite class of Nigerians whowouldbeleadersinchurch,commerce,andpolitics.”

Popular traditional theatre ran alongside elitist theatre.

Ogunbiyi concludes thusly:“The road to be walked is a torturous,longoneinvolvingpoliticalandsocialwork,the reconciling of opposites, of theory and practice, even the combiningofdisparategroups,peasants,farmers’cooperatives,teachers,educators,artists,politicians,students,etc., into one concerted push towards a society in which art serves the interests of all, where art and culture create the basis of the formulation of a common destiny and the collective cooperation in pursuing such a destiny, a society where art is meaningfully relevant and culture is not confined by the limitations of ethnicity or class. Only then can the search for a genuinely popular theatre be said to have begun, and perhaps, attained.”

The“General”lead-up to the multifarious essays is J.P. Clark’s“AspectsofNigerianDrama”inwhichtheplaywright and poet states:“Contrary to what some seem to think, Nigerian drama did not begin at the University of Ibadan.

Therootsgobeyondthere,andonehopes,theyaremore enduring than that.Very likely, they lie where they have been found among other peoples of the earth, deep in the past of the race.”

Ogunbiyi in Drama And Theatre In Nigeria: A Critical SourceBookplumbstherootsoftheatreuptotheflowers of drama. The book is divided into nine sections taking charge of the various areas.

The section, “Traditional Theatre 1: Dramatic Ritual”, features Ola Rotimi’s “The Drama in African Ritual Display”; Robin Horton’s“The Gods as Guests: An Aspect of KalabariReligiousLife”;JamesAmankulor’s“EkpeFestival as Religious Ritual and Dance Drama”; Onuora Nzekwu’s “Masquerade”; M.J.C Echeruo’s“The Dramatic Limits of Igbo Ritual”; Ossie Enekwe’s“Myth, Ritual and Drama in Igboland”; E.O Kofoworola’s“Traditional Forms of Hausa Drama”; Andrew Horn’s“Ritual,DramaandtheTheatrical: TheCaseofBoriSpiritMediumship”,andDapoAdelugba’s “Trance andTheatre:The Nigerian Experience”where he stresses:“Thattraditionalfestivalsandritualshaveinfluenced the form, content and structure of the artistic products of our national playwrights such as Wole Soyinka, Duro Ladipo, Hubert Ogunde, John Pepper Clark, Ola Rotimi, Wale Ogunyemi and Zulu Sofola, is an undisputed fact.

Whatisnowbeingrecommendedisamorescientificstudy by drama and theatre scholars and a more coherent and meaningful use of our traditional inheritance by theatre directors and actor-trainers.”

In the second part of the section,“TraditionalTheatre II: ThePopularTradition”,J.A.Adedeji’s“Alarinjo:TheTraditional YorubaTravellingTheatre”bears this revelation:“Hubert

Ogunde, who became the first Nigerian artist of the contemporary theatre to turn professional and assume the leadership of a flourishing theatre troupe, recalled that his experience and source of inspiration belonged to the Alarinjo theatre.”Other cultures are represented by Edith Enem’s“Kwagh-HirTheatre”, R.E Ellison’s“A Borno Puppet Show”, and C.G.B Gidley’s“Yankamanci: The Craft of the Hausa Comedians.”

Drama AndTheatre In Nigeria: A Critical Source Book gets into the next gear in “Modern Traditional Theatre: YorubaTravellingTheatre”where Ebun Clark’s landmark essay“OgundeTheatre:TheRiseofContemporaryProfessional Theatre in Nigeria 1946-72”, Ulli Beier’s distinctive “E.KOgunmola:APersonalMemoir”,andYemiOgunbiyi’s inimitable“ThePopularTheatre:ATributetoDuroLadipo” are preserved gems.

Thesectionon“TheLiteraryTradition”showcasesM.J.C Echeruo’s foundational“Concert andTheatre in late 19th Century Lagos”, Segun Olusola’s groundbreaking “The AdventofTelevisionDramainNigeria”,FemiEuba’sinsightful“The NigerianTheatre and the Playwright”, Akinwumi Isola’s illuminating“ModernYoruba Drama”, and Biodun Jeyifo’sradical“LiteraryDramaandthesearchforaPopular Theatre in Nigeria.”

On getting to “Theatre Management, Organisation And Production”and reading Olu Akomolafe’s“Theatre Management in Nigeria: Appraisal and Challenges”, I could not but remember how I annoyed the man as my lecturer back then in Ife by writing on“Rural Peasant Theatre Management”as opposed to what I considered “bourgeois theatre management”which he taught us!

Meki Nzewi’s “Music, Dance, Drama and the Stage in Nigeria”throbs with vistas.

Wole Soyinka’s early essay “Towards a true Theatre” remainsanenduringmasterpiecewhileDemasNwoko’s “Search for a New Theatre”is grandly iconoclastic.

There is no escaping the section on“The New Media: Nollywood and Nigerian Cinema”in which Biodun Jeyifo engagesthequestion/s:“WillNollywoodGetBetter?(Did Hollywood and Bollywood Get Better?)

Inthe“Postscript”,WumiRaji’s“NewNigerianPlaywrights: An Update”analyses the works of Femi Osofisan, Bode Sowande,KoleOmotoso,OluObafemi,TessOnwueme,Uko Atai,AhmedYerima,EsiabaIrobiandTaiwoOloruntoba-Oju. In conclusion, there is the“Appendix: Play-texts”featuring Robin Horton’s“Ikaki: The Tortoise Masquerade”, NnabuenyiUgonna’s“Ezeigboezue:AnIgboMasquerade Play”,andG.GDarah’s“DramaticPresentationinUdjeDance Performance of the Urhobo.”

Drama AndTheatre In Nigeria: A Critical Source Book, edited by Yemi Ogunbiyi, is an authoritative institution in Nigerian theatre and drama scholarship. Ever since its first publication in 1981, the book bears testimony to Ogunbiyi’s evergreen stamp of success like in all his endeavours such as facilitating the publishing of the two-volume Perspectives on Nigerian Literature whilst atopexecutiveofGuardianNewspapersLimitedinLagos.

HisexcellentserviceastheManagingDirectorofNigeria’s premier newspaper group, TheDailyTimes,andhisentrepreneurialacumenasthe Executive Chairman ofTanus Books would tend to make many forget that Ogunbiyi is at bottom an academic, a scholarofthefirstgrade.TheenduringrelevanceofDrama AndTheatreInNigeria:ACriticalSourceBookhasrekindled Ogunbiyi’sstandingonthehigherechelonsofintellection.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

INTERVIEW Ugochukwu Uba

I’m the Authentic PDP Candidate for Anambra Governorship Election ÑÙÍÒßÕáß ÌË ÜÏÚÜÏÝÏØÞÏÎ ØË×ÌÜË ÙßÞÒ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÏØËÞÏ ÌÏÞáÏÏØ ͺ͸͸ͻ ËØÎ ͺ͸͸Ϳ˛ Ï áËÝ ÍÙ××ÓʵÏÏ ÍÒËÓÜ×ËØ ÙØ ËÜÓØÏ ÜËØÝÚÙÜÞ˛ ÌË ÞÏÖÖÝ ÝÙ×Ï ÔÙßÜØËÖÓÝÞݘ ÓØÍÖßÎÓØÑ Olaoluwakitan Babatunde˜ ÞÒËÞ ÒÏ ÓÝ ÞÒÏ ËßÞÒÏØÞÓÍ ʮËÑÌÏËÜÏÜ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÏÙÚÖÏÝ Ï×ÙÍÜËÞÓÍ ËÜÞã ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÙàÏ×ÌÏÜ ;˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹˜ ØË×ÌÜË ÑÙàÏÜØÙÜÝÒÓÚ ÏÖÏÍÞÓÙØ

ntil now, your name has not been in the political circle. Did you go on political asylum? ÒËÞ˪Ý ØÙÞ ÞÜßÏ˛ ÒËàÏ ËÖáËãÝ ÌÏÏØ ËÜÙßØβ Ï×Ï×ÌÏܘ ÞÒÏ ÓÝØ˪Þ ÓØ ÚÙáÏÜ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛ Ý ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÓÝØ˪Þ ÓØ ÍÙØÞÜÙÖ˜ áÒËÞ ÝÒÙßÖÎ ÌÏ ÎÙÓØÑ ËÜÙßØÎ ÞÒÏ ÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÙßÝÏˣ Ùß ÒËàÏ ÞÙ ËÖÖÙá ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÓØ ÍÙØÞÜÙÖ ÞÙ ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÏÜ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ ÞÒÏ áËã ÓÞ ÓÝ ÎÏÏ×ÏÎ ÐÓÞ˛ ÒËÞ ãÙß ËÜÏ ØÙÞ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ×ÏÎÓË ÎÙÏÝØ˪Þ ×ÏËØ ãÙß ËÜÏ ØÙÞ ËÍÞÓàÏ˛ Þ˪Ý ÚßÜÏ ÝÞÜËÞÏÑã˛ Ð ãÙß ÖÙÙÕ ËÞ ×ã ÚÜÙÐÓÖϘ ãÙß áÙßÖÎ ÝÏÏ ÞÒËÞ ØÙÞ ÙØÖã Ë× ÓØ ÞÒÏ ËÍËÎÏ×Ó͘ ÌßÞ Ë× ËÖÝÙ Ë ÚßÌÖÓÍ ÝÏÜàËØÞ˛ ÝÞËÜÞÏÎ áÒÏØ áËÝ ÝÏÍÙØÎÏÎ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÖÎ ØË×ÌÜË ÞËÞÏ ËÝ ÚÏÍÓËÖ ÝÝÓÝÞËØÞ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÓÖÓÞËÜã ÙàÏÜØÙÜ ÙÐ ØË×ÌÜË ÞËÞÏ˛ ÒÓÝ áËÝ áÒÏØ ÞÒÏ ÌÜËÒÓ× ËÌËØÑÓÎË ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÏâÚÏÜÓ×ÏØÞÏÎ áÓÞÒ ×ÓÖÓÞËÜã˹ÍÓàÓÖÓËØ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ áÒÏÜÏ ÞÒÏ ÑÙàÏÜØÙÜ áËÝ ×ÓÖÓÞËÜã ËØÎ ÞÒÏ ÎÏÚßÞã ÑÙàÏÜØÙÜ áËÝ ÍÓàÓÖÓËؘ ËÖÖ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝË×Ï ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ËÍÜÙÝÝ ËÖÖ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßØÞÜã˛ Ù˜ áÒÏØ ØË×ÌÜË áËÝ ÍÜÏËÞÏΘ ÞÒÙÝÏ ÐÜÙ× ØË×ÌÜË áÏÜÏ ËÝÕÏÎ ÞÙ ÑÙ ËØÎ ÒÏÖÚ ÞÒÏ ØÏá ÝÞËÞÏ˛ Ø ÑÏÞÞÓØÑ ÞÒÏÜϘ ÝÏÜàÏÎ ËÝ ÏÚßÞã ÝÝÓÝÞËØÞ ÞÙ Ù××ÙÎÙÜÏ ÙØã ÌßÖߘ ÞÒÏ ÐÓÜÝÞ ×ÓÖÓÞËÜã ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÜËÞÙÜ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛ Ï áËÝ ÞÒÏÜÏ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÜÏÏ ×ÙØÞÒݲ ÒÏØ Ë ÍÓàÓÖÓËØ ÑÙàÏÜØÙÜ ÍË×Ï Óؘ ܲ äÏÓÐÏ˛ Þ áËÝ ÓØ ÒÓÝ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ áËÝ ËÚÚÙÓØÞÏÎ ÓÜÏÍÞÙÜ̋ ÏØÏÜËÖ ÙÐ ßÌÖÓÍ ÞÓÖÓÞÓÏݲ ÝÏÜàÏÎ ÓØ ÞÒËÞ ÍËÚËÍÓÞã ÐÙÜ ËÖ×ÙÝÞ Ë ãÏËܲ ÒÏØ ÞÒÏ ØÏá ×ÓÖÓÞËÜã ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÜËÞÓÙØ ÍË×Ϙ ÞÒÏ ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÜËÞÙÜ ÎÓÝÝÙÖàÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÍËÌÓØÏÞ ÙØÖã ÐÙÜ ×Ï ÞÙ ÌÏ ËÚÚÙÓØÞÏÎ ËÑËÓØ ËÝ ÓÜÏÍÞÙÜ ÏØÏÜËÖ ÓØ ÒËÜÑÏ ÙÐ ÓØËØÍÏ˛

ÝÏÜàÏÎ ÓØ ÞÒËÞ ÍËÚËÍÓÞã áÒÏØ ËØÙÞÒÏÜ ÑÙàÏÜØ̋ ×ÏØÞ ÍË×Ï˛

ÒËÎ ÞÙ ÖÏËàÏ ÞÙ ÑÙ ÓØÞÙ ÚÙÖÓÞÓÍÝ ÚÜÙÚÏܲ ÜËØ ËÝ ÏÚßÞã ÙàÏÜØÙÜ áÓÞÒ Ü˛ Ùã ×ÙÎÓ ßØÎÏÜ ÞÒÏ ËÜÞã ÎßÜÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ËØÓ ÌËÍÒË ÞÜËØÝÓÞÓÙØ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ˛ Ï áÏÜÏ ËÌÙßÞ ÞÙ ÑÙ ÐÙÜ ÏÖÏÍÞÓÙØ áÒÏØ ÌËÍÒË ÎÓÏβ Þ áËÝ ËÐÞÏÜ ÌËÍÒË˪Ý ÎÏ×ÓÝÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ØÏá ÚËÜÞ㘠áËÝ ÌÓÜÞÒÏÎ ßØÎÏÜ ÞÒÏ ÌßÌËÕËÜ ÌÎßÝËÖË× ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÜËÞÓÙØ˛

áËÝ ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÙØàÏØÏÜÝ ÙÐ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛

ÒËàÏ ØÙÞ ÖÏÐÞ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÝÓØÍÏ ÞÒÏØ˛ Ý ÞÒÏ ØÏá ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÍË×Ï ÓØ ßØÎÏÜ ˜ áËÝ ËÚÚÙÓØÞÏÎ Ù××ÓÝÝÓÙØÏÜ ÙÐ ÚÙÜÞ˜ ÖËÞÏÜ ÐÙÜ ÑÜÓÍßÖÞßÜÏ˛

áËÝ ÖËÞÏÜ ÏÖÏÍÞÏÎ ËÝ ÏØËÞÙÜ áÒÏÜÏ áËÝ ÏØËÞÏ Ù××ÓÞÞÏÏ ÒËÓÜ×ËØ ÙØ ËÜÓØÏ ÞÜËØÝÚÙÜÞ˛ ÐÞÏÜ ÞÒËÞ ÝÞÓØÞ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÏØËÞϘ ÜÏÞßÜØÏÎ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÍÖËÝÝÜÙÙ× ËÞ ÞÒÏ ØÓàÏÜÝÓÞã ÙÐ ÌßÔ˲ Ù˜ ÒËàÏ ËÖáËãÝ ÌÏÏØ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÚßÌÖÓÍ ÝÏÍÞÙܲ ÒËàÏ Ë ÖÙÞ ÞÙ ÙÐÐÏÜ ØË×ÌÜË ÞËÞÏ áÓÞÒ ×ã ÏâÚÏÜÓÏØÍÏ ÞÜËÓØÓØÑ ËØÎ ÌËÍÕÑÜÙßØβ ÙÓØÑ ÓØÞÙ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÚÜÙÚÏܘ

ÌÏÖÓÏàÏ áÓÖÖ ×ËÕÏ Ë ÖÙÞ ÙÐ ÎÓÐÐÏÜÏØÍÏ˛ ÒÓÝ áËÝ ÙØÏ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÜÏËÝÙØÝ ÎÏÍÓÎÏÎ ÞÙ ÑÙ ÓØÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÜËÍÏ˛

Ë× ÙÐÐÏÜÓØÑ ×ãÝÏÖÐ ÐÙÜ ÝÏÜàÓÍÏ ÌÏÍËßÝÏ Ë× ÐË×ÓÖÓËÜ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ àÓÝÓÙØ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÐÙßØÎÓØÑ ÐËÞÒÏÜݲ ØÐÙÜÞßØËÞÏÖ㘠ÞÒËÞ àÓÝÓÙØ ÓÝ ãÏÞ ÞÙ ÌÏ ÜÏËÖÓÝÏβ Ð

Ë× ÑÓàÏØ ÞÒÏ ÙÚÚÙÜÞßØÓÞ㘠áÓÖÖ ÌÏ ËÌÖÏ ÞÙ ÜÏËÖÓÝÏ ÞÒËÞ àÓÝÓÙØ˛ ÒËàÏ ÝÏÜàÏÎ ÓØ àËÜÓÙßÝ ÍËÚËÍÓÞÓÏÝ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛ Ë× ÖÙÙÕÓØÑ ÐÙÜ ÏâÏÍßÞÓàÏ ÚÙáÏÜ ÞÙ ÞÜËØÝÐÙÜ× ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞϘ ÏÝÚÏÍÓËÖÖã ÓØ ÞÒÏ ËÜÏË ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÝãÝÞÏײ Þ ÚËÓØÝ ×Ï ÞÙ ÝÏÏ áÒËÞ ÓÝ ÒËÚÚÏØÓØÑ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ËÎ×ÓØÓÝÞÜË̋ ÞÓÙØ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛ ÒÓÝ ÓÝ áÒËÞ ÞÏËÍÒ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ßØÓàÏÜÝÓÞ㘠àÓÝ Ë àÓÝ ÓÞÝ Ó×ÚÙÜÞËØÍÏ ÓØ ÑÙàÏÜØËØÍÏ˛

Ð ÞÒÏ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÐßØÍÞÓÙØÝ ÚÜÙÚÏÜÖ㘠ÞÒÏÜÏ áÙßÖÎ ÌÏ ÖÏÝÝ ÚÜÏÝÝßÜÏ ÙØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ ËØÎ ÐÏÎÏÜËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞݲ ÒÏ ÝãÝÞÏ× ÓÝ ÍÙ×ËÞÙÝÏ ËØÎ áÏ ÝÒÙßÖÎ ØÙÞ ËÖÖÙá ÓÞ ÞÙ ÍÙØÞÓØßÏ˛ ØÝÏÍßÜÓÞã ÓÝ Ë ÚÜÙÌÖÏ× ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ ËØÎ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßØÞÜã ØÙᲠÙÌ ÙÚÚÙÜÞßØÓÞÓÏÝ áÓÖÖ ËÎÎÜÏÝÝ ÞÒËÞ ×ÏØËÍÏ˛ ÒËàÏ ÝÙ×ÏÞÒÓØÑ ÐßØÎË×ÏØÞËÖ ÞÙ ÙÐÐÏÜ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛ Ï ËÜÏ ÞÓÜÏÎ ÙÐ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ ÖÏËÜØÓØÑ ÙØ ÞÒÏ ÔÙÌ˛

Over 16 aspirants bought and would have contested the election. Who and who contested with you? ÌÙßÞ ÝÏàÏØ ÙÐ ßÝ ÍÙØÞÏÝÞÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÚÜÓ×ËÜÓÏݲ ÌÙßÞ ʹʹͶ áÏÜÏ ËÍÍÜÏÎÓÞÏβ ÒËÎ ÞÒÏ ÒÓÑÒÏÝÞ àÙÞÏÝ Ͱ͵ͳ˛ ÒÏ ØÏâÞ ÚÏÜÝÙØ ÒËÎ ͯ​ͯͲ˛ ØÙÞÒÏÜ ÒËÎ ͳʹ˛ ØÙÞÒÏÜ ÒËÎ ËÌÙßÞ Ͳͮ ÝÙ×ÏÞÒÓØÑ˛ ÏãÙØÎ ÞÒÓݘ ÝÙ×Ï ËÝÚÓÜËØÞÝ áÓÞÒÎÜÏᲠÙÜ ËÜÜÓÝÞÏÜ ×ÏÕË ÞÓËÌ˘ ÒÏ ÍÓÞÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÔßÎÑ×ÏØÞ ÝËãÓØÑ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÙßÑÒÞ ÞÙ ÒËàÏ ÍÙ×ÚÖÓÏÎ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÙÜÎÏÜ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ˜ ÝÙ ÒÏ áÓÞÒÎÜÏᲠÙØã áÙãÏ ËÖÝÙ áÓÞÒÎÜÏá˛ Ï áÜÙÞÏ Ë ÚËÚÏÜ ËÑËÓØÝÞ ÓÞ˜ áÒÓÍÒ ÓÝ ËÖÜÏËÎã ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÚßÌÖÓÍ ÎÙ×ËÓؘ ÝËãÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÚÜÙÍÏÝÝ áËÝ ØÙÞ ÞÜËØÝÚËÜÏØÞ ÏØÙßÑÒ˛ Ï ÝËÓÎ ÞÒÏ ÚÜÙÍÏÝÝ áËÝ ËÖÜÏËÎã ÝÕÏáÏÎ ÞÙ Ë ÚÜÏ̋ÎÏÞÏÜ×ÓØÏÎ ÙßÞÍÙ×Ï˛ ÒÏ ÓÝÝßÏ ÓÝ ÞÒÓÝ˞ ÞÒÏ ÙÞÒÏÜ ÚÜÓ×ËÜã ÝÒÙßÖÎ ØÙÞ ÒËàÏ ÒÏÖÎ ÌÏÍËßÝÏ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÑËàÏ Ë ÎÓÜÏÍÞÓàÏ ÞÒËÞ ÞÒÏÝÏ ËÜÏ ÞÒÏ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ ãÙß ÝÒÙßÖÎ ßÝÏ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÓÝ ÚÜÓ×ËÜã˛ ÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ØÏàÏÜ ÝÞÙÚÚÏÎ ËØã ÚÜÓ×ËÜã ÐÜÙ× ÒÙÖÎÓØÑ˛ ÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÙØÖã Ï×ÚÒËÝÓÝÏÎ ÞÒÏ ØÏÏÎ ÞÙ ßÝÏ ÞÒÏ ÍÙÜÜÏÍÞ ÖÓÝÞ˛ ÒÏã ÒËÎ ÞÒÏ áÜÙØÑ ÖÓÝÞ˛ Ùß ÍËØ˪Þ ÔßÝÞ Ó×ÚÙÜÞ ØË×ÏÝ ÐÜÙ× ËØãáÒÏÜÏ˛ ËÞÒÏÜ ÞÒËØ ÑÙ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÙÜÎÏܘ ÞÒÏã ÚßÜÝßÏÎ ËØÙÞÒÏÜ ËÑÏØÎË ÙÐ ßÝÓØÑ ÝßÚÏÜ ÎÏÖÏÑËÞÏÝ áÒÓÍÒ ÓÝ ÏàÏØ Ë àÓÙÖËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÝÏÍÞÓÙØ Ͱͳ˜ ÝßÌÝÏÍÞÓÙØ ͯ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÙØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØ˛ ÒËÞ ÝÏÍÞÓÙØ ÞËÖÕÝ ËÌÙßÞ ÒÙá ÚÜÓ×ËÜã ÍÙØÑÜÏÝÝ ÝÒÙßÖÎ ÌÏ ÍÙØàÙÕÏΘ áÒÙ áÓÖÖ ÍÒËÓÜ ÓÞ˜ ËØÎ áÒÙ ÞÒÏ ×Ï×ÌÏÜÝ ÝÒÙßÖÎ ÌÏ˛ ÒËÞ ÞÒÏã ÎÓÎ áËÝ ÓØ ÞÙÞËÖ àÓÙÖËÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÍÙØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØ˛ Who took the party to court and why?

Þ áËÝ ÞÒÏ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÍÒËÓÜ×ÏØ ËØÎ áËÜÎ ÏâÏÍßÞÓàÏÝ áÒÙ áÏÜÏ ÏÖÏÍÞÏÎ ÎßÜÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÍÙØÑÜÏÝÝ ÒÏÖÎ ÙØ ÙàÏ×ÌÏÜ ͰͶ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵˜ ËØÎ ÙØ ÏÍÏ×ÌÏÜ ͯ˜ Ͱͮͯ͵˛ ÒÏã áÏÜÏ ÓØËßÑßÜËÞÏÎ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ËØÎ ÍÏÜÞÓÐÓÍËÞÏÝ ÑÓàÏØ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ× ÌßÞ ÌÏÍËßÝÏ ÞÒÏ ÞËÞÏ ÙØÑÜÏÝÝ áËÝ ØÙÞ ÒÏÖΘ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÞÒÏØ ÎÏÍÓÎÏÎ ÞÙ ÝÏÞ ßÚ Ë ÍÙ××ÓÞÞÏÏ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÙÝÏ ÏÖÏÍÞÏÎ ËÞ ÞÒÏ áËÜÎ ËØÎ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÖÏàÏÖ˛ ÙᘠÞÒÏ ØÏá ÍËÜÏÞËÕÏÜ ÍÒËÓÜ×ËØ ̙ ØË×ÌÜË ̚ ÎÏÍÓÎÏÎ ÞÒËÞ ÒÏ áËÝ ØÙÞ ÑÙÓØÑ ÞÙ áÙÜÕ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÏÖÏÍÞÏÎ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ËØÎ áËÜÎ ÏâÏÍßÞÓàÏÝ ËØÎ ÎÏÍÓÎÏÎ ÞÙ ÝÏÞ ßÚ ÒÓÝ ÚËÜËÖÖÏÖ áËÜÎ ËØÎ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÏâÏÍßÞÓàÏݲ Ù˜ ÞÒÏ ÏÖÏÍÞÏÎ áËÜÎ ËØÎ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÏâÏÍßÞÓàÏÝ ÎÏÍÓÎÏÎ ÞÙ ÑÙ ÞÙ ÍÙßÜÞ˜ ËÝÕÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÞÙ ÜÏÍÙÑØÓÝÏ ÞÒÏט ÜËÞÒÏÜ ÞÒËØ ÞÒÏ ßØÏÖÏÍÞÏβ ÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ËÑÜÏÏÎ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏÓÜ ÝßÌ×ÓÝÝÓÙØ˛ ÒËÞ áËÝ áÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÙÜÎÏÜÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÞÙ ÎÙ ̎ áÙÜÕ áÓÞÒ ÞÒÏ ÏÖÏÍÞÏÎ ËØÎ ÓØËßÑßÜËÞÏÎ ÚËÜÞã ÙÐÐÓÍÓËÖÝ ÌÙÞÒ ËÞ ÞÒÏ áËÜÎ ËØÎ ÖÙÍËÖ ÑÙàÏÜØ×ÏØÞ ÖÏàÏÖݲ ÏÖÖ ×Ϙ ÓÝ ÓÞ ÚÙÝÝÓÌÖÏ ÞÙ ÒËàÏ ÔßÝÞ ʹͰ ÎÏÖÏÑËÞÏÝ ÞÙ ÍÒÙÙÝÏ Ë ÑÙàÏÜØÙÜ̋ ÝÒÓÚ ÍËØÎÓÎËÞÏˣ ÒËÞ áËÝ ÏâËÍÞÖã áÒËÞ ÒËÚÚÏØÏÎ ÓØ ÞÒÏ ÝÙ̋ÍËÖÖÏÎ ÍÙØÑÜÏÝÝ ÞÒÏ ÙÞÒÏÜ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ ÒÏÖβ ØÎ ÓÞ áËÝ ÝÙ ÌÏÍËßÝÏ ÞÒÏã ÐÖÙßÞÏÎ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÙÜÎÏÜ ËØÎ ÞÒÏ ÍÙØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã˛ Who monitored the election, were INEC officials present at the primary? Ïݲ ÒÏã áÏÜÏ ÚßÌÖÓÍÖã ËØØÙßØÍÏÎ ËØÎ ËÍÕØÙáÖÏÎÑÏβ ÎÙØ˪Þ ÕØÙá ÞÒÏ× ÞÒÙßÑÒ ÌßÞ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ÏØÎ ÙÐ ÚÜÙÍÏÏÎÓØÑݘ ÞÒÏã áÏÜÏ ÙÚÏØÖã ÍËÖÖÏÎ ÙßÞ˛ How do you bring about reconciliation among other factions and members who feel disenfranchised? ÒÏ áËã ÐÙÜáËÜÎ ÓÝ ÎÙÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÜÓÑÒÞ ÞÒÓØÑ˛ ÙáÏàÏܘ ÍËØ ËÝÝßÜÏ ãÙß ÞÒËÞ ËÞ ÞÒÏ ÏØÎ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÎË㘠áÏ ÝÒËÖÖ ÜÏÍÙØÍÓÖÏ ÏàÏÜãÙØÏ ËØÎ ÏàÏÜãÌÙÎã ßØÎÏÜ ÙØÏ ß×ÌÜÏÖÖ˲ ÒÏ ß×ÌÜÏÖÖË ÓÝ ÌÓÑ ÏØÙßÑÒ ÞÙ ËÍÍÙ××ÙÎËÞÏ ËÖÖ ÓØÞÏÜÏÝÞݲ Ë× Ë ÚËÜÞã ×ËØ˛ ã ÍËØÎÓÎËÞßÜÏ Ï×ÏÜÑÏÎ ËÝ Ë ÜÏÝßÖÞ ÙÐ ÎÙÓØÑ áÒËÞ ÞÒÏ ÍÙßÜÞ ÝËãݘ

Ugochukwu Uba

×ÏËØÓØј ÑÙ Ìã ÞÒÏ ÖÏÞÞÏÜÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÖËá˛ Ï ÎÓÎ ÏàÏÜãÞÒÓØÑ ËÍÍÙÜÎÓØÑ ÞÙ ÞÒÏ ÜßÖÏÝ ËØÎ ÖËáÝ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÖËØÎ ËØÎ ÞÒÏ ÍÙØÝÞÓÞßÞÓÙØ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã˛

Don’t you think the present disagreement in the party could prevent it from any solid performance in the coming general election?

ÍËØ ÞÏÖÖ ãÙß ÞÒËÞ áÏ áÙßÖÎ ÒËàÏ ØÙ ÚÜÙÌÖÏ× ×ÙÌÓÖÓÝÓØÑ ÞÒÏ ÚÏÙÚÖÏ ÐÙÜ ÞÒÏ ÑÏØÏÜËÖ ÏÖÏÍÞÓÙØ˛

ÒËàÏ ÌÏÏØ ÓØ ÞÒÓÝ ÚËÜÞã ÝÓØÍÏ ͯͷͷͶ˛

ÕØÙá áÒËÞ ÓÞ ÞËÕÏÝ ÞÙ ×ÙÌÓÖÓÝÏ ÏàÏÜãÌÙÎã ÐÙÜ ÙßÜ àÓÍÞÙÜã˛ ÒËàÏ ÌÏÏØ ÒÏÜÏ ÝÓØÍÏ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ áËÝ ÍÜÏËÞÏβ àÏÜãÌÙÎã áÓÖÖ ÌÏ ÖÙÙÕÏÎ ËÐÞÏܲ Ï ÝÒËÖÖ ×ÙÌÓÖÓÝÏ ÏàÏÜãÙØÏ˛

Talking about mobilisation, the likes of Peter Obi, are they now working for the party? ÏÞÏÜ ÌÓ áÓÖÖ ØÙÞ áËØÞ ÒÓÝ ÚËÜÞã ÞÙ ÐËÓÖ˛ Ë× ÝßÜÏ ÒÏ ÓÝ ÑÙÓØÑ ÞÙ ÍÙ×Ï ÙØ ÌÙËÜβ Ï ÓÝ ÞÒÏ ÖÏËÎÏÜ ÙÐ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã˛ Ï áÓÖÖ ÎÙ ÏàÏÜãÞÒÓØÑ ÞÙ ÏØÝßÜÏ ÞÒÏ ÚËÜÞã ÝßÍÍÏÏÎݲ Ï ÍËØØÙÞ ËÌËØÎÙØ ÒÓÝ ÚËÜÞã˛ Ï ÝÒÙßÖÎ ÖÏËÎ ßÝ Ìã ÏâË×ÚÖÏ áÒÓÍÒ ÙÐ ÍÙßÜÝÏ áÓÖÖ ÏØÍÙßÜËÑÏ ÙÞÒÏÜÝ ÞÙ ÍÙ×Ï ÙØ ÌÙËÜβ ÒÓÝ ÏÖÏÍÞÓÙØ ÓÝ ÐÙÜ ßÝ ÞÙ áÓØ˛ Ï ËÜÏ ÚÙÓÝÏÎ ÞÙ ÞËÕÏ ÌËÍÕ ÞÒÏ ÝÞËÞÏ˛ What is the reconciliation drive like? Ï ËÜÏ ËÖÜÏËÎã ÞËÖÕÓØÑ ËØÎ áÏ ËÜÏ ËÖÜÏËÎã ×ËÕÓØÑ ÚÜÙÑÜÏÝݲ

24

˜ ˾ JULY 3, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

Mature, Not ‘Matured’, Ladies

“I

T is also instructive that China, the world’s populous (most populous) country of about 1.6 billion people….”

“Controversy trails FG’s rail system over incessant trains breakdown (train breakdowns)” THE NATION of June 21 circulated two headline solecisms: “Customs intercept $110,060 at Lagos Port” Get it right: Customs intercepts.

“Seven die in Ibadan road crash” The road did not crash! A rewrite: Seven die in auto/vehicular crash on Ibadan road.

“Why are matured ladies still single?”

Where are the bridegrooms? Mature (not matured) ladies are choosy!

“In actual fact (which one is not actual?), the Nigerian police has (have) constituted itself (themselves) into a terror gang, perhaps because of the protracted military rule.” One of these days we may get to read ‘factual fact’!

“He does not bother them that about six kilometers (kilometres) to (from) their station….”

“During the electioneering campaign that ushered in the present regime, many stories were bandied about.” Strike out ‘campaign’ in the interest of tautology-free writing.

“They are therefore teaching in the so-called satellite campuses of sister universities or in evening classes to supplement their wages.” Get it right: on (not in) campuses.

“Senate President, in response to a question, has (had) jokingly said.…”

“Armed robbers paid him a non-courtesy call at about 7.30 p.m.” Back to the basics: either at 7.30 p.m. or about 7.30 p.m., depending on the level of exactitude. By the way, do bandits pay courtesy calls?

“As it was remarked sometimes (sometime) ago….”

“…at least not in any way that the day had given him any hint of what the day had in stock (store) for him.”

“It is make belief” This way: makebelieve. “…it cuts in from the next street whether along the very busy New AbaUmuahia Road or at the outskirts of the city.” Travelogue: on the outskirts of the city.

“The sweet look of the cards do (does) not give any inkling of a country nearly three decades old.” Wordsmiths call it error of attraction.

“Beside the African Union dastardly act which shocked and outraged the Nigerian society….” There is a world of difference between ‘beside’ and ‘besides’ (which applies here).

“In fact, a dangerous development such as cultism should not be treated with a kid’s glove.” Get it right: kid gloves.

“The impression I was given was that IBB had morbid fear of the wild, wild west, and would never cross the River Niger again, talk less (let alone) coming to Lagos.”

“Anything to create a reasonably safe distance between us and the military administrator’s siren was alright.” Current form: all right, if you subscribe to formal (Standard) English. ‘Alright’ is an unacceptable spelling except in the US. “The NLC’s protest march to the National Assembly brought some reassurance to the strong vocal resistance to what understandably is viewed as betrayal by the legislators.” Contextually, I assert that ‘protest’ is clearly redundant here.

“He has indeed made remarkable damages on earth with a little help from its inhabitants.” ‘Damage’ is uncountable except in legal reparations.

“But rather than see the move as an affront against (to) the military....”

“What this therefore calls is (are) clearcut criteria for determining who goes and who is retained at the end of the pruning exercise.” What is the function of ‘exercise’ here? And this: criterion (singular); criteria (plural).

“If each civil servant had at least a two-bedroom house in Abuja, very few Nigerians could have raised any eyebrow on the furniture allowance for lawmakers as was done.”

Our mandate, their meal ticket: raise eyebrows (fixed expression). “...and that money spent on the comfort of the executive and legislative members of government does not extend into (to) the pockets of civil servants or other members of the civil society” “When it did, it was time to head to (for) the hanger for a heavy check, sometimes called a D check.”

“Lagos Chamber of Commerce President…receiving momentos” Till eternity: mementos “Merger of Japan’s three banks elicit reactions” Why the noun phrase-verb disagreement? Another error of attraction “Governors biting more than they can chew” A rewrite: Governors biting off more than they can chew A subscriber to this column sent a message to me last weekend on the correctness of “wake” and “wake-keep”. There are no such words as “wake-keeping” and “wake-keep”. The right expression is “wake.”

Virtually all funeral announcements in this part of the world disseminate this blunder in blissful flamboyance. And for clarity or emphasis: Christian wake.

“He is frank to the point of recklessness and does not bath (bat) an eyelid about sensibilities.”

“Successful candidates in the exam are placed into (in) universities depending on their performances and choices.”

How We Weaponise Banditry

D

uring my research in the writing of this article, I stumbled on a blog piece on the website of the famous New York-domiciled NGO think tank, Council on Foreign Relations, published about a year ago, July 23, 2020, by Nkasi Wodu. He is a Port Harcourt based “lawyer, peacebuilding practitioner, and development expert”. The 643-word document was titled “Not All Violent Problems Require Violent Solutions: Banditry in Nigeria’s North-West”.

In contextualising the arguments and features that highlight deliberate or inadvertent cannon-fodders which ultimately weaponise banditry around Nigeria, we will quote fairly copiously from Wodu’s insightful submissions - as introductory premise to our interrogation of the putative social-economic triggers making this dreadful “enemy”continue to fester and threaten to overrun our country.

“For more than two years, northwestern Nigeria has faced devastating attacks from armed bandits, particularly in the states of Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Sokoto. Such attacks are driven by many overlapping factors, including cattle rustling, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, illicit artisanal mining, youth unemployment, poverty, and inequality. This is further compounded by the weakened, stretched, and demoralized security services, who are deployed in thirty-five of Nigeria’s thirty-six states and will soon enter the seconddecade of their war against Boko Haram, one of Africa’s deadliest terror groups. It is estimated that many of the armed bandits are of Fulani origin, as are many of the victims. Banditry, which includes armed robbery, murder, rape, and cattle-rustling, is present in Nigeria, Niger, Chad, Cameroon, Senegal and Mali.”

The issues and consequences are both endemic and virulent, and have now attained frightening proportions. “According to a report from the West Africa Network of Peacebuilding (WANEP), from January to December 2019, armed bandits were responsible for more than 1,000 civilian deaths in the Northwest. According to the Nigeria Security Tracker, this is greater than civilians killed by Boko Haram over the same period (though not greater

than all those killed, which include soldiers and Boko Haram members). The impact of these deaths have ripple effects across communities that will last generations. A committee set up to investigate the menace of armed banditry, headed by Mohammed Abubakar, a former inspector general of police, reported that in Zamfara state between June 2011 and May 2019, 4,983 women were widowed; 25,050 children were orphaned; and more than 190,000 people were displaced as a result of armed banditry.”

As alarming as the statistics were, the response approach of both the military and political leadership appeared to have produced double-edged results with punishing consequences on the civilian populace. More from Wodu: “The Nigerian security forces initially responded to this issue by increasing the deployment of the military and police to the troubled zones. These deployments were under several code names such as ‘Operation Puff Adder’, ‘Diran Mikiya’, ‘Sharan Daji’, ‘Hadarin Daji’, ‘Thunder Strike’, and ‘Exercise Harbin Kunama III’. But these operations have produced mixed results. While the security forces have successfully pushed back bandit attacks, destroyed several hideouts, and killed or arrested hundreds of bandits, attacks have continued. Against this backdrop, the governors of Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, agreed on a peace deal with the armed bandits in 2019. According to Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, negotiation was the best way to achieve lasting peace. The agreement involved disarmament, the release of kidnapped victims, and an amnesty for the bandits.”

What was the result of this reactionary carrotstick ‘diplomacy’? The answer is all around us today, as clear and as pungent, if not more, than five years ago. Let us wind down this introductory segment with Wodu’s penultimate submission: “But the agreements did not last. While there was a lull in attacks toward the end of 2019, attacks have picked up again in 2020. One state governor recently admitted that the bandits had reneged on the terms of their agreement. Following the apparent failure of the governors’ peace deal, Nigeria’s (then) chief of army staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai said recently that dialogue is not a good military option for tackling banditry, kidnapping, and other heinous crimes currently bedeviling the North-West.General

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“The picture one is likely to get is that of lawmakers yet to come to grip (grips) with the seriousness of what their duties entail.”

“Both palatable and heart-rending news are (is) most often broken there.” ‘News’ is uncountable. “…his skin must have toughen (you mean toughened?) such that nothing can stir his emotion as to make him cry.”

“They were, in their primes (prime), sent on a journey from which nobody returns.”

“Its police, too, began investigations culminating into (in) arrest of some suspects.”

“Since last week Tuesday....” Either last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week. ‘Last week Tuesday’ indicates lexical ignorance. “…our politicians should realise (realize, preferably) that if they can hold the country into (to) ransom for their jumbo pay, then footballers should not be blamed if they do same (the same).”

“In Nigeria, it was designed by the military dictators as bait to divert the attention of the people from the enormity of their loots.” No questions: ‘loot’ is noncount. “…it was seen as a child of necessity aimed at restoring the primary education sub- sector which was in crisis then back to a sound foundation.” Scrap ‘back’ to avoid being charged with word abuse. ‘Restoration’ has taken care of the verbiage.

“All that we have in the present Nigerian society is an hostile (a hostile) environment for the youths and children.” Either youth or the youth “Having succeeded in intimidating their opponents at primaries, the electorate became a work-over....” A time to learn: walk-over.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

Buratai’s admonition is telling. Whether it is dispersing protests, responding to separatist agitations or, as in one particularly brutal case, responding to the obstruction of General Buratai’s convoy, the penchant that violent problems require violent solutions is ingrained in the psyche of the Nigerian security forces.”

The conclusion of the matter, in the final paragraph of Wodu’s brief intervention, encapsulates our arguments and disposition over the years, in brief but evocative fecundity of thought and logic: “The resort to shallow and poorly conceived peace deals is an age-old failure of the Nigerian security and political establishment.

To truly achieve peace, the government must start by building trust with local communities vulnerable to attacks by bandits. They should set up early warning and response systems, working with vigilantes and community leaders on the ground. And they should begin to address the structural inequalities that drive people to violence, like poverty, a lack of education and opportunity, and government mistreatment.

The military in particular should redirect its attention to controlling the trafficking in small arms and light weapons, specifically by patrolling porous national borders. Banditry is not a problem that will be solved through the barrel of a gun.” Thank you, Mr. Nkasi Wodu.

From the next edition of this column, we shall continue to project into actions and activities of different actors: law enforcers, host communities, the media, political and religious leaders, the draining greed of capitalist tendencies, the dubious failure of modern communication, and few other human and structural impediments that combine to amplify and weaponise the evil machinations and devastating effects of banditry on the psyche and productivity of every Nigerian.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 3, 2021

POLITY

Moses Arize Anaenugwu: 1932 to 2011 Beluchi Nwanisobi “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”

This statement encapsulates our memory of our dear father and patriarch, Engr. Moses Arize Anaenugwu (Ozonkpu Odumodu) of Enugwu-Ukwu na Umunri who passed on exactly 10 years ago, on July 1, 2011.

It has been 10 years of facing the realities of life without his guidance, direction and supervision, and also 10 years of reliving his life of dynamism, steadfastness, pursuit of excellence in all endeavours, charity, resourcefulness and of vivid illustration of the fact that with hard work, diligence and sense of equity and fair play, and above all the fear of Almighty God in all our undertakings, our lives on earth must be crowned with success. As we remember Ozonkpu today, we rededicate our lives to his ideals and life philosophy as a manifestation of the fact that “a man is not dead while his name is still spoken and his legacy endures for ages”.

Born on October 1, 1932 in Umuatulu Awovu Village, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State, young Arize started his primary school at St. Anthony’s Primary School, EnugwuUkwu in 1942 and passed out in 1949 with distinction. He later passed the highly competitive entrance examination into the famous Government College, Umuahia but could not continue his studies there following the death of his father.

After a stint as a pupil teacher in St. Patrick’s Primary School, Awka he left the teaching profession and opted for a life of technical education and vocation in which he believed his talents and full potentials would be realized. His burning desire for education resulted in his admission into Government Technical College, Enugu where he completed his post primary education in 1955. In 1956 he enrolled at the famous Ellis School of Building, London from where he graduated with First Class Honors degree in Building Technology and Engineering. Thus, in spite of his early setbacks, his resilience and dogged determination, along with his experience in wood work and engineering, a brilliant and focused building expert poised to make his mark in that profession had been produced.

As expected, he left his footprints in the building industry in his many employments. They include R.O Nkwocha and Co. Ltd, a major building contracting company in Old Eastern Region of Nigeria, the Old Anambra State Civil Service where he served for many years as Principal Technical Officer (1964 – 1974), Town Engineer, Nsukka Local Government (1974 – 1980), and Town Engineer, Onitsha Local Government (1980 – 1984). In these capacities he designed, developed and built networks of roads, bridges, culverts, government office buildings and residential quarters, and other infrastructures in many urban centres in Old Anambra State including

Enugu, Onitsha, Nsukka, Abakaliki, Aba, Awka, etc. Many of his innovations and developments in these cities still endure till date, much longer than even those constructed recently.

He retired from Public Service as Director of Works in the 1990s after over 30 years meritorious service to the state and nation. Thereafter, he established his private company, Anok Engineering Nig. Ltd with which he continued his engineering practice, to the satisfaction of his many clients.

A devout Catholic, he was instrumental to the formation of Enugwu-Ukwu Catholic League in 1958, and served as its Secretary for many years. He personally pegged and constructed the foundations of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Enugwu-Ukwu and Holy Spirit Catholic Church Omagba, Onitsha. He also designed and built the Parish Priest’s house at St. Anthony’s Church, Enugwu-Ukwu. He was Secretary General Enugwu-Ukwu Catholic Youth Association 1958 – 1974, Pioneer Secretary, St. Anthony’s Parish Enugwu-Ukwu, Pioneer Secretary, Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, Onitsha and Secretary General, St. Jude’s Society, Onitsha Archdeaconry for a record 6 years. He also brought the wealth of his experience to bear on the development of his Umuatulu Awovu Village and Enugwu-Ukwu community. He played leading roles in the social and political development of EnugwuUkwu, serving severally as Administrative Secretary, Secretary General and later President General of the Town Union, Enugwu-Ukwu Community Development Union (ECDU), from 1999 until his death in 2011. He was also founding member and Secretary of Enugwu-Ukwu Community Bank and served as the Chairman of the Enugwu-Ukwu Traditional Council for many years during the tenure of the late Igwe Osita Agwuna, Eze Enugwu-Ukwu na Igwe Umunri.

Ozonkpu was a longstanding executive member of the Rotary Club of Nigeria, through which he executed many charitable works, community development projects, and also empowered many people to be productive members of the society.

Ozonkpu was survived by his wife Iyom Justina Anaenugwu, a retired educationist who celebrated her 70th birthday three years ago, and eight children who, by the Grace of God are doing well in their various stations in life. They are Barr. (Mrs.) Nkechi Okafor, an Abuja based legal practitioner, Dr. (Mrs.) Beluchi Nwanisobi, a Deputy Director with a Federal Government Parastatal, Engr. Marcel Anaenugwu, an Assistant Director in an institution of the Federal Government in Port-Harcourt, Colonel Ifeanyi Anaenugwu of the Nigerian Army, Dr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Bradshaw, Consultant Psychiatrist in the United Kingdom, Superintendent Arinze Anaenugwu, a Pharmacist with the Nigeria Customs Service, Mr. Eloka Anaenugwu, a Behavioral Psychologist in Las Vegas, USA and Mrs. Obianuju Anaedu, a Senior Officer with a Federal Government Agency. We thank God that our spouses are not

Anaenugwu

only graduates of various educational institutions in Nigeria and overseas but are also success stories in their various areas of employment. Ozonkpu is also survived by 24 grandchildren.

Ozonkpu left for us a legacy of love for mankind, forgiveness and ever ready assistance to the needy. One of his bitter life experiences has been remarkable. He mortgaged his house to purchase a brand new heavy duty vehicle with which he empowered one of his close relations. The said vehicle was alleged to have been stolen under very suspicious circumstances.

He eventually lost the house he mortgaged due to this act of dishonesty and rejected all entreaties to arrest or punish the young man, leaving him to his conscience: “Our father did not tell us how to live, he lived and let us watch him do it”.

We have since established the Ozonkpu Moses Anaenugwu Foundation with which we keep his memory alive and to sustain his interest in education. The Foundation has been sponsoring 10 students annually at the Ide Secondary School, Enugwu-Ukwu, Anambra State on scholarship in the past 10 years, since his demise in 2011, and will continue to do so by the continued grace of God. We have so far witnessed the graduation of many Ozonkpu Scholars from the school over the years.

As we mark 10 years of Ozonkpu’s departure from us, we continue to commit his brilliant, peaceful and enterprising soul to the bosom of our Lord. “Ozonkpu, we pray that you Dr. Beluchi Nwanisobi wrote on behalf of the family.

Kola Ogunwale Stands PDP Tall in Osun Olumide Lawal

T

hat Senator Felix Kola Ogunwale (Jumokol) is a charismatic personality and a crowd puller any day is not in doubt. That the Asiwaju of Iragbijiland, is a humane and down-to earth person with regards to the welfare of the lowly in the society is not an understatement. He is ready at all times to identify with the plight of the proverbial common man.

For these sterling qualities and more, the drums were rolled out on his prompting, on June 26, 2021 to welcome decampees from APC to PDP in Boripe LGA, Osun State. Senator Ogunwale’s Iragbiji Country Home, venue of the event was jam-packed with his well-wishers and political associates from across Osun State, who came to solidarise with the event.

For record purpose, it should be emphasized, that Senator Ogunwale has been a major financier of PDP in Osun State since 1998. He has, since 1980 been putting people up for political offices and offering services admirably to his people in Osun Central District in particular and Osun State in general. He was a pillar of strength and cornerstone for PDP in Osun through thick and thin, spending his resources to keep the party afloat for many years. It is also an incontrovertible fact, that Senator Ogunwale was adjudged the best Senator from Osun State between 2003 and 2007, in the course of his duty tour of the senate.An era, when he ensured, that dividends of democracy got to the electorate transparently and on regular basis.

It was therefore, a carnival-like ceremony, when hundreds of formerAPC faithful in Boripe LGAon Saturday, June 26, 2021 decamped to PDP. In their various defection speeches, the formerAPCmembers, said they were happy to be back home to PDP where their good fortunes lie. They described PDP as an all-embracing party, where justice, fairness and equity reign supreme.

The decampees, described their duty tour inAPC as years of leave of absence from PDP. The defectors said, they trusted absolutely in the unfailing leadership of Senator Ogunwale and other leaders of PDP in Boripe LGAto make their sojourn in PDP a

Ogunwale

worth-while endeavour.

They promised to work relentlessly to give the PDP a resounding victory in the 2022 governorship election. The decampees, described Senator Ogunwale as a pillar of strength and a shining light for PDP since its inception in 1998, affirming, that they resolved to team up with the leadership of Senator Ogunwale in Boripe LGA, as a mark of their respect for his sterling political qualities of welfarism and large-heartedness.

In his brief remarks, the Senator assured the APC defectors, that they would not regret their action, as the umbrella of PDP is large enough to accommodate them to enjoy life more abundant, just like the old members. He intimated the decampees, that there is no room for discrimination in PDP as all members are of equal status. Senator Ogunwale enjoined the new members to go to

their various units and wards and work very hard for the success of PDP in the 2022 governorship election, which is around the corner.

TheAsiwaju of Iragbiji admonished all PDP members to continue to play politics without bitterness and avoid confrontation in all its aspects. He said, PDP is for love and progress.

The State Chairman of PDP in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Bisi, while receiving the defectors assured them of unfettered access to the party’s good tiding of life and openness in spreading political opportunities to all with the fear of God. Bisi, enjoined the new members to avail themselves the opportunity of obtaining new voters card or re-validating same through the on-going INEC registration exercise, as that is their power to vote for PDP governorship candidate in 2022. He assured the new members, that they would be firmly accommodated in the party’s scheme of affairs, without let or hindrance.

While the defection ceremony was at feverish pitch, the Osun PDP governorship hopeful- Senator NurudeenAdemolaAdeleke sent a goodwill message and felicitated heartily with the defectors.

He called on all PDP faithful in Osun State to continue to conduct themselves peacefully and hold high, the untainted flag of PDP, which he said, symbolized concord, friendship, amity observance of rule of law, victory and true stewardship to the electorate.

SenatorAdeleke assured the Iragbiji gathering of men and women of peace and integrity, that their labour shall not be in vain.

Like other speakers at the event, SenatorAdeleke advised new and old members to go and register through the on-going INEC Voters’ Registration that commenced on June 28, 2021.According to SenatorAdeleke, voter’s cards remain the weapon of victory at the 2022 governorship election, in which PDP shall coast home to victory in a landslide manner through the grace of God and the affection of the electorate for the party.

Senator Ogunwale has since donated some branded vehicles to Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organization as a token contribution to the success of PDP at the 2022 governorship election, promising to do more as his resources permit him.

Lawal was Special Adviser (Media & Publicity) to late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 3, 2021

POLITY

Groups Task FG, States to Declare State of Emergency on Unemployment Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

T

he federal and state governments have been tasked to declare a state of emergency on unemployment in a bid to combat the menace of drug abuse across the country.

The groups, Basileia Community Development Initiative (BACOD) and the Reformed Drug and Substance Abuse Initiative as well as the Northern Peace Foundation told journalists in Jalingo, Taraba State capital that unemployment is a major enabler of drug abuse, particularly among

the youth.

Mr. Daniel Buba, who spoke on behalf of the groups noted that fighting drug abuse without tackling unemployment would be an exercise in futility.

According to him, “We’re calling of the federal and state governments to declare a state of emergency on unemployment in the country as a way of addressing the menace of drug abuse” “It would be an exercise in futility to attempt to fight drug abuse without addressing unemployment because unemployment is the major enabler of drug abuse.”

The groups further maintained that most of the drug

traffickers see it as a source of revenue, while those rehabilitated return to drugs due to lack of a job to keep them occupied.

“Idleness and lack of unemployment have forced those already rehabilitated to return to drugs. That is why it has become imperative for governments at all levels to take conscious and deliberate to address unemployment.”

The groups further enjoined the federal and state governments to increase funding and logistical support to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to strengthen and increase its capacity to combat the menace.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Managing Director, ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria, Mr. Bankole Cadoso; Head Products, Akante Taylor-Harry; Head, Human Resource, Fadekemi Fowowe; and Head of Operations, Dare Oludele, at the ENGIE Energy Access Nigeria corporate launch of the newly integrated company to the public, held in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Publicity Secretary, Capital Market Solicitors Association (CMSA), Bukki Olabiyi; Chairman, CMSA, Benjamin Obidegwu; Chairman, 2021 Annual Business Luncheon Planning Committee, Ayodeji Oyetunde; Associate, Banwo and Ighodalo/moderator, Tony Numa; and Social Secretary, CMSA, Otome Okolo, during the 2021 CMSA annual business luncheon and virtual conference in Lagos…recently

President Muhammadu Buhari Receives the Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Command Islamic Republic of Pakistan General Nadeem Raza during an audience with the President in State House Abuja…yesterday.

L-R: Vice President, KIA Motors Nigeria, Mr. Olu Tikolo; CEO, OMAA, Mr. Chinedu Oguegbu; General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Director General, NADDC, Aliyu Jelani; and the Managing Director, BKG Exhibition, Mr. Ifeayichukwu Agwu, at the 15th Lagos Motor Fair held in Lagos…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Group Chief Financial Officer, UAC of Nigeria Plc., Funke Ijaiya Oladipo; Group Managing Director, Fola Aiyesimoju; Chairman, Daniel Agbor; and Company Secretary, Nkem Agboti, during the company’s 2021 Annual General Meeting in Lagos...recently.

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adeshina ; Minister of Transportation , Rotimi Amachi and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity , Mallam Garba Shehu, at a Special Press Conference on the achievement of President Muhammadu Buhari on Transportation held at the Presidential Villa , Abuja....yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

03.07.2021

NEWS

EURO 2020 SEMIFINAL TICKET FOR GRAB PAGE. 31

Can Home-based Eagles Prove Mettle against Mexico?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Home-based Eagles in training

Can Home-based Eagles Prove Mettle against Mexico?

With foreign-based Super Eagles players unavailable for the friendly against Mexico in Los Angeles due to their involvement in pre-season training with their various clubs, home-based players have therefore been drafted for the encounter against El Tri.The onus is therefore on the local players, who will be led by former Nigeria U-20 Coach Paul Aigbogun, to prove to senior national team manager, Gernot Rohr that he has all the while been making a grave mistake by ignoring them. However, if travel arragements went well, the Franco-German may still lead the team, writes Kunle Adewale

F

ormer Nigeria U-20 Coach Paul Aigbogun will be in charge when the Super Eagles take on El Tri in an international friendly outing scheduled in Los Angeles, after Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Technical Director,Austin Eguavoen was denied visa to travel with the team.

The home-based players will battle the reigning Concacaf Gold Cup champions at the Los Angeles Coliseum at 4am Nigerian time on Sunday, July 4, in the absence of Gernot Rohr’s regular players who will be at their European clubs for pre-season training.

The home-based Super Eagles arrived in Los Angeles, United States of America on Thursday for the international friendly with Mexico taking place at the imposing Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

NFF’s FIFAMatch Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport confirmed on Thursday that the match will kick off at 8pmLA time today (4am in Nigeria on Sunday).

Before picking the 23 players that stormed America, Eguavoen disclosed that he sought the advice of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)coachesincludingPlateauUnited’sAbdul Maikaba and Rivers United’s Stanley Eguma.

“Coach Paul saw some games on the continent and the league as well and I relied also a lot on my colleagues that are also in the league.

“When you give me a player from Enyimba, I ask Stanley Eguma, Ladan Bosso, Salisu and Maikaba. And if three out of the four speak well of a player it is okay. When you give me a player from Plateau I deviate from Maikaba and ask other coaches and they say the right thing about the player I just felt that’s the right way to go about it.”

After three days of preliminary training in Abuja, the NFF released the names of 23 players and left for the United States on Wednesday.

Mexico, however, have named a strong 45man squad for the match, with Napoli winger Hirving Lozano, Porto’s Jesus Corona and Real Betis’ Andres Guardado all included.

Meanwhile, captain Ikechukwu Ezenwa has assured Nigerians that the team would give its best against Mexico in the high profile friendly.

The 32-year-old is back in the Super Eagles set-up after a lengthy absence.

The goalkeeper’s last involvement for the Super Eagles was as an unused substitute against Brazil on October 13, 2019, in Singapore.

A confident Ezenwa said: “We are looking forward to the game against Mexico in Los Angeles next week. It is a privilege to represent 200 million Nigerians; we just have to give our best to make the country proud.

“It is not easy meeting for the first time. Some are new to the national set-up but the most important thing is having that solidarity and coming together. As captain of the side, it is my job to bring them together so that we can perform the task ahead,” he said.

Unfortunately, for he home-based Eagles captain, injury denied him of the trip toAmerica.

According to NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, as a result of injury to Ezenwa, the federation had to fast-track National ExemptpapersforTottenhamHotspurofEngland U23 goalkeeper, Joshua Oluwayemi to join the 22-man squad.

Indeed, the team’s goalkeeper trainer Alloy Agu believes the form of the invited goalkeepers were encouraging.

“The first training session with the goalkeepers was very positive,” Agu said. “They have been

playing in the league and we expected them to showcase their form here and that is precisely what they have been doing.”

“Our training sessions had been good, the coaches have been pushing us enough because the task ahead is a big one,”Abia Warriors’ centreback Adekunle Adeleke said on the eve of the team’s departure to the US. “We already know what we are going to face and we are hopeful of coming out with a great performance.”

Enyimba winger Anayo Iwuala is equally upbeat. “It’s been fun and all of us have been giving out our best and this is a great opportunity for the home-based Super Eagles to represent the nation. We are all putting our heads together to fulfil the task against Mexico.”

Rohr has been accused of treating the domestic players unfairly, but the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, said that it won’t be tolerated anymore.

Mr. Dare has hit out Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr over his unfair treatment of players from the Nigeria Professional Football League.

Since he took his role as the head coach, Rohr has come under criticism for not inviting more NPFL players to the national team.

The 68-year-old has relied on mostly foreign players since he took charge as Nigeria’s national team coach.

Eguavoen and not Rohr will be in charge when the home-based players take on Mexico at the Los Angeles Coliseum in an international friendly tomorrow, a decision that has not gone down well with the Sports Minister.

Dare expressed his disappointment when he visited the home-based players at their Abuja camp ahead of the trip to the United States.

The Sports Minister urged the Nigeria Football Federation NFF to have a talk with Rohr on his

Home-based Eagles to US Goalkeepers: John Noble (Enyimba FC); Nwabali Stanley Bobo (Lobi Stars) Defenders: Olisa Ndah (Akwa United); Adekunle Adeleke (Abia Warriors); Tope Olusesi (Rangers International); Imoh Obot (Enyimba FC); Tebo Franklin Degaulle (Nasarawa United); Lawal Oriyomi Murtala (Kwara United); Enyinnaya Kazie (Rivers United) Midfielders: Anthony Shimaga (Rangers International); Seth Mayi (Akwa United); Uche Onwuasonaya (Plateau United); Samuel Nnoshiri (Katsina United) Forwards: Anayo Iwuala (Enyimba FC); Stephen Jude (Kwara United); Ibrahim Olawoyin (Rangers International); Charles Ashimene (Akwa United); Auwalu Ali Malam (Kano Pillars); Nenrot Emmanuel (Plateau United); Abdulmutalif Sanusi (Katsina United); Sunday Adetunji(Rivers United); Mohammed Zulkifilu (Plateau Unit

behaviour towards NPFL players.

“Rohr’s attitude towards home-based players is unacceptable, it’s negative to our football development and I call on the NFF to call him to order,” Dare said.

The former Burkina Faso manager signed a new two-year contract last year, and part of the conditions in the deal is for him to include more domestic players in his plan.

But so far, only Iwuala has played a part in recent Super Eagles games, with Rohr saying all of Nigeria’s best players were in Europe.

The two countries have previously played each other five times with their last three encounters ending in draws.

The Super Eagles are yet to win any of their meeting with El Tri and their last defeat came at the 1995 FIFA Confederation Cup in Riyadh.

The North Americans won 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the end of extra-time.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER EURO 2020… EURO 2020 . . . EURO 2020…EURO 2020

High Flying England Face Ukraine Test On the cusp of a second successive semi-final appearance at a major tournament, England prepare for battle away from their Wembley headquarters as they meet Ukraine in the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 in Rome today. The Three Lions sunk their old nemesis, Germany 2-0 to book their place in the last eight of the tournament, while surprise package Ukraine enjoyed a pulsating extra-time win over Sweden last time out.

England duo of Luke Shaw and Jack grealish join Raheem Sterling in celebrating Three Lions first goal against Germany

Ukraine had Sweden to thank as they scraped into the last 16 of Euro 2020 by the skin of their teeth, with the Scandinavian side sinking Poland to ensure that Ukraine would qualify from their group as one of the four best third-placed outfits.

However, Andriy Shevchenko’s side were in no position to do Sweden any favours of their own, as Oleksandr Zinchenko’s powerful drive opened the scoring before Emil Forsberg’s deflected effort would force another last-16 tie to go to extra-time.

The game looked destined to go the distance and be decided from 12 yards, but in the 121st minute of the encounter, substitute Artem Dovbyk headed home as jubilant scenes followed for Ukraine, who are now set for their maiden quarter-final appearance at the European Championships.

Picking up just three points from a possible nine in the group stage certainly did not spell success, but Shevchenko surely cannot care less about the manner in which his side have progressed as they seek a semi-final appearance at a major tournament for the first time.

The only previous quarter-final outing for Ukraine at the World Cup or Euros saw them bow out to eventual winners, Italy in the 2006 tournament, and with their 15-year wait for another last-eight appearance finally over, Shevchenko will endeavour to take inspiration from his celebrated playing days and navigate his side to an odds-defying win once more.

England captain Harry Kane very nearly let emotion take over during his post-match interview on Tuesday, and not a single soul could have blamed him. After breaking his Euro 2020 duck and trying to conduct

media duties with a 40,000-strong Wembley crowd belting out ‘Sweet Caroline’, Kane’s face truly said it all.

In what would ultimately turn out to be his final match at the Germany helm, Joachim Low witnessed his Mannschaft outfit enjoy the better of the opening periods, but England’s staunch defence demonstrated exactly why they have gone 540 minutes without conceding a goal as the scores were tied at the interval.

With 75 minutes on the clock, England’s man of the moment Raheem Sterling continued his rich goalscoring form with the opening goal, and after Thomas Muller inexplicably missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise, Kane put the game to bed to make Low’s Germany farewell a miserable one.

Having navigated what may prove to be their most difficult test en route to the final, England supporters are understandably licking their lips at the prospect of another Wembley outing for the July 11 final, as a very winnable fixture with the Czech Republic or Denmark - both of whom still command great respect - awaits in the final four should England produce the goods in Rome.

By keeping a clean sheet against Die Mannschaft in the last 16, England followed in the footsteps of the Germans in 2016 by not conceding in any of their first four Euros matches, but a nail-biting weekend could be in store, as all three of England’s quarter-final appearances at the tournament have been decided by a penalty shootout.

Ukraine and England have not locked horns since playing out a goalless draw in a 2013 friendly, and the only time these sides previously met in the Euros came one year before that, during which a Wayne Rooney winner propelled the Three Lions to a 1-0 group-stage success.

Ukraine striker Artem Besedin

was victim of a horror challenge by Sweden’s Marcus Danielson in their quarter-final, and while he has not ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, there are fears that he could remain sidelined until 2022.

Oleksandr Zubkov is reported to have recovered from a calf strain and could put his name in the hat for selection, while Denys Popov has been forced to withdraw through injury.

Dovbyk’s heroics may not be enough to earn him a start over Andriy Yarmolenko and Arsenal-linked Roman Yaremchuk, although the West Ham United man was cautioned in the last-16 win.

England duo Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell have completed their selfisolation periods after a coronavirus scare, but the latter is highly unlikely to challenge an in-form Luke Shaw for a spot on the left.

Southgate’s shift to a back three worked wonders against Germany and may therefore be deployed here once again, which would hinder Jack Grealish’s chances of a deserved start, but Mount is a candidate to replace Bukayo Saka alongside Sterling and Kane.

Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips are both walking a tightrope after picking up bookings against Germany, so Jordan Henderson may be considered for a place in the XI, but changes will understandably be kept to a minimum if Southgate can help it.

Earlier today, Czech Republic and Denmark will lock horns in Baku with a spot in the semi-finals of this summer ’s competition on offer for both sides.

Denmark progressed to the quarterfinals courtesy of an impressive 4-0 victory over Wales, while the Czech Republic recorded a 2-0 against the Netherlands to advance to the final eight of Euro 2020.

Jaroslav Silhavy’s side lost 1-0 to England in their final group match on June 22, though, which actually saw them drop down to third behind Croatia, with the Netherlands their opponents in the round of 16.

Holland would have been in a confident mood heading into the clash in Budapest, but an excellent performance from the Czech Republic saw them progress, with Tomas Holes scoring in the 68th minute before Patrik Schick came up with his fourth goal at this summer ’s tournament to all but secure the victory.

The Czechs had previously finished as runners-up in 1996 and also semi-finalists in 2004, but were eliminated in the group stage of Euro 2016.

Czech Republic, who would take on England or Ukraine in the semifinals next week if they were to emerge victorious today, have only lost two of their previous 25 matches with Denmark, although five of the last six fixtures between the two national teams have finished all square.

Denmark, meanwhile, booked their spot in the last-16 stage of Euro 2020 by finishing second behind Belgium in Group B despite losing two of their three matches in the section.

The Danes lost their opener 1-0 to Finland on June 12, but it was an incredibly difficult match for Kasper Hjulmand’s side, having seen Christian Eriksen collapse on the field.

Denmark then lost their second group fixture to Belgium on June 17, which left them in a very difficult spot, but a 4-1 success over Russia four days later was enough to finish second in the section on goal difference, with Finland and Russia both exiting the competition despite also claiming three points from three matches.

Hjulmand’s team were in sensational form in the round of 16, though, recording a 4-0 win over Wales in Amsterdam, with Kasper Dolberg scoring twice in what was a superb performance from a team that will certainly believe they are capable of making the final.

The Red and Whites won the European Championship in 1992, but they have not been at this stage of the competition since 2004, having been eliminated in the group stages in 2012 and actually failing to qualify for the finals in both 2008 and 2016.

Top Scorers PLAYERS

CLUB

Cristiano Ronaldo Patrik Schick Karim Benzema Emil Forsberg Raheem Sterling Haris Seferovic Gini Wijnaldum Romelu Lukaku Robert Lewandowski

GOALS

Portugal Czech Rep France Sweden England Switzerland Netherlands Belgium Poland

FIXTURES PLAYERS

Czech Republic Ukraine

v v

Denmark England

17:00 20:00

5 4 4 4 3 3 3 3 3

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Raducanu

Rohr

Rohr Makes U-turn, to Take Charge of From Exam Hall to Wimbledon Fairy Tale Home-based Eagles for Mexico Friendly Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is expected to be in the dugout when the home-based Super Eagles take on Mexico’s national team on Sunday morning.

The three-time African Champions take on the Gold Cup champions in an international friendly at the Los Angeles Coliseum on July 4.

However, players from the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) will present Nigeria in the game on Sunday as the foreign professionals and regulars won’t be available.

Rohr was at the team’s

training camp in Abuja before they left for the United States, but the former Bordeaux coach revealed Austin Eguavoen and Paul Aigbogun and not him would be in charge of the team when they file out on Sunday morning.

But in a dramatic turn of events, the German tactician has now linked up with the team in the United States and will have a training session with the team later today.

The reason behind the sudden change is unclear, but it may have to do with Eguavoen’s unavailability. As stated earlier,

the former Super Eagles defender was expected to be in charge, but he could not travel with the team after he was denied a visa.

The home-based team arrived at their base in the United States yesterday, and it was confirmed that Rohr joined the squad following their arrival.

Meanwhile, Montreal Striker Ibrahim Sunusi has been called up to the squad. The 18-year-old is expected to join the team today along with Tottenham Hotspur U-23 goalkeeper Joshua Olayemi, who is a replacement for the injured Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

Deputy Governor Unveils New Coach for Edo Queens Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Deputy Governor of Edo, Comrade Philip Shaibu, has unveiled Wemimo Matthew as the new head coach for Edo Queens Football Club, with a charge to return the female team to its old days.

Shaibu who supervised the unveiling ceremony, yesterday at the New Festival Hall, Government House, mandated the new coach to put her wealth of experience to transform

the team.

According to him, “What we’ve done with Edo Queens, was to make it a model for the girl-child to look up to.

“So we decided to unveil a new head coach because of our performance in the just concluded Super Six was poor. And management immediately said that we need a new coach that can groom young talents.

Shaibu expressed confidence that the new coach has

all it takes to reposition the female football club, saying: “Coach Wemimo Matthew is well educated with very high discipline which we are already seeing in the team since her arrival.

“Some players had already been decamped due to wrong hair style. She will help us to develop young talent, she is going to work with all the 18 Local Government Areas of the state to Scout for young talent. We are blending sports with education”.

Angus Sports Academy Restates Commitment to Talent Development Nigeria-based Talent Hub and Football Academy, Angus Sports International Academy has restated its commitment to talent building and discovery to improve Nigeria’s ranking in global sport.

The firm also informed of its plans to partner with major European clubs to enrich the skills of discovered talents into technically embodied professionals.

Speaking while addressing the press recently, owner of the club, Angus Chinedu Aaron reiterated that the academy existed to groom skillful talents and expose them to indigenous and international legends, thus boosting their confidence .

He explained further the

academy had football stars such as former players, skippers, African MVP, goalkeeper, and Super Eagles coach amongst others, on its mentor and tutor list,from where the budding stars can tap rich knowledge.

Speaking further, Aaron who is a FIFA Licensed agent and an intermediary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), said, “The academy has been attracting talents from within and outside the country as football is one of the major passion points of the Nigerian youths. Soccer as you know is a medium that unites all Nigerians. At Angus Sports International Academy, our only tribe and language is talent. If you speak this language no

matter where you come from, the Angus Sports Academy staff will always understand you.”

He noted that the talents would also enjoy a rare privilege of being placed under the tutelage of the academy’s team coach and manager, Eze Nwakpa.

He said, “Nwakpa is a former footballer who plied his trade in the Nigerian league, European league, and the Asian league. The coach has managed some Nigerian clubs, and the Under 23, Rio 2016 Olympic, Bronze Medal winning team working under his boss, Coach Samson Siasia. His wealth of experience is being passed on to the teaming talents at the academy.”

Emma Raducanu is the last British woman left in the singles draw after the 18-year-old shocked 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova; she only made her maiden WTA main draw appearance last month at the Nottingham Open and now she is into the third round of Wimbledon.

From sitting exams in mathematics and economics at school to a fairy-tale run at Wimbledon on her main draw debut, British teenager Emma Raducanu is on the road to a successful career.

Like Jack Draper, who also seized his moment to make a name for himself against Novak Djokovic on Monday, Raducanu has long been marked out as a potential star of the future.

Initially, she was only given a qualifying wild card to Wimbledon, but was upgraded after she put in strong performances on the grass in Nottingham, and the decision was fully vindicated as she marked her debut with victory over Vitalia Diatchenko.

Raducanu followed that up with a remarkable performance on Thursday night to beat 2019 French Open finalist Marketa Vondrousova in the second round.

The world No 338 might have become the youngest British woman to reach round three since the late Elena Baltacha in 2002, but she has vowed to keep playing every point like it is her last when she tackles Romanian world No 44 Sorana Cirstea next.

“Being someone who has not been able to compete much and who has always been held back by something, to be at the Championships I feel like I am on a holiday. It is unbelievable and I just want to stay here for as long as I can,” she said.

“Playing in front of a home crowd definitely helps. The support is so loud and they are so behind me. I am really grateful so I have that in the back of my mind.

“Also I was just thinking to play every point like it was my last and like it was match point or my last point at Wimbledon. I think that is also a trick I have been playing with myself.”

PGAN Targets over N200m Ahead Nigeria Tour The Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) of Nigeria has for once taken a proactive decision towards achieving its dream of having a sustainable tour christened “Nigeria Tour” that will be attracting international participation going forward.

It is a fundraising drive of over N200 million which according to the association would come up in an occasion tagged “Gala Night” tentatively in August 2021 in Lagos and another one in Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a date that would be made known in due course.

Dr. Tony Philmoore, the Director of PGA of Nigeria commenting on the development during the 2021 HSDGCC Classic which held at the Henry Seriake Dickson Golf and Country Club (HSDGCC), Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital believes it was high time Nigerian golf programme embraced the global vision to improve the rating of the players, particularly at the professional level.

The winner Sunday Olapade of Ikoyi Club, Lagos shot -13 over three days; Vincent Torgah of IBB Club, Abuja shot -11 for the second spot; Francis Epe of Ikoyi Club, Lagos and Kamalu Bako of Kano Club tied on -8 for the third position and Andrew Oche Odoh was fourth on -6 for the fourth position among others.

Against this backdrop the Director said, “For the winner to score -13; second position -11; third position -8; fourth position -6, in three days tells what it would have been in four days; this of course is the best results you can get anywhere in the world,” he enthused.

While charging the players not to rest on their oars he affirmed, “The PGA of Nigeria is beginning to return to what it was known for and I charge the players to remain focused, disciplined and professional in their conducts at all times to build on their present performance.”

Nigeria, Mexico International Friendly Live on DStv, GOtv The international friendly match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Mexico’s El Tricolor, scheduled to hold tomorrow will be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv. The encounter, billed for the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum (LA Coliseum), will be aired live on SuperSport Premier League (DStv channel 203) and SuperSport Nigeria Pop-up channel (GOtv channel 35) at 3:30pm.

The encounter between the two teams will serve as an opportunity for the Super Eagles to get into the best shape ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which will commence in September while El Tricolor will also use the match as part of their preparations for the Concacaf Gold Cup set to kick off in July.

Both teams have met five times, with Mexico winning 2-1 during the US Gold Cup match in Texas, while the four other face off have ended with no winner between

both parties. The last match between the two countries was in 2014 during the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

The three-time African champions will be bringing their A-game to the friendlies, seeing as they have never defeated the reigning Gold Cup winners in all past competitions.

All the matches of tournament are available to DStv customers on Premium, Compact Plus and Compact and on GOtv, the matches will be available to customers on GOtv Max and GOtv Jolli packages.

New customers can take advantage of the Biggie Goals Promo offer which sees the DStv HD decoder, dish kit and one-month Compact package subscription drop from N18,600 to N9,900, while GOtv decoder, GOtenna with a one-month Max package subscription will go from N9,500 to N6,900.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Ebuehi

Tyronne Ebuehi

Mission to Keep Venezia in Serie A Two of the demoted clubs from Serie A last season were clubs that gained promotion to the Italian elite division and that is what newly promotedVenezia are trying to avoid hence, they’ve sought the services of Nigerian international,Tyronne Ebuehi

N

igerian international, Tyronne Ebuehi has joined Serie A new boys Venezia FC on a season-long loan deal from Benfica with an option to buy permanently, making it the second consecutive loan spell for Ebuehi after his impressive stint with FC Twente in the just-concluded season.

The Nigerian international will continue his professional career at the Italian elite division side for one season.

Newly promoted Serie A side Venezia on Monday announced the arrival of Ebuehi from Benfica.

The Nigerian international will represent the Winged Lions during the 2021-22 Italian top-flight campaign, with an option to be signed permanently.

“Venezia FC announces that today

the agreement with SL Benfica has been signed for the passage in Gli Arancioneroverdi with the formula of the annual loan with obligation to buy in case of stay in Serie A of the player Tyronne Ebuehi,” a statement from the club website read.

“The defender, born in Haarlem in the Netherlands and also holding Nigerian citizenship, played for FC Twente last season, scoring one goal and one assist.

“He grew up in ADO Den Haag, a club with which he made his debut in the Eredivisie in the 2014/15 season, and was signed by Benfica with whom he played seven games in the Liga Revelacao U-23 and six games in Liga Portugal 2 in the 2019/20 season.

“During his career, Ebuehi also played 10 matches for Nigeria, including an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match and a World Cup match. Wel-

come Tyronne!”

Following his failure to get regular playing time at Estadio da Luz, the 25-year-old was loaned to Eredivisie side Twente.

There, he was a regular figure in Ron Jans’ squad – featuring in 33 league games with a goal against Feyenoord to his credit.

Before moving to Italy, the Super Eagles playwright had taken to social media to thank the Pride of the East for the chance to prove his worth “at the highest level”.

“That after two years of injury suffering and many difficult periods in my career I have been given the opportunity by FC Twente to show myself again at the highest level,” Ebuehi wrote on Instagram.

“I will be forever grateful to the club for. I would also like to thank my teammates, trainers, medical/technical staff

and of course the supporters of the club very much for last season.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to finish the season the way we started it and will separate our paths here, but I wish the club all the best!”

According to Mattia Collauto, Venezia’s sporting director, the Lagunrani have secured a top-level player in the Nigerian, who looks set to give the club’s first-choice right-back Pasquale Mazzocchi a good fight for a spot in the starting-XI. Speaking at Ebuehi’s official presentation, Collauto said: “Ebuehi has different characteristics compared to Mazzocchi. In the past years, he was one of the best prospects in his role.

Last year he had a very good campaign with Twente and I think he is coming at the right time to the Italian championship. The team’s technical depth is increasing, as this is a top-level player.”

At the Stadio Pierluigi Penzo, he is expected to also become a regular at Venezia and one of the players that coach Paolo Zanetti will be banking on to keep the club in the Italian top flight this coming season after a 19-year absence from the Italian topflight.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

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AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

7 Reasons to Paint Your Car

R - L: Abiona Babarinde, GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group; Dr. Aliyu Jelani, DG, National Automotive Design and Development; Ifeanyi Agwu, MD, BKG; Julie Nwaoha, Truck Enthusiast during the unveiling of Ford Truck brand into Nigeria represented by Coscharis Motors at the 15th Lagos Motor Fair holding at the Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos... recently

Coscharis Partners Ford Trucks at Lagos Auto Fair 2021

C

oscharis Motors Plc., already a strong name in the Nigerian automobile market, recently exhibited and announced its partnership with Ford Trucks at the ongoing Lagos Auto Fair at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino. The partnership aims to oͿer more value to the Nigerian truck market by extending Ford Trucks products and services to all truck users in the market.

Ford Trucks is one of the largest international heavy duty truck manufacturers in the world and has selected Coscharis Motors Plc as the o΀cial distributor for Ford Trucks Heavy Commercial Vehicles in Nigeria. Building on their current success in the country, with the partnership, Ford Trucks

will oͿer truck sales, aftersales services, and spare parts for its customers in Nigeria, thus strengthening its position in Africa.

According to Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Communications, Coscharis Group, “with Ford Trucks’ almost 60 years of experience in truck manufacturing and product development for international markets, we are glad to announce the conÀdence Ford Trucks reposed in us to represent them in Nigeria. Being part of the Auto fair is a strategic move to showcase what Ford Trucks and Coscharis have on oͿer in order to jointly delight the heavy duty truck customer”.

Similarly, the Vice President of Ford Trucks, Serhan Turfan, enthused that “we believe that Coscharis will represent our brand in Nigeria excellently by building on our steady presence in the region and

this is why we have committed to the new facility in Lagos, which is an important milestone for our operations in Nigeria.

We are very pleased to partner with Coscharis, a leading respected brand name in the automobile sector in Nigeria to expand our services for our customers in Nigeria. Coscharis, a strong partner of Ford for years, not only in distribution but also in assembly, oͿers to customers complete solutions including Ànance with Coscharis Mobility, the exclusive representative of Sixth in Nigeria. With our new partner, we are committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and competitive aftersales solutions through dedicated facilities for sales, service, and parts. We believe Coscharis will represent our brand in the best possible way in Nigeria.”

Jelani Canvases Increased Patronage of Nigerian Assembled Vehicles

T

he Director General of the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu has predicted an exponential growth in Nigeria’s auto industry if there is an increase in patronage.

Aliyu, a reputable automotive designer who worked for the American car company General Motors as a senior creative designer, until his appointment in 2017 by President Muhammadu Buhari, said, “The industry and stakeholders are ready and have always been to assemble vehicles in Nigeria but the challenge has been patronage.

“So if we can unlock the local demand, I think we would be going a million miles an hour.”

The director general spoke after inspecting some vehicles assembled in Nigeria that were on display at the 15th Edition of the annual Lagos International Motor Fair at the Federal Palace Hotel, Ahmadu Bello Way Victoria Island, Lagos.

The fair, which held against all odds, began on June 28, ends today.

He said the assembling of vehicles in Nigeria, especially Lagos means a lot for the Nigerian market. “We are sure it’s going to add value to many people. Those that have jobs in the factories would be using it for their personal needs. These are the types of development that the federal government through the NADDC and the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment would continue to focus on and continue to support because we strongly believe the only viable future for Nigeria is the one of industrialisation and the sector plays a significant role in any nation.

“There is infrastructure on ground. When you look at the vehicles here, these companies and more have invested over N500 billion in their plants and factories. So, they believe in the Nigerian market. The reason why these questions keep coming up is because of lack of patronage.

The ability to build these vehicles exists and it’s not something we are chasing and it is not something that would happen in the next five or 10 years, it exists already but Nigerians would buy these vehicles and you would be surprised at the high percentage of Nigerian-made vehicles on the roads.”

He also discussed the future of Nigeria’s auto industry in regard to zero carbon future with electric vehicles. “Electric vehicles are already here, and for Nigeria electric vehicles aren’t just a future, they are the now. Hyundai Kona, Jet van, OMAA amongst others. When you really analyse and scientifically understand electric vehicles, they are better for us practically and socially. We are people that aren’t into maintenance, electric vehicles allows you to run a million miles without much maintenance.

“So, we can do it and we are doing it. Very soon we would be commissioning for Lagos, the first solar power electric vehicle charging station. NADDC is going beyond production of electric vehicles; we are also looking at the infrastructure. Nigeria cannot afford to be left

behind, we believe what has been done in other places can easily be replicated here, it is not a tall order, it is something that Nigerians and others committed to development can easily do.”

On the revised National Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP), Aliyu said, “We are done with the draft, we are looking at that final draft to crystalise it further and once it is out, we are sure it would pass through as an Executive Bill. But one beautiful thing is that we have investors and stakeholders even as we face challenges, even as we are working on the review of the auto policy, they have invested billions of Naira in the Nigerian automotive sector saying that they believe in it and they are here for Nigeria and they would continue to be for Nigeria to the betterment of the nation.

Do you love the way your car drives but hate the way it looks? It may be time for a paint job. Everyone has a different reason for giving their car a fresh finish, ranging from accidents to restorations. These are seven of the top reasons people choose to have their vehicle painted. If your car is due for a new coat be sure to leave the job to your local professional auto paint shop to ensure it gets done right.

Change the colour of your car For some people they simply cannot handle the colour of their vehicle. Instead of going out and buying a new car it is a great idea to have the vehicle repainted to match your personal tastes.

Increase the resale value of your car If you are thinking about selling your vehicle in the near future it may be well worth it to paint the vehicle, especially if the paint is not currently in decent shape. Completing a paint job will usually increase the resale value much more than the cost of the service.

The paint has become faded and dull In order to return a vehicle to factory condition you may need to have computer color match painting completed. This will restore your vehicle’s finish to its original color.

Your vehicle has suffered scratches Scratches are not only unsightly but they can result in rust. Any paint damage that leaves the metal of the vehicle’s metal body exposed can cause it to rust. If the rust takes hold it could eventually lead to the rust creating holes in the body.

Turn your vehicle into a show car Maybe your current paint job just isn’t winning any awards. A new custom paint job can help bring home the trophies.

You are completing an auto restoration Do you have a 1930s roadster? Or maybe a ‘60s muscle car? Well to finish off that restoration you’re going to need a beautiful paint job.

Paint your vehicle following an auto accident Of course, if your car has been involved in a wreck it will likely require collision repair as well as auto painting in order to restore it to its pre-accident condition. (Source: Chamblee).

5 FactsTo Consider Before Getting Your Car Painted Having your vehicle painted is an undertaking that can bring a lot of satisfaction. Not only will your car look like new, its exterior durability can be significantly enhanced. Choosing to have your vehicle repainted also requires an investment of money and time.

Before bringing your vehicle to a paint or auto body shop, take some time to get the facts. Understanding what the painting process entails makes it easier to choose whether or not to have your vehicle repainted. Armed with the facts, you can make a more informed decision.

Painting a Vehicle Takes Time.

New Paint Won’t Fix Everything.

Car Painting Prices May Vary.

Painting Adds Value.

Painting Requires Removing the Car’s Interior.

PAINTING A VEHICLE TAKES TIME Some vehicle paint shops boast a turn-around time of three days or less, but in general, you should expect your car to be in the shop for at least a week. Why does it take so much time for the car to be repainted? New paint cannot be applied directly to old paint. The fading, oxidation, and irregular surface of a vehicle’s existing paint does not allow for the smooth application of a new coat. Removal of the existing layers of paint and other prep work must be completed before new paint can be applied. If a car requires extensive prep work, it will also raise the total price for the paint job.

Director General of the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council, Jelani Aliyu

NEW PAINT WON’T FIX EVERYTHING It’s important to have realistic expectations with repainting or paint repair. “Sometimes new paint has the opposite effect,” says Brandon Badell, owner. “If you want to paint over damage without fixing it properly, a fresh coat of shiny paint can actually highlight problem areas.”

For the best results, the auto body shop should first remove the old paint on the car and fix any damage that is present. Damage can include:

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ˜ ͺͮͰͯ

35

AUTO WORLD

Kia Displays new Designs of K5, Sorento at Lagos Auto Fair

K

ia’s presence at the 15th Lagos Auto Fair continues to highlight the wealth of research and development that has gone into the brand’s products, which aims to attract a trendsetting audience. This is matched by the display of the brand’s alluring models including the Kia K5 and Kia Sorento, allowing visitors to interact, engage and immerse themselves in the Kia’s latest innovative technologies and top-of-the-segment vehicles.

To demonstrate the ongoing transformation of Kia’s new design and brand relaunch, Kia Nigeria debuted its made-in-Nigeria all-new 2021 Kia Sorento at the fair. Also at the fair is Kia’s global best-selling sedan, K5 combines a striking new design with a driver-focused interior, cutting-edge technologies, and all-new powertrain options – illustrating the premium qualities that the Kia brand now offers Nigerian customers.

“The all-new K5 is the ideal model for the exuberant, tech-savvy individuals, as it can help achieve a lifestyle centered around personal freedom and mobility said Olawale Jimoh, the Marketing Manager of Kia Nigeria. “The all-new K5 is well placed to establish itself as a fresh force within the premium sedan market, highlighted by its slick, sporty look, class-transcending space, robust powertrain, and diverse, cutting-edge technologies.”

Commenting on the new K5 design, the DirectorGeneral of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr. Jelani Aliyu while at the opening ceremony of the Lagos Auto Fair expressed his awe at the “slick design” of the premium sedan.

He also lauds Kia’s alluring design of the roomy, high-tech interior, sharp handling, and fresh new

Marketing Manager of Kia Motors, Wale Jimoh presenting the Sorento assembled in Nigeria to the Director General of the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Jelani Aliyu, at the 15th Lagos Motor Fair held in Lagos… recently look characterized by sculpted bodywork and the premium model’s bold lines. The K5 also boasts a suite of advanced safety, connectivity and infotainment technologies, placing it among the most high-tech and comprehensively equipped cars in its class.

The all-new K5 is defined by distinctive exterior elements, such as the long hood and glittering

horizontal chrome lines on the front bumper, and sensuous shoulder lines pressed into the sides. It also sports a wide “Tiger Nose” grille, intricately designed full LED headlights, premium crystal-cut alloy wheelbase, as well as a chrome-enmeshed rear bumper, all of which accentuate the SUV’s dynamic appearance.

The fourth generation of the all-new 2021 Sorento features a head-turning design, more off-road capability, and proven safety technology. With a bold new name representing Kia’s engineering and consumer confidence, the K5 on the other hand sets a new standard among midsize sedans with its revolutionary design and powerful turbocharged engine line-up.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé 2021 Now Available

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or model year 2021, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupp is offered with an even wider range of equipment options and also more opportunities for individualisation.

Customers have, for instance, a more extensive choice of wheels, upholstery options, trim and exterior colours, according to a statement by the automaker.

There will furthermore be an exclusive Edition, available in conjunction with any of the engine variants. The reconfigured suspension guarantees in addition an even broader spread between sportiness and comfort. The six-cylinder variants of the AMG GT 4-Door Coupp model year 2021, which will be arriving at the European dealerships in August, can be ordered now, with prices starting at €96,877.90.

With its symbiosis of exciting driving dynamics, superb comfort and outstanding everyday usability, the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupp has already attracted a wide and loyal fan base. The success of its overall concept is due to the many individualisation options on offer. With this latest facelift, customers now have an even wider range of equipment details to choose from,

with which they can tailor their Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupp even more specifically to their personal requirements.

The choice of exterior colours has been extended by the addition of the new shades spectral blue metallic and the matt finish spectral blue magno, so that it now includes three matt paint finishes, five metallic shades and two solid paint colours. Those looking for a more expressive, sporty look may select the new optional AMG Night Package II, which incorporates numerous exterior highlights in dark chrome and black. Also new is the combination of Night Package and Carbon Fibre Package, as is the possibility of modifying the front view of the six-cylinder versions to match the look of the eight-cylinder models. The range of AMG wheels has also been expanded to include, among others, new 20-inch 10-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels as well as intricately designed, sporty 21-inch 5-twin-spoke forged wheels.

Red-painted brake callipers may now also be ordered as an option for the six-cylinder models. The reconfigured AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension adjusts even more precisely to different road surface conditions and the various drive programs, so enabling it to offer a broader spread between comfort and dynamic handling.

Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, the comprehensively updated sports car

Do you drive fatigued?

Today, I am constrained to share this piece on fatigue after listening to a sad story on how a father of three died in a lone crash after choosing to drive even when the signs were glaring that he was fatigued.

This very interesting material on the fatigue was put together by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.

Although I have done something similar, I am however, compelled to write this piece again because of the above tragedy and others that either resulted in deaths or multiple injuries.

Although data on road crashes to justify the danger of fatigue in Nigeria is scarce, globally fatigue remains a hidden killer. Many have died in the name of tyre burst, speed, dangerous overtaking when in actual fact the real factor may have been fatigue that was ignored as nothing serious. What really is fatigue? According to the Australian material, a combination or any of the following warning signs means the driver is becoming fatigued: yawning, eyes feeling sore or heavy, vision starting to blur, daydreaming- thinking of everything else but not your driving, not concentrating, becoming impatient, reactions seem slow, speed creeps up and down, making poor gear changes, wandering over the centre line or onto the road edge, feeling stiͿ or cramped, you start’ seeing things’, you feel hungry or thirsty, you have di΀culties keeping your head up or eyes open, you hear a droning or humming in your ears, you don’t notice a vehicle until it overtakes you.

When you notice these signs, please don’t ignore them .Don’t plead the blood either. Don’t even bother binding the ‘innocent devil.’ Hey, not even time to

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

blast in unknown tongues. It is not the devil. Not your in-law. Not your angry landlord. Not even your jealous colleague in the o΀ce. Not the road condition or your car either. But you. Yes you. Once fatigue sets in, there is little you can do about it except stop as soon as possible and take a break. Take a break, sooner rather than later.

Driver fatigue can be just as deadly as drink-driving or excessive speeding. The problem of fatigue is that it slowly develops and drivers often don’t realise they are too tired to drive safely. Ironically; there is always a warning sign. It could begin with yawning.

Fatigue, according to research is caused by lack of sleep or broken sleep. Alcohol and some medications can also cause sleepiness. Although the need for sleep varies among individuals, sleeping eight hours in a 24-hour period is common. The eͿect of sleep loss builds up. Regularly losing 1 to 2 hours sleep a night can create a “sleep debt” and lead to chronic sleepiness over time. Just being in bed doesn’t mean a person has

had enough sleep. Disrupted sleep has the same eͿect as lack of sleep. Illness, noise; activity can interrupt and reduce the amount and quality of sleep.

Like every other driving habits or problems, fatigue has its fair share of myths. For those freaky about night trips or night journeys, the notion is that it is safer to make the trip at night in order to avoid day-time tra΀c build-up. The fact, however is that your body has a normal 24 hour rhythm pattern built into it. If you are driving when you would normally be sleeping you will be Àghting yourself to stay awake. The chances of falling asleep at the wheel after your normal bedtime, especially in the early hours of the morning, are very high. There is also the notion that it is a good idea to start the trip after work. Some believe they can cope with driving long or short distances despite the pressure of work, multiple meetings and other o΀cial and uno΀cial engagements which are often heightened during the ember months with increased motorization. This same mind-set personally aͿects me whenever I am posted to the Àeld with lots of travelling and the urge to Ànd time for my family. I love my two sons like heaven and would do everything to spend valuable time with them and my lovely wife like every loving father or husband. But do you know the risk involved? Travelling after work is certainly not the ideal and this is a fact. After the mental and physical demands of o΀ce work during the day, you will be too tired even though you will not realize it.

The safest thing to do is to get a good night’s sleep (about 7-8hours of undisturbed sleep) and start your

journey the next morning.

There are those who think that loud music will keep you awake. Agreed that loud music can; however, it will help for a while. It might even distract you from the driving task or even send you to sleep. What about coͿee? Gworo? What if combined with cigarettes?

CaͿeine is only a short-term solution and will have less eͿect the more often you use it. It might make you feel more alert but it won’t keep you going for long.

Sleep remains the long term solution. This reminds me of a personal experience way back at the greatest university – the University of Lagos. Although it had nothing to do with driving, it however taught me a little lesson about cheating nature. While on a post-graduate programme, we went to what was then one of the bukas on campus to Àll our stomachs. After a good meal, my friend and classmate nick-named Folly, who is today a senior o΀cer in one of the services, suggested we buy kola-nuts and top it up with his favorite Saint Morris.

We obliged and bought kola-nuts and cigarettes as suggested. We smoked plenty, topping it up with plenty of kola-nut all in the name of dealing a deadly blow to sleep. To my astonishment, as soon as we got into the post-graduate library, my friend who incidentally took more of the gworo and cigarettes, suddenly pulled oͿ his shirt, dragged a table and was about to do the unexpected- sleep, when I jokingly challenged him and said ‘old boy, how can you try that after all you have consumed.’ Of course, that friendly challenge and stupid joke almost resulted in a Àght by two friends whose real problem was sleep. To make peace, my good friend was allowed to sleep all night instead of our planned all night jacking (reading).

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SATURDAY JULY 3, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 3, 2021

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MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Traffic Assistant II, Zone 12, Alausa, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Rukayat Mohammed; Assistant Head of Sales, Amber Energy Drink, Korede Omole; Sales Representative, Owie Osagie; Account Director, MediaEdge, Moji Matesun, Chief Driver, Amber Energy Drink, Kazeem Mustapha and Sales Representative, Amber Energy Drink, Oluwagbesan Damilola, during the CSR initiative of Amber Energy Drink to mark its one year anniversary in Lagos... recently

L-R: Brand Manager, Trophy Lager, Aanu Oyewole with Veteran Nollywood Icon, Bamidele Odule, during the “Waa Gbayi Experience” with the veteran by Trophy Lager, a product of International Breweries Plc. in Ogun state ..... recently

Firm Announces Winners Amber Marks One Year of Reality TV Show Anniversary in Style, Panache If there is any inspiring word to describe Amber for its doggedness, it will be resilience with verve. Considering the circumstance surrounding its birth a year ago, when it broke all barriers to become a premium brand with its virtual launch at the peak of COVID-19 pandemic, the Amber brand, surely has guts and gusto.

Packaged in an elegant can, endearing green, red and black colours, accompanied with a refreshing taste and healthy energy boosting ingredients, the brand is a class in its own world! It is manufactured

with distinctive features and unique qualities that have distinguished this iconic energy drink from the packs in the hotly competitive Nigeria energy market. Since its birth in 2020, Amber has been growing in leaps and bounds with its strong penetration into the market. Having kicked off with the pay – off – line, “stimulate the energy in you”, an indication that the brand is strategically positioned to understand the hustle and bustle associated with Lagosians, living in the city that never sleeps – Lagos. It has been refreshing hundreds of millions of consumers

with a refreshingly tasty energy just to ease off their stress.

Amber knows Nigerians to be hustlers and workaholics, which is why it is not leaving any stone unturned, as a top- of –the- mind brand, by engaging with positive lifechanging corporate social responsibility activities.

According to the brand, amplifying the sensory quality of the brand by connecting with consumers will help drive further awareness, as well as creating an encouraging bottom lines and market penetration.

Since its inception, Amber has been committed to creating real value by meeting the exact needs of its consumers through various empowerment programmes aimed at alleviating the suffering of the populace.

Some of the major building platforms for the iconic energy drink are: Empowerment Scheme The brand understands that SMEs in Nigeria are confronted with challenges such as lack of finance in starting and developing business, together with poor infrastructure.

Chivita with Meals Campaign Debuts Nigeria’s leading fruit juice brand, Chivita, has launched a new communication campaign tagged Chivita with Meals. The campaign is designed to inspire consumers to continue enjoying the quality nourishment Chivita juices provide, and to associate Chivita with everyday meal moments through consumption of Chivita with their meals in-home or out of home.

The range of Chivita juices (Chivita 100%, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Happy Hour by Chivita, and Chivita Ice Tea) are a great combination of taste and nourishment which complement your everyday meals.

The Chivita with Meals campaign

therefore aligns with the popular trend amongst Nigerians who enhance their everyday dining experiences by complementing great tasting meals with nourishing beverages.

Complementing Chivita fruit juices, speciÀcally anyone of the range of Chivita 100% healthy variants, with your breakfast meals is a good way to kick-start your mornings, as these products are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to boost your overall health.

Drinking any of the Chivita fruit juices, for example Chivita Active or Happy Hour by Chivita, is a great way to Ànish oͿ your meals

& snacks.

Deployed across diͿerent communication channels including Print, Digital, and Out of Home, the Chivita with Meals campaign will be executed in diͿerent cities and regions across the country.

The visually stimulating images showing diͿerent, familiar meals which appeal and connect with the culture, traditions and ethnicity of the diverse Nigerian population.

The Chivita with Meals images have been mostly paired with 2 favourite products from the Chivita family – Chi Exotic and Chivita Ice Tea. According to Brand Manager, Mr. Oladapo Olanrewaju, “we de-

veloped our exciting communication in response to consumer feedback that tells us these 2 Áavours are consumer favourites for pairing with meals, which gives them that great, pleasurable meal experience every day.”

Chivita range of fruit juices – Chivita 100%, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Happy Hour by Chivita, and Chivita Ice Tea – are the number one choice of fruit juices for Nigerian consumers. Not only are Chivita juices great tasting fruit juice beverages, they are also a daily source of nourishment, rejuvenation and refreshment, to individuals and Nigerian families.

NowNow Bags Best Mobile Firm Announces Winners of Fintech Solution Awards Book Reading Competition Digital banking platform , NOWNOW Digital Systems Limited, has emerged the 2021 Best Mobile Fintech Solution at the just concluded Leaders in Fintech Awards.

The award initiative put together by Entrepreneur Middle East, a leading market intelligence organisation, recognises top companies, technologies and products in the global fintech market that have proven exceptional in areas of innovation, creativity and hard work.

NowNow won the awards category on the basis of high capacity services, which its demonstrated with results in helping the financial services industry leap through innovations.

“The company was able to achieve this with its proven fintech solutions, via its secure and efficient lending, digital payments and security innovations.

“The awards is a way to honor

technology companies that are revolutionising the industries and spanning digital banking, personal finance, lending, payments and investments,” said the award organisers.

The award is coming almost at the same time when NowNow upgraded and improved on its scalable services to help the banked and the unbanked of all sizes with innovative and secured solutions, thus creating the largest fintech ecosystem in Africa Responding, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Sahir Berry,said, “NowNow is a comprehensive financial technology which offers a variety of services to suit diverse needs. Whether it is sending money to someone in the event of an emergency need or transferring money as a gift, the company lets you complete money transfer in easy steps.

Bookville World has announced the winners of its just concluded reading competition, which aimed to enhance the reading habit among children.

According to the organisers, the competition was initiated to encourage reading for pleasure, as well as an avenue to spice up literature and give children an incentive to open a book.

The fourth edition of the exercise held from May to June 2021 in Port Harcourt and produced over 100 entries from where Ariella Anwana of Aladumo International School emerged grand prize winner.

Onyeka-Daniel Ivana Blessing of Federal Government Girls College Abuloma came second in the contest while Nekuojo Osahenrumwen Omelikamu of Teko School clinched the third position. Speaking, Ever Obi, acting

Managing Director of Zedvance Finance, a major sponsor of the contest stated that the company keyed into the initiative as part of its commitments to promoting reading culture amongst Nigerian students.

He added that the move was also to encourage parents and the society at large to prioritize primary and secondary education for their wards, being pivotal to nation-building.

He said, “Part of the goals of United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development is quality education (Goal 4). The objective is to eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations before 2030.

The organisers of 100% Entertainment Reality TV Show, Red Carpet on TV Media has announced the winners of the season two edition of the contest.

The initiative was put together to encourage and empower youths to be self-su΀cient, while contributing meaningfully to economy development.

According to the organisers, the exercise also sought to promote young talents to limelight; amongst other values.

At the end of the contest which kicked oͿ in April 2021, 20-year-old Ayobami Adelaja, a budding artiste from Ogun State emerged overall winner to clinch a multi-million Naira grand prize.

Adelaja emerged from the 13 top Ànalists drawn from a nationwide audition, where only the top-three

of one female and two male housemates made it to the grand Ànale.

The housemates enjoyed 14 days of drama, magic and exposure to opportunities that were meant to shape their dreams.

Some of the highlights of the show included talent showcase, feature in a Nollywood block buster movie by Red Carpet Pictures to hit the Cinema soon, time out with a Nollywood celebrity, Nuella Njubigbo, Late Majek Fashek’s Manager, Uzoma Omenka and Fashion Designer cum Actress Teniola Akinpelu, amongst other activities.

The organisers identiÀed its key partners for this year’s edition as Qualitea Nigeria, Phamatex Industries and Dabinchi Global. Others included: OhWow PopCorn and Jasmine Empire.

Future Females Invest Iconic Women Launches in Lagos Female entrepreneurs have been enjoined to take their place as the key to Nigeria’s prosperity and vital factor to the country’s economic turnaround.

Dr. Akintoye Akindele, Executive Chairman, Unicorn Group and Platform Capital Investment Partner gave this charge at the Future Females Invest Iconic Women launch which held at the Capital Club, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently.

According to Akindele, female entrepreneurs are taking control of over 20 per cent of businesses in Nigeria, with the number on a steady ascent.

“Post COVID-19 provides the perfect opportunity for women entrepreneurs to thrive, with many venture capitalists ready to partner with female businesses,” Akindele said.

Executive Marketing Head of corporate sponsor of the event, Old Mutual Insurance Co. Ltd., Alero Ladipo, in her contribution disclosed that, “Old Mutual and FFI Iconic Women Network is for women entrepreneurs to be economically empowered. The partnership and networking will enable female entrepreneurs to grow their wealth and create their own legacies.”

“I posit that no financial plan better empowers than an insurance cover.

All genders are equally insured with the same expectations in terms of compensation, which allows for a balanced society and further propels women to achieve grater goals,” she remarked. Meanwhile, Torera Abiola,

Co-Founder, Future Females Invest (FFI) enjoined the Bank of Industry (BOI), SMEDAN and RMRDC to partner with FFI to revamp the nation’s economy.

“Iconic Women Network which consists of female entrepreneurs across Africa who have broken barriers and are leaders in industries, need to be encouraged to provide more employment to teeming youths and help the dwindling economy,” she noted.

According to Abiola, “the FFI Iconic Women network provides a safe haven for women leaders from a wide range of sectors and professions to meet, network and partner on investment.”

She further explained that, “women role models share their success stories to motivate, create, change and open doors for mentees.”

“The time is now to move beyond music and scrolling social media, and to connect, obtain inspiring and useful business information that is necessary for female careers, business, personal and financial life,” Abiola added.

Over 50 iconic women entrepreneurs were in attendance at the event, including: Dr Wura Abiola, MD Management Transformation Ltd; Toyin Sanni, CEO Emerging Africa Capital Group; Oluwatobi Adeleye, Team Lead, Old Mutual Assurance Co Ltd; Remi Amoo, DMD Funtay Group; Caroline Tenzer, Managing Partner, SDM Communication Ltd., among others.

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SATURDAY JULY 3, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

After Several Loan Spells, Chelsea Finally Sell Victor Moses to Spartak Moscow

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Premier League giants Chelsea have announced former Nigeria international Victor Moses has made a permanent move to Spartak Moscow.

The 30-year-old wide man was on loan at the Russian club last season, making 20 appearances.

The Nigerian joined the Russian outfit last summer

on loan after failing to win over former Blues boss Frank Lampard, with the deal turning permanent if Spartak finished in the top three of the Russian Premier League.

His temporary stay in the Russian capital proved to be a success, as he scored four goals and laid on as many assists in 19 appearances as Spartak finished runners-up to champions Zenit St Petersburg.

One of his strikes came in

Spartak’s final game of the season, with his 82nd-minute strike earning them a 2-2 draw at Akhmat Grozny and ensuring they finished a point above city rivals Lokomotiv, securing a place in the third round of Champions League qualifica-

tion ties in the process.

The Russian side used Moses in the right wing-back role that made him so crucial to Antonio Conte in Chelsea’s last Premier League title-winning season in 2016-17.

After joining Chelsea in 2012

from Wioses went on to play 128 times for the Blues, scoring 18 goals, and win the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League.

As well as Spartak, he also had stints on loan at Liverpool, Stoke, West Ham, Fenerbahce

and Inter Milan during his time with Chelsea.

Moses, scorer of 12 goals in 37 appearances for Nigeria, played at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups and helped the Super Eagles win the African Nations Cup in 2013.

Mikel Obi Joins Kuwait SC after Stoke City Former Super Eagles Captain, John Mikel Obi has joined Kuwait Sporting Club after having his deal with Stoke City cancelled by mutual consent.

The 34-year-old made 41 appearances in two seasons with Stoke and his deal had another 12 months left to run.

Mikel joined Stoke from Turkish side Trabzonspor, having previously spent 11 years with Chelsea.

Stoke boss Michael O’Neill said there was an agreement he could leave for a “significant overseas opportunity”.

He added: “John is a fantastic professional and was a huge presence for us last season both

on and off the field, particularly with the young players in our first-team squad.”

Mikel made 249 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, which ended when he left Stamford Bridge in 2017.

He won the Champions League and Europa League, two Premier Leagues, three FA Cups and the League Cup during his time with the London club.

Mikel won 89 caps for Nigeria, played in two World Cups and helped the Super Eagles win the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, before announcing his retirement from international football two years ago.

Euro 2020

Spain, Italy Book European Championship Semifinal Tickets Three-time champions Spain survived another scare to beat 10-man Switzerland in a dramatic penalty shootout to reach the semi-finals of the European Championship, while Italy defeated Belgium 2-1 for a place in the semis.

Swiss substitute Ruben Vargas was in tears at fulltime after he blasted his penalty over the bar, allowing Mikel Oyarzabal to score the decider for Spain.

Spain, ranked sixth in the world, also needed extra time to defeat Croatia in the last 16 despite leading 3-1 with five minutes of normal time to play.

They were in front in St Petersburg against Switzerland too - midfielder Denis Zakaria deflected JordiAlba’s shot into his own net to give Spain an early lead.

Swiss captain Xherdan Shaqiri equalised following a mistake at the back by Spain but team-mate Remo Freuler was sent off nine minutes later.

They held on to force extra time and a shootout but missed three spot kicks which ultimately proved costly.

WhenAlba’s shot deflected in to put Spain 1-0 up in the eighth minute, there were hopeful signs for Luis Enrique’s side.

They had chances to ex-

tend their lead with Cesar Azpilicueta and Pau Torres both nodding wide from corners.

But Spain’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal almost came back to bite them when Zakaria, earlier at fault for the own goal, came close with a header himself, while Steven Zuber was denied from close range.

Italy set up a Euro 2020 semi-final match with Spain after edging an exhilarating tie with Belgium in Munich.

The game may not have been a goal feast like some of the last-16 ties but it was an intense battle between two excellent teams playing fantastic football.

Italy have been arguably the best team at the tournament so far, while Belgium are the world’s top-ranked team.

The Azzurri’s two goals - which took the team up to 13 consecutive wins and 32 games without defeat - were of the highest quality.

Nicolo Barella wriggled through three defenders before drilling in the opener and Lorenzo Insigne ran from the halfway line before curling in one of the goals of the tournament.

Euro 2020 Q’finals Results Switzerland 1-1 Spain (1-3 pen) Belgium 1-2 Italy

Mikel Obi

Liverpool Adamant on Awoniyi’s Permanent Move Former Nigeria junior international, Taiwo Awoniyi looks set to leave Liverpool permanently after the Reds reportedly rejected a loan offer.

The Nigerian has never featured for the Reds.

This comes from the Liverpool Echo, as it claims Awoniyi will likely leave Liverpool this summer on a permanent deal.

That’s clear after the Reds rejected another loan offer for the Nigerian. Bundesliga side Mainz 05 – who have had Awoniyi on loan before – wanted to secure a temporary

deal once again.

Liverpool said no, however, and it appears Awoniyi will leave the club permanently.

That’s despite never actually being a part of a matchday squad for the club.

Awoniyi has been on the Liverpool books since 2015. Work permit issues have meant he’s never had clearance to play for the club, though.

The result of that was a series of loans. Awoniyi has been at six different clubs away from Liverpool

across four different leagues.

He’s never had a settled time anywhere.

But it seems that’s finally on its way for the 23-year-old.

Liverpool hope to sell him for £8m and several clubs have interest.

One actually made a bid – Anderlecht. They offered around £4m to sign Awoniyi but the Reds said no. It’s going to be £8m or nothing.

What makes things much easier for Liverpool is that Awoniyi finally secured a work

permit this summer. He can officially play in English football, meaning several clubs have eyes on him.

On top of that, Awoniyi would like to remain in England or move back to Germany, where he’s been on loan for two years. With such rich clubs looking at the player, it does seem likely that one of them pays £8m.

And it’s hard to complain about £8m for a player you’ve literally never used. If Liverpool pull that off, they’ve done remarkable well in a difficult situation.

Nwakali may Return to England with Leeds United If reports in The Athletic is anything to go by, Nigeria international Kelechi Nwakali will be playing in the English Premier League in the coming season as Leeds United are said to be interested in signing the Huesca midfielder this summer.

Nwakali would jump at anotherchancetoreturn to England and impress after failing to make his mark at Arsenal during a three-year stay.

The talented youngster was the star for the Golden Eaglets at the under-17 World Cup in 2015, where he led Nigeria to the title as their captain.

Nwakali won the Golden Ball Award, ahead of more

celebrated teammates like Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.

He signed for Arsenal in the summer of the following year but was farmed out on loan to Maastricht, Venlo, and Porto B before his release in September 2019 without a first-team appearance to his name.

Nwakali moved to Huesca but failed to secure a regular first-team spot before he went on loan to Alcorcon, where he showed his quality once again.

His performances in the Segunda Division have reportedly caught the attention of Leeds, who are badly in need

of another central midfielder this summer.

Leeds would have to try hard for the 22-year-old as Watford are also reportedly monitoring the Nigerian’s situation, with competition from La Liga duo Osasuna and Levante.

SD Huesca were delighted with the progress made by the Nigerian youngster during his loanspellat Alcorcón and have attempted to fend off interest shown in the versatile midfielder by offering him a new contract.

Nwakali would not have wasted time to sign on the dotted line if The Azulgranas were not demoted to the

second-tier at the end of last season.

The 23-year-old has ambitions to represent the Super Eagles at next year’s World Cup and is aware that he must be playing for a topflight European club to be considered for selection by manager Gernot Rohr.

Nwakali departed Arsenal in the summer of 2019 without playing a single game for the first team because he couldn’t sort out his papers.

Nwakali has just one year left on his contract at the Spanish second division side and could be on the move in the coming weeks.

Two Players of Nigerian Descent Sign New Reading Deals Championship club Reading have announced through their official website that two strikers of Nigerian descent in the shape of Femi Azeez and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan have extended their contracts.

Femi, the older brother of Arsenal midfielder Miguel Azeez, has put pen to paper on an ad-

ditional one-year professional deal with The Royals.

Aged 20, Femi Azeez scored ten goals for the U23s last season in the Premier League 2 to finish as the team’s top goalscorer in the 2020-2021 campaign.

He joined Reading academy in September 2019 after

spells with non-league clubs Northwood and Wealdstone.

The Spanish-Anglo-Nigerian starlet made his senior debut for Reading in a 3-0 rout of Sheffield Wednesday back in March, coming off the bench in the 90th minute.

The 18-year-old Ehibhatiomhan has signed his first

professional contract, a deal that will keep him at Reading until at least the end of the 2021-2022 campaign.

Last season, he represented Reading in the U18 Premier League, Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup, scoring ten goals in 20 games across all competitions.

TR

Saturday, July 3, 2021

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PDP on Lauretta Onochie “The Nigeria 1999 Constitution as amended clearly prohibits people like Mrs. Onochie, who is very partisan, in fact, a card-carrying member of a political party to be appointed into INEC as an electoral umpire” – The Peoples Democratic Party protesting the nomination of President Buhari’s media aide, Lauretta Onochie, as a Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Nigeria’s Week of James Bond Movies

F

ellow Nigerians, I don’t know about you, but the week started for me on a normal note. I had looked forward to my routine life of activities. Little did I envisage the big news ahead. Government backed, government style gangsterism, no less, descended on us without warning. No journalist could have anticipated such multiple events in any single week.

But this is Nigeria, a country that is always action packed like a Chinese movie.

I had always told anyone who cared to listen that Nigeria parades some of the smartest security operatives in the world, and I’m not making this up or being patronising to our men and women of the Armed Forces. I have had the privilege of interacting with some of them while on peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, where they overpowered the rebels that threatened to collapse those West African nations. I witnessed first-hand, how our men and women were warmly received and very well respected. I was always proud to visit them, and take pictures to display to the outside world. Those countries are eternally grateful to Nigeria.

So, you can now imagine how embarrassing it became that the same security guys who got rave reviews and accolades abroad returned home to popular acclaim only to find out that their successors have acquired notoriety for their inability to take the battle to the doorsteps of bandits and over ambitious terrorists in order to overwhelm the miscreants. It ihas been a sad tale indeed. What we now see on television and social media platforms are pitiable caricatures of the good old soldiers of yesteryears. And to make matters worse, some of us started fighting the Jonathan government principally because it failed to curtail the excesses of terrorists and bandits. The end came when the Chibok girls were abducted and the whole world rose in unison to offer solidarity to the people of Chibok in particular, and Nigeria in general. As a result of this, the candidacy of Major General Muhammadu Buhari became more attractive and absolutely compelling. We were sold on the fat hope that as a former dreaded military chieftain, who had become a trifle subdued by donning the toga of a politician, Buhari would wipe out insurgency in matters of months, if not weeks. But unbeknown to us, we were being sold a dummy and the Chibok girls’ saga would soon become like child’s play.

Let’s fast forward and conclude this important preamble very quickly. Six years after Buhari attained power, not much has changed. To be candid, things have got worse and spiralled out of control. I will be charitable to say that the Boko Haram menace has definitely improved as these particular insurgents have been pegged back a bit and their activities are less worrisome. Whether that is because of the success of the Government in overpowering them or simply that there is now bigger fish, deadlier fish, in the pond to contend with, I cannot immediately say. What is crystal clear is that the Boko Haram danger has been replaced by the greater peril of savage banditry which has practically engulfed a substantial chunk of the country, from North to south and East to West. Added to that is ethnic tension largely fuelled by the widespread feeling of unprecedented marginalization and oppression of certain parts of the country by a smaller part.

Those parts, especially the South East and South West are vociferously clamouring for new countries to be carved out of Nigeria or. at the very least, some form of self-determination and governance, or restructured nation of equal partners, where no part behaves like slave masters.

These agitations have obviously irritated our President and he has finally come out of his gilded cocoon to declare a blistering war on the perceived rebels, including their leaders such as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Chief Sunday Igboho Adeyemo.

In baring his fangs, the President has sanctioned and employed extreme high-handedness, embraced

Buhari illegality, and debased the Nigerian Constitution which he swore to uphold and which ironically, he claims to be defending.

It is to these two maverick gentlemen, Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho, that I wish to turn this weekend. The unpalatable events of the past week surrounding them portend even greater danger for our continued existence as a nation than the agitation for separate nationhood which it is claimed they are fomenting.

Kanu’s case is much more complicated. He was visiting Nigeria on holiday, only to have that holiday turned into a nightmare by supervening events. He had been arrested, charged for treason, amongst other offences, by the Nigerian government, granted bail by the Court and then vamoosed into thin air following a violent, calamitous and fatal raid on his ancestral family home in his village. Since then, he’s been a most wanted man by the omnipotent Nigerian administration of President Buhari. But in fairness to him, he didn’t have many options.

The gestapo fashion in which his premises was invaded must have been responsible for his sudden disappearance. Who wouldn’t disappear in the face of such violent assault knowing that your Government did not merely want to kill you, it wanted you very dead!

After a while, when nobody new whether Kanu was dead or alive, he suddenly resurfaced in the holy city of Jerusalem. His iconic stature grew even more, and his martyrdom seemed assured even though he was still alive. His regular broadcasts became more strident and impassioned, and it was not too long before my avid followers started demanding that I interview this irrepressible irridentist. I obliged and had a powerful Instagram live interview session with him last year. However, I never bothered to ask where he was speaking from. It was sincerely speaking not my business. What was important is that he sounded brilliant and very passionate about the Biafra project. We disagreed vehemently on a few points, especially his obsession with the theory that there’s a fake Buhari in the Presidential villa.

On this point, I stood my ground solidly. Even if nothing was impossible in Nigeria, not this tale by the moonlight. I had also asked him how he hoped to get a Biafra nation without another civil war.

His response was brilliant. He said a referendum would settle that. On this, I appreciated the fact that he was not irredeemably pinning his hopes and strategies on fighting a war. But I made it clear to him that a referendum was dead on arrival because those who are currently profiting from the ongoing madness in Nigeria won’t go away without a fight! I am not wholly convinced about the demand for Nigeria to be split into different nations because all I can see is a fragmentation and balkanisation of the country which may not augur well for any part of the country, in the long run. Besides, I reiterated that I cannot see how the various separatist Republics and independent

countries being advocated can come into being without great bloodshed. Which begs the question at what cost, nationhood?

Back to Nnamdi Kanu and his recent travails. I must admit that wherever he lived in the last few years, I didn’t expect him to ever venture out of his hiding place, or if he did that he would venture far afield into unknown territories, no matter the inducement. To me that is a great act of folly. A sacrilege! Others before him have tried the same antics and, much to their chagrin and dismay, have felt the full might and weight of Nigeria and its collaborators. Salacious tales of his recent travels to Kenya are flying everywhere. And the truth is, I don’t even know what to believe any more.

But the latest reports I read confirmed that he was first arrested in Kenya before the authorities there transferred him to the Nigerian authorities. His mission in Kenya has not been disclosed yet. The big news is that he was captured, tortured, according to a report, and repatriated to Nigeria even though he wasn’t carrying a Nigerian passport at the time of his arrest. Let’s also skip the issue of diplomatic row between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

What’s remarkable for me is that our security guys actually have such aptitude and efficiency and could carry out such a daring mission with the utmost secrecy that was needed. Congratulations.

Whether this kind of mission was necessary in the overall scheme of things, or whether such daredevilry, imagination and initiative cannot be better deployed to the extant threat to our unity and survival at home is a matter for another day. For today’s purpose I will end by saying that all reasonable men and women who abide by our democratic mores and constitutionalism will condemn the way Kanu was surreptitiously arrested and brought back to Nigeria without following due process, the rule of law and the constitution. It smirks too much of totalitarianism and we fancifully believed that we had left that era behind. We are being forcibly reminded that this is not the case, and we must be wary and afraid. I fear there is an endgame which only the discerning are beginning to see.

Next. Predictably, everyone knew once Kanu has been captured and chained down, the next target would be Chief Sunday Igboho Adeyemo. And pronto, his house was invaded by government forces in similar fashion to the invasion of Kanu’s family home about four years ago, in September 2017. This time they were led by the DSS. As with the invasion of Kanu’s home, there was no attempt at any civility or following the law or indeed the rule of law. There was merely a crude, thuggish demonstration of force and arbitrary and naked abuse of power by the government.

A government that was using forces sworn to protect the citizenry from precisely the kind of brigandage and assault that they carried out a few days ago at Igboho’s home. At the end of the operation, they left plenty sorrow, tears and blood, apologies to Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Human beings died. We are yet to be told the exact number, but it seems there were more than two people killed by the ruthless, bloodthirsty government agents, contrary to what the DSS would have us believe.

Even one death is too much anyway. This has obviously become the new normal here.

In similar fashion to the Nnamdi Kanu debacle, Sunday Igboho literally disappeared before the very eyes of those sent to capture him. His whereabouts now remain unknown. In true Nollywood and Professor Peller magical style, he entered one of the rooms in his house and “mysteriously” disappeared causing much astonishment and confusion in the ranks of those sent to abduct him and convey him back to Abuja. It seems having lost their prey, they scurried out of the Ibadan with kidnapped family members and some aides and headed in the direction of Ekiti State, where they made a stopover. To refuel, refresh or report to someone, nobody is sure.

Again, I had interviewed Igboho, via Instagram.

The Igboho that I spoke to was never interested in fighting a war. He was only working at stopping the foreign invaders (as confirmed by our President) and their local collaborators who had gone on rampage in certain Yoruba townships. I did not see or hear a man who was desperately trying to bring down his nation or destroy its unity or national fabric. I consider Sunday Igboho a patriot and nationalist who out of deep frustration has rebelled and now an agitator for Yoruba nation.

In his own way, and for those that he represents, he is a freedom fighter and must not be cowed or silenced. Our Constitution gives him a right to freely express himself and his views need not tally with those of the present administration. That is the beauty of democracy.

It is for this and other reasons that the dastardly, reprehensible attack on Sunday Igboho’s home must be condemned by all right-thinking Nigerians.

Civilised Governments do not act in this way.

Democratic administrations must remain accountable to their citizens and cannot be seen to be ridiculing and flagrantly disobeying the laws that they are meant to protect and enforce.

How can any government be proud of the activities of the DSS in attacking and assaulting the Igboho home and its occupants, and even killing innocent and unsuspecting citizens? What did Igboho do to entail the government declaring this cowardly war on this peaceful individual who is merely keeping to the saying that a(n) (English)man’s home is his castle? All Igboho has ever done is to come out vociferously to say and demand that those who would wish to violate and desecrate the land of his people would never succeed whilst he is around and that his people and himself would use all means at their disposal to repel any assault or attack against his people. There is absolutely nothing wrong in that, especially where the government has failed to offer necessary protection to the innocent populace and has, as it now seems apparent, taken sides with the marauders and bandits.

No government should pride itself in having to resort to or engage in criminal conduct to apprehend relatively harmless citizens. Any government that does so is itself doomed to fail spectacularly, and ought to be challenged and caged. Otherwise, it will become the greatest monster of all time. The vitriol and diatribe of the spokesperson for the DSS in seeking to justify this affront on the Nigerian people and its constitution is ample reason for us to say that this is now enough. That is what this present government is being a party to or condoning. We must not let it continue. We must speak up now or forever remain silent in the face of almighty and abysmal tyranny and oppression.

The government must purge itself of this unforgiveable sin to the Nigerian constitution and its people. Those directly responsible must be identified and brought to book.. They must be charged with murder and treasonable felony because they dared to hijack the apparatus of State to perpetrate, achieve and actualise their nefarious ends. They have defamed the Federal Government and caused it to become the object of resentment and opprobrium. The Government must come hard on them so that it is not tarnished further.

Nigeria would have saved a lot on insecurity had our stormtroopers had deployed their energies and arsenal in similar fashion against the bandits and terrorists who litter our forests. Rather we have been treated to horror movies of Sheikh Gumi and some Governors begging them like penitent school kids right in front of cameras.

Just imagine two James Bond movies premiered in one week starring Kanu and Igboho. Of course, no right thinking person should tolerate criminality but no sane person should promote government rascality!!!

It is really a dark period for our country if this is the narrative we want to pursue and nurture...

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