SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST 2023

Nigeria’s GDP Growth Slows to 2.51% Amid Economic Crisis Crude oil production drops to 1.22mbpd, amounting to 5.34% input to GDP in Q2 2023 James Emejo in Abuja Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate slowed to 2.51 per cent year-on-year in the second

quarter of this year (Q2 2023) compared to 3.54 per cent recorded in Q2 2022, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said yesterday.

This, however, represented

an increase of 0.20 per cent compared to 2.31 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2023.

According to the Second Quarter GDP Report released

by the statistical agency, the major driver of the economy remained the services sector which recorded a growth of 4.42 per cent and contributed 58.42 per cent to the aggregate

GDP. Quarter-on-quarter, real GDP decreased by 0.17 per cent in Q2 2023, reflecting a low production level of economic activities compared

to the preceding quarter.

According to the NBS, real GDP was estimated at N17.72 trillion in Q2, lower Continued on page 5

Pay Attention to Amnesty Programme, Niger Delta Leaders Tell Tinubu...

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Avenge Their Deaths, CDS Orders Commanders, Troops at Burial of 22 Soldiers Killed by Terrorists ‘Those who did this, and those who continue to kill our men, wherever they are, we will smoke them out’

Kingsley Nweze The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa has ordered all military commanders and troops in the country to immediately avenge the death of their colleagues in the hands of terrorists.

General Musa gave the order yesterday at the national military cemetery in Abuja, during the burial of 22 soldiers killed by terrorists in Niger State on August 13.

The terrorists, obviously with better intelligence, ambushed the Nigerian soldiers in Chikoba community, Shiroro, Local

Government Area of Niger State, killing no fewer than 25 of them.

Sadly, a military helicopter that went to evacuate dead and injured soldiers crashed, killing another 11 military officers.

Days later, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed that three officers and 22 soldiers were killed during the ambush.

The remains of the fallen soldiers were yesterday conveyed from a military hospital in Kaduna to Abuja Airport where they were moved Continued on page 5

Niger’s Junta Okays Intervention of Mali, Burkina Faso’s Armed Forces if Attacked By ECOWAS Directs France Ambassador to leave Niamey within 48 hours

Bennett Oghifo in Lagos and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Niger Republic's junta leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani has signed two orders authorising the defense and security forces of Burkina Faso and Mali to intervene on Nigerien territory in the event of an attack by the

standby forces of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

This was disclosed on Thursday after a meeting of the three allies’ foreign ministers who met in the Nigerien capital, Niamey, to discuss “boosting cooperation Continued on page 5

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Pay Attention to Amnesty Programme, Niger Delta Leaders Tell Tinubu Bennett Oghifo The federal government has been urged to pay special attention to the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP).

The appeal was made by leaders of the Niger Delta under the platform of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) in a communique issued after a meeting on Monday with the South-south leader, Chief Edwin Clark, in Abuja.

“We call on the administration

of President Bola Tinubu to accord special attention to the PAP, which has remained a major booster to the critical oil and gas industry, from which the country earns most of its revenue.

“We note that the programme has carried out various training and reintegration programmes, and urge that this should be sustained with greater vigour and funding.

“We advise that PAP continues to be inclusive, to cover all

properly accredited delegates and ensure that all ratified benefits are fully paid.

“We commend the Interim Administrator of the programme for the new initiatives to deepen socio-economic impact through the establishment of the PAP Cooperative Scheme and enjoin all beneficiaries to wholly embrace it.

“We call on the Federal Government to continue to improve the conditions for the implementation of the

programme, as regards the welfare of beneficiaries, due to the sharply changed economic circumstances, which are currently prevailing in the country,” said the communique that was signed by the Secretary, Board of Trustees of PANDEF, Godknows Igali and the leader of the National Representative Council, Alfred Mulade, among others.

The meeting, the group said, provided “the opportunity to express their thoughts on various existing challenges,”

and commended the interim administrator, Gen Barry Ndiomu (retd) for “Demonstrating high management and administrative capacity and competence since assuming office in September 2022.

It also enjoined him to establish liaison offices in the Niger Delta states for the purpose of ensuring effective implementation of activities connected with the execution of the programme.

“We agree on the need to establish an effective

single window liaison at the Headquarters of PAP for the purpose of resolving issues which are brought to the attention of the interim administrator.

“We Implore youths of the Niger Delta to continue to embrace peace and work with the government to ensure effective implementation of the Programme and other related efforts aimed at addressing the socio-economic and developmental challenges of the region,” said the group.

AVENGE THEIR DEATHS, CDS ORDERS COMMANDERS, TROOPS AT BURIAL OF 22 SOLDIERS KILLED BY TERRORISTS to the cemetery for interment.

Speaking at the burial ceremony attended by families, friends, senior military personnel and colleagues of the late officers, the Chief of Defence Staff vowed that those responsible for the deaths of the personnel would pay for it.

He vowed that the military would hunt down bandits, and terrorists, among other criminal elements, in the country.

Musa said: “We will ensure those who did this must pay for this. I use this opportunity to call on all commanders and troops all over Nigeria that we must avenge this. Those who did this, and those who continue to kill our men, wherever they are, we will get them, we will smoke them out and we will ensure that they never have any other opportunity to kill any other person, that I assure you.

"We will hunt you down, we will bring you to justice.

We will not relent until we get those causing havoc in the country," the distraught defence chief said.

He expressed deep pain over the tragic occurrence: "Today is one of the most difficult days in every commander's mind, because when you have to bury your own, you feel highly pained. But I want to assure the families that their death is not in vain.”

The defence chief praised the fallen personnel for paying the supreme sacrifice in defence of the nation.

"Today we gather here with heavy hearts and tearful eyes to bid farewell to our fallen heroes in the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our nation.

"We stand here today to honour their courage,

dedication and commitment to duty. Their lives were abruptly taken from us in the line of duty while responding to a distress call in the Chikoba community in Shiroro, Local Government Area in Niger State.

"We gather not only to believe they are lost, but also to celebrate their lives and extra extraordinary contributions to our beloved nation. We are gathered here today not only as great family members, friends and colleagues, but also as the nation united.

"These following years exemplify the very best of what it means to serve and protect our nation. They were the vendors of peace, the guidance of our freedom and the sentiments of our security, their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty will forever be etched in our hearts and memories," he said.

He praised the departed personnel for braving all the odds in the service of the nation.

"Today, we bid farewell to men who dedicated their lives to the cause of safeguarding our nation. They were men and women of honor and integrity. They accepted the call to serve, fully aware of the dangers that lay ahead. And yet they never were rewarded in their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our fellow citizens.

"They were sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives, fathers and mothers.

"To the families, who have lost loved ones, we give our deepest condolences. We cannot begin to fathom the pain and sorrow that we are experiencing. Know that deep in your heart, you are not alone in your grief.

NIGERIA’S GDP GROWTH SLOWS TO 2.51% AMID ECONOMIC CRISIS than N17.75 trillion in Q1 but higher than N17.28 trillion in Q2 2022.

"This highlighted the shortfall in production level in the quarter under review when compared with the previous quarters of Q1 2023 but higher than the corresponding quarter of Q2 2022," the NBS added.

However, nominal GDP (current price) stood at N52.10 trillion in Q2, indicating a yearon-year nominal growth rate of 15.77 per cent. This was higher than the N45 trillion recorded in Q2 2022 and N51.24 trillion in the preceding quarter.

The average daily oil production declined to 1.22 million barrels per day (mbpd) in Q2 compared to 1.43mbpd recorded in the same quarter of 2022 by 0.22mbpd and also lower than the 1.51 mbpd in Q1 of 2023, the NBS added.

The oil sector contributed 5.34 per cent to GDP, down

from 6.21 per cent in the preceding quarter as well as 6.33 per cent in Q2 2022.

On the other hand, the non-oil sector contributed 94.66 per cent to the economy in Q2, higher than 93.79 per cent in the preceding quarter and 93.67 per cent in Q2 2022.

The agricultural sector contributed 23.01 per cent to GDP, lower than 21.66 per cent in Q1 but higher than 23.24 per cent in the corresponding year. Industries contributed 18.56 per cent to growth.

The manufacturing sector contributed 8.62 per cent to GDP in Q2, lower than 10.13 per cent in the preceding quarter and 8.65 per cent in Q2 2022.

In addition, trade contributed 16.80 to GDP, in Q2, higher than 15.97 per cent recorded in Q1, but lower than 16.81 per cent recorded in the previous year.

“The entire nation and the Armed Forces are with you and are still ready to support you in any possible way. We recognise that no word can ease your pain, but we hope that you'll find solace in the knowledge that your loved ones left an indelible mark in our nation's history," Musa assured.

At the burial, the ministers of defence and the service chief performed the wreath laying. Nigerian flags and plaques were given to the next of kins of the fallen officers and the traditional 21-gun salute rendered in honour of the fallen heroes.

The fallen heroes were Corporal Jauro Amos,

LCpl Sunday Okopi, LCpl Ekpeyong Edet, Lance Corporal Alaribe Daniel Nnamdi, Lance Corporal Briggs Stephen, LCpl Yakubu Ayuba, LCpl Nura Mohammed, Pte Habib Aliyu, Pte Tanko Waje, Aircraftman Abubakar Abdulrahaman The solemn ceremony was attended by Governor

Mohammed Bago of Niger State; Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla; and the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar.

NIGER’S JUNTA OKAYS INTERVENTION OF MALI, BURKINA FASO’S ARMED FORCES IF ATTACKED BY ECOWAS on security and other joint issues.”

The Junta has also ordered France Ambassador, Sylvain Itte, to leave Niamey within 48 hours.

Soldiers from the Presidential Guard had on July 26 deposed President Mohamed Bazoum, thus truncating the constitutional political leadership in the West African country. Two days later, the soldiers named General Tchiani as the new leader of the country, with Tchiani warning against any foreign military intervention.

After a meeting of ECOWAS Heads of States and Government in Abuja, the bloc directed the deployment of a “standby force” to restore democracy in Niger.

The decision on Thursday by the Junta, authorising the troops of Mali and Burkina Faso to come in and defend Niger in the event of attack by ECOWAS is seen as a possible sign of the coup leaders’ plans to keep resisting regional pressure to stand down.

“The Burkinabe and Malian foreign ministers reiterated their rejection of an armed intervention against the people of Niger which will be considered as a declaration of war,” the ministers said in the statement issued at the end of their meeting.

The main West African bloc ECOWAS has been trying to negotiate with the coup leaders but warned it is ready to explore all measures including the deployment of troops into Niger to restore constitutional order if diplomatic efforts fail.

But Niger’s junta-led neighbours, Mali and Burkina Faso, insist they would back Niger in any conflict with ECOWAS. The Defence Chiefs of ECOWAS had at a two-day meeting in Accra, Ghana, last week agreed on “D-day” for a possible military intervention to restore civil rule in Niger Republic if diplomatic efforts fail.

The West African army chiefs met to finetune logistics and strategy for a possible use of force in Niger.

Speaking after the Defence Chiefs’ meeting, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Abdel-Fatau Musah, said the “D-Day” for the military intervention in Niger Republic had been decided, without disclosing the exact date.

Musah said: “We are ready to go anytime the order is given.

The D-Day is also decided. We’ve already agreed and fine-tuned

what will be required for the intervention.”

Musah noted that the community was still seeking to engage with the junta peacefully, saying, “As we speak, we are still readying a mediation mission into the country, so we have not shut any door.”

On July 30, ECOWAS, led by Nigeria, decided on sanctions against the military Junta in Niger and gave a week’s ultimatum to them to restore ousted Bazoum to office.

In addition to a one-week ultimatum to restore constitutional order and the suspension of financial transactions with Niger, ECOWAS decreed the freezing of “all service transactions, including energy transactions.”

Orders France Ambassador out of Niamey The Niger Republic military rulers have given the French ambassador 48 hours to leave Niger, the country’s minister of foreign affairs said in a statement yesterday.

“Faced with the refusal of the French ambassador in Niamey to respond to an invitation from the minister for a meeting yesterday and other actions of the French government contrary to the interests of Niger, the authorities have decided to withdraw their approval of Sylvain Itte and ask him to depart within 48 hours, the statement said.

This decision follows a series of statements and demonstrations hostile toward France since the Nigerien army overthrew President Bazoum, who has since been detained with his family.

The military leaders accuse Paris of wanting to intervene militarily in Niger in order to reinstate Bazoum and claim that ECOWAS is an organisation in the pocket of former regional colonial power France.

France has some 1,500 troops stationed in Niger to aid in fighting jihadist groups that have plagued the country along with the wider Sahel region for years.

ECOWAS: Preparations for Deployment of Intervention Force Continue Meanwhile, ECOWAS yesterday explained that it was not planning to wage war on

Niger and Nigeriens, but that every action it had taken so far was for the good of the people of the troubled country.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray said nothing had yet been done against the interest of Niger.

He said: “We would like to use the opportunity to reassure the good people of Niger Republic that our major concern is for their welfare as we work assiduously to restore civilian rule and political stability in the country, and indeed in the other ECOWAS Member States currently under military rule, in the spirit of solidarity and collective security which is at the heart of our integration agenda.”

Touray lamented: “Coup d’etat is a tragedy for our regional efforts at consolidating democracy after the political crises of the 90's exemplified by the civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone. Through collective efforts of our community, the region was stabilised and the foundation for democracy and the rule of law restored.

“Indeed, until about three years ago, all leaders in the ECOWAS region were democratically elected.

Unfortunately, the ill winds of coups started blowing again recently and the region has experienced three successful coups and two failed coups.

The current development in the Republic of Niger adds to the list of attempted coups d'état in the region.

“So, you can understand why the Heads of State and Government have decided that this is one coup too many and resolved that it was time to end the contagion. The situation in the Republic of Niger is particularly unfortunate as it comes at a time the country is doing comparatively well in terms of security and economic growth.”

Justifying the decision on the planned deployment of the standby force, Touray said: “The ECOWAS security architecture, which has informed other security arrangements within and outside the region, is anchored on a number of instruments.

These include the 1991

ECOWAS Declaration of Political Principles; the Revised ECOWAS Treaty of 1993, the 1999 ECOWAS Protocol relating to the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management, Resolution, Peacekeeping and Security, as well as the 2001 Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

“The deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force is provided for in the 1999 Mechanism. Specifically, Article 25 expressly stipulates the conditions for the deployment of such a force. Among other conditions, the article provides that the force can be deployed 'in the event of an overthrow or an attempted overthrow of a democratically elected government.'

“Furthermore, the Supplementary Act of 2012 also provides for sanctions to be invoked against members that fail to honour their obligations to ECOWAS. It also provides for the use of legitimate force in the restoration of constitutional order.

Niger Republic is a signatory to all these instruments. Those who challenge the legality of the decision of ECOWAS Heads of State need to do more research.”

He explained that: “In taking its decision of 30th July and 10th August 2023, the Authority of Heads of State and Government was only activating these provisions.

Unfortunately, this decision has been taken out of context and repeatedly misrepresented in the media as a declaration of war against Niger Republic or a planned invasion of the country.

“It is even tragic that some influential persons in the Community have promoted this narrative which has been hyped in the social media as the gospel truth. These persons have conveniently ignored the strenuous efforts of the community to engage with the junta to reverse the attempted coup.”

He said: “Nonetheless, preparations continue towards making the force ready for deployment. Consequently, the technical arms of the decision-making organs, which include the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff have also been directed to prepare the community enforcement mechanism in case it becomes compelling to deploy the force.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

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

Ganduje, Yahaya Bello Reach Compromise on Kogi NWC Nomination Crisis Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, have reached a compromise on the disagreement surrounding the nomination of candidates from Kogi State to fill the vacant position micro-zoned to it in the National Working Committee (NWC).

The disagreement occurred after the National Secretary of the party,

Ajibola Basiru, announced the approved names of candidates to fill the six vacant positions in the NWC. The six vacancies emerged following the resignation of three members, the ministerial appointment of two and the death of the former National Welfare Secretary, Friday Nwosu in March this year.

Recall that Bello and the state leadership of the party opposed the nomination of Hon. Duro Meseko as Deputy National

Diphtheria: Bauchi Records 26 Deaths Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi About 26 persons in Bauchi State have died as a result of diphtheria while 180 suspected cases have been recorded across the state since the outbreak of the disease earlier this year.

This is as the Integrated Health Program (IHP) United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded programme called on the Bauchi State Government to use a portion of the N5 billion palliatives sent to states from the federal government to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy of fuel, to enroll more vulnerable population in the healthcare insurance scheme of the state.

The Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, disclosed this while speaking during a one-day media quarterly meeting organised by Journalists For Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) in partnership with United States Agency for International Development funded Integrated Health Program (USAID - IHP) held yesterday at Hazibal Hotel and Suites, Bauchi.

The one-day media engagement focused on 2023 Bauchi State budget performance and health financing reforms of the state.

The executive chairman said that out of the number of deaths, four were confirmed diphtheria cases while the remaining 22 were signs, symptoms and complications of diphtheria following the results

of tests conducted.

Rilwanu, who stated that so far the suspected cases were being investigated to ascertain the confirmed cases, further explained that “A total of 180 suspected cases were reported from Bauchi (07), Dambam (32), Darazo(2) Itas-Gadau (5), Jamaáre (104), Katagum (17), Misau (9), Ganjuwa(1), Giade (1) and Nini (1) LGAs. Of the 180 suspected cases reported,7 (3.9 per cent) were lab confirmed and 166 were clinically compatible.

“26 deaths were recorded among suspected/ confirmed cases (CFR- 14.40 per cent). 10 LGAs reported at least a case, totalling 180 suspected cases in Bauchi State, Jamaáre LGA accounted for 57, 8 per cent of the diphtheria cases.

The confirmed cases were from Jamaáre A, B, D, and Itas (01), Dagauda (1), Gabchiyari (1), and Nasarawa B(1).

“The ages of the suspected/ confirmed cases were 0–55 years while two deaths were recorded among the 7 confirmed cases (CFR: 28.60 per cent), 12 (11.5 per cent) of the total cases reported from Jama’are were partially vaccinated with a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine,” he said.

The IHP Health Financing Advisor, Khalid Kasimu, also called on the Bauchi State Government to use a portion of the N5 billion palliatives sent to states from the federal government to cushion the effects of the removal of subsidy and to enroll more vulnerable population in the healthcare insurance scheme of the state.

Ocean Surge Menace: LERSA, NCF, Other Stakeholders Meet The Director General, Nigeria Conservation Foundation (NCF), Joseph Onoja, has warned that if measures are not quickly put in place, the Atlantic Ocean would soon affect the Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos.

Onoja gave the warning on Thursday at a meeting on ocean encroachment between Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Senator Wasiu Eshilokun, who represents Lagos Central Senatorial District; NCF, and Eti-Osa East Local Council Development Authority (LCDA).

The meeting was held to find solutions to the ocean surge that is rapidly destroying communities in the Eti-Osa/Lekki Corridor.

During a presentation at the meeting, Onoja showed that over 130 meters of land have been

encroached upon by the Atlantic Ocean in four years, and in 2024, a projection of another 50 meters will be gone if no immediate intervention is made.

Senator Eshilokun expressed deep concerns about the happenings and assured LERSA and other stakeholders impacted by the ocean surge that the matter will be top priority when the Senate resumes plenary sessions in September.

He also mandated the NCF and the LERSA Infrastructure Committee to come up with technically feasible solutions for review and possible implementation.

Among other stakeholders in attendance at the meeting were foremost environmental activist, Desmond Majekodunmi; and Vice-Chairman, Eti-Osa East LCDA, Azeez Ismail.

Publicity Secretary and Hon. Ikani Okolo as Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central).

Aside from the Kogi impasse, both Edo and Abia were having a face-off over the position of National Women leader.

However, the governor and other stakeholders from Cross River State on Thursday stalled the scheduled inauguration of the six newly elected NWC members who were to replace former officers.

After waiting a whole day on Thursday for the party’s National Chairman at the party secretariat, Bello later left for Ganduje’s residence where he finally struck a deal around 12 midnight.

A reliable source told THISDAY that the governor was asked to nominate a replacement for the Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central) while the nomination of Hon. Meseko as Deputy National Publicity Secretary stands.

“After a series of negotiations and consultations with other stakeholders, based on the proposal of the National Chairman and in the interest of peace and exclusivity, the governor is to nominate the replacement for Hon. Ikani Shuaibu Okolo earlier nominated as Zonal Organising Secretary (North Central).

“It was also agreed that the nomination of Hon. Duro Meseko as the Deputy National Publicity Secretary stands.

“This decision will be conveyed to the National Leader of the party, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, by the National Chairman yesterday (Friday) after the Jumat prayers and a new date for the inauguration of the six officers will be announced after the Villa meeting.”

Meanwhile, Abia APC caucus and stakeholders have rejected the process employed by the party in replacing Late Nwosu as the National Welfare Secretary and the representative of Abia in the NWC. Addressing a press conference on behalf of Abia caucus yesterday in Abuja, Senator Chris Adighije said the Abia APC has a leader in the person of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ben Kalu who is supported by the Caucus/Stakeholders in nominating the replacement of Nwosu and the representative of Abia at the NWC. He said the above position of the Caucus/Stakeholders was communicated to the National Chairman in his office through two separate delegations led

by Kalu and Senator Nkechi

Nwaogu.

Adighije stated: “A letter of the stakeholders dated the 15th August 2023 signed by major stakeholders to which was annexed the list of attendance of the nomination meeting officially conveying Caucus/Stakeholders nomination to the NWC through the National Chairman, through the Zonal Chairman, South East and through the State Executive Committee was conveyed as well.

“Considering that Abia APC does not have a Governor and that the Deputy Speaker who is the leader of the party in the state and the Stakeholders were not carried along by the NWC in reaching their decision, we hereby call on our National Chairman and the NWC to revisit their earlier decision.

“May we also call the attention of the President, the leader of our great party to this passionate appeal that will help Abia APC heal from the wounds inflicted on us by similar act of external interference in the activities of our state chapter in times past and allow us to unite and reposition Abia APC for greater prospects under the God-given leadership of the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.”

But the officially recognised

Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday rejected in its entirety the imposition of a new National Welfare Secretary of the party, saying that it runs foul of the party’s constitution.

In a press release signed by the state Chairman of the party, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu and the Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah, the state leadership of the party called on the National Working Committee to reverse itself and respect the party’s constitution. According to them, the constitution of the party is very clear on who has the mandate to nominate a replacement in case of vacancy, which they maintained falls squarely on the State Executive Committee.

“The party pointed out that following the death of the last occupant of the office, Barrister F.N. Nwosu, the state chapter, in line with its mandate in APC Constitution, nominated its State Organising Secretary, Mr. Obinna Atuonwu and forwarded same to both Zonal and National organs of our great party for ratification.”

The Abia APC stated that it “is deeply worried that some stranger elements are trying to destabilise the Abia State chapter of the party after their treachery and betrayals during the last election.”

RECOGNISED FOR EXCELLENCE… L-R: Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Executive Vice-Chair, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede; Mr. Essah Aniefiok Etim of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment; and Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, at the presentation of the Emily Aig-Imoukhuede Memorial Award for Public Sector Excellence at the Civil Service Gala/Award Nite, in Abuja… recently

Promote Nigeria’s Unity, Progress, Barau Tasks Social Media Influencers Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Jibrin Barau, has emphasised the need for social media influencers to channel their energy towards the promotion of unity and progress of Nigeria.

He described the new media as a crucial tool for the promotion of national unity and development.

Barau stated this yesterday in Abuja while hosting members of the Northern Nigeria APC Media Network in his National Assembly office.

Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, appealed to members of the APC Media Network to continue to promote the activities and policies of the government at

all levels.

He said, “What you are doing is commendable. Continue to promote the good things this government is doing to enhance the standard of living of the masses.

“There are governmentowned media outfits, but we need people like you to support us in promoting our activities.

“Kindly expand the membership of your association to other parts of the country.

“We want a situation where if you go to Enugu from Kano you will feel at home. If you go to Zamfara from Enugu, you will feel at home. This is our country.

Let us all be promoters of unity and national cohesion,” he said.

The Chairman of the

association, Bashir Yusuf Shuwaki, announced the appointment of the Deputy Senate President as the grand patron of the association.

Meanwhile, thousands of constituents from Yobe North Senatorial District, yesterday, besieged the Wachakal Airstrip to welcome former Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

Lawan, according to his media aide, Ezrel Tabiowo, arrived at Wachakal in Nguru Local Government Area of Yobe State from Abuja at exactly 12:40p.m.

The former Senate President had during his tenure between 2019-2023 facilitated the reconstruction of the airstrip.

The airstrip was previously considered as the hub for local and foreign missions within the North-east region before

it became moribund.

The approval for the revival of the Wachakal Airstrip was given by the former President Muhammadu Buhari administration in August 2021.

Lawan’s mission to Yobe North Senatorial District was to flag-off the distribution of palliatives to his constituents by his foundation – The Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan Empowerment Foundation, today.

Lawan’s foundation had concluded arrangements to distribute 9,000 bags of grains to constituents in 60 wards across the five local government areas in Yobe North.

The intervention is in support of efforts by the Yobe State Government and the federal government to ease the hardship faced by the people.

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FG: Port Harcourt Refinery to Begin Operations in December, Warri by Q1, 2024 Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The federal government yesterday reiterated its commitment to ending petroleum

products importation in the country, noting that by December this year, the Port Harcourt refinery will come on stream.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the rehabilitation

Sharp Practices: Enugu State Govt Vows to Seal Fraudulent Fuel Stations Enugu State Government has vowed to seal fuel stations engaging in sharp practices, such as metre adjustment, stressing that the state had no room for petroleum products marketers, who short-change consumers by dispensing fuel quantities lower than what they pay for.

The government expressed sadness that of the 15 fuel stations visited, none had an accurate metering system and therefore directed the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Enugu State, to call their members to order, as the fraudulent marketers would have the government to contend with henceforth.

Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Ajogwu, made the government’s position known during an unscheduled tour of filling stations in Enugu metropolis to ascertain the veracity of alleged sharp practices by many petroleum marketers in the state.

He told journalists that the state government embarked on the exercise following complaints

by Enugu residents and motorists, especially transporters.

“The administration has received tons of complaints on this issue of sharp practices by petroleum products marketers in the state.

Sadly, after our unscheduled visits to 15 filing stations, we discovered that none of their metres was accurate. Yet they sold petrol at between N600 and N620 per litre.

“For every 20 litres of fuel Enugu residents bought, they were short-changed to the tune of N768.60, N702, N682.00, N575 N441.60, N480, and N256.2. We view this as both ungodly and pure economic sabotage.

“The Dr. Peter Mbah administration remains committed to boosting productivity and making life better for the people, and we will not fold our hands and watch this economic strangulation continue.

It is insensitive, unacceptable, and we will never condone it,” he emphasised.

work at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) plant, in Port Harcourt , Rivers State, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, explained that efforts were being redoubled to restore the nation’s local refining capacity.

A statement in Abuja, by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Garba Muhammad, said the minister was in the company of his counterpart, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.

Others who were also on the trip included the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda, and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd., Mr. Mele Kyari.

According to Lokpobiri,

considering the level of progress already recorded at the PHRC rehabilitation project, the plant will come back on stream by the end of this year.

“Our objective for coming here today is to ensure that in the next few years, Nigeria stops fuel importation. From what we have seen here today, Port Harcourt Refinery will come on board by the end of the year.

“Warri will come on stream by the end of the first quarter of next year, and Kaduna will also come on board towards the end of next year. If you add that to the Dangote Refinery, we will be able to stop fuel importation, and Nigerians will enjoy the full benefits of deregulation,” he assured.

The minister further said that he was satisfied with the ongoing rehabilitation work at the refinery, noting that once all the refineries

are back on stream, Nigerians will enjoy better supply of petroleum products, and foreign exchange will be domesticated, leading to an improved economy.

Earlier in his remarks, the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd., Kyari, said bringing back the refineries to their optimal levels was a national aspiration, and that the company remained focused on delivering on it.

“We are aware of our nation’s challenges in terms of fuel supply. But we are not here to give excuses. We are focused on delivering this rehabilitation project, our two other refineries, and all other investments towards revamping the nation’s refining capacity.

“We are hopeful that in 2024, this country will be a net exporter of petroleum products,” Kyari stated.

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas),

Ekpo said that given the critical nature of petroleum products, it was important to ensure the plants begin to function soonest.

“We are here to go into the field. Yesterday was the era of subsidies. Today, we don’t have subsidies. Today, people are in a desperate situation to heave a sigh of relief; and see how to live.

“You all know that petrol is very vital to our economy. All hands must be on deck to ensure that the refineries are working,” he stated.

The statement added that during the visit, the two ministers also participated in the Refineries’ Rehabilitation Steering Committee (RRSC) meeting and held talks with the refinery’s Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contractors.

RSU: Fubara Orders Investigation over Robbery Attack on Female Students Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Governor, Mr. Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered investigation into the robbery attack on female students hostel at the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

Fubara also condemned the robbery attack on students in the female Hostel D by yet to be identified Hoodlums.

The governor during a visit to the school campus assured that investigation that has been opened will unravel the perpetrators, and bring them to book while promising medical attention for the molested students.

It would be recalled that the female students were attacked on Wednesday, by armed men who broke into their hostel in the institution premises and made a way with

their belongings, while students sustained injuries trying to escape the attack.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Emeka Nwonyi, had also directed that adequate security be provided in the campus.

In a statement by state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said that “The Rivers State Police Command, having received a report of an armed robbery attack at the Rivers State University female hostel, the CP directed the DC Operations, Area Commander, Port Harcourt, and the DPO Nkpolu to provide adequate security on the campus.

The Police commissioner further has called for vigilance and urged students, parents, and the school management to take advantage of the Police Control Room numbers for reporting suspicious activities:

TOUCHING LIVES...

L-R: Ikeja Golf Club Captain, Shina Akinyemi; Project Manager, Tamilore Areola Foundation (TAF), Victoria Sewodor; co-founder, TAF, Jeffrey Adebayo, and a TAF beneficiary, Oke Daniel, at TAF’s first report presentation and fundraising ceremony in Lagos… recently

Tinubu Names Dekalu-Thomas MD/CEO Of NELMCO Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Mojoyinoluwa DekaluThomas as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Electricity

Liability Management Company (NELMCO) for a term of four years.

Mrs. Dekalu-Thomas, according to a release issued yesterday by Presidential Spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, has served as the Acting MD/CEO of NELMCO since the

tenure of pioneer NELMCO MD/ CEO, Mr. Adebayo Fagbemi, ended on May 8th, 2023.

Furthermore, her previous interim role and new substantive appointment has created a vacancy at her previous position: Executive Director, Liability Management.

Accordingly, President Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Dimla Joel Nchinney, as NELMCO’s substantive Executive Director, Liability Management.

The two new appointments, the release stated, take immediate effect.

Shettima: Nigeria”ll Continue to Collaborate With China, Other African Nations First Lady’s RHI Trains 35 Women in ICT, Empowerment Programme Deji Elumoye in Abuja Vice President Kashim Shettima has reiterated the commitment of Nigeria towards collaborating with China and other African countries to ensure that the partnership’s objectives are achieved for the mutual benefit of both parties.

Speaking while representing President Bola Tinubu at the BRICS Summit, in Johannesburg at the China-Africa Leaders’ Roundtable Dialogue Meeting on the margins of the BRICS Summit, Johannesburg, South Africa, Shettima said “Nigeria welcomes the new initiatives

introduced by the Chinese authorities, which include supporting and promoting the modernisation of Africa’s agriculture and agribusiness sectors; providing robust support for Africa to expedite regional integration and backing Africa’s industrialisation and infrastructure expansion.”

The Vice President spoke to a large audience including President Xi Jinping of China and some African leaders on the theme ‘Promoting African Integration and Jointly Building a High-Level Africa-China Community with a Shared Future’ at the Sandton Convention Centre

in Johannesburg.

Shettima commended the existing partnership between China and Africa particularly “the three newly identified initiatives and priority areas of cooperation, between China and Africa in the areas of agriculture, industrialisation, and human capacity development.”

He said these align with the “Renewed Hope” mantra of Tinubu administration, the African Union’s Agenda 2063, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030, adding that “they are relevant to our continental and national development aspirations.”

Deji Elumoye in Abuja Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has graduated the first set of beneficiaries of Women ICT Training and Empowerment Programme as part of the mandate of her pet project, the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), move to empower Nigerian women with enabling skills.

According to a release issued yesterday by media aide to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, the training had no fewer than 35 women drawn from across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In her address on the occasion, Mrs. Tinubu congratulated the participants and emphasised the importance of digital literacy and its role in fostering economic independence, noting that these skills are indispensable tools for driving growth and innovation.

According to her, “The importance of digital literacy and its role in fostering economic independence cannot be overemphasised. In a world driven by technology, these skills empower women to take control of their lives, contribute to their communities and seize opportunities.

“As we celebrate the successful conclusion of this programme, I extend my congratulations to all participants. You have exhibited resilience, determination and a hunger for knowledge that will undoubtedly set you on a path of success.”

On his part, the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, appreciated the First Lady for the opportunity given to work with the Renewed Hope Initiative.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26 ,2023

9

NEWS Gov Eno Orders Probe into Activities of Chinese Manufacturing Factory in A’Ibom Okon Bassey in Uyo

FOR NATIONAL SERVICE… L-R: NYSC Director, SAED, Nwatarali Ngozi D; MD, NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Ngozi Arukwe; Director General, NYSC, Brig. Gen. Y. D. Ahmed; GMD, Kudimata Nig Ltd, Kathleen Erhimu and NYSC Director, Special Duty, Musa Abubakar, during the launching of the inaugural financial education for corps members across the federation... recently

the factory.

Eno equally directed the State Akwa Ibom State Governor, Commissioner for Environment Mr. Umo Eno, has ordered a and that of Internal Security detailed investigation into the to avail him with a report on activities of a Chinese manufac- DFWLYLWLHV RI WKH IDFWRU\ LQ turing company, Golden Tripod hours and demanded that Limited operating in the state. the factory be moved to the 7KH PDQXIDFWXULQJ ÀUP industrial park which is an located along Ikot Ekpene Road, appropriate location for such Uyo, the state capital, has been ventures.

“Commissioner for Environdirected to relocate to the Ibom Industrial Park in Itam, Itu Local ment and Commissioner for Government Area of the state. Internal security, I want to have Governor Eno gave the order a report on what this factory ZKLOH ÁDJJLQJ RͿ WKH FRQVWUXF- PDQXIDFWXUHV LQ WKH QH[W tion of a 2.2Km Tabernacle Road hours.

“I understand that there are SURMHFW RͿ ,NRW (NSHQH 5RDG traversing Itu and Uyo local always serious emissions around KHUH 3OHDVH ÀUVW RI DOO ÀQG RXW government areas.

The action of the governor what they do and immediately ordering the relocation of relocate them to the industrial WKH &KLQHVH ÀUP IURP WKH park. It is not proper to cite area was based on reports of factories in the middle of a city,” environmental pollution from he stressed.

Samsung Z Fold5, Z Flip5 now in Appeal Court Ruling: LP Kicks, Says Achonu Gloworld shops with 18GB Glo data

Remains Party’s Candidate for Imo Guber Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The Julius Abure-led National Working Committee of Labour Party has maintained that Senator Athan Achonu remains the authentic candidate for the November 11 governorship election in Imo State.

The party has also dismissed the rumour of Abure’s sack by Imo State Court of Appeal, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of stoking the crisis in the party.

The Court of Appeal sitting in Imo State had Thursday upheld the June 23 judgement of a Federal High Court in Owerri, which dismissed Senator Achonu

appeal for being incompetent.

The Court held that Achonu, who is the governorship candidate of the Abure’s-led NWC, failed to obtain leave of court EHIRUH ÀOLQJ WKH QRWLFH RI DSSHDO and that robbed the court of necessary jurisdiction to hear his appeal.

The court also held that the appeal was statute barred because LW ZDV QRW ÀOHG ZLWKLQ GD\V as required by law.

His notice of appeal was dated -XO\ EXW EHFDXVH LW ZDV QRW ÀOHG with a leave (permission) of court ZKLFK PXVW ÀUVW EH VRXJKW DQG JUDQWHG LW EHFDPH RI QR HͿHFW and everything built on it was DOVR RI QR HͿHFW

But the Abure-led faction has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of destabilising the party through funding support for the Lamidi Apapa-led faction.

The National Secretary of the Abure-led NWC, Mallam Umar Farouk, revealed this in a press conference, at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, yesterday.

Farouk alleged that “in order to ensure a subjugation of the Labour Party, the ruling party has deployed all manner of VWUDWHJLHV WR VWLÁH WKH SDUW\ part of which was to sponsor insurrection amongst some suspended former members of the party, Lamidi Apapa and a few others. Their assignment

was to ensure that no progress is achieved in the party.

He said: “The heavily funded dissidents have tried to mislead the courts and some section of the media to harass the party leadership but all have failed.

Only recently, the Court of Appeal sitting in Benin City D΀UPHG -XOLXV $EXUH DV WKH National Chairman of Labour Party (LP).

“We state categorically that Senator Achonu remains the Labour Party’s governorship candidate in Imo State as no court has stated otherwise. That the Independent National Electoral Commission has since published his name as the party’s candidate.

Leading telecommunications services provider, Globacom, has announced a bonus offer of 18GB data for every purchase of Samsung Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 phones from its Gloworld shops across the country.

Samsung Z Fold5 and Z Flip5 are high-end smart phones designed with panache and class for discerning users.

The two devices were unveiled in July and had been available for pre-order from August 11.

In a statement issued in Lagos, Globacom said subscribers who purchase any of the two phones will get the 18GB data free.

Following the success of the pre-order exercise, subscribers who are making a purchase of any of these two phones from any Gloworld shop are assured of getting original devices and reliable after sales support, the statement said. Gloworld shops are one stop shops for the purchase of phones and other telecommunication gadgets, the company added.

Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy = )ROG DUH WKH ÀIWK JHQHUDWLRQ of Samsung’s revolutionary foldable devices, delivering unique experiences through perfected designs and form factors, including the new Flex Hinge.

Smugglers Attack Customs Patrol Team, Injure Officer in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina

LQÁLFWHG RQ WKH R΀FHU DQG KDG directed a full-scale investigation Hoodlums suspected to be WR ÀVK RXW WKH SHUSHWUDWRUV RI smugglers have attacked the the barbaric act.

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Suleiman, in the statement, who featured as Xiaoqing in animation, opera, documentary, will not be possible without patrol team of the Nigeria WKH FULWLFDOO\ DFFODLPHG ÀOP HWF 7KH ÀOPV UHÁHFW WKH ULFK enhancing common ground, Customs Service (NCS), Federal said: “At about 1300 hours on The China Film Festival, White Snake, left the audience diversity and vitality of Chinese openness and inclusiveness as Operations Unit (FOU), Zone Wednesday, 23 August 2023, organised by the China Film awe-inspired, providing a glimpse culture and the development and well as exchange and mutual B Command, Kaduna, in 2΀FHUV DQG 0HQ RI 1LJHULD OHDUQLQJ DQG UHVHUYLQJ GLͿHUHQFHV Dankama, Kaita Local Govern- Customs Service, Federal OperaAdministration and the Consulate- into the magic of Chinese cinema. changes in Chinese society.

7KH ÀOPV LQFOXGH DQ DFWLRQ ÀOP among them.” tions Unit Zone ‘B’, went on 7KH RSHQLQJ ÀOP &ORXG\ ment Area of Katsina State.

General of the People’s Republic “This year’s China Film Festival The Command’s Public legitimate patrol duties to the RI &KLQD LQ /DJRV NLFNHG RͿ RQ Mountain was screened after the Ride On starring Jackie Chan, who Monday at Silverbird Galleria, speeches, drawing applause and is very popular with the African in Lagos, Nigeria, aims to practice 5HODWLRQV 2΀FHU ,VDK 6XOHL- Dankama Area of Katsina State.

“While carrying out their Victoria Island, Lagos, with a WHDUV IURP WKH DXGLHQFH 7KH ÀOP DXGLHQFH DQ DQLPDWHG ÀOP , DP the Global Civilisation Initiative, PDQ ZKR FRQÀUPHG WKLV LQ grand opening ceremony attended GHSLFWV WKH EUDYHU\ DQG VDFULÀFH RI what I am that showcases the to implement the China-Africa a statement yesterday, said the statutory duties of antiby dignitaries from both countries. railway engineering corps in face Chinese traditional folklore of lion cultural and people-to-people VXVSHFWHG VPXJJOHUV LQÁLFWHG smuggling, some hoodlums The event was marked by cul- of geological disasters, who put GDQFH D &DQWRQHVH RSHUD ÀOP exchange program. This Film several injuries on an Inspector suspected to be smugglers tural performances presented by aside their own safety to rescue White Snake that highlights the Festival is also to strengthen of Customs, Haruna A during launched a brutal attack on WKH R΀FHUV ZLWK GDQJHURXV the Huaxing Art Troupe Nigeria, as many lives as they can. It is aesthetics of Chinese traditions; China-Nigeria cultural exchanges the attack.

He said the Comptroller ZHDSRQV WKHUHE\ LQÁLFWLQJ captivated the audience and set D ÀOP WKDW YLYLGO\ FRQYH\V WKH and a documentary Beijing 2022 DQG ÀOP PDNLQJ FRRSHUDWLRQ VR the stage for an unforgettable OLIH ÀUVW SHRSOH ÀUVW SULQFLSOH LQ that records the success of the as to share Chinese harmony FOU ‘B’, Musa Ibrahim Jalo, several injuries to Inspector Winter Olympics in Beijing last and perform Nigeria-China was concerned about the injuries of Customs (IC) Haruna A. Chinese rescues. event.

The China Film Festival will year. Speaking at the event, Yan symphony, and enhance the Also, a mesmerising live performance by the talented VKRZFDVH HOHYHQ &KLQHVH ÀOPV RI Yuqing said, “The prosperity of mutual comprehension between actress Ms. Zhu Hongxing, various types and genres: action, civilisation and human progress our two countries.”

China Film Festival Opens in Lagos with a Celebration of Cultural Diversity

Olu of Warri Expresses Palace Nigeria May Lose 20,000bpd as Protesters Storm Otumara Flow Station in Delta Readiness to Develop Iwereland

Sylvester Idowu in Warri The nation is on the verge of losing 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day as protesters from Ugborodo, Deghele, and Ugboegungun, who are the host communities of the Otumara Flow Station in Delta State operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), last night gained entrance into the oil

and gas facility.

This is following the expiraWLRQ RI WKH KRXUV KDQGHG to SPDC on Wednesday when the peaceful protest began over the alleged SPDC’s illegality against the spirit of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by refusing to engage the host communities’ Otumara Host Community Trust of the three communities.

THISDAY gathered that

protesters gained entrance into the facility at exactly 5:00p.m.

ZKHQ WKH KRXU XOWLPDWXP expired.

One of the leaders of the Ugborodo community, Mr. $OH[ (\HQJKR FRQÀUPHG WKH occupation of the SPDC facility by the protesters to THISDAY as of 6:00p.m. yesterday.

The video footage sent last night to THISDAY also corroborated his claim.

“The protesters are right now inside the Shell facility, after WKH H[SLUDWLRQ RI WKH KRXU ultimatum. Report it. Quote me. For now, the protesters are still holding back from shutting down the facility,” he noted.

He, however, admonished Nigerian troops keeping vigil at the facility to exercise caution or be ready to kill the peaceful protesters.

The Olu Of Warri kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has assured his subjects of the palace readiness to develop Iwereland to the admiration of all sons and daughters.

The royal father gave the assurance during his second year coronation anniversary at the Aghofen Palace, in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

The monarch, who ascended

the throne of his forefathers in August 2021, therefore enjoined Itsekiris, home and abroad, to join in the nation building of Iwereland, Delta and Nigeria.

“Once again, this is an open invitation for all the Itsekiris, home and abroad, to join us to build Iwereland better because together we can attain a greater height. We will lead by example,” the king admonished.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26 ,2023

10

NEWS 94 Scholars Appraise Buhari’s Eight Years of Governance in a Compendium Omolabake Fasogbon

EXHORTING TO NATIONHOOD… Acting Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Caroline Wuraola Adepoju, addressing newly recruited personnel during the ongoing orientation in Abuja yesterday

Dr. Udu Yakubu, asserted that the compendium to be released A team of 94 academics, VRRQ ZDV D FOLQLFDO HͿRUW RI researchers and experts have independent researchers, devoid come together to chronicle of political or government former President Muhammadu LQÁXHQFH He said, “The volumes are %XKDUL·V HLJKW \HDUV LQ R΀FH 7KHLU ÀQGLQJV GRFXPHQWHG pitched against and far above LQ D ÀYH YROXPH FRPSHQGLXP mere political talks coloured by scored the immediate past ad- populism, individual, party or ministration around governance sectarian interests, street sentiand development across sectors ments and social media activism and propaganda. They deal with in his eight years tenure.

Themed: ‘Muhammadu cold, hard empirical facts and Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy ÀJXUHV LQ HQJDJLQJ WKH YDUL(2015-2023)’, the 125 chapters ous policies, programmes and series initiated by May Pub- actions of the administration, lishing Limited captures the and the impact that they had policies, programmes, projects, in Nigeria’s development over challenges, achievements and the last eight years.”

Providing a highlight of the shortcomings of the former president, including his ascen- ÀYH YROXPHV <DNXEX VDLG LW WHOOV the story of past administration sion to power.

Addressing journalists about in critically varied ways to let the work in Lagos, recently, readers engage the narratives Project Director and Editor, with an open and fair mind.

Zulum Presents 50 Patrol Vehicles, 300 SEC Raises Concern as Unclaimed Dividends Hit N190bn Motorcycles to Military, CJTF, Hunters Kayode Tokede

Director General of the SEC, Mr. Lamido Yuguda, said The Securities and Exchange unclaimed dividend in the Commission (SEC) yesterday capital market has become a expressed concern as unclaimed serious problem as the comdividends in the capital market mission is consistently facing increased to an estimated identity management, multiple N190 billion, stressing that the subscriptions, and legacy issues capital market regulating body that have aggravated in the is working with key market capital market.

He stated that the commisstakeholders to curb the trend.

Speaking virtually during sion is working strategically to the second post-Capital resolve these issues with the Market Committee (CMC) introduction of an electronic PHGLD EULHÀQJ \HVWHUGD\ WKH dividend (E-dividend) portal.

According to him, both the committee on capital market E-dividend mandate, Institute of Capital Market Registrars (ICMR) and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) are working on the E-dividend portal to perform better, become user- -friendly for the commission to substantially increase the investors experience in terms of uploading required details and also get issue of unclaimed dividends in the FDSLWDO PDUNHW VLJQLÀFDQWO\

reduced.

He said the listing of a dollar-dominated bond initiative by the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) is a welcomed development, maintaining that the obligor must be ready to pay back in foreign currency.

The DG further said the commission is undergoing economic reforms in line with the present administration to reposition the capital market in a move to fund the nation’s quest for major developments.

Kefas Urges TETFUND to Build IGP Charges Newly Promoted Police Entrepreneurship Centres, E-Libraries in Taraba Officers on National Service From Wole Ayodele in Jalingo Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has appealed to the Management of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to build more entrepreneurship centres in Taraba State to help train youths in different skills.

The governor, who made the appeal yesterday when he paid a courtesy visit to the TETFUND office in Abuja also pleaded for the construction of E- libraries and Computer Based Test Centres to cater for students seating for JAMB and other examinations.

Kefas, who was received by the Executive Secretary of TETFUND,,

Dr. Sonny Echono noted that it was imperative for the state to partner with TETFUND in its bid to provide quality education for students in the state.

He assured TETFUND that his administration would be willing to provide any assistance towards realising the objective just as he pledge to personally supervise the projects from the scratch to completion.

He informed the Executive Secretary that he has reviewed the tuition in tertiary institutions in the state downward by 50% just as he declared free and compulsory education in public primary and secondary schools.

Fidelis David in Akure The Inspector General of Police (IG), Kayode Egbetokun, has tasked 224 newly promoted officers of the Ondo State Command to use their new positions to improve their services to the nation.

Egbetokun, who gave the charge yesterday, at the decoration of the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) in Akure, the state capital, said 73 of the new officers were confirmed while the rest remained unconfirmed.

Egbetokun, who was represented by Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Ebong Ebong, Zone 17 (comprising Ondo and

Ekiti states), assured the officers of the federal government’s commitment to the ongoing reforms of the Nigeria Police Force by the Inspector General of Police.

His words: “To whom much is given, much is expected. Now that you are up there, you must take responsibilities seriously.

Be professional in your duties, be civil but be fair. From today, be in charge in your duties. As from today, that playfulness as an inspector, remove it. Show that you are a senior police officer.

Maintain your dignity and pride.

“Take note, we are in era of information communication technology (internet).

Technology Usage: Nigeria Ranked FUTA Student Dies After Alleged Failure 109th Globally, 11th in Africa to Get School’s Health Center Attention Oghenevwede Ohwovoriole in Abuja The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof.

Umar Danbatta, has revealed that Nigeria is ranked 109th globally and 11th in Africa in terms of technology usage, citing the Network Readiness Index (NRI).

He was of the view that the 109th rating is not good for Nigeria which has 82 per cent of the mobile network subscribers base in Africa.

Danbatta disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the Forum on Emerging Technologies

Fidelis David in Akure organised by NCC in Abuja with the theme ‘Contextualising the Network Readiness Index (NRI) for the Nigerian Telecommunications Industry’.

The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC who was represented by the Head, Spectrum Database Management, NCC, Abraham Oshadami, said the global data collected by the NRI team revealed digital transformation was global imperative in order to maximise social and economic HͿHFWV RI WKH GLJLWDO HUD He said the NIR explores the performances of 131 economies in four categories, which include technology (infrastructure), governance, people and impact.

A 500-level student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ayomide Akeredolu, has reportedly died after alleged failure to get attention from the school’s health center.

THISDAY gathered yesterday that the incident happened about 8:50 pm on Thursday after Akeredolu was rushed to the University Health Centre but was allegedly not attended to due to failure of his colleagues to provide a means of identification of him as a student of the University.

The incident however led to protest by angry friends and students of the institution who

demanded Justice for Akeredolu.

Reacting to the development, the institution’s Director of Corporate Communication, Mr Adegbenro Adebanjo denied the allegation, noting that Akeredolu slumped in his hostel and all attempts and medical intervention at resuscitation even at the Health Centre failed with the doctors recording that he was brought in dead .

Adebanjo in a statement said: “The Federal University of Technology ,Akure ,FUTA mourns the sudden demise of one of our students , Ayomide Akeredolu, who died on Thursday August 24 , 2023 in the course of a sudden bout of illness.

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Prof.

Babagana Zulum has distributed over 50 patrol vehicles and 300 motorcycles to the Nigerian military and volunteers from the ‘Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF)’ and hunters involved in securing communities across the state.

The distribution which took place at the multi-purpose hall of the Government House in Maiduguri yesterday, according to a statement by the spokesman of the governor, Mallam Isa Gusau is aimed at enhancing surveillance for preventive and responsive operations against insurgents and other criminal activities.

Zulum presented the vehicles to the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Gold Chibuisi, who supervises military operations in the northeast and also associates

with volunteers from the CJTF and hunters fighting alongside the military.

Zulum, while making the symbolic presentation, gave the breakdown of the distribution, saying the military was getting 30 Toyota Hilux and 175 motorcycles, the Civilian Joint TaskForce (CJTF) and hunters were receiving 20 Toyota Hilux and 75 motorcycles while Agro Rangers Squad of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) who are helping to secure farming activities were to get 10 motorcycles.

Zulum said: “This is the ÀUVW SKDVH RI WKH GLVWULEXWLRQ of vehicles to security agencies in our second term. While the military and the volunteers will benefit from today’s distribution, the Nigerian Police and other security outfits will receive the same in our subsequent batches.”

Church Organises Free Food Evangelism Ugo Aliogo

Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministries, Lagos Region 12, Festac Mega axis headquarters has organised free food evangelism to win souls for the kingdom of God. Speaking during the free food evangelism, the Evangelism Leader for Festac Mega Axis, Sister Adesuwa Laitan, said the evangelism was initiated by the Church General Overseer Dr. D.K.Olukoya, while noting that the Region has been working to ensure that everything is put in place and the Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor ,UDERU KDV EHHQ ÀQDQFLQJ LW She also stated that they have organised many programmes through this initiative, adding that they have carried out football, hospital, one on one, motor park, fuel station, market and prison evangelism with WKLV LQLWLDWLYH DQG KDYH IXOÀOOHG the mandate of the initiative.

She further explained that they have supported over 5,000 families through their feeding programmes, outsiders, destitute, under privileged, drivers and vulnerable members of the

society, adding that they cook food and take to them as a way of supporting many homes.

Laitan remarked that the evangelism group has received many awards from headquarters noting that the Region has won several laurels and awards.

She averred that the Region KDV DOVR WDNHQ ÀUVW VHFRQG DQG third positions in evangelism across Nigeria.

SATURDAY AUGUST 26, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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AUGUST 26, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ќќјȬ Ѣћѡіћєȱ іѡѕȱ џǯȱ іѐђȱ џђѠіёђћѡ

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Kashim Shettima has long cultivated the good habit of reading, writes Gimba Kakanda

There’s another section over there, Your Excellency,” I said, pointing towards the Western philosophy enclave within the bookstore. He wasn’t in a hurry and had ǰȱ Ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ books spanning a symphony of genres. I assumed he probably didn’t know about the other parts of the bookstore. Sometimes he would sit in between reads and then rise to proceed ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ appeared to have an interest in almost all kinds, except for, by his admission, motivational ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ę ȱ philosophical projections.

“You should read this book,” he said as I tagged along behind him, and he transferred the tome into my possession. It’s Mariana Mazzucato’s enlightening opus, “The Value of Everything.” “She offers a caricature of capitalism and a penetrating take on the subject.” With gratitude, I accepted the book and maintained stride behind him, observing his methodical traversal through the pages, volumes, and corridors of the Sandton, Johannesburg bookstore.

We are currently in South Africa for the 2023 BRICS summit, where the Vice President is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in a crucial global economic alliance. Earlier in the day, he participated in a trade fair held prior to the main event and expressed his principal’s strong commitment to innovation, investment and empowering MSMEs to stimulate Nigeria’s economy. He toured the exhibition stands, appreciating the participation of 180 exhibitors from various sectors at the trade fair.

What was poised to be an evening of rest in his hotel ahead of the forthcoming day’s commitments took an unexpected turn. It became an odyssey into literature and knowledge. I had the honour of accompanying him, witnessing his unquenchable thirst for books, profound intellectual curiosity, and insightful perspectives on writers and subjects. These topics spanned domains ranging from economics and philosophy to the intricate realm of politics. He even maintained a personal philosophy regarding acquiring books in the cities he journeyed through.

“You know the most accurate portrayal of a people or culture is found in the books you buy in their communities. Such books are the most credible reflections of their realities and experiences,” and then this turned into a caveat about the misrepresentations of ideas, people, or culture by foreign or detached curators and authors. It was a convincing argument, sparked by the time spent exploring the South African history sub-section of the African history enclave. He spent a significant amount of time analyzing the host country’s foremost thinkers, human rights activists, and politicians whom he knows so well.

At intervals, Senator Shettima would pause to pose for photographs with passersby and shop-

HIS REPUTATION FOR HAVING AN EXCEPTIONALLY RETENTIVE MEMORY STEMMED FROM HIS PRACTICE OF NOT ALLOWING IT TO REMAIN IDLE. HE EARNED A REPUTATION FOR HIS CAPACITY TO RECALL DETAILS AND RETAIN INFORMATION DUE TO HIS INSATIABLE READING HABIT

pers who spotted him and mustered the courage to approach him. Sporting a warm smile, he welcomed their requests and even engaged in light conversations. Some observers opted to capture his image from a distance. Then, two curious South African women arrived on the scene. They observed, exchanged smiles, and discussed something regarding the statesman, uncertain about how to approach him.

One of the Vice President’s aides made it easy for them when he playfully teased them about what caught their attention. One of them pointed to him shyly. He joined their conversation, and soon it wasn’t just about whether they were talking to the Vice President of Africa’s most populous nation, but rather about the phonetics of their ethnicity, Xhosa. He commended how the South Africans had taken enough interest in African politics to figure out Nigeria’s vice president.

But even as the collection of books grew, I had no doubt he was going to read them. I had personally observed Senator Shettima‘s remarkable ability to devour substantial volumes within a day and yet retain every intricate detail. One particularly memorable instance of this occurred in 2018, following the public presentation of former President Jonathan’s memoir, “My Transition Hours,” which distorted certain events of his tenure as Governor of Borno State. Astonishingly, merely a day after the book’s release, he had not only completed reading it but had also penned a comprehensive critique outlining the inaccuracies it contained.

Such a feat would have been implausible even for me, someone whose life had been steeped in literature and who possessed more leisure time than a sitting governor.

The range of books acquired during his book hunts illuminated the reason he appeared to possess a quote for every conceivable occasion, effortlessly at his disposal. His peculiar memory enabled this skill. His reputation for having an exceptionally retentive memory stemmed from his practice of not allowing it to remain idle. He earned a reputation for his capacity to recall details and retain information due to his insatiable reading habit.

While tagging along, I studied his interactions with star-struck foreigners and Nigerians who approached him, just as much as I reveled in his enthusiasm for books. What further amused me was his sharp sense of humour. Despite being portrayed as stern and unsmiling by certain media outlets and the political opposition, he was one of the funniest people one can ever come across. He was easy to engage with, whether delving into intellectual discussions or addressing trivial matters. To me, the bookworm remains the most well-read politician I know.

Kakanda is the Lead Consultant on Public Policy and Politics at The Cambridge Collective, and writes from Johannesburg, South Africa

Ѧюјћћќȱ ѠѠќDZȱ ђљђяџюѡіћєȱ ȱ юѡѕѓіћёђџ Kammonke Abam pays tribute to Osso, an exemplary librarian

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he echoes of the name “Nyaknno Osso” transcends what represents the biographical information landscape of Nigeria but reverberates across the Atlantic as a reference point in research and documentation.

His name also evokes spirited efforts to lead brilliant clans of librarians, media researchers, documentarists, and biographers to curate and preserve Nigeria’s ancient history and beyond.

He can rightly be described as the contemporary father of documentation and information management in Nigeria. He is a Czar in that genre of discipline.

Nyaknno is a reference point in newspaper library management who had climbed up the ladder in his career to establish and become his headship of Newswatch Newsmedia Research centre, an establishment that was rated the best in Nigeria. It’s important to note that

Newswatch was a revolutionary journalistic expression of young vibrant Nigerians led by the fiery Dele Giwa and irrepressible Ray Ekpu in the 80s and 90s.

At the behest of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo and US ambassador to Nigeria at the time, Ambassador Howard F. Jeter, Nyaknno went on a study tour of all the presidential libraries in America, the first and only Nigerian to do so. From that experience, he initiated and operated the first presidential library in Africa, the state-of-the-art Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State, again, the only presidential library in Nigeria’s 63 years history. In addition, he was the first man to be appointed Special Assistant to the President on Library, Research and Documentation in Nigeria, 1999-2007.

He is also the man who set up the first Aso Rock Library located at

the Pilot Gate, Aso Rock.

Among his other career accomplishments are: one, setting up the ‘ Best Newspaper Library at Cross River Newspaper Corporation, Calabar, 1975-1984; two, established the Best Newsmedia Research Library at Newswatch Magazine, Ikeja, Lagos, 1984- 1998; three, published the first authoritative, dependable, world-acclaimed Biographical Encyclopedia for Nigeria (Newswatch WHO’S WHO IN NIGERIA, 1990); four, initiated with the former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to bring the First Presidential Library from the United States of America to Africa; five, against all odds, published the writings of DELE GIWA, first Nigerian journalist to be assassinated via a letter bomb, entitled: “ PARALLAX SNAPS: THE WRITINGS OF DELE GIWA”(1998).

He is currently, CEO at Biographical Legacy and Research

Foundation (BLERF) and Editorin-Chief, BLERF’S WHO’S WHO IN NIGERIA, 1861-2023 (ONLINE) (www.blerf.org), the First Online WHO’S WHO IN NIGERIA. For his research in library, research, knowledge and information management, he was conferred with a Doctor of Philosophy degree - PhD ( Honoris Causa) by the African American university, in September 2022.

Nyaknno is a pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). His life-long mentor has been Professor (Mrs) Felicia Adetowun Ogunsheye, his former Head of Department at the Library School, University of Ibadan, who later became the first Nigerian woman to become a Professor.

Abam is a writer, author, journalist, biographer, innovative media VWUDWHJLVW DQG &(2 3URÀOHV Biographies

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AUGUST 26, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

One collapse too many

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Remembering Victims of Terrorism

errorism represents what is arguably the greatest evil of the modern world. This tragedy of creed and cruelty has made the world riotously unsafe as things stand. Today, more than ever, its victims are ȱ ȱ Ě ǰȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ tribute. ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱŘŖŗŚǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ Nyanya Area of the FCT. About 15 people were ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱŘŖŗŗǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĝ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŘŗȱ people and wounding about 60. ȱ ǰȱŘŖŗŗȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¡ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ěǰȱ ȱ £ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǯ In Northeast Nigeria, the devastation is simply indescribable. Many innocent lives either had been ended or turned upside down. Entire communities ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ to rubble; innumerable livelihoods have also been ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ out of Africa’s biggest country. ȱ ȱŘŖŗŚǰȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǯȱ Hundreds of girls were abducted. The iniquitous Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ day. ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ ȱ ȱ ȱ sought to decimate entire communities which the government tragically prefers to describe as Ȭ ȱ Ě ǯ On January 22, 2010, while unsuspecting ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ retreated, well over 400 villagers lay dead. Many of the victims were women and children. ȱ ȱŘŞǰȱŘŖŘŘǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱŜŖȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ six months they spent in the hands of their captors, ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ of the most humiliating for Nigerians in recent memory.

The point is largely that terrorism has made a victim of every Nigerian. There is hardly a Nigerian

ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ǯȱ The disintegration of the country’s security architecture, especially under the inept administration of ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ on the edge, a country scarred by fear.

The news is always inundated by terrorist Ĵ ǯȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ǯ Acts of terrorism propagating a wide-range of ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ thousands of innocent people each year. Despite international condemnation of terrorism, victims, and survivors of terrorism often struggle to have their voices heard, their needs supported, and ȱ ȱ ǯȱ ȱ ¢ ¢ȱ ȱ Ĵ ȱ and neglected once the immediate aftermath of a ȱ Ĵ ȱ ǯ Few countries have the resources or the capacity ȱ ę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of terrorism to enable them to fully recover, rehabilitate and re-integrate into society. Most victims can only recover and cope with their trauma through long-term multidimensional support, including ¢ ǰȱ ¢ ǰȱ ȱ ȱę ǯ Ike Willie-Nwobu, Ikewilly9@gmail.com

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Stigma and the Fight Against Drug Abuse

was seated in a car with my friends along Ȭ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱŗŝ ȱ August 2023, when the news of the visit ȱ £ȱ ȱ ǰȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ¢ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ of the National Drug Law Enforcement ¢ȱǻ Ǽȱ ȱ ǰȱę ȱ ȱ X, and other social media blogs and news platforms. We saw the pictures and watched the video of Naira saying “No to drug use ȱ ǯȄȱ ȱę ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȃ ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ¢ȄDzȱ ȱ sion, I hope he stays true to his words. As ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǯȱ But, I was the first to point it out to them that there is no single phrase or sentence where the NDLEA said Naira Marley was their Ambassador, neither did Naira Marley say anything close to it, but it dawned on us that our psychology is playing fast on us as it seems clear to us now that once anyone is pictured with a big symbol like that of Buba Marwa, in his office, that person is naturally tagged as an ambassador. We argued a bit and moved on.

Four days later, it is surprising that the media

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

and majority of social media users are still on the mater, not only that they are castigating the NDLEA for accepting to receive Naira Marley in audience but as well, spewing and sharing narratives different from what we saw from the NDLEA on X and other social media platforms.

Some went as far as misrepresenting the NDLEA Act and what the Agency stands for, by analysing the supply reduction mandate of the act and leaving out the demand reduction aspect; that which focuses on the mission and vision of rescuing users, addicts and treatment seekers; a core of the Act, created to safeguard the wellbeing of every Nigerian from falling into the trap of illicit drug use.

On the other hand, who would have thought that the NDLEA would stay true to their words when they cited as part of their justification the theme of this year’s United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking which says “People First: Stop Stigma and Discrimination, Strengthen Prevention.”

Agbontaen Okogun, Benin City, Edo State

The Scream and the Snarl

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ǰȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱȃ ȱ Ȅȱ ȱ comment on the human condition, and ȱ ȱ ȱ Ȃ ȱȃ ȱ Ȅȱ a comment on the political system. Ȃ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǰȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ Ĵ ǵ Munch’s work also contains an almost hidden message “Can only have been painted by a madman,” but will people see a similar message in Trump’s carefully staged photo?

This standard mugshot will appear in every paper, on every TV news discussion and is almost certain to be the subject of numerous memes and like “The Scream” it will be available on T-Shirts, probably within a day. What will the televised trial be a complete media circus or the careful discussion of a legal matter? I already know the answer.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

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EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘Felicitate With’ Incorrect

EBERE WABARA

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OU are welcome to the language clinic. “Gov. Otti’s flood control (flood-control) measures” “…we are delighted to have midwifed (sic) this game change (game-change) project.” You can also do without the last word.

“South South & South East Traditional Rulers (Rulers’) Forum” “Please, take note that after 15 days of this notice, unclaimed products would be disposed off (of).”

“The Management and Staff of Julius Berger Nigeria PLC felicitates (felicitate) with….”

Delete ‘with’ and continue.

THISDAY of July 15 contained 10 infelicities: “GTBank-Lagos State Principals Cup 2023 Season IV Finals” Playing by the rules: Principal’s Cup “World Bank disburse (disburses) N209m to 3000 farmers in Kano State” “Or has the government run out of ideas that warrant (warrants) giving out public funds at will….” ‘Run’ is the verb determinant—not ‘ideas’. “…on a biking trip at (on) the outskirts of Abuja” Still on THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER under review: “…recently announced his intention to run for the 2027 Imo State governorship election under (on) the platform of Labour Party.”

“Benue, Nasarawa to tighten security over Fulani herdsmen invasion” NewsXtra: herdsmen’s invasion “When was the last time any political office holder resigned their appointment on the ground (on grounds) of public opprobrium?”

“The ICAN Ikeja District Society JulySeptember 2023 Training Calender” (Half-page advertisement) Spell-check: calendar

BY

“It is believed in some quarters that the Nigerian Police has….” (THE NATION, April 6) Get it right: the Nigerian Police have.

The next five blunders are from Daily Trust of April 5: “And the leaders, being new on the saddle of political leadership (another comma) were.…” The challenges of good grammar: in the saddle.

“Efforts by the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his group to remove Akintola from office was (were) fiercely resisted.” Why the discord?

“As a new democracy, there was (were) bound to be problems.”

“In the course of the crisis, Awo and some of his lieutenants were arrested and charged for (with)….”

“The ethnic colouration of the coup led to a counter coup (a hyphen) in July 1966.”

Spell-check: coloration.

“Have the previous exercises impacted meaningfully on the lives (life) of the average Nigerian?”

“This could not have been possible if they had been outrightly liquidated.” ‘Outrightly’ is a Nigerian creation! The right word ‘outright’ functions as an adverb and an adjective.

Therefore, it does not require any inflexion.

In other words: This could not have been possible if they had been liquidated outright.

Even at that, ‘liquidation’ does not need any qualification because of its causative finality.

So, if they had been liquidated.

‘Reopening’ abhors hyphenation. It is not automatic that any word with a prefix must go with a hyphen, except where there is a vowel replication. For instance: re-entry, but readmit, readjust, etcetera.

“Legislators, oil chiefs parley on industry enhancing issues” Imagine the classical excellence a hyphen between ‘industry’ and ‘enhancing’ would have conferred on the headline.

“I said these are (were) beggars and I told my wife I better (I had better) get money ready for them.” “…the grassroots population of our people will remain the lifewire of the UBE scheme.”

Adult literacy: livewire.

“The remains of the Ovie, sources in the town revealed, was (were) later tied….”

FEEDBACK “REGARDLESS of the un-abating disregard, if not for conceited non-recognition of your (and the late Bayo Oguntunase’s) modest effort at bringing people back to the path of syntactical and morphological sanity week in week out, your journalist colleagues remain obstinately incorrigible. It is howlers galore!

If it is not ‘flagging off’, it is ‘commissioning’!

All in the wrong contexts: do not let the flag go down. There are many out there, especially teachers of the English language, who avail themselves of your weekly contributions. Do not be dissuaded. Stay blessed.” (Folorunso Babafemi/Babfranc Educational Services/ Ilesa/08133197524) “MARK you, ‘shorthand for something’ is a phrasal idiom, hence ‘telly’ is shorthand for television, ‘fan’ is shorthand for fanatic, ‘uplift’ is shorthand for upliftment, ‘hive’ is shorthand for beehive, etc. ‘Upliftment’, like ‘uplifter’, has gained currency.” (Ken Ugbechie, publisher of Political Economist and author of Nigeria Heroes and Sheroes) “‘THERE’S is no country like Nigeria’ means that Nigeria is a figment of the imagination, whereas what is meant is that there is no other country like Nigeria.” (Jacob Oluyemi/08104036139) “EBERE, I told you in our telephone discussion, months ago, that some Nigerians would want to defend the spurious use of local coinages and expressions like ‘upliftment’, ‘project commissioning’, ‘the governor gave the

A Glimpse Into Tinubu’s Lagos Magic - 2 …As we were ‘saying’... he clearest action of education authorities which reveals their tentative approach to the so-called holistic implementation of the 6-3-3-4 educational system is the advertised bias of Lagos State government towards the physical and infrastructural upgrade of a number of Senior Secondary Schools within the state; to the utter neglect of the more elementary and therefore more impressionable Junior Secondary level.

At the start of this rigmarole many years ago, the chief among the commanding arguments for the establishment of 6-3-3-4 system, was the noble opportunity that vocational subjects would afford the less-than-brilliantstudents-in-conventional-subjects the chance to excel in life. They would be equipped with an alternate process of knowledge acquisition through subjects like “Introduction to Technology”, “Integrated Science”, “Home Economics”, “Agricultural Science”, etc.

These subjects, it was touted, would enable those students travel another route to academic excellence, and still be useful to their families and the society in establishing cottage industries, technology-driven self employment, and through self-driven creative initiatives they could then use to kick-start some sort of revolution in our hunger for technological “catch-up” with the rest of the world. We fell for those sweet sounding propositions.

Years down the road, we have been serenaded with tales of disappearing equipment, importation of improper tools to drive the vocational curriculum. We read of crates of expensive equipment rotting away under our cruel weather, until the projects grew

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too elephantine and overwhelming for the new crop of operators.

Now, through the mill of government disjointed information management channels, the 6-3-3-4 system may now be surreptitiously brushed out of our education, and surely but disingenuously, a 9-3-4 system will be implanted. What is the implication of this to the diverse strands of interests within the society? Has this nebulous proposition been exhaustively discussed to avoid the wastage the earlier system had thrown up? Has anybody computed the enormous constraints this latest Makossa will inflict on private proprietors who will now have to build additional classes for children who will be forced to stay beyond Primary Six (for Primaries Seven, Eight and Nine!)? What guarantees are there that these pupils will not be using the same reading materials their predecessors in JSS 1 - 3 are using? And if no, has anybody calculated the logistic anguish and financial losses publishers of these textbooks will be subjected to?

If indeed, the 6-3-3-4 system will be changed to a rather obtuse 9-3-4 system, can anyone in the education ministry tell the parents of these students now in JSS why government collected, and indeed organized national and state common entrance examinations for primary schools pupils for admission to JSS as late as mid last year? Why have they collected, in the year 2006, another set of money (NECO and Lagos govt.) for promotional examinations into Senior Secondary School, in the same school Yet, we can not be surprised if they are also expected to sit for another promotional examination by individual schools? In all these, do we really bother to examine the mental state

of these young Nigerians, and their hapless parents?

As the governments play the omnipotent terrorist-father, it appears that they want us to believe that since their children no longer attend Nigerian schools, all sorts of surgical knives can be dug out for this mindless butchering of our children’s future. It also appears that it is in the matter of sharing political offices and spoils that our leaders clamour for the transparent observance of democratic ideals; no one remembers that since we are in a democracy, a whiff of it should rub on the way and manner we run our education. There is no progress made when the government runs public affairs as town development meetings - very few people are aware of actions and policies of governments in particular arrears, such that as of now, schools do not know dates for their wards’ common entrance exams!

Talk less of their parents!

When I asked my daughter the date she would sit for the “practicals” she had so pestered me to pay for, she replied: “We are not sure when…they can come in anytime!” What a way to instill discipline and order, and build people of excellence.

And have you gone through the ”Cambridge” list of subjects they crawl through every school day… you wonder if you ever attended lower schools… They have 15…

17…18 subjects, with eight lessons everyday… even the Aryan craze to produce a super-race couldn’t be more tedious and disenchanting. Find time to go through your children’s notes, and you will realize why students run away from some so-called “hard” subjects to less mysterious subjects.

For example, what examiner or authorizing panel makes typing (on obsolete

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

charge…’, ‘school run’ and ‘challenges’ in the face of huge socio-economic problems etc.

Even the U.S. and European countries admit their problems! Ebere, please they may not understand and appreciate the value of your uncommon research effort in the practice of journalism in Nigeria. We used to say ‘news break’, but today it’s ‘breaking news’. That’s the dynamic nature of journalism that Ebere is attempting to signalize.

“The ignorance persists because journalism teachers and Heads of News in NTA and FRCN are unable to follow these changes over time. Apart from misleading and indoctrinating the public, they continue to pollute the standard and vibrancy of the profession. This problem is a challenge to the NUJ. Imagine the flagship of radio broadcasting in Nigeria still refers to all her reporters as ’correspondents’ instead of differentiating them as we have today!

Therefore, the NUJ should come out with a well-researched or well-grounded professional journal to give direction and ensure an acceptable standard. It can start off with quarterly publications. Ebere, please do not be discouraged. Keep it up!” (Sunny Agbontaen/08062998165) This paragraph was also contributed by Mr. Ugbechie: “…high tension wires fell off and electrocuted people to death….” What is electrocution? Kindly yank away ‘to death’! “The party chairman left for the Abuja Airport en route (from where to) Yola” (Both errors were extracted from THE NATION ON SUNDAY, July 16) Your readers cherish your competence in the use of modern English, not the brand consigned to the Dark Ages as noted in your response to one of your copious readers a fortnight ago.”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

manual typewriters) and shorthand the driving force of Business Studies?

They simply drive away the children in a course every child should study to have a basic grounding in dealing with the ‘real battle’ after school. Or is it the arcane and high-falutin Yoruba subject that even students of Yoruba parentage (and, I dare say, including their parents) struggle hopelessly to understand? What is the hope for non-Yoruba speaking children who are supposed to cross-fertilize through the barriers erected by language differences? The situation appears hopelessly stacked against these little souls.

It therefore seems to me that the exigencies of surviving on the political firmament has toughened our political leaders and their appointed civil-servants, such that speculation and subterfuge have been fine-tuned as state policies in administering education, as well as many areas of our public business. One will not be entirely surprised if this article is turned upside down, and its content splashed around as tantrums of a paid political hack, or worse still, an adjunct of shadowy opponents sponsored by “Abuja”. It does not matter; all I ask is: give my daughter a chance to enjoy her growth, and exposure to some sort of quality education... Do not collapse the system and her ambition before you fade into your well-appointed cocoons, in a few years. Stop this meanness.

fajalive1@gmail.com | 08033150547 (WhatsApp Only).

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

PEOPLE FEMI ROGERS

Nigeria Placed to Lead Global Digital Economy He is an entrepreneur with over 29 years of experience in real estate investment-financing, construction, acquisition, project management, and sales. That’s Femi Rogers, the CEO of Roston Group, a firm that also specializes in the construction of spec homes in Nigeria and the United States. Rogers hails from Ondo State, and a graduate of University of Ado Ekiti now Ekiti State University. He talks to select journalists, including Olaoluwakitan Babatunde about his life and businesses

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alk us through your business journey from thefurniturebusinessto the oil and gas industry, and to global real estate investment?

I got into the furniture business during my youth service year while working in an insurance company and felt I had little prospects for growth because I could see someofmysuperiorswhohadworkedtherefor overtenyearsstillstruggling.Threemonthsinto myNYSC,Idecidedtosetupmyfurniturecompany.

I bought some equipment and started with one employee who was an upholstery. Within three years,wehadgrownasabrandwithanaverageof seventystaff.Wewereintoupholsteryfurniture, woodenfurniture,handdrills,etc.Itwasatrendy businessthen,andwemadealotofsales,andthe companywasdoinggreat.Thebusinesslaterbecamesaturated,andtherewaslotsofcompetition, making getting contracts difficult. At this point, I decided to diversify. I gained more insights and ideasandattendedinternationalexhibitionsand fairs where I met and partnered with furniture suppliers from Italy, Spain, and China.

Iwentintoretailandimportedfurniturematerials, components, and machines. I also imported building materials unavailable in the Nigerian markets.IopenedashowroomatMushin,where otherfurnituremakerswouldcomeintobuyour uniquefurniturecomponents.WesoldLaminate boards, imported kitchen doors and parts, and special equipment that helped other furniture makers cut furniture in our warehouse. I was in the business till 2012, when the dollar rate went up during Goodluck Jonathan’s administration, and the importation business became difficult.

SomewherebetweenthetimeIwasintheretail business, I partnered with a friend to start an oil and gas trading company, where we engaged in buyingoilproductsfromimportersintankfarms anddeliveringthemtopetrolstations.Theoiland gasmeltdownin2013andtheinflateddollarrate severelyimpactedtheeconomy,andthefurniture and oil and gas businesses were affected.

Shortlybeforethemeltdown,Istartedresearching global investments and looking outside the country for opportunities. I decided to explore offshorebusinessratherthandependingonthe Nigerianeconomy.I was able to get anentry into theU.S.realestateindustrywhilesimultaneously doingmybusinessinNigeriatilltheyear2017.Iwas running my business in Nigeria and developing propertiesinNigeria.Still,Ihadtoshutdownthe companies in Nigeria after considering my time and Viability based on return on Investment. I needed more funds to start a business in the U.S., so I liquidated my funds in the oil and gas and importation business and diversified into real estate in the U.S. What inspired your shift from the furniture business to the oil and gas sector, and how did you navigate that transition?

Afriendofmineapproachedmewithabusiness proposalintheoilandgasindustry,andIsawitas anopportunitytoexploretheoilandgassector.I expanded my business and also own other businesswhichincludeOrnamentsandDesignsLtd,an interiorfittingsconstructioncompanyestablished in 1997, and Signways Furniture Ltd, Nigeria - a retailcompanythathasbeenimportingandselling building materials, and machinery since 2001. I equally have investments in Suburban Energy, a company trading in petroleum products.

How did your experiences in the oil and gas industry contribute to your decision to enter

When the information is not readily available, it allows fraud and illegitimate activities.

Can you tell us about a real-life experience in your journey about an opportunity you got, that you think younger entrepreneurs can learn from?

A real-life experience was when a friend approached me and helped me enter the oil and gas industry. The same thing also happened when I was going into the importation industry.

Iwasacorpsmemberwhenafriendapproached me about executing a furniture contract. After completingthiscontract,Ialsodecidedtocontinue thebusiness.IntegrityandNetworkingwouldbring opportunities to your doorstep.

HowdoyouthinkNigerianyouthscanaddress the “laziness” appellation?

Theoldergenerationhadbetteropportunities intheirdays.Theeconomywasbetter,andthere was less population. Now, the younger generation has to put up with a larger population and competition by technology, reducing the world to a global village. In today’s world, a young man in Ekiti competes with a young man in New York and another in Beijing. Young Nigerians are not lazy.Theopportunitiestheoldergenerationshad in their youth differ from those available today.

Nigerianyouthsarestrivingevenwiththeirlimited resources.

Rogers

global real estate?

Aspreviouslymentioned,thedecisiontoexplore globalrealestatewasdrivenbytheneedtosurvive duetothecontinuedhighinflationrateandtheoil andgasmeltdown in 2013,whichhadnegatively impacted the economy, and, subsequently, my business.

Can you share a life example of one of the challenges you encountered during your transition from one industry to another, and how you got through the challenge?

When I moved my business to the U.S., I went intotherealestatebusiness.Ihadtogothrougha learningcurvetounderstandtherulesandregulations significantly different from Nigeria’s. One of the first projects I invested in had a bad title, and I almost lost half of my capital but for divine intervention. The experience inspired me to become a realtor to understand the laws and regulations of the industry.

Whatarethethingsyoungpeoplecanlearnfrom your journey so far as an entrepreneur?

To survive and be successful in the current dynamic business world, you need to have the ability to envisage where your industry or business is going and prepare for the next thing. You must also have grit, patience, good work ethic, and consistency. The adage, Rome was not built in a day comes to mind. To have a successful and lastingbusiness,youmustconsistentlyputinthe work and see every bump as an opportunity to learn and grow. Another thing young people can learn is to have business foresight and be able to diversify. Having foresight is also great for entrepreneurs.

Whatwouldyousayisasignificantdifference betweenrealestateinNigeriaandRealestate in the United States?

IntheU.S.,guidelinesandregulationsareinplace to make transactions transparent. There is also enough data to help you make sound business decisions. In Nigeria, information on a property title is not easily accessible. However, in the U.S., you can get much information on the title online.

To survive and be successful in the current dynamic business world, you need to have the ability to envisage where your industry or business is going and prepare for the next thing. You must also have grit, patience, good work ethic, and consistency. The adage, Rome was not built in a day comes to mind. To have a successful and lasting business, you must consistently put in the work and see every bump as an opportunity to learn and grow. Another thing young people can learn is to have business foresight and be able to diversify.

Having foresight is also great for entrepreneurs

Confidence is regarded as a far-end drive that the younger generation lack, and it is thenutrientthatdrivesalmosteveryideaand goals. In what way do you think the youth can tackle this challenge?

TheNigerianyoutharemoreconfidentthanthe youthsfromothercountries.Theyaredaringand assertive.However,oneofthereasonsNigerian youths could be timid is because of our culture.

We have been taught to respect and obey the wishes of the older generation without asking questions; therefore, we tend not to challenge them even when they are wrong.

What can you say about ‘Poor reading and writing culture in Nigeria?

It could be because Nigerians lack access to internet data, libraries, or even books. However, growing up, I knew of only one library at Yaba.

Aside from university libraries, there are only so many libraries around, unlike the U.S., where thereareenoughLibrariesandresourcesinevery neighborhood.

Technology as a tool for development, how blessed can Africa be to have identified with global technological instruments, and how has it aided development?

The internet has brought down barriers and openedupopportunities.Wehavegottentothe stage where we are all playing on a level playing ground;that’swhypeoplelikeDavido,BurnaBoy, tech professionals, bloggers, and social media personalitiesareearningdollarsrightinNigeria.

Technology is a blessing to Africa.

Where do you see Nigeria in areas of digital economy in the next 10 years?

AccordingtoAfricaDevelopmentBank,Africa isprojectedto‘outperformtherestoftheworld ineconomicgrowthoverthenexttwoyears’and, with leadership and strategy, has prospects to be the next world power. With Nigeria being one of Africa’s leading countries in Tech, we are positioned to lead in the global digital economy in the next ten years.

16

SATURDAY AUGUST 26, 2023 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

17

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Revenge Drama, Orah, for Toronto Film Festival Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Nigerian content which includes Anchor Baby, Meet The Parents, and a couple of rah, a revenge drama has RWKHU PRYLHV 1]HNZH VKDUHG WKH QHZV been revealed as one on his Twitter page thanking the cast and RI WKH VODWHG ÀOPV crew. “Congrats to our cast and crew in selected for screening &DQDGD DQG 1LJHULD <RX DOO DUH DPD]LQJ µ at the 48th edition of he added.

1]HNZH FROODERUDWHG ZLWK &LUFOH %OXH Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) Entertainment, Freddie Films and IronFlix in the Industry Selects Programme for Inc. on the movie, which features talented accredited buyers during the festival and actors such as O.C Ukeje, Oyin Oladejo, worldwide acquisition. The prestigious /XFN\ 2Q\HNDFKL (MLP 2ULV (UKXHUR TIFF 2023 will take place in mid-September Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama, and Christopher 2023, as it features many works of art Seivright. Other actors in the movie are 0RUJDQ %HGDUG 7LQD 0ED DQG .HOHFKL from all over the world.

Produced and directed by Nigerian Udegbe.

2UDK KDG LWV ÀUVW SULQFLSDO SKRWRJUDSK\ &DQDGD EDVHG ÀOPPDNHU /RQ]R 1]HNZH who has over time created transnational in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, while the

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VHFRQG XQLW ZDV VKRW LQ /DJRV LQ 1Rvember 2022. The story begins in 2005, when the title character - 15-year-old Orah Madukaku - kills a man in Nigeria and ÁHHV WKH FRXQWU\ OHDYLQJ KHU VRQ /XFN\ behind. 17 years later, Orah, who is an illegal immigrant, is found working as a cabbie for an attorney and his Nigerian FOLHQW %DPL +D]DU Orah’s work with Attorney Eli Pope DQG %DPL +D]DU LQFOXGHV LQWHUQDWLRQDO money laundering in a bid to help bring her son to Canada. Her teenage son gets murdered back in Nigeria, and she is now on a mission to bring down the international money launderers’ responsible for his death.

This becomes the beginning of the revenge journey with Orah.

Nzekwe

Jamika Entertainment Celebrates 10 Years itself as a local entity but also as a global player.

Commonly referred to as Jamika Force, the company, initially considered a pastime by its founder Mr. Jerry GHFDGH DJR LQ /DJRV WKH IRXQGDWLRQ ,KHQVHNKLHQ KDV HPHUJHG DV D SURPLQHQW ÀJXUH LQ 1LJHULD·V of a music band and the establishment music industry. of the music label and management Mr. Stanley Ihensekhien, the head of operations, shared the company, Jamika Entertainment was company’s plans to commemorate their ten-year milestone met with skepticism, as many doubted E\ RUJDQL]LQJ D FRQFHUW JUDWHIXO IRU WKH XQZDYHULQJ VXSSRUW their longevity. of their fans and well-wishers.

However, over the years, Jamika “This event is our way of expressing gratitude to everyone Entertainment has transformed from a modest music label who has stood by us over the years,” said Mr. Stanley into a prominent entertainment powerhouse in Nigeria, Ihensekhien. “Achieving ten years and maintaining a surpassing all expectations. prominent position in Nigeria’s entertainment industry Throughout its ten-year journey, the company has garnered is no easy feat, and we are immensely thankful to God numerous accolades while propelling music stars like Sultan and our fans.” $IURER\ <XQJ %RV .RUHGLDQ[ &KXUFK RI 0HQ 6WDU 1D]]\ Jamika Entertainment remains committed to nurturing 1H[D <XQJ /RUG DQG *DEVRQ - LQWR WKH OLPHOLJKW emerging talents, aspiring to reach the pinnacle of the By partnering with international brands like Supernova of Nigerian music scene and maintain their leadership position +RQJ .RQJ -DPLND (QWHUWDLQPHQW KDV QRW RQO\ SRVLWLRQHG in the years to come.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Jamika Entertainment artistes, producers and their manager

XDC Dance Group Wins Ijoya Rumble Oluchi Chibuzor

A

fter over seven hours of intense thrilling moves and acrobatic skills, XDC Dance Group, which has been in existence for over 10 years emerged the winner of the 2023 Spark Up edition of the Ijoya Rumble Dance Championship.

The edition, which attracted over 16 groups made up of youthful talents displayed raw untapped and untamed abilities in the area of dance for the star price RI DQG RWKHU FRQVRODWLRQ SUL]HV The group, made up of Victor Sam, Richard Sunday, Idara Maurice, Blessing Essien, Ellan Santus , caught the attention of the four judges made of seasoned entertainment

entrepreneurs including Gordons.

Speaking at the dance competition organised by Real Made in Africa in conjunction with project Asha, held in /DJRV UHFHQWO\ .RPRQH *RGZLQ DND *RUGRQV VDLG WKH programme was timely.

He reiterated that events like this would help channel more youths’ energy into productive ventures that would provide them platforms to make a living.

On his side as the organiser, the CEO Real Made in Africa Concept, Edore Churchill, explained that the event provides the platforms for young people to see a career in dancing.

Equally as co-partner, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Project Asha Initiative, Steven Robinson, said they chose dance because of the equality issue and it requires no XDC Dance Crew presented with the star prize of $2,000 FHUWLÀFDWH WR SHUIRUP

Mbaba: God-Given Style and Purpose Stand Me Out Ziduak Mbaba is a singer, model and entertainer. She started singing at a tender age in church choir and still sings in the choir from time to time as she has deep roots in her Christian faith. Before her career in music, she left the comforts of home to start a modeling career in Lagos. Ziduak has graced the runway at various fashion shows. The multitalented artist speaks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu

D

o you still sing in church or you have moved out due to the secular songs you now do?

I still sing in church, when am not on trips that calls for my service in my career and work.

Can you take us through your background, family?

Am the fourth child of four female children, my father is late, my mother remarried and now with a step sister. Academic: Am in at the National Open University of Nigeria, but on hold for now.

Who are your biggest inspirations? Musical LQÁXHQFHV" Christ, Pastor Chris Oyahkilome, Michael Jackson (for his creativeness in his craft and humanitarian service.

Are there challenges you face as an upcoming star?

Working with God’s Grace, but previously it was finance, sexual harassment, coveters.

Sexual harassment, coveters…?

Yeah, from some people both in and outside the entertainment industry.

Are you signed to any record label or just an independent artiste?

I’m not signed to a record label.

What is that you feel stands you out?

God given unique me, style and purpose; I’m skilled in other field of entertainment.

How about modeling? You appear to be into music more than modeling?

Well, after most of my performances, I get approached to do a job in the modeling field,

movies also. So, that’s why I front the music more.

How do you go about creating a song?

Through inward inspiration from within me, external engagements that spurs an idea or concept, most especially musical sounds, instruments...

What genre of music do you do?

PopRap in any genre of beats.

What songs do you have out there already?

Two albums on all music store online. With the VHDUFK QDPH ´=LGXD.µ RQ WKH VLWHV WKH VRQJV RQ the two albums will appear.

What do you enjoy the most about being an artiste and creative?

Whenever I complete an inward concept, conceived them in the physical and the effect and impact they result into.

Mbaba

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

18

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK Effect of Aerodynamics on Your Car Fuel Economy Explained Designing a car is a herculean task in itself. There are many aspects to consider when designing any vehicle, more when it is a race car. But we aren’t talking about a race car here, so, let’s focus on the road cars for now. That said, apart from aesthetics, it is the ‘aerodynamics’ that has a huge impact on the fuel economy and driving dynamics.

Well, some will say that road cars don’t need to be aerodynamic as they run at relatively low speeds. But let me tell you, aerodynamic drag is resistance for a vehicle that the car has to overcome from as ORZ DV NPSK (YHQ OHVV EXW WKH HͿHFW LV not that prominent). So, without confusing you further here is what Aerodynamic in a vehicle is.

L-R: CEO/Founder, Creek Transitway Ltd, Elijah Wisdom; Executive Chairman/Founder, FUNTAY, Engr. Olufunso Amoo; Chairman, National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) Committee, Dr. Mohammed M. Ibrahim; and Executive Director Automotive Business, Stallion Group, Mr. Rajinder Malhan

Autogas to Lower Transportation Cost

T

he use of autogas in Nigeria will lower the cost of transportation nationwide on account of low operating costs and longer life of prime movers/vehicles.

The Chairman, National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Mohammed M Ibrahim, mni, stated this yesterday in his presentation, ‘Fuel Subsidy Removal: Autogas/ Electric Vehicles As Alternatives’, at the Annual Training Workshop of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), which was held at the LCCI Conference & Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Autogas, Dr. Ibrahim said, is the immediately

available clean alternative fuel, saying, “Indeed Autogas or the use of Gas (LPG/ CNG/LNG) as a fuel for the mobility sector is the immediately available alternative to the conventional white products.

Globally, autogas as a fuel of choice for the mobility sector has risen over 40%.

Autogas powers the largest number of vehicles running on alternative fuels.”

According to him, car manufacturers are switching to direct injection engines that produce substantially lower emissions, adding, “In fact, 8 of the 10 largest car manufacturers produce LPG cars. With the steady increase in the use of autogas, the question would be, how sustainable are the world reserves to meet demand?

“The global natural gas resource-base is vast and widely dispersed geographically. Conventional recoverable resources are equivalent to more than 120 years of current global consumption, while total recoverable resources could sustain today’s production for over 250 years.”

Ibrahim said Nigeria is endowed with vast natural gas reserves, and that the NGEP is conceived and designed to serve as a catalyst for adding value to the reserves.

He said, “Autogas is the only fuel that can act as a bridge between our existing oil habits and a cleaner, less oil intensive future.

To begin with, it contains more hydrogen and less carbon, so it is both better for the planet DQG DOVR PRUH HDVLO\ UHÀQHG LQWR K\GURJHQ (for fuel cells).”

Mercedes-Benz EQA, EQB Upgraded, More Intelligence

W

ith their striking SUV bodies, powerful electric drive and predictive navigation with Electric Intelligence, the two all-electric members of the Mercedes-Benz compact car family have gained many fans. Now the EQA and EQB are becoming even more attractive to newcomers and those switching to electric vehicles – thanks to fresh looks, numerous efficiency updates and new, useful features. MBUX with improved voice control and driving assistance systems are updated; with Plug & Charge charging technology and optional Sound Experiences, innovations from the larger model siblings are making their way into the compact class. For the first time, a trailer hitch[1] is available as an optional extra for the EQB with five seats.

The updated versions of the EQA and EQB can be ordered starting in the fall of 2023 and will arrive at European dealers right at the beginning of 2024.

Updated exterior and interior design With a newly designed black panel surface with its star pattern[2] at the front, the EQA and EQB visually catch up with their larger model siblings. A light band connects the daytime running lights of the headlights while a new bumper emphasises the broad effect of the vehicle front.

The designers have also changed the insides of the taillights. The innovations in the interior include the current-generation steering wheel with touch control panels as well as the trim in brown lime open-pore wood[3], Mercedes-Benz pattern[4] and backlit Mercedes-Benz pattern[5].

Mercedes-Benz EQA dashboard Longer range through technical optimisation With extensive detail, the engineers at MercedesBenz have been able to increase the ranges of the EQA to up to 560 kilometres[6] according to WLTP. The measures include aerodynamic optimisation and highly rolling-resistance-optimised tyres. The new range-maximisation function is helpful in everyday use: energy consumers such as the display or air conditioning can be switched off or their functionality limited in favour of more range.

Trailer hitch1 as special equipment for the EQB For the EQB with five seats, a trailer hitch including ESP® trailer stabilisation is available as

an option for the first time. The maximum braked towing capacity is 1,400 or 1,700 kg (disclosures for front-wheel drive/4MATIC version).

Easier and more convenient charging with Plug & Charge With the Mercedes me Charge[7] Plug & Charge function, the latest EQA and EQB models can be charged even more conveniently at Plug & Charge-enabled public charging points: when the charging cable is plugged in, the charging process starts automatically; customers do not need to additionally authenticate themselves. The vehicle and charging station communicate directly via the charging cable.

Aerodynamics For you to know, aerodynamics is a UHDOO\ LPSRUWDQW VXEMHFW LQ ÁXLG G\QDPLFV that is the study of moving liquids. That said, the main goal of the subject is to reduce the aerodynamic drag to as low as possible. Aerodynamics is responsible for Aerodynamic Drag Wind Noise Overall Noise Preventing unnecessary lift Increase high-speed stability (΀FLHQF\ Not going into the details, the aerodynamic drag is proportional to the square of the velocity of the car. And the power required to overcome the drag is a cube of the velocity.

In other terms, there exist a really strong relationship between the velocity or speed of the vehicle and the amount of fuel used to overcome that drag. $HURG\QDPLF 'UDJ YV )XHO (΀FLHQF\ Taking the real world scenario into consideration, aerodynamic drag occupies a large portion of the energy loss in cars, in these terms, it is the fuel.

It is the highway where the car experiences the maximum amount of the drag, DQG LQ WKH FLW\ WKH HͿHFW LV PDUJLQDO In other terms, when the aerodynamic drag is reduced by 10% the fuel economy experiences a 5% increase out on the highway. But in the city, the gain is about 2%.

Rear World Example With the increasing speed limits of the Indian highway, the aerodynamics plays a deep role in the vehicle’s fuel economy.

Still, having trouble understanding?

Let’s put it in the rear world scenario.

Talking about the 2020 Hyundai Verna and 2020 Hyundai Creta, both have the same engine, be it the naturally aspirated petrol or the diesel.

The overall area the comes in contact with the air is larger on Creta as compared to Verna.

This indicates that Creta has to displace more air to make room for its front section. This will require more energy for the car to gain or sustain high speeds, inturn more fuel will be consumed.

On the contrary, Hyundai Verna being a sedan has a lower and more aerodynamic area that drastically reduce the aerodynamic drag.

End result, the Hyundai Verna will be PRUH IXHO H΀FLHQW ZKHQ FRPSDUHG WR WKH Hyundai Creta.

(Source: GoMechanic)

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

AUTO WORLD

Global Trade in Counterfeit Mercedes-Benz Products Growing

G

lobal trade in counterfeit MercedesBenz products continues to grow, especially online, the automaker has said.

According to them, “In 2022, WKHUH ZDV DQRWKHU VLJQLÀFDQW increase in counterfeiting activities on social media and online marketplaces. Compared to the previous year, the number of removed online RͿHUV RI FRXQWHUIHLW OLVWLQJV RQ UHOHYDQW SODWIRUPV rose by more than 23 percent to over 155,000 cases.

In 2022, a total of more than 1.6 million counterfeit products were seized in over 620 raids. The quality of counterfeit products is usually poor and does not meet the minimum legal requirements in terms of VDIHW\ 7KHUHIRUH FRXQWHUIHLWLQJ LV D VLJQLÀFDQW ULVN WR the health and safety of road users. A global team at the Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property Competence Centre works closely with customs and law enforcement authorities around the world to put a stop to counterfeiters.

“Organised gangs of counterfeiters usually have their low-quality and often dangerous goods produced under inhumane conditions without regard for human rights, environmental standards and occupational health and safety. We are taking massive action against this. This is because they harm not only consumers, but also local workers and society as a whole. Counterfeiters

are very active and are constantly expanding their portfolio.”Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity, Governance & Sustainability In addition to the classic targets of product pirates, such as brake discs, wheels and body and steering parts, online platforms will also continue to be under the watchful eye of brand protectors at Mercedes-Benz.

This is because counterfeit products can often hardly be visually distinguished from original parts. For the ÀUVW WLPH LQ WKH QXPEHU RI GHOHWHG OLVWLQJV RI FRXQWHUIHLW RͿHUV RQ VRFLDO PHGLD DQG RQOLQH SODWIRUPV URVH VLJQLÀFDQWO\ WR RYHU “The trade in counterfeit products via online platforms and social media has also increased sharply in the last year. Our brand protectors focus on safety-relevant counterfeits, because they endanger people. However, we are also keeping an eye on the counterfeiting industry’s growing business model for digital goods. In 2022, a total of more than 155,000 counterfeit product listings were removed from online platforms.”

Florian Adt, COO & General Counsel at Mercedes-Benz Intellectual Property GmbH & Co. KG When trading counterfeit goods, counterfeiting gangs take advantage of the high degree of anonymity and decentralised nature of online marketplaces and technologies. For this reason, Mercedes-Benz is further expanding its strategic and operational measures against

Genuine Mercedes-Benz car rim/wheel is the best counterfeiting in online trade. The brand protection strategy comprises three pillars: detecting, attacking and preventing. For this reason, the brand protectors UHJXODUO\ RͿHU WUDLQLQJ HYHQWV DQG LQIRUPDWLRQ PDWHULDO to raise awareness, for example for customs authorities

or service providers.

In order not to fall for counterfeiters, a few simple criteria help consumers when shopping. This starts ZLWK WKH FDUHIXO H[DPLQDWLRQ RI FRQVSLFXRXV RͿHUV in everyday (online) life.

All-new Land Cruiser World Premiere

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Land Cruiser “300”, Land Cruiser “70” (prototype), and Land Cruiser “250” (prototype)

I

Q DERXW ÀYH GD\V LW ZLOO EH WKH EHJLQQLQJ of another EMBER months’ season; the season some claim is jinxed. The season, God created, according to some, to kill and maim the people He calls His beloved who were created after His image and likeness. It is the season some claim that all the turenchi of the Federal Road Safety Corps loses its saving magic.

Most of those who hold on to these views are the ones who brag about their invincibility.

They brag about powers that protect them even at a speed of 180km/ph. Some see themselves as untouchables. The movers and shakers. The ELJ ER\V 0HQ RI LQÁXHQFH DQG SRZHU 0HQ ZKR DUH DERYH WKH ODZ DQG PXVW EUHDN DOO WUD΀F ODZV in the land.

They are the people who believe that vehicle manufacturers deliberately installed speed above hundred because it doesn’t kill; they speed above the 30km/ph limit even in built- up areas. These SHRSOH GULYH DJDLQVW WUD΀F DQG GDUH \RX WR VWRS them. They threaten you with the loss of your job or run you over and dare the consequences if any.

These people claim they are immuned from WKH HͿHFWV RI D URDG WUD΀F FUDVK ,Q WKH )HGHUDO Road Safety Corps, we call these suicidal driving behavior and perception RAIDS-Road accident immune delusion syndrome. I have chosen to share a piece from my twin brother, Patrick Adenusi and I do hope you will enjoy it like I did, titled, ‘’Automobile accidents: Are you invulnerable?

I have a good driving record, so I don’t need to worry about having an automobile accident.”

“Accidents happen only to young and reckless

oyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has unveiled the new Land Cruiser “250” Series to the world, with the launch planned for the ÀUVW KDOI RI LQ -DSDQ $OVR DQQRXQFHG today is the heavy-duty Land Cruiser “70”, which will make its return to Japan this coming winter as a regular model in the range. This will result in all three Land Cruiser series again being available in Japan.

A vehicle that allows people to go anywhere and everywhere DQG UHWXUQ VDIHO\ GHYHORSHG DQG UHÀQHG RYHU PRUH WKDQ years based on the actual usage situations of global customers.

Launched originally as the Toyota BJ on August 1, 1951, the Land Cruiser series is now 72 years old. Immediately DIWHU LWV ODXQFK LW EHFDPH WKH ÀUVW YHKLFOH WR FOLPE WR WKH VL[WK VWDWLRQ RI 0RXQW )XML )URP WKDW WLPH LW KDV IXOÀOOHG its mission of delivering safety and security to all types of people in places that can only be reached in the Land Cruiser.

'HYHORSHG DQG UHÀQHG EDVHG RQ WKH DFWXDO XVDJH VLWXDWLRQV of global customers, it provides reliability, durability, and RͿ URDG SHUIRUPDQFH WKDW DOORZV SHRSOH WR JR DQ\ZKHUH and everywhere and return safely.

This concept has been passed down and evolved. With cumulative sales of about 11.3 million units*1 in approximately 170 countries and regions around the world, it has supported

the lives and livelihoods of people everywhere.

As of the end of June 2023. Both the cumulative numbers include the Lexus LX and GX. Until now, the Land Cruiser range has been divided LQWR WKUHH GLͿHUHQW VHULHVаWKH 6WDWLRQ :DJRQ WKDW DOZD\V showcases the latest technologies and has evolved into the ÁDJVKLS PRGHO FXUUHQWO\ WKH 6HULHV WKH +HDY\ 'XW\ PRGHO ZLWK RXWVWDQGLQJ GXUDELOLW\ DQG RͿ URDG GULYLQJ performance (the 70 Series), and the Light Duty model that SURYLGHV HDVH RI KDQGOLQJ DQG FRPIRUW RQ DQ RͿ URDG EDVH as a lifestyle and practical choice for customers (Prado).

250 Series, back to the origin and essence of the Land Cruiser.

The Light Duty Series has tended to shift toward highend and luxury models as the generations have evolved.

In developing the 250 Series, then-President Akio Toyoda, who has the ultimate responsibility for product development, explained his basic approach as, “The Land Cruiser should be a car that supports people’s lives and local communities, so the Light Duty model must return to the true form that customers are looking for.” In response, the development WHDP GHÀQHG WKH FRQFHSW DV UHWXUQLQJ WR WKH RULJLQ RI WKH Land Cruiser. With the spirit of rebuilding the model, they created a simple and sturdy vehicle that can be trusted by FXVWRPHUV WR IXOÀOO WKHLU OLIHVW\OH FKRLFHV DQG SUDFWLFDO QHHGV

The Invulnerable Road User SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

drivers.” Many think that an automobile accident will never happen to them. Is that the way you feel when it comes to automobile accidents? Are you invulnerable?

Statistics suggest that if you live in a developed country, you are quite likely to be injured in a WUD΀F DFFLGHQW DW OHDVW RQFH GXULQJ \RXU OLIHWLPH For many, such accidents prove fatal. Worldwide, WKHUH DUH QRZ DERXW PLOOLRQ WUD΀F IDWDOLWLHV each year, perhaps many of those who were killed this past year felt that it would never happen to them. What can you do to reduce your own risk? Prevention is the key. Consider how you can prevent accidents caused by drowsiness and by WKH HͿHFWV RI DJLQJ Man sleeping Make sure that your body is “fueled” with a good night’s sleep Let us start with the drowsy driver. Some experts say that drowsy drivers may be as dangerous as a drunk driver. Reports indicate that drowsiness causes an increasing number of accidents. Fleet Maintenance & Safety Report recently stated that

during a single year, 1 out of every 12 motorists in Norway reported falling asleep while driving.

According to the Star of Johannesburg, South Africa, driver fatigue causes up to one third of all vehicular collisions in that Country. Reports IURP RWKHU /DQGV UHYHDO WKDW IDWLJXH LV DͿHFWLQJ drivers everywhere. Why are there so many sleepy drivers? Today’s hectic life-style contributes to the problem.

Newsweek magazine reported recently that Americans may be “sleeping as much as an hour and a half less per night than they did at the turn of the century-and the problem is likely to get worse. Why? The magazine quoted sleep expert Terry Young as saying: “People have regarded sleep as a commodity that they could shortchange.

It’s been considered a mark of every hard-work and upward mobility to get very little sleep” It is said that the average person needs between six and a half and nine hours of sleep per night.

When deprived, people develop a “sleep debt”.

A report distributed by the AAA Foundation for 7UD΀F 6DIHW\ VWDWHV ´(YHQ VOHHSLQJ RU PLQXWHV less than needed each night during a normal ZRUN ZHHN FDQ UHVXOW LQ D WR KRXU VOHHS GHEW E\ WKH ZHHNHQG HQRXJK WR VLJQLÀFDQWO\ LQFUHDVH levels of daytime sleepiness.”

At times, you may miss out on a good night’s rest. Insomnia, caring for a sick child, or other factors beyond your control can rob you of sleep.

7KH QH[W GD\ \RX PD\ ZHOO ÀQG \RXUVHOI EHFRPLQJ sleepy behind the wheel. What should you do if this happens? Man napping in a parked car A brief nap may cause a slight delay, but it could save lives. Popular remedies such as drinking

FDͿHLQH RSHQLQJ WKH ZLQGRZ RSHQLQJ WKH ZLQGRZ chewing gum, or eating something spicy may not keep you awake. None of these so-called remedies address the real problem. What you need is sleep. So why not try taking a brief nap?

The New York Times suggested: The reviving workday nap should not be longer than 30 minutes; any more and the body lapses into a GHHS VOHHS IURP ZKLFK LW LV GL΀FXOW WR DZDNH µ Taking a nap might delay your arrival at your destination, but it can extend your life.

Your pattern of life can make you more susceptible to becoming a drowsy driver. Do you spend long hours on the Internet, or do you stay up late at night watching television? Do you go to social gatherings that last into the early hours of the morning? Don’t allow such practices to rob you of your sleep. With apologies to my muslim brothers and sisters,wise King Solomon in the Holy Bible once emphasised the value of even ´D KDQGIXO RI UHVW µ (FFOHVLDVWHV 6SHFLÀFDOO\ it states that “Better is a handful with quietness, than both the hands full with travail and vexation of spirit”. And in Psalms 127; 2, it says, “He grants sleep to those He loves and sums this XS LQ 3URYHUEV ZKLFK VD\V ´:KHQ \RX lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Sleep is therefore a gift from God Almighty who created us to work but also to rest. In conclusion, Eccl 5; 12 captures my touch and go attitude as I love both my work and my sleep; ’’The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

20

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

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L-R: Chief Executive Officer, West African Vocational Education (WAVE) Academy, Omolade Adeniyi; A beneficiary under the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) Wave Youth Empowerment initiative, Moses Oyetayo; and People and Culture Director, NBC Limited, Juliana Esezobor at NBC’s youth empowerment initiative in partnership with WAVE Academy under its one million euros donation to support social impact programmes in Nigeria held in Lagos... recently

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Rite Food Restates Commitment to Talent Development

Schneider Electric Plans to Train One million Youths

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21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

BRANDSDAY

A Fresh Positioning Journey for FBN Holdings

Raheem Akingbolu, who has been following conversations around the Honeywell Group’s acquisition of additional shares in FBN Holdings Plc, writes that the development would further strengthen the quality of both brands, considering their legendary and competitive edges

T

he media space was greeted with enthusiasm recently, following the trending news about Honeywell Group purchase of over 4.7 billion additional shares from FBN Holdings. Of course, many investment analysts have since described the move as the largest single transaction in 2023.

To brand analysts, the development has simply confirmed the popular saying that ‘value attracts value. The reason is simple; Honeywell Group is a market leader, while FBN Holdings is not only an investment haven but the warehouse of the nation’s number 1 bank brand. The implication is that each of the brands will leverage on the common success story to break new records.

Though this is not a partnership deal but all the same, it will be a mutually beneficial relationship. Experience over the years have shown that relationship between two brands allows established brands to reach new markets, gain greater distribution and dovetail on their partner’s previously established momentum.

According to reports, Honeywell made the strategic investment move through its affiliate company, Barbican Capital Limited. The investment company acquired 4.770 billion additional shares, leading to a staggering 14.8 per cent stake in FBN Holdings. Stock market dealers confirmed that over 4 billion ordinary shares ranging between N17 and N20 were purchased overthecourseoftwodays,July6andJuly7,2023.

Better outlook On the global stage, one of the most exciting co-branding campaigns that are often cited is that of Coca Cola and Berkshire Hathaway.

The relationship between the two brands has opened new vista for them both. According to their records, the relationship has contributed in no small measure to the growth of both brands globally.

Though the story of FBN Holdings Group and Honeywell Group Limited (HGL)is slightly dif-

class companies in their respective sectors. No doubts, the resilience and the success story of the two brands are enough to further shore up the profile of the new FBN Holdings,” Ajayi said.

Otudeko

ferent, the origin, age, experience and the trust consumers have in both brands called for the positive reaction that greeted the acquisition.

Samuel Ajayi, a former Editor of BrandPower, a wholly marketing communication journal, while commenting on the development said the relationship would be a win-win situation for stakeholders of both brands because they both parade a robust profile of credibility.

“I understand there are apprehensions in a few quarters, obviously from interested parties, but I’m happy that on a larger scale, Nigerians, especially experts, saw the acquisition as a positive development because of where the two brands are coming from. For instance,

FBN Holdings Plc is a well-diversified and one of the largest financial services organisations in Africa. It is structured along Commercial Banking, Merchant Banking, Capital Markets, Trusteeship, and Insurance brokerage.

“On the other hand, 50-year-old HGL is a leading investment holding company with a deep history of building, scaling, and investing in some of Nigeria’s most successful businesses. For over five decades, the company has invested in critical sectors of the economy and has built a solid track record of successfully enabling the growth of thriving, world-

Higher level of competition If the contents of a letter from the Managing Director of the Honeywell Group, Mr. Obafemi Otudeko, addressed to the Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc, on the acquisition is anything to go by, then it’s obvious the business relationship meets the dictates of mutual agency. Otudeko’s letter had indicated the advantage Honeywell Group was bringing to make the holdco more successful over time, while clearly stating its blueprint and business interests in other sectors of the economy.

In a statement from the company, it mentioned that it had, “notified FBN Holdings Plc (FBN) and regulatory authorities of the acquisition of 4,770,269,843 shares of FBN by its affiliate company,BarbicanCapitalLimited.Thispurchase is in addition to previously disclosed interests

by HGL’s affiliates.”

It’s obvious that a rancor-free legally binding relationship entered into by FBN Holdings and HGL will impact positively on the brands. To start with, two major opportunities are already around the corner for the new FBN to grab.

With the new status of FBN Holdings, experts believe that in a matter of time, its market share will increase, which will allow the group to achieve greater scale with its operations and improve profitability. Besides, many experts have submitted that the larger the company, in theory, the more competitive it becomes. Going by this submission, FBN Holding stands very well to boost its economies of scale because being bigger will allow it to compete for more.

To this end, it’s obvious that FBN appears prepared to deepen operation and consolidate its market leadership, which has been sustained over the years. And for the Honeywell, this is also an association that would further position it for increased opportunities.

Ziba Beach Resort Unveils Over-water Suite in Lagos Dike Onwuamaeze

A

s the value of the Naira keeps sloping downwards in the foreign exchange market thereby escalating the cost of international air travels for Nigerians desiring to travel to foreign holiday destinations, the Ziba Beach Resort on Thursday unveiled an over-water suite in Lagos that would enable Nigerianstoenjoytheirholidayswithinthecountry in an atmosphere that would offer them unique blend of luxury, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.

Speaking during the launching ceremony of the beach resort, the Managing Director, of Ziba Beach Resort, Mrs. Tricia Olufemi-Olumide, said thattheresort,whichisthefirstoverwatersuitein Lagos, is designed to provide top-notch standard international experience.

Olufemi-Olumide said that with its contemporary and comfortable architectural design, the beach resort that is located beside the Atlantic Ocean would set the stage for a top-tier resort experience in Lagos, Nigeria that could rival the best on a global scale.

She said: “We saw an opportunity to offer Nigerians an exceptional holiday experience right within their own borders. We have curated a diverse range of experiences and activities to keep our guests engaged throughout their stay.

“Our aim was to craft a boutique paradise that is an embodiment of a bespoke experience

L-R: Brand Consultant, Ziba Beach Resort (ZBR), Mr. Toni Olumide; Chairman of ZBR, Dr. Kennedy Okonkwo; Managing Director of ZBR, Mrs. Tricia Olufemi-Olumide and Board Member of ZBR, Mr. Olufemi Olumide at the grand unveiling of the resort in Ajah, Lagos State... on Thursday

tailored for the modern connoisseur of leisure and relaxation in Lagos.”

According to her, the Ziba Beach Resort would “offer a diverse range of exquisite accommodations,including anoverwater suite thatredefines luxury and beach-facing rooms that epitomise relaxation.

“Guests can unwind at the beach spa, engageinfriendlycompetitionatthegames room for adults, and watch their children frolic in the dedicated playground.

“The resort has large swimming pools (with a demarcation for kids), an indoor cinema,andacosyfirepitthatofferendless

entertainment options.

“Ziba Beach Resort is poised to be a gamechanger for Nigeria’s hospitality industry. With a keen focus on delivering a world-class standard of service, the resort is ready to welcome guests into a realm of luxury, relaxation, and unmatched indulgence.”

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

POLITY

Infrastructure: Again, Abiodun Hits the Ground Running James Sowole reports that Governor Dapo Abiodun has inaugurated Iboro-Imasayi- Ayetoro Road, in pursuance of his infrastructural development plan Apart from electioneering campaign activities that dominated the twilight of the Governor Dapo Abiodun’s first term, there were also inaugurations of several infrastructural and developmental projects like roads, primary health centres, school buildings and fire service stations. When the governor was doing these, some people, particularly, the opposition parties, said the governor was doing the inaugurations to deceive the people in order to win the 2023 governorship election.

However. Abiodun’s response at various times, had always been “reward for hard work, is more work.” He assured the people of the state of more developmental projects, should he win the 2023 Governorship Election.

Another major statement emphasised by Abiodun at different fora was that the government would not develop a section of the state, at the detriment of other sections.

Determined to fulfil his promise to the people, immediately he resumed for second term, Abiodun directed that work should resume on projects initiated earlier, for the benefits of the people.

One of such projects is the 21-kilometre Iboro-ImasayiAyetoro Road in the agrarian community of Yewa Local Government Area. The construction of the road with huge economic benefits to the residents and traders in and around the area, was divided into phases, to address critical needs of the people.

Abiodun The completion of the first phase of the road, which is seven kilometres, according to residents and stakeholders of the area, had saved them from stress and hardship, which the team to Imasayi, where the road was unveiled. they used to encounter while commuting from Ayetoro to The inauguration attracted some traditional rulers in Yewaland Imasayi and Iboro towns.

Samuel Olaniyan, a native of Ayetoro, told THISDAY that led by the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba the section of the road completed had shortened the journey Kehinde Olugbenle, who led some other monarchs including from Ayetoro to Imasayi, which used to take them over two the Aboro of Iboro, Oba Abayomi Salako and Olu of Imasayi, Oba Lukmon Kuoye to the event. hours, to less than 45 minutes.

Speaking on the benefits of the road, the Special Adviser to He said, “Whenever we are going to Ayeroro from here, Abiodun on Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Ade Adesanya, said the journey is usually a long one because it has to be from Iboro-Imasayi-Dangote-Igbogila-Sawonjo-Iganokoto-Ayetoro. the road would add value to socio-economic lives of the people “But with this completed section, from Imasayi, we just get in Yewa Local Government.

Adesanya said, “This commissioning is the culmination to Iganokoto and straight to Ayetoro. This is commendable as the journey of over two and half hours had been reduced of another major accomplishment of the Prince Abiodun-led to about 45 minutes. The frequent armed robbery attacks that administration, being one of many, among the several laudable achievements of Mr. Governor. people do experience while plying the road has also been “Undoubtedly, this feat has created direct and indirect eliminated.”

Olaniyan added that the road had also led to the reduction employment to the teeming youth of the area, while fostering of the amount they were spending fueling their vehicles and trade and commerce within and around the various communimotorcycles “particularly in this era of N630 per litre of petrol. ties that make up the stretch.

“The construction has equally eased movement of farmSo, the joy of the residents of the Imasayi town and environs, holds no bound, at the inauguration of the road on produce from farms to markets, thereby decreasing rural-urban migration, in addition to reducing the number of hard-to-reach August 16, 2023, when. Governor Abiodun led members of

areas that make up the largely agrarian community.

“The project is being constructed, in consonance with the promise by His Excellency, not to develop a part of the state at the expense of others. This is part of the Governor’s determination to ensure an inclusive transformational infrastructure development across the nooks and crannies of the state.

“The road has given room for residents to access various government facilities such as schools and medical centers, among other utilities; while opening doors for investors, especially in the agric value chain.

“In addition, cost of maintenance of automobiles will evidently come down. It will also encourage more settlement activity as well as improve individual prosperity of the residents.”

Though, the entire road is not ready, leaders and residents of the area were full of praises for several intervention of Abiodun in infrastructural development of the Yewaland.

According to Baale of Joga Orile, Chief Solomon Akinlotan, “The intervention on this Iboro- Imashayi- Ayetoro Road will enable farmers convey their produce from adjoining towns to the urban centers with ease as well as aid movement of commuters from Ayetoro to Ilaro, Owode-Idiroko and other states like Lagos, among others.”

The Chairman, Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Ayetoro Chapter, Mr Rasaq Ogundeji, said, “Our members are full of appreciation to the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun for the intervention, it is a solid job.”

While also appreciating the governor on the road construction, the Iyaloja General of Yewaland, Mrs Yemisi Abas, said the road. had lessen the burden of trading between the area and other parts of the state and even Lagos.

According to the Iyaloja, traders do not need to get to Abeokuta before proceeding to Lagos unlike what it used to be. She added that traders from Lagos now come directly as they now have a road that has saved them from going road several communities, before linking Lagos road.

However, the Iyaloja, urged the government, to speed up action to ensure, construction of the road, to Ayetoro.

Crowning several remarks of stakeholders at the inauguration of the road, the Olu of Ilaro appreciated Abiodun for several good things that his administration had done in Yewaland, adding that things had never been this good in the area, before Abiodun came on board.

The monarch, who highlighted some of the intervention of Abiodun in the area, enjoined the governor, to ensure the construction of the remaining portion of the road.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Ogun PDP and its Comedy of Errors two days after the Presidential Election which the PDP lost, requesting to open an account for the production of 200,000 ATM verve cards containing N10,000 each and totaling N2 he opposition Peoples Democratic Party billion, but also tendered the record of delivery of and collec(PDP) in Ogun State will not cease to amuse tion of the prepaid ATM cards to Adebutu, and the sample the populace with its seemingly innocuous of the card, including the statement of account opened in drama bordering on the proceedings of the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting the name of Oladipupo Adebutu, all indicating inflow and outflow of the account from February to May 2023 and in Abeokuta, the state capital.

Certificate of Compliance.

Once again, last week, the party went to Two other star witnesses further corroborated this. The first town with another comedy of errors, celebratwas Mr. Odesanya Olalekan, an artisan from Ijebu North ing the purported victory for its candidate, Oladipupo Adebutu, in the Wednesday ruling of the Court of Appeal East, and Adeosun Waheed. Both of them confirmed the distribution of the preloaded ATM cards by PDP members on the counter-accusation of vote-buying filed against on the day of the election and also testified that members Governor Dapo Abiodun.

For proper clarification, Adebutu is the one currently fac- of the party disrupted the voting process in the course of their resistance to the use of the BVAS in the conduct of the ing the charges of vote-buying, disruption of the electoral election. process, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and With these testimonies, who will not know that Adebutu is other sundry allegations of manipulation at the Tribunal. merely running away from his shadow? But as a drowning For fear of the unknown, he is currently on self-exile in man who desperately needed a straw to hold on to, the an undisclosed location abroad to escape the long arms fugitive candidate, knowing fully well that he had no route of the law. While the hearing lasted, we watched with of escape, having been charged to court, decided to add consternation how his lead counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN), a fresh twist to the matter, raising a counter-accusation of fiercely struggled to defend his case before he eventually vote-buying against the APC and Governor Abiodun without succumbed to the overwhelming evidence of electoral any verifiable evidence to back up the claims. malfeasances alleged committed during the governorship Unfortunately for him, the machination could not stand election, declaring that “he was handicapped.” the test of time. It fell with a loud thud following the police One of these damning testimonies was made by an official of a bank, Mrs. Celestina, the Head of Card Services investigation into the matter. In the final analysis, the report of that bank, who presented evidence of 200,000 preloaded presented before the tribunal expressly stated that the allegation of over-voting levelled against APC by the PDP was not ATM cards meant for vote-buying to the tribunal. The substantiated. startling revelation of the underhand deal followed an The report of the findings reads in part: “That contrary to earlier submission of two letters written by the counsel the claims of some of the witnesses brought forward by the to Governor Abiodun, Prof Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), PDP, Daniel Obadamilare, Adesina Sakiru, Dauda Kamil to Zenith Bank in February, seeking clarification on how and Ogunleye Francis, their claims of vote-buying cannot be Adebutu opened a special account for the purpose of substantiated as they were unable to mention the POS agents his action with the bank as well as the request he made that were alleged to have converted the cards to cash for for issuance of 200,000 preloaded ATM cards containing them.”

N10, 000 each, some days before the March 18, 202p m “The APC has denied the allegations leveled against them gubernatorial election. by presenting evidence such as the Official Gazette and the Put under cross-examination, not only did Celestina Executive Order establishing the Ogun State Social Investpresent the certified true copy of a letter written to Zenith ment Programme, presenting Local Government Chairmen Bank by Oladipupo Adebutu dated 27th February 2023, Femi Ogbonnikan

T

as witnesses to its functionality at the grassroots, presenting beneficiaries of the social investment programme as witnesses and also a sample of appointment letter given to the SIOs (Social Investment Officers).”

Then, the clincher followed. The governorship election petition tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, summarily dismissed the case, declaring it as an afterthought on the ground that it was not part of the original petition filed against the respondents. It was as a result of his failure to bring down Abiodun that Adebutu hurriedly sneaked out of the country and still remains at large now, while he continues to fight a proxy war at the tribunal.

For the umpteenth time, a special panel of the Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja, Wednesday, affirmed the decision of the Ogun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal which had earlier struck out all allegations of vote-buying and voter inducement filed against Governor Dapo Abiodun and APC. In the same vein, the Court of Appeal threw out the entire appeal filed by Adebutu and PDP against the decision of the Ogun State Gubernatorial Election Petition Tribunal which upheld the validity of Governor Abiodun’s defence. It described the appeal filed by Adebutu as unmeritorious and struck it out in its entirety.

With these decisions, Adebutu and the PDP will have to face the full wrath of the law for the allegations of vote-buying that Governor Abiodun had instituted against them. But instead of facing the consequences of their action, they are out to create confusion in the state, interpreting the judgment that is unambiguously clear to suit their selfish purpose.

To set the record straight, however, the APC in Ogun state has already alerted the public of the evil machination. In a press statement issued in Abeokuta and signed by the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Tunde Oladunjoye, the party urged the public to disregard the fake stories being churned out.

The statement reads in part: “While we have applied for the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the judgment, we urge PDP and its agents to be responsible enough not to distort public records.

Their lies cannot last for long.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

POLITY

Globacom @ 20: How Adenuga Changed the Telecom Game Chidiebere Nwobodo

G

lobacom, Nigeria’s foremost indigenous mobile telecom company is celebrating its two decades of operation. From August, 2003 to August, 2023, has been a watershed in the nation’s telecom industry. Glo’s twenty years of bullish run in the industry, ably led by the indefatigable telecom tycoon—aka ‘The Bull’, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., GCON, has become the catalyst that revolutionized mobile telecommunications in the country. Before advent of GSM, Nigeria had paltry 400,000 active phone lines for then population of over 150 million people, which implied that less than one percent of the country had access to telephony services.

Defunct Nitel reigned supreme as the king of the jungle with near monopolistic grip, riddled with gross inefficiency that became cesspit of corruption.

When GSM anchored on our shoreline in 2001 with the arrival of the two legacy mobile operators, Nigerians saw it as an answered prayer. It was seen as a glim light of hope at the end of the tunnel and clear departure from failures of hitherto government-owned Nitel that gulped so much public funds without commensurate services as much as output. The euphoria of the coming of GSM services soon began to dwindle and doubt started replacing hope as a result of high cost of mobile lines and the N50/min billing system. The legacy mobile operators insisted that it was impossible to sell lines at cheaper and affordable prices. They also ruled out Per Second Billing (PSB) as being practically impossible owing to the cost of obtaining licences and humongous funds needed for network expansion. The GSM services remained exclusively reserved for the elites and upper middle class because of challenge of affordability until Globacom happened!

Two years down the road, in August 2003, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., took the gauntlet and floated Globacom Limited as the first indigenous mobile operator. The entrance of Globacom broke the duopoly of the two legacy operators, untied the oligopolistic hold on the sector, and changed the game via introduction of cheaper mobile lines, and most importantly, Per Second Billing (PSB). What Nigerians thought was impossible, Globacom made it possible. GSM services became affordable to Nigerians irrespective of social and economic class, respectively. The grand entrance of ‘The Bull’ (Glo) in the game altered permutations, sparked fierce competition amongst mobile operators, drove massive investment in telecom infrastructure and heightened the scramble for new subscribers. Globacom truly changed the game.

In less than two decades, Nigeria’s active phone lines skyrocketed from 400,000 in 2001 to 223.6m at April 2023, scoring a teledensity of 117 percent. Internet access rose from less than one percent broadband penetration to 48 percent, translating to 157 million subscribers. Even in the recent report released by the regulator, while other mobile operators cumulatively lost about 100,000 Internet subscriptions in one month, Globacom, within same period gained over 200,000 subscriptions. The resultant effects of speeded telecom evolution orchestrated by Adenuga’s bullish run with Globacom have cascaded to other critical sectors of the economy. After twenty years of redefining standards in the industry, all I can say is: thank you Globacom for coming to our rescue.

If not Globacom, Nigerians might still be paying exorbitant amount for mobile lines. If not for Globacom, Nigerians would have still be under the strangulating hold of per a minute billing system. If not for Globacom, the two legacy operators would have maintained their hegemonic stand that Per Second Billing (PSB) was impossible—exactly what DSTV is doing now with pay TV as a result of the near monopoly it enjoys till today. It was the vision of one man to build the biggest and best telecommunications network in Africa that made all the difference. Just close your eyes in one minute and imagine Nigeria’s telecom sector without Globacom. Imagine massive jobs created in the economy today. Imagine easy of doing business made possible by high connectivity.

Since its launch in 2003, Globacom has pioneered the introduction of latest technology in the markets where it operates, thus ensuring that its subscribers benefit from the advances made in telecommunications and information technology for personal, social and business prosperity. For example, Globacom was the only operator in Africa to launch its operations on the superior 2.5G network which enabled the convergence of voice, data and multimedia technologies. This robust platform not only ensured unparalleled voice clarity and low drop calls but also enabled the offering of value added services unavailable on the 2G technology deployed by other operators in the industry then. These included vehicle tracking, mobile internet, mobile banking, multimedia messaging service (MMS), voice SMS, Magic Plus and Text2email.

As a firm that has carved a niche for itself for being a pacesetter renowned for pioneering latest innovations in the telecom industry, the introduction of the 3G Plus technology marked the second time that Globacom was in the forefront of birthing of the latest transmission network in Nigeria. The 3G Plus technology enabled a much faster transmission of data, voice, broadband internet and multimedia services over a range of frequencies.

It allowed customers to do video call, video streaming and high-speed mobile internet access, amongst others, from their 3G mobile handset. In furtherance of its quest to be a topnotch and technologically advanced mobile operator in the country and beyond, Globacom also became the first network to test

L-R: Chairman, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Special Assistant to the Kaduna State Governor, Abdulhakeem Ibraheem Abdulkareem; Deputy Manager, Internal Audit Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Olutimayin Oluseye Itunuoluwa; Assistant Chief Engineer, Performance Management Department, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Ajike Chinagorom Ogbu; Executive Vice Chair, Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, Ofovwe AigImoukhuede; at the 2023 AIG Scholarships Predeparture Orientation programme in Ikoyi, Lagos …yesterday

the 4G-LTE network in Nigeria, thus putting Nigeria in the league of nations where Long Term Evolution (LTE) has continued to gain ground. LTE is a revolutionary Fourth Generation Mobile Technology, which enhances data transfer rates, delivering unmatched mobile broadband experience and highest data speeds and reliability.

When it comes to network expansion to gave its customers best of services, Globacom has demonstrated that its actions resonates with its mission statement: “To be the largest, most successful entertainment, information and telecommunications solutions provider, in Nigeria and Africa.” In the last twenty years, it has invested billions of dollars building and expanding its network to reach the nooks and crannies of the Nigeria and beyond. When it comes to fibre optics cable, Globacom has the most extensive fibre optic backbone across Nigeria. The facility was built to further enhance voice and data transmission for mobile and fixed telephone operations in the country. It is complemented by a microwave backbone serving as back-up. The fibre optic cable helps ensure that calls on the network are crisp and clear, without suffering breaks and drops.

Another game-changer in the nation’s telecom industry, especially broadband connectivity, was the launch of Glo-1, an intercontinental submarine cable linking Nigeria and outside world. It is the first time a single company would implement such a massive undersea project in Africa costing over $250m dollars. It is an expansive solely owned trans-Atlantic cable, providing internet connectivity between Europe, America and the West African coast. The 9,800km-long cable has landing points in Lagos of Nigeria, Accra of Ghana, Senegal, Nouakchott of Mauritania, Casablanca of Morocco, Vigo of Spain, Bude of England, etcetera. Glo-1 delivers a much faster and robust connectivity for voice, data and video. In addition to boosting the provision of services to telecom end users, the facility is currently providing the much-needed connectivity to critical sectors of the economy such as oil and gas, manufacturing, banking, commence, education and health, among others.

This humongous subsea cable has increased internet connectivity between Nigeria and the rest of the world.

Two years ago, Globacom launched a new online streaming app called GloTV. It is an innovative TV streaming service on Android, IoS and Web for watching live TV, video on Demand and Catch-up with premium content. Beyond telecom sector, Globacom, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which resonates with the philanthropic ideology of its chairman, Adenuga, has made tremendous impacts in the nation’s sports, entertainment, Arts and Culture, etcetera. For years the company supported Nigerian football and ensured the Super Eagles became African champions again in 2013.

Globacom solely sponsored CAF/Glo Awards for many years. Its penchant for identifying with Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage is unequalled.

L-R; Managing Director, MERISTEM Stockbrokers Ltd, Saheed Bashir; Group Managing Director, MERISTEM Securities Ltd. Wole Abegunde; Deputy Chief of staff to Lagos State Governor, Representing the Governor, Gboyega Soyannwo; Vice Chairman, MERISTEM Securities Limited, Olusegun Olusanya; Non-Executive Director, MERISTEM Securities Limited, Christopher Attah at the 20th anniversary of MERISTEM Securities Limited/ Book Launch in Lagos….yesterday SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R; Deputy Director, Human Resources Administration, Petroleum Training Institute, Mr Suala Yeri; Membership Secretary, Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investors of Nigeria, L-R: Head, Sales, South-West, 9mobile, Razaq Oloko; Director, Marketing Communication, 9mobile, Saidat Delta State Chapter (CIFCFIN), Mrs. Anne Macaulay-Gbogidi; Chairperson, Mrs. Temisan Eguando; Lawal-Mohammed; Winner of the Hack Pitchaton, Peter Oyetoyan; and 9mobile Brand Ambassador, Beau- Chairman, Delta State Board of Internal Revenue Service, Hon. Solomon Ighrakpata; and Treasurer ty Tukura at the presentation of cheque to the winner of Campus Hack, a business mentorship programme (CIFCFIN),Delta State Chapter, Mrs. Roseline Egbo during a courtesy visit to Delta State Internal Revenue Board Chairman …recently organised by 9mobile which held at University of Ilorin, Kwara State… recently

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER AUGUST 26, 2023

PERSPECTIVE Enugu Guber Tribunal: Revisiting Edeoga’s Shenanigans Silas Ugwu

A

s was widely reported, the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal chaired by Justice Kudirat Murayo Akano, last week, concluded hearing and also reserved judgment for a yet to be announced date in the petition instituted by the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the state, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, and LP against the return of the 2nd Respondent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Peter Mbah, as the duly elected governor of Enugu State in the 18th March 2023 gubernatorial election.

But while the judgment is being expected, the Edeoga and Labour can be likened to the sawtail lizard that ruined his mother’s funeral. The many errors by the Petitioners are such that they could still probably have lost the case even if Mbah, PDP, and INEC (Respondents) did not present any defence or witnesses. In fact, their case is so weak that INEC did not even bother to present witnesses.

Whereas some believe the many blunders were fruits of ineptitude, the more spiritual and philosophical see them as natural retribution. Edeoga was one of the signatories to the May 2022 pact/covenant among Enugu East PDP governorship aspirants to support any of them endorsed by former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi as his successor.

He equally issued a statement he personally signed after the PDP governorship primary where he threw his weight behind Mbah and urged his supporters and Enugu voters to do the same. But like Judas Iscariot, he betrayed the covenant/pact and went for LP ticket, allegedly at the prompting of the Nwodo family of Ukehe. Ecclesiastes 10:8 says, “Who so breaketh an hedge, a serpent shall bite him”. So, they believe he has been bitten by the serpent of errors and confusion.

First, they vested their entire energy and time allotted to them by the tribunal to pursue Mbah’s National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate case. Rather than try to prove their claim that they won the election, they made a U-turn to begin to contest Mbah’s qualification to run for the election in the first place. Although they got a court order on 29th March to inspect some BVAS machines and materials used in the election, they only dusted it in mid July when it became clear to them, from the evidences by their subpoenaed star witness from NYSC defused their arguments and left them gasping for breath because he ended up confirming over 95 per cent of Mbah’s claims. But the NYSC hoopla was finally buried on the day Mbah’s subpoenaed witness from the Department of State Security unveiled the findings of the agency’s investigation.

The Petitioners’ comedy of errors also manifested in the final written address where they submitted that they won the highest number of votes in the Rivers (instead of the Enugu) governorship election and should therefore be declared winners of the same election. Even the panelists were flabbergasted.

Furthermore, instead of praying the court to resolve their submissions on issues number one (Paragraph 4.1), which has to do with their claim that Dr. Peter Mbah’s certificate was fake, the Petitioners stated: “We submit that the issue formulation above be answered in the negative”. In other words, they prayed the court to discard all that they have claimed about Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate.

Likewise, at paragraph 4.38, the Petitioners ‘erroneously’ claimed to have called witnesses, who served as polling agents to the 2nd Respondent (Mbah), instead of witnesses of the Petitioners, to speak to documents submitted as exhibits. At paragraph 4.39, they further stated, “More

Mbah

It was not as if the BVAS machines could have made any difference. Not only that there was no established malpractice yet, but also because, as counsel to INEC, Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN) stated, they were talking DERXW MXVW ÀYH RU VL[ RXW RI RYHU %9$6 PDFKLQHV in polling units across the Enugu State. Meanwhile, ZKHUHDV WKH WULEXQDO ZLOO KDYH WKH ÀQDO VD\ LI DOO WKDW transpired in court is anything to go by, one does not need a soothsayer to foresee what the future holds for Edeoga. It is a hopeless case fundamentally, the Petitioners (being Edeoga and LP, instead of the Respondents) were unable to establish their case.

Meanwhile, their efforts to amend the blunders in their final written address were stiffly opposed by the Respondents. The Petitioners’ lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) made an oral application to that effect. But INEC’s counsel, Abdul Mohammed Rafindadi (SAN), opposed the

application, insisting that it was not a typographical error, but an admission by the Petitioners that they had lost the case. INEC insisted that it was a deliberate attempt to change the position earlier canvassed by the Petitioners. Citing several authorities, including Fingesi v. INEC (2019), INEC said it was a procedural defect to ask for an amendment of a final written

address and therefore urged the tribunal to throw out the application.

Also, Mbah’s lead counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), opposed the application on the grounds that the Respondents would suffer irremediable injustice if granted, insisting that the Petitioners wanted to add to their address whereas the Respondents had already adopted their final written addresses and the matter was closed.

After listening to the arguments on both sides, the Chairman of the three-man panel, Justice Akano, said the tribunal would rule on the matter alongside the judgment.

Meanwhile, it is recalled that Edeoga and LP also misquoted the codes of BVAS machines used in Owo and Ugbawka in Nkanu East LGA during the 18th March 2023 governorship election, listing BVAS codes for Igboeze North LGA instead in subpoenaing the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Enugu State. The subpoena signed by Justice Akano reads: “You are hereby commanded in the name of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to attend before the Governorship Petition Tribunal sitting in Enugu… to give evidence on behalf of the Petitioners and also bring with you and produce at the time and place the aforesaid: “Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) used in Owo and Ugbawka 1 Registration Areas in Nkanu East LGA, polling units 14/08/01 (Umuonoada 1) and 14/08/01/003 (Orie Mama Asanya) in Essodo 1 Registration Area, polling unit 14/08/06/003 (pole 1 Ugbele) & 14/08/06/005 (Community Primary School Umundeba) in Ette Central Registration Area; and polling unit 14/08/17/012 (Ogene Hall Umuida), Umuozzi VII Registration Area in Igboeze North LGA Enugu State and Umuchigbo Registration Area (Hall VI Code: 14/08/009 polling unit) in Enugu East LGA, Enugu State used in the 18th March Governorship Election and the certified True Copy of the BVAS Report PU for the Enugu State Governorship Election held on 18/3/2023….”

So, whereas the Petitioners claimed that INEC REC acted in contempt of the court by allegedly refusing to provide the required BVAS machines, the BVAS codes contained in the subpoena, namely, 14/08/01/003, 14/08/01/002, 14/08/06/005, 14/08/06,003, and 14/08/17/012, were for Igboeze North LGA, not Nkanu East, while the 6th BVAS code (14/08/009) was incomplete.

Clarifying before the tribunal, the REC explained: “According to the list in the subpoena, we were mandated to produce five BVAS, and I am here with the five BVAS”. Asked if he also brought the BVAS for Owo and Ugbawka I Registration Areas of Nkanu East L.G.A, the REC reminded the court that INEC BVAS could only be identified by their codes and the established tradition in election adjudications nationwide is that INEC provides BVAS based on their codes.

Upon the insistence of the Petitioners that the REC be made to produce the BVAS for the named polling units, the codes on the subpoena notwithstanding, the tribunal asserted that it could not give them what they did not pray for.

It was not as if the BVAS machines could have made any difference. Not only that there was no established malpractice yet, but also because, as counsel to INEC, Chief Alex Izinyon (SAN) stated, they were talking about just five or six out of over 4,000 BVAS machines in polling units across the Enugu State.

Meanwhile, whereas the tribunal will have the final say, if all that transpired in court is anything to go by, one does not need a soothsayer to foresee what the future holds for Edeoga. It is a hopeless case.

Ugwu, public analyst, writes from Enugu.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

26.08.2023

NEWS

CLUB OWNERS NOT FOR POSTPONENT

Tobi Amusan Shattered Dream

PAGE. 25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

26

GLOBAL SOCCER

Tobi Amusan never recovered from her poor start as she returned a distant sixth in the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary

Tobi Amusan

A Shattered Dream After successfully defending her African Games and Commonwealth titles, 100m hurdles World Record holder,Tobi Amusan was optimistic of defending her World Athletics Championship gold medal she won in Oregon, United States, a year ago at the Budapest, Hungary, edition. But the first sign that her dream might not come to fruition emanated when the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) suspended her with few weeks to the start of the Championship after being charged with Whereabouts failure which put doubt to her participation in the Championship and indeed, her preparation. It therefore, came as a little shock when she came sixth in the finals on Thursday night

A

little over year ago, Nigerians were celebrating a feat that was achieved by the country’s athlete in far away Oregon, United States as Tobi Amusan not only won gold in the 100m hurdles at the World Athletics Championship, but set a new world record in the event. However, her attempt at defending the title in the next edition of the Championship in Budapest, was futile as she returned a distant sixth.

The 26-year-old did not have the best of starts in the final race and eventually lost her rhythm at the tail end of the race, thus settling for the sixth position.

Amusan’s dethroning is a major upset as she had been the dominant force in the 100m hurdles since winning the gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon.

The world record holder says she will be back stronger next year after losing the world women’s 100m hurdles crown to Jamaica’s Danielle Williams on Thursday in Budapest.

In an interview with journalists after the game, Amusan said, it was quite “a journey getting into the final” despite all she had gone through in the last couple of weeks.

“I Just want to say a huge thank you to who has been supporting me through the ups and downs, Ya’ll stood by me, kept praying for me, God Bless you all, I am sorry I might have let you all down, but we will back stronger definitely.

“Yeah, it’s a tough one; nobody likes to lose but considering what I have gone through in the past couple of months, I’m so grateful that I came out,” she said.

Amusan did not have the best of starts in the final race and eventually lost her rhythm

at the tail end of the race, thus settling for the sixth position.

Her sixth position is a major upset as she had been the dominant force in the 100m hurdles since winning the gold medal at the 2022 World Championships in Oregon.

She also holds the African and Commonwealth Games records in the event.

However, Amusan had a difficult build-up to the 2023 World Championships. She was provisionally suspended by the AIU for missing three out-of-competition drug tests.

She was eventually cleared to compete in Budapest, but the suspension undoubtedly affected her preparations.

Despite the disappointment of being dethroned, Amusan can still be proud of her achievements as she will be looking to bounce back and reclaim her title at the next World Championships in 2025, but before then, she will aim for a good outing at next year’s Paris Olympic Games.

Amusan was always going to be under pressure as she aims to defend her women’s 100m hurdles World Record and the gold medal she won in Oregon, USA last year at the final of the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

In the semifinal, the petit Nigerian sprint hurdler, battled to win her race in 12.56secs in perhaps the slowest time she has posted this season, which was mainly because of her slow reaction time from the block. She had to dig deep to catch up with Jamaican Ackera Nugent who had established a clear lead from the start to hit the finish line first. The Jamaican was second in 12.60 while Dutch girl, Nadine Visser was third in 12.62.

But in Thursday’s final, Amusan did not

have such luxury as she again failed to react fast from the blocks and it was Jamaica’s Danielle Williams that led the pack.

Williams, aged 30, had previously secured victory in Beijing back in 2015. This time, she clocked an impressive 12.43 seconds, narrowly surpassing Olympic champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn from Puerto Rico, who finished in 12.44 seconds.

Williams managed to find a little extra and crossed the finish line ahead of her two more favored competitors. This was an improvement for Camacho-Quinn, who finished one place higher than last year. The 27-year-old expressed contentment with her silver medal, stating that she was grateful for the improvement from her previous bronze medal at the last world championships.

“If I add my Olympic gold medal I have the whole collection to be proud of.”

Camacho-Quinn, who is only the second Olympic champion from Puerto Rico, expressed gratitude for coming in second place in a highly competitive race.

She stated, “This race was filled with talented athletes, and I was only defeated by a tenth of a second, so I don’t feel any bitterness.”

Kendra Harrison of the United States secured the bronze medal with a time of 12.46 seconds. While both Amusan and the 2019 champion, Nia Ali, struggled to stay competitive in the race. They finished in sixth and last place, respectively.

Harrison has Season’s Best time of 12.24secs in contrast to Amusan’s 12.34.

The Nigerian speedster has not been able to repeat her form at this Championships.

That is quite understandable. Nobody goes

Amusan

through the type of psychological torture Amusan was subjected to by the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and still be in the right frame of mind to compete at the highest stage of the sport. The accusation of missing three whereabouts tests has really had a telling effect on the Nigerian Golden Girl.

It however remains to be seen how well Amusan recovers psychologically ahead of the challenges ahead.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Club Owners not for Postponement T he 2023-2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season which ought to commence today was postponed to September 9, for commercial purposes according to the General Secretary of the NPFL club owners, Godwin Enakhena.

Initially, the speculation was that the 20 clubs who are qualified to participate in the 2023-2024 NPFL season requested for the two-week postponement of the season.

However, Enakhena who is in charge of the Lagos-based club, Sporting Lagos, said the NPFL board communicated the new date to the association, not the other way around.

According to a statement from the NPFL board under the leadership of Gbenga Elegbeleye, the two-week postponement was necessitated by commercial reasons.

The statement revealed that the kickoff of the league had to be postponed to give room for the installation, testing, and training of personnel that would operate the newly acquired AI cameras, which would be used to stream the league on a digital platform in the coming 2023-2024 NPFL season.

The draw of the season was earlier scheduled to take place on August 25, but was moved to Tuesday, August 29.

Meanwhile, the new Kano Pillars manager Abdul Maikaba is happy over the two-week postponement, describing it as a blessing to his team who are just returning to the NPFL a season after they were relegated to the second divi-

Action during an encounter between Sporting Lagos and Katsina United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos

sion.

He said, “I think it’s a blessing in disguise for me personally because it gives me ample opportunity to work

with my team more because we have a tough task ahead of us primarily to stay up and see if we can finish in the top half of the league.

“If the postponement will give the LMC enough time to put things in place for the growth of the league, I’m in support of it.”

NPFL Vows to Clampdown on Clubs over Indebtedness to Players Sports Minister The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clubs have been reminded of the licensing processes for the 2023/2024 season scheduled to kick off in September.

The process followed the provisions of licensing regulations for clubs.

This reminder is contained in a memo released by the Chief Operating Officer of the NPL Board, Davidson Owumi.

Owumi said registration for the new season will only be completed on provision of satisfactory evidence of compliance, particularly in cases of reported indebtedness to former and serving players and officials.

He warned that clubs with case(s) of indebtedness will not be permitted to register new player(s).

Owumi stressed that clubs that had cases adjudicated by the NFF Arbitration panel should approach the NPFL registration schedule officers with evidence of compliance and or letters of mutual consent settlements.

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

NPFL clubs that are found to be indebted to players and or club officials stand the risk of not being allowed to complete t h e i r re g i s t r a t i o n f o r t h e 2 0 2 3 / 2 4 season.

In a memo dated August 23 and re a d i n p a r t : “ R e f e r t o p re v i o u s c o m m u nications on the above subject and note that the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) would enforce the extant provisions of the Financial Requirements of the Nigeria

Football Federation (NFF) as it relates to all due payables to players and Club Officials.

“It has become necessary to remind all clubs that registration for the season will only be completed on provision of satisfactory evidence of compliance, particularly in cases of reported indebtedness to former and serving players and Officials.”Owumi also explained that the measure is being adopted to ensure that all cases of indebtedness to players and Officials by clubs are resolved.

Rangers CEO Calls for Improved Performances Rangers International F.C’s newly appointed G.M/CEO, Amobi Ezeaku, has charged staff of the club to improve their performances so as to help the club achieve its set target of becoming one of the most admired and followed club in the African continent and the world at large.

Making his first official contact with staff at the club’s corporate head office, G.R.A, Enugu, on Thursday, the youthful administrator called for cooperation, diligence, and dedication to duty from all members of staff of the corporation as he believes that these virtues will go a long way to help the club realize its set goals.

The new helmsman of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ after being introduced by the Administrative Secretary, Ferdinand Ugwuarua to members of staff, thanked everybody for holding on and flying the flag of the club very high, stressing, “It gives me the joy to be back here in Rangers and I thank God who made everything possible as well as thank Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for his government’s belief in my capability to lead this great club, Rangers International F.C. “My return is for good and I urge us all to rededicate and re-double our efforts in our duties to help take our club to the desired heights.”

Later in the day, the G.M/CEO had an audience with players, coaches, and backroom staff of the club at the Players’

Camp, Independence Layout, Enugu, where he challenged all to up their game to ensure that Rangers celebrate with trophies at the end of 2023/2024 football season.

“Sincerely, I am very happy to be in your midst, and with the calibre of players I see here with the quality of coaches on the ground, I am optimistic that we shall celebrate at the end of the soon-to-be football season. Even as I don’t doubt your individual qualities I charge you to work as a team. Cooperate in everything you do so that we can come out tops in every match we play and at the end, success shall be ours,” stated the UEFA and FIFA Masters certificate in club administration, holder.

Coach Gabriel Ezema who spoke on behalf of the coaching crew led by Fidelis Ilechukwu promised the new club boss that all would be done to ensure that all targets set by the club were met while captain of the side, Chukwudi Nwaodu, in reacting to the charge, welcomed and thanked the new G.M/CEO and promised that the footballers will do all in their powers to ensure that Rangers regains its pride of place in both domestic, continental and world football.

Recall that Enugu State governor, Wednesday, August 23, 2023, announced Ezeaku as the new General Manager and CEO of Rangers International F.C.

Charges NPFL Referees on Fair Officiating The Federal Government has called on Referee Assessors in the country to constantly update their capacities with a view to bringing a turn around in the performances of the Domestic League in Nigeria.

The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh gave the charge today when he had a stop over where the referee assessors were holding their training.

Senator Enoh who was led to the stop-over by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar, during the inspection tour of facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja observed that all through the years, referees in Nigeria have been heavily criticized over their performances in our leagues.

“I want to however trust that we will build on the recent successes achieved and win the confidence of our people,” he said.

Senator Enoh noted that referees are critical stakeholders of the game of football, and thus need constant training and retraining in order to enhance their capacity for the development of sports in the country.

The Minister at the stop over, was received by the Chairperson of the Referees Committee, Faith Irabor.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez was on song for the Reds in their 2-0 win againt a 10-man Newcastle at St. James’ Park

Newcastle Seek for Response Against Liverpool After losing narrowly 1-0 to defending champions, Manchester City, Newcastle would be seeking a response as they welcome another English heavyweight side, Liverpool, to St. James’Park tomorrow.

The match which no doubt is the headline fixture in gameweek three of the 2023-24 Premier League season is expected to be a fascinating encounter

T

he Magpies were beaten 1-0 by treble winners, Manchester City in their most recent affair, while the Reds came from behind to put Bournemouth to the sword 3-1 at Anfield.

Having hit Aston Villa for five during a vivacious attacking display on the opening day, some Newcastle fans may have embarked on their journeys to the Etihad quietly hopeful of slaying a Manchester City side still feeling the effects of their UEFA Super Cup exploits.

It was not to be for Eddie Howe’s men at the Etihad, though, as the lively Phil Foden set up Julian Alvarez for the decisive goal in the 31st minute, and the Citizens could and probably should have won by more had Erling Haaland not left his shooting boots in the changing room.

While Haaland endured an off day in front of goal, Howe also departed the Etihad with a bitter taste in the mouth, having felt that his side failed to hit their newly-established lofty expectations in the wake of their ruthless success over Aston Villa.

The Magpies enter the third gameweek of the season sitting in eighth place in the table, although the early-season standings certainly count for little at this stage, but it is now just one clean sheet in 13 Premier League affairs for this weekend’s hosts.

On the flip side, Newcastle have only been beaten three times at St James’ Park in the Premier League since the start of 2022, although two of those defeats have come against Liverpool, who unlike Howe’s side did manage to turn around a one-goal deficit to triumph last weekend.

Even before some fans had taken their seats at Anfield during Liverpool’s meeting with Bournemouth last weekend, chaos reigned supreme, as Antoine Semenyo broke the deadlock for the Cherries with just three minutes on the clock after Andoni Iraola’s side had already had a strike ruled out in the earliest stages.

With new signing Wataru Endo only deemed ready for a place on the bench, Liverpool’s distinct lack of a defensive presence in midfield was being exposed

by Bournemouth, but the Reds soon found their rhythm and fought back through Luis Diaz’s acrobatic strike, Mohamed Salah’s penalty rebound and Diogo Jota’s tap-in.

Even a second-half red card to Alexis Mac Allister - which has since been rescinded - did not impact Liverpool’s momentum in the final half-hour, but as ever, Alisson Becker had to bail his side out on a couple of occasions in the dying embers to help the Reds get off the mark at the second time of asking.

Victory over Bournemouth stretched Liverpool’s unbeaten streak in the Premier League to 13 matches since April’s thumping at the hands of Manchester City, and Jurgen Klopp’s men have also made the net ripple in 12 of those contests, while their 113 goals against Newcastle is their most against a single opponent in the Premier League era.

Thanks to Nick Pope’s rush of blood to the head and subsequent sending off, Liverpool defeated Newcastle 2-0 at St James’ Park in February to record their fourth win on the bounce against the Magpies, who memorably succumbed to Fabio Carvalho’s last-gasp Anfield winner almost exactly a year ago.

Meanwhile, seeking to pick themselves up from a disappointing defeat last weekend, Manchester United play host to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford this afternoon.

The visitors, meanwhile, are looking to claim their first top-flight away win since Janarury and end their 29-year wait for a victory over the Red Devils.

After scraping past a spirited Wolverhampton Wanderers outfit with a slender 1-0 victory on the opening weekend of the new season, Man United’s luck ran out last Sunday when they were put to the sword 2-0 by Tottenham Hotspur in North

London.

In a frenetic contest filled with chances at both ends, with the woodwork struck three times in a first half that was largely dominated by Man United, Spurs were by far the better side after the interval, with Pape Matar Sarr breaking the deadlock on the 49-minute mark before a Lisandro Martinez own goal seven minutes from time condemned the Red Devils to their first defeat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Man United notably lost the midfield battle against a new-look Spurs side in the second half, which is sure to be a concern for manager Erik ten Hag, while their away form also leaves a little to be desired as they have only won three of their last 11 Premier League games on the road since the turn of the year.

The Red Devils will welcome a return to Old Trafford, though, where they have not lost in the top flight since the opening day of last season against Brighton & Hove Albion, and they will be confident of success against Nottingham Forest having won each of their last 10 meetings by an aggregate score of 36-3.

Indeed, Ten Hag’s men won all four encounters with Forest across all competitions last season without conceding a goal, including a 3-0 Premier League win at the Theatre of Dreams nine months ago.

Nottingham Forest’s valiant fightback against Arsenal on the opening weekend was ultimately in vain as they suffered a 2-1 defeat in North London, but they responded with victory by the same scoreline at home against newly-promoted Sheffield United.

Taiwo Awoniyi followed up his strike against the Gunners with a third-minute opener versus the Blades, that was later cancelled out in impressive fashion by debutant Gustavo Hamer three minutes after the break. However, it was Forest who had the last laugh as substitute Chris Wood headed home an 89th-minute winner just

five minutes after entering the field of play to secure maximum points at the City Ground.

Although Steve Cooper was full of praise for his side after the victory, the Forest boss has encouraged his players to show a greater level of “ruthlessness” in the final third and avoid “complacency”.

Forest’s home form was a huge factor behind their success in avoiding relegation last season, accumulating 30 of their 38 points at the City Ground, while their form on the road was ranked the worst of all 20 Premier League clubs, winning just one, drawing five and losing 13 of their 19 away matches.

Hopes of quickly rectifying their away form will no doubt be a tall order for the Tricky Trees, who follow up their tricky trip to Arsenal with challenging visits to Man United, Chelsea and reigning champions Manchester City. Forest head into today’s fixture having lost more Premier League games against Man United than against any other opponent, while they last beat the Red Devils back in 1994 – a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Bournemouth v Tottenham 12:30 Arsenal v Fulham 15:00 Brentford v Crystal Palace 15:00 Everton v Wolves 15:00 Man Utd v Nott’m Forest 15:00 Brighton v West Ham 17:30 SUNDAY

Burnley v Aston Villa 14:00 Sheffield Utd v Man City 14:00 Newcastle v Liverpool 16:30

LA LIGA TODAY

Cádiz v Almería 16:30 Granada v Mallorca 18:30 Sevilla v Girona 20:30 SUNDAY

Villarreal v Barcelona 16:30 Valencia v Osasuna 18:30 Bilbao v Real Betis 20:30 MONDAY

Getafe v Alavés 18:30 Vallecano v Atlético 20:30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ AUGUST 26, 2023

29

GLOBAL SOCCER

Paul Onuachu celebrating with Southamptom teammates

Onuachu Turns Down Genk’s Return Super Eagles Stiker, Paul Onuachu has rejected the chance of a return to his former club Racing Genk.

According to The Athletic, the Super Eagles forward doesn’t want to return to Genk despite the club reaching an agreement with Southampton for his return.

The Belgian outfit had initially reached an agreement with the Saints to pay 8 million euros plus 2 million in bonuses for

his services The agreement also included a swap deal that would see Onuachu move to Genk and Joseph Paintsil to the St Mary’s Stadium.

However, both the Nigerian and Ghanaian forward have rejected the deal.

Genk have struggled to replace the 29-year-old who netted 85 goals in 134 appearances in their colours and were hoping to bring

him back this summer.

Onuachu joined Southampton in January but has not hit the ground running as he is yet to score in 12 appearances since moving to the South Coast side.

He has only made one appearance for the Saints since the start of this campaign which is proof that he is not in the plans of the manager and the club want to offload him before the end of the transfer window.

Ligue 1’s Leading Scorer Targets Super Eagles Call-up French Ligue 1 leading scorer after two matches in the new season, Akor Adams has revealed that he is targeting a call-up to the Super Eagles and as well as helping Montpellier finish in Champions League places at the end of the season.

The former Flying Eagles forward has started his Montpellier career excellently, scoring three goals in two appearances.

He netted a brace against Le Havre on matchday one of the Ligue 1 and thereby

set the record for the fastest brace scored by a debutant in the French topflight.

Adams also scored a goal in Montpellier’s 4-1 win over Lyon last weekend at the Groupama Stadium.

The 23-year-old has revealed that it is his ambition to help Montpellier qualify for the Champions League next season and also get called up to the national team.

“I will work hard and do

my best to progress every week, in order to be able to play in the Champions League but also play in the national team and compete in the World Cup. “For now, I have to give everything for Montpellier,” Adams said to Midi Libre, via Allez Paillade.

Adams will be hoping to continue his stellar form this weekend when Montpellier host Stade de Reims on matchday three of the Ligue 1 at the Stade de la Mosson-Mondial 98.

Son of Nigeria’s 1994 World Cup Star Debuts for England U16 Chelsea starlet, Landon Emenalo made his starting debut for England U16s after he was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s friendly.

Landon is the son of former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo, who shone for the Super Eagles in the 1994 World Cup, where he went the distance in three of the four matches played by the three-time African champions.

It is worthy to mention that

it’s not a case of nepotism that Landon was signed by Chelsea as he’s a very promising player, considering the fact that he’s good enough to play for England’s youth teams.

England U16s were held to a 1-1 draw in the second of their two friendlies against hosts Italy on Thursday afternoon at the Federal Technical Center in Coverciano, with two Golden Eaglets-eligible players making their full debuts for the Young

Lions.

Arsenal goalkeeper Owen Asemota was named in England U16s starting lineup and was on the pitch for approximately one hour before he was substituted.

Asemota has been promoted to England U16s for the 20232024 season after previously playing for the U15s.

England earned a draw thanks to Arsenal starlet Theo Julienne, whose header canceled out Oliver Blini’s early opener.

Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League in Top Gear The first phase of the ongoing Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League entered top gear on Friday with intriguing results from the two centres in Akure and Jos respectively.

Nigeria my only on Friday defeated Kada Queens 65-51 just as Nigeria Customs defeated Nasarawa Amazons 60-41.

The two winning sides in the Savannah conference taking place in Jos are looking to end the first phase on a bright note

to be on course for a ticket for the finals billed for Lagos in October.

In the Atlantic Conference, MFM after the disappointment of losing to First Bank 55-36 in Match Day 2, bounced back to beat Sunshine IGP Queens 67-54.

Dolphin after losing first two games also bounced back to beat Sunshine Queens 44-40 in a highly interesting encounter which kept fans in Akure at the edge of their seats all through

the duration.

First Bank are still maintaining a winning streak win as they beat Bayelsa Whales 61-26. First Bank have won all their three games and look set to end the first phase of the league unbeaten.

Today, First Bank will clash with Dolpin, IGP Queens will face Bayelsa Whales just as Sunshine Angels will take on MFM in the Atlantic Conference.

The first phase ends on Sunday.

Spanish Govt Takes FA Chief to Tribunal after World Cup Final Kiss The Spanish secretary of sport says he “wants this to be Spanish football’s MeToo moment” after the government started legal proceedings seeking to suspend football federation president Luis Rubiales for kissing World Cup star Jenni Hermoso on the lips.

Rubiales has refused to resign despite overwhelming pressure after the incident

following Spain’s Women’s World Cup final win over England.

Fifa opened disciplinary proceedings against the 46-year-old former player on Thursday.

The Me Too movement seeks to end violence against women and shot into mainstream consciousness in 2017 after film producer Harvey Weinstein was accused of

numerous sexual offences he was subsequently found guilty and jailed.

“The government starts today the procedure so that Mr Rubiales has to give explanations before the Sport Court and if the Sport Court agrees, I can announce that we will suspend Mr Rubiales from his functions,” Victor Francos, secretary of sport and head of the state-run National

Super Falcons put up a respectable peformance at the just concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup land-1

Mikel Obi Set for Chelsea Return in Legendary Encounter with Bayern Former Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi is set to represent London side Chelsea again seven years after he left the club.

The 36-year-old moved to England after a stellar performance for Nigeria at the 2005 U-20 World Cup in the Netherlands, where his country lost in the final to Argentina, and also finished as the tournament’s second-best player behind Lionel Messi.

His impressive performance at the tournament caught the attention of English giants Manchester

United and Chelsea, with the former claiming they had already completed his signing before a twist in the transfer saw him join Chelsea for £16m in June 2006.

The then 19-year-old teenager would go on to spend over a decade with the Blues, winning the Premier League twice, the FA Cup four times, the League Cup twice, and the Champions League and Europa League, too, before departing the club in November 2016.

However, Mikel is set to put on the West London side’s jersey

again after the club announced him among the players from their maiden Champions League victory in 2012 to be taking part in the Chelsea Legends vs Bayern Munich Legends match at Stamford Bridge in September.

Mikel was arguably the standout player for the Blues on that historic night in Munich and will join fellow 2012 heroes John Terry, Florent Malouda, Salomon Kalou, and Michael Essien, as well as manager Robert Di Matteo for the game in honor of Gianluca Vialli.

FIFA Rankings: Falcons Get Significant Lift after World Cup Performance The Super Falcons of Nigeria have climbed up eight places to the 32nd position in the latest FIFA rankings for female football.

Before the World Cup in Australia/New Zealand, Nigeria were 40th in the world. Their poor display at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations did not do them much good, and they were not expected to do well at the FIFA Women’s World Cup because

of the shenanigans between the team and the NFF. However, the nine-time African champions put up a decent performance. They finished with five points after beating co-hosts Australia 3-2 and picking draws from the other games against Ireland and Canada.

Unfortunately for them, they lost to eventual finalists England in the round of 16. Nigeria put up a strong display and were the

better side, but they lost via a penalty shootout. World football governing body FIFA have released their latest rankings for female football following the completion of the World Cup, and the Super Falcons have moved up. They are 32nd in the world and number one in Africa. Meanwhile, South Africa, who also reached the round of 16 for the first time, are 45th in the world and second in Africa.

CAF Champions League: Ghana’s Medeama Intensify Preparations for Remo Stars Ghana’s CAF Champions League campaigners, Medeama SC, have stepped up preparations for the return leg of the first-round preliminary game against Nigerian side, Remo Stars, in Nigeria on Sunday.

The Tarkwa-based club, which camped in Cape Coast ahead of the first leg, in which they won 1-0 last Sunday, have moved to the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram to fine-tune ahead of the second leg.

With two training sessions a day, the Mauve and Yellow Boys are hell-bent on getting it right ahead of an expected

tough battle in Nigeria.

The Head Coach of the side, Evans Augustine Adotey, explained that the move to Prampram was to get the team to familiarise with the artificial turf, the same surface they would play the second leg against Remo Stars in Ikenne, Ogun State, on Sunday.

“So far, we have watched the video of the first game and corrected our mistakes with the video analyst. On the pitch, we are dealing with our aerial ball abilities, picking second balls, and working on our direct play as well as map out strategies to adopt

for Sunday.”

Coach Adotey believes that with the right mentality and strategy, his side would scale past the Nigerians to the second stage of the competition.

“We have what it takes to qualify; what we need is to go in there with the right mental toughness to be able to withstand what would be thrown at us for 90 minutes.”

According to him, Sunday’s slim win was behind them, but were currently focused on the upcoming game as if nothing happened in Cape Coast.

Sterling’s Brace Helps Chelsea to First League Win of the Season Raheem Sterling’s double and a goal from Nicolas Jackson gave Chelsea their first Premier League win under manager Mauricio Pochettino as they saw off Luton Town at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling, who has started the season in excellent form, picked the ball up wide on the right and jinked his way through three players before firing into the

bottom corner in the 17th minute.

The England winger then doubled Chelsea’s lead in the 67th minute when he scored from close range from a Malo Gusto cross.

Sterling was involved again as Chelsea got their third, sending a low cross into the area for Jackson to score his first goal for the club.

Luton, who are still looking for their first points of the season

since being promoted from the Championship, caused Chelsea problems throughout the game but the Blues’ quality saw them take all three points.

Chelsea, who handed a full debut to their £100m signing Moises Caicedo, will be happy with the win but Pochettino will know they have much to work on as they were far from their best.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 2023 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION YUSUF, AN ARMY GENERAL AT WORK And (5) How will progress and impact, especially sustainable impact, be measured in this regard?

The Commandant held that the matter is not a question of designing a new trajectory on paper, but a question of determining, and guaranteeing, quality assurance in the NDA’s deliverables. He wanted the institution to step out of the retreat with implementable Action Points that would improve stakeholder perception, lead to better sectoral and industry ratings, turn in meaningful and relevant research output, and facilitate the procurement and deployment of facilities and personnel that would guarantee quality assurance and positively impact the current aspirations of the institution.

Yusuf saw, at least in part, the need to develop and ensure a consistently rigorous system with the best faculties, tools, and methodologies, Beyond that, he made every invitee to his retreat understand that his goal was to make the NDA proudly present itself as a specialized military university with improved and contemporary content, broad spectrum academic partnerships, exchange programmes, improved research funding, state of the art programme delivery methodologies, and overall faculty refinement.

In sum, he described the retreat as a call, and demand, for a document that would serve the NDA in driving revised and improved academic and other training programmes for officer cadets of the Nigerian military establishment, among other objectives. A review and realignment of academic programmes and the mastery and deployment of contemporary teaching methods and tools was anchored on Yusuf’s demand for “greater flexibility in curriculum design and delivery and the use of contemporary self-assessment techniques and Performance Assessment Systems”.

The retreat was to deliver a detailed, contemporary strategic policy document

for the Academic Branch that would address the identified challenges, propose implementable solutions, with clear action points, timelines, resource needs/sources, implementation strategies, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and responsibility anchors.

The document is to serve as the NDA’s roadmap, and working template, for selfreaffirmation, improved impact and a 21st Century Strategic Outlook. All said, it was all targeted towards better management, or elimination, of the increasingly blurry boundaries between academic faculties, strictly military programmes and the overall trajectory of the NDA. Having served meritoriously for 33 years, capping it with the headship of an organization that was his nostalgic base, Maj Gen Yusuf was honoured with a Pulling Out Parade; after a year of commendable military service that saw him hold many notable command and staff positions. In his valedictory speech during the Pulling Out Parade, Yusuf acknowledged the contributions of past Commandants and recounted with nostalgia his military journey that culminated in his appointment as commandant of an institution he cherished with all his heart.

He recalled how he spent 3 years (1993–1996) in peace support operations in Liberia, under ECOMOG, how he served as Brigade Commander of 21 Armoured Brigade, during Operation Zaman Lafiya and subsequently, as GOC 7 Division during Operation Lafiya Dole. He also led his Division during Operation Deep Punch, an operation that is captured in our national military annals as “the largest, single most successful, most decisive and most enduring counter insurgency operation in the Northeast Theatre”.

To say that Maj Gen Yusuf came prepared for the job of Commandant of the NDA is no exaggeration, or platitude, because he had done four tours of duty in the Academy as an Instructor, OC Equitation Wing, Military Assistant to Commandant,

Acting Adjutant and Academy Registrar.

His appointment as Commandant was actually, as he confessed, his “professional ambition”. His desire to retire from the military after serving in this privileged position is a long-held desire fulfilled.

Hear what he said to Nigerians on the day of his Pulling Out: “I have attained my highest goal in military service and expended all my objectives and strategies for the betterment of the Academy and the Armed Forces of Nigeria”.

Yusuf sees members of 69 Regular Course and 70 Regular Course as the best trained cadets from the Academy since it’s inception in 1964. His tenure saw the reconfiguration of the Academy to produce junior leaders with the capacity to deal with the current and future security and defence challenges confronting the nation.

Besides academics, he saw to the rebirth and completion of many infrastructural projects, including some that had been abandoned for 20 years. This was in addition to new and ongoing projects, including the fortification of NDA Permanent Site, through the excavation of anti-vehicular ditches, construction of wall fence and perimeter roads.

The comprehensive review of NDA military training curriculum to meet the need of AFN in view of current national security challenges, the introduction of combat shooting and new physical fitness training parameters, and the construction of new obstacle course which is a replica of the obstacle at Shere Hills Jos are a few of his many innovative interventions.

Today, the NDA has a new link road between its Permanent Site and the NAF Base Kaduna. It also has Basic Airborne and Amphibious Courses for Army and Air Force Cadets, Basic Amphibious Course for Naval Cadets, Basic Range Management Course for Army Cadets, Instructors’ Course for Army Cadets, and a Joint FGN and World Bank approval for the construction of 2.5 Mega Watts Hybrid

Power Solar Project, under the Energizing Education Programme – Phase II. This will provide a dedicated and uninterrupted power supply to the Academy; in addition to a 600KW solar power project which, upon completion, by December 2023, will provide the cadets accommodation with uninterrupted power supply.

There is much to be said about Maj Gen Yusuf’s achievements as commandant of the NDA. There is even more to be said if we look across the length and breadth of the Nigerian army during his years of service. But our concern here is to say “well done” to a man who represents the best in military service, professionalism, genuine patriotism, dedication to excellence and refinement in self-presentation.

He reminds one of the likes of late Maj Gen Maman Kontagora, one of the best ministers of works in our national history. His tenure as Administrator of Ahmadu Bello University during a crisis sometime in the nineties, rendered many noisy and self-inflated academics and scholars speechless by his administrative prowess and wide knowledge base. Yusuf’s orientation and impact also puts to shame the emotional rigidity, academic myopia and small mindedness you sometimes find among presumably well-exposed scholars. He would go to the very ends of the earth to find, and deploy, capacity anywhere he finds it.

Maj Gen I. M. Yusuf is very much understated in many ways, from the angle of public consciousness. But then, that is the way of the military. No strictly professional soldier, or well-trained officer is out for a popularity contest. They only understand duty and service. The desired end-state for any task is never an applause for them. It is to face the next assignment.

So, somebody should quicky grab this man and inflict some serious tasks on him, before he goes about enjoying himself in retirement. Who knows, he may even go into hiding for all you know!

WIKE, GAME CHANGER FOR THE FCT? Abuja also means looking at the agelong, never ending compensation of the original inhabitants of the FCT. It will be an interesting venture to address this and free up squalor settlements for meaningful development.

It is in this wise that you should revert your mind to the gross land racketeering that is pervasive in Abuja. The racket cuts across all strata of the society. Civil servants, politicians, the religious and of course, the charlatans. This has stymied true development and is one of the factors for the overly priced land in the territory.

You require a forensic audit of the web if you are to free valuable land for economic growth and development It is germane for you to know that Abuja was conceptualized to be a green city by at least 40 percent, and the past administration has committed to the implementation of the outcomes of the COP26 meeting in Glasgow for Nigeria to achieve Net-Zero Carbon emission by 2070.

Abuja was part of a group of 6 nations from the northern and southern hemispheres that committed to meeting the challenges of climate change and was also admitted as part of a research programme known as “Institute for Future cities” run by a university in the United Kingdom.

Abuja has the potential if properly harnessed to achieve zero-carbon emission and that is why it admitted.

Without a doubt, you can work towards seeing how the city can eliminate and become carbon emission-free before 2070. The spiral benefit are enormous in terms of tourism, investment and business.

It is instructive to inform you that for too long, the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) the agency responsible for the implementation of the Federal Capital City (FCC), has performed below par and will require surgical personnel and financial audit to ascertain why such a critical development arm has fallen short of expectations.

It was gratifying listening to you that everywhere cannot be a motor park in the

Federal Cattle Territory! Such a shame!

The insecurity in Abuja is abysmal.

Hardly a week passes by without as much a resident or visitor not being kidnapped in the capital territory. Traditional rulers, and their families, the clergy and their members, whole communities have been sacked by criminals with a reactionary administration.

One need not remind you that as governor of Rivers State, security was also a priority besides the commendable infrastructural development that remains a legacy unmatched in the country amongst your contemporaries.

Abuja is begging to have a security architecture that engenders safety and confidence that you are free to live and thrive without fear.

Mr. Minister, while history beckons and there is the urgency to act, it is expedient that you work within the ambit of the law.

Let it not be seen, heard or imagined that the administration of the city is run on whims and caprices while not shirking the firmness and audacity that change demands of a cosmopolitan builder that you are.

As you are welcomed to the FCT, the Game Changer, I leave you with the words of former President Barack Obama of the United States, who said, “History really doesn’t follow a straight line. It zigs and zags, but the trend lines ultimately will be in the direction of a less violent, more empathetic, more generous world. And that requires individuals fighting for that future.”

In your fight to reclaim Abuja, in your effort to ensure it is the city which the founding fathers dreamt, be persuaded that there are thousands of people who are with you and will lend the support in this arduous task. Congratulations!

Wike

city. Truth be told, everywhere as it is today is a bust park. Nowhere is spared, those in charge like the Abuja Environmental Protection Board are more attune to sleaze and compromise going by the hundreds of illegal park operators that dot the city.

You are not far to have noted that Abuja is the only capital city in the world where cattle take a stroll in the city centre and nothing is done. The Three Arms zone is not exempt. It has become so ridiculous that that the FCC has being christened

•Ms Mohammed is a Political Public Relations Strategist and Initiator/Executive Director, Nigeria Excellence Awards in Public Service (NEAPS). She can be reached on +2348152688888 (WhatsApp ONLY); mariam.c.mohammed@gmail.com

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Falana to SSS “Under the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the cumulative lifespan of a remand order is 56 days. So, the SSS should be directed to release Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa from illegal custody without any further delay” –Femi Falana, SAN, demanding the immediate release of the detained Chairman of the EFCC, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

OKEYIKECHUKWU Yusuf, An Army General at Work EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

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s Commander of the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), comprising detachments of the armed forces of Chad, Niger, Cameroun and Nigeria, Maj Gen Ibrahim Manu Yusuf left an indelible impression on his troops and on the joint efforts of the four affected countries in tackling insurgency. Before all that he was at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, where his interventions stabilized the trajectory of the organization, under a new, very progressive and focused Maj Gen Wahad (Rtd). Yusuf turned up at the Nigerian Defense Academy (NDA) as its Commandant, prepared and determined to put his long history of informed engagement in hands-on military service and in driving learning and training within the Nigerian army to the best use possible.

As newly appointed Commandant of the NDA, his concerns were many. One of the most consistently needling was his desire to refocus the Academy as the specialized military university that it was originally designed to be, but with one eye on the profile and performance of similar institutions all over the world and the other on the peculiar needs of

Maj Gen. Ibrahim Manu Yusuf

our environment and the demands of an increasingly virtual world with new paradigms for training and learning. Since the original vision and mission of the

institution did not quite envisage the existing services, post-graduate programmes and other deliverables, including the generally expanded capacities of the NDA, it was only proper that a new strategic plan is devised, especially for the Academic Branch of the institution.

Thus, the General convened a wide spectrum retreat to reposition the NDA. He pegged his decision on the fact that the institution needed regular review of its “strategic focus, including curricula, knowledge delivery tools and methods, to ensure continued relevance competitiveness, quality assurance, and credibility in the academic community.”

He held that past strategic retreats made significant contributions to the growth and development of the NDA’s academic faculty, programmes, learning infrastructure, partnerships, and knowledge delivery models; but that these past efforts did not spell out “clear responsibility anchors, key drivers, action plans, timelines, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)”. For this and other reasons, his retreat of 2022, which was designed to enable the Academic Branch of the NDA conduct a detailed Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and

Threats (SWOT) analysis and propose a roadmap for transformation, set out to design a template that would eventually transform the institution into one of the ten best universities in Nigeria within the next ten years.

To ensure maximum cross-fertilisation of ideas, Maj Gen Yusuf deliberately ensured that the retreat organized under him included the wider the academic community, the NDA’s traditional stakeholders, and professionals with global exposure. The new Strategy Document he had in view was to answer the following questions: (1) What do we need to do, to place the NDA on the right footing in a fast-changing, increasingly virtual world, wherein the very concept of warfare and military service have changed? (2) Who is to do what in the NDA, and within what timelines to achieve the new goals? (3) How can things be done differently and what are the resource implications of every proposed new line of action? (4) What are the best, globally competitive and credible, processes and procedures for the execution of an expanded, if not new, vision and mission?

Continued on page 31

MARIAMMOHAMMED Wike, Game Changer for the FCT? GUEST COLUMNIST

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he American leadership expert, John C. Maxwell posits that, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” In common parlance, a man cannot give what he does not have. And very few will argue with this timeless aphorism when one takes into cognisance how leadership has impacted, positively or negatively, on the fortunes of this country.

60 years plus of independence, Nigerians have had to grapple with a “touch and go” sort of leadership leaving not a few to wonder, especially at the national stage, when the country will get it right.

Recent events since President Bola Tinubu took over the reins of government almost a 100 days soon signposts the fact that at last, a courageous, forward looking and thinking government is here. And one of the sterling star in the firmament of the president is in his choice of Mr. Nyesom Wike, former Governor of Rivers State as the Minister of the FCT. 47 years after its founding and more than 31 years after the seat of power moved to the new Federal Capital Territory, Abuja is

a city in constant search for its identity. The reason is not because it is a melting pot for all Nigerians, rather the administrative verve, or lack of it, to properly situate it as a model city which can aspire with others across the globe.

Watchers are in agreement that one factor is the sort of leadership that Abuja has had in the previous years. A leadership lacking in vision and ambition, foresight and political will to master and implement the Abuja Master Plan.

So, when Chief Wike was appointed by President Tinubu, the sigh of relief could be heard across the 7,315 km2 that is the size of the territory.

It is troubling that a city that was conceived as model green city with 40 percent of its landmass for that purpose is now non-recognisable.

It is easy to say that the job is cut out for the new minister given his track record especially as immediate past governor of Rivers State after 8 years of exceptionally delivery and service to his people.

It is, therefore, heart-warming to see the governor on his assumption of office making

the point of bringing the city at par with other capital cities in the world. If there was to be any doubt as to the suitability of Wike to tackling the hydra Abuja has become, one has to revert his or her mind back to when the Federal Government honoured him with the Distinguished Award in Infrastructure Delivery at the 2022 Nigeria Excellence Award in Public Service in Abuja.

It remains a no mean feat that an opposition governor will be so-recognised ahead of governors of the ruling party. The answer is simple: excellence does not hide!

As a widely acclaimed for Mr. Infrastructure owing to his infrastructural revolution, Wike has the onerous task to reposition Abuja, tackle insecurity and ensure that the high and mighty that have short-changed the city system as well as the corrupt bureaucracy is repositioned for effective service delivery.

Mr. Minister, Abuja stinks. Abuja lacks the requisite planning though there is a Master Plan. Abuja is in need of a Lee Kwan Yew like Singapore had. Abuja direly in in need of a Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al

Maktoum, the architect of modern Dubai.

The territory yearns for development in all facets. There is a consensus amongst well-meaning residents and visitors alike that you have the requisite knowhow, drive, and motivation to do it.

As an opposition personality in a ruling party government, you have been entrusted with the administration of the Seat of Power which demonstrates the trust and confidence of the president in you.

While your inaugural press conference has set the tone in which your administration intends to run, one is confident that you would have already looked at why the city has refused to tick as it should. As a city of so many “big men,” it behoves on you to show that everyone is equal before the law except in mitigating circumstances bordering on national security and cohesion.

It is music to hear you vowing to “step on toes.” Without the courage, not like the cat of Mbiama, you may not achieve your mandate. To reclaim Continued on page 31

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