SATURDAY 5TH AUGUST 2023

FG Moves to Boost Generation with 1,350mw Abuja Power Plant General Electric, China’s CMEC, NNPCL in strategic joint venture

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Bola Tinubu yesterday officially kicked off the construction of the 1,350mw Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant (GIPP) in

Abuja, with the first phase expected to comprise 350mw.

Describing it as another important piece of national infrastructure, the president noted that the Joint Venture (JV) would have General

Electric (GE), China Machinery and Engineering Corporation (CMEC) and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on board.

He explained that the ground-

breaking was highly significant to the nation, as it marked the first bold step in his administration’s effort to establish a strong and virile energy sector and deliver uninterrupted power to all Nigerians.

Tinubu recalled that during his presidential campaign, he made a commitment to Nigerians to use all available energy sources to increase power generation beyond the current installed capacity of 12,000mw.

He also vowed to strengthen the integrity of the country’s transmission infrastructure and to ensure that all distribution bottlenecks were Continued on page 5

Tinubu Nominates Keyamo, Withdraws Kano's Nominee, Maryam Shetty...

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Obaseki, Deputy’s Fight Worsens, Shuaibu Gets Court Reprieve on Impeachment

Deputy accuses governor of using police, DSS to prevent him from carrying out legitimate functions

Alex Enumah in Abuja The battle between Governor

Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Phillip Shuaibu, over who succeeds him as governor

in 2024 has assumed a disturbing dimension, with Shuaibu heading to court to obtain an injunction

against an alleged impeachment plot against him.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed of

the Federal High Court, Abuja, in the interim injunction issued on Thursday, ordered Obaseki and

others, to halt their alleged bid Continued on page 5

Tinubu Prepares for War in Niger Republic, Seeks Approval of Senate ECOWAS Defence Chiefs: Military action plan ready ACF, Northern senators warn against intervention Coup leader snubs Abdulsalami’s team, cuts ties with Nigeria, mediators leave Niamey Sunday Aborisade and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja President Bola Tinubu yesterday, in a letter to the Senate and read at plenary

by President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, sought the support of the National Assembly on the proposed military action and other sanctions planned by Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) against the military officers who recently seized power in Niger Republic.

Soldiers from the Presidential Guard had last Wednesday deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, thus truncating the constitutional political leadership in the West African country.

Two days later, the soldiers named General Abdourahamane Tchiani as the new leader of the country, with Tchiani warning against any foreign military intervention.

President Tinubu, who is also the Chairman of ECOWAS, had on Sunday met with some fellow ECOWAS leaders and they agreed on appropriate ways to restore democracy in Niger.

Continued on page 5

BRIEFING THE VP… L-R: Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh; Vice President Kashim Shettima and the Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Ibrahim Hadejia, when a BPE team led by Okoh briefed Shettima on the activities of the agency at the State House, Abuja… yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI

CBN’s Forensic Audit Underway As We Win Back Investors, President Tells World Bank Chief...

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2023 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

PAGE FIVE TINUBU PREPARES FOR WAR IN NIGER REPUBLIC, SEEKS APPROVAL OF SENATE As part of the resolutions of the extraordinary summit of the regional bloc, ECOWAS said it would explore “all measures necessary” to restore democratic governance in Niger, including “the use of force.”

President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate yesterday, notified them of the decisions of the ECOWAS leaders.

In the letter titled, “Request for support in the implementation of the resolutions of ECOWAS on the political situation in Niger Republic", Tinubu said, "I present my modest compliments to the Distinguished Senate President and have the honour to inform you that following the unfortunate political situation in Niger, culminating in the overthrow of the administration of President Bazoum, ECOWAS under my leadership condemned the coup in its entirety and resolved alongside other members of the international community, to seek the return of the democratically elected government in Niger.

"Consequently, and in a bid to broker peace and restore democracy in the country the ECOWAS convened an Extra-Ordinary Meeting of the Authority of Heads of State and Government on Sunday, 30th July 2023 in Abuja.

"The body consistent with African Union and ECOWAS Protocols on unconstitutional changes of Government. thereafter, issued a Communiqué (copy attached) on the line of action decided upon by member States of ECOWAS. "Nigeria has the obligation to lead in the implementation of the directives outlined in the Communiqué and, as such, steps have been taken to give effect to the resolutions, here.

"Accordingly, the Distinguished Senate is invited to note the foregoing and the following actions expected of Ministries. Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies, including Military and Para-Military Agencies.

These actions include: "Closure and monitoring of all land borders with Niger Republic and reactivation of the Border during the Exercise.

"Cutting off Electricity supply to Niger Republic.

“Mobilising international support for the implementation of the provisions of the ECOWAS Communiqué “Preventing the operation of commercial and Special flights into and from Niger Republic.

“Blockade of goods in transit to Niger Republic, especially from Lagos and Eastern Sea Ports.

“Embarking on the sensitisation of Nigerians and Nigeriens on the imperative of the action by ECOWAS, particularly via social media.

“Military build-up and deployment of personnel for military intervention to enforce compliance of the Military Junta in Niger Republic should they remain recalcitrant.

“Freezing assets of state enterprises and parastatals in commercial banks.

"In the fight of the foregoing, I wish to respectfully solicit the support of the National Assembly for the successful implementation of the ECOWAS Resolution as outlined in the attached Communiqué.

"While looking forward to your usual cooperation, kindly accept, Distinguished Senate President, the assurances of my highest consideration and esteem."

Junta Leader Snubs Abdulsalami’s Team, Cuts Ties With Nigeria A team from ECOWAS left Niger without meeting the leader of the junta which seized power in a coup, a delegation member said yesterday.

The ECOWAS delegation arrived in the capital Niamey on Thursday “but did not spend the night as scheduled, nor meet with coup leader Tchiani or deposed President Bazoum,” the team member said.

According to a report yesterday

by Radio France International, the “delegation from the ECOWAS arrived in Niamey, with the aim of establishing a dialogue with the junta in order to obtain the return to constitutional order. The first contacts on site were positive.

“But at the end of the evening, the CNSP spoke through the voice of Colonel-Major Amadou Abdramane, the same who spoke on July 26, when the soldiers announced that they had overthrown President Mohamed Bazoum.”

The delegation was led by former Nigerian military Head of State, Abdulsalami Abubakar and was initially due to meet Tchiani to present ECOWAS’ demands, according to the Nigerian presidency.

Niger’s junta, meanwhile, warned it would meet force with force.

“Any aggression or attempted aggression against the State of Niger will see an immediate and unannounced response from the Niger Defence and Security Forces on

one of (the bloc’s) members,” one of the putschists said in a statement read on national television late Thursday.

Similarly, the Niger military late on Thursday announced that it has terminated the duties of its ambassadors in four countries.

The countries are Nigeria, France, the United States and Togo.

In a statement read on national television on Thursday by Tchiani, the junta said it has “put an end” to the function of the extraordinary ambassadors and plenipotentiaries of the Republic of Niger in four countries.

ACF Warns Against Military Intervention The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has warned President Tinubu and other ECOWAS leaders against military intervention in Niger Republic.

In a statement issued yesterday through its General Secretary, Murtala Aliyu, the ACF called for dialogue to resolve the issue. The ACF said: “The measures being contemplated should have taken into consideration the historical antecedents and mutual interests of the two countries and weighed the consequences of the use of military force. While the ACF recognises the ECOWAS position to bring pressure to bear on the perpetrators, nevertheless the military option shouldn’t be a prerequisite for Nigeria’s and the Community’s continuing efforts to enthrone democracy in the region in the 21st century.

“To this end, ACF notes that while it supports the position to restore democratic rule in Niger, it calls on the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government under the able Chairmanship of President Bola Tinubu, that it should toe the path of dialogue and diplomacy and certainly not force, in resolving the current impasse in Niger in the interest of peaceful coexistence with our brotherly neighbour and stability of the ECOWAS region.”

Northern Senators Reject Military Intervention Senators from the 19 northern states of the country yesterday warned ECOWAS against any military actions in Republic of Niger.

The Spokesperson for the Northern Senators Forum, Suleiman Kawu

Sumaila said, "We, the Northern Senators of the Northern Senators Caucus of the 10th Senate under the leadership of Senator Abdul Ningi, note with concern and condemn in its entirety the unfortunate development in Niger Republic, where the military forcefully upstaged a democratically elected government of President Mohammed Bazoum.

"The Northern Senators also take cognizance of the efforts of the ECOWAS leaders under the chairmanship of our Dear President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in resolving the situation in Niger Republic. The emphasis, however, should be on political and diplomatic means to restore democratic government in Niger Republic.

"We also take exception to the use of military force until other avenues as mentioned above are exhausted as the consequences will be casualties among the innocent citizens who go about their daily business.

"Besides, about seven northern states who share border with Niger Republic namely Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, Yobe and Borno will be negatively affected.

“We are also aware of the situation in Mali, Burkina Faso and Libya, which may affect the seven Northern states, if military force is used. There is serious implication for our country, if military force is used without exhausting all diplomatic channels.

"As democrats and representatives of the people we are here by urging our colleagues to observe due diligence in invoking section 5 sub section (4) (a) and (b)."

Sub Section (4) of the 1999 constitution (as amended) read, "Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section: "(a) the President shall not declare a state of war between the Federation and another country except with the sanction of a resolution of both Houses of the National Assembly, sitting in a joint session; and "(b) except with the prior approval of the Senate, no member of the armed forces of the Federation shall be deployed on combat duty outside Nigeria."

Section 5 also read, "Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (4) of this section, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces of the Federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under

FG MOVES TO BOOST GENERATION WITH 1,350MW ABUJA POWER PLANT removed, pledging to make sure that the project is delivered on schedule.

“Nigeria cannot become a productive and industrialised economy, we cannot tackle poverty or create thousands of high paying manufacturing jobs unless we can generate, transmit and distribute reliable electricity. To accelerate our economic growth, we must remove every obstacle slowing our progress.

“That this project is taking off so early in the lifetime of this administration should serve as notice to the residents of Abuja and, indeed, to all Nigerians of our determination to bring positive change to this nation,” the president said.

According to him, under the NNPC-NIPCO partnership, 35 state-of-the-art CNG stations would be constructed nationwide, including three mother stations.

The president equally stated that he was poised to address all the power value chain challenges and reduce the power-related hardships experienced by many Nigerians.

“Taking advantage of the global declaration of gas as ‘transition fuel’, as well as the enabling provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), we shall attract greater investment in the oil and gas sector.

“Through such investments, we shall harness the over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven national gas reserves within our borders to develop our national infrastructure,

create millions of new jobs and opportunities and stimulate economic growth and development,” he added.

Besides, the president said he would continue to vigorously pursue the implementation of other low-carbon energy solutions, such as solar, hydro, wind, thermal and biofuels, for both on-grid and off-grid power systems.

“We will focus on rural electrification to improve the standard of living of people in rural communities and re-energise their socio-economic opportunities.

“Therefore, the investment of NNPC Ltd alongside its partners in the installation of additional 350mw will surely increase the energy supply level to Nigerian homes and businesses; catalyse economic empowerment and, ultimately, renew the hope of our energetic and creative citizens,” he stated.

The president commended the efforts of the NNPC Ltd, alongside its partners for the initiative and charged the team to ensure that the three-year project is successfully delivered on time, and within budget.

He also directed the ministry of power and other relevant agencies, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to continue to collaborate with NNPC Ltd to give Nigerians access to affordable and reliable electricity.

In his remarks, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPC, Mele Kyari, reiterated that Nigeria is endowed with significant natural gas resources of over 209TCF of proven gas reserves, and potential reserve of over 600TCF. As a commercial enterprise, Kyari noted that the NNPC viewed the project as an opportunity to monetise the country’s abundant natural gas resources, by expanding access to energy to support economic growth, industrialisation, and job creation across the country.

To achieve this national aspiration, he explained that NNPC has invested heavily in domestic gas footprint expansion projects through the delivery of the Trans-Nigeria Pipeline Project (TNGP) which includes the Escravos to Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS & ELPS Il), the ObiafuObrikom-Oben (0B3) gas pipeline and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline.

He added that the project was a giant step towards achieving NNPC's mandate to add 5gw into the national power generation by 2024.

“Currently, NNPC and partners are delivering about 800mw to the national grid from Afam VI and Okpai Phase 1 thermal power plants with combined installed capacity of 1,100mw.

“We have also completed Okpai Phase 2 project that will add up to 320mw of power to the national grid and progressing with other power plant projects across the country,

including those along the AKK pipeline route,” Kyari said.

The Gwagwalada IPP, he noted, is among the NNPC flagship power projects along the AKK corridor and is part of the 3,600mw cumulative power capacity which includes Kaduna IPP (900mw) and Kano IPP (1,350mw).

Referencing the recent commissioning of the 50mw Maiduguri Emergency Power plant (MEPP), Kyari said that the NNPC will continue to replicate similar viable business opportunities across the nation to ensure energy affordability.

The entire plant is expected to be situated on 547 hectares of land already acquired at Gwagwalada, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

The GIPP’s fuel requirements will be satisfied under a long-term Gas Sales, Purchase and Aggregation Agreement with Shell Petroleum Development Company Joint Venture (SPDC JV).

On completion, the GIPP Project’s electricity will be sold to NBET and it is projected to gross in revenues within the first 10 years of between $700-$800 million per year. That would be about $8 billion in 10 years.

Others who spoke at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Gabriel Aduda and that of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olusolade Adesola, who both pledged their support for the project.

imminent threat or danger: "Provided that the President shall, within seven days of actual combat engagement, seek the consent of the Senate and the Senate shall thereafter give or refuse the said consent within 14 days."

ECOWAS Defence Chiefs Say Military Action Plan Ready The Chiefs of Defence Staff of ECOWAS said yesterday that a military action plan for the restoration of democracy in Niger Republic was ready.

The military chiefs said the plan including the date and time of deployment was before the Heads of State and Government for approval.

Speaking at the end of the threeday meeting of the defence chiefs at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of ECOWAS Commission, Ambassador AbdelFatau Musah, said the defence chiefs met and came up with a plan to ensure constitutional order in Niger and the release of the deposed President Bazoun.

He said the regional bloc aligns with President Tinubu's position that military coups on Africa was an aberation.

In his remarks, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher

Musa, stated that the military chiefs reached a collective decision.

"Throughout our discussions, we have collectively recognised the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for a well-coordinated response. The deliberations have been marked by a spirit of unity, cooperation and determination to address the challenges at hand.

"We have examined the immediate implications of the coup on the Niger Republic and its potential ripple effects across the ECOWAS region. We have also deliberated on the broader implications for democracy, peace, and stability in West Africa", he said.

The defence chief said discussions yielded valuable insights and actionable recommendations.

"We have acknowledged the need for a comprehensive approach that encompasses political, security, and diplomatic dimensions. It is imperative that we translate our deliberations into concrete actions that can effectively address the crisis and prevent a recurrence in the future.

"Firstly, we must emphasise the importance of upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.

The coup in the Niger Republic represents a blatant disregard for these fundamental principles that underpin our regional integration and stability.

We must unequivocally condemn such actions and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to democracy", he said.

OBASEKI, DEPUTY’S FIGHT WORSENS, SHUAIBU GETS COURT REPRIEVE ON IMPEACHMENT to impeach Shuaibu over alleged infractions.

The order was sequel to an application filed by Shuaibu praying the court to stop the alleged move

by Obaseki to remove him as deputy governor.

Specifically, the court directed the parties in the suit to maintain "Status Quo Ante Bellum".

While Shuaibu is the plaintiff/ applicant in the suit dated July 25, and filed by Chief Ogwu Onoja, SAN, the Inspector General of Police (IG), State Security Service (SSS), Obaseki, Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly and the Chief Judge, Edo State are 1st to 5th defendants, respectfully.

The order for the status quo ante bellum, a Certified True Copy (CTC) dated August 4, sighted by our correspondent, is to be in force till the time the defendants shall show cause, as directed by the court in its earlier ruling issued on July 27, 2023.

By the order of “status quo ante bellum”, parties are to remain in the positions they were before Shuaib's suit marked FHC/ABJ/ CS/1027/2023 was instituted against the defendants.

At Thursday's proceedings, the Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly was represented by his counsel, Okotie Eboh while the Chief Judge was represented by Francis Ogbe, who both had opposed the granting of Shuaib's request.

Meanwhile, the court has adjourned hearing till August 10, just as it ordered the plaintiff to serve hearing notices on the IG, SSS and Obaseki, who were not represented in court.

Shuaibu, in his originating summons, prayed the court to determine whether in view of the provisions of Sections 186 and 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Governor Obaseki has power to instigate the IG and SSS to harass, intimidate, molest and prevent him from accessing his office to carry out his constitutionally guaranteed duties.

He also asked the court to ascertain whether the governor has power to instigate the Speaker and the Chief Judge to commence impeachment proceedings against him with a view to remove him from office on any other ground other than allegations of misconduct as contained in Section 188 of the

1999 Constitution.

The deputy governor further prayed the court to decide whether in view of the provisions of Section 193 of the 1999 Constitution, Obaseki can deliberately refuse to carry him along or informing him of the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting or any other meetings or functions within and outside Edo State without violating the express provision of the law.

Upon positive resolution of the issues in his favour, Shuaiub asked the court to declare that the IG, SSS and Obaseki lacked power to intimidate, harass, embarrass or molest him.

He also sought the court's declaration that Obaseki, the Speaker and the Chief Judge lacked power to impeach him on any ground other than gross misconduct and that the Speaker and the Chief Judge at the same time, lacked requisite power to set up a seven-man panel of Inquiry on the same ground.

Among others, Shuaibu requested for order of injunction restraining the IG, SSS and Obaseki and their agents and privies from harassing, embarrassing, intimidating and preventing them from stopping him to carry out his legitimate functions.

He further prayed for an order of injunction restraining Obaseki, Speaker and Chief Judge from taking any action, plan or step on the impeachment plan and another order specifically stopping the Chief Judge from taking instructions from Obaseki and the Speaker to set up any panel of Inquiry for the purpose of impeaching him.

Shuaibu has been at war with Obaseki for several months now over his successor in 2024.

The deputy governor is angry that Obaseki is working to truncate his ambition, but a source said Obaseki wants power to rotate to Edo South.

The source said: “Shuaibu comes from Edo North where Adams Oshiomhole is from and served two terms as governor. In fact, Shuaibu is from the same local government as Oshiomhole. Obaseki is from Edo Central and would complete two terms next year. So, power should rotate to Edo South. Any attempt by the governor to show that he is supporting his deputy will affect governance in the state. The deputy governor knows the truth and he is merely playing to the gallery.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

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

Tinubu Nominates Keyamo, Withdraws Kano’s Nominee, Maryam Shetty Senate screens Oyetola, Bagudu, Matawale, others Sunday Aborisade in Abuja President Bola Tinubu yesterday wrote to the Senate about his decision to withdraw the nomination of Dr. Maryam Shetty as ministerial nominee from Kano State.

He replaced her with Mariya Mahmood but gave no reasons for his action.

Tinubu in the same letter also appointed Mr. Festus Keyamo as a ministerial nominee and

urged the Senate to screen him for confirmation.

The development has therefore brought the second batch of ministerial nominees to 20.

The full list of the ministerial nominees so far sent to the red chamber for screening and confirmation now stood at 48.

This was contained in a letter sent to the Senate yesterday and read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

Shetty, the ministerial nominee

NDLEA Arraigns Immigration Officer, 2 Others for Alleged Drug Trafficking

from Kano at the last minute broke down in tears at the National Assembly complex yesterday.

The dropped nominee whose name was number 12 of the Order Paper already shared to the senators for the screening, received the shock of her life when Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter, replacing her with another person.

The obviously embarrassed nominee who dressed in black Jalamia with a red head tie, was watching the proceedings at the Senate chamber on a television set mounted in the waiting room when Akpabio broke the news.

THISDAY observed that some of Shetty’s family members, associates and well wishers who had accompanied her to the red

chamber in solidarity also broke down in tears.

One of her associates whose name could not be immediately confirmed was seen lamenting that Shetty was unfairly treated.

The associate said, “Why should the President allow her to come for screening when he knows that her nomination has been withdrawn. This is very unfair.”

Investigations by THISDAY further revealed that the Shetty was replaced at the last minute on Thursday night following the emergence of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje as the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

It was learnt that Shetty, who

was replaced with her classmate in the university and former Commissioner for Higher Education in Kano State, allegedly campaigned for former vice president Yemi Osinbajo, in the build up to the APC Presidential primary in 2022.

Ganduje allegedly capitalised on his new position to influence Shetty’s replacement with his own candidate.

Shetty was national leader of an APC support group, #WeBelieve.

She is a physiotherapist who was born into the Kano royal family. She once worked at the Mallam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.

She obtained a Masters Degree from the University of East

London, Stratford where she majored in sports physiotherapy.

The Senate yesterday screened the new batch of ministerial nominees.

President Bola Tinubu had on Wednesday sent an additional list of 19 nominees to complement the previously sent 28-man nominees.

The nominees that appeared before the Senate to answer questions were, former Osun governor, Adegboyega Oyetola; former Kebbi governor, Atiku Bagudu; former Plateau governor, Simon Bako Lalong; former Zamfara governor, Bello Matawalle; and former governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Geidam.

Wale Igbintade An immigration officer, Sanni Razak Adeola, alongside two other persons were yesterday arraigned by the operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) before the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged conspiracy, unlawful possession and export of 1.00 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, a narcotic substance.

Adeola, who is attached to Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, was arraigned before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, alongside Eyah Nnamdi Celestine (a.ka. Murphy) and Hein Narcisse (a.k.a. Ugwuoke Peter Oluchukwu).

The duo of Eyah and Hien were arraigned on alleged charges of conspiracy and unlawful exportation of 1.00 kilogrammes of cocaine, while Sanni was arraigned on one-count of aiding and abetting.

He was accused of aiding both Eyah and Hein to illegally export

the banned substance.

Prosecution counsel, Abu Ibrahim, told the court that the three men committed the offences on June 8, 2023.

He told the court that both Eyah and Hien, a.ka. Ugwuoke Peter Oluchukwu, at Avenue Garden, Ago Palace-way, Lagos, conspired to unlawfully export 1.00 kilograms of Methamphetamine.

The prosecutor also told the court that the first defendant, Eyah, procured the second defendant, Hien.

Upon reading of the charge, both Eyah and Hien pleaded guilty to the charges but the immigration officer denied the allegation of aiding and abetting made against him and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the guilty plea of both Eyah and Hien, the prosecutor reviewed the facts of the charge as well tendered exhibits which were admitted by the court.

Ministerial Appointment: Again, S’East Short-changed with No Zonal Representation With the unveiling of the second batch of his ministerial list and addition of another name yesterday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has finally assembled 48 persons that would serve in his cabinet.

Mr. President selected his men and women from across the length and breadth of Nigeria.

But there’s no cause for cheer in the South-east geopolitical zone because, once again, the zone has been shortchanged.

An analysis of the president’s ministerial spread shows that the South-east is the only zone without a zonal representation in the ministerial appointments.

President Tinubu barely accommodated the South-east in his cabinet to satisfy the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria which made it mandatory that each of the 36 states and Abuja must have a minister each.

Now, after complying with the constitutional provision, Tinubu has additional 12 ministerial slots to allocate because of the size of his cabinet, which of course, was his own making. That is where the zonal allocation of ministers

comes in.

By virtue of the discrepancies in the creation of states, all the other five zones were already ahead of the South-east in the constitutionally mandatory allocation of ministers.

North-west, the zone with the largest number of states, got seven ministerial slots while North-east, North-central, South-west and South-south received six slots each. The South-east were left with five ministers, just to fulfill constitutional righteousness.

Yet, in his distribution of the extra ministerial slots, Tinubu gave additional three ministers each to North-west and Southwest zones, making it a total of 10 and nine ministers for the zones, respectively.

Each of North-east, Northcentral and South-south were given two extra ministers, making it a total of eight for each of these favoured zones.

In fact, the South-south zone received yet another additional ministerial slot yesterday when the name of the immediate past Minister of state for Labour, Festus Keyamo, surfaced in Tinubu’s ministerial list.

TALKING GLOBAL ECONOMY… L-R: World Bank President, Mr. Ajay Banga and President Bola Tinubu, during the courtesy visit of the World Bank team to the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

WAEC Presents Abiodun’s Certificate to Tribunal James Sowole in Abeokuta An official of the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC), Mr. Fasasi Sarafa, yesterday appeared before the governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to present the certified true copy of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s WAEC certificate to the panel.

The examination council was subpoenaed to tender Abiodun’s O’ level certificate following allegation of certificate forgery levelled against the governor by one of the witnesses called by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the course of proceedings at

the tribunal.

All counsels to the respondents expressed no objection to the certificate tendered, but counsel to petitioners, Gordy Uche, SAN, said he had reservations concerning the copy of the certificate brought by WAEC in comparison with what was earlier submitted by counsel to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

He also informed the court that the 2nd respondent was ready to open his case, adding that he would close his case between Tuesday and Wednesday next week as he applied for an adjournment for his client to have enough time to prepare witnesses.

Meanwhile, a witness, Alo-

wolodu Jimoh, an All Progressives Congress (APC) ward collation agent from Sagamu, appeared before the panel to testify in favour of his party and alleged that electoral process was disrupted by hoodlums who were opposed to the use of BVAS at his polling unit. The witness was cross examined by counsels to respondents.

Under cross examination by the counsel to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Olumide Ogidan, who asked him if the election was free and fair, the witness answered in affirmative. He, however, posited that the process was disrupted

by opposition to use of BVAS in some polling units which made all parties in the election to be awarded the score zero by INEC. On his part, counsel to the 3rd respondent, Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, asked the witness to show the tribunal his INEC agent card, which was tendered and subsequently marked as an exhibit RA4.

In its ruling, the tribunal admitted the scanned copy of the subpoena issued on WAEC, and marked it Exhibit RA1 while the original acknowledged copy was admitted and marked Exhibit RA2.

The governor’s result as produced

by WAEC was marked Exhibit RA3.

1.2m Candidates Register for 2023 NECO, SSCE, Council Reveals Kuni Tyessi in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos No fewer than 1,205,888 candidates have registered for the on-going 2023 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The Registrar/Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim

Wushishi, disclosed yesterday in Jos, Plateau State capital while monitoring the conduct of the examination in some schools.

Wushishi disclosed that out of this figure, 601,074 candidates are male while 584,814 are female.

In a press statement released yesterday by Azeez Sani, Head, Information and Public Relations, the NECO Registrar expressed

satisfaction with the general conduct of the 2023 SSCE based on reports obtained from across the country.

The Registrar also said the 2023 SSCE which would be concluded next week is the best organised in recent years.

Wushishi further disclosed that various measures have been in place to check examination

malpractice, adding that the measures have started yielding positive results.

The Registrar, who monitored the examination at Airforce Military School, King and Queens Academy and Emmanuel International College all in Jos, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination in these schools.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

NEWS

Lagos Hospital Accident: Lift Installer Handed Over to Police For Questioning Following the unfortunate elevator accident, which claimed the life of Dr. Vwaere Daiso, at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos-Island, and the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for an immediate and thorough inquiry into the accident, the Lagos State Government has commenced investigations.

The investigation panel, which was given 48 hours to conclude action, will submit a report of its initial findings today for further actions to be taken on the matter.

In a statement issued yesterday, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle,

disclosed that the lift installer had been handed over to the Police for questioning.

Sogunle highlighted some of the steps taken so far by the investigative panel, stating that the panel had met with the Facility Manager, management of the General Hospital, Lagos, and the Lagos State Infrastructure Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), to unravel the circumstances surrounding the elevator accident.

He said: “A Panel comprising the Chairman of the Lagos State Health Service Commission (HSC), Permanent Secretary of the Health Service Commission,

Director-General of the Safety Commission, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; House officers and representatives of the medical associations, has been set up.

“The panel met with the Facility Manager, personnel of LASIAMA and the management of General Hospital, Lagos. The Panel had also met with the lift installer and

the representatives of the company that installed the elevator.

“The Panel also invited a lift expert to the accident scene to look at the lift and give a preliminary opinion. Other experts would now take the elevator out for a thorough mechanical and electrical examination.

“As part of the panel’s activities from the first day when they

interviewed the lift installer, they handed him over to the police for questioning and further interrogation. This is to ensure that the installer will always be available if the panel needs him for further questions”.

“Six house officers and representatives of the medical associations were appointed as witnesses.

Representatives of the House Officers and medical associations were allowed to be part of the panel.

“The panel was given 48 hours to conclude action and so it will be submitting a report of their initial findings on Saturday.

And any other steps to be taken after that would be done by the appropriate authorities.”

Shettima Receives Briefings from BPE, NDPHC

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday received briefings on the operations of two agencies under his supervision – the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

The Vice President met the chief executives and management staff of the agencies in his office at the State House, Abuja, where they made presentations on their mandate, especially challenges and contributions to the economy.

While assuring them of

proactive leadership, Shettima charged the BPE and NDPHC managements to remain focused in realising the transformation agenda of the Tinubu administration.

The Vice President is Chairman of the Board of NDPHC and also Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation – the supervising authority for the BPE. The delegation from the NDPHC was led by its Managing Director, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, while the group from the BPE was headed by its Director General, Mr. Alex Okoh.

FCTA to Spend N5bn on Rehabilitation of Abuja Light Rail System Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) will spend N5 billion on the rehabilitation of vital equipment of Abuja Rail Mass Transit (ARMT) system that was vandalised by hoodlums following its temporary shutdown to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, disclosed this when he flagged off the restoration of the transportation infrastructure yesterday.

The project would be delivered

by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ltd (CCECC) in 12 months.

Adesola described the light rail as the life blood of Abuja, noting it will play a crucial role in easing transportation challenges of residents.

He described the vandalism of the rail system equipment as a serious setback to the administration, while assuring that the FCT would soon witness the return of a more efficient and reliable transportation system.

“The revitalisation of the Abuja Rail Mass Transit System is not just about repairing physical infrastructure; it is a testament to the resilience of our city and its people and a demonstration of our government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for economic growth and social well-being,” he said.

The permanent secretary said that contracts for the provision of security for the light rail system had been awarded, adding the administration would take stringent measures to safeguard

the asset and prevent a few vandals from undermining the essential public service.

The rehabilitation on Lots 1A and 3 rail projects would involve the repair and replacement of damaged equipment, upgrading of facilities and provision of modern security measures to protect against future threats.

The Director of Transportation, FCTA, Mr. Joseph Akinteye, said the Abuja light rail system Phase 1, which comprises Lots 1 and 3, made up of 77.775 km out of the six Lots designated by the Transportation Master Plan was awarded in 2007.

He, however, said that only Lots 1 A and 3, made up of 45.245 km was completed in 2017, inaugurated in 2018, and followed by a trial operation service which lasted for 20 months.

“Unfortunately, the trial service ended abruptly in March 2020, due to the advent of COVID- 19 pandemic and its extent protocols,” he said. He said that the rehabilitation, when completed, would bring back the Metro Line services.

The Managing Director, CCECC, Mr. Wang Xixue, said that the successful commencement of rehabilitation of the vandalised components of the ARMT system was critical to the development of the transportation system in the FCTA. He said that rehabilitation would be completed as soon as possible.

According to him, the project would involve the rehabilitation of the vandalised components of Lot 1A and Lot 3, clear obstacles, and pave the way for resuming the commercial operation of the light rail system.

SUPPORTING EDUCATION...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Geoplex Drillteq Limited.,Mr. Wole Ogunsanya; Vice Chancellor, University od Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Aramide Adeyoye; President, UNILAG, Faculty of Engineering Alumni Association, Mr. Dideolu Falobi; and Dean Faculty of Engineering, UNILAG, Prof. O.M. Sodiq, at the official inauguration of the vertical extension office floors donated to the Faculty by Engr. Wole Ogunsanya in Lagos… recently.

Navy Probes Vessel over Alleged Crude Oil Theft Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja The Nigerian Navy said yesterday it had commenced the probe of allegations of crude oil theft perpetrated by an oil Motor Tanker (MT) Praisel in the Niger Delta.

A statement issued by Naval Headquarters in Abuja, said contrary to reports that Navy escorted the said Vessel, MT PRAISEL was duly approved

by Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to load 1,114,721 Litres of High Pour Fuel Oil (HPFO) from Greenmac Energy Storage/Tarus Jetty Koko from 26 July – 8 August 2023.

This has been substantiated by

NMDPRA. It said in line with Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and to ensure strict compliance with the NMDPRA approval, NN personnel were deployed onboard to monitor the discharge of the product by MT PRAISEL at a facility at Bonny.

“However, on August 2, 2023, TSSL claiming to act on intelligence alleged that the vessel was laden with stolen crude oil and thereafter approached an element of Operation Delta Safe to board the vessel in order to verify the alleged stolen product.

“Accordingly, the NN directed the vessel to Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS anchorage for further investigation of the product onboard. The samples of the

product onboard MT PRAISEL were collected on Thursday August 3, 2023 by five agencies including NNPCL, NMDPRA and also TSSL in line with laid down procedures for laboratory test and verification of the claim,” it said.

The statement signed by Spokesman of the Nigerian Navy, Ayo-Vaughan, stated that as the lead agency in the fight against maritime crimes, the Nigerian Navy remained at the vanguard of supporting every single effort to halt economic saboteurs of our country.

“Therefore, while it is desirable for all hands to be on deck in the fight against crude oil theft, necessary precaution must be adhered to by all stakeholders

to avoid unnecessary impediment to legitimate commercial activities and businesses in the maritime environment that have far reaching consequences for the nation’s economy.

“The NN therefore appeals to the general public to await the laboratory test result of the product and in-depth investigations on allegations.

“The NN under the able leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla is poised to ensure transparency and renewed effort towards interagency cooperation and synergy in the fight against illegalities and criminality in Nigeria’s maritime environment particularly oil theft,” he said.

Rewane: Tinubu’s July 31 N500bn Palliative too Inadequate, Nigeria Needs N10trn Palliative Dike Onwuamaeze The Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Derivatives Company Limited (FDC), Mr. Bismarck Rewane, has described the N500 billion palliative announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on July 31 as an “inadequate dose” that is too little to be effective.

Rewane made this description in a paper he presented at the Lagos Business School Breakfast on August 2, that was titled ‘The Nigerian Economy: A Tale of Two Cities’, in which he said that the country’s economy is characterised by a patronage system where closeness to corridors of power confers economic success.

He said: “The President, while addressing Nigerians on July 31st,

announced a N500 billion Marshall Plan to resuscitate the economy and ease the financial burden on the people,” adding that the “total palliative amounts to N500 billion (0.25 per cent of GDP) is an inadequate dose” that is “not sufficient to cover the exchange rate losses incurred by companies.

“A material palliative should be at least N10 trillion (5.0 per cent of the GDP),” adding that 10 major companies recorded foreign exchange loss of N764 billion” in the first half of 2023 following the unification of the multiple exchange rates.

The breakdown of the palliative is as follows: manufacturing sector support: N75 billion; MSME support: N125 billion; 3,000 CNG buses: N100 billion; agric support:

N200 billion; grains 200,000 metric tonnes (MTs) and fertiliser 225,000 MTs. But a very pertinent question, according to him, is “how long will it take before the impact is felt?”

Likening the Nigerian economy to Charles Dickens’ ‘Tale of Two Cities’, Rewane said that it is marked by high income inequality where “10 per cent of the population enjoys 90 per cent of the national resources while 90 per cent of the population enjoys only 10 per cent of national resources.”

According to him, these two cities have “potential for crisis and social disorder” that could be compounded by the country’s inherent “regional, ethnic and sectarian divides.”

He added that “the Nigerian

economy is patronage driven.

Regime relationship determines economic success.”

But the economist pointed out that “Nigerians are suffering and angry,” noting that the misery index is “56.12 per cent and multidimensional poverty is 62.5 per cent.”

He also said that three recent major policies of the federal government, which included currency redesign, petrol subsidy reduction and exchange rates unification only achieved moving “income from consumers (individuals) to the government.”

“Now, FAAC has gone up 148 per cent sharply due to exchange rate gains and subsidy reduction.

But how are the states spending the money?” he asked.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

9

NEWS IOM, Search for Common Ground, Mercy Corps Wade into Farmers/Herders Crisis in Adamawa, Taraba Michael Olugbode in Abuja International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Search for Common Ground and Mercy Corps Nigeria have waded into farmers and herders clashes in Adamawa and Taraba states through the commencement of the second phase of the project, ‘Contribution to the Mitigation of Conflict Over Natural Resources Between Farmer and Herder Communities (COMITAS).

Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck, explained that the COMITAS project aims at finding traditional solutions to conflicts between farmers and herders in Adamawa State through strengthened traditional conflict resolution system and a

CONSOLIDATING ON POWER… Ambassedor of China to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun; Group Managing Director, Nigeria National Petroluem Limited, Mele Kyari; Deputy Speaker, House of Representative, Benjamin Kalu and President Bola Tinubu, at the groundbreaking ceremony of Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant at Gwagwalada , Abuja …yesterday.

PHOTO:GODWIN OMOIGUI

CBN’s Forensic Audit Underway As We Win Back Investors, Tinubu Tells World Bank Chief Deji Elumoye in Abuja

While calling for a positive partnership with the World Bank, President Tinubu emphasised key areas of focus, including job creation, digitisation, and National Identity Management.

He also requested the World Bank’s support in addressing the challenges posed by the removal of cross-sectoral subsidies, particularly in lessening the impact on less-privileged Nigerians.

In his remarks, Mr. Banga commended President Tinubu IRU KLV HͿRUWV LQ DGGUHVVLQJ the economic challenges of the country. ‘’Yes, we give money and our dollars are very important but where we are really helpful is our expertise and knowledge and our experience from many markets. In that way, we will always be your friend and partner, not just with the money, but with our minds and our hearts and you should be rest assured about that.’’

and equally on educating our people. It’s costly but we will President Bola Tinubu yes- do it,’’ he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s resilterday said a comprehensive forensic audit of the Central ience and intellectual prowess, Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was the President implored the Bretunderway, while a thorough ton Woods institution to view the overhaul of the Civil Service FRXQWU\ DV D VLJQLÀFDQW SOD\HU within the global community, not payroll is imminent.

The President stated this solely as a struggling economy. ‘‘We stand as a vibrant and during an audience with the President of the World Bank, Mr. educated society, seeking to Ajay Banga, at the Presidential avert chaos through strategic interventions. Your proactive Villa, Abuja. ‘’A comprehensive forensic engagement aligns with our audit is on-going at the Central quest for partnership, and Bank. We are going to do very together, we shall pursue mutual serious structural review of EHQHÀWV WKDW HQULFK XV DOO ·· KH the Civil Service payroll. I said.

On poverty alleviation, the can’t believe in the numbers I’m seeing and I’ve had that President called for more inexperience before at the state creased support from the World Bank, expressing optimism for a level. ‘’The reforms are in tandem productive collaboration between with Nigeria’s Ease of Doing Nigeria and the World Bank Business programme. We’ll WKDW ZLOO OHDG WR PXWXDO EHQHÀWV EORFN DOO ÀQDQFLDO ORRSKROHV 7KH and sustainable progress.

He also discussed the ongoing reforms will be targeted at the way we work, change of attitude HͿRUWV WR DGGUHVV LVVXHV VXFK

as subsidy removal, foreign exchange mismanagement, H[FKDQJH UDWHV LQÁDWLRQ liquidity, and debt management.

President Tinubu also shared insights into his administration’s substantial reforms, including those aimed at consolidating improvements in Nigeria’s oil industry, enhancing the Ease of Doing Business, and prioritising security to boost the country’s revenue generation.

The President pointed out the importance of electricity generation for economic development, highlighting the turning of sod earlier today on WKH ÀUVW SKDVH 0: RI WKH 0: SRZHU JHQHUDWLRQ project in Gwagwalada, Abuja.

He explained that this project VLJQLÀHV WKH DGPLQLVWUDWLRQ·V commitment to a comprehensive approach, which encompasses power generation, distribution, HQHUJ\ WUDQVLWLRQ DQG WDULͿ adjustments.

Fuel Contamination: Illegal Suppliers Infiltrated Airports, Says NCAA

JOHESU/AHPA Advise Tinubu against Privatising Public Health Institutions

Chinedu Eze The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has FRQÀUPHG WKDW DYLDWLRQ IXHO VXSSOLHUV ZKR ZHUH QRW FHUWLÀHG E\ WKH DXWKRULWLHV LQÀOWUDWHG WKH airports and sold contaminated fuel to airlines.

This was part of the revelations of the investigation carried out by the regulatory agency after it discovered that some aircraft had high volume of water associated with aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, in their tanks.

Three weeks ago, Max Air %RHLQJ % DLUFUDIW KDG high volume of water in its fuel tanks, prompting NCAA WR NLFN RͿ LQYHVWLJDWLRQ RQ how water entered the aircraft tanks and zeroed the search on fuel marketers who may have supplied contaminated products to the airports.

Director General, NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu, in a Zoom meeting with aviation correspondents yesterday disclosed that the fact that LOOHJDO VXSSOLHUV LQÀOWUDWHG WKH airports was revealed during a meeting with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NMPDR) of the Department Petroleum 5HVRXUFHV '35 FRQÀUPLQJ that some fuel suppliers were operating at Nigeria’s airports illegally.

He said the Authority was given a list of approved aviation fuel companies by the DPR but it discovered that some suppliers currently operating at the airports were not on the list.

Nuhu said the agency would direct the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to review its approval of oil marketers allowed to sell products at the airports.

Health workers under the umbrella of Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals Association (AHPA) have advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against plans to privatise public health institutions in the country.

Reacting to a recent call on the federal government to privatise all Federal Health Institutions (FHIs) for HͿHFWLYH KHDOWKFDUH GHOLYHU\ and as a panacea to reduce brain drain by the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), JOHESU/AHPA warned that adopting such idea would jeopardise the cardinal objective of the National Health Policy.

In a letter addressed to President Tinubu, the National Secretary of JOHESU, Mathew Ajurotu, argued that the idea of concession,

privatisation and commercialisation of the country’s health facilities “bothers more on the pecuniary gains and interest of a few stakeholders, especially privileged governPHQW R΀FLDOV ZKR KROG VZD\ as CEOs of the various FHIs and their godfathers who have run the FMOH in recent years, than national interest.’’

“Privatisation symbolises a total sale or transfer of the public or government assets to private investors or companies with a sole motive RI PDNLQJ SURÀW 7KLV ZD\ government enterprises and ownership are transferred to LQGLYLGXDOV SURÀWHHUV ZKLOH the government plays only the role of a regulator. This model of PPP is the norm in the corrupt laden governance architecture of developing countries, including Nigeria.”

systematic early warning and early response mechanisms.

He made this known yesterday in Abuja at a meeting of the COMITAS Project Steering Committee on the extension of the project to Taraba State.

The Chief of Mission noted that during the second phase of the project, the consortium will continue to engage all stakeholders including the government, agencies, leaders, and affected communities.

He said: “The expansion of the project to Taraba became necessary because of the linkages between communities in Adamawa and those in the neighbouring LGAs in Taraba who had been displaced due to the farmer/herder crisis.

NIA Urges Domestication of National Building Code by States Juliet Akoje in Abuja The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) yesterday called for the domestication of the National Building Code by DOO WKH VWDWH JRYHUQPHQWV NIA President, Arc. Enyi BenEboh, who made the call in a statement yesterday, expressed concern over the unfortunate and painful incident of the untimely death of Dr. Diasco Vwaere in an elevator accident at the General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

Ben-Eboh emphasised the need to ensure that all reviews on the

building code were carried out so as to have it signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. ´,W EHKRRYHV WKH 6WDWH Governments of the Federation to as a matter of priority commence and conclude the process of domestication of the National Building Code in their various states,” Ben-Eboh said.

He called on the state governments to domesticate the spirit and intent of Executive Order 11 by setting up State Public Assets Maintenance Agencies to oversee the maintenance of state owned public buildings in all states of our federation.

Oyo Workers Observe Jumat Prayer Outside Secretariat Main Gate Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Aggrieved Oyo State workers and pensioners under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), yesterday made good their threats to observe the Friday Jumat service at the entrance of the Secretariat main gate.

The workers who had embarked on protests since Monday had vowed not to stop until Governor Seyi Makinde addresses them on their demands.

The workers in large numbers gathered at the main gate where they observed the Jumat service with one of them leading the

prayer.

The main entrance of the state Secretariat had been blocked since the protests began a situation that had affected free flow of vehicular movements.

Workers were also discouraged from going into the state Secretariat to resume the day’s work and join the protest.

Among requests of the workers include payment of salary deductions, palliatives for workers, upward review of pension allowances, payment of leave bonus, payment of gratuities to retirees who have been stagnated since the year DQG UHOHDVH RI SURPRWLRQ OHWWHUV IRU WKH <HDU DQG

Senate to Screen 7 Ministerial Nominees Today Sunday Aborisade in Abuja

screening of the ministerial nominee from Lagos State, Dr. The Senate concluded the Tunji Alausa.

He said, “Just like every other screening of 41 ministerial nominees yesterday and adjourned till person here, I have been a victim today to conclude the exercise. of medical neglect. I lost my Those to be screened today are, ÀUVW JUDQGFKLOG LQ LQ D Bosun Tijani (Ogun), Dr. Isiak federal medical centre. He died Salako (Ogun), Lola Ade-John through bleeding.

“He was placed on a drip (Lagos), Prof. Tahir Mamman (Adamawa), Uba Maigari Ah- that ran into the night. There madu (Taraba), Festus Keyamo was no help, no doctor, no (Delta) and Mariya Mahmoud nurse and he bled until he ORVW RYHU SHU FHQW RI KLV (Kano).

Senate President Godswill blood.”

Akpabio added that the boy Akpabio, before the adjournment yesterday, narrated how he lost eventually went into a coma KLV ÀUVW JUDQGFKLOG WR PHGLFDO DQG HͿRUWV WR UHYLYH KLP ZLWK D negligence at a federal hospital GHÀEULOODWRU ZHUH XQVXFFHVVIXO because the hospital had not used LQ He stated this during the LW WKH GHÀEULOODWRU IRU \HDUV

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

10

NEWS Don’t Invade Niger Republic, Bode George Writes Tinubu Segun James

HONING PAYMENT SYSTEMS… L-R: Head, Enterprise Growth Marketing, Interswitch, Ikechukwu Ugwu; Chief Executive Officer, Eventhive.ng, Jamiu Ijaodola; Managing Director, Payment Processing and Switching (Interswitch Purepay), Akeem Lawal; Portfolio Manager, Interswitch Purepay, Olufemi Davies; and Group Head, Financial Services Business, Interswitch Systegra, Tyoyila Aga; at the Nigeria Fintech Forum held in Lagos…yesterday.

PHOTO: SUNDAYADIGUN

Katsina Hands Over 76.4 Hectares of Land to FG for Airport Expansion Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Government has handed over 76.4 hectares of land to the federal government for the upgrade and expansion of the Umaru Musa Yar’Adua International Airport, Katsina.

Speaking during the handing over ceremony at the airport, the state Head of Civil Service, Mr. Usman Isyaku, said the state government paid N300 million compensation to land owners affected by the projects.

There are eight projects to be executed at the airport, some of which include: the expansion of the existing airport APRON, fire truck building, new terminal, cargo terminal, and fire truck maintenance and refurbishment.

Isyaku explained that the funds were paid by the state government to 421 residents of the airport community whose lands are to be used for the upgrade and expansion of the airport.

The head of civil service

lauded Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his foresight, commitment and determination for the speedy actualisation of the project, which according to him, would provide more job opportunities for unemployed youths.

He said: “His Excellency, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has committed over N300 million on the payment of compensation to about 421 people whose lands are to be used for the expansion of the airport.”

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, said eight projects were awarded last year by the federal government to the airport but lack of land hampered immediate execution.

Meribole, represented by the Director, Aerodrome Development Department of the Ministry, Clement Olayinka, however, applauded the state government for providing the land for the execution of the projects.

Former military governor of old Ondo State and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has advised President Bola Tinubu against the invasion of neighbouring Niger Republic, saying any war is not a tea party.

George, a retired Commodore of the Nigerian Navy in a letter yesterday made available to THISDAY, said he is writing as a patriot and a statesman.

The letter reads: “I write to you as a Nigerian, a retired General in the Nigerian military, a patriot and a war tactician.

“On July 26, 2023, the Commander of the Presidential Guard in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum, seized power and is now the new strongman of the Nigerien Armed Forces.

“As the leader of ECOWAS, you immediately invited other West African leaders and an ultimatum was given to Tchiani that Bazoum must be reinstated or else, a strong military force (just like ECOMOG in Liberia and Sierra Leone) will invade Niger Republic and forcefully reinstate him.

“The population of Niger Republic is 27,294,785 (just like Lagos State). Niamey is the capital and the population is 1,437,000 (not up to Alimosho Council in Lagos) and as the Commander-inChief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who JHWV VHFXULW\ EULHÀQJV HYHU\GD\ since you were sworn-in on May

FAAN Suspends Taxi Gov Adeleke Intervenes in Kajola Make Healthcare Delivery Services at Abuja Airport Market Crisis, Appeals for Calm Affordable for Common “Mr. Governor has instructed Osun State Governor, Kasim Sumaina in Abuja and Consumer Protection, FAAN, Ademola Adeleke, has called the commissioner to wade into Nigerians, Clergy Advises FG Abdullahi Yakubu-Funtua, read: on warring market factions the matter and ensure that all The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has suspended the airport car hire services at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, with immediate effect.

The suspension it said was as a result of the unresolved factional dispute amongst the car hire operators which has been affecting airport car hire service operations.

A statement issued in Abuja by the Director, Public Affairs

“We wishes to inform the general public that the airport car hire service at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been suspended with immediate effect.

“Consequent upon this suspension, FAAN Management advises the general public and all airport users, particularly our esteemed passengers to use secured alternative means of transportation or E-hailing services in and out of the airport.

at Kajola town to stop feud and confrontations to allow mediatory intervention by the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, issued yesterday, the Governor Adeleke urged the market leaders to remain calm as he has directed the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry to wade into the PDWWHU ZLWK LPPHGLDWH HͿHFW

The federal government has been called upon to make KHDOWKFDUH VHUYLFHV DͿRUGDEOH for the common citizens in the country.

Speaking during the annual RCCG Medical Outreach programme held in Oshodi for people in the area and its environment, -HͿ $NDQEL $JDQEL D FOHUJ\ of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), who expressed regret that many Nigerians have been left to die from preventable death due to their inability to access DͿRUGDEOH KHDOWKFDUH VHUYLFHV said government at all levels should invest more on the FKLHI H[HFXWLYH R΀FHU RI WKH &(2 wellbeing of the people.

He appealed to the governof Bank of Industry, Olukayode Pitan represented by Mr. Obaru ments to sustain healthcare as a social welfare service Osah.

The event was attended by to Nigerians, especially the R΀FLDOV RI 3URYLGXV %DQN %DQN poor and vulnerable in the of Industry (BOI), GEC+Africa society.

The one-day event which and some Nigerian entrepreneurs.

Apart from the 150 Nigerian was organised in conjunction delegates billed to attend the with Chike Okolie Foundaevent on March 14th, 2024, 15 tion/Emzor Pharmaceuticals entrepreneurs from the various and Pharmatex Industries, African countries’ delegations attracted many Nigerians will be pitching for a seed fund including the old, youths and children from Oshodi of $100,000.

Speaking at the event, Dr. and beyond who received Olawale Anifowose, Managing a wide range of medical care. ,W RͿHUHG WKH SHRSOH WKH Director at GEN Nigeria said, “The GEC+Africa Lead Up Event opportunity to know their serves as a dynamic platform that blood sugar level, blood VKRZFDVHV WKH ÀQHVW HOHPHQWV pressure, cholesterol level, of successful entrepreneurial general body check-up and de-worming of children. ecosystems on the continent. points of disagreements among the factions are resolved. This intervention is to allow for the reopening of the market to protect the livelihood of stakeholders.

“All factions are enjoined to stop hostilities pending the outcome of the mediation.

Nobody should take law into their hands. The honourable commissioner has already stepped into the matter as directed,” the statement noted.

Arrest Warrant: Businesswoman Denies Fleeing From Police Over Alleged N750m Fraud

150 Nigerian Entrepreneurs for GEC+Africa in Cape Town

Wale Igbintade

Mary Nnah

A Nigerian business woman, Ese Cynthia Daniel, has refuted claims of being on the run and evading arrest and investigation over alleged N750 million fraud.

The business woman, who expressed shock at the development, said she went abroad for medical reasons and would present herself to the police as soon as she returns.

“I will visit the police station to answer any question they may have as soon as I return to Nigeria after my treatment. I have already begun the process of reaching out to the police to provide further clarity on my medical condition and my expected date of return,” she

said in a statement yesterday.

Her words: “My attention has been drawn to a Special Police Gazette Bulletin wherein I was declared wanted by the police for purportedly absconding from Nigeria after obtaining the sum of N750,000,000 from a client.

“Sometime ago I entered into a business transaction to procure a large amount of US dollars for a client, one Ms. Temitope Lawanson (formerly known as Temitope Akintayo, a former branch manager of FCMB, Adeola Hopewell Branch).

“It was a term of the agreement that Lawanson would pay the naira equivalent of the dollar sum to facilitate the procurement of the dollars.

No fewer than 150 entrepreneurs from Nigeria will be attending the 2024 Global Entrepreneurship Congress Africa (GEC+Africa) event in Cape Town, South Africa with sponsorship by GEN Nigeria, a leading organisation in Nigeria committed to promoting entrepreneurship and nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders.

The disclosure was made in Lagos recently during the GEC+Africa Lead Up event organised by GEN Nigeria, themed ‘Connecting Africa: Strides in the Nigeria Entrepreneurship Ecosystem’.

The keynote speaker at the event was the managing director/

29, 2023, you may have been told that even a Brigade of the Nigerian Army, commanded by a Colonel, can crush the soldiers in Niger Republic.

“Now, my observations: First of all, you have done the right thing by sending a delegation consisting of former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Saad Abubakar, a retired Brigadier-General, to meet the Military High Command in Niger.

“It is okay to send a delegation.

Diplomacy is always a better option to war. To jaw jaw is better than war war.

But, I believe, it would have been better if the full Nigerian FRORXUDWLRQ ZDV UHÁHFWHG LQ WKDW delegation.

“Some diplomats (serving or retired) should have been included in the delegation. Diplomats are trained for a situation like this.

What is happening in Niger right now is not only for the military.

“Number two, when you have D FULVLV ZLWKLQ \RX VROYH WKDW ÀUVW before going international with a ‘Big Brother’ posture.

“In your last national broadcast, you even admitted that Nigerians are going through a lot and everything is being done to DOOHYLDWH WKHLU VXͿHULQJ “In Nigeria today, there is no IRRG QR ÀQDQFLDO SRZHU WR EX\ fuel, no light, no money. Nigerians are psychologically stranded and people are really going through a lot. So, I don’t know what our going to Niger Republic with full military power will achieve.

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INSIGHT

Let the poor breathe...

Niger Republic: A Putsch And A Punch

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ntil very recently, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, the new strong man of Niger Republic, was the head of the presidential guard. He was a very dependable ally of the ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

His over 10 years experience as a chief guardsman in the corridors of power must have exposed him to the frailty and fragility of the presidency and its occupants.

So he could choose to lock the doors against the landlord and his household without much ado or resistance. And he did just that albeit successfully on July 26, 2023.

His puerile boastfulness, daring ECOWAS and threatening a showdown with a rag-tag army that is wholly dependent on the support of his rogue peers within the coup d’etat belt and their newfound imperialist godfathers, typifies the folly and delusion embedded in the minds of the African ruling elite be they civilians or soldiers.

The knee-jerk response to the coup by ECOWAS and its leaders is equally being perceived as a tacit ploy to join in the killing of a proverbial rampaging beast in the neighbourhood before it gets to one’s own home.

Therefore, dragging the entire region into an avoidable crisis all in the name of restoring democracy to a nation with a long history of political instability is uncalled for.

A military solution to the Nigerien crisis can snowball into a major and endless war teleguided and

masterminded by two imperialistic “onlookers” to the watchful pleasure of ignorant citizens who will be the ultimate victims after all.

President Tinubu, the leader of ECOWAS, must be careful not to endanger the lives of over 200 million Nigerians in search of peace in a nation of 20 million people.

Foreign policy decisions are more often than not, a product of an envisaged economic advantage.

This decision to throw a punch at the Nigerien putschists is borne out of egotistical consideration or self-preservation. Let us leave Niger and their newfound friends alone.

Austen Akhagbeme, Abuja

The Sounds of the Silenced

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t used to be just book burning but now in the province of Herat, Afghanistan, the Taliban has started burning musical instruments.

A ‘voice of an angel’ has been replaced by the ‘instruments of the devil’. As was obvious with worries about the gyrations of Elvis the main cause of ‘moral corruption’ was probably youthful hormones not an instrument of the devil. Music is a ‘gift from God’ and yet the Taliban cannot see that in their

blinded world.

There might be some instruments we could get by without, the bagpipes, any badly played violin and certainly the ukulele and yet many love them. Perhaps the range of instruments and voices could serve as an example of the diversity of people in the world but if only they would listen.

Don’t listen to the sounds of silence.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

Between NERC and DisCos 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

T

he Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) can’t be saying that customers refused to pay bills for energy consumed when they have refused to play their regulatory functions Ĝ ¢ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ in corporate extortion aka estimated billing. The commission is yet to ensure that all households across the 36 States and 774 Local Govt Areas of Nigeria have prepaid meters installed in their houses to stop this continuous ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ us to believe that the commission is ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ exploit the poor hapless citizens of this country.

Feyisetan Akeeb Kareem, karfeyio@gmail.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

RingTrue 08054699539

Yemi

Adebowale

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Mr President’s Fiction on Petrol Subsidy Removal

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his President Bola Tinubu’s claim that he loves Nigerians so much is fast turning into a ruse. His July 31 speech on the economic crisis facing traumatised countrymen confirms this. Tinubu is coldblooded. The few Nigerians prodding Mr. President amid spiking poverty/trauma in our land, activated by petrol subsidy removal, are also selfish and cruel. How can Tinubu declare that petrol subsidy had been unproductive and only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters? This is irrational fiction and Mr. President knows this.

This was the same Tinubu, who in 2012 fought against petrol subsidy removal, describing it as “the Goodluck Jonathan tax.” He even funded protests in Lagos State against Jonathan. So, what has changed? Well, let me remind Tinubu about the facts of subsidy. Petrol subsidy benefitted millions of Nigerians filling their tanks at N185 per litre before he assumed office. It benefitted a very large percentage of our population by its trickle-down effect on fairly low transportation and food prices, on production cost for manufacturers, fairly low prices of goods and service and on inflation.

The protests across the country in the last few weeks is a further confirmation that what had been helping millions of Nigerians to sustain a least living standard had been taken away. This Wednesday, hundreds were on the streets of Kaduna protesting petrol price hike. Speaking on behalf of the protesters, its chairperson, Dr. Dipo Fashina lambasted the Tinubu administration for introducing anti-people policies.

Last Monday, frustrated Oyo State civil servants protested against the economic crunch and demanded palliatives. On the same day, members of Osun Civil Societies Coalition stormed the streets of Osogbo in protest against high costs of living, urging the government to ensure immediate reduction in the pump price of petrol. Last week, Civil Society Organisations in Edo State were also on the streets of Benin to protest subsidy removal.

Last week, some distressed residents of Adamawa State went about looting stores with food, whether government-owned or private.

That was why the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) said our beloved country “is on the brink of collapse following the removal of fuel subsidy.” The CBCN President, Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, aptly said: “Our growing economic crisis became exacerbated with the recent withdrawal of petrol subsidy.

Government has not ceased to inundate citizens with its fabled palliative measures to cushion the effects of the subsidy removal.

“I am sure those running the nation’s affairs at all levels know that palliative measures can never be a cure for any economic or health challenge. Provision of a constant source of energy remains the driving force in all developing and developed economies. Why is ours different?

Why should we not subsidise fuel?”

It is not too late to roll back subsidy removal.

In this modern era of protecting borders with technology, particularly using drones, smuggling of petroleum products can be reduced drastically. Blocking subsidy thieves and smuggling can cut subsidy expenditure by at least 70 percent. So, instead of spending about $10 billion annually on subsidy, it would come down to around $3 billion. This is the way to go for a leader that wants Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy. The security and welfare of the people must always be the priority of the state. Subsidy on petrol must return whether it is refined at home or imported Honestly, I quivered when Tinubu in that hopeless speech on Monday said, “In a little over two months, we have saved over a trillion Naira that would have been squandered on the unproductive fuel subsidy which only benefitted smugglers and fraudsters. That money will now be used more directly and more beneficially for you and your families.”

Our President has evidently been saving money at the expense of the blood of Nigerians.

Previous governments that removed subsidy promised to use it for health, education, roads and general infrastructural development. It never happened. This country is still in a tattered state with decaying infrastructures. Enough of the same old story and the same old fraud.

On the smugglers and fraudsters, the few Nigerians Tinubu said were massively benefitting from subsidy. Let me say it straight away: This is a failure of government. Those in government, including Tinubu, Know the smugglers and fraudsters benefitting from subsidy. They deliberately failed to tame them. We were told that Tinubu’s government will be refreshingly different. I was expecting this federal government to exist for citizens. This is the essence of government. The security and welfare of the people shall be the priority of the state, so says the Nigerian Constitution.

Petrol subsidy must be retained because most Nigerians can’t afford to buy at market price. It is already consuming the entire incomes of most citizens. This is why there is so much

pain across Nigeria.

Tinubu should note that the former head of Customs, Hammed Ali once punched holes in NNPCL’s claim that Nigeria was consuming 72 million litres of petrol daily. Ali said the NNPCL should show him the ports from which such quantity was brought into the country. If this government is truly interested in the welfare of the people, it will frontally tackle the fraudsters and smugglers benefitting from subsidy, so that the expenditure on imported fuel and subsidy payments can fall drastically. Conservatively, it can fall by at least 70 percent if smugglers and fraudsters are tackled bluntly. Then, the remaining 30 percent can be safely absorbed by the government so that Nigerians can breathe.

This is the meaning of government.

Again, Reverend Ugorji construes it rightly: “We have severally been told that some people have been enriching themselves from our commonwealth through petrol subsidy. For many patriotic citizens, this argument does not hold water. Why has the government failed and unwilling or incapable of identifying the supposed culprits and bringing them to account for their sordid act? The root of Nigeria’s problem is massive corruption. For Nigeria to survive, we must collectively fight corruption, whichever way it rears its ugly head. Government must be told that we cannot afford the luxury of punishing the entire populace, because of the corrupt tendencies of a few. This is not fair to

Cutting Cost of Governance with 48 Ministers

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igeria’s economy is going through a tough time with a huge burden on all of us.

Tinubu said this much in his July 31 address to the nation.

Back in May, he even said the federal government was taking loans to pay salaries. That is how bad the economic situation is. This same Tinubu has turned in a list of 48 ministers. What does he want to do with 48 ministers? This is just to satisfy his cronies. Some say there is a Constitutional provision for 42 ministers. So, why add six in this belt-tightening period? Struggling Nigeria will have 48 ministers, with a retinue of vehicles, aides and security men for the ministers. Is this how to cut the cost of governance?

Does Tinubu really care about this country’s economy?

Besides, the credentials of most of the people on the disgraceful list of 48 are nothing to write home about.

This is largely a list of failed, clueless,

secondhand politicians. I’m talking about the likes of Nasir El-Rufai, David Umahi, Nyesom Wike, Bello Matawalle, Abubakar Kyari, Nkiruka Onyejiocha, Senator Bello Muhammed, Mohamed Badaru, Sani Danladi, Bello Goronyo, Simon Lalong, Heineken Lolokpobri, Dele Alake, Atiku Baugudu and Ibrahim Geidam. These are spent forces with nothing to offer this country. The list is also dominated by anti-democratic elements like Wike.

The non-politicians on the list of 48 are lackeys of Tinubu. It is a disgrace that this list did not in any way reflect the massive tank of talents and abilities that this country is known for. The likes of Uju Ohanenye, Stella Okotete, Mariya Mahmoud and Shuaibu Abubakar Audu have no business on the list. The high-quality Nigerians, found even among politicians in this country, were ignored by Tinubu. His so-called mission to turn around Nigeria is dead on arrival. What a shame.

Wike

all concerned.”

I was shocked that Tinubu showed so much timidity in his speech when it came to this issue of tackling smugglers and fraudsters. He tragically declared: “This group had amassed so much wealth and power that they became a serious threat to the fairness of our economy and the integrity of our democratic governance. To be blunt, Nigeria could never become the society it was intended to be as long as such small, powerful yet unelected groups hold enormous influence over our political economy and the institutions that govern it. Thus, the defects in our economy immensely profited a tiny elite, the elite of the elite you might call them. As we move to fight the flaws in the economy, the people who grow rich from them, predictably, will fight back through every means necessary.”

Failure of government! Yes, this is the real meaning as contained in Tinubu’s speech. A man that claimed his government would be different is panicked by a tiny elite feeding fat on subsidy. Tinubu prefers to throw Nigerians under a moving bus than tackle the “small, powerful yet unelected groups.”

Another issue I found infuriating in the July 31 speech was where Tinubu talked about ensuring staple foods are available and affordable, saying, “To this end, I have ordered the release of 200,000 metric tonnes of grains from strategic reserves to households across the 36 states and FCT to moderate prices. We are also providing 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer, seedlings and other inputs to farmers who are committed to our food security agenda.” Mr. President, where are the grain strategic reserves? Enough of this deceit. I have not seen a single household benefiting from the so-called grain reserves. I doubt if there are grain reserves anywhere in this country. I would like to see the reserves opened and pictures taken.

There is the planned provision of 225,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to imaginary farmers. I have my fears for this too. In any case, thousands can’t access their farms because of raging insecurity. Tinubu did not even address this in the July 30 speech. Mr. President, you can’t implement any plan in the agricultural sector without first tackling insecurity. Few days back, scores of farmers were killed and others kidnapped in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

Farming communities in Zamfara, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Kaduna, and Niger states are deserted because of unending killings by terrorists.

Twenty-three women kidnapped in the farm by terrorists in Damaga, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State since July 27 have not been released. The soldiers that should be inhibiting the terrorists are not doing too well. Last week, the terrorists killed seven soldiers during an ambush in Kangon Garacci village, Maru LGA of Zamfara State. No fewer than 19 villagers were also killed during the attack carried out by terror leader Ali Kachalla.

Before taking a crucial decision, the implications must be properly analysed. Where the negatives outweigh the positives, it must be dropped. Mr. President has simply been shooting before thinking on this subsidy removal. This is responsible for the clumsy responses to the economic chaos caused by the action. Subsidy removal was not carefully considered. This decision has destroyed the welfare of almost everybody in Nigeria. Production is severely hampered and jobs threatened. In just 60 days, an estimated 7.1 million Nigerians have been pushed into poverty by subsidy removal in a country with 133 million multidimensionally-poor people. Daily, thousands more are pushed into the poverty club.

It is not too late to roll back subsidy removal.

Tinubu’s much-talked about interventions are largely superficial. They are just rubbish. In this modern era of protecting borders with technology, particularly using drones, smuggling of petroleum products can be reduced drastically.

Blocking subsidy thieves and smuggling can cut subsidy expenditure by at least 70 percent.

So, instead of spending about $10 billion annually on subsidy, it would come down to around $3 billion. This is the way to go for a leader that wants Nigerians to enjoy the dividends of democracy. It is the route to take.

The security and welfare of the people must always be the priority of the state. Subsidy on petrol must return whether it is refined at home or imported. This is food for thought for President Bola Tinubu today.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

Underprivileged, Not ‘Less-privileged’

EBERE WABARA

“B

ENUE assets recovery (assets-recovery) committee storms Ortom’s house, carts away exotic cars” “Unfortunately the United Nations that dissolved the League of Nations seem (seems) not capable (seems incapable) of….”

“Gas powered (Gas-powered) generators safe, by experts” “And I know that the new administration is geared in (to) that direction.”

Daily Champion Online of June 27 takes over with copious grammatical crises: “We’ll restore peace in (to) PDP—Atiku” Next is itsViews Page: “Parents have thus out of greed or fear of discharging their responsibilities to the (their) children, (needless comma) give (given) them out….”

“Both the federal and states (sic) government (federal and state governments) must take steps to ensure that….”

“There is thus the need to separate politicking from electioneering campaign.” ‘Electioneering’ encompasses ‘campaign.’ “…and the ousted leadership of the school’s parents/teachers’ association.” Education Today: parent-teacher association “St. Saviour’s School commissions (gradually becoming a cliché!) N200m classrooms” “Forex reserves drops (drop) 0.17% to three month (three-month) low” Because of its grouping role, the hyphen forms adjectives. Otherwise, some lexical combinations will become awkward and ambiguous.

Please note that ‘but’ and ‘however’ cannot co-function. And this: ‘at’ applies to a definite time; while ‘about’ refers to an approximate time.

Therefore, to use both in the same environment is contradictory and confusing. But you can say

BY

‘at or about’…in an informal setting that allows such escapist latitude! Lastly: ‘likes’ take ‘compare with’ and unlike terms ‘compare to.’An example, talking football: You can compare MLS striker Lionel Messi with AL Nassr playmaker Christiano Ronaldo, but Messi to Usain Bolt, the world’s fastest man prior to retirement. However, at a classical level, some likes are incomparable with one another: Nigerian local league players cannot be compared with, but to, either Messi or Ronaldo! I hope these differences are clear now. I welcome requests for elucidation if they are still vague.

Back to Daily Champion under review: “… activities of unlicensed designers is (are) shrinking its market in Nigeria.”

“Air-purifying, energy saving (why omit the second hyphen?) AC unveiled as Panasonic stirs competition” “Police counsel Ogun monarchs on grassroot (grassroots) policing” “Unlawful possession of firearms: Vigilante boss exonerated” Community Mirror: vigilance boss or vigilantes’ boss “Ota DPO calls for concerted efforts (effort) in traffic management” Finally from the Back Page of Daily Champion whichcirculatedthreeblunders:“Inthiscriticalarea, this government has failed woefully (abysmally)….”

“Another job creating (job-creating) initiative like the….” “…functional national infrastructure which are still lacking in our oil dependent (oil-dependent) economy.”

Last Tuesday’s edition of Daily Independent lied in defence of its advertorial freedom: “Mama, tens of decades of exemplary contributions to the upliftment (uplift) of common people….”

There is no such word known as ‘upliftment’ in the English language lexicon. Please note that some online dictionaries and a few other dialects

of the English language approve ‘upliftment’! My reference point is the British Standard English (BrSE). I am not bothered by the more than160 dialects of English globally. I exclusively advocate standard English English.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, of June 24 did not practise robust journalism, as it advocates, on nine occasions: “Enjoy round the clock banking!” (Full-page advertisement by GT Bank) At your service adjectivally: round-the-clock banking!

“HICC pledge (pledges) to support FG’s war against corruption.”

“Our daddy, on this auspicious occasion of your birthday anniversary….” ‘Birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot co-function on the same platform.

“I am not an advocate for albinos to marry themselves (one another)….”

“Itwasabeehiveofactivities…asthecelebrant’s (celebrator’s) parents….” Fairground: a hive of activity (not a beehive of activities)!

“Yourfightforthelessprivilege(underprivileged) anddowntrodden(downtrodden)has(had)indeed changed lives for the better, (a full stop) you are (were)indeedararegem.”(Full-pageadvertisement) Daily Trusts Views Page of June 20 takes over the baton with two errors: “There is a marked difference between political activities and electioneering campaigns.” In the interest of existentialhumanism,letusenditat‘electioneering’ which includes ‘campaigns.’ “…the interest of the common man in the street.”The man in the street is basically common!

Do not aggravate his circumstance by adding ‘common’!

“Glo’s Move to Greener Pastures (Move-toGreener-Pastures) campaign hits over 50, 000 views (sic)” “Man charged for (with) tossing wife off cruise ship” The last slipshod entry from Daily Trust just

Our Merveilleux Personnes of July

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n two days, the seventh month of the year would disappear into the history books.

We therefore use these brief moments of remembrance to escalate and celebrate the exploits and impact of only a few of the marvelous characters we have had the pleasure of interacting with fairly closely, and could attest to their industry, humanity and, more often than not, creativity.

AKINTADE OGIDAN - 63 ON 16 JULY Recognising, highlighting, and celebrating the persona and the character of Akintade Peter Ogidan is made even more hazardous by his famed mastery of eloquent ‘reclusivity’ while conjuring some artistic spectacle. However, what we see up-close in the public and private intercourse of thoughts, actions and expressions, we cannot fail to admit that Tade is light years above his age and tenancy on earth. We are still in shock that he is only 63.

His deliberate meticulousness, his offhanded joviality, his ponderously high-minded servitude to technical finesse and fidelity to the spirit of the written word, transformed into living entities...these are characteristics of a 50-60 year old savant in the body of the man whom I met in 1992, and I was completely mesmerized! He was then only 32!

Tade has gone ahead to break grounds, and cement expectations in the exquisitely fickle world of movie making...while somehow making a mockery of the tales that creative geniuses are hopeless commercial engineers. Between film, video, and TV commercials - and few stuff in between - Tade has touched lives of those whose creative juices needed a fillip...whose geniuses can only glow fluorescent in the alluring hands of a master craftsman.

On a personal level,Tade is the right coordinator in your troubled corner.. such that whether in person or as proxy, Tade’s words, warmth and wallet will make you wonder: “Is he for real? What does he want from me? Why is he doing this?”

Let me assure you - the answers are simple: he’s Akintade... just trying to be a friend...expecting nothing in return! He’s just simply acting his eternal role on earth - just trying to be a good friend.

Simplicita! Without fuss... without trumpets... with a shy smile, and that hearty clucking laughter.

Hearty congratulations to a silent, unruffled recluse with a profound touch of the tinsel-star-dust OLUDOTUN JACOBS - 81 ON 11 JULY Though he is now unable to titillate us with his pristine skills on stage, screen or satellite…

Though he is ravaged by concerns of aging, and most especially the unrelenting onslaught of “major neurocognitive disorder”... Though the man whose piercing probing looks would melt the heart of Ajoke Silva with glee, warmth and love, now hardly poke her with simple jollity of mutual communion… we must never forget the glorious giftings Oludotun Bayewu Jacobs has bequeathed the thespian world. We must not be silenced by needling sympathy at the stumbling of a giant Iroko.

Jacobs turned 81 on Tuesday, 11 July, 2023… and the drums didn’t sound frenetic as it should… the cymbals were somewhat somnolent, almost shamefacedly. Nevertheless, we will always remember him in fondness and awe. This short rehash is in honour of a great man of gentle mannerisms and cheery charisma: “Big in all ramifications. Nigeria’s most regarded active actor (male or female) is an icon on stage, film, television and video. Oludotun Bayewu Jacobs has passed the great portals of the British National Theatre; has worked with some of the fathers of British post-modern feature films and television adventure dramas. With credits in Ashanti, Dogs of War, Pirates and Vigilante, few if any, can measure up to the pearly acting skills of this Ogun State-born thespian. Let’s look up some of his big-screen credits for clarity - Movies: Customs Officer in The Dogs of War (1980), Col. Nsogbu in Baby: Secret of the Lost Legend (1985); Boomako in Pirates (1986), and the crime celluloid, Vigilante (1988)...

Longevity doesn’t necessarily bestow prestige; it is deep in his haystacks of creative credits. Look and see his bulgingTVseries portfolio:The Goodies (1971), Spyder’s Web (1972), Till Death Us Do Part (1974 and 1981), The Venturers, Barlow (both 1975), Centre Play, The Crezz (both 1976);

Musa Ladipo in Angels (1976-1983), 1990, The Tomorrow People, Storyteller in Jackanory (all 1978), Ashanti, Sylvester in The Professionals, Not the Nine O’Clock News (all 1979); President Gadin in Squadron (1982), African Doctor in The Mad Death (1983), Rumpole of the Bailey, Mr. Alabaster inThe Witches and the Grinnygog (both 1983); Play for Today (1984); and Inspector Best Idafa in The Third Eye (1990–1993)...

OJ-Naija, as pals of yore were fond of calling him, is married to the talented veteran actress, Joke Silva since 1985, and has consistently worked hard at his craft to amaze his audiences in every of his performances - irrespective of the locale or the culture.

When he deigned to check out what all the fuss about Nollywood was, he got sucked in...to the tune of no less than 500 flicks! He had an uncannycapacitytomorphintotheIgbocosmology, and typecast a troubled or somnolent Eze (king) effectively… helped by his imposing gait and big tremulous voice…

The phrase “home alone” was non-existent for Jacob in 2007 with almost 40 videos shot that year, all over the country! Here’s a deep cut: Mirror of Beauty, African Soldier, Burning Kingdom, Eewo Orisa, Kingdom Apart, Lost in the Jungle, Mountains of Evil, Odudu Kingdom, Royal Destiny, Show Me Heaven, Slave to Lust, The Prince and Me, and Warrior’s Heart…

It is therefore not out of place that most of today’s budding (and established) stars gaze at O. J. as a beacon, an inspirational fire-fly whose influence on the acting world is phenomenal. It feels really great to have an Olu Jacobs amongst us…”

OLUFUNSO IGE - 70 ON 7 JULY Over three years ago, while felicitating this exemplary gentleman and his pleasant wife on the glorious commemoration of their 40th wedding anniversary, I caused some of the following words to be published. Permit us to rehash some of those “frames” today to mark the 70th birth anniversary of Olufunsho Akintunde Ige… a man of indescribable finesse, panache and genteel bravura.

His dignified and calm mien may lull you to

before its editorial: “Italy’s first back (black) minister gets death threat” “…which are interpreted to include the right for (to) sexual preferences.”

Leadership of June 19, my birthday, goofed on many occasions: “FG says its (it’s) suffering cash crunch” “Globacom to storm eight cities with Glo slide and bounce tour” Voice of The Nation: Glo slide-and-bounce tour. Does the telecommunications company have issues with hyphenation?

“Encomium galore as Anambra council boss bags award” City: Encomiums galore “The Lagos PDP, until recently, was bedevilled by intra-party crisis (an intra-party crisis) that has made….”

“APC presidential shoes fits (how?) Okorocha” “Obituary announcement” Just obituary!

“Corruption destroying the fabrics (fabric) of Nigeria” “Eagles (Eagles’) attack worries NFF” “Aba IPP to be commissioned (inaugurated/ launched…) in August—Prof. Nnaji” The Guardian Front Page Lead Story of June 18 goofed: “…work at Baro Port (Niger State), Oguta (Imo State) and Jamata (Lokoja, Kogi State) (a comma) according to the government (another comma) has reached an advanced stage.” What is ‘an advanced stage’?

How is the reader expected to know the extent of work carried out with this kind of ambiguous phrase (journalese)? This is loose thinking and speculative writing! Let reporters and their editors express their findings in graphical or statistical terms (percentage)—this way, the reader develops a fair idea and perception of the scope of work done. This makes sense in the absence of exactitude! “…the set-up that has proved to be every inch a drain of (on) public purse…” (The Guardian, June 18)

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

“misbehave” around him - then you will receive and embrace a sweetly lacerated reprimand that will reset your confusion and clarify any ambiguity in your character make-up. Yet, you are conditioned to remain with him in dignified and beneficent friendship.

Long Shot: He is the very vision of the lingo: cool, calm and collected. He walks silently, with a slightly imperceptible swagger, and steady calculated steps...blessing his surroundings with a shy smile, hardly noticed, unless he breaks his strides. His carriage, with barely hunched shoulders, and unaggressive suaveness, is a notice boardxaa for friendliness, hospitality, kindness and genuine desire to save a soul from perdition.

Close-Up Shot: He is passionate about God and His word, and can go without food (mindless of time and distance) just so that you who seem confused may receive clarity and understanding about the stance of God in the affairs of men. A committed teacher, a vigorous scholar, a steady administrator, a pleasant mediator/counselor, a doting father of four girls (sorry, women - Bimbo, Motunde, Lola and Eniola)...

Calm of behaviour, cool of visage, relentless of passion where subjects border on God, love, family, prayer, leadership and sacrifice. Few men have the “combined honours” of being a lover, a father, a leader, a follower, an intercessor, and a servant - successfully. I know one in Olufunso Akintunde Ige. Remain Cool, sir.

OF RMD, NORBERT & MAHMOOD We have also been blessed with the continuing good health and contributions of fabulously popular actor, publisher, writer and producer, Richard Mofe Damijo (aka RMD) who clocked 62 on 6 July; the magnificent method actor, Norbert Young who turned 63 on 3 July; and notable documentarian and filmmaker, Mahmood Ali Balogun, 64 on July 19. To them, and others which space would not permit us to elaborate, Hearty Felicitations!

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

‘The Modern Woman’ Gets Release Date Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ith a release date slated for August 18 and a fascinating trailer heralding the movie ‘The Modern Woman’, fans of actress Sharon Ooja will get to see her deliver on her role couple of weeks after she reacted to the public outrage, disVRFLDWLQJ KHUVHOI IURP WKH ÀOP IROORZLQJ a “false narrative” used to promote the movie.

Recall that the delectable screen star had addressed the backlash against the Yomi Black’s directorial 24 hours after the poster and provocative synopsis of the IHDWXUH ÀOP PDGH WKH URXQGV RQOLQH RQ June 3, 2023, as people pointed out the problematic tagline which she described as “false narrative”.

Not long after her public statement, Black took to his Instagram page to share a new synopsis: “A young woman’s carefully balanced life, torn between career, family,

and love, spirals into chaos when she faces the devastating loss of her pregnancy. In D ÀJKW WR UHFODLP KHU LGHQWLW\ VKH PXVW navigate a treacherous path towards self-discovery, challenging societal norms, and embracing her own truth.”

7KH ÀOP ERDVWV D VWHOODU FDVW ZLWK 6KDURQ in the lead role, alongside Timini Egbuson.

Others on the cast list include Bimbo Akintola, Ebere Nwizu, Chinoso Arubayi, -XOLHW ,EUDKLP 1HQH 1ZDQ\R DQG .DPPHO Audu. Written and produced by Yomi Black and Anita Danjamic as its executive producer. Yomi Black is an actor and ÀOPPDNHU EHVW NQRZQ IRU KLV UROH LQ the popular online comedy skit series “Sunday & Lolade”. ´7KH 0RGHUQ :RPDQµ UHÁHFWV UHDO OLIH stories of the pain women face after the loss of a pregnancy and promises to break into small pieces the emotions. It also goes further by displaying how this agony leads the main cast on a road to loathe and contempt. It will be interesting to see how this story unfolds, and how the audience will perceive it.

6SHDNLQJ RQ WKH ÀOP HDUOLHU %ODFN VDLG

Poster image of ‘The Modern Woman’

‘This story has been in development since January 2022 and I’m super excited to work on this because the story is based on real-life events. It is my team and I

that are telling this story which is more important than any backlash. With Seyi Babatope as our director of photography, you should know what to expect.”

Yul Edochie’s Polygamous Marriage, Drama Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ollywood actor, Yul Edochie may well remain in the news for a long to come as long as the controversy trailing his KRPH DQG DͿDLU ZLWK Judy Austin, his alleged second wife and colleague continues to make the headlines. A couple of days back, his aunt Rita Edochie had called out Judy after several backlashes, asking her to release Yul from her grip.

Yul’s father, veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie who initially seems to be cool, and had maintained silence amid Yul’s polygamous marriage and drama, has now reacted.

This comes following a lawsuit from the DFWRU·V ÀUVW ZLIH ZKLFK KDV VLQFH KHLJKWHQHG WKHLU VHSDUDWLRQ 0D\ ÀOHG IRU GLYRUFH DQG also demanding N100 million as damages.

6KH DOVR ÀOHG D UHVWUDLQLQJ RUGHU EDUULQJ Yul from accessing their matrimonial home.

Commenting on the marital crisis, Pete Edochie, during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, spoke in proverbs about the situation.

enough to take care of his problems: “He’s been living by himself for a long time and married for 17 years. It’s his business if he can cope with polygamy.”

Amid the silence of May on social media, Yul and Judy have continXHG WR VKRZ RͿ their lovey-dovey moments online.

Despite reports of the lawsuit, Yul took to his Facebook page last Wednesday to share a happy video L-R: Judy, Yul and May of him and Judy of Flavor’s songs.

In the snippet Chude shared on social dancing to one Despite portraying themselves as husband media, Pete Edochie said Yul is the architect of his current predicament. He said, “He and wife on social media, Yul and Judy ZKR IHWFKHV DQW LQIHVWHG ÀUHZRRG VKRXOG are not lawfully wedded. May and Yul be ready to host the lizards for a feast.” ORVW WKHLU ÀUVW VRQ .DPELOLFKXNZX VRPH Although he had initially said Yul is old months back.

Wizkid’s Sold Out Show in London Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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rammy award-winning artiste, Ayodeji Balogun, aka Wizkid recorded a major feat last weekend at the iconic Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. The 80,000-capacity stadium was packed. Fans were not the only ones who witnessed the well planned More Love Less Ego Concert event as music artistes also graced the occasion.

Artistes who performed on the spectacular night were “The Cavemen, Wande Coal, Masego and Skyla Tyla”, who opened the concert. As Wizkid powered through hits including Azonto, Joro and Ojuelegba, thousands of devotees danced and partied as one, united in their adoration for the superstar.

Also among Wizkid fans at the show was Nollywood actress, Osas Ighodaro who photos and videos from the concert.

The movie star attended the show alongside showbiz gùru, Pauloo Okoye, and actress, Lilian Afegbai. Osas described it as an epic spectacle… “Absolutely Amazing show!

The performance, music, stage, dancers,

Wizkid

ÀUHZRUNV ² LW ZDV DQ HSLF VSHFWDFOH µ 5HFDOO WKH DIUREHDWV DUWLVWH KDG OHIW D ÁLUW\ comment on Osas’s photo which caused a stir online. The single mother of one had shared a photo of her derriere while rocking a bikini. She captioned the photo,

“27/8/2022”. Surprisingly, Wizkid took to her comment section to tease the actress, saying her poolside photo was worthy of an album cover, to which Osas gladly replied with a heart and laughing emoji.

Stella Damasus

Stella Damasus Recounts Failed Marriage with Daniel Ademinokan Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus recently had an interview with comedian and actor, Teju Babyface. During the conversation, Stella spoke on her failed marriage with ex-husband filmmaker and actor, Daniel Ademinokan, as well as his first wife and fellow actress, Doris Simeon. Stella revealed that despite what a lot of people thought, she was actually friends with her ex-husband’s first wife, Doris Simeon.

Stella explained that they both share an interest which was Doris’ son with Daniel and they both had to come together in a way that would benefit the child. Soon after Stella’s interview made the rounds online it drew series of reactions from fans and social media users who knew Stella, the genesis and tales of her third marriage and his estranged husband.

While in the eyes of some observers, it was karma that visited the actress, others feel and attribute it to the same take celebrity marriages never last, especially in movie industry. Recall that Stella had been constantly bashed online and accused of snatching Daniel from Doris. But according to Stella, she and Doris had already being friends and in good terms even before the husband-snatching criticisms.

Stella Damasus, who hails from Delta, was one of the beloved Nollywood stars during the home video era. Originally a singer, she made her first appearance in the movie ‘Abused’ in the 90s. Subsequent features in Nollywood shot her to fame. Following the death of her husband Jaiye Aboderin in 2004, Damasus kept a low profile and deliberately stayed away from the movie industry.

Although her reasons was to avoid being constantly stereotyped in movies. The other reason was to raise her daughters - Isobel and Angelica. Three years later, she married Emeka Nzeribe but the marriage lasted seven months before a divorce.

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Actors Guild of Nigeria Holds International Film Festival Tosin Clegg

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he AGN International Film Festival will hold in Miami, Florida, United States from November 9-11, 2023 at the Double Tree By Hilton. It is an initiative of the National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas Ejezie, working alongside Alex Okoroji, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the festival.

Ejezie states: “The festival is a celebration RI WKH EULJKWHVW 1LJHULDQ ÀOP DQG WHOHYLVLRQ actors, and it will feature a wide range of events, including a red carpet gala and awards, ÀOP VFUHHQLQJV SDQHO GLVFXVVLRQV FLW\ WRXUV workshops and seminars, where actors, ÀOPPDNHUV DQG RWKHU FUHDWLYH SURIHVVLRQDOV can network and learn from each other - as well as meet and engage with their fans and supporters in the diaspora.”

He stressed that the importance of the festival isn’t going to be business as usual but would be an opportunity for actors to get visibility directly from an international FRPPXQLW\ RI ÀOP PDNHUV DQG SURGXFHUV Okoroji said, “Actors are cultural ambassadors of Nigeria, who are daily using their talents and skills to contribute immensely to growing Nollywood as an industry, and

continue to create magical performances on screen.

“We are thrilled bringing the International Festival to Miami, which is a city with a vibrant cultural scene, and a large population of Nigerian and African immigrants. We believe that the festival will be a great opportunity to showcase Nigerian talents to a global audience and promote cultural understanding, fostering Nobert Young the bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United States of America.

“We are grateful to the African Travel Film Festival for partnering with us on this project and supporting our mission to showcase Nollywood actors to the world, provide RSSRUWXQLWLHV IRU DFWRUV DQG ÀOPPDNHUV WR network, learn from some of the best in the business, and celebrate the incredible talent and creativity of our actors.

Tosin Clegg “The festival is an important event for not RQO\ WKH JXLOG EXW WKH HQWLUH 1LJHULDQ ÀOP industry and will be a great opportunity to he New Babington Family television EXLOG UHODWLRQVKLSV ZLWK LQWHUQDWLRQDO ÀOPEjezie dramas has commakers and producers as well as promote menced the airing of a the Nigerian economy at large. Despite the our arts and culture and some of Nigeria’s fresh episodes. challenges that actors face globally, we recognize biggest brands. Some of the brightest stars in According to Wale that Nollywood is a global cultural force with WKH 1LJHULDQ ÀOP LQGXVWU\ ZRXOG EH DWWHQGLQJ Adenuga Jnr., Producer a huge impact on the African diaspora, and WKH IHVWLYDO LQFOXGLQJ R΀FLDO KRVWV IRU WKH ZH EHOLHYH WKDW 1ROO\ZRRG KDV D ORW WR RͿHU event, Nancy Isime and Joseph Benjamin of The New Babington Family TV the world - thanks to the storytellers who alongside a lineup of 70+ Nollywood stars.” Drama, “Since the programme started

The New Babington Family Drama

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Victory Gbakara Wins Nigerian Idol Season 8 for supporting him all through the show, and for the talent that made him win the fabulous prize which he said would be used to continue ictory Gbakara has emerged as the his musical career and become top-notch, to winner of Nigerian Idol Season 8 make the country proud like other stars in the Musical Talent Show, thus clinching entertainment industry. the grand prize in the show that He also attributed his victory to the encouragewas proudly sponsored by the ment from his friends as well as his determination Bigi carbonated soft drink of Rite Foods Limited. and hard work.

The prizes include N35 million cash, a brandEulogizing the Bigi brand, Gbakara, who new SUV, a Bigi branded refrigerator and a year’s EHIRUH WKH ÀQDOH KDG D IUHH VKRSSLQJ VSUHH supply of Bigi soft drinks, a recording label, a worth over N1,000,000, with other top three DStv Explora fully installed with a 12-month contestants at Shoprite, located at the Ikeja City premium subscription, a weekend Get-away 0DOO DQG VSRQVRUHG E\ %LJL D΀UPHG WKDW WKH with four fans to Cape Town, in South Africa. Bigi Tropical is his favourite soft drink. He attested The elated 25 years old Victory Gbakara, a WR LWV XQLTXH ÁDYRXU VWDWLQJ WKDW LW UHIUHVKHV lawyer and singer, from Delta State, who had an him always.

HOHFWULI\LQJ DFW DW WKH ÀQDOH ZDV KLJKO\ SUDLVHG Entertaining the judges and the audience at by the judges - Oladapo Oyebanjo known by his the show, Victory rendered his show-stopper professional name, D’banj, Simisola Bolatito Kosoko performance of Bruno Mars’s “Locked Out of known as Simi, and Obi Asika respectively - for Heaven” which attracted a standing ovation, his amazing performances. with the host, IK Osakioduwa, extolling him Flanked by his family and friends, after to sustain the musical talent in him, even after being declared winner, Gbakara thanked God the Nigerian Idol contest.

Mary Nnah

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Gbakara

airing in 2019, the storylines have really evolved to this point where it is now. The beloved Mrs. Babington has successfully raised her kids, and is now ready to get back in the world with new adventures, and challenges.

This new season has plenty twists and turns with lots of fun and lessons for the whole family. Fans are interacting about the buzz on Instagram @ TheBabingtonFamily where they are getting exclusive updates.”

The television drama stars a wide range of talented artistes who interpret the captivating story perfectly including Vivian Anani, Kunle Coker, Gloria Young, Toyin Alausa, Imotunde Adeyemo, Dele Fagboyo, Nobert Young, Ayo Adesanya, Raphael Niyi, NwonyeChiamaka, Ibironke Ojo (Oshodi Oke), Bukky Ogunnote, Okey Jude, Tony Akposheri, Funky Mallam, Victor Edogun, Sally Usifo, and others.

Each episode of The New Babington Family airs to millions of viewers within Nigeria on several TV stations as well as worldwide on the popular YouTube Channel “waptvchannel”.

BRANDSDAY

New Supa Komando TVC Redefines the Art of Visual Storytelling Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

market with its unique taste and colorful packaging since its launch. In 2022, the brand very good commercial is a also introduced a pack extension in a 50cl FRFNWDLO RI GLͿHUHQW HOHPHQWV PET bottle, staying true to its promise to – from the characters to the RͿHU FRQVXPHUV PRUH ZD\V WR HQMR\ WKHLU visuals, and even the sound. favorite energy drink.

7R FRQYH\ WKH EUDQG·V PHVVDJHV HͿHFWLYHO\ Each element plays a strategic role in creating a world- and capture the attention of its audience from class TV commercial. Supa WKH YHU\ ÀUVW IUDPH 6XSD .RPDQGR XVHV Komando energy drink, in understanding visual storytelling to engage its consumers. this, takes viewers on a heart-pounding, 7KH UHFHQW 79& WLWOHG ¶7KH -XPS 2Ϳ· DSWO\ action-packed journey with breathtaking UHGHÀQHG WKH DUW RI VWRU\WHOOLQJ WKURXJK LWV visuals that transcend the boundaries of use of ingenious visual elements, a compelling narrative arc, and impactful messaging. It has traditional advertising.

6XSD .RPDQGR ZDV ÀUVW ODXQFKHG LQ WKH continued to inspire and engage audiences Nigerian market in 2021 and has remained on a whole new level since its release.

The advertisement follows the journey consistent with its message of courage and determination through its compelling TV of a secret agent trying to complete a commercials. The brand is designed to mission before time runs out. The story’s empower individuals to conquer their goals arc is designed to evoke admiration and and give them the energy to Fire On and inspire hope in the viewers by portraying a seize the day. It has consistently showcased character that mirrors their own inner fears across its communication channels that one and aspirations. The TVC strikes a chord is capable of overcoming challenges by with the audience, leaving them eager to witness the character’s triumphant ascent. tapping into their inner strength.

Starring former Big Brother Naija houseSupa Komando energy drink has become the energy drink of choice in the Nigerian mates Erica Nlewedim, Saskay Edeh, Cross

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Okonkwo, and Yousef Garba, along with the “Energy Gad” Do2tun, the TVC opens with a captivating frame of Saskay trying to complete a mission before time runs out. The dark hues and dynamic cinematography set the tone for the action-packed TVC. Each shot is meticulously crafted to evoke emotion and capture the essence of the brand.

Irrespective of the dialogues, the visuals speak a language of their own, SDLQWLQJ D YLYLG SLFWXUH WKDW HͿRUWOHVVO\ conveys the brand’s message. From WKH ZLOG FKDVH WKURXJK D ÁLJKW RI stairs to jumping over buildings, the TVC takes the audience on a visual journey, drawing them into the heart of the story.

But it’s not all about the visuals. At the core of Supa Komando’s TVC lies a compelling narrative arc that has become its trademark over the years, utilizing well-crafted scenes that always unfold to reveal the transformation of their characters from a state of peril to one of empowerment and triumph.

While Supa Komando is, undoubtedly, an energy drink, its TVC transcends the typical beverage advertisement. The brand’s messaging goes beyond promoting a mere product; it encompasses a message of inspiration and self-belief. The TVC encourages viewers to embrace their inner strength, ÀQG FRXUDJH LQ WKH IDFH RI FKDOOHQJHV DQG rise to their full potential.

By aligning the brand’s messaging with a powerful narrative, Supa Komando positions itself as more than just an energy drink – it becomes a symbol of empowerment that resonates with a broader audience. It is no surprise, then, that the TVC garnered widespread acclaim and sparked discussions on social media platforms, with many lauding the TVC as the best in advertising.

The TVC has, through its artistry, narrative brilliance, and impactful messaging, touched the hearts of millions, inspiring them to embrace their inner strength and believe in the possibility of triumph. Supa Komando’s TVC remains a shining example of how a brand can truly engage and inspire audiences, leaving a legacy that goes far beyond the realms of traditional commercials.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

PEOPLE

Bolaji Odunuga Becomes Rotary Club of Crawley’s First Black President

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t was an awe-inspiring event that captured the essence of service and unity at the official installation of Ms. Bolaji Odunuga as the 70th and the first black President of the Rotary Club of Crawley, United Kingdom, last Saturday, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel Crawley.

The occasion which left a profound impact on attendees, witnessed an immense show of love, cheers, trust, and support from far and near, as the club welcomed a new era under Bolaji Odunuga’s exceptional leadership.

The installation marked a significant milestone in the history of the district. Present were the District Governor, Annmarie Allen, the immediate past District Governor, Roger Stent, and the District Governor Nominee, Tunji Leye, along with many other district officers and representatives from various clubs. The presence of these distinguished individuals reaffirmed the sense of unity and camaraderie that defines the spirit of Rotary.

The event also featured notable guests such as Cllr Richard Biggs, the leader of the council in Reigate and Banstead; the Deputy Mayor of Basildon, Cllr Yetunde Juliet Adeshile; community officer of Horley, Tony Freeman, and Dr. Gillian Orrow of Growing Health. The presence of Erelu Valerie Ekpiteta Ayodele and Raf Abanum, who came all the way from Nigeria, added a unique and vibrant flavour to the installation.

The ceremony also witnessed the induction of new members, Adebayo Olaegbe, Lilian Kamau, and Agnes Gathoni, further strengthening the club’s membership and commitment to service.

In her opening speech, Bolaji set the tone for her term with a powerful and inspiring message.

Bolaji Odunugu during her installation

Emphasizing the theme “Create Hope in the World,” she spoke of Rotary International as a beacon of hope in a world often overshadowed by negativity and division. Bolaji highlighted the importance of unity and collaboration, inviting all present to join hands and create hope for their communities and the world.

Bolaji expressed her gratitude to the District Governor for the continued guidance and support and acknowledged the efforts of the organizing committee and volunteers led by

President-Elect Yinka Bold, whose meticulous planning and hard work ensured the resounding success of the ceremony.

Notably, Bolaji’s illustrious background as the Organisation Lead for Africa Community in Surrey & Sussex, and her outstanding contributions to showcasing the achievements of African descents through Duchess International Magazine, has garnered her immense respect and admiration.

Her appointment as President of the Rotary

Club of Crawley further testifies to her exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to service.

The new President has already begun demonstrating her readiness to spearhead a range of impactful initiatives and projects that will create lasting change in both local and global communities. With her vision of a modern and relevant Rotary club that upholds traditional values, Bolaji is poised to lead the club to new heights of service and humanitarian aid.

The Rotary Club of Crawley, established in 1953, has long been a pillar of strength in the community, addressing pressing challenges and creating positive impacts. With Bolaji Odunuga at the helm, the club is poised to continue its tradition of making a difference and promoting the Rotary ideals of “service above self.”

As the installation ceremony concluded, the atmosphere was filled with hope and excitement for the new chapter. Many of the club’s distinguished Rotarians and supporters have expressed their strong belief in Bolaji’s vision, leadership, and commitment in shaping a world filled with positivity, possibility, and enduring hope. With her rallying call for unity and collaboration at the event, Bolaji ignited a renewed sense of purpose and dedication among Rotarians and guests alike, leaving a profound impact on the Crawley community and beyond.

In the words of Bolaji Odunuga, “Together, we will be the architects of hope, shaping a world filled with positivity and possibility.” The journey has just begun, and the Rotary Club of Crawley stands united, ready to make a meaningful and lasting impact during Bolaji’s term as President.

More Rewards for Hotel Staff Who Returned $70,000 Justina Uzo

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ivers State Government plans to celebrate Miss Ngozi Mary Kekwaaru, 32, a staff of Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos who, during her duty last week, found and returned $70,000 (about N50 million) left behind by a guest after checking out of the room.

Another celebration lined up is by the Chairman of her local government council, Emouha LGA of Rivers State, who will also host their daughter to honour her integrity. Interestingly, there has been kudos, special treatment and warm wishes for Ngozi after the remarkable display of honesty.

The customer, who wishes to remain anonymous, accidentally left behind a bag in one of Eko Hotels’ suites. The hotel management was said to have promptly initiated the process of returning the money to its rightful owner. It is learnt that the guest was contacted and the money was returned in full. The hotel management said this act of goodwill had not only restored the guest’s faith in humanity but also highlighted Eko Hotels’ commitment to ethical conduct and customer service.

The General Manager, Eko Hotels & Suites, Danny Kioupouroglo said, “The incident is a testament to the honesty and integrity of our staff. At Eko Hotels and Suites, we pride ourselves on our commitment to ethical conduct and exceptional customer service. We believe that our staff are our greatest asset, and this incident is a testament to that belief.” That Ngozi returned the money and her exemplary integrity speaks for her and the training imbued in her.

Her whole family is in Rivers State waiting for Ngozi’s homecoming. After graduating from University of Port Harcourt where she obtained a degree in Arts, Foreign Language/ Literature in 2015, she came to Lagos in search of a better life. She worked for a few companies including a hotel in Ikeja where she was in the

customer service department. But she didn’t get a good paid employment for some time before joining Eko Hotels. S he was making clothes for herself and her friends, people approached her to make clothes and wigs for them. She hasn’t been in Eko Hotels for long, she joined Eko Hotels on December 15, 2022. Just a few days away from the time she stumbled on the money and when music star Davido tweeted on Ngozi’s exemplary act, the good girl received a pat on the back.

Ngozi’s colleagues, Church, family and friends, have also celebrated her following the story trending in the social media. Apart from Davido’s Twitter exposure, it is gathered that Labour Party Presidential Candidate, Mr. Peter Obi reacted immediately when someone tagged him in Ngozi’s ‘honesty pays’ story. “Obi quickly posted it on his Instagram page and even tweeted.”

As at Wednesday, we learnt she’s to receive an outstanding award from Eko Hotels & Suites management (her employers) to reward her act of integrity. Already, the girl who works in the Guests Service Department of the hotel made the cover of the current edition of the hotel’s Newsletter. It’s obvious Nigerians indeed recognise good deeds. There has been special treatment by everybody, including her bankers (Fidelity Bank PlC. At present, Ngozi is looking forward to a warm welcome at home (Rivers State).

On how she felt when you found the huge amount of money, she said: “How I felt? I don’t even know how I can explain it.”

Ngozi recalled that a duty call came and she went to prepare the guestroom in line with the hotel’s policy (the standard routine is for a hotel to prepare the guest room immediately a guest checks out). While preparing the room, Ngozi stumbled into a cellophane bag in the safe (guests are advised to keep their valuables in the safe in the guestroom). “I was shocked when I saw $100 bills inside that polythene bag in that safe. I had goose pimples.”

Kekwaaru

She quickly reported the incident to her superiors. Asked if it hard for you to hand over the money, she said: “Why? Is it my money?

The money didn’t belong to me. I reported the incident. I was only doing my work.”

Ngozi said she didn’t even think about what happened until the incident started trending in the social media. She maintains: “I was doing my work.”

On hearing about Ngozi’s ethical action, Davido tweeted and was able to contact Ngozi.

“Davido spoke to me. I have not met Davido before or anybody that knows him. I spoke to him on the phone (WhatsApp call). Davido fulfilled his promise to me on Sunday. He sent three men to deliver the ‘promise’ ($10,000) the next day, Monday. And I prayed for him (Davido). One of the men said Davido asked them to tell me to use the money wisely.”

Davido had praised the Eko Hotels staff in their telephone conversation. According to her, Davido said, “In this time and season when things are hard and somebody can actually see that kind

of money ($70,000). And you were able to return the money to the owner.”

She replied: “I’m excited. You can notice my voice has cracked. I have been singing and I have been praying and thanking God for the blessing coming to me just for doing the right thing.” What prepared her for this kind of deed? The graduate of Foreign Languages/Literature (she majored in French Language), said training is key: “In Eko Hotels, we have an induction. You’re taught the “dos and don’ts” of the job. Mrs. Dada taught us the importance of integrity, transparency and empathy. If you have empathy, you’ll definitely do the right thing. My mother and father (Dad is late) did a lot on our upbringing. My mum said when we were kids that we should not take anything that doesn’t belong to us.

She taught us contentment and of course you know what the Bible says about good deeds and gains.”

Sadly, the incident was twisted by some people.

Ngozi said her senior brother, Menakai, who is a lecturer at University of Port Harcourt called her and asked “What’s going on, Ngozi? I read news about you.” And he said with an air of pride, “you did the right thing.” Immediately her brother dropped the phone, their mother who is a retired matron at Female Hotels, University of Port Harcourt also called Ngozi. “I’m impressed,” says Ngozi’s mother after listening to her story.” She said, “If she had read something otherwise she would have dealt with me herself. My mother is so proud of me.”

Ngozi listed her mother and other leading figures as her role models. She admires great women like Professor Dora Akuyili (late) and President of World Bank, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “I also like my director here, Mrs. Iyadunni Gwadebo. She’s hardworking. When she set a goal, she makes sure she achieves it and even surpasses them.”

What next? Ngozi is full of praise for the hotel management loves her job. In fact, she’s passionate about the work culture at Eko Hotels.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

20

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Bluetti Pledges to Boost Access to Renewable Energy Market leader in the energy storage, %OXHWWL KDV UHD΀UPHG LWV FRPPLWPHQW to drive innovations that would enhance renewable energy in the country.

The organisation in a statement also admonished Nigerians to adopt solar energy as a viable solution to complement domestic and commercial supply.

Referencing a report by Sterling Bank Plc and Stears, Global Marketing Manager at Bluetti, Benjamin Yan maintained that Nigeria has one of the ORZHVW HOHFWULÀFDWLRQ UDWHV LQ WKH ZRUOG with about 85 million of its citizens not connected to transmission grid.

+H LGHQWLÀHG VRODU SRZHU DV D UHOLDEOH DQG FRVW HͿHFWLYH VXVWDLQDEOH solution especially in this period to FXVKLRQ WKH HͿHFWV RI IXHO DQG HOHFWULFLW\ WDULͿ EXUGHQ Yan further encouraged Nigerians to invest in the right battery for their VRODU VROXWLRQ WR UHDOLVH H΀FLHQW DQG long-lasting output.

He said this would ensure that businesses and daily activities continue uninterrupted even during a long power outage occurring on rainy season. ´:LWKRXW DQ H΀FLHQW EDWWHU\ H[FHVV

Chairman, Nigerian Society of Engineersn (NSE) Egbin-Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Sunday Oluwagbenga Akinbode (middle), flanked by branch executives and student representatives of Powerfield Group of Schools and Masterpoint College during the 2023 NSE week themed “ Infusing Artificial intelligence with Technology”, in Lagos...recently

solar power is wasted as one don’t have enough power when the sun isn’t shining.

“Storing extra solar energy in batteries will always be available for use later and at any time, reducing dependence on the grid and saving on utility bills.

Some batteries even support grid connection and allow user to sell excess energy back to the grid, leaving user to HDUQ PRQH\ IURP WKHLU VRODU V\VWHPµ he enlightened.

He went further to caution users

on choice of battery, stating that LiFePO4 kind of batteries were apt for solar solutions and guarantee optimal performance.

“They are safer, stable, and have an impressive lifespan of up to 3,500 cycles, making them a long-term LQYHVWPHQW IRU VRODU V\VWHP RZQHUV µ He added that Bluetti battery solutions like EP500Pro and AC300 boast features of LiFePO4 that can keep businesses and daily activities going uninterruptedly.

Wema Bank Approves Salary Increment for Employees Wema Bank plc has restated its commitment to employees’ welfare in a new salary structure announced recently.

Coming at a time when Nigerians are struggling with subsidy removal hardship, the bank explained that increasing salary of its employees was thoughtful to cushion WKH HͿHFW RI HFRQRPLF ÁXFWXDWLRQV DQG VHW the standard for pro-employee initiatives in Nigeria.

The bank in a statement by its Divisional Head, People, Brand & Culture, Ololade Ogungbenro avowed that the bank’s dedication to ensuring an enabling and rewarding environment had earned its enviable spot among the top tier banks in the industry.

She maintained that the bank was constantly innovating to satisfy both customers and employees as evident in

the new salary structure.

Ogungbenro stated that the institution was not unaware of the fact that performance and productivity in a work place has a bearing on its environment.

“These factors include the work environment, remuneration policy, work schedule, and other conditions of employment that LQÁXHQFH HPSOR\HH·V KHDOWK VDIHW\ DQG sense of job security. Again, the ideal working condition would adequately support employees’ lives, well-being, health and safety, and ensure they are fully rewarded for their services, allowing them to achieve true work-life without FRPSURPLVLQJ WKH ÀQDQFH IDFWRU “We also create a sense of community among our employees, in the process building a support system for every PHPEHU RI LWV VWDͿ µ

FG Tasked on Economic Reforms to Curb Inflation

L-R: Co-Founder, 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi; Senior Vice President, Corporate Services Argentil Capital Partners, Peju Kayode; 2023 STEAM competition winner, Kamdilichukwu Chukwuneta; Founder, Edufun Technik, Uchenna Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu; Founder, SabiTeach, Wale Ogunjobi and Co Founder, STEM METS, Jadesola Adedeji during 2023 STEAM Fun Fest in Lagos... recently

Amid inflationary pressures, the federal government has been advised to expedite reforms in key sectors to save the economy.

Experts gave this advice at the public lecture of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators of Nigeria (ICSAN), held at Lead City University, Ibadan, where they lamented rising operating costs, considered counterproductive for the economy.

Speaking, Academic Director, Senior Management Programme, Lagos Business School (LBS), Dr. Nkemdilim Iheanachor called for strategic steps in addressing economic downturn, stating that previous efforts over the years had not really fetched desired result.

Iheanachor while speaking on ‘The Dynamics of Leadership in Fiscal and Monetary Policies: The Central Bank of Nigeria in Perspective,’ maintained that solving Nigeria’s present challenges would go beyond mere policy change, but institutional reforms that attract penalty for infractions.

He noted that reform of key institutions

were critical for effective implementation of economic and policy reforms.

Still, the don tasked the CBN on sound fiscal and monetary policies that are human-orientated and capable of fostering economic development.

On his part, the discussant, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun of Lead City University reckoned that leadership in the apex bank would weightily influence effective fiscal and monetary policies.

He thus called on the CBN to discharge its regulatory power with transparency and accountability, while also embracing collaboration and innovation.

Earlier, President and Chairman of Governing Council, ICSAN, Funmi Ekundayo stated that the theme of the lecture stemmed from a need to get the financial system right, citing the recent naira change and implementation gap.

“As a governance institute, we should be concerned about how the CBN conceives and implements its monetary policies because of its far-reaching consequences for the nation’s JURZWK DQG GHYHORSPHQW µ VKH VDLG

Experts Deliberate on Wealth Transfer Excitement As Kids Gather for ‘STEAM Fun Fest’ in Lagos Strategy at Cordros Summit Business owners have been urged to apply a principle-centered approach in managing their wealth to be able to redistribute wealth across generation.

In doing this, they are advised to expressed their value to their family and be deliberate about their wealth transfer plans which should be communicated to closest family members.

Speaking at the Cordros Wealth Summit held in Lagos, recently, Chairman of Cordros Capital, Engineer Charles Osezua stated that the summit aimed to shape the future of wealth management, stressing that real fortune must be generational and not stop at its creator.

Speaking on ‘Wealth Management and Family Legacy’, Ozezua averred that family wealth should be managed just like businesses, thus required deliberate application of principles.

“In as much that we build a comfortable home environment and created inheritance,

it is important that we transfer values to our families so our vision don’t get jettisoned, such that our families won’t have to be seeking a way forward in court when wealth creator is no more or risks destruction of legacy built over WKH \HDUV µ Also speaking at the summit which was graced by investors and industry stakeholders, Managing Director of Cordros Trustees, Ifeoma Udom urged HͿHFWLYH JRYHUQDQFH LQ WKH IDPLO\ According to her, by good governance required a family should have an R΀FH RU FRXQFLO WKDW ZLOO UHSUHVHQW every generation and interface with the directors.

Group Managing Director of Cordros Capital, Wale Agbeyangi reiterated the company’s commitment to investment growth, adding that the company in 15 \HDUV KDV HYROYHG LQWR D ÀQDQFLDO VHUYLFHV super house, comprising six subsidiaries.

African teens have been equipped with STEAM skills to solve daily challenges using technological innovations. The teens who gathered in Lagos for the 2023 edition of STEAM Fun Fest were also armed with relevant knowledge to prepare them for WKH IXWXUH RI ZRUNV LQ UHVSHFWLYH ÀHOGV The programme, organised by 9ijakids, STEM METS, Edufun Technik Hub and SabiTeach, had over 4000 attendees between ages 7 and 15 experimenting with innovations like the robotics, virtual reality, immersion and DUWLÀFLDO LQWHOOLJHQFH WRROV DPRQJVW RWKHUV There were also exhibitions and master FODVVHV WDNHQ E\ WHFK H[SHUWV DFURVV ÀHOGV who attended to children’s individual inquisition.

Speaking on the theme of the event, ‘Empowering the next generation for the future of work’, Co-founder of 9ijakids, Titi Adewusi observed that the awareness level on the capability and strength of tech power was still very low in this clime, hence the

STEAM programme to further draw attention to the potentials of digital innovations.

She said, “No doubt, the future is driven by technology. Hence, there is need for lot of digital thinking, creativity and problemVROYLQJ VNLOOV ZKLFK LV ZKDW 67($0 SURͿHUV For us, it’s about building the next generation of African disrupters by equipping them with the right skills so they can harness technology to improve productivity and VROYH 1LJHULD·V SUREOHPVµ Ogunwusi further advised government to make STEAM education a core part of school’s curriculum, also tasked the authority on right policies, competition and partnerships with like-minded initiative to promote and stir children’s interest in STEAM. On his part, Product Manager of Youth Segment, Access Bank, Mr. Omoyola Oladipupo while commending the initiative, also advised on need to fully embrace technology for scalability, reiterating that the future heavily depends on it.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

21

PERSPECTIVE Tinubu, Nigeria and the Fuel Subsidy Albatross Temitope Ajayi

T

he removal of fuel subsidy and the convergenceoftheforeignexchange markets, the two major policy objectives President Bola Tinubu has committedhimselftosinceassuming office,inevitablycamewitheconomic cost to the people who have had to bear the pains of higher cost of living.

The jump in pump price of fuel and devaluation of naira in a bid to close the gap between the bank and parallelmarketratesmeanthighertransportation cost, higher food price and higher cost of doing business for small business owners.

Thereisnodoubtthatthepeople,mostespecially the poor, are hard pressed and seeking succour from a President who promised them a better life during his electioneering campaign.

Thepain,albeituncomfortable,isonlytemporary; but necessary. From the President’s most recent nationalbroadcast,onethingstandsout,ourbeloved country, Nigeria, is simply in a catch-22 situation.

The President must find the most pragmatic way todealwiththetwouglyelephantsintheroomthat havedistortedoureconomyfordecades,promoted humongouscorruptionviarentseekingandhaskept the poor, even poorer.

Foroversevenyears,Nigeriahasconsistentlyheld theappallingtitleofthepovertycapitaloftheworld, according to the World Bank, overtaking India with a population of about 1.5 billion people. Nigeria’s population is only a little over 200 million.

Nigeria has, in the last 40 years, progressively wastedtrillionsofnairathatwouldhavebeenbetter spentonsocialservices,humancapitaldevelopment and critical economic infrastructure that should support productivity and growth to give citizens cheap fuel. The culmination of these has, no doubt, stunted the growth of the nation and its people.

We must deal with the albatross of continuously funding fuel subsidy, which only a small group of people benefit from at the expense of the larger populace,evenwhenourcountryisteeteringtowards fiscal collapse. Rational and economic logic and equity dictate that those trillions of naira be put to better use in the service of the people. It is highly imperative to re-channel the funds into better investment in public infrastructure, education, health care and other productive ventures that will materially improve the lives of millions, as the President said in his inaugural speech.

Tinubu

Having seen the distortions fuel subsidy and preferential foreign exchange policy have caused for the country, I am persuaded that we must get out of this decades-long conundrum. From a fiscal standpoint, the consequences of retaining these policies longer than when it was finally removed by President are not pretty. The social and material conditionofthepoormassesthatsomeideologues pretend to be fighting against will get worse than it currently is if Nigeria sinks into a bottomless pit.

In pandering to popular sentiments, two major nationalnewspapersintheirrecenteditorialpositions severely criticized President Tinubu for taking this less travelled road. Leaders before him only kicked the can around, in matters of fuel subsidy removal, withouthavingtheboldnessandthecouragetobite the bullet.

In a front page commentary on Monday, July 24, Daily Trust Newspaper called for the reversal of the subsidy removal because it is strangulating the poor masses.

The newspaper also accused the government of chaotichandlingofthepolicybecausealltheissues around palliatives should have first been resolved.

Daily Trust wants the Federal Government to keep theruinoussubsidyregimebecauseofmomentary

inconvenience without regards to the fact that within two months of this removal, the country saved over ₦1 trillion which would now be better utilized to benefit the masses directly.

Toeing the same path with Daily Trust on same day,PunchNewspaperchargedPresidentTinubuto change course before he “loses the plot” of his new administration. Punch Newspaper went further to beratehimforexecutingthetwopoliciesonwhims without undertaking “a critical assessment of the economy nor the implications of his hasty subsidy removal, and the unification of the naira exchange rates.”

What I found rather bizarre in the Punch Editorial was a quote credited to Mr. Francis Meshioye, PresidentofManufacturersAssociationofNigeria, who reportedly said his members thought subsidy removal would only lead to a one-off price increase and not “a skyrocketing one.”

I am at a loss why a MAN President who was one of the strident advocates of free market economy and a major proponent of fuel subsidy removal and unificationofmultipleexchangeratesthinkhisprescriptions will only lead to one-off price increase. I am still struggling with that level of contradiction.

It also didn’t matter to Daily Trust and The Punch Newspapers with their editorial stance that, in the past, they used their influential platforms to call for the removal of the subsidy, citing abuse and corruption.

The points of current pains on the people as canvassedbythetwonewspapersasanecessaryfallout of the policy decisions of President are factual and can’tbearguedagainst.However,thepointmustalso be made that the benefits of these two decisions far outweigh the cost.

Fuel subsidy removal means that Nigeria will no longer lose over ₦4 billion daily on subsidised fuel that is smuggled to neigbouring countries. It does not make sense that a country that is struggling to provide universal basic education to her children and suffering from high maternal mortality rate spent₦21trillionsubsidisingfuelthataddedmarginal value to the lives of millions of its poor inhabitants between 2005 and 2023.

ArecentreportbytheNigeriaExtractiveIndustries TransparencyInitiative(NEITI)showsthatwhereas ₦13.7 trillion was spent on subsidy between 2005 and 2021, ₦8 trillion was spent between 2022 and the first half of 2023 alone.

Nothing captures our sorry state of affairs more than the NEITI report which indicates the colossal

sum that private individuals have taken away from our commonwealth on the back of payment for subsidy. The report shows that in 2005, starting year for the survey, ₦351 billion was spent on fuel subsidy payment while the figures for 2006-2010 were ₦257 billion, ₦272 billion, ₦631 billion, ₦469 billionand₦667billion.In2011,whichwasanelection year, spending spiked to a whopping ₦2.3 trillion.

For the years 2012-2017, spending on subsidy was ₦1.36 trillion; ₦1.32 trillion; ₦1.2 trillion, ₦654 billion, ₦240 billion and ₦154 billion. From 2018 to thefirsthalfof2023governmentspent₦1.1trillion; ₦508 billion; ₦864 billion ₦1.43 trillion, ₦4.4 trillion and ₦3.6 trillion. The NEITI report further reveals that spending on petroleum products by the five income groups in Nigeria, the richest 20 per cent consumes75percentofpetrolinthecountrywhile thepoorest20percentconsumesjustonepercent of the product. From the figures, it is obvious our poorest people are not getting any real benefit.

Removing the drain pipe is the best way to stop the bleeding. Individuals should not become so filthily wealthy at the expense of a nation to the point of being in a position to compromise all the institutions of state while the majority wallow in extreme poverty. President Tinubu was right in his Mondayeveningbroadcastwhenhepointedoutthe dangerofhavingfewpeoplewhohaveamassedso much money to the extent of becoming “a serious threat to the fairness of national economy and the integrity of our democratic governance.”

With his boldness and decisiveness, President Tinubu ushered in a regime of deregulation. This will foster competition and transparency in the downstream sector, eliminate NNPCL importation monopoly, encourage investments in local refining capacity and expansion of downstream infrastructure that will create thousands of jobs.

From the Central Bank records, 30% of foreign exchange demand in the past decades was for fuel importation. The removal of fuel subsidy is a good silver lining that will catalyze more investments in local refining. Already Dangote Refinery will soon come on stream and BUA Group is making a bet of over$8billionon200,000barrelperdayrefineryin Akwa-Ibom that will be commissioned within the next 4 years. This is apart from existing modular refineries already in operation.

Ajayi, is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Ogunbiyi, Banga Urge Private Sector to Tap into Clean Energy Opportunities Funke Olaode

C

EO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy, Damilola Ogunbiyi and recently appointedWorldBankPresident Ajay Banga, met with private sector leaders yesterday in Abuja, in a show of their shared commitment towards mobilizing finance for African countries’ energy, climate and development goals.

The visit to Abuja, a first for Banga in his new role as President of World Bank, is a clear, tangible step towards realizing the mandate of the World Bank’s new Private Sector Investment Lab, which was recently announced in June this year.

The Lab was created to identify and focus on specific approaches that can be implemented and scaled by the World Bank to mobilize capital more effectively, with the goal of crowding in greater levels of private finance. Banga chairs the Lab, and Ogunbiyi was appointed as a founding member.

The duo met with private investors during a roundtable focused on the role of the private sector in delivering universal energy access.

They both highlighted the wide spectrum of investment opportunities in both grid-based and distributed renewable energy (DRE) solutions that exist in Nigeria and across Africa.

Among the topics discussed was the catalytic role the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan (ETP) has played in attracting private sector invest-

L-R: World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, Damilola Ogunbiyi and President of the World Bank Group, Ajay Banga during a Roundtable Discussion with Nigeria’s Private Power Sector Operators in Abuja …yesterday.

ment to energy and infrastructure projects in the country.

It’s on record that Nigeria launched its ETP in August 2022, emerging the first African nation to formulate a comprehensive strategy that seeks to help the nation transition from harmful fossil fuels to renewable, clean energy; achieve Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7); and attain net-zero emissions by 2060.

Accordingly, a dedicated Energy Transition

Office supported by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) has been established to drive the plan’s activation and has secured a substantial investment pipeline of $3.8 billion dedicated to Nigeria’s energy transition initiatives.

The initiative, so far, had engaged with over 200 local and international partners, providing technical assistance to the Nigerian government

with regards to electric vehicles (EVs) and solarization among other projects.

Accompanied by Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, Managing Director of the Nigeria Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Banga, Ogunbiyi and investors also visited innovative clean energy projects near the city of Abuja to showcase progress made and the high chance of replicating these achievements across the country.

“Renewable energy solutions hold the key to a sustainable future, and I am pleased that the World Bank, through Ajay Banga’s leadership, is focused on scaling transition finance in renewable energy and infrastructure in the Global South while addressing the barriers preventing private sector investment in emerging markets,” said Ogunbiyi who also is CEO and Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Sustainable Energy for All, and Co-Chair of UN-Energy.

“At SEforALL, we are ready to provide expertise and support towards catalyzing private capital to close energy access gaps and achieve a clean energy transition,” she added.

Ogunbiyi noted that as Nigeria, like many other nations in the world, embarks on a critical energy transition journey to tackle the pressing challenges of energy poverty and climate change, it has become imperative to highlight the broad spectrum of investment opportunities in renewable energy solutions in the country, and that the private sector can help drive innovation, accelerate infrastructure development, and promote the adoption of renewable energy solutions in Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

22

AUTO WORLD

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

L-R: Head of Parts Department at Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr Ravinder Kumar Sharma; Managing Director, TNL, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo; and MD Idemitsu Lube for Middle East & Africa, Otsubo Shinji, during the launch of Toyota Genuine Motor Oil (TGMO) at the Toyota Certified After-sales Service Centre, Isolo, Lagos… recently

TNL Unveils Toyota Genuine Motor Oil

T

oyota Nigeria Limited made history on Thursday August 3 as it launched a lubricant called Toyota Genuine Motor Oil into the nation’s market.

According to the Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria Limited, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, the Toyota Genuine Motor Oil manufactured

by Idemitsu of Japan, is the engine oil that comes with every new Toyota vehicle from the manufacturer.

The launch in Lagos attended by top management members of Idemitsu came about two years after the product was made to undergo an extensive test on Toyota brand of vehicles in use in the country.

Ade.Ojo said at the event that even as the TGMO was designed with Toyota vehicles in mind, other automobiles could also use it for good engine performance of their vehicles.

The coming of the Toyota Motor Oil has thus deepened the competition among top lubricant makers in Nigeria.

The TNL MD said the company was thrilled to introduce TGMO of grades 20W50, 5W30 and 15W40, just as he added that other grades would come later.

He described the TGMO as “an exceptional product that represents Toyota’s relentless commitment to innovation, reliability, quality, and sustainability.” +H VDLG RQH RI WKH PDQ\ EHQHÀWV RI WKH new oil is its advanced formula, adding,

“This motor oil has been designed to meet and exceed the strictest industry standards. ´,WV DGYDQFHG IRUPXOD WKLQ ÀOP RI SURWHFtion) provides enhanced protection against engine wear, reduces friction, and optimises IXHO H΀FLHQF\ JLYLQJ \RX D VPRRWKHU DQG more enjoyable driving experience.” +H JDYH RWKHU EHQHÀWV RI XVLQJ WKH RLO DV engine longevity, environmental friendliness, helping to maintain the vehicle warranty and ultimately ensuring customers satisfaction.

He said, “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil helps extend the life of your engine if used regularly. With its superior protection against sludge and deposits, your engine will remain cleaner, ensuring it operates at peak performance throughout its lifespan.

FG, States Urged to Procure Palliative Vehicles From Nigeria

T

he federal and state governments in Nigeria have been advised to ensure that all the vehicles that are to be used as one of the measures of cushioning the hardship of the removal of fuel subsidy are purchased from automobile companies that have visible dealerships and existence in the country.

Giving this advice in a chat with newsmen, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu, Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, Nigeria’s foremost exhibition/fairs organising company noted that injecting the money into the Nigerian automotive industry would spur more activities that would fast track the development of the industry with the attendant socio-economic EHQHÀWV WR WKH SHRSOH DQG HFRQRP\ RI 1LJHULD We have companies in Nigeria that could meet up the demand as well as subsequent ones.

The Managing Director, whose company organizes the Lagos Motor Fair/Africa Autoparts Expo as well as the Abuja International Motor/ Nigeria Autoparts Expo noted that the sector KDV VXͿHUHG VHULRXV VHWEDFNV IRU RYHU D GHFDGH now owing to the poor attention paid to it by the government especially with the poor implementation of the government instituted National Automotive Industry Development Policy/Plan [NAIDP], which is in its 10th year of epileptic implementation.

No doubt, low sales and lack of clear-cut policy direction, amongst others have been plaguing the industry which makes it to be in dire need of life support, injecting the funds for the purchase of these vehicles will go a long way in restoring life and vibrancy to the industry.

Procuring these vehicles from sources that are not playing big in the Nigerian market

Innoson vehicles assembled in Nigeria ZLOO RQO\ HQG LQ PRUH FDSLWDO ÁLJKW RXW RI the country and worsening the precarious state of the nation’s economy. More jobs will EH FUHDWHG LQ WKH EHQHÀWLQJ HFRQRPLHV ZKLOH unemployment persists in Nigeria.

Most of the auto companies in Nigeria injected billions of Naira in setting up assembly plants in the country and have little or nothing to show for it. They must be encouraged and highly supported by the government through this and subsequent patronage. The government should not shut them out as used to the case

in the past; they must enjoy this as they have VXͿHUHG D ORW SO\LQJ WKHLU WUDGH LQ WKH HYHU turbulent Nigerian market.

Mr. Agwu whose company has been serving the automotive industry since 1998 through its Motor Fairs urged the government to consider using the automotive industry in driving Nigeria’s economic development. I urge the new government to ensure that the automotive sector of the Nigerian economy remains in the front burner of its economic policy and programmes from the onset.

TIPS OF THE WEEK Tips for Preventing Petrol Evaporation Do you find that you’re going through your petrol quicker than you thought? It might not be something in your head. You may have an issue with petrol evaporation. While petrol evaporation is usually more of a problem in the hot summer months, it still does occur in the colder months as well, which means you will need to safeguard against it at all costs. If you want to save money at the pump now and all year-round well, here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid wasting petrol due to evaporation.

Make Sure Your Petrol Tank Cap is On and Tight: Every time you go to the pump, make sure that you secure your petrol tank cap tightly after refueling your vehicle. While it’s not the end of the world if you forget, you will likely lose some petrol if the cap isn’t tightly fastened.

If your gas cap goes missing, be sure to replace it as soon as you can.

Park Your Vehicle in a Shady Area If It’s Hot Outside: As we mentioned above, petrol evaporation is more likely to occur when it’s hot outside. While most of the country is in a deep freeze right now, you can rest assured that the weather will start to heat up in a few months.

When your car is parked and it’s stifling/hot outside, petrol will evaporate from the fuel tank. Although you can’t prevent evaporation completely, parking in a shadier area where the temperature is cooler can mitigate the damage.

Purchase Your Petrol in the Morning or Late Evening: A good rule of thumb is to hit the fuel pump when the sun’s not out. This again goes into the idea of heat. The temperature is at its lowest early in the morning or late in the evening, and this is the best time to purchase petrol to reduce the amount of gas evaporation.

These tips will certainly help as you look for ways to save on your fueling costs. Even if you forget, the good thing is that most auto manufacturers are using fluoropolymer tubing in their automotive EVAP systems. Fluropolymer tubing has low petrol permeability. In addition to that, it’s lighter than steel tubing, which means less petrol is needed to power the vehicle. Fluropolymers are used for a wide variety of automotive applications, and this certainly includes reducing petrol evaporation (Source: Fluorotherm )

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 5, 2023

AUTO WORLD

Mercedes-Benz EQV Presents More Luxury in Private, Business Life

M

ercedes-Benz Vans has made its medium-sized series even more attractive for private and commercial use - with a new exterior and interior design as well as more comfort, safety and functionality, especially thanks to a Plus in intelligent digital networking. The new models EQV, V-Class and V-Class Marco Polo as well as eVito and Vito mark an important step in the implementation of the recently presented, refocused business strategy. The aim is to offer the most desirable vans and services and to secure the leadership in electric mobility and digital experiences.

In order to specifically meet the different wishes and needs of private and commercial customers, Mercedes-Benz Vans is increasingly pursuing a differentiated strategic approach. The luxury strategy will apply to the privately positioned vans – including the EQV, V-Class and V-Class Marco Polo – as it does to all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. The company is at the same time pursuing a focused premium strategy for commercial vans – including the eVito and Vito.

The aim is to fully implement this strategic change with the introduction of the upcoming modular and scalable Van Electric Architecture – VAN.EA for short – from 2026 onwards. The new midsize vans mark an important intermediate step on this path.

In both the private and commercial model portfolio, electric vans should also account for more than 50 percent by 2030. Mercedes-Benz Vans already offers an electric version of each model. To date, more than 40,000 battery electric vans have been sold. The top seller is the eVito.

“We want to offer the most desirable vans and services and play a pioneering role in e-mobility – from MPVs to motor homes and commercial vans. Our new midsize van models are another step towards achieving this goal. The more mature luxury positioning of the EQV and V-Class and the sharpened premium character of the eVito and Vito will enable us to increase our focus on high-margin regions and industries.”

Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales & Marketing Mercedes-Benz Vans Targeted sharpening of the model strengths for further profitable growth Almost no other series in the Mercedes-Benz portfolio is so differentiated and has such a diverse customer base as the medium-sized vans. On the one hand there are the MPVs EQV and V-Class. The spectrum ranges from families and leisure enthusiasts to VIPs and business people. In addition to Europe, the vehicles are particularly popular in the Asian market. Attractive equipment lines are available for customers: for the EQV the AVANTGARDE line, the V-Class is available in four variants: as an entry-level variant and in the

Mercedes-Benz EQV STYLE and AVANTGARDE lines and the EXCLUSIVE luxury version. There are also optional design packages such as the AMG Line and the Night package (for the V-Class), the EQV design package for the exterior

and interior (for the EQV). On the other hand, the series includes the Vito and eVito vans in the Tourer, panel van and Mixto variants. These are aimed at tradespeople – from craftsmen to fleet customers.

Volkswagen Group Increases All-electric Deliveries By About 50%

T

he Volkswagen Group increased its deliveries of all-electric vehicles (BEVs) by 48 percent year-on-year WR YHKLFOHV LQ WKH ÀUVW half of the year.

A statement by the automaker said the BEV share of total deliveries rose to 7.4 percent, up from 5.6 percent in the ÀUVW VL[ PRQWKV RI WKH SUHYLRXV \HDU 7KH *URXS achieved the highest growth in Europe, where deliveries rose by 68 percent to 217,100 BEVs. Here, the Volkswagen Group is the market OHDGHU DQG JDLQHG PDUNHW VKDUH 6LJQLÀFDQWO\ more customers of a Group brand took delivery of their all-electric vehicles in the USA, too.

The increase here was 76 percent to 29,800 vehicles. In China, deliveries were around two percent below the previous year’s level at 62,400 BEVs in a particularly competitive market environment. Recently, however, the trend here has also been positive. Following D ORZHU ÀUVW TXDUWHU SHUFHQW PRUH %(9V were handed over to customers in the world’s largest automotive market in the second quarter than in the prior-year period. Worldwide, the

Audi Q8 e-tron

D

r Biodun Ogungbo is a brain and Spine Surgeon. As an expert, I must trust the information contained in the piece which he graciously forwarded to me and permitted me to publish for which I am eternally grateful.

Read it. Internalize it and take a second thought on how you use your mobile phones.

Mobile phones can cause brain cancer. Okay, this is not a joke. This is not a topic to profess ignorance about or say, ‘I did not know ’. Just go ZLWK WKH ÁRZ DQG VD\ ¶0RELOH SKRQHV FDQ FDXVH brain cancer’. Simply because you don’t want to ÀQG RXW WKH KDUG ZD\ ([SHUWV EHOLHYH WKHUH LV D strong association with prolonged usage of mobile phones especially people who have been using the phones for over 10 years.

7KH ULVN LV DOVR VLJQLÀFDQW LQ FKLOGUHQ ZLWK their growing and immature brains. It had been predicted that the numbers of patients with newly diagnosed brain cancer and other tumours will almost double by the year 2025. Many countries are seeing an increasing incidence of these horrible tumours now and it’s a worrying trend.

Okay, this is not a joke. Glioblastoma MultiformeWe have and are seeing a rise in the numbers of SHRSOH VXͿHULQJ IURP KLJK JUDGH EUDLQ FDQFHUV These are the types of cancers that defy cure.

These cancers, especially the horrible one called Glioblastoma Multiforme or GBM for short, is incurable and kills 100%.

This cancer kills the young or the old though it appears more common in patients in their early ·V 7KH QXPEHUV RI VXͿHUHUV LQFUHDVH ZLWK DJH

increase in the second quarter was 53 percent to 180,600 vehicles (118,000), and the BEV share of total deliveries rose to 7.7 percent (6.0) in this period.

Around 68 percent of the Group’s BEV deliveries were in its home region of Europe, followed by China with 19 percent and the USA with nine percent. Four percent went to other markets.

The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand delivered 164,800 vehicles by the end of June, slightly more than half of all BEVs in the Group. It was followed by Audi with 75,600 vehicles (group share 24 percent), ŠKODA with 31,300 vehicles (group share 10 percent), SEAT/ CUPRA with 18,900 vehicles (group share 6 percent), Porsche with 18,000 vehicles (group share 6 percent) and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles with 12,300 vehicles (group share 4 percent).

The most successful BEV models in the ÀUVW KDOI RI ZHUH 9RONVZDJHQ ,' ,' 101,200; Volkswagen ID.301 49,800; Audi Q4 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 48,000; ŠKODA Enyaq iV (incl. Coupé) 31,30; and Audi Q8 e-tron (incl. Sportback) 19,500

Mobile Phones and Brain Cancer SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. and it is more common in men. The risk is real and prevention is the main treatment for cancer.

Cancer prevention is an action taken to lower the risk of getting cancer. This can include maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking medicines or vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing.

Avoiding exposure to known cancer-causing substances such as sugars, cigarettes and now mobile SKRQHV LV YLWDO 6WXGLHV XSRQ VWXGLHV 2ND\ 6WXGLHV DUH FRQÁLFWLQJ DQG FRQWUDGLFWRU\ 6RPH ZLOO ÀQG D link and others will not. The risk may be tenuous at best but so what. The American Cancer Society Exit Disclaimer (ACS) states that there could be some cancer risk associated with radiofrequency energy, but the evidence is not strong enough to be considered causal and needs to be investigated further. %UDLQ WXPRXUV DUH SDUWLFXODUO\ GL΀FXOW WR VWXG\ for example, because of their high death rate and the short survival of people who develop these tumours.

Similarly, patients who survive initial treatment are RIWHQ LPSDLUHG ZKLFK PD\ DͿHFW WKHLU UHVSRQVHV WR questions. Furthermore, for people who have died,

next-of-kin are often unable to accurately describe their patterns of phone use to an interviewer.

Prevent cancer- Individuals who are concerned about radiofrequency energy exposure can limit their exposure, by using an ear- piece and limiting cell phone use, particularly among children. The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has suggested some steps that concerned cell phone users can take to reduce their exposure to radiofrequency energy Reserve the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when a landline phone is not available. · Use a device with hands-free technology, such as wired headsets, which place more distance between the phone and the head of the user. Hands-free kits reduce the amount of radiofrequency energy exposure to the head because the antenna, which is the source of energy, is not placed against the head. Exposures decline dramatically when cell phones are used hands-free.

Okay, this is the score -The decision to limit the use of phones and especially to use a hands free device is entirely yours. You must take the decision to prevent mobile phones from causing you brain cancer. Other issues-There is now strong evidence that the rate of fertility is reducing in many communities around the world. The volume and quality of sperms produced by men is reducing and some feel that it may not be unconnected to mobile phones and computers close to the genital areas in men.

Certainly, fertility centres such as Nordic a Fertility centre in Abuja have found an increase in the abnormal sperms seen in specimens and a decrease in the motility. Mobile phones are a great resource and a necessary evil but you have

got to take care. Okay, now you know. Here ends WKH SLHFH E\ 'U 2JXQJER ZKLFK , ÀQG WRR ULFK and interesting.

I must thank Dr. Ogungbo for his quick approval to use his lovely and timely piece which is an eye opener for me even though I feel very guilty that I procrastinated on the use of this information before LW ZDV ÀQDOO\ SXEOLVKHG IHZ \HDUV DJR ZKHQ P\ friend and brother Patrick Adenusi of Safety Beyond Border, a Non-Governmental Organization on road safety alerted with me on a news item on CNN on the same subject. I told myself I must share WKH VWXͿ EXW PLVVHG RXW XQWLO 'U 2JXQJER VHQW me the material. The decision to limit the use of phones and especially to use a hands free device is entirely yours.

I must confess that I got fascinated yet scared when I read through the section on Glioblastoma multiforme which he said is incurable and kills 100 percent. Scarier is the information that it appears more common in patients in their early 60’s and that it is common in men. I do hope that men, those in their 60’s and drivers generally will take special interest in this God sent information. For me I have taken lessons that will now double guide me in my usual use of ear piece or Bluetooth which in RXU FOLPH LV VHHQ DV VKRZLQJ RͿ Now I have a better understanding of why nine out of ten mobile phone users in some climes outside our shores have become addicted to the use of hands free. I hope you will not mistake me for recommending that you go about driving and XVLQJ KDQGV IUHH VLQFH WKH 1DWLRQDO 5RDG 7UD΀F Regulations does not allow the use of hands free while driving because of the inherent risk involved.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

POLITY

Yayi As Chair of Senate’s Appropriation Committee Ezekiel Alabi

I

join other well-meaning Nigerians in congratulating Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (aka Yayi), representing Ogun West Senatorial District, on his emergence as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation.

Yayi, as you are fondly called, you earn my admiration for this feat and all you have achieved in the National Assembly since you became a federal lawmaker. While you were campaigning for your election, you did promise not to let us down and you have kept to your words. You have made us proud as a people.

This is yet another opportunity to prove your mettle as an astute financial expert. Among other things, the appropriation committee is responsible for reviewing the President’s budget request, hearing testimonies from heads of Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (MDAs), and drafting the expenditure plans for a new fiscal year.

In his May 29, 2023 Inaugural address, President Bola Tinubu had set a target of a six percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate (on average) in the next four years through budgetary reforms that would stimulate the economy. This may appear to be a tall ambition but with the cooperation of the National Assembly and the necessary synergy between the appropriation committee and the relevant agencies, I am confident that it will be achieved, especially from next year when the President will have his own full budget. My Yayi optimism is borne out of the fact that there is already a pool of experience to draw from to be able to drive the process a president who is prepared to move the nation forward with jet from both ends of the executive and the legislature. speed to deliver on his electoral promises. Hitherto, leadership For the latter, Adeola will lead the charge. Before his foray evolution had always been a paradoxical case of the unpatriotic into politics, he had worked in a high-level capacity in several cultivating the unprepared. Except for the immediate past reputable organizations as an accountant and a successful pri- president Muhammadu Buhari, who fought a couple of times to vate sector player, culminating in the establishment of his own get to power, all other leaders, like Olusegun Obasanjo, the late company, SOOTEM Nigeria Limited, which specialized in tax Umar Yar’Adua, and Goodluck Jonathan, had power thrust on consultancy. With the present focus on aggressive technology- their laps. They didn’t prepare for the task of governance. driven tax reform, he will surely bring his experience to bear Even Buhari, who fought for it, didn’t do much with it on his new assignment. Coupled again with his decades of because he was unprepared. His ineptitude was so comprehenaudit practice, he would also serve as an illuminating light for sive that he had very little to show for the eight-year tenure of the Federal Government to be able to block all the leakages. his administration.

Nigeria’s economy has been hemorrhaging for too long. We We have finally put that sad experience behind us. And need a clean break from the past. And that can only happen if never again shall we allow undemocratic elements to lead only we have competent people in key positions like this. Yayi us back to the abyss of the arbitrariness of the past. President is a tested and trusted hand.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the new Sheriff in town. He is here Judging from the outlook of the lawmakers that constituted to clean the Augean stable. But he cannot do the job alone the current leadership of the 10th National Assembly, this effectively unencumbered without the support of the legislature. dispensation holds a great deal of expectation for the people Interestingly enough, this is also the first time we will have of this country. So much is expected from the present admin- someone who combines executive and legislative experience istration because this is the first time after the exit of the last as the Senate President in the person of Godswill Akpabio. So, vestiges of the military in our body politics that we will have it didn’t surprise many people when he announced Senator

Adeola, CON, FCA, as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation. Only the deep can reach the deep. Indeed, only a person who knows the terrain of governance can appreciate the importance of having a round peg in a round hole at a time like this. We have never had it so good. In this dawn of a new era, capacity is very crucial in the drive to achieve the renewed hope agenda of the new administration.

With Adeola leading the appropriation committee, President Tinubu can now safely and effectively set out on a drive for his renewed hope agenda. With an evolving executive/legislature relationship, one can say without any equivocation that the sky can no longer be the limit but the beginning of a new trajectory of economic growth and abundant life for all.

For those who may not know, Adeola is proudly Tinubu’s boy.

He is one of the galaxies of stars among the prime movers of Nigeria’s politics who cut their teeth under Asiwaju’s tutelage. But that is not the only reason he is considered fit for the job. He has worked to earn whatever he’s got in the red chamber.

In terms of law-making, Adeola is a repository of knowledge.

As a ranking Senator, he represents the institutional memory of the National Assembly. One of the drawbacks of our current representative democracy is this incessant loss of experienced lawmakers at every turn of election season. Yayi is one of the few ranking senators whose experience would act as a catalyst for the speedy passage of people-oriented laws to support President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. While serving as a lawmaker in the Lagos State House of Assembly, he was said to have been instrumental in the enactment of the laws that strengthened the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS), legislation that catapulted the revenue profile of the state from N5 billion monthly to over N20 billion. He was also part of the team that passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act and the Public Procurement Act of Lagos State. He will do more under the new dispensation.

Besides his law-making experience, he also has intimidating credentials as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (FCA), among other academic laurels. I have been following the trajectory of his political career since he was elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Alimosho State Constituency 2, it is, indeed, phenomenal. None of his contemporaries has had such a steady progression and high record of performance. His unblemished record while he served as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, earned him the latest appointment as the head of appropriation committee.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Alabi wrote from Okeagbede, Imeko-Afon LGA of Ogun State

Girls’ Summer Camp: Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation Partners OGAV Maxim Uzoatu

C

akasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF) and the Ornaments of Grace and Virtues Initiative (OGAV) have kicked off the 2023 Girl’s Leadership & Mentoring (GLAM) Summer Camp in Lagos.

OGAV and CEF are hosting the 6th edition of the camp with the theme “I’M A Girl: Carrier Exploration with Health & Wellness.”

At the commencement of the 6th edition of GLAM and the 10th anniversary of OGAV, Mr. Barnabas Olise, the Managing Director/CEO of Cakasa Nigeria Company Limited (CNC), represented by the Executive Director, CEF, Mrs. Helen Egbe, announced that the 2023 Camp marks a significant milestone in CNC’s commitment to nurturing and empowering young girls from low-income families in Education District I, Agege, Lagos State.

Mr. Olise expressed his sincere appreciation to Mrs. Busola Kolade, the President and Founder of OGAV, for her unwavering dedication and vision in creating an organisation that empowers girls to become independent, responsible, and influential young women who positively impact society.

“I am proud to stand here today on behalf of Cakasa Nigeria Company and its sister entity, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF), which has been collaborating with OGAV in the empowerment of schoolgirls. Over the years, we have witnessed the transformative power of education and mentorship in the lives of these young girls, and we are honoured to be part of their journey,” said Olise.

The CEO quoted Eleanor Roosevelt, stating, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” He emphasised that through initiatives like the Summer GLAM Camp, OGAV is empowering young girls to overcome challenges, break barriers, and believe in themselves. He revealed that 10 girls who had participated in previous editions of the camp were enjoying scholarships offered by CEF up to university level.

Olise highlighted the importance of recognising that education goes beyond the classroom and that learning beyond the classroom initiative is a powerful way to equip girls with the necessary academic, social, and emotional skills for success.

Moreover, he praised OGAV’s commitment to provid-

L-R: Mrs. Helen Egbe, ED, Cakasa Ebenezer Foundation (CEF); Mrs Omolara Otujo, ED, Community Child Education and Development; Mrs. Busola Kolade, Founder and ED, Ornaments of Grace and Virtue (OGAV); Mrs. Oluwakemi Oyegbile, Director, Co-Curricular Science and Technology, Education District 1 (representing the Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 1); Mr. Oladipupo Odebowale, Head of NIDCOM, Lagos, and an official of the Tutor-General’s Office. ing a safe environment for the girls during their summer holidays, fostering a nurturing space for them to flourish.

However, he acknowledged the hurdles to overcome, such as the lack of access to basic hygiene products hindering girls from fully participating in their education. In response, OGAV is providing reusable sanitary pads to ensure proper menstrual hygiene maintenance and support their health and well-being, enabling them to attend school without disruption.

Olise reaffirmed Cakasa Nigeria Company’s commitment through CEF to empower girls through education and leadership as part of their corporate social responsibility, aiming to create a more equitable future.

He expressed delight at CEF’s constant collaboration and eagerness to support the Summer GLAM Camp, which will impact the girls and create lasting change within the entire school community in Education District I, Agege, Lagos State.

In her goodwill message, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), represented by the Head of NIDCOM, Lagos, Mr.

Oladipupo Odebowale, congratulated the Founder of OGAV, Mrs. Kolade, for her work in nation-building through the empowerment of the girl-child, not only in academic excellence but also in social and emotional skills. She emphasised that the education of the girl-child is crucial for reducing illiteracy, inequality, and poverty and urged the students to be confident and pursue their dreams diligently.

Mrs. Kolade welcomed the students and encouraged them to be change agents in society. She emphasised that the Summer Camp provides structured opportunities for enriching experiences in a safe environment, countering the risk of engaging in unsafe activities during the summer holidays, particularly for economically disadvantaged students.

The 2023 Summer Camp will host 1000 girls from 15 different schools and run from July 24 to August 18.

The camp was declared open by the Tutor-General/ Permanent Secretary, Education District 1, Mr. Adebowale Adeoye Bashir, represented by Director, Co-Curricular Science & Technology, Education District 1, Mrs. Oluwakemi Oyegbile.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

POLITY

Lifebridge Medical Diagnostic Center at 10 Chike Okeke

L

ifebridge Medical Diagnostic Center, Abuja, founded by Senator Godson Ikechukwu Abana celebrated its 10th year last weekend. In his welcome address, the Medical Director of the center Dr. Godwin Tawe disclosed that the center is the first privately owned diagnostic center to have a 1.5T-MRI machine and also the first to receive ISO Certification by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria in Abuja.

“This indicates that results from the center meet acceptable standards worldwide,” said Tawe.

He announced that the center has also set up a Covid-19 PCR laboratory with NCDC accreditation which has also given the center a worldwide outlook, and that the center also has a branch in Enugu which is doing well. He further stated that the center has a very good story to tell in its 10years of existence for instance, the laboratory started from a few rooms to a suite harboring the various units - chemical pathology, haemathology, micro-biology, histopathology and molecular biology.

The Chairman of the occasion Dr. Nkem Okeke, former Deputy Governor of Anambra State, commended Abana for his numerous acts of philanthropy and noted that his enterprises in the country are not necessarily aimed at making money but to assist humanity. He stated happily that he sent his daughter to have her internship experience at the facility because of its high quality and standards.

Senator Abana (right) presents gifts to Mrs. Geraldine Chinaka, Head, Accounts and longest serving staff of the diagnostic centre.

Prizes of large screen television sets and deep freezer were given to some staff who served the center with commitment and dedication in the past 10years. They include; Mrs Geraldine Chinaka, the oldest staff of the center and head of Accounts Department who was given awards of television set, deep freezer and cash, Mrs Anthonia Nwawulu, head of human resources department, Mr. Peter Yenger of accounts department, Moses Affiku of Maintenance, Monica Simon, Suleiman Abubakar both of janitor and the Chief Driver, Mr. Uchebede Usuagwu.

In their brief remarks, the Ume brothers from Obodoukwu in Imo State, Chief Barr. Obidi Ume (Ugonnia) and Chief Ethel Ume (Ijele) congratulated Abana for his vision in establishing the

Ballots Printing Allegations, Superflux Threatens Legal Action Olaoluwakitan Babatunde A leading security printing company, Superflux Nigeria Limited, has described as barbaric and spurious, allegations that the company was contracted to print ballots papers by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and in the process favoured certain candidates in the just concluded 2023 general elections.

It also frowned at being tagged as conduit for money laundering, siphoning COVID19 funds, saying such allegations are clearly handiworks of mischief makers and traducers who were hell bent to tarnish the reputation of the company before it’s numerous customers and that of its former Director, who is presently the Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi.

The company, averred that it’s response became necessary in the interest of the teeming members of the public who have deep trust in its longstanding integrity as well as it’s esteemed partners who understand the excellent reputation of the company. According to the statement signed by the company’s Managing Director, Gabriel Okwonko, “contrary to dangerous rumour making the rounds about being used to siphon COVID-19 funds, the company generously donated millions of naira to various beneficiaries during the pandemic, in line with the conviction on its corporate social responsibility.”

The statement added that N20 million was donated to Ogun State, the transaction it said was doctored by mischief makers to look as if money was sent to the company from the state’s

L-R: Regional Sales Director, Lagos, Access Bank PLC, Bolarinwa Animashaun; Unit Head, Consumer Banking, Adaeze Umeh; a past winner, Chioma Ihenacho- Nwokeji ; Group Head, Consumer Banking, Access Bank PLC, Njideka Esomeju; and Group Head, Marketing and Retail Analytics, Oluwatoyin Henry Ajayi, during the launch of Diamond Xtra Season 15, in Lagos... on Wednesday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Diagnostic Center and the success it achieved in the past 10 years.

Some personalities at the occasion include former Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Geidam; Retired AVM Anene Okafor and Senator Tony Nwoye. Others were Chief Dennis Anekwe, Engr. Obi Anaduaka, Chief Austin Oguejiofor, Chief Emma Okafor, Chief Marc Ozigbo all members of Igwe’s Cabinet in Enugwu Ukwu.

The event was held at GAAT International School, Abuja, another edifice owned by Abana.

Senator Abana who represented Anambra State Central between 2003 and 2005 is a man of many parts – international businessman, contractor, politician, community leader and most importantly a philanthropist per excellence. A native of Enugwu Ukwu in Anambra State, he was educated at Government College, Afikpo and the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he graduated in Business Administration. He later acquired a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and has over the years been involved in activities aimed at improving human kind.

In his Enugwu Ukwu community, he established the Senator I.G Abana Foundation (SIGAF) which have been awarding secondary and university scholarships to hundreds of students in the past 14years. He also owns GAAT International School, Abuja.

According to Abana, his vision in establishing the diagnostic center is to bridge the gap in medical diagnostic and reduce medical tourism abroad by Nigerians, thereby saving the country foreign exchange. He also envisages that his intervention will be one of the best stand-alone diagnostic centers in Nigeria with a global focus. purse, wondering why adversaries of its former director would come up with such lies for the purpose of blackmail.

The statement read: “To address these absolutely false allegations, obviously being cowardly peddled by faceless fellows, we wish to state as follows: “Our Company is extremely mindful and jealously guards the responsibility the nature of our business puts on us as a corporate entity in the interest of our esteemed customers and the general public.

“Contrary to the false and malicious allegations making the rounds, we state emphatically that our Company has NEVER and will NEVER be used as a conduit for money laundering or a vehicle for syphoning public funds or any illegitimate funds at all.

“We find the false allegation that our Company retained ballot papers in the 2023 elections for the use and benefit of a particular candidate both disturbing and astonishing; as it is totally false in all ramifications.

L-R: Partner, PWC/ICAN Council Member, Mr. Oladele Oladipo; Vice President, ICAN, Chief Davidson Alaribe; Regional Senior Partner, PwC, Mr. Sam Abu; President, ICAN Dr. Innocent Okwuosa; and Registrar/Chief Executive, ICAN, Prof. Ahmed Kumshe during a courtesy visit by the ICAN team to PWC in Lagos…recently

L-R: Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Benin Branch, Nosa Edo-Osagie; Claire Ashdowne; Alexandra Miguel; Kourtney Miguel; Adesuwa LaTanya Edo-Osagie; Conrad Dudley and Omorogiuwa Montel Edo- L-R: Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Osagie at the LLB Honours graduation ceremony of Kourtney Miguel and Adesuwa LaTanya Edo-Osagie of Mutual Trust MFBank Limited, Josh Oyebisi, during Mutual Trust MFBank’s courtesy visit to the office of the Inspector General of Police, in Abuja,..recently the University of Birmingham,United Kingdom recently

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

POLITY

Otti and His Critics

Jones Nnanna

T

he new administration in Abia State led by Dr. Alex Otti, renown Economist, Writer and Ex Banker is less than 70 days in office. This period could be adjudged as being too early in assessing the performance of the government regardless of any criteria used. Nonetheless, it could be said that within this short period, Dr. Otti and his team could be said to be working tirelessly to ensure that the locust years of Abia history is put to an end in favour of a new flowering era. This assertion is based on several bold, selfless and innovative approaches to governance adopted by the Governor and his team.

The first of such measures was the constitution of a 101-member transition council which was made up of very brilliant minds drawn from diverse backgrounds.

It was these egg heads that expanded and translated Dr. Otti’s 42-page Manifesto document into a workable instrument for public policy action. It might also be necessary to restate the fact that his inauguration into office on 29th May 2023 was overshadowed by a lingering industrial action embarked upon by organised labour to protest the rascality of the last regime over matters concerning wage bills and general fiscal Otti indiscipline. The Labour Unions had voluntarily called off the strike on the day Dr. Otti assumed duties as a goodwill gesture different colorations. Some were erected as instruments for to the new government. Earlier during the campaigns, the then the outright looting of the state treasury while others acted governorship candidate of the Labour Party had promised to as instruments for the over inflation of costs in public sector pay the workers on the 28th day of every month.

Two months down the line, it has been a promise kept. Many procurement. Yet some others acted as conduits for the inflation of wage bills through the instrumentality of ghost workers in the state can attest to receiving their salary alert on workers. The war on this sector is still raging and the new that date. The government of Dr. Otti is working assiduously to administration is not relenting. ensure that the challenges of delayed or non-payment of The setting up of a judicial panel of enquiry to recover the salaries and pensions which was the dominant character of the last regime will be consigned to the dust bin of history, looted assets of the state is one of the measures so far taken to be remembered by future generations only as one of the to boost the war on corruption. This is just as the current verification exercise instituted by the State’s Head of Service state’s ugly past challenges. for public sector workers is meant to fish out the numerous Additionally, Dr. Otti has ably demonstrated how ghost workers and those others that were fraudulently prepared he was for leadership through a thorough and employed into the state public bureaucracy. meritorious recruitment exercise into the top echelon of Another realm that has engaged Dr. Otti’s characteristic his administration. Most of the people so far recruited efficiency is the rehabilitation of the physical infrastructure to manage the different organs of government are top in the state. There is now the common site of caterpillars professionals drawn from diverse backgrounds. This is rolling out in different parts of the state particularly in the just as they are people of unquestionable integrity. Many urban centres of Aba and Umuahia. of these new managers of the State resources are versed It is expected that with the seriousness attached to the in the modern art of management where efficient and quick reconstruction of roads by the administration, the coming service delivery is the mantra. dry session will witness massive rehabilitation of both urban Dr. Otti working along with this new crack team has sucand rural roads. This is not forgetting the several public ceeded in blocking leakages which were the instruments for sector buildings that are currently undergoing massive the bleeding and pillaging of State resources. Such leakages had

rehabilitation works.

Gov Otti’s messianic approach to development is best exemplified in the war on refuse which he declared as an emergency in his first inaugural speech when he was sworn into office. Government’s hard work on this war coupled with several innovations adopted have ensured a continuous gain on the battleground as the physical environment gradually returns back into wearing a new clean look.

Another notable area that has not escaped the attention of Dr. Otti’s administration is healthcare delivery service in the State. This sector got a boost when the State Government kick started a free health care delivery service on July 15th 2023 at the Aba General Hospital. The program now holds every Saturday of the week. The exercise has since been extended to the General Hospital Amachara, Umuahia. More General Hospitals are expected to be keyed into the program as the Government increases its capacity to do so. The unprecedented number of patients that troop into the two hospitals to seek for medical help every Saturday just goes to show how dire the health care delivery system in Abia was.

However the free medical service is just a stop gap measure that has been put in place to address the emergency situation in the sector pending when the building blocks will be erected to sustainably address the challenge of health care delivery system in the State, which in the past suffered a great deal of neglect.

All these developments are in addition to a transparent, open and corrupt free procurement system which the administration has put in place to ensure that the public derives maximum value from its procurement process.

Taking all the above into consideration, it could be said that even though it is still quite early to engage in any meaningful assessment of the Dr. Otti’s administration that came into power through widespread popular public support, its early gambits are such that could make discerning observers to come out with the verdict that Dr. Otti is doing well . The Government is clearly on track and indeed Dr. Otti is achieving what he set out to do.

However, his hereditary enemies and critics seem to be ignorant of these achievements or they choose to feign ignorance. His enemies who are mainly those that benefitted from the past decadence have since engaged the services of their bootlickers and hirelings to discredit every move of the new government. The same characters whose only qualifications for top government positions was a conscienceless and uncanny ability to tell lies have been recruited for this “yahoo, yahoo job”. In the past their job while in the employment of government was to conjure rosy impressions of government performance while the state was bleeding.

Ogunwale: Tinubu’s Roots is in Iragbiji Chief Felix Kolawole Ogunwale represented Osun Central in the Senate between 2003 and 2007. The Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, who is also the Asiwaju of Iragbiji, Osun State, talks to YINKA KOLAWOLE about current political issues and declares that the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu is Iragbiji, Osun State You have a special relationship with PDP’s Presidential Atiku Abubakar. Tell us more about this?

T

o answer your question well, I am an unrepentant Atiku apologist and I hold him dear to my heart but it does not reduce my high regards for the person of President Bola Tinubu, though the music may change tomorrow. When I was in the Senate, I did oversight functions on parastatals that were under Atiku when he was the vice-president and I saw him performing well and that was why I fell in love with him. Atiku has the capacity to rule this country right and reshape the entire system.

As Asiwaju of Iragbiji Land, what do you know about President Tinubu’s speculated links to the town?

Tinubu is a Lagosian who has his roots in Iragbiji. We cannot deny him of this. Remember that so many Lagosians have roots somewhere. My self and Asiwaju Tinubu are proud Yoruba sons. I am Asiwaju of Iragbiji and Tinubu is Asiwaju of Lagos. So, we have a few things in common. That, we cannot run away from.

I am quite sure that Tinubu in his memoirs, in the nearest future, will give the public a clearer picture of his heritage and lineage, since God has taken him this far in his life journey, as a golden fish that has no hiding place. Also, President Tinubu is a world citizen and any part of the country Nigeria will be very proud to associate with him, no matter his short comings like everyone. However, many people have raised questions about his root. Such people are entitled to their opinions, subject to their convictions. Also, without any sentiment, President Tinubu affinity with us in Yoruba land, particularly in our own ancestral home of Iragbiji, is one we hold genuinely.

How would you rate President Tinubu’s performance since

assumption of office?

As for me, Tinubu so far is killing Nigerians with his recent policies on petrol. The drastic measures taken so far are killing. If Atiku is the President, he would not act like that.

But if Atiku is able to reclaim the mandate, Nigerians would be taken out of this hardship. Also, on the issue of palliatives, can N8000 feed a single person talk less of a family for a month? Atiku would not partake in such nonsense.

Would you be interested if President Tinubu invites you to work for him?

Well, I will prefer to be a councilor in my Local Government Area in Boripe, Osun State than to be Minister or any other thing under Tinubu. I also prefer to be Godfather to all political officers in my state. But if get an opportunity to serve as a Senator again, I will not hesitate to take it. I can’t work under Tinubu.

Recently, you were appointed Board Chairman, Ilesa College of Health Technology. Don’t you think that position belittles you?

Thank you, some of my friends had recently challenged me on why I consented but I informed them that I would Ogunwale accept the offer because I don’t want to insult the government of the day that is performing. Adeleke’s Government is performing. Also, as an expert in the health sector for over 50 What can you say about the appointments so far made by years, I would strive hard to re-invigorate the system in all Governor Adeleke? ramifications.

I want to commend him for the wisdom he employed in the According to the governor, I was appointed because of selection process. All the people picked are good. I am certain my experience and because I have been running my own that Adeleke’s period will witness dramatic changes and even hospital since 1979 when late Obafemi Awolowo commisdevelopment in the entire state. We in PDP before lost to other sioned it. I have accepted the appointment in good faith and political party in the past, but today we are at the helms in Osun would ensure perfect infrastructural development as well as State. Governor Adeleke is performing well. Osun people love the well-being of both the students, teaching staff and the Adeleke, but I want to advise that the governor should not forget entire publics of the college. the people who stood behind him.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

5.08.2023

Can He Prove Doubters Wrong?

NEWS

NPFL READY FOR KICKOFF

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

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Josh Maja poses in West Brom dressing room after his unveiling

Josh Oluwaseun Maja Can He Prove Doubters Wrong?

With many Ligue 1 top clubs and some Premier League teams seeking his signature, Josh Maja shocked the footballing world by putting pen to papers for English Championship side, West Brom, a move seen by many as retrogressive considering his form last season and bigger teams craving for the Super Eagles forward. For the Baggies however, the Nigerian is seen as the missing link in their promotion quest. How well this pans out remains to be seen

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est Bromwich Albion beat Sheffield Wednesday to Rangers target, Josh Maja, as the Super Eagles forward completed his medicals on Monday at the Albion’s training ground in Walsall.

The Baggies have had to shed players so far this summer thanks to the financial worries, including sending Karlan Grant on loan to Cardiff City, and have injury worries in attack with Daryl Dike and Grady Diangana.

“But Carlos Corberan is set to be boosted by the arrival of Maja who left Bordeaux as a free agent this summer, with the French side interested in keeping him, and Rangers also linked during the window.

Reporting via Twitter on Tuesday morning, Cox wrote: “Albion closing in on free transfer Josh Maja. Excitement at Hawthorns at netting long-term target, who Bordeaux wanted to keep and also had interest from Boro and Sheff Wednesday.

Off the back of the departures that have already happened this summer, and with question marks over all three senior goalkeepers currently, this is excellent news for Baggies fans.

It was starting to become a common occurrence that West Brom were ending up disappointed in the transfer pursuits they were engaged in, such as Ethan Ampadu and Dexter Lembikisa, so to come out on

top here for a sought-after target is very encouraging.

Maja’s situation was complicated by an investigation in the Bordeaux’s final game of the season in Ligue 2, after the promotion decider was abandoned when a fan attacked a player.”

It meant the long-term Baggies target’s status was unclear for some time, as failure to get back into the French top tier would allow him to leave for nothing, but having been confirmed as a free agent the club have swooped in to take advantage.

With only Brandon Thomas-Asante fit as a central striker in light of Dike’s woeful injury luck at The Hawthorns it is a key question answered just in time for the start of the new season.

Whether the former Sunderland and Fulham man will be up to speed straight away is probably a fair question, but if he is in within the next couple of days, he should stand a chance of featuring in some capacity on today against Blackburn.

The Super Eagles striker’s future has been in the balance in recent weeks, but he has now joined a new club.

Maja left Ligue 2 side Bordeaux last season after the expiration of his contract at the club. He scored 16 goals in 38 appearances for Bordeaux as they narrowly missed out on Ligue 1 promotion.

Maja has been the subject of numerous

transfer talks this summer as Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, and Rangers were linked with the 24-year-old attacker.

However, his future has now been settled, as West Brom have now confirmed that they have completed the signing of the Nigeria striker on a three-year deal.

Maja will wear the number 9 jersey at the club and will look to play an important role as the Baggies push for Premier League promotion next season.

The 24-year-old has had previous spells in England with Fulham, Sunderland and Stoke City. West Brom will be the Fourth English club that he will play for.

The former Sunderland frontman, who burst into life at the Stadium of Light and earned a move to Bordeaux as a 20-year-old, has been a free agent since departing the Ligue 2 outfit this summer.

Albion beat off Championship interest from Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday as well as from Bordeaux, who were keen to retain Maja’s services, to land his signature and the presence of head coach Corberan was central to that.

“The club has been tracking Josh for some time and we are really pleased he is joining us,” said Albion head of football operations Ian Pearce.

“We have again had to be patient, but Josh is the striker we wanted, and his desire to play for Carlos helped us beat off significant competition from a number of other clubs.”

Maja scored 16 times, the fourth-highest scorer, in the French second tier last term as Bordeaux just missed out on a return to Ligue 1. He was involved in 22 goal in 34 matches.

Head coach Corberan insists Maja, who had loan spells away from France with Fulham and Stoke, arrives with “a big desire to succeed.”

The Spaniard explained how he sees Maja as a frontman capable of working alongside Brandon Thomas-Asante – the club’s sole previous striker – or up front in a lone role.

“I am happy to have Josh here at the club. It was an important aim of ours to reinforce this position during the summer. We have done so with a player who has a big desire to succeed,” Corberan said “Josh has international and Premier League experience and his skills compliment Brandon Thomas-Asante in a way which means they can play together or on their own. He drops deep to build attacks and also has good instincts in the box.

“Josh has been working hard while he has been a free agent this summer but will still need some time with our staff to make sure he is ready to face the challenge of games. We will work with him to manage this process.”

Maja will hope this recent form bodes well for a new challenge in the Black Country, where Josh will look to embrace the responsibility of leading the line for the Baggies.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

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League Board Insists on 20 Teams Format Club Owners back NPFL Kunle Adewale

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n spite of the successes recorded in last season’s Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL Abridged League and the calls from several quarters for the retention of the format, the NPFL board has stated after a meeting with club owners in Abuja on Thursday that come August 26 when the new football season kicks off it would return to the 20 teams’ format.

The 2023/24 NPFL season will be played in a full format.

The agreement was reached during a meeting between the NPFL board and club owners in Abuja on Thursday night.

Recall that an abridged format was adopted for the 2022/23 season and it was hailed in many quarters for the improvement the league witnessed.

Preceeding the league opener, the draws for the 2023/24 season and the Annual General Meeting will be held on August 17, a week before the kick off date. This was revealed by the Chairman of the body Mr. Gbenga Elegbeleye. Elegbeleye, who rose from a meeting with Club owners in Abuja on Thursday night said the league which will be run full (38 matches) will kick off on August 26 with matches spread across to 27th.

He said all the clubs have signified their intention to stick to the date and were prepared to commence actions.

“They have all agreed with the date and are going back to start preparations for the new season. They are all 100 per cent ready.

“I want to thank the entire club owners under the leadership of Chief Okey Kpalukwu for the support and cooperation given us thus far, we’ve no doubt that together we will have a league that Nigerians will be proud of”, Elegbeleye stated.

Also speaking on the readiness of the clubs, the General Manager of Rivers United and spokesman of NPL Club Owners, Dr. Okey Kpalukwu said the clubs were ready for the kick off date which would run its full course of 38 matches and not abridged like last season.

Kpalukwu assured the NPFL leadership of the Club Owners support because both parties are partners in progress.

“What we as Club Owners will guarantee the NPFL board is our

Enyimba players celebrating winning last season’s NPFL

cooperation as long as we are seen to be important partners and major stakeholders in the NPFL. I look forward to a very successful 2023/24 NPFL season,” he said.

He explained that the League Board and Managers have been mandated to make sure the league go on as planned.

On the club’s readiness, he said most clubs were taking part in the pre-season tourneys all over the country to put their team in shape for the task ahead. “For instance, Rivers United have unveiled their players for next season so also some other clubs and this has shown that they are all ready. We have been

engaged in pre-season friendlies and recruited few more players. Every team is good to go,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, the Club Owners have also set up various committees for the smooth running of the body. Godwin Enakhena is to head the constitution drafting ad hoc committee, assisted by Administrative Secretary of Rangers of Enugu, Ferdinand Ogwuarua as secretary and the chairman of Niger Tornadoes of Minna Engineer Ibrahim Dada as member.

Akwa United Chairman, Paul Bassey, will act as chairman of the publicity committee; Godwin Enakhena is secretary; while Kumbi Titiloye of Kwara United is a member.

Other committees are financial, with Alhaji Suleiman Umar of Doma United of Gombe as chairman, he’s to be assisted by Plateau United chairman, Habila Mutla as secretary, and Sunshine Stars of Akure chairman Honorable Tunde Ogunja is a member.

The Welfare Committee has Gombe United General Manager Alhaji Abubakar Abubakar as chairman, assisted by Heartland of Owerri General Manager Promise Nwachukwu as secretary, while the Secretary of Bendel Insurance of Benin City, Charles Ihimekpen, is a member.

Enyimba are the current champions of the NPFL

Ahead of Coming Season, Rangers Optimistic about Team Success Kunle Adewale

After a not too impressive performance last season in which Enugu Rangers failed to qualify for the Super Six and lost in the finals of the Federation Cup to Bendel Insurance, Flying Antelopes midfielder, Chukwudi Nwaodu, who was yesterday announced the new skipper of seven-time Nigeria League Champions, has promised the teaming supporters of the club that he was optimistic

of leading the club to achieve its set targets for the season and in the near future.

Nwaodu, in a chat after he was appointed, said that his appointment was a call to redouble his service to the team stressing that with the support of his teammates, management, and coaches, there would be much reason for celebrations at the end of the 2023/2024 football season.

“I must confess that I was excited when I was called up as the team

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMIFULA OGBU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU

Fidelity Ilechukwu (l) announces the new captain and his assistants to the team

captain and I believe it is a call to service and I hope to serve well in my capacity to make sure we take the ‘Flying Antelopes’ to where it rightly belongs. I am sure that with the caliber of players in the team and the coach known for results, there will be no going back as we push for the best possible finish in both the NPL and Federation Cup 2024. I appeal to my teammates for their total cooperation and I believe they are going to support this course while also calling on our teaming supporters to continue to be with us through their prayers and steadfast support during games for us to bring back the glory of our club,” stated the former Heartland F.C of Owerri’ captain.

Also appointed is Passy winger, Chidiebere Nwobodo who will serve as the first assistant captain just as midfield maestro, Chinecherem Ugwueze is the second assistant captain.

Recall that the former captain of the side, Uche John left the club on the expiration of his contract just as the assistant duo of Ebuka Anthony a nd Ugwu oke Ugoc hu kwu a re n o more with the team.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

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Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli (r) in action with Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad Stadium last season

Community Shield For City, Arsenal, Its More than Charity With Manchester City snapping up both Premier League and the FA Cup last season, Arsenal, as last season’s runners-up, make the short hop across London to Wembley to contest this year’s Community Shield

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ot since 2020 have the Gunners found themselves lining up in the annual season curtain-raiser, where they managed to edge past Premier League winners Liverpool on penalties.

That edition was also the last time Manchester City failed to feature, although the subsequent two years have seen them fall to defeat against Leicester in 2021, and latterly Liverpool last year.

They will, of course, take comfort in the fact they have Arsenal in a chokehold if recent history is anything to go by. Not since December 2015 have the Gunners found a way past City in the league, while last season’s

treble winners have won all but one of the past 16 meetings in all competitions.

The ferocity of Arsenal’s business in the transfer window suggests their surprise title challenge last year was no coincidence, and this pre-season affair represents an early chance for both teams to size each other up before the new campaign.

Wembley Stadium hosts the traditional Premier League curtain-raiser on Sunday afternoon, as Arsenal and Manchester City renew hostilities with the Community Shield on the line.

The Citizens enter the showdown on the back of a 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid in their most recent friendly, while their North

London counterparts retained the Emirates Cup by beating Monaco.

As Pep Guardiola’s treble winners revelled in their unrestrained celebrations earlier in the summer, Arsenal were able to quietly cheer the consolation prize of a place in the Community Shield courtesy of their second-placed finish in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

While a late capitulation saw Arsenal set a new record of 248 days at the summit without etching their name onto the trophy, the Gunners’ league campaign exceeded all expectations placed before them at the start of the campaign, and Mikel Arteta’s side could still be rewarded for their efforts with a slice of silverware

. . .Gunners, Citizens Showdown Live on DStv, GOtv The 2023/24 Premier League season curtain raiser will be held this weekend when league champions, Manchester City, face league runner-up Arsenal, at Wembley Stadium on Sunday for the Community Shield.

The two clubs will kick off the season with their rivalry, having pushed each other to the limit for the league title, last season.

Arsenal topped the Premier League table for the majority of the 2022/23 season but succumbed to the superior firepower of Pep Guardiola’s team in the

crucial stages to finish second.

City went on to win a League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble, while Arsenal settled for the consolation of a return to Champions League football after a six-year hiatus.

Both teams will clash at Wembley for the first silverware of the season on Sunday, live on SuperSport Football (DStv ch 205 and GOtv ch 61), at 4pm.

Arsenal lost three of their meetings with City last season, scoring two and conceding eight goals. Despite going into the match as underdogs,

Arteta’s men will be buoyed by the fact that their last victory over City came at Wembley three years ago, when they defeated the Citizens 2-0, against all odds, in a FA Cup semi-final match.

The Gunners have also won the Community Shield in their last four attempts, including a 3-0 victory against Manchester City in the 2014 edition.

Enjoy the Community Shield and other interesting live football matches across Europe this season on DStv Compact, Compact Plus, and GOtv Supa+.

on Sunday.

Arsenal have already added one more honour to their cabinet this summer, defending the friendly Emirates Cup crown on Wednesday courtesy of a penalty-shootout win over Ligue 1 powerhouses Monaco, who held the Gunners to a 1-1 draw before Aaron Ramsdale kept out Takumi Minamino’s 12-yard attempt.

Also putting five goals past Barcelona and the MLS All-Stars either side of a 2-0 defeat to Manchester United - Arsenal now seek a 17th Community Shield title, which would take them past Liverpool into outright second place behind Man United’s 21.

In recent years, Arsenal have developed a penchant for England’s version of the Super Cup, winning each of their last four Community Shield matches - most recently seeing off Liverpool on penalties in 2020 and only two of their last 10 such games have ended in defeat.

Arsenal’s love affair with the Community Shield is therefore well-documented, but Arteta will be under no illusions that his charges will possess the underdog tag against Man City, even if the Sky Blues’ preparations for the new term leave something to be desired.

On the back of their terrific trio of trophies in a historic 2022-23 season, Man City embarked on a tour of Japan and South Korea, opening with an eight-goal win over Yokohama F. Marinos despite being breached three times on the day.

Guardiola’s reunion with old employers Bayern Munich was also a joyous affair for the Catalonian, who masterminded a 2-1 win in Tokyo, but just four days later, his side came unstuck against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid in South Korea at the end of July.

Man City however have had ample time to reflect on that beating as they go in search of a seventh Community Shield title, but they have lost the last two editions of the Super Cup clash to Leicester City and Liverpool respectively.

Arsenal’s 2015 Community Shield success saw Arsene Wenger’s side thump the Manuel Pellegrini-led Man City 3-0, but Gooners will need no reminding of how their beloved team has fared in more recent clashes with the European champions, who have beaten Arteta’s men eight times in a row since the 2019-20 FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 5, 2023

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Super Falcons players celebrating their victory over co-host, Australia 2 0 2 3 WO M E N ’ S WO R L D C U P

D’Tigress

Waldrum Backs Super Falcons against England

Nigeria, Senegal Go for Broke in 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Finals Today

After securing a round of 16 draw against England, Super Falcons Coach, Randy Waldrum, has urged Nigerians to keep supporting his team, and maintained that he has confidence in his squad to edge the Lionesses in the round of 16 in Brisbane on Monday.

The 66 year-old led Nigeria to a comeback win against co-hosts, Australia, and draws against Canada and The Republic of Ireland were enough to assure the Super Falcons of a place in the next round, and the coach has mentioned that it would not be an easy task, but he believes in his team to do enough to move into the quarter final.

In a group many considered the group of death, Nigeria defeated the odds, and qualified, and coach has reminded his players of the feat they achieved, and wants the nostalgia of the group stage achievements to spur the Super Falcons on. Speaking to Victor Modo, Coach Waldrum said;

“I think a lot of people didn’t believe we would qualify.

“It was the group of death, the hardest, and that showed class, character, and competitiveness, considering we had a short period of time to prepare.

“I’m proud of them, but now that we made it out of the group, we don’t want our work here to be done. We want to continue, and I think the match against England is another challenge.”

The coach also mentioned that he is aware of the threat the Lionesses pose.

“We’re playing the European Champions now, they’re Champions for a reason, they’re quite a good team, we know that and we know that, but I think the players understand that we’ve played the Olympic gold medallist, and we’ve played Australia, that’s two teams in a row.

“I don’t think it will intimidate them at all, and now is the time to go out and perform. They’re

extremely talented, with Lucy Bronze and Rachel Daly on the flank, and with the way James is playing, creating all kinds of havoc up front, the whole group are all extremely talented players, so we have to come up with a game plan to make sure we win.”

The coach sent a message to Nigerians, thanking them for the Support so far, and telling them to continue supporting the team.

“We appreciate your support, I know there were times you were not on my side, but I think now, they can see the work we’ve put in, the work the team has put in, and they are as prepared as they possibly can.

“Rest assured, they’re going to give you everything they have, every ounce of pride in wearing the Nigerian jersey, and we believe we can get a result, and the players believe that too.”

Nigeria will play against England on Monday, at the Brisbane Stadium.

... Nigerian Envoy in Australia Urges Support for Falcons in Cracker Against Lioness Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Nigeria High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Anderson Madubike has called on Nigerians all over the world to support the Nigeria woman national football team the Super Falcons as they trade tackles with the lioness of England in the round of 16 encounter in the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup taking place in Australia and New Zealand.

The High Commissioner made the call while speaking ahead of the crucial encounter billed to take place on Monday 8:30am Nigeria time which is nine hours behind Central Australia time.

Madubike said, the Nigerian girls are being the most talked about in the competition because of their determination and result oriented, hence they need all the supports from Nigerians to be able to overcome whatever opposition that comes their way especially as they face one of the competition favourites,

England.

He suggested that Nigerians should take selfies while watching the match and post on social media as according to him, “it will go a long way to give moral boaster to the girls when they come across it.

The super falcons finished as runners up in group B with five points from three games behind Australia who topped with six points losing to only Nigeria 2:3.

England are coming on the heel that they topped their group.

FIFA to Probe Zambian Coach over Sexual Abuse Allegation The Federation of International Football Association confirmed yesterday that it is investigating an allegation of misconduct in relation to the Zambian women’s national team in the ongoing Australia and New Zealand 2023 World Cup. Coach Bruce Mwape was accused of rubbing his hands over the chest of one of his players, The Guardian reported Thursday.

The allegation came two days before the team’s final group game against Costa Rica.

A FIFA spokesperson said, “FIFA takes any allegation of misconduct extremely seriously and has a clear process in place for anyone in football who wants to report

an incident.”

He stated further details can’t be given as investigation is going on, but he confirmed that the football body has received the complaint.

“We can confirm that a complaint has been received in relation to the Zambian women’s national team and this is currently being investigated. We cannot provide further details regarding an ongoing investigation for obvious confidentiality reasons,” he stated.

The spokesperson further said, “Anyone who wishes to report allegations or information related to abuse in football can do so via FIFA’s confidential reporting platform, with all information that is submitted to FIFA

Bruce Mwape

handled in the strictest of confidence.”

He also said FIFA takes “the strongest possible sanctions” when guilt is established.

There’s so much at stake in the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket final that it could enter the history books as one of the most evenly-matched final as Nigeria and Senegal go head-to-head today.

From experienced to talented players, this year’ Women’s AfroBasket Final is a must-watch game.

Both teams have exceeded expectations by reaching the championship final and will give all they have to bring home the most coveted trophy of women’s basketball in Africa.

This game will also go down in history as the one that gave Senegal its 12th continental crown, or that saw Nigeria lift the trophy for the fourth edition in a row to become only the

second nation to have done so after... Senegal in 1974, 1977, 1979 and 1981.

Nigeria have had a smooth start to their tournament and have kept a perfect record since they set foot on the court at the BK Arena as they finish with significant victories over DR Congo, Egypt, Mozambique and Rwanda.

While the lionesses suffered losses against Uganda and Mali, they subsequently brought some changes to their habits and overcame Egypt, Cameroon and Mali to make it to the Final.

This year’s edition will be a remake of the 2019 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket that was hosted by Senegal of which Nigeria won their second straight title after seeing off the hosts 60-55 in a

packed Dakar Arena.

They would later meet again at the 2021 Championship semifinals in Yaounde, Cameroon, and Nigeria would once again walk away with flawless victory 73-63.

Nigeria would later claim the famous three-peat in the capital city of Cameroon.

Between these two countries, they share 16 titles, with Senegal as the most decorated having won the trophy 11 times, in 1974, 1977, 1979, 1981, 1984, 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2009 and 2015.

Nigeria have been on top of women’s basketball in Africa five times: 2003, 2005, 2017, 2019 and 2021.

The big question is who will add another trophy to their cabinet today.

Rangers Confirm Dessers, Balogun for Scottish Premiership Opener Rangers Boss, Michael Beale, has confirmed that both their Nigerian internationals, Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun, are available for the club’s first game of the new Scottish league season.

Cyril Dessers made the switch to the Scottish giants from Cremonese this summer for £5m on a four-year deal, while Balogun returned for a second spell on a year deal following previous two successful seasons at the Ibrox Stadium between 2020 and 2022.

The record 55-time

Scottish champions have recruited well in this window, bringing in the likes of Danilo, Sam Lammers, Jose Cifuentes, Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland to join Dessers and Balogun, as they are aiming to wrestle the league title back from the hands of their arch-rival Celtic.

Beale, who was once before an assistant to former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard, returned to the club this summer following a brief stint at QPR last season, confirmed that both Dessers and Balogun

are part of the squad travelling to Rugby park to face Kilmarnock on Saturday in their first game of the new Scottish Premiership.

The 42-year-old said in a press conference on RangersTV that both Super Eagles players have undoubted qualities to help the club challenge for major honours in the new season.

Rangers will face Servette in the third qualifying round of the Champions League on Wednesday after their league opener against Kilmarnock today.

HoS Urges Civil Servants to Embrace Sporting Activities Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, has tasked civil and public servants about the essence of sporting activities and fitness.

She said frequent engagement in exercises and sporting activities is necessary for the enormous task of nation building.

She made the call during the aerobics and sporting activities organised for civil servants across various Ministries, extra-ministerial, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as part of activities marking the 2023 Civil Service Week celebrations.

She noted that for civil servants to be able to perform optimally and be more productive, they must be healthy and participate regularly in sporting

activities because a healthy body begets a healthy mind.

She also implored federal civil servants to make adequate use of the well-equipped Wellness Centre recently commissioned in the OHCSF’s Complex for both their physical and mental fitness.

Also speaking on the significance of the event, the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Oluwatoyin Madein, said that the physical fitness gained by the civil servants at the event was overwhelming and a pointer to building a viral nation.

The event featured 100 metres race for both male and female workers, a novelty football match between the permanent secretaries’ team and that of the directors as well as a football match involving teams from the Federal ministries of Defence and Education won by the latter.

Other competitions featured at the event include, “Best Behaved Team.”

The first position was awarded to the OHCSF, the second position went to Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, while the third position was taken by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

The first position for the “Best Kitted Team,” was presented to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, while the second position was given to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the third went to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing.

Also, the first place for the MDA with the highest attendance was awarded to the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing with a total number of 299 workers, in attendance, while the second and third positions were won by the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development, with 263 and Labour,

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Reverend Ugorji on Petrol Subsidy “Our growing economic crisis became exacerbated with the recent withdrawal of petrol subsidy by the federal government.

Indeed, Nigeria is on the brink of collapse.” –President, Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Most Rev. Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, lamenting removal of petrol subsidy.

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AUSTINISIKHUEMEN Let Francophone West Africa Breathe GUEST COLUMNIST

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ome folks are trying to put their knee on the neck of Niger Republic. This is in addition to the suffocating knee of imperial France that has been on the collective necks of the so-called Francophone countries of West Africa.

They have been unable to breathe since their individual flag independence. A wind of change appears to be blowing across the subregion and this appears to have the potential of a breathing opportunity that the citizens appear to embrace, even celebrate. But there appear to be counter forces that see what some regard as freedom fighters as terrorists. This is what I set out to interrogate in this piece.

West Africa was colonized by two main European powers – Britain and France. Germany did have a tiny foothold in Cameroun, but as they lost the 2nd World War, the winners took their portion and handed it to France, one of their allies. Technically, Cameroun and Chad are in Central Africa but they are being added to this West African geo-political discussion because of their contiguity to Nigeria as well as their exemplification of what is pernicious about French colonial and neo-colonial hegemony.

Guinea Bissau was colonized by Portugal. So, we have Niger, Mali, Togo, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Guinea (Conakry), Senegal and Mauritania as Francophone countries in the West African sub-region.

In the recent past, coups d’etat have begun to rear their ugly head after we thought democracy had berthed permanently in West Africa. Curiously, this trend is taking root in the Francophone region of West Africa. The Sahelian space seems to have become a fertile milieu for military rule. Mali (2020), Guinea (2021), Chad (2021), Burkina Faso (2022), and now, Niger Republic (2023). Is it a mere coincidence that these are all Francophone countries or is there another thread that runs through these countries that has made military rule fashionable again in the last four years?

I will explore their French colonial past and present neo-colonial experience as a major factor in this jackboot resurgence.

France adopted the policy of assimilation in their colonial strategy in Africa. They wanted to convert Africans to Frenchmen and, indeed, some Africans like Sedar Senghor were elected into the French parliament. The French virtually wanted their colonial subjects to forgo their culture, cuisine, and history and adopt French culture, cuisine, dressing, mannerisms and etiquette as theirs. Unlike the British who adopted indirect rule in their colonies, as bad as that was too, this French variant, which wanted to paint Africans French and stop their ability to think as Africans was the most pernicious. It was a subterfuge to perpetually enslave and exploit those countries in order to keep metropolitan France prosperous. That doing so would impoverish Francophone Africa did not prick the conscience of a country that gave the statue of liberty to the United States. A country whose creed is Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite was doing the opposite in its colonies! For those colonies, liberty, equality and fraternity did not matter. Perpetual subjugation was the ethos.

Has this ungodly state of affairs changed in the relationship between France and its neo-colonies

France President, Emmanuel Macron

that Francophone Africa is? Unfortunately, the answer is no. Today, all those countries’ external reserves are held by France. France virtually dictates what happens in those economies.

The CFA zone is under France’s armpit. They cannot breathe unless France allows them, and even then, the amount of oxygen is decided by France! The CFA Franc value is determined by France. The currency is printed by France and its owned banknote printer in Cote d’Ivoire. I understand there is a colonial tax still being paid by all Francophone countries to France to date!

In terms of exploitation, France controls the mineral resources of its former colonies. When Camerounians asked for more transparency about their petroleum resources, their ancestor of a president – been in power since 1982 – told them it is too complicated for the citizens to understand! The man, who farted publicly and did not even know where he was during the US – African summit in Washington DC, is still propped up by France because he serves their interests despite Cameroun’s ruination. It is said that most of the electric power generated in France comes from nuclear power plants. The uranium for generating all that power comes from Niger Republic. The same Niger cannot construct a rail line for themselves but are depending on the benevolence of their cousin in Nigeria to lay a rail track into their country. Ditto power supply which comes from Nigeria and is now being used as a tool for undiplomatic arm twisting.

Leaders in those Francophone countries, apart from stealing their countries blind and keeping their loot and concubines in France, help France to perpetuate its stranglehold on their countries while France ensures their stay in power is unchallenged.

It is this mutually ‘beneficial’ but unholy symbiotic relationship between those leaders and French

too is issuing threats?

Is ECOWAS ready to fight a surrogate war on behalf of France? Is Nigeria going to do that in Nigeria’s interest? Has France not seen itself, and behaved as, Nigeria’s competitor for influence in the West African sub-region? Has it not tried on uncountable occasions to undermine Nigeria’s position at every opportunity? Let us take the case of the ECOWAS common currency mooted from the Gowon Era. Did France not undercut us by getting the Francophone countries to dump the ECOWAS plan and go ahead with theirs?

Which country has the largest economy in West Africa and could have reaped bounty benefits from improved free trade in West Africa? So, should we fight France’s proxy war in Niger?

Qui bono? In whose interest?

Nigeria’s power cut to Niger Republic, to say the least, lacks strategic thinking to some of us.

The Government, of course, may have superior information and longer-term view. But to poor folks like us, we know that the decision to supply Niger Republic power when we do not have enough was a strategic decision made in Nigeria’s interest. It was done in order to persuade Niger Republic not to dam the River Niger upstream.

The River Niger flows past Niger into Nigeria and supplies water to Kainji Dam – our biggest single source of electric power. If Niger dams the River Niger tomorrow, the water supply to Kainji dam would be impacted. Using that power supply to play power games and please France and other interests have long-term implications.

Have we planned for that? And will anyone in Niger Republic actually take this insult to their sovereignty and wellbeing (electric power supply) as being done in their interest? I doubt so.

The case for democracy has long been made starting from ancient Greece where the people voted for their leaders and had their say on issues that affected them. It neither started with the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln nor with the French Revolution that began on 5th May 1789. That is the form of government that we all like, when practised in the interest of the people. Why are we cutting power supply and issuing ultimatum with not-so-veiled military threat before sending a mediation team? Is it not a bit unsettling that those who excoriated NLC and TUC for going on strike while negotiations are ongoing are loudly silent while the Niger Government was dealt a power cut and given a 7day ultimatum before a ‘mediation’ team is being sent to Niamey? It is like thinking of what to do about palliatives after subsidy removal rather than the other way round.

France, and to some extent, the West should remove their knee from Francophone Africa’s neck and allow it to breathe. Their resources ought to benefit the people and not the thieving elite and their colonial metropolis. God did not make a mistake by putting under their soil such valuable natural resources as uranium now craved by rich countries who are not ready to pay for them.

That France became rich and has a very high standard of living through the sweat of these same poor countries is bad enough. Keeping them perpetually poor and not letting them breathe the same oxygen that God gave us free is criminal.

interests that appear to be fueling resentment by the younger generation of citizens in those countries including those in the armed forces.

They see their resources being stolen by France and their own so-called ‘elected’ leaders and their future seems bleak. They seem to ask themselves what next if this state of affairs continues? The same questions that Thomas Sankara asked and agents of imperialism cut his life short using his treacherous bosom friend whose name is not worth my mention here. Thomas Sankara’s place in Burkinabe history is assured. So is the infamy of the man that was used to stop his attempt to take his country to greatness.

It seems to me this wind of change in Francophone West Africa is a re-igniting of the Sekou Toure vision of Guinean independence. Of all the African leaders that negotiated independence from France, Sekou Toure, God bless his soul, was the only one who refused to sign away his country’s beckoning freedom. He refused continued subjugation after flag independence. Consequently, France removed all the infrastructure in the country before departure and left the country prostrate but with its self-pride intact. Such a ‘scotched earth’ policy by the country of egalite, liberte and fraternite! What a shame.

These threats coming from ECOWAS and Nigeria to the junta in Niger are viewed by different people from different prisms. People like the President of Togo, who is only President because his father, a coupe plotter and killer, was in power forever are also lending a voice to those threats? When is his tenure ending? Is there a voice of opposition in his banana republic today?

Akuffo Ado used to speak well and say the right things at international fora. But go and check how he has brought Ghana, our shining star of recent to its knees – economically speaking. He •Isikhuemen writes from auxtynisi@yahoo.com

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