SATURDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2020

WTO: Okonjo-Iweala Jumps 1st Hurdle as 3 Candidates Drop Out Obinna Chima The dream of Nigeria’s Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala becoming the next Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) got a boost yesterday when the body’s General Council listed her among

the five candidates that made it to the second stage of its screening.

The other candidates that made it with Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister in Nigeria and former managing director of the World Bank, are Saudi Arabia’s former

minister of economy and planning, Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri; UK’s former secretary of state for international trade, Liam Fox; South Korea’s trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee; and Kenya’s former international trade minister, Amina Chawahir

Mohamed Jibril.

“Their expertise and high professional and personal qualities are highly valued and respected by all members,” WTO’s General Council Chairman, David Walker, said in a statement yesterday.

The Geneva-based WTO

said Mexico’s Jesus Seade, Egypt’s Hamid Mamdouh, and Moldova’s Tudor Ulianovschi did not secure enough support in a first of three rounds of voting and have been dropped from the race.

It plans to reduce the contestants to two final

candidates in the coming weeks.

Walker of New Zealand and his two co-facilitators, Dacio Castillo of Honduras and Harald Aspelund of Iceland, were impressed with the five Continued on page 5

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FG DousesTension,Apologises over Reregistration Directives to Bank Customers James Emejo The federal government yesterday apologised over a directive on its twitter handle and that of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) last

Thursday asking all account holders in banks and insurance companies, to fill and submit a “self-confirmation” form, saying the message contained in the notice does not apply to everybody.

They had tweeted, “This is to notify the general public that all account holders in Financial Institutions (Banks, Insurance Companies, etc.) are required to obtain, complete, and submit self–certification

forms to their respective Financial Institutions.

“Failure to comply with the requirement to administer or execute this form attracts sanctions which may include monetary penalty or inability

to operate the account.”

The tweets were backed up by an advertisement in some national dailies by the FIRS. But the FG said the tweets were ‘misleading’.

In a tweet on its verified

twitter handle @Government of Nigeria, the federal government pointed out that the FIRS would soon issue an appropriate clarification on Continued on page 5

Obaseki, Ize-Iyamu Go Head to Head as Edo State Votes INEC promises free, fair election Police deploy 31,000 personnel, vow to deal with lawbreakers Obaseki: God, let me lose if my re-election bid will cost the blood of anybody Adibe Emenyonu and Chuks Okocha in Benin, Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja After weeks of acrimonious campaigns, the people of Edo State will this morning troop out, amid tension, to elect a governor that will manage the state in the next four years.

Fourteen political parties are fielding candidates for the election, but the contest will be a straight fight between incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

For most of yesterday, tension remained very high across the state, with voters bitterly divided between the two leading candidates.

Allegations and counterallegation of planned rigging

by the camps of the leading candidates dominated.

Fear of violence is palpable, but the police and other security agencies have assured voters of maximum security.

Indeed, every nook and cranny of the state is heavily policed.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has ordered restriction of vehicular movement in the state from 11:59 p.m yesterday to 6.00 p.m today to curb the movement of illicit arms, hard drugs, and political thugs.

The IG, in the statement signed by Force PRO and Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Mr. Frank Mba, said the restriction order was in line with concerted efforts at ensuring public order and safety during the election Continued on page 5

Listen to Obasanjo, Soyinka, Save Nigeria, Akinyele tells Buhari... Page 6

GODWIN OBASEKI

Strengths Incumbency advantage Impressive first term record Enjoys support of working class Broad support base across the state Focused, determined, scandal-free Perceived as modest Strong leadership skills Backing of PDP members across board Weaknesses Deemed stubborn and uncompromising Perceived as an opportunist War against Oshiomhole a drawback

OSAGIE IZE-IYAMU

Strengths Enjoys Federal might Huge war chest Backing of Oshiomhole Rich political experience Strong understanding of the workings of government A strategist and bridge builder Weaknesses Perceived as Oshiomhole’s stooge Lacks support from some key APC governors Perceived as corrupt Tinubu’s support may turn out a minus Economic hardship under APC’s FG a disadvantage

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PAGE FIVE OBASEKI, IZE-IYAMU GO HEAD TO HEAD AS EDO STATE VOTES holding today.

He said the measure “was informed by the need to prevent the free flow, circulation and use of illicit arms and hard drugs and checkmate the movement of political thugs and touts and other criminally-minded individuals, especially from contiguous states from hijacking and disrupting the electoral process.�

IG Adamu had, during a stakeholders meeting organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission in Benin last Monday, disclosed that no fewer than 31,000 personnel had been deployed for today’s election.

He noted that the force was aware of heightened tension and violence that had characterised political campaigns ahead of the election.

He added that the personnel deployed would ensure adequate security and protection of lives and property across the three senatorial districts, as well as the 192 wards and the more than 2,000 polling units in the state.

Adamu stressed that violators of electoral laws and rules during the election would be decisively dealt with irrespective of political affiliation.

Also yesterday, the police asked the people of Edo State to return home immediately after voting rather than wait for the counting of the ballot.

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Research and Planning, Adeleye Oyebade, who is to coordinate election security in Edo State, said this on a television programmed in Benin.

He said, “It is better to come, do what you want to do, and go home; because some people will be kept behind bars and we will do proper investigation and diligent prosecution of offenders that we will apprehend.�

Oyebade said aides to VIPs had been withdrawn until after the poll.

He said the police would remain neutral during the exercise and vowed to arrest political thugs.

Oyebade said movement remained restricted and advised any traveler planning to pass through Edo State to take an

alternative route.

The DIG urged the candidates who signed the peace accord to make sure that they abide by the terms of the agreement.

Behave Responsibly, Buhari Tells Political Parties President Muhammadu Buhari has equally advised political parties, candidates and security agents to behave responsibly during the Edo election. “I am passionately committed to free and fair elections, but my own commitment is not enough if other actors at ground zero refuse to abide by the rules,� the President said.

Buhari said he wants to see democratic standards in the country raised higher at every level. “These cannot be achieved when politicians resort to do or die methods to gain power by any means or machination.�

The president added that “the do-or-die mentality to politics is a threat to free and fair elections because the actors are more focused on winning than caring about a fair outcome that reflects the will of the people.�

He advised election officials and security operatives to remain neutral, ensure free elections and to avoid actions capable of compromising the integrity of the elections.

Obaseki: My 2nd Term Ambition is Not Worth Spilling of Anyone’s Blood Meanwhile, Obaseki has said his second term ambition was not worth spilling the blood of anyone.

A statement quoted him as speaking yesterday after a oneday prayer and fasting session for a peaceful election, organised by the Edo Christian Community for all the governorship candidates ahead of the election.

The statement titled, ‘My reelection not worth spilling of blood – Obaseki’, was issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Crusoe Osagie.

He specifically asked God

to let him lose his re-election bid “if it will cost the blood of anybody.�

The governor reassured that today’s election in the state would be peaceful and violence-free.

Obaseki urged eligible voters to come out enmasse without fear of intimidation or harassment, stating that he did not see the need for any form of violence.

He said, “Ordinarily, an election is supposed to be a contest where people go to sell their ideal, and citizens in their own free will go and vote for those ideals they believe in; it shouldn’t be one where people will do anything (unwholesome) to get power. “Election should not be one in which we shed blood because the election will always come. If you die in an election, you will not be there in the next one to vote. So, there is no need for violence. “It’s unfortunate that where we are today we are all afraid that there will be trouble, that there will be crisis and violence but by the grace of God, we will all come out and vote and there won’t be any bloodshed. “There is no need for any violence and if anybody decides to act in a violent manner, just walk away because our lives are very precious. I have a covenant with God; if it will cost the blood of anybody for me to get into power, he should not let me have power.�

On his part, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Reverend Felix Omobude, prayed that God would make peace reign before, during, and after today’s election.

PDP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Harassment of its Governors Indications that there could be crisis during today's election arose with the PDP raising the alarm over an alleged harassment of governors elected on its platform, who are in the state for the poll.

Addressing journalists at an emergency press conference, The National Chairman of the party, Prince Uche Secondus said while Governor Hope Uzodinma of

Imo state and the deputy senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege were lodged in the Benin home of Adams Oshiomhole, PDP governors were being harassed in their hotels.

Secondus said: "Hope Uzodinma and Ovie Omo-Agege are in the home of the former chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Oshiomhole. PDP governors are being harassed in Westend Hotel, Benin.

"Policemen have surrounded the hotel and their lives are in danger. We call on Inspector General of Police to ask the police to leave the place. If APC governors are in Benin, the PDP governors should be in Benin too.

Our governors would remain in Benin, no one can intimidate us.

"We are bringing this to the attention of the international community. Elections must be free. Elections must be allowed to hold. You cannot allow APC governors in Edo, and bar PDP governors," he said.

The PDP claimed Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State was prevented from leaving his hotel in Benin City.

Wike is the chairman of the PDP national campaign council for the Edo governorship election.

In a statement, Akawor Desmond, Chairman of Rivers PDP, said over 300 policemen had laid siege to the hotel where the governor is staying.

He said Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, and Hope Uzodinma, his Imo counterpart, are moving freely while Wike was prevented from going out.

Desmond said: “Governor Ganduje and Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State are all in Benin, Edo State carrying out their assignment for the APC without any molestation or intimidation. “And in a breach of the pledge they made, security agencies have decided to harass and intimidate Governor Wike who has not done any wrong. “May I on behalf of entire Rivers people warn that we shall hold the IGP responsible for anything that happens to our Governor.�

Transition Monitoring Group

Makes Case for Mobil Court The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), in collaboration with the Edo State Civil Society Organisations (EDOCSO), yesterday called on the federal government to set up Electoral Malpractices Mobile Court to deal with electoral offenders.

TMG chairman, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi made the call in Benin while briefing journalists on its observation during the electioneering campaign for the Edo state governorship election.

INEC Chairman: Our Staff Will Rise to the Occasion The Chairman of INEC, Prof.

Mahmood Yakubu yesterday said that staff of the commission would rise to the occasion of today’s election.

In a special message he signed, the INEC chairman said, “I have no doubt that our staff will rise to the occasion.

We have done it several times before and we can do it again.

The Commission deeply appreciates the never ending sacrifices made by our staff at all times, often beyond the call of duty, to ensure that we carry out our mandate".

He appealed for commitment from all INEC staff, saying, "Let me appeal to all of you to remain steadfast and committed to the ideals of the Commission Nigerians and the international community expect so much from us.

"They are watching. It is important that we all remain above board in the performance of our respective duties. We must ensure that no political party or candidate is accorded any advantage over the other.

We must be neutral at all times and stick strictly to our Code of Conduct and Oath of Neutrality to which we have all subscribed", the INEC Chairman stated.

Yiaga Africa, through the Watching The Vote citizens movement, says it is deploying its Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) methodology for Saturday’s election.

The group explained that the PVT is an advanced election observation methodology that employs well-established statistical principles and sophisticated information technologies in providing timely and accurate information on the conduct of accreditation, voting, and counting, and it independently verifies the official governorship results as announced by the INEC. According to Yiaga Africa, "The PVTs are not opinion polls.

Yiaga Africa citizen observers do not ask voters for whom they cast their ballot. PVTs rely solely on official results from polling units. This tested and proven election observation methodology has been deployed in over 50 countries worldwide, including Nigeria - most recently by Yiaga Africa in the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa governorship elections where it detected fraud and manipulation of results collation and declined to verify the official results declared by INEC".

Situation Room Deploys 300 Observers

Yiaga Africa Deploys PVT to Check Credibility of Results

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room) says it has deployed 300 Observers for today’s election.

The Situation Room also said that it would be on ground in Edo State to receive reports from its partners and networks distributed across the 18 local government areas of the State.

In a statement signed Alternate Chair of the Situation Room, Esther Uzoma, the group said it had received assurances from INEC and the Nigeria Police Force “that they are fully prepared for the elections, with INEC assuring that logistics and deployment are fully under its control and the Police assuring that it will keep the security situation under check.�

members generally recognised in WTO provisions: that is (Least developed countries), developing countries and developed countries".

The Chair said in conjunction with his colleagues, they were guided by the practices established in the General Council proceedings, explaining further that the decisions made clear that "breadth of support means the larger membership".

The remaining five contenders are either current or former ministers, something that trade officials had previously said was an important characteristic for a future Director-General.

The vacancy for the WTO’s top job arose when Brazilian director-general, Roberto Azevedo, decided to step down

at the end of August, a year before his term was due to end.

The campaign to lead the WTO during the most turbulent period of its 25-year existence is playing out against the backdrop of the pandemic, a worldwide recession, the US-China battle for trade supremacy, and the American presidential election.

The vacancy offers an opportunity for the US, the European Union, and other nations to reshape the organisation, whose mission of economic integration was under threat from protectionist policies around the globe.

Without reform, the WTO risks being sidelined during the biggest economic crisis in a century.

WTO: OKONJO-IWEALA JUMPS 1ST HURDLE AS 3 CANDIDATES DROP OUT candidates shortlisted.

"Throughout the six days of consultations it was clear to us that the entire membership is both committed to and fully engaged in this process," Walker, who expressed his gratitude to all the candidates, including those who will not advance further, said.

"Members consider all the candidates highly qualified and respected individuals. I would also like to pay tribute to the dignified manner in which they, their delegations, and their governments have conducted themselves in this process. “Their willingness to engage, especially at these challenging times, has been greatly appreciated, and the Organisation is in their debt.

Their expertise and high professional and personal qualities are highly valued and respected by all members. I am sure I speak on behalf of all of you in wishing them well in their future endeavours," he added.

During the confidential consultations, Walker Castillo and Aspelund, were said to have posed to each delegation a single question: "What are your preferences?" Members then submitted four preferences to the "troika" of ambassadors.

Walker said the second phase of consultations would begin on September 24th and run until October 6th, after which the WTO would announce two final candidates.

He said the goal is to name a

new WTO DG by November 7.

Then, “members would be asked in the confidential consultations to express two preferences to the facilitators with an eye to bringing the number of candidates from five to two. Following this process, Walker will call another Heads of Delegations meeting at which the results will be announced to the WTO membership. The timetable for the third and final round of consultations will be announced at that time. “The ultimate objective of this measured and clearly defined process is to secure a consensus decision by members on the next Director-General. The General Council agreed on July 31 that there would be three stages of consultations

held over a two-month period commencing September 7,�

Walker said.

He pointed out that the consultation process taken by facilitators had been set by guidelines established by the General Council in a 2002 decision.

According to these guidelines, the key consideration in determining which candidate is best poised to achieve consensus is the "breadth of support" each candidate receives from the members.

It revealed that during the DG selection processes of 2005 and 2013, breadth of support was defined as, "the distribution of preferences across geographic regions and among the categories of

FG DOUSES TENSION, APOLOGISES OVER REREGISTRATION DIRECTIVES TO BANK CUSTOMERS the statement which was posted on its verified twitter handle @FIRS Nigeria on Thursday.

The federal government tweeted: “We apologise for the misleading tweets (now deleted) that went up yesterday (Thursday), regarding the completion of self-certification forms by Reportable Persons.

The message contained in the @firsNigeria Notice does not apply to everybody. FIRS will issue appropriate clarification shortly.�

This is as the tax revenue agency subsequently clarified that the "ultimate objective

of the automatic exchange of information is to improve transparency in Nigeria's tax system and boost the anti-corruption drive of the government."

In a press statement yesterday, the FIRS clarified its earlier tweets, saying only “reportable persons� are expected to submit the forms.

The statement read, “This is to clarify the publication for financial institutions account holders in Nigeria to complete the Self-Certification form, pursuant to the Income Tax (Common Reporting Standard)

Regulations 2019 which is for the fulfilment of Automatic Exchange of Information Requirements. “The Self-Certification form is basically to be administered on Reportable Persons holding accounts in Financial institutions that are regarded as “Reportable Financial Institutions� under the CRS. “Reportable Persons are often non-residents. And other persons who have a residence for tax purposes in more than one jurisdiction or Country. “Financial Institutions are expected to administer the

Self Certification form on such account holders when the information at its disposal indicates that the account holder is a person resident for tax purpose in more than one jurisdiction. “The information that indicates an account holder is a resident for tax purposes in more than one jurisdiction is expected to be available to Financial Institutions during the account opening processes for the KYC and AML purpose.�

The federal government's intervention is great relief to Nigerians who were uneasy

over the new disclosure requirements, especially given that the banks already had their Know Your Customer (KYC) and Biometric Verification Number (BVN) credentials which are also available to the government.

Although the FIRS had stated that the tweet was a mistake, the published advertisement on the directive in national dailies had questioned its initial intention.

According to the FIRS public notice, "The Self-Certification forms are required by the relevant financial institutions

to carry out due diligence procedures in line with the requirements of the Income Tax (Common Reporting Standard) regulations 2019.

"The Self-Certification forms are to be administered by financial institutions in order that the account holders may clearly document their respective jurisdictions of tax residence."

The form is in three categories including Self-Certification form for entity, for persons other than individuals; self-certification form for controlling person, as well as certification form for individual account holders.

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Ă?ĂĄĂ? ĂŽĂ“ĂžĂ™Ăœ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ă?Ă—Ă? Ă™Ă˜Ă–ĂŁĚš Ă—Ă‹Ă“Ă– ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Listen to Obasanjo, Soyinka, Save Nigeria, Akinyemi Tells Buhari

Dike Onwuamaeze Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has called

on President Muhammadu Buhari to heed to comments of prominent Nigerians on the dire state of the nation and also revisit the 2014 National

Osinbajo: FG Using MSMEs Survival Fund to Cushion COVID-19 Impact Festus Akanbi Vice President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday disclosed that the implementation of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Survival Fund as part of the Economic Survival Fund was to cushion the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

He stated this at the virtual inauguration of the Fashion Cluster Shared Facility for MSMEs, the Eko Fashion Hub 1, in Lagos State.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, restated the commitment of the federal government to creating a more business-friendly environment for MSMEs in Nigeria.

The Vice President explained that under the Survival Fund was a Payroll Support Scheme, which would provide up to N50,000 in monthly salaries for up to 10 staff of a qualifying business, for a period of three months.

Quoting the Vice President, the statement said, “There is also a N50,000 grant for 100,000 small and medium-scale businesses, while 333,000 self-employed persons working as artisans and transporters will benefit from a one-off grant of N30,000. “The President has also approved that the federal government bear the full cost of business name registration for 250,000 new businesses nationwide. “We are doing all these to support MSMEs across the country to maintain their staffing levels and keep their businesses afloat through these very challenging times.�

The Vice President said the Buhari administration’s commitment to the success of small businesses is evident in its MSMEs Clinics initiative, which extends business support services to small businesses across the country, of which the MSMEs Shared Facility Scheme was a core component.

Conference Report and use some of its recommendations to disperse the dark clouds and looming danger hovering over the country.

Akinyemi, in a press release he issued yesterday, said the report of the National Conference would arm President Buhari and enable him to respond appropriately to the concerns raised by eminent Nigerian statesmen on the deteriorating state of the nation as the country approaches its 60th Anniversary as an independent nation.

He said: “For me the way forward is for the President to go to the 2014 National Conference Report. I am making my own contribution by urging him to dust off that report and have his people take a good look at it and see what recommendation they can embrace.

He doesn’t need to like the

whole report because nobody does. And even if he sent the whole report to the National Assembly, the assembly will not embrace the report intoto.

But let them take a look at it and see what aspects of the recommendations that can address the issues raised by these eminent Nigerians.�

The former Director General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, noted that people of the caliber of ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, the Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, ex-Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and the former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) made their comments to draw the attention of President Buhari “to not a coming rain but the coming disaster, the coming hurricane and the

impending doom� facing the country.

He observed that inasmuch as he had restrained to comment on the conference’s report that he participated in the capacity of deputy chairman, matters had currently come to the point that “I will be making myself look ludicrous if seeing what they are seeing- the dark clouds and the thunder- I will then pretend that it is the sunshine and all is well as we are approaching the 60th anniversary of Nigeria’s independence.�

Akinyemi stated that it would be too much for President Buhari to ignore the message and the gravitas of the messengers “because they are all saying the same thing. They are all calling on the President’s attention to the dangers Nigeria is facing if there is a continuation of the

trend of public policies as it is going. “They cannot all be wrong and they cannot all be driven by ill motives. These are the people that I know to be ‘men of timbers and calibers’ to use Nigerian phraseology who are experienced whether in governance or as public analysts and to that extent, I can only urge the president to please listen to them because they are not driven by hatred for the President. They are driven by ill will toward the President. What they have seen, believe me; a lot of Nigerians see the same thing. It is just that these people have the platform to say it out loud. Thank God that we are blessed with people who can see things and say it the way they see it for the love of the country.�

EFCC Under Magu was Lawless, Says Ozekhome Alex Enumah Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Human rights activist and constitutional lawyer, Chief Mike Ozekhome, SAN, yesterday said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was lawless under the administration of its suspended Acting Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Magu.

Ozekhome, who called for a restructuring of the anti-graft agency to make it more effective, said Magu in a bid to please his paymaster played to the gallery, operated with impunity and disregard to provisions of the country’s law.

According to Ozekhome, the anti-corruption war under Magu had been, “poorly, sectional, selectively and fraudulently fought, leading to its current ineffectiveness.�

Ozekhome’s position on Magu’s leadership of the EFCC was contained in an 84-page documents presented to the Presidential Investigative Committee, probing allegations of mismanagement of recovered assets and finances under Magu between May 2015 and May 2020. “The EFCC of the last 4 years under Magu has become a lawless organisation that violates people’s rights with impunity, disobeys court orders, intimidates the Judiciary, harasses lawyers, kills entrepreneurship and causes capital flight and massive disinvestment,� he said.

The rights activist, who stated that his appearance before the panel was “not necessarily for damage assessment, or to pull

people down�, said Magu fully epitomised the EFCC. “Thus , you cannot differentiate Magu from the EFCC and the EFCC from Magu. They are Siamese twins, and six and half a dozen. This is because the EFCC did not represent a strong institution, independent of Magu, its Acting Chairman.

Consequently, serial breaches by the EFCC under Magu are equally those of Magu himself. “In many instances, which I have myself witnessed, whenever you ask the EFCC prosecutors or operatives why they were doing the wrong thing, they would tell you emphatically that “our Oga, Magu, told us to do so�.

StressingthattheEFCCunderMagu was a law to itself, Ozekhome claimed that the EFCC was answerable to no one, not even the supervisory Ministry of Justice. “It has been a Lord onto itself, acting clearly above the law.

When you ask Magu and his EFCC to, their section of the press, compromised NGOs who are on their payroll (we all know them), those known as the “Magu boys�, their hired “constitutional lawyers� and public commentators and so called “social critics�, descent on you. They brand you with all sorts of names. They say “corruption is fighting back�.

He said one of the alleged “most despicable traction� of the Magu-led EFCC was the blatant usurpation of the powers and functions of courts.

COVID-19: 221 New Cases Recorded

Nigeria recorded 221 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 56,956 with 48,305 discharged and 1094 deaths.

FOR STEEL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT. . .

L- R: Minister of State of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Sampson Ogah; Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Olamilekan Adegbite; and Director General of National Steel Raw Material Exploration Agency(NSRMEA), Mr. Umar Hassan, during a meeting on steel development in Abuja ...yesterday

FG: Visa Restriction on Alleged Election Riggers by UK, US Disrespectful

Adedayo Akinwale Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË The federal government has said that the decision of the United States Government and United Kingdom to impose visa restriction on anyone that undermine the democratic process in the country ahead of the governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states is disrespectful to the sovereignty of Nigeria.

Also, Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has protested against the visa ban by the United States of America on politicians alleged to have rigged the November 2019 election in the state.

The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ferdinand Nwoye, in a statement issued yesterday, said it should be noted that there were ample provisions in the country’s laws to sanction violators and perpetrators of electoral violence and fraud.

He stated: “The Ministry of

Foreign Affairs wishes to state that the Nigerian Government has taken note of the concerns of some of our partners, specifically the US and UK governments regarding the elections in Edo and Ondo States. “They have also expressed their intention to take punitive measures against those they decide will be involved in what they termed as ‘undermining democracy’. “Furthermore, it should be noted that there are ample provisions in our laws to sanction violators and perpetrators of electoral violence and fraud. It would be considered disrespectful of the sovereignty of Nigeria for any outside authority to sit in judgment over the conduct of our citizens and apply punitive measures such as visa restriction, unilaterally.�

Nwoye stressed that the responsibility for the conduct of elections in Nigeria solely resides with the Independent

National Electoral Commission (INEC) and State Independent Electoral Commissions.

He noted that the federal government, and especially the President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to providing all necessary logistic, financial and security support to the electoral process.

Nwoye noted that the President has continually urged all parties and contestants to peacefully conduct themselves before, during and after the elections, and supported patriotic nongovernmental initiatives such as the Abdusalami Abubakar Peace Committee.

He added, “While we appreciate the support and encouragement of our international partners such as the EU, we urge our equally valued partners such as the UK and US to cooperate with our relevant agencies by providing them whatever concrete evidence of observed misconduct to allow our laws

and regulations to take their course.�

In a letter to the Ambassador of the United States of America by the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, the governor said the US should have created an opening or platform for fair hearing.

Titled, ‘Re: Visa Restrictions On Individuals And Inclusion Of The 2019 Kogi State Gubernatorial Elections In US State Department List Of Allegedly Compromised Elections – A Letter Of Protest’, Kogi State Government also urged the US to accord greater empathy, more civility and much less disruption to nascent democracies.

Parts of the letter read, “The Kogi State Government became aware of a United States Government list of individuals who received US visa restrictions for alleged electoral malpractices via a Press Statement to that effect posted on your Embassy website.

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For How Long will Killings, Abductions Persist?

I

woke last Tuesday morning with my pillow drenched in tears; tears for the unending killings and abductions in our country. I sat on the edge of my bed asking numerous questions and agonising about the burden on families of victims. Why is it that evil people hide within our country, repeatedly abduct, rape, collect ransom and are hardly apprehended by security agents? Why is it that some lunatics go about killing and maiming in the name of bandits, killer herders and Boko Haram, and they are hardly captured? Why is a country not at war losing such a large number of people to violent deaths?

Is guilt not gnawing the souls of those charged with the responsibility of protecting hapless Nigerians? Are those being paid to protect us not ashamed of their unending failings? Why is it that our security agents persistently come out bald-headed, claiming to be on top of the situation, whereas, they are far away from it? I often grimace at their words.

Even President Buhari and his team don’t seem to know the way out of this mess.

Abduction has become big business, with security agents showing frightening ineptitude. Captors communicate with families of victims for weeks, using telephones, yet, security agents are unable to track and smoke them out. The latest in Nigeria’s orgy of killings and violence is the attack on 26 Federal Road Safety Corps officers last Monday while traveling from Sokoto and Kebbi States Command to Enugu for training at the FRSC Academy in the state. The bandits waylaid them somewhere in Nasarawa State, leaving in its trail deaths and anguish.

Two of the hapless Nigerians have been confirmed dead. As at press time, some of the FRSC officers were still with their abductors who are demanding ransom.

Not even one of the bandits has been apprehended. One would have expected attack helicopters hovering over the crime scene to smoke out the criminals. Nothing of such is happening.

In this same country, last week, a 33-year-old officer of the Department of State Services, Sadiq Bindawa, who was on a visit to his native Katsina, was traced to his house and abducted. His colleagues at the DSS offices in Katsina and in Abuja, (he worked at the DSS HQ) could not save him. It is a big shame that the DSS could not even save one of their own. How then will they save the rest of us - civilians? After Bindawa’s friends and relatives paid N5 million as ransom, he was murdered by his abductors, who wanted N13 million. His corpse was dumped at Kurfi area of the state last Sunday. One of his friends lamented: “We went to Kurfi on Sunday hoping to pick him as directed but we saw only his corpse with parts of the body riddled with bullets. We reported the incident at the Batagarawa Police Station.�

The family of a retired American army officer of Nigerian descent, Major Jide Ijadare, spent most of this week negotiating ransom for his release. If they rely on the police for his rescue, they will probably wait till kingdom come. He was abducted early this week on his farm (one of his staff kidnapped with him), in Ijan Ekiti by gunmen, who also killed one of his workers at the farm. Ijadare returned to his native land to develop his community by setting up a palm oil-producing factory. This is what he got for returning to motherland. Ijadare was freed yesterday after paying an undisclosed amount of money as ransom. In this same Ekiti State, gunmen walked into the Ado Ekiti residence of a director in the Ekiti State Local Government Commission, David Jejelowo, and killed him. No trace of the killers yet. It may never happen.

Even at funerals, people are abducted in Nigeria. That was what happened when four persons were kidnapped at a burial in Bonny, Rivers State last Sunday. Seven

Buhari

days after, there is still no trace of the abducted men. Their families are in pain with security agents not helping matters.

In Kaduna State, bandits entered Prince Academy located at Damba-Kasaya village in the Chikun Local Government Area and cherry picked three female students, a male student and a female teacher. That was almost four weeks ago. The parents and the school authorities are on their own, negotiating ransom with the abductors.

Kaduna State is in such a big mess. A 14-year-old girl, an official of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and a police officer, who were abducted by bandits at their homes at the Mararaban Rido area of Kaduna metropolis on August 28, were last week killed by their abductors after collecting ransom. Kaduna State remains a killing field.

Even Abuja, the headquarters of all our security agencies now record cases of

abductions. Bandits entered Tunga Maje area of the FCT last week and abducted 20 people. The hostages, including Onyinyechi Eze, a 100 level student of University of Abuja had to pay for their freedom. Captors demanded N20 million for Onyinyechi, before the family and members of her church - St John The Beloved Catholic Church, Tunga Maje – sent an undisclosed amount to secure her freedom.

Anarchy still reigns supreme in Katsina and Zamfara states, with scores abducted or killed daily in these areas. Fulani militias have been inflicting pain on Hausa farmers, unhindered. In Buhari’s home state, bandits have made Faskari their headquarters, maiming and killing. The Dutsinma-Yantumaki road has become a no-go place. In neighbouring Zamfara, two Shariah court judges kidnapped two weeks ago are still in captivity. The kidnappers are demanding N20 million ransom. The judges, Salihu Abdullahi and Shafiu Jangebe, were abducted on their way back to Zamfara from Maradi in Niger Republic. In neighbouring Sokoto State, bandits, early Thursday morning, killed the Divisional Police Officer of Gidan Madi police station in Tangaza Local Government. The gunmen also killed another police officer said to be the DPO’s orderly before abducting two wives of a prominent businessman in the area. The policemen were ambushed and killed while trying to rescue some abductees.

Former Senator Shehu Sani asserts: “Northern governors are still playing the ostrich, afraid of confronting the federal government and taking independent action to protect their people while the killings and the kidnappings go on. The north has become a region of endless funerals and perpetual bereavement. Bandits in the north have become a state; they impose fines and taxes, send notices, control spaces, determine life and death and operate without much challenge. Banditry has further impoverished the north and turned it into a cemetery. “The lives of ordinary people in the north have become cheap, dispensable, disposable and ordinary. The pervasive

insecurity in the north is reinforced and sustained by the silence and sycophancy of its elite as much as the inaction of the government. Muslims are not much being seen as victims of the killings in the north because many Islamic leaders prefer to massage the image of the government in the face of the killings of their followers, while Christian clerics are leading protests in the streets. The north must wake up, buckle down or perish.�

Clearly, our dear country is drifting towards a failed state, and according to Olusegun Obasanjo, firming up as an unwholesome and insecure country.

Playwright and Nobel laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka was apt when he said, “Nigeria is a suppurating slaughter slab, and it boggles the mind that supposedly wise and lettered men, sheltering under any religious mandate, would go into a solemn huddle to ‘legitimately’ augment the toll of mindless killings that now plague the land.�

He adds: “Does anyone deny that it was this president who went to sleep while communities were consistently ravaged by cattle marauders, were raped and displaced in their thousands and turned into beggars all over the landscape? Was it a different president who, on being finally persuaded to visit a scene of carnage, had nothing more authoritative to offer than to advise the traumatised victims to learn to live peacefully with their violators? “And what happened to the Police Chief who had defied orders from his Commander-in-Chief to relocate fully to the trouble spot – he came, saw, and bolted, leaving the ‘natives’ to their own devices; any disciplinary action taken against ‘countryman’?�

The level of clumsiness of our security agencies is sickening. A total overhaul is necessary if we want result. To do this, the present leadership of the security agencies must make way for a resultoriented one that will address the issues of equipment and quality manpower. As for our President, he should be ashamed of these unending killings in Nigeria. The buck stops on his table. Buhari should shape in or ship out.

Why is Ortom Wailing over Gana?

Blubbering by anybody for the Benue bandit and mass killer Terwase Akwaza, aka Gana, is obscene. Weeping for a terrorist, rapist, mass killer, robber, kidnapper and destroyer? That’s what Governor Samuel Ortom has been doing since the death of Gana. He is not pleased with how the military ended Gana’s life. Ortom is even asking for the release of the arrested “repentant militias, vehicles and other items� confiscated by the army during the operation against the terrorists. Is this an indication that Ortom benefitted from Gana’s lawlessness while his reign of terror lasted?

Was this governor one of the politicians using the bastard called Gana during elections? I just hope it’s not true. This evil man had access to the governor while the masses of the people can hardly access him. Gana was the most wanted and feared criminal in Benue State, with plenty of blood on his hands. At a point, he was the most dangerous in the entire North-central. Hundreds of Gana’s victims in Ukum, Logo and Katsina-Ala LGAs are celebrating his killing and deservedly too. Their state’s governor is the only one not celebrating.

In 2015, Ortom granted amnesty to Gana and 500 other terrorists with huge cash attached. They deceived the government by dropping a bit of their weapons. Gana and

his boys returned to his life of terror just after few weeks, forcing Ortom to place a N10 million bounty on him in 2016.

So, Ortom’s argument that Gana was coming to embrace another amnesty when he was killed does not hold water. Why weren’t soldiers and other security agencies carried along? This fraudulent terrorist was simply coming to deceive the people of Benue state again, if indeed, he was on the way to cuddle amnesty. He would have returned to his life of crime and kidnapping because he knows no other occupation.

At a point, Ortom told a bewildered nation that the terrorist was picked from a government convoy heading to Makurdi and killed by the Nigerian Army. Haba!

What was Ortom trying to achieve? The military’s account that he was killed in battle sounds plausible. It is obvious that Gana and members of his gang engaged soldiers in a gun duel. The governor’s fear that Gana’s killing may intensify terrorism in the state is tripe. Some also argue that the army could have spared Gana and then extract useful information about his terror gang. What more information do they need about this terrorist and his gang? Why didn’t the United States spare Osama Bin Laden so that they could get more information from him? The killing of Gana sends out a strong message to other terrorists in Benue. They will eventually be killed if they refuse to give up terrorism.

Ortom

The military should go all out and clear Gana’s boys. More good news came on Monday that troops had destroyed his hideout at Adu, in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State. His camps in forests surrounding Benue and Taraba states should all be destroyed.

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Mikell Obi with Mik ith wife if and d children hild

Mikel Obi’s Twins Are Blooming Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ootball star, John Obi Mikel and his partner, Olga p g Diyachenko, y gathered g friends and family y together g to celebrate their twin daughters, g Ava and Mia, on their 5th birthday y last Sunday. y The former Super p Eagles g captain p and his Russian beauty y shared videos and p photos from the celebration which showed the party p y was a spectacle p of fun for the kids and other parents who reveled

with Mia and Ava. The Stoke City y midfielder along g with his wife Olga g celebrated their children at his home in England. g Each of the parents p held Ava and Mia and posed for a photo p p which had cakes of cartoon characters designed g on it. The midfielder displayed p y his culinary y skills as he g gave g guests at the party p y a great g surprise. p In a video posted p on his Instagram g page p g earlier on D-Day, y the former Chelsea star was seen p preparing p g a meal in readiness for the birthday y party p y of the twin daughters. g In the video, friends and relatives at the party

were left in awe at how the footballer judiciously j stirred the pot p of delicacy y while cooking. g In another photo, p the former Nigerian g international was spotted p enjoying j y gap portion of his meal with two other men who were dressed as chefs.

Avia and Mia were born on September p 13, 2015.

Just last week, the p pair resumed their first day y at school and their parents p were most excited about it. Their mum and Mikel’s spouse, p Olga g Diyachenko y took to her Instagram g handle to share the news. She p posted a p photograph g p of the g girls with a caption: “First day at the big girls’ school!

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

11

SUPER SATURDAY Mikel Obi’s Twins Are Blooming

Mikel with Ava and Mia So proud of how brave and excited you both are!

Love you”. y The star footballer and African Nations Cup winner, Mikel has on a number of occasions shown that he is a super p dad to his twin girls. g A while ago, g the g girls were p pictured resting g their heads on his shoulder while he carries them to bed. Just a couple p of months back in April, p Mikel had a birthday yp party y arranged g by y his p partner.

It was a p pleasant surprise p while observing g their stay y at home, after which he took to his social media handle to appreciate the mother of his twin daughters. g The father of twin daughters g took to his Instagram g handle to thank Olga g for organising g g a surprise p birthday y party p y for him. “Thank y you for all the kind messages g and wishes! And thank you my y y love @olga_allegra g g for organising g g the most special p surprise,” p he wrote. The former Trabzonspor p midfielder, who shortly y before the new season terminated his contract with the Turkish club, was q quick to appreciate pp the g gesture from his p partner. The Nigerian g footballer p practically y walked out of his contract with Turkish football side Trabzonspor p jjust to be with his family y during g the height g of Coronavirus p pandemic.

Mikel was said to have criticised the country’s y FA for refusing to suspend the league despite the

ravaging g g effect of the pandemic. p The former Chelsea star only y joined j the club last summer shortly y after helping p g the three-time African champions p win bronze medal at the 2019 edition of the AFCON championship. p p While sharing g the p post on his official Instagram g page, p g he accompanied p it with a caption p that says: y “At the end of the day, y that’s all that matters.”

Mikel is regarded g as the most successful Nigerian g player p y with Premier League g trophies, p FA Cup, p the Europa p League g and the Champions p League. g He made his Championship p p debut for his new club Stoke City y when they y went up p against g Millwall at The Den stadium. The 33-year-old y played p y all 90 minutes for Michael O’Neill’s side as they yp prepared p to take on Bristol City in their first home match of the season.

Mikel’s relationship p with his p partner has come of age. g It most times turn out befuddling with which term to describe her, maybe y wife, girlfriend, or baby g y mama, p partner or p pair as the football star is y yet to make it official.

There had been a report p by y the UKSun that Mikel is also a father to two children with two different women he briefly y dated. According g to the report, p he has a seven-year-old y son and a four-year-old daughter. His reps did not deny

the report p but had preferred p that the matter remain p private as the midfielder is taking g care of the kids. In all however, Mikel is glowing g g with Olga g as she is seen often supporting him off and on the pitch. p The Olympic y p bronze medalist has been with Olga g since 2013. Mikel used to live in the same compound p with her p parents. According g to Olga, g it all started when she went to drop p off their flat keys y with Mikel. “Mikel used to be my parents neighbour. g We lived there for five y years. As my y parents were leaving p g the flat, I dropped pp off the keys y at his flat and that was how we met and started off as friends and then g grew into lovers.

It was never a magical g love story y because we were neighbours g for five y years but we never met until I went to drop p off the keys y when my parents were about to leave the apartment.” p She further explained p that their kids don’t have any y Igbo g or Russian names because they y are citizens of the world. Olga g said they y would decide which tradition to follow, Russian, British where they y were born or Nigerian. g She said she liked Nigerian g music but doesn’t watch Nollywood y movies. Olga g said “I don’t watch Nollywood y movies. Mikel watches a lot of Nigerian g movies.

I don’t watch them. I love listening to Nigerian music. They have nice beats.”

12

͚Π˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

FINDING SAFE SPACES FOR FEMALE STUDENTS Sexual harassment impairs the standard and quality of education in our tertiary institutions, argues Ovie Omo-Agege

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y intervention is focused mainly on the need for the Sexual Harassment of Students in Tertiary Educational Institutions (Prohibition) Bill, 2019 (Senate Bill (SB) 77), which I am privileged to sponsor with the support of virtually all distinguished senators of the Federal Republic in the Ninth Senate. The bill was recently passed with unanimous consent in the Senate. It is now in the House of Representatives for further legislative action.

Permit me to situate my intervention within the context of the succinct statement of the history of sexual harassment as culled from an article in the ‘Law Journal BD’ as follows: “The term ‘sexual harassment’ first came into use in the late 1970s in the United States. The term’s origins are generally traced to a course on women and work taught by Lin Farley at Cornell University. In 1979, Catherine MacKinnon, a legal scholar from the United States, made the first argument that sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by the constitution and civil rights laws of the United States. Since then many international bodies, national legislatures and courts have prohibited sexual harassment but have not agreed on a universal definition of the term. “The United Nations General Recommendation 19 to the “Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women� reaffirms these elements by defining sexual harassment to include “such unwelcome sexually determined behavior as physical contact and advances, sexually colored remarks, showing pornography and sexual demands, whether by words or actions.�

The bill is an attempt by the National Assembly to align Nigeria with the comity of nations in dealing decisively with sexual harassment in our tertiary educational institutions.

Let me quickly provide some reported cases and perspectives in Nigeria as an added context to sexual predation on our campuses: On November 27, 1988, the editorial of the Sunday Tribune stated in part that: ‘Sexual harassment is rampant in all Nigerian institutions of higher learning. In some places, it has almost become an accepted fact that the female student must submit.’ In 2013, the National Universities Commission (NUC) stated in a report that, ‘Sexual harassment seems to rank extremely very high among corrupt practices uncovered in our universities.’’ In 2014, the International Journal of Applied Psychology noted that: â€œâ€Ś [I]n Nigeria, sex for grades in tertiary institutions is a reality and the male lecturers in particular, perceive themselves as thin (sic) gods and such unprofessional behaviour can be perpetuated unchecked.â€?

In 2016, the Vanguard published that: â€œâ€Ś [O]ur campuses of supposed higher learning are more or less veritable sexual jungles where academic staff ‌ are prowling predators. Sex for marks or other favours has become so entrenched as to have acquired the status of a law of nature. Put bluntly, it is as if

THE SCOURGE OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT WITH ITS REPUGNANT SUBCULTURE OF SEX-FOR-GRADES IN OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY MISCHIEF IMPACTING NEGATIVELY ON OUR EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS

our university, polytechnic and college of education campuses are sex colonies where rape or any other form of coerced copulation and intimacy may be practised without sanctions. â€œâ€Ś Always, the sex-obsessed lecturer wielding his illegitimate power asks drily: Do you want to pass this course to graduate, or not?â€?

Not long ago, the world was shocked when the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) aired a shameful tale of a supposed pastor and lecturer, who allegedly abused his office for sexual gains.

Many female students, including a Miss Shola of University of Ibadan (as reported by Vanguard), Hamzat Kaothar of University of Abuja, and Chinelo Emenike of Imo State University (as reported by Premium Times), have been prevented from graduating on time because they were brazenly victimized for daring to reject amoral advances by lecturers. a In all of these, Dr. Adekunle Idris, a former Chairman of ASUU at the Lagos State University (Premium Times) admitted with courageous frankness that: “The truth of the matter is for now we don’t have specific guidance in respect to sanctions (for sexual harassment of students). What we are doing is to continually sensitise our members ‌ to ensure that best practises are always adhered ‌ It is only a matter of moral suasion ‌.â€?

This distressing chronicle of sexual harassment, impunity and predation on our campuses has spurred the National Assembly to action. As a parent, I am appalled by these happenings.

This indecency does not represent our values as a people. As a Senator of the Federal Republic, I refuse to allow this pandemic to ruin our academic standards or define and destroy the reputation of the great majority of decent academics on our campuses. This is the main reason why I introduced the Sexual Harassment (Prohibition) Bill, first in 2016 and again in 2019.

Undoubtedly, the scourge of sexual harassment with its repugnant subculture of sex-for-grades in our tertiary institutions is an extraordinary mischief impacting negatively on our educational standards. Permit me to echo the succinct statement from the article in the Law Journal BD: “American scholars maintain that “sexual harassment often has a serious and negative impact on women’s physical and emotional health, and the more severe the harassment, the more severe the reaction. The reactions frequently reported by women include anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, and headaches. Researchers have also found that there is a link between sexual harassment and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.�

The foregoing really underscores the debilitating impact of sexual harassment and how it impairs the standard and quality of education in our tertiary educational institutions. rExcerpts from an address by Deputy President of the Senate during a Webinar hosted by Obafemi Awolowo University, Ife

NIMC: THE FINE ART OF GOVERNANCE Abdu Malik urges the media to always cross check information at its disposal

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overnance doesn’t have to be steeped in confusion nor do actions of political and government functionaries need to be mired in needless complexities buried in inexplicable blind alleys.

A section of the media in Nigeria has been awash, since Monday, July 31, 2020, with reports that the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the institution of government charged with identity management in Nigeria, has been ‘transferred’ to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

NIMC’s role is a crucial and critical one. Established by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, the commission’s mandate is to establish, own, operate, maintain and manage the National Identity Database in Nigeria, register persons covered by the act, assign a Unique National Identification Number (NIN) and issue General MultiPurpose Cards (GMPC) to those who are citizens of Nigeria as well as others legally residing within the country.

Furthermore, the NIMC Act provides for the establishment of the NIMC, its functions, powers, establishment of the National Identity Database, assignment and use of General Multi-purpose cards, and the National Identification Number (NIN).

The act also provides the commission with powers to make regulations connected with its functions. The NIMC Act provides the repeal of the law that created the former Department of National Civic Registration (DNCR) and the transfer of its assets and liabilities to the NIMC. The data security implications of a national identity database must have informed the reason NIMC had been placed directly under the supervision of the Presidency, rather than a ministerial supervision. With increasing worries amid endless data breaches and cybercrime, this informed position was well thought out, and becomes even more prophetic.

This is why reports such as mentioned should be treated with the utmost seriousness, in order to help those in government see where they might have left some things

unnoticed.

Sadly, very few, if any of the reports did more than paste the press release issued by the spokesperson to the minister in charge of that ministry, by the name of Uwa Suleiman.

Even sadder: none of the reports – at least up to the last seen by this analyst – did as much as mention where NIMC was being ‘transferred’ from. That is to say, those who published thus, still owe the readers explanation as to where NIMC was or is, that it is being ‘transferred’ to the ministry.

Yet, the saddest aspects of those reports, which expose how the media in Nigeria – the avowed Fourth Estate of the Realm – are abandoning their important and inalienable responsibilities of checks and balances for the government, are in the questions the media left unasked before publishing, which, if asked, would have helped to bring out the salient yet missing ingredients in the reports, which must be presented to give a full report.

The statement by the minister’s spokesperson alluded that the presidency has approved the said transfer, without quoting any memo to that effect. President Muhammed Buhari, has two spokesmen: Messrs Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, and Shehu Garba, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity. If the president, as has become the ‘new norm’ from at least the last two or three presidents in Nigeria, wishes to make a pronouncement, it is either of these two spokespersons that issues statements.

Then, any writer may attribute it to being from the Presidency.

None of the reports so far has bothered to ask either gentleman to confirm the said transfer. The media are doing the public grave injustice. In fact, the Fourth Estate is shirking its responsibility of asking questions to fill the gaps where government spokespersons have not covered all the grounds.

The minister’s spokesperson who issued the statement never claimed that she was speaking on behalf of the President!

Besides, there is indeed the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, which will normally issue memos to the effect of such transfer. None of the reports has reached out to the OSGF to validate the

said transfer. It is not the duty of the public to go to these areas to confirm stories, but that of the media; and it would seem plausible to conclude that the media is turning its back on this key role – in this report.

Assuming that the government through any of its functionaries, had taken an action in a hurry – good as the action may be – it is the duty of the media to ask the appropriate questions before rushing to publish what may turn out to be an embarrassment to the government on the process of moving one agency from one supervising area to another.

There is also the germane question of the legal instrument of NIMC. The commission was established by the Act 23 of 2007, hence it went through the thorough process of parliamentary law-making leading to its eventual establishment.

None of the reports did any work of tracing where the act currently places NIMC. Were any of those reports to have done this – all of the above which should take no more than a few phone calls and digging up from the internet – the entire process would have been so clear as to the appropriateness or otherwise of the statement issued by the minister’s spokesperson.

While it is absolutely the role and responsibility of the president to reshuffle even his/ her cabinet of ministers by moving them around, so it is same with moving agencies from one location to another. In fact, in this country, we have had experiences of merges of ministers and later, splitting up of such ministries – by presidents.

President Oluegun Obasanjo (during whose tenure incidentally NIMC was established) met the Ministry of Communication and the Ministry of Information. He merged them to be called Ministry of Information and Communication. When he served out his two tenures, the ministry was soon split back to their former status; and, only recently that of Communication added Digital Economy to its nomenclature. The same way, Obasanjo merged Works and House with Power. Both have since been divorced and reclaimed their former positions.

Dynamism is the game of governance; just as change is the only constant. So, if indeed

the president had ‘transferred’ NIMC from one supervisor to another, and an announcement was made in what could be described as a yet-to-be-tidied up process, it is the job of the media, which received the press release to help or question whoever issued such a statement, to toe the right step – of producing a presidential memo, either from the presidency or from the secretary to the government, validating the action. This will be one way of helping to tidy up things for government to present and uphold the fine art of governance.

The other way would be to question the legal process that had not been taken: has the act that established NIMC been amended to validate the transfer? It is well known that a president or governor or even a court of competent jurisdiction can make a pronouncement freeing someone being held in prison custody. The prison authorities will never release such a person until the documents to that effect are presented. Did someone say ‘a most recent case is that of Orji Uzor Kalu, former governor of Abia State?

President Buhari means well for Nigeria.

He is also historically a military gentleman.

He became military head of state at President Shehu Shagari ouster on December 31, 1983; and so, he might still be having a bit of the hang-over of military commands which at times could be verbal; and, where even when written, could be issued with despatch, because the army wants immediate action.

But in a normal democratic setting, as we have it today, due process must be followed.

It is the media’s place to ask: has due process been followed?

Movement of any agency at all, from the president to any ministry, surely requires very serious thinking. In this case of NIMC, the Legislature, which passed the Bill that became an Act in 2007, needs to play a role, in discussing whether or not such a move is to the best interest of the government and the people ultimately; and subsequently to amend the aspects of the law that places NIMC in the Presidency. r.BMJL XSPUF GSPN "CVKB

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͚Π˜ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

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Is Government the Problem?

Rarara, Zango and Saniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Begging Act

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part from the tiny fraction of the populace who profit auda Kahutu, popularly known these singers is coming at this trying moment. from government: politicians, political charlatans, fanatics, as Rarara, recently released a twoIt is clear that Nigerians are battling the impact loyalists among others, the vast majority of the people minute video on social media asking of the Coronavirus and are in dire need of hold grudges, mistrust and mutual suspicion against the lovers of President Muhammadu assistance from well to do individuals like government. This phenomenon has fueled peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s resentment, and Buhari to send him N1000 to prove that the Rarara, Zango and Sani but regrettably, the anger, in voting several governments out of power. Due in part president is still loved and Nigerians are reverse is the case. to this deeply rooted belief, many well-intentioned policies have solidly behind him. The video, which went Surprisingly, these singers, who are millionsuffered, as many lofty initiatives outrightly rejected with its ripple viral, has generated mixed reactions from aires, instead of helping the poor, have come effect on the society. As a result of this, inclusive governance and Nigerians as they battle to survive the impact up with a new strategy to suck the blood of far reaching policy framework have all made to bear the brunt as of the Coronavirus pandemic which led to blind supporters of the said politicians who millions of people continue to gnash their teeth in suffering and the hike in prices of petrol, electricity, and failed to understand their theory of begging. hardship. consumable items.

The fact is that these praise singers are hiding But why are people suspicious of government? In Nigeria, a As millions of naira hit Rararaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bank under the shadow of Buhari, Atiku and part of it is historical. The amalgamation of northern and southern account, another singer, Adam A. Zango, Kwankwaso to beg. protectorates in 1914 is a major one, often described as a contraprequested the supporters of former Vice My questions here are: must they conduct tion, or better dubbed as marriage of inconvenience. This forceful President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to sponsor integrity and popularity tests of their bosses marriage set the tone for hydra-headed problems the country has his next album too. Zango, who asked for through extortion of innocent Nigerians? If and is contending with. The polarization of the country along N500 and above from his targeted audiences, they were serious, why not conduct online ethnic, religion and political lines have not helped matter as the claimed that his new song would bring Atiku polls or other alternatives that do not involve belief that every successive government works for the rich, tribe, Abubakar back to Nigeria to prepare for 2023 money? Under normal circumstances, who and religion at the expense of others continue to hold sway. elections in order to rescue Nigerians from the supposed to pay them for singing these With that 1914 amalgamation fraught in vagueness, ethnicity difficulties inflicted on them by the current songs? colored in majoritarian, and religion powered by two strong Abraadministration.

As I wait for answers to the above queshamic faiths, the country seems well positioned for mistrust and Nigerians thought that was all, but surpristions, I challenge Dauda Kahutu Rarara, mutual suspicion as issues around development are left to grasp ingly, Abubakar Sani, a die-hard supporter Adam A. Zango and Abubakar Sani to prove for breadth with inconsequential and insignificant ones always at of former Kano State Governor, Alhaji Rabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;u me wrong that their initiative is not a new the centre stage. When issues of policy frameworks are seen from Musa Kwankwaso, has joined the business. strategy of begging. Let them declare public the lens of ethnicity, religion and politics, the attendant result is According to Abubakar Sani, his new song the money they got and donate it to charity. always disastrous, catastrophic and destructive. It is no doubt such will focus on achievements of Kwankwaso.

In the meantime, I will like to condemn myopic and narrow understanding of issues will always divert In my opinion, this is nothing but daylight those who preferred tearing and burning public attention from the actual intention of the government to robbery. It is a trick aimed at extorting N1000 note than contributing it to Rarara. The seemly insignificant problem. money from innocent and poor Nigerians. It is act is a sign of disrespecting our dear country.

Take recent pump price of oil and hike in electricity tariffs. These unfortunate two bold decisions of the government that the r#JMZBNJOV (BNCP ,POH LPM are insensitive, deceptive, wicked, new way of .BTT $PNNVOJDBUJPO %FQBSUNFOU #BZFSP callous, considering the difficulties T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R begging by 6OJWFSTJUZ ,BOP COVID-19 pandemic have left on EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI the tongues of the people and the MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO inefficiency of the government to DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE help in cushioning it effects. No right CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI thinking government worth its onions EDITOR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN with peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s welfare and well-being MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE as top priority will go ahead to add salt to the injury of its suffering y head will explode if I hear any more fake population. Indeed, Nigerians will T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D science.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA continue to see government as the President Trump has discussed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exploding GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, problem, until ideas are better comTreesâ&#x20AC;? and when challenged on climate change ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI municated, intentions of government effects he suggested â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think science knows, actuallyâ&#x20AC;?.

DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE well-articulated while leaders across His country is facing a number of explosions, explosions of DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI board address issues of national anger, explosions of violence, and explosions of laughter at SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH interest from the vantage position his scientific knowledge.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO of openness, transparency, equality, Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ok, I know enough science to know that my head CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI equity and fairness.

DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made of wood, so it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t explode.

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14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 19, 2020

NEWS Transcorp Hotels to Reduce Workforce as it Records Losses over COVID-19 Bennett Oghifo

REWARDING INNOVATIONâ&#x20AC;Ś L-R: Commissioner for Science and Technology, Hakeem Fahm; his counterpart for Energy and Mineral Resources, Olalere Odusote; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs and Lagos Global, Mrs. Solape Hammond; and her counterpart for Innovation and Technology, Tunbosun Alake, during the presentation of cheques to winners of the Lagos Smart Meter Hackathon 2020, at the Eko Innovation Centre, Ikoyi...yesterday.

CBN Moves to Streamline Discosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Tariffs Collections Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has again moved to ensure more transparency in tariffs collected by power Distribution Companies (Discos) in the country, with a directive to all banks to disclose all accounts operated by the power distributors to the six guarantee financial institutions.

In an official communication with the affected banks dated September 16, and referenced BSD/DIR/G EN/LAB/13/064, the apex bank instructed that the guarantee banks should be availed all accounts maintained by the Discos, jointly, individually or through their agents.

The memo was signed by the Director Of Banking Supervision, at the apex bank, Bello Hassan

on behalf of the CBN. In August, the CBN had taken over tariff collection from electricity distribution companies, noting that it would improve payment discipline in the industry.

It directed that henceforth, payment or settlement of all electricity related goods or services shall be made through the Nigerian banking system, whether cash or cashless and shall only be performed by deposit money banks (DMBs).

It further warned that any DMB found to be maintaining any account(s) for any entity collecting payments on behalf of any Disco without appropriate authorisation shall have regulatory actions imposed on it.

Collection efficiency by the Discos has always been an issue in the electricity industry,

with questions over whether the power distributors make full disclosure to the other players in the sector, including Generation Companies (Gencos) whose operations depend on remittances from the Discos.

In its latest quarterly report, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), had also indicated that poor collection by the Discos had continued to adversely impact the financial liquidity of the industry.

In the apex bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter to the banks obtained by THISDAY yesterday, the CBN recalled that to improve the market efficiency, it had directed the deposit banks that provided the guarantees on behalf of Discos to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Market Operators (MO)

to take full responsibility for all collections for energy/non-energy services and remittances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consequent upon the above, you are hereby directed to disclose to these BG banks, all accounts that you currently maintain for all the Discos. This will also include all accounts in the joint names of these Discos or those that you maintain for any collection agent for which the Discos are the beneficiaries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Henceforth, you are required to obtain a No-objection letter from the respective bank guarantee issuing banks before opening or closing any of such account maintained for the Discos in your institutionâ&#x20AC;? the bank directed It noted that the operation of any account maintained for any Disco or its agents with the banks shall be governed by sections,

Facebook Opens Nigeria OfďŹ ce to Support African Devt

Emma Okonji

As part of its continued commitment and ongoing investment in Africa, Facebook, yesterday, announced it would open an office in Lagos, Nigeria - its second office on the African continent.

Aimed at supporting the entire sub-Saharan Africa region, the office is expected to become operational in the second half of 2021 and will be the first on the continent to house a team of expert engineers building for the future of Africa and beyond.

Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office will be home to various teams servicing the continent from across the business, including sales, partnerships, policy, communications as well as engineers.

Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Head of New Product Experimentation, Ime Archibong, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The opening of our new office in Lagos, Nigeria presents new and

exciting opportunities in digital innovations to be developed from the continent and taken to the rest of the world. All across Africa weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeing immense talent in the tech ecosystem, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud that with the upcoming opening of our new office, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be building products for the future of Africa, and the rest of the world, with Africans at the helm. We look forward to contributing further to the African tech ecosystem.â&#x20AC;?

The investment of the new Facebook office follows the 2018 opening of NG_Hub, its first flagship community hub space in Africa in partnership with CcHub, and the 2019 opening of a Small Business Group (SBG) Operations Centre in Lagos, in partnership with Teleperformance.

Providing outsourced support to all English-speaking advertisers across sub-Saharan Africa, the

SBG office supports Small Medium Businesses (SMBs) through its Advocacy, Community and Education (ACE) programme, as well as its Marketing Expert sales programmes, all aimed at enabling SMBs to accelerate the growth and development of their businesses.

Facebookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Director of Public Policy, Africa, Kojo Boakye, said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our new office in Nigeria presents an important milestone which further reinforces our ongoing commitment to the region. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our mission in Africa is no different to elsewhere in the world - to build community and bring the world closer together, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m excited about the possibilities that this will create, not just in Nigeria, but across Africa.â&#x20AC;?

Since the opening of its first office in 2015, Facebook has made a number of investments

across the continent, aimed at supporting and growing the tech ecosystem, expanding and providing reliable connectivity infrastructures and helping businesses to grow locally, regionally and globally. These include the recent rollout of its SMB Grants programme in Nigeria and South Africa, aimed at supporting over 900 businesses by providing a combination of cash and ad credits to help small businesses as they rebuild from COVID; the development of 2Africa, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest subsea cable project that will deliver much needed internet capacity and reliability across large parts of Africa; as well as its ongoing training programmes across the continent, which support various communities including students, SMBs, digital creatives, female entrepreneurs, start-upâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and developers.

Fallen Petrol Tanker Explodes, Burns 2 Vehicles Bennett Oghifo A petrol laden truck fell and burst into flames at the Anthony Village/Gbagada axis of Lagos yesterday at about 10:30p.m.

The Director General of the Lagos State Lagos State Emergency Agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who

confirmed the accident, stated that two vehicles were burnt in the process.

When THISDAY contacted him for updates on the accident at about 1:08a.m., he said the fire had been put out and that they were now engaging in recovery.

However, shortly after the fire started, Oke-Osanyintolu

had said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Agency responded to distress calls and upon arrival at the scene of the incident, it was discovered that a tanker with unknown registration number conveying petroleum lost control while in motion and subsequently fell sideways. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This led to an explosion in which two unidentified

vehicles were burnt. A joint team of responders led by LASEMA, LASG fire service, LRU fire unit, Nigeria Police, and LASTMA are working together to curb the inferno from escalating further.â&#x20AC;?

He also said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Casualties cannot be ascertained at this time. Rescue operation ongoing.â&#x20AC;?

The management of Transcorp Hotels Plc has said it would diversify its portfolio and reduce its workforce, as part of cost management initiatives, following â&#x20AC;&#x153;unprecedented lossesâ&#x20AC;? it suffered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Managing Director, Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Dupe Olusola, who addressed a Press Conference on Thursday said they are taking these steps to ensure business continuity. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The impact of COVID-19 on the business is like nothing the company has ever witnessed. The hotel and hospitality industry in Nigeria has never faced a crisis that brought travel to a standstill, including the Ebola Virus outbreak of 2014 and the recession of 2015.

The slow pick up of international travel, restriction on large gatherings, the switch to virtual meetings and fear of the virus, has drastically reduced demand for our hotels and occupancy levels to its lowest of less than five per cent.â&#x20AC;?

Olusola said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite the losses incurred we have fulfilled our

obligations to staff. At the inception of the pandemic, we maintained a 100 per cent salary payment to our over 900 employees in March and April. We also activated various cost-saving initiatives such as renegotiations of service contracts and restructuring of our loans. We suspended further acquisition and investment in fixed assets and operating equipment as well as reducing our energy consumption and maintenance costs. Despite undertaking these, it has become apparent that more fundamental changes need to be made for the business to survive. To this end, our workforce headcount will be reduced by at least 40 per cent, and our reward system will be optimised.â&#x20AC;?

She said negotiations were ongoing to ensure that staff who would be impacted â&#x20AC;&#x153;are adequately compensated given the peculiarities of the economy at this time. A health insurance package to reduce their health burden costs, especially during the pandemic, amongst other payment settlements, will be activated.

Kidnappers Free Abducted Ex-US Army OfďŹ cer in Ekiti Victor Ogunje Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C; After four days in the captivity of kidnappers, a former officer of the United States of America army and a native of Ijan Ekiti, Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Mr. Jide Ijadare has regained freedom.

Ijadare, who was kidnapped around 2.05p.m. on Tuesday was released after four days in captivity.

The former US army officer was kidnapped at his palm oil producing factory on Tuesday alongside one of his staff.

A contractor working with the factory was also shot dead by the assailants.

A family source told journalists via telephone conversation that the man regained his freedom after paying the

ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

The same source had on Wednesday revealed that the abductors had called few hours after the kidnapping and demanded N20 million ransom. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My brother was released this afternoon around 4.15p.m. and he has reunited with the family.â&#x20AC;?

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Sunday Abutu, confirmed that the abductees had been freed.

He, however, said the police were not aware of any ransom being paid before Ijadareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s release. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not aware of any ransom being paid. We believe he was released after the pressure the security agencies and local hunters piled up by combing the surrounding bushes.â&#x20AC;?

Gunmen Abduct 7 in Kaduna John Shiklam Seven people, including a family of five have been abducted by gunmen in Barkallahu, a suburb of Kaduna metropolis.

The bandits were said to have invaded the community at about 1:30a.m. yesterday, shooting sporadically.

One of the victims, Abdulsalam Haruna said the bandits broke into his house and abducted his wife and four children, two of who are students of the Federal University, Malumfashi, Katsina State.

He said the hoodlums also abducted two of his neighbourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s children.

According to him, the bandits also attacked two other houses, including that of a retired director in the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, but did not abduct anybody or carry anything.

In a telephone interview, Haruna said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the incident happened at about 1:30a.m. (on Friday). They broke my gate and came into my compound.

They broke the door to my house and ordered everybody to follow them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They went away with my wife and four of my children, two of who are students of the Federal University, Malumfashi, Katsina State. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They also attacked my neighbour and went away with two of his children.â&#x20AC;?

According to him, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two other houses, including that of a retired director in the Kaduna State Ministry of Education were also attacked, but they did not kidnap anybody or carry anything there. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We alerted the personnel but by the time they arrived the bandits had escaped with the victims.â&#x20AC;?

The incident occurred barely a week, after 21 people, including a family of 17, were abducted in Udawa Village, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The villagers were said to be on their way to the farm when bandits attacked them at about 7am.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

15

NEWS

Military Launches Manhunt for Fleeing Darul Salam Terrorists, Collaborators

Reps Committee Advocates Improved Funding for NEDC

Kingsley NwezehinAbuja

House of Representatives Committee on North East Development Commission has advocated for improved funding for the North East Development Commission (NEDC) to enable it meets the development gaps and impact of Boko Haram crisis.

The Chairperson of House of Representatives Committee on North East Development Commission, Hon. Khadija Bukar-Abba, during an oversight visit to the commission, said the present funding was grossly inadequate.

Bukar-Abba who led members of the committee to Maiduguri, said given the enormity of humanitarian challenges in the conflict zone, the commission required large fund to enable it effectively discharge its duties.

The Chairperson of the committee, speaking to journalists after visits to various project sites, said: “The NEDC is grossly underfunded, and given the quantum of work that needs to be done, we strongly feel the commission should get more

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday launched a manhunt for fleeing members of terrorist group, Darul Salam and their collaborators.

This comes as troops of Operation Lafiya Dole killed 16 fighters of Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West Africa (ISWAP) and arrested 38 members of the group and their families even as air strikes killed scores of armed bandits in Kwaimbana Forest in Kaduna State.

Darul Salam and Boko Haram had penultimate week threatened to attack the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Kogi states.

The threat had prompted the Nigerian Customs Service to issue a memo, listing the targeted areas and warning personnel to avoid them.

Since the alleged threat, unknown gunmen last week kidnapped 20 residents of FCT while two officials of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were killed in another attack in Nasarawa State even as 10 were declared missing.

Following the attack on their camp in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State by troops, 410 members of the group including women and children surrendered while 290 others were later rescued.

Speaking at a media briefing

in Abuja, Coordinator of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General John Eneche, said military authorities had declared a manhunt for members of Darul Salam and their collaborators.

He said aggressive clearance operations by the military had put the group under pressure even as he insisted that the Darul Salam terrorists group would go into extinction in no distant time.

Fielding questions from newsmen at the weekly update on the operations of Armed Forces of Nigeria in Abuja, Eneche said the military was working aggressively with all stakeholders to put an end to the

operations of the group in the northern part of the country.

He said the Defence Headquarters was determined to deploy both kinetic and non-kinetic means to rid the nation of the group and other criminal elements.

He recalled that no fewer than 410 members of the group surrendered to the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke last month during an encounter at Uttu in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in August.

He said the terrorists surrendered following aggressive operations by troops and other security agencies at identified criminals’ enclaves included women and children.

Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri

funding.”

She said: “We have visited some of the IDP camps and had a firsthand experience of the depth of suffering people are going through, especially the women and children.

“We have also seen the impressive works that the NEDC has achieved in such a short period of a year since it commenced operation and it was wonderful. But we have also observed how overwhelming the work that the NEDC needed to do has been, and how their progress may be affected due to lack of adequate resources.

“We visited Ngwom Village in Mafa local government, about 18km outside Maiduguri, and we have seen the 1,000 housing projects that the NEDC has embarked on, and we are excited that the project would be concluded before the end of this year. That was quite remarkable.

“At the IDP camps, we have seen multitudes of women and children and older persons who needed food more than anything else to survive, and we felt the challenges are overwhelming and the NEDC is underfunded.”

BEDC Begins Service-Based Tariff System

FOR BETTER STANDARDS ...

L-R: Chief of Staff to Governor Hope Uzodimma, Mr. Nnandi Anyaehie with the Executive Secretary/Registrar of School of Nursing and Midfwifery, Alhaji Faruk Umar Abubaka, when the latter paid a courtesy call on the Imo State Governor ... recently

FAO: Nigeria, Congo, Others Hotspots for Acute Hunger

FG Bars Emirates Airlines from Scheduled Operation to Nigeria

Festus Akanbi

Chinedu Eze

The Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) yesterday warned that Nigeria and few other African countries may be hit by acute food shortage amidst the rising threats to farming activities in the affected countries.

A report by Bloomberg, which raised the alarm, disclosed that Nigerian farmers were buffeted by organised crimes, flooding, drought and COVID-19 pandemic. It listed other vulnerable African countries to include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burkina Faso, Somalia and the Sudan.

“In Nigeria, working the land can be a dangerous occupation because of longstanding religious and ethnic tensions and, more recently, organised crime. That’s as farmers already had to contend with flooding or drought.

It’s all now hitting agriculture just when the country needs it most. The

pandemic has triggered a surge in food prices in a nation that imports more than a tenth of its food supply.

“With 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country in the world’s most food-insecure continent.

Producing food at home matters more as importers struggle to access dollars to pay for shipments from overseas after an oil price crash sapped foreign-currency reserves, “ the report said.

The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Baba Shehuri, recently disclosed that Nigeria loaned 5,000MT of assorted grains from ECOWAS Stock, which was agreed to be paid back on grain for grain basis. He explained that “Modalities had been put in place to replace the ECOWAS Stock before the advent of COVID-19 pandemic.

That notwithstanding, I can assure you that the stock will be replaced in due course.”

The federal government has announced that Middle East mega carrier; Emirates Airlines has been banned from scheduled, commercial operation to Nigeria in line with its policy of reciprocity over the rejection of Nigerians by some countries due to the COVID-19 regulation.

The Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika explained late yesterday that the airline was included in the list of airlines not allowed to operate in Nigeria as part of measures to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.

Sirika made this known via his Twitter handle and said the decision was taken after a meeting between members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and European Union Ambassadors.

He said the ban would take

effect from Monday, September 21, 2020.

“The PTF sub-committee met today with EU Ambassadors to discuss Lufthansa, Air France/KLM ban. The meeting progressed well.

Emirates Airlines’s situation was reviewed and they are consequently included in the list of those not approved, with effect from Monday the 21st September 2020,” he tweeted.

The EU Ambassadors decided to meet with the federal government over European carriers, which Nigeria barred from operating into the country in accordance to its policy on COVID-19 protocols and diplomatic principles.

Government before the reopening of international flight on September 5, 2020 made it clear that it would reciprocate the gesture of countries that barred Nigerians from their shores and has maintained the policy so far.

Afe Babalola Partners Flagit App to Combat Rape The Afe Babalola University has partnered a foundation, Flagit App in containing sexual based violence, sexual offences and cyberspace criminality in general. The foundation had warded off some cyber bullies who targeted some female students of the institution, In a statement by the university, it commended FLAGIT for “your fearlessness and tenacity of purpose

in not only providing the necessary guidance to the victims of that nefarious attacks but also working with us to commence the process of redress through the relevant security agencies.”

The statement which was signed by the Students Affair Officer, Babatunde M. Wahab, Olumide Olugbemi-Gabriel and Akin Fadeyi said, “The extant and

existential reality of today’s world is that criminality is festering amongst our youth populace at an alarming rate and intensity. Emerging criminal tendencies and trends are noted to be enabled by advancement in ICT and a corruption-ridden larger society. This is why we are excited to see the confidence and speed with which Flagit rose to the occasion in support of the victims, who are

now on the road to getting the needed closure and justice.

“From close and deliberate observation, it has become crystal clear that the manner your Foundation and FlagIt handle the documentation of criminal tendencies and persons, offering at the same time ready evidence in the pursuit of justice, is highly desirable and encouraging.

In furtherance of and commitment to providing incremental improvements in the quality and quantity of electricity supply; aside deepening its obligations to customers, the Management of BEDC Electricity Plc (BEDC) has commenced the implementation of a new Service-Based Tariff structure effective from September 1st, 2020.

The new dispensation ServiceBased Tariff (SBT) contained in a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Order signed by its Chairman, Prof. James Momoh ushers in a regime where customers of BEDC across the franchise states of Delta, Edo, Ekiti, and Ondo would be migrated to a threshold where there will be continuous improvement in the quality of service delivery that the company offers.

According to BEDC management, the new SBT would allow customers enjoy a certain minimum of hours of power availability and also pay for appropriate rates for services rendered based on this regular availability as the new SBT essentially affects customers that live in areas where BEDC promises to provide electricity for at least 12hours per day.

BEDC says it recognised that a firm improvement in electricity supply would require investments in reinforcing feeders, transformers, protection equipment, and other

components, hence a Service-Based Tariff shall provide a financial remedy to bolster improved service defined in terms of hours of supply indicated by availability, reliability, and quality whilst recognising the changes in macroeconomic indices - forex, inflation, cost of capital, etc.

To operationalise the new service dispensation, customers will be disaggregated into various clusters/ bands based on these guaranteed hours of service and using number of hours of daily availability as a measure to determine the tariff rates with those with more power paying more than those with less power.

“The new tariff regime also allows that customers can move to upper bands of more power availability as their quality of service improves and accordingly pay appropriate prices, “the BEDC release said.

BEDC assured customers of its commitment to the implementation of new Performance Improvement Plans (PIP) to ensure rapid improvement in service quality for those customers who currently receive low service and subsequently graduate them to appropriate tariff band upon service improvement, adding,” Similarly, the strengthening of customer care centers to improve responses to customers’ complaints and acceleration of metering by Meter Asset Providers (MAP) are cardinal objectives.”

Ubah, Ibeto, Others Donate Ultramodern Health Centre to Anambra David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

A group of Anambra State indigenes, including the senator representing Anambra South senatorial zone, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, Chairman of Ibeto Group, Chief Cletus Ibeto, Chairman of Oranto Petroleum, Prince Arthur Eze and 340 others have built and donated a fully equipped medical centre to the state.

The facility which was constructed under the name of Anambra Progressives Development Union, made up of prominent Anambra indigenes, has Ubah as

its convener.

Speaking during the inauguration of the facility at the weekend, Senator Ubah expressed happiness that the dream came to past, adding that the facility was a world-class medical centre capable of handling cases that would ordinarily require overseas trips. The centre he said would also serve as an isolation centre for COVID-19 patients.

We are thankful to all who donated towards this laudable project. It is not easy for people to believe in you and also commit their hard earned money to a project when you call for it.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͯ͡Ë&#x153; Í°ÍŽÍ°ÍŽ

NEWSXTRA

Uzodimma Signs Law Empowering Him to Detain without Police, Court Warrant Amby Uneze in Owerri Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has signed into law a bill empowering him to detain anybody without questions or court/police warrant, even as citizens including members of the opposition in the State House of Assembly reacted angrily over what they described as â&#x20AC;&#x153;obnoxious law."

The law otherwise known as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Imo State Administration of Criminal Justice Law, 2020â&#x20AC;&#x2122; empowers the state governor to detain anyone at his pleasure without the need for a court warrant.

THISDAY observes that Sections 484 and 485 of the law provide that the governor may effect such detention notwithstanding

the provisions of any other law, including that of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).

The recently signed law, a copy of which was made public yesterday, does not recognise the need for an arrest warrant for any person who it deems to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;in legal custodyâ&#x20AC;?.

The offending Section 484 of the law reads: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where any person is ordered to be detained during the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasure he shall notwithstanding anything in this law or in any other written law contained be liable to be detained in such place and under such conditions as the Governor may direct and whilst so detained shall be deemed to be in legal custody.â&#x20AC;?

While Section 485 provides that such person â&#x20AC;&#x153;detained during the Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pleasure may at

any time be discharged by the Governor on licenseâ&#x20AC;? and that â&#x20AC;&#x153;a license under subsection (1) of this section may be in such form and may contain such conditions as the Governor may direct.â&#x20AC;?

The section further states that such license â&#x20AC;&#x153;may at any time be revoked or varied by the Governorâ&#x20AC;?, adding: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Where license has been revoked the person to whom the license relates shall proceed to such place as the Governor may direct and if he fails to do so, may be arrested without warrant and taken to such place.â&#x20AC;?

The provision is seen to be against the provisions of Sections 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantee the fundamental rights to freedom of liberty and human dignity.

Section 35(4) specifically provides that any person who is arrested or detained â&#x20AC;?shall be brought before a court of law within a reasonable time.â&#x20AC;?

Subsection five states such period could be one day â&#x20AC;&#x153;in the case of an arrest or detention in any place where there is a court of competent jurisdiction within a radius of 40 kilometresâ&#x20AC;? or two days/longer period as may be considered by the court â&#x20AC;&#x153;in any other case.â&#x20AC;?

Hon. Frank Ugboma (Deputy Minority Leader Imo State House of Assembly) who presented the bill said â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Bill I presented had about a total of 372 Sections.

How and where it was amended, recreated and reshaped into Section 484 and beyond remains a mystery and a legislative

Two Years after, FG Yet to Fulfill Promise of Resettling Katsina Flood Victims Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has decried the inability of the federal governmenttokeepitspromiseof resettlingandcompensatingflood victimsinJibiaLocalGovernment Area of the state.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had on July 15, 2018, visited the flood-ravaged local government area to assess the level of damage caused by the natural disaster.

The flood, caused by torrential rains on Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s border with Niger Republic, killed more than 52 persons and destroyed thousands

of houses in the border town, according to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

During the assessment visit, Osinbajo said the federal government would resettle and compensate the victims, adding that drainages and culverts will also be constructed in the areas affected to prevent further occurrence. But two years after the promises, Governor Masari, while in audience with members of flood assessment team from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), at the Government House, said none of the promises has been fulfilled by the federal government.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Two years ago, we had very serious flash flood which saw the vice-president coming to Jibia and promises were made.

Well, with the exception of food items that NEMA brought, all the promises made none was fulfilled. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is unfortunate, promises were made that the victims will be resettled, drainages and culverts will be constructed. But unfortunately, we havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard from neither NEMA nor ecological fund or anybody up to this time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If we have relied absolutely on those promises, we would have shamed the people of Jibia. But luckily enough, we invited NEW-

MAP, they came and designed the area as emergency. That is why in the last three months, we were able to sign contracts with them for the construction of drainages and culverts in Jibia.â&#x20AC;?

According to the governor, palliatives in terms of food, sleeping materials and clothing would only mitigate the perennial condition of the victims but would not eradicate the fundamental predicament.

Earlier, the leader of the team, Mr. Shehu Garba, told Governor Masari that they were in the state to assess the damages caused by flood for assistance by the federal government.

Group Urges FG to Free Detained Nigerian Pastor in South Africa Bennett Oghifo A socio-cultural group, Association of the Yorubas in Diaspora South Africa (AYIDSA), has appealed to the federal government to help free a Nigerian pastor who was arrested by the South African police for alleged rape, human trafficking and racketeering on April 20th, 2017.

According to a statement by the president of the association,

Dr. Olusola Agbeniyi, the pastor, Rev. Timothy Omotoso, who is the founder, of Jesus Dominion International (JDI), based in Durban and other cities across South African, was arraigned in court, and has spent about 1,230 days and nights behind bars.

Agbeniyi appealed to the Nigerian mission to intervene, adding that in May 2017, the Special Adviser to the President on Diaspora affairs,

Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa facilitated a meeting comprising the then acting High Commissioner, Leadership of AYIDSA and Pastor Omotosoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legal team and family on the role of the mission.

He said the mission had been monitoring the proceedings, stating that the Consul General was at Port Elizabeth (PE) court at a time during one of his appearances.

He said the Consul General was

also in Durban to follow up with the legal team. Despite all these, saying it was saddening that Rev. Omotoso had not been considered for or granted bail. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We therefore appeal to the new High Commissioner to engage the South Africa Government over this matter.

Agbeniyi said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today it is pastor Omotoso, tomorrow it can be any other Nigerian in South Africa."

Buhari: Nigeria Will Mobilise NYSC Members for Implementation of SDGs

Omololu Ogunmade inAbuja

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told the United Nations (UN) that Nigeria would engage the services of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members for the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The president who said the corps members would be mobilised across the country along with 17 SDGs ambassadors, said the mobilised individuals would champion the implementation of SDGs 2030 at the grassroots.

The president's Media Adviser, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the presi-

dent made the promise while addressing the virtual inaugural SDGs Moment, convened by UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, during the high-level week of the 75th UN General Assembly. Adesina said Buhari, in his video message to the meeting, provided an update

on SDGs progress in the country, setting out Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision for the next decade in fighting poverty, combating illicit financial flows and ensuring economic recovery amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. ''Our National Assembly has established Committees on Sustainable Development Goals.

Emeka Offor Foundation Donates Beds, Medicines to Teaching Hospitals

Hammed Shittu inIlorin

The Chairman of the Chrome Group, Sir Emeka Offor, has promised that his foundation, Emeka Offor Foundation will donate 100 bed sets and accessories to 21 Universities Teaching

Hospitals in the country to assist them accelerate health care delivery of indigent patients in the affected hospitals.

He said the donation would also include medical equipment, medicines, predicaments and anti-hypertensive drugs.

Offor, who set up the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) disclosed this in Ilorin, Kwara State capital yesterday during the official presentation of 100 bed sets and accessories to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital Complex (UITHC),

Ilorin. Represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, AIG Chris Ezike (Rtd.), Sir Offor said that the gesture was meant to reduce health challenges and to assist the less-privileged people in the society to have access to good health care delivery.

wonder of our time as what I presented and circulated to my colleagues during plenary, both in the First and Second readings did not contain such obnoxious

and embarrassing Section 484.

Neither was it deliberated in the House Committee of the Whole.

It indeed never existed in the House.

Tinubu Lauds Hamzatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Good Character, Excellent Relationship with Sanwo-Olu Bennett Oghifo The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), AsiwajuBolaAhmedTinubu, has lauded the Deputy Governor of LagosState,Dr.ObafemiHamzat for exhibiting good character and for maintaining â&#x20AC;&#x153;excellentâ&#x20AC;? relationship between him and Governor Sanwo-olu worthy of emulation.

Tinubu stated this in a congratulatory message to Hamzat on his 56th birthday today, describing him

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as â&#x20AC;&#x153;An accomplished academic, renowned technocrat, administrator and progressive politician.â&#x20AC;?

He said Hamzat has brought his vast knowledge, immense technical abilities and tremendous experience to bear on the various positions he has held in both Lagos and Abuja. The APC leader said the deputy governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contributions in information technology and infrastructural conception, design and development â&#x20AC;&#x153;are particularly remarkable.â&#x20AC;?

Tinubu said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;From a background of illustrious career in the private sector, Dr. Hamzat joined the public service upon his appointment in August 2005 as Commissioner for Science and Technology during my second term as governor of Lagos.

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17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Simi is Platoon Recordsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Girl Toyosi Gregory-Jonah Skills Can Be Acquired But a Great Personality Cannot pg. 19

Teniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big and Crazy World

pg. 23

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Simi is Platoon Recordsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Girl Songstress, Simi, joins Platoon records, a UK-based label owned by Apple Music, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

S

inger/song writer, Simi (Simisola Ogunleye) has joined the league of African acts signed on to the platform of Platoon Records, a UK-based label owned by Apple Music. The music star took to her social media page last Monday where she announced the big news. Platoon Records was acquired by Apple Music in 2018, to enable artistes distribute their music independently while using analytics to figure out the target market for their style of music.

Platoon as an A and R company, focuses on talent scouting and helping in developing the relationship between recording artistes and songwriters. The singer, who is still enjoying the success of her hit single â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dudukeâ&#x20AC;? following the arrival of her new baby, announced that she joined the label as an artiste and revealed that her new EP â&#x20AC;&#x153;Restless IIâ&#x20AC;? would be released soon. She also shared a video spotlight of herself in the caption of which she announced the coming of her next studio project.

The songstress wrote: â&#x20AC;&#x153;New week and new deal. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m officially part of the @weareplatoon family! #RestlessII coming soon.â&#x20AC;? With this deal, Simi joins Cuppy, Wurld, and other Nigerian artistes on the Platoon roaster.

On Platoon, the Nigerian songstress said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Platoon definitely stood out for me because of the energy. When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing art, it is always important for everyone to be on the same wave length. It was like a no brainer for me. We knew we wanted to work with you and collaborate with you.â&#x20AC;?

Simi released her debut studio album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ogajuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in 2008. Ogaju was produced by Samklef. Some of the hit songs in the album include Iya Temi and Ara Ile. She was signed

by X3M Music in 2014. Some of her hit songs include; Tiff, Jamb Question, Love Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Care, Smile For Me. She has also featured in several hit records like Soldier with Falz, No Forget with Adekunle Gold, Orire with Legendary Beatz and a few others.

In January 2014, Simi released the 5-track EP, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Restless,â&#x20AC;? which eventually earned her a record deal with X3M Music. The EP is composed mostly of covers recorded by popular acts, including Rihannaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Man Downâ&#x20AC;? and Adeleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Set Fire to the Rainâ&#x20AC;?.

Simi released Jamb Question (her second album) in 2016. Her 3rd studio album, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Omo Charlie Champagneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, was released on the 19th of April 2019.

The album is slightly different from her normal afro-centric kind of songs. It is a mixture of a sentimental ballad, Afropop, Afro-fusion, Afro-soul, R&B, EDM and moombahton. She featured other musicians like Patoranking, Maleek Berry, Falz, and her husband Adekunle Gold in Omo Charlie Champagne. The album was produced

by Oscar with contributions from Vtek, Legendary Beatz, and Sess.

Simi dedicated the album to her late father Charles Oladele Ogunleye, who died in 2014. Before the release of Omo Charlie Champagne, Vol. 1, she released three singles: I Dun Care, Lovin, and Ayo. Simiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contract with X3M Music expired on May 2019, and she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t renew the contract as she had plans of launching her own label.

Accordingly, Simi announced the launch of her independent record label â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Studio Brat in June 2019.

Simiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s monster hit, Duduke, is currently rocking the air waves. The song was released few weeks before giving birth.

The signing of Simi by Platoon Music comes months after Florence Otedola, a disk jockey better known as DJ Cuppy, also

Simi

signed with the label before the release of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Original Copyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, her debut EP. Denzyl Feigelson, CEO of Platoon Records, had earlier revealed his intentions to help artistes get through the coronavirus pandemic. While welcoming Simi to the brand, Feigelson can be heard saying in the video, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really looking forward to seeing your music spread out to the entire globe, which it should.â&#x20AC;?

In a related piece, Feigelson said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want artistes to be able to manage their music

on our platform; get services like health care, legal and accounting; learn about publishing, touring, how you market; and conquer things like YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Twitch, because if I help them grow their businesses, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only helping us grow our business, too. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing that in all kinds of ways. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our long-term vision is to help artistes grow their businesses, and our goal is to not see it as African music but as global music.

Storytelling has become our key weapon

these days: How do you tell a story of an artiste? Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to make your track, your story, stand out so that people get it? Our quality just has to be good. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the magic sauce â&#x20AC;&#x201D; youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve just got to be fucking good.â&#x20AC;?

Platoon Records has signed the likes of British singer, Jorja Smith, Sam Smith, and Mr. Eazi. It has also developed major artistes like Billie Eilish and Stefflon Don who left to sign hefty global deals with Universal Music Group.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

19

SHOWBIZFLAIR Toyosi Gregory-Jonah

Skills Can Be Acquired But a Great Personality Cannot One of the fastest growing clothing stores in Lagos is Desire1709. The brain behind it is painstaking Toyosi Gregory-Jonah. She also runs a fashion house called 1709thelabel and the inspirational Fashion Biz Academy alongside the store.

Toyosiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leap into full time fashion entrepreneurship began in 2012 right after she graduated with a Styling Diploma from The British College of Professional Styling.

Today, what seemed at that time like a gamble with a little bit of savings, has grown into a business with huge profit yearly. Toyosi shares her fashion industry story and how her background shaped her life, with Azuka Ogujiuba a daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s girl and my dad is the most stylish one. So, I would say I took the stylish and style conscious side from him, but my mum on the other hand is the business brain, who is constantly in the brain zone of how can we multiply this X amount to be 10X amount. So I would say I took entrepreneurship from her.

They both also taught me integrity. I remember my dad would always say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;whatever you do, never forget the child of whom you are and never let short term benefit make you lose your integrity. You will regret it in the long term.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; It stuck with me and that is one of the things people remember about me.

Choosing fashion designing as a career have always been the girl everyone would ask â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;does this fitâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? What do you think of this combination and all through university, everyone wanted my clothes and complimented my style a lot. This feedback helped me gain clarity about my talent and passion for fashion.

I

Favourite part of being a fashion designer Watching people beam and radiate so much joy and confidence when their outfit fits and they love their outfit is my favourite part of designing

Getting married I was 27 years when I got married and it was such an amazing experience. The year before (February 2009 ) my husband had proposed to me in Dubai on one of our trips, and unlike other people, we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sit down to plan anything majorly after then till the January of the new year and by July 2010 we got married in the most intimate gathering of family and friends and we are blessed with two boys.

Guiding business principles When you start your business, never sell on credit. Secondly, invest in personal development, seek knowledge and nurture relationships. Self-awareness is important to succeed in everything. When I started, I was selling stuffs to people on credit and it literally almost killed the business.

Worst day in business One day, one of the people I sold to on credit attempted to beat me up for complaining about her overdue debt. Selling on credit cost me a lot of relationships and it nearly crashed my business totally. I literally had to struggle back up and since then, I never went that route again.

Running my businesses on auto pilot Relocating to the United Kingdom and leaving my business back in Nigeria was such a difficult thing for me physically and emotionally, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since conquered that pain and fear by proper planning and structuring my business to run literally on auto pilot and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been two years with zero regrets. It was a lot of work that had to be put into creating the structure and troubleshooting it for efficiency and all, but to God be the Glory, everything is so far working according to plan.

I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t born with a silver spoon Like every normal Nigerian home. I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t born with a silver spoon. My parents are everyday middle class entrepreneurs who ensured they gave us what their pocket could carry but never compromised on education and taught us the best values of life of which number one is integrity.

Recruiting for my company I pay a lot of attention to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;personalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I know most of people consider the right skill set first, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve since learned that skills can be acquired (if the person has a teachable attitude) but a great personality cannot be Toyosi Gregory-Jonah acquired, so it is important to consider how the candidateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality aligns with the daily job tasks. be realistic, be in tune with your clients, the economy and the culture of the country where My deďŹ nation of fashion you are operating so that you are not off track It is a way of life, a way of expressing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at any point. Also, find a mentor who has gone self through style without speaking. ahead of you to hold your hands and help you navigate the murky waters of fashion Advice to young designers entrepreneurship and never forget the God The success of your business is not deter- factor. mined by how many collections you released, especially if you release a badly done and I grew up making and buying clothes not properly thought through collection just for people because of pressure. More than anything else, I have always loved making people look good donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let the pressure get to you. Stay grounded, and helping them choose what to wear, I grew

Indelible high points in my career When I launched my ready to wear line in 2017, the love and reception was unbelievable as I was initially afraid people would not warm up to it since we were initially known for importing clothes. So, I was consumed by fear and doubt, but it turned out so well and here we still are thriving and growing.

My biggest fear in life It is not fully achieving and maximising my God-given potential because of self-doubt and limiting beliefs. up making and buying clothes for people as a hobby. So, it is natural that I transit into it fully as a means of livelihood after I left my banking career. Another thing that helped is the fact that I grew up in an entrepreneurial family with a lineage of women who are business moguls.

I was able to learn solid entrepreneurial skills that have helped a lot in starting, running and scaling Desire1709 from inception till date.

Lessons from my parents I learnt a great deal of different things from both of them, even though I have always been

Things I still desire To see my business become the largest exporter of made in Nigeria fashion Merchandise Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m all about rich mindset Abundant mindset is the place where it all happens. When you have an abundant mindset, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to create multiple streams of wealth, live a peaceful live and generally flourish because you are not in that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;hustle competition modeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that causes people to run around like a headless chicken.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Pearlena Igbokwe at the Saddle at Universal Studio Nigerian-born Pearlena Igbokwe is the newly appointed Chairman of Universal Studio Group, making her the first woman of African descent to head a major American television studio. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

A

ll Pearlena Igbokwe has known and achieved all her life was made possible by her knowledge of television. As a child growing up, the Nigerian-born has a special connection to television ever since her family moved to New Jersey from Nigeria in 1971, when she was 6. In the wake of the Nigerian civil war, the Igbokwes fled, leaving behind the terror of living through war. Young Pearlena couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get enough televsion. The familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small black-and-white television was her babysitter, her companion and her primary instructor in the language of her adopted home. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought TV was this amazing thing,â&#x20AC;? she would years later tell Variety in 2019. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was my best friend.â&#x20AC;?

These instincts have served Igbokwe well in her nearly 30 years as a creative executive in television. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It just opened up everything for me,â&#x20AC;?

Igbokwe says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That feeling of loving TV and movies for all those years and now being even remotely attached to that world just felt incredible.â&#x20AC;?

Recently, Igbokwe was appointed Chairman of Universal Studio Group in the U.S. Universal Studio Group, a division of NBCUniversal, is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information for a global audience. The longtime TV executive will take over leadership of NBCUniversalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s global television studio business. As the new chairman, she replaces Bonnie Hammer, who will take a new role as Vice Chairman, as announced by NBCUniversal. This makes Pearlena the first woman of African descent to head a major American television studio.

According to a statement by Universal Studio Group, Igbokwe, 55, will lead the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing global television studio businesses and report directly to Jeff Shell, CEO, NBCUniversal. The moves are part of a wider reorganisation of NBCUniversalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment group as it competes with a host of new and established TV streaming services.

The company under Shell has been looking to streamline operations to respond to the intensely competitive realities of the new streaming era.

Before joining NBCUniversal, Ms Igbokwe worked at Showtime for 20 years and was involved in developing top-rated broadcast dramas including â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dexterâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nurse Jackieâ&#x20AC;?, Showtimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular series ever. Featured on The Hollywood Reporter â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 list of Women in Entertainment Power 100, Igbokwe made waves as the first Black woman - and first Nigerian women- to run a major television studio when she took the helm at Universal Television in 2016. Under her direction, the studio churned out recent television

hits like The Good Place, Good Girls, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Russian Doll while teaming up with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon.

During her undergrad years at Yale, Igbokwe spent two summers working for NBC in research, first for the sales department and later for NBC News.

As she ran around 30 Rock completing assignments and other chores, she had to pinch herself that she was being paid to â&#x20AC;&#x153;kinda sorta workâ&#x20AC;? in television. But the Showtime and NBC alum, who has headed Universal Television since 2016, didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what work lay ahead in the spring of 1985, as her sophomore year at Yale University was coming to an end. She only knew she needed to hurry up and find a summer job.

An English major, while scouring the listings and fliers tacked up on the walls of the career services center at Yale, she was immediately intrigued by a notice described as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;summer associateâ&#x20AC;? position at NBC in New York. For most of her career, Igbokwe worked on the buying side of TV, hearing pitches from studio executives and show runners. The move to being a seller, at a time when Universal TV was being encouraged to shop its wares outside NBC, has put her English major â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love of analyzing stories to good use.

Igbokweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s path after college took a circuitous route through working in the financial services industry (she had to pay off loans) to business school at Columbia University.

After earning her graduate degree, she landed a temporary job at HBO. Within a few months, she had offers for entry-level posts at HBO and Showtime. She opted for Showtime, where she would spend the next 20 years, first in New York and later in Los Angeles when she joined the programming team.

In 2012, when her former Showtime chief Robert Greenblatt recruited her to become head of drama development for NBC, she was ready for a new chapter. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I felt like NBC was where I started,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew I would love to be here.â&#x20AC;? Igbokwe has reached a point in her career and in her life where sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reflecting on the arc of her story. For years she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t share much with friends and colleagues about her experiences growing up in Lagos during the 1967-70 period of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s civil war with Biafra.

But of late, she has opened up about how she was shaped by her familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s struggles during those formative years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sometimes, you need some distance from a story to understand it. I saw a lot of things,â&#x20AC;? she told Variety. Igbokwe vividly recalls the horror of running into the woods with her mother and younger brother to escape aerial bombing raids above their village. She remembers the sound of helicopters that dropped food and humanitarian aid supplies out of the sky for the villagers.

Also seared in her memory is the

Pearlena Igbokwe

day when she was about four and became determined to grab a sack of salt for her mother from an aid drop.

She positioned herself in the perfect spot and dove on the ground as soon as the drop hit.

She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t count on getting trampled by dozens of adults doing the same thing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They all just piled on me until finally someone was yelling, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a kid under there.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; When I got up, I was covered in salt from head to toe. I walked back through my village looking like one of the White Walkers from Game of Thrones,â&#x20AC;? Igbokwe said.

The visceral memories of war and violence and scrambling for food have given Igbokwe perspective on the life she has made for herself as a respected figure in entertainment.

As the mother of two teenagers - a 17-year-old daughter and a 14-yearold son - she can only imagine the fear that her mother faced in Nigeria, trying to protect two young kids while also working to secure the promise of a new life in America.

Igbokweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, a teacher, was

the first to leave for the U.S. with the help of an American couple that had befriended the family. Pearlena, her mother and her brother followed two years later. It was an emotional roller coaster for a 6-year-old, between the reunion with her father and the culture shock of leaving Africa to settle in Montclair, N.J. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember having the sense that we finally made it,â&#x20AC;? Igbokwe says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember the feeling that people thought we were lucky. I was going to America.â&#x20AC;?

Most of Igbokweâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s relatives still live in Nigeria. She often wonders why fate determined that her family would be in a position to leave for a safer environment offering greater opportunities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m the most grateful person in the world,â&#x20AC;? she says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take for granted anything thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happened in my life. From the world that I came from to work in the entertainment business, none of it was supposed to happen.â&#x20AC;? Remarkably, Igbokwe has earned her spot at the helm of Universal Television through hard work, business savvy, talent, and, most of all, kindness.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR Ali Baba

Comedians Applying Themselves to More Platforms Becauseâ&#x20AC;Ś Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, professionally known as Ali Baba, is the undisputed king of stand-up comedy in Nigeria. His exploits as a master of ceremonies for over two decades in events organised by corporate and private bodies within and outside Nigeria have earned him a pre-eminent position in the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment industry. Ali Baba, who was recently appointed the Vice-chairman of the Committee for Creative Industry Palliatives by the Federal Government of Nigeria in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, spoke with Festus Akanbi on his family, changing lifestyles of comedians, and the devastating impacts of the social distancing protocol on the global entertainment industry, Excerpts

A

foremost comedian calling the shots in a family with a top banker as wife could be an interesting case study. How do

you cope?

Just as expected. She is a leader in her field. I am a leader in mine. We both earn top dollar for our work. She is in a structured environment and I am in an informal sector.

I have more time that is mine than she does.

But we have over the years fine-tuned that, especially the fact that she works all weekdays and I work on weekends most times. But the upbringing, education, understanding and maturity help a lot.

Yes. I was appointed as the Vice Chairman by the Minister, to work with Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, to implement the recommendations of the Creative Industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fact finding COVID committee. We submitted the report of our findings. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that report that is now the bedrock of the implementation stage. The fact-finding opened our eyes to how the whole sector was affected from top to bottom. It was a mind-blowing revelation.

What are your expectations from the Implementation of the Committee report?

The chairman and all members of the implementation committee are cross checking every recommendation by the fact-finding committee to make sure the whole industry benefits from the plans of the government.

How badly has the Covid-19 and the attendant social distancing protocols affected entertainment industry?

Entertainment is a contact industry. Over 90% of players in our industry survive off events. The closure of event centres and platforms for performances have consequently eliminated that source of livelihood for many.

Those who do not require physical contact to earn a living had salaries slashed. Many more got fired, because the traffic that usually gets converted to cash, that then funds salaries was not as usual. Movie makers, dancers, actors, comedians, make-up artists, fitness instructors, cake makers, night club owners, restaurants and bars, cinemas, and fashion designers... all were hit alike.

What will you consider as the greatest challenges in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entertainment industry?

Structure, policies and enabling laws Will you say that comedians have learnt any lessons from the lockdown?

Yes.And that applies to not just comedians.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s across the whole industry space. Where players in the industry need to be financially responsible and plan better with whatever resources they come into. The frivolous spending common in the sector leads to penury.

Comedians are applying themselves to more platforms to express their talents and leverage on their popularity on all new media spaces and embracing new opportunities.

Tell us more about your roles as the deputy chairman of the committee for Creative Industry Palliatives

Are comedians idle now?

Comedians are still working. Even more.

Now you can be an Mcee at a virtual wedding

taking place in Canada. Content is king and the comedians are proving that nothing could hold them back.

Few comedians including you have been diversifying into acting. Is that an indication that acting is more lucrative than stand-up comedy?

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creative fluidity. If your skills can be applied in any space, you have no reason not to take advantage of the opportunity.

Acting in movies, as in deed on stage, is about interpretation of roles. It may not necessarily be a comic role. So, if any producer sees value addition in the inclusion of a comedian in a movie, then so be it.

Have you ever been bothered about weird lifestyles of some entertainers who are ordinarily supposed to be culture ambassadors?

Only a very tiny number are renegade in that area. True the entertainer is a gold fish in a glass bowl, nonetheless, he has artistic liberty to choose what to wear. Culture by the way, is dynamic. And usually, Culture is the crystallization of ideas and behaviours. The tying of wrappers in the south was borrowed from the Eastern countries of Asia. That said, over 90 per cent of the movies promote our culture.

Are you okay with the provisions of the Social Media Bill in its current form?

Yes, I have. Some aspects will need rethinking and then be retweaked. However, its original intent is ok with me. As long as, several clauses help to check the abuse of the enforcement process

Ali-Baba

The Village Headmaster TV Drama Returns Tosin Clegg

History was made on September 4, 2020, when Nigerian Television Authority and Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP) signed an MoU officially marking the beginning of a partnership aimed at bringing the iconic Village Headmaster series back to television.

The glamorous event took place at the NTA Headquarters in Abuja, and was attended by several top management of NTA including the Director General - Mallam Yakubu IbnMohammed; Executive Director, Marketing, Mallam Salihu Dembos; Executive Director, Production, Wole Coker; Secretary Legal Adviser,

Theresa Nwanneri, and Head, Corporate Affairs - Mrs Mabel Moses; as well as management of WAP represented by the Chairman, Wale Adenuga MFR, and Managing Director, Wale Adenuga Junior. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When The Village Headmaster TV drama originallyaired from 1968 to 1988, it was more than a TV Drama; it has always been a source of pride and unity to Nigerians as a whole, and this is the legacy which NTA and WAP would be continuing with this new production,â&#x20AC;? said WAP. The new Village Headmaster TV Drama series, jointly produced and marketed by Nigerian Television Authority and Wale Adenuga Productions, is scheduled to premiere on NTA Network in January 2021.

R-L: Mallam Yakubu Mohammed, Director General NTA, Wale Adenuga Chairman/CEO WAP TV and Wale Adenuga Junior, Managing Director WAP TV

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Boviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s President of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Banana Republicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Comedian, Bovi, rolls out an array of rib cracking sitcoms and hilarious skits in a new web series titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banana Republicâ&#x20AC;?. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

C

omedian Bovi Ugboma comes through with a new web series titled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banana Republicâ&#x20AC;?. The first episode which is now out is dubbed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Inaugurationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Comedy lovers can see the new web series episodes 1 & 2 on his YouTube Channel with an array of rib cracking sitcoms, hilarious skits, funny videos and memorable stand-up performances. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banana Republicâ&#x20AC;? captures the hilarious world of Bovi- actor, comedian and scriptwriter. In this episode, the star comedian goes by the character Frank Whyte, a laughable President of the so-called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Federal Republic of Nigeria, Onlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. This episode of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banana Republicâ&#x20AC;? is set in a prototype executive office and parades fast rising comic actors like Priscellia Ikechukwu, Princess Obuseh, Richard Ayegboyin, Jide Kol, Itohan Jennifer, Sharon Osasu, and Raquel Odion.

On this episode, Bovi gets inaugurated as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria...

Ordinarily, by the scripting, he could make do without the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;? but President of the Federal Republic of Banana, since itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a spoof of the country. The eight minutes, twenty five seconds drama features Boviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inauguration day as president. His friends from the past were there to celebrate with him, hailing and congratulating him. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frank O, Frank Oâ&#x20AC;?, they hailed him, recounting their journey to which Bovi responds to them as members of his kitchen cabinet. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We go a long way together now,â&#x20AC;? he says as he reminisces and connects with them, adding, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m out of line call me to order.â&#x20AC;? In the midst of the banters with his male friends enters a couple of female friends and his side-chic who appears to lobby for her friend the position of â&#x20AC;&#x153;VPâ&#x20AC;?, same way a female character appears and tells Bovi â&#x20AC;&#x153;the national leader says Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to be your PA.â&#x20AC;?

Bovi introduces the side-chic as his niece but she had almost teased him â&#x20AC;&#x153;babyâ&#x20AC;? before realising. A look at the scene mirrors what goes behind the corridors of power. It brings to life the high networks and the intricacies of connections that come to play to secure one positions of authority in in government; be it at the federal or at the state levels. As the swearing-in-moment approaches, his wife arrives and they both set for the office for the oath-taking.

Bovi

At the oath-taking President Frank Whyte (Bovi) repeats after the Chief Judge but it seems to cast back at the justice chief. He would then ask him to personalise the words as he solemnly swears to his oath of office to uphold and abide by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His meddlesome wife is reminded that the oath isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meant for two. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the one taking the oathâ&#x20AC;?. But she responds â&#x20AC;&#x153;we are one, but its fine.â&#x20AC;?

This scene bears the most hilarious part of the episode. He promises to be fair to truth, not fight on social media, to maintain the peace

and do giveaway weekly. Here, the joke isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost on Bovi, whose countenance captures his expression regarding the ridiculous promises he swore to. But he feels that is all, but it is not. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is Africa, we are not leaving anything to chance anymore,â&#x20AC;? the chief judge declares.

He hands him a symbolic metal piece to swear by Ogun, the traditional god of iron that he will die if he steals public money or receive kickback of any money at all. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ogun will kill you,â&#x20AC;? Bovi says after him. But he interjects, â&#x20AC;&#x153;no you, no you, say you, personalise it, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s you, say ogun will kill me.â&#x20AC;? To which Bovi

reluctantly says, but his wife who isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t left out of the scene rebukes the pronouncement for him. One needs to see the scene. If only it could be introduced in the real sense of it preceding any swearing in of government officials.

Soon after the inauguration, Boviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friends surface to relieve the moment. But it seems the newfound position has got to his head. If you are a fan of Bovi, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be excited about this new comedy series. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Banana Republicâ&#x20AC;? is a Kountry Kulture Network Production and is written by Bovi.

10,000 Stories and More from MultiChoice Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most loved storyteller, MultiChoice, is committed to continuing the journey of storytelling for years to come. At the heart of this commitment is the desire to tell stories that resonate with Africans throughout the continent, stories that echo shared sentiments of triumph, success and growth, stories that share ideals, beliefs, embrace change and encourage diversity.

It is through these stories that we can come together as one.

This promise to showcase the best of African storytelling is perfectly captured in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;10,000 Storiesâ&#x20AC;? promo which was launched as part of the recent MultiChoice Media Showcase. This creative masterpiece was the brainchild of poet and writer Lebohang Mashango. It explores themes around diversity, innovation, local content,

international content, sports and a general love for stories. Brought to life by Mashango and other talented African poets, it is an ode to all who have been part of the journey, celebrating the legacy of the MultiChoice and the more than 10,000 stories which have been told over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I drew inspiration from Maya Angelo and the grand idea explored in most African philosophy. The idea that one individual is amplified when standing as a collective â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I come as one but, I stand as 10,000â&#x20AC;&#x2122;, the core of the poem is around collectivism and collaboration, something storytelling does so well. Stories are a way of preserving memories and making history and MultiChoice through its existence has made history, changing the ritual around coming together. The modes of viewing content

may change with technological advancement, however, the essence of storytelling as preserving history does not changeâ&#x20AC;?, Lebohang Mashango.

MultiChoice has been telling African stories for over 20 years, reaching far and wide across the continent. Its DStv and GOtv platforms have continued to grow over the years, launching numerous local channels with more planned as the group increases its local content investment. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Storytelling plays a critical role in our society; it shapes the hopes and dreams of our youth â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it cradles aspirations while positively changing pre-conceived ideas on what the world has to offer. It is through storytelling that many dreams are expressed, and it is through storytelling that our people learn that as much as we are diverse, we

are also quite similarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; says John Ugbe, CEO MultiChoice Nigeria.

MultiChoice is determined to continue showcasing unforgettable stories that cater to a diverse audience. At the heart of MultiChoiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reason for existence is to provide customers with variety and choice, it is with this in mind that the company is focused on enhancing its innovation, value and local entertainment offering. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We are proud to have been at the forefront of enhancing the local television industry, by investing in original productions which showcase authentic stories and talent across our continent. Great stories either reflect reality or create one, we are aiming to create a reality that is progressive, inclusive and forward-thinking.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; concluded John Ugbe, CEO MultiChoice Nigeria.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Teni in one of the scenes of Billionaire video shoot

Teniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Big and Crazy World Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the start of a thriller for Teni (Teniola Apata) as the musician introduces fans to her visual web series tagged, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My XXXL Lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x153;, that takes them to Teniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big and crazy world, reports Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

frobeats star Teniola Apata, better known as Teni Makanaki, some days back launched her personal Vlog, which she calls â&#x20AC;&#x153;My XXXL Lifeâ&#x20AC;?, featuring everything about her. You get to see everything about her from making music, eating food, friends, fun and more.

Teni made the announcement of her show in a tweet on Friday, September 11. She wrote â&#x20AC;&#x153;Welcome to my big and crazy world. Get to see everything about me from making music, eating food (I no dey use my food dey play) and moreâ&#x20AC;?.

My XXXL Life is a visual journal that gives an exclusive look into Teniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world and her many adventures which surrounds food, family, fans and more, the description on the channel states. The episode shows the music star as she goes about the street

and the reception she gets from onlookers.

In six minutes, 30 seconds, the debut My XXXL Life captures Teniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s behind the scenes images on and off studio, leisure moments with her team, mostly males. It shows Teni vibing to songs, rehearsing and taking part in some outdoor activities like playing basketball.

The episode opens with a collage of the singerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s freestyle moods, set in Lagos Nigeria. It shows her in her retro appearance which identifies with Teniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s image.

It also shows her at the beach. Ordinarily, the introductory Vlog exposes her regular itinerary, which her fans and followers donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t often get to normally see. In the opening part of the scenes, a familiar song seems like that of Burna Boy (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Odogwuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) is heard in the background with chants of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teni Makanakiâ&#x20AC;? as she is chauffeured round the streets en route a seaside.

She talks about a particular album and promises to make the album. Teni is used to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Fâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; word especially when with peeps.

This clip captures her in such manner. As she converses in street lingo, she switches between pidgin and English and Yoruba languages, which is very much expected of her. Same way she makes music, and communicates during informal setting.

Besieged by an atmosphere of fun, excited Teni talks about â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billionaireâ&#x20AC;?, one of her hit tracks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Billionaire scatter the second day wey e drop abi,â&#x20AC;? while seeking affirmation from a team member close beside her. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Billionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; one week to blow,â&#x20AC;? she says.

She further confesses that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Billionaireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was a breakthrough song for her. The album and title track was truly an instantaneous hit going by the massive reception upon release, airplays and downloads. Continuing,

the talented singer/songwriter is shown making a song as she keys into a Jamaican beat. The sports loving Teni, in one of the scenes ,watches footage of Mike Tysonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s memorable moments. And then back to making songs. Her producer is shown in most of the scenes where she makes songs.

As she entertains her team in one of the scenes, for the love of her singing and her flawless freestyles, she gets cheered by them and they sing along with her. Ending this first episode of her visual journal web series tagged â&#x20AC;&#x153;My XXXL Lifeâ&#x20AC;?, Teni reveals she has her upcoming album ready. She says the record will be completed on the 30th of September, 2020. Announcing the completion in a church like session, she prays in her dialect while another member of her team interprets. Truly she prayed . . . giving praises and adoration to the almighty God.

24

Ë&#x153; Ëž SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

PERSPECTIVE Ogun Contract Review: The Journey So Far Sunday Ilori

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t is generally acknowledged that in a democracy, power resides with the people. And the people use this power to elect their leaders. In doing so, there are high expectations from the leaders so elected. But when expectations are not met, and hopes are dashed, people lose faith in the leadership. Leadership failure is either by design through faulty policies or extraneous forces beyond the control of the leader. There are other factors, like corruption for instance.

My treatise concerns Ogun State and the last administration in the Gateway State. It is, indeed, more imperative, if not necessary, to point out the unwholesome and widespread allegations of fi financial misappropriation and despicable pro ofligacy that characterised the award of contracts by that administration. The administration claimed to have mobilised Chinese contractors and others with 100 percent funds for the speedy completion of all its projects spread across the different parts of the state before exiting offi ffice in 2019. However, most of the projects were not properly executed. It was as if the contractors were starved of funds. Some projects suffered outright abandonment.

Having inherited some of the shoddy and abandoned projects, and to ensure probity, prudence, transparency and accountability, first major task of the present admin nit wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprising that the fi istration was to set up a contract review committee to look into all the awarded projects, either abandoned or completed, between 2009 and 2019 that were without recourse to due process, and with attendant infractions. The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, no doubt, must be commended for his courage and bold step as a true servant of the people in taking such steps in the interest of the people of the state.

The recent submission of the report of the Contract Review Committee has opened the fl floodgate of mind-boggling corruption in the fi financial transactions that characterised the award of contracts by the immediate past administration. These unwholee some practices have left a sour taste in the mouths of Ogun State citizens and which to a large extent, has stultifi ified the expected accelerated growth and development of the state.

In his speech, while submitting the report of the committee to Prince Abiodun, on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, the Chairman of the Review Committee, Adekunle Mokuolu, said a total of 114 contracts/projects were awarded during the period (2009 and 2019) at a cost of N349,376,997.76. The total payment made for the

Abiodun Contracts/Projects was N130,735,758,922.75. The total amount for unpaid Certifi ificates of Valuation (CV) for work done was N20,741,675,388.76. The amount needed to complete the projects reviewed is N218,380,996,134.47.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The percentage of contracts awarded in terms of cost was 88 per cent for Works and Infrastructure, one percent for Agriculture, two per cent for Health, three per cent for Educaa tion, two per cent for Housing, two per cent for Commerce and Industry, while the balance was taken up by other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Committee can confi nfirm to your Excellency that based on the facts available and proven by us, there were common threads that passed through the contracts and projects reviewed. These have been highlighted in our report and appropriate recomm mendations have been made to ensure sustainable development of Ogun State. We assure you, sir, that all the Terms of Reference

you gave to us were thoroughly addressed with technical and professional diagnoses, conclusions, and recommendations framework to facilitate comprehension and decision-making based on facts. All Ogun State Statutes, Policies and Documents used in executing the assignment were easily referenced in this report. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Besides, fi findings revealed that the executive summary identiified no common basis for submission of Bids/Tenders because fi each company had different quantities for which to apply their rates for the various items of works; the process of approval for additional works or variations of the scope of works was very faulty as verbal instructions from higher authorities were often alluded to without written confi nfirmation even for variation of 50 per cent over and above the contract sum in some cases. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There were cases of improper variation claims. An advert in a newspaper dated 3rd of November, 2011, had stipulated that the submission from the various contractors were valid for 90 days. The fi first contract awarded for the projects listed in the referenced advert was awarded after the validity period of 90 days. However, the contract numbered did not march 2011 and 2013. The period of one week stipulated for submission of bids/ tender by the selected companies invited for execution of contract for Turnkey Projects is unreasonable vide June 25-July 5, 2013. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Based on the infractions, it was gathered that there was unn necessary exposure of the State Government to heavy debt and financial burden through award of multi-billion Naira projects fi that were ill-conceived. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All contracts awarded from June 8, 2015, when the State Governor signed the Law regulating Public Procurement contravened this Law since these projects were not certifi ified by Ogun State Procurement Bureau before awarding them.â&#x20AC;?

Overall, it was learnt that there was no establishment of Right of Ways before embarking on construction. No readiness, i.e., relocation of services among others. Other observations include a progressive degeneration of compliance with Standard Procedures for Contract Procurement, Project Administration, and compliance with established extant Laws, Policies and Guidelines. Most of the projects were considered ill-conceived, of no socio-economic value to the community or general development of the state. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Ilori is a Public Commentator. He writes from Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Frank Okechukwu Ekpe: 1955-2020 Israel Ekpe

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great tragedy occurred in the Micah Ekpe family of Uruekwo Village Enugwu Ukwu, Anambra State in the late night of July 1, 2020. That was the period Hon. Frank Fredrick Okechukwu Ekpe breathed his last at Beluchi Hospital Enugwu Ukwu, having been admitted there two days earlier.

Born on October 10 1955, i.e. 65 years ago to the family of late Micah Okoye Ndibe Ekpe (Ezenwa), and late Mrs. Joy Onyemaechi Ekpe (Anuli), he attended Orabuike Primary School Enugwu Ukwu where he passed his First School Leaving Certificate Examination in 1970. He had earlier lost his father in 1963, and was immediately saddled with the responsibility of catering for his younger siblings.

He was soon after admitted into St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secondary School Nimo. At Nimo his leadership qualities were exposed as he participated actively in many extracurricular activities including Sports, especially Judo, Basket Ball and table tennis in which he won many awards. While in the senior classes in the school, he was appointed Labour Prefect. In this position, he was a strict disciplinarian and was â&#x20AC;&#x153;fearedâ&#x20AC;? by the students as no one would escape his punishment for wrong doing. Due to his insistence that things must be done properly, he was nicknamed â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stone Face Ekpe.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; His class mates at Nimo were Herbert Ikeme, Dr. Onwubuya of Crest Hospital Awka, Patrick Okpala and many others.

He left St. Michaelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in 1976, having passed the West African School Certificate Examination, and proceeded to St. Charles Teachers Training College Onitsha for his Teachers Grade II Certificate, and later Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri for his National Certificate in Education (NCE). His interest in education made him pursue further studies as he later enrolled in the then Anambra State University of Technology (ASUTECH) Awka, now Nnamdi Azikiwe University where he got his B.Sc Education in 1991. Okechukwu was employed as a Classroom teacher for several years (1976-1986) at Central School, Nimo; He met the love of his life, Edith Nwakaego Enenmoh within this period and they got married. Their marriage was blessed with five children (three girls and two boys). In 1984, he was elected Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers (Njikoka Local Area) and left office in 1990. During this period of service, he was, Headmaster (School Administrator) between the years1985-1990.

In 1990 he was made the Supervisor of Schools, Njikoka Local Government Area and served in this capacity, until 1996. Due

Ekpe

to his resilience and his pronounced work in the promotion of education within the Local Government, he was elected the State Chairman, Nigerian Union of Teachers (N.U.T), for Anambra State Council in the 1996 and served until 1999 when he contested and won election into the Anambra State House of Assembly. He served as Chairman, Education Committee of the House until the end of their tenure in 2003. His Committee recommended the establishment of the Anambra State Univerr sity Uli, now Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

On leaving the House of Assembly in 2003, he had time to devote to his family and become in other activities. He was part of some professional bodies and association like the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Enugwu Ukwu Sports Club and Awka Recreation Club.

After his tenure as an honorable member, Okechukwu invested in the transportation business while being much involved with political affairs and activities. Within the period he served as an honorable member, he lost his beloved wife, Edith (Nee Enenmoh) to the cold hands of death on December 2001. He was left to cater for his five children alone without their mother.

In the year 2005, love found him again and he was re-married to an amazing wife, Tochokwu (Nee lbegbunam) who took the

children as her own and groomed with him in the absence of their own mother. She became a strong supporter and help to Okechukwu and the entire family.

Hon. Okechukwu, besides his love for politics, sport, music, chatting with friends and family members. etc passionately loved the things of God. He engaged himself with several Christian activities and was a mentor to many families and individuals.

He was a member of the All Christians Practical Praying Band (ACPPB) and was more active in Enugwu-Ukwu, Umuokpu and Awka Branches where he often went to worship, pray and preach on several occasions.

He was a very active member of St. Andrewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Anglican Church Enugwu Ukwu, holding Sunday school classes somee times and also preaching sermons during services on Sundays.

As one of the pillars of the church he roofed the entire church building as his personal contribution to the work of God. In the later part of life, he picked up a hobby which developed it into business. He became a principal agent to Champion Fixed Odds for which he opened a shop in the village. This gave him time to be close to family, friends and his community From his life, one can easily deduce that if there was anything Okechukwu loved, it was God, family, sports, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;politics and education. Hence during his leisure time, he loved watching sports, especially football with his family (sons) and close friends.

He also derived joy in studying the Word of God, praying and mentoring people around him, especially his family. He was a very lively personality as he entertained everyone with his charisma, Stories and gusto at all times.

In the late hours of 1st July 2020, Hon. Okechukwu departed this life to meet his maker. Left to cherish his evergreen memories are his Wife, Cordelia; his children: Mrs. Blessing loemario Achanya, Mrs. Joy Albert Emenike, Mr. Ekpe Israel Chukwuebuka, Mrs. Uche John Anyaba and Mr. Ekpe Miracle Okechukwu, three grandchildren: Miss Michel, Miss Edith and Master John, His siblings, other brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles host of nephews, nieces, aunts, his in-laws and many friends and well-wishers.

The finality of Hon. Okey Ekpeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passage, through peaceful and memorable, was a painful one, especially because of his invaluable contributions which his family, Community and indeed the Nation would now have to make do without.

Our solace lies in the fact that he lived a responsible and carr ing life. Indeed his love for God and life on earth will continue to linger in our heart, and would always be a source of inspiration to all that knew him. Rest in peace, our great Dad. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Israel Chukwuebuka Ekpe is one of the children of the departed.

Ë&#x153; Ëž SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

25

PERSPECTIVE

Namiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Impressive Strides at FIRS

Damilola Olusanya

W

hen Muhammad Nami was being nominated by President Buhari as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, in December 2019, little did he know that just ahead lay a pandemic that would significantly impact alter the course of his settling down into the new role.

Of course he came to the offi ffice prepared, after a career in au uditing, tax advisory and fi financial consulting (and most recently a stint as a member of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Recovered Stolen Assets), but no one could truly have been prepared for what the pandemic symbolised. Entire economies around the world, from the developing to the developed, faced unprecedented shutdowns and restrictions of movement.

Nigeria was not left out, with the commercial hub of Lagos flights, social being the epicentre of the pandemic. Businesses, fl activities and so on all ground to a halt, especially in April and May 2020, sending the economy into a contraction.

It is absolutely correct to say that Nami hit the ground running, right from his confi nfirmation as FIRS Chairman by the Senate. At the inauguration of the new FIRS Board on January 16, 2020, he rolled out his four-point agenda for the FIRS, as follows: Rebuilding FIRSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Institutional Framework; Robust Collaboration with Stakeholders; Building a Customer-Centric Institution; and Making FIRS a Data-Centric Institution.

A bold and ambitious agenda, but also one fully in keeping with the role and signifi ificance of the FIRS to the Nigerian economy. He had barely started to implement the agenda when the pandemic struck. In February 2020, he organised a Corporate Plan Retreat for the management of the Service, the first in the life of the FIRS under his leadership. At that retreat, he fi disclosed an N8.5 trillion target for 2020, broken down into oil tax target of N3.7 trillion and non-oil tax target of N4.8 trillion.

In a year badly hit by a global pandemic, achieving these targets will require a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;business unusualâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mind-set. Nami is fully aware of this and has already set the machinery in motion to completely rethink and revamp the way FIRS operates and fulfi lfils its mandates. His strategy includes a focus on intelligencegathering, information-sharing, plugging the loopholes exploited by individuals and businesses, and reducing the red

tape and other obstacles that affect compliance. All of these, he argues, must be underlined by the deployment of cutting-edge technology.

But there is also the imperative of giving the FIRS a human face amidst a diffi fficult economic environment. To this end the Service unveiled a series of palliative measures aimed at cushioning the burden of tax compliance on taxpayers.

For example, the FIRS under Namiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s directives opened up a window for taxpayers with outstanding liabilities, allowing them to enjoy an extended payment period while enjoying a waiver of penalties and interests during this extended period.

The original extension period of June 30, 2020 was further extended to August 31, 2020.

A review of Namiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts and achievements would not be complete without a look at the Stamp Duty matter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the major issues that has dominated the airwaves this year and generated a lot of discussion. The Finance Act 2019, a landmark piece of legislation that amended the existing Stamp Duties Act, among others, makes it unambiguously clear that the FIRS is the sole competent tax authority to assess, collect and account for stamp duty relating to matters between a company and an individual or group of individuals in Nigeria. It also expands the list of dutiable items, as well as reviews the amount payable, to bring it in line with modern realities.

To appreciate the impact and seriousness of the reform set in motion by the new Stamp Duty regime, one only has to compare the Stamp Duty revenue from the entire 2019 with the figure from the fi first half of 2020. Between January and December 2019, the total Stamp Duty collected in Nigeria was N18 billion. In the fi first half of 2020 alone, that figure leapt to N66 billion, a more than 3-fold increase.

And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all. In line with the seriousness of the Federal Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s revenue effi fficiency drive, it set up an Inter-Min nisterial Committee on the Audit and Recovery of Stamp Duties, which was inaugurated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, in June 2020. The Committ tee is made up of a wide range of senior government offi fficials, including the Chairman of the FIRS. At the inauguration of the Committee, the FIRS under Namiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leadership seized the opportunity to launch the FIRSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; brand new Adhesive Stamps, to replace the old system of postage stamps being used to symbolize Stamp Duties.

On that occasion of the launch, Nami announced his vision to

Nami â&#x20AC;&#x153;reposition Stamp Duties as the next major revenue source for Nigeria.â&#x20AC;? Looking at his track record, he will pursue this vision with the same seriousness and focus he has demonstrated since assuming offi ffice.

Nine months into his tenure as the Number 1 Tax Offi fficer of the Federation, Nami has left no one in doubt as to his deterr mination to transform the tax administration and compliance landscape in Nigeria. And he will do this without noise or drama, and without playing to the gallery in any way. Nigeria fi be the better for it, as the increased tax revenues will definitely will come in handy for the fulfi lfilment of President Buhariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Next Level Agenda for the country. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Olusanya writes from Abuja and can be reached on Olusanya.damilola@gmail.com

Akanu Ibiam Airportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Expansion: Ugwuanyiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Galvanizing Role Joseph Aneke

O

ver the years, the South East, populated virtually by the Igbo, has been the only geopolitical zone without an international airport in Nigeria. The people had raised cries of marginalisation but successive governments ignored them. The situation remained so for a long time despite the fact that the Igbo people are not only the most travelled both nationally and internationally but also the greatest importers of goods in Nigeria. In other words, if placed on the scale of usage, they would come first before any other zone in Nigeria in terms of their potential to use such facility. So, in terms of merit and viability, there was no reason for a befitting international airport to be lacking in the South East.

The situation gave room for conspiracy theories. Some thought it was one of those conservative policies of power brokers in Nigeria to continually put the Igbo at a disadvantage in terms of infrastructure. And for others, an international airport in Enugu would be a major threat to the ones in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt as Ndigbo are in the majority of those that patronize such facilities in the country. There are other theorists who believe that the non approval of international airport in the East was one of the prices the people of the zone had to contend with for losing the Nigerian/Biafran war. The conjectures were countless.

But that was the prevalent narrative in the South East until former President Goodluck Jonathan approved and gave Akanu Ibiam airport international status. With an aviation minister from the South East, Senator Stella Odua, the age-long dream of the Igbo came to reality. The airport was upgraded and renamed Akanu-Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. There was wild jubilation in Igbo land, particularly on the day an Ethiopian airline landed in the airport.

But the euphoria that followed the whole exercise was ephemeral as what literally became the monster fighting the realisation of the project over the years showed its ugly head again. First, a campaign of calumny was launched against Odua for making the impossibility possible. A phantom allegation of misappropriation and embezzlement of public funds was brought against her, leading to her sack as minister of Aviaa tion. Her sack slowed down development in the airport as it remained international only in papers. Facilities that would have made it international in every sense of it were grossly lacking and the Igbo kept demanding that those facilities be provided if truly offi fficials in the current government were really serious in ensuring that it retained its international status So, when the current All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government of Muhammadu Buhari announced through its aviation minister, Hadi Sirika, that facilities at the airport

Ugwuanyi were going to be renovated and expanded to demonstrate its international status in reality, the Igbo people again went into wild jubilation.

However, much as commendations go to the Federal Governn ment for the success story so far, those familiar with developments in the airport would agree that one man who should also be praised is the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Yes, because he took the completion and reopening of the airport more like a personal project. In deed, throughout the period of reconstruction, there was virtually no week that the governor did not go there personally to check the progress of work on the facility. He ensured that the counterpart assistance from the Enugu state government was provided in time.

Ugwuanyi promised to provide necessary support to ensure that anything that would have hampered the smooth facility upgrade and timely reopening of the airport was not allowed.

First, he constituted a stakeholdersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; committee to look into all the issues around the expansion of the airport and resolve them.

The committee members were drawn from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, as well as the Enugu State Ministries of Land, Commerce & Industry, and the Free Trade Zone Management.

They were mandated to unravel the disagreement among the federal agencies operating in Enugu State regarding ownership

of the vast hectares, which the state government has approved around the airport for their use.

The governor promised that any of the parties that still needed land at the end of the meeting, especially for the airport project, would promptly be attended to. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu is a project of great need for the people of the South-East and every effort required to be made in order to get it functioning at optimum capacity and effi fficiency will be supported by the Enugu State Government,â&#x20AC;? he was quoted to have said.

The Enugu State government donated vast acres of land for the airport expansion project. The governor also ensured that structures that could have constituted encumbrances to the speedy and timely completion of the expansion project were expeditiously relocated elsewhere. Such structures as Orie Emene market, abattoir and the Enugu State Broadcastt ing Service (ESBS) Radio/TV Mast were all dismantled and relocated elsewhere.

When the Managing Director, FAAN, Capt. Hamisu Rabiu Yadudu raised concerns about residents illegally living on the air fi field near the airport, saying they posed a security risk, Ugwuanyi promised prompt action. He assured the FAAN boss that his administration was fully committed to the safety of lives and property as well as the progress of the international airport.

With the completion of the renovation and facilities upgrade at the airport and its eventual operation commencement, the South East has joined other zones in Nigeria to boast of an international airport. All thanks to Governor Ugwuanyi who stepped in when unnecessary squabbles among some conn cerned federal agencies regarding ownership of some parcels of land and other intervening variables were on the verge of thwarting the age-long dream of an average Igbo man.

With the volume of activities expected at the only internaa tional airport in the South East, Ugwuanyi, like Oliver Twist, has again appealed to the Federal Government to commence construction of a second runway at the airport.

He has also asked FAAN to present a plan for the project to him even as he has affi ffirmed the availability of land required for its actualization. He has equally appealed to the Federal Government to ensure that the airport meets all internationally accepted standards.

By this singular feat, Ugwuanyi is standing shoulder high among his peers in Igbo land. His intervention came when it mattered most. His action doused tension and buried whatever misgivings that exist in the minds of the Igbo about the existence of an international airport in Igbo land. He has wiped away tears off the eyes of an average Igbo man. He has earned himself a place in the history of the Igbo. Even his detractors would agree that Ugwuanyi has undoubtedly joined the league of leaders who wrote their names in gold while serving the people. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Aneke wrote from Coal Camp, Enugu.

26

Ë&#x153; Ëž SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

FAJ/POLITY

COUNTERPOINT

KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 74Dance 4 Moves and His Shadow

FEMI

L

ike the unsolicited ancient revellers who thronged the African rustic palaces as harbingers of goodwill and jollification, in commemoration of one great activity or the other...we have sprung out the dancing mats, from last time here, in celebration of the 74th anniversary of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most colourful and gifted artiste with exquisite showmanship and wondrous catchphrases - Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye (aka King Sunny Ade). On September 22 (he was born in 1946) the man who left home, aged about 12 years, to hang out with fast-rising icons of Juju music like Ojoge Daniel and Isaiah Kehinde Dairo...will celebrate another year in warm health and luxuriant admiration of his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;country-peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. More than 60 years after venturing into the rough tides of music making, KSA has become a baobab tree with leaves and fruits spurring and nourishing millions of thirsty souls far and near.

It is in his honour, we sought an individual with the best potential to attempt ascending anywhere near the giddying heights attained by the â&#x20AC;&#x153;King of World Beatsâ&#x20AC;? in the past 30 years! Let us reiterate: this exercise is not a comparison, by any stretch of imagination, between the pearly attributes of the King and any usurper...but a barometer to suggest that we can identify a young lurking Prince who may be a king, in his own right, in some not too distant time and era.

As stated much earlier, we are invoking six elements in this deconstruction exercise: Vocalisation (dealt with last time), Stagecraft, Innovation, Compositional Skills and Lifestyle. Here we go again...

and mood-shakers to take his music to next levels.

Several times in his career, he has been reputed as the first Juju artiste to introduce the pedal-steel guitars, synthesizers, tenor guitar and the wa-wa guitar routines to traditional musical compositions.

TUFACE: My first contact with Tuface as a performing artiste was very disappointing. It was at a Kennis Music Concert held in the Motherlanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (Oregun, Lagos) sometime in 2005 or 2006. His debut had thrown him up as a huge promise worth investing oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time and resources - what with his energy-driven intense performance with The Plantation Boiz years earlier.

Hopping around on the stage with a simple T-shirt carelessly draping his lanky body, with a pair of jeans trousers, I think. The young fella with the adorable voice cut a picture of a novice trying to swallow a giant slice of cake. I remember writing an unusually avuncular article based on that uninspiring performance; advising him to work on his stagecraft, and develop a band that could carry all the nuances of his rhythms and lyrics, while devising a stage presence that will command repeater-attendees....

Today, I can report that the young man, sevenâ&#x20AC;Ś eight years down that road, evolved into a substantial entertainer; he has a band and a thriving label company to boot. Though, I doubt he can play any instrument with any level of dexterity, his repertoire of compositions and stage performances, given his lover-boy balladeer image, has drawn young admirers to him; his stage attires have also tipped higher towards the slant of the care-free generation soaked in expensive accessories.

Stagecraft (or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wow-abilityâ&#x20AC;?):

Innovation (turn-around-ability:

KSA: It is not for nothing KSA is adjudged the most charismatic stage performer out of Africa - arguably second only to the inimitable Fela Anikulapo-Kuti - on the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;All-timeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; list.

As far back as the mid 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, KSA has adroitly fused his dexterity on the guitar with dance steps (of both male back-ups and female dancers) alongside innovative injections of high-wired instruments that produced â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Syncro Systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (1977), Ariya Special (1981), Syncro Feelings (1983), Return of the Juju King (1987).

I have had the pleasure of watching KSA in large concerts, private parties and public service ceremonies - detailed remorseless attention to choreographed steps, synchronized movements and elements of drama in his stage performances remain constant. No show, it appears, is too small to warrant indolence or disregard.

It is in pursuit of excellent showmanship that KSA relentlessly searches for injections of melody-enhancers

KSA: The affable King of World Beats (that funny expression of a white manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lack of understanding of a non-Western music composition) is nothing but a totem of innovation. Note his relentless addition to his performance and recording ensemble. Note his trailblazing duets and collaboration with Onyeka (Let Them Say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;86), great jazz performer, Manu Dibango (Wakafrika); American super soul singer, Stevie Wonder (Aura, 1984). Who can forget his sojourn to world domination in 1982 after Bob Marleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death? KSA took Nigerian music around the world, playing to international audiences across Europe, America, Asia, etc., on the platform provided by world-acclaimed Island Records and Chris Blackwell. KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s innovations in the re-construction of a great musical ideology produced two Grammy nominations; soundtracks on American movies, Breathless (1983) headlined by Richard Gere (and a couple of others). A patient overview of his huge repertoire reveals a restless spirit

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

burdened with the gnawing desire to outflank himself (always) in the next work; and the next, and then the next.

TUFACE: Blessed with a great voice and a huggable frame, Tuface Idibia commends himself well in the innovative spread of his music. His first two solo productions on the stable of Kenny Ogungbeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kennis Music (Face 2 Face, 2004 and Grace 2 Grace, 2006) are the best advertisement of the young manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capacity to mesmerize and evoke instinctive romantic connections amongst his listeners. His well-stringed lyrics, the jauntiness of his delivery, and the near impeccable musical accompaniment have set standards of contemporary home-groomed R&B or Afropop or whatever is good, unhurried and meaningful music.

In True Love, the rehash of One Love, 4 Instance, and the iconic African Queen; the singer stretches himself beyond personal limitations, and embraces levels close to super-stardom within the frontiers of his own generation.

Compositional Skills: KSA: This special skill can be found scattered in our earlier thoughts on vocalization and innovation. One of KSAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better known skills is the art of composition. A man for all seasons; he pulls the stuff out of his proverbial sack with the strong support of his reliance on Yoruba folklore, traditions and mores. Every momentous occasion threw up kaleidoscope of imaginations in this creative genie. Every self-satisfying transaction with a notable individual pricks his muse-mojo. Check out the mix-grill: Challenge Cup â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;67 (his break-through SP in 1968), Col. Benjamin Adekunle, (1968); Akanji Fowope, (1971), Dr. Nkrumah ,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;72, Ololu Adenaike, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;73; Pa Yohanna Yakubu Gowon, Afai Bawon Ja/Omo Wunmi, Oro Tonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;lo, (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;75), Late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, (76), FESTAC â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;77, (1978), Isu Joba Lori Iyan, (â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;78), Osupa Mi Tole, (1981) - the list is almost inexhaustible.

TUFACE: With three and half albums (as at 2014), Tuface still has a long way to tread....but the signs are clear that this boy is going to turn a great man, if he continues to work at his craft; if he keeps churning out those well-grounded â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lullabiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and refuses to fall into the steps of the current nonsense that gives the impression that less sense makes more money.

One more (lifestyle)...for the road...for a king in his generation, and a lodestar for many generations. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clink glasses for KSA...with seventy four dance steps!

IredeFoundationPresentsProstheticLimbstoBeneficiaries Justina Uzo

T

he Irede Foundation on Thursday, offi fficially handed over the 2020 NNPC/SNEPC assistance to beneficiaries. fi A statement from the Foundation disclosed that since 2018, the NNPC/SNEPCo group has adopted beneficiaries fi of the foundation yearly to provide them with prosthetic limbs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, the partnership between the two organisaa tions delivered three Prosthetic limbs and a pair of Calipers with an energy saving Pneumatic Crutches for one adult beneficiary fi living with Polio,â&#x20AC;? the Foundation stated.

It explained that the short ceremonial handing over of the prostheses in Lagos took place within the framework of NNPC/ SNEPCoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Back to Schoolâ&#x20AC;? project, adding that the NNPC/ SNEPCo group has stayed committed to this cause, even as organisations worldwide have cut down on their social responn sibilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The statement said the Chairman of the board, Mr Kunle Akinkugbe, while commending the effort of the Idere Foundaa tion Founder, Mrs. Crystal Chigbu and her team, said he identii fied with Irede Foundation as a benefi fi ficiary of their CSR, and urged them to continue with this partnership as it makes a lot of impact to the children. The Managing Director, SNEPCo, Mrs. Asaolu Ibiyemi, in her remarks, said the gesture was beyond one limb that a child would get but the impact it would have on their lives, their future and those around them.

She also shared how she got to know about Michael Showunmi Thompson, who was a special beneficiary fi out of the focus of the Irede Foundation. Michael was a fi first-class graduate of Chemical Engineering from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso. He currently teaches Mathematics in a school, which makes him a part of the Back to School campaign that was started. Michael would be an inspiraa tion to the children and would be able to see that they have no limit and they can be whatever they want to be.

A mother of one of the beneficiaries, fi Mrs. Owujebe, who expressed her gratitude, shared the experience of her son.

Alliameen. She said going further, there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any need for

One of the beneďŹ ciaries

her to be carrying him around as she used to before her son got the artifi ificial limb.

Fathia Fasasi, another beneficiary fi that lost her limb in an acccident, said she used to skip schools because she didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want her schoolmates to make jest of her. Now that she has a limb, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll go to school regularlyâ&#x20AC;?, the statement quoted her mother.

Children are going back to school and some of them donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

have a limb. So the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in collaboration with their partners and The Idere Foundation, have decided to change all that by providing Prosthetic (artifi ificial) limbs they can go back to school and get new lease of life. Beneficiaries fi of the thoughtful gesture include Alliameen Owujebe, Enitan Ogunaike, Fathia Fassasi, and Michael Showunmi.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

19.09.2020

NEWS

EARLY INTENT FOR TITLE RACE PAGE. 29

Victor Osimhen

Debuts in Serie A

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Osimhen

Debuts in Serie A Having arrived Napoli for a record fee of 80 million euros, he seems not to have been overwhelmed by his big-money move as he settled fast with the Gennaro Gattuso side scoring two back-to-back hattricks in two pre-season friendlies. AsVictor Osimhen sets for his first Serie A game, expectations are high on justifying his price tag

Will Victor Osimhen mark his Serie A debut for Napoli with a goal?

S

uper Eagles forward and Napoli new signee, Victor Osimhen will taste Italian Serie A action for the first time tomorrow at the Ennio Tardini Stadium when Napoli visit Parma in one of the Serie A matches.

All eyes will however be on one man to make the difference in the encounter and the player is no other than Super Eagles striker, Osimhen.

The Nigerian dumped French Ligue 1 team, Lille after posting a wonderful season to team up with Gennaro Gattuso’s men in Naples in the club’s record transfer during the summer window.

Most big-money transfer players have

failed to impress especially in their first season.

In their first season, Eden Hazard failed to impress at Real Madrid after a huge money transfer from Chelsea, while Antoine Griezmann is yet to justify his big-money move to Barcelona from Atletico Madrid as he warms up for his second season at the Catalan club.

With high expectations on Osimhen, Napoli fans would only be hoping that the Nigerian would not be a flop in his first season.

Already, he has given Napoli fans a snippet of what to expect by firing two hat tricks in back-to-back warm-up games and enjoying the

fresh air that the club has offered his fledgling career.

The 2019/20 Italian topflight season was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic just like all other leagues in Europe and around the world in early March. But the season was concluded without fans in the stands.

Now, the U-17 FIFA World Cup winner with Nigeria in 2015 is set to continue from where he stopped in France in the Italian Serie A tomorrow.

The 21-year-old has been making headlines since his big-money move from Lille and first showed a glimpse of

his quality when he scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in an 11-0 routing of L’Aquila in the Partenopei’s training camp at Castel di Sangr.

Such a performance only makes the excitement around Osimhen even stronger, something which the former Wolfsburg man is pleased about.

“We are extremely happy with Victor ’s performance. He called me and confessed that he was extremely happy for the first goals for the Azzurri,” Osimhen’s agent, William D’Avila told Radio Punto Nuovo.

“If he feels the pressure now? No, why should he? He’s not experiencing any kind of pressure; he knows how to be a great striker. His goal is to score a lot of goals, so no pressure.

“His first impressions on Napoli and Gattuso? Perfect, everything. Victor already feels at home.”

When quizzed on whether Napoli will be able to return to the Champions League next season, having settled for a Europa League spot by winning the Coppa Italia, D’Avila said: “Absolutely yes, it is the goal of Victor and all his teammates. The team will row all towards the same direction. Napoli is full of great players who will help Victor to give his best.”

Napoli boss Gattuso is, however, of the opinion that there should not be too much pressure on Osimhen as he still needs time to adapt and is not someone like club legend Diego Maradona.

“It’s too easy to get excited now, we’ve got to give him time and let him work, not put pressure on,” Gattuso told Radio Kiss Kiss and Sky Sport Italia as reported by Football Italia.

“He is an important player and we paid a lot for him, but there were no doubts he would give us something different that we haven’t had in my time here. There’s a long way to go.

“It’s not like we suddenly signed Pele or Maradona, we simply brought in a player with certain characteristics that can help us.”

Meanwhile, former Parma forward, Gianfranco Zola has hailed Osimhen’s talent, saying that the Nigerian attacking ace has important qualities with which he can help Napoli to succeed this new season.

Ahead of AC Parma clash with Napoli tomorrow at the Ennio Tardini Stadium, Zola believes Osimhen can continue his fine pre-season form.

“He will be among the protagonists if Osimhen also enters immediately; he has important qualities that were lacking in the squad especially in the counterattack. He plays very well on the offside,” Zola said.

Former AC Milan Sporting Director, Massimiliano Mirabelli, also has a strong belief in Osimhen to go on and prove his worth by scoring lots of goals for Napoli in the new Serie A season.

“Victor Osimhen is the most expensive purchase of the De Laurentis management, he is an important player,” Mirabelli stated during an interview.

“A strong player could require a gradual inclusion in the group and in Italian football. I would not worry too much if he can be inserted immediately, Gattuso will know.

“I am sure that at the end of the championship he would have played many matches and would have demonstrated his goal by scoring value.”

Osimhen was the top scorer as Nigeria clinched a fifth Under-17 World Cup title in 2015 with 10 goals in Chile, which saw him win the Golden Boot and Silver Ball.

After the tournament he decided against joining English side Arsenal, to sign with the 2009 German champions Wolfsburg in January 2016, but injuries restricted him to 16 appearances for the club in all competitions.

Despite being a part of the squad for two years, his lack of games meant he missed out of the 2018 World Cup with Nigeria.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 19 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER Chelsea host Liverpool in an intriguing Premier League battle on Sunday with both teams looking to make an early statement of intent.

The two sides enter tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s game having won their respective opening day fixtures, with Chelsea beating Brighton 3-1, while Liverpool edged past newly-promoted Leeds 4-3 in a thrilling affair.

Neither team were entirely convincing, however, with Kepa Arrizabalagaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blushes saved by a Reece James thunderbolt, while Liverpool secured the win with an 88th-minute penalty, Mohamed Salahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third of the game.

Both managers could be set to hand out debuts, with Chelsea summer signing Thiago Silva fit to play, while Liverpool announced the signing of Thiago Alcantara on yesterday.

Meanwhile, one of Lampardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new signings, Timo Werner is gunning for Liverpool and knows that Chelsea have to win on Sunday at Stamford Bridge if they are going to challenge for the Premier League title.

The Blues finished fourth, 33 points behind the Scousers last season, and Werner, 24, who cost the Blues ÂŁ45million from German outfit RB Leipzig is confident he will score goals and see his new club challenge for the top spot.

Liverpool were odds on to nab the striker in the summer, but the power of persuasion from manager Frank Lampard and technical advisor Petr Cech changed his mind.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I decided to leave Leipzig I spoke to other clubs, but I decided to come to Chelsea. It was a hard decision but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m happy to come here, it feels right. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Frank Lampard explained to me the system Chelsea will play, and that it will fit my style of football. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope to win titles at Chelsea, that is obvious. Chelsea is a big club who always wants to win, like me.

We have a strong and young team that can develop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to playing Liverpool. There are a lot of good teams in the league but Liverpool are one of the best in the world. It will be a good challenge to show how far we have come. But we will improve. We will try to win the game, but the whole of Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defence is good. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We also have great players and we have the quality to beat them.

They had a better pre-season than us but we can run, run, run.â&#x20AC;?

The striker understands that it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always be easy to play against top defenders. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think I will get a lot of space where I can run into, but it will depend on the game. I may have to adapt and that will take a few games.â&#x20AC;?

Meanwhile, Manchester United get their 2020-21 campaign belatedly underway when they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford on this afternoon.

Just over a month after their 2019-20 season finished in the Europa League semi-finals, Ole Hunnar Solskjaerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s side are back in competitive action a week later than most teams, including Palace, who began the campaign with a 1-0 win over Southampton. Even with the additional week afforded to those who reached the latter stages of Europe last season, this is a quick

Chelsea, Liverpool Battle to Make Early Intent

The Premier League season continues this weekend with the first full schedule of fixtures as the Manchester teams-United and City, AstonVilla and Burnley return to action.The standout fixture sees big-spending Chelsea host champions, Liverpool at Stamford Bridge tomorrow as both sides look to build on opening-day victories turnaround for a United side whose summer break will have lasted just one month and three days.

The true significance of that may not been known in full until the majority of the season unfolds, but Solskjaer will know that his side needs to hit the ground running immediately.

A third-placed finish last season means that their main goal for the upcoming campaign is to close the gap on the top two of Liverpool and Manchester City, as well as building on an encouraging second half of 2019-20.

Indeed, the Red Devils begin their new season with the longest ongoing unbeaten streak in the Premier League, having ended last term on a 14-game run without defeat which stretches back to January.

The form of the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Mason Greenwood drew particular praise during that time, but there is still a feeling among fans that they need to strengthen more this summer.

The transfer window began with understandable excitement as United were linked with a host of star names - most notably Jadon Sancho â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but Donny van de Beek is the only new name through the door in time for the new season.

The Red Devils appear to have missed out on Sergio Reguilon.

Gareth Bale and Thiago Alcantata to Premier League rivals, while the Sancho saga rumbles on, and when you throw captain Harry Maguire and Greenwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s off-field troubles into the mix as well, it has not been an ideal summer for the 20-time champions.

Matters on the pitch could have been better too, with a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa in their only pre-season contest.

The hosts will be favourites going into todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s match, but they will also be wary of the fact that one of their two home defeats in the league last season came at the hands of this weekendâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opponents.

That memorable Old Trafford triumph is the only time Palace have ever beaten United in the Premier League era, though, so if the Eagles are able to come away with a positive result again today then it would be an achievement of some significance.

However, Manager Roy Hodgson will certainly believe that his side can do it; they beat Southampton on the opening day of the season to get off to a winning start, despite the stats suggesting that away specialists Southampton went into the game as favourites.

Star player and former United winger, Wilfried Zaha is showing

signs of getting back to his best after an underwhelming campaign last term, and the club appear to have addressed their lack of goals in 2019-20 by re-signing Michy Batshuayi on loan.

The Chelsea man made his second debut for the Eagles in midweek but drew a blank as Palace were ultimately dumped outof the EFL Cup by Championship side Bournemouth following a remarkable penalty shootout.

Palace will have no fears about going back out on the road again, though; they won more away league games last season than both Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal and will fancy their chances of causing United problems on the counter with their quick attackers.

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Everton v West Brom Leeds v Fulham Man Utd v Crystal Palace Arsenal v West Ham

12:30 15:00 17:30 20:00

SUNDAY

Southampton v Tottenham Newcastle v Brighton Chelsea v Liverpool Leicester v Burnley

12:00 14:00 16:30 19:00

MONDAY

Aston Villa v Sheffield Utd Wolves v Man City

18:00 20:15

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 19 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

tyson-fury-anthony-joshua-1

Rafael Nadalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attempt to defend his French Open title will be live on SuperSport

Joshua, Fury UniďŹ cation Fight Edging Closer Negotiations for Anthony Joshua versus Tyson Fury are set to take another significant step, with promoter Eddie Hearn ready to send out a formal contract for the undisputed world title fight.

Unified champion Joshua and WBC title holder Fury agreed terms in principle on a two-fight deal in June, with both promotional teams still eager to finalise two blockbuster heavyweight battles in 2021.

Joshuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promoter Hearn has been in regular contact with Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who guides Furyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s career in America, and there is optimism that further terms can be circulated for discussion.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Yeah, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been talking to Bob Arum about various things,â&#x20AC;? Hearn told Sky Sports. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fury against Joshua is a big ambition of everybody involved, to be honest. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want to talk about it, but we also want to take care of business, which is Kubrat Pulev for AJ, and Deontay Wilder for Tyson Fury. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to see two versions of that fight in 2021.

I think weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the verge now of papering that deal with Bob Arum.

We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t done it yet, but all the conversations are positive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a lot on our plates with the pandemic, making sure we keep boxing alive and trying to deliver

those fights for AJ and Fury, but I think 2021, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see those two fights.â&#x20AC;?

Top Rank president Todd duBoef told Sky Sports this week that a fight between Fury and Joshua for all the major world titles remains a top priority. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a gravitation to bring the titles together, and that would be Joshua and Fury,â&#x20AC;? said DuBoef. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously we would have loved to do that before the end of this year, but for the pandemic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think anybody is wavering from that objective. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both guys have great personalities, they can fight, and it is overdue.

Ham mstriing Inju ury Kn noccks Osa aka out of French Open US Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the French Open after suffering a hamstring injury.

The Japanese player won her second New York major on the weekend and had been scheduled to appear at the tournament beginning on September 27 in Paris.

In a statement posted to Twitter, the 22-year-old said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be able to play at the French

Open this year. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My hamstring is still sore so I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have enough time to prepare for the clay - these two tournaments came too close to each other for me.â&#x20AC;?

The world No 3â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s left hamstring was wrappedintapewhenshebeatVictoria Azarenka in the final in New York.

The French Open will be held from September 27-October 11 after being moved from its usual late May-June

slot due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The hamstring issue had prompted Osaka to withdraw from the final of the Western & Southern Open in the run-up to the US Open but it did not appear to hamper her at Flushing Meadows.

Osaka made headlines in New York as much for her performances on court as for her commitment to social justice causes.

Infantino Alleges Attempt to Drag FIFA into the Past FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the subject of criminal proceedings in Switzerland, spoke of forces which he said wanted to drag the global soccer body into the â&#x20AC;&#x153;darkness of the pastâ&#x20AC;? as he defended himself at the annual Congress on Friday.

The Congress, usually a lavish event in which the representatives

of FIFAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 211 member associations enjoy first-class travel and luxury hotels, was held by video conference from FIFA headquarters in Zurich due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It lasted around 90 minutes.

The proceedings against Infantino were launched by a special prosecu-

tor looking into meetings that he had with former Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.

The AB-BA watchdog, which oversees the Attorney Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office, said that special prosecutor Stefan Keller had found indications of criminal conduct related to their meetings. Infantino and Lauber have denied wrongdoing.

Ladies Wing of Yoruba Tennis Club Donates Palliatives to LASUTH

Chukwueze, Nwakali in Dazzling Start at La Liga Campaign on StarTimes

In a bid to appreciate the effort of frontline workers at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), the women wing of theYorubaTennis Club has donated palliative items to themand members of staff who got infected with the corona virus.

Speaking at the presentation, Mrs. Titilola Agbaje, Chairperson of the Ladies Wing said the donation stemmed from the need to constantly appreciate the effort of frontline workers. She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are not oblivious of the happenings in Nigeria and the world at large. We understand that living life has been more challenging and medical personnel risk their lives in order to take care of

Eagles Players, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Nwakali will be on parade for their respective clubs this weekend as StarTimes brings all the live actions of La Liga matches.

Chukwueze will lead Villarreal in their La Liga fixture against Eibar on today at 3 pm, while Nwakaliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s newlypromoted Huesca will face Cadiz on tomorrow also at 3 pm.

Nwakali made his La Liga debut as a substitute last Sunday and had a 100% success pass rate to help his side secure a draw against Chukwuezeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Villarreal.

All La Liga matches air live on StarTimesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Sports Premium Channel, a channel dedicated to the Spanish league, in French commentary.

COVID patients, yet they come to work and give their best. We have come to appreciate that effort and we pray earnestly that their effort will pay off at the end.

Mrs. Folake Ademiluyi, Chairperson of the welfare Committee of the Ladies Wing of the club reiterated that they came to LASUTH to appreciate the work of frontline personnel by giving the much that they could.

Prof.

Adetokunbo Fabamwo, Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, who is also a member and past Chairman of the Yoruba Tennis Club, appreciated them for remembering and reaching out to the medical officers.

Both Chukwueze and Nwakali are undoubtedly the Siamese twins of Nigerian football having started their career at Umuahia-based Diamond SoccerAcademy en route to playing pivotal roles when Nigeria won the FIFA U17 World Cup at Chile 2015.

While Chukwueze shone last season, with some eyecatching performances for the Yellow Submarines, Nwakali featured when Huesca won promotion back to La Liga in July after a 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;0 win over CD Numancia to secure the Segunda title on the last matchday.

In other fixtures this weekend, Getafe will host Osasuna while Real Madrid takes on Real Sociedad, among others.

SuperSport Promises A Season Like Never Before With football fans already salivating as the new football season gets underway, dependable pay TV company, MultiChoice has promised sports loving Nigerians that it would be sports like never before as it will air live, 380 matches of the Premier League and La Liga, as well as Serie A, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Euro qualifiers, UEFA Nations League while GOtv will have a selection of top football games on their specific packages.

It would however not be all football as DStv and GOtv subscribers would also have the luxury of other sports, which includes rugby, cycling, golf, tennis, athletics, cricket, motorsport as well as international boxing.

With the kickoff of the Premier League last weekend, football fans have already gotten a taste of what they are in for as far as the most exciting football league is concerned after some scintillating encounters were on display.

Newly promoted Leeds United really showed that they are not in the Premier League to add to the numbers as the Elland Road side stood toe-toe with defending champions Liverpool, coming from behind thrice only to lose to a last minute penalty.

Premier League matches kick off this weekend with Manchester United versus Crystal Palace at 5:30pm on today while Chelsea versus Liverpool comes up at 4:30pm on tomorrow. Both matches billed to air on the recently refreshed SuperSport channel, SS Premier League on DStv channel 203.

Also, the La Liga started penultimate Friday, though the big boys-Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid were not on parade in the Week 1 matches due to their involvement in last seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s UEFA Champions League, but with the quality of matches witnessed, one message was made clear-it would not be business as usual for Los Blancos and the Blaugrana.

La Liga games this week includes Celta Vigo vs Valencia at 3pm today on the new channel destination for La Liga, SS La Liga (DStv Channel 204 and GOtv Channel 32) while Sociedad versus Real Madrid at 8pm on Sunday on SS Football (DStv Channel 205 and GOtv Channel 31).

Nigerians would also find the Serie A more fascinating this season with the arrival of one of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest export-Victor Osimhen to Napoli.

The striker is already proving he is not overwhelmed by the huge money transfer, having fast scoring two hat-tricks in two back-to-back friendlies for the Gennaro Gattuso side.

Interestingly, other teams have not hidden their intentions to wrestle the Serie A title from perennial winner â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Juventus, having made some respectable additions to their teams. AC Milan is still very much busy in the transfer market to fortify their team having been in limbo for some time .

From this weekend, football fans get to watch Serie A games, which begins today, with Fiorentina versus Torino at 5pm on SuperSport Football (DStv Channel 205 and GOtv, Channel 31), while Juventus vs Sampdoria at 7:45pm on tomorrow on SS Variety 3 (DStv Channel 208).

Matches will be available live on DStv packages; Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Confam and Yanga as well as on the GOtv Max, Jolli and Jinja packages.

Other football games to look forward to are UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, UEFA Euro qualifiers, and the ongoing Carabao Cup and UEFA Nations League.

Meanwhile, fans of tennis will get to see how far Rafael Nadal would go in his attempt to defend the French Open title which serves off on September 21, and as he tries to equal Roger Federerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 21 Grand Slam title wins. How well Sebastian Vettel will fair having jumped ship to Aston Martin Racing next year after the 33-year-oldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five-year-long partnership with Ferrari came to an end will be witnessed by DStv subscribers live on SuperSport Motorsport (DStv channel 215) With the newly changed numbering channel system to a thematic channel system, SuperSport is ensuring that DStv and GOtv subscribers easily access and watch their preferred sporting events via specific channels dedicated to different sport such as, SuperSport Premier League, SuperSport La Liga, SuperSport Rugby, SuperSport Tennis amongst others. The change also includes a new channel, SuperSport Grandstand, which will become the home of the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most popular live sport.

Fans can connect and stream matches while on the move, with the DStv Now app as well as ShowmaxApp. Visit www.showmax.com for more information.

Stay connected to football entertainment with the Auto-Renewal payment option via the MyDStvApp or MyGOtvApp. This allows you to pay and renew your subscription automatically each subscriber can visit www.dstvafrica. com or www.gotvafrica.com Gotv Nigeria-Get GOtv and Explore the World of Entertainment Pay, reconnect & handle account activation in just one click. Enjoy latest TV shows, upgrade packages, watch mov...

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 19, 2020

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Marvin Akinlabi

Set for Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s First Team?

With Gareth Baleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exit from the Santiago Benerbau now obvious, Spanish-born Nigerian winger, Marvin Akinlabi, has been drafted to Real Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first team as a replacement for the Welsh man. Can he convince Zinadine Zidane for a first-team shirt?

M

arvin Akinlabiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance on his noncompetitive debut for Real Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first team against Getafe on Tuesday must have impressed manager Zinedine Zidane.

The French football tactician continues to run the rule over Akinlabi with a view to a potential debut in Real Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s La Liga opener against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena today.

According to training photos published by the official website of Real Madrid, Akinlabi took part in Thursdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s workout held at Real Madrid City.

With Gareth Bale set for a return to Tottenham Hotspur, the Nigerian youngster who plays the same role as the Welsh winger could climb up the pecking order at Los Blancos.

In the fourth training session of the week, the Welshman worked out indoors, a clear signal that his return to Spurs is on the cards.

Akinlabi started the first half of Real Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s win against Getafe, helping the Spanish champions take a 6-0 lead into the break.

Should he feature against Real Sociedad today, he will become the first Nigeria-eligible player to make an appearance for Real Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first team.

Last year, Los Blancos informed via their official website that Akinlabi will represent their reserve team, Real Madrid Castilla as from the 2019-2020 season, which was a step up in the

career of the attacking midfielder as he was a player of Real Madridâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s U-19 team penultimate season.

The 20-year-old was an influential member of Real Madrid Juvenil A squad in the 2018-2019 campaign, starring as they won all their group matches in the UEFA Youth League and helped the team finish second in Group V of the Division de Honor and reach the semifinal of the Copa del Rey. Zidane has been known to monitor the outstanding players at Real Madrid Castilla and Akinlabi had always hoped to catch his eye.

The likes of Mutiu Adepoju, Christopher Ohenhen and Derik Osede represented Real Madrid Castilla in the past but departed the club without making their first team debuts.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, had before now said Akinlabi would soon get to play for the Super Eagles despite interest in the Los Blancos youth team kid from South Korea and Spain.

Akinwunmi revealed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Akinlabi is in our plans. We are monitoring every single Nigerian kid out there, the ones that are good enough and who are willing to play for Nigeria. We are speaking with everybody, but it is not everybody that wants to play for Nigeria. It is not everybody that their parents want them to play for Nigeria; (but) we are speaking to all of them, even those who are not willing.â&#x20AC;?

Born in Palma de Mallorca to a Nigerian father and South Korean mother 18 years ago, Akinlabi is spoilt for choice as he is eligible to represent

Nigeria and South Korea based on the grandfather rule, and can also turn out for his country of birth, Spain.

In the Spanish naming customs, footballers have two surnames, the paternal goes first and then the maternal one, so he has to be referred to as Akinlabi, not as Park, but he is called Marvin by the football community in Spain.

Akinlabi has been described by the official website of Real Madrid as a two-footed pacy and physical attacking-minded midfielder who is a danger when he joins the attack, and his ability in one-on-one situations also makes him a threat.

He had stops at Sporting Ciudad de Palma, Tranmere Rovers, La Salle and Es Jonquet Penya Arrabal prior to joining the European champions in July 2016.

Should he pledge his international future to Nigeria, he would follow in the footsteps of Madrid-born Real Madrid product Derik Osede, who switched allegiance to the Super Eagles in 2015.

A statement on the Real Madrid website, last year confirmed his inclusion in the Real Madrid youth set up.

It reads, â&#x20AC;&#x153;An attacking-minded midfielder who is a danger when he joins the attack, his ability in one-onone situations also makes him a threat.

He took his first steps in the game in his native Balearic Islands and possesses a very direct style, which fully exploits his pace and power. He also has fine ability with both feet.â&#x20AC;?

Before he moved to the famed Real

Madrid Castilla in 2016, Akinlabi had his development at various clubs sides such as Sporting Ciudad de Palma, Tranmere Rovers, Sporting Ciudad de Palma, La Salle, and Es Jonquet Penya Arrabal.

Based on the potential of Marvin, the undefined will aim to integrate him to the national t e a m a s t hey have done for youngsters born abroad.

However, they should expect to face stiff competition from the Royal Spanish Football Federation and Korea Football Association who will want a talent such as Akinlabi in their ranks.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 19, 2020

SATURDAYSEPTEMBER 19, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

33

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 08156654414 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Maintaining Car Batteryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health When it comes to your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s battery, it should never be a case of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;out of sight, out of mindâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Like many other parts of a vehicle, it needs a degree of care and attention in order to function as it should.

Here are a few tips to help keep your car battery in tip top condition. It is recommended that each car battery is replaced after four years and to ensure your vehicle runs properly itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to do this.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nothing worse than losing power mid-journey, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to extend the life of your battery for longer than you should.

Check the acid level You should check the acid level of your battery around every six months. Be on the lookout for acid stratification, which happens when batteries dwell at a charge below 80 per cent, never receive a full charge or have shallow discharges. If you have a stratified battery, electrolytes will concentrate at the bottom and leave the top starved. Your battery is particularly at risk if your car is primarily driven short distances with power-robbing accessories in use.

The new Jaguar F-PACEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s control area

New Jaguar F-PACE Built for Efficiency, Luxury

T

he new Jaguar F-PACE is designed and built to be more luxurious, connected and efficient, the automaker has said.

The new Jaguar F-PACE, which is scheduled for launch early in 2021, has an assertive new exterior, beautifully crafted all-new interior, latest generation Pivi Pro infotainment and the choice of in-line fourcylinder engines.

Nigerian collectors of the Jaguar machine are sure to book this dream car with Coscharis Motors, the automakerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole representive in Nigeria.

The new exterior design gives the awardwinning F-PACE performance SUV a cleaner, more assured presence, featuring a new sculpted bonnet with a wider power bulge and smoother, more precisely defined surfaces. The new bonnet also contributes to a more striking finish by reducing the number of shutlines on the front of the car.

An enlarged grille features Jaguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s heritage logo-inspired â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;diamondâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; detailing, while the side fender vents now feature the iconic Leaper emblem, demonstrating the exceptional attention to detail found right across the vehicle. A new front bumper with redesigned air intakes and dark mesh details visually widen the new

F-PACE for a more assured dynamic presence.

New super slim all-LED quad headlights with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Double Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Daytime Running Light (DRL) signatures, which are available with optional Pixel LED technology, deliver increased resolution and brightness. With Adaptive Driving Beam capability, which evaluates the road ahead and automatically adapts the high beam light to mask oncoming traffic or traffic signs, the system can create varying light beam patterns by selecting different LED segments to optimise visibility without distracting other drivers.

Premium LED technology is fitted as standard across the range and is available with Auto High Beam Assist on SE and HSE models. The technology uses the forward-facing camera to automatically switch between high and low beam, ensuring that oncoming drivers arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dazzled. Animated Directional Indicators are also available on all models when fitted as part of additional linked options, and provide heightened sophistication.

At the rear, new slimline lights feature Jaguarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s double chicane graphic â&#x20AC;&#x201C; first previewed on the all-electric I-PACE â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to accentuate the width of the vehicle.

The new bumper design and sculpted new tailgate also add visual drama and deliver a more confident appearance.

In purposeful R-Dynamic specification, the new F-PACE features a series of distinct design elements for a more performance-focused look, while all models are available with the additional Black Exterior Pack, which delivers an even more dynamic appearance with bespoke elements finished in Gloss Black.

All-new, crafted interior The F-PACE has an all-new interior with heightened luxury, enhanced connectivity and greater serenity and refinement. The new cockpit design is bolder, more dynamic and with greater focus on the driver. A new sporty centre console, faster in profile, sweeps up to the instrument panel and incorporates a wireless charger and greater console stowage.

At the heart of the new interior is a seamlessly integrated centrally-mounted 11.4-inch curvedglass HD touchscreen in an elegant magnesium alloy casing, which controls the new Pivi Pro infotainment system.Authentic finishes, including open-pore wood veneers and aluminium, feature in beautifully formed shapes such as the upper door insert and full width â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Piano lidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; that is formed across the width of the instrument panel. Laser-etched mid-line speaker frets and the metallic rotary dial of the JaguarDrive Control epitomise the attention-to-detail.

Winners Emerge at 2020Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

N

ine winners emerged at the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, a CSR initiative of Toyota Motor Corporation Japan to develop the innate artistic talent in children and to cultivate an enduring relationship with them.

A statement by the Public Relations Manager, Bukunola Ogunnusi said Toyota distributors and dealers alike globally have keyed into this initiative because of its acceptance and impact on childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s psyche the world over. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 2020 Dream Car Art Contest was held in Lagos on the 29th of February 2020. Accreditation started at 8:00am to 9:30am and the contest commenced at 10:00am. Children came from different schools to share their concepts about the future of vehicular mobility by drawing their dream cars in the contest. The contest comprises of age categories which are: 7 years and under; 8-11 years; 12-15 years,â&#x20AC;? the statement said.

She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;850 children participated in the contest, and three winners emerged from each category, making nine winners in all that emerged winners after the rigorous assessment of entries. â&#x20AC;&#x153;All the winning entries were judged based on the originality, creativity (the big idea behind the drawing), environmental friendliness, safety and futuristic concept in their drawings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Nine winners were invited to the award of prize and certificate at Toyota (Nigeria) Limited corporate headquarters, Lekki on the 21st of August 2020. The winners attended with one parent each and winners went home with Laptops, other corporate gifts and most importantly,

Add water carefully If you notice that electrolyte levels are low (the plates will be exposed), top them up with distilled water. Be careful when doing this and only fill the cells to cover the plates. A funnel or sports bottle is often best for adding water as they allow you to control the flow.

Once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve topped up the water levels, use a battery charger to recharge the battery.

Conduct a battery load test Every month you will want to conduct a battery load test, which can be done by a mechanic.

This is to ensure that the device can charge properly, even in freezing temperatures.

Clean the battery Dirt and debris can be bad news for your battery if it gets into the cells. It can also cause corrosion on nearby metal, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to clean the top of the battery and around the terminals. Ammonia-based window cleaners are often recommended but a combination of baking soda and water will help to get rid of any â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; when applied via a wire brush.

Baking soda and water is particularly useful for cleaning corrosion. However, as a rule of thumb you want to think of the brush as damp, as opposed to wet. You also need to make sure you fully wipe the battery down so no baking soda residue is left, as this can cause corrosion.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that when cleaning the battery, no fluid is let in through the battery ports.

Keep cables tied Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important that your cables donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move, so be sure to keep them tied tightly. This will help to keep everything properly secure.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t leave your car for too long If you leave your car too long without driving it, your battery will drain down. It is recommended that you drive your vehicle at least every three days.

Keep the battery warm The cold weather is bad news for your battery so it is important to try to keep it warm during winter. An engine or battery heater is often advised to help cars stay up and running in the cold. They not only make it easier to start the battery but help to minimise power consumed.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t over-charge If you charge your battery manually, it is important not to over-charge it as this can lead to damage. Check on the battery every half an hour to see how itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progressing.

(Culled from Start Rescue)

Winners of the 2020 Toyota dream car art contest winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certificate. The event was held under strict observance of COVID-19 regulations with 20 attendants in all.â&#x20AC;?

The statement said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Among those present at the event were the General Manager Corporate Service, Mr. Bunmi Onafowokan, Public Relations

Manager, Mrs. Bukunola Ogunnusi and Marketing Manager, Mr. Adebayo Olawoyin all of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited.â&#x20AC;?

Onafowokan welcomed everyone and encouraged the winners to continue to showcase their God-given talent positively.

DID YOU KNOW? Multitasking is a myth; instead itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your brain switching between tasks rapidly. Additional tasks detract from driving ability and increase chances of a collision. (Source: Master Torque)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ΠË&#x153; 2020

35

AUTO WORLD

Mercedes-Benz Collaborates with Alicia Keys, Hamilton for new S-Class

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he new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, in association with global stars Alicia Keys and Lewis Hamilton, celebrated its world premiere recently on the Mercedes me media digital platform.

The S-Class is the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centrepiece and stands for the fascination of Mercedes-Benz: legendary engineering and traditional craftsmanship paired with intelligent vehicle innovation, according to the automaker.

Occupants experience a sense of ease and wellbeing inside the new luxury saloon. More than any other vehicle, it stands for individualisation and comfort, design and quality, technology and safety. In other words, individual mobility at the very highest level and the confidence that the S-Class cares for its driver and passengers.

The central idea of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cares for what mattersâ&#x20AC;? is at the heart of the communication campaign, in which notable world-class talent such as 15-time Grammy-winning artistAlicia Keys and multiple Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton play an important role. These global stars combine personal excellence with social activism, thereby supporting the central idea. The launch campaign for the luxury saloon starts in December 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cares for what mattersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; campaign goes to the heart of what truly matters in life. And thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the people around us - who should always be safe and for whom we would like to have more time. In the new S-Class, we offer our customers

the perfect place for that. It creates a safe space of contemporary luxury that can be enjoyed with all the senses, and where we are free to focus on the important things in life. That is our definition of the new S-Class,â&#x20AC;? says Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of DaimlerAG and Mercedes-BenzAG, responsible for Marketing and Sales. â&#x20AC;&#x153;What sets our new luxury saloon apart is its advanced safety and comfort systems as well as services aimed at making our customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives as easy and worryfree as possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The focus of the campaign is on the fundamental importance of authentic and responsible interaction that reflects the zeitgeist, today more than ever. With global stars such as Alicia Keys and Lewis Hamilton as ambassadors, we have great personalities who authentically embody the central idea of our â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Cares for what mattersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S-Class campaignâ&#x20AC;?, says Bettina Fetzer, Vice President Marketing Mercedes-Benz AG. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both of them use their voices to speak out for others, and take a stand on important issues that shape our society.â&#x20AC;?

American 15-time Grammy Award-winning artist Alicia Keys is an accomplished actress, a New York Times best-selling author, an entrepreneur and a film, television and Broadway producer. She is widely noted as a powerful force in the world of activism. She advocates for causes such as social justice and the fight against HIV/Aids.

The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Autochek Acquires Cheki Nigeria, Ghana

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utochek, an automotive technology company, has announced its acquisition of Ringier One Africa Media-owned (ROAM) vehicles marketplaces of Cheki operations in Nigeria

and Ghana.

Recently founded by Etop Ikpe, the new platform will be re-launched by the end of 2020, according to officials, and that Autochek plans to use technology backbone to transform the automotive buying and selling experience for African consumers, by creating a single marketplace for consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; automotive needs, from sourcing and financing to after sales support and warranties, having identified a number of challenges in the car purchase market on the continent. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despite the average price of used cars in Africa standing at $5,000 (almost three times the current GDP per capita â&#x20AC;&#x201C; $1,720), with credit penetration in the auto market at less than one percent, almost every used car is bought without any institutional finance.â&#x20AC;?

The statement said Ikpe confirmed that Autochek aims to address this issue by making auto financing more accessible to consumers across Africa, as the new company is also now working

L

to standardise solutions around warranties and maintenance, to enable dealers to offer these services more readily to consumers.

ROAM, Chekiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parent company, has transferred ownership and operational control to Autochek, and all Cheki Nigeria and Cheki Ghana outlets will now be rebranded as Autochek. The leading cars marketplace Cheki Kenya remains fully owned and operated by ROAM Africa.

Building on Chekiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 10 years of progress with a network of more than 500 paying dealers, Autochek is set to introduce additional technology solutions that will make it easier for dealerships to service their customers better.

Ikpe said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are really excited by this new opportunity to drive the African automotive space forward. Our aim is to create a one-stop shop for consumersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; automotive needs, embedding technology at every stage of the process, thereby making the journey of car ownership easier for everyone. Our goal is to continue the great work (of the Cheki team), as well as expand operations into other African territories from 2021 onwardsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The current Cheki Nigeria and Cheki Ghana team remains intact with Cheki Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current CEO, Chimezie Okonkwo, staying on with the new company.

Honda Pilot Touring

Dealth Penalty For Killer Drivers

ast week I told you that I love His Excellency, Bello Mattawale, the Zamfara State Governor Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s position on death penalty for killer drivers. I wish other Governors will make similar pronouncements which I believe may deter some killer drivers. But while I hope that other Governors as chief security officers will read the riot act, my teacher however cautions that it will take more than an â&#x20AC;&#x153;Executiveâ&#x20AC;? desire or â&#x20AC;&#x153;proclamationâ&#x20AC;? to make this happen. Road Traffic matters like all other human activities are regulated by laws, he reminded me.

The starting point therefore, he continued, is to look at the laws under which such charges are brought. If it is observed that the laws need to be tinkered with, then machinery should be put in place to amend the laws to reflect the current yearning at least in Zamfara state. From our previous discussions, he recalled, it was established that causing death by dangerous driving is usually viewed as â&#x20AC;&#x153;manslaughter â&#x20AC;&#x153;with various prison terms depending on what law it is prosecuted under.

Of recent, there has been global campaign to bend the hand of countries that still have capital punishment for â&#x20AC;&#x153;more serious offencesâ&#x20AC;? in their penal laws to jettison it. Flowing from the above, one can readily appreciate what herculean a task it will be to raise the punishment for causing deaths by dangerous driving from the realm of fines, imprisonment, withdrawal, suspension or revocation of licences

SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Federal Road Safety Corps.

to the realm of capital punishment/ death sentence.

Mention must be made however, that even though there is a seemingly global campaign for countries to expunge death penalties from their laws, a country like Taiwan recently advocated for death penalty by lethal injection as the punishment for drivers convicted for drunk driving. The essence of the posture or push is to take such category of offences from the realm of manslaughter or something less dangerous to the realm of more serious offences with stiffer/ capital punishment. It is understandable that it has enjoyed very wide and strong support and also attracted very stiff opposition even while parliamentary approval is still being awaited. â&#x20AC;&#x153;China is another country that seeks death penalty for such cases while the US state of Texas does not hesitate to use lethal injection to punish those indicted on capital murder if they do something truly heinous while behind the wheels of their car trunkâ&#x20AC;?. It is

hoped that the relevant agencies charged with the responsibility of detection, arrest and prosecution of offending drivers will rise to the occasion and proactively act in such ways that the impunity of these merchants of death is drastically minimized if not out rightly eradicated.

It is admitted that road deaths are global in occurrence but it is also true that while other societies are continually making deliberate efforts to ensure that they do not occur, culprits are usually made to account for their actions when they occur. Even at this, he noted, most advocates for stiffer sanctions now view the existing sanctions as not being deterrent enough, hence the campaign for death penalty.

Coming back home, my teacher added that Nigeria cannot feign ignorance of this developments and continue to act as if all is well. While the society will continue to have those who think that drivers and owners of vehicles that cause deaths through dangerous driving or other unsafe driving practices pay the ultimate price for their actions, there will also be other contrary views. This will include those who will not only be against death penalty for all categories of offences in general but for traffic related deaths in particular as was the reaction that greeted the outcry of His Excellency, Bello Mattawale. The bottom line remains that we cannot continue to watch as though we are helpless while families are on a daily basis plunged into grieving, mourning and sufferings all attributed to road deaths that are

otherwise avoidable.

While we still ponder on the pain and outcry of the Governor as well as those who have lost loved one, I know that civil society groups will be the first to cry foul if attempts are made to tweak the punishment for killer drivers. But what is the position of human rights advocates on the fundamental human rights of a mother who lost a loved one through the action of a killer driver?.

As a Field Officer, I am pained each time I receive reports of my patrol operatives deliberately run over by a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;terroristâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; driver whose only grouse is that the Marshal flagged his vehicle down.

In fact, on Wednesday, September, 9,2020, I was taken to the task by listeners on one of the popular Radio stations in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory on the rationale for our patrol teams pursuing an offender who refused to pull over. I tried to educate the listeners on the position of the Corps on pursuit of offenders. But what these callers failed to recognise is the fact that as a civic responsibility, every driver must obey and stop whenever a law enforcement officer beckons.

Secondly, some of the callers trivialised traffic infractions committed, as they could not see any justification for pursuing a driver because he refused to stop. These callers forgot to realise that no killer driver became one on the first day. Rather, the absence of stiff punishment or any form of punishment or penalty for violation provides the elixir for potential killer drivers to transform into killer instinct. In fact, there are drivers who justify their actions for running over uniform personnel on very flimsy excuses such as he stopped me wrongly.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

POLITY Akeredolu and the Plight of the Ijaw Community in Ondo Fidelis Soriwei

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n 2017, when Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, was elected Governor of Ondo State, the people of Arogbo heaved a huge sigh of relief. His emergence inspired so much hope in the minority Ijaw Arogbo Community òf Ese-Odo Local Government Area of the state. First, the people believed that Akeredolu, a former President òf the prestigious Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) was the the desperately required solution to years of mindless marginalisation of the minority Ijaws of Ondo State.

The expectations were also anchored on the fact that as a lawyer, Akeredolu would most likely deal with compassion on the issue of the protection of minority rights in the predominantly Yoruba state. He was expected to respect the morality and compassion in the letters of justice, equity and fairness, which are the pillars of the legal profession.

This glimmer of hope was further strengthened by Akeredolu’s links to the Ijaw communities, who make up the Ese Odo Local Government Area. The people were wild with optimism that Akeredolu whose mother hails from the Ijaw Apoi community of Igbotu would treat them differently from previous administrations which excluded their areas from the developmental agenda of the state governments. For 44 years, they have existed outside of government priority. They are a suffering people.

However, after almost four years of hot imploring pleas and blistering expectations, the minority Ijaws have been left with lamentations and violated hopes. Akeredolu Government has completely abandoned the Ijaws òf Ondo State.

It is a statement of fact that Akeredolu excluded the Ijaws from all critical committees in Ondo State and stripped them of their sense of belonging in their own state. He ignored repeated entreaties from the disadvantaged minority to get his attention.

To their chagrin, he appointed non-indigenes into such positions to their exclusion. When the lawmaker representing the Ese-Local Government Area in the House òf Assembly cried out against the worsening marginalisation of the Ijaws minority under Akeredolu’s watch, Akeredolu’s men threatened him with expulsion from the APC and suspension from the Assembly. The lawmaker was further punished when Akeredolu gave cars to Assembly members to his exclusion.

Between 2017 and 2020, Akeredolu has executed four budgetary figures of over N734 billion out of which N320 billion was expended on capital projects. At the heat of his preparation for the October 10, 2020 gubernatorial elections in the state, Gov Akeredolu presented what his government described as the Ondo State Government map of roads to the exclusion of the Arogbo Ijaws. It is the sad reality that after almost four years of his Administration, his supporters cannot point to any project as small as N50 million in the whole of the Arogbo Ijaw com-

Akeredolu munity. The only road road on display from Ese-Odo is the road linking Sabome, a community in Akeredolu’s maternal home to Ajagba, in Irele Local Government Area of the state.

Akeredolu’s neglect of the Arogbo Ijaws have become an albatross to his supporters ahead of the gubernatorial elections.

His few die-hard supporters have scavenged unsuccessfully to point to at least a project initiated and executed by Akeredolu’s Government to their chagrin. They embrace the pitiable argument that we should reward a failed child with medals of honour.

When confronted by concerned members of the community, they are quick to hold unto a bizzare and incredible tale that Akeredolu entrusted the development of Arogbo Ijaws to his Deputy, Mr Agboola Ajayi who, according to him, ‘betrayed’ him. But Nigerians are knowledgeable enough to know that the deputy governor òf a state lacks the capacity to stop the developmental intentions of a governor. The same Ajayi could not stop Akeredolu from giving the leper’s treatment to Owi, Akeredolu’s own town. In my endangered community of oppressed people, Akeredolu is simply indefensible!

Ondo State has 18 Local Government Areas and Ese-Odo the

only Ijaw Local Government Area happens to be one of the two oil producing councils in the state. Ordinarily, it should have attracted the attention under a compassionate leader but our sorry state tells it all.

In a glaring show of ethnicity and minority emasculation, Akeredolu is set to commission a N4.1 billion water project in the sister Ilaje Local Government Area. The Akeredolu Government signed a Memorandum òf Understanding with the Niger Delta Development Commission to build the N19.2 billion, 50 kilometres Araromi-Akodo/Ibegi-Lekki Road designed to connect Ondo with Lagos.

The incontrovertible fact here is that the Ilaje people, who have the longest coastal bridge running into billions of Naira are Yorubas while the Arogbo Ijaws are deliberately excluded from the developmental plan of the government.

This display of nepotism by Akeredolu at this age is shocking.

It is rather queer and sad that out of the two oil producing local government areas in Ondo State, the Ilaje (which is Yoruba) and Ese-Odo, (which is Ijaw,) only, the Ilaje are favoured with the appointment of the Chairman òf the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission and the Commissioner representing Ondo State in the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Aware of this vicious nepotistic acts against the minority Ijaws, Akeredolu hurriedly sent a seven man temporary team of medics to the hospital at Arogbo to herald his visit to the community. (The hospital was upgraded by the former Bayelsa State, His Excellency Henry Seriake Dickson, in response to the disturbing incidents of avoidable deaths in Ijaw communities in Ondo State.) Temporary medical staff got to Arogbo on September 7, while Akeredolu visited the palace of the King on September 9. It is interesting to note that this is the first time in 44 years that a medical doctor employed by the Ondo State Government would ever set foot on an Arogbo Ijaw community of hundreds of thousand of people.

This piece is not a chronicle of the failures or otherwise of the Akeredolu Government. It is a passionate appeal to the Ondo State Government to treat us like citizens and not as a rejected community in the state. Ondo State Government which cannot build a bridge of one kilometre to link the headquarters of the Ijaw community, Arogbo, with the upland has built long Irele-Okitipupa bridge under Chief Olusegun Agagu, while Akeredolu is constructing a N19.2 kilometre bridge from Ilaje to Epe in Lagos. Today, I have to park my car in a nearby village called Agadagbaobon to take a canoe to Arogbo because of a deliberate policy to deprive my people of development.

Did God put us under Ondo State map to be victims of such discriminatory and nepotistic oppression?

––Fidelis Soriwei, the Coordinator of the Arogbo Ijaw Patriots, wrote in from Abuja.

NIDCOM at One: So Far, So Good Abdur-Rahman Balogun

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t was a dream come true when on May 19, 2019, the former office of Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Affairs and the occupier, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa transmuted to Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) following her approval and confirmation as the Chairman/CEO of the new Commission. It was indeed a dream nurtured since 2007, when she became the first chairperson of the newly created Committee on Diaspora Affairs by the then leadership of the House of Representatives. It was meant for members of the opposition without any structure to fall back on, but with her dedication and dynamism, Diaspora committee, which has been replicated in the Senate too, is to be reckoned with.

So, for eight years out of the 12 years she spent in the parliament, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, alongside her colleagues and some stakeholders, tried to get the bill on Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission through but, when passed, was never assented to until 2017, when President Muhammadu Buhari signed the bill into law.

This followed the eventual passage by the eighth assembly and intense lobbying by Hon. Dabiri-Erewa as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Diaspora Affairs.

President Muhammadu Buhari eventually forwarded the name of the pioneer and visioner of the Act to the Senate for approval as the Chairman/CEO of the new Commission in 2018, and this culminated in the approval of Hon. Dabiri-Erewa by the Senate as the Chairman/CEO of the newly created Commission.

With the massive exodus of Nigerian professionals out of Nigeria in the past 20 years, various initiatives were suggested to stem the tide of ‘brain drain’ including persuasion

Dabiri-Erewa through the media, stringent visa requirements and others. This did not deter nor abate the trend due to the globalised nature of the world and the economic push-pull factors.

It was therefore proposed that initiatives and strategies be put in place for a meaningful interaction with the Diaspora to reverse the trend by turning it to brain gain, which can only be achieved through a focal institution that will engage with the Diaspora on a continuous basis.

The call therefore for the setting up of a Diaspora Commission in Nigeria became imperative with the large numbers of professionals emigrating from the country and this led to the passage of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Bill in 2017.

The Commission, in spite of the challenges of office accommodation, lack of budget and paucity of funds, hit the ground running to meet up with the challenges ahead within the confines of the three-point agenda of the Buhari government in terms of National Security,

fighting Corruption and Economic Growth and Diversification.

Since the establishment of NIDCOM , a lot of activities have been embarked upon to fulfil the mandates of the Commission. Within a year, the Commission has lived up to expectations as it has performed as if it has been in existence in the last 10 years. Such activities include advocacy to states to key into the larger Diaspora movement with the inauguration of Diaspora focal point in the Governor’s office in all the states of the federation. NIDCOM also ensured the consolidation of the declaration of July 25 every year, by the Federal Government of Nigeria as `National Diaspora Day’, a date set aside to recognise and appraise Nigerians in the Diaspora on their contributions to national development. This is to ensure networking, dialogue and constructive interface between Nigerian professionals and experts in the Diaspora and Nigerians at home on development challenges and opportunities.

The second National Diaspora Day under the Commission with the theme``Leveraging Diaspora Resources for National Development in a Covid-19 Era’’, took place on July 25, 2020. It was unique and extra-ordinary as it took place via a webinar conference with over 3,000 participants across the globe including President Muhammadu Buhari, who declared it open. On November 5th and 6th, 2019, the Commission organised a successful second Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) in Abuja with other stakeholders witnessing over 600 people from different parts of the world while the third one is being planned for November through webinar due to Covid-19 pandemic.

As a follow-up to the Summit, on 18th and 19th December, 2019, two young Nigerians resident in Saudi Arabia, put together the first Saudi Arabia/Nigeria Investment Forum, an offshoot of the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit. It was also a great success.

A major breakthrough for the Commission was the validation of the drafted holistic Diaspora policy in collaboration with other stakeholders which is currently awaiting the approval of the Federal Executive Council. This will solve a lot of challenges affecting Diaspora activities in the country. Of course, with Nigerians in Diaspora contributing so much to the Nigerian Economy, estimated at over 25 billion US dollars in 2019, it is widely believed that they deserve to vote. So, the Commission is already working with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to hopefully makes this a reality in Nigeria through amendment to the country’s Electoral Act. The Commission through its Chairman/ CEO or her representatives had participated in many activities within and outside the country geared towards advancing the course of Nigerians in the Diaspora. Such activities include the participation of Hon. Dabiri-Erewa in the 25th anniversary of Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) where she was amazed at the quality of Nigerians doctors as working in the US. Visitation to Ghana and South African High Commissions and Togolese Embassy: - In line with the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari to make the welfare and well-being of Nigerians anywhere in the world a top priority, the Commission paid a swift intervention visit to both Ghana and South Africa High Commissions and Togolese Embassy all in Abuja to put a stop to the indiscriminate xenophobic related killings of Nigerians abroad.

–– Abdur-Rahman Balogun is the Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM (rahmor2001@yahoo.com) Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 19, 2020

POLITY

Fuel Price Hike: In Defence of Buhari Mallam Mohammed Lawal

T

he last government clearly failed to listen to itself. It ignored timely warnings from its own top officials.

It chose to snub its policy makers and regulators.

In its characteristic, that administration totally disregarded valuable and quality advices. It carelessly swept them under its stinking carpet and threw some to the dustbin of history.

That is its own undoing. It led to its self-distrust.

At least, three of its principal officers and participants did cry out.

They said it loud and clear.

They did consistently warn of the looming economic impediments. All caused by government actions and inactions. All along, the government was timid and naïve.

Sadly enough, former president Goodluck Jonathan opted to look the other way. He feigned ignorance of the calamities that lied ahead. He pretended as if nothing graphic or serious was at stake. It was business as usual.

These were their testimonies, which they declared publicly. Let’s start with Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Very down-to-earth: “I told them to save ahead of eventualities, but Jonathan had no political will to do so, and this is the reason we are in crisis, because we squandered our boom.”

You cannot fault her so easily. She parades incredible and intimidating credentials. Okonjo-Iweala was former president Olusegun Obasanjo’s Minister of Finance. She also served as Minister of Foreign Affairs in the same government.

Jonathan later went back to her. She was his Minister of Finance and Coordinator of the Economy. That earned the sobriquet of de facto Prime Minister in a presidential system of government.

She was Managing Director, The World Bank Group, before she ventured into government.

Then, entered deposed emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi of Kano. He was as forthright as ever. He would not mince or mix words. Listen to him: “Over $20 billion unremitted to the federation account, and if nothing is done by 2015 upward, Nigeria will know what economic crisis is.” That is classic and vintage Sanusi.

He was Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for the better part of Jonathan’s administration. He became the 14th Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II from the Fulani Sullubawa clan. He ascended the throne on June 8, 2014. He was dethroned on March 9, 2020, by Governor Abdullahi Ganduje.

Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo was the third testifier. He

rounded it off. And he asserted thus: “Whoever wins in 2015 will never find it easy to govern.” Why? His prompt response: “Over N30 trillion is mismanaged, unaccounted for or missing under Jonathan.”

He was governor, CBN, just like Sanusi who took over from him but not under Jonathan. That was between May 29, 2004 and May 29, 2009. Though, he was a fellow party man like Jonathan. He served under Obasanjo and former president Umar Yar’Adua. He was, however, never a minister like Okonjo-Iweala.

If the leeway sincerely and graciuosly offered by these eggheads were critically considered. If these words of wisdom were heeded in good time; then, there would have been no cause for alarm and panic now. The dreaded situation would have been effectively checked and put under permanent control.

But that was not to be. And that is the tragic case at hand presently. Sad! Buhari was made to compulsorily inherit these avoidable liabilities among many others. It is the reeking and malodorous can of worms he carries today.

It isn’t easy. True, uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. He needs to be pitied and appreciated. He ought not to be vilified, no, far from it. That is not what he would cherish at these trying times.

The hike in the fuel price and electricity tariff couldn’t have been evil-intended. No reasonable government would dare do that.

More so, a widely accepted government like Buhari’s.

Government is convinced and firm on the removal of subsidy on power and oil. That is the best way to go even now. There is no viable alternative available presently.

We are stuck. We have wasted some precious opportunities in the past. We are paying dearly for those errors now, and they are extremely costly.

It is fervently believed in economic circles that this is the best of time for the new price regime. Perhaps, the very reason the organised private sector accorded it its quality support. That is rare to secure.

Government is adamant and emphatic that there is no looking or going back. We would rather swim than sink with it. That is the way to prepare our minds.

We are all together in this onerous task. It is a struggle of our life.

We must not fail. Where there is life, there is certainly hope. We are not given up, that would be disastrous. It is not on our radar. We refuse to think along that defeatist line.

Rather, we would elect to identify with the government. That is the ultimate sacrifice needed from all of us at the moment. It has already vowed to roll out concrete palliatives to cushion the negative effects.

Buhari has again given us his words. He sent Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to tell us in clear and unambiguous terms: “This government is not insensitive to the condition of our people and the very difficult economic situation and we will not inflict hardship on our people.” He then displays greater concern for our plight more than ever before: “Ministers and senior officials must accordingly ensure the vigorous and prompt implementation of the ESP programmes to give succour to Nigerians at this difficult time.

“In this regard, the CBN has created credit facilities of up to N100billion for the healthcare and N1trillion for manufacturing sectors.” Bold steps indeed. That is taken the bull by the horns. He forged ahead: “From January 2020 to date, over N191.87billion had already been released for 76 real estate sector projects under the N1 trillion Real Sector Scheme; while 34 healthcare projects have been funded to the tune of N37.159 billion under the Healthcare Sector Intervention Facility.”

He equally strived to explain how the policy was fashioned out in the first instance: “It is important to stress that it is a mere coincidence in the sense that the deregulation of PMS prices happened quite some time ago.

“It was announced in on March 18, 2020, and the price moderation that took place at the beginning of this month was just part of the on-going monthly adjustments to global crude oil prices. Similarly, the review of service-based electricity tariffs was scheduled to start at the beginning of July but was put on hold to enable further studies and proper arrangements to be made.”

We would certainly hold him accountable to these his pronouncements. He sincerely needs to guide his loins. There would saboteurs. They are in their legion and desperate.

They won’t stop at nothing to derail and make maximum mess of this policy. They are the profiteers, the oil marketers. They are in the waiting to unleash their terror on the unsuspecting masses.

Government must prevent them from making their devilish plot a reality. The regulatory bodies and other relevant institutions should be strongly strengthened.

Time-tested measures should be put in place to checkmate these men and women of the underworld. They are certainly from the pit of hell. They should not be given the slightest opportunity to operate.

We are convinced and persuaded, Nigeria can be great. We can make it to the top. Yes. We can.

–––Mallam Mohammed Lawal is a Board member of NNPC, Abuja

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Director, Projects Financial Management, Lagos State, Mrs. Yemi Ayoola; State Project Coordinator, APPEAL Project, Mrs. Oluranti Sagoe-Oviebo; Acting Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya, during APPEAL Projects Tour to Badagry in Lagos... recently

L-R: Prelate, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Samuel Emeka; and the Senior Pastor, Trinity House Church, Pastor Ituah Olajide Ighodalo, during a courtesy visit to His Eminence by Pastor Ituah at Wesley House, Marina, Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Senior Pastor, Trinity House Church, Pastor Ituah Olajide Ighodalo; LP 35, Zonal Pastor, RCCG, Christ Cornerstone, Pastor Mrs. Ireti Sholola; Managing Director, Greenlife Pharmaceutical, Mr. Peter Ebere Nwosu; his wife, Mrs. Ifeoma Nwosu, at the groundbraking of Clinix Healthcare Collection Centre, Gbagada, Lagos ...recently

L-R: Brewery Manager-Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Tayo Ogundana; Personal Assitant to the CMD, University College Hospital Ibadan, Mr. Adekunle Alao; Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College Hospital Ibadan, Prof. Jesse A. Otegbayo; Medical Doctor,Ibadan and Ijebu-Ode, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Dr. Emeka Ofulue; and Director of Administration and Secretary to the Board of Management, University College Ibadan, Mr. Stephen Olubusayo Oladeji, during the presentation of COVID-19 palliatives to the hospital in Ibadan... recently

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ͚ͺË&#x153; 2020

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

AďŹ&#x20AC;ordable Cars Celebrates Silver Jubilee

L-R: Contestant, David Nwafor; Contestant, Favour Opara; First runner-up,Busayo Balogun; CEO, Oh Wow Popcorn, Mrs Oghenekevwe Olorunda; Winner of season two young CEO 2020 contest, Christianah Olorunda; Second runner-up, Francis Edet-Oyioma; Red Carpet on TV Host, Abimbola Abayomi; contestant, Anastasia Ogbonna and another contestant, Chinwe Onwuoma at the grand ďŹ nale of the season two edition of the 2020 Young CEO contest in Lagos... recently

La Casera Unveils new Campaign to Raise Hope Expressing its care for consumers during this period, The La Casera Company (TLCC) Plc., has unveiled its â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Is Not A Full Stopâ&#x20AC;? (TINAFS) campaign.

TINAF conveys message of hope and optimism, specifically designed to uplift the spirit of Nigerians, whilst encouraging them to keep their hope and dreams alive in this period.

The campaign stressed that the current situation under which the country is labouring is not a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;full stopâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, rather a pause to restrategise and re-launch into endless opportunities that lie ahead.

The campaign is supported with a pan-Nigerian radio campaign with adaptations in local languages.

It also comes with a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;spoken wordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contest meant to reward creativity amongst Nigerian youths.

Marketing Director of the firm, Emmanuel Agu, noted that the contest is opened to poets, rappers, and other spoken art creative Nigerians who are expected to submit a 60-second video performance, displaying their creativity in any language of choice.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 60-second video must be the entrantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original work which must start with â&#x20AC;&#x153;This Is Not A Full Stopâ&#x20AC;? and end with â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Moveâ&#x20AC;?. It must not be offensive or hateful.

He said that top-ten entries would be selected based on their creativity, skill, punchlines, word play, video format and an overall flair, which would be announced on the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s social media pages.

At the end of the competition, the overall winner will clinch N300,000 cash prize, while the second and

third winner will receive N150,000 and N100,000, respectively.

He said that seven other shortlisted candidates from fourth to 10th positions will get N20,000 gift cards each.

The company recently partnered with over 50 Online Food Vendors to give free La Casera Apple Drink to complement every order of food placed with these vendors. The move is aimed to support SMEs and consumers as part of efforts to cushion the effect of COVID-19.

Portfolio Marketing Manager of TLCC, Onyeka Okoli, added that the firmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s partnership with online vendors was part of the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objectives to motivate and lift the enterprising spirit of Nigerians.

In commemorating its 25th Anniversary, Affordable Cars, a leading Automobile dealer in Lagos, Nigeria, will be offering its esteemed customers a â&#x20AC;&#x153;special anniversary packageâ&#x20AC;? on sales and services from October 1st till December 31st, 2020.

The company which has been providing unique services to its numerous customers since its inception in 1995, is offering a 25% discount on car maintenance service as well as free detailing, diagnostics, wheel balancing and alignment. Purchase of new vehicles from their Lekki and Ikeja showrooms will also attract a ONE YEAR free routine maintenance service.

Affordable Cars has provided its customers with quality cars from various brands such as Toyota, Lexus, Land Rover, KIA, Mitsubishi and Mercedes Benz with their customer base which includes corporate organisations, government parastatals and private individuals.

Speaking about the anniversary, the Managing Director, Mr. Biola Ayeni, thanked God for the milestone and stated that companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success is based on its core values â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Excellence, professionalism, customer friendly, integrity and passion. They will be instrumental as the company continues to build first class Autodealership in Nigeria.

In addition, he attributed the achievements of the company so far to the staff and technical team that have been part of the vision over the years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 25th anniversary offers an opportunity for us to thank and celebrate our esteemed customers and partners for trusting us to deliver exceptional services to them over the last 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;? he noted. He stressed that the organization has consistently worked hard at ensuring customersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; satisfaction through the provision of premium quality vehicles at competitive prices. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Affordable Cars we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just sell but offer our customers pre-sales and after sales services. Our 24/7 Autocare workshop is equipped with state of the art equipment to ensure vehicles are given the best of maintenance and repairsâ&#x20AC;? he added. Customers are assured of excellent service delivery at Affordable cars as vehicles undergo a Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) by its quality Control Unit at the end of every repair/maintenance before delivery.

SanoďŹ , GSK Commence Clinical Trial of COVID-19 Vaccine Sanofi and GSK have announced the commencement of Phase 1/2 clinical trial for their adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine.

The vaccine candidate that was developed by both firms uses the same recombinant protein-based technology as one of Sanofiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seasonal influenza vaccines with GSKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s established pandemic adjuvant technology.

The companies in a statement said that the Phase 1/2 clinical trial is a randomised, double blind and placebo-controlled trial.

It is designed to evaluate the safety, reactogenicity and immunogenicity of the vaccine candidate.

They added that a total of 440 healthy adults are being enrolled in the trial across 11 investigational sites in the United States.

The companies anticipate first results in early December 2020, to support the initiation of a Phase 3 trial in December 2020. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If these data are sufficient for licensure application, we are planning to request regulatory approval in the first half of 2021,â&#x20AC;? the statement said.

Speaking on the development, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Sanofi Pasteur, Thomas Triomphe, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sanofi and GSK bring proven science and technology to the fight against the global COVID-19 pandemic, with the shared objective of delivering a safe and effective vaccine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The initiation of our clinical study is an important step and brings us closer to a potential vaccine which could help defeat COVID-19. Our

dedicated teams and partner continue to work around the clock as we aim to deliver the first results in early December. Positive data will enable a prompt start of the pivotal phase 3 trial by the end of this year.â&#x20AC;?

Also speaking, President of GSK Vaccines, Roger Connor, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moving this vaccine candidate into clinical development is an important moment in the progress towards addressing the global pandemic we are all facing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This builds on the confidence shown by governments already in the potential of this protein- based adjuvanted vaccine candidate, which utilises established technology from both companies, and can be produced at scale by two of the leading vaccine manufacturers globally.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;We now look forward to the data from the study, and if positive, beginning a Phase 3 trial by the end of the year.â&#x20AC;?

Sanofi is leading the clinical development and registration of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Pre-clinical data showed an acceptable reactogenicity profile and data based on two injections of the adjuvanted recombinant vaccine showed high levels of neutralising antibodies that are comparable to levels in humans who recovered from the COVID-19 infection.

Pre-clinical results will be published later this year. In parallel, Sanofi and GSK are scaling up manufacturing of the antigen and adjuvant with the target of producing up to one billion doses in 2021.

Winners Emerge in Young CEO Reality Contest

First Bank Restates Commitment to Societal Growth

Winners have emerged in the season two edition of the Young CEO Reality Television show for year 2020.

The reality show offered platform for budding entrepreneurs to network and learn from accomplished experts, as well as through identified programmes.

24 year-old Christianah Olorunda, also known as Tyana, was announced the overall winner of the show.

Olorunda is an eCommerce entrepreneur and the Founder/CEO of Tyanas Home, an online Luxury Fashion Store. She was confirmed overall winner having performed excellently in all activities from the virtual phase to the 7 days of fierce battle with other top contenders inside the business hub.

She went away with a grand Prize of N2 million business fund and $3,500 worth of

Foremost Financial institution, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) has pledged its support to business and societal growth through selfless service delivery.

Chief Executive Officer of FBN, Adesola Adeduntan stated this at virtual Forbes Award ceremony and Philanthropy Round Table Discussion, organised

by Foreign Investment Network, FIN, recently.

Forbes â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Best of Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; award recognises business personalities with sound record of creating and building global businesses that have made far-reaching impact to Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s development.

Adeduntan was a recipient of the prestigious award, alongside the CEO of Ocean Marine Security Ltd, Idahosa Wells Okunbo and Founder of Online Integrated Solutions Ltd, Mahmood Ahmadu.

Adeduntan, who dedicated the award to all First Bank staffers, stated that the bank received the honour as an incentive to do more in corporate responsibility and sustainability.

He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am gratified that we have exempli-

cosmetics formulation scholarship sponsored

by COC Beauty School.

Meelola and Oyioma came 2nd and 3rd.

They were awarded N200,000 and N100,000 consolation prizes, as well as a $2000 and $1,5000 worth of cosmetics formulation scholarships respectively, sponsored by COC beauty school.

The show is being managed and produced

by Red Carpet On TV Media.

Organisers of the contest extended appreciation to its partners for their contributions towards the success of the programme.

The organisers listed the partners as: Phamatex Industries Limited, COC Beauty School, Qualitea Nigeria and Dabinchi Global Limited.

Others are Jasmine Empire, Oh Wow Pop Corn, Delaquine Services and Nicson Africa.

fied corporate leadership by providing seamless digital banking services, and by championing the safety and wellbeing of our society without let or hindrance. We achieved these because we have always worked to accentuate sustainable practices for over 126 years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have not only provided excellent financial services to our teeming customers, we have also contributed in no small measure to the growth and development of this nation in all ramifications.â&#x20AC;?

Earlier In her address, Chairman of FIN, Mrs. Olayinka Fayemi stated that FIN is exploring how philanthropy can marshal financial resources and social capital to make a lasting impact now and in future.

Speaking on the theme of the discussion, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Harnessing the Financial Resources and Social Capital of Philanthropy to Making a Lasting Impactâ&#x20AC;?, Fayemi recognised the impact of philanthropic gestures to development.

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 19, 2020

SPORTS XTRA

Odion Ighalo: What Does the New Season Hold?

T

he Nigerian got little game time post-lockdown as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer relied heavily on a select few...but will that continue in 2020/21?

As recoveries go, Manchester Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second half of the 2019/20 season was certainly impressive.

Having been, more or less, outsiders at the midway point to secure a Champions League spot via a top four finish, the Red Devils bounced back, in part aided by the inconsistency

if the teams above them to end third with 66 points.

Still, the fact Man United were able to supplant a Leicester City side that were 11 points above them after 19 games was impressive. Strikingly, though, Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s final tally last term would have been enough for a top four finish in only one of the last 10 seasons â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2015/16. That year saw Leicester crowned champions in what was generally a poor campaign from all the top sides, so the Red Devilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;achievementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; last season needs some perspective, regardless.

In the cup competitions,

both at home and abroad, Ole Gunnar Solskjaerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team were eliminated in the semifinal. They fell to Manchester City, Chelsea and Sevilla in the League Cup, FA Cup and Europa League respectively, leaving the Norwegian still without a trophy win at the Theatre of Dreams since taking charge.

How did Odion Ighalo fare amid the Premier League giantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2019/20 campaign and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s possibly in store for the striker in 2020/21?

While many focused on Ighaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spell at boyhood club

in the second part of last term, for obvious reasons in fairness, those observers tend to exclude his prolific time at Shanghai Shenhua in 2019 when talking about last season.

The former Watford striker netted 10 times in 17 appearances (15 starts) to end the campaign as the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s secondhighest scorer in the Chinese Super League.

This return probably put him in the conversation when Man United needed a stop-gap option up top after they missed out on primary target Erling Haaland to Borussia Dortmund

in January.

With Marcus Rashford out injured, a temporary deal for the Nigerian was reasonable on Deadline Day as the Englishman was unlikely to return until late in the season.

However, the coronavirus pandemic which saw football halted nearly worldwide put Ighalo in a tricky situation.

Despite thriving in the cup competitionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;three goal contributions in Europe and two FA Cup strikesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;before the sportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s suspension, the prolonged hiatus meant Rashford and Unitedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s injured stars, including Paul Pogba, were going to return when football resumed.

This led to the prognosis that, despite the fanfare that met the strikerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s loan extension to winter 2021, Ighalo wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going to get ample game time in the Premier League (where he had barely featured before the lockdown) and probably in the cup games, too.

Indeed, Solskjaer, prioritising a top four hunt, relied heavily on a select few

which saw the on-loan marksman get little action. He still scored in the Red Devilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; narrow 2-1 win over Norwich City and started in their return-leg 2-1 win over LASK, which saw United claim a 7-1 aggregate success.

However, there was a feeling that Ighalo and co. got a run out because of the Manchester sideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unassailable advantage from the first game and Ole would return to his preferred XI in the shortened knockout format in Germany.

Again, this was the case as the United boss reverted to his trusted players against FB Kobenhavn and eventual elimination by Sevilla in the last four.

Ultimately, it was a mixed time for the Nigerian. After a bright start, the return of Rashford and co. meant he was fighting a losing battle post-lockdown.

Ighaloâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story may have been different had the world not experienced a global pandemic. Unfortunately, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll never know.

Liverpool Sign Thiago from Bayern in ÂŁ25m Deal

Iwobi,,,has fallen in the pecking order at Everton

Iwobiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Everton Stay Threatened, Falls in Pecking Order Against the backdrop that Nigeria international Alex Iwobi is currently nursing an injury after he was left out of Evertonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first two official games are wide off the mark, reports have claimed.

The future of the Hale End Academy product has been the subject of debate in recent days after he was not selected for the Toffeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; first two matches of the season against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League and Salford City in the League Cup).

Today, the official website of Everton published training photos ahead of the visit of Semi Ajayiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West Brom and it is confirmed that Iwobi participated in full training.

With the signings of James RodrĂ­guez and Allan from Real Madrid and Napoli respectively, Iwobi has seen himself fall down manager Carlo Ancelottiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pecking order of wingers and midfielders at Goodison Park.

Iwobi joined Everton on transfer deadline day for a then Nigerian re-

cord transfer fee of 35 million pounds if bonuses are included, but did not live up to his expectations in terms of his goal contribution in his first season, scoring twice and providing an assist in 29 appearances across all competitions.

Though the Super Eagle has a contract with Everton until June 2024, he may consider leaving the club before the close of the transfer window if his fortunes donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improve in the coming weeks.

World Cup QualiďŹ ers Delays Worries FIFA Boss The successive postponements of 2022 World Cup qualifiers caused by the COVID-19 pandemic are becoming a real problem and a shortening of the format could be a possibility in some cases, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said yesterday.

The South American qualifiers, due to start in March, will not get underway until next month, while the start of the CONCACAF tournament, which should have been this month, has been put back until March.

Meanwhile, six match days have been postponedinthemarathonAsianqualifying

competition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am concerned and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obviously a real problem, especially if the pandemic doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop or let up, or we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t start playing in a normal way,â&#x20AC;? Infantino told reporters following the FIFACongress. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are in the hands of the health authorities.â&#x20AC;?

Infantino said that soccerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s world governing body had opened a extra window for international matches in January 2022 and would look at finding room for more, something which could upset European clubs who would have to release their players.

Eight Players of Nigerian Descent in Arsenal Team B against Brighton Arsenal and Brighton & Hove shared the spoils with a 2-2 draw in a Premier League 2 clash at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre yesterday evening, with eight players of Nigerian descent making the Gunners matchday squad.

T h e re w e re s t a r t s f o r To l a j i B o l a , J a m e s O l a y i n k a , Ry a n Alebiosu, Tim Akinola and Fo-

larin Balogun; Daniel Oyegoke played the last ten minutes, while goalkeeper Ovie Ejeheri a n d M i g u e l A z e e z w e re n o n p l a y i n g substitutes.

Summer signing Akinola made his full competitive debut for Arsenal youth teams and put in a 90-minute shift, while it was the first squad involvement at this level

An alternative could be to play three matches instead of two during an international window, or stage qualifiers in a single venue instead of home or away.

He added that the November/December slot for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar at least gave FIFA some breathing space.

Infantino also made a veiled criticism of Italyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Serie A, where Juventus have won the title for the last nine seasons, as he suggested that playoff systems could be an alternative to the conventional homeand-away format for national leagues. for Ejeheri.

Both teams were level at the break as Ben Cottrell, in first half injury time, cancelled out Teddy Jenkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s opener from the spot.

Olayinka opened his account for the season when he fired in ten minutes after the restart but a goal from Cashman in the 73rd minute salvaged a draw for the Seagulls.

Arsenal, who lost their opening match of the season to Southampton, face north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their next Premier League 2 fixture.

Liverpool will pay ÂŁ20m for the Spain international, Thiago Alcantara with the potential for a further ÂŁ5m in add-ons, and the midfielder will wear the No 6 jersey.

The 29-year-old helped Bayern win the treble last season, as they beat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final last month in Lisbon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an amazing feeling. I was waiting for this moment for a long time and I am very, very happy to be here,â&#x20AC;?

Thiago told Liverpoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official website. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When the years are passing, you are trying to win as much as you can - and when you win, you want to win more. I think this club describes what I am as well; I want to achieve all of the goals, win as many trophies as possible. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It also has this kind of family feeling that I need because we like to have a very close relationship with the club and I think I will feel this, I will have this feeling, with this club as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I must adapt to the team as fast as I can in the situation and the context that we are living right now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything is more compact and we started a little bit later, but still it is football and I think we have to mix all the big things up, all the good things we have. I will help the team in a defensive and offensive way and also in a mental aspect. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The fans are not more excited than I am - for sure not!

It is not about saying words, it is about doing the things. I will give my heart on the field to my team-mates, the club and also to the fans.â&#x20AC;?

Tokyo Olympic Athletes to be Exempted from Virus Entry Bans The Japanese government has decided to set up a system to exempt athletes competing at next yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games from entry restrictions currently placed on 159 countries and regions due to the novel coronavirus that forced the gamesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; postponement, sources familiar with the matter said yesterday.

The athletes will be expected to monitor their own health and test negative for the coronavirus within 72 hours of leaving their own country. They will be tested again upon entering Japan, and will have their movements monitored and restricted after arrival.

The local organizing committee and the Tokyo metropolitan government are expected to reach an agreement on establishing the system at their next meeting on Wednesday.

After imposing heavy restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals in response to the coronavirus pandemic, Japan has begun easing conditions for business travelers from a number of countries.

The government is looking at a similar system for athletes at the games next summer.

Athletes will be able to practice or compete in the 14-day quarantine period after arrival, but their movements will be limited to accommodations and venues specific to training and competing in their specific sports, in accordance with travel plans submitted to authorities in advance.

While they will basically be prohibited from taking public transport, they can catch commercial flights or bullet trains where required, provided they follow certain precautions to limit contact with the general public.

Saturday, September 19, 2020

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

Sagay to Malami

“We recall the well-known proclivity of the attorney-general for entering nolle procequi in favour of major political and governmental figures.

This move to effectively scrap the EFCC becomes more alarming” – Prof. Itse Sagay, Chairman, Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, accusing the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami of being behind moves to amend EFCC Act.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

What President Buhari Must Do for Legacy

F

ellow Nigerians, I’m aware that many of us have given up on President Muhammadu Buhari changing his modus operandi. I won’t blame anyone for arriving at such decision. After spending over five years in power, we can only await a miracle of volcanic proportions to alter this perfidious drift towards cataclysmic perdition into which the President is leading us. There are not many human beings as lucky as a man once known as Major General Muhammadu Buhari, who was Nigeria’s military Head of State, from 1984-85, and who is now the civilian President, from 2015 until, hopefully, 2023.

No one could have asked for a better grace of such a second chance from God, particularly as he had contested for the same post three times between 2003 and 2011 and had not been third time lucky! By the time fortune smiled upon him at his fourth attempt, some of us had been led to place a halo above his head and even give him Messianic qualities such that we had great expectations of him in 2015. Even those who never liked him were definitely willing to grant him the benefit of the doubts. Such had his profile and stocks risen in those halcyon days when the mere mention of Jonathan’s name was anathema to many Nigerians.

Except for those enjoying a binge under this government at this moment , and there are a few, which is the story for another day, it is obvious that this is not what we bargained for.

In case the President casually dismissed former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s latest diatribe against him, since there is the popular belief that there is no love lost between them and that they have since ceased to enjoy any semblance of cordial relationships between them, I pray he won’t ignore that of Lt. General Alani Ipoola Akinrinade. My reason is simple. I remember how the former Chief of Defence Staff, gave a passionate support to Buhari during the “fake certificate saga”, insisting that there was no way Buhari would have forged examination results in those good old days. Akinrinade was willing and ready to risk his towering reputation for a man he believed was a complete officer and gentleman. If such a man appears to be sorely disappointed today, I will beg Buhari not to dismiss this military and political colossus, one of Africa’s greatest military officers, as a “wailing wailer”, as his handlers are wont to describe his critics. I have known and followed Lt. General Akinrinade for over 40 years and I have found in him a disciplined gentleman, the embodiment of the typical English, Sandhurst trained military officer who is not prone to frivolities.

Akinrinade did something that is common to Yoruba elders, when they want to send a message to someone that is not likely to listen.

They talk in the presence of his children. He therefore sent a powerful message to Buhari on the occasion of General Tukur Y. Buratai, Chief of Army Staff’s visit to Osun State.

Akinrinade’s speech was a masterpiece and I’m not surprised it went viral. He started with all the niceties, a gentleman will deploy before dropping his bombshell. No one could have anticipated the salvos that would soon follow from Lt. General Akinrinade who is softspoken and has an innocent almost cherubic and amiable mien and disposition. Behind that façade is concealed the hard flint and steel of a consummate and phenomenally successful soldier and administrator. A fearless warrior, not known for tact or diplomacy when he is galled or angered, Akinrinade’s intelligence and intellectual prowess is also well known. All these qualities were on display in the passionate

Buhari

speech that he made at the occasion. Permit me to quote copiously from this eloquent Nigerian elder statesman. “... Please, grant me the indulgence to mention to him one or two matters that throw me into distress because of my association with him. The first is his pervasive belief that he is an ethnic bigot, an irredeemable religious fundamentalist, that he firmly subscribes and the possibility of his ethnic Fulani to take over the country, the reason he does not interfere in curbing the brigandage of the Fulani herdsmen, that he has performed woefully in the fight against the terrorist Boko Haram and that he cannot rise to reflecting the heterogeneous composition of our country when it comes to appointments to sensitive positions in his government. The whole buck stops on his table...

“Let me suggest to him that he needs to shape up, read the riot act to our people, enlist them in unswerving cooperation to participate fully in the redemption of their country. Arms and brutal force are not sufficient to defeat an insurgency.

“I am sure he is aware of the hue and cry from all corners and crannies of our country for secession as if we have not been there before. He needs to stand on his table against the motley (sic) crowd of advisers surrounding him and take a firm stand on the reorganization of our country, physically, economically and socially.

What we simply term as reorganization in the Armed Forces is what the bloody civilians call RESTRUCTURING (emphasis his). It is long overdue and flogged, as if it is such an impossibility, an attempt at which, will balkanize the country. As a matter of fact, it is what is required to move the country out of the doldrums into modernity. He cannot afford to pass it on. We may end up without a country, as no country has been known to survive two civil wars.

“He can take better counsel in the appointments to the sensitive parts of government. There are capable and loyal men and women from every village in the country.

“We are regaled everyday with blood chilling stories of killings and pillaging of villages sometimes towns in the North and Central parts of Nigeria, and of recent talks of impending massacres and intensification of kidnapping coming our way in the Southern States and the main protagonists of the disturbance is the Fulani herdsmen...

“I suggest to him to read the riot act to the

Fulani herdsmen, that it is not acceptable for any foreigner by whatever name called to enter our country illegally and molest our people. They are not welcome. We should not, by mistake of omission or commission allow our people to degenerate to self-help. It is a sure road to anarchy and perdition, which will not go away...”

I hope President Buhari somehow read that message, if General Buratai felt too intimidated to deliver it to him personally. If perchance he has not read it, I hope he would have the opportunity to do so today since as he himself told me, he is an avid reader of newspapers. It is my fervent prayer that the President finds time to digest this abridged version today and ponder and reflect upon it. I believe he needs to do so by all means, but if he decides to be obstinate, he will appreciate it in the future, that Akinrinade was not one of his real or imagined enemies but a true friend. Only reliable and dependable friends can tell truth to power in a country where most people live and die on government largesse.

Just yesterday, I came across the latest distressing news of promotions in the Nigerian Customs. It allegedly follows the now familiar pattern of promotions for northern elements to the detriment of their southern counterparts.

I simply refused to believe the story. If true, then it is time to tell the President that this recklessness, this disdain for the rest of the country must stop. Even if some Nigerians are seen and treated as slaves, things should not be this provocative. The amount of accumulated bitterness and bile in the land may be insignificant to those in power but it is dangerously growing, and the people are simmering with discontent.

Nigerians now live in perpetual strife. Is the Commander-in-Chief not aware of this fact? If he is not, because he is living in a gilded cage, surely his advisers and confidants are. Certainly, they must be able to tell their principal and benefactor about how dire things have become in the country. Or are they all so blinded by the filthy lucre that is being amassed that none of them can see reason or sense or hear the plaintive cries of their oppressed and suppressed fellow citizens. Whatever the situation may be, this is the biggest challenge facing the President.

It is one which he must confront head on...

Luckily for him, of all the problems that he is beset with, this is the easiest to tackle by him.

All he needs is the will to do so as well as the willingness to see every Nigerian as part of one indivisible family. His catchy rallying cry and slogan at the beginning of his first term in 2015 will do well to be remembered by him.

At that time, he had pontificated that “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”! Sadly, this has proven to be far from being the case.

The President has shown undisguised bias for, and favouritism in respect of a, people from the core northern part of the country and those of the same Islamic faith as him. The President seems to be intolerant of others. He is accused of being so discriminatory and partisan, but he seemingly shrugs off these accusations as if they were water off a duck’s back.

My second worry is about the youths of Nigeria. They require greater attention than they are getting right now. If our various arms of governments can substantially reduce their wasteful profligacy, some money can be freed to cater for the long-suffering masses and their children. I cringe, and I am moved to tears when I hear the criminally insane sums that is claimed to have been spent on providing cash palliatives to our indigent fellow citizens in this COVID-19 season. No proper records exist for the disbursement of the humongous sums

being bandied about by our top government functionaries . . . It is easy to distribute the cash in readily accountable ways that can easily be checked and verified. However, this government likes to do things the complicated way and give room for graft and daylight robbery, thus eroding any faith and confidence that the public had that it would champion the fight against corruption and root out corrupt elements that are polluting the polity.

Creating employment opportunities to pacify the restive youths cannot be as tough as it seems. One way of doing so which will also solve another of our major problems is to encourage an agricultural revolution. We have arable land almost everywhere. We have energetically hardworking men and women. We have brilliant, intelligent and ambitious citizens.

All they need is a little push and incentive.

Beyond Government, those in the private sector can be of additional help. Some Nigerians I know started business with as little as five thousand Nigeria and the businesses have grown in leaps and bounds. We are a hardworking, imaginative, innovative and creative people.

God has blessed us with people with flair and aptitude that only need to be graciously supported in just even small measure.

In a similar vein, Nigeria must invest heavily in vocational education. This would equip our young ones and make them more efficient and employable. We need to invest in Sports by providing training centres, kits and coaches.

Nigeria is blessed with raw talents who need to be polished and moulded for global opportunities. Same can be done in the area of entertainment. It won’t take too much to invest in studios and music facilities. Our movie, music, comedy industries can absorb thousands, if not millions, of our people. Fashion is one of the sectors we need to develop urgently. I love the huge investment of the Cross River State Government in industrial garment and sewing companies. We cannot forget the impact of food and beverage. Let’s invite the experts in these fields to brainstorm and back them up with funding. We will be surprised at the result of such an exercise. Research is the way forward for any country seeking to attain any success or development. Unfortunately, in Nigeria funding for research is sorely lacking both from government and the private sector.

Our universities and tertiary institutions are no more than glorified secondary schools with science laboratories rather than well equipped research centres which we really require.

Until we sort out the imbalances in our educational sector and deal with those things that are crucial and necessary for national growth and development we will only belong in the playground for little boys, playing with toys made for us by the big men who are making giant strides in all that they aspire to, whilst we remain content with the toys, sweets and pats on the head that we get from them on the few occasions that they deign to cast their glances our way. This is not the Nigeria of the dreams of our forefathers and ancestors.

Nigeria is an industrial powerhouse waiting to explode positively if some of us can be less selfish and greedy... That is the Nigeria that should be bursting to celebrate its diamond jubilee in a couple of weeks, not the caricature of a nation that we have now. The President undertook to lead us to this promised land.

He can redeem himself in the short space of time left in his tenure and ensure a positive legacy for himself and a bright future for the country...

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