SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2021

Oil Price Nears Three-year High, Trades at $78.09 a Barrel Global supply disruptions aiding rise Emmanuel Addeh with agency report A bit of good news came in for the Dollar-strapped Nigerian economy yesterday with the price of Brent crude

rising to three-year high amid supply constraints and a drop in crude inventories of the United States, the world’s top oil consumer.

The global output disruptions forced energy

companies to pull large amounts of crude out of inventories.

The rally was slightly dampened by China's first public sale of state crude reserves.

Brent futures eventually sold at $78.09 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude sold at $73.98 yesterday evening.

That was the highest close for Brent since October 2018

and for WTI since July 2021, both for a second day in a row.

It was the third week of gains for Brent and the fifth for WTI mostly due to U.S. Gulf Coast output disruptions from Hurricane Ida in late

August.

U.S. oil refiners were hunting to replace Gulf crude, turning to Iraqi and Canadian oil, traders said.

Continued on page 5

Bitcoin Tumbles as China Declares Cryptocurrency Transactions Illegal… Page 8 Saturday 25 September, 2021 Vol 26. No 9665

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At UNGA, Buhari Says Boko Haram, Though Weakened, Still Preying on Soft Targets Laments debt burden, declares obligations gulping bulk of revenue Wants outright debt cancellation for severely impacted countries UN Scribe urges President to ensure stability of West Africa Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said Boko Haram terrorists, though weakened by the military, “are still active in the country, preying on soft targets,” promising that the scourge would soon come to an end.

Buhari, who spoke in New

York, United States, while addressing world leaders, including the new President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid of Maldives, during the 76th session of the Assembly, called for the support of the world body to end the Boko Continued on page 5

Continue VAT Collection in all States, Finance Minister Directs FIRS Says FG’s agency remains overseer of VAT unless appellate court rules otherwise Bennett Oghifo The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed has directed the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to continue the collection of value added tax (VAT) and advised all Nigerians to pay their VAT

to FIRS until the appellate court rules otherwise.

The Rivers State Government had last month secured a major court victory over the federal government in the collection of VAT in the state, and had gone ahead, along with Lagos Continued on page 5

ADDRESSING THE WORLD...

Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guteres, with President Muhammadu Buhari, before the Nigerian President’s speech at the 76th United Nations General Assembly in New York... yesterday

Ahead of 61st Independence Anniversary, FG Issues Security Warning... Page 5

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Ahead of 61st Independence Anniversary, FG Issues Security Warning Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË The federal government has alerted the general public to heightened security activities, preparatory to the events marking the country's 61st Independence anniversary.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai

Mohammed, issued the security alert in a statement in Abuja yesterday.

He, however, urged residents of the Federal Capital Territory and its environs not to panic and to go about their legitimate activities. ''Residents are enjoined to report suspicious persons

and movements to the security agencies through the following numbers: 09-6305396, 08031230631, 08032003557 and 122,'' the minister said.

The alert was issued on the same day the federal government unveiled programme of activities lined up to mark the 61st

Independence anniversary celebration.

At a press conference held yesterday at the Radio House, Garki, Abuja, Mohammed said the activities were dual, beginning with last year’s 60th year-long Diamond Jubilee Independence anniversary celebration and that this would

come to a close on September 30, 2021, but that the activities had been arranged to dovetail into that of the 61st Independence anniversary on October 1.

The activities include a Special Interdenominational Church Service billed to hold at the National Christian Centre on September 26, to be followed

by a Special Award Ceremony/ Discover Nigeria on September 30.

The Independence Anniversary Parade holds at the Eagle Square on October 1.

The events will climax with a Special Jummat Service at the National Mosque also on October 1.

AT UNGA, BUHARI SAYS BOKO HARAM, THOUGH WEAKENED, STILL PREYING ON SOFT TARGETS Haram menace.

President Buhari said: “Mr. President, terrorism continues to dominate security discourse worldwide. In Nigeria, Boko Haram terrorist group, though fragmented by internal strife and weakened by our defence forces, is still active and preying on soft targets.

“Nigeria will continue to work closely with the UN CounterTerrorism bodies and entities with a view to bringing this scourge to an end.

“Nigeria has spared no efforts in addressing the challenges of terrorism posed by the activities of Boko Haram in North-East Nigeria, the Lake Chad region as well as banditry in the NorthWest and the North-Central. The Nigerian Security Forces have recorded considerable success in the fight against terrorism.

As a result of the renewed vigour of our military, many terrorist fighters are voluntarily surrendering to our security forces.”

The President lamented that Nigeria was concerned about illicit trading and movement of small arms, which he said had led to an increase in criminality and insurgency in the country.

President Buhari also lamented that countries such as Nigeria spend the bulk of their revenues on debt servicing, leaving little for infrastructure development and other essential aspects of the economy such as healthcare and education.

As a result, he called for the extension of the debt repayment timeline for developing countries, especially those severely suffering the impact of the COVID-19

pandemic.

Buhari said “there is an urgent need for debt repayment extension for developing countries that are still recovering from the pandemic and also struggling with liquidity challenges.”

He also called for an inclusive agenda that would build resilience and stability against future shocks; to deliver on the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

He said: “Developing countries have been faced with unsustainable debt burdens even before the pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the risk of new wave of deepening debt, where vital public financial resources are allocated to external debt servicing and repayments at the expense of domestic health and financing for critical developmental needs.

“I must commend the current initiatives by the international financial institutions and the G20, aimed at significantly mitigating the economic situation of the indebted countries and urge for more efforts in this regard.

“Therefore, there is an urgent need to consider expansion and extension of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative to include all Developing, Least Developed Countries and Small Island Developing States facing fiscal and liquidity challenges.

“In addition, a review of the eligibility criteria for debt suspension, including outright cancellation, is needed for countries facing the most severe challenges.”

President Buhari also took a swipe at the recent coup detat in Mali and Guinea and canvassed the support of the

international community to reject the unconstitutional governments in the two West African nations.

He declared that the recent trend of unconstitutional takeover of power must not be tolerated by the international community.

The President warned that democratic gains of the past decades in West Africa “are now being eroded” due to these negative trends.

He affirmed Nigeria’s support to efforts by Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) to address this growing challenge, saying, "As leaders of our individual MemberStates we need to adhere to the constitutional provisions of our countries, particularly on term limits. This is one area that generates crisis and political tension in our sub-region.”

The President urged the international community not only to deal with the symptoms of conflict but also the immediate causes of conflicts in the first place.

According to him, “These include poor and undemocratic governance, human rights abuses, poverty, ignorance, injustice and inequalities.”

He renewed his advocacy for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, outlining steps Nigeria had taken to achieve “moderate success” in containing the virus and halt its deadly onslaught in the country.

Buhari said: “Nigeria remains grateful for the assistance received from our partners and friends all over the world. Vaccination is the key to our safe emergence

OIL PRICE NEARS THREE-YEAR HIGH, TRADES AT $78.09 A BARREL Some members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and their allies, known as OPEC, have struggled to raise output due to under-investment or maintenance delays during the pandemic.

Russia said it would remain a reliable supplier of energy to global markets. But Russian gas giant, Gazprom, had been accused of doing too little to increase its natural gas supplies to Europe, where prices have soared.

Iran, which wants to export more oil, said it would return to talks on resuming compliance with the 2015 Iran nuclear deal "very soon", but gave no specific date.

Edward Moya, senior market analyst at OANDA, said: "Extra Iranian barrels of crude seem unlikely to be a 2021 story," noting negotiations "will be a long drawn-out process."

In the United States, drillers added 10 oil rigs this week, putting the oil and gas rig count up for a 14th month in a row.

Brent could hit $80 by the end of September due to stock draws, lower OPEC production and stronger Middle East demand, UBS analysts said.

Analysts at UBS told Reuters that Brent oil price could hit $80 a barrel by the end of September due to stock draws, lower OPEC production and stronger demand in the Middle East.

“What still might allow Brent to hit that mark over the coming weeks is the ongoing drop

in oil inventories driven by unplanned supply disruptions,” the analysts said.

Market analysts added that surging natural gas prices were also attracting the rise as the supply shortage of gas could encourage power utilities to shift from gas to oil if winter turns out to be colder this year.

The rise in crude oil price

means an increase in revenue for Nigeria but a headache for the country’s subsidy shortfall payments.

Recently, Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said the supply crisis affecting the natural gas market might push crude oil prices up by $10 a barrel.

from the pandemic.

“We fully support the COVAX initiative from which we have benefitted. We also thank the United States of America, Turkey, India, China, European Union, and others for the vaccines provided.

“Despite the acknowledgement however, I would like to reiterate my call for a fairer and more equitable distribution of vaccines to all countries so that, together, we can fight and contain the pandemic.

“The rising wave of newer and more contagious strains make this even more urgent. No country can afford the socio-economic implications of prolonged shutdown. It is imperative to underscore that no one is safe until everyone is safe.”

Commenting on international trade, the Nigerian leader canvassed for reforms that would engender recovery from the COVID-19 crisis, build resilience to future shocks and pursue transformative development strategies that can deliver the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

He said: “Nigeria reaffirms that international trade is an engine for development and sustained economic growth, as well as the global eradication of poverty.

“My delegation would like to reaffirm the critical role that a universal, rules-based, open, non-discriminatory and equitable multilateral trading system can play in stimulating economic growth and development. Fair and equitable trade would eventually eliminate the need for aid.

“My country and indeed all African countries do not intend to stay indefinitely looking for aid. All we need is a fair and equitable system of international trade.”

President Buhari also reiterated his call for the reforms of the UN Security Council, stressing that inter-governmental negotiation on the issue, was taking too long.

“No reform of the United Nations system is more urgent than that of the Security Council.

Stakeholders around the world are asking how such power could be concentrated, with scant representation.

“We must avoid going in circles. Consensus has been achieved in some of the elements of this reform, especially that of the representation of Africa on the basis of the Elzuwini consensus and the Sirte Declaration.

“It is unreasonable to expect unanimity in this matter. The issue, indeed, is about justice, not unanimity. Without justice, the legitimacy (even efficacy) of our organisation is called to question.

“We can and must make substantial, irreversible progress on Security Council reform in the current session,” he said.

UN Scribe Urges Buhari to Ensure Stability of West Africa Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres, yesterday called on President Buhari to use his leadership qualities towards ensuring the stability of the West African sub-region.

He also flayed the recent reversal of democratic fortunes in some West African nations including Guinea, Mali and Chad.

The UN scribe also commended Buhari for his leadership roles in Africa as well as stabilisation of the West African sub-region.

The Secretary General spoke at a meeting with the Nigerian President at the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly taking place in New York.

According to the UN Scribe, Africa, especially West Africa was generally seen as an ocean of stability and good governance, but was deeply concerned at recent reversal of fortunes in democratic rule in some parts of the West African sub-region with coups overturning elected institutions.

He, therefore, urged Buhari to continue to show leadership as he looks up to Nigeria to help

stabilise the sub-region in terms of democracy and good governance.

On terrorism, Guterres commended the efforts of Nigeria on the global phenomenon, assuring the Nigerian leader of the United Nations’ continued support in her efforts to address the prevailing security and humanitarian challenges that have arisen especially with the Internally Displaced Persons.

In his remarks, Buhari applauded Gutterres for his global leadership and the success of the 76th Session.

He assured the UN Scribe that Nigeria had achieved appreciable successes in tackling the insecurity caused by terrorists and bandits.

The President also thanked him for the global organisation's intervention in activities towards reducing the effects of Climate Change especially with the support for the Great Green Wall programme, which is aimed at arresting desertification across the Sahel as well as the campaign against deforestation in Nigeria.

President Buhari added that Nigeria was ready to support and work closely with the United Nations towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

Protests and Counterprotests While President Buhari was reading his speech at the UN, there were protests and counterprotests outside the headquarters of the United Nations.

While one was organised by the Yoruba Nation and Biafra agitators, the other was held by OneNation group.

The agitators, who held placards with various inscriptions, chanted “UN do something, your silence is killing us’, and ‘help Nigeria to save lives’ among others.

They also sang Osun State anthem, noting that they want a referendum One of the protesters, identified as TJ, said, “We want them to know what Nigeria is all about.

UN needs to intervene to rescue the situation.”

CONTINUE VAT COLLECTION IN ALL STATES, FINANCE MINISTER DIRECTS FIRS State, to enact necessary laws and agencies for the collection of the tax.

But the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal on September 10 ordered all parties that had submitted themselves before the court to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the hearing of an application seeking to stay the judgment of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt.

Following the Appeal Court ruling, the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), became confused, and desperately called on the federal government to clear the confusion.

Apparently in reaction, the Minister of Finance, in a newspaper advertorial on Thursday, stated the position of the federal government on the rulings, directing the FIRS to continue the collection.

The minister stated: “The tax-paying public has been confused about whom to pay VAT to as a result of the Federal High Court’s judgement in Suit No. FHC/PH/CS/149/2020.

“The Appeal Court’s ruling, halting the execution of the

judgement of the Federal High Court required all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum. As such, FIRS shall continue to administer VAT in all the states of the federation unless the appellate court rules otherwise.

“The ruling of the Court of Appeal, therefore, implores all taxpayers in all the states to continue to pay their VAT, and for the FIRS to continue to collect VAT on behalf of the government in compliance with the VAT Act. She appealed to all parties to stop their litigations in the interest of the nation, stating that the economy had ominous challenges and needed the support of every Nigerian for it not to go under.

Ahmed said, “The uncertainty caused by the recent pronouncements of the Federal High Court, sitting in Rivers State and the subsequent enactment of Value Added Tax (VAT) laws by some states is unnecessary and very regrettable.

“The Nigerian economy, just as the economy of other nations, is facing serious challenges occasioned by the COVID-19

pandemic.”

According to her, “Government is facing serious revenue challenges and, therefore, this is not the time for litigations, but for all hands to be on deck, to pull through this difficult period.”

The ruling of the Court of Appeal, she said “has provided the much needed certainty, clarity, and consistency that will enable compliance without disruption to business while final resolution is awaited.”

She said the federal government “shall continue to update the tax-paying public on this matter as the proceedings unfold at the appellate courts. All businesses are hereby encouraged to continue with their lawful operations.”

The leaders of the Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN), had on September 17, spoken in one voice, urging the federal government to make a statement that would clear the VAT confusion.

They said that the reality and consequences of the controversy “portend grave danger for the business community and by extension, the fragile economic

recovery the country had been witnessing in recent times.”

The OPSN, which is comprised of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the Nigeria Association of Small Scale Industries (NASSI) and the Nigeria Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs), said a statement from the federal government would give a clear direction to the business community.

It said it would also save them the dilemma of remitting their VAT to the wrong government that might necessitate double payment; it would also save them the consequence of paying penalty fees for withholding the remittance of their VAT beyond the due date of Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

The Chairman of the OPSN, Mr. Taiwo Adeniyi, said: “We want to pay the VAT. But it is for the government at the centre to make a pronouncement because we do not want the situation

where we will pay the VAT to the FIRS and the court will later say that it is state governments that shall collect VAT. We are shouting that the government will give us a direction as to what to do. It is not even late as a pronouncement can be made on Tuesday, September 21.

Adeniyi said that the OPSN was seriously concerned about the consequences of the ongoing controversy over the right of the government to collect VAT in the country, adding that it would be an “aberration to punish businesses or make them suffer from the proverbial ‘two elephants fighting.”

He said the situation had created an environment of uncertainty, which would negatively affect business competitiveness and sustainability in the country.

The federal government, through the FIRS by virtue of the Value Added Tax Act of 1993, has been the sole collecting authority of VAT in Nigeria until the Rivers State Government’s court victory, which empowered it to collect VAT from businesses located in the state.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

NEWS

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

Amaechi: FG Opening Maritime to Huge Investment Opportunities with Wreck Removal Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, yesterday flagged off the National Wreck Removal exercise in Lagos, with a declaration that the maritime sector was being opened up for great investment opportunities with the exercise.

Amaechi extolled the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, for the initiative, saying, “This creative venture of clearing our waters of wrecks and derelicts, apart from guaranteeing better safety of navigation, opens up the prospects of many new investments in the maritime industry.

“This would tremendously help the federal government’s economic diversification drive and enhance Nigeria’s standing within the global maritime community.”

The minister stressed the autonomous status of each of the agencies under the Federal Ministry of Transportation, stating that all the heads of the agencies were appointed on the basis of competence and expertise. He said he would always support imaginative ideas from the Chief Executives.

“It was the NIMASA DG’s idea that we should remove wrecks from our waters,” Amaechi added.

In his own speech, Jamoh said the successful removal of the wrecks and derelicts would restore confidence in Nigerian waters, and eliminate obstacles to smooth, safe, and profitable navigation. He thanked the minister for pushing the wreck removal idea through the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Jamoh said the commencement of the wreck removal exercise was another milestone in the incremental achievement of the Triple S strategy of the current Management of NIMASA, anchored on Maritime

Safety, Maritime Security, and Shipping Development.

The director general stated, “These wrecks inhibit the operation of shipping companies, which constantly strive to increase efficiency in order to remain in business. As a result, most of the shipping companies usually avoid operating or investing in areas where navigational hazards are identified due to high insurance premium charges.”

He said with the elimination or reduction of the costs associated with insurance, survey and charting of wrecks, the cost of

shipping would drop, to the benefit of mariners and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.

Jamoh also discussed other benefits of the wreck removal exercise.

He said, “It is pertinent to state that the benefits that would be derived upon completion of the exercise extend to other areas of maritime core functions, such as search and rescue services, Cabotage monitoring, as well as prevention and mitigation of marine pollution.”

NIMASA is charged with the responsibility of ensuring safety

and security at sea as well as regulating the maritime industry in line with international laws and conventions, principally, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

“In line with this mandate and in recognition of the importance of safety of navigation in Maritime Administration, the Agency has established the need for removal of critical wrecks along the Badagry Creek,” the director general said.

Rivers Declares Free Medical Services for Pregnant Women Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Government in collaboration with a federal government healthcare initiative, Save One Million Lives (SOML), have declared a week of free medical services for pregnant women and newborn babies in the state.

The declaration was made at the inauguration of the 2021 maternal newborn baby and child health week, held at Isiokpo, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Dr. Harry Agiriye, said pregnant women including HIV pregnant patients would enjoy free healthcare delivery service charges in all state-owned health institutions during the period of

the programme.

Dr. Agiriye enjoined pregnant women to attend their antenatal medical routines in all government health centres at a free cost to improve on their health potency and safe delivery.

According to him, “the decision was the position of the state government to improve healthcare services delivery and to encourage women to avail themselves of the opportunity of the free medical services provided by the state government during the week to improve on their health and take good care of their newborn and safe delivery.”

He said the choice of Ikwerre local government council for the inauguration was borne out of the various commitments and support the local government council had given to the development of healthcare service delivery in the LGA and the state at large.

Tanker Drivers’ Protest in Niger State Takes New Turn Laleye Dipo in Minna The blockade of the Minna to Bida road by trailer and tanker drivers which started on Thursday took a new twist yesterday when the blockade was extended to the Lambatta to Bida road.

This is even as the Niger State Government has said that the opening of the Bida-Minna Road “is not an option for now.”

Following the action of the protesters, vehicular movements between the two axis had been paralysed leading to confusion and trauma on the part of travellers.

The state government had closed the Minna to Bida road a year ago to give way for smooth operation by the construction company saddled with the reconstruction of the over 100 kilometre road.

The action of the government was also informed by the alleged

continued damage of portions of the road already reconstructed However, spokesman of Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association Alhaji Alhassan Salihu, has vowed that they would not back down from their action unless the road was reopened for them to ply.

In a statement yesterday, the state Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Sani Idris, said reopening of the road was “not an option for now” and blamed the federal government for the latest development.

“Niger State is the gateway between the North and Southwest. It hosts the highest stretch of federal roads in the country yet the federal roads in the state have been mostly neglected. The state government continues to expend limited resources on Trunk A roads even when it’s also faced with several challenges that are primarily its duty in the governance of Niger State.

SETTING SAFETY PACE. . .

L-R: Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh; Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi and the acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Koko, during the flag-off of the National Wreck Removal exercise along the Badagry Creek in Lagos…yesterday.

Senator Faults FG’s Approach to Farmers/Herders Clashes Emameh Gabriel in Abuja The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, has faulted the federal government’s approach to the lingering farmers/herders clashes that is fuelling insecurity in the country.

This is just as he noted that the issues may not end any time soon due to poor policies put in

place by the government.

Senator Abdullahi who disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Abuja, said the underlying problem was the lack of sufficient livestock feeds and that instead of looking at the issue critically and instituting a constructive, participatory and transformative solution, the issue has not only politicised but also

weaponised.

He said: “I am very concerned about the issue of farmers-herders clashes as veterinary doctors. I worked in a research institute for more than 12 years. I know that what is being done right now is not sufficient to address the issue. Even the livestock transformation system is not sufficient to address the issue.

What is our livestock population?

Currently, we haveabout 20 million herds of cattle and about 15 million of other animals like sheep and goats, according to the last census, which was in 1990.

“People are against open grazing and are canvassing for ranches but the problem is that there is no adequate feed for the animals. “

NUJ President: It’s Crude Politics Linking Me with IPOB Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano The National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, on Thursday night in Kano described those associating him with Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) as mischief makers.

Isiguzo, who is seeking a second term in office further described as unfortunate the level

of crude politics played by his opponents, as he stressed that the development had degenerated to all time low.

He appeared piqued by the question that sought him to clarify his membership of IPOB and why he influenced the National Executive Council of NUJ to settle for Umuahia as host city for the next week triennial delegates conference.

The NUJ president rhetorically asked “how can I be a member of a proscribed organisation, this is crude politics.”

He told Kano delegates that it was crude politics to link him with IPOB membership.

“Politics apart, this issue is trivial, uncalled for and I see a blatant attempt to set me up against a failed theory. Of course, it won’t fly, because members know

my avowed stand on national issues.” “Our challengers are only campaigning on Facebook and WhatsApp, but it is of importance to remind us that the election has gone beyond that.”

He added that they have refused to come out from their rooms to campaign and tell members what they have as their manifesto, but they were just busy bodies without an agenda.

Sanwo-Olu Compensates Deceased Policemen’s Families with N20m Segun James Following his pledge to support security agencies and their men in the course of their duties, the Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has handed out

two individual beneficiaries cheques of N10,000,000.00 each to the families of police officers who died in active service.

Represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Gboyega Soyannwo, the governor empathised with the affected

families, who were with state security operation,RapidResponseSquad(RRS), describing the monetary support as a token and the government’s efforts at comforting affected families, maintaining that, no amount of financial gift can make up for the

lost lives and the gallantry of the fallen patriots. Thegovernor commendedand appreciatedthegallantryofthedeceased operatives, reassuring the families and Lagos residents of the government’s decisiveness to always work for the good and well-being of the masses.

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NEWS Sultan Urges NARD to Call off Strike Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

HONING SKILLS. . .

L-R: Representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Grace Akinfoyewa; Change Maker President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, Rtn. Gbenga Badejo and Executive Chairman, Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Wahab Alawiye-King, at the opening ceremony of the Train the Trainers E-Learning Workshop for 36 Primary School Teachers in Lagos State…recently.

Bitcoin Tumbles as China Declares Cryptocurrency Transactions Illegal Charles Ajunwa with agency report The Chinese government yesterday intensified its crackdown on cryptocurrencies by declaring that all crypto-related transactions were now illegal in the country.

Bitcoin responded negatively to this crackdown when it fell by 5.49 per cent to about $42,000, while Ethereum slumped by 7.71 per cent to $2,899, according to data from coinmarketcap.com.

In May, the Chinese government pledged to crack down on Bitcoin mining and trading.

It had placed a ban on financial firms and payment institutions from offering services related to cryptocurrency transactions.

In a Q&A posted to its website yesterday, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) said that all “virtual currency-related business activities are illegal financial activities.”

The bank said as cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, and Ethereum were issued by nonmonetary authorities, “they are not legal and should not and cannot be used as currency in the market.” It adds: “Virtual currency does not have the same legal status as legal currency,” the statement partly reads.

The PBOC said services offering to trade, order matching, token issuance and derivatives for virtual currencies were strictly prohibited.

Activities considered illegal

cover a range of operations, such as buying and selling virtual assets as a central counterparty and providing intermediary or pricing services for crypto transactions.

“Those who carry out related illegal financial activities (that) constitute a crime shall be investigated for criminal responsibility in accordance with the law,” it said.

The bank specifically called out the services offered by offshore crypto exchanges to Chinese customers via online platforms.

“The provision of services by overseas virtual currency exchanges to Chinese residents through the internet is also an illegal financial activity,” it said.

The PBOC warned that

local employees at foreign crypto exchanges that continue to operate illegally, and those who provide services such as marketing and payments to them would be investigated in accordance with the law.

It added that the Chinese government will “resolutely clamp down on virtual currency speculation and related financial activities and misbehaviour to safeguard people’s properties and maintain economic, financial and social order.”

Another notice released yesterday by China’s National Development and Reform Commission banned all crypto mining as part of China’s pledges to reduce carbon emissions to meet climate change goals.

Sports Ministry Warns Army over Dehumanisation of NYSC Members Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has urged that all Army and Para- Military personnel be re-oriented and asked to cease dehumanising actions against NYSC Corps members across the country.

The appeal was on the heels of an unfortunate incident that occurred on July 28, 2021 in Cross River State, where a female youth corper was

dehumanised as revealed in a video.

In a statement yesterday, the sports ministry said it had received a full briefing from the Director General of the NYSC about the unfortunate incident.

The NYSC and the Army authorities have since commenced investigation of the said incident and the officer involved as evidenced by the statement released by the Army authorities.

Zulum to Fast Track Completion of Borno Teaching Hospital Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri In order to fast track the completion of ongoing work on the Borno State University Teaching Hospital, Governor Babagana Zulum yesterday visited the hospital site to assess the level of work.

The state university work which began in November last year, the governor said, was to enable the state-owned university to start courses in Medicine and other allied subjects.

Beside being used for academic activities, the governor explained that the hospital would provide affordable and quality healthcare services to the people of Borno in line with the administration’s health development programmes.

The governor commended the contractors for making quality work within considerable

time.

“I am very impressed with the level and quality of work here, your performance is indeed wonderful. We will ensure required funds are released for the other components to start immediately. I want all the work to progress at the same phase.

“While the construction work is ongoing, we shall fast track the procurement of the medical facilities and insha Allah we hope to commission the hospital late next year,” Zulum said.

Conducting the governor round, the overseeing Engineer, Engr. Usman Tijjani Monguno, explained that, General Outpatient Department (GOPD) which renders primary medical care to patients seen, investigated, treated and those requiring specialist care referred to specialist consultant clinical is at 80 per cent completion level.

It also praised the Nigerian Army DHQ, for issuing a statement condemning the dehumanising of the Corps member as highly unprofessional and unacceptable.

“The ministry also condemns in very strong terms this incident. We believe and have been assured that the Army with its discipline and commitment to professional ethics will make sure justice is served.

“The Ministry wants to further urge that all Army and Para- Military personnel be re-oriented and be asked to stop any such dehumanising actions against Corps members across the country,” it said.

It added that the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has further directed that henceforth close monitoring of all camps be intensified to avoid similar occurrences.

Rainoil Expands, Unveils Adamawa Retail Outlet Rainoil Limited, an indigenous downstream oil and gas company with operations in Nigeria, has recently expanded its retail network into 22 states in the country.

The company, according to a statement it issued, inaugurated its first retail station in Adamawa State recently. The station located in Jimeta, Yola increases the company’s retail footprint into the viable North-Eastern region of Nigeria.

With over 100 retail stations across the nation, the company’s retail expansion project will see more Rainoil stations springing up across the nation. The Head of Strategy and Business Development, Mr. Emmanuel Omuojine, said that the company’s strategy was establishing presence in emerging markets whilst consolidating its significant market position.

He said, ‘The end goal is to have a presence in every state

in Nigeria. This expansion drive will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities for the host communities and the teeming youth. Retail is core to our business strategy. The Retail sector will remain relevant for the long-term in our national energy delivery value chain.”

Paul Oparah, the Group Head of Retail Sales of the company expressed happiness at the overwhelming support of the host communities where the company streams its stations.

He said that the retail expansion was important to “expand the company’s footprint and keep the name of the company at the forefront of every customer’s mind.”

“It is important that we are recognised as the leading energy providers that we truly are. We are intentional about our expansion as it helps to establish and solidify our leading status in the market.

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called on National Association of Resident Doctor (NARD) to call off strike in the interest of the nation.

The Sultan made the call at Usman DanFodio University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto at the 20th annual general meeting and scientific conference of the Association of Paediatric Surgeons of Nigeria (APSON).

Sultan noted that as a profession that caters for human health it should have exhausted all available channels of dialogue before embarking on the strike.

“I’m a firm believer of dialogue, let me ask you as a doctor you took a hippocratic oath to save life, how will you feel when your patients die because you are on strike?

He asked.

He maintained that the strike

was not a last resort saying the resident doctors should have consulted people like them who have the ear of the government before embarking on strike.

In his goodwill message, Governor of Sokoto State Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said his government had prioritised the health sector because of the importance attached to it.

Represented by the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Ali Inname, Tambuwal said his administration was constructing a teaching hospital, three specialist hospitals in the three senatorial districts of the state to render tertiary healthcare delivery to the people.

He further stated that some general hospitals in the state had also been upgraded in order to provide better healthcare services.

He used the opportunity to announce that Sokoto State had recorded zero cases of COVID-19 in the past 165 days.

Christian Unity More Paramount Now Than Ever, Says Dogara Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has urged Christian leaders in the country to work towards peace and unity among their ranks.

He said the key aim of evangelisation was achieving unity of the body Christ.

Speaking during a special anniversary lecture organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to mark its 45 years in existence, Dogara said that the church should also spearhead the cause of transformation, spiritual and political regeneration.

“How do we bring peace and transformation to bear on the nation and to ensure that the right things are done should be one of the key focuses of

the Christian leaders?”, he said.

On his part, CAN president, Rev. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, said that Nigeria needed both spiritual and political regeneration to move the country forward.

He said: “What we need today is all encompassing regeneration beginning from the regeneration of the heart where every good and evil comes from to embrace God, godliness, accountability and everything that has to do with virtue. Our value system has changed. It is not about the physical ...but the service to humanity.

“There is a need for political regeneration in this nation in terms of the regeneration of leaders.

Recycling those that have failed because they have the money and the ethnic advantage to rig elections should no longer be emphasised if we must go forward.”

IATA Alleges Nigerian Travel Agents Issuing Fake Flight Tickets for BTA Chinedu Eze The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned Nigerian travel agents to stop issuing flight tickets to persons who buy them to use and purchase Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and later cancel their flights after they have obtained foreign exchange from the banks.

The letter written to the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), titled ‘Re: Issuance of Tickets for Fraudulent Purchase of BTA’, addressed to the President of the association, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye and signed by the IATA Head of Account Management, West and Central Africa, Dr. Samson Fatoken, warned travel agents to desist from the unscrupulous act, which it described as economic sabotage.

The letter stated, “The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) called my attention to the criminal practice of air tickets being issued to unscrupulous persons for fraudulent purchase of BTA and same tickets are voided the same day once the economic fraud has been committed. This nefarious activity amounts to economic sabotage, as it constitutes a leakage in the

CBN foreign exchange.

“Issuing tickets for the sole purpose of purchasing BTA and voiding those tickets thereafter, termed “ticket renting’ is fraudulent and amounts to participating in economic sabotage. You are advised to alert your members about this fraudulent practice and warn whichever agent might be involved in this economic sabotage to desist from it.

“The Central Bank of Nigeria expects our utmost cooperation.”

But in her reaction, the President of NANTA, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye told THISDAY that those engaging in the fraudulent activities were not registered members of the association because all the NANTA members had been instructed against engaging in such unscrupulous acts.

She said the Association would reply IATA and CBN and explain to them that there were other travel agents not registered with NANTA and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), so the association needs government’s intervention to ensure that all travel agents were registered members of NANTA so that government would be able to regulate them.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE CANDIDATE TO BEAT

Mohammed Sani Musa has a good chance of emerging as APC Chairman, writes Na’fiu Abdulsalaam

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ith the successful conduct of the APC local government congress elections on Saturday, September 4, in many parts of the country, the All Progressives Congress has scaled another key hurdle of electing the leadership of the party at the local government level – and those who will eventually become delegates to regional and national congresses and convention.

The ratification of the Ward Congress Appeal reports by the Caretaker Committee also means that the elected officials who emerged through a largely consensus arrangement have been authenticated and the party structure is unfolding gradually.

As the party prepares for the State Congress Elections scheduled for Saturday, 2nd of October and the National Convention which may likely hold in December 2021, it is important to beam a searchlight on the probable aspirants that will make or mar the party’s chances in the upcoming 2023 general elections and beyond.

This is significant bearing in mind that any choice the party makes will be saddled with the responsibility of consolidating on the perceived gains made by the current caretaker committee of the party to reconcile its aggrieved members and reposition it for the task ahead.

In a recent development, one of the aspirants for the position of national chairman, Mohammed Sani Musa – a Senator from Niger State, representing Niger East Senatorial District, had on August 26, declared his intention to vie for the office of the National Chairman of the ruling APC. In a brief media chat in Minna, Sen. Sani Musa explained to the few party stalwarts present that his decision to declare for the coveted position of the national chairman was hinged on his vision to reposition the party in line with best international practices, and a new direction in party politics where the common man can make meaningful contributions in party affairs without the influence of a god-father. This is in order to ensure that the party is all-inclusive.

His declaration may have taken many by surprise, especially with gladiators and former governors such as

WHOEVER EMERGES AS THE NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS WILL FACE A GREAT HURDLE OF BRINGING THE MUCH-NEEDED DEMOCRATIC CONSCIOUSNESS AMONG THE HIERARCHY OF POLITICAL LEADERS

Tanko Al-Makura, Abdul-Azeez Yari, Danjuma Goje and Adamu Abdullahi - in strong contention for the top job.

It is expected that in the coming weeks, some of these other contenders will follow suit by formally declaring their intentions. However, it is unclear whether the APC will adopt the consensus approach as it did with most of the candidates that emerged in the ward and local government congress elections or go into a contest to allow the party vote its desired candidate.

The declaration by Sen. Sani Musa has brought to a closure the never-ending media speculations surrounding his ambition.

Interestingly, Sani Musa remains the most unassuming of all the aspirants when placed side by side with others. Many took it with a pinch of salt when rumours filled the air that he was considering the chairmanship position. In less than four months, on account of his dexterity and focus-driven ambition hinged on politics of conviction, he has gained massive goodwill and support of party members both at the local, state and federal levels.

Whoever emerges as the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress will face a great hurdle of bringing the much-needed democratic consciousness among the hierarchy of political leaders and put in place a measure that ensures that internal party reforms that will assist both the leaders and the members overcome the seductiveness of conventional politics.

More importantly, creating a level playing ground within the party for emergence of leaders and selection of candidates for elections; ability to heal old wounds; resolve party crisis in a timely fashion and create a veritable platform in order to make the APC the most acceptable political party for Nigerians to actualise their dream.

Despite the burden that the next chairman of the party is likely to be besieged with, Senator Sani Musa remains the candidate to beat for the most sought-after party position.

Abdulsalaam wrote from Niger State

THE NEW FRONTIER OF CONTENT EXPLORATION Chidiebere Nwobodo writes that GloTV is set to revolutionise the entertainment industry

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hen American telecom giant, AT&T, concluded a deal to combine its content unit—WarnerMedia, with Discovery, to herald emergence of Hollywood’s biggest studio, with the sole aim to strategically position the conglomerate to compete with content behemoths like Netflix and Disney, it sent a subtle message to the world of entertainment that creative content was the new gold mines—next frontier, in need of explorers.

Netflix, Disney+, WarnerMedia, Amazon Prime, etc., have kept increasing their annual budgets on content developments, exploration and dissemination, just to remain on top of the entertainment market by growing their subscribers’ bases. With a global subscriber base of 208 million, Netflix budgeted $17 billion to be expended on content in 2021 alone.

Joint estimated content expenditure of WarnerMedia’s HBO and HBO Max and Discovery+ in the last one year stood at $20 billion. With a combined subscribers base of 64 million and 15 million, respectively, its merger has strengthened it to compete favourably with the likes of Netflix—208 subscribers and Disney+—103 million viewers. This is the scramble for the control of entertainment contents industry; the streaming market.

Globacom, a leading telecommunications operator renowned for disrupting the market positively for the interest of consumers, is set to repeat this feat in online TV services. Its investments in entertainment industry is a proof of its passion for the youth-driven ecosystem.

It is like coming to play a bigger role in a familiar terrain. Glo, the first indigenous mobile operator that is credited to

have quickened GSM deployment across the country, with its attendant opportunities and ease of doing business.

Globacom’s determination to put mobile phones in the hands of every willing Nigerian, crashed the price of SIM card. Its magic wand—per second billing (PSB), became the game changer and the last straw that broke the back of duopoly hitherto created by legacy operators, who held the belief that per second billing was impossible. Globacom proved them wrong. In retrospect, no one should write history of the nation’s telecom sojourn without giving Glo prestigious position in the hall of fame.

Recently, Globacom celebrated its 18th anniversary. One of the highlights of the anniversary, was the launch of its new app called GloTV. It is an innovative TV streaming service on Android, IOS apps and web for watching live linear TV, Video on Demand and catch-up with premium content. GloTV is set to redefine television landscape in the country, as it will beam quality contents to mobile phones, laptops and desktops of millions of subscribers in Nigeria and beyond.

Most of premium and entertaining contents that GloTV will be offering are what many Nigerians pay through the nose to access via satellite television.

Satellite TV services are still under near monopolistic hold of one company.

Some Nigerians have consistently called for satellite television services to be paid for using “pay as you go” model, but the monopolistic tendency in the sector usually come up with the flimsy excuses that it is not possible, while similar option is obtainable in their parent country.

Nigerians are made to pay for satellite

TV view times they do not use because of an exploitative model being used by dominant company. Before now, there were no better alternatives. If not that Globacom took up the challenge to make life easier for us, we might still be making calls at per minute billing - a humongous ripe off. Globacom via GloTV, is about to do what it knows how to do best—breaking monopoly cum duopoly, just to offer Nigerians quality services at cheaper and affordable rates.

History is repeating itself again.

Incidentally the two biggest streaming service providers in Nigeria today are Netflix and Showmax—two foreign companies. As at last available information, Netflix was valued at $194 billion.

In fact, Covid-19 pandemic helped to skyrocket its shares. While Nigerians are busy fighting each other over sharing of “national cake” that we don’t even bake, foreign companies are exploring our multi-billion dollars new frontier of content streaming market.

Like it did in GSM services, Globacom is ready to bring enormous competition that will benefit Nigerians in this new frontier. GloTV will revolutionize online streaming industry in the country. It has vast network infrastructure of data and voice services that will guarantee quality internet and creative contents. The construction of intercontinental submarine fiber optics called Glo1 is proving a great cum visionary investment in lieu of newly launched GloTV and continuous growth of number of consumers on its network.

When other major operators are losing hundreds of thousands of subscribers, Globacom added a whopping number

of one million subscribers in the month of July, 2021, according to data released recently by the industry watchdog, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It is a show of strength in its growing share of the market. The launch of GloTV will further balloon its number of subscribers because more Nigerians will migrate to the network in order to be part of online streaming frontier GloTV has birthed.

According to the telecommunications giant, “GloTV brings engaging, interactive and premium entertainment content through a rich bouquet of offerings including hundreds of live entertainment programmes, music, documentaries, news, original shows, fashion, lifestyle, kiddies’ interest channels and over 1,000 videos as the company continues to partner providers to address the needs of more customers across varying social strata”.

As a telecommunications operator renowned as grandmaster of data, powered by 4G network anchored on Glo I supersonic submarine optics fiber infrastructure, users of GloTV will find the app interesting as it offers a wide variety of choices from entertainment to news, information to sports, education to cartoons.

The app is for customers on its prepaid and post-paid platforms who own compliant android and iPhone devices and will be required to visit myglotv. com to register and download the GloTV app free of charge until September 30th, 2021. GloTV has ushered Nigerians into a new frontier vis-a-vis world of contents. Lovers of entertainment are beckoned upon to embark on this voyage using GloTV.

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SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What a waste!

In Praise of President Buhari

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by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of the public consciousness the need to treat public funds with the highest level power on May 29, 2015, Nigeria was sadly a broken state in of transparency and accountability. many respects. As a result of many other factors including bad After keeping treasury looters on their toes and at bay through the governance and untold level of corruption, government could not EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part federal and state levels. of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried frittered away billions in foreign currency by importing goods, which can out was the approval of billions of Naira in bailout funds to enable state governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries. Granting those bailout be produced at home. One of such items was rice, a major staple among Nigerians. By banning rice importation into the country, the President on one funds was a huge boost to national security because the pressure of arrears hand had saved the nation billions in foreign currency annually. of unpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all over the country was a And, on the other hand, the President has boosted domestic production ticking bomb. of rice and in the process had nudged the country into self sufficiency in Ask the naysayers and they would readily remind you of how long it food production. He also created millions of jobs for young people in the rice took President Buhari to appoint his ministers and how that contributed to value chain. collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen.

What is most admirable about President Buhari and his government is But buying that narrative would amount to what a famous Nigerian writer, its frugal management of scarce national resources to attain optimum goals.

Chimamanda Adichie, termed “the danger of a single story”. Yet the whole Recall that since President Buhari stepped in the saddle, oil revenue dropped story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to President Buhari inherited in 2015. citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full not dream of. well with the incoming government in terms of leaving workable handover Today, the trains are up and running daily from Abuja to Kaduna. And notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, many from Lagos to Ibadan a brand new rail track was started and completed; of his appointees were still sulking over what they saw as their personal citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these two major cities in the losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult for the country seamlessly as they reap from the dividends of democracy. And with Buhari government. the way this government is going, before 2023 when the President would Even with the obvious and unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour of the PDP leave, the entire country would be linked by rail with all of its economic appointees and their supporters still in government hell-bent on making things difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair advantages. of a broken country. The first thing he did was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja of income to the nation and directed that all inflows be paid into one single account in line with the policy of Single Treasury Account (TSA).

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE PDP government but its penchant for imprudence DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU and lack of accountability denied it the courage of MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO implementing the policy. What the President literally DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI did was to gather all the nation’s money into one box EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN and locked it up with a big padlock and watched for MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI any thief to come close.

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE Who can blame the President for almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of the national treasury with revelations and reports of mind-boggling looting that took place in the 16 years of the PDP? With T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH in national spending.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO remained comatose for years, was woken up to resume TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com its duties. Apart from the trillions of Naira of looted funds and property recovered from corrupt politicians

Stop Ritual Attacks and Killings

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he Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual attacks and killings because the notion of ritual money and wealth is completely baseless. AfAW is making this call following the reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State in southern Nigeria. The local media reported that members of the Western Nigeria Security Network, Amotekun, arrested suspected ritualists with the body parts of a 73-year-old man.

The suspects, who were apprehended in the Boluwaji area in Ibadan, said that a Muslim cleric asked them to procure some human body parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case.

Ritual wealth has no basis in reason, science, or reality. Home movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films have not helped matters. These movies continue to reinforce these mistaken notions and other superstitions.

Families, churches, mosques, and other public institutions do not encourage the interrogation of these traditional occult beliefs. There are no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these irrational and paranormal claims in schools, colleges, and universities. So millions of Nigerians grow up blindly believing that they could make money through ritual sacrifice of human body parts. The belief has led many Nigerians to commit crimes and perpetrate atrocities. Many Nigerians have been jailed or are undergoing court trials due to ritualrelated attacks and murder.

Not too long ago, the police arrested some young Nigerians for stealing female pants, which they intended to use for ritual sacrifice.

AfAW is asking all Nigerians to desist from ritual-related abuses because ritual money beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian media, schools, and colleges should help educate and reorient the public. They should assist in reasoning Nigerians out of this killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense.

Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

08054699539

Boko Haram Fighters Have Not Submitted

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hen we were told that thousands of Boko Haram fighters had surrendered to the military, I had my fears. I was worried because I did not see the so-called fighters submitting arms and ammunition. I did not see a single weapon in all the footages shared by the military. We were even told some commanders surrendered without ordinary kitchen knife.

At another point, we were told that a senior Boko Haram commander called Amir Adamu also known as Rugu Rugu, had surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Gwoza.

Rugu Rugu is responsible for the deaths of troops and innocent citizens around Mandara hill and Sambisa forest in Gwoza. He could not have been killing people without arms.

Shockingly, the gigantic Rugu Rugu also yielded without a single weapon? Also, the so-called bomb makers - Musa Adamu a.k.a Mala Musa Abuja and his second in command, Usman Adamu a.k.a Abu Darda – surrendered without a single firearm. What a country! I could not understand why the military was celebrating terrorists capitulating without their weapons. The development looked more like a charade. They can’t be fighters in the real sense of it, without weapons.

Events of the last four weeks have confirmed my fears. The real terrorists are not submitting. This is the truth. Nine days ago, the real Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, who obviously did not surrender, ambushed our gallant soldiers in Monguno, Borno State, leaving scores dead. These soldiers were killed on their way to Maiduguri. They ran into mines planted by the guerrillas. The terrorists also took away gun trucks and rifles. The guerrillas who carried out this deadly attack have not been apprehended. The snatched weapons have also not been recovered.

On August 31, ISWAP attacked Rann, in Kala/Balge LG of Borno State, killing scores, including some soldiers. The terrorists tentatively took control of the town. Heavy fighting forced hundreds of civilians to flee the area into neighbouring Cameroon. The military had to launch a combined air and ground counteroffensive, enabling them to retake Rann. Earlier on August 30, the militants invaded Ajiri, an area located south of Maiduguri, and killed six residents.

Last week in neighbouring Yobe State, a fighter jet had to be deployed to dislodge the terrorists hibernating in Buhari village, Yunusari LG. Unfortunately, it wrongly hit a civilian

Borno State Gov, Babagana Zulum

population, killing innocent villagers. In the same Yobe, early this month, the terrorists attacked Ngelbuwa, in Gujba LGA. The truth is that Boko Haram terrorists are still very much active along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, along the Nigeria/Niger border.

Then, just last Thursday, ISWAP fighters attacked a military base in Malam Fatori, Borno State, but were pushed back. On the same day, they attacked Babangida community in Yobe, but were also repelled.

I have listed these six attacks to show that the so-called capitulation of Boko Haram/ISWAP is a farce. They are is still very much alive and kicking with Ameer Bakoura Buduma as the new leader of the faction led by late Abubakar Shekau. They only slowed down after the death of Shekau.

In fact, Buduma is consolidating and has appointed Tahiru Damboa as his deputy. The new Boko Haram leader is using Lelewa, a border area between Nigeria and Niger Republic as headquarters.

The bad news is that Buduma and his boys are already spreading out into Bauchi State. That was why some residents of Birshin

Fulani, a suburb of Bauchi metropolis, blocked the Bauchi-Dass road on September 16 in protest against killings by terrorists. Days back, the terrorists stormed the area and killed two people, including a staff of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, Abubakar Muhammad.

Some persons were also kidnapped during the attack. Same day, the killers moved to Bayara, which is just about one kilometre away from Birshin Fulani and kidnapped some people. Days later, the terrorists returned to Birshin Fulani and abducted more people.

The real Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters are still with their guns and holding territories.

This is the truth. They are consolidating and appointing new commanders. The military knows this and must act appropriately. They should not slow down because of this bogus story of terrorists surrendering. For me, most of the people Boko Haram and ISWAP have pushed forward to submit are not fighters.

It is just a trick to trigger their sleeper cells across the country.

This talk by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyeama Nwachukwu, that ISWAP was embarking on massive recruitment of new members because it had been depleted by members leaving is balderdash. Nwachukwu, last Sunday, during a tour of the Hadin Kai theatre Command in Maiduguri, Borno State, appealed to all Nigerians to be vigilant. Haba!

We should be vigilant? This information is not useful for ordinary Nigerians. The Army spokesman has suddenly forgotten about recent attacks by the “degraded” terrorists. ISWAP and Boko Haram are still a big threat and they are recruiting because they are still very much alive and kicking. The military should concentrate on how to truly decapitate these terrorists instead of this hopeless information that ISWAP is recruiting.

On the flip side, Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has shown uncommon courage in his bid to get President Buhari to perform his Constitutional responsibility of protecting Nigerians against terrorists.

At a meeting with a federal government delegation last Tuesday, Masari urged the federal government to adopt new security measures that would liquidate terrorists across the country.

A distraught Masari declared: “From experiences of other countries, you need to liquidate bandits and insurgents completely.

I said it before let me repeat it again, the issue of banditry in Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto,

Naira Crash: What the CBN is Not Doing Right I always laugh whenever the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, says the apex bank has the capacity to meet all legitimate forex demand. It’s just a political statement.

Manufacturers and other businesses are sweating to access official forex. An official of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry told me yesterday that manufacturers have about $1.4 billion forex request, which the CBN is struggling to meet. “We hardly get up to 20 per cent of our forest demand from the CBN,” he bluntly added. The inability of the official market to meet forex demand has been putting pressure on the parallel market.

Sadly, the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEX) is not being properly managed, resulting in the pressure it is facing.

Here, only government agencies supply forex.

Others are discouraged from doing so, because of price fixing by the CBN. It is currently officially pegged at about $/N413. So, there is unsuitable pricing of the exchange rate, with a huge gap in the window between the parallel market and NAFEX. Virtually everybody coming into this market wants to buy. Fixing of NAFEX exchange rate is discouraging other providers of forex, and a deterrent to export as well as hurting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). There is

a lot of round-tripping because of the huge gap between the parallel market and NAFEX window. To curb this, the CBN must end exchange rate fixing at NAFEX and allow the market determine the value of the Naira.

The former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Private Sector Advocate, Dr. Muda Yusuf, was apt when he said the distortion in the forex market, created by the CBN, was responsible for the free fall of the Naira. With the distortion, it becomes difficult to attract foreign investment to the economy.

Yusuf adds: “By fixing the rate, CBN is blocking free supply to the economy because those who are willing to supply to the market will not do so when the rate is pegged. People are doing business under the table because CBN fixed a rate that is not sustainable. There is premium of 30 per cent between the official and parallel market. This regime is creating the problem.

“The critical factors of demand and supply, if well managed, will create incentive for people who want to bring in forex. CBN should allow a system that works. You can never win when you are confronting the market. One of the major problems in the market is the insistence that people should sell at a fixed rate. That

Godwin Emefiele

policy has created a problem of compliance.”

My dear Emefiele, please you should calmly engage stakeholders on the Naira crisis, and implement suggestions from such meetings.

This is the only way to salvage the Naira. Your “I know it all attitude” must be jettisoned. In any case, you have very little result to show for this. So, let’s start with a town hall meeting on how to salvage our beloved Naira.

Kebbi, parts of Niger and Kaduna states has no religious and tribal problem. So, if you take whatever action nobody will complain to you on religious or tribal grounds. We are the same people, same language, same culture and tradition.

“We have certainly become enemies; the good ones on this part and the bad ones on the other part. In everything there is collateral damage, even if you want to clean your room completely in the process you will lose something that you like. So, in dealing with these people of the forest there may be some collateral damages but we need to take action.”

The terrorists in the North-west are inflicting so much pain because they are enjoying a free rein. According to Masari, there are over 150 camps of such terrorists in adjoining forests of Katsina, Zamfara, Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Niger states. Buhari must act decisively.

Nigerians are tired of stories.

A Bumpy Federal Character Commission The motion by a member of the House of Representatives against President Buhari’s flagrant disregard for the provisions of the 1999 Constitution on the appointment of two Northerners as Chairman and Secretary of Federal Character Commission (FCC) was heart-warming. Last Thursday, the lawmakers adopted the motion by Unyime Idem, stressing the need to address the Constitutional infraction in the FCC. This underscores the need for Buhari to comply with the provisions of Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). I’m glad that the House has mandated its Committee on Federal Character to ensure compliance within four weeks.

The current Secretary of the FCC, Muhammad Bello Tukur, was reappointed last April by Buhari, despite the fact that he is also from the North, just like the Chairman, Muheeda Dankaka. It is very painful that those provisions of our laws were ignored notwithstanding complaints.

Dankaka was cleared for the position of Chairman by the Senate based on the understanding that the Secretary of the Commission had few months to complete his four-year tenure and that his exit is expected to usher in a Southerner as Secretary. But Buhari snubbed this and reappointed Tukur.

Those in government must avoid actions that promote division. An agency, whose roles are to promote, monitor and enforce compliance with the principles of the proportional sharing of positions at all levels of government is itself enmeshed in federal character crisis, no thanks to the President.

The position of a former minister, Osita Chidoka, on this issue is instructive. He lamented before the reappointment of Tukur: “This willful disobedience of our laws and national consensus would have disastrous consequences in the future. Those two positions were, historically and in compliance with the federal character law, shared between the North and the South.

“The reason I labour to remind everybody about the Federal Character law is that it is one of the major consensuses of our political leaders to give every Nigerian a sense of belonging in the march to nationhood. Federal Character does not exclude merit. It is a nation building strategy that should take the best from every zone to create a pan Nigerian outlook in our public institutions. Someday we will outgrow the need for zoning and federal character but for now, we should respect it.”

My message to the President today is straight forward: Withdraw the reappointment of Tukur as secretary of the FCC and appoint a Southerner instead. There should be maximum respect for the Constitution of this country. Those who swore to protect this Constitution must not be seen acting to the contrary.

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

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Ijeoma Grace Agu, Eniola ‘Niyola’ Akinbo, and Kunle Afolayan on set of Swallow

Kunle Afolayan’s Swallow Premieres October 1 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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here’s something unique about most of Kunle Afolayan’s productions. They often evoke nostalgia about the good old Nigerian society and you just can’t but pat him on the back for that. Take a quick look at some of his works like Irapada, The Figurine, Phone Swap, October 1, The CEO, Mokalik, and Citation, and you will see he takes viewers through the realm of culture, tradition, belief and as much, explores morals from the entertainment point of view. His latest Àlm, ´Swallowµ, premieres October 1 on NetÁix streaming platform.

A glimpse into ‘Swallow’ shows Afolayan opts for a retro Àlm look that pays perfect homage to a nostalgic past and this cinematic catch will take viewers on a memorable ride, going by the o΀cial trailer for the screen adaptation of SeÀ Atta’s novel with the same title. With throwback images, the trailer gives viewers a feel and taste of what to expect from the riveting drama-thriller written by Atta and Afolayan. Like having to reenact most of the architectural aesthetics of old Lagos, especially the Portuguese designs with details of what the city was like in that period.

Set in mid-1 0s, the Àlm explores drug tra΀cking, workplace sexual harassment and poverty amidst the

weight of austerity measures and the infamous War Against Indiscipline.

This is the Àrst Àlm from Afolayan’s three-Àlm deal with NetÁix, announced back in March 2021.

It’s also his very Àrst adaptation.

Talking about how he approached making his Àrst Àlm adaptation, Afolayan said ´Once I read the book, I had to decide on what aspect of the book I wanted to focus on and whose perspective I wanted to share based on the story because Swallow as a book focused on the life of Tolani’s mother and Tolani herself.

Once that was sorted, every other thing was put in place.µ He adds ´5eading the book gives you an idea of what the movie will

be like and in a way it helps; in another way, it could be di΀cult because if the book is misrepresented or downplayed, then it would be terrible. Usually, people prefer the book to the Àlm but I hope the reverse is the case this time.µ ‘Swallow’ gives a feature Àlm debut to musician Eniola ‘Niyola’ Akinbo in the lead role of Tolani Ajao - a bright-eyed young woman who tries to make it in the obstacle ridden Lagos.

After a series of career woes as a secretary, she considers a drug trafÀcking oͿer from her roommate 5ose Adamson. She stars alongside Ijeoma Grace Agu, Chioma Akpotha, Deyemi Okanlawon, Omotunde Adebowale, Eniola %admus, Mercy Aigbe, Kelvin Ikeduba, and %ig %rother Naija reality star Anthony Edet Thin Tall Tony .

‘Charge and Bail’ for Cinemas October 15 She has always wanted to be a lawyer, just like her dad. And work at his law Àrm. %ut N<SC had other plans. And she got posted to somewhere else. Why didn’t she get posted to her prospective law Àrm" She asks. %ut unknown to her, there’s more to this than meets the eyes as the plot unfolds in the trailer for the Uyoyou Adia’s upcoming movie ‘Charge and %ail’, which is set to hit cinemas October 15, 2021.

The comedy drama is about a rich young lawyer, %oma, played by =ainab %alogun

who gets posted to a ´charge and bailµ law Àrm during her year of national service. Trouble ensues as she struggles to Àt in with the people, the courts, and life. ‘Charge and %ail’ is a fun adventure about the clash between the haves and the have-nots and having to deal with your place in an environment that is strange to you.

It also stars Folu Storms, Tope Olowoniyan, Eso Dike, Craze Clown and Chigul.

These talented actors are joined by veterans %imbo Manuel and Chris Iheuwa as well as a galaxy of Nollywood stars such as Pere

Egbi of the %ig %rother Naija fame, who made the set before the ongoing television reality show. The movie marks Inkblot Productions’ seventh collaboration with Film One Entertainment, making it the seventh Àlm produced by the duo.

Focused on bringing great Nigerian stories to its audiences and are working with amazing visionary storytellers to do so, Charge and %ail which is the Àrst Àlm from Inkblot Productions this year, was written by the co-founder of Inkblot, Chinaza Onuzo, and directed by fast-rising Àlmmaker, Uyoyou Adia who already has a couple of blockbusters to her credit.

Speaking on the Àlm, co-founders of Inkblot Productions – Chinaza Onuzo, =ulumoke Oyibo and Damola Ademola said, ´Inkblot is focused on bringing great Nigerian stories to our audiences and are working with amazing visionary storytellers to do so. It is our good fortune to be working with Uyoyou Adia.µ On her part, Adia promised cinema-goers an exciting experience noting that it is a story that resonated deeply with her and will resonate with the Nigerian audience.

Zainab Z i b Balogun B l in i a scene from f the movie... th i

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

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Sam Dede, Norbert Young Team-Up in Crime Thriller, QuickSand Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ction-packed Nollywood thriller, Quicksand, featuring Nollywood veterans, Sam Dede and Norbert Jerha Young, is set to hit screens soon.

The movie which premiered in the Garden City recently also featured Endy Ojo-Abas, Justice Slik, Fedora Abanonkhua. Quicksand is a narrative of when greed meets power, betrayal is let loose and even the man in the mirror becomes a suspect.

After falling out with his best friend and business partner, Tam, Chief Fubara left his drug and small arms business in the hands of his sons. They became too sloppy and he had to bring his daughter into the business to help quell a rising storm, but he was too late.

He soon learned the government was after his life and business and they needed evidence to take him down. He decided to take over the business again to prevent things from getting worse, but he had already made so many enemies and they all wanted him down. While trying to save his business, he got himself arrested.

His sons and daughter must break him out before they transfer him to Abuja, and that’s where they learned the deepest secret of their family; the person behind the fall of their father is a familiar face.

Produced by Poise Fendy Studios and directed by Endy Ojo-Abas, the thriller will hit screens soon.

Speaking on the ideas behind the movie, Endy Ojo-Abas said, “the idea popped up during COVID-19. A lot of youths were restive, roaming about doing nothing and some were indulging in social vices.

So, my team and I organized a free one-month Àlmmaking training ranging from acting to directing, cinematography, etc. Afterward, they produced short Àlms. And we thought to ourselves to put all the pieces together into a Àlm.

So from the original stories from the student, my scriptwriter modiÀed it, churned it into a full movie, and got veteran actors to play lead roles.”

L-R: Fedora Abanonkhua, Endy Ojo-Abas and Norbert Young

Cheque’s Debut Album is ‘Bravo’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Talented Penthauze’s star, Akinbi Bamidele Brett known by stage name Cheque, last Thursday, 23rd of September, released his much anticipated debut album titled “Bravo”. The 13 track album consists of mostly love songs, all written

by Cheque and mastered by Spax. This evocative love album has the 26 year old Ondo State native show how much he has evolved as an artiste.

The album features top music artistes including Ayra Starr on ‘Dangerous’, Olamide on ‘LOML’, Fireboy DML on the previously released hit song ‘History’, and American rapper, Jackboy on ‘No One Else’. Other songs on the album include Sweet Love, Anybody, Change, Call You Baby, Rockstar, Pray, Free and Blind.

This is his third body of work after 2020’s ‘Razor’ EP, his Àrst EP on Penthauze and The ‘S.O.O.N EP, which he released under the moniker, Kyle B in 2015. Cheque gained massive popularity after releasing the hit track “Zoom” as part of his Razor EP project (his second body of work and his Àrst under Penthauze kast year.

The fast rising afrobeats star followed it up with a super collaboration featuring Fireboy in ‘History’. Cheque signed to

Phyno’s Penthauze Music in February 2019. Before then, he was signed to Cruel Station alongside Fireboy [then DML].

The contract earned him and DML an apartment before it expired in the Ànal months of 2017. DML and Cheque then moved in with a friend who owned recording equipment.

DML became Fireboy DML and then an YBNL artiste in 2019 and Cheque found his conÀdence before joining Penthauze.

These days, he thinks that he’s also partly Igbo because he’s a΀liated with the very Igbo Penthauze, but he’s Yoruba. He says, “I’ve been hearing it since I was attending OAU and I don’t really take it seriously – I never did. But I’m Yoruba.”

One day, in the middle of 2018, Cheque got a random DM from Phyno. His excitement waned after he didn’t hear from Phyno again for a couple of months.

Phyno came back with more enthusiasm and vim, and Cheque signed to Penthauze in February 2019. “I wasn’t making Afro-pop – I was rapping – so I didn’t think someone of that magnitude was going to reach out. . . I felt validated,” he said.

The Nigeria singer-rapper had earlier, via his Instagram page, announced his debut album will be released on Friday September 24, 2021.

Ch Cheque

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Top Nollywood Stars, StarTimes, Team-up on New Comedy

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kirika, that rowdy yet dramatic and sometimes hilarious market for used wears, will be churned into a comedy series produced by Muka Ray and powered by aͿordable entertainment platform, StarTimes.

With a prominent cast lined up for the comedy series, drawn from social media comedians and mainstream actors, the storyline is written to tickle the laughter sensory of viewers while passing a moral message.

The cast, in their glamour, gathered at the unveiling on Wednesday in Lagos in an event organised by StarTimes. They include Iyabo Ojo, Mr Macaroni, Zicsaloma, Muka Ray, Jide Kosoko, Olaiya Igwe, Yinka Quadri, Binta Ayo-Mogaji, Toyin Abraham, Toro Aramide, Yvonne Jegede, Jide ‘Jblaze’ Oyegbile and Kitan Bukola, among others.

Also in attendance were the CEO of StarTimes Nigeria, Alex Jian; Content Director, Viki Liu; COO, Tunde Aina; and ED of OMD, Yinka Adebayo, and representatives of major Nigerian brands.

The new comedy series will debut soon on ST Nollywood Plus, ST Yoruba, PBO and Wakaati TV, all channels exclusive to StarTimes.

Recently, the pay-TV provider partnered with Femi Adebayo, the producer of ‘Ile Alayo’, to adapt his blockbuster movie into a comedy series.

Speaking at the event, the project coordinator for Okirika and Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo said, “even though we are going to be entertaining you, taking out the stress, making you laugh and catching fun, Okirika will

L-R: Content Director, StarTimes, Viki Liu; CEO StarTimes, Alex Jian; Actress, Iyabo Ojo and Actor, Muka Ray at the unveiling of Okirika on Wednesday in Lagos.

also be educative.”

The series will also feature Real Warri Pikin, Mercy Eke, Ini Edo, Korede Bello, Woli Agba, Broda Shaggi, Precillia Ojo and many more.

“With Okirika series, StarTimes is demonstrating its commitment to satisfying the growing demands of viewers for local content. I was attracted to the Okirika story the Àrst time I read the pitch. People have every reason why they buy luxurious stuͿ but might have all kinds of reasons why they choose to buy Okirika. The story about Okirika is very interesting and it’s what everyone should look out for,” Viki Liu, Content Director, StarTimes Nigeria said.

Alex Jian, CEO, StarTimes Nigeria, promises more investment in Nollywood. “In July, I promised that Ile Alayo is just our Àrst step, and StarTimes is going to invest more in local content. Today, we are reuniting for our second project this year. We are still on the journey, welcoming new partnerships, investing in fresh ideas, providing a stage for young talents.

“NTA-StarTimes is the TV platform with the widest signal coverage in this country.

In Nigeria, we have 67 stations located in 36 states, covering over 90% of Nigeria land and population. In many remote areas where signals of other platforms are hardly acces-

sible, people could still watch StarTimes.

“Therefore, we always feel the responsibility on our shoulders, which fuels the original motivation behind all our eͿorts: to ensure that StarTimes is bringing the best home entertainment to the vast majority of Nigerian audience, and at the same time, to create maximum value for the industry, business partners and clients.

“And StarTimes is an open platform. It’s not only ours but also yours. So long as your passion is in line with our mission, StarTimes could be your own platform to try out all kinds of crazy ideas. Together, we could achieve more, achieve higher,” Alex said.

Sunkanmi Out with Debut EP Not relenting on her desire to chunk out good materials for her fans globally, multi-talented singer, songwriter and entertainer, Olasunkanmi Rehanat Alonge better known by her teaming fans as Sunkanmi has released her first ever Extended Playlist (EP) titled ‘Body Language’.

The EP is a collection of different ranges of tempo (mid-tempo to high tempo) merging with several genres of music (RnB, Pop, Amapiano and Electric house) to suit listeners taste.

Speaking on the project, the beautiful singer who recently took a long break from spotlight in order to enhance her creativity disclosed that ‘Body Language’ is an embodiment of the finest set of producers in the music industry carefully crafted by ace producers like Young John, Phantom, Pjay and FreshVdm. Songs on the six-track EP are Understand, Sugar Loving, Body Language, With You, Back Then and No No. The entire project was coordinated by Pjay,

Olawale Machirano, Akeem Adisa, Hassan Alonge and mix &mastered by STG and Indomix.

The visual for the lead single (Body Language) on the EP was directed by TG Omori (Boy Director) and is currently available on all music platform and enjoying massive airplay.

Sunkanmi rose to recognition in 2015 when she released “For Body”, a song which had her enlisting Olamide. She is currently signed to Hit The Ground Records under which she has released numerous singles.

Sukanmi

Abimbola Emerges Winner of ‘Nigeria Queen’ Pageant

Abimbola Abayomi

At the just concluded Nigerian Queen Pageant 2021, Red Carpet and Reality TV Show Host, Abimbola Abayomi emerged the 13th Queen of the pageantry. Abayomi is a fashion model and a lover of the screen whose career as a host and has risen to become a name to be reckoned with.

Since her foray into the media industry, she has gone from hosting top celebrities in Nigeria to exclusive red carpet moments in over top 100 mega events in Nigeria, as well as hosting top rising reality TV shows and pageants. Abimbola was crowned the

13th queen having performed excellently in all the rounds of the highly contested crown and will represent Nigeria at Miss Grant International 2021 in Thailand.

The new queen was presented a brand new SUV amongst other mouth-watering prizes.

Speaking about winning the crown she said, “I feel elated and excited. I don’t know what the future holds but I hope it’s everything good. Asides being a communicator, I’ve always wanted to be a connector of people in Nigeria so I hope to use the platform

to further that to be able to connect people. Let people know that it’s okay to love one another without hating on each other.”

The Nigerian Queen Beauty Pageant is a brand from 001 Entertainment outfit, targeted at redefining beauty with a connotation of purpose, and with a sole aim of carrying out humanitarian activities. The 13th edition of the pageant concluded with a soirée at Arcum Event Center Port-Harcourt, Rivers state with Ebuka-Obi Uchendu as the host of the night.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

POLITY

Yar’Adua: I’m Still Making Consultations on Katsina Governorship Senator Abubakar Sadiq Yar’Adua was one of Katsina State’s APC governorship aspirants in 2015 general elections. He speaks to Francis Sardauna and other journalists on issues afflicting APC and his 2023 aspiration party has succeeded or not, it’s not for me to judge. That’s for the people to judge. But we must go back to the basics and the Jihad that Dan Fodio brought about. We must change our attitudes, we must change our behavior, and you can only change if you are fair and just. An average Nigerian does not need your tribe or religion, what they need is good leadership and that is what we are talking about.

It seems your recent meeting with APC members across Katsina State is a build-up to your 2023 aspiration? ell, that meeting had to do with the federal government’s intervention in reducing unemployment with the provision of 774,000 jobs to the youth under the National Directorate of Employment (NDE).

When I was contacted, we came up with a sharing formula, because we felt if the NDE was allowed to go through political office holders to share the opportunities, there would be problems. So, here in Katsina, we formed committees in all the local government areas of the state and entrusted them with the task of identifying those that really needed the help to be given the slots, and the committees did well, that was why I called them.

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Are you saying the meeting had nothing to do with your 2023 ambition?

You see, there is nothing wrong with anybody having an ambition. I don’t think if you say you are going to make me a governor of my state I will say no. I am a bonafide citizen of Katsina State and Nigeria. So, why shouldn’t I have any aspiration? The people of Katsina know who I am. I am a very straightforward person. So, if that meeting was for that, I will come out to say that look, I have started my campaign.

I’m still making consultations, and when it is time, I will come out to state my position. A lot of people have talked to me to go for the race, but I’m still making consultations, because to be a governor of a state, you don’t just wake up and say I want to be a governor. You have to make a lot of consultations, especially here in Katsina, considering the size of the state and also the number of important dignitaries that we have. So, it’s not about 2023, I have not made up my mind yet.

Are you under any kind of pressure from political associates to contest?

Yes, certainly. So many people talked to me about coming out and so on, and why I need to do this or that. But as far as I am concerned, that is not a pressure. Indeed, we have families, friends and associates that we built over the years, and they will talk to you when they think you are qualified to run.

There are insinuations that the APC in Katsina is engulfed in crisis as a result of the controversy on who will succeed the governor in 2023, how true is this?

I’m not one of those who are eying the seat for the time being.

So, I am not aware of such controversy, because I have not yet made up my mind. But leadership is not about you, or about the aspirants or any other person but it is about the service to the people. And that is what is missing. So, as far as I’m concerned there is no conflict, the only problem we had, and I don’t know whether we still have it, was that the party structure seemed to favour one particular candidate. They were doing everything possible to ensure that one particular candidate was given advantage over the others, and I think as a result of the hues and cries from the political stakeholders in the state, His Excellency, the governor, timely intervened, by saying we will not allow the party structure to be too close to one particular candidate. He said we are going to provide a level playing ground to all candidates.

And as a result of that, the governor set up a committee and each of these aspirants would give a representative. And it is that committee that is saddled with the responsibility of organising and liaising with the committee coming from Abuja to conduct the congress. I think that is something that saved the state from the kind of crisis that would have happened, because if the intervention was not done by the governor, what happened in Zamfara would have been a child’s play in Katsina. The intervention was very critical and timely enough. And I commend the governor for doing that.

Apparently you have confidence in the committee set up by the governor, what would be your expectations?

What would you deploy in your political revolution?

It is what Shehu Dan Fodio did; the tools he used were education, social mobilisation and enlightenment. So, we are going to educate people, mobilise them and educate them as to why they need to participate in the process and why it is important for them to be in the decision making process, for them to elect leaders based on who they are, based on the qualities they exhibited, not on the basis of I’m a minister, I’m a commissioner or whatever and I have money to contest for a position of leadership. Some of those trying to show that they have money now, four, five years ago, had nothing. So, if anybody is telling you that I have money come and elect me, they are technically telling you that you should elect them to steal more. That’s the way I see it.

Yar’Adua

I have absolute confidence because one; on the person selected to chair the committee, that is Mutari Lawal, I always have good relationship with him. In fact, he was one of those people who inducted me into Katsina politics. So, I can regard him as one of my political teachers. He was also one of the people who mobilised us to be socialist when we were young. He is an ardent socialist; we were in the PRP together, though I was at the youth wing. I know he is a very straight person and he is ideologically well grounded. Secondly, even those who indicated interest to contest also gave quality persons. Professor Badamasi is there, Architect Kabiru Ibrahim, Abubakar Soja: they are all rigid and steadfast personalities that you can’t bend. So, I’m satisfied with the quality of representation in the committee.

You said politics is all about service to the people and that is missing now. Are you saying the Masari-led government has done nothing in the state?

When Sheikh Usman bn Fodio came to change things in the late 18th century and early 19th century, he talked about the mess of the Habe rulers, the way they were ruling. One of the things he attacked was corruption and then lack of education.

He challenged the system and brought about a revolution that changed this part of the country, particularly the Sokoto Caliphate. For example, he fought what was known as ‘Kudin Gari” then, a kind of tax that you pay just because you are residing at a town, once you are 18 years and above. He fought that and changed the system. Unfortunately, when the Europeans came, they decided to go back to that old system of excessive taxation and the system of rulership which was hereditary was maintained. Emirs were selected based on heredity not the best quality material available in the community. That is what we are still facing in this country. So, what I want to do whether I am in government or not, is that I want to begin a political revolution from Katsina State. That is, we have to look at the system of leadership.

As you know, leadership is not all about moving around in a convoy with siren, security and what have you. There are qualities of leadership which the Shehu has enumerated and they are many. So, people should not think of leadership as a means to an end, that you are in leadership because you want to make money; that you allow the system to be corrupted.

These are the things we must change. It is the kind of revolution we want to bring about, and people must realise that we now have to take control of our situation, and not just the elites but the poor people must take charge of the situation.

So, it’s not for me to assess whether the APC, PDP or any other

Some political analysts say 2023 will be tough for APC because President Buhari will not be contesting for anything again, what’s your take?

I still believe that APC is a very strong party and I also want to say that the interim leadership of the party, under the Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has really done very well. They may not be 100 per cent perfect, but they have tried as much as possible to bring the party back together. They have resolved quite a number of problems at the local, states and national levels. So, I believe if they are given the chance to conduct free and fair ward congresses, at the end of the day, the party will become stronger by getting strong and solid leadership after the national congress.

So I don’t think PDP or any other party can give APC a run for its money. It is very obvious, as politicians we have seen how even some governors defected to APC and that is not a small achievement by the interim leadership of the party because it is not easy to convince somebody who has been elected on another party’s platform to leave that platform and come to your party, that’s a great achievement. So, I do not see any party beating APC. The only problem, if you see APC failing, that failure will come from its own making in form of internal crisis, but not as a result of any external force.

The opposition is accusing leaders both at national and state levels of failing woefully to address security challenges, what’s your assessment?

You see, a Hausa proverb says Wanda ya fada rijiya shi yasan zurfinta, meaning it is the person who has drowned in a well that can know how deep it is. So you may not appreciate what the President and what the governors are doing as you are not in their shoes and you don’t know how they confront these issues on daily basis. Human beings are very difficult to control, especially in terms of their behavior and conduct, and so on. So, as far as I am concerned, are we doing enough? Probably I would say no. do we need to do more?

Probably I would say yes. But you cannot deny the fact that the governments, both at the state and federal levels, have committed so much resources and time on tackling this issue of insecurity. They should open their eyes. They have seen what has happened within the last 22 years since the return of democracy in the country. It is about time that people realised that it is very important for them to participate in the political process and for them to look for people with the requisite qualities, capacity and necessary tools for leadership and good governance, and that is very easy to do as we know the good and we know the bad ones amongst us. And if anyone tries to impose a bad person on them, it is their inalienable right to resist it. So, we must wake up and make sure we revolutionise the political process in the state.

APC on Route to Sinking Nwaeze Onu

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ith recent developments in our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), it has become clear that silence is no longer golden. Time has come to call a spade a spade and this we must do because we have the interest of the party at heart as one of those that struggled for the formation of APC. APC has taken a centre seat in everything it preached against. It has become where the impossible happens and this is snowballing to the governance in the country. The actors in the corridor of power obviously have ganged up against the

president, Nigerians and the party.

At the formation stage of the APC, we wanted a party that would be distinct from the then ruling party. We anchored our drive on Progressive governance that would be a model in our body Politic and place value in respecting rule of law but alas, the party today has become a theatre of absurdities where respect to rule of law has become foreign.

APC constitution doesn’t provide for a caretaker Committee or whatsoever but the party has been run with caretaker Committee for more than a year now and nobody is talking about it. This very Committee is a threat to the continuous existence of our party and it is becoming obvious at the dawn of every day that APC is sinking.

President Buhari who came to leadership with good mind

has been sidelined and his government hijacked by certain persons and the effects is glaring. From insecurity to bad economy, the country is comatose and one wonders if this is APC we founded as an alternative. I had earlier called on the party to jettison sharing of political appointments and positions according to blocks in the party, if the party continues in this trajectory, our party will continue to be divided.

APC, going forward, should take caution, return the party to the ideals of the founding fathers and make everyone feel at home. The journey of bringing back the party to its original intention of formation should be pivotal as the party prepares for National Convention.

The time to correct this illness is now and every leader of our party must come to this consensus for the future of our party.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

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POLITY

Delta 2023: The Need for Continuity in Progress Allison Abanum

M

yles Munroe quote, “Success without a successor is a no success at all – a pure failure.”

For progress in anything to be sustained, there must be a continuity plan, else the whole thing will revert to ground zero. It is either there is a progression or a regression, there is no space for stagnancy, and that amounts even to the tiniest of things. The people perish where their is no vision- Proverb 29:18.

Governance is one key area where this need for continuity is paramount. This is because no matter how good a particular governmental policy is, once the next administration does not build on it, it will not only crash, but it will also leave the people worse than it met them. Examples of such occurrences abound in our country Nigeria today. We have examples of students sent overseas to study on scholarship being frustrated because the administration that awarded the scholarship is no longer in power and the current administration has decided to cause a disconnect. This is just one of the horrible things that can emerge when there is lack of continuity.

Delta State has been blessed with thoughtful and wonderful leaders since her creation. From Chief James Ibori who was the first to handle the paddle, to Governor Uduaghan who took over the steering from the hands of Ibori and handed it over to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, it has always been from one blessing to the other, from one wonderful policy to the other. The successes recorded by these administrations are manifestations of the tenacity of the good people of Delta State who soften hard soils with their sweat in order to make bountiful harvest; wonderful Deltans who took seriously “the Delta project.”

Building itself may be difficult to do but it takes only one fatal blow for destruction to occur. It takes the handing over of the number one seat of Delta State to the wrong person for the whole successes of these previous administrations to be forgotten as they will be blotted by the next administration’s bad-policies-induced hardship. That is why it is important that the good people of Delta State elect someone who is not just ready, but equipped to continue in the good line and even expand it. That person is David Edevbie.

After graduating from the University of Lagos where he got his Bachelors in Economics in 1985, the young, intelligent Economist proceeded to get a Master’s of Business Administration from Cardiff Business School, UK in 1988. There he also became proficient in international corporate lending.

David Edevbie David Edevbie started as a Trainee Manager, Graduate Development Programme, Barclays Bank, London in October, 1988, immediately after graduating from the University. He was Branch Manager from 1988-1989 and became credit Analyst from 1989-1990. Due to passion for work, discipline and financial prudence, Edevbie was promoted to Assistant Manager, Corporate lending from 1990-1992.

He was Corporate Finance Executive, Hill Samuel Bank Ltd, United Kingdom, 1992-1993, Manager, Corporate Recoveries, 1994-1995; Investment Officer, Asia and Pacific, Common Wealth Development Corporation, United kingdom, 1995-96; Deputy Country Head, Philippines, 1996-98, Investment Manager, Minerals, Oil and Gas dept, 1998-99. Edevbie is a member of Chartered Institute of Bankers; Chartered Institute of Marketing. He was Finance

Commissioner under the James Ibori-led government and became the Principal Secretary to the President. Because Edevbie had been seen as a man of passion, he was again appointed as Commissioner for Finance in the first tenure of the Okowa-led administration and became Chief of Staff to the same government in the second tenure. Passion for distinction in whatever he does is one of the reasons why trace of any kind of financial fraud has never been linked to this distinguished gentleman. He has always left uncompromising Standard every where he headed. Edevbie’s hobbies are soccer and advance financial modelling. He is an Anglican, happily married with children.

David Edevbie is one man who has been in so many positions that refine and bring out the leader in a man. He has served in the private sector, both internationally and locally at senior administrative levels and positions. He has also, more importantly, been in the corridors of power of Delta State where he familiarised himself with what goes on in the state. His wouldn’t be a situation where a child just stumbles on what he finds very daunting for him and thus messes up the whole thing. He has for the past few decades lived and worked for the Great Delta State and the Good Deltans.

His is an experienced man, who is experienced both in the State’s politics and in the country’s politics at the federal level having served at the Presidential Villa under the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. His service to the state has paid off in numerous ways. Forming a significant part of Delta State’s revenue is the 13% derivation oil payments which the state was able to secure due to the efforts of Ibori’s administration. It is important to note that he was the Commissioner for Finance at that time and thus was one of those who prevailed on the federal government to commence the 13% derivation payments.

Beyond Delta State, but still to the great benefit of Deltans, he was very influential in securing amnesty for the repentant Niger Delta militants during the Yar’Adua administration.

This amnesty went a long way to bring down the level of violence going on in the Niger Delta area, which had become a big threat to the Nigerian nation as a whole.

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BOOK REVIEW

Peterside, Freeman, Highlight Modern Day Maritime Books: Strategic Turnaround and Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Authors: Dakuku Peterside and Colin Freeman Reviewer: Fergus Kell

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he threat of modern-day maritime piracy has become routinely associated with Africa more than with any other continent. Much of this notoriety can be traced back to the peak of the unprecedented crisis stemming from Somalia between 2008 and 2012, during which hundreds of attacks on ships were reported in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean, with several attracting multimillion-dollar ransoms.

Though the scale and scope of that crisis has not been surpassed since, in the past decade the dubious accolade of leading global hotspot of piracy has increasingly shifted to the Gulf of Guinea, off the west African coast. Between the devil and the deep blue sea by Colin Freeman and Strategic turnaround: story of a government agency by Dakuku Peterside are important contributions that highlight aspects of the topic that have been significantly overlooked amid this resurfacing of piracy in the international consciousness.

Freeman, who himself was kidnapped by pirates during his career as a foreign correspondent, brings both journalistic rigour and flair to his recounting of a series of personal accounts of the ordeal faced by crew members of three vessels captured at the peak of Somali piracy, who were subsequently left stranded in captivity for years owing to the shipowners’ unwillingness or inability to pay the ransom demanded. Their plight came to the attention of Colonel John Steed, a retired British Army officer who set about negotiating their release.

At its core, the book’s account of the forgotten hostages and Steed’s haphazard rescue efforts—despite a wider crisis that drew in ‘one of the largest peace-time Armadas the world has ever seen’ (p. 283)—is a compelling exposure of the uncomfortable reality that ‘piracy cases only attracted much attention if they were Westerners’ (p. 5). While this point is hammered home by harrowing reports of the cruelty of the captors, there are glimpses here too of important underlying factors in the rise of piracy that may too often be disregarded by explanations based on pure greed or criminality. Freeman highlights onshore conditions of poverty and a lack of alternative opportunities, as well as piracy’s increasing sophistication and status as a business attracting rare

Dakuku local investment.

Peterside’s Strategic turnaround charts in painstaking detail the author’s tenure as director general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) between 2016 and 2020. Taking over at a time when NIMASA was ‘plagued by reports of corruption, incompetence, lack of professionalism, inefficiency and so on’ , and a time when numbers of reported incidents of armed robbery and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea were spiralling upwards, Peterside is credited with the transformation of the agency’s fortunes and its rise as an integral player in Nigeria’s maritime policy domain.

The book’s early chapters are devoted to an exhaustive mapping of the author’s personal involvement in internal agency shifts—ranging from human resources matters to the design of a new logo—which may be more likely to catch the eye of organizational management specialists than maritime security practitioners. Its latter sections, however, open a valuable window on NIMASA’s efforts to push for legal reforms criminalizing piracy and to create a new Integrated National Security and Waterways Protection Infrastructure Project—‘Deep Blue’ for short. This was a major initiative to enhance Nigeria’s domestic incident response capacity through equipment acquisition and deployment including patrol boats, armoured vessels and air support, a 24-hour command centre and training programmes.

At first glance, these two books may appear to present two sides of the same coin: one examining piracy’s human cost through accounts of its direct victims, the other a first-hand account of the policy efforts to address this insecurity. Yet there are significant variations between the two cases and the regions to which they relate, providing a timely warning of the dangers of a one-size-fits-all approach to African maritime security issues. Demands from the global shipping industry for a stronger international naval presence in the Gulf of Guinea have continued to mount in recent years, to mirror more closely the approach taken to suppress Somali piracy. But whereas Freeman can ask of the decision to pay ransoms: ‘What was the alternative? In Somalia, there was no proper police force or navy’ (p. 141), Peterside’s narrative of Deep Blue indicates that just such an alternative has been actively pursued by NIMASA and the Nigerian navy, despite the reservations repeatedly expressed by international partners.

This apparent dismissal of domestic efforts feeds into a wider perception, shared by Peterside, that piracy statistics, industry statements and media reports are unfairly skewed against Nigeria—fuelling tensions that risk undermining the foundations for genuine maritime security cooperation between regional and international actors.

If one of these books exposes how the global furore around Somali piracy mostly ignored its non-western victims, the other should thus invite questions about whether the same disparity applies to regionally-led policy solutions.

In this respect, the Deep Blue project, which was taken forward after Peterside’s departure and officially launched in June 2021, deserves greater recognition and support as a major step towards boosting Nigeria’s domestic response capabilities, even if a long road stretches ahead before its full implementation is achieved.

Both authors would likely acknowledge that enforcement responses or debates over ransom payments are only one part of a much larger picture, dominated by the need to tackle the complex socio-economic challenges facing coastal communities. Though the headlines may have shifted in recent years from Somali piracy to the Gulf of Guinea, neither region will be fully able to shake off the threat of piracy until these root causes are decisively addressed.

Kell, a research analyst at the African Programme of Chatham House published this review in the September edition of International Affairs, a journal published by Chatham House, The Royal Institute of International Affairs London.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

THEFRONTLINES

Did the North Inherit Leadership?

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s the build-up towards 2023 gradually begins with the various gladiators already taking their different positions, one issue that would define this contest is the bloc that would produce the next President.

Already, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), through its spokesman Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has fired the first salvo by declaring that the north is unapologetic about its desire to retain power in

2023.

Baba-Ahmed who insisted that the next president should come from the North also declared that the presidency is its birthright and inheritance. Since democracy is a game of numbers, he stated that the region commands the voting strength to elect another Northerner to continue in 2023. he went ahead to stress that the North will not play second fiddle in 2023. Buba-Ahmed said heaven will not fall if power is retained in the North.

The NEF spokesman who made the remarks in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, at the maiden Maitama Sule Leadership Lecture organized by the student wing of the Coalition of Northern Groups said “We will lead Nigeria the way we have led Nigeria before. Whether we are President or Vice President, we will lead Nigeria.

“We have the majority of the votes and the democracy says vote whom you want. Why should we accept a second class position when we know we can buy forms and contest for first class and we will win? Why does anybody need to threaten us and intimidate us? We will get that power, but be humble because power comes from God. We inherited leadership, being honest is not being stupid,” Baba-Ahmed warned.

To begin with, in the last 22 years since the return to civil rule, the South has been in power for 14 years (ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo - South-west, 1999 - 2007) and (ex-President Goodluck Jonathan - South-south -2009 - 2015). While the north, on the other hand, has been in power for eight years so far (late President Umaru Yar’Adua - North-west - 2007 - 2009) and President Muhammadu Buhari also from the North-west took over in 2015 and has done about six years. By 2023 when the tenure of this administration runs to an end with Buhari completing his second of two terms making it eight years, the north would have done ten years in 24 years of the democratic cycle in Nigeria.

This leaves the north with a four-year vacuum. This vacuum is indeed the crux of the current disagreement and the almost door-die battle that is about to be drawn by the political gladiators as 2023 approaches. To put this in better perspective, this vacuum would not have existed had Yar’Adua not died shortly after taking office. In the confusion that ensued, while some northerners

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

insisted that Johnathan must step down for a northerner to complete the tenure, the argument was however impeded by the 1999 Constitution. The Constitution favors the Vice President (then Goodluck Johnathan) to take over the reins of government when a President is incapacitated.

After months of high wire politics and horsetrading, the ‘doctrine of necessity was invoked by the National Assembly to pave way for Johnathan’s emergence as President. After serving out Yar’Adua’s term, Johnathan stirred the hornet’s nest when he again threw his hat into the ring to contest for another term. He got it but the north never forgave that act of ingratitude and it is the reason it is baying for blood as Buhari is set to exit.

Is the north right to lay claim to power retention under the circumstance? No. Going down memory lane, the north has never hidden its craving to perpetuate itself in power. In fact, it sees itself as born to rule and it is for this reason that it claims it inherited power, but from whom did the North inherit leadership? The question is begging for an answer and only people of the north who canvass this view can provide an answer.

What Baba-Ahmed does not know is that, either deliberately or inadvertently, he has touched on a raw nerve that is already provoking far-reaching political consequences.

At independence in 1960, Alhaji Tafewa Balewa emerged as the Prime Minister under the parliamentary system of government, while Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was named President, power resided with Balewa, making Azikiwe a mere ceremonial head.

After Major Chukwuma Nzeogwu’s coup of January 1966, a counter-coup by predominantly officers from the north seized power from General Aguiyi Ironsi from the south. General Yakubu Gowon took over till the civil war broke out in 1967.

The north was in power from 1966 till 1976 when General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated by yet another coup.

Obasanjo who was his deputy took over and handed over power to another northerner, Alhaji Shehu Shagari in 1979.

Shagari was overthrown also by a northerner, Buhari in 1983.

After barely two years in the saddle, General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari and lead the country till 1993 when he was forced to step aside after annulling June 12, 1993 election believed to be won by Chief Moshood Abiola.

The Interim National Government headed by Chief Ernest Shonekan was punctuated by a northerner General Sani Abacha, who took over and ruled the country until his demise in June 1998 paving the way for yet another northerner, General Abdulsalami Abubakar who finally handed over to Obasanjo in 1999.

Thus between 1960 to 1999, the north alone had been in power for 36 years leaving the south with less than three years on the

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

saddle. Is this not injustice?

If there is any region that should lay claim to not playing second fiddle, it is the south and not the north because the north has had more than a fair share of leading this country. Reading the NEF’s spokesman’s speech, what other confirmation does the south needs other than this to confirm the level of contempt, disdain, and hatred some northerners hold against the south.

Right before independence, the north has always seen itself as a far more superior race than the people of the south. They have always perceived southerners as people who should be subjugated primarily because the south has been docile. And so you hear things like we inherited Nigeria and at another time, northerners pride themselves as people born to rule. To rule over who? Slaves or who exactly are they born to rule over?

This same crass arrogance manifests itself in body politics and virtually every facet of our national life. The North claims the British who amalgamated disparate ethnic nationalities into what is called Nigeria today handed it to them at independence. This is why, right from Independence in 1960, the north, represented by the Fulani hegemony has carried on unchallenged as owners of Nigeria.

So who has benefited from these long years of the north perpetuating itself in power? No other zone than the north. For instance, utilizing its federal might, the north suddenly emerges from the 12 states structure to command about 19 states leaving the south with just 17 states. It has in addition over 450 councils with the south having 324 councils.

The corollary of all this scramble is for resources. With 19 states in the north and over 450 local government councils, the north benefits over 56 percent of revenue from the federation account for the states and local government councils. How much does the north contribute to the federation account from which it takes the lion’s share? Almost nothing.

So in whose interest is Nigeria’s unity? Is it for the north or south? It is in the north’s interest for Nigeria to remain indivisible so it can continue to enjoy the spoils of office. If not, how can a region that browbeats others using its population and landmass to share revenue is unable to use these key factors of production for useful purposes and contribute its quota to the consolidation account?

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PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Area Chairperson, Association of all Primary School Head-Teachers of Nigeria (AOSPHON), Bolanle Adedayo; Educational Secretary, Ifo Local Government, Rev. Canon Babatunde Adebayo; Chief Executive Officer, Norstrom Consulting, Otunba Richard Biodun Okeowo; Chief Executive Officer, FAE Limited Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo; and Pastor-in-Charge, RCCG LP74, Zone 11, Tunde Orundami at the official commissioning event of the Erosion Control and Flooring Project for Zumratul Islamiyyat Primary School II, Akute implemented through the Corporate Social Responsibility contribution of Princess Layo Bakare-Okeowo….recently

L-R: Chief Investment Officer, Honeywell Group, Otu Hughes; Head, Corporate Responsibility and Services, Honeywell Group, Tomi Otudeko; Executive Secretary, Consulate of the United Arab Emirates, Fatine Laaroussi Tribek; Senior Adviser, Government Relations, Honeywell Group, Oluwayemisi Busari; and, Consular and Citizens Affairs Officer, Consulate of the United Arab Emirates, Muhammed Raji Basheer during a courtesy visit by the United Arab Emirates team to Honeywell Group’s Head Office at Ikoyi, Lagos …. recently

L-R: Past Assistant Governor Nosa Edo-Osagie, Immediate past President, Rotary Club of Uselu L-R: Head, Corporate Communications, Sifax Group, Mr. Olumuyiwa Akande; Special Assistant to Central Queen Omosefe Ogieva and Past President Rotary Club of Uselu Central, Debbie Akhaine the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mrs. Kemi Areola; Executive Producer, The Next during the installation ceremony of Felicia Edewede Omoruyi as the President of Rotary Club of Titan Nigeria, Mr. Mide Akinlaja and 1st Runner Up, TNT Season 7, Miss. Chidinma Eriobu at the Benin GRA held in Benin City recently. press briefing. Photo: Etup Ukutt

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

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POLITY CISLAC Wants Dirty Money Stamped Out in Politics i In Nigeria, the ever increasing problem of dirty money in politics, which suggests a high level of impunity among politically exposed individuals, who seek to gain power and accrue wealth through illegal means with zero accountability, has been a growing concern. Worried by this trend, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and other stakeholders recently converged on Lagos at a forum themed “Strengthening Accountability Networks Among Civil Society (SANCUS) to sentisise the public on this menace. Hamid Ayodeji reports

A

s the 2023 General Elections draws closer, the need for all stakeholders to unite in stamping out money laundering and circulation of other dirty monies’ which births different electoral malpractices was the focus at a workshop organized by CISLAC. “Strengthening Accountability Networks among Civil Society (SANCUS) is a project that runs from January 2021 to December 2023 and is being implemented by Transparency International Secretariat through its chapters in 21 countries with support from the European Commission.

CISLAC is currently implementing this project in Nigeria, with the focus on solving the core problem of dirty money in Nigeria’s politics, which perpetuates a culture of lack of accountability and corruption for power preservation and self-enrichment. The project aims to improve the democratic accountability of public institutions globally by empowering CSOs to demand systemic change to address accountability and anti-corruption deficits.

The well attended forum held at Regent Hotel, Ikeja Lagos had participants and representatives from the civil society organizations, the media, Inter - Governmental Action against Money Laundering in West Africa – GIABA, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and National Orientation Agency (NOA).

Reeling out the aims of the gathering, the conveners said the Reeling out the aims of the gathering, the conveners said the SANCUS objective “is to advocate the operational independence of anti-corruption agencies, an increased enforcement of existing anti-money laundering provisions and policies; an improved oversight function of the National Assembly; improved capacity of the media and civil society to investigate the presence of dirty money in Nigeria’s political processes and finally to increase citizens demand for accountability in the funding of political processes.”

The conveners are hoping that the sensitization would instill some level of sanity in the Nigerian political elites whose actions continue to tarnish the good image of the country as a democratic space which operates within the purview of maximum respect for the rule of law.

Stating why the gathering became imperative, the conveners said “Nigeria is the largest Illicit Financial Flows offender in the continent with about $18 billion estimated to be lost annually.” This figure they believe is likely to increase, if necessary, measures are not taken to curb the excesses of these crimes.

Therefore, the forum shared the overview and expected outcomes of the SANCUS project with the CSOs and ways to strategically align the SANCUS with the existing interventions of the AML-CFT CSO forum to have a more robust advocacy towards the strengthening of Nigeria’s AML regime In his opening remarks, Executive Director, CISLAC Auwal Musa Rafsanjani expressed concerns about the enforcement of laws enacted to tackle money laundry, corruption and electoral malpractice: “Our laws are not enforced or are ignored. According to the widely shared public opinion, political contests have little to do with ideas but rather corruption and populism take the upper hand.”

He said this crisis of the image of Nigerian politics had led to a widely disillusioned public electorate that expects profiting from the corruption instead of trying to stop it.

Rafsanjani noted that although there was crisis at the leadership of the country, the people are equally guilty. Citing the 2019 general elections, he said over one quarter of voters came to the polling stations with the offer to sell their vote to the highest bidder.

The CISLAC Executive Director adds: “We all know the problem IFF causes and as CSOs working around the themes

L-R: Programme Officer, Anti-Corruption CISLAC, Samuel Asimi; Director, Legal, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Hajia Amina Elelu-Ahmed; Executive Director, CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani; Executive Director, Inter-Governmental Action Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr. Timothy Melaye; and Head, Real Estate and NPO, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mr. Moses Azege, during CSO Forum on Strenghtening Accountability Networks Amongst Civil Society. : ETUP UKUTT of money laundering there is a need to call out the wrongdoings of the government as well as commend the government when they are taking the right actions.

“Doing this will greatly reduce IFF in Nigeria and you agree with me that with the high rate of borrowing, it is important for us to block these leakages.

“All hands must be on deck to ensure that scenarios where looted funds are stashed either at home or abroad only to be used when it is time for political campaigns and elections is reduced to its barest minimum.”

Speaking about the project, Rafsanjani said SANCUS project comes to Nigeria at the critical junction of the pre-election period for the 2023 elections, as there was a need for all CSOs to unite and come up with strategies aimed at mitigating the role of dirty money in the upcoming electoral circle, and also develop a strategic document for CSOs on how to advocate for a reduction of dirty money in politics.

“On the positive side, the necessary institutional and legal infrastructure is in place. We have the Independent National Electoral Commission and laws in place that, in theory, should regulate how money enters politics,” he said.

Rafsanjani equally noted that the SANCUS project plans to advocate for the operational independence of anti-corruption agencies, an increased enforcement of existing anti-money laundering provisions and policies, and an improved oversight function of the National Assembly.

He said it would also advocate for an improved capacity of the media and civil society to investigate the presence of dirty money in Nigeria’s political processes and, “increase citizen’s demand for accountability in the funding of political processes. On his part, representative of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Moses Azege noted that non-state actors play a unique role in supporting state actors in such ways that result in more effectiveness in our democratic efforts. According to him, these collaborations result in innovative concepts like the theme of SANCUS Nigeria Project, “which is to address the issue of dirty money in Nigeria politics.”

Azege adds: “This initiative could not be more timely bearing in mind that we are about to begin another electioneering process and we know that electioneering is expensive on the ordinary Nigerian because more corrupt proceeds tend to flow into the electioneering space.

“Corruption is not just a threat in itself but an enabler of other illicit conducts. Consequently, the motivation for

corruption is more widespread during the period leading to elections. Therefore, all stakeholders have to be alert to this and collaborate in ways that will mitigate these illicit flows.”

While speaking virtually on dirty money in politics, two resource persons joined the discourse from abroad. They were Matthew Jenkins, SANCUS Policy Lead, Transparency International, Berlin, Germany and CISLAC Policy Consultant, Vaclav Prusa.

On how to fight the illicit money, Prusa said the institutions of government should be built in a way that, in fighting dirty money in politics, there will be nowhere for the culprits to hide: “It should be built in a way that there will be no secrecy of jurisdiction, no anonymous companies, every company must be clearly identified and their owners known, just like the idea of hiding under cryptocurrency to perpetrate the act should not be allowed.”

On what the CSOs and others can do to fight dirty money in politics, he said: “They are to monitor compliance, monitor campaign, political spendings, follow up money in politics, press for the fulfillment of anti-corruption pledges, educate the public about political integrity, expose unexpected wealth of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), and mobilise critical mass of people who reject dirty money politics.”

Also speaking during the forum, Director Legal, National Orientation Agency, Amina Elelu-Ahmed explained that the issue of dirty money in Nigeria’s politics, with its attendant negative consequences, was no doubt a threat to good governance.

Elelu-Ahmed adds: “It is also no longer news that politics in Nigeria, perhaps more than other avenues, is a leading means of money laundering. Many see political parties as avenues for investment, by money bags, with an expectation for return on investment and therefore would never be guided by the rules of accountability and transparency in governance.

“It is in this regard that I think a deeper look should be taken on sources of funding that those present themselves for political positions spent during elections.”

She said it was necessary for the Code of Conduct Bureau, the EFCC, and others to investigate people aspiring to contest various positions, “so that patriotic Nigerians driven by the passion to serve are not schemed out by those in positions of dirty money.”

Charles Nwodo Honoured

F

ounder of XL Africa Group Limited, Charles Nwodo Jnr, has been honoured at an award ceremony in Nsukka, Enugu State, by Starlite Newspapers at its 2nd annual award and lectures series held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, with the theme “Economic Diversification and the Self-sustainability options for Enugu State”.

According to the organisers, Nwodo was honoured in recognition of his excellent leadership and contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s economy through cross-sectoral private sector activities in Nigeria and across West Africa.

“It is important to identify people who have contributed immensely to the economic growth of this nation; as it is popularly said, give honour to whom honour is due,” said the organisers of the award.

Speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, Prof. Osita Ogbu noted: “The theme of the occasion is coming at a time when diversification for structural change is needed. There is need for diversity to provide a cushion for the turmoil in Nigeria as it will help build a resilient economy”.

In a keynote address, Barr. Nnia Nwodo said “there is need to develop skills, activate local potentials, and expand production capacity for economic growth and self-sustainability.”

He decried the negligence of farming produce by states and the federal government despite the potential of improving the economy it agriculture.

“There is need for reorientation of ideas that will make us grow as a people and as a nation,” stated Ogbu.

The organisers of the award charged everyone to identify sustainable options for economic diversification and to seek ways

Charles Nwodo through which these options could be domesticated to develop other streams of income for the country as well as its citizens.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

On, Not Under, Platform

“T

HE doctors, under (on) the platform of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD)….”

Please note that the past tense of ‘benefit’ can be spelt either way: benefited or benefitted. There was a slight mix-up in this column last week.

“Matrac Nigeria Limited, the sole authorized dealer for caterpillar products and services in Nigeria (another comma) hereby notify (notifies) the general public.”

Despite the phrase ‘general public’ being in some—not all—dictionaries, I see it as a civil service cliché that should be discarded for simply ‘the public’.

“We commend the Minister for (of) Niger Delta Affairs for instituting the audit panel.” (Editorial, September 15) “…review of the laws to reposition and restructure the NDDC for efficiency and better service delivery, amongst (among—in compliance with latest trends in morphological usage) others.” (Source: as above) “Burial arrangement (arrangements are) are (is) as follows (follow)….” I hope the “Security guard arrested over (for) Niger monarch’s abduction” (News around the city, September 8) “Umada (sic) Igbo mourns (sic) departed amazons (Oriental News, September 8) A complete rewrite: Umuada (take note of the spelling) Igbo mourn amazons.

Would they have mourned amazons who are alive? The headline caster must have murderous intentions!

“Abia APC flay (flays) Apugo for inciting party members against national leadership” “Ondo Govt fixes Akure-Owo expressway amidst (amid—still on currency of

application) gridlock” “Why do you need 30 years to clean-up” No S-VD: clean up. “…he who pays the piper dictates (calls) the tune.”

The next salvo this week comes from Vanguard of September 7: “6 suspects arrested over Suleija bombings” Towards a better life for readers: arrested for (not over).

THE NATION of September 6 bungled a fundamental point: “If Nigeria is to send more of its girls to school, it must ensure that the education sector is….” Enriching knowledge: educational sector Still on advertisements: “Cheers! As an achiever par excellency turns 40” This way: par excellence.

“Salami’s ouster backed by precedence (precedent)” (THE GUARDIAN, September 6) THISDAY of September 5 issued this infraction: “Wikileaks: IBB played double standards on Atiku” This is journalistic infantilism that borders on stunted professionalism. Yellow Card: double standard. “…action of holding government establishments responsible for whatever actions it (they) takes (take).” What’s going on? This grammatical lawlessness was taken from THE PUNCH of September 5.

“Boko Haram’s grouse with the UN is misplaced.” (National News, September 5) Heart beat: grouse about the UN. “UN blast: A panorama of event” (THISDAY, September 3) Cover story: A panorama of events “Poverty of ideas haunt our leaders” (SATURDAY Vanguard, September 4) If weekend newspapers were role models: Poverty of ideas haunts our leaders (and, if I may add, sub-editors or whatever name they bear these days!) “…as investment on (in) water projects

yield dividends” (Nigerian Tribune, September 3) Subject-verb disagreement (S-VD) is becoming a major structural challenge to most colleagues of mine: investment yields dividends.

Let us welcome THE MOMENT to this column. Its September 3 edition introduced us to juvenile errors: “Jos crisis: ACF urges warring communities to sheath sword” Spell-check: sheathe. “…the Obasanjo administration spent a whooping (whopping) 16 billion US dollars on power projects between 1999 and 2007 without anything to show for it….”

“In (On) the premises were some chairs, burglary proofs….” Get it right: burglar alarms. Tolerably, too: burglar proofs, (Saturday Tribune, September 3) We must persist as long as these solecisms recur despite their almost weekly repetitiveness in this column: either condole with or console.

“Legends of yesteryears” (DAILY TRUST, September 4) Basic knowledge: yesteryear (uncountable) “How many of our employers (employees) are paid their monthly salaries in advance, talk less of (let alone) earning a year’s salary in advance.” (National Politics, September 2) “Customs seizes N50m contrabands, 4 luxurious vehicles” (THISDAY BUSINESSWORLD, September 2) This way: ‘contraband’ is non-count and, of course, luxury vehicles.

Still on THISDAY: “Ijeshaland roles out the red carpet for Obada” City Strings: rolls.

The next eight blunders are from DAILY INDEPENDENT of September 2: “Returning Sapele to glory days of growth (1)” Niger Delta: glorious days “This time around (round preferably because the other variant is a piece of

Joke Silva: A Gazelle Across The Ages

I

n four days, Mabel Ajoke Silva, the more adorable half of acting colossus, Olú Jacobs, shall awake, by the grace of God, as a 60-year old wife, mother, grandmother and still a lodestar of Nigeria’s filmic firmament. Her hallmarks on the chequered history of the Nigerian motion picture world have been illustrious, robust and expansive. It is almost impossible to believe that this delectable role interpreter has been performing, at a premium level, for four decades!

Silva has elegantly traversed the stage, radio, television, video, celluloid...what else is there? She has done that, been there...for all these years with such a lingering aroma that draws young women, and hitherto bewildered parents to believe that acting, and the different aspects of the creative process, can indeed serve as one of the greatest levers for nation-building and respectable personal ambition. She has been at the arrowhead of few but great female thespians whose contributions, expertise, carriage, and charisma have shattered the long held myth and misgivings that artistes, of any hues, were namesakes of vagabonds and undesirable elements.

We honour today this dainty gazelle across the ages, as she clocks 60 years on September 29, 2021. Here is a reprise of my reflections on her career and characteristics in the book, “Reflections: Anthology of Thoughts on Nigerian Movie Industry” (June, 2021): “Resplendent actress and artistic director, properly so called. She makes performance, on and off stage, a teasing proposition for parents to warmly contemplate their children’s interest in drama.

“The one who would need no introduc-

tion since she joined the glitzy parade in 1990, Ajoke Silva (Jacobs, a name she acquired when she married theatre titan, Olu Jacobs in 1985, but kept in abeyance by mutual professional understanding), would be 60 on September 29, 2021.

“A graduate of Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, London (1982 - 1984), and later the University of Lagos (1988 - 1992), Silva sits atop the Lufodo Group as Vice Chairman, and the Director of Studies for one of the group’s subsidiaries, Lufodo Academy (since 2009). The Group is all about stage and film production, including incursions into distribution, training and consultancy. For a number of years, she was the pioneer managing director of Malete Film Village, facilitated by Kwara State government and its state’s university.

“Let’s try and retrace her dainty footsteps back a little bit. Her 1980s activities were strung between stage, school, “several radio and television drama in early ‘81”, and ‘hubbying’ with her ‘gentle giant’. She kicked off with Soyinka’s Jero’s Metamorphorsis (1981) for the Nigerian National Theatre with Edith Enem as the Artistic Director. The following year, 1982, was busier: to mark Nigeria’s 21st independence anniversary, Silva alongside Jacob, featured in Coming of Age, a commissioned work, written by Jacob, and directed by Enem.

She was also involved with Ayo Lijadu in a puppetry project with the same National Theatre, in the same year. Then, Mirror in the Sun occupied her mid-80s, followed by Olu Jacob’s Holy Child which dominated her artistic occupation between 1986 and 1993. Thereafter, she returned to school in 1988. At UNILAG, she was active on stage

with Bode Osanyin ministering at the Cultural Centre. For example: Exception and The Rule and Omodo were two plays she reformed in. Silva ended the decade with Fani-Kayode’s Mind Bending (1990/1991).

“Venturing into virgin land of video acting, Silva was magnificent in Lola Fani Kayode’s Mind Bending (1991/1992), Bunmi Oyinsan’s Owuro Lojo (1993), pulsating in Amaka Igwe’s Violated (1995), and did her parts in Chico Ejiro’s Silent Night (1996), <and Twins of the Rain Forest (short, 1999).

She also featured in British-Canadian film with Oscar winner Colin Firth and Nia Long in The Secret Laughter of Women (both 1999); she starred with her protegee, Bimbo Akintola in Keeping Faith: Is That Love? (2002). She co-produced and starred opposite Olu Jacobs in The Kingmaker (2003); she also featured in Husband’s Wife (2003), Shylock, and A Past Came Calling, and Last Wedding (all 2004).

“In 2006, she won Best Lead Actress award at the 2nd AMAA for her sterling performance in Women’s Cot (2005); and took the Best Supporting Actress award at the 4th AMAA, in 2008 for her exquisite grandmother role in the 12-time nominated movie, White Waters (2007).

“And there are more examples of her long and illustrious career: Opin Irin Ajo, Brave Heart (all 2005); the soulful narrator in The Amazing Grace, she played Dupe Ajayi in Mildred Okwo’s action thriller which got eight nominations at AMAA 2008, 30 Days (2006); Ndubuisi Okoh’s To Love and to Hold, Oriaku in Strong Men at Work, Eewo Orisa (all 2007); Sister’s Love (2008), 5 Apostles (2009), Bent Arrows, Tango with Me (both 2010); Phone Swap

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

Americanism!)….”

“When Ngozi Iweala (sic) was the Minister of Finance during Obasanjo regime (the Obasanjo regime or Obasanjo’s regime), lots of progress was (were) made.”

From the editorial of ‘a voice of your own’: “The social consequences of mass youth unemployment is (are) best imagined.”

“The EFCC, rather than do the job it was established to do (another comma) have (has)….”

DAILY CHAMPION Online of September 2 circulated multifarious gaffes that bordered on sheer carelessness and ignorance: “Experts converge in (on) Abuja over terrorism, economic crime” “NAFDAC mops-up fake drugs worth N300,000” Business & Economy: mops up.

“We have not had any crash in this country that involves (involved) any student of this college.”

“Nigeria advocates for locally produced vaccines” No news: delete ‘for’.

“Ibadan flood: Farmers dispatch SOS to FG, Oyo govts” Get it right: Federal, Oyo govts or FG, Oyo govt—which is clumsy!

“Retrenchment: Electricity workers read riot acts to Power Ministry” Stock expression: read the Riot Act (not acts) “This must be a time for introspection, for deep soul searching as a way of paying respect to those who have lost their lives.” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, September 1) A season of editorial bungling over the recent torridity in Ibadan: we pay respects, not respect, in greeting.

“The players were now absorbed in the game when somebody ran into the yard, towards the backyard and breathlessly dashed passed (pass) them.”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

(2012), Potato Potahto (2017), The Royal Hibiscus Hotel (2017), Chief Daddy, If I Am President, Bandits, Grandma Nadia in Kada River (all 2018); The Set Up, Mrs. Chukwuemeka in 2 Weeks in Lagos (both 2019); Citation, Namaste Wahala , and Mama Jumoke in Light in the Dark (all 2020).”

To the heartbeat of the Jacobs, and the shining star of the Silvas, a grateful nation, including three love-struck generations, stand tall to give you, Mabel Ajoke Silva, a standing ovation for a truly remarkable and inspirational application of your talents and beliefs in pursuit of your career, lifestyle, public service and family values. Happy birthday, and congratulations, Mama Olusoji.

Meanwhile, Poor Nigerians Are Going Extinct Yes, the Lord Jesus said the poor we shall always have around us... We remember people like Alhaji Umaru Dikko of the late 80s claiming Nigerians were not hungry as they had not been eating from dustbins... and poverty, as today’s partisans are quick to interject, is not the creatíon of the Buhari administration. It has been our lot for many decades. We know you have the statistics... and your government say they are working assiduously to remedy the situation. That may be so...but the narratives of hunger, desperation, and pure lack amongst our people, both in the urban or hinterland, have weaved gory and horrifying visions of end time proportions. Read through the media, scan the social media, go out of your comfort zones and observe the pervasive clutch of despair and deprivations in all zones of the country. The poor are speedily going extinct.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

25. 09.2021

NEWS

CAN PEP BREAK TUCHEL’S JINX?

Victor Osimhen

PAGE. 29

Defenders’ Nightmare

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Osimhen celebrating one of his brace against Sampdoria during a Serie A match on Thursday

Victor Osimhen

Defenders’ Nightmare As a result of coronavirus related issues and shoulder injury,Victor Osimhen did not have the dream start he had hoped for when he moved to Napoli for a Serie A record transfer fee. However, the Nigerian seems to have finally settled and he’s fast becoming a menace to defenders in the Italian and Europa Leagues as Leicester City, Udineze and his last victim-Sampdoria can testify. Little wonder the main discussion in Italian football circles now is on how to stop the‘moving train’

F

ans at the King Power Stadium had a dose of Victor Osimhen’s pace and power during the much talked about Europa League group game between Leicester City and Napoli as he helped the serie A side to come from 2-0 down to draw level with two late goals.

It therefore came as no surprise that Leicester City coach, Brendan Rodgers heaped praises on the Super Eagles striker after the heroics he put up against the Foxes in the Europa League.

Speaking after the game, Leicester’s manager Rodgers talked about the quality of the former Nigerian U-17 star.

“We had some players getting their first 90 minutes of the season as well, and then obviously, their big striker (Victor Osimhen), who’s £70-odd-million, so you can see his quality, and he gets his two goals,” Rodgers told LCFC TV. Osimhen indeed built on his performance against Leicester City as he opened his Serie A account when he scored Napoli’s opener against Udinese last Monday night.

AC Milan great and seven-time Serie A champion Alessandro Costacurta has confessed that Napoli has an almost unstoppable force of nature in Osimhen.

Costacurta made this assertion while analysing Napoli’s comprehensive 4-0 thrashing of Udinese at the Dacia Arena.

A fantastic defender in his prime, Costacurta watched Udinese’s centre-back trio of Rodrigo Becao, Bram Nuytinck, and

Samir struggle to deal with the pace and power of Osimhen all night.

However, five-time Champions League winner Costacurta has offered tips to defenders on how they can stop the former Lille man from embarrassing them.

“How is Osimhen rated? He has great potential in the open field,” Costacurta said.

“Trying to anticipate him is a danger because then you risk never catching him again. The only thing is to try to wait for him.”

Meanwhile, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has likened the Super Eagles striker to Stamford Bridge star Romelu Lukaku.

Zola, who was a brilliant striker for Chelsea in the late 90s and early 2000, believes that the former U-17 star could reach Lukaku’s tall heights.

Lukaku is known for his outstanding goal-scoring ability and he is a l s o g i f t e d w i t h g re a t p o w e r w h i c h he successfully uses to wreak havoc in defences.

Lukaku’s ability to take on defenders confidently and perform o u t s t a n d i n g h o l d - u p p l a y s a re a l s o k e y i n g re d i e n t s in his game.

The same could be said of Napoli star Osimhen. The former U-17 highest goalscorer showed glimpses of his ability whilst at Lille, and that was what prompted the Parthenopeans to pay top dollar to secure his signature.

Although his first season was derailed by a shoulder injury and Coronavirus,

Osimhen still managed to score 10 goals in 24 league games.

He has continued in the same vein this season, although he got off to a disappointing start with a red card in the opening league game of the season against Venezia.

Zola believes the Nigerian has enough talent at his disposal to become a worldbeater like Chelsea’s Lukaku.

“When he arrived in Italy two years ago, I didn’t know him well and I researched him,” Zola told Gazzetta Dello Sport as per Sempreinter “I discovered a player very good in his movement. With his athletic strength, he can be devastating. He is Lukaku’s heir. He is young and has enormous room for improvement.”

Indeed, former Napoli striker Bruno Giordano has advised Osimhen to follow the example of Borussia Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland.

Haaland has been scoring goals for fun since his move to Dortmund in January 2020 and has picked up where he left off last season, with a goal involvement of 15 (11 goals, 4 assists) in only eight matches.

Giordano feels that Osimhen has been conducting himself properly off the pitch and the Super Eagles striker should view Haaland’s remarkable exploits as a benchmark.

The Nigerian international has been in red hot form since the start of September, scoring four goals in five appearances for club and country and his latest contribution

was when he opened the scoring in a 4-0 rout of Udinese.

“Victor Osimhen is still very young and has every chance to leave an important mark not only in Naples, but in the whole of Italian football,” Giordano told Canale 21 via Area Napoli.

“An example to follow could be Haaland, a footballer who is scoring many goals both in Germany and in Europe with the shirt of Borussia Dortmund.

“The Nigerian could retrace his path and drag the Napoli of mister Luciano Spalletti to important successes.”

The Super Eagles star was at it again as he scored in each half as the Parthenopeans crushed Sampdoria 4-0 on Thursday and Osimhen has vowed to keep working hard after Thursday’s Serie A encounter.

Buoyed by his notable performance against Udinese on Monday – where he was among the goal scorers – the Nigeria international got a double as the Parthenopeans punished Roberto D’Aversa’s men.

Speaking to Napoli website after full time, the former Lille star is pleased with his current form, while stating that he is not willing to slow down.

“I’m really happy,” said Osimhen. “It was important for me to start the season well and I want to thank the coach for his confidence in me. I’m honoured to play for this club.

“Last year I had Covid and then got a bad injury. I’m in good shape this season.

“I’m training consistently and I’m listening to the advice the coach gives me and the help I get from the team.

“I’m pleased with what I’m doing but I know I need to continue working hard.

We all need to continue down this track.”

Meanwhile, manager Spalletti has showered encomium on the African star who put in an awe-inspiring display at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

“Victor is doing well and working hard for every ball,” he said.

“He finishes his chances very well. I think we did well to read the game, both when there were challenges and when there were more positive moments.

“We did well to stand firm during the tough moments and then kick on when we had the ball.

“We got the game where we wanted it, partly through individual plays, and we took our chances well.”

He is expected to lead Napoli’s frontline when they welcome Cagliari to Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday.

Napoli coughed out a fee of 70 million euros to sign Osimhen in the summer of 2020.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Chelsea, City Re-enact Champions League Final Arsenal, Tottenham in first season’s North London derby

Chelsea and Manchester City would be re-enacting the final of the 2020-21 UEFA Champion League final when both sides clash today at Stamford Bridge in what is no doubt the headline fixture of this weekend Premier League. The Citizens were heavily favoured in the final in Porto but against all odds, the Blues not only won but were by a mile the better side on the night. Thomas Tuchel is just one of the two coaches to have got the better of Pep Guardiola. Three times they met last season and the German defeated the Spaniard on the three occasions. The former Barcelona manager would no doubt have revenge in his mind, but against a Romelu Lukaku inspired Blues, the Citizens must be at their best to take away something from Stamford Bridge. To add extra spice to this weekend’s fixture is tomorrow’s North London derby between Arsenal and Tottenham at the Emirate Stadium Premiership Table Chelsea Liverpool Man Utd Brighton Man City Everton Tottenham West Ham Brentford Aston Villa Watford Leicester Arsenal Crystal Palace Southampton Wolves Leeds Newcastle Burnley Norwich

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

11 11 9 3 10 3 -3 4 3 1 -2 -3 -7 -3 -2 -3 -7 -7 -6 -12

13 13 13 12 10 10 9 8 8 7 6 6 6 5 4 3 3 2 1 0

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

The midfield duo of Manchester City Kevin DeBruyne and Chelsea N’Golo Kante would go a long way in determing where today’s tie tilts

O

ne of the standout matches on the Premier League calendar will take place at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, as early league leaders, Chelsea, welcome the reigning champions, Manchester City.

Chelsea top the table with 13 points to show from their opening five matches, while Man City occupy fifth, having collected 10 points from their first five league games of the campaign.

Not too much can be read into the league table at this stage of the season, but there is no question that Chelsea have made an encouraging start, winning four of their five matches, drawing the other, to collect 13 points, which has left them at the top of the division heading into the next set of fixtures.

The Blues are actually on a run of four straight wins in all competitions, having overcome Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, in addition to beating Zenit St Petersburg and Villa in the Champions League and EFL Cup respectively during an impressive run of form.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have only conceded once in the league this term and have been impressive on their travels, beating Arsenal and Tottenham, in addition to drawing 1-1 at Liverpool while playing with 10 men.

Chelsea will be looking to send out a statement to the rest of the division this weekend, and the Blues are being tipped by many to win a seventh English top-flight title this term and their first since 2016-17, but at this early stage of the season, four teams, including Man City, are seen as potential challengers.

The capital outfit have won each of their last three games against the Citizens, including a 1-0 victory in last season’s Champions League final, although the last Premier League meeting between the two teams at Stamford Bridge ended

in a 3-1 success for the visitors back in January.

The German is already one of only two managers to have got the better of Guardiola in three successive matches - so how telling will it be if Tuchel can rack up four wins in a row when Chelsea host Manchester City today?

The Chelsea boss never beat Guardiola when they both worked in Germany but followed in Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps soon after arriving at Stamford Bridge when he racked up a trio of wins in three different competitions in the space of six weeks at the end of last season.

Tuchel’s last triumph, in the Champions League final, was by far the most significant of those successes, and came after some so-called over-thinking by his opposite number saw him tinker with the tactics that had just delivered his latest Premier League title.

So, what has Guardiola got up his sleeves this time? And, with Chelsea top of the table and already looking in formidable form, how important is it for him and Manchester City that he gets this one right?

“It’s all everyone at City is talking about,” says their former midfielder Michael Brown. “I was working at their Carabao Cup win over Wycombe at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday and, whether it was fans, other ex-players or people in general, they were all saying ‘what will Pep do at the weekend and will it be something different again?’

“It shows where he and the club are at.

Everyone is judged by Pep losing games - whoever gets a result against him is big news. “He’s the one manager in the world where, if he is beaten, everyone looks into every little thing that could explain why it has happened.”

Tuchel is not yet the same-sized scalp as the Spaniard, but his approach today will also be under some scrutiny.

After all, he has done little wrong since

arriving in England in January and, after conquering Europe, his team are currently top of the domestic table.

Like Guardiola, his adaptability is key to his continuing success.

“The most interesting thing for me about Tuchel this season is that I think he is dumping the 3-4-3 system that got Chelsea to the Champions League final and won him that game,” says former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin.

“Tuchel and Guardiola are basically the best two tactical operators in the game right now when it comes to reading a game, reacting to what is happening and affecting it.

“But he is up against Pep again now and that is a game of chess above all others. He won the last one but, to be fair, Guardiola knocked his own queen over at the start with his team selection that day.

“So, Tuchel has not exactly got his number but I don’t think he is fearful of Pep, whereas I think a lot of other people are afraid of his huge football intelligence.”

Like Chelsea, Man City managed to advance to the fourth round of the EFL Cup during the week, recording a 6-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium, but Pep Guardiola’s side were held to a goalless draw by Southampton in the Premier League last weekend.

It is hardly time to hit the panic button, but the reigning champions have dropped points in two of their five league games this term, having also lost to Tottenham on the opening weekend. The gap to first spot, though, is just three points and that could evaporate this afternoon.

Man City’s failure to land a centreforward over the summer has certainly opened the team up to criticism, and they were frustrated by Southampton at the Etihad Stadium in their last league encounter.

Chelsea v Man City 12:30 Man Utd v Aston Villa 12:30 Everton v Norwich City 15:00 Leeds Utd v West Ham 15:00 Leicester v Burnley 15:00 Watford v Newcastle 15:00 Brentford v Liverpool 17:30 SUNDAY

Southampton v Wolvers 14:00 Arsenal v Tottenham 16:30 MONDAY

Crystal Palace v Brighton 20:00

La Liga TODAY

Alavés v Atlético 13:00 Valencia v Bilbao 15:15 Sevilla v Espanyol 17:30 Madrid v Villarreal 20:00 SUNDAY

Mallorca v Osasuna 13:00 Barcelona v Levante 15:15 Vallecano v Cádiz 17:30 Sociedad v Elche 17:30 Real Betis v Getafe 20:00 MONDAY

Celta Vigo v Granada 20:00

Head to Head 21-05-08 Man City 1-2 Chelsea 21-01-03 Chelsea 1-3 Man City 20-06-25 Chelsea 2-1 Man City 19-11-23 Man City 2-1 Chelsea 19-02-10 Man City 6-0 Chelsea 18-12-08 Chelsea 2-0 Man City 18-03-04 Man City 1-0 Chelsea 17-09-30 Chelsea 0-1 Man City 17-04-05 Chelsea 2-1 Man City 16-12-03 Man City 1-3 Chelsea 16-04-16 Chelsea 0-3 Man City 15-08-16 Man City 3-0 Chelsea 15-01-31 Chelsea 1-1 Man City 14-09-21 Man City 1-1 Chelsea

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: Alice Ben of Birview, Wahab Aminu-Sarumi, Chairman, Ikoyi Golf community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), Meckson Innocent Okoro, Golf Captain, Idia Okundaye GM, HR, Grand Oaks Limited and Ronke Iyiola, Co-Vice Chairman, 2021 Nigeria Cup Organising Committee at 2021 Nigeria Cup Press briefing Hammad plans big for Lagos Judos

IGCNA Pledges Fanfare as Nigeria Cup Tees off Monday This year’s edition of the annual Nigeria Cup, an event put in place to celebrate the nations Independence anniversary will be organised with fun and fanfare.

This was revealed at the event’s pre-tournament press briefing which held at the golf section of Ikoyi Club 1938 during week.

The Chairman of the event parent body, Wahab AminuSarumi who spoke on behalf of Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association, (IGCNA), said it would be a weeklong of festivities as the Cup engages all segment of the Club in the 24th edition of the tournament.

The Caddies will tee off the

event on Monday, September 27, while the ladies will take turn on the Course on Tuesday.

Wednesday has been slated as special Independence Kitty.

Thursday is for Professional golfers who will play for money.

The Course will host Veterans and Sponsors representative on Friday. Saturday, October is grand finale and the day a new Nigeria Cup champion will be crowned.

While thanking sponsors AMNI Petroleum, ND Western, Grand Oak, Sapetro, Design Union, Birdview Travel and Tours, Chevron, Total, KPMG, for supporting the event over the years, Sarumi said IGCNA and the entire Club will continue to appreciate

their support, pledging the resolve of IGCNA to continue to maintain the partnership.

“We thank the sponsors for their support in this difficult period. May I also thank the members of the Community for their tremendous contributions to this event. We are very grateful,” Aminu-Sarumi said.

Also speaking, the Club Captain, Meckson Innocent Okoro said he looks forward to a thrilling week on the course, noting that Nigeria Cup is one of the biggest event sporting event in the country.

This year’s Nigeria Cup, would be organised in full observance of Covid-19 protocols.

Ebeledike Plans Big for 30th Edition of PHC Ladies Open The Lady Captain of the golf section of Port Harcourt Club 1928, Chief Mrs. Lady Lizzy Ebeledike has assured golfers that will be participating in the Port Harcourt Ladies Amateur Open scheduled for this weekend of absolute safety as the Golf Tourney will attracted more than 130 participants.

Ebeledike, while briefing press ahead of the epic golf event that entered its 30th edition this year said there was consciousness of the Covid19 pandemic, and that is why the organising committee devised

better arrangement with view to decongest the golf course.

“Wearenotleavinganystone unturned towards ensuring a memorabletournamentandwe are also putting proper measures in place to comply with thenewnormalthatoperatesall overtheworld.Thegoodthing withthegameofgolfisthat it is not contact sports. Moreover it is an outdoor game with a lot of trees where one can breathe fresh air,” she said.

The Lady Captain however, commended the sponsors that came out to support the event, stressing that sponsorship had

not been so easy like before, due to the adverse effect of the pandemiconeconomicstatusof the multi-national companies.

“Wearethankfultothosethat supported us; we were able to get few corporate support and somanyindividualsponsors”, said Chief Ebeledike.

Lady Ebeledike added that she has been trying to fulfill all promises made in her inaugural address as the Lady Captain of the club, which include bringing in new innovation that would move this lady section forward.

2021 World Winners Cup

WACOT Rice Signs Sponsorship Deal with Kebbi Fishers WACOT Rice, a member of the Tropical General Investments (TGI) Group, has signed a sponsorship deal with the Kebbi Beach Soccer Club (Kebbi Fishers) for the upcoming 2021 World Winners’ Cup in Alanya, Turkey.

Organised by beach soccer worldwide, the global governing body under the Federation of International Football (FIFA), the competition will hold from October 11to 17 and will feature leading beach soccer teams from different countries.Currently ranked No 1 in Africa and 49th globally, Kebbi Fishers is the sole African representative at the tournament and is aspiring to secure a berth in the top 20 global rankings leveraging WACOT Rice’s support.

The sponsorship announcement was made at a ceremony where Nigerian Beach Soccer League trophy won by the Kebbi Fishers was presented to the Kebbi State Governor, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu and the Chairman of WACOT Rice, Farouk Gumel.

The ceremony also featured the unveiling of the team’s new kit which was branded with the iconic bull of Big Bull Rice, the premium parboiled rice brand made by WACOT Rice in Argungu, Kebbi state.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of WACOT Rice, Farouk Gumel said “This group of individuals are doing amazing things. Although made in Kebbi, the team is full of Nigerians from

within and outside Kebbi. We are therefore proud to support this team as part of our youth empowerment and social development initiatives”.

Commending both WACOT Rice and the Kebbi Fishers, Governor Bagudu said, “I want to appreciate WACOT Rice for the sponsorship, and I say congratulations to the Kebbi Beach Soccer team, who in a few years have demonstrated what is possible, when the right support and push is given”.

Kebbi Beach Soccer Association, Chairman, Mahmud Hadejia expressed the team’s gratitude to the governor and the First Lady, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu who have supported the team invaluably over the years.

Hammad’s Mission to Build a Taste for Judo Across Lagos Since assumption of office as chairman, Lagos State Judo Association, Sheriff Hammed has brought vibrancy to the sport with several initiatives to popularise it in Lagos. In this interview with Femi Solaja, the LSJA chief spoke further on other initiative in the pipeline When you took charge of Judo in Lagos, what were your plans to revive the fortunes of the sport?

My plan was to first have a better understanding of the sport and its current state of development. We have had various achievements from past chairmen and for me, I believe it is time to build a structure that promotes a judo with purpose culture. Judo is an interesting sport that offers a myriad of opportunities for participants and their society. My plan is to make judo a household sport, one that every home in Lagos can easily relate with. This can only be achieved by building a judo culture across Lagos.

How has it been in the last few months in terms

of reviving the sport?

It has been an interesting experience. We have worked hard on building relationships with possible partners towards developing judo in Lagos State. From visiting the Embassy of Japan in Abuja to visiting various organisations such as Kellogg’s and more.

We are also discussing with Japanese brands in Lagos, as they have a better understanding of what Judo could be for societal development.

Our interest is to have a team approach to developing Judo and this was what inspired our most recent hosting of MTN Nigeria to a judo demonstration at our Rowe Park Dojo in Yaba.

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics also helped us to see what one of our goals would look like,

that is to have Lagos State Judo athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

What has been the challenge and how have you been able to ride on it for success?

For judo to work, there are three key components training venues (dojo) which include the mats (tatami), easy access to judo uniforms (Judogi) and availability of coaches. Without these it is almost impossible to promote Judo in any society. We currently have only two standard dojos in Lagos - Rowe Park Dojo and the one in the National Sports Institute (NIS).

Tatami and Judogi are quite expensive, and we have only a few qualified judo coaches available.

Fans Commend Sanwo-Olu for Hosting Aisha Buhari Cup Football Fans in Lagos on Tuesday commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the hosting of Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Football Tournament.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the tournament at the Remodeled Mobolaji Johnson Sport Arena some of the spectators interviewed said that the hosting of the tournament in Lagos was a welcome

development and should be a sustainable one.

According to Semiu YayaBalogun a resident of Lagos Island, “The turf of the stadium is very Okay, kudos to Lagos State Government for the delivering of standard sport arena and for the hosting of the tournament.

“If Lagos State Government can continue to host Super Eagles and Super Falcons in Lagos , it is going to help the two national

football team to be strong,” he said.

Adewale Busari, a football enthusiast hailed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for organising the tournament and Lagos State Government for hosting it. “ I would like to give a thumb up to both the NFF and the Lagos State Government for the hosting of this very entertaining female football tournament here in Lagos”.

Madrid vs Villarreal, Inter vs Atalanta on DStv, GOtv DStv and GOtv customers can look forward to extended action from the La Liga and Serie Aseasons, with matches scheduled to run from today to Monday.

DStv “Unbeatable Football” and GOtv “Our Home, Our Football” campaign offers for the 2021/22 football season promises a range and depth of action for customers.

This round of La Liga action is headlined by Real Madrid hosting Villarreal at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu this evening at 8pm on SuperSport La Liga (DStv channel 204 and GOtv channel).

Anotherkeyclashthisround

sees Deportivo Alaves host Atletico Madrid this afternoon on SuperSport La Liga.

Elsewhere in Spain’s top flight this weekend, Sevilla will back themselves to win at home to Espanyol at 5:30pm, as well as Barcelona when they welcome Levante to the Camp Nou on Sunday, while the round will wrap up on the evening of Monday with Celta Vigo welcoming Granada to Galicia for a clash at Estadio de Balaidos at 8pm on SuperSport La Liga.

This round of Serie Aaction is headlined by the latest edition of the Rome Derby, or the ‘Derby della Capitale’ between

Lazio and Roma on Sunday at the Stadio Olimpico at 5pm onSuperSport Football (DStv channel 205) and SuperSport GOtv Select 1 (GOtv channel 33).

This round of top-flight action from Italy also features Juventus at home to Sampdoria on Sunday at 11:30am; AC Milan look to win away at Stadio Alberto Picco against Spezia, Napoli at home to Cagliari on Sunday at 7:45pm; and the action wraps up on Monday with Veneziaat home to Torino at 7:45pm.

All these matches will air on SuperSport Football and SuperSport GOtv Select 1.

31

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Wilfred Ndidi Still Ranks Amongst the Best Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi is perhaps the most consistent Nigerian player in the past four years or more, little wonder he’s the only Super Eagles player to make the FIFA top 100 players this year

T

he yearly ratings of the popular video game franchise by EA Sports, FIFA, recently released showed that only one Super Eagles star is good enough to make the top 100.

Wilfred Ndidi is the only Nigerian rated high enough to feature in the top 100 of the video game FIFA 22, scheduled for an October 1 release.

FIFA 22 is the latest instalment in the yearly series developed and published by American video game company Electronic Arts.

And ahead of its release next month, the top 100 rated players have been revealed, with Ndidi ranked in 82nd place.

He’s the only Nigerian in the top 100 with no other Super Eagles star even good enough to feature in the top 400 players.

Ndidi saw an increase in his rating, with the Nigerian international now rated 85. It’s enough to put him in the top 100 players in the game, which was not the case last year.

The experts have spoken.

See the official FIFA 22 Player Ratings for the highest rated players in FIFA 22.

The Leicester City midfielder was ranked 134th in the world last year, but he’s the 82nd best player in the game this year.

He’s also the Foxes second

highest-rated player after Jamie Vardy.

Meanwhile, former England’s striker Darren Bent says Ndidi is a better player than Declan Rice and Calvin Phillips.

In a debate on TalkSport, Bent was asked to pick the best holding midfielder playing for clubs outside Premier League big four and the former Tottenham Hotspurs striker opted for Ndidi, ahead of Rice and Philip who recently won England Player of the Year award.

He said: “Ndidi is that good, he is the best for me. Rice and Philips are not bad, but the way Ndidi plays, I think, he’s better.

“His partnership with Youri Tielemans is one of the best in the Premier League. He’s that kind of player who can go to Chelsea and replace Ngolo Kante,” he said.

Former Manchester City star, Trevor Sinclair said he believes Ndidi was among the best in Europe, adding that the Leicester City dressing room appreciates the midfielder’s value despite not being a headline maker.

Ndidi’s reputation continues to grow following a string of fine performances and Sinclair, who was talking to Talksport, feels that while the Niger in star sneaks under the radar, his impact cannot be questioned.

“I actually looked at Ndidi

and thought there are not many better than him in the Premier League and probably in Europe,” he remarked.

“Really good player very probably underrated, undervalued.

But I wouldn’t have thought he’s undervalued by Brendan and his team-mates because I’m sure they appreciate everything that he brings to that team. He makes them tick.”

Rodgers recently lavished praises on Ndidi and his contribution to ‘The Foxes’ since arriving at the club in 2017.

The Foxes boss said of Ndidi: “He’s one of the top players in world football. His quality in his football is improving all the time. He is irreplaceable for us. He’s fantastic for a young player.

“What is pleasing as a coach is that he wants to learn. He will improve and get better. I’m so happy he plays in my team.

“He’s one of the top players in world football. His quality in his football is improving all the time,” said the Northern Irish manager. Ndidi led the league in tackles in 2018/19 with 143 and recorded another 128 last season, second to only Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Ndidi joined Leicester from Genk in 2017 and has become an essential part of the club’s success. He now has over 130 Premier League appearances to his name and has regularly

been linked with Europe’s top clubs including Manchester United and Juventus. For now, though, the defensive midfielder seems at home in the East Midlands and insists there is still plenty for his side to learn, even amid their relative successes.

While he wasn’t part of the team that won the Premier League at odds of 5000/1, the Foxes have continued to defy expectations while having to sell their top players. N’Golo Kante, Riyad Mahrez and Ben Chilwell have all been sold for huge fees in recent seasons, but the good results have continued for the team with key players such as Ndidi.

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

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Lush Hair Signs New Brand Ambassador Indigenous hair attachment brand, Lush Hair has signed Oluwadamilola Bolarinde as its new brand ambassador.

Bolarinde also known as Miss Lagos was the contestant from Lagos state at the just concluded Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria” Pageant that held in Lagos recently.

Bolarinde was o΀cially crowned Miss Lush Hair by the organisation’s team member at the event and was also presented a N500,000 cash prize to go with the crown.

Brand Manager of the Àrm, Ritambhara Kakkar noted that the company’s partnership with MBGN was to inspire and empower contemporary black African woman to always shoot for the stars.

“We hereby welcome Oluwadamilola Bolarinde-Miss Lagos to the fabulush family as the newest Brand Ambassador.

“To us, beauty is limitless and we pride ourselves in providing the best plug that supports every woman to let her shine out.

Damilola is a beautiful African woman, and we are confident that she will enjoy the journey with the team as much as her successor Miss Cynthia Afury did, who represented Adamawa State in the last edition.

“It is in our believe that the relationship between us and these Nigerian beauty queens will help in no small measure in building hope and confidence in the average Nigerian girl on the street.”

Damilola will be joining the rest of the Lush Hairs’ brand ambassadors including award-winning model & TV host, Denrele Edun; TV Host, Amanda Dara and the recently signed Awardwinning Nigerian Afro artiste, Yemi Alade.

Dufil Emerges Brand of the Year at Leadership Award Dufil Group has been recognised as the brand of the year at the just concluded Leadership Annual Conference and Awards 2020 The special recognition extended to the five subsidiaries of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, including :De united Foods Industries, Northern Noodles Ltd, Pure Flour Mills Ltd, Insignia Print Technology LFTZ Enterprise and Raffles Oil LFTZ Enterprise.

According to the award organisers, Dufil qualified for the award having exhibited rare qualities that made it sustain market dominance among competing brands, in the interest of consumers.

“The firm has consistently applied professional marketing principles to drive popular, affordable and accessible food brands that are acceptable across all classes and social spectrum,” the organisers affirmed.

It explained further that the vetting criteria were based on on a balanced scorecard that assigns weighted averages to leadership, innovation, market share and process improvement.

Others are financial performance, employee job satisfaction, social and

environmental focus, and compliance with extant regulatory requirements.

Commenting on the award, Dufil Prima Foods Group Corporate Communications and Event Manager, Temitope Ashiwaju, assured that the company would continue to deliver quality that it was known for.

He said, “As a consumer service goods company and partner in the development of Nigeria’s economy, we will continue to put our best effort in line with implementing best practices, thus contributing to both economic prosperity and industrial harmony in Nigeria.

“We know that to whomever much is given, much more is expected. Therefore, we see these awards as incentives for us to do more in bringing different innovations into the production and marketing of our brands. We will not disappoint in that regard.”

The Leadership Conference and Awards was organised by Leadership Media Group to celebrate those considered by the organisation as having distinguished themselves in the public and private sectors in the previous year.

Firm Unveils Plans for Exhibition & Fair Organisers of Trade & Business Connect Exhibitions, ABT Marketing Nigeria Ltd. has said that this year activities would engage entrepreneurs with latest business and trade skills that would sustain and keep them relevant.

Managing Director of ABT Marketing, Ridwan Onitolo stated that beyond exposing participants to potential market, the event promises to empower business owners with Ànancial resources and food infrastructure support, amongst others.

Onitilo noted that the initiative also aimed to support federal government diverse eͿorts towards an overall social, industrial and economy development.

He added that the Àve day event, which begins December 15, would oͿer a veritable platform to expose and promote the vast business and investment opportunities in Nigeria.

He said, “We encourage traders to sell value and enhance their relationships base to retain consumers’ conÀdence. Sales can

happen one-time, but with the power of relationships management, you can unlock a lifetime contract, patronage, connections, since you’re found good at what you do.

“For the forthcoming fair holding at National Stadium in Lagos, we have lined up seasoned marketers and business experts

who will educate and intimate entrepreneurs with necessary skills they require to retain clients and remain relevant in business”.

He explained that the December fair date was strategic to create a win-win situation for both buyers and sellers to make shopping easy during the festive season.

L-R: Head of Partnership, Lush Hair,Folasade Olufemi; President, Silverbird Group, Mr. Guy Bruce; Miss Lagos Contestant, MBGN and New Lush Hair Brand Ambassador, Ms. Oluwadamilola Bolarinde; Brand Manager, Lush Hair, Ritambhara Kakkar and Lush Hair Brand Ambassador Denrele Edun, during 2021 MBGN pageant in Lagos.....recently

L-R: Chairman, Planning and Resources Committee, Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Governance (INSLEC), Prof. Ayandiji Aina;Chairman,Media and Public Relations Committee, INSLEC, Prof. Iyabode Kehinde; Representative of Board of Governors, INSLEC, Dr. Mercy Ogbari;and President, INSLEC, Prof.

Gabriel Emecheta, at the INSLEC induction ceremony for new members in Lagos recently

Xiaomi Enters Nigeria Market with Redmi 10 Mobile phone manufacturer, Xiaomi has launched its latest Redmi 10 in the Nigerian market.

The launch of the device held in Lagos and virtually to involve online stakeholders.

Marketing Director of Xiaomi Nigeria,Mr. Somoye Habeeb stated that the new device packs updated features all round that gives it an edge over competitors.

He said, “ The Redmi 10 Áaunts a 6.5-inch FHD DotDisplay with a resolution of 2400 x 1080 pixels, Adaptive Sync refresh rate (90Hz), and a centered punch-hole. The panel supports both Reading mode 3.0 as well as Sunlight

display.

“It is powered by a MediaTek Helio G88 chipset coupled with up to 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage. As for software, the handset runs MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11”.

Speaking further, Habeeb hinted that the brand’s story in Nigeria has been an interesting one for the past 25 years.

He said, “Xiaomi has become the latest company to introduce an aͿordable smartphone with 5G in Nigeria, launching the Redmi Note 10 5G in June 2021.

He explained that the latest also boasts a side-mounted Àngerprint sensor, dual stereo speakers and comes in three different colours to suit consumers’ choice.

CVE Delivers Innovative Housing Solutions A housing development firm, Citadel Views Estate (CVE) has delivered new housing solutions to Lagos state to support housing demands in the state.

The new homes, located in Sangotedo axis of Lagos, boasts innovative and sustainable features that stand them out from competitors.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Ichechi Okonkwo, the new housing solutions aimed to not only address housing challenge, but to make high quality living affordable to all.

She stated that the latest project aligned with the company’s vision to make everyone

has access to a comfortable home.

She said, “Having successfully delivered over 580 homes in 2020 alone, we have introduced our signature quality housing solutions to the Sangotedo axis of Lagos.

“Citadel Views Estate illustrates our commitment to making high quality living affordable to all through an array of housing options with exceptional features.

We believe a home should be more than a residence, it should be a place with the proper infrastructure and environment that enhance people’s capacity to achieve their dreams.

“This is why we are quite innovative in our new project. For instance, we have deployed cutting-edge solar energy solutions and biogas sewage treatment system to ensure a sustainable living. This is being done alongside other modern technology solutions designed to improve the quality life, such as stealth security system, worldclass recreational areas, and water treatment facility.”

Speaking further, the firm’s Director of Project, Reinder Kamstra stated that CVE’s facilities and buildings “are based on design principles that do not sacrifice luxury or

comfort for affordability.”

He said, “With a wide range of housing from one-bed crib to super luxury 4-bedroom detached houses, we have choice options for everyone for purchase on installment.

“The estate’s location is also strategic. Its proximity to the Lagos Business School, a renowned citadel of learning for business programmes, adds significant value. In addition, its location is close to several attractions including, Akodo Beach, Novare Mall, Atican Beach, and Lakowe Golf Resort is guaranteed to enhance residents’ living experience”.

33

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

INTERVIEW Samson Itodo:

The Convergence, Divergence, and Dilemmas in 2021 Electoral Bill

H

ow do you view electoral reforms ongoing in the National Assembly?

Public confidence in the viability of electoral reforms to address the intractable challenges with Nigerian elections is unquestionable. Unfortunately, this confidence is undercut by political entrepreneurs who are driving the reform process. These actors are determined to substitute public interest for private political gains. Equally undermining public confidence is the limited instrumental outcomes of previous electoral reform efforts. As custodians of public interest, the National Assembly and the executive arms of government bear the burden of ensuring that the current reform process produces sustainable reforms, not ephemeral outcomes. Doing otherwise is a betrayal of public trust and repudiation of public interest. In July 2021, both chambers of the National Assembly passed the amended Electoral Bill under controversial circumstances. In the House of Representatives, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout. At the same time, the Senate passed a controversial vote to subject INEC’s constitutional power to electronically transmit election results to the approval of the National Assembly and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a body unknown to the country’s constitution. Overall, there were points of convergence and divergence in the voting patterns of legislators. In line with legislative practice and procedure, a conference committee must be constituted by the presiding officers of both chambers to harmonise the positions before transfer to the President for assent.

What then are the points of Convergence?

Despite the controversies trailing the amendment process, both chambers voted for several legal prescriptions in the Electoral Bill 2021 that will undeniably enhance the quality of Nigerian elections if strictly implemented. The Bill strengthens the financial independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by ensuring that all funding required for elections are released one year before the date. By the same token, the Bill will facilitate early preparations and effective election logistics management. Compulsory electoral accreditation of voters was legalised, and gender-sensitive language like “she” instead of “he” only was adopted in some sections of the Bill.

What are the other landmark provisions passed by both chambers?

They are many. For instance, extension of timelines for key electoral activities: A comprehensive breakdown of the timelines in the Bill shows that key electoral activities have been altered to address the logistical challenges posed by unrealistic timeframes in the current electoral act.

It encourages early primaries and the compilation/ submission of the list of candidates on time to give enough room for planning and printing of sensitive electoral materials. The timeframe for submitting the list of candidates to INEC is extended from 60 days to 180 days before the date appointed for a general election. By this provision, all party primaries for the 2023 general election will be concluded by August 2022. The period of public campaigns by political parties has been extended from 90 days to 150 days before polling day and to end 24 hours before election day. It also revised the definition of ‘overvoting.’ According to the Bill, overvoting occurs where the number of votes cast at an election in any polling unit exceeds the total number of accredited voters in that polling unit. With this new provision, ‘the total number of accredited voters will become a determining factor in the validity of votes in an election instead of the current requirement where overvoting is calculated based on the excess of votes compared to a total number of registered voters. The extant law is a tool exploited by politicians to manipulate electoral outcomes. The Bill confers INEC with the power to review election declarations and

Samson Itodo is an election, democracy, and public policy enthusiast. Itodo serves as the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa and the Convener of the “Not Too Young To Run” movement. He is a member of the Board of Advisers of International IDEA, an intergovernmental organisation that supports and promotes democracy around the world. Itodo talks to Chuks Okocha about the state of electoral reforms in Nigeria and confidentiality may be compromised. If the Senate’s provision is adopted, Mobile Network Operators may be forced to divulge technical and confidential information to politicians in the National Assembly. The National Assembly could withhold approval if the MNOs decline to share confidential details, thereby jeopardising the electronic transmission of results and other innovations in the future. On the nomination of candidates by parties: Based on a motion for amendment moved by the Speaker of the House, the House of Representatives voted to expunge ‘indirect primaries’ as a mode for the nomination of candidates. Parties will be legally required to nominate candidates through direct primaries.

In contrast, the Senate voted to retain direct and indirect primaries for the nomination of candidates.

Itodo returns made under questionable circumstances.

Returning Officers will be kept in check to ensure full compliance with electoral guidelines. The provision will fundamentally transform the results’ management process and deter politicians from compelling polling officials to declare fabricated election results.

What then would be described as the points of divergence?

The voting pattern in the Senate and House of Representatives indicates legislators diverged on 16 clauses in the Bill. As evinced in the voting pattern, most legislators voted to advance partisan interests at the expense of public interest. However, this analysis focuses on three main issues which are pertinent to the ongoing reforms and the future of Nigeria’s electoral process. On electronic accreditation of voters: The Bill makes provisions for electronic accreditation of voters using the Smart Card Readers or any technological device as may be determined by INEC. While both chambers voted in favour of electronic accreditation of voters, the House of Representatives redrafted the provision and deleted the phrase ‘any technological device’ based on a motion for amendment moved by the Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila. The House of Representatives’ position is too constricting and counterproductive, as it will undoubtedly impede INEC’s ability to deploy new technologies for voter accreditation. On the electronic transmission of results: In line with constitutional practice, the Bill conferred INEC with the powers to determine

the procedure for election results transmission.

While the House of Representatives adopted the provision of the Bill, the Senate voted to subject INEC’s power to transmit election results electronically to the approval of the National Assembly and the NCC. By all standards, the Senate’s position amounts to a constitutional overreach as it violates Section 78 and Third Schedule Part 1(F) S.15 of the constitution, which stipulates that INEC shall not be subject to the direction of anybody or authority. INEC and other stakeholders have strongly condemned the Senate and urged the harmonisation committee when constituted to adopt the House of Representative’s position. A recent report released by Yiaga Africa contradicts the NCC’s position that Nigeria is ill-prepared for electronic transmission of results. Data from the 2019 Presidential Election Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT) shows that election results were transmitted electronically from the polling unit using the Smart Card readers. Since August 2020, INEC has conducted elections and transmitted election results from 20 States and the FCT, covering 26 constituencies spread across 83 LGAs. The Yiaga Africa report validates INEC’s position on its preparedness to deploy technology to transmit election results fully. Unfortunately, the Senate insists on retaining its position on e-transmission of results.

Can one then describe the Senate’s version as unconstitutional?

Aside from the unconstitutionality of the Senate’s position, one of the concerns expressed by stakeholders is the probability that data privacy

What then constitutes the dilemma of the versions of the bill as passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives?

The arena of political action will shift from the legislature to the Presidency, as soon as the divergent positions are harmonised. As the harmonisation process begins, the committee is expected to navigate four dilemmas. First, whose interest should the electoral law serve? Should it serve public interest or the deeply entrenched partisan interests of politicians? Second, what level of deliberate discretion should be granted to INEC to determine the procedure for elections? Won’t it amount to legislative overkill to maintain an overly prescriptive approach in an electoral law? Third, how can the high demand for electoral technology be managed against its potential risks to democracy? Lastly, what trade-offs will both chambers make to reach a consensus, given the strong divergent positions on the three crucial amendments highlighted in this article and the political heavyweights behind the proposed amendments? Public interest should always supersede partisan private interests. As custodians of the public interest, elected representatives are required to respect the will of the people when making laws. Jettisoning amendments like electronic transmission of results and electronic voting will betray public trust, considering the current realities and the clamor for these rules. The electoral act provides a broad framework for election management; therefore, the nitty-gritty of the electoral process should be confined to electoral guidelines and regulations. Vesting discretionary and rule-making powers on INEC in certain circumstances promotes innovation, creativity, and institutional responsiveness to rapid transformations in the electoral space, especially with respect to the digitisation of the electoral process. No doubt, electoral technology will improve the integrity of elections, but it presents no guarantee that elections will stay clean. Nigeria cannot afford to surrender her democracy to machines; therefore, maximum safeguards must be instituted when deploying electoral technology. The big question is whether legislators see this reform process as an opportunity to reconnect the state to citizens or a window to change the rules of the game to guarantee their victory in the next elections. The riposte I consider viable is sustained external pressure from citizens, without which the chances of long-lasting outcomes are slim.

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How to Change a Tyre in 10 Steps

A flat tyre typically shows up unexpectedly and catapults itself onto the top of your priority list. A flat tyre can happen to anyone at any time. It doesn’t matter if you were already running late or if you’re wearing a cocktail dress. Regardless of your situation, the basic mechanics of changing a tire are the same whether you’re working with a car, truck, van, or SUV. Below, I’ve broken down how to change a tyre in 10 simple steps.

The Concept EQG, all electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class controls

Mercedes-Benz G-Class Ready for Age of e-mobility

T

he Concept EQG provides an exciting preview of the all-electric version of the legendary all-terrain model series.

With the Concept EQG, Mercedes-Benz presents the nearproduction study of an all-electric model variant of its utilitarian off-road icon, the automaker said in a statement.

Visually, the concept car combines the unmistakably striking look of the G-Class with selected design elements typical of all-electric models from Mercedes as contrasting highlights. The 4x4 qualities of the “G”, which have always set the highest standard, will not only find their way into the age of electric mobility, but will be developed even further in some areas. The Concept EQG thus offers a promising preview of what a Mercedes-Benz G-Class with battery-electric drive will be capable of.

At the world premiere of the current model generation of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class in Detroit in January 2018, Hollywood great Arnold Schwarzenegger, star guest and ardent “G” fan, elicited a

promise from the then Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Dieter Zetsche, that was unexpected for many at the time: The upcoming electrification of all model series would of course also include the G-Class. Just under three and a half years later, Mercedes-Benz is making good on this promise and presenting the Concept EQG, a near-production study of an all-electric G-Class.

“Wherever market conditions permit, Mercedes-Benz will be ready to go fully electric by the end of the decade,” emphasises Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and COO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “With this strategic step from ‘Electric first’ to ‘Electric only’, including sustainable production and the CO2-neutral life cycle of our batteries, we are accelerating the transformation to a zero-emission and software-driven future. We want to inspire our customers to switch to electric mobility with convincing products. An icon like the G-Class fulfils this task perfectly.”

The origins of the successful G-Class model date back to 1979. For more than four decades, the “G” has thus embodied the luxury off-road vehicle

from Mercedes-Benz. The exterior appearance of the Mercedes-Benz off-road legend has changed only marginally over the entire period. Even as part of the extensive redesign in 2018, which brought with it the biggest technological leap in the model’s history, Mercedes-Benz only cautiously developed the unmistakably striking design further.

For good reason: because its once purely functional components have long since become iconic style elements. These include, for example, the distinctive door handle and characteristic closing sound, the robust exterior protection strip, the exposed spare wheel on the rear door and the eye-catching front turn indicators.

Classic G-Class design language with quotes from Mercedes-EQ design The Concept EQG is also very much in the design tradition of the model series and can be recognised at first glance as a G-Class. The near-production study adopts the G-Class’ angular silhouette including its iconic elements. Illuminated stripes make the robust exterior protective strips stand out visually.

Reviewed Auto Policy will be Out Very Soon, Says FG

T

he federal government has assured stakeholders in the nation’s auto industry that a reviewed auto policy would be released before the end of the year.

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo stated this during a ‘meet the stakeholders’ parley’ anchored by BKG Exhibitions Limited, at the minister’s o΀ce in Abuja, recently.

Otunba Adebayo said the government was working hard to put in place a workable auto policy before the end of 2021.

Responding to issues on the myriad of challenges confronting the industry in Nigeria, as raised by the BKG team, the Minister said: “I can assure you that we are not unaware of these problems and we have been doing our best to see how we can tackle these problems. I am sure you must be aware that at the moment we are working on the auto policy and we are hopeful that before the end of this year we have an auto policy in place which will be presented to Federal Executive Council for approval.”

He further disclosed that the policy was part of discussions the federal government had with Original Equipment Manufacturers recently, assuring that the document would be out before the year ran out. The minister revealed that already the AfriExim Bank had accepted to fund the consultancy for the preparation of the policy.

The minister assured the BKG Exhibitions’ team, led by the Managing Director, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu

Representative of Elizade JAC Autoland Mr. Abeeb Olawale, representative of GAC Motors, Mr. Jubril Arogundade Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo; Deputy Director, FMITI Mr. Francis Onuorah; and others at the ‘Meet the Stakeholders’ Parley with the minister in Abuja… recently

Agwu and other automotive industry key players of the ministry’s support.

He said, “The auto sector is a sector that our ministry is very interested in because we know that it portends a lot for the future of this country in terms of employment for our teeming youths we will support its growth and development.” He strongly assured that the government is working hard to adequately

address to challenges of the industry.

Earlier, the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, organiser of the Abuja International Motor Fair, said the autho show started in 1988, along with the Lagos Motor Fair and Autoparts Africa Expo.

He commended the Minister for granting them audience and giving a listening ear to the stakeholders in the industry.

1. Find a Safe Place to Pull Over The ground should be solid and level to keep your car from rolling. If you’re on the side of the road, pull over as far possible. Avoid stopping near any bends in the road, as this reduces visibility for both you and other drivers. If you’re in a dark or unsafe area, carefully drive to a better spot.

2. Use Your Hazard Lights and Parking Brake Use your hazard lights and parking brake to keep yourself and your vehicle safe by increasing your visibility and decreasing the vehicle’s ability to roll.

3. Check for Materials At the bare minimum, you’ll need a jack, wrench, and a spare tire. These three items should always be in your vehicle just in case a flat tire occurs. Additional items that can make tire changing a little easier include: Flashlight Gloves Mat for kneeling Rain poncho Tyre gauge Your vehicle’s owner’s manual 4. Loosen the Lug Nuts If your vehicle has a wheel cover (also known as a hubcap), pry it off. Then, secure the wrench onto a lug nut, and turn it counterclockwise to loosen it.

Repeat this process with each lug nut, making sure each one is loose enough to turn by hand.

5. Lift Your Vehicle Off the Ground Place the jack under the metal portion of your vehicle’s frame. Do not place the jack where it will have contact with any plastic molding. The best jack placement differs depending on the vehicle.

Consulting your owner’s manual is the best way to learn proper jack placement. Once properly placed, use the jack to raise the tire you’re changing off of the ground. Ensure the jack stays perpendicular to the ground at all times.

6. Remove the Lug Nuts and the Tire Turn the lug nuts counterclockwise until they are all very loose. Next, remove them completely. Keep the lug nuts all together in a safe spot, as you’ll need them to secure the replacement tire. With the lug nuts removed, there is nothing keeping your tire attached to the vehicle. Securely grip your tire and pull it directly toward your body.

7. Place the Spare Tire on the Car Line up the holes in the spare with the lug nut posts and place the spare on the wheelbase. Push the spare as far onto the wheelbase as possible.

8. Replace the Lug Nuts Put the lug nuts on so the spare tire stays put.

Don’t tighten them all the way just yet. It’s very important to tighten your lug nuts in a way that keeps the tire even.

9. Lower Your Vehicle and Begin Tightening Using the jack, slowly lower your vehicle until your spare tire starts touching the ground. This holds the tire in place as you begin tightening the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in increments, alternating every-other nut. For example, if you assign a number to each lug nut, tighten in this order: 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, 1, 3, 5, 2, 4, and repeat. This way you’ll keep the tire on straight.

10. Lower Your Vehicle Completely and Finish Tightening Once the lug nuts feel equally tight, completely lower your vehicle to the ground. Once grounded, you may be able to tighten the lug nuts a little bit further.

Continue your tightening in the same incremental order until they no longer budge.

Extra Tips for How to Change a Tire Finish up by putting your old tire in the trunk and cleaning up any tools you used. Depending on what’s wrong with it, your old tire might be salvageable. Bring it to a trusted mechanic who can test and possibly repair it. Otherwise, you’ll need to invest in a new spare, which should be done immediately. It’s never a good idea to operate a vehicle without a spare tire; make sure to pre-check your spare tire and parts to make sure it is ready to use in case of an emergency.

(Source: Miller Auto & Marine)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

35

AUTO WORLD

Sophisticated, Sporty All-New Kia Seltos now in Nigeria

T

he new Kia Seltos brings sophistication, assertiveness and cutting-edge technology and safety features to the global compact SUV segment.

Kia revealed the Seltos to journalists at a parley in Lagos, recently. The Seltos is characterised by distinctive design details, lending the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. It combines forward-looking technical features, class-leading space and a suite of world-class safety features, and is powered by a choice of highly-e΀cient Smartstream petrol and diesel engines.

Mr. Jacky Hathiramani, MD/CEO, Kia Nigeria, commented: “The Seltos is an important car for Kia as it will play a central role in the expansion of our footprint, and especially in a priority market like Nigeria. We’ve adapted our strengths in design, quality and technology to fulÀl the needs of customers in the Nigerian market.Seltos is aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers and is packed full of our most cutting-edge technology and safety equipment.”

The Seltos provides outstanding value for money – thanks to a range of technology features that maximize connectivity and safety, a roomy interior that seats Àve people in comfort, and high levels of space and versatility.

Exterior design A sporty and sophisticated compact SUV

The Seltos stands apart from its rivals with thanks to its sophisticated, sporty design and the space and capabilities of a traditional SUV – all in a compact package.

The Seltos oͿers distinctive exterior design details, such as its long hood, a strong, character line on the front bumper, and sharp lines pressed into the bodywork. It also sports a wide ‘tiger nose grille’, making the car instantly recognisable as a Kia, but with a diͿerence. Its robust shoulder line and glasshouse shape, which tapers towards the rear of the car, lends the compact SUV an air of understated sportiness. The rear bumper with a metallic mu΁er eͿect accentuates this dynamic appearance.

The Kia Seltos sits on a choice of 16-, 17- or 18-inch premium crystal cut alloy wheels, which complement the dimensions of the car, lending it a powerful stance. The wheels are shod with high-grip 205/60 R16, 215/55 R17 or 235/45 R18 tyres.

Interior design A forward-looking interior characterized by futuristic and high-quality materials The interior of the Seltos is designed with highquality, futuristic materials. Aimed at youthful, tech-savvy buyers, the cabin is characterized by broad, sweeping shapes and highly technical details. Equipped with a range of technologies

The new Kia Seltos to maximize convenience, connectivity and ease of use, the bold design of the cabin incorporates a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

The ergonomics of the cabin allow the driver to sit comfortably with a commanding view, helping to focus on driving and naturally reduce fatigue.

Within the lounge-like and spacious interior, the Seltos also houses an available 8.0-inch Head-Up Display system which unobtrusively projects relevant driving information on to a small glass panel behind the steering wheel – such as turn-by-turn navigation directions and vehicle speed information.

BMW Model Update Features 8-speed Transmission as Standard Three new drive variants for the new BMW 4 Series Convertible - BMW X1 xDrive18d and BMW X2 xDrive18d now feature 8-speed Steptronic transmission as standard.

There is new exterior paint Ànishes for BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, BMW X2, BMW X3 and BMW X4 - My BMW App now with tyre pressure and tyre condition display - BMW i3 Unique Forever Edition premieres.

According to the automaker, the sales launch of the BMW iX and the BMW i4 in November 2021 marks the beginning of a new era of purely electric premium mobility. In addition to sustainable driving pleasure, the two new models also oͿer the latest innovations in the Àeld of driver assistance systems and, with the new generation of the BMW iDrive operating system, represent the future of intuitive interaction between driver and vehicle.

Parallel to this, the BMW model range will also undergo targeted further development in autumn 2021. Additional drive variants and innovations in the areas of design and digital services increase the diversity and attractiveness of the current range.

The model range of the new BMW 4 Series Convertible will be expanded by three new drive variants from November 2021. In future, an 8-speed Steptronic transmission will be standard

equipment for one additional model variant each of the BMW X1 and the BMW X2. New paint Ànishes are available for the BMW 1 Series, BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé, BMW X2, BMW X3 and BMW X4 models. The functional scope of the My BMW App is complemented by further digital services. The BMW i brand is not only setting trends with its two new models. The pioneer of all-electric premium mobility, the BMW i3, will be oͿered in a limited Unique Forever Edition from November 2021. And in the BMW iX3, a predictive battery heat management system will optimise the way in which DC fast charging stations will be used in the future.

BMW 4 Series Convertible: Two additional BMW M automobiles and a further all-wheel drive model.

The combination of sporty performance and open-air pleasure in a BMW 4 Series model will be enriched even further in autumn 2021.

In the new BMW M 440i Convertible (combined fuel consumption: 8.3 – 7.7 l/100 km according to WLTP; combined CO2 emissions: 190 - 175 g/ km according to WLTP), a 275 kW/374 hp inline 6-cylinder petrol engine with 48-volt mild hybrid technology ensures particularly purist driving pleasure by transferring its power to the rear wheels.

BMW M440i xDrive Convertible

Fatigue: The Hidden Killer (II) As I draw the curtain on the second part of this piece on fatigue, I need to bring you up to speed with a road traffic crash that occurred within the week in Kogi State. According to the report, a 18-seater bus coming from Lokoja to Abuja skidded into the river by Murtala Mohammed Bridge.

The cause of the crash, according to the report, was fatigue as the driver was suspected to have slept on the steering under high speed. As at the time of writing, divers were searching for victims of the crash. It is suspected that about five deaths were recorded with a number of injuries sustained by survivors.

Meanwhile, I need to also update you with another study from Victoria, Australia. It is captioned, crash risk increases 10 times for drivers with three hours’ sleep .It notes that “a fatigue trial using pupil scanning technology has found that drivers with only three hours’ sleep are 10 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

The Australian-first technology trial to detect drowsy drivers was conducted by the Victorian Government in Australia.

Participants in the study were kept awake for up to 32 hours before driving for two hours on a controlled track while supervised by a qualified instructor in a dual controlled vehicle. The participants also undertook three additional drive tests – with three hours’ sleep and five hours’ sleep in a 24-hour period, and again when they were well-rested after eight hours’ sleep.

Additionally, drivers were tested before and after their driving with technology that measures involuntary movement of their pupils, which has shown strong

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. links with increased levels of sleep deprivation. Other data collected included brain electrical activity, lane deviations, speed variations and changes in reaction time.

“Victoria leads the nation in road safety initiatives – random breath testing and roadside drug driving tests started here and this Australian-first fatigue trial continues our work in tackling road trauma,” said Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Ben Carroll.

“Truly innovative, ground-breaking technology targeting the issues we know contribute to deaths and serious injuries on our roads is vital as we work to make sure everyone gets home to their families safely.”

Road Safety Victoria led the study in partnership with the Transport Accident Commission, working closely with Monash University, Victoria Police and the Cooperative Research Consortium for Alertness.

“The risk of a crash increases significantly with increasing time awake,” said Associate Professor Clare Anderson, Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health at Monash University. “This trial has demonstrated that it is possible to reliably detect excessively fatigued

drivers in a roadside context.”

Meanwhile, current figures show fatigued drivers are involved in up to 20 percent of crashes and 11 percent of fatalities on Victorian roads.

These findings should clear the doubts of those who cling on to unfounded myths. Notwithstanding these findings, let me conclude on the remaining myths.

There are those who think that loud music will keep you awake. Agreed that loud music can, however, help for a while. It might even distract you from the driving task or even send you to sleep. What about coffee? Gworo? What if combined with cigarette?

Caffeine is only a short term solution and will have less effect the more often you use it. It might make you feel more alert but it won’t keep you going for long.

Seep, remains the long term solution. This reminds me of a personal experience way back at the greatest University- the University of Lagos. Although it had nothing to do with driving, it however taught me a little lesson about cheating nature. While on a post graduate programme, we went to what was then one of the bukas on campus to fill our stomach. After a good meal, my friend and classmate nick- named Folly who is today a senior officer in one the services suggested we buy kola nut and top it up with his favourite - Saint Morris.

We obliged and bought kola nuts and cigarettes as suggested. We smoked plenty, topping it up with plenty of kola nut all in the name of dealing a deadly blow to sleep. To my astonishment, as soon as we got into the post graduate library, my friend who incidentally took more of the gworo and cigarretee, suddenly pulled off

his shirt, dragged a table and was about to do the unexpected- sleep, when I jokingly challenged him and said, ‘ old boy, how can you try that after all you have consumed? Of course, that friendly challenge and stupid joke almost resulted in a friendly fight by two friends whose real problem was sleep. To make peace, my good friend was allowed to sleep all night instead of our planned all night jacking (reading).

The last myth is that plenty of air through the window will keep me awake. Like all others discussed, this might give you a boost and help for a while, as might turning up the air- conditioning. But if you are tired, sleep still remains the solution. Some people assume that fatigue only affect long distance travellers. Any driver can suffer fatigue. Like we stated earlier, broken sleep or too little sleep at night caused by power fluctuations which has become rampant all over the country, too much hanging out or armed robbery attacks which is common in most cities, sleep disorders (such as insomnia, narcolepsy and sleep apnoea) continuing pressures of stress, very demanding physical or mental work, caring for children and often the demands of daily living can drain your energies. What about the after effect of all night prayer meetings common among Christians. It is very common to see believers’ faith sleep when all they need do is take a little nap at the prayer venue before driving home. As Sector Commander of the Federal Capital Territory some years ago, I had to initiate a special campaign targeted at churches in the FCT.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

FEATURE

Flood of Tears in Rivers State Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

lost several goods and properties estimated at over N3 billion, social and economic life has been disrupted because the state government slept off, our people are suffering.

“The governor awards projects from his office without going through the due process and the very important Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which have unfortunately led to pain and agony for the people.”

An environmental expert, Dr Sam Kabari blamed the increased flooding in Rivers State on increased volume of rains, indiscriminate land reclamation, development on water channel and swampy areas of the state by both government and individuals Kabari said: “This is just the beginning of what is to be experienced in terms of flooding in Rivers, particularly in Port Harcourt and the reasons are not far-fetched.

“The first reason why we continue to experience high level of flooding is because Rivers State is one city state. Everybody wants to live in Port Harcourt and the infrastructure that support a standard of living at that level is only found in Port Harcourt. And so people cannot live in other places. What that has caused is that we have a high population density in Port Harcourt.

“Another reason is that we do not have an effective town planning system in Rivers State.

You can build a house anywhere you see in Rivers State, without considering if it is water ways.

“Also, we have an inadequate or weak waste management system. The sensitisation on waste management is very low and people throw their wastes in carnal, drainage, and when water comes, the canal overflows. The canals are blocked where government has reclaimed.

Government goes without impact assessment and reclaims wetlands.”

T

uesday, September 21, 2021, will remain indelible in the memories of residents of Rivers State, following the heavy rain that led to flash floods in various local government areas of the state. Many have christened it the worst flood ever witnessed in the Government Residential Areas (GRA), including the complex of the Rivers State Judiciary and the headquarters of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), as they were all submerged.

The popular Spar supermarket, located just beside the Rivers Government House on Azikiwe Road, was overtaken by flood which also turned the entire area into a single body of water, having covered the roads.

The flood disrupted business activities at the popular supermarket, as water level covered the parking lot and flowed into shops on the ground floor, forcing owners and operators of shops at the ground floor to seek refuge at the upper levels of the shopping complex.

The entire stretch of Odili Road in Port Harcourt metropolis, hitherto notorious for flooding, surpassed all expectations, as vehicles were submerged while no part of the road was passable to either vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Also, several areas of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, like Ada-George and Mgbuoba were heavily submerged.

THISDAY findings revealed that other 14 local government areas were affected by the flood were Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Asari Toru, Akuku Toru, Etche, Eleme, Abua/Odual, Andoni, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Khana, Oyigbo, Okrika, Tai, and Ogu/Bolo.

A victim of the incident, residing at Ada-George area, simply identified as Mama Tamunosaki, who spoke with THISDAY, narrated how the rain which started at about 5am in her area resulted into heavy flooding that destroyed her entire property.

She lamented that despite the fact that some of the flats in her compound were on reasonably high ground; the flood invaded all the nine flats in her compound causing different degrees of damage to homes.

She said; “I am in a very bad state of mind now as the flood has rendered us homeless. We had a warning experience very early in the month but we thought it was all over. This morning rain is the heaviest I have witnessed in a very long time.”

She said the flood was so heavy that it broke down fences surrounding them and cascaded into their compound, reaching almost window level.

“The flood level was just short of rising up to the window level with all our property floating, including our refrigerator. We could not salvage anything; we only took the children and ran out of the house.

We attempted to see if we could recover some things but the flood carried the refrigerator and blocked the door. We had to abandon everything and run for our lives,” the mother of two wailed.

She wondered how they would have coped if the rains were at night, stressing that she would no longer live in that area because of her bitter experiences with flood.

The residents are now afraid of the sad incident repeating itself which may spell doom to them and called for a permanent solution to the perennial flooding.

Warnings on the Flood Following the 2021 Nigerian Metrological Agency (NiMET) and the Nigerian Hydrological Service Agency (NIHSA) warnings of adverse weather predictions across the country and in particular Rivers State, the state government had advised local government Chairmen and respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA) to prepare for emergency situations in flood-prone communities across the state.

Victims at Ada-George, Obio/Akpor, Rivers State

emergencies that may arise as a result of flood situations in the state, particularly considering the precarious position of Rivers State in the predictions of NiMET and its geological position at the bank of the Atlantic Ocean.

Danagogo informed the council Chairmen that, as Chief Security Officers of their localities, they must be proactive in facing and overcoming the challenges of their residents in the time of the flood.

Reactions on the flood incident He stressed that NEMA, which had catalogued Following lamentations of residents on the the diverse challenges of emergency manageadverse effects of the flood, council chairmen, ment during floods, needed the collaboration of NEMA officials, relevant MDAs in Port Harcourt the council chairmen, who know their communiand Secretary to the State Government, Dr. ties better.

Tammy Danagogo went into a closed door “His Excellency, Governor Nyesom Wike, has meeting. directed me to interface with NEMA, council Tammy, who represented the Governor, Nyesom chairmen, and relevant ministries to guarantee Wike at the emergency meeting, stressed that that all parties know their roles in order to the parley was necessary in order to prepare for avert the expected flood that may result in the

displacement of our people.

“I believe that by the time you synergise your experiences with the expertise from NEMA, we should be able to work and provide solutions against flood disaster in our state,” he said.

Also reacting, the 2015 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside, urged Governor Wike to urgently reactivate the drainage master plan of the state as a way of tackling the flood issue.

Lamenting the untold hardship Rivers people had suffered as a result of the flooding, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the state government failed to give attention to early warning signals from NIMET but rather choose to put the blame on Rivers people.

Dakuku lamented: “Our people are traumatised, a lot of persons are displaced, we have

Findings and Recommendations The South-South Zonal Coordinator of NEMA, Mr. Godwin Tepikor noted that it was important the state prepares for the looming flood that will affect the local governments adversely.

Tepikor told THISDAY that by the second week of November, the rains would be adverse and urged all persons in flood-prone communities to be prepared and move out to designated camps if need be.

“The residents play a role in excalating flooding. Over time, we have looked at flood as socially constructed because of our values, attitudes and practices. A situation where residents engage in indiscriminate disposal, use the waterways as a place for refuse disposal, at the end of the day those refuse end somewhere, in the water bodies. They block the water, drainage and canal channels and impact swift flow of water.

“Residents should imbibe good sanitary habits. Do not dump refuse in the gutters or build on water channels. Such crude habits will only compound flood situations across the state. I think if they do these, the effect of flooding might not be much.”

He also disclosed that the agency was in partnership with the state government at the local level to seek solutions in reducing the consequence of flooding across the state.

“Local governments in the state will partner NEMA to identify the far higher grounds, where temporary shelters can be set up. In the event that there is displacement; people in those vulnerable communities will have to be moved and it is important that is done early because the predictions have started coming true. So, if there has to be any evacuation it has to be now before it becomes too late,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State Government has begun the process of checking the flooding. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Mr. Paulinus Nsirim, disclosed that the state government was working with relevant agencies to roll out a plan that would check perennial flooding in the state.

Nsirim said those living and doing business in Rivers State would play their part in line with the programme that would be executed by government to address the problem.

The Information Commissioner frowned at the residents of Port Harcourt, turning the drainage systems into refuse bins, “and that is not what it should be.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

37

NEWS Won’t Alter Restored Budgets’ Osinbajo: FG Spent N8.9trn on Buhari Life Cycle, Says House Spokesman Infrastructure Devt in Six Years Udora Orizu in Abuja

Lauds Udom’s industrialisation agenda OkonBasseyin Uyo The federal government has for the past six years sunk over N8.9 trillion in the infrastructural development of the country, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osanbajo has said.

The Vice President disclosed this in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital while inaugurating a 21 storey building, the Dakkada Tower built by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

He also said that housing projects were very critical in creating jobs aside from providing shelter when he flagged-off a 557 low density luxury estate in Akwa Ibom State which was part of the activities to mark the state’s 34th anniversary.

The Vice President congratulated Governor Emmanuel for initiating the project.

He said despite the severe economic crisis the country experienced, the federal government had invested more than any administration on

infrastructure.

“As of last year we have expended over N8.9 trillion on infrastructure. Just last month the Federal Executive Council approved the Lagos-Calabar rail station which will pass through Uyo. “The council approved a full business scale for the Ibom Deep Seaport. It was a very active demand from the governor of the state,” he said.

The Vice President observed that the infrastructure revolution

in Akwa Ibom was to establish the state as a major industrial hub not only for Nigeria but the West Africa sub-region.

He recalled that Governor Emmanuel had in 2015 informed of the vision to construct the tallest building in the South-south and South-east region in the state.

“Today (Friday) I feel with joy and pride to witness the realisation of that dream to celebrate a commitment to excellence and vision represented in this 21 storey building.

Spokesperson of the House of Representative, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has expressed conÀdence that President Muhammadu Buhari would not sabotage the restored yearly budget presentation that enables the budget cycle to run from January to December.

Recall that the budget ofÀce had announced that the president would lay the budget before the National Assembly in September. The budget is however yet to be presented by the President considering that the month would end next Thursday.

Kalu while brieÀng journalists in Abuja on the activities of the House as they resumed plenary, noted that for two years, from 2019-2021, since the resumption

of the 9th National Assembly, the president did not present the budget late.

He said that the consideration of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) report would be concluded before the presentation of the budget by the president.

He added that Buhari was spot on in meeting yearly budget presentations, which he said helped the National Assembly to achieve the budget calendar from January to December.

He said, “We are conÀdent that it will not be late this time.

And if September fails, nothing suggests that it cannot be laid in October. So it is not cast in stone. We cannot rely on the speech from the budget o΀ce until we receive a formal letter from the President.”

Amaechi Speaks Against ‘Politicisation’ of Railway Development

TWO GOOD HEADS… L-R: Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo and Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, during the flag-off of the low density luxury estate (Dakkada Luxury Estate) in Uyo yesterday

Ikpeazu Slams Police for Shooting at Protesting Students, Wants Trigger Happy Officers Punished Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday condemned “in the strongest of terms” the reckless shooting by some policemen at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba during a protest by students of the institution.

The students had yesterday staged a protest march and

blocked the ever busy AbaOwerri Road to express their anger over the alleged raping of a female student by policemen of the Rapid Response Squad(RRS).

The protesting students were reportedly shot at directly with several of them sustaining gunshot wounds.

But Governor Ikpeazu, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi

Ememanka, was unhappy at the action of the police, saying that it was “excessive, uncalled for and could aggravate an already tense situation which could lead to collateral damages.”

“Shooting at unarmed students who were protesting the alleged sexual assault of one of them by a police o΀cer is against all known and recognised rules of engagement by law enforcement o΀cers

who could have employed other means other than deadly force to disperse the protesting students,” Ikpeazu said.

He said that the government was already looking into the issues that led to the students’ protest which created a huge tra΀c gridlock along Aba Owerri Road, adding that nothing in the circumstance warranted the use of deadly force by the police.

Buhari: 25m Nigerians Will Have Access to Solar Energy By 2030

Gov Yahaya Implores Security Chiefs to Stop ‘Afghanistan’ Situation in Nigeria

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

President Muhammadu Buhari has disclosed that no fewer than 25 million Nigerians will have access to solar energy by year 2030.

This, he stated, was part of the nation’s projection of an ambitious Energy Plan towards reducing the energy shortcomings in the country in the next nine years.

The president, according to a release issued yesterday by the his Media Adviser, Femi Adesina, spoke in line with Nigeria’s role as a Global Theme Champion for the Energy Transition, theme of the High-Level Dialogue on Energy at the sidelines of the 76th United Nations General Assembly holding in New York,

the United States of America.

According to President Buhari, “Nigeria’s commitment to a just transition is reÁected in our ambitious Energy Compact, which includes the Government’s Áagship project to electrify Àve-million households and twenty-million people using decentralized solar energy solutions. This is a major Àrst step towards closing our energy access deÀcit by 2030.

“Nigeria’s commitment is also reÁected in the development of our Energy Transition Plan, which was developed with support of the UK COP26 Energy Transition Council.”

He called for support from developed countries to unlock the Ànancing needed to accelerate a just energy transition for all.

The Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has said that the unfolding events in Afghanistan and other countries demand that authorities in Nigeria take proactive measures to stem any grave repercussions.

The governor stated this yesterday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour, at a roundtable discussion on the Security Situation in Afghanistan: Implications for Nigeria and Africa, organised by Alumni Association of the National Defence College in the nation’s capital, Abuja.

Yahaya who described the event as apt and timely, noted that Nigeria and Afghanistan share a lot of characteristics, hence what affected the South Asian country had consequences in Nigeria and

Africa in general.

He said the implications of the development in Afghanistan and other countries across the world were worrisome and disturbing, especially with the insecurity that was challenging the fabric of Nigeria.

The governor observed that presentation of papers and holding of roundtable discussions are not enough but implementing the outcomes of the deliberations was what matters the most.

“We are good at organising seminars and roundtable discussions but at the end of the day nobody implements the outcome of the deliberations so held, I therefore urge the organisers of this roundtable to see to it that the communique that will be issued at the end of the engagement is implemented to the later,” he said.

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has identiÀed what he called politicising of railway development as one of the major challenges facing the country in the government’s eͿort to stimulate the economy.

He said ethnicity was a big challenge to development in Nigeria, noting that rail projects around the country are built with the economy at the heart of it, because the economy should be the deciding factor for such developments, not ethnic biases.

Amaechi, who was the guest lecturer at the annual Public Lecture of the Department of Economics at the University of Lagos yesterday, said transportation as a mode movement involved logistics, and that it was responsible for driving the economy of nations.

“Virtually everything we do involves transportation.

It is a key element in driving

development of economies all over the world, and it creates possibilities for other sectors.

Therefore, you can’t even create employment if you don’t create logistics.

“Nigerians are too ethnically conscious. You think Àrst as your ethnicity before you think as a Nigerian. We have very few Nigerians, and ethnicity is putting pressure on the economics of railway construction. What you hear is, ‘I’m a Yoruba man, I’m an Hausa man, I’m an Igbo man.’ The Yoruba man is happy that we have done Lagos-Ibadan; the moment you do the railway up to Enugu, the Igbo man would be happy. I call it the politicisation of railway construction.

“Railway is fuelled by economic activities; it’s not fuelled by tribes. What determines a railway construction is economics, how many tons of cargo can be conveyed.

Siju Iluyomade to Stage Global Arise Walk Mary Nnah

Dr. Siju Iluyomade’s Arise Women, an age-long purely humanitarian foundation, will be daring all odds once again as it comes up with Arise Walk, a global initiative specially dedicated for everyone, not only Nigerians, but everyone across the globe to keep up with our health in general.

Slated for Saturday October 16th, 2021 to be held in clusters across diͿerent parts of the world simultaneously, this year’s Arise Walk is themed, ‘I Choose Life’, and will hold with all adherence to guidelines of COVID-19 prevention protocols.

This distinctive initiative solely conceived by the delectable but spiritually-Àlled lawyer of over three decades, Dr. Siju Iluyomade, has always been experienced by thousands of individuals including prominent Nigerians and internationals in business, politics, entertainment and also the vineyard of the Lord regardless of faith or religion. With over 12 years of putting the event together,

the anticipation for this year’s edition has been very tremendous.

As usual, organisers of the health-awareness Walk have disclosed that the event will commence at 8:00a.m. in over 50 clusters across diͿerent African countries, London, United States of America, Canada, Australia and many more. Each cluster will be having a minimum of 25 persons amongst whom are inÁuencers and celebrities that have always been part of Arise; the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sports and Super Eagles legend, Daniel Amokachi; Olympic Gold medalist and sports administrator Mary Onyali; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Her Excellency Adejoke Orelope Adefulire; popular Disc Jockeys, Humility and Xclusive, KaͿy, DJ Cuppy, Bimbo Akintola, Nathaniel Bassey, , is expected to be streamed online LIVE from the starting point to the Ànishing line to further encourage many Nigerians who could not join the Walk.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25, 2021

38

NEWSXTRA NANTA President Wins Media Platinum Merit Award President of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, has won the Platinum category of the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA), for her leadership and resilience in keeping the Nigerian travel business together despite the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and tourism.

In a citation by the board of the media award institution, Mrs. Akporiaye was singled out for holding forth and steering the association and the entire downstream sector of the aviation industry out the woods of depression and hopelessness at height of ravaging COVID-19 pandemic, which shook Nigerian travel

FOR UNITY… Demonstrators in support of Nigerian unity in New York, USA, gathered ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari’s address to the 76th United Nations General Assembly yesterday.

Voters Registration: INEC Asks Population Commission to Avail it with Death, Birth Statistics Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on the National Population Commission (NPC) to make available the statistics of deaths and birth data to enable it to update and clean its voters register.

This is as the NPC Chairman, Nasiru Isa, has said that there may be a national census next year subject to approval by the

Presidency.

The INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, made the request when the NPC boss, Isa, visited INEC’s headquarters as part of efforts to engender a smooth working relationship between the two commissions.

While making the request for the statistics of death and birth, the INEC boss said, “The idea is to enable INEC to easily delimit and periodically review Electoral Constituencies based on NPC’s

figures whenever there is a new population census.

“This cannot be achieved without accurate population data. This is partly why no constituencies have been delimited in Nigeria since the last exercise was carried out 25 years ago in 1996 by the defunct National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECON). Working together with the population commission, we are determined to make a difference this time

around, just as we solved the problem of voter access to Polling Units in Nigeria.”

The INEC chairman told the visiting NPC delegation that the election management body had already prepared and produced a Discussion Paper on Electoral Constituencies in Nigeria looking at the issues more broadly, including the imperative of a new population census. “We will share copies of the Paper with the NPC at this meeting,” Yakubu said.

Lagos Police Sacks Sergeant as Court Marketing Edge Publisher Loses Remands Him over Murder of Teenager Mum, Announces Burial Plans Sunday Ehigiator and Wale Igbintade Following the conclusion of his orderly room trial, the Lagos State Police Command has dismissed Sergeant Samuel Phillips from service after being found guilty in the killing of one Monsurat Ojuade in Ijeshatedo area of the state.

This is as a Yaba Chief Magistrate Court, yesterday remanded Sergeant Phillips in custody over alleged murdered of Monsurat.

Chief Magistrate Mrs. Adeola Adedayo remanded the 30 years old dismissed officer, pending the legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).

In a signed statement yesterday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed that Phillips would be arraigned in court yesterday to face the law.

The statement read: “This

is to inform the general public that Sgt. Samuel Phillips who was tried for the shooting incident of September 11, 2021 that led to the death of Monsurat Ojuade has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force.

“He was dismissed after the conclusion of his orderly room trial. The suspect will be charged to court today (Friday) for murder.

“Recall that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had promised that the matter would be properly investigated and that justice would be served. This action is, therefore, done in fulfillment of that promise.

“The Commissioner of Police further sympathises with the bereaved family, and reiterates his earlier promise that justice would be done in this case.”

The defendant whose residential address was not given, was charged before the court on a one-count charge of murder preferred against him by the police.

Publisher/Chief Executive OfÀcer of Marketing Edge magazine, Mr. John Ajayi, has announced the details of the Ànal rites of passage for the celebration of the life and times of his mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Idowu Durodola Ajayi (nee OloÀnmonmi).

Making the details public in a statement which he issued in Lagos yesterday, Ajayi said a Christian Wake would Áag oͿ the events on Thursday, October, 2021; and it will be held at K/4, Ibeji Street, Ijan Ekiti at 5pm prompt.

On Friday, October 8, a Requiem/Burial Mass and interment would take place at St. James’ Cathedral, Ijan, Ekiti State at 11am. This would be followed by reception and entertainment of Guests at Moyosore Layout, Opposite General Hospital, Ijan, Ekiti State.

It would be recalled that the Matriarch of the Falomo Ajayi dynasty of Ijan Ekiti, Ekiti State, passed on peacefully on Thursday,

September 9 at the ripe age of 97 years after a brief illness.

The late Mama Idowu Durodola Elizabeth Ajayi was born on Imoru Street, Ijan Ekiti, in 1924 into the family of a professional carpenter, Late Pa Abraham OloÀnmomi (aka Apeere Igbagbo) from Idanre, Ondo State, who had come to sojourn at Ijan Ekiti to earn his living as a vibrant carpenter and proÀcient farmer.

History has it that OloÀnmomi was the Àrst person to roof his house with iron sheets as well as plant cocoa in Ijan Ekiti.

Her mother, Late Chief Ekerun Apotun Ibiyimika was a Traditional Weaver (Ahunso) as well as a Trader. She was born in Ogbon Titun, Ijan Ekiti to the family of Late Chief Osodi Fasae.

On her part, recently transited Durodola Ajayi was a petty trader in her youthful days, combining that with farming, her husband’s occupation.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Oversights Nigeria’s High Commission in Jamaica A delegation of the Committee on Foreign AͿairs, House of Representatives has visited Kingston Jamaica to carry out oversight functions aimed at repositioning the Nigerian Foreign Service for optimum performance and service-delivery in line with the vision of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the mandate

of the 9th House.

The delegation was led by the House Committee Chairman on Foreign AͿairs, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, with the Vice Chairman, Hon. Adelegbe Timehin. Other members on the team are Hon. Princess Onuoha, Hon. Wale Raji as well as Hon .Wole Oke, as well as the Clerk of the Committee, Muhammad Ali and the

Director, Consular and Legal Department of the Ministry of Foreign AͿairs, Amb. Akinremi Bolaji. They were received by the staͿ of the High commission led by the High Commissioner, Dr. Maureen Tamuno.

The delegation in company of Dr. Tamuno thereafter paid a courtesy visit to the Heart Institute of the Carribeans (HIC)

Kingston, Jamaica and toured the facility.

HIC is the Àrst and dedicated full service heart hospital in the English speaking Caribbean under the chairmanship of a Nigerian, Prof Ernest Madu.

Thereafter the delegation paid a zoom courtesy call to the Ministry of Foreign AͿairs Jamaica.

Akwa Ibom Commissioner Celebrates 35th Marriage Anniversary

industry to its foundation.

Flanked by Lagos Zone Vice President of the association, Mr. Yinka Folami and the Executive Secretary, Slyvester Olobor at the award podium of the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Akporiaye in a brief acceptance speech, explained that Nigeria was not the worst place on earth despite the security challenges, adding that Nigerians must wake up and join hands to pull the nation out of woods and consequently help change our narratives.

“Yes, it’s tough doing business because of the impact of COVID-19. Yes, we have security challenges but tell me where in the world is too safe and without challenges? As Nigerians, we must hold forth at our various corners and speak well of our country,” she admonished.

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, Pastor Umo Eno, is inviting members of the public to a thanksgiving service today to mark the 35th anniversary of his marriage to his wife, Mrs. Patience Umo Eno. Pastor Eno will also use the occasion to thank God for his appointment as Commissioner for Lands and Water Resources, and commemorate the Àrst anniversary in memory of his late mother, Deaconess Eka Eno. Itinerary for the thanksgiving service released by the planning committee showed that the event will be held at Primary School, Ikot Ekpene Udo, Nsit Ubium Local Government Area by 10a.m.

The 3-in-one thanksgiving service will have members of the All Nations Christian Ministry International, family, relations, friends, business and political associates of Pastor Umo Eno, in attendance.

Kudirat Aka-Bashorun Passes on at 75 Kudirat, widow of Alao Aka-Bashorun, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, has passed on. According to a statement signed by her son, Dipo, Kudirat died last Wednesday at age 75.

“On behalf of the family of late Alao Aka-Bashorun, we announce the passing of our dear mother and grand-mother, Mrs. Kudirat Aka-Bashorun who passed on September 22nd, 2021. Age 75; may her soul Rest in Peace,” reads the statement signed by Dipo.

Aka-Bashorun’s tenure as NBA president was radicalised. He stood firmly against the then military government.

The President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in a condolence message said: “Her departure at 75 is a big blow not only to the immediate family but the entire Labour Movement to which the Aka-Bashorun family gave their all.

“Like her late husband, Mrs. Kudirat Aka-Bashorun was an activist and a dogged fighter who sacrificed her class and personal comfort for the upliftment and freedom of the downtrodden.

“A woman of immense beauty, character and brilliance (like her husband), Mrs. Kudirat was an inspiration to generations of activists, especially women.

“Quiet, firm and principled, she left no one in doubt about her foremost mission on earth. We have lost an irreplaceable gem.

“Our hearts are with you, the entire family and friends in this moment of grief.

We however, urge you to take solace in the fact that she has run her race and has gone to be with her creator.

“We love her but God loves her more and has called her home. Once again, please do Late Aka-Bashorun accept our sincere condolences.”

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER SEPTEMBER 25 , 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Iheanacho Battles Man City Star, Three Others, for Carabao Cup Goal of the Round

L

eicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho is up for the Carabao Cup Goal of Round

Three.

The official website of the EFL has published the names of five players whose goals

have been nominated for the prize with the Nigeria international making the cut.

In his bid to win the accolade, Iheanacho has to see off competition from Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah, Manchester City attacking midfielder Phil Foden, Cheltenham Town’s

Northern Ireland international Kyle Vassell and Brentford attacker Yoanne Wissa.

The SuperEaglesstarnetted his second goal of the season as LeicesterCitydefeatedMillwall 2-0 at the Den on Wednesday night.

Two minutes from time, the Foxesnumber14beltedtheball

intotheroofofthenettodouble the advantage.

Iheanacho’sgoalagainsttheLionswashisninthintheCarabao Cup since making his debut in the competition versus Crystal Palace in October 2015.

The 2013 U17 World Cup winner has made sixteen appearances in the Carabao

Cup, 12 of them in the colours of Leicester City.

Meanwhile, Iheanacho’s compatriot, Ademola Lookman has praised the impact made by the Super Eagles striker during Leicester City’s win over Millwall in the CarabaoCup,notingthattheformer U17 winner can make things happen in the opposition box.

Iheanacho was involved in thebuild-uptoLookman’sfirst goal in Foxes colours when his shot was parried and the RB Leipzig loanee had the simplest of tasks to slot home

the rebound.

The Manchester City academy product ended last seasonasthetopscoringplayer at Leicester City with 19 goals and hasn’t done badly in the new season with a goal involvement of three in 271 minutes of action across all competitions.

On his goal against The Lions, Lookman said to LCFC TV : “I knew Kelechi was going to shoot and I just followed it in really and cushioned it into the net. It’s always nice to score, I’m glad.

Joshua Stakes Titles against Usyk Today Anthony Joshua will be back in the ring for the first time since December 2020 tonight when he puts his WBA, WBC, WBO and IBO heavyweight titles on the line against unbeaten Ukrainian southpaw Oleksandr Usyk.

The two Olympic gold medal winners from London 2012 will go toe-to-toe at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the right to put themselves in contention for a shot at unifying the division against either Tyson Fury or Deontay Wilder - who are preparing for the third leg of their thrilling trilogy on October 9.

With two power punchers locking horns in front of over 60,000 fans, there promises to be fireworks as the eyes of the sporting world descend on north London.

kelechi Iheanacho scored a wonderful goal against Millwall

Brentford Hero, Sodje Warns Liverpool Stars ahead of Reds’Visit Brentford hero Sam Sodje has insisted that The Bees will not be scared of facing Liverpool in today’s Premier League meeting at Brentford Community Stadium.

After seeing off one of the top six clubs in Arsenal on the opening round of the season, Jurgen Klopp’s side awaits manager Thomas Frank and his charges.

Liverpool have in their ranks some of the top stars in the Premier League including African duo Mohamed Salah and Sadio

Mane, which could strike fear into many teams.

By conceding only two goals from their opening five matches, Brentford have shown that they are solid defensively.

“Iamsohappy,sodelighted talking about Brentford in the samesentencewithLiverpool, it’s a dream come true,” Sodje said to allnigeriasoccer.com.

“Every player in Liverpool is a world class player with the superstars like Salah and Mane.

“The whole players

are dangerous, from the right-back to the left-back.

I know with the mentality of Brentford now, they are not scared of any team.

“Brentford will face Liverpool and do their best, hopefully they can get a result.”

Sodje had kind words for Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, saying that the Super Eagles star has conducted himself well on and off the pitch since his arrival from FC Midtjylland in July 2021.

“IknowpeopleatBrentford

and they have been telling me about Frank Onyeka, how good he is and off the pitch his attitude and discipline.

“They are very happy with him. I am looking forward to going to his game soon and I will definitely see him,” the Special Assistant on Sports to the Delta State Governor added.

Onyeka has been involved in every single game played

by Brentford in the Premier League with the exception of the 1-1 draw against Aston Villa.

Rohr Lauds Kalu’s Heroics against Montpelier Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has praised Super Eagles star Samuel Kalu after his heroics for Bordeaux on Wednesday in the French Ligue 1.

Kalu scored an 85thminute equaliser to help Les Girondins secure a point in their Ligue one fixture against Montpelier.

The former Gent star has had a torrid start to

the Ligue one season.

The 24-year-old collapsed on the pitch after just 12 minutes on the pitch in Bordeaux’s second Ligue one game of the season against Marseille.

However, he was cleared to return to the pitch just days after he was taken to the hospital.

Unfortunately for the former Gent man, he has

struggled to pin down a starting shirt at the Matmut Atlantique since he returned.

However, he showed his quality as he helped Bordeaux rescue a point against Montpelier on Wednesday. Nigeria Coach Rohr, who is a former player for Les Girondins, has now stated his happiness with the feat of the Nigerian.

“Personally, I was very happy for Kalu because I have him with Nigeria.” Rohr told Web Girondins.

“This will give him confidence. It’s a good thing for the Girondins to have this kind of attacker” Kalu will hope that his heroics will help him return to Bordeaux’s starting lineup for the clash against Rennes on Sunday.

FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup

Falconets Confident against Central African Republic in Douala Coach Christopher Danjuma has expressed confidence in his Nigeria U20 girls as the real race for berths at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Costa Rica 2022 begins for Nigeria in Douala today, with a first round, first leg encounter against the U20 girls of Central African Republic.

Acontingent including 23 players of the Falconets flew into the Cameroonian city in the early hours of Thursday and trained ahead of today’s official training at the Stade Japoma de Douala – the match venue.

Nigeria’s U20 girls have appeared at every edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup since it started as FIFA U19 Women’s World Cup in Canada in 2002, making it to Thailand 2004, Russia 2006, Chile 2008, Germany 2010, Japan 2012, Canada 2014, Papua New Guinea 2016 and France 2018. The 2020 edition, planned

by FIFA to be co-hosted by Costa Rica and Panama, was scuttled by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Costa Rica will now be sole host nation

for the 10th edition in August 2022.

Today’s clash was enabled by the withdrawal of Equatorial Guinea’s U20girls from the race, shooting the CAR girls straight to the first round against the highly –successful Falconets of Nigeria.

“We are here to earn a good result that will make the second leg a bit easier for us. We will go all out for victory against our opponents who are also playing on away ground,” said Danjuma.

Joshua recaptured the WBA, WBC, WBO and IBO crowns when exacting revenge over Andy Ruiz Jr for the only defeat of his professional career to date.

He is lighter than he has ever been for a title fight, at under 17 stone, but is built for speed and knows he may have to go the distance against a durable opponent.

Usyk boasts an unblemished record through 18 fights and was previously the only man in history to unify the cruiserweight division.

He claimed the WBO InterContinental heavyweight title in October 2020 against another Brit, Derek Chisora, and has previously stopped Merseyside scrapper Tony Bellew

European Club Association Condemns Fifa Calendar Reforms as Destructive to Clubs The European Club Association has stated that Fifa’s calendar revamp would “lead to a direct and destructive impact on the club game”.

World football’s governing body has proposed a men’s World Cup every two years as part of an overhauled international match calendar (IMC).

The ECA said the planned changes were “in direct and unilateral breach of certain legal obligations”.

It also criticised Fifa for a lack of consultation about its reforms.

In an exclusive interview with BBC podcast The Sports Desk, Arsene Wenger - Fifa’s head of global development - said proposals would tackle “chaos” and “congestion” in the game.

The ECA, which represents more than 230 clubs across the continent, said that that “changes are needed” to the IMC to make it “modernised

and simpler” but was unhappy with the plans and the way Fifa was going about it.

In a statement, the ECAsaid it had “followed with grave concern and alarm Fifa’s launch of active PR campaigns and much pretence, apparently seeking to railroad through reforms to the IMC, particularly the introduction of a biennial World Cup”.

European football’s governing body Uefa has said the plans created four significant “dangers” for football, including a potential loss in prestige for the World Cup and concerns over player welfare.

It rejected Wenger’s suggestion the new schedule would improve the competitive chances of smaller nations, and said the development of women’s football, with tournaments “deprived of exclusive slots and overshadowed by the proximity of top men’s events”,

Chelsea Manager, Tuchel Dismisses Guardiola Rivalry Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says today’s game with champions Manchester City is not about his rivalry with Pep Guardiola.

Tuchel has beaten City boss Guardiola in their past three meetings,includinglastseason’s Champions League final.

League leaders Chelsea host fifth-place City today, but the Germanwouldnotbedrawnon comparisonsbetweenthemanagers.“Ihavethehighestrespectfor Pep,” Tuchel said yesterday.

Askedwhetherhewasabetter coachthanGuardiola,Tuchelsaid: “Thisquestiondoesnotevenexist for me and I can’t answer it.

“It’saquestionforyouguysand you can endlessly debate.

“I am a huge admirer for the impact he had from his first day of his professional coaching - the impact at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.

He has my biggest respect.

“There is no reason to ask myself if I am a better coach. I do the best I can, I am in a place I amveryhappy, and I am a better coach today than yesterday.”

Tuchel said he expected a “50/50” contest at Stamford Bridge.

“If I look at it honestly I see the last three games as three 50/50 matches,” said Tuchel.

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Baba-Ahmed on the Buhari Government “We, the people, got rid of Jonathan, put Buhari there to fix corruption, fix insecurity, fix the economy but look at where we are now. How can anybody say they are happy with the record?”

– Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, lamenting about the Buhari government.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

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& RE A S O

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26 years

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

How South Can Win 2023 Presidential Election

F

ellow Nigerians, please, allow me to remind you of an article I wrote in 2014 titled IN SEARCH OF MATHEMATICIANS. It was a simple calculation and permutation I made about how Major General Muhammadu Buhari was going to defeat the incumbent President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in the 2015 Presidential election. As at that time, the confidence level of the Buhari camp was still quite shaky, indeed it was quite low. The APC candidate had lost three previous elections and had virtually given up before the daredevilry of Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi, Bukola Saraki, Atiku Abubakar, Aminu Tambuwal and others exhumed and resurrected his dead ambition. It is interesting to note that of those from that list, who gave their all in ensuring Buhari’s success at the 2015 polls, only Amaechi and to a much lesser extent, Tinubu continue to enjoy some sort of romance with the President. It seems that this is not only the way of politicians but the way of Nigerians generally. We always seem to strive to ignore most of our benefactors.

Anyway, I remember how many of Buhari’s supporters bombarded my phones in utter excitement about my favourable prediction.

That was the first time I ever spoke to Senator Hadi Sirika, the current Minister of Aviation. He was in the company of his friend Honourable Farouk, another protege of Buhari. I took Senator Sirika’s call in Ghana and they both took turns to speak with me. They saluted my brilliant analysis and wanted a brief clarification which I obliged.

According to them my impassionate calculations and permutations had the semblance of reality.

It had buoyed their hopes and given them more confidence that the goal, and task of making Buhari the President, was easily achievable if they followed my blueprint. I will explain this preamble in a moment and point out the important lessons in it.

Let’s fast forward to 2021 before we land in 2023. Those Northern politicians who are already gloating and boasting that they will contest and win and produce the next President and that heavens will not fall are merely trying to bully the Southern politicians who have suffered so much intimidation in the past and have since lost their self-confidence. The Northern politicians know the truth as well as the reality that no Northern politician can ever win a Presidential election if he can’t penetrate the South substantially. I do not talk on this matter or engage in this discourse on a fanciful, wishful basis. I do so with justification premised on scientific and empirical knowledge of Nigeria’s political and electoral history and practice since the advent of a Presidential system of government in the second Republic.

In 1979, the National Party of Nigeria found it almost impossible to win in a straight fight between its candidate, Alhaji Aliyu Shehu Shagari and Chief Obafemi Awolowo of the Unity Party of Nigeria. The logjam and apparent looming impasse was only resolved when the highest court of the land went through the rigmarole of mathematical somersaults and ended up with the infamous, and forever notorious, two thirds of nineteen is twelve two-thirds algorithm of the existing States in Nigeria, a computation which fractionalised one of the states simply for electoral purposes, in order to fulfil the constitutional requirements to make Shagari win at the first ballot and save NPN from the potential slippery debacle of a run-off election. Had Shagari won a simple number of 13 states, Nigeria would have been saved the hoopla and hullabaloo. Even with Awolowo winning mainly in the South West and a sprinkling of other places, he gave Shagari a good fight and nearly recorded a stalemate until the ill-fated intervention of the court.

My next example would come from 1993 when Chief Moshood Abiola, from political hibernation, came out of the blue to join the Social Democratic

Abiola Party (SDP). He instantly made it known that his reason for joining the Party was that he was ready and prepared to run in the Presidential race.

Notwithstanding that this seemed an impossible mission for several reasons, Abiola was resolute in his mission and convinced of the attainment of his vision. For the purpose of the lessons that I am about to impart I will now go through some of those reasons.

SDP was largely a party of the South while its arch-rival, the National Republican Party (NRC) was dominantly a Northern Party. Interestingly, the SDP actually had a strong Chairman, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe from the Northern Borno State.

Chief Abiola was confronted by at least three gargantuan hurdles. How to grab the SDP tickets from the political heavyweights that littered the SDP, and in particular Kingibe, who enjoyed the unflinching support of most of the SDP Governors and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar who enjoyed the avuncular support of the hugely politically influential Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, who himself had only recently been banned from contesting by the military President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida. These were formidable leaders within his own party.

He had no guarantees or assurances that the military was ready to hand over power coupled with the fact that the top echelon of the military was populated by Northerners and so a Southerner could be perceived as taking a big risk with such a Northern military conclave.

Despite these seemingly insurmountable challenges, Chief Abiola remained undaunted and pursued his dream with uncommon gusto, conscientiousness and industry. An average Southerner would have panicked and possibly chickened out. But Abiola was supremely confident that he had done most of the work required to successfully take him past the finishing post in pole position in the past three decades. The Presidential race is not a day or month’s journey.

You must have toured the world extensively and touched so many lives expansively and expensively to succeed. It is first a popularity contest. It is also a game of personal interests for members of the privilegentsia who call the shots in most countries. Above all, it is a game of wit and skill. A complex game of chess with very grave even fatal consequences if there is as much as a tiny misstep. It is, simply put, a tough and rough game. Abiola eventually stood against Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa of NRC, a Northerner from Kano and took him to the cleaners with

the mathematical and clinical precision that an astute and cosmopolitan accountant can muster.

When the military top brass realized what had happened against all odds, they had to annul the election summarily. But there was never a doubt that Abiola won fair and square. He has now been vindicated posthumously by the Buhari administration, something which General Buhari will always be positively remembered for through the ages.

Let’s fast forward to 2003 when President Olusegun Obasanjo was seeking re-election.

His then Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, was also eyeing the top seat and had to be begged and importuned to allow his boss to complete his second term, in peace and not in pieces.

There was another challenger, former Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari. I must note that by then, Buhari had succeeded in building a cult following in the North and his teeming supporters were blindly loyal and absolutely fanatical in their unalloyed support of him. It is doubtful if anyone, since the emergence of Sir Ahmadu Ibrahim Bello, The Sardauna of Sokoto, had ever been that apotheosised in his lifetime in vast swathes of Northern Nigeria. Only Aminu Kano could be said to have enjoyed something similar, but his reach was limited to Kano and Kaduna States.

However, despite his significant popularity in the North, Buhari could not defeat President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003. Forget the cries of being rigged out. The truth is that Baba Buhari’s acolytes could not have made him President through Northern votes alone. Buhari again contested against an ailing Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in 2007 and still lost the election. Yar’Adua won because he enjoyed sizable numbers in the South. No irredentist can ever win a national election without a crossover appeal. Buhari’s Northern appeal was still not enough for him to tilt the popular vote in his favour.

One more example should suffice. Buhari took on President Goodluck Jonathan in 2011. I’m proud to say I also contested in that election, and I learnt very useful lessons. Once again, Buhari lost the election despite massive support from the North. Whilst Jonathan, his opponent, did relatively well in the South, he was able to garner some significant votes in the North and thus the quest by Buhari to wrest the Presidency from Jonathan ended up in tatters and flames. Reports claimed that Buhari was so devastated that he wept and vowed never to contest again. The big lesson in my view is that Buhari lost because the South had a pathological fear of Buhari as an ethnic bigot and religious fundamentalist. I need not prove anything further. Buhari is the all-time example of the unjustifiable, unwarrantable and unfounded myth that the North can win Presidential elections permanently based on its numbers alone. It is a tale told by lazy and indolent politicians who are happy playing second fiddle to some nebulous and ephemeral mythical politicians in the North. When did it become the norm for the place of birth to be the only prerequisite for becoming the President of a country as ethnically diverse and religiously divided as Nigeria? As I have tried to demonstrate, nobody who has relied on the Northern votes alone has ever managed to achieve it in the Presidential system. It is remarkable that people, especially Southern politicians, forget that between 1999 and 2011 three out of the four Presidential elections were won by Southern candidates including a Southern minority.

Let me now propound the thesis of why Southerners may easily lose elections to Northern candidates. Firstly. it may be said that the Southern politicians always work at cross purposes and undermine and undercut themselves. They are so scared and frightened, of the illusionary Northern might, that they make no attempt to

probe or challenge it, but rather accept it as a truism. Northern politicians are only too happy to exploit and manipulate them as they wallow in their folly. Secondly, the fable of a monolithic North has long been shattered into smithereens.

No such thing exists. The Middle Belt, and now The North Central part of Nigeria, has never been fully subjugated by the core North. This fact is always glossed over or ignored by the dozy, sleepy somnolent South.

The only advantage the North had for a long time was its ability to suddenly unite during elections. But it is obvious things are no longer at ease in the North since things fell apart under the watch of the amazing Buhari. The North is haemorrhaging badly, bleeding ceaselessly and the question on most lips is of what benefit has holding power endlessly been to the long-suffering people of the North?! The current President is from Katsina State, same as former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, yet Katsina has since fallen into the hands of bandits and terrorists.

So, on what basis are some Northern politicians insisting that another Northerner should take over President Buhari, in a country where many groups are clamouring for a breakup into different nations. Some of those Northerners warming up as candidates have done little or nothing in their private or public lives to request us to trust them with our political, social and economic life. Even those who have been in public life suffer from the same disability. They have neither managed people nor resources successfully. Any experience they have is one of failure, flop or fiasco! What then is their motivation for God’s sake?

My practical proposition is that we must no longer allow these artful dodgers to browbeat us into submission again with their folktales and fables. The South should wake up from its somnambulist and narcoleptic state. For 2023, PDP as the leading opposition party must stand up for its traditional role as a veritable opposition party and act responsibly by playing a joker or an ace, depending on your viewpoint. Majority of Nigerian youths today are tired of voting for recycled leaders. That is the reason for the low voter turnout in most States nowadays.

If the Southern leaders are serious, the journey should start from uniting the three geo-political zones of the South. Today, those zones face similar problems and common enemies. Some of the same issues are also prevalent in the North Central. Let the South agree for once that South is South and look for two candidates in APC and PDP with an Abiola kind of template, not necessarily a hardcore politician but people who cut across: successful, bright, tolerant, cosmopolitan, and so on. But if the Southerners continue to insist on asserting that it is the turn of Yoruba, or Igbo or Ijaw, and fail to embrace one another as Southerners, it will be a monumental disaster. This is my honest opinion.

The Arithmetic is easy, three regions in the South with a firm handshake across the North Central and it is a done deal. victory will be assured. The truth is that some inroad will be made into the massive votes that will come from Kano, Kaduna and Sokoto states as well.

Let nobody fool or hoodwink us that all the votes from those areas will totally be for the ruling Party. Experience has shown that this is not the case. It will not change now. It will be a lot easier for the PDP if it can get its act together and turn to pastures green in sourcing a candidate.

One that is without much blemish and is not associated with the rot that the Party was known for in the 16 years of its controversial rule.

The critical question and crux of the matter is whether the older generation or the established politicians will leave power without a serious fight from the supposed new breed? Time will tell.

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