SATURDAY 22TH JULY 2023

Tinubu: I will Deploy Entire Machinery of State Power to Secure Nigerians Urges Lake Chad countries to reform military doctrine, practices to quell elusive irregular terrorists Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu yesterday clearly spelt out his national security objective, declaring that he

would deploy the entire machinery of state power to ensure security of Nigerians and their property “in a just and democratic society.”

The President, who was

speaking in Kaduna at the graduation ceremony of Senior Course 45 of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, pledged to provide the necessary support

to the military, in order to achieve the objective.

He said: ''As Commanderin-Chief, I have given myself the following charge: to deploy the entire machinery of

state power to ensure security of our people and property in a just and democratic society.”

Tinubu acknowledged the commitment of his predecessor in enhancing

the combat readiness of the Nigerian Armed Forces, saying: ''Under my predecessor, the Armed Continued on page 5

N7.9bn Alleged Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Oduah 3 Years After Filling Charges...

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NNPCL Resumes Remittance into Federation Account Ahamefula Ogbu and Emmanuel Addeh

GOODNIGHT ADESHOLA ADEYEMI-BERO… L-R: Mrs Oluyemisi Adeyemi-Bero, her husband, Demola; Mrs Nnenna Adeyemi-Bero, her husband, Dr. Adewunmi; Mrs Adebola Thomas (nee Adeyemi-Bero) and her husband, Mr. Segun Thomas, during the funeral service for Adeshola Adeyemi-Bero at This Present House, Lekki Lagos...yesterday.

KUNLE OGUNFUYI

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) yesterday said it remitted N123 billion as interim dividend Continued on page 5

In Final Address, Atiku Urges Tribunal to Uphold INEC’s Admission that He Won in 21 States Proclaims INEC admittance contained in written response to his petition Umpire says claim will be addressed in its ‘response on point of law’ to Tribunal next week

Alex Enumah and Chuks Okocha in Abuja The candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), in the last presidential election, Abubakar Atiku, has asked the Presidential Election Petition Court (PREPEC) to uphold the admittance of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that he won 21 States in the disputed February 25 presidential election.

Three of the lawyers representing INEC at the PREPEC told THISDAY last night that Atiku’s claim will be addressed in its ‘response on point of law’ to the Court next week. However, the lawyers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, all refused to Continued on page 5

CELEBRATING SENIOR OFFICERS… L-R: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana; Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani; President Bola Tinubu; Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, Air Vice Marshal H.I Alhaji and the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu at the graduation ceremony of the 45th senior course of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College...yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI

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N7.9bn Alleged Fraud: EFCC Arraigns Oduah 3 Years After Filling Charges Alex Enumah in Abuja A former minister of aviation, Stella Oduah, was yesterday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of alleged fraud and corruption to the tune of N7.9 billion.

The arraignment is coming three years after charges were first filed against the ex-minister.

Oduah, alongside one of her former aides, Gloria Odita and seven others were arraigned on a 25-criminal

count charge bordering on fraud, corruption, money laundering, maintaining an anonymous bank, amongst others.

The others in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/ CR/316/2020, are Nwosu Emmanuel Nnamdi, Chukwuma Irene Chinyere, Global Offshore and Marine Ltd, Tip Top Global Resources Ltd, Crystal Television Ltd, Sobora International Ltd and another.

Senator Oduah, who represented Anambra North

Senatorial District at the 9th National Assembly, is being accused of fraud and financial misappropriation while she served as minister during the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, following which the court held that they should continue on the administrative bail granted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Meanwhile, the judge ordered that the Attorney

General of the Federation take over the prosecution of the case and that the EFCC should transfer the case file to the AGF in two weeks, adding that the terms and conditions of the bail be made available to the AGF. The order according to the court became necessary owing to the controversy the case had generated since instituted.

Justice Ekwo reminded EFCC’s lawyer, Offem Uket, about his earlier directive to the commission to produce persons behind the action that

had earlier stalled the trial.

“I gave you the photocopies of these organisations. Are they here? Did you invite them?” the judge asked, but Uket was unable to give a direct answer to questions asked.

Ekwo then said that though he would give a date for trial commencement, the EFCC must invite the affected people.

“I will give a date for trial and make a consequential order because you have allowed this matter to

degenerate this way.

“You think you can shield any of these persons who have interfered in these proceedings?” he asked rhetorically.

The judge also warned journalists against reporting what did not transpire in court.

He said the records of proceedings are always available for any interested journalist to access.

Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter until October 17 for trial.

IN FINAL ADDRESS, ATIKU URGES TRIBUNAL TO UPHOLD INEC’S ADMISSION THAT HE WON IN 21 STATES speak on whether the PDP candidate’s “21 states victory” is contained in INEC’s written response to Atiku’s petition submitted to the Tribunal.

Atiku, predicated his demand on the grounds that the electoral umpire had in its reply to his petition challenging the declaration of Bola Tinubu as President, stated that he won in 21 of the 36 states of the federation, adding that INEC did not dispute that during the hearing nor in its final written address against the petition.

The former vice president, made the request in his final written address filed on July 20, by their lead counsel, Chief Chris Uche SAN, in support of his joint petition with the PDP seeking the nullification of Tinubu's victory at the presidential poll.

The petitioners maintained that INEC's assertion that he won in 21 States was neither disputed, retracted, debunked,

nor claimed to be an error throughout the proceedings.

INEC, according to Atiku, had in its reply in April, asserted that he “won in 21 States of the federation in the last presidential poll, but only 12 States were announced for the PDP during the declaration of results on March 1, this year.”

According to Atiku, States the electoral umpire said were won by him are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara."

The former vice president said the PREPEC should proceed to uphold the declaration, since INEC on its own averments claimed that he won 21 states and did not deny the assertion throughout the proceedings.

Atiku in the final written address said: "Very importantly, the 1st Respondent (INEC) who

conducted the election made an open admission in paragraph 18 of its Reply to the Petition, where it unequivocally stated thus: "The 1st Respondent further avers that in compliance with extant laws and regulations, it diligently discharged its duties when it collated the 1st Petitioner's scores at the Election which aggregates to 6,984,520 winning only 21 States to wit: Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

"Indeed, as admitted by the 1st Respondent (INEC), the 1st Petitioner (Atiku) won in these 21 States. It is important to note that throughout the trial, the 1st Respondent (INEC) neither refuted nor countermanded this critical averment nor denied it.

"We urge your Lordship to hold that this constitutes

an admission that requires no further proof. It also constitutes an admission against interest.

"The 1st Petitioner contested election to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria under the platform of the 2nd Petitioner, the PDP which held on 25th February 2023, along with 17 other candidates, including the 2nd Respondent, who was the candidate of the ruling party, the APC, in whose favour the electoral body, INEC manipulated the technologies earlier put in place to ensure transparency, and wrongfully returned the said 2nd Respondent as winner at about 4.00am on March 1, 2023, at a time the 1st Respondent admitted that substantial percentage of the results had not been transmitted to the collation system for verification as required by law.

"Under the cover of the socalled ‘technical glitch’ excuse

TINUBU: I WILL DEPLOY ENTIRE MACHINERY OF STATE POWER TO SECURE NIGERIANS Forces worked tirelessly toward necessary reforms to enhance combat effectiveness and operational capability. We must now pick up the pace."

The President described the role of the armed forces in combating Africa's greatest challenge of violence and exploitation as crucial, urging them to defend the continent from geopolitical changes and resource competition. ''We live in a moment of flux. Geopolitical change is afoot. Old alliances and assumptions are being tested as new ones are being shaped.

Trade and global economic activity are fast, yet fragile and easily disrupted by war, weather or pandemic. ''Underlying it all is the often unspoken but urgent competition for precious resources. Water, food, gold, oil and other items have all been placed in the contest. ''In too many instances, the contest turns violent.

Areas that should blossom into economic prosperity and hope become factories of pillage and oppression. ''In Africa, this condition is perhaps our greatest challenge and harshest injustice. ''Your role in combating this grave evil is crucial. For we call on you to defend not only our land and resources but our people and their democratic existence. ''Your training was sculpted to fit the imperatives of our times,'' the President told the 291 graduating officers.

Tinubu also urged countries in the Lake Chad region to reform their militaries in order

to quell terrorism and security crises in the area.

He stressed that Nigeria and the neighbouring countries must display courage in reforming their military doctrine and practices.

The President noted that the change in tactics had become necessary because the countries in the region are battling a “mobile and elusive irregular force” that disregards established rules of warfare.

Tinubu pointed out that the adversaries facing countries in the sub-region are not conventional armies engaging in traditional battlefield warfare.

The President, who encouraged African countries to work together against common threats, acknowledged the multinational efforts of Nigeria, Cameroon, the Niger Republic, and Chad to bring peace to the Lake Chad region.

He reinforced his message that the collaboration should serve as a commendable example to be emulated and improved on wherever necessary.

According to him: "We must also be brave enough to reform military doctrine and practice. We do not face a conventional army on the traditional field of battle. No, we contend against mobile, elusive irregular forces that disdain the normal rules of warfare. ''We must adjust accordingly to subdue the menace. This shall require a change in mindset, in strategy, in tactics,

in equipment and in gear."

While commending the graduates from Nigeria's Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as students from Asia and sister Africa nations, the President underscored the importance of the College and its contributions to professionalism and defense of national interests.

Addressing the graduating students from Asia and Africa, the President said their presence in Nigeria is a testimony that national security is not solely achieved through muscle and might, but also in building friendships and alliances based on cooperation, justice, good governance and mutual respect.

He said: “Notwithstanding the demands of your training, I hope you have enjoyed our customary Nigerian friendliness as well, because Nigeria is one of the most hospitable countries you can find. We have opened our arms like friends and brothers to you. ''To the graduating students from Nigeria’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies, you have warranted the confidence of your respective organisations. ''The knowledge gained here will prove invaluable in our mission to harmonise all aspects of government policy and programmes toward the twin goals of national security and national prosperity."

President Tinubu also commended the College's efforts in curricula improvement and facility

upgrade, encouraging the graduates to stand brave and unwavering in their constitutional responsibilities as defenders of the nation. ''I leave you with a charge much like the one I gave myself. Your nation has invested much in your training. ''Much faith has been placed upon your broad shoulders.

Our collective safety rests in your hands. ''Your graduation today is a call to greater duty for the nation you love. May you stand brave and unwavering in the discharge of your constitutional responsibilities and may you always do honour to the sterling name of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College," President Tinubu further charged the graduands.

At the ceremony, many of the participants who distinguished themselves were awarded various prizes.

Squadron Leader S.S Yikawe got both the Chief of Defence Staff Award (Department of Joint Studies) and Chief of Air Staff Award (Department of Air Warfare) prize. Major A.A Bako was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Award (Department of Land Warfare) while Surg Lt Cdr. K.O Nwagwu got the prize for Chief of Naval Staff Award (Department of Maritime Warfare).

Dr. K.O Adams got the prize for the Commandant's Award for Best Non-military Student. Major PJ Nartey from Ghana won the Commandant's prize for Best International Student.

which the 1st Respondent never explained, the results were deliberately manipulated through suppression and discounting of the votes of the 1st Petitioner and inflation of the votes of the 2nd Respondent. This deliberate bypass of the use of the prescribed verification technology was nationwide, and substantially affected the outcome of the election."

The petitioners also noted that INEC equally proceeded to declare Tinubu winner when he did not meet the mandatory constitutional requirement to secure not less than a quarter of the votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

They stated: "This was in addition to the numerous infractions and corrupt practices perpetrated by the Respondents.

Notwithstanding, the 1st Respondent unequivocally and clearly admitted in its pleadings, namely paragraph 18 at page 13 of its Reply to the Petition, which was never refuted or not retracted, that the Petitioners won 21 States of the Federation in the presidential election, which

is an admission against interest.

"As a result of non-use of collation by electronic transmission, the 1st Respondent later altered the admitted result of 21 States for the 1st Petitioner to 12 States.”

The PREPEC, however, is yet to fix a date for the adoption of parties’ final written address in the Atiku and PDP's petition.

INEC's Chairman Professor Yakubu Mahmood had on March 1, declared Tinubu winner of the February 25 presidential election on the grounds that Tinubu of the APC scored majority of the lawful votes cast at the presidential poll.

But Atiku and the PDP disagreed with INEC, alleging that the electoral umpire, besides failing to abide by its own regulations and guidelines on the conduct of the 2023 general elections, rigged the process to favour Tinubu and the APC. They are therefore asking the court to void Tinubu's election, declare them winner or in the alternative conduct a fresh election that would exclude Tinubu.

NNPCL RESUMES REMITTANCE INTO FEDERATION ACCOUNT and Production Sharing Contracts (PSC) profit oil to the Federation Account in June this year.

The remittance is coming barely two months after the NNPC exited the fuel subsidy shackle following the removal

by President Bola Tinubu.

In a note from the national oil company attributed to the NNPC Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, the company stated that N81 billion of the amount was the monthly interim dividend and N42 billion was 40 per cent PSC profit oil.

The note stated: “In line with the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has commenced the payment of dividend into the federation account.”

“The payment of dividend by the NNPC Limited clearly shows that the company under the leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Mele Kyari is moving in a positive trajectory as enshrined in the PIA” noted an NNPCL source.

The fresh information is coming against the backdrop of a release from the office of the Accountant General that the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) shared a total sum of N907.054 billion to the federal government, states and local government councils

during the period.

NNPCL attributed the increase in the money shared to its June remittances.

The source said since he assumed office, Kyari has pursued his Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence (TAPE) agenda, a five-step strategic roadmap for NNPC’s attainment of efficiency and global excellence.

“Kyari, during the inauguration, had said pursuing TAPE was the only way to turn around the corporation and make it competitive.

“Under the roadmap, the Transparency component of the agenda was aimed at maintaining positive image, share values of integrity and transparency to all stakeholders, while the Accountability segment of the campaign is to assure compliance with business ethics, policies, regulations and accountability to all stakeholders.

“In terms of the two-prong item of Performance Excellence, Kyari had said the idea was to entrench a high level of efficiency anchored on efficient implementation of business processes which would also emplace an appropriate reward system for exceptional performance among the workforce,” said the source.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

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NEWS

News Editor Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

Blame Present Hardships, Underdevelopment on Courts, NLC Tells Nigerians Urges workers to get set for struggle Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked workers and Nigerian people to blame the biting sufferings, hardships and underdevelopment in the country on the judiciary for its role in sabotaging efforts to check government’s unpopular policies.

The Labour Congress which enjoined Nigerians to be prepared for another major struggle against oppression and deprivation said

the people must disregard the state sponsored rallies aimed at further enslaving them.

In his speech delivered at the closing ceremony of the 2023 Rain School of the Nigeria Labour Congress held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State yesterday, President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero accused the courts of engaging in an unholy alliance to scuttle genuine struggle to emancipate the people.

He attributed the cancellation of the earlier action by NLC to

DSS to Arraign Emefiele in Lagos Tuesday for ‘Illegal Possession of Rifle’ Alex Enumah in Abuja The federal government will next Tuesday arraign the suspended Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, at Lagos division of the Federal High Court for illegal possession of a pump action rifle.

The date, which has been communicated to parties in the suit, was confirmed yesterday by the Court’s Registrar, Adekemi Oni. The arraignment is on a twocount charge bordering on alleged unlawful possession of a pump action rifle and 123 rounds of live cartridges.

The arraignment, which will come up before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, has attracted so much condemnation from members of the public and civil society organisations after several months of accusation and six weeks of illegal detention.

Justice Bello Kawu of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Apo, Abuja had on July 14 declared as illegal, unlawful, null and void the continued detention of the suspended Governor of the CBN.

The voiding of Emefiele’s detention

by Justice Kawu came barely 24 hours after another trial court by Justice Hamza Muazu ordered the DSS to, within seven days, charge Emefiele to court over his alleged crimes or set him free.

In the judgement, Justice Kawu held that the arrest, detention and interrogation of Emefiele were in violation of the subsisting judgement and orders of Justice M. A. Hassan in Suit No. FCT/HC/GAR/ CV/41/2022.

Besides nullifying the action of the agency, Justice Kawu also ordered the DSS to comply with a previous decision of the court restraining it from harassing, arresting and detaining Emefiele over charges for which the court had already decided on.

Justice Hassan had restrained the Department of State Services from arresting Mr. Emefiele but the service still went ahead to arrest him and claimed it had fresh information in support of their allegations of terrorism against Mr. Emefiele only to charge him with possession of a pump action rifle.

Kuteb Yatso to Kefas: Halt Planned Turbaning of Makama Takum Wole Ayodele in Jalingo Kuteb Yatso of Nigeria (KYN), the umbrella body of the Kuteb tribe in Taraba State has called on Governor Agbu Kefas to immediately suspend the planned turbaning of Alhaji Yaro Garba Maigyada as Makama of Takum in the interest of peace.

Addressing a World Press Conference in Jalingo yesterday in conjunction with the Akenten, Acwumam and Likam Clans of the Kuteb Nation, KYN noted that the proposed turbaning, which is scheduled for 22/07/2023 is grossly provocative and an invitation to fuel further crisis in Takum.

Besides, the group further stated that the planned turbaning negates the directive of Governor Kefas suspending the appointment and coronation of District/Village Heads and traditional title holders in the state as contained in a circular dated 30th June, 2023 and marked GHJ/BLG&CA/S.260/T. KYN President, Comrade Emmanuel Ukwen told Journalists that the World Press Conference became necessary in view of the prevailing security challenges in

Takum stressing that Takum has been bedeviled with numerous crisis since the demise of the Ukwe Takum, Alhaji Ali Ibrahim Kufang II in 1996.

The Ukwe Takum stool, according to the group, has been vacant since then following the controversies surrounding who should ascend the throne adding that the numerous crisis in the area is attributable to the absence of a paramount ruler.

“We note with utmost dismay a recent invitation card on social media for the turbaning of one Alhaji Taro Garba Maigyada as ‘Makama of Takum’. This is coming despite the recent directive by the Taraba State Government suspending the appointments or coronation of District/Village Heads and all Traditional title holders in the state” The proposed coronation, to say the least, is grossly provocative and an invitation to fuel further crisis in Takum.

We must emphatically say Takum is not a free for all land where Takum traditional Ruling Houses will sit and watch while various unknown traditional titles are being dished out and conferred on people by unauthorised persons or group of persons”

protest unilateral decision to withdraw fuel subsidy to the, “abnormal injunction procured and served on us in unholy circumstances from the courts by the government.

“It is on this note that we call on all Nigerians to get ready to join hands with us as we begin preparation to build a coalition of all Nigerian people; from the North to the South and from the East to the West.

“A Coalition of the suffering, oppressed and deprived where everyone will be a leader and everyone will be a follower.

Hunger and poverty transcend

ethnic and religious boundaries and it is our collective and indeed civic duty to save ourselves and our nation from the clutches of these mindless policies,” he said. Ajaero said Nigerians must disregard the state sponsored rallies aimed at further enslaving them.

He said that such sponsored rallies were clear reminders of the ‘Youth Earnestly Ask for Abacha movement’ days.

Ajaero said such antics of government makes Nigerians to reminiscence the days of the bespectacled military dictator who ran roughshod over the nation

and trampled upon all known democratic and civil rights of the citizens and workers.

The NLC boss said; “As we brace for another round of struggle for the emancipation of our people and ourselves, we call on all of us who have attended this year’s programme to take charge and provide leadership in their various constituencies so that together, we can generate the critical mass needed to compel this government to listen to the wishes of Nigerian people.

“Comrades! Our earlier

nationwide action was sabotaged by an abnormal injunction procured and served on us in unholy circumstances from the courts by the government.

“Whether this antics of manipulating the courts to sabotage our collective resolve will work this time is going to be left in the hands of Nigerians and the seriousness with which they see the imminent peril which our lives are being subjected to.

“That is why we want Nigerian workers and Nigerian people to blame all our present sufferings, hardships and underdevelopment on the courts”.

FOR IMPROVED INTERNAL REVENUE… L-R: The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Emomotimi Guwor; Governor Sheriff Oborevwori; his wife, Deaconess Tobore and the President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Ngozi Oritshedere Ojugbana during the inauguration of the Chairman and members of the State Board of Internal Revenue in Government House, Asaba…yesterday.

Nasarawa Assembly Resolves Impasse, Re-elects Balarabe as Speaker Igbawase Ukumba Members of the 7th Nasarawa State House of Assembly yesterday re-elected Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi (APC- Umaisha/ Ugya) as Speaker of the 7th Assembly.

There was apprehension in Nasarawa State following the emergence of Abdullahi and Daniel Ogah Ogazi as Speakers in the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, following Governor

Abdullahi Sule’s proclamation for the Inauguration of the state’s 7th Assembly.

However, members of the 7th Assembly also electedAbel Yakubu Bala (PDP-Nassarawa Eggon West) as Deputy Speaker of the Assembly.

Acting Clerk of the House, Ibrahim Musa, announced the election results during inauguration of the members of the 7th Assembly in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.

The Clerk said the inauguration was in line with Gov.

Abdullahi Sule’s proclamation as well as in line with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Hon Mohammed Adamu Oyanki (PDP- Doma North) nominated Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi for the position of Speaker which was seconded by Larry Ven Bawa (APC- Akwanga North).

While Ibrahim Peter Akwe (PDP- Obi 1) nominated Hon Abel Yakubu Bala for the posi-

tion of Deputy Speaker, which was seconded by Suleiman Yakubu Azara ( APC- Awe South).

The Clerk thereafter, inaugurated the Speaker and his Deputy, while the Speaker of the House inaugurated other members.

In his acceptance speech, Abdullahi pledged to provide all inclusive leadership in the interest of peace and development.

Group Tells Sylva to be Objective about Diri Michael Olugbode in Abuja The Bayelsa Mandate Group (BMG) has advised a former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva to be objective in his assessment of the administration of Governor Douye Diri, advising him not to allow partisan politics to becloud his sense of judgment.

The group, in a statement signed by its leader, Chief Nazuan Godfrey, asked Sylva, who is also the immediate past Minister of State, Petroleum, to act as a true statesman by acknowledging the giant strides of the Diri administration in the last four years instead of the “baseless criticisms” he has embarked upon.

The group said what interests the people of Bayelsa, the only homogenous state in the country,

is its development and the ability of the leaders to make life better for the citizens, this the group insisted is what Diri has been doing.

The group, while taking a swipe at the performance of Sylva when he was the governor of the state and when he served as a minister, noted that it was nothing to write home about when compared with the tenure of Governor Diri.

The group lamented that Sylva left Bayelsa underdeveloped and littered with abandoned projects.

“We are all witnesses to what happened in the recent past, during the Sylva era. The Glory Drive Road for which over N9 billion was earmarked, what came out of it? The Kolo Creek Electric Power Station switch gears project which was varied from an initial sum of N486

million to over N1 billion, only has an abandoned control room to show for it. What about the revocation of our prized jewel, OML46, otherwise called Atala Oil Field, who stole it through the back doors?

“For the records, we gathered that Sylva is talking about some gas turbines, when we all know who sold as scraps, the turbines bought by the late Melford Okilo.

The Olympus Rolls Royce Gas Turbines were bought and installed by Okilo, while the other turbines were the Russian made Salut bought by the late Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha and the Rolls Royce RB211 bought by former President Goodluck Jonathan during his brief stay as governor of Bayelsa State.

What happened to them?

“Let Sylva mention the year,

model and capacity of the turbine he claimed to have bought that was sold by his successors,” the group stated.

They berated Sylva for obliterating a major legacy of Okilo by selling the power turbines for peanuts.

BMG also accused Sylva of inaugurating projects that were not completed and recalled how the late President Umaru Musa Yar ’dua was invited to inaugurate an uncompleted plant with a stand by generator, adding that it was in fact the last official engagement of the late President.

Godfrey stated that Sylvia’s desperation and obsession to get back to Creek Haven with claims that Bayelsa is owing him four years of governance is misplaced and provocative.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

NEWS

Nigeria Air Force Apprehend Cable Robber at MMIA Chinedu Eze Nigeria Air Force officials who were on security duty at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos apprehended one suspected cable thief while two escaped in the wee hours of yesterday, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

A statement from the agency signed by the Director Public

Affairs & Consumer Protection, Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, said the arrest was made near the entrance gate of the Nigeria Air Force perimeter fence along the airport road, disclosing that the suspects were sighted digging out FAAN’s underground armored cable with digging tools, including digger, shovel and cutlass, indicating that the cables were targeted and planned to be stolen.

The statement said that on sighting the Nigeria Air Force personnel on guards, they took to their heels.

“A guard however opened fire on them, aiming at the shoulder of Usman Musa.

Usman Musa, 28 years old,

a native of Adamawa State, residing at Ijora sustained gunshot wounds. He was subsequently arrested and taken to 661 Nigeria Air Force Hospital (NAFH), Ikeja.

“He is presently receiving

treatment at General Hospital Oyingbo while his other two accomplices escaped. Usman Musa will be properly interrogated after he has stabilised,” FAAN said.

The Authority also said

that it believes that this incident could be a relevant clue to unravelling the theft of Runway Lighting at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos recently.

NILDS DG to African Leaders: Shun Corruption, Provide for Citizens, Respect Rule of Law to avoid Coups Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Director General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Prof.

Abubakar Sulaiman, has challenged African leaders to provide good governance if they want to stop military incursion into politics.

The professor of political science who had served as Nigeria’s Minister of National Planning stated this yesterday in Abuja, while addressing journalists after receiving a delegation from the East Africa Legislative Assembly and the ECOWAS Parliament.

Some African countries, including, Mali, Burkina Faso, Sudan and Guinea Conakry in the last decade, had sacked the civilian authorities in one form of coup d’etat or the other.

Sulaiman, however, said NILDS has been engaging the military authorities since the advent of the Fourth Republic on the roles of soldiers in a democracy.

He therefore urged African leaders to shun corrupt practices, provide welfare for their citizens and respect the rule of law if they don’t want military incursion in the affairs of the continent.

He said, “NILDS has over

the years, been having a lot of interface and engagement with the Nigerian military authorities.

“We have designed courses and programmes for military personnel including the civicmilitary relations. They were told that the military is under the civilian government.

“I want to believe that in the over 20 years of our engagement with the top brass of the Nigerian military, there has been no military intervention in the country.

“This is because the soldiers now respect the civic responsibility and they stay in their barracks, within their domain without interfering with what the civilian government is doing.

“This is to show that the military is listening to what we are saying in NILDS. “We will go beyond that.

However, apart from telling them their roles of securing the country by not dabbling into politics.

“It is also our duty as leaders in Africa and civilians to ensure good governance in our country.

“If we don’t mess up as a people, and allow democracy to thrive, as a system of the people, the military would not have the audacity, regardless of the power they have, to dabble into politics.

Two Arrested, Arraigned for Abducting 2 Children in Niger Laleye Dipo in Minna The Niger State Police Command has arraigned two middle aged men before a Minna Chief Magistrate Court over the abduction of two children in the Gauraka area of Tafa local Government area of the state.

The duo were also said to have sold the children for N150,000 each.

According to the Police First Information Report FIR the abductors Daniel Andy and Friday S had traveled all the way from Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory FCT to abduct the children from their homes in Gauraka by luring them with “Bobo” a popular drink loved by children.

The parents of the kids were said not to be at home when the abductors stormed their residences and took away their children.

On arrival the parents discovered their children Jonathan John, 3, years old and Abubakar Dauda. 1 year old were not at

home and therefore raised alarm before the case was reported to the police.

According to the FIR the “Police detectives swung into action” resulting in the arrest of the accused persons in a house believed to be the haven of the abductors It was said that the children were sold to a woman at N150,000 each.

The accused persons have been charged before Chief Magistrate Samira Wambai on a two count of removal of a child out of the custody of the guardian contrary to section 3 (1) of the Niger state kidnapping and cattle rustling law and section 15 (2) of the child rights law 2021. When the charges were read to the accused persons they pleaded guilty but Chief Magistrate Samira Wambai ignored their plea saying the trial should go through its normal course.

She therefore adjourned the case to the 27th of this month for further hearing. Meanwhile the children have been handed over to their parents, Jonathan Omale and Dauda Barde.

STILL STRONG AT 60...

L-R: Senior Vice President, Africa Region, BioMerieux, Mr. Marc Haribou; Consultant, Clinical Microbiologist, LUTH, Prof. Oyin Oduyebo; Consultant, Clinical Microbiologist, National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Kenneth Iregbu and General Manager, BioMerieux Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Adedeji Idowu during the 60th Anniversary of BioMerieux and the Nigeria launch in Lagos....yesterday Abiodun Ajala

AHCON Airlifts 42,000 Pilgrims to Nigeria Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Two weeks into the commencement of the In-bound airlift into Nigeria, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has airlifted over 42, 256 of the 73,000 pilgrims to Nigeria in 109 shuttles.

The second phase operation which began on the 4th of July, 2023 with the airlift of 387 Sokoto pilgrims by Flynas after the completion of the symbolic stoning of the Jamrats.

A statement issued by the NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki, the Commission said that, “The

operation which was initially bedeviled by non-provision of slots to many of the Airlines except the Flynas which enjoyed considerable “home advantage” from the General Authority on Civil Aviation (GACA) but it later picked up with the intervention of NAHCON Boss, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan and the highest Authority in Nigeria to resolve the logjam.

“Since then, the airlift has been progressing smoothly and steadily”.

Meanwhile, the NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Hassan has commended the Saudi Authorities and the Airlines for

their tenacity and commitment to ensuring that the operation was conducted smoothly and successfully.

He urged everyone to sustain the tempo so that the operation can be concluded in record time.

Hassan said, “With the pace at which we are going, hopefully, we would accomplish the airlift on our target date.

“I therefore urge the pilgrims, officials and the Airlines to sustain the tempo and to continue comply with the rules and regulations guiding the operations, so that we can successfully achieve the objectives and obtain Hajj Mabrur”.

The Commission has fixed August 3rd as the target date for the completion of the in-bound flight to Nigeria by the Airlines – Max Air, Flynas, Aero Contractors, Air Peace and Azman- the officially designated carriers for the 2023 Hajj airlifts.

Recall that the out-bound operation spanned a month with the inaugural flight held on 25th May 2023 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja with the airlift of Nassarawa State Pilgrims and concluded on 24th June with the airlift of Niger State pilgrims and remainders of pilgrims from Kaduna and Kebbi States.

Pharmacists Task Tinubu on Urgent Health Sector Reforms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been advised to urgently reform the nation’s healthcare sector by fully implementing the National Health Act 2014.

Pharmacists under the aegis of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) through a letter address to President Tinubu, stated that NH-2014 was designed to revitalise the sector for effective administration of the healthcare delivery through better funding and impactful management, but regretted the haphazard implementation and deliberate

neglect of the key provisions of the law by successive regime.

In the document signed by the ACPN Chairman, Adewale Oladigbolu and National Secretary, Ezeh Ambrose, it argued that if well implemented, the National Health Act 2014 will make healthcare more impactful as it will guarantee better funding of the sector.

ACPN identified the creation of Basic National Healthcare Provision Fund (BNHPF) which was meant to be an accrual of 1% from the Consolidated Revenue Fund and said that activating sustainable

Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as part of a reform will bring desirable results in the health sector “The NH-2014 ordinarily ought to be the supreme legislation in healthcare in Nigeria. It is a product of twists and turns spanning over a decade before it was eventually enacted as an Act of Parliament. One of the most positive reflections of this Act is the creation of a Basic National Healthcare Provision Fund (BNHPF) which is meant to

be an accrual of 1% from the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

“This proviso of the law, if well implemented, will make healthcare more impactful as it will guarantee better funding of the Health Sector which groans under both a paucity of funds and gross mismanagement of budgeted funds oftentimes bordering on an average of just about 5% relative to the 13% prescribed by Heads of Government that facilitated the Abuja declaration of 2021,’’ the statement said.

FG Increases Unity Colleges’ Fee to 100,000 Kuni Tyessi in Abuja The Federal Government has jerked up school fees for Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), otherwise known as Federal Unity Colleges, from 45,000 to 100,000.

This was contained in a directive from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department of the Federal Ministry

of Education, Binta Abdulkadir.

The memo as obtained by THISDAY, has the reference number as ADF/120/DSSE/I, and dated 25th May, 2023, and addressed to all principals of Federal Unity Colleges.

According to the circular entitled “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st

Term) for new students“, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, new students are expected to part with 100,000 instead of the previous 45,000.

The latest fees/charge increment will affect virtually all aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniform,

text books, deposit, exercise books, prospectus, caution fee, ID card, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lesson, insurance, et al.

However, getting the ministry to comment on the increment of tuition fee and its viability despite the economic crunch proved abortive as officials of the ministry have refused to comment.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

9

NEWS Chukkol Charges Fresh EFCC Cadets on Zero Tolerance for Corruption Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Abdulkarim Chukkol, yesterday, charged fresh cadets from the commission’s academy to steer clear of corrupt practices and adhere strictly to the code of integrity and accountable conduct.

He gave the charge on at the graduation ceremony of cadets at EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja.

He cautioned the fresh cadet against indulgence in corrupt practices.

“The commission has zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and unprofessional conducts. You have all been sworn to oaths of allegiance and secrecy, loyalty

to the nation, to EFCC as well DV NHHS VWULFW FRQÀGHQFH DQ\ knowledge that may come your way in carrying out your duty” “Every act of corruption, disloyalty, disobedience, insubordination would instantly be dealt with and the defaulters would be shown WKH H[LW GRRUµ KH VDLG He further tasked the cadets to acquaint themselves with the ()&&·V (VWDEOLVKPHQW $FW VWDͿ regulations and manuals so as to be guided in their daily activities.

Speaking in the same vein, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. George Ekpungu, urged the graduands to uphold the highest levels of integrity and honesty DQG H[KLELW DSSUHFLDEOH VWDQGDUGV RI GHFRUXP ZKHUHYHU WKH\ ÀQG themselves.

Katsina Moves to Legalise L-R: Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal; Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Caroline Wuraola Adepoju and First Lady of Zamfara Community Watch Corps State Huriya when they visited Adepoju in her office... recently AVAILABLE TO SERVE…

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

INEC Plans Review of Result Management System Bennett Oghifo Following complaints by Nigerians about the poor handling of the 2023 general elections results, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said it plans to review its result management system and strengthen it.

Chairman of INEC, Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated this during a meeting in Abuja yesterday with the Collation DQG 5HWXUQLQJ 2΀FHUV WKDW took part in the 2023 election across the nation.

He charged them to review the activities in their respective VWDWLRQV ZLWK DQ DLP WR SURͿHU strategies to improve the result management system.

Yakubu said the review and inputs on the way forward was important because of the outcry of some people and subsequent litigation after the 2023 election.

According to him, “Issues have arisen and some Nigerians have raised concerns about result management at the various levels. While some of the issues are subject to litigation

and therefore subjudice, we can nevertheless discuss them broadly and most importantly share our H[SHULHQFHV RQ WKH ZD\ IRUZDUG “It is therefore the commission’s H[SHFWDWLRQ WKDW DW WKLV PHHWLQJ we will identify areas of strength and weakness, as well as the necessary reforms we need to introduce going forward. ´0RUH VSHFLÀFDOO\ DQG IURP \RXU SUDFWLFDO H[SHULHQFH LQ WKH 2023 General Election, we would like to hear your perspectives on the processes and procedures for: Recruitment, training and post-

ing of Collation and Returning 2΀FHUV “Logistics for movement to and from your places of assignment; the integrity of the collation and declaration procedure, including the application of the law, regulations and guidelines for result management; The role of technology in result management; Security of Collation/ 5HWXUQLQJ 2΀FHUV DQG WKH collation centres; Conduct of party agents and election observers during collation; and Conduct of security personnel.

+H H[SODLQHG WKDW WKH SURSRVHG corps would collaborate with The Katsina State Governor, H[LVWLQJ VHFXULW\ DJHQFLHV WR Dikko Umaru Radda has sent four EROVWHU HͿRUWV LQ FRPEDWLQJ H[HFXWLYH ELOOV WR WKH VWDWH +RXVH crime and ensuring peace and of Assembly for consideration stability in the state.

He said the Katsina developand passage.

They are bills to establish the ment board would coordinates Katsina Community Watch, Kat- developmental projects and sina Development Management initiatives, fostering collaboration Board, Katsina State Geographic between various stakeholders Information System (KATGIS) and ensuring optimal resource and a bill to amend the Katsina allocation for sustainable growth.

Mohammed added that the State Revenue Administration.

The Katsina Community Watch bill to establish the Katsina State bill, according to a press statement Geographic Information System yesterday by Radda’s Chief Press (KATGIS), seeks to introduce Secretary, Mr Ibrahim Kaula DQ H΀FLHQW DQG GLJLWLVHG ODQG Mohammed, when signed into information system that would law, would enable the government streamline land ownership proto recruit community security cesses and encourage responsible corps. land use in the state.

UNILAG Increases Tuition Fees for Undergraduate Runsewe Preaches Nigeria First The Director General of the they can do for their country rather Students from N19k to N190,250 National Council of Arts and Cul- than what their country can do ture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun for them. This selfless attitude, he There are indications that the management of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, Lagos, may have increased tuition fees for undergraduate students from N19,000 to N190,250.

Although this information KDV QRW EHHQ FRQÀUPHG independently, the Senior 6WDͿ $VVRFLDWLRQ RI 1LJHULDQ Universities, UNILAG branch, which disclosed this development in a statement dated

July 20, 2023, said the Vice Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola informed them of the increase at a meeting.

UNILAG’s SSANU said with the new tuition fees structure, undergraduate students studying Medicine would pay N190,250; laboratory and studio-use students are to pay N140,250; and those without laboratory and studio-use will pay N100,750.

According to SSANU, Prof.

Ogunsola met with representatives of the three non-academic VWDͿ XQLRQV RQ 7KXUVGD\ -XO\ 20th to discuss issues concerning members’ welfare.

The statement said, “During the meeting, the proposed fees for undergraduate students of UNILAG were disclosed.

“Students without lab and studio use will pay N100,750, those with lab use will pay N140,250 and the college of medicine would pay N190,250.”

The vice chancellor was quoted to have said the new tuition fees were set nationally DQG FRXOG QRW EH PRGLÀHG IRU VSHFLÀF FDWHJRULHV RI VWXGHQWV after a SSANU member at the meeting asked if they would be D UHEDWH IRU PHPEHUV RI VWDͿ with children in the university.

Ogunsola was said to have JLYHQ WKH RSWLRQ RI VWDͿ SD\LQJ in instalments, provided they paid up one month before their ÀQDO H[DPV

Air Force to Receive 51 Fighter Jets, Shefa Engineering Leverages Technologies, Attack Helicopters, Surveillance Aircraft to Boost Oil Production, Energy Security Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said yesterday, that the Nigerian $LU )RUFH 1$) LV H[SHFWLQJ additional platforms to boost counter-insurgency and counterterrorism operations in the country.

The air force chief stated this while addressing officers and men during his maiden operational tour of NAF units in Makurdi, Benue State.

He noted that acquisition of additional platforms would bolster training, air power employment and projection.

7KH SODWIRUPV EHLQJ H[SHFWHG according to the CAS, include two Agusta 109 Trekker Multi-role helicopters, two Beechcraft King

Air 360, three Diamond DA-62 surveillance aircraft and 6 T-129 ATAK helicopters.

Other pending acquisitions include two CASA -295 medium airlift/surveillance aircraft, 12 AH-1Z attack helicopters and 24 M-346 attack aircraft.

The acquisitions, the air force chief said, demonstrated the federal government’s deep commitment to equipping the NAF for the safe conduct of training and agile airpower employment to meet the nation’s security challenges.

Speaking further, Air Vice Marshal Abubakar stated that the NAF would continue to enhance cooperation and jointness as part of a whole-of-nation approach to quickly resolving the security challenges bedeviling the country.

Bennett Oghifo

on the upstream sector in Nigeria, is making notable contributions by Shefa Engineering, a Nigerian leveraging innovative technologies ÀUP WKDW RSHUDWHV LQ WKH XSVWUHDP DQG H[SHUWLVH IURP DURXQG WKH sector of the nation’s oil and ZRUOG WR HQKDQFH H[SORUDWLRQ gas industry, has said that it techniques, drilling technologies, is leveraging technologies and and production methods, with LQWHUQDWLRQDO H[SHUWLVH WR ERRVW a goal to reducing the cost of crude oil production and production to its customers.”

They described Nigeria strengthen energy security in as an oil-rich nation with its the country.

According to a statement by own unique set of challenges, R΀FLDOV RI WKH FRPSDQ\ ´7KH saying that energy security activities of Shefa Engineering is a multifaceted issue. “The are noted as a timely one in country’s abundant fossil fuel the upstream sector aimed at resources are accompanied by boosting crude oil production supply chain disruptions, crude and strengthening energy security oil price volatility, and the need for sustainable energy practices. in Nigeria.

“As the oil and gas industry Striking a balance between energy goes through its boom-and-bust VHFXULW\ DͿRUGDELOLW\ DQG VXVWDLQcycles, Shefa Engineering, focusing ability is a long-term objective.

Runsewe, has advocated putting Nigeria forst in all endeavours of citizens ofthe country with theme, “puttingnigeriafirst.”

Welcoming the audience with for honoring the invitation on his crusade for considering the country first at Asokoro, Otunba Runsewe stressed the need for unity among attendees. He urged everyone to rise above their differences - be it social, economic, religious, or ethnic - and unite to prioritize the nation’s interest above all else. The essence of putting Nigeria first, he emphasised, lies in our collective efforts to address the issues facing the country and working together for a better future.

Drawing inspiration from a timeless quote by John F. Kennedy, Otunba Runsewe localized the message to Nigeria, encouraging citizens to ask themselves what

believes, is vital for the progress and development of the nation.

In a show of national solidarLW\ 2WXQED 5XQVHZH H[SUHVVHG his wish for all Nigerians to come together and support the government of the new President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, regardless of individual voting choices. This call for cooperation and backing of the elected leadership echoes the spirit of patriotism and the importance of a united Nigeria.

To emphasize the significance of unity, he recalled the great Nigerian political heroes who fought together for independence and liberation from colonial H[SORLWDWLRQ Icons such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, and Herbert Macaulay H[HPSOLILHG WKH SRZHU RI FROOHFWLYH action in achieving national goals.

Chrisland Students Shine in Cambridge Examination Following their stellar performance in the 2022 Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge AS Level ([DPLQDWLRQV 0PHVRPDFKXNZX Okonkwo of Chrisland High School VGC and Oluwabukolami Adeyemi of Chrisland Pre Degree College Lagos, recently received the British Council Outstanding Cambridge Learner’s Awards.

Having gained the highest mark in English as second Language (Speaking Endorsement) in IGSCE, Mmesomachukwu Okonkwo got the Top in the World award,

while Oluwabukolami Adeyemi who gained the highest mark in the world in the Cambridge International AS Level Law got the Top in the World award as well as the High Achievement Award for Cambridge AS Level Psychology.

The two students were the cynosure of all eyes at the event witnessed by top officials of the British Council, proud parents and JXHVWV 7KH &DPEULGJH ([DPLQDtions are conducted in more than 145 countries worldwide.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

NEWS

MARITAL BLISS…

AKETE IS ALIVE …

Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State and his wife Betty in a medical facility in an unnamed country amid death rumours of the governor…yesterday.

L-R: Bride’s mother, Mrs. Charity Ude; Chinenye Paul Okonkwo (groom); wife, Ezije (Nee Ude); and Master Chidera Ude, during Ezije’s traditional marriage held at the country home of late Chief Nwanayobi Ude in Umuekwule, Afugiri, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State...yesterday

Partners, NESG, FCDO Plan CAN Urges FG to Look Beyond Tech4Dev to Boost Lagos Digital Economy Doling Out Cash as Palliatives Bennett Oghifo The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) yesterday urged the federal government to look beyond cash transfers as palliatives but should consider introducing mass transport across the states to reduce the cost of transportation.

According to a statement by the President of CAN, Daniel Okoh, the introduction of mass transport schemes across the states would have a profound multiplier effect.

The statement said, “The fuel subsidy palliatives being considered by the government should go beyond cash transfers. Govern-

ment should consider introducing mass transport across the states to reduce the cost of transportation.

The multiplier effect of this will be profound.

“Government should take measures to reduce the price of fuel. Such measures should include removal of unnecessary levies and taxes on imported petroleum products, the stabilisation of the foreign exchange market, and putting back our local refineries to functional and effective use.”

Okoh also appealed to Nigerians to be more patient and to “work together to build an economy that is inclusive, resilient, and offers

opportunities for every Nigerian to thrive.”

CAN urged the government to take urgent steps to ameliorate the sufferings of the citizens, and commended the government for its recent interventions to provide all-inclusive governance in the country.

“The national balance seen in the recent appointment of service chiefs is heart-warming and reassuring that every segment of the Nigerian society is critical in the Nigerian project.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria, therefore, commends the administration of President

Bola Ahmed Tinubu for showing commitment towards building a united, peaceful, and progressive Nigeria.

“Given the massive corruption that had characterised the fuel subsidy regime over the years, there was a general consensus that the removal of fuel subsidy had become inevitable if the Nigerian economy is to experience sustainable growth. However, it was also generally agreed that this must be done in such a way that Nigerians will not be subjected to untold hardship. In other words, what is idealistic must be balanced with what is realistic.

Ibori Plans Appeal of UK Court Order to Confiscate £100m from Him The former governor of Delta State, James Ibori has indicated that he would appeal a British court order to confiscate £101.5 million pounds ($130 million) from.

Delivering the judgment yesterday on the “proceeds of loot” after “factual findings”, a judge at Southwark Crown Court, David Tomlinson, said Ibori should pay the sum immediately or face an eight-year jail sentence Reacting in a statement, the former governor said the UK

court’s hearing was difficult to comprehend and accept.

He said despite several court hearings over the years and “evidence of police corruption”, he still kept believing that justice and fairness would eventually triumph.

He added that while he has accepted his fate “despite the inability of the British prosecutors to show any evidence whatsoever of monies defrauded or indeed missing from Delta state”, he would appeal the

judgment.

“The order made today was to be paid immediately, this was made in the full knowledge that it could take many months to actually realise the sale of many of these assets,” Ibori said.

The statement reads: “There is an eight-year default sentence, which means that if I do not cooperate and pay nothing at all, then the prosecution can apply for the imposition of the default sentence. However, as the prosecution already has a

restraint order over the assets – the situation of my not cooperating or paying will not arise.

“However, an issue arises if my restrained assets are sold, and the total realised from the sale does not equal the amount in the order, then the prosecution can still apply for part of the default sentence to be applied, but they could only ask for a sliding scale reduction of the eight years default sentence based on the amounts that remain outstanding.

Nigerian Firm, Godilogo Wins A’Ibom Govt to Partner Innoson Best Honey Award in UK Motors for Palliative to Citizens Funmi Ogundare 1LJHULDQ DJULF ÀUP *RGLORJR Farms Limited, producer and exporter of organic bee honey, has won the best in the Gold category at the 2023 London International Honey Quality Competition.

The event is a global competition that promotes high-quality honey products in every aspect of the spectrum of its use and consumption. It features three categories; the Platinum, Gold and Silver.

Godilogo, which was founded

by Nigeria’s immediate past Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, CON, over 25 years ago is also into production of rice, garri, as well as dairy products for local and international markets.

It came top in the Gold category.

Speaking after receiving the award, General Manager, Godilogo Farms, Irungmi Jedy-Agba said that the award was a reward for hard work that the company and LWV VWDͿ KDYH LQYHVWHG IRU PDQ\ years in building the brand.

Irungmi, who said that one of the core objectives of the farm is to become the number one leading natural bee honey SURGXFLQJ ÀUP JOREDOO\ DGGHG that this recognition would spur them to do more in developing the brand, Godilogo Honey. $FFRUGLQJ WR KLP ´ÀUVW DQG foremost, on behalf of Godilogo Farms, I want to thank the organisers of this competition for this recognition. This is very huge for us because we honestly didn’t see this coming at this time.

Okon BasseyinUyo

gestures, and promised to partner with the State Gov7R OHVVHQ WKH VXͿHULQJ ernment to ensure that the being faced by the citizens groans of the people, which as a result of the removal is nationwide, arising from of fuel subsidy, Akwa Ibom the removal of fuel subsidy State Government is to partner is ameliorated.

“I have followed you, Your 1LJHULD·V ÀUVW LQGLJHQRXV DXWR manufacturing company, Excellency, within the media Innoson Motors to provide space since your inauguration, palliatives, especially in the and I want to say it here that, you have done so well. area of transportation.

“I was moved by your story, This was disclosed when the Chairman, Chief Innocent which is also my story, that Chukwuma and the manage- we can all Arise and be that, ment team paid a courtesy call which God had destined us on the Governor of the State, to be.

“I will work with you. We Mr. Umo Eno at Government will come here, and open an House, Uyo. Chief Chukwuma praised auto workshop and collaborate Governor Eno, for his with you, especially in the people-centric approach to transportation sector”, he governance, his populist stated.

In a bid to strengthen Lagos State’s digital economy, the Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev), in collaboration with the Policy Innovation Centre of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG/PIC) and the Foreign, Commonwealth Development 2΀FH )&'2 EURXJKW WRJHWKHU key players from diverse sectors to strategise in bolstering Lagos State’s digital economy.

The event saw the active participation of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, government agencies, and development organisations, all of whom were divided into dynamic Consultative Working Groups (CWG). These groups were tasked with formulating a FRPSUHKHQVLYH ÀYH \HDU SODQ DQG strategy for the implementation of the four pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Among the proposals discussed during the workshop was the creation of more digital jobs through the upskilling of the labor force to meet the demands of digitally enabled entrepreneurs.

Participants recognised that tech VWDUWXSV IDFHG FKDOOHQJHV LQ ÀQGing a skilled tech workforce, and by enhancing digital upskilling programs, the state can bridge this gap and boost job creation in the technology sector.

Additionally, the workshop explored the need for clear and comprehensive policy documentation and communication.

Stakeholders emphasised that this pertained not only to technology policies but also to broader government policies. By ensuring that policies are well-documented and HͿHFWLYHO\ FRPPXQLFDWHG WR WKH relevant stakeholders, the state government can foster a more conducive environment for digital economy growth.

To facilitate the implementation of these initiatives, participants proposed the establishment of a regulatory framework to support technological learning in schools.

This project would be coordinated by the state’s ministries of science and technology, education, and information, fostering a coordinated HͿRUW WR GULYH GLJLWDO HGXFDWLRQ and economic progress.

Ogbueshi Osamgbi For Burial The Osamgbi family of Umu Nnikwu Village in Asaba Delta State, has announced the funeral arrangement of their Father and Diokpa Nnikwu, Ogbueshi Alexander Chukwuma Osamgbi.

The Late Ogbueshi Osamgbi, who passed on recently in Asaba at the glorious age of 96, will be buried on Friday July 28,2023 at Nnikwu Village, Umuaji Asaba, after a requiem Mass at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, West End, off Nnebisi Road, Asaba by 10am. This will be followed by a reception at the Dome Event Centre, Okpanam Road, GRA, Asaba.

Diokpa Osamgbi, is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, amongst whom are Mr Isichei Osamgbi, Director of Special Duties at Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Uzor Eluaka, Vice Principal, Zappa Basic Secondary School, Asaba, Lady Ndidi Okogba, of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Sir Peter Osamgbi, a businessman and Mrs. Eruke Omoyowuchowu Titiloye of the Coco Research Late Osamgbi Institute of Nigeria, (CRIN).

SATURDAY JULY 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

11

12

SATURDAY JULY 22, 2023 • T H I S D AY

13

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JULY 22, 2023

INSIGHT

The prize of market forces

Nigeria and Consequences of Subsidy Removal

T

he removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had far-ranging consequences, amplifying the existing economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians. A large proportion of Nigerians find themselves living below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet.

The removal of subsidy has directly contributed to the spiraling inflation, which has hit the prices of foodstuff, transportation, and essential services the hardest.

This has created a burden on the average Nigerian, as their meager income is further stretched, making it increasingly difficult to afford necessities.

As I write this article, the bus fare from Maiduguri to Abuja has been upped from N7,500 to N10, 500 as reflected on a circular released by Borno Express Corporation on June 1st, 2023. Kaduna to Maiduguri, which used to be N6000 is now N9000. In the event where vehicles are scarce at the motor parks, travelers pay as much as N12,000 from Maiduguri to Kano. Formerly, it was N6,500. This is unbearable and unacceptable!

The economic downturn occasioned by subsidy removal has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society as many Nigerians are now living below the breadline, struggling to feed their families.

Nobody is spared from the unbearable consequences of the removal of fuel subsidies. Not even the bourgeois in the country. They, too, hide and cry. Civil servants, especially those working in state and local governments are among the primary victims of the removal of fuel subsidies as many of them can’t feed their families. A 100% increase in their salaries is a necessary step to restore their purchasing power and improve their quality of life. Adequate compensation would motivate civil servants to perform at their

best, leading to a more productive and effective public sector. Now, what about the unemployed and jobless population in the country? How would their well-being be improved? Who would provide for them?

A larger portion of Nigeria’s population is suffering in silence as a result of the monstrous inflation rate occasioned by the removal of the fuel subsidy. Therefore, President Tinubu must acknowledge the grave consequences of the current economic situation and the suffering being experienced by Nigerians. As the leader of the nation, he has the power to reverse the economic downturn and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. It is imperative that the President takes into account the plight of the citizens and work towards restoring their faith in the government.

Lawan Bukar Maigana, Yobe State

A Bomb Versus a Bombshell?

A

local newspaper has reviews of the two current big movies, “Oppenheimer versus Barbie” or a bomb versus a bombshell. Both seem very popular although probably attracting different audiences.

As a science teacher I am always pleased to see scientists portrayed on the big screen with Oppenheimer, a theoretical physicist and Barbie an astronaut, Mars explorer, astrophysicist, chemist, entomologist, marine biologist, robotics engineer, palaeontologist and zoologist amongst her over 200 different careers.

She was also a science teacher like me, although I was less into Pink.

It is good to see the world through pink colored glasses, but we need more students to undertake science in their studies and enter the scientific occupations although hopefully not bomb making and concentrating on one major field.

Let’s hope that young people see how science can make the world a better place and how they can contribute to its progress.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Ashama in Darkness

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, 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 TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

It is now 16 years that residents of Ashama Community in Aniocha South Constituency of Delta State have not seen electricity power supply. We have written to all representatives that have represented Aniocha South Constituency, Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency and Delta North Senatorial District about the plight of this community to no avail as all our petitions fell on deaf ears.

We are once more using your medium to appeal to Hon. Isaac Anwuzia representing Aniocha South Constituency, Hon. Ngozi Okolie representing Aniocha Oshimili Federal Constituency and Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North Senatorial District to please come to the aid of our poor people in Ashama Community.

Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, karfeyio@gmail.com

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

PERSPECTIVE

Ganduje As a Bad Market for Tinubu Farouk Abba

C

all it a nightmare of monumental proportions, and you wouldn’t be too far from capturing what many Nigerians have been voicing in the last 48 hours. From plain indignation to absolute dismay, social media has been awash with a complete range of emotions in response to the most recent feelers from Aso Rock.

No, this is not about the latest increase in the pump price of fuel. It’s about a person whom Nigerians thought they would never get to see in the corridors of power ever again.

Two days ago, The Presidency revealed in a statement that former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje attended a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the governors of Imo, Kwara, Lagos, and Ogun states to deliberate “on how to get the economy on sound footing.” This piece of information all but put paid to days if not weeks of speculations on the role the former governor is likely to play in the current government.

All along, Nigerians had been beside themselves wondering why any government would even consider associating with a character that has courted controversies for so long that, to so many, he has become the poster man for corruption in Nigeria.

First, it was that the man was being considered for a ministerial position. Now, reports have it that he’s in pole position for the chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress party APC. If the presidency’s news release, which was duly supported with a photograph of the attendees, is anything to go by, those speculations may not be unfounded. And that leaves a huge question mark.

Ganduje

Even before the pseudo-confirmation of those speculations, many groups and individuals have faulted the notion of handing the leadership of the APC over to Ganduje on several grounds, including the intra-party zoning arrangement that will clearly be disrupted. Beyond that, however, the larger story that such an appointment would tell is even more damning.

Perhaps, a recollection of the highlights of Ganduje’s track record is expedient at this juncture.

First elected in 2015, Ganduje served as the governor of Kano State for two terms, after winning a second election in 2019.

During his tenure, he is most remembered

for the allegations of corruption levelled against him. And that’s because one of them is impossible to overlook.

It is no surprise then that many have been reliving, since Wednesday, the harrowing experience of watching a seating state governor on tape receiving bundles of dollars in bribes from a contractor in the state. The video first surfaced online on October 14, 2018. Amid Ganduje’s denial, the Kano State Assembly set up a committee to investigate the allegations. It’s been almost five years since then, and the committee is yet to reach a conclusion on the case.

Many other high-profile allegations, including the mismanagement of the state’s COVID-19 response and sponsoring a mob attack on the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, characterised his tenure. And most recently, it took the intervention of a Federal High Court to stop the Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-corruption Commission from investigating Ganduje over ‘missing’ N100 billion local government funds.

Nigerians know all these. That’s why they are not mincing words about their stance on Ganduje in relation to public offices.

Here are a few tweets from the Ganduje conversation that has trended top of the table for over 48 hours on Twitter: “All bants and jokes aside, Ganduje will be bad business for the North and APC at large, you don’t want someone with that reputation representing you in any part of governance.” - @Waspapping.

“Why would any court stop the investigating of Ganduje over “missing N100 billion LG funds?” Does he have any immunity or is this a ploy to play delay tactics until he’s given a ministerial slot? The same Ganduje that was seen stuffing dollar bills down his agbada. Nah, Naija is one big crime scene mehn.” - @Sports_Doctor2.

“Ganduje was a Governor in Kano for 8

years but still can’t manage to keep his party members, people like Kawu Sumaila, Sha’aban Sharada, Rurum, kofa and any of them just because of his selfish Intrest, your now trying to hand over the ruling party to him. Don’t.” - @saarkinrafi “Since I heard Ganduje is in the running for APC National Chairman, I have been worried about the future of our party, man that couldn’t manage his state, how will he manage a complex structure like APC? We shall see. - @bb_khamees “You can be accused of corruption or whatever, and of course, you can weather the allegations or even pretend like they are not there. How people treat that is open to them. But the moment you are caught on video, the dynamics change.

This Ganduje thing is a personal agenda for me. - @oddy4real Within and outside the party, the popular disposition is clear. Many are dissatisfied and outraged over the possibility of Ganduje leading a ruling party that rode to power on the back of an anti-corruption campaign so loud that it bordered on boisterousness.

And isn’t that position reasonable? You can’t say you’re fighting corruption and publicly reward people of questionable character with positions of power.

Abdullahi Ganduje represents everything Nigerians should and desperately want to put behind them. Given the precarious state of the country’s affairs, we cannot afford to entrust someone with such a history with missing funds with any more of our commonwealth.

And we can only hope that this administration will continue what it has started with subsidy removal by ensuring only people of integrity take sensitive leadership positions where they can herald a culture of efficiency and judiciousness for the country’s future.

Farouk writes from Abuja

PERSPECTIVE

Mbah and the Rot in NYSC Law Mefor

I

f the recent report on the investigation by theDepartmentofStateSecurity(DSS)into the discharge certificatefeudbetweenthe National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State surprised anyone, it wasn’t me. Even though I was of the view that both parties should be giventheopportunitytoprovetheirrespectivecase, NYSC’sstoryneverlookedstraighttome,especially knowingtheineptitude,underhandpractices,endemic corruption, shoddiness, and the poor and analogue record keeping that have become the hallmarks of most of our public institutions.

As a psychologist, my field of study teaches me that there is always a motive for every crime. And I havebeenwonderingwhatthemotivationcouldbe forMbah.Ifhisprofileisanythingtogoby,thenhewas already a multimillionaire before heading to the UK tostudyLaw.So,hewasneverintheunemployment market where he needed the NYSC to secure a job.

Two,itissettledbythecourtsthatonedoesn’tneed anNYSCdischargecertificatetoholdapublicoffice.

Section 177 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) spells out the qualifications for the office of the governor, and NYSC discharge certificate is not one of them. So, I wonder why he would submit a supposedly forged NYSC discharge certificate to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) when, in fact, he didn’t need it.

Furthermore,Proverbs28:1saystherighteousare boldasalion.TheaudacitywithwhichMbahhasfaced theNYSCanditsDG,Brig.Gen.Yusha’uAhmed,does notsuggestonewhohassomethingtohide.Rather than shop for the proverbial soft landing, Mbah has insteadslammedaN20bnlawsuitontheNYSC.Inthe

Mbah

lawsuitmarkedFHC/ABJ/09/611/2023,heseeksa declarationthatheparticipatedintheNYSCscheme foronecalendaryearandthatNYSCanditsDirector ofCorpsCertification,IbrahimMuhammad“conspired byfraudulentdesign,suppressedandmisrepresented facts in supposition” that his discharge certificate withserialnumberA808297isfake.Healsoseeks a declaration that the predominant purpose is to inflict damages in his legal profession, politics, and business.

One interesting fact about Mbah’s lawsuit is his meticulousness in record keeping, even far better than the NYSC. Mbah kept and filed everything: his call-up letter and deployment to Lagos State,

mealticketsinthecamp,postinglettertotheNigeria Ports Authority (NPA), rejection letter by the NPA, reposting letter to Udeh & Associates, his letter to NYSC DG seeking a suspension of his service to go for his Bar Final programme, DG’s approval letter, hishandwrittenletterseekingtoreturntocomplete hisserviceyearaftertheprogramme,pictures,and letterdated7thMay2003(withreferencenumber NYSC/DHQ/CM/27/20)directingtheLagosState Directoroftheagencyto“re-instatethecorpsmember tocontinuehisserviceyearfromwherehestopped, witheffectfromMay2003”.To“reinstate”insteadof “remobilise”meansthathisservicenumberremains unchanged.

Curiously,ratherthanceasetheopportunitytonail Mbah,theNYSCresortedtoapreliminaryobjection.

It told the court that Mbah should have petitioned thepresidencyy first to seek a resolution before approaching the court. However, Section 20 of the NYSC Act clearly doesn’t apply to Mbah since he is neitheraservingCorpsmembernoranemployeeof the NYSC. Section 20 is afollow-upp to Section 19, which refers to members of the service and other persons employed or undertaking any project for the NYSC. Also,NYSC’sevidenceattheEnuguStateGovernorshipPetitionTribunalendedinanti-climaxbecauseit endedupaffirmingvirtuallyeverythingMbahhadsaid abouthisnationalserviceanddischargecertificate.

In his Statement on Oath and evidence before the tribunal, the subpoenaed witness and Director of Corps Certification, Ibrahim Muhammad, averred the following: “That Mr. Mbah Peter Ndubuisi was actually mobilised and deployed to Lagos State by theNYSCforthecompulsorynationalservicevidea call-upletterdated7thJanuary,2002,withSerialNo. 0134613andReferenceNo.NYSC/FRN/2001/890351.

“ThatinLagos,MbahPeterNdubuisi,uponcompletionofhisorientationcourse,wasinitiallypostedto the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) for his primary assignment, but was rejected.

“That the NYSC Office in Lagos reposted him to the Law Firm of Udeh & Associates, Lagos.

“Thatbyletterdated20thJune,2002,MbahPeter NdubuisiappliedtotheDirector-GeneraloftheNYSC for deferment of his service, to enable him attend the Nigerian Law School.

“That after completion of his Law School Programme,MbahPeterNdubuisiappliedtotheDGof NYSCvideletterdated03/4/2003forre-mobilisation fornationalservice,toenablehimcompletehisNYSC programme.

“That by letter referenced NYSC/DHQ/ CM/M/27/20, dated 7th May, 2003, the DG NYSC wrotetotheLagosDirectoroftheNYSCtoreinstate Mbah Peter Ndubuisi to continue his service year from where he had stopped, with effect from May, 2003, to terminate in September, 2003.

“Thatuponreturn,MbahPeterNdubuisiwasposted totheLawFirmofUdeh&Associates,Lagosagain,for completionofhisprimaryassignment,withprobable date of discharge on 15th September, 2003”.

NYSC’s major point of departure is at paragraph 14(i)whereitstatesthat“therewasnorecordofthe completionofMbahPeterNdubuisi’sprimaryassignment,becausehestoppedattendingthecompulsory weeklycommunityserviceinLagos,whichisoneof thecardinalprogrammesoftheNYSC”,addingthathe “wasconsequentlynotclearedashavingcompleted theNYSCprogrammeandthereforenoDischarge Certificate was issued to him”.

Read full article - www.thisdaylive.com

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

RingTrue 08054699539

Yemi

Adebowale

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Let’s Talk about Corruption Under Buhari

S

heikh Ahmad Gumi is the latest high profile Nigerian drawing attention to the colossal corruption under Muhammadu Buhari as President for eight years. He urged President Bola Tinubu to show courage by bringing back all those who have enriched themselves under the Buhari government to vomit what they have stolen. “They have to vomit what they have eaten. Nigeria is broke now and instead of taxing common Nigerians to raise funds to run his government, let the stolen money be retrieved and appropriate punishment meted out to the looters. If he (Tinubu) can do this, I will support him 100%,” declared Gumi.

Few days back, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, professed that Nigeria witnessed the ugliest face of corruption during the Buhari years. Corruption festered under the ex-president’s watch, avowed Kukah at a forum in Ekiti State.

Of course, I won’t leave out my very good friend, Senator Shehu Sani, who is insisting that Tinubu must probe the Buhari’s government and recover all the looted funds. Well, to be honest, I can’t see that happening. Why? I will return to that later. But the truth that must be told is that corruption poured under Buhari’s supervision.

Many heads of ministries, departments and agencies brazenly looted our commonwealth unrestrained by Buhari. A huge number of top civil servants lined their pockets unhindered. Talking about civil servants, the former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris. and his cronies were able to steal over N109 billion from the system. The case against Idris is clearly heading nowhere in our compromised court.

Under Buhari, a few influential public and private individuals fed fat on fuel subsidy and on NNPC. Rent seekers continued to collect a large part of crude oil sales. Refineries did not work, yet, his administration spent billions of Naira on turnaround maintenance. Some boldly looted the Central Bank of Nigeria. Outflows on Buhari’s Social Investment Programme were likewise puzzling, with doubtful outlays on School Feeding, Trader Money and N-Power programmes. Even with

Sirika

COVID-19 lockdown in 2018 and schools shut, our blessed children were fed at home with billions of Naira. Many could not understand how this “magic” was done. The 9th House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts was not impressed with a presentation on the feeding programme by the managers when they appeared before the team.

The lawmakers then summoned the CBN Governor and the Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics to tender records of payments/details of the nine million children and 84,000 schools across the country the managers claimed benefited from the programme. It did not happen.

Payments for comical services by the Buhari government often left me wondering whether the interest of Nigerians is paramount. There was this $4 million paid to a lawyer in 2019 from the Excess Crude Account (ECA) for God knows what. The 9th Senate asked the then Accountant General of the Federation to supply details of the lawyer who was paid the $4 million from the already depleted ECA and the

nature of the job done. Till date, the office of the AGF is still struggling to come up with the information.

One of the “Buhari boys” that had a field day was the then Minister of Justice/Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. He became dangerously wealthy. I was shocked when a few months before the primaries of the 2023 elections, Malami gave out cars worth N1 billion to his supporters in Kebbi State. No fewer than 14 Mercedes Benz, eight Toyota Prado, four Toyota Hilux and four Lexus LX, were given out. Malami did this because he wanted to be Kebbi governor, but eventually, he failed. Where did such huge money come from? Your guess is as good as mine.

I will similarly not forget how Malami in 2020 unilaterally approved the auctioning of some sea vessels, holding crude oil and diesel, seized by security agencies for illegal oil bunkering. Malami obviously acted beyond his powers when he independently gave approval for auctioning without the authorisation of the EFCC. Section 31 (4) of the EFCC Act gives powers to the AGF to only make rules for the disposal of seized assets to ensure that the power of sale is not abused by the EFCC. Malami gave a unilaterally approval for selfish reasons.

What about this former minister of Justice’s dubious payment of $16.9 million fees to his friends as FG’s new lawyers for the recovery of the loot traced to the late Sani Abacha? This was after a Swiss lawyer, Enrico Monfrini, hired and fully paid by the previous government to help in the recovery, had completed his brief. Monfrini openly declared that fresh lawyers were absolutely unnecessary because he had concluded all legal work.

Malami has a lot of questions to answer on the re-looting of recovered Abacha loot under Buhari’s watch.

There were sleaze allegations against the then Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Prof. Usman Yusuf. The then minister of health, Isaac Adewole, set up a panel to probe Yusuf’s transgressions and the panel found him culpable. He was suspended by the then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo and the case transferred to the EFCC. Shockingly, A public servant under investigation

Yusuf Bichi’s Lawlessness Must End

T

he Department of State Service has remained an embarrassment to this country ever since this vital security agency came under the leadership of Yusuf Bichi.

Human rights of Nigerians are persistently violated with impunity by this DSS boss. We are in a democracy, yet, Bichi operates without respect for the rule of law.

The latest is the case of suspended CBN governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is being illegally incarcerated. Bichi has violated multiple judgements and orders of court directing the release of Emefiele.

Just nine days back, Justice Bello Kawu in Abuja declared as illegal, unlawful, null and void the continued detention of the suspended CBN governor. It is indeed a violation of subsisting judgement and orders delivered on December 29, 2022,

by Justice M. A. Hassan.

Justice Kawu also made an order setting aside, voiding, quashing, invalidating and nullifying any warrant of arrest obtained or procured by the DSS for the arrest, detention and/or interrogation of Emefiele in connection with the allegations of terrorism financing, fraudulent practices, money laundering, round tripping, threat

to national security before or from any court since the date of the judgement of Justice Hassan.

Bichi cares less and has refused to free Emefiele held illegally since June 10. I’m happy that a group of lawyers have commenced a committal to prison proceedings against Bichi. I urge them to pursue this case to a logical conclusion.

Bichi must be imprisoned to serve as a deterrent to his likes in government.

Contempt of court and gross abuse of offices for personal vendetta must not be tolerated in this country.

It is even more embarrassing that all the allegations against Emefiele have turned out to be a ruse. What the DSS filed against him in a fresh suit made public last week were two charges relating to possession of a firearm and ammunition.

This is laughable. What a country!

The rule of law is the cornerstone of democracy. We need it to build an orderly society. The DSS under Bichi persistently violates the rule of law. He must be sacked.

Bichi has no business remaining a day longer as DSS boss. This is the second challenge I’m placing before Tinubu today.

Bichi

by anti-graft agencies was reinstated with fiat by Buhari when he returned from his medical trip.

There was also the case of the then Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Maihaja, who has spent eternity struggling to explain how he disbursed billions of Naira allocated to his agency. At a point, a report by global auditing firm, PwC, revealed persistent corruption and several anti-business dispositions in some of Nigeria’s regulatory agencies. Osinbajo was worried by the report and demanded sanction. Nothing happened thereafter.

Under Buhari’s watch, corruption in almost all the MDAs was a big monster, depriving Nigeria of huge revenues. The sleaze in Nigeria’s defence and security budgets for eight years was most disgusting. While security agents were losing grounds to terrorists, money for equipment to help reverse the trend was obstinately mismanaged. In this country, a serving army chief under Buhari bought a $2 million property in Dubai and shamelessly defended it with impunity. The then National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, once pointed out the corruption in security outlays but recanted under pressure.

I always quiver whenever I remember the case of the then minister of education, Adamu Adamu. In 2019, the sacked Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TeTFund), Abdullahi Baffa, had alleged that he was forced out of office owing to his refusal to provide monetary kickbacks to Adamu. Baffa told BBC Hausa Service that the Minister had sent a contractor to him demanding his share of the N200 billion disbursed by the agency to tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Bafa alleged on live radio interview: “If they bring any evidence indicting me, I’m ready to accept death punishment.

I do not regret my refusal to obey the minister’s directives because I cannot sabotage my country. Go and ask the minister. Eight months ago, Mallam Adamu Adamu sent one of his biggest contractors to tell me that the minister was angry with me for three reasons.

The issue was that TeTFund disbursed over N200 billion to universities without remitting the per cent kickback, amounting to at least N20 billion at 10 per cent rate.”

The allegations against Adamu were waved aside and Bafa was never questioned.

That was how Nigeria operated under Buhari.

The corruption story of former aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, is pertinent here.

This man turned the imaginary Nigeria Air project into his cash cow. He even hired a plane from Ethiopian Airlines, temporarily fitted with the logo of Nigeria Air, for the fraudulent unveiling of an airline that has no operating licence. The aircraft returned to Ethiopia the next day and the Nigeria Air logo was yanked off. This is the same man that inaugurated Nigeria Air in 2018 without any plane or management in place.

Sirika spent over five years milking this country with this fraudulent project. He has a massive palace in Katsina to show for his escapade.

A number of independent reports like the United States’ 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices and Transparency International reports confirmed massive corruption under Buhari’s command.

Corruption was not only alarming under Buhari’s supervision, it was fully institutionalised by his administration.

Will Tinubu bring these Buhari boys to account for their atrocities? I very much doubt it. I challenge Tinubu to prove me wrong.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

16

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Lagos Night Businesses Captured in a Docuseries

L-R: Founder/Managing Director of Intermarc Consulting Limited, Adeyinka Adeyemi; Managing Director, HumanManager Limited, Adekunbi Ademiluyi; CEO, Redtech,Emmanuel Ojo and Head, Growth & Partnerships, West Africa BPC Banking Technologies, Emmanuel Obinne at Digital Pay Expo 2023 in Lagos...recently

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17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

TRAVEL AND LEISURE Glocient Hospitality Urges Tourists to Visit Ikogosi Justina Uzo

The immediate past Governor John Fayemi was right. He had expressed his displeasure at the previous management team. The Ekiti State Government handed over Ikogosi Warm Springs to Glocient Hospitality Limited in a 15year concession agreement on build, operate, and transfer concession that will see the facility turned into a world class tourism destination.

Prior to the concession ceremony in October 2023,standardoftheHospitalitycentregotlow.

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fter a major overhaul, the new management of Ikogosi Warm Springs in Ikogosi, Ekiti State, Glocient Hospitality Limited, a subsidiary of Cavista Holdings plans to welcome more resort goers, chief executives and those seeking a less hectic spot to get away from it all to the unique Springs.

Ikogosi Warm Springs is where a cold spring and warm spring flow side by side and they meet at a point. The facility now boasts some of the offerings a traveller expects on a holiday.

The General Manager, Glocient Hospitality, Sharafa Lanre Balogun said they have seen an increased traffic to Ikogosi Springs and a high room occupancy level in the property.

He urged individuals and CEOs to “Go.Visit.

Ikogosi.”

Balogun adds: “Ikogosi is back and better.”

The facility features over 70 rooms split into different room types, classic and suites and equipped with luxury amenities to ensure guests feel at home.

It is understood that the marketing campaign is also designed to support people managing stress.

Balogun said corporate organisations can take advantage of the serene and peaceful environment to hold their retreats at Ikogosi.

The guests, he said, will get reinvigorated and refreshed.

Balogun said this when a team from Ikogosi, Cavista and Glocient Hospitality briefed jour-

L-R: Deputy General Manager, Glocient Hospitality, Dayo Olujekun; General Manager, Sharafa Lanre Balogun; Country Director Cavista Holdings, Dele Odufuye; Funlola Akintonde and GM, Cavista Tech, Temitayo Idowu, during the presentation of ‘Best Holiday Resort in Nigeria’ award to Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort in Lagos…recently

nalists in Lagos about the transformation and gains after reviving Ikogosi Warm Springs on Tuesday.

Their achievement focused on successful upgrades, provision of modern amenities and ability to create jobs for the local communities.

As one of them puts it, “We have created jobs, jobs and jobs for people including hunters who earn well.”

Glocient is part of a diversified group of companies with interests in agriculture and

tourism. Ikogosi resort, one of the most soughtafter attractions in the country, had a challenge of poor management of the facility. Tourists apparently looked elsewhere. Within months of a 15- year concession agreement, Ikogosi Warm Springs was revived.

Interestingly, the management team of the property raised awareness and doubled its marketing.

The team thanked Nigerians and the travel industryforsupportingtheirturnaroundefforts.

The wonder on earth attracted families from far and wide who used to describe their Ikogosi experience with superlatives words such as “picturesque,” “absolutely lovely “ and “incredible spring in the forest.

“Ireadaboutthismysteriouscoldandhotspring (Ikogosi) becoming so warm that you can use it to prepare eba (Nigerian staple food that requires hot water in its preparation),” says Pastor Sam Adeyemi, a foremost preacher and leader of Day Star Church during a visit in the past.

Adeyemi thanked God for the rare gift. “I thank God for the latitude of being here to appreciate one of His wonders in Nigeria,” he said.

The warm spring has a temperature of about 70 degrees centigrade and about 370 degrees after coming together. Still, business was bad.

The updates are heartwarming, there’s been changes.VisitthemeetingpointofIkogosiwater and splash water on your face. Hm! It’s warm.

Explore the unspoiled lowland forest and don’t forget to try the local dishes, eat pounded yam with sauce, Eforirio.

Ekiti is situated in south-west Nigeria, about six hours by road from Lagos airport.

BOOK REVIEW

The Passionate Ideology of Love Uzor Maxim Uzoatu GoosebumpsbyJamesNgwuEze;GriotsLounge Publishing Nigeria, Owerri, Imo State; 2023; 72pp

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successful first collection is almost always an impossible act to follow in the annals of poetry.

Lyrical poetry at its best tasks inspiration beyond perspiration.

In the view of some critics, the great William Wordsworth had the longest decline in English poetry because his classic early flourish could not be sustained in the courseofhislonglife.Thereisthecontroversialcase inNigeriaofJPClarkwhowasprodigiouslyendowed inhisearlypoemsonlytosomewhatpeterout,inthe view of many critics, after the inaugural applause.

JamesNgwuEzeremarkablyhadadistinguished debutwithhis2019collectiondispossessed.When that first collection made its appearance, I had to borrowWBYeats’phrase“aterriblebeautyisborn” to celebrate the landmark offering. James Ngwu Eze’sdispossessedservedupatonicthatgotalltrue loversofsublimepoetryastonishinglypossessed!

One had genuine reasons to fear that James Eze hadsetastandardtoohightomatchinhisfollow-up collection,givenwhathadhappenedtoforerunner lyricalpoets.Today,JamesNgwuEzeissteppingup withhissecondcollectiongoosebumps,aselection of50lovepoems.Itiscoolbymetorememberthat thephilosopherPlatowhobannedpoetsfromThe Republic once said, “At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.”

The matter of everyone becoming a poet brings forwardtheissueofthetoshthatgetsadvertisedas prize-winningcontemporarypoetryinmuchofthe worldinthisdayandage.Inmybook,mostofthose prize-winnersofdrosscannotintruthbesaidtobe uptoparinpoetry.Usingthehipdodgeofpresenting SpokenWordversesalotofexcitedpoetastersdo greatdamagetothenobleartofpoetry.It’sasthough anywannabethattypesacacheofmumbo-jumbo onhismobilephonehasdeliveredpoetryofinstant genius. Sorry, I belong to the old school of tradition where it takes rigorous time to hone poetry.

IoncegotintoheavytroublewhenIwrotecondemningthejudgeswhogaveacovetedpoetryprizetoa

Goosebumps Presentation

collectionentitledEkoRee(theManyFacesofLagos) writtenbySimboOlorunfemi,andIstatedthatamu nnadi’spilgrimspassageoughttohavewontheprize instead.Iwascondemnedbymanyinterestedparties,withsomeevencitingtribalismagainstme,but like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie I did not make any replytonon-juvenilesyakkinglikejuveniles.Poetry, to borrow from Shakespeare’s ambition in Julius Caesar, should be made of sterner stuff.

Let’s get serious because James Ngwu Eze in goosebumps is the real deal, a poet well-armed with consummate metaphors, music and metier to go the distance in poetry. In the 50 love poems that make up goosebumps, James Ngwu Eze offersapassionateideologyofloveasthefulcrumof lifeandliving.Readingthelovepoemspackagedin goosebumps,I’mmovedtosharecompanywiththe renownedlovepoetsofthecanonsuchasJohnKeats, JohnDonne,LordByron,Shelley,ande.ecummings whoincidentallysharesthestyleofwritinginlower case with James Eze. On the Nigerian front, James Ngwu Eze’s goosebumps makes one to recall Niyi Osundare’s2006collectionTenderMoments:Love Poems.

Shakespeare writes in Twelfth Night: “If music be the food of love, play on…” Music and memory

are the compelling ingredients of James Ngwu Eze’s love poems. Incidentally, one of the poems in goosebumps “hourglass” has already been set to music. Let me just read out the first stanza as my voice is too rowdy for the lofty music therein: hourglass, you stood in magic soaking up glances from smitten hearts you were the subject of unresolved battles the mystery of unoccupied castles.

ThedreamscapeofdiscoverythatJamesNgwuEze craftswiththemusicalityofhispoetrysomewhat reprisesthelifeworkoftherevolutionarymusician Bob Marley who is posited as doing protest music when in fact the Jamaican legend wrote more love songs. There is the dimension of Bob Dylan being celebrated for his music only to end up winning the Nobel Prize in Literature. Making meaning of the soundofJamesNgwuEzeingoosebumpscallsfor comparative synergies.

WhereIstronglydisagreewithJamesNgwuEzeis inhisunwantedadviceintryingtosegregatehowone shouldenjoytheseamlessflowofhisgoosebumps.

In his Introduction to goosebumps, James Ngwu Ezewrites:“Dividedintoserenade,desire,besotted, heartacheandsongs,goosebumpswhimsicallysplits loveapartanddelicatelyre-assemblesitbackinto

a magnificent orchestra in which each instrument floatsswimminglyinthepowerofitsownsublimity todeliverasearingsongthatisassensualasheartrending.Eachmovementinthecollectionrevealsa new artery of feeling, each poem a heightening of experiencethatleavesgoosebumpsallovertheskin.”

NowIask:WhogaveJamesNgwuEzetheaudacity towhimsicallysplitlove?Iamusingalltheemphasis atmycommandtostressthatgoosebumpsmustbe enjoyedasoneseamlesswholedevoidofdivisions.

Throughhisdeftdeploymentofwords,JamesNgwu Eze can make even heartache orgasmic.

It is incumbent on me to share the gems of goosebumps across the pages because great poets over the ages are duly celebrated through their standout lines. For instance, when we talk of ChristopherOkigbo,werememberthelines:When you have finished/and done up my stitches/Wake me near the altar/and this poem will be finished…

James Ngwu Eze in goosebumps deserves celebration for delivering heartfelt lines as per moderncoupletsthatwillliveforever.Startingfrom the paradoxical opening poem “my mistress”, we read:yousweptintomylifelikeahurricane/andnow my heart will not beat if it does not beat for you. In the poem “sleepwalker” James Ngwu Eze emotes: trappedinthemazeofyourbeauty/iamasleepwalker singinginmydream.Thepoem“resonance”throbs with:beloved,ishallsingmyheartouttoday/tokeep the storm inside me at bay.

We get to the poem “landscape” and read: your bodyismylandscape/pleasepermitmetoexplore it.In“flowersdanceatdawn”,JamesNgwuEzepens: i wake up to the sunlight of your smile/your teeth glowing like diamonds in my dream. The poem “standing in light” renders: beloved, you are the razor that cuts through/my nightmares to wake me to happy memories. In the poem “pentecost” we are served signs and wonders thusly: i am your sign/andyouaremywonder.Evenadeadlypandemic offerslinesofbeautyasinthepoem“loveintimeof corona” James Ngwu Eze delivers: i want to inhale yourbreathtonight/throughtheventsonyournose mask. The title poem “goosebumps” gives us: you brokeallovermelikegoosebumps/spreadinguntil my body was your territory.

Read full Book review online - www.thisdaylive.com

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Odunlade Treats Colleagues to Rich Yoruba Culture presence and their creative contributions to WKH ÀOP everal A-list stars in the movie ‘Orisa’ is set in an ancient Yoruba city. The industry made it all glam to the titular ‘Orisa’, played by Muyiwa Ademola, is grand premiere of Odunlade a powerful warrior who allies himself with a Adekola’s epic movie, ‘Orisa’ gang of highly skilled warriors. Their activities last Sunday, July 16, at the IMAX pose a problem for the king and other criminal Cinemas in Lagos. The event, which gangs in the city. A mission goes wrong and a turned out to be quite explosive, witnessed dark secret comes to light threatening to spell massive support from industry personalities doom for ‘Orisa’ and his clique of warriors”. mostly from the Yoruba sector, including Wumi Various actors including, Jide Kosoko, Dele Toriola, Nkechi Blessing.

Odule, Yinka Quadri, Ayo Mogaji, Iya Rainbow, 2WKHUV VXFK DV 6KDͿ\ %HOOR )DWKLD :LOOLDPV 6HJXQ 2JXQJEH )HPL $GHED\R (QLROD $MDR Mercy Aigbe, Lateef Adedimeji, Mo Bimpe, ,UHWL 2VD\HPL IHDWXUHG LQ ¶2ULVD· 7KH ÀOP Oga Bello, Jide Kosoko, and many others were collaboration between Odunlade Adekola and among the A-list personalities that graced the )LOP2QH 6WXGLRV RSHQHG LQ FLQHPDV RQ -XO\ occasion. It was quite an impressive turnout. 21, 2023. The premiere followed weeks after Odunlade treated his colleagues to a world Odunlade felicitated with graduands at the of rich Yoruba culture. Clips from the private WK FRQYRFDWLRQ RI KLV ÀOP screening and pre-cinema viewing have been 7KH 2GXQODGH $GHNROD )LOP 6FKRRO JUDGXDheartwarming. tion ceremony which took place in Abeokuta, With many of the ace actor’s colleagues Ogun state saw 50 newly trained movie industry supported him. In the aftermath of the successful HQWUDQWV LQ GLͿHUHQW VSKHUHV RI ÀOPPDNLQJ premiere, the movie star who produced and celebrate their successful completion. Students directed took to his Instagram page to express RI WKH 2$)3 VFKRROV DUH XVXDOO\ SDUW RI WKH his gratitude to his colleagues who lent support. cast of the running YouTube comedy series He attributed the success of the event to their ‘Saamu Alajo’, produced by Odunlade Adekola. Lateef Adedimeji, Mo Bimpe, Odunlade Adekola and others Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Temi Otedola, Mr Eazi Tickle Fans BBNaija’s Star Maria Chike Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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t was music superstar and record ODEHO ERVV 0U (D]L·V ELUWKGD\ ODVW :HGQHVGD\ KLV ÀDQFpH 7HPL Otedola took to her Instagram to celebrate his special day. The ¶&LWDWLRQ· ÀOP VWDU GRWHG RQ KHU lover in a series of Instagram posts to mark the occasion, dedicating her entire Insta story to him.

In one of her posts, the billionaire heiress, 7HPL XSORDGHG D SKRWRJUDSK RI 0U (D]L LQ full winter gear and fawned over the singer in her caption, calling him kind, warm, genuine, and her favourite person. She also expressed her excitement over the reality of spending her life with him; as they are set to wed.

Her caption reads, “Happy birthday to Temi and Mr Eazy my favourite person ever, I’m so blessed to have met you. I can’t believe I get to crooner stood behind his woman. A few spend this life with the kindest, warmest and days ago, the fashion blogger stunned the most genuine person I know. Mine forever. I online community with bikini photos of her love you”. The much-loved celebrity couple as it caught the attention of many.

In the video that caught the attention tickled the hearts of their fans and followers of many, Temi jokingly mocked her critics recently in viral a video.

The passionate moment between the and asked them to stop coming online if couple was captured as the ‘Skin Tight’ they have a problem with her beauty. The

‘storm-free’ lovebirds shared a beautiful as WKH\ VWRRG EHIRUH WKH FDPHUD PHVPHUL]HG E\ HDFK RWKHU·V SUHVHQFH 0U (D]L VWRRG EHKLQG Temi, embracing her lovingly.

7KH EHDXW\ LQÁXHQFHU PLPHG D SRSXODU TikTok voice recording as she mocked her naysayers with her charming self. Their JHQXLQH DͿHFWLRQ DQG DGPLUDWLRQ IRU RQH another were evident, leaving viewers in awe of their beautiful bond.

Just in January, Temi celebrated the 6th DQQLYHUVDU\ RI PHHWLQJ 0U (D]L RQ KHU Instagram page, he then commented on the SRVW VD\LQJ ´ \HDUV LQÀQLW\ WR JRµ 7HPL DQG (D]L DQQRXQFHG WKHLU HQJDJHPHQW LQ April 2022 after the entertainer popped the question and remain engaged to this day.

0HDQZKLOH WKH (P3DZD$IULFD ERVV 0U (D]L ZLOO UHOHDVH KLV ORQJ DZDLWHG GHEXW VROR album on October 27, 2023. The 16-track album is available for pre-order. The announcement follows the release of the lead single ‘Chop 7LPH 1R )ULHQG· DQG LWV DFFRPSDQ\LQJ PXVLF video. ¶&KRS 7LPH 1R )ULHQG· LV D SOD\IXO comeback to the Banku music sound which 0U (D]L SLRQHHUHG ZLWK KLV HDUO\ VLQJOHV and mixtapes.

GLG Communications Celebrates World PR Day Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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LG Communications, a leading 35 DQG UHSXWDWLRQ PDQDJHment agency, recently hosted WKH 1LJHULDQ 3XEOLF 5HODWLRQV Industry to a resounding success as part of activities WR FHOHEUDWH WKH DQQXDO JOREDO :RUOG 35 'D\ The event was held on the 14th July at the $OOLDQFH )UDQFDLVH 0LNH $GHQXJD &HQWUH LQ Ikoyi Lagos.

7KH JDWKHULQJ RI WRS 35 SUDFWLWLRQHUV EURXJKW together industry leaders, renowned profesVLRQDOV DQG ULVLQJ VWDUV RQ D QLJKW ÀOOHG ZLWK celebration, inspiration, and recognition.

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With a record attendance of distinguished JXHVWV */* &RPPXQLFDWLRQV R΀FLDOO\ XQYHLOHG WKH QG HGLWLRQ RI LWV KLJKO\ DQWLFLSDWHG 35 3RZHU /LVW ZKLFK UHFRJQLVHG DQG VKRZFDVHG WKH incredible achievements of the top 50 Nigerian 35 DQG FRPPXQLFDWLRQV SURIHVVLRQDOV RYHU

L-R: Celebrated coach, Dr Lanre Olusola; Managing Director of CMC Connect, Yomi Badejo-Okusanya and event convener & Managing Partner of GLG Communications, Omawumi Ogbe during the 2023 PR Power List Presentation

the last twelve months.

These outstanding individuals, selected for their exceptional contributions to the industry, were honoured for their unwavering dedication, FUHDWLYLW\ DQG LPSDFW LQ ÀYH FDWHJRULHV ,FRQV Changemakers, Community Impact, Rising Voices and Media Impact.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the event featured exclusive one-on-one keynote interviews with communications icons in Nigeria

and America - the immediate past president RI WKH $IULFDQ 3XEOLF 5HODWLRQV $VVRFLDWLRQ $35$ 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU RI &0& &RQQHFW <RPL %DGHMR 2NXVDQ\D DQG )RXQGHU RI %ODFN $W &DQQHV 3HWHU 8NKXUHERU UHVSHFWLYHO\ Both speakers provided the event attendees with unique insights and thought-provoking discussions.

GLG Communications proudly launched the 35 3RZHU /LVW 0DJD]LQH DW WKH HYHQW 7KLV world-class publication features some of the most prominent voices in the global communications LQGXVWU\ RͿHULQJ UHDGHUV H[FOXVLYH LQWHUYLHZV expert insights, and thought-provoking articles that shed light on the latest trends, challenges and developments in public relations and the broader business landscape. ´7KH QG DQQXDO */* :RUOG 35 'D\ FRFNWDLO was a tremendous success, and we were thrilled WR DOVR XQYHLO RXU 35 3RZHU /LVW 0DJD]LQH 7KH PDJD]LQH ZKLFK VHUYHV DV D SODWIRUP WR amplify the voices of industry leaders and provide valuable insights to professionals and the general public, is one that I am very proud of because of the quality of content and production. We are proud to present this world-class publication to our esteemed audience,” said Omawumi Ogbe, managing partner at GLG Communications.

Welcomes Baby Boy Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Motherhood has come to be for Big Brother 1DLMD ¶6KLQH \D (\HV· VWDU 0DULD &KLNH %HQMDPLQ DQG KHU ER\IULHQG .HYLQ DV WKH\ ÀQDOO\ ZHOFRPHG WKHLU ÀUVW EDE\ The couple, who announced they were expecting a child last month, welcomed a baby boy last Monday. Maria shared the good news via her Twitter page, expressing her love for her bundle of joy.

The reality television star also revealed the mood and moment her son was christened, ´-RQDWKDQ $QWKRQ\ $GHJERWROX DP :H ORYH \RX DOUHDG\µ The good news comes barely a month after she addressed rumors of wrecking her boyfriend’s marriage following reports of their relationship which went viral. In an interview with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Maria claimed that she never knew Kevin was married before they met.

Maria made it known that she didn’t destroy Kevin’s marriage and vowed to stand by her words. According to her, she isn’t a home wrecker and would never be one. “I actually wasn’t aware whether or not he was married ZKHQ KH ÀUVW VWDUWHG GDWLQJ “What I am going to stand by and the gospel truth and I didn’t destroy any marriage. I have never and would never”. Maria entered the Big Brother Naija House in the 2021 season, leaving a trail of admirers in her wake.

She soon launched a fashion and lifestyle brand SRVW %%1DLMD H[WHQGLQJ KHU LQÁXHQFH EH\RQG WKH VXSSRVHGO\ FRQWURYHUVLDOO\ LQÁXHQWLDO VKRZ Recall that the reality television star and host of the “Healing with Maria” wellness show shared her pregnancy status in a video she posted on her Instagram page last month.

Kevin and Maria

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

19

INTERVIEW Chesachi Hani-Okoroafor

Charting the Next Frontier in Contemporary African Art Chesachi Hani-Okoroafor, known professionally as SACHI is a British-based Nigerian artist. He is the Curator and Artistic Director of Prodigies of Africa whose exhibition titled ‘Infiltration of the Blues’ opens 17th to 30th September at the African Artists’ Foundation Gallery, Victoria Island, Lagos. SACHI 24, who holds a First Class degree in Fine Art talks to Nduka Nwosu about his arts

W

hat is the essence of SACHI as an artist?

be the order of focus for an artist, and that is how I’m approaching my practice. It isn’t easy, but I believe that it will pay off.

I believe that my ethos as an artist is using art as the medium for my biography, taking aspects of all the things I’m interested in at any specific period in my life as well as any moments or memories that I capture, and immortalising them in the art. Using my life and interests in my art, helps me assign value to my memories.

How does your work cross-pollinate between African and Global Art? Humanity has a lot more in common than it has differences. Being different and being unique should not be mutually exclusive. For instance, the number 3 and the number 9 are unique numbers, but they are still both numbers, and there are still connections that can be made between them. A Caucasian child brought up in Nigeria would grow up behaving like a Nigerian regardless of his skin colour.

The same goes for acquiring cultures and traditions; these are just matters of natural or evolutionary adaptation. Cross-pollination is a fact of the evolving global society. In most fields and now through social media, artists are not handicapped by their physical location in the way that they would have been even 20 years ago. There is the unfortunate possibility of this ease of access spurring an unhealthy commercialisation of art. In my view, trying to be who you are not as an artist, is ultimately futile, and should therefore be avoided. I try my hardest to focus on first establishing what my ‘thing’ is or what my ‘things’ are; and then doing all I can to produce the best examples of those things.

What is your perception of African Art? I don’t like how the global definition of A ‘ frican Art’ seems to revolve around tribal and native patterns. As an African artist I have never related to or dabbled in that ‘theme’ of art, and never quite understood why it has endured through the decades. In my opinion, the abstractions in many African collections are often stronger and more unique that the literal A ‘ frican’ pieces.

These abstractions are doubly powerful because they still feel “African” due to their palette, but in addition, their composition and application don’t feel confined to any geographical location. I prefer to define A ‘ frican Art’ simply as “art produced by an artist of recognised or recognisable African decent”. Picasso is well known to have used tribal African masks as muse in his cubist works, but I don’t believe anyone would define ‘Guernica’ as A ‘ frican Art’.

How would you approach the unique challenges of young African artists?

One challenge that I can identify with is my work being considered as not A ‘ frican’ enough.

My problem is not being able to identify what I would need to do to change that perception. Would it be a change in my own style or a question of sticking to my guns and creating enough work that the global narrative is forced to change?

Being thrown into the category of ‘diaspora artist’ is a slight issue for me. But fortunately, an increasing number of African artists are veering away from the stereotypical tribal and native representations of masks, pottery, textiles and other symbolisms of African-ness.

What is your vision for Prodigies of Africa?

With Prodigies of Africa, we are trying to provide opportunities for African artists at all stages of their respective careers, through which they would be able to explore themselves via multiple artistic methods of expression. Whether it be painting, sculpture, film, photography or even performance arts, our organization aims to provide the African artists with access to a global audience. Conversely, we also aspire to open a viable route back ‘home’ for African artists in the diaspora who wish to do more art in, and build a deeper connection with their native lands and cultures.

Can you define the ‘Infiltration Of The Blues’ as an Art Collection?

The colour blue is something that I am not only obsessed with, but feel a deep connection to, and therefore cannot avoid. A peak moment in my exploration was the creation of my own blue. A pure and complete abstract self-portrait.

Absent of likeness or figure but still presenting identification. A lot of my work has been blue since then, culminating in my dedicating an entire exhibition to it, celebrating and analysing how the colour has infiltrated my life in the last year.

Blue as a ‘Captor’, a ‘Counsellor’, a ‘Healer,‘ and at times a ‘Concealer’.

Outside of the ‘pigment bias’, limiting the colour palette an artist can use, and analysing how doing so can influence an artist’s decision-making process, is a research narrative that I’m interested in exploring in depth. I feel really privileged that such an eclectic team of Nigerian artists have

Hani-Okoroafor

joined me on this journey. I am extremely proud that our team members are among the most vibrant talents in Nigeria. All fifteen of us are using the exhibition as an opportunity to study the impact of monochromatic constraints on an artistic practice and the artists’ perceptions of their own work and art as a whole.

How much of authenticity are we still discussing regarding contemporary African art?

I believe sometimes there isn’t enough focus on making art to be an original of yourself. The copy-cut-paste and share era of information has made it even more pivotal for an artist to be an individual, very unique about how they choose to express themselves artistically. Forcing yourself to remain inspired, and respectfully referencing in full at every chance you get without being influenced as a mere follower. I’ve found that making art from primary sources and only those secondary sources that I have collected and have a primary level passion for, has been the best recipe for satisfaction in my work. Satisfaction as a result of remaining true to self, is a dragon worth chasing. Accolades, social recognition, respect and other forms of currency are merely the residuals of success. I believe that should

What opportunities are possible for your generation of artists in the digital age?

In the past, visibility as an artist relied a lot on intermediaries. But the digital era has brought with it a different mindset and perception of art.

Social media has given artists the opportunity to publish and actively update their visual portfolio and theme of practice, using their timeline as a highlight reel, a mood board or even a digital billboard at times. People don’t even need to commit to being a fan of your work through a ‘follow’ and can still not only be introduced to you but comment on what they see publicly.

The feedback on your work is more dynamic now. Being able to speak to a possible client or collaborator directly either in private messages or through video meetings, allows intimacy to be established and retained despite time zone and location differences. It’s a great addition to the art when utilised appropriately.

What about the impact of artificial Intelligence on art?

I don’t think AI can do much harm to Art. The impact will be positive as long as AI isn’t abused and used as too much of a crutch. Technology has always been used to aid the production process for paintings whether it is using a projector to cut down the prep time for a canvas or as basic as using rulers and protractors for “perfect” lines and curves. The key issues are honesty and signature. The more work the AI does the harder it becomes to put only your own name on the artwork. Being specific about your role as the “human artist” in the piece, is therefore

very important; that is, not calling anything a painting if there isn’t any paint present. Being painterly and being a painting are not the same. It’s just like comparing the photograph of a painting concept with a finished canvas piece photographed in location and cropped to size. The transparency in process must remain intact and consistent throughout someone’s art practice. If that is achieved then I feel like AI, at least in art, won’t be more than a constantly evolving technological aid.

Can you lead us into your other modes of artistic expression?

Music has always been a very important muse in my practice; songs have been directly referenced in many of my paintings. The goal is to find an indistinguishable connection between sound and colour. A connection that can be mapped and charted. Using work from Mondrian and Kandinsky as reference in research on the synesthesia and chromesthesia phenomena, I have been trying to devise a code and scale that would allow a painting to be played like sheet music or even evoke a sound solely through visual contact (in the way that you can guess the sound of something you recognise just by looking at the image). It would also be interesting to do the reverse where a soundscape could be scored that created a specific colourscape or image in the mind’s eye of the listener, without any visual cues. Also, working with clay was a whole new challenge and definitely more of a challenge than I was expecting it to be. Texturally, I like clay as a medium especially considering the numerous stages the material goes through before it rests and the effect that can have on the chosen ‘finish line’ of the piece. I would like to find a series where it makes sense to include clay, and use that as a reason to document my learning process in depth as I have been doing with my paintings.

How do you combine your roles as an artist, curator and art entrepreneur?

In my opinion, the best way to balance the three roles is to assume three different personalities and mindsets when working on a task. I see the artist as the free idealist, trying anything and everything. Pure and cathartic. No expendable boundaries. Allowing all to pass through and being but a filter; with no shortage of ideas.

The artist keeps the Curator busy.

The curator for his part, manages the files, putting them in folders and clearing space when necessary. Letting files die gracefully or recovering them in new folders, updated and renamed. The curator is the director; the conductor of the orchestra. He decides what will get left on the cutting room floor; what will get archived just in case; what is worth collecting resources for; which folder is the most layered? The Entrepreneur is the chief executive, the final boss. All resources have value. Time. Money. Space. The Entrepreneur takes the most layered and complete folders from the curator and applies the efficiency filter.

Doing more with less and doing less for more gain. How do these folders become beneficial?

It’s often hard to wear these three caps jointly.

But I’ve been told that ‘practice makes perfect’!

, SUHIHU WR GHÀQH $IULFDQ $UW VLPSO\ DV DUW How exciting is your collaborations with SURGXFHG E\ DQ DUWLVW RI UHFRJQLVHG RU UHFRJ- other artists?

I enjoy collaboration. It excites me when I meet QLVDEOH $IULFDQ GHVFHQW 3LFDVVR LV ZHOO NQRZQ ana style artist that has a style that I like, as well as that I feel compliments my own. Like drummer finding their pianist. Harmony as WR KDYH XVHG WULEDO $IULFDQ PDVNV DV PXVH LQ aopposed to synchrony. I must admit, however, there could be dissonance between the KLV FXELVW ZRUNV EXW , GRQ·W EHOLHYH DQ\RQH that hopes and dreams of the relevant parties. even worse, situations where there is ZRXOG GHÀQH ¶*XHUQLFD· DV ¶$IULFDQ $UW· Or misunderstanding of the overall expectation from the partnership.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

20

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK If You Must Drive, 10 Ways to Reduce Fuel Consumption

The Lexus NX

Lexus Retains Auto Express New Car Award

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he Lexus NX has been crowned Midsize Premium SUV of the Year in the Auto Express New Car Awards for a second year in succession.

Announced at an awards presentation in London this evening, the KRQRXU FRQÀUPV WKH 1;·V OHDGLQJ VWDWXV LQ RQH RI WKH PRVW ÀHUFHO\ contested premium market segments.

Steve Fowler, Auto Express Editorin-Chief, said: “The latest NX is one of the best Lexus models we’ve ever driven.

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by Lexus’s human-centred design, commitment to omotenashi hospitality and signature takumi craftsmanship, supported by the company’s peerless customer service.

New Mini Electric Convertible Debuts

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“Zero worries. Zero driving emissions. Just DYDLODEOH :H·UH WKULOOHG WR LQWURGXFH WKH ÀUVW HYHU 0,1, Electric Convertible.

“Combining everything you love about the MINI Convertible with the best bits of the MINI Electric, get ready for roof-down freedom, tonnes of torque and that all-electric feel good.

“A choice of colour ways and loads of exclusive accents makes sure it looks as good as it drives, plus it’s equipped with the latest technology to make every journey easier. So you can focus on embracing the elements with none of the driving emissions.

EASY ON THE EYE. Feel amazing. Look amazing. Choose from either a White Silver or Enigmatic Black exterior, both complete with elegant Resolute Bronze accents and (of course) the MINI Yours electric soft-top ² ZKLFK \RX FDQ GURS LQ VHFRQGV IRU that wind-in-your-hair feeling. <RX·OO DOVR ÀQG VW\OLVK µ 0,1, Electric Power Spokes, ultra-comfortable MINI Yours Leather Lounge seating and exclusive electric emblems throughout ² IURP WKH VLGH VFXWWOHV WR WKH VWHHULQJ wheel badge.

TECH TO TAKE YOU FURTHER Along with top-down electric freedom

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and dashing good looks, the MINI Electric Convertible is equipped with the latest MINI tech to enhance every journey. Stay on track with MINI Connected Navigation, use the MINI Parking Assistant to manoeuvre with ease, and rely on MINI High Beam Assist to automatically adjust your OLJKWV LQWR RQFRPLQJ WUD΀F Chilly start to the day? You can stay toasty with your heated steering wheel

and seats. And if your keys are buried at the bottom of your bag, MINI Comfort Access helps you get in your car (and on your way) without having to rummage for them. You can also add a load of extras to make your drive even PRUH 0,1, ² IURP D +DUPDQ .DUGRQ Sound System to the Head Up Display, which projects driver information above the steering wheel for minimum distraction.

Even though we are aware that engines need fuel to run, that does not mean you can’t make some small changes to help you gain some fuel savings.

1. Keep tires pumped up Tires that are XQGHULQÁDWHG KDYH D KLJKHU UROOLQJ UHVLVWDQFH on the road. This means that with every kilometer traveled, your tires generate more friction and rolling resistance, and hence, will increase fuel consumption. If all your WLUHV DUH XQGHULQÁDWHG E\ SVL WKLV FRXOG UHGXFH IXHO H΀FLHQF\ E\ XS WR 2. Lose the weight in your boot For those with a habit of keeping everything and anything in the boot, in addition to emergency spares, think twice when loading XS QH[W WLPH (YHU\ H[WUD NJ \RXU FDU SXWV RQ LQFUHDVHV IXHO FRQVXPSWLRQ E\ 3. Drive with AC Driving with the windows GRZQ DW VSHHGV IDVWHU WKDQ NP K FDXVHV a lot of wind resistance, and costs you a lot more fuel. Contrary to what you may think, in this situation, it’s simply more fuel H΀FLHQW WR GULYH ZLWK WKH DLUFRQ RQ 4. Don’t go too fast or too slow When cruising down a highway, your engine works hard to overcome wind resistance. You’ll EXUQ XS WR PRUH IXHO DW NP K DQG PRUH DW NP K 7KDW PLJKW tempt you to drive slow, but if you drive VORZHU WKDQ NP K \RXU HQJLQH ZRXOG drop to a lower gear, thus using up more IXHO ,Q FRQFOXVLRQ D VWHDG\ ² NP K on the highway is best to achieve optimal fuel economy.

5. Remain steady when accelerating Avoid revving your accelerator to a high revolutions per minute (RPM). It’s better for fuel economy, as your engine uses less fuel when it is revolving slower, at a lower RPM. 6. Avoid braking aggressively Slamming on the brakes increases fuel consumption as you need to accelerate again later. This is especially true if you follow too closely behind the vehicle in front of you. Not to mention, tailgating is dangerous and something to avoid.

7. Cruise in top gear If you’re driving an automatic car, make use of cruise control to keep your speed constant. And if you’re driving a manual car, maintain a higher gear when appropriate.

In each of these instances, your engines go through less revolutions per minute (RPM) and will reduce your fuel consumption.

8. Practice predictive driving Look to the road ahead and plan your next move. Instead of slamming on the brakes to a complete stop, try slowing down as you approach the red light. Or when reaching the foot of a hill, start accelerating as you edge closer to it rather than when you approach it. Avoid hard accelerations when moving your car from a complete stop, or climbing a hill as it will increase fuel consumption.

9. Plan your rush hour route 6WRS VWDUW WUD΀F SXWV D ORW RI SUHVVXUH RQ your engine, thus burns more fuel. When possible, plan your commute to and from work carefully to help you avoid the worst RI SHDN WUD΀F 10. Don’t stay idle for long If you are waiting for something or someone IRU PRUH WKDQ WKUHH PLQXWHV WXUQ RͿ \RXU engine. You may not be moving but as long as your engine is on, it’s burning precious fuel. $QG D ÀQDO ZRUG 5HJXODU FDU VHUYLFLQJ KHOSV PDLQWDLQ \RXU HQJLQH·V IXHO H΀FLHQF\ Engine parts work closely in tandem. If poorly maintained, sludge and corrosion will build-up between the parts making it GL΀FXOW IRU WKH HQJLQH WR ZRUN VPRRWKO\ This is also why engine oils are in the engine, combat sludge and improve fuel economy.

(Courtesy of Mobil )

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

AUTO WORLD

Plant Dingolfing Celebrates Start of BMW i5 Production During Anniversary Year

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he new BMW 5 Series, including the all-new fully-electric BMW L FHOHEUDWHG WKH R΀FLDO VWDUW of production at BMW Group 3ODQW 'LQJROÀQJ LQ WKH SUHVHQFH of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder.

A statement by the automaker said the site in Lower Bavaria, which is celebrating 50 years of BMW automotive production in 2023, has now ramped up its third fully-electric model in two years, following the BMW iX and BMW i7. Pure battery-electric vehicles’ share of total production at the BMW Group’s largest European manufacturing location is projected to increase to over 40 percent next year.

0LODQ 1HGHOMNRYLþ PHPEHU RI WKH %RDUG of Management of BMW AG responsible for 3URGXFWLRQ H[SODLQHG LQ 'LQJROÀQJ WRGD\ ´7KH %0: L DQG RXU SODQW LQ 'LQJROÀQJ DUH SHUIHFW examples of how the BMW Group is transforming itself for e-mobility and developing our plants on the road to the BMW iFACTORY. E-mobility is the new normal at our plants worldwide. Between 2021 and 2024, we will have integrated a total of 15 fully-electric vehicles into our production network.”

To achieve this, the BMW Group is relying

RQ ÁH[LEOH DUFKLWHFWXUHV DQG RͿHULQJ PRVW RI its models to customers around the world ZLWK GLͿHUHQW GULYH WUDLQ YDULDQWV 7KH %0: 5 Series – like the BMW 7 Series and BMW X1 before it – will be available with a fully-electric drive train or internal combustion engine, or as a plug-in hybrid. This requires a high degree of ÁH[LELOLW\ EXW DOORZV WKH FRPSDQ\ WR XWLOLVH LWV SODQWV· FDSDFLW\ H΀FLHQWO\ DQG DGMXVW LWV RͿHULQJ WR FXVWRPHU GHPDQG 1HGHOMNRYLþ ´:H DUH following the market. Customer requirements determine what the actual drive train mix looks like.” This has been made possible by extensive investments in the production network. The BMW Group has invested more than one billion euros in integrating the BMW iX, BMW 7 Series and %0: 6HULHV DW WKH 'LQJROÀQJ YHKLFOH SODQW $V 'LQJROÀQJ·V FRUH PRGHO %0: 6HULHV injects new impetus Over the next few years, Plant Director Christoph Schröder expects the launch of the new BMW 5 Series to boost the plant’s production QXPEHUV ´7KH %0: 6HULHV KDV WUDGLWLRQDOO\ EHHQ 'LQJROÀQJ·V FRUH PRGHO DQG ZLOO SURYLGH valuable impetus for volumes again this time.” ,Q PRUH WKDQ YHKLFOHV FDPH RͿ WKH DVVHPEO\ OLQH DW 3ODQW 'LQJROÀQJ 2YHU WKH coming year, with the start of production for the

The all-new fully-electric BMW i5 on production line BMW 5 Series Touring and the eighth-generation BMW M5 models, Schröder expects that number to climb to well over 300,000 vehicles. Stefan 'DQQHU 'HSXW\ &KDLUPDQ RI WKH 'LQJROÀQJ

:RUNV &RXQFLO DGGV ´$ORQJ ZLWK WKH VXFFHVVIXO transition to e-mobility, the BMW 5 Series is central to long-term capacity utilisation at our plant, as well as securing jobs.”

Mercedes-Benz Provides over 100 Vehicles for Players, Officials, Selected Guests at UK Golf Championship

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ercedes-Benz is supporting The R&A, the organiser of The Open, golf’s original Championship, which ends tomorrow, with a ÁHHW RI RYHU YHKLFOHV LQFOXGLQJ LQQRYDWLYH hybrid and all-electric cars.

With the 151st edition of The Open, golf’s original Championship returns to Royal Liverpool in Hoylake. From 16 to 23 July, the only of the four Major Championships played outside the United States will be held on the famous links near Liverpool. The venue will be hosting the elite of golf for the 13th time. Meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz is accompanying The Open for the 12th time DV DQ R΀FLDO SDUWQHU RI WKH RUJDQLVHU 7KH R&A, the automaker said in a statement.

7KH &KDPSLRQVKLS ZHHN NLFNHG RͿ ZLWK D KLJKOLJKW 7KH ´5HWXUQ RI WKH &ODUHW -XJµ The iconic trophy is traditionally driven to the venue in a Mercedes-Benz by the 2022 Champion Golfer of the Year and returned to the CEO of The R&A, Martin Slumbers.

The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX

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met Franklin Uzoh (not real name) about three years ago. Frank, as he is fondly called by his close associates, was a ‘recalcitrant road user’. In a layman description, Frank was a perpetual law breaker with a disdain for road safety rules. He was a speed freak, a risk taker among dangerous maneuvering behavior he indulged in while on the wheels.

All that, however, changed on the day, mercy saved him. He was driving, according to the report, during heavy rain and threw decency to the wind despite warnings to defer his drive until the weather was clear. He ignored safety counsel and boom, set out on his dangerous mission and crashed onto a parked vehicle that luckily had no occupant. The car was ZULWWHQ RͿ ZKLOH KH VXVWDLQHG QXPHURXV LQMXULHV and multiple fractures. Today, Frank is glued to a wheelchair for life.

For the sake of averting this kind of tragedy, I have chosen to re-run this piece on driving in the rain. When I heard the story, I believed that Frank’s survival was a fallout of his faith in God. That is why I wish to start by reminding us about what the Holy Book says about Faith. Faith, the Bible says, cometh by hearing and hearing the word of God. 7KH VDPH %LEOH VD\V ´P\ SHRSOH SHULVK IRU WKH ODFN RI NQRZOHGJH µ 6LPLODUO\ FKDSWHU RI WKH .RUDQ VD\V ´EXW UHPLQG IRU UHPLQGLQJ EHQHÀWV WKH EHOLHYHUV µ %RWK WKH KRO\ %LEOH DQG WKH JORULRXV .RUDQ HPSKDVLVH the need to be knowledgeable.

A couple of years ago, someone dear and inspiring was left crippled by a driver who disregarded the simple rules of being cautious while driving in the rain, especially on unfamiliar roads. What looks like a small mistake caused this lady not just a career

This year, Cameron Smith had the honour to hand over the Claret Jug. The vehicle for the occasion of the Return of the Claret Jug was YHU\ VSHFLDO D RQH RͿ WKH 0HUFHGHV %HQ] VISION EQXX. The Mercedes-Benz VISION EQXX is a unique technology demonstrator that has reached a new level in electric mobility through its design, the lightweight construction and the technology used. On one battery charge, the VISION EQXX can cover a distance of NLORPHWUHV LQ UHJXODU URDG WUD΀F ,Q parallel with the VISION EQXX, Mercedes%HQ] ZLOO SURYLGH D VKXWWOH ÁHHW GXULQJ 7KH Open featuring all-electric vehicles again.

These will provide on-site mobility for players, R΀FLDOV DQG VHOHFWHG JXHVWV ´7KH 0HUFHGHV %HQ] 9LVLRQ (4;; RQFH again shows the great development of electric mobility and we are proud to be able to show the future of electric mobility at The Open. Further, I would like to thank our longstanding partner Mercedes-Benz for VXSSRUWLQJ 7KH 5 $ ZLWK D ÁHHW RI RYHU 100 vehicles, including innovative hybrid and all-electric cars.”

Tips for Driving in The Rain SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. but her mobility while the driver escaped without a scratch. Just recently another person who I know lost his life in a crash, which occurred while driving in the rain. These two painful tragedies, Frank’s survival and perhaps many more which we probably don’t not know about are the reason for reproducing this piece.

Remember that I had shared the story of a pathetic DQG WUDJLF GHDWK RI D PRWKHU DQG D ZLIH LQ D URDG WUD΀F crash which occurred along Abuja Airport road. The mother’s details I didn’t know, neither the husband’s.

However, her death, like that of most other tragedies often highlighted in my weekly piece, was caused by D GULYHU·V HUURU 7KH ZRPDQ LI \RX UHFDOO KDG ÁRZQ IURP WKH 8QLWHG .LQJGRP WR $EXMD ZLWKRXW D KLWFK 2Q arrival, she called the husband who in turn, perhaps due to another pressing engagement, requested a taxi driver to pick her up. Sometime in the course of 45 minutes’ drive from the Abuja Airport, the driver, on noticing a trailer, instinctively tried to avoid it, but unfortunately crashed into the trailer with the woman DQG GLHG 7KH GULYHU ZDV LQMXUHG DQG DOLYH 7KH ÀUVW TXHVWLRQ , DVNHG ZDV ZDV LW UDLQLQJ" +RZ IDVW ZDV

KH JRLQJ DW WKH SRLQW RI WKH FUDVK" 2Q ZKDW ODQH ZDV KH" 7KH VSHHG OHIW ODQH RU VORZ ODQH ULJKW ODQH " :DV WKH WUDLOHU VWDWLRQDU\" +RZ EDG ZDV YLVLELOLW\" Unfortunately, no one was there to reply to me as the woman died and the driver was hospitalised.

These questions and many more are the reason for this piece as we daily experience heavy downpour across the country. Driving, according to the Revised +LJK &RGH LV PRUH GL΀FXOW DQG KD]DUGRXV ZKHQ visibility is blurred by weather conditions such as mist, fog, harmattan haze or other related factors.

Remember that even before the raining season began, some of the roads were either being repaired or were inadequate. Remember also that there could be broken down vehicles or even slow moving vehicles with defective lighting systems. Remember also that your vehicle could suddenly develop a fault, a tyre could burst, brake failure, electrical system could malfunction; any fault can develop. There may even be fallen trees on the road.

Before you start out, ask yourself if that journey is UHDOO\ QHFHVVDU\" $UH \RX LQ WKH ULJKW VWDWH RI PLQG WR PDNH WKH MRXUQH\" $OVR FRQÀUP WKH PLQLPXP VDIHW\ VWDWH RI \RXU YHKLFOH :KHQ LW ZDV ODVW VHUYLFHG" +RZ JRRG LV \RXU VLJKW" :KDW LV WKH VWDWH RI \RXU W\UHV ZLSHUV DQG ZLQGVFUHHQ" 1HYHU XQGHUHVWLPDWH WKH dangers. Make sure your lights are working, your windscreens okay and your wipers are in perfect working conditions. Remember that the road is not your personal property; you share the road with others, amongst which are heavy duty vehicles. These heavy duty vehicles usually require longer distances to stop and would require even more distance under the rain or bad weather conditions.

Rule number one would require that your knowledge

of defensive driving techniques be brought to bear for your safety and others. You must always slow down, keep a safe distance from the vehicle before you and always be prepared to stop within your range of vision and avoid possible blind spots. Your overall stopping distance is the distance your car travels from the moment you realize you must brake to the moment the vehicle stops. It is made up of thinking distance and braking distance. You must never get closer than the overall stopping distance. On wet roads, the gap should be much more. Stopping distance increases greatly with wet and slippery roads, poor brakes, bad tryes and tired drivers.

Since there is diminished visibility during bad weather, whilst driving, seeing and being seen is a must at such times. This is because 80 percent of driving information comes from visibility. Visibility LQÁXHQFHV WKH UHDFWLRQ WLPH $OWKRXJK PRWRULVW PLVEHKDYLRXU DQG QDWXUDO LQÁXHQFHV FDQQRW EH eliminated completely, safety is enhanced by creating visibility of obstacles especially when it’s raining.

This is critical in the absence of adequate pavement PDUNLQJV WKDW UHÁHFW :LWKRXW VXFK VLJKV WR JXLGH a driver who may not be familiar with the road on which he is driving, headlights must be used to aid visibility I must not miss out a critical rule which dwells on the issue of excessive speeding by most drivers.

Speeding is regarded as the biggest causative factor in crashes. The report by the World Health Organisation and the World Bank highlights this truth yet road users indulge in this even when it rains. The report notes that an increase in average speed is directly related both to the likelihood of a crash occurring and to the severity of the consequences of the crash.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

TRIBUTE Atedo Peterside: An Advocate of Good Governance @ 68 “Only those who have learned the power of sincere and selfless contribution experience life’s deepest joy: true fulfillment.”

Chidiebere Nwobodo

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tedo Nari Atowari Peterside (ANAP), is a household name in Nigeria.

He needs no introduction.

He has carved a niche for himself in the private sector. As the founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank, he traversed the nation’s banking hemisphere like a colossus, leaving an indelible footprints of excellence in the marbles of the economy. As then young banker with NAL Merchant Bank (now known as Sterling Bank PLC), he was never in doubt of what he intended to achieve in the industry before calling it a day. His sole aim was to pioneer a bank, but according to regulatory rules of engagement, he needed ten years of experience to prepare for his long-nursed vision, culminating into a successful career.

It is safe to say, without fear of exaggeration, that Atedo Peterside’s success in the banking industry is one borne out of a clear-cut vision, prepared mind and dedication to hard work in pursuit of excellence. You cannot list pioneers of Nigeria’s new generation banking without mentioning his name. Born in July, 1955, to the family of Chief Michael Atowari Peterside in Rivers State, he obtained his first degree at City University, London, where he studied Economics. He later got his Masters degree in Economics in 1977, from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Being the son of an Ophthalmologist, the then young Atedo chose a different career path from his dad. He opted to be an Economist cum banker turned entrepreneur.

Atedo Peterside killed three birds not only with one stone—in one sling shot.

He said: “I was more of an entrepreneur who just happened to be in banking. I took to banking as a career with the clear intention of becoming a bank entrepreneur.” Outside being the founder of a successful bank, Atedo Peterside served as board chairman at Cadbury and board member of Nigerian Breweries, Unilever and Non-Executive Director of Flour Mills Nigeria PLC. He left active banking to venture into aviation industry via ANAP Jets Limited—where he calls the shot as the chairman, as well as a major shareholder. ANAP Jets Limited is a reputable aviation player that offers charter and aircraft management services, to serve business executives and other clients. The company has a technical partnership with Aliserio S.r.l of Italy with over 40 years of experience in European aviation industry.

Atedo Peterside is a shrewd investor and quintessential entrepreneur who has proven his mantle in the businessworld.

As a billionaire entrepreneur, he has created thousands of jobs and added enormous value to the nation’s economy.

Ordinarily, he is made in life with less to worry about. Using known measures cum indices of success, Atedo Peterside is highly successful banker, investor, businessman and entrepreneur. But there is a greater attribute bigger than just being successful—helping others to become successful, of which he has embodied. Atedo Peterside has chosen to be an advocate of good governance.

He is of the school of thought that it will amount to injustice if our today’s youths are being denied the same ladder they (successful entrepreneurs) used to climb in the past, as a result of bad governance structure strangulating potentials of Nigerian youth.

This is the philosophy that inspired him

Atedo Peterside

to become an advocate of good governance which birthed ANAP Foundation— a non-governmental organisation dedicated for the crusade of good governance. ANAP Foundation, in its few years of existence has helped alot to deepen democracy vis-a-vis good governance in the country. As the president of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside has come down from his olympian height to advocate for better governing structure for the populace. It is rare to see a billionaire in Africa championing the course of the masses, downtrodden, weak and the vulnerable in the society. This challenging mission implies stepping on the toes of government authorities, including leaders in the critical sectors of the country. While most billionaires are preoccupied with protecting and projecting their business as well as political interests, like Tony Robbins espoused, Atedo Peterside, through his sincere and selfless contribution is not only experiencing life’s deepest joy of true fulfillment, but has become one of the moral touchbearers of the nation.

One of the outstanding attributes of the elder statesman that has caught my fancy, is his unparalleled love for the youth. He is always worried about what the future holds for Nigerian youth in the face of bad governance crippling the system. Whenever opportunity calls—be it during media interviews, panel sessions of conferences, et cetera, he has always stood for the youths. “I am sad that today, no young Nigerian at age 33 can start a bank the same way I did because the rules will not even permit him. I feel like the rules have been rigged against the younger generation and that is why you see most of them going into the creative arts like singing, dancing and acting

because that is where they feel they have advantage over the older generation. We need to look at influencing public policy to give them competitive advantage in every sector including public offices.”

Peterside said.

He is bothered that the opportunities that were available for his generation when he was younger, has been inadvertently taken away from today’s youth in the country. Millions of young Nigerians have become disillusioned and despondent as a result of lack of opportunities and a hostile operating environment that frustrate ideas. Like an empathic father, he wonders what the future of the country holds for her youth who are taughted to be leaders of tomorrow.

The hallmark of his advocacy for good governance is to create a country that works for all, especially the youth.

Peterside is not ruffled that it appears he is the lone voice in the wilderness championing this course, especially amongst the circle of billionaires, because he shares the ideology of Ralph Waldo Emerson: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

One of the tendencies I find unpleasant about African cultures, is that we don’t celebrate good people when they are alife, especially in the supposedly proportions. We tend to play down uncommon virtues and promote vainglorious expeditions. Despite the fact that I have not met him personally or have access to Atedo Peterside, I chose to stand out of the crowd to celebrate him on the occasion of his 68th anniversary. For few years now, I have keenly observed and taken note of his campaign for good governance in the country, as it effects the masses,

especially the youthful population. We should cultivate the habit of eulogising those who have chosen the path of humanity, especially when they are not obligated to do so. Being a renowned critic of government as a billionaire with business interests in the economy, is tantamount to embarking on a suicide mission in a continent riddled with weak institutions and near absence of rule of law.

For Atedo Peterside, it is no longer about him but future generations. We cannot have an economy that is rigged against the youths, and expert to have a prosperous nation competing in the comity of nations. Increasing insecurity and excruciating economic hardship are as a result of unworking governance structure that is skewed in favour of the few. He is of the notion that we cannot said to be building the future for the youth without building our youth for the future. When land bothers were shut against reason in Nigeria, Atedo Peterside was the only billionaire from the elite class that openly spoke against it. When the foreign exchange crisis began, pushing naira downward spiral of depreciation at the speed of light, he rose in defence of struggling small businesses to speak against it. Even after the controversial elections with widespread violence and disenfranchisement, Atedo Peterside, via ANAP Foundation, criticised the electoral brigandage that took place.

I celebrate the advocate of good governance as his marks 68 years of earthly sojourn. Posterity will reward him tremendously.

Nwobodo writes from Abuja via chidieberenwobodo@yahoo.com.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

PEOPLE AYODEJI OLAOFE

Nigeria’s Tech Talents, a Hidden Treasure for the Economy If you persistently experience glitches with your mobile app, let’s say a banking app, the Japa syndrome may be at work. Many IT talents de japa, leaving a shortage of manpower to drive a smooth user experience. In this interview, we chat with Mr. Ayodeji Olaofe, the brain behind Reeltech, one of Nigeria’s top IT consulting firms. As a start-up, his business is not immune to japa syndrome. He opens up to Chinedu Ibeabuchi on how he deals with the JAPA syndrome, how his company is filling the shortage gap, and how he imagines the future of the IT industry in Nigeria

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learning hubs where people can acquire in-demand skills. Invest in infrastructure that enables ease of business and have our version of Silicon Valley. It’s not something one man can do. There are a whole lot, so we need government involvement to do that.

The government also needs to encourage IT hardware manufacturers. This will improve the economy. We need to start making things like SIM cards, chips, artificial intelligence, and robotic devices. Some guys left the country (Japa), and that’s what they are doing there. If the government shows sincere support, this Japa syndrome will be a kind that IT talents will use to gain exposure abroad and come back to invest.

If we have the facilities and the support here, they can also stay and create innovations that can put Nigeria on the map.

ell us About Reeltech Reeltech, a Microsoft partner in Nigeria, is a company that helps other businesses use technology to improve their work and make more money. We create software and apps that make managing things like customers, sales, products, and finances easier. We also teach people how to use these tools and make them better. Reeltech work with businesses across industries.

What are the challenges looking at the peculiarity of the Nigerian environment, especially for companies like yours that’s a startup? How are you able to navigate, and what are you doing differently?

Our main strengths lie in support. When we implement and the client is happy, then retention and referral boom. From the outset, what we have consistently done well is in terms of our capacity.

One of the challenges affecting the growing IT industry has always been the fact that talents in our industry are quite expensive to maintain, and they don’t stay in one place.

Once they learn a bit, they want to move forward. But since we built our company to be a learning ground, we will always have young promising talents hungry for growth.

So, while the ones that have acquired skills in one or two years want to move forward, new shoots are sprouted.

Another challenge with the IT market is the rate of japa syndrome. What’s the impact of Japa Syndrome on your business?

To be honest with you, between last December and this January, we saw talents left who have been here since 2018. Knowing that they can fetch better IT talents here, companies now come from abroad to recruit talent. Whilst this is commendable for the talents as it results in bigger pay, a shortage of skilled manpower is also a challenge that we have to overcome by investing in training and development. To overcome this challenge, we have set aside rooms to serve as classrooms in our new office complex at Gbagada to train new talents. Also, we are training our staff and making them feel at home. We have people ready to take up the position when others leave. Our management sustainability drive focuses on creating a conducive working environment, better employee welfare, happy staff, and healthy relationships with team members.

Remote work is the new normal. Are you encouraging that?

Yes, so even here, most of the already experienced staff work remotely. We did a big project that lasted one year. We didn’t go to the client’s office, we worked remotely. With the help of collaboration tools like Teams and Zoom, project implementation is quite faster. So, nobody needs to see you if you can do your work.

We have tools we use to manage their productivity and timelines. Just do your job.

Olaofe

The trainees are the ones that are expected to come to the office so that they can have oneon-one hands-on training and learn from colleagues. Another thing we have done is to make our office premises feel like home, with relaxation couches, games and other sit-out areas to drive creativity and productivity.

How optimistic are you about the IT industry in Nigeria, from just providing solutions to creating innovations that solution providers can key into?

The tech sector in Nigeria is a fast-growing one. Even the government is trying to move

towards using technology to manage many of their parastatals’ work processes, which is a great opportunity for the tech sector in Nigeria.

In the past, most companies used to bring in experts to come and set up their IT infrastructure or implement their software. Today, you can find those talents right here, among Nigerians. It has even metamorphosed into companies abroad coming to Nigeria to scout for IT talents. If there can be encouragement from the government, IT talents can help the economy grow and ensure that Nigeria benefits from the latest technologies.

What are those things that need to be done?

The government should build and fund

The government should build and fund learning hubs where people can acquire indemand skills. Invest in infrastructure that enables ease of business and have our version of Silicon Valley. It’s not something one man can do. There are a whole lot, so we need government involvement to do that

Can you share some works you have done and how they help businesses improve their work?

We work for several clients in diverse industries. For FCMB PENSIONS, Reeltech implemented an end-to-end Pension Fund Administration solution that manages processes such as enrolment, contribution processing, and benefit payments.

For Dangote Farms Limited, Reeltech customised and implemented Microsoft Dynamics 365 for Dangote farm, a tomato processing plant, to have a 360-degree view of its entire business process, starting from planting, harvesting of farm produce, Purchase of Raw Materials, Warehousing, Process Manufacturing, Quality control and Test Analysis as per specifications, to Selling and Distributions. The system manages all of Dangote Farm’s business processes end to end.

For Leadway Pensure PFA Limited, The Pension Fund Administration solution was implemented to deploy and implement a centralised Fund Administration solution to process and manage the fund of LPPFA customers with improved operational efficiency and reporting capabilities. The deployed solution provides a centralised system that can easily integrate with other in-house or third-party systems for bringing in and sharing back-end data.

For Lagos State Development And Property Corporation, Reeltech has implemented Customised Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central to manage LSDPC business operations in Finance, Property & Land Management modules, Advance Human resource and Payroll Modules For Nile University, Reeltech Business Solutions customised and developed a Microsoft Dynamics 365 ERP solution for Nile University’s business operations to achieve operational efficiency and management information reporting capabilities. The solution also integrates with Nile’s Student Information System (SIS) Also, A.G Leventis engaged Reeltech to assist in developing and implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 for its Transport/ Haulage services, Fleet Maintenance, Real Estate businesses, HR and Payroll.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

POLITY

Alli-Balogun Dynasty Immortalises Progenitor In commemoration of the 90 years remembrance of their progenitor, Sheik Aliu Makanjuola Alli-Balogun a.k.a Alli-Oloko who died on July 13, 1933, at age 103, his descendants, under the umbrella of ‘Alli-Balogun Dynasty’, on July 13, 2023, launched the ‘Alli-Balogun Memorial Foundation’ during an event tagged, ‘Special Prayers for our Progenitor’, held at the Yoruba Tennis Club, Lagos. Sunday Ehigiator reports

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orn in 1830 of a Nupe Prince of Tapa ancestry and an Awori lady of Isale Eko extraction, Sheik Aliu Makanjuola Alli-Balogun, a philanthropist reputed to be one of the wealthiest in his era, was a very religious and affluence man, whose opulence, business acumen and humanitarian gesture touched all and sundry.

With a name synonymous with Lagos popularity, in that, nearly a century after his exit from earth, he remained iconic, revered, remembered, and honoured by his descendants, and the Muslim community, his Tapa clans, and anyone whose history crossed path with him.

No surprise why his descendants hold back nothing when it comes to remembering their great progenitor.

Perhaps a sneak peek into a report from his dynasty would give a better view of how much he meant to humanity.

This only modestly summarises what Alli-Balogun represented, but a simple search of the name AlliBalogun online would avail you a more in-depth and better knowledge of him as historically captured by his descendants, as this report only focuses on how he is still being revered by his descendants, with the latest way being the creation of a foundation to immortalise his values.

In his welcome address at the remembrance ceremony, the Chairman, Alli-Balogun Descendants Union, Otunba Nurudeen Adeyinka Ojora-Adejiyan, describe AlliBalogun as “our ever- glowing mirror in the sun,” who died two years after registering his last will.

Similarly, another member of his descendant Dr. Olasupo Alli-Balogun who is based in Poland referred to him as “my greatest mentor”, adding: “I built my entire life copying his lifelong achievements. His peripheral engagement in the provision of basic social amenities to the society, his fraternity with Lagos political bourgeois upper class and the taking up the then Oba of Lagos, in a matter which he believed he was right.

“The meticulous distribution of his houses and the condition he gave his children for their disposal in his final will, is something to be emulated. I am proud and privileged to come from him.”

The foundation, a replica of Alli Balogun’s Value The Chairperson of the Foundation and Iya Adini of Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola noted that she feels elated to have come from such a noble family of Alli-Oloko.

“It is a noble family indeed because Papa is a legend nobody can replace. I feel elated and belonged. His name is ever living. He was one of the richest men in the history of Lagos. His monuments are still standing, particularly the mosque built in 1925. He can’t be forgotten.”

She said Alli-Balogun was a great philanthropist who was very accommodating; to the extent that some people, including some of his workers, adopted his name because he was so down-to-earth, and humble.

“There was an adage in those days that if you enter Papa’s house crying you will come out laughing. He lived till the age of 103 when medicine was not popular.

So, he should be celebrated and his legacies preserved.”

On the foundation, she said, “We decided to establish a Foundation to consolidate his legacies and his philanthropic gestures. He went about helping people. So, the foundation is about the continuation of what he did during his lifetime. He was a religious man that didn’t compromise his faith as a Muslim. We pray that his name lives on.

Chief Imam of Lagos who was represented by Sheik Imam Afinni also extolled the virtue of the late legend, saying he was very religious and a bridge builder.

The three lessons from Alli-Balogun

Speaking on three key lessons to learn from the life of Alli-Balogun during the remembrance, the Guest lecturer, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, said Nigerians must adopt Alli-Balogun’s knowledge of the holy Quran, love for education, independency on inheritance, and wisdom.

According to him, “The family of Alli Balogun is good. It’s a family that met history, knows history and is writing history. They have held on to the good name of Alli Balogun, Unity, and the care of the Mosque, which Baba left behind ‘Wasimi Mosque ‘, so it can remain everlasting.

“Look at how long Baba had died. On July 14, 1933, the newspaper editorial that came out that time read,

Yoyinsola Makanjuola L-R: Alhaji Jamiu Tolani Alli-Balogun, Alhaji Mukaila Babalola, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Alhaji Adekunle Etiko, Dr. Gbolahan Allli-Balogun and Mrs. Lola Ogunbambi, all member, Boards of Trustees of the Foundation, during the inauguration.

‘Alli Balogun is Dead, What Shall We Do?’ “That question was asked exactly 90 years ago. How many homes have their father died five years ago or ten years ago and are still doing the remembrance of their father or grandparents?

If there is no yesterday, there can never be today, and when we now have today, we must follow the words of the holy Quran which says, what we owe the dead is to always pray for the repose of their souls. This is the lesson from this memorial.

“Another lesson from the life of Alli Balogun is never to depend on inheritance. When Alli Balogun began his life sojourn, he never depended on his father’s wealth, though his father was wealthy. He started as a petty trader, and little by little, he grew the business to become very successful, especially in the period he was alive, which was harder than what we probably have seen today.

“Altogether, Baba knows how to share his wealth. To the extent that his family has remained united despite the massive wealth, he left behind. This is unlike some polygamous families of today or even nuclear families of today with several children.

“Go and check Baba’s will. He shared his properties very well.

Aside from his family, he even willed some of his properties to neighbours, friends, and religious institutions, including Christians, while also building and supporting mosques and churches.”

Speaking on the objectives of the foundation, The Vice Chairman of the Foundation, Dr. Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun said, the board came up with the objectives of the foundation by looking at the lifestyle of Alhaji-Alli Balogun and held on to his principles.

According to him, “In his lifetime, he supported education, not only by sending all his children to school, but likewise by sending all the children of his neighbours to school, and also children of some other members of the community.

“Also, when he died and his ‘Will was read, he stated in his will that for all his children, grandchildren, and future generations who would like to study Law, Engineering, and Medicine overseas, he set aside some amount of money which he called ‘Alli Balogun Residuary Trust fund’ for them to school overseas.

“Then, he supported the Central Mosque and several mosques within Lagos State. This made us realise that he loves knowledge and is a true Muslim.”

He said Alli-Balogun also built mosques in the community and handed them over to community members, while also instituting the structure for anyone who wanted to become an Imam in the Mosque to become one. As God will have it, 98 years after, a seed of Alli Balogun has now eventually become an Imam of the Mosque for the first time.

“Thirdly, when you check his will, you will see that he had some friends who were not Muslims like him, but they lived in peace and harmony. Among such friends were Obanikoro, who was a traditional worshiper before he converted to Islam.”

“These three things, namely, Education, Community Service, and Inter-Religious Relationship, form the objectives of this foundation. So, the intervention that the foundation would be carrying out will be focused on education, community services, and interreligious relationships.

“We will kick-start the foundation activities with the InterReligious Relationship, which would take the form of an Alli Balogun Memorial Lecture every year. While the education and community interventions will be carried out and determined by members of the board of the foundation.”

Also speaking, a Member Board of Trustees of Alli-Balogun

Foundation, and Pro-Chancellor, of Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, said, Alli Balogun was everything that one should aspire to be in life.

“He was a cleric, a philanthropist, and actively involved in the social and political activities of Lagos State, then. He died 90 years ago and remains very well-known because he was generally a very good man.

“The foundation is in his memory, and it’s supposed to function in the area of recognising the importance of education to society, with religious content, and propagating everything necessary for the good of humanity.

“He was educated, a philanthropist of great repute, and an astute businessman who never compromised his principles. In one of the instances, he was instrumental to the then Lagos Central Mosque becoming what it became today, especially through his interventions.

“So, he is somebody to be celebrated by his greatgrandchildren, generations left behind and by the whole of Lagosians, because he has impacted meaningfully. He has so many things in favour; he contributed towards the construction of a part of the Glover Hall, for instance, and many other instances.

“I cherish his values, and I hold on to them. For the good of society, we must work and be educated. The key is education. You can see the dividend of educating his children, great-grandchildren, etc.

“This is the essence of the foundation. It is aimed at projecting his values into the future which is what we should all strive for, for the good of humanity.”

Nicknamed Alli-Oloko (Alli the Canoe Driver), essentially because of his fleet of trading canoes, some of which he had inherited from his illustrious father; and built upon, he was also referred to as Baba L’oke, Kinihun Onibudo, Alli Dodondawa and Makanjuola but it was his chieftaincy title that stuck to his name, hence he became most popular as Alli Balogun.

Neatly carved on the white marble tombstone, underneath where he was buried on Victoria Street (now Nnamdi Azikiwe Street) Lagos were the words Alli Balogun 1830-1933 (103 Years); and in the Yoruba language ‘A Lo Ma Ni Gbagbe’ (Unforgettable).

Highpoints

One of the high points of the event was the cultural display and musical performance by the Nupe Musical Troupe of the Tapa Clan, which is the fatherland of the late Alli-Balogun. The troupe serenade guests and well-wishers at the event with their beautiful dance steps, acrobatics, and musical prowess, and left everyone basking in the euphoria of undiluted cultural and traditional representation, even as some of Alli Balogun’s descendants present at the occasion joined the troupe in dancing, joy and happiness, a lovely sight to behold.

Another high point of the occasion was the official launch and inauguration of board members of the ‘AlliBalogun Memorial Foundation’. The board is chaired by one of the Great grand-daughter of Alli-Balogun, Alhaja Lateefat Yoyinsola Makanjuola, also the Iya Adini of the Alli-Oloko Wasinmi Mosque which was built by Alli-Balogun over 98 years ago. Her brother, Dr Gbolahan Taiwo Alli-Balogun will serve as deputy.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

POLITY

Emeka Ibe Becomes 56th President of Rotary Club, Ikeja

R

otarian Emeka Ibe has been installed as the 56th President of Rotary Club of Ikeja. The colourful investiture which also witnessed the induction of the new board of Directors for the 2023/2024 Rotary year held at the Lagos Airport Hotel,

Ikeja.

Speaking on how he felt about the day, which also had distinguished Rotarians in attendance, including the District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Ejezie, Doyen of District 9110, Past District Governor, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and industrialist, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, the new President said he would concentrate on the seven areas of focus of Rotary International, including mental health which was recently introduced by the President of Rotary International, Mr. Gordon McInally.

He said, “The seven areas of focus plus one will be weaved around the Rotary themes for each month. Rotary gives succor to the needy and within this year we would use our talent, time and treasure to give a hand to the needy in the society.

“More importantly, we would key into the primary areas of focus of our District Governor, Rotarian Ejezie, which are fortifying the Rotary Foundation and telling the Rotary story in a beautiful manner as well as mental health which was recently introduced by the Rotary International President, Mr. Gordon Mclnally.’’

The event also afforded the club the opportunity of presenting honorary membership as well as bestowing awards of recognition for commitment to humanitarian

L-R: Chairman, Ikeja Local Government, Mojeed Alabi Balogun; Hope President of the Rotary Club of Ikeja, Emeka Ibe; Pro-Chancellor, University of Plateau State and Enugu State University of Medical Science, Monsignor Obiora Ike with Chief the Executive Officer, ActiveEdge Technology Limited, Chief George Agu at the investiture of Ibe…recently.

services to eminent personalities, including the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Mojeed Alabi Balogun, Chief Executive Officer, Tenece Holding Limited, Chief Kingsley Eze, former Managing Director of First Bank Merchant Bank, Chief Chilo Offiah, former General Manager of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr David Ogbodo, Dr Jeff Nnamani and Wells Advisor, Exxon Mobil Limited, Prince

Okenna Afamefuna.

Other awardees are Chief (Engr.) George Taiyese, Chief Executive Officer, Rapid Check Diagnostics and Wellness Limited; Dr. Chijioke Onyia, Chief Executive Officer, Active Edge Technology Limited; Chief George Agu, Chief Executive Officer, Norlic Technology Limited, Chief Laz Okolie and Benji Ofungwu.

African Diaspora Institute Honours Ilobanafor

T

he African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI) Washington DC, USA has honoured the CEO/MD of CEOAfrica, Prince Cletus Ilobanafor with the Africana Excellence Award.

The recognition is given to Africans that have distinguished themselves in expanding the frontiers of socio-economic development of the continent.

According to the letter of the award signed by Dr. Stella Jefferies DMV Chair; Damien Cook and Agrippa Ezozo, ADDI Vice President and Human Resources Global Director respectively, the US-based institute said it decided to honour Ilobanafor for his exceptional commitment and dedication to Pan African community.

The institute further revealed that it reserves such award for individuals who have shown exceptional commitment and lasting difference to inspire others as an exemplary role model.

Ilobanafor is expected at the Howard University, Ballroom, Washington DC, United States of America for award ceremony on the September 29.

Ilobanafor expressed joy for the recognition of his efforts to “bring Africa to the world, and the world to Africa.”

He thanked the institute for the honour and dedicated the award to God first and his committed team.

Recall that in May 2022, the Enugu State Ilobanafor was honoured with the Global African Heroes Union during the Global Pan African Root Synergy Roundtable Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ilobanafor

L-R: Country Manager, Central Africa, Ariston Group, Solomon Umoh; winner, Stephen Kenechukwu; winner, Ifechi Nwaeze; Another winner, Somfee Jane Frances and Marketing Manager, Central Africa, Ariston Group, Habeeb Somoye during the presentation of winners for the ‘Let The Experts Take the Field’ promotion campaign organised by Ariston Group held in Lagos ...recently

L-R: Manager, Customer Experience,9mobile, Amina Gellal; Head, Regional Sales, North,9mobile, Babangida Mukaddas; Director Customer Care, 9mobile, Ehimare Omoike; Business Growth Expert, Tricia Olufemi-Olumide and Director, Marketing Communications, 9mobile, Saidat LawalMohammed at The Hack, an entrepreneurship and business mentorship event organised by 9mobile for SMEs held in Kano… recentv

L-R: GREE Nigeria Sales Manager, Modern Trade, Emmanuel Ugboh; Group Operations Manager, Landmark Africa Group, Yewande Bamidele; GREE Nigeria Sales Manager, Commercial, Ouyang Conghui; Group CEO, Landmark Group, Paul Onwuanibe; GREE Nigeria Marketing Manager, John Anuma; and Development Manager, Landmark Group, Opeyemi Kola Sodipo at the Mega Clima Exhibition at Landmark, Lagos…. recently

L-R: Corporate Communications, GTCO Plc, Unoaku Sheidu; Behavioral Analyst and Founder, FOS ABA Center and Creative Hub, Osezusi Bolodeoku; Autism Advocate, Writer and Pruducer, Mr. Remi Olutimayin; Chief Communication Officer, GTCO Plc, ,Oyinade Adegite; Founder, Cradle Lounge Special Needs Initiative, Solape Azazi; and Head, Corporate Communications, GTBank, Tolulope Onipede, at the media briefing on the 13th Annual Autism conference held in Lagos yesterday ETOP UKUTT

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER JULY 22, 2023

26

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘Fall-out’ Uncountable

EBERE WABARA

“A

PC boils over choice of Senate, House of Reps (Reps’) principal officers” “Kano anti-graft agency arrests Ganduje’s works commissioner over (for) alleged N1bn fraud” “FG set to introduce cancer prevention (cancer-prevention) vaccine” “Your vast experience in the private sector and public service have (has) prepared you for this critical role in the legislative branch….”

Daily Champion online of June 13 committed multifarious offences: “Bola on the hospital bed….” Tribute: Bola in the hospital bed. When you are hospitalized and you lie down , you are in the hospital bed, but when you are visiting and you sit on the edge of the bed you are on the bed. What a thin line!

“The bill has stirred quite a lot of controversy (controversies).” “…is against the spirit and letters of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution….” My view: either the spirit of the law or the letter of the law (the Nigerian 1999 Constitution) “The commissioning (now a cliché—look for other expressions) of the ultra-modern building complex….”

Another oddity from Daily Trust of July 6: “The Plateau State Polytechnic, BarkinLadi, on Friday matriculated 4,800 new students admitted into various courses for the 2023/2024 academic session.” Posers: Do old (returning) students matriculate?

And this: admission into various courses!

Would they all have read the same course?

BY

This way: …matriculated 4,800 (students) for the 2023/2024 session.

“Fire outbreak averted in hostel” Campus News: Just ‘fire’—no otiose ‘outbreak’!

“Effect of security in socio economic development in Nigeria” A rewrite: Effect of insecurity on (not in) socio-economic (take note) development in Nigeria Still on Daily Trust: “Global investments in renewable energy drops (why?) by….”

“Iredia condemns police intolerance to (of) media” “…just as the service would be opened (open) to any brand or model of handset.”

Finally from Daily Trust: “…they are in every strata (stratum) of society….” And, of course: all strata/stratums.

“FG approves border free (border-free) trade zone for Borno” More contributions to last week’s edition: ‘Followership’ has been in existence since 1928. Also, ‘witch-hunt’ is both a noun and an adjective. Source: Word Book Dictionary and Webster’s New Encyclopedic Dictionary.

It is also listed in Oxford Dictionary of Current English. This columnist notes that most dictionaries and reference books, like the 2012 Longman Advanced Dictionary of Contemporary English and Roget’s Thesaurus, do not, however, list the contentious word.

‘Finger bowl’ is different from ‘wash-hand basin.’ The former is the plastic moved around for washing of hands, while the latter is usually affixed on a wall or metallic contraptions. (Intervention by Sunny Agbontaen/08055162531) “Moro, who exonerated the Interior Ministry of capability (culpability), revealed….” (Sunday Vanguard, June 25) “…some NWC members are urging

the leadership of the party to exercise refrain (restraint) in further suspending the governors.” All well-informed readers are free to contribute to this column, too.

The essence is to exchange robust ideas on the English language.

“Interior Minister swears in immigration boss, third on (in) the saddle” (AIT News Scroll, June 11) The Guardian of June 11 offered its esteemed readers a school-boy howler: “Had the said term been imposed in (on) any of those corruption cases involving public office holders, ears would not have tingled in the least.”

“Samsung Galaxy Reach for the Star contest all expense paid trip to Dubai for 10” (10 x 5 advertisement by Samsung) Get it right: all-expenses-paid trip!

THISDAY of June 10 disseminated advertorial and editorial gaffes: “Introducing Fidelity Managed SMEs….”

(Full-page advertisement by Fidelity Bank PLC) We keep our word: what about Fidelity-managed SMEs? “…road traffic accidents and transport related crimes and criminalities.” Get it right: transport-related crimes and criminalities. “…patients at LUTH are being turned down for shortage of bed space (spaces).”

“FG to pay-off (pay off) PHCN casual staff” “The Presidential Committee on Flood Relief and Rehabilitation expresses its profound gratitude and appreciation to all who answered the clarion call to be our brother’s keepers through….” For the attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation: brother’s keeper (fixed expression ir-

Baleful Reminiscences of an Optimist

T

ruly, history and its poor learners have a knack of repeating and perpetuating the same ignominious errors of the past, and inflicting on all a painful presence. The article below was dug out of the womb of almost a dozen months (27 August, 2022), and it struck me as a keenly illustrative script of what is currently playing out in our country. Clearly, and sadly, nothing has changed - and only inveterate optimists would hazard seeing some hazy light at the end of the tunnel with the policies and knee-jerk manoeuvres of the Bola Tinubu administration. Let us roll back the time…

“Dear politicians and political office holders, whatever the civil servants, ardent supporters and spin doctors are telling you, the case of today’s average Nigerian is distressing, almost hopeless, and verging on the suicidal. Most Nigerians are frustrated, disillusioned, low in self-esteem, prone to anger and/or hunger, and more often than not suspicious of any government plans to make their lives better...

Even when we (had) another successful civilian-to-civilian transition of power in May 2023, the biggest task ahead of the new administration is how to reunite Nigerians, and reignite hope and belief in our problem-solving capacity…

Is there anyone out there who is happy with the state of our markets and kitchens?

While few of us may find the question funny or strange, we can easily hazard that the vast majority of us would respond in knowingly diverse and aching ways. Simply put, the markets, like the streets, are not ‘smiling’.

Those who tagged us as the “happiest people on earth” years ago, were probably using data from many decades ago - as far back as the 70s, and to a lesser degree, the 80s.

Today, we are not happy. We are worried and frustrated because we do not have

a sense that our circumstances would be reversed positively anytime soon. We can hardly afford the scanty stuff in our markets; the sellers are even complaining more than the buyers. They struggle to convince their customers that they are as hapless and frustrated as the buyers. The costs of foodstuffs are so prohibitive that many choose to buy barely edible castoffs and almost decaying offals to feed their families, as the better stuff are leaner and dearer - virtually un-negotiable, unless you have corrupt access to funds and privileges while loitering around power caucuses.

In our homes, we are worried sick about the sort of culture and environment we are creating for our children - the socalled ‘leaders of tomorrow’. Where the younger ones are able to go to schools, the fees are astronomical, yet there is a mild apprehension about the quality of education and orientation they are exposed to. Those who cannot afford the high fees of the numerous private schools that have supplanted the usefulness of public education, have condemned their children to the ill-equipped drudgery and criminal negligence of public schools. The more educationally insensitive a state governor, the sorrier the state of public schools…

If the home is worrisome, the roads are even worse. The spate of killings, abductions, banditry, kidnappings, and such organised calamities have castrated many homes, and rendered vast areas of Nigeria a no man’s land. The wave of insecurity is not concentrated in one state or region. Terrors have overwhelmed the land, and our valiant security forces have been stretched, and sometimes sacked. The impunity of the criminals has grown so pervasive and imperious that bandits and kidnappers callously demand and successfully receive ransoms in millions of dollars. More demoralising

were allegations of complicity by some rogue elements in our armed forces who collude with criminals, or simply turn their backs on their activities as they skim and skin their victims in sickening abandon.

In extreme cases, the criminals collect ransom, and still kill their victims!

Our youth have serious resentment against the managers of the current economy, and by extension, the ruling political party… Our leaders must make haste at this misty dawn, for the sake of a fairly peaceable country.

Our children are frustrated, demotivated, and angry. They look around and hardly see any heroes or heroines to give wings to their imaginations. All they see are traders and whorers of corruption and wickedness, roiling in abject opulence and glutinous acquisitions of illogical wealth.

The Nigerian youth have been thoroughly disappointed and disillusioned as people they had hoped would stand strong against forces of oppression and corruption have largely transfused into the same tribe of the corrupt. So they resort to the only available weapons at their disposal: they abuse, curse and lacerate any voice or vision that somehow represents a shadow of their “enemies”. Their anger and vituperations have no limit or peg - they lash out, and harangue any contrary voice or vision from any source assumed to share features or semblance of the older, decaying vestiges of their misfortune.

Consequently, we have begun to

respective of number)!

“This appointment is well deserved, an attestation of (to) the transformation you have ignited in the Nigerian youth….”

“I believe such road (such a road) with large number (a large number) of vehicles….”

Finally from THISDAY: “Wada: Fulani herdsmen, farmers clash major security challenge” News extra: …farmers’ clash, major security challenge Last Thursday’s edition of Daily Trust committed a few blunders starting from its front page: “Govs in fresh gang up against Uzodinma” Truth in defence of freedom: gang-up “Majority (A majority) of the members of the House of Representatives seeking to make….” “…people from the North who alleged that they had a talk with him with regards to 2023.” The Sunday Interview: with regard to or as regards “…which is one of the fallouts of the daily traffic jam.” Life: ‘fallout’ is uncountable.

Finally from the business section of THE NATION ON SUNDAY of July 2 under review: “While some of the funds have been diverted to other uses….” Away from commercialese: ‘Diversion’ means to other uses other than the original purpose/ intent. So, ‘diversion to other uses’ is sheer verbosity and a demonstration of poverty of scholarship!

THISDAY of June 8 goofed: “NAMA recalled Oshiomhole’s already airborne chopper” If a helicopter is airborne, it is airborne—there is no need for ‘already’!

The last headline rape by Leadership of June 8: “Navy personnel ups (up) the ante in weapon handling, marksmanship”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

lose our long-held and cherished fabric of hierarchical order of discipline, communality and civilisation. When children no longer respect or revere their fathers; when mothers no longer swell the hearts of their children; when soldiers no longer see worthy commanders to storm the front lines with… the glory of that society, the posterity of that nation is grossly endangered. Urgent, curative and intensive care and interventions are needed today to re-evaluate, re-affirm and re-negotiate the foundation and future of our co-habitation and unity…

Fortunately, there are many optimists who believe in the capacity and flexibility of Nigerians to weather these dangerous storms, and somehow find a safe landing that would help them survive the supposed calamities. We are many who believe, or more precisely, hope, that though the Nigerian ship may suffer buffeting on all sides, it shall nonetheless berth in a glorious shoreline littered with goodies and game.

A note of warning though: optimism is not exactly a side effect of pragmatism.

Both see the same picture, but make different interpretations. Let the Nigerian politicians leave optimism to hard-knuckled nationalists, patriots and folks nourished by Nigeria of the decades preceding and immediately after the independence. Our politricians (people who take politics as a full time profession) should be pragmatic - you cannot eat your cake, and still expect it to survive in your ‘show-glass’. Do not assume that the “anger” of the moment would soon calm down - “it’s a matter of time…or cash”!”

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

22.07.2023

NEWS

SPORTING SET FOR NPL TEST

PAGE. 27

David Okereke Mission to Sustain Cagliari’s Serie A Status

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

David Okereke celebrates his goal against Inter Milan

David Okereke

Mission to Keep Cagliari’s Serie A Status

Gaining promotion to the elite division is one rigorous venture for teams in the lower divisions in European leagues, but staying in the elite division is harder. Statistics have shown that two out of every three promoted teams to Europe top flights have the tendency to return to the lower division.To forestall being in this cycle, Serie A new boy, Cagliari, are seeking the services of David Okereke in the club’s quest to sustain Italy’s top tier status

F

ormer Chelsea and Leicester City boss, Claudio Ranieri, has set his sights on Super Eagles and Cremonese’s forward, David Okereke as he looks to bolster his attacking options for newly promoted SerieAside Cagliari.

The Sardinians have joined the big boys in the Italian top flight and are looking to retain that status come the end of the campaign.

Ranieri guided Cagliari to promotion after his team clinched a 2-1 victory over Bari in the Serie B playoffs, and now he faces the challenge of keeping the team in Italy’s top flight.

Cagliari’s attack was decent in Serie B last term, managing 50 goals in 38 matches, but Serie A is a different ball game, highlighting the need for reinforcements.

As Ranieri prepares for the upcoming season, he aims to strengthen his squad with functional additions, and Okereke has emerged as a top target, as per reports.

Negotiations between Cagliari and Cremonese during the summer transfer market could pave the way for a potential deal.

However, Cagliari may face tough competition from Turkish giants, Besiktas, who are also keen on securing the services of the Nigerian forward.

Reports suggest that Besiktas have already submitted a bid of €4 million, although Cremonese rejected the offer.

Nevertheless, Besiktas are expected to

make another attempt to sign Okereke.

English side, Burnley are also monitoring the player’s situation.

However, Ranieri is hopeful that Okereke will be interested in remaining in Italy, especially considering the player only arrived on a permanent deal from Club Brugge in Belgium last summer.

The renowned coach’s reputation and track record could also be a decisive factor in convincing Okereke to join Cagliari.

Ranieri has enjoyed tremendous success throughout his coaching career, having won titles with Cagliari, Fiorentina, Valencia, Monaco, and Leicester City.

Ranieri’s most notable achievement came in 2016 when he led Leicester City to a stunning Premier League title victory against all odds.

That remarkable feat earned him several prestigious awards, including The Best FIFA Men’s Coach, European Coach of the Season, World Soccer Magazine World Manager of the Year, and induction into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

Despite his team, Cremonese, facing relegation, Okereke has reason to be pleased with his individual performance this season in Serie A. The 25-year-old showcased his prowess by netting an impressive nine goals, with seven coming in the top-flight league.

Additionally, he contributed three assists in a total of 38 appearances across all competitions. However, his efforts were not enough to save Cremonese from the drop to Serie B. This marks the second consecutive season in which Okereke has recorded seven goals in Serie A. During the 2021/2022 season, while on loan at Venezia, the former Club Brugge attacker left a lasting impact with a stunning strike that helped his team secure a memorable 3-2 victory over AS Roma under the management of Jose Mourinho.

With his consistent goal-scoring abilities in the top flight, it comes as no surprise that Okereke is being linked with a move away from relegated Cremonese.

However, his former coach at Lavagnese, Andrea Dagnino, dismissed rumours of Genoa’s interest in signing the Nigerian forward but confirmed Bologna’s pursuit of him.

“In recent weeks, there were rumors linking him to Genoa, and as a Rossoblu fan, I immediately reached out to him for confirm a t i o n . H o w e v e r, h e i n f o r m e d me that there was no truth to those rumors,” Dagnino told Sportitalia.

“It’s a shame because I once took him to Marassi to see Genoa when we

were at Lavagnese. Nevertheless, I wish him the best and hope he joins a more competitive team, preferably from the top 10. In that regard, Bologna, who I’ve heard are interested, could be the right fit.”

Currently valued at €4 million, according to Transfermarkt, Okereke has established himself as a highly sought-after talent in the transfer market.

The former Nigerian youth international was a menace for opposition defences in Serie A last term, but it appears he has huge admirers in Turkey as well Beikta have faced disappointment in their pursuit of Okereke, as Cremonese rejected their bid of N3.55 billion, Soccernet.ng reports.

Turkish giants Beikta have been actively working on strengthening their offensive line and had set sights on the 25-year-old Nigerian striker from Cremonese.

Before entering negotiations with Cremonese, Beikta had already reached an agreement with Okereke, securing his consent for an annual salary of €1.5 million.

However, the official offer of €4 million (approx. N3.55 billion) made by Beikta for Okereke was rejected by Cremonese, according to reports from the Italian press cited by Turkey’s Sporx.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

President, Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Ibrahim Gusau presenting the trophy to the winner of the Naija Super 8, Sporting Lagos, supported by the chief executive officer at MultiChoice Nigeria and Chairman of the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria, John Ugbe

Naija Super 8, Insight to Expectations in NPL, Says Sporting Lagos Coach Kunle Adewale

N

ewly promoted Sporting Lagos last Sunday emerged winners of the maiden edition of the Naija Super 8 beating high riding Remo Stars of Ikenne, 4-2 after the encounter ended 1-1 at regulation time.

Beyond winning the competition however, head coach of the Lagos side, Paul Offor, has stated that participating in the Naija Super 8 has given his side an insight of what to expect in the Nigeria Premier League, NPL, when the new season kicks off. In a chat with THISDAY after Sporting Lagos victory over Remo Stars, Offor said: “To emerge as champions today is something very special

for us because this is the first season, we are gaining promotion and it also the first time we’ll be winning a trophy as a club, and it’s a massive one. Remo Stars made it very difficult for us with their quality and showed us what the NPL is going to be like. It’s a good lesson for us how we defended in the last 20 minutes of the game, how we suffered off the ball and how they punished us. It’s something we have to learn from and ensure that we are able to finish games stronger than we did today (Sunday) “ Considering the massive support Sporting Lagos enjoyed during the Naija Super 8, most especially in the final against Remo Stars, as Lagosians now see them as a club they could associate with, Offor is optimistic the club could enjoy the same kind of

atmosphere and ambiance when the league kicks off. “ What I saw today was massive. Moments in the game I just stand and look at the crowd and it was amazing. The organisers of the competition should be proud of themselves.

That they were able to put this kind of competition together and attracted such a huge number of fans back to the stadium. We saw the passion Nigerians have for our local football and we hope it would continue like that when the new season starts. This is how a Stadium atmosphere should look like and we love it. The players love it, the coaches love and even the fans love it. I believe the new league season is going to be better than this, “ Offor noted.

Continuing, he said,” what the crowd at the stadium has done for us today is and

Naija Super 8: Domestic Football’s Hope of Revival Folakunmi Lawal Before last Sunday, most fans of domestic football would struggle to recall the last time they saw a match venue turn into a ferocious cauldron of intimidating noise. That was what Lagos’ Mobolaji Johnson Arena became when Remo Stars of Ikenne faced Sporting Lagos in the final of the inaugural Naija Super 8 pre-season football competition organised by Flykite Productions. Vuvuzelas wailed non-stop, as stands throbbed with rock concert-level hysteria. The intense fan fever, more appropriately, was El Clasico standard.

It was unreal-to me and others watching at the venue or on television.

Nobody, I believe, thought a match between two domestic teams could draw a capacity crowd of baying fans. The fan attendance was not unprecedented if one remembers the passionate following domestic club football commanded in the 70s and 80s. Back then, I frequented the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (née Liberty Stadium) to watch games, partly because I lived some 10 minutes away from there.

But it was something that we thought we would no longer see. Again. Decades of fan apathy, induced by acute lack of excitement and everything in between, had rendered match venues credible imitations of fairly unruly libraries. While the febrile atmosphere was a thing back then, football had not the appetite for glitz it now has. These days, it

is showbiz and Flykite Productions, which I recently discovered have been successful with GOtv Boxing Night, produced a closing ceremony of immodest glamour: lavish firework display, tasty-looking stage, cheerleaders and electric live musical performances by Portable, Seyi Vibez and Pheelz.

A mix of football and music, something the organisers have been doing with boxing, as I saw online. Every matchday of the competition had musical performances. No surprises, therefore, that the fans were in seventh heaven.

But it is safe to say it had been coming. The organisers, from the start, stated the primary objective of Naija Super 8 was the revival of fan affection for domestic football to get back bums on stadium seats. I think that unlike other football organisers in the country, they were aware that football without fans, however captivating, is the same as having a top-tier orchestra perform to an empty hall.

So, they decided on fan engagement and I think with that, they were on to a winner. The fans voted for the 12 teams that participated in the qualifying tournament, which was held at the Eket Township Stadium last month.

A 41-club list was offered to the fans for the voting process, authenticated by top-flight audit firm, Deloitte. Two clubs with the highest vote tallies per geo-political zone went into the qualifying phase, at which they had to play each other to determine the zonal representatives at the finals in Lagos. Of the 12 teams, six got eliminated in Eket, where fans defied

back-to-back heavy rains to watch football and live musical performances.

The six clubs that qualified from Eket were joined by two wildcard entrants-Sporting Lagos, the eventual winners, and Akwa United, who fell in the semi-final. I would think that fan involvement was a big part of what convinced the corporate world that Naija Super 8 was something it should invest time and money in. In the line-up were MultiChoice Nigeria, partners to Flykite Productions; Hero Lager, MTN, DStv, GOtv, Moniepoint, Pepsi and Custodian Assurance Plc, all sponsors. There was also SuperSport, the broadcast sponsors, who beamed every game of the qualifiers and finals live to continent-wide audiences. The promise of more eyeballs via television, no debate, was part of the attraction for sponsors.

But the property, Naija Super 8, still had to be deemed good to attract the support it got. It was impressive and, importantly, had been like none before because it was fan-centred. That was new thinking, which I believe football in Nigeria needs. It may appear little, but one of the things that suggest to me that the organisers were intentional in their design was to have insurance cover for about 600 participants at Naija Super 8. That, for me, spoke of a lack of appetite for the “anyhowness” that characterises the organisation of domestic game.

With sponsorship support, the competition delivered munificent monetary rewards and welfare packages to participating clubs.

Every club that got into the finals in Lagos

throughout the season is to help us to be able to help us confidently play our brand of football in front of them. It does not matter whether they are cheering or booing us.

Whichever way we are going to stand tall.

On what winning the Naija Super 8 meant to the confidence of his team ahead of the new season considering that all the teams they defeated are some of the teams they battle with in the NPL. “ Its good for us that we were able to end the season like this. It is a big boost for the team, but I still see it as a Pre-season tournament and am not getting carried away. We can celebrate today but tomorrow I have to drum it into their ears that we are not champions of the NPL. We are just new comers and we need to stay focused, humble and be ready to work and start the season like we finished it. earned N3 million per match at the group phase. The last four (semi-finalists) earned an additional N3million. Runners-up, Remo Stars in this case, earned N9 million for that single match, while the winners trousered N25 million. There were other incentives.

Participating clubs received money for jersey production to the procurement of seven sets of fit-for-purpose kits, fan support fund to enable them bring their supporters’ clubs as well as for transportation, accommodation and feeding.

That was for Lagos. Teams that played in Eket were accommodated, fed and transported to and fro at the organisers’ expense.

There have been long and loud complaints that corporate Nigeria is averse to local football, something Naija Super 8 has punctured. On the evidence of Naija Super 8, what I think corporate organisations are averse to are plans lacking in originality and clarity as well poor corporate governance by sponsorship-seeking organisersgovernment and private, which do not help the process of persuading sponsors. From where I sit, we need more of Naija Super 8, whether by Flykite or other organisers. We also need to find a way to graft what the organisers have done into the organisation of our leagues.

After Sunday’s closing ceremony, social media users gushed, rightly. Many called, in excitement, for the elite division of the Nigerian league to be handed to Naija Super 8 organisers. Hard to blame them. Naija Super 8 was inebriating and they are keen to have more of whatever produced the thrill-on a more regular basis. I doubt the workability of that, but I am willing to have it tested.

Hope is revived, however faintly. Thumbs up to the organisers, partners and sponsors. May Naija Super 8 live long! Hope is revived, however faintly.

Lawal writes from Lagos

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

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Benjamin Mendy From Grace to Grass and Back Benjamin Mendy leaves Chester Crown Court after being found not guilty of rape and attempted rape

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early five years ago, Benjamin Mendy’s wildest dreams had come true. Just a few days before his 24th birthday, he had reached the pinnacle of world football, achieving what every player aspires to accomplish.

Mendy, who’d risen from humble beginnings in the Parisian suburbs, lifted the World Cup trophy as part of a starstudded French squad alongside the likes of Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappe. Weeks earlier, he’d won the Premier League with Manchester City in his first season at the club, after signing for £50m.

It appeared to be the astonishing first chapter in a career which would continue to bring reward and acclaim as part of a marauding City team hunting European glory - and a French squad looking to further dominate world football.

He seemed to have it all - a £4.8m Cheshire mansion, complete with swimming pool and cinema room; a £100,000-aweek salary; and a playboy lifestyle to boot. But in those intervening years, Mendy’s world has come crashing down around him.

Before the time the next World Cup in Qatar came around, Mendy was in prison, earning just £4 a day to feed himself.

Despite being cleared following two crown court trials, Mendy’s reputation lies in tatters and his future in professional football looks uncertain.

Mendy was a jovial figure at his trial. He spent months in the imposing surroundings of Chester Crown Court within the Castle complex in the historic Roman city.

His outward emotions did not portray any indication of just how high the stakes

were for him. Making his way inside the Grade I-listed building, past the glare of the photographers and cameramen, he was happy to share a joke with court security staff, make score predictions for football games in the world he once occupied, or place his lunch order at the canteen.

In court, he listened intently, showing no emotion as his accusers laid bare the suffering they claimed he had subjected them to. But when the verdicts came in, his emotion was on show for all to see. Mendy, who turns 29 on Monday, broke down in the dock, wept and hugged his supporters after being told he was a free man.

But it is an incredible downfall for a man who not so long ago had the world at his feet. A career at the highest level of world football was not written in the stars for Benjamin Mendy. The youngest of five children, his parents emigrated to France from their native Senegal before he was born.

Settling in Paris, his parents both worked and strived to put food on the table, living a humble existence. Mendy didn’t excel at school academically but quickly found a passion with a ball at his feet.

Aged 12, he began to realise that sport might provide a career for him, and his route to the top began. The following year, aged just 13, Mendy left home and joined a residential football academy in Le Havre, in northern France.

He only saw his parents two or three times a year, with Le Havre being a twohour drive away from their home in the French capital. But that dedication and sacrifice paid off when Mendy signed a professional contract for Ligue 2 side Le Havre, France’s oldest professional club,

aged 16.

A left-footed defender, Mendy soon became a regular in the first team. He began to notice his life changing as he earned more money. At first he lived in an apartment with his older brother, who took a close interest in his affairs and sought to keep him on the straight and narrow. A move to Marseille, one of French football’s biggest clubs, followed.

During a mixed period at the 1993 Champions League winners, at one stage a TV pundit said he would ‘eat a rat’ if Mendy made it to the French national team, after questioning his performance.

But a spell under the direction of former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa saw Mendy return to form and ultimately earn him a move to Ligue 1 rivals AS Monaco.

It was during that period in Monaco when Mendy first really began to enjoy the trappings of wealth. He was able to employ a chef, a cleaner, a physio and a driver. But everything changed when Manchester City came in for him.

The reported £52m transfer fee made him the most expensive defender of all time at that stage. His brother joined him in England to help him find a house to live in. The £4.8m mansion named The Spinney, in Prestbury, was chosen.

Purchased from former England cricket star Freddie Flintoff, the sprawling six-bedroom property featured a swimming pool, a cinema room, a gym and lavish décor. “I was like wow,” Mendy recalled in court of the first time he set foot in the house, on one of the most exclusive roads in the north west, which had regular patrols from a private

security company.

“This is the first time I have seen a big house like this. I just loved it.” Two friends who he originally met at the football academy in Le Havre initially came to live with him, while a live-in chef also moved in.

Mendy noticed he attracted the attention of women while he played for Marseille, but it became ‘10 times more’ when he arrived at City. “Manchester City is one of the best teams in Europe,” he said at his trial.

“The way they came to me is not because of the way I look, it is because of football.”

As well as enjoying a positive start to his City career on the pitch, Mendy embraced the party lifestyle. He would go out two or three times a week when he played for City, and acquired an apartment on Chapel Street in Salford.

After nights out in his regular haunt in the VIP lounge at China White nightclub on Deansgate in Manchester city centre, after-parties would carry on into the early hours at Chapel Street or in Prestbury.

Such after-parties were on occasion attended by the likes of his City teammates Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling and Manchester United player Aaron Wan Bissaka, while £100m signing Jack Grealish was at one of the Prestbury after-parties.

“I really enjoyed to be out,” Mendy recalled in court. “I was so happy to be there and excited.” He also fully embraced the sexual appeal that came with being a Premier League footballer, saying it was ‘so easy’ to get sex.

After a positive start to his City career on the pitch, two serious injuries kept him out of Pep Guardiola’s team for many months.

Mendy said he sought solace in the party lifestyle. “When I felt happy is when I was drinking and making parties,” he said at his first trial.

Mendy was first quizzed in November 2020 over rape allegations.

Before it was revealed that he was being investigated by police, it was disclosed that Manchester City had launched a probe after he held a New Year’s Eve party which breached Covid regulations.

After being charged with rape, City suspended their player and stopped paying his wages. It was during that period when Mendy was to experience his biggest downfall.

For more than four months - from August last year to January - Mendy was locked up, remanded in prison.

His playboy lifestyle, £4.8m mansion and £100,000-a-week salary never felt so far away. Rather than just being able to splash the cash on whatever he wanted, Mendy had just a few pounds to spend on himself.

“I was earning like £4 every day, to spend it in the canteen to buy some food,” he said in court.

“It is the first time I was really careful.

The life I had before, everything I wanted to have, I just buy it.” He would later pinpoint that as the moment when he claimed to have experienced a Damascene conversion.

“When I went there I was alone, you sit down all day and the only thing you can do is think,” he said at his first trial. “The way I was sleeping with different women, the way I was going out.”

At first, he was held at the category B Altcourse prison in Merseyside. Mendy reportedly had a ‘meltdown’ after being locked up, believing he was being housed in a VIP wing of the jail. It was reported that he misunderstood what he’d been told, and was actually being sent to the VP area, where vulnerable prisoners are kept away from the main prison population.

Mendy was later transferred to the maximum security HMP Manchester, better known as Strangeways. The footballer was reportedly moved to the category A jail for his own safety, spending last Christmas inside the notorious prison which has housed criminals including Harold Shipman and Dale Cregan.

Ahead of his trial, he was released on bail and began to prepare his case with his legal team, led by Eleanor Laws KC, a high profile barrister who has previously represented Johnny Depp at his UK libel trial. In another reality, as the jury deliberated on Mendy’s case at the first trial, which ran from August last year to January, he could have been in Qatar with his French teammates aiming for another shot at World Cup glory.

Culled from Manchester News

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JULY 22, 2023

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Super Falcons Uchenna Kanu challenged by Canada’s Ashley Lawrence during the sides FIFA Women’s World Cup opener Chukwueze

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Stubborn Nigerian defense Frustrates Canada ˾ Coach satisfied with team’s performance English club, Chelsea monitored proceedings at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium (Melbourne) yesterday morning as the Super Falcons upset the form guide by holding reigning Olympic champions Canada to a goalless draw in their 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup opener.

Flamboyant Canada coach Beverly Priestman picked two Chelsea players, Kadeisha Buchanan and Ashley Lawrence, in her starting lineup, with both going the distance.

To Nigeria’s advantage, Canada’s superstar Jessie Fleming, who is also on the books of Chelsea, failed a fitness test ahead of the game and remained rooted to the substitutes’ bench for the entirety of the contest.

Hardworking Nigerian midfielder Deborah Abiodun was rightly sent off in the eightieth minute of stoppage time when her yellow card was upgraded to a red after a

rudimentary tackle on Chelsea left-back Lawrence.

Despite the Canadians dominating possession in the first half, Nigeria showed flashes of brilliance and could have taken the lead against the run of play in the 35th minute but Asisat Oshoala’s pass towards the middle was blocked by the Chelsea defender.

Reviewing the game on their official website, Chelsea highlighted that the Super Falcons frustrated their opponents.

“They came up against a stubborn Nigerian defensive unit who were determined to frustrate their opponents, resulting in a goalless game that leaves the two sides joint second in Group B, two points behind hosts Australia, who beat the Republic of Ireland in their first match,” the Blues wrote.

Next Thursday, the Super

Falcons face co-hosts Australia, who will be without the injured Chelsea striker Sam Kerr.

Meanwhile, Priestman has hailed the performance of her team following their draw against the Super Falcons.

The CONCACAF nation were the favourites going to the game and expected to dominate the contest, but a spirited display by the African side resulted in points shared between the two footballing nations.

Canada had a golden opportunity to win the game early in the second half, but their captain, Christine Sinclair, missed a penalty kick after a fabulous save from Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

But Priestman has said there is no time for her team to keep dwelling on the game, but to rather see them looking forward to their next game against the Republic of Ireland

Waldrum Salutes Goalkeeper Nnadozie’s Heroics Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has heaped praises on Chiamaka Nnadozie following her crucial role in Nigeria’s goalless draw against Canada yesterday morning.

Nnadozie is making headlines in the ongoing Women’s World Cup after her save from the penalty spot earned the Super Falcons a point against Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

Nnadozie was awarded the player-of-the-match after her starring role in the

clash against the Olympic Champions, earning the Super Falcons a point.

Waldrum’s Falcons put up a spirited display against the CONCACAF nation in their first game of the 2023 Women’s World Cup at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium.

The game’s key moment came in the 50th minute when the Paris FC goalkeeper denied Canada’s all-time scorer Christine Sinclair from the penalty spot.

Nnadozie also made other vital saves to keep the Super

Falcons in the game. Following this, Waldrum was full of praise for his goalkeeper after the game.

“Chiamaka has done this before, and I will say this, and I will embarrass her in front of you all, but I think she’s one of the best young goalkeepers in the World right now,” Randy said The draw result now has both Canada and Nigeria trailing Australia with two points. The co-hosts had earlier beaten the Republic of Ireland in the group’s other game.

Club Owners Coordinator Promises to Carry Everybody Along The recently elected coordinator of the Nigeria Premier League Club Owners Association, Ferdinand Ugwuarua, has promised to ensure that the interest of all members is well protected.

Ugwuarua, who defeated his challenger to the position by a landslide at the association’s congress that was held in Abuja, a few days back, said in an exclusive chat that he will do all he can to ensure that the interest of footballers and managers

get the right attention.

“I must say that I am very glad to earn this position as the coordinator of the association. My utmost target is to ensure that I carry everybody along in all our activities. All I crave is full support from members for a smooth running of the association,” stated the legal luminary who is the only South-East personality in the association.

The coordinator of the Club Owners Association who is also the head of

management of seven-time league champions, Rangers International F.C assured that his position will in no way distract him from formulating the right policies and taking adequate actions in making the club the best brand not only domestically but also internationally.

He dedicated the victory at the association’s congress to the government and good people of Enugu state, the South-East states, and the entire NPL community.

AC Milan in Advanced Talks to Sign Chukwueze Seven-time European champions Ac Milan are looking to complete a deal for Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze.

As reported by transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, the Italian giants are advancing in negotiations with Villarreal for the electric winger.

According to Romano, the Villarreal star is keen on joining the Milan-based side and has agreed personal terms with the club.

AC Milan have identified Chukwueze as the ideal candidate for the right side of their attack and have been in negotiation with Villarreal for his services.

However, the 30 million euros price tag being quoted by the Yellow Submarine has proven to be the stumbling block to the parties agreeing on a deal.

The 24-year-old was in sensational form last season for the 2021 Europa League

champions as they finished 5th in the Spanish La Liga.

He posted 24 goal contributions in 50 appearances across all competitions for Quique Setién’s side which is the most he has recorded in his career in a single season.

The Rossoneri are also on the verge of completing a deal for cap-tied Switzerland international of Nigeria descent Noah Okafor from Red Bull Salzburg.

Ighalo Says Al-Hilal’s Decision to Sign Messi Stalled His Contract Renewal Super Eagles striker, Odion Ighalo, has shed light on the circumstances surrounding his departure from Al-Hilal, revealing that the club’s pursuit of Lionel Messi played a role in his contract not being renewed.

Former Barcelona Forward, Lionel Messi, was linked to a transfer to Saudi Arabia in the past, but he resisted and instead joined Inter Miami.

During this summer’s transfer window, strong rumours linked Messi to the Saudi Professional League, which was predicted would lead to the exit of the Nigerian forward.

While a return to his boyhood club, Barcelona, was also speculated, Messi ultimately surprised the footballing world by choosing a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) and joining Inter Miami.

Ighalo had expressed surprise that Messi did not move to Saudi Arabia, as the financial offer he was rumoured to receive there was reportedly astonishing, surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary.

“I’m shocked Messi didn’t go to Saudi Arabia because it was part of why my contract was not being extended. I thought it was a done deal,” Ighalo explained.

The opportunity to sign Messi was apparently a major factor for Al-Hilal, leading them not to offer a new deal to Ighalo.

He added: “The money they were offering him in Saudi Arabia was crazy. He was going to earn twice what Cristiano Ronaldo was earning. I was shocked he didn’t go there. He chose Miami,” Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami brought an unexpected twist to the transfer market and while it affected Ighalo’s time at Al-Hilal, the Nigerian striker remains optimistic and ready for new opportunities on the footballing horizon.

Boniface Agrees Personal Terms with Leverkusen Bayer Leverkusen are making significant strides in their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Boniface from Union St Gilloise.

According to transfer guru, Fabrizio Romani, negotiations between the two clubs are in an advanced stage, and a deal appears to be on the horizon.

The talented striker has reportedly already reached an agreement on personal terms with Leverkusen, signalling his interest in making a move to the German club.

However, the focus will now be on finalising the transfer deal to lure him to Bay Arena, which is said to be worth more than €20 million.

Recall that the Nigerian played against Xabi Alonso’s team in the UEFA Europa League and impressed the former Liverpool player with his performance, earning praise from him.

Although he was asked prior to whether he would put everything on the line to sign him, he grinned and could

only describe him as a terrific player and a serious threat to the defence of his side.

However, Boniface’s potential move to Leverkusen has generated excitement and anticipation among German fans, as the 22-year-old striker has displayed immense promise during his time with Union St Gilloise, and against them.

If the deal materialises, Leverkusen will be adding an exciting attacking option to their squad, bolstering their offensive firepower.

Arsenal vs Man U, Barca vs Juventus, Madrid vs AC Milan Matches Live on StarTimes Football fans are in for a treat this weekend as StarTimes brings some of the most exciting pre-season matches featuring some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

Arsenal will take on Manchester United, Barcelona face Juventus, and Real Madrid clash with AC Milan live on StarTimes World Football channel and StarTimes-ON app.

Arsenal and Manchester United will renew their rivalry

in New Jersey today, as part of their US Tour. Both teams have been busy in the transfer market and will be keen to test their new signings and tactics ahead of the new Premier League season. The match will kick off at 10pm.

Barcelona will begin their summer tour with a mouthwatering friendly against Juventus. The match will be played at 3:30am Sunday morning.

Real Madrid will face

AC Milan early Monday morning in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is expected to name a strong starting XI for Sunday’s pre-season contest with Real Madrid in California.

The Italian giants opened their preparations for the 2023-24 campaign with a 7-0 victory over Serie C side Lumezzane on Wednesday, but they will now make a huge step up in class.

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Baba-Ahmed on Buhari “Buhari was a disappointment. He failed the nation. He failed the North.

He failed the electorates. He raised a lot of expectations but left the country a lot worse than he met it” –Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, lamenting about the tenure of Muhammadu Buhari as president.

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OLUFEMIAWOYEMI GUEST COLUMNIST

June Inflation Data: Decoupling Clarity and Reality

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ata is the new oil, it runs economies, gives sense to policies, and provides the foundation for planning. Data is the mother lode of civilization as we know it. For these and several other reasons, a slap-dap approach to data gathering, preparation, cleaning, storage, and analysis is unacceptable. The recently released headline inflation numbers by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the June 2023 headline inflation rate of 22.79% up from 22.41% in May 2023, smacks of a bold but unusual decoupling of clarity and reality. While physical blindness is a limitation it does not define success or lack of it, whereas data blindness brings countries, corporations, and people to ruin.

The inflation figures for June which the NBS in a tweet noted reflected only two weeks of subsidy removal impact have left analysts scratching their heads in confusion as they attempt to comprehend why two consecutive sample data for a month provide a description of the average monthly inflation estimate. Indeed, according to one economist in government circles who requested anonymity because he was not officially permitted to make public comments, ‘We appear to have gotten ourselves in a right old mess. We have chucked credibility out of the window, broadened the fronts for the attack on Nigerian data integrity, and generally made ourselves the butt for drunken pub conversations amongst foreign investors.

How do you trust real return adjustments for financial assets, when inflation figures appear to come from somewhere between Pluto and Mars?’, he asked rhetorically.

According to the public servant, ‘Playing chess with national economic numbers cannot be smart after years of building credibility in our national statistics seen as emblems of institutional integrity, burning all this on the altar of expediency is unacceptable’, he insisted. Indeed, an economist in one of the country’s big four Consulting firms noted that ‘In addition to the conceptual problems associated with two consecutive weeks of no survey data within June, there is a broader problem with the weights assigned to the components of the inflation basket. It was almost completed between 2019 and 2020, but it appears that the review exercise was suspended, and what we see now is Grandma’s shopping list being handed over to her grandchildren.

Few Gen-Zers would be pleased with their grandma’s list of vegetables and fruits, and would be asking, where in heaven’s name is the pizzaz, French fries and chicken?! ‘, the analyst insisted that even a review of the country’s inflation basket at the moment may be inadequate as the country has since had a focus-induced recession which could have changed consumer spending patterns.

He argued that the composition of the items in the country’s inflation basket needed to be reviewed every five years.

Reactions have continued to trail the June CPI Inflation report released by the NBS. Although, according to the Bureau, annual inflation rose to 22.79%, a new 17-year high, analysts have been bothered by the integrity of the June print. The numbers, which unexpectedly

CEO NBS, Semiu Adeniran

came in lower than the 25% earlier forecast by several economists, failed to capture the impact of the removal of the PMS subsidy.

This decision President Bola Tinubu announced in his inauguration speech at the end of May. Analysts had pencilled in higher inflation on the back of a 150% increase in PMS prices, a 32.7% y-o-y rise in Broad Money to N65trn and a 45% devaluation of the Naira.

In this light, the importance of credible data, according to stakeholders, cannot be over-emphasized; the country is at a point where it is courting foreign investors to unlock opportunities in critical sectors, and this becomes difficult where the integrity of official data is

in question. Independent estimates of inflation range between 40 and 45%. But the reason why the recent numbers have been widely criticized is a statement published by NBS through its social media handle on Twitter.

The statement, which prompted criticism by economists and statisticians, suggested that ‘the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) numbers may not fully capture the impact of the fuel subsidy removal and the unification of the exchange rate. According to the Bureau, this is because the data collection for computing the rate for the reference month typically stops around the middle of the month, meaning that the June numbers only reflect approximately two weeks of the policy impact on consumer prices.

While the NBS statement seemed to have been aimed at saving face, it did very little to salvage the institutional reputation. This is because even a two-week survey should have captured the 150% increase in the pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) oil or petrol. While it is understandable that subsequent months would more fully capture the rise, it would typically take between 3 and 6 months for the impact of the price adjustment to be fully absorbed by the economy, the initial impact is expected to be greater than as presented by NBS. Moreso, analysts believe that a 28 basis point increase in headline inflation (Y-O-Y) and a seven basis point decline in monthly core inflation more than underestimate the combined impact of all of the price changes which occurred in June, namely a 40% increase in import duties, Naira devaluation and the PMS subsidy removal.

The choice of the first two weeks in June 2023 is difficult to rationalize. What seems to be a newly introduced approach by the NBS has served by default or design to underestimate inflation. Moreso, it neither captures the increase in the ex-depot price in the final week of June nor grasps the removal of value added tax (VAT) exemption on diesel which kicked in around the same time. The approach distorts

the reality of a significant indicator. Inflation numbers not only guide the inflation-adjusted returns expected by investors, but it also meant to paint an accurate life picture of the cost of living of households, the operating cost of businesses, and the project completion cost of the public sector. When inflation numbers are underestimated, reality is altered, and planning is impossible.

The only way inflation rise between May and June 2023 could have been limited to just 38 basis points as contained in the NBS CPI report is if there was a base effect. However, this would not be tenable, as there was no high base effect last year. Moreover, such a base effect would not affect m-o-m figures in such a circumstance. A more substantial base effect last year will also presume that there were factors between May and June 2022 that induced a stronger push than the 200% subsidy removal we saw in June 2023, the like of which is difficult to identify.

Methodological Mysteries The composition of the 2003/2004 basket surveyed is outdated and it ought to have been reviewed to reflect the changes in the consumption pattern, likewise, the weights assigned to the 740 items surveyed require a review of reliable sources have it that the process had been initiated two years ago we are unsure of whether this process has been completed. This adjustment becomes even more important given that the country has recorded two recessions in 2016 and 2020. The change in spending patterns and consumption baskets is marked enough to cause a lot of expenditure rationalization. The Bureau’s dysphoric or unhappy estimates may be attributable to its failure to meet global standard practice which requires that the basket ought to be updated each half-decade.

The controversy generated by the NBS estimate of inflation in June is unfortunate but it raises a fundamental question of Data credibility and integrity, a problem which transcends the NBS and extends to all governmental agencies. Credibility is at the heart of proper planning and policy making and when the data is wrong the decisions premised on It would most certainly be erroneous. The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meets next week for its fourth policy meeting of the year, Analysts believe that inflation has bombed the purpose of the 700bp hike by the MPC since May 2022.

The expectation from most analysts is that the absence of a substantive head at the CBN would be a reason why only a cautious rate hike or a hold would be considered at the next meeting.

In the broad scheme of things, June’s inflation numbers still pour rainwater on the MPC’s hopes of moderation of prices and a dovish monetary policy direction. Burying the impact of the depreciation of the naira and subsidy removal on the domestic price index is a lavish indiscretion.

The only way inflation rise between May and June 2023 could have been limited to just 38 basis points as contained in the NBS CPI report is if there was a base effect. However, this would not be tenable, as there was no high base effect last year. Moreover, such a base effect would not affect m-o-m figures in such a circumstance. A more substantial base effect last year will also presume that there were factors between May and June 2022 that induced a stronger push than the 200% subsidy removal we saw in June 2023, the like •Awoyemi is the CEO, Founder and Chairman of Proshare Limited, Nigeria’s foremost financial of which is difficult to identify information hub.

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