SATURDAY 2ND OCTOBER 2021

Nigeria Posts OPEC’s Biggest Output Gain in September With 170,000 bpd rise, gradual production recovery begins Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja with agency report Oil output of members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in September to its highest

since April 2020, as Nigeria's production also recovered from involuntary losses.

The group's top producers further eased supply curbs in September under a pact with its allies known as OPEC+,

revealed a survey by Reuters.

According to the survey, OPEC pumped 27.31 million barrels per day (bpd) last September, up 420,000 bpd from August's revised estimate.

The biggest rise in

September was from Nigeria, where output rose by 170,000 bpd after Forcados force majeure and other problems in August were eased.

The Forcados terminal export outlet was under force

majeure in August, limiting supply. Even so, Nigeria is pumping almost 100,000 bpd less than its OPEC target as under-investment restrains output.

OPEC and allies, known

as OPEC+, are easing output cuts made in April 2020 as demand recovers, although due to a lack of capacity in some members, OPEC+ is Continued on page 5

Okonjo-Iweala: Hearsays about My Interest in Presidency ‘Utterly Ridiculous’… Page 5 Saturday 2 October, 2021 Vol 26. No 9672

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Sanusi: Nigeria Throwing Away Millions of Dollars in the Scam Called Subsidy Ahamefula Ogbu The former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, yesterday identified corruption, poor leadership and wrong-headed policies as

the bane of Nigeria, citing the regime of paying subsidy on petroleum products as part of the corrupt practice that may bring the country to its knees.

Speaking on ARISE News Channel, the former governor

of the Central Bank of Nigeria also described as an assumption, the notion that Nigeria is an oil rich country.

Sanusi declared: “This has always been a big joke for me and we also talk about

the fuel subsidy. President Jonathan tried to remove fuel subsidy and the people protested. You are producing two million barrels of oil for 180 million people and that’s one barrel for 80 people. Saudi

Arabia produces one barrel for three citizens.

“You produce one barrel for 80 and your share of that revenue from that barrel is maybe half, so it translates to one barrel for 160 people.

We need education, we need healthcare, infrastructure, telecommunication, agriculture and you decide that what they need more than anything else Continued on page 5

Wike Warns Jonathan against Falling for APC’s Enticement Says ruling party aiming to destroy ex-president with weird bait Bennet Oghifo Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday urged former President Goodluck Jonathan to remain in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and resist the temptation of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

According to Wike, who spoke in an interview on BBC News Pidgin, the PDP is a better political platform for the ex-President to run for the 2023 Presidency if he chooses to.

Wike warned Jonathan not to be enticed by moves by the APC to lure reputable members of the PDP, adding that the ruling party is offering nothing Continued on page 5

Kwara Leaders Recommend Yahaya FOR NIGERIA@61...

Bello's Security ALL L-R: Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad; former President , Goodluck Jonathan; Speaker, House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila; Vice Yemi Osinbajo; FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello; former Head of State, Abdullami Abubakar; Senate President Ahmed Lawan and the Minister of Template... Page 37 President Defence, Bashir Magashi with President Muhammadu Buhari, at the Independence Day celebration at Eagles Square, Abuja...yesterday GODWIN OMOIGUI

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Okonjo-Iweala: Hearsays about My Interest in Presidency ‘Utterly Ridiculous’ Charles Ajunwa The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, says she is not interested in

contesting the 2023 presidential election, describing the speculation as “utterly ridiculous and not true.”

Bloomberg News had yesterday quoted “some

Geneva trade officials” as saying that they suspect Okonjo-Iweala wanted to run in the 2023 presidential election in her native country of Nigeria.

This rumoured presidential ambition is coming after an earlier report about the Nigerian former finance minister’s alleged threats to resign as Director General of

Southern Senators to Agitators: Secession Not an Option Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ The 51 Senators from Southern Nigeria, under the umbrella body of Southern Senators Forum, yesterday insisted that a united and indivisible Nigeria remained the best option that would profit all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religious and political inclinations.

The Senators warned against divisive actions "being demonstrated by some political and apolitical actors in the build up to the 2023 presidential poll," saying making uncouth and incendiary comments at this pulsating period would further widen the gulf and threaten the country's survival as a nation.

These were contained in the senators’ congratulatory message to Nigerians to mark Nigeria's 61st anniversary of Independence. It was signed by the Forum's Chairman, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Secretary General, Senator Chukwuka Utazi, Rather than uniting and making headways in view

of the enormous human and materials resources that abound in Nigeria, the Forum, lamented that the country had faltered in so many ways, thereby creating colossal economic and political burdens that are bringing the nation down.

The Senators exuded optimism that Nigeria “still holds a bright future, if the ruling elite can share the same dream and shun proclivities for unwarranted cleavages in the polity,” reiterating that "this is the most propitious time to embrace unity of purpose."

The political leaders applauded the country's founding fathers like Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello, for jettisoning ethnic and religious cards and putting the country above such narrow sentiments, culminating in Nigeria's Independence on October 1, 1960.

"Our sincere appreciation goes to these founding fathers for rising above pedestrianism and pettiness and giving us a

nation called Nigeria. Whether we like it or not, Nigeria is phenomenal in so many ways, being the largest and most populous country in Africa, and also occupying a strategic position in the world economy, diplomacy and politics.

"We have made a lot of mistakes in our national life regarding the levity with which we handled and treated our democracy at inception, thereby giving unfettered latitude for military to make incursion, seize power and destroy every stride our founding fathers had made before the coming of the holocausts.

"As fallible as our founding fathers were, they led us with finesse, patriotism, commitment and ultimately with the fear of God. Material acquisition, ethnicity and political affiliations were not the prime target, but national interest and lives of the commoners.

"Disturbingly, the reverse is the trend today. The country is now being ripped off by ethnic, political and religious cards being used by ruling elite to create a wedge that is

affecting us adversely.

"Time has come for all of us to work harder, close ranks and mend all fences for us to be able to convert our huge human and material capital to economic gains to benefit our teeming populace.

"Looking at the trajectory of our economy and politics, they are turning so derisive at every dispensation that passes.

We are retrogressing rather than progressing each day to the extent that one could conclude that our economic problems have defied every solution and theory. Now, we must rethink, for we have the options to either survive or sink deeply.

"As incurable optimists, we hold that unflagging view that Nigeria can still be great again. We are making some giant strides that if well complemented, would yield results that can lift us up, but this may be a mirage as long as the menace of insecurity and economic challenges abound and expand in leaps and bounds," the forum warned.

SUNUSI: NIGERIA THROWING AWAY MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE SCAM CALLED SUBSIDY is cheap fuel and that doesn’t make sense. We are throwing away millions of dollars in this scam called subsidy.

“When oil prices go up, other producers rejoice but not so for Nigeria. Our refineries are not working and we have this scheme called subsidy which is really a scam and practically everything that comes in goes practically out to import petroleum products and to pay subsidy on those products.

“When you deal with corruption, you also have to look at creating the opportunities for corruption.

Corruption thrives when you create an opportunity for people to take advantage of things. When you talk about the oil industry, for example, if you eliminate fuel subsidy, you eliminate fraud worth billions and millions of dollars.

If there is no subsidy, what is the incentive to come and forge bills of laden and bribe Customs and bribe people?

“If you don’t create an arbitrage opportunity in foreign exchange market, how do you create corruption there? So, I think we need to look at the structures and processes and make sure we eliminate the avenues and incentives for people to be corrupt.”

He said the second highest form of corruption “is appointing people who are incompetent to positions.”

Sanusi said: “Sometimes, it is not even so much of corruption but people don’t even know what they are supposed to do; people who do not know why they are there; people who do not have the sense that at the end of their efforts, they are still human beings.

“If every public officer starts thinking about how his actions and decisions affect a human being and how he

can contribute positively to affect that human being, he will begin to address issues. But, I think you should ask, does this person even understand what he is saying, whether you are a minister or a civil servant? I think if you are a minister, at the end of eight years, you should assess how you affected the people.”

No to Zoning of the Presidency Sanusi also said zoning the Presidency to a particular region may leave Nigeria “with two useless candidates” in 2023.

He said he had always objected to discussions that take into account where a president should come from.

The former CBN governor said “Nigeria needs a president who can deliver, irrespective of where he is from.”

Sanusi said: “I have always objected to this idea that we should focus on where the president comes from.

We have got southern governors saying we want the presidency and some northern governors saying that they want it in the north. Have you noticed that nobody has given the name of who they want?

“This whole thing is to corner the presidency to one part of the country and the big masquerade will come out. And that is why at the end of the exercise, you end up as Nigeria… presented with two useless candidates. Those who want to be president should show their face either from the north or the south.

“Meanwhile, we have before us very serious issues.

You have a simple issue of electronic transmission of results which is designed to

make the electoral process fairer and you have people saying that they do not want it, shamelessly announcing to the country that they want to rig. Why are we not talking about these issues?

“The greatest weakness we have as a country is that we do not think. We are very smart when it comes to making money by doing our work but we do not apply critical intellect to… and these guys just take the entire country for a ride.

“Give me a president from any part of the country who can deliver and we should vote for him. He is not taking the presidency to his hometown.”

Sanusi said civil society organisations and the national assembly “are not doing their jobs” in terms of holding political society to account.

Everyone wants office; everyone wants favours from the government. If we had a strong civil society holding political society to account, we would begin to improve and tackle issues,” said the former CBN governor.

Nigeria Better Together Than Divided On those agitating for the breakup of Nigeria, Sanusi said Nigeria “is better together than divided,” pointing out that countries that embraced dismemberment had found themselves in various conflicts and blamed the elites for using ethnicity and other factors to divide the country for their selfish gains.

Sanusi, who said he was a strong believer in a strong united Nigeria, believes that “once the problem of leadership is addressed,” most of the right decisions taken, and the system cleaned up of corruption, things would take a postive turn.

He said: “You hardly find a country that is homogenous and the same is with Nigeria,; that is why we are better together because if you try to divide the country, it will lead to further divisions and war like you have in Ethiopia and South Sudan.”

the WTO. But yesterday, in a statement to Bloomberg News, OkonjoIweala denied any interest in running for the Nigerian presidency.

Earlier, she had reacted to the rumour that she was mulling the possibility of resigning her WTO job barely seven months into her 4 1/2-year term.

She said, “I just got here. I am enjoying what I’m doing.

It is a very exciting job and I am trying to have some successes here.”

According to Bloomberg News, the WTO boss began the year with “a plan to score quick negotiating victories that she said would help reboot the dysfunctional Geneva-based trade body;” but she has fully grasped the frustrating reality of the WTO’s historical inertia.

The New York-based medium quoted five trade officials in Geneva who declined to be identified.

This year, Okonjo-Iweala had repeatedly told ambassadors and staff that she could easily walk away from the job, and reminded them she had not bought any furniture for her temporary home in Geneva, the officials said.

An early departure of the WTO’s top trade official would add yet another layer of chaos to an organisation suffering from an existential crisis that may lead governments to conclude the WTO is not a

credible forum for addressing their shared challenges, the medium stated.

Deep divisions and a lack of trust are not new for the WTO, which requires consensus agreement among all 164 members to finalise multilateral accords.

The WTO’s rigid negotiating structure and disparate interests of its diverse membership have precluded the organisation from delivering anything substantial for the better part of the past decade.

Last year, Okonjo-Iweala’s predecessor, Roberto Azevedo - cited the lack of progress at the WTO as his primary reason for resigning from the organisation a year before his tenure was scheduled to end.

The true test of OkonjoIweala’s leadership will come in November, when she hosts the WTO’s 12th ministerial conference - a gathering of the organisation’s highest decision-making body, Bloomberg states, noting that, to date, WTO members have failed to make significant headway on the three priority areas Okonjo-Iweala identified for potential outcomes at the biennial meeting.

They are: an agreement to curb harmful fishery subsidies; a pledge to reduce trade-distorting agricultural policies; and a framework to expand global trade in vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

NIGERIA POSTS OPEC’S BIGGEST OUTPUT GAIN IN SEPTEMBER not delivering the full boost promised. This had helped support oil prices, which is trading above $80 a barrel, and close to a three-year high.

The OPEC+ agreement allows for a 400,000 bpd production increase in September from all members, of which 253,000 bpd is shared by the 10 OPEC members covered by the deal.

While the 10 OPEC members raised output by more than last month’s figures in September, they are still pumping less than expected under the latest deal, as OPEC compliance with pledged cuts was 114 per cent when compared with 115 per cent in August.

OPEC+ meets on Monday to review its policy and is expected to re-confirm plans for the monthly increases.

The second-largest increase came from top exporter Saudi Arabia, which further raised supply as part of the September OPEC+ boost even as Iraq, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Algeria made smaller increases.

Output declined or did not increase in Angola, Congo, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the survey found, owing to a lack of production capacity to add more supply.

Iran, which had managed to raise exports since the fourth quarter despite U.S. sanctions, has posted slightly higher output this month, the survey found.

The country is exempted from OPEC supply curbs due to the sanctions; although a larger export recovery depends on progress in talks to revive its 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. Those talks are currently stalled.

Among the other two producers exempted from curbs, Libyan and Venezuelan output also slightly increased, based on shipping data provided by external sources.

Nigeria’s inability to meet its OPEC production quota has been a source of concern to the country which desperately needs every dollar it can possibly get, as the government continues to ration forex due to increasing scarcity.

WIKE WARNS JONATHAN AGAINST FALLING FOR APC’S ENTICEMENT but destruction.

“If I see the former President, I will tell him what I heard. I will tell him, ‘Don’t go anywhere because these people want to destroy your reputation. They don’t like you; you should know.

“What APC is doing now is to bring reputable people from PDP, and when they bring them, they destroy them so that they won’t have anywhere to go again. That’s what the APC is doing.

“I respect the former President because he is a man of integrity but if I am to advise him, I will tell him, ‘Sir, don’t make that mistake. If

you want to run for President, run under PDP. Nigerians cherish you more than this government. They have seen that all the things the (Buhari) government promised them are lies. So, please don’t join the APC for the sake of your reputation.’

“He (Jonathan) has the right to decide whatever he wants to do but like I said before, if my former President runs for President in APC, I won’t be able to vote for APC in the election because that would be anti-party but if he runs in PDP, I will work to ensure he wins the election,” Wike said.

Jonathan lost his reelection

in 2015 to Muhammadu Buhari.

Though out of Aso Rock, Jonathan has been working closely with the incumbent in his role as Special Envoy of the Economic Community of West African States.

With the 2023 elections fast approaching and the clamour for power shift to the South, Jonathan, who has the legal right to one more term as Nigeria’s President as the constitution permits all eligible Nigerians to be in office for two terms of eight years, has been receiving entreaties from the APC. Some APC chieftains

had visited him in recent times, raising the stakes in permutations for the 2023 general elections.

Of late, with the wave of defections swinging in the direction of the ruling party, the National Secretary, APC Caretaker, and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee, John Akpanudoedehe, recently said Jonathan would be given an opportunity to contest the 2023 presidency on APC platform “if he chose to join the ruling party.”

However, the former President is yet to respond to the entreaties.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

NEWS

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

Protests Rock Abuja on Independence Day Celebration Protest also in Lagos Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja and Chiemelie Ezeobi Activists yesterday embarked on an Independence Day protest in Abuja shortly after President Muhammadu Buhari addressed the nation in commemoration of Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary.

This is as protesters under the aegis of #RevolutionNow and TakeItBack Movement yesterday,

stormed the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, Lagos.

The anti-government protesters, bearing ‘Buhari Must Go’ placards, set up barricades at Lugbe on the International Airport Road and forced commuters to use alternative roads.

They demanded the resignation of the president for enacting antipeople policies and for failing to provide the appropriate response to the country at the time it was

DSS DG: Nations with Weak Institutions Vulnerable to Criminal Networks Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja As Nigeria celebrates her 61st independence anniversary amid rising insecurity, the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Yusuf Bichi, has warned that states with weak institutions were most vulnerable to transnational criminal networks that seek to subvert legitimate authorities.

This comes as the Director General, National Institute for International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said the intention of colonialists was for West African nations not to survive for too long

facing unprecedented security challenges.

However, the protest was short-lived as the activists, which mainly comprised youth scampered in different directions when policemen stationed along the Airport Road to forestall any possible Shiite protest, arrived at the scene.

The policemen led by ASP Altine Daniel, released several canisters of tear gas to disperse the protesters. It was gathered that many of the protesters were injured while five persons were arrested, roundly beaten by the police for illegal assembly before they were bundled into a police van that was driven to FCT Police Command in Area 11.

Policemen and soldiers manned strategic spots in Abuja yesterday while all roads leading to Eagle Square were condoned to prevent access to civil rights protesters and members of the Shiite sect.

Shehu Shagari Road, the Ministry of Finance and the Federal Secretariat along Ahmadu Bello Way were also barricaded.

In the same manner, there was a vehicular logjam along the Abuja-Keffi Road that trapped many motorists around Nyanya.

The gridlock was occasioned by barricades set up by security operatives to forestall the Shiite protesters, who on Wednesday confronted security operatives in a bloody clash from taking

advantage and gaining access into Abuja via the MararabaNyanya axis.

As a result, many motorists spent several agonizing hours in the traffic snarl even though the day was a recognised national public holiday.

Meanwhile, a stirring outing by the different military, paramilitary platoons and the cultural troupe, Abuja held many spellbound as Nigeria commemorated its 61st Independence Day anniversary.

Yesterday’s occasion at the Eagle Square, Abuja, was graced by the Special Guest of Honour, President Buhari, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Senate

President, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, Speaker House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, all the Service Chiefs and the members of the diplomatic corps.

Former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Goodluck Jonathan also graced the occasion.

President Buhari carried out the inspection of the guards while there was a march past in slow and quick time by the Armed Forces and the paramilitary.

Some commissioned officers from Brigade of Guards performed the Armed Forces Colour Patrol, while another platoon from the Brigade of Guards commanded

by Lt. Hamza Musa performed the silent drill.

before being consumed by wars and strife.

Bichi and Odaghae spoke during the 2021 Distinguished Personality Lecture at the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja.

The DSS DG raised concerns over the deliberate attempts by the elite in some countries to sabotage sustainable development.

“States with weak institutions and rule of law are most vulnerable to predications by transnational criminal networks which find ready partners in elite, local businessmen, security forces and ordinary citizens.

Pastor’s Killing: Kano CAN CARE ON THEIR MINDS. . .

Petitions Ganduje, Demands Arrest, L-R: Managing Director, LOTUS Bank, Hajia Kafila Araoye; Chief Missioner, Ansar-Ud-Deen Society; Sheikh Abdulraham Ahmad; Chairperson, Sisters in The Deen Foundation Orphanage, Dr. Nurat Akinlabi Babalola; Mr. Kola Abiola and Chairman, Ibeji Foundation, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, during official opening of the Orphanage home in Ikeja, Lagos... yesterday.

Prosecution of Perpetrators Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Following the recent killing of Pastor Shuaibu Yohanna by some irate youths of Masu community in Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has petitioned Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of the dastardly act.

The petition was also copied to the state Commissioner of Police, the Director of Department of State Services (DSS) and the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.

This was contained in a

statement signed by the CAN Chairman, Rev. Samuel Adeyemo and issued yesterday.

“The prelude to the event leading to this dastardly and inhuman act was the family feud that occurred between a young man called Sabo who eventually killed his brother with a pistol on Monday, 20th September, 2021.

“The said young man, Sabo who is an inconsistent member of the late Pastor Shuaibu Yohanna’s Church, reported and surrendered himself to the Nigeria Police Force without an arrest.

“So, we demand immediate arrest and investigation of perpetrators of this dastardly and inhuman act of culpable

Restructure Nigeria to Engender Peace, Says Ex-Gov Victor Attah Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Nume Ekeghe in Lagos As Nigeria celebrated its 61st independence anniversary, former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, yesterday called for restructuring of the country and power shift to the South for peace to reign in the nation.

Speaking on Arise News Channel Programme, Nigeria at 61, Attah called for a restructuring of the political system that would enable the zones to manage their resources and contribute to the

center as was obtainable in the first republic.

He emphasised the need to allow for a power shift in order to engender peace in Nigeria.

Attah chided an unnamed Northern governor, who stated that retaining power in the North was no longer a matter of convention but covenant.

“People are asking for change, restructure Nigeria so we can have true federalism. Nigerians are not asking for something new, it is what has been practiced over the years which is true federalism, resource control.

Killing of Akunyili: NMA Weeps for Nigeria Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has expressed sadness over the gruesome murder in cold blood of one of her members, Dr. Chike Akunyili, the widower of Late Prof. Dora Akunyili, former Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Aniekeme Uwah, NMA said while it awaits an official statement on investigations being conducted on the incident by relevant security agencies, the federal government should do everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.

It said the tragic incident occurred while the victim was on

his way from the commemorative lecture in honour of his late wife, Dora.

“The death of this highly skilled professional at a time the country’s health care delivery system is bleeding due to the dearth of Medical Doctors and other health care workers as a result of the unprecedented brain drain

currently facing the country is a cause for deep concern.

“This condemnable incidence at a moment when the country’s abysmally low Doctor: Patient ratio of 1: 6000 as against the WHO’s recommended 1: 600 is an indication of our misplaced value system as a people where human lives are not valued anymore,” it said.

SSANU Asks FG to Create Jobs, Tackle Rising Cost of Living Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has asked the federal government to immediately address rising cost of living in the country.

It said that the most effective ways to tackle the monstrous insecurity that was ravaging Nigeria today should be for

the federal government to try and bring down the high cost of goods and services, provide jobs for teaming unemployed youths and fund education and health sectors appropriately.

SSANU said: “How could it be that our children are no longer safe in our schools because of incessant kidnapping and killings, yet those that it falls on their shoulders to take actions are busy politicking.

“How could it be that prices of food and other commodities are skyrocketing everyday in the country and citizens are going to bed without food, yet our leaders and political leaders have not shown any concern.

“It’s therefore time for government at all levels to sit-up and squarely face its constitutional responsibilities of protecting and providing basic needs of

Nigerians.”

The union in its goodwill message to Nigerians to mark 61st independence anniversary, signed by the National President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, said that despite the challenges and the hard times the country faces at the moment, there was still reason to celebrate and give thanks to God for keeping us united.

Fayemi: Ekiti Has Returned Five Schools to Missionaries Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has disclosed that his government had in the last two years returned five public schools to missionaries, for effective management Fayemi, however, assured that his government would construct another five model colleges

to replace those that had been returned and now being managed by private bodies.

The governor spoke in Ado Ekiti yesterday while inaugurating a model school named after an elder statesman and former Chairman, Standing Committee for the creation of Ekiti State, Chief Deji Fasuan.

Fayemi disclosed that the

model school, built along AdoAfao Road, was named after Chief Fasuan to promote role modeling and imbue the younger generation with patriotic spirit exhibited by the beneficiary throughout his life.

Speaking glowingly of Fasuan, the governor said: “I knew him(Fasuan) about 46 years ago.

His house shared a boundary with the Christ’s School, which I

attended. We all knew the role he played for the creation of Ekiti State.

Those of us who had governed the state would know how he persistently troubled us just for the sake of Ekiti.

“He is one personality that will commend whatever you do well and itemise areas of inadequacies, just to ensure development,” Fayemi stated.

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Obiano Boycotts Independence Day David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka The Anambra State Governor, Mr. Willie Obiano, yesterday failed to mark the 61st independence anniversary at Ekwueme Square, after elaborate plans to celebrate the event. Governor Obiano also said that the recent killings in the state were perpetuated by some desperate politicians who were ready to do anything to take over the state.

Though the venue was lavishly decorated with Nigerian colours, and a podium for the governor, Obiano to take salute to acknowledge march past by groups and a public address system provided; schools, trade unions, labour unions and others failed to show up at the event. As at 12p.m. when THISDAY left the venue, only police officers who came to provide security for the event could be seen at the arena.

Buhari Visits NCAC Exhibition Stand, Commends Runsewe As part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day, President Muhammadu Buhari paid a visit to an exhibition stand set up by the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) with the theme ‘The Treasures of Our Beloved Country’.

The President was accompanied by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President, Dr. Ahmed lawan, Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha and Minister of Trade, Mr. Niyi Adebayo, to the Banquet Hall, Aso Rock Villa Abuja, venue of the historic inspection.

He commended the Director General of the NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, who conducted him and his team round the massive display of artistic and cultural artifacts reflective of the six geopolitical zones of the country for a great job done to showcase Nigeria to the world.

re-dedicate themselves to the country, be patriotic and above all continue to pray for a united and peaceful nation.

Governor Mohammed in a goodwill message to mark the country’s 61st Independence Day celebration yesterday, appealed “to all of us is to re-dedicate ourselves to our country, be patriotic and above all continue to pray to Almighty Allah to shower His Mercy and blessings on us so that we can continue to live in peace with one another and make our state and country great.”

According to him, “The 61st independence anniversary should be used to reflect on the struggle and sacrifice of the founding fathers of this country. As we reflect on the virtues of our heroes, we should use this auspicious occasion to emulate them and ensure that their labour shall not be in vain.

available from her office in Luanda by her Media Aide, Mr. Nse Abasi Nelson. The message partly read: “I wish to congratulate His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari and my fellow Nigerians back home in Nigeria, Nigerians in Angola and in the diaspora on this special occasion of our 61st Independence Anniversary.” Ekpong who is marking her first independence anniversary in Angola, prayed that Nigeria remained a peaceful and united country, where the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.

She also extended the good wishes to the people of her host country, noting that as Africans, thorough development will spread across the borders of African countries where the people peacefully coexist.

Nasarawa Gives N5,000 Each to 3,800 My Administration Interested in Security Poor Citizens Monthly of Lives, Property, Says Sanwo-Olu Igbawase Ukumba in Lafia

Segun James

The Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday said the state had been giving the sum of N5,000 monthly to each of the 3,800 selected poor citizens across the state under the domesticated Nasarawa State Cash Transfer Scheme.

Governor Sule disclosed this in Lafia on the occasion of the celebration of the 61st anniversary of Nigeria’s independence and the 25th anniversary of the creation of Nasarawa State.

According to Sule, “we have domesticated the Nasarawa State Cash Transfer Scheme, aimed at improving the living conditions of the poor, vulnerable and the indigent citizens of the state.

“Through this scheme, government is giving the sum of N5,000 only monthly to each of the 3,800 beneficiaries selected from across the 13 local government and 17 development areas of the state. We intend to scale up this number in view of its impact on poverty alleviation.”

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said that security of lives and property are most important to his administration.

Speaking during Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary held at the Agege Stadium in Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the challenges confronting Nigeria in the last 61 years are daunting, but are certainly not insurmountable.

He urged Nigerians to unite with renewed determination and commitment to move the country forward against all odds.

“As we celebrate today, we do so mindful of the various challenges confronting us as a nation and as a state. But we are equally mindful of the various vistas of progress that have opened up, and which continue to give us hope that we can achieve the Nigeria of our dreams.

Makinde Charges Nigerians to be Loyal, Fayemi, Senators Harp on Unity, Warns Proud Wike Blames Nation’s Misfortunes on Against Secession Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti Weak Democracy Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has stated that the reason Nigeria has not survived the series of challenges facing it was because the nation’s democracy is weak.

Governor Wike stressed that the nation’s democracy was weakened with constant violation of the constitution, and other institutions.

According to him, the National Assembly has abandoned its check and balance roles over the executive, while the judiciary has lost its courage, integrity, and commitment to justice.

The governor made the assertion yesterday, at the march past and parade event in commemoration of the 61st Independence of Nigeria that was held at Sharks Football Stadium, Port Harcourt.

Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, yesterday described Nigeria as “an unfinished business which each generation will continue to work at.” This is as the 51 Senators from Southern Nigeria under the umbrella body of Southern Senators Forum, have insisted that a united and indivisible Nigeria remained the best option that could profit all Nigerians regardless of ethnicity, religious and political inclinations. Fayemi who stated at the occasion to mark the country’s 61st Independence Day, said Nigerians must renew commitments to the task of nation building and to begin to set objectives that would usher in a new direction on the journey of national development.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday called on Nigerians to remain loyal and be proud of the nation despite the current challenges it was facing. Makinde, who made the call during the 61st independence celebration of the country, held at the remodeled Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, said everyone should be proud of being Nigerian.

The governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, charged the people of the state and Nigerians at large to put the love of the nation in their hearts at all times, maintaining that the improved security situation in the state was made possible through the intervention of relevant security stakeholders.

We Must Pray to Save Nigeria, Says Ikpeazu Ayade Wants Nigerians to Bond Together

Tambuwal Urges Nigerians to Be Optimistic

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

With the mounting existential problems confronting the nation, the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, yesterday called on Nigerians to rise in one accord and pray for divine intervention to save the country from total collapse.

He made the call while speaking at the Abia Day of Fasting and Prayer held in Umuahia to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary, noting that at a time like this when the nation was gasping for breath under the weight of numerous problems, prayer remained the answer.

The Abia Day of Fasting and Prayer with the theme:’Oh Lord Heal Our Land’ was organised by the state government in reflection of the sombre mood in the nation where blood has continued to flow on a daily basis.

The Cross River State Governor, Prof. Ben Ayade, wants Nigerians across ethno-religious groups to unite and work together towards tackling insecurity in the country. Ayade said that with unity among Nigerians 90 per cent of the nation’s challenges would have been solved. Ayade stated this at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, while delivering his speech at an event to mark Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary. “Let us therefore, continue to bond together so that we can boldly confront the future with a renewed confidence and determination.”

Ayade who was represented at the ceremony by the state Deputy Governor, Prof. Ivar Esu, said that the Nigeria’s unity remained sacrosanct.

The Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has urged Nigerians to be optimistic despite the current challenges facing the country. Tambuwal made the call yesterday in a state wide broadcast to mark this year’s Independence Day. He said people should thank God for sparing their lives to witness another anniversary of the nation’s independence.

“It is indeed, with a mixture of joy and sadness that we are today celebrating Nigeria at 61. “We reminisce, with nostalgia, on the potential and promise of our country at its birth and confidence about a better future. It is a path on which we were placed by our founding fathers whose trust in our capacity to reach our envisioned destination was not far-fetched,” Tambuwal said.

Gov Inuwa Applauds Dankwambo, Past Nigerian Embassy Receives One Nigeria Bayelsa Has Made Good Progress, Says Governors Group in Washington D.C. The Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. United States of Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Diri Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged Bayelsans to appreciate God for the creation of the state as it has witnessed remarkable development within the 25 years of its existence. Governor Diri stated this yesterday in a statewide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day and Bayelsa State 25th anniversary, which was aired on all the major stations in Yenagoa. The governor noted that although the state had not developed to the level it desired to be, it had witnessed appreciable growth in terms of human and infrastructure development compared to when it was part of the old Rivers State.

America has praised the efforts of the Diaspora Community in identifying with the challenges at home and requested their prayers in safely navigating towards birthing a safe and prosperous nation.

The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Nigerian Embassy, Ambassador Bashir conveyed the showers when he received a solidarity visit from the One Nigeria Group which marched to the embassy in a solidarity visit. The demonstrators who carried several placards expressing solidarity with the government and people of Nigeria shouted repeatedly, ‘Stronger Together, One Nigeria’.

Receiving the group, Ambassador Bashir said: “On behalf of myself and the entire embassy, I most sincerely thank and appreciate all of you for the solidarity visit and special show of concern especially at this trying time in our national discourse.

Let’s Rededicate Ourselves to Nigeria, Diplomat Salutes Buhari on Nigeria’s 61st Says Bauchi Gov Independence Anniversary Segun Awofadeji in Gombe

As the nation celebrated its 61st independence, Governor of Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, has appealed to Nigerians irrespective of their ethno-religious or political backgrounds to

The Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Angola, Her Excellency, Prof. Monique O. Ekpong, has sent good wishes to President Muhammadu Buhari and people of Nigeria on the occasion of the nation’s 61st independence anniversary.

The goodwill message was contained in a statement made

Gombe State Governor, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, has paid glowing tribute to his immediate predecessor, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo and other past governors for their contributions towards the development of the state. He made the commendation during a special parade to celebrate Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary and Gombe State’s 25th anniversary after its creation from Bauchi State in 1996.

According to him, the immediate past administration of Dankwambo made significant headways in providing critical infrastructure by expanding existing roads especially in the state capital and building new road networks in the local government areas of the state. He said the administration had also encouraged and provided support for farming and commercial activities.

He particularly singled out education and health sectors as areas that received the attention of the past administration.

The governor also noted the contributions of the pioneer administrator of the state, Group Captain JI Orji (rtd), Col MI Bawa (late), Alhaji Abubakar Habu Hashidu (late) and Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Goje for various infrastructural and social developments of the state.

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NEWS Again, Okowa Calls for National Boko Haram Takes Over 500 Communities in 8 Wards of Shiroro LGA Dialogue, True Federalism LaleyeDipoinMinna The dreaded Boko Haram Islamic sect has taken over 500 communities in eight wards of Shiroro Local Government of Niger State.

This is just as not less than 10 people have been killed and an unknown number of others reportedly slaughtered in some communities in neighbouring Munya Local Government Area of the state.

The latest development also came six months after Governor Abubakar Sani Bello raised the

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

alarm that Boko Haram elements had hoisted their flag in Kaure Village of the same local government area.

The incident in Shiroro Local Government Area was confirmed by the Chairman of the council Mr. Sulaiman Chikuba while that of Munya council which occurred on Thursday this week was corroborated by the council Secretary, Mr. James Isaac Jagaba. The two officials spoke to journalists in Minna yesterday.

Chikuba named the affected wards as Manta, Gurmana, BassaKokki, Allawa, Kurebe, Kushaka,

Kwati, Chukumba explaining that the Boko Haram elements were already recruiting villagers and equipping them to fight against the government.

“As the Chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, I can tell you that Shiroro is not only dealing with the issue of banditry, Shiroro has a lot of Boko Haram, I have proof of this as the chairman,” Chikuba said, adding that “Boko Haram has proclaimed that they do not want conventional primary and secondary schools, their only preference is the Islamic school.

“They have told the people that they do not want primary or secondary schools in the communities and that they only want to see Islamic schools. They have been trying to incorporate and recruit the residents of the communities to become their members, telling them that they will give them arms and assist them in fighting the government,” Chikuba explained.

The chairman therefore appealed to the federal government to bring in more security personnel to help in dislodging the Boko Haram elements who have already made Shiroro their “home”.

Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has reiterated the call for sincere national dialogue on the state of the nation as well as the urgent need to restructure Nigeria in the spirit of true federalism.

In a goodwill message to Nigerians on the country’s 61st Independence anniversary, in Asaba yesterday, Okowa appealed to the people not to lose faith in Nigeria but to be united in prayer for the country to successfully navigate the currently troubled waters signposted by insecurity and economic challenges.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, the governor restated his position that Nigeria is in dire need to a national dialogue and a new constitution that would put the country in good stead for national cohesion and sustainable economic performance.

National dialogue on a new Constitution and True Federalism constitute a veritable window for resolving all developmental,

economic and political challenges facing the nation, he pointed out, saying that peace and progress were achievable if leaders were resolved on patriotism and honesty and the citizenry were law-abiding.

Okowa said: “There is no auspicious time than now to address the nagging issues of restructuring and true federalism in the country’s polity especially as more voices were added and have become louder on the imperative of these burning issues regarding the desired unity in the country.

“These challenges are not insurmountable as we continue to hope that Nigerians will live together to build a great and perfect nation as envisioned by our founding fathers.

“On our part as leaders, we must continue to ensure that we take decisions in the best interest of our people and the country.

“We must strive to encourage everything that will help to unite and develop our country and not those things that tend to divide us.”

Aero Contractors Takes Delivery of Two Airbus 320 Kasim SumainainAbuja

DUSTTO DUST …

L-R: Chairman, Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Alhaji Kashim Ibrahim-Imam; former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; Chief Mourner, Chief Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu; Miss Uchenna Gbazueagu; and Miss Chiamaka Gbazueagu, pay last respect at the graveside during the interment of the late Mrs. Felicia Gbazueagu, at Akpugoeze, Enugu State, during the week

Nigeria Needs Nationalist President to Build Trust, Says Lamido Bennett Oghifo Former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has said Nigeria needs a nationalist as president in 2023 to heal the great division that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has caused.

“We desire a country where there is peace for every Nigerian.

What will we do to restore common bond/trust among Nigerians?

Answering his rhetorical ques-

tion, he stated that democracy was one of such ways, but added that democracy should be able to heal or solve the nation’s problems.

Lamido said even America, which is seen as the bastion of democracy in the world, is oͿended if other democracies do not align with their interest, stating that “they truncate democracy in other countries that are not in tune with their foreign policies. They did so in Nigeria in 1990, they did so in

Palastine and in Egypt.”

He said, “Democracy should be able to address your needs. In Nigeria now, people talk about the right to vote, the right to aspire,” and that to enthrone trust and peace, we in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) shut out other zones from contesting for the presidency and we then allowed a particular zone which then agreed to give us the president. The PDP is a party of leaders and people who have the interest of the country at

heart and believe in fairness and justice.”

He said they agreed to rotate the presidency to the South-west and “that alone made the impact, because the other two political parties, AD and APP, when they had their conventions, Olu Falae emerged as AD’s presidential candidate and Ogbonaya Onu as APP’s.

He said having seen the wisdom in what the PDP had done, Falae was picked to represent APP and dropped Onu.

PDP to Buhari: Comparing Period under Your NCDMB under Pressure to Relocate Watch to Civil War Experience Vindicates Us Over Incessant Disruptions of Activities Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said that the admission by President Muhammadu Buhari in his independence anniversary speech, that Nigerians have faced di΀culties that are similar to the situation of the civil war under his administration, vindicated its stand that his government was incompetent, confused and the worst in the history of our country.

The party insisted that the fact that President Buhari compared the challenges and suͿerings being faced by Nigerians under his administration to the agony of the civil war, underscores the horrible situation in the country

today.

In President Buhari’s words “The past 18 months have been some of the most di΀cult periods in the history of Nigeria. Since the civil war, I doubt whether we have seen a period of more heightened challenges than what we have witnessed in this period.”

In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said this grave assertion brings to mind the ugly images of the civil war; the killings, lawlessness, violence, human rights violations, poverty, hunger, starvation and other horrible situations as also being currently witnessed today under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration.

Emmanuel AddehinAbuja The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) located in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, is currently being pressured by its development partners to relocate from the area, following incessant disruptions of its activities by protesters.

It was gathered that there was apprehension among workers and operators who do not feel safe at the 17-storey head office of the local content office and are now considering other options.

In the latest protests, several youths had barricaded the Nigerian Content Tower for three days, shutting down activities at the headquarters of the agency and

totally paralysing official duties.

THISDAY learnt that the youths rejected the offer by the board to train 100 youths in critical skills areas in the industry, insisting that the local content office must train1,000 youths from over 850 communities.

The protesting youths erected tents for the number of days they were at the venue, blocking the two-lane access road to the office and stopping guests and staff from gaining entrance and exiting the premises.

The management of the board was said to have met with leaders of the youth groups and explained that its approved budget for the year could only accommodate a given number of host communities’ members.

Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s oldest aviation company has taken delivery of two Airbus 320 from Heston Airline based in Lithuania.

The two aircraft touched down the runway of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and was immediately received by the Managing Director of the airline, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, along with other senior executives of the airline.

Mahmood while speaking to the press at the sidelines of the event said, “We are pleased to secure the two aircraft through House of Five A’s which will

boost our fleet and give us the much needed capacity to serve the Nigerian market, while making us more efficient and offer more comfort to our customers.”

He added that the aircraft was the first of its kind in the Nigerian market, stating: “These new generation aircraft are suitable to our operations in this market.

We have established an excellent relationship with the lessors and the financier and we are looking forward to a stronger relationship between both parties.”

Aero Contractors is currently in Receivership by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Okunbo Family Lauds Late Captain Hosa’s Contributions to Nation-building SundayOkobi and Rebecca Ejifoma

The family of Okunbo has lauded the legacy and contributions to nation-building by their brother, the late Chairman of Ocean Marine Solutions Limited, Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo.

They eulogised the business magnate for also bequeathing an inspirational legacy to Nigeria.

In a statement issued on behalf of the family, the Okunbos noted that late Captain Hosa, as he was fondly called, would be remembered for generations

for leaving an indelible mark on humanity.

According to the statement, “Captain Hosa is one of such men for whom history will sound the trumpets triumphantly for the unmistakable impact that was his life and the great inspirational legacy he bequeathed to a thankful nation.”

Until his death on August 8, 2021, at 63, Captain Hosa was referred to as a quintessential businessman, whose passion for success was only matched by his hunger for conquest.

Abiodun Congratulates Osoba on Successful Surgery James Sowole in Abeokuta Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has congratulated the former governor of the state and the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Aremo Olusegun Osoba over

a successful knee replacement surgery.

Abiodun, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, yesterday said that the elder statesman who underwent the surgery in the United Kingdom on Thursday was recuperating very well.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENTARY

THE BALA MOHAMMED’S DREAM

Emma Agu writes that the Bauchi governor is waiting for the right time to announce interest in the Presidency

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ne reason why public office holders should weigh every pronouncement of theirs is the likelihood that they could be held accountable if not immediately, in the future, no matter how distant that future would appear. Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has suddenly found himself in that quagmire. It has to do with whether or not he will stand for President in 2023.

In a report in the Blueprint newspaper of 12 September 2021 titled, One Month After: Bala Mohammed Fails to Declare Presidential Ambition, one Najib Sani Adamu, called the governor out for his delay, in fulfilling an earlier pledge, to respond to the sundry groups that have been calling on him to run for President. Of all the groups, I reckon that the most prominent is the Northern Youths Elders Council led by Comrade Eliot Afiyo. That is not to ignore the many other groups that have cast their lot with Bala Mohammed for the prized position of 2023.

From the onset Bala Mohammed, had unequivocally predicated his response on the outcome of consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He also left no one in doubt as to why the consultations were imperative. For one, he had to be sure that the various constituents of a President, and these include geo-political blocs across the country, and the interests they represent, were ready for him. Of equally, if not greater significance, is the sensibilities of his primary constituency- the people of Bauchi State - who had enthusiastically voted him into power, based on the well-founded optimism that years of stunted growth, would be redressed and the people’s quest for the good life, achieved.

Yet, there is no gainsaying that the people have a right to insist that a public officer’s words should be his bond, that a servant of the people should be held accountable for his words and actions; that the degree of compliance with pre-election promises could indeed be a precursor to what to expect should the person be elected.

Judged on promises kept, anyone who is familiar with Bauchi State prior to and since the inception of the Bala Mohammed Administration will agree that he will score very high in the eyes of the public. Not always does one see a public officer who meticulously proceeds to benchmark self-imposed developmental milestones as Bala Mohammed does. And that remains a major dilemma in responding to the growing unsolicited endorsements, for Bala Mohammed to run for President.

All over Bauchi, in varying degrees, the people are feeling the impact of his administration. Some of the deliverables could look mundane compared with what obtains in advanced democracies where governments could look stupid boasting about provision of water, electricity, good roads, etc. But, not so Nigeria where, for years on end, some people have no access to water, electricity, education, over the counter drugs in hospitals and furniture in schools.

WHEREAS EARLY PREPARATION IS DEFINITELY AN ASSET TO ANYONE WHO ASPIRES TO THE PRESIDENCY, THERE IS A SENSE IN WHICH HASTY DECLARATION, AT A TIME THAT FAMILIES AND THE NATION ARE GROANING UNDER THE YOKE OF COUNTRY-WIDE INSECURITY, SEPARATIST AGITATIONS AND NATIONAL ECONOMIC QUAGMIRE EPITOMIZED BY THE CRASHING OF THE NAIRA, COULD BE MISINTERPRETED AS INSENSITIVITY AND A DISTRACTION

Thus, by orchestrating a significant improvement in educational and health facilities, by embarking on the most extensive youth empowerment programme in the history of the state, by constructing and rehabilitating more roads, within two years, than the predecessor administration achieved in Bauchi State, and more, Bala Mohammed has placed himself in the dilemma that whereas, his presidential credentials are unassailable, he must weigh national service against the background of possible accusation that he has betrayed local trust.

Is it not possible that this could be a major consideration in giving a response?

Despite the pressure from well-meaning groups who genuinely desire a positive change, it is obvious that most loyal party members will play by the ear till such a time that contentious issues like zoning are properly resolved, before jumping into the fray. So far, available evidence suggests that, inasmuch as zoning is not a constitutional issue, it will be naïve not to show some respect for those who feel marginalised. Paradoxically, like the South East, Bala Mohammed’s North East zone can legitimately lay claim to a shot at the Presidency as the zone, like the South East, is yet to produce the Executive President of the country.

No doubt, whereas early preparation is definitely an asset to anyone who aspires to the Presidency, there is a sense in which hasty declaration, at a time that families and the nation are groaning under the yoke of country-wide insecurity, separatist agitations and national economic quagmire epitomized by the crashing of the Naira, could be misinterpreted as insensitivity and a distraction. Even so, the fact that many families are mourning the death of loved ones either from COVID-19 or the activities of criminal elements, should be a sobering influence on the swashbuckling of every Nigerian, including politicians. That said, underestimating the task of nation-wide consultation, more so in a period of national convulsion, can be a costly misadventure.

Nigeria’s next President must come to the job, exposed to the nitty gritty of the civil service, equipped with a clear understanding of legislative procedures, embedded in the horse-trading that undergirds political negotiations and consensus building; possessing a broad national appeal earned through bridge-building activities and the ability to present a performance track record founded on clarity of thought, a demonstrable track record of people management skills and legacy projects whether heuristic or empirical. Whereas Bala Mohammed falls into the league of the Nigerians who possess these qualities, his delayed response to sundry presidential endorsements can only be, in deference to the mood of the moment and the sensibilities of the Bauchi electorate to whom he is emotionally attached, fiercely loyal and totally committed.

Agu is Publisher/CEO of 3G Media Network Limited

BUHARI, KOMOLAFE AND UPSTREAM REGULATION The appointment of Gbenga Komolafe as chief executive of the upstream commission is most fitting, writes Jackson Onukwu

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f you are from my part of the Niger Delta, Imiringi, in Bayelsa, you would appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent nomination of Gbenga Komolafe to head the newly created Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

The NUPRC was created courtesy of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), the novel piece of legislation which suffered several years of failed abortion and vicious mutilations before its bill was finally passed by the National Assembly (NASS), and accented to by President Buhari as an act of parliament.

Never mind the loose bolts and joints, this piece of legislation which Buhari has the historical benevolence of signing into law has stood him out as a lover of Nigerian people, particularly the oil-bearing communities. Needless restating that the bill had passed through three presidents, several shelf lives in the National Assembly, endured several thousands of sittings in the NASS before it was finally birthed by the ninth Assembly. On this, history will remember Buhari and the ninth Assembly with fond memories.

Beyond this, where the president scored the Bull’s eye is in the nomination of Komolafe as pioneer Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Upstream Commission. It clearly showed how much relevance Mr. Buhari attaches to the PIA and its implementation. First, the President did not nominate a politician. He insulated the new commission from the often savage shenanigans of bitter politics. He went for an industry person, not someone who would come into office bereft of the knowhow, language, nuances and sophistry of the critical Upstream sector. It will go down as one of the most fitting appointments made by the president. It underscores the president’s commitment to full and effective implementation of the PIA. The president also nominated another industry person, Sarki Auwalu, the Director/CEO of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), to oversee the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), also

in accordance with the provision of the PIA. Both nominees eagerly await the screening and confirmation of the Senate.

President Buhari deserves commendation for these two nominations. First, both the Commission and the Authority are new regulatory bodies. They require seasoned hands, not greenhorns. They should be run by persons of relevant industry experience, consummate skills set and the courage to lead regulatory agencies whose actions and inactions directly impact on the nation’s economic well-being.

To fully appreciate the significance of these two nominations, it’s imperative to, first, understand their roles and job descriptions. While the Commission is responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of the upstream petroleum operations; the authority is responsible for the technical and commercial regulation of the midstream and downstream operations in Nigeria.

To further insulate them from any red tape and administrative encumbrance, both agencies are exempted from the provisions of any enactment relating to the taxation of companies or Trust Funds. This makes their place in the management of the nation’s oil and gas value chain very critical.

The president opting for experience in lieu of politics in filling the headships of the new agencies comes highly laudable. By hindsight, we have had cases of new regulatory agencies that failed to make impact from infancy because their leaderships at the beginning failed to exert the right pressure and ultimately the right impact.

A good example is the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the nation’s telecoms regulator.

Not many Nigerians knew of the existence of NCC until year 2000 when President Obasanjo appointed Dr. Ernest Ndukwe as the Executive Vice Chairman. He was the one who gave Nigerians GSM phones through a digital mobile auction that birthed mobile operators each of which paid as much as $285 million for operating licence.

Nigeria did not only make money from the sales of licence but also joined the league of nations where both the rich and the poor have access

to telephony services. The digital mobile licence auction happened in January 2001 while rollout of services commenced in August of same year; whereas NCC had been existing since 1992 when the telecoms sector was deregulated. Two persons had been EVC of the commission before Ndukwe’s appointment. Analysts and experts in telecoms have attributed the sound success recorded by Ndukwe to his experience as a top-notch player in the telecoms ecosystem, his competence and thorough knowledge of the global dynamics in telecoms, an advantage he brought to bear on his office as EVC. This is also why the nomination of Komolafe has continued to trigger both excitement and optimism not only in the oil and gas industry but also in the wider spectrum of the national economy.

He’s perceived as a fitting round peg in a round hole. He will be coming to his new beat with an intimidating profundity of experience, a bouquet of academic accomplishments and global best practices culture accumulated over the years as an engineer, lawyer, labour management specialist, marketer and administrator. Indeed, President Buhari chose the best for the nation to manage the all-important Upstream sector of the oil and gas industry.

Komolafe is coming to his new station from a position of strength as Managing Director, Nigeria Pipeline & Storage Company (NPSC). A man of scholarship and proclivity to knowledge, he runs on the props of three degrees in the diverse fields of engineering, law and labour relations, with certifications and professional training garnered from top institutes around the globe.

The NPSC where he currently oversees its day-to-day operations is a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). Here, he stamped his imprint of professionalism and excellence. Here, he brought the innovation of public-private engagement. His business model for maintenance and operations of NNPC pipelines and depots through a private Joint Venture (JV) has removed the lethargy and administrative sludge which hitherto dogged pipelines and depot management.

Komolafe’s industry experience lends him to

the new responsibility of overseeing the nation’s Upstream sector. He was at various times Group General Manager, Special Duties at NNPC, Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division and Executive Director (Commercial), Pipelines and Petroleum Marketing Company (PPMC), among others. He was also at some point General Manager, Operations, Petroleum Equalisation Fund (PEF), General Manager, Operations of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), among other portfolios. Those who have encountered him on and off-duty say he’s a task-driven, self-motivated polymath endowed with knowledge ranging from science through arts to legalism.

This has earned him a place of honour among professionals: a Fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Council of Registered Engineers of Nigeria, COREN and member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He embodies the real Nigerian spirit of academic distinction, professional finesse and worthy moral rectitude.

All of this will count for him when he assumes office. Such polymathic profile is needed to steer the ship in the newly created Upstream regulatory commission Often the oil and gas sector is globally perceived as a foundry for sleaze and corruption, lacking in transparency. Some top players have, however, debunked this theory by offering services shorn of duplicity. Komolafe is in this class. And he showed his passion for openness as Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Division, where he instituted a culture of accountability to the acclamation of the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI). Without any doubt, the Ondo state-born engineer, lawyer and administrator is the right man for the job.

But he must realise that he carries a burden.

President Buhari has trusted him enough to nominate him. He must, as a necessity, reciprocate by giving his best as soon as the Senate confirms him, a confirmation many Nigerians believe will happen given his rich pedigree of industry knowhow and experience.

Onukwu wrote from Ogbia, Bayelsa State

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INSIGHT

Do we laugh or cry?

Nigeria and Women’s Muffled Voices

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the Nigerian woman is constantly faced with challenging ctober 1st serves as the nationally recognized day circumstances due to cultural, religious and societal of Nigerian independence from British rule. Sixty influence which stifles or shuts down their opinions. Even one years later, Nigeria has proven to be the most popular and populous country in West Africa. Richly their achievements are tied to them being just females or are perceived to be gotten through sexual favours. Some endowed with natural resources, large expanse of land, a religious and cultural practices still subjugate women to constantly growing population, diverse culture, numerous this abominable notion that they do not deserve to be at agricultural produce that can rival many nations, Nigeria has the level at which there are because they are not up to par come of age. Sadly, the reality starkly contrasts the expectawith men. tions. The expectations both from a local standpoint and by Contemporary issues affecting women in Nigeria include international standards – politically, economically, legally and child marriage, female genital mutilation, sexual and otherwise, fall short in policies, laws and governance. gender-based violence, poor basic education and health Women are most affected by these below-par and uncare, empowerment deficiency, limited representation in progressive performance. Gender equality, inclusiveness, governance, existence of laws and policies that are discrimiequal pay, women in governance: these have become resounding themes of the 21st century with the feminism natory to women, lack of domestication and enforcement movement pushing hard for women’s rights, seeking for of the VAPP Act and Child’s Right Act in some states, policies and laws that protect the rights of the woman amongst others. These elements are set up to fail women. as a human. These loud campaigns and protests heard In conclusion, there is urgent call to create an enabling globally seem inaudible in Nigeria. The collective voice of environment that encourages equal representation of the Nigerian women is muffled by laws, policies, practices, women in leadership as they play vital roles in the growth traditions and religions that by default relegates her value. and development of our society. Clearly, we need to rethink This has only led to the rise and spread of women groups the approach to women’s empowerment and gender equalacross the nation both on social media and the streets, ity, especially in the area of increasing women’s political actively engaging with policymakers and government and participation. If women are not given a voice in public seeking for their basic human rights. platforms it simply reflects a systemic attempt to muffle With no due recognition back home, Nigerian women their voices. are known and recognized in international communities for Kasiemobi Eze, Centre for Social Justice, Abuja their contributions to the society and sustainable development goals. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Amina J. Mohammed, Oby Ezekwsili, Chimamanda Adiche, Folorunso Alakija are only a few examples of women in arts, politics and business who have regardless, gone on to achieve great feats.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R There are plethora of issues that need EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE to be addressed urgently; a major one DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU is the greater involvement of women in MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO political and decision-making processes.

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI The underrepresentation of women in EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN politics is considered as a huge hindrance MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI on our development as a state. There THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE is a dominance of men in the political atmosphere in spite of the National Gender Policy which highlights women’s right to equality in economic, social and political T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D life, with provisions to increase women in EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA elected and appointed positions, known as GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI the 35% affirmative action. Women have DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE contested for various political positions DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI to gain access to decision making tables SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH despite the unconducive political environASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI ment exacerbated by violence, patriarchy, CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI campaign finance, etc. However, their DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO efforts have not yielded much gain and the TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com outcomes are not very encouraging.

Aside poor participation in governance,

Edo Government and Museum Grounds

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any countries like Germany which do not have oil usually depend on monies from tourism to increase revenue. They do this by developing certain historical and cultural institutions, to attract visitors and provide employment, i.e. to taxi drivers, tour guides, etc., for their people. On one occasion, a tour guide took me to a tree in Germany, and in presenting that tree to me, said, ‘These are the Linden trees’, with excellent phonetics, an outstretched hand and the voice of an orator. I later discovered on coming back home that Linden trees are plentiful on the Airport Road in Benin City. Therefore, the difference between theirs and ours is basically the value we attach or do not attach to what we have.

One such institution that the Edo State government seemingly does not attach value, and would need to take care of would be the Benin Museum premises. I recall some years ago a certain governor built a massive water fountain and a giant billboard there, apparently to improve on the face of the city.

But today, the place is overgrown with weeds, and is home to dangerous reptiles.

The fountain is a veritable breeding ground for mosquito, and a refuse dump (painfully so). Recently, certain people turned the place into a burial ground for dead street lights removed from the airport road.

All of this is a shame; shame because such dirt and such disorder are at the very centre of the ancient city of Benin – the land of culture and of great kings.

Our history tells us that the Portuguese saw Benin as a city because they met it as clean as their own cities – Lagos, Villa Nova de Milfontes, and Porto and Sintra.

I suggest to the Edo government to get a consultant to manage the historical and colonial buildings, the fountain, the bats and the trees at the museum grounds.

They value that can translate to income for the government.

Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku WADONOR, cultural voice of the Niger Delta

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

TRIBUTE

Id Idahosa h

Celebrating an Icon and National Hero Ayotunde Odunsi

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he story of Nigeria at independence is that of Latifat Tijani, who won an Olympic gold medal in weightlifting despite being a hairstylist on the side. It is the story of Tunde Onakoya changing the lives of numerous children living in the slum through Chess.

These stories of dedication to man and country indeed underpin the life and times of another national hero; Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, whose tremendous contributions to the Nation were a labor of love, sacrifice and impact. He conquered various sectors in the Nigerian economy, providing a livelihood to thousands, and feeding multitudes through his investments in Agriculture. Since the 1960s, these stories have continued to reveal innovation and resilience from diverse citizens of our dear country.

Like many other young Nigerians, Captain Idahosa grew up from a humble background in the beloved state of Edo and rose to become the legend we all celebrate today.

Captain Hosa or “Cappi’’ (as he is fondly called) was a business magnate and chairman of Ocean Marines Solutions Limited who lived as an inspirational icon to the country. In describing his life, former President Ibrahim Babangida said, ”He was an uncommon Nigerian who was ever ready

to lend a helping hand to the needy as well as to his contemporaries alike.”

Also, President Muhammadu Buhari eulogised him for his many contributions to the Nigerian economy through many sectors spanning the petroleum, telecommunications, maritime, and power, amongst others, providing sustenance to many families in the process. With a sombre heart, he urged mourners, especially Edo natives to whom Captain devoted time and resources throughout his life, to sustain his legacies of kind-heartedness and generosity.

In 2014, the late Oba Erediauwa the 1st identified him as “a worthy son” of the ancient Bini Kingdom and accorded him special recognition in the Kingdom.

He was similarly recognized on the international scene for the deep impact of his philanthropic activities..

Cappi was a committed patriot who loved Nigeria dearly and served her diligently from his heart. In 2012, he was honored with the ‘African Titans’ Award by the United States Congress, acknowledging his indelible business impact and role in celebrating the African Renaissance.

In 2014, the late Oba Erediauwa the 1st LGHQWLÀHG KLP DV ´D ZRUWK\ VRQµ RI WKH DQFLHQW %LQL .LQJGRP DQG DFFRUGHG KLP VSHFLDO UHFRJQLWLRQ LQ WKH .LQJGRP +H ZDV VLPLODUO\ UHFRJQL]HG RQ WKH LQWHUQDWLRQDO VFHQH IRU WKH GHHS LPSDFW RI KLV SKLODQWKURSLF DFWLYLWLHV

Captain Hosa’s life succinctly epitomized the words of the famous American poet Maya Angelou, who said “people will forget what you did but will never forget how you made them feel.” Throughout his journey, he magnanimously supported diverse charitable institutions for social-development causes that significantly impacted various beneficiaries worldwide.

A statement released by his family described him as “one of such men for whom history will sound the trumpets triumphantly for the unmistakable impact that was his life and the great inspirational legacy he bequeathed to a thankful nation.

He believed in serving the greater good of humanity.”

As we think back on over six decades since our independence, we are reminded of greatness; and inspired to live with core values like generosity, humility, brotherhood and love, all of which amply qualify Captain Idahosa’s 63 years of existence.

His unrelenting efforts at economic prosperity, development and peaceful coexistence will never be forgotten as Nigeria moves steadily into a new dawn TOGETHER. We will always remember the labor of our Heroes past.

We wish him a safe landing in the great beyond.

Adieu, Captain!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

08054699539

Federal Character Rule Supports Rotational Presidency

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rdinarily, it should be simple and straight forward. But some people, largely for personal gains, will not let it be. Nigeria is heterogeneous.

This is a fact. So, the office of the President of Nigeria should rotate between the North and the South to promote unity and a sense of belonging. Muhammadu Buhari will complete eight years as President in 2023. In the spirit of Federal Character and fair play, that office should be occupied by a southerner for another eight years. Rotation is constitutional because it is backed by the Federal Character law entrenched in the 1999 Constitution. I will elaborate later. It is also a resolution influenced by the peculiarities of this country. Anybody genuinely interested in the unity and progress of this country should not be opposed to rotational Presidency and power shift. All those that have sworn to protect our Constitution must support rotational Presidency.

The resolution of the Northern governors at the end of their meeting in Kaduna last Monday saying zoning or power rotation is not in the Nigerian Constitution, is evidently childish. Is the federal character law backing power rotation not obvious in the Nigerian Constitution? The good thing about the resolution of the Northern governors is that they did not demand to produce the President of Nigeria in 2023. These governors and those persistently saying Presidential power rotation is unconstitutional are just being clever by half. They should stop being petty and think more about our Constitution and the unity of this lovely country. I’m surprised that the Southern governors are not making a case for the sustenance of zoning and power shift on constitutional basis. I can’t remember any of them arguing along this line.

As a result, it is pertinent to break down Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, which makes spread in the distribution of offices at the federal level compulsory. The office of the President is inclusive. This part of our constitution supports a spread in the composition of government in such a way that a particular state, ethnic group or tribe should not have dominance. It supports sharing of power.

Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution states: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity, and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few States or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups in that Government or in any of its agencies.”

The key words here as it relates to rotational Presidency or power shift at the Presidency level are: “The composition of the Government of the Federation” shall “reflect the federal character of Nigeria.” The Executive is part of the Government of the Federation. The President

This 1999 Constitution prescribes a nationwide spread and balance in such a way that a particular tribe or ethnic group is not seen as dominating the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies.

The office of the President is inclusive because it is part of the Government of the Federation. Rotational Presidency is manifestly not contrary to this country’s Constitution. The northern governors, while arguing against rotational Presidency, only referred to how a person can constitutionally be elected President, to back their warped submission heads this Executive arm. So, people from a section of Nigeria cannot perpetually occupy the office of the President. This will be a breach of Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution. Is this not straight forward? It requires little mental effort.

So, those saying power shift and rotation are unconstitutional should have a rethink. They need to go back and study our constitution dispassionately. This Section 14 (3) sets out to promote cohesion at the national level. It aims to carry everybody along in governance to ensure unity, equality and justice in the distribution of power and offices.

This 1999 Constitution prescribes a nationwide spread and balance in such a way that a particular tribe or ethnic group is not seen as dominating the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies. The office of the President is inclusive because it is part of the Government of the Federation.

Rotational Presidency is manifestly not contrary to this country’s Constitution. The northern governors, while arguing against rotational Presidency, only referred to how a person can constitutionally be elected President, to back their warped submission.

Let’s even put the constitution aside, many other things being done today on the political field in Nigeria are not all in the 1999 Constitution. They are being done to promote unity.

Everything can’t be written in the Constitution.

Some argue that rotational Presidency is undemocratic. This is not true. Nominating candidates on the basis of rotation does not make it undemocratic. It is political consensus; nominating candidates on the basis of this is democratic. Democracy is majority rule. It is government of the people for the people by the people. All these come to play during elections.

Again, some persistently punch holes in rotational Presidency, saying it would deprive the country of quality President. These set of people talk about merit as if it is limited to a part of the country. There is no part of this country

that can’t supply quality human resources for the office of the President of Nigeria. In my own little Ikorodu town in Lagos, we can safely supply dozens of world-class materials for the office of the President. This country is blessed. Unfortunately, these high quality men are hindered from getting to positions of authority by devious people who dominate Nigeria’s political landscape at all levels.

On the flip side, the argument that the North should ignore the clamour for power shift to the South because it has the vote to determine outcomes of Presidential elections is not solid. North has the vote to determine who becomes President, so says, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum. Some people are queuing behind him. Baba-Ahmed is not a good student of history. From history, it is clear that the North is not a monolithic region.

The South is equally not monolith. There is no way a Presidential candidate of Northern origin will win all the 19 northern states will.

With the way Nigeria is structured, and the 1999 Constitution being the guiding rule, neither the voters in the North, nor the ones in the South, can single-handedly determine who becomes President of this country. Buhari’s handshake with the South-west gave him victory in 2015 and 2019, thanks to Bola Tinubu.

Those opposed to rotational Presidency should also read the beautiful story of Switzerland, a developed country that practices rotational Presidency. The position of President of the Swiss Confederation rotates among the seven Councilors (representing the 26 Swiss cantons) on a yearly basis. This has sustained the unity of the diverse people of Switzerland. The different ethnic groups, speaking different languages, and following different religions in Switzerland are happy.

The clarification of Governor Nasir elRufai on rotational Presidency is soothing.

The Ruins of Shinkafi Town

Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State

Virtually everywhere in Zamfara State is flowing with blood. But the case of Shinkafi town is most pathetic. This once beautiful town is now a ghost of itself, no thanks to Fulani

militias. In the last two weeks, 400 people had either been killed or abducted by the bandits, and the killings are still on, so says the Sarkin Shanu of Shinkafi, Dr. Suleiman Shuaibu. The entire Shinkafi LG, with 150 villages has less than 50 soldiers and policemen. This is why Fulani militias enjoy a free rein here. The vigilante group set up by Hausa farmers called Yan Zakai lacks the capacity to contain them.

Shuaibu laments on BBC Hausa last week, “In Shinkafi Local Government, we are in a helpless situation. The soldiers moved here to protect Shinkafi and its environs were withdrawn after three days. These bandits are still killing our people. Even the day before yesterday, they came into Shinkafi; a man who went to the farm to get millet was shot and killed; they also shot his son who is still receiving treatment in hospital.

“They attacked some villages - Shanawa, Katuru, Kursasa, Ganjeru, Bula, Batoli and killed people. They also attacked Kamarawa in Isa Local Government near us. They killed and kidnapped almost 400 people.”

The disconnection of telecommunications facilities aimed at tackling the menace of Fulani

militias has compounded the woes of the people of Shinkafi. They can no longer call for help when attacked. “We go to Sokoto to make telephone calls. We take transport from here in Shinkafi through bad roads and travel to Sokoto to make telephone calls just to let the world know what is happening; to speak to those we believe can save us and for the world to hear,” declares Shuaibu.

Abductions and killings have continued in Zamfara State in spite of the disconnection of telecommunications facilities. On September 3, on the day the communications blackout came into effect, four persons were killed while about 50 others were abducted when terrorists attacked Ruwan Doruwa district in Maru LG. The terrorists also killed four in Bugundu town after attacking a police station. On September 11, terrorists killed 12 soldiers in Mutumji, Maru LG. They also killed seven civilians in Shinkafi and Zurmi local governments on September 16, burning the home of the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Nasiru Magarya, at Magarya community.

Who will save the North-west from these killers? A tough question!

Northern Governor’s Forum never opposed the presidency going to the South in 2023, so says el-Rufai. He adds that the Northern governors are only against the language used in the resolution of the Southern governors on the issue of power shift. This is good music to my ears.

True lovers of this country must jealously protect our rotational Presidency. It is our pride; the strength of our country, booster of our unity and the tonic sustaining our democracy. Power rotation is well-intentioned and aimed at giving every Nigerian a sense of belonging. Any northerner that truly loves this country should not be talking about running for the office of the President in 2023. Arise all compatriots; let’s build a united, peaceful and just country with power rotation.

NAF Should Stop Bombing Civilians

Defence Minister Bashir Magashi

The mistakes are embarrassing. They appear unending too. I can’t understand why the military, while searching for Boko Haram fighters, keeps dropping bombs on innocent civilians. The killing of about 400 IDPs in Rann few years back is still fresh in our memory. Suddenly, mishits are coming back.

Early this week, scores of innocent fishermen were killed in Kwatar Daban Masara, a border town in Monguno LG of Borno State, when the military dropped bombs on them in error.

They were after members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) that controls this area. ISWAP recently lifted a ban on fishing here, allowing fishermen to move in and fish in the freshwater lake for a fee. This is happening in a Nigerian territory. This talk by the military that those killed in Kwatar Daban Masara were terrorists masquerading as fishermen is balderdash.

The mishit in Kwatar Daban Masara is coming barely two weeks after 10 villagers were killed in error in a similar airstrike during a pursuit of Boko Haram members in neighbouring Yobe State. The Nigerian military has to show greater sense of professionalism. In this modern era, consistent mishit by the Air Force is unacceptable.

It is equally perturbing that Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters are still pummeling our troops, a confirmation that the so-called surrendering of terrorists is a ruse. Dozens of soldiers, who were on their way to Maiduguri, were last week ambushed by the terrorists between Marte and Dikwa in Borno State. The rebels fired rocket launchers at military trucks, killing several soldiers.

“What happened to the military along Marte-Dikwa axis is disturbing. It confirms that Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters are very much on ground in this town,” remarked a source yesterday. Marte, about 180km north from Maiduguri is still unsafe, due to the activities of the terrorists. Most of its people are displaced and taking refuge in Monguno, and some parts of Maiduguri.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

TRIBUTE

Humphrey Nwosu at 80 Erudite Professor of Political Science and erstwhile Chairman of Nigeria’s electoral umpire during the administration of Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida, Prof Humphrey Nwosu is 80 today, writes Alex Enumah

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lthough, Prof Humphrey Nwosu may have withdrawn into a private and quiet life since his audacious but patriotic outing during the controversial June 12, 1993 presidential election, his name will continue to resonate for years whenever Nigeria’s democracy and election is discussed. Nwosu, is not only celebrated because he presided over the freest, most credible, most transparent and most acceptable election in the history of Nigeria, but for conducting the election against all odds.

Prof, as he is fondly called, dared his boss, Gen Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and the military junta when he stuck to his gun insisting that the election he conducted was not tainted and should not be annulled even at the expense of his life.

Little wonder Nigerians, both home and abroad, and the international communities could not help but roll out the drums in celebration of this unique Nigerian as he turns 80. Like the President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Dr Benjamin Chavis in his tribute noted, the achievement of this newest octogenarian remains unparalleled and worthy of celebration on this auspicious occasion of his 80th birthday.

“The World Democracy celebrates and recognizes you as a Professor of Political Science and fellow graduate of the University of California, Berkley.

We salute you as a trailblazer who tirelessly and unselfishly created and executed an election strategy for Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria. We applaud your effort and bravery as a statesman as you demonstrated the democratic values in a practical, measurable, doable, free, and fair elections,” Chavis said.

The story of Nwosu and elections started sometime in 1989 when a frantic search for a credible and patriotic Nigerian to head the nation’s electoral umpire, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) as it was then called ensued.

The search party eventually zeroed in on the erudite, cerebral and firm Professor of Political Science at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, (UNN). The search for his kind of person was predicated on the fact that

the military junta led by Gen Ibrahim Babangida that toppled the Gen Muhammadu Buhari’s government, promised speedy return to civilian rule. It therefore needed a-buy-in into its policies and programmes which would be accentuated by getting credible people into his government.

Besides, IBB also needed a credible and firm Nigerian that could head the electoral umpire saddled with the critical responsibility of organizing and conducting elections that would gradually return the country to full blown democracy. Thus, on February 28,1989, the erudite professor of political science was appointed the chief electoral officer. He was forty-five then.

In his book titled, “Laying the foundation for Nigeria’s Democracy: My account of June 12, 1993 presidential election and its annulment”, the former electoral umpire described his appointment thus: “One major characteristic of some demanding appointments made by various military regimes in Nigeria was the sudden announcements over the electronic media of such appointments. Announcements were often made before the appointees were reached formally. In this same manner, removals were carried out through the electronic media without informing those concerned. Usually, the military leaders assume that those so appointed would accept as they regarded this as an ‘’urgent call’’ to serve the fatherland.”

Nwosu however, explained that he accepted the appointment despite his trepidations arising from how distinguished Nigerians who held that position had often ended up because of his desire and determination to make a difference.

He said, ‘’I saw my appointment as an opportunity to participate in carrying out major electoral reforms that would restore the confidence of generality of Nigerians in the electoral process. In accepting the appointment, I felt in my inner –most heart that I owed accountability to three levels of authorities.

The first authority was the Nigerian state. I strongly believe in the Nigerian state and the Nigerian nation.

The two are more enduring than individuals and societal historic groups as well as regions. I was, therefore, determined that in doing my job at the National Electoral Commission (NEC), the interest of

Humphrey Nwosu Nigeria and Nigerians would be uppermost in my mind.’

Undoubtedly, with this mindset, Prof Nwosu hit the ground running. Initiating reforms and programmes that would help him achieve his desired objective for a better Nigeria. He admitted that himself and his team worked very hard and conscientiously to bequeath the best to the nation especially so, as he was promised a national honour should they conduct a credible, free and fair election.

Speaking on the June 12, 1993 presidential election between Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention (NRC) and Moshood Kashimowo Abiola popularly called MKO, of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) that was eventually annulled by the military government that organized it, Nwosu said. ‘’Undoubtedly, the June 12, 1993 presidential election was adjudged by both national and international observers as the freest, fairest, and most peaceful election in Nigerian history. For the conduct of this election, its result as well as its annulment had

forever changed the political landscape of Nigeria. ”It is, therefore, futile for anybody no matter how highly placed to ignore or erase the importance of the event of this date in laying the foundation for democracy in Nigeria. The more efforts are made to wish away and blot out the importance of this event as well as its aftermath, the greater its impact on the Nigerian national psyche and the direction for its better future. Furthermore, it was on June 12, 1993 that the degree of our social mobilization and national consciousness reached its highest level, as Nigerians acted as one nation. All the national divides-regional, religious, primordial and ethnic were set aside. Nigerians made their sacred choices under peaceful and congenial atmosphere’,’ he said.

Speaking for the first time on the matter in public some years ago, Nwosu explained how he put his life on the line, first to ensure that the election held after the earlier injunction to stop it and, later, to push through the court to ensure the final result was announced by NEC. ‘’Halfway, as the results were being collated, Abuja High Court presided by the Chief Judge of Abuja, came out with a decision that the results of the election should no longer be announced. This time, the national commissioners were around and we mounted a big board at the headquarters of the commission where the results were recorded and announced.

It is public knowledge that the struggle continued until the result of the election was annulled on June and the commission dissolved.

Twenty-five years after that unfortunate incident, President Muhammadu Buhari honoured Abiola with the nation’s highest award of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic, (GCFR), with his then running mate, Babagana Kingibe getting Grand Commander of Order of the Niger (GCON). The late human rights activist, Gani Fawehinmi was similarly honoured with GCON. The recognition of Abiola and few others, have however opened a plethora of requests from well-meaning Nigerians who urged the president to honour the man behind the making of June 12. The man who dared the odds and stuck out his neck to insist that the right thing be done.

Felicia Ogochukwu Gbazueagu: Heaven Couldn’t Wait Uchenna Gbazueagu

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hey say lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice, and you only get to experience certain people once in a lifetime. Their journey is usually swift because they are here to leave a mark on the hearts and souls of everyone they encounter. They are sent to fulfil God’s mandate, which is to love. Be aware of these people, take notice of them, honor and appreciate them because their time here is limited. For these souls, heaven can’t wait to have them back. My mother, the late Mrs. Felicia Ogochukwu Gbazueagu (Nee Aguigwo) was one of such special persons.

Born on the 10th of June 1963 into the family of the late Mr. Dennis and Angelina Aguigwo of Obinagu Akpugoeze, Oji River LGA, Enugu State, the Felicia Gbazueagu was the second child of her parents. As an infant, Felicia and her mother moved to Jos in Northern Nigeria to join her father, a civil servant with the Federal Ministry of Statistics. When war broke out, the little Felicia and her parents relocated to Akpugoeze to experience village war time life.

At the end of the war, her father was posted to the Ministry of Statistics in Makurdi, and was later joined by his family. Unfortunately, in January 1979, Felicia lost her father in fatal auto crash. It seemed like their world had ended. However, the family kept trudged on, grappling with the situation.

She started her primary school in Enugu, but concluded it in Makurdi, Benue State before heading to Queens School Enugu for her secondary education. She became an auxiliary teacher at Girls’ Secondary School Akpugoeze in 1984. In 1985, she gained admission into the University of Science and

Felicia Gbazueagu Technology Port Harcourt to study Business Education and subsequently obtained her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nigeria Nsukka.

An amazon, who fervently pursued knowledge, she also attended several courses and seminars both locally and internationally, and obtained several other qualifications.

She worked in the Registry Department of the Enugu State University of Technology and rose to the position of Assistant Registrar. She also served as a member of the Secondary School Education Commission before joining the family business as a Director.

The late Felicia married Chief Gbazueagu Nweke Gbazueagu in 1987 and they were blessed with three daughters; Adaora, Uchenna (myself) and Chiamaka, and of course, a son in-law Azubuike Arah and a grandchild Obiamaka Chiewetaku Arah both of whom she was so fond of.

My mother took ill in May 2021, and could have survived if money could buy life because the best

facility and doctors in Abuja attended to her before proceeding to London with her husband and our father, G.N.G, on the 11th of June 2021.

Unfortunately, as Shakespeare writes in “Julies Caesar”, death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.

She passed on in the early hours of Wednesday, 4th of August.

My mother, we wished and still wish you spent more time with us here because we felt that your sojourn here was far too short. But God’s will supersedes ours. He, who truly knows what’s best, whispered to your raging storm “peace be still”, and to your weary soul “come home” because heaven couldn’t wait.

I know we are dear to God’s heart, because he chose to bless us with the gift of you. It’s been less than two months of your absence and our hearts are in agony. I can imagine how much God must have missed you for the 58 years you were here with us.

So, He made the decision to call you into his light because He and all of Heaven couldn’t wait.

Obviously you were an angel here on earth. So, I believe that on seeing your distress, the angels in heaven cried out to God, pleading with Him to bring you home for they too couldn’t wait. You fought a good fight and we know that our loss is heaven’s gain. So in our moments of weakness, when the pain seems so unbearable, we will simply remind ourselves that heaven couldn’t wait.

To our guardian angel Felicia, as you soar higher, please continue to watch over us from above. “How lucky we are to have had someone who makes saying goodbye so hard.” So we welcome this grief, because “grief is the price we pay for love”. Although we must carry on and live life without you here on earth, we gladly await our own call, because like the angels and the entire inhabitants of heaven, we too can’t wait to see you again.

You gave us everything, much more than we

deserved. You made us feel special, like we could slay dragons and conquer the world. You celebrated our milestones, even the smallest feat. We may not have said it often but we appreciate you for all that you did. In spite of the cards you were dealt and the heartaches you felt, it did not deter the sacrifices you made, and the selfless love you gave. So, I fully understand better yet I thoroughly comprehend why heaven couldn’t wait.

You gracefully ran the heavenly race and reached the finish line like the champion that you are. We salute the great woman you were. We appreciate the phenomenal daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother that you were. We cherish the incredible bond of friendship that we shared, we will remember the laudable legacy you have left and we will always, always be thankful for the beautiful soul that you are.

To our creator, the one who knows all things, who makes all things, the one who gives and who takes, I pray that You will once again come through as you always have in the past and be the God to the widower and to the motherless. So, when night comes and everyone departs, You will envelope us in your love and reassure us that when it doesn’t make sense, faith steps in; where we see a grave, you see a transition; where we see an end, you see a beginning; and when we don’t understand You’ll remind us that this was an act of love and mercy. You alone can allow and disallow, and you only allowed it because heaven couldn’t wait.

So henceforth, whenever we are asked: Why, what happened? Let our response simply be that heaven couldn’t wait.

Adieu Feli-city. Adieu Mamamiya. Adieu Ononobieze. Adieu our First Lady. Till we meet again, we love you infinitely!

Gbazueagu writes from Akpugoeze, Enugu State.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tems’ New Energy in the Music Scene Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

his time last year, Temilade Openiyi stage name Tems was just about to unleash her debut EP, For Broken Ears. Shortly after, the recognition that greeted her climaxed sooner than expected as she stuck with the distinctly emotional approach that lit up her maiden EP, ignoring pressure from the industry professionals to tweak her approach in order to succeed within the Nigerian music scene. Now she has soared to mainstream recognition. The Nigerian rising star opened her Àrst US headline show at the worldfamous SOB’s in New York.

The legendary venue has seen international superstars like Cardi B, Erykah Badu, Niki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, The Black Eyed Peas, Wale, our very own Babatunde Olatunji, Fela Kuti, Nneka, and a host of other great acts perform there. This was the Àrst show of Tems North America tour, and she got to perform some of her hit tracks like Mr Rebel, Higher, Ice T, Crazy Things, Damages, Essence and many more.

“It was crazy”, one of the guests remarked. A video of her performance posted online shows it all. Her London shows come November 18-20-26 sold out already.

Since featuring on Wizkid’s summer anthem “Essence”, the Alternative R&B sensation has gained a wider international audience, linked up with Adele, collaborated with Drake on “Fountain”, one of the tracks oͿ his new album “CertiÀed Lover Boy”, and also got to meet one of America’s A-list celebrities, Rihanna during her recent SavageXFenty showcase in Los Angeles.

The music stars chatted, took photos, hugged and exchanged pleasantries and couldn’t hide the awe in their eyes as they were visibly thrilled to Ànally meet each other.

After dropping a critically acclaimed debut EP ‘For Broken Ears’, contributing to apple music’s Juneteenth anniversary, and a feature on Apple Music as an up next artist; Apple Music’s monthly artiste initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and

elevating rising talent, following the likes of Khalid, Burna Boy, Rema, Billie Eilish, Don Toliver and a few others.

Tems is a dynamic songwriter, producer who is bringing a new energy to the Nigerian music scene.

However, Tems, didn’t realise how far she had come till she left Nigeria.

She said this in a recent post via her Instagram page as she celebrated the one year anniversary of her debut EP For Broken Ears. Tems wrote, “GANG, It’s one year of For Broken Ears today.

Really Feels like ages ago. I cannot tell it all what the Most High has done for me.

Turned me into a trailblazer. Though we are all mad, I have decided not to disguise anymore. I didn’t realise just how far I have come till I left home.

Nigeria does that to you. I pray we all see the power we have but we’re all too busy disguising. No more.

“I enter the door with my full chest. If you are seeing this, own your madness.

And let your light shine. Thank you for the abundance of love. I appreciate you GANG.” Tems boasts a blend of R&B and Soul paired with African nuances to create her unique sound. Her songs have been prominently featured on Apple Music playlists such as Afrobeats Hits, Africa Now, Top 100: Nigeria, she was deemed an Apple Music ‘Africa Rising’ artiste, has curated exclusive guest playlists for Apple Music Africa Month and Holiday Sounds, and contributed to Apple Music’s Exclusive Original Playlist: Juneteenth 2021: Freedom Songs.

“I’m so excited to be selected as the Apple Music Up Next artiste,” says Tems. “I’m happy that I can share my story and the story of where I am from.

Sending huge love to Apple Music for encouraging artistes and providing the visibility needed to impact societies on a global scale.”

It is only right to say, the Isale Eko native is shining on the world stage.

Her unique approach to songwriting and her vocal delivery of soothing soul music has arguably put her in a league of afrobeat elites.

“I have learnt to let go and just live life and just do what comes naturally to me”, the 26-year-old singer says in her interview with Apple Music.

Tems is talented, hardworking, and

Tems

consistent, but her most signiÀcant strength notably, it is believed, is the marketing forces behind her brand.

Signed to RCA Records/Since ’93 following the release of her sophomore EP, If Orange Was a Place, for anyone observant enough would notice a function of speciÀc decisive movements employed into her career development that is working well enough.

Coming after an eventful two years

since entrance into the spotlight, Tems authenticity and no stress mantra never dimmed. On Tem’s ‘If Orange Was A Place’, it is expected to hit bigger numbers than ‘For Broken Ears’, but this project isn’t about numbers. In one’s opinion, If Orange Was a Place takes on a diͿerent texture and mood. If Orange Was a Place might not provide the same instant gratiÀcation as her debut, but it’s a presentation of her vulnerable self.

Freeme Music Partners Revelator Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Music streaming services have impacted the music industry in a huge way, from a Ànancial and legal perspective. With more music Ànding its way to listeners than ever before, it has become increasingly important to Ànd solutions to the issue of streaming’s basic economics and systems of royalty distribution, especially within the African music market. As such, Freeme Music, the premium label services arm of Freeme Digital, a distribution company founded in 2013 by Michael Ugwu and headquartered in Lagos with o΀ces in London is proud to announce its partnership with Revelator.

This exciting partnership provides an easier way to process and pay out streaming royalties to musicians and music rights holders. Launched in 2021, Freeme Music is Nigeria’s largest distributor of audio visual digital content having worked with major Afrobeats artistes such as Davido, P-

square (Mr P, Rudeboy), Patoranking, D’Banj, Burna Boy, Wande Coal, 2face, Olamide, Zlatan and more as well as major platforms such as; Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay Music, VEVO and more.

In partnering with Revelator, which is a cloud-based data management platform that addresses the challenges of processing, reporting, and analyzing large volumes of data while also solving the problems of transparency in royalty distributions to copyright owners and creators, Freeme Music aims to provide the protocols, platforms and management systems that will help and support new and established African artists as well as give more access into how things work in the industry, particularly with streaming to music creators and artistes.

Freeme Music’s integrated management dashboard with Revelator is called KORA; designed speciÀcally for the African market with a mobile-Àrst operating system. It enables track

upload from mobile and has integrated with local mobile payment partners due to that being the predominant payment method for the continent.

The Artiste Wallet on the dashboard also enables users to store digital assets, create agreements, and send and receive transactions directly from their mobile phone. It allows creators to securely register their work, protect their intellectual property, and manage their digital identity.

With this Partnership/collaboration, Freeme Music’s clients will be able to have easy delivery of content to streaming services, real-time analytics, marketing data, and traceable income, all by means of subscription to any of the Music Distribution Prices on Freeme Music’s website. Freeme currently distributes for over 5,000 artistes across the African continent and have successfully delivered three award winning projects namely; ROOTS by The Cavemen., Yabasi by Basketmouth and Bars & Lamba by Magnito.

Michael Ugwu

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

joke Silva

Joke Silva is Sturdy at 60 Ferdinand Ekechukwu

S

eptember 29 is special in the Jacobs and Silva’s family and this year sees the remarkable and inimitable Joke Silva clock the big 60! The celebrated thespian, mother and wife took to her Instagram page to share lovely images from a photo session, well dressed and costumed. The day actually marks double celebration as the stage and screen amazon revealed she had spent four active decades in the theatre and movie industry. Silva who is married to the very well-known actor, Olu Jacobs, reÁected on how they renewed their vows when she clocked 50, some ten years ago.

At 60, Silva, the matriarch who holds Àgures dearly, is thankful to God for his massive mercies and gratitude for health, for love of family and friends. As she reÁected on happenings in her life in the last 10 years, she also used the occasion of her diamond jubilee anniversary to announce her biography which is in the works. The catchy title, she said, will be #40@60. Joke declared: “Numbers are very important to me, so this year, as I turn 60, I also mark forty years in the industry I love. My biography of that title #40at60 is actually in the works.

Psalm 100 (40+60) is on my lips today as I express my gratitude to God! “Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God...It has been an incredible journey and I thank you all for your endless

love.” Silva is the Vice Chairman and the Director of Studies at the Lufodo Group, a media corporation that consists of Àlm production, distribution, training and consultancy. She is also the pioneer Managing Director of Malete Film Village, in association with the Kwara State University.

On 29 September 2014, Silva received recognition as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic, one of Nigeria’s National Honours, at the International Conference Centre in Abuja. A lodestar of many in the industry, Silva notably has shone through the years and has been at the arrowhead of few but great female thespians whose contributions, expertise, carriage, and charisma largely felt.

As a testimony, screen goddess, Iretiola Doyle, reÁects in her Instagram post celebrating Silva. “She was my “light bulb moment”... my “eureka”. I could always act (without realising “I could act”). In primary school I was the go to person for school plays etc. Never something I thought I’d pursue professionally or even wanted. I will never forget that day sitting in my apartment in Jos, watching Lola Fani-Kayode’s #MindBending... Oh. My. God. @ ajokesilva performance took me on an emotional journey rarely experienced watching a dramatic piece...couldn’t take my eyes oͿ her till she was done with me.

“That was the moment I knew...I wanted to do what she did... She was the standard. Thank you Aunty J...for running so we can Áy...thank you for

inspiring, thank you for your uncanny ability to take one good look at me and just know that something is oͿ...thank you; for those deep personal conversations at pivotal times that more often than not led to clarity... thank you. May His grace continue abound to you...

Happy Birthday Mama!!!”

A graduate of the University of Lagos and the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London, Joke began her career in Àlm in the 1980s. She had her major role in 1998, starring opposite Colin Firth and Nia Long in the British-Canadian Àlm, The Secret Laughter of Women. Writing in his weekly column days before Silva’s 60th birthday, under the title “Joke Silva: A Gazelle Across The Ages”, ace journalist Femi Akintude-Johnson chronicles Silva’s long list of acting credit and journey into stardom thus: “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 oͿ 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 magniÀcent 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). 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 (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).”

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

EVENTS

W

hen Kunle Adebayo turned 50 recently, his wife Lamide conspired with friends to organise “a surprise dinner celebration in his honour.”The event which took place at Pearl Gardens Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos was an entertaining evening of music, worship, reminiscences and laughter. The celebrant’s school mates, colleagues at Denver International Resources Limited where he is CEO, and siblings were there to support.

Celebrant Kunle Adebayo and wife Lamide

Eniola Bello and wife Ayobami

Mr. Kunle Jimoh and wife Tinuke

Okwui Ubosi and Akin Obisan

Ms Temi Ojo

Mrs Yomi Adebutu and husband, Segun

Mrs Lanre Akinribido and Mrs Dupe Uhuangho-Egnarevba

Mr. Olamide Moore and wife Sola

Ms Folake Majin

Ms Simi Opeyemi and Demilade Adebayo

Captain Wale Oyediran (Rtd) and Ariyo Adebayo

Bola Adebayo

Mr. Taiwo Gabriel and wife Odunayo

Revd. Olusegun Adeleke

Ms Toun Abiru and Ms Janada Wachanafa

20

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

21

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

On, Not Under, Platform

“2

023: Nigeria will have two presidents if north insist (insists) on retaining power” “As you clock 59, I, on behalf of my wife and children wish you….” No putting the cart before the horse in collocation: My wife, our children and I….” Congratulatory messages are not civil service pieces of information!

From the House of Representatives Committee on Reformatory Institutions comes the next goof: “A motion on the need to investigate jailbreaks across the country with a view to forestalling reoccurrence….” Get it right: recurrence “History has thought (taught) us that all those who accumulated wealth will abandon it to die….”

The first conspiracy against the English language this week is by NATIONAL NEWS of September 19: “Congratulations to the TheNEWS of yesteryear for (on/upon) publishing a comprehensive story on….”

“GCE: Man, 49, arrested over (for) malpractice” (THISDAY, September 14) “Federal varsity takes-off in Oye-Ekiti, January” (Source: as above) Tertiary education: takes off. The comma, just like the hyphen in the phrasal verb, is otiose.

“Insecurity: Evil forces laying siege on (to) Nigeria, CAN laments” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, September 14) Still on the country’s clueless leadership that signposts all the hallmarks of a drab presidency: “…revelations are ‘beer parlour gossips’ ” (THE PUNCH, September 13) Who will help me tell print journalists these two facts: there is nothing like ‘beer parlour’, but pub (public house, inn, bar, hotel or, for ‘old school’ usage, tavern). ‘Beer parlour’ is a riverside and intoxicating Nigerian creation that results

in drunkenness! And this: ‘gossip’, as an idle talk, cannot be inflected (because it is uncountable in that context). Interestingly and ironically, those who do the talk are gossips (countable in this lexical environment)!

“Not every secondary school students are varsity materials—Proprietor” (DAILY SUN EDUCATION Headline, September 13) A rewrite of the entire blunder to save time and space: Not all post-primary students are fit for varsity tier/level/scope/ education…or simply varsity.

“A decade after 9/11, new innovations in skyscraper design” (Nigerian Tribune, September 13) There is something utterly wrong with ‘new innovations’! We could have recent/latest…innovations. “…Nigerians keep paying through their noses.” (National News, September 13) Jobs & Career: we keep paying through the nose (fixed idiom).

Still on Leadership: “NAICOM collaborate with NESG for 2022” This S-VD is too embarrassing to appear in a promising publication.

“EFCC arrests cleric over (for) $44,000 scam” (THE PUNCH, September 13) “Tales of woe News Plus Headline, September 13) Again: tale of woe (stock expression).

“I am stranded, says widow whose house was touched in community crisis” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Abuja Report Screaming Headline, September 12) Grappling with morphological crises: delete ‘touched’ to pave way for ‘torched’.

“Explosions rocks (sic) bar in Jos” (Daily Champion Online, September 12) “Two charged over (with) alleged fraud” “World Youth Games: Dare explains Nigeria’s absent” (Source: as above) Sports: Nigeria’s absence The next thoughtless headline is from

DAILY NEWS of September 12: “Abia APGA dissociates self from vote of no confidence on (in)….”

“More telephone firms may fold-up (fold up)” “Nations Cup qualifiers: CAF orders last day (last-day) simultaneous kick off (kick-off)” “The CBN governor said he is (was) optimistic that all the five rescued banks will meet the December 30 deadline for their equity declaration.” (MONEY LINK, September 12) Let us welcome Celebrity weekly magazine to this column. Its September 21 edition contained a verbose front page headline: “Monalisa Chinda: Though men ask me out, but now my career comes first” West Africa Magazine of the Year: ‘Though’ and ‘but’ cannot co-function.

Therefore, a rewrite: Though men ask me out, my career comes first….

“Cross section of the children of the diseased” (Weekend LIFE Caption, September 10) ‘Rite it right: A cross-section of the children of the deceased THE NATION ON SUNDAY of September 26 circulated two gaffes: “The antidote for our national crises…” Read at least one book in a month for scholarship and language currency: antidote to (not antidote for) our….

Still on the above edition: “Eleven cars… that left no fewer than 17 persons died (dead).” (From Osunkwa, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, 07053455852) Thanks for this contribution.

“Govt house, gov’s office took lion share of Bayelsa budget” (SUNDAY PUNCH, September 26) News: lion’s share “Party registeration targets 70 million Nigerians” (Vanguard Sub-headline, September 9) Spell-check: registration.

This is too pedestrian an error!

Independence Day: A Hollow Ritual

I

was born at the end of the same month as Nigeria. And almost the same year. So, like Dele Momodu, Busola Saraki and Nuru Ribadu, I can claim a right to govern Nigeria.

I can claim complete innocence from the atrocities and pilferage of the tribe that has bled Nigeria, even as far as from the colonial days. I can shout from the rooftops, without being burdened by any trace of guilt whatsoever, that I have not benefited officially or unofficially from any government that could have rubbished my ambition to govern Nigeria. While at it, I can also claim affinity with the youth of Nigeria; and proclaim to be a credible voice, and march with them to seize our country from the geriatric grip of perverts who label themselves as patriots. I can say all that and truly believe it myself, because I was born a year after Independence day!

Now, whether that is enough is another matter for discussion. If the fact that I have created and run successful media businesses makes me a genuine aspirant for the highest duty is up for debate. I also don’t know if the fact that I have created and nurtured entertaining, self-sustaining and wildly popular award ‘properties’ all over the place can translate to managing the complexities and absurdities inherent in the largest black nation on earth... that is also debatable.

If all these, and more are open to debate and could in fact expose my naiveté or vaulting ambition, no one can stand against my right to contest or engage in political activity of my desire. That is constitutionally guaranteed.

But that is where dreams stop. To most of us born after independence, all we know how to do very well, either for good or evil, is to make laws. In primary school, with the

Buhari independence still fresh in the air, most of what is civic education was “constitutional conferences” - Richardson, Anderson, Wilberforce…and on and on. Today, all sorts of laws have been enacted, promulgated, decreed at all levels of governments, such that we are now working overtime to fashion some kind of law to outlaw multiple taxation, multiple penal codes, multiple this and that. Yet, as crazy as this may initially appear, we generally make laws to feel cool with ourselves, with absolutely no intention to obey them.

For instance, we have legislators, scattered across the country, whose unflagging penchant for lawlessness has not ceased to amaze their people. They seek means and opportunity to flout rules, even their own house rules meant to moderate their conduct and protocol. They flout them flagrantly without any iota of shame. After

all, according to their spineless mantra, “our democracy is still developing”. Excuse me; most of these legislators are youth born after independence! Born into a so-called organised society where certain culture and traditions ought to be implanted from childhood.

Sometimes, without thinking, our leaders quote great “one-liners” of great leaders of great nations that we cannot bring our candle near their exotic lamp stands in another 60 years. They quote J. F. Kennedy: Do not think of what your country can do for you….blah, blah, blah…that is what it becomes in their mouths….hollow bleating of a shallow mind. A nation that destroys its best minds; a nation that wipes ambitious youth out of the equation so they can filch and pinch the treasury dry. Such a nation is unfeeling and ignorant of what to do with its army of young minds who are expected to “think what they can do for their country”. This country misjudges their intentions and willingness to participate, contribute and recreate…this “country” attacks her children… destroying, oppressing, blackmailing, disgracing, scattering her children for fear they may “get it right” and change Nigeria for good.

Do not fool yourself that Nigeria is one indivisible entity. It is a lie. We all live a huge big black lie of a so-called nationhood.

There is one Nigeria that exists only in the heads of those who have never stopped growing fat from stealing the country dry.

As far as they are concerned, Nigeria is an ongoing construction work, undergoing relentless re-engineering and restructuring… read their language…they are always reforming, retooling, revisiting, rebranding, revising, remoulding, reinvesting, reclaiming

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Kwara police trains (train) men on vehicle tracking” (Nigerian Tribune Headline, September 9) The next blunder comes from DAILY INDEPENDENT of September 9: “NCC urges media to sensitise (sensitize, preferably) Nigerians on copyright laws” A rewrite: NCC urges media to sensitise Nigerians to (not on) copyright laws National News of September 9 muddled up one of its headlines: “Yakowa, ACF mourn late Kaduna military governor” The inclusion of ‘late’ in the presence of ‘mourn’ smacks of blockheadedness! If the military governor must be further qualified, unnecessarily, ‘former’ should replace ‘late’.

Now, your Friday Flavour from the above edition: “Oxygen has designed series of mouth-watering discount packages….”

Freshness comes to Abuja: a series of… packages.

Finally from National News: “FRSC advises tanker drivers on importance of retro reflective” Business News: retroreflective tapes.

“Oil prices hit $33, Iraq accuses US of double standards” Conscience, nurtured by truth: double standard (not standards).

“Iraq continues to point accusing fingers at its major adversary, the United States, over alleged double standards (sic).” Fixed expression: point the finger.

“You better get down on your knees and do what I am doing right now.” The end of illusions: you had better get down…. “…every detail of our daily life furnish (furnishes) compelling reasons for pessimism.” “…as if it were some occupation force from outer space about to mete out extraterrestrial justice on (to) an erring Iraq.”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

and all such reactionary measures. That is the language “mindset” of a contractorcaretaker leadership.

All they do is react to global and continental initiatives. Everything around their lives and thinking is to respond to an urgent need. If you expect them to create, motivate or act in a manner similar to what you see in other climates, you will be sorely devastated. It is alien to them. They have no capacity to lift themselves beyond where they currently operate. They are fatally flawed by the shape and colour of their ambition and passion. It does not matter if they are pre- or post independence; they just are unable to deliver at a certain level, up to a certain expectation. And do not blame education, exposure and cultural values. Most of our top-flying rogues and nitwits are well educated; they attended great schools; some bear surnames that should evoke respect and endearment. The matter is deeper, and personal. I doubt if anyone has a clue to the problem.

However, for starters, the seeds of our retrogression and stagnation are in the countless laws and regulations and statutes, and such nonsense which affect the future and happiness of our children as they grow.

By the time they grow into leadership, if we do not change and respond wisely, they will continue the current dross, and elevate it to the loudly empty rhythm of our trendy music. All noise. Mostly nonsense. Happy celebration?

First thing first: We must remove foolish laws, and not pretend all will be well, if we do nothing… It’s just a matter of time. We cannot be that foolish. No, we cannot be ‘a fool at 61’. Grow up, Nigeria!

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

MILESTONE ABC Orjiako @ 61: Always Ahead of the Time Peter Oluka

“ Business, more than any other occupation, is a continual dealing with the future; it is a continual calculation, an instinctive exercise in foresight” – Henry Robinson Luce, co-founder, Time Magazine

C

alm. Collected. Perceptive.

Foresighted. Like the lion, he moves without thumps, but his footprints are seen the world over, even on rocky and uncharted business paths. His footsteps reverberate in the land of the spirits. Nothing about his temperament betrays the fact that this is one of the Forbes Magazine rated super rich. He is Dr. Ambrosie Bryant Chukwueloka (A.B.C) Orjiako, a Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon-turned businessman and Chairman of Nigeria’s foremost indigenous oil and gas firm, Seplat Energy PLC. St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Society of Jesuits, usually ended his letters to the Jesuits with the Latin expression, Ite, inflammate Omnia, which translates to “Go, set the world on fire”. But then, as the Jesuit General Congregation’s decree on the Jesuit charism is known, there is also A Fire that Kindles other Fire. That is who Dr. ABC Orjiako is, as he lights virtually every sector of the Nigerian economy with the flames of his Midas touch, intellect, irreproachable character, enterprise, and grace.

Born 61 years ago, Ojiako graduated from secondary school with Grade 1. At the University of Calabar, where he studied Medicine and Surgery, he came out in flying colours as the best graduating student. He began to cultivate and manifest the leadership roles of today early in his life as an undergraduate. He was the Director, African Region, International Federation of Medical Students and Chairman of the Standing Committee on Education, African Medical Students Association.

Meanwhile, he proceeded to the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital (LUTH) where he underwent specialty training in Orthopaedic Surgery and Trauma Management. A decade later, he had qualified as a Fellow of the West African College of Medicine and went on to become a Fellow of the Nigerian Postgraduate Medical College where he stood out in the practice.

Orjiako comes from a business family; hence it was not surprising that he started showing interest in building businesses even while in medical practice. And he has never looked back since he laid his hands on the plough. He has been breaking new grounds.

From the oil and gas industry to the pharmaceutical, shipping, maritime, banking and insurance, real estate, etc., the gentle giant has singlehandedly or in partnership with like-minds, nurtured great businesses and brands within and outside Nigeria. Bloomberg and Marketscreener list over 13 local and international firms where he is either the Chairman or a Director.

As rightly pointed out by the American magazine mogul, Luce, “Business… is an instinctive exercise in foresight”. And indeed foresight is a flair that has always put Orjiako ahead of the time. If he was born a Jew, he would probably have been of the ancestry of Issachar described at 1 Chronicles 12:32 as men, who understood the signs of the times and knew the best course for Israel to take.

Over time, Orjiako has primed this gift through experience, daring spirit, informed decisionmaking, and grace.

Foreseeing that the International Oil Companies (IOCs) would be divesting more

Orjiako with the coming of the Petroleum Industry Act and in view of their seemingly intractable no-love-lost relationship with host communities ABC joined forces with like-minds to found the Seplat Petroleum Exploration and Production Company in 2009. He also became the pioneer Chairman of the Company, which metamorphosed to Seplat Energy PLC in June 2021, and has meritoriously remained the Chairman till date. In this position and working with one of the best teams in the world, ABC has been able to help midwife Seplat’s growth from strength to strength to strength and march to the top of the pack in the industry.

Today, Seplat is a resounding success: Five Oil Mining Licenses (OML); over $2.8 Billion in assets; about $500 Million in market capitalization; listing on both the London Stock Exchange and Nigeria Stock Exchange since 2014, the first ever by a Nigerian company; and has spent about $71 million to deliver services to host communities as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility. By 2019, Seplat, under Orjiako’s leadership had also completed acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Eland Oil and Gas, the first acquisition of a UK listed firm by a Nigerian company.

Meanwhile, energy expansion is inevitable for Nigeria. The country’s 200 million population will more than double by the year 2050, hitting about 450. The country’s access to energy, which currently stands at 60 per cent is expected to reach 100 per cent by 2030.

The per-capita energy consumption, which presently stands at less than 150kwh/year compared to global average of 2, 674kwh/ year is expected to increase. Increase in new national wealth will also inevitably drive consumption through economic development, while the multiplier effects will boost energy demand.

Thus, Orjiako’s foresight is very manifest in Seplat’s ability to see gas as the next big thing in the nation’s energy transition process, and then launching headlong into gas processing ventures, as the company aims to become the leader in this unavoidable energy expansion.

Why gas? It is projected that the nation’s enormous gas reserves will support this leap in electricity demand. And gas itself is no doubt the ideal transition fuel on Nigeria’s road to renewable energy. It has the greatest potential to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 7, which aims to provide universal access to energy by the year 2030. Massive expansion of gas-for-energy will meaningfully reduce Nigeria’s reliance on home and business electricity generators, which are fuelled by higher emission diesel or premium motor spirit.

Reduction in use of diesel will consequently release personal and business wealth for more productive uses in Nigeria’s economy, with multiplier effects on the nation’s GDP. Furthermore, increased use of gas at grid level will reduce emissions and particulate pollution compared to equivalent diesel. The development of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) market will cut down widespread use of biomass for cooking, hence help in achieving health and environmental benefits.

Consequently, Nigeria’s gas demand will grow by 20 billion cubic metres (BCM), propelled by population surge, higher demand for air conditioning pushed by increase in GDP, 40 per cent increase in access to energy by 2030, and the fact that gas energy is more economical than energy from diesel.

And it is against this backdrop that Seplat’s foresight, under ABC Orjiako’s leadership, to channel investments in this direction since years ago can better be understood. With this benefit of foresight, Seplat is today a leading producer and gas supplier to the domestic Nigerian market. Seplat provides 30 per cent of Nigeria’s domestic gas supply for electricity. Today also, Seplat has assets and gas infrastructure well located within the proximity of key demand centres and commands well-established off-takes base with long-term contracts. These include: 10year contract with Sapele Power Plant for 50 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd); 10-year contract for 80MMscfd with Geregu Power Plant; 15-year contract for 116MMscfd

with Azura Power, just to name a few.

Also, Seplat has become government’s and Nigeria Gas Company’s partner of choice in Strategic Gas Initiative as exemplified in the multibillion-naira Seplat/Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) gas plant project – ANOH Gas Processing Company (AGPC). In February this year, Seplat raised $260million through a consortium of banks, being its obligation towards the $650million financing for the ANOH Gas Processing Plant (a record equal ownership Joint Venture with the Nigeria Gas Company, a subsidiary of the NNPC). It is expected to deliver the first gas to the market in the first half of 2022.

With mini-grids and solar home systems expected to play a key role in unlocking universal energy access in Nigeria, Seplat has already created a New Energy unit. This sets Seplat ahead in exploring the potential for renewable energy in Nigeria, which presents about $13 billion opportunity.

Seplat cares about the present and future generations, supporting the Climate Action, not only through massive investment in gas infrastructure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also by working to stop gas flare and ensure low-carbon future operations. For instance, it plans to eliminate gas flaring at its Sapele Gas Plant by 2023.

In addition, Seplat has developed emissions calculator in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute (API) compendium of greenhouse gas emissions methodologies for the oil and natural gas industry (2009) to help the company better understand and manage its carbon footprints more meticulously.

In its tradition of thinking ahead, setting agenda, and contributing to the efforts at confronting Africa’s power deficit in a world gravitating toward energy transition and where Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability Governance, and Policy Changes are dominating the energy discourse, the company, in 2020, launched the Seplat Energy Summit (SES). The 2021 edition is themed “Global Trends in Energy Transition and the Africa Perspective”.

As earlier stated, whatever Seplat has achieved under the leadership of Orjiako has been possible because the company attracts and retains about the best hands from around the world.

It can also be said that at 61, his name leads him. Anyone, who understands the place of names and Chi (personal god or what Chinua Achebe calls the double-spirit) in Igbo cosmology, knows that the Igbo, East of Nigeria, believe that a child’s destiny is tied to its name. So, when the late Sir Obiesie Orjiako and his wife, Rebecca Orjiako, of Umuchima, Uli, Anambra State, named their son Chukwueloka (literally translates as God is the master planner or God has planned big for us), they only released the prophecy that ABC Orjiako manifests today.

But the Igbo also strongly believe in industry. According to them, if a man says “yes”, his Chi equally says “yes”. Thus, in Orjiako, you find a man, who said yes to his Chi through his dint of hard work, character, and foresight.

Meanwhile, the way to the top is never smooth. Staying at the top is even more challenging. But even as small as a sparrow appears, it has never been blown off from the tip of palm frond because its Chi has placed it there. A man led by his Chi does not fall into a ditch. Those who invoke rains and storms on the eagle end up accentuating eagle’s splendour and might.

Happy birthday to a visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the far-seeing eagle that is always ahead of the time.

Oluka writes from Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Uyoyou Adia

If You Don’t Believe in Yourself, You May Never Get to Your Destination She just might be unaware yet that a good number of practitioners in Nollywood are singing her name “Uyoyou Adia”.

She started as an actor in 2013, starring in the short film Child Not Bride, with a directorial haze in her mind. Uyoyou’s multiple-awards recognitions aside, this young filmmaker within a short space of time registered her presence, leaving many to ask if she’s the next big thing in Nigeria’s movie industry, following her involvement in projects recently.

Like being the sole writer Nneka The Pretty Serpent, assistant director Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story, co-writer The Ghost And The Tout. She talks about her latest movie Charge and Bail, which marks her directorial debut at the cinemas, her experience and journey as a filmmaker, and working with Inkblot Productions and FilmOne Entertainment, in this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu

H

ow did you get here and what traits would you say have helped you get to where you are today?

My journey officially started in 2017 after I interned on a set with Tope Oshin as director and Remi Ibinola as producer, and after I also got selected by Homvida (Writing Workshop powered by Homevida, Google, USAID and Pan Atlantic University) to be part of their screen writing workshop, I quickly realized I have found a home in Nollywood and I was going to work hard to become a good filmmaker.

I got to learn to believe in myself, no matter how good you are, no matter how smart you are, if you fail to believe in yourself, you may never start your journey or get to your destination. I learnt, learn, unlearn and relearn. I’m just one person, a lot of people have done this before me and a lot will do it after me, I certainly don’t know it all so being open minded to accept new ideas, to read, to learn new things is an everyday journey for me. I learnt, how to stay calm, especially because half the time as a director you are thinking on your feet, you can’t think properly when you’re not calm.

This one I struggled with a lot but I’ve seen tremendous growth since I started till now.

Being one of the few female directors in a male-dominated Industry, were there challenges and how did you overcome them?

This is a hard one because I’m a believer that my gender and what I do shouldn’t be together but somehow the numbers have shown we have more male directors which automatically makes it an issue. It’s sometimes hard to lead a team especially when 90% of the HODs are men; it has nothing to do with me but everything to do with the fact that sometimes men don’t want to take directions from a woman. I find it really weird because every time I worked as a 2nd AD (assistant director) I’ve had to answer to my 1st AD who’s a man, I was paid to do a job and I did it regardless of the gender, so why not do the same?

The constant need to prove to some male colleagues that you deserve to be here is tiring but I look beyond them and focus on the job I was called to do rather than spend an executive pro-

ducer’s time and money arguing who’s in charge.

Making a career as a filmmaker requires determination, resilience and vision. What was it about the film that drew you in?

Story, emotions of a human being. As a child, I watched a lot of Nollywood films and for stories that were fictional, it seemed real. I always wondered how a film could evoke so much emotions. This drew me in. As a director or writer, I want to make people feel something, I want them to see themselves in the characters I write and direct, I want to be able to change their mind set on certain things, I want to evoke emotions in people.

As a writer/director seeing the audience react to what I have created is priceless for me and I love that feeling every single time, it never gets old.

As a woman in film, what changes would you like to see in Nollywood for women?

More inclusion to be very honest; women have to work twice as hard to do the job just because of their gender; it doesn’t

have to be this way. I’m not saying women should have an easy pass; all I’m saying is if you’re going to employ someone to do a job, employ them because they are good at it and not because of gender. This will give women more fighting chances in the industry. Well I also guess because we fight twice as hard that’s why we win twice as hard.

Your latest project, ‘Charge and Bail’ will make its box office debut on the 15th of October, how did you get involved in the production?

Charge and Bail is my miracle project. I wasn’t in a good place mentally and emotionally when I got the email to direct Charge and Bail. It came at a time when I really needed to do something to keep me sane. Charge and Bail is my biggest project yet so of course it came with “big” pressure but my Inkblot family made everything easy for me, they were with me every step of the way.

I have always wanted to work with Inkblot Productions because I’ve always admired their films and the kind of stories they tell, so getting the mail to be a director on their next big project was a dream come true for me. Shooting was exciting and smooth, the actors came ready to deliver, and they didn’t come to

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Seeing the Audience Happy with What I Have Created is Priceless play! The crew gave their all; I mean I had a team that wanted it to come out as beautiful as I wanted it to, if not more. We knew what we wanted, how we wanted to pass the message and emotions of each character and how we wanted the general look and feel of the film to be. I couldn’t have asked for a better crew because they made my job easy.

What was the experience like working with two organizations that are regarded as “powerhouses” in Nollywood?

It still feels like a dream to know that I directed a film for Inkblot Productions and FilmOne entertainment! I don’t think you can talk about the industry without these giants and trust me when I say this; I’ll do it over and over again. It was an amazing experience, I didn’t feel alone, I learnt a lot and I am grateful for the opportunity.

Beyond the fact that you focused on the legal profession, what do you want people to take away from the film?

Charge and Bail is a unique and different story from what you’ve seen this year or any other year, it’s written in a beautiful way that is relatable and fun to everyone, not just Nigerians. I’ll like people to follow the emotional journey of the characters, and I also want people to know and understand that things may not always go as planned for you but there’s a reason why you’re where you are.

What were the production realities from casting through editing that you had to accommodate?

From my little experience in the industry, it’s hard to make a film; it’s harder to make a film in Nigeria. The casting process was not as hectic as I thought it will be, the actors came in to audition and the casting team in sync selecting the perfect cast for Charge and Bail. As a director, I have to always be ready to think on my feet as things sometimes won’t always go as planned. On a film set, anything can go wrong that I don’t have control over but I always have to be optimistic and be a team player to make things happen.

You have a lineup of excellent actors in the movie (Zainab Balogun, Stan Nze, Bimbo Manuel, Femi Adebayo, Folu Storms, Tope Olowoniyan, Chigul amongst others) – how was it working with them?

Working with the cast of this caliber was and is a blessing. I’ve prayed for the opportunity to work with them and they were nothing short of amazing. I don’t need to tell you how talented they are (laughs out loud). It is/was my first time working with them in capacity as a director but we worked like this was our 10th project together.

They understood their characters and they owned it. There was never a day I questioned having any of them on board.

Some of the cast of the Charge and Bail movie have mentioned some special moments on set with you. Like Folu Storms mentioned how you took time to talk to her and get to know her better before filming, unlike what is usually the norm in this part. Why did you do that? What were you trying to achieve?

It was very important for me to know who I was dealing with before we got on set. As much as I needed the actors to get comfortable with me, I also needed to get comfortable with them. Had to talk to them about

Uyoyou Adia

A lot of people have done this before me and a lot will do it after me, I certainly don’t know it all, so being open minded to accept new ideas, to read, to learn new things is an everyday journey for me. I learnt, how to stay calm, especially because half the time as a director you are thinking on your feet, you can’t think properly when you’re not calm. This one I struggled with a lot but I’ve seen tremendous growth since I started till now their characters so we can all have the same vision, I didn’t want us to get to set to try and start building a “relationship”. I also needed to know what they thought about their characters, how they had designed their characters and to know their character’s motive, for almost every scene we had to talk about

their emotional state, their motives and their all-around frame of mind. Having this conversation early on saves a lot of time on set. And I always looked forward to the next day excitedly.

The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted the film industry.

What are the challenges and

opportunities for the industry beyond the pandemic?

Covid-19 has changed every sector in the world, the fact that we have to accept it as our new reality is scary. Producers now have to always factor in cost for Covid–19 test, vaccines, and sanitizer, face masks etc. It just means your budget goes up which was not an issue before the pandemic hit.

I’m not sure how much an opportunity the pandemic has brought asides the fact that content seems to be appreciated more across streaming platforms but it has also reduced the number of people that go to the cinemas. Increased budget is definitely a challenge.

What is the best film related advice you have received and by whom?

It’s not specific to film, “Focus on doing the work, focus on your growth, smile more and be more open minded, things will fall in place eventually,” Judith Audu tells me this almost every day.

Best way for you to relax aside from watching movies?

Sleeping, hanging out with family & friends, watching football and of course watching movies (laughs out loud).

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

2. 10.2021

NEWS

TOP OF THE TABLE CLASH PAGE. 29

Zaidi Sanusi Losing His Pride with the Dragons

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Zaidu Sanusi got the better of an opponent in the Primeira Liga last season

Zaidi Sanusi Losing His Pride with the Dragons In 25 league appearances for Porto last season, Zaidu Sanusi was highly rated for his incredible tackles and interceptions. He was regarded for pace and asset in the final third as he is in defence.

So-much-so that Porto’s Coach had to ward-off threats from West Ham and Turkish giant, Fenerbahçe to price away their jewel. All that may have change after some elementary errors by the Super Eagle, the last being in the Champions League on Tuesday against Liverpool, when an error from him caused his team the first goal

P

orto fans have criticised Super Eagles star Zaidu Sanusi for his performance in the 5-1 loss to Liverpool on Tuesday night.

Sanusi was handed a second start of the season as Porto welcomed the mighty Reds to the Estádio do Dragão for their second Champions League group stage game this season.

Sanusi’s first start of the season had also come in the Champions League, and he kept a clean sheet as Porto held Atletico Madrid to a 0-0 draw at the Wanda Metropolitano.

However, it was a tough night for him on Tuesday as he struggled to cope with Salah’s pace, while he was also partly at fault for the Egyptian’s first goal.

The Nigerian international was unable to clear the ball after Diogo Costa parried a shot into his path. On replay, there was little Sanusi could’ve done about it as Costa should’ve dealt

with it properly, but his failure not to be aware allowed Salah to slot into an open net.

Aside from the goal, Sanusi also failed to cope with the threat of Salah before he was taken off in the 56th minute for Wendell.

Following the game, Porto fans took to Twitter to express their displeasure at the team’s performance and some of the players, including the former Santa Clara man.

Surprisingly, Sky Sports rated Sanusi as Porto’s joint-second best player on the night.

The biggest surprise in manager Sérgio Conceicao’s starting line-up was his decision to hand a start to Sanusi.

Even though the Super Eagles left-back started Porto’s opening day match versus Atlético Madrid, helping the Portuguese keep a clean sheet in 45 minutes of action, he has not been involved in the last five matches played by the Portuguese giants in the Liga Portugal Bwin.

In their player ratings, Sky Sports rated Sanusi as Porto’s joint-second best player, awarding him six out of 10 along with Marcano, Vieira and Vitinha, one less than winger Luis Diaz who got a seven for his efforts.

In a tactical substitution by Conceicao, the Nigerian made way for Wendell 10 minutes into the second half.

West Ham failed with deadline day bid for Sanusi as the East London outfit failed to meet Porto’s asking price for the Nigeria international.

The 24-year-old has a £43 million release clause inserted into his contract according to Record.

In 25 league appearances for Porto last season, the 24-year-old averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and one clearance per game.

The Nigerian is incredibly athletic, has bundles of pace and is just as much of an asset in the final third as he is in defence.

If he enjoys a good few months between now and January, it will be no surprise to see West

Ham go back in for him.

The powerful and pacy left-back has cited Real Madrid star of Nigerian descent David Alaba as the fullback he looks up to and admitted that Super Eagles legend Taye Taiwo has also influenced his style of play.

“The left-back I look up to in the world is David Alaba of Bayern Munich, many, many people say that I play like Alaba but I want to be myself, I like him so much.

“Alaba can defend and attack and I’m like him. It’s very difficult for a left-back to attack and defend but Alaba does that very well.

“Many years ago I used to watch Taye Taiwo, sometimes I search for him on YouTube to see how he plays,” Sanusi added.

Sanusi was first invited to the Super Eagles last year for friendlies against Ivory Coast and Tunisia after national team manager Gernot Rohr was alerted about Sanusi, who had set the Portuguese league on fire with his quick pace and scintillating darting runs on the flanks.

Rohr kept monitoring Zaidu’s situation and became fully convinced he had got his man at left back when Porto broke the bank for the exciting left back.

The player’s transition from an unknown player to a competitive club and national team player was as swift as a foregone conclusion and pronto, he was hauled into the Eagles team to threaten Jamilu Collins’ position.

He did actually threaten his position as Collins immediately dropped to the bench and was only dug up in the double Cameroon friendlies in Austria when Sanusi was unavailable due to injury.

Collins knew he had his hands full as Sanusi grabbed his shirt with consumate abilities and quickly won over their hearts of the fans who had been unsatisfied with Eagles left back since the likes of Babayaro and Lawal hung their boots.

The Porto defender didn’t waste time to bring his attacking-minded defensive skills along from Porto to breathe a brand-new life to Eagles left back role.

His debut game against Algeria in a friendly in Austria on October 9, 2020, left Rohr smiling that his dream man had arrived.

Zaidu did a very competent job on Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez even though the Eagles were beaten by the odd goal in a highly tensed game between the two arch-rivals.

Four more caps after the Algerian debut ultimately confined Collins to the substitutes’ bench as the new bride held sway and Collins would only come back against Cameroon when injury ruled out his direct rival.

A wicked combination of hard luck and a dip in form at Porto which also got the Porto fans calling for his head have now threatened to reduce Zaidu to a fringe player.

His sins were two bad mistakes that led to Porto conceding goals and his punishment was signing of Brazilian left back Wendell from Bayer Leverkusen to push the exciting left back criminally to fourth place in the pecking order.

Lack of regular first-team club football meant exhuming Collins’ ghosts and the latter got back into the groove meaning business and impressing Rohr and company.

While Sanusi was in the Porto wilderness, Collins had personalised Paderborn’s left back position, leading charge, assisting and even finding rare chance to get on the score sheet as the relegated German side continued to fight their way up the highest football pyramid in Germany.

To make matters worse for Zaidu, his place at Porto is not certain as clubs are eyeing him from a move away from Porto.

West Ham were the most notable of his suitors who explored the possibility of a loan move on the final day of the summer transfer window, delaying his arrival for the Liberia game in Lagos.

He would eventually arrive a day to the match day without spotting the colours of the West London side and ultimately not getting dressed for the Liberia game as Collins proved Sanusi has not completely shut him out.

Missing out on a transfer that will end his Porto misery could also mean Collins continuing his good job in Sanusi’s absence.

It’s certainly not business as usual for Sanusi as he will have to triple his efforts to regain his first team shirt at Porto or in any on-loan side going forward because Collins does not seem to want to lose it again.

Sanusi was also very close to a loan switch to Turkish giants Fenerbache but the FC Porto coach stopped the deal.

Conceicao said Zaidu will still play an important role for his team and as such he blocked a move away for the Nigeria defender.

The Kebbi-born ace was also criticised by Porto fans for some indifferent performances lately.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Man City Face Liverpool Test in Top of the Table Battle After a master class display at Stamford Bridge last Saturday against Chelsea, Manchester City however fell 2-0 to a Lionel Messi-inspired PSG midweek and would be hoping to get back to winning ways against Liverpool at a noisy Anfield turf. Though Jurgen Klopp’s side did not get the desired result against Brentford in the league an overwhelming display against Porto at the Estadio do Dragao should serve as enough inspiration against tomorrow’s familiar foe Cup three days later, but the Merseyside giants returned to winning ways last time out, recording a 2-0 victory over struggling Norwich City at Goodison Park and another win this weekend would lead the team nicely into backto-back home fixtures against West Ham United and Watford after the international break.

Premiership Table Liverpool Man City Chelsea Man Utd Everton Brighton West Ham Aston Villa Brentford Arsenal Tottenham Watford Leicester Wolves Crystal Palace Southampton Newcastle Leeds Burnley Norwich

6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

11 11 10 8 5 3 5 2 3 -5 -5 -2 -3 -2 -3 -3 -7 -8 -6 -14

14 13 13 13 13 13 11 10 9 9 9 7 7 6 6 4 3 3 2 0

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Liverpool defender, Joe Gomez tries to block Manchester City striker, Gabriel Jesus

A

blockbuster Premier League clash takes place at Anfield on Sunday, as Liverpool lock horns with current holders Manchester City.

The two powerhouses currently occupy first and second in the Premier League table after six matches, with Jurgen Klopp’s side one point above their title rivals at the summit.

Klopp was keen to stress that Liverpool’s previous thrashings of Porto at the Estadio do Dragao would count for nothing ahead of their Champions League tie, but the Reds still managed to replicate their past performances with a 5-1 drubbing of Sergio Conceicao’s men on Tuesday.

The famed old guard of Mohamed Salah Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane propelled their side to a dominant European success after their previous thrilling victory over AC Milan, but the Reds were frustrated by an inspired Brentford outfit in their most recent Premier League encounter.

Seeking to make the Brentford Community Stadium a fortress, Thomas Frank’s side twice came back from a goal down to rescue a point against Klopp’s side in front of their own fans, with Yoane Wissa netting the all-important sixth goal of the game in the 82nd minute of that 3-3 draw.

However, that point was enough to see Liverpool rise to the top of the rankings after their upcoming opponents did them a favour against Chelsea and Manchester United lost to Aston Villa, while their tally of 15 goals scored is also the highest in the division.

Klopp’s side are also unbeaten in 10 competitive fixtures at Anfield and have scored at least three goals in each of their last six games since last month’s 3-0 win over Leeds United, but Pep Guardiola’s defence is already proving near-impenetrable in the league this term.

Seeking to navigate their first true test of the season with flying colours, Man

City travelled to Stamford Bridge on the back of a disappointing goalless stalemate with Southampton, but Guardiola’s men produced the goods when it mattered most.

Having kept the Chelsea attack at bay, Joao Cancelo’s attempt found its way into the path of Gabriel Jesus with 53 minutes gone, and the Brazilian’s effort went through a sea of bodies before trickling into the back of the net for a potentially pivotal 1-0 win.

However, Guardiola’s midweek reunion with Lionel Messi was not as much of a joyous affair, as the Argentine struck his first goal for Paris Saint-Germain in some style after Idrissa Gueye’s thunderous finish in a 2-0 Champions League win - already City’s second away defeat of the season.

In spite of their European disappointment, City can certainly take solace in the fact that they have now gone five Premier League games without conceding since their opening-day defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, with only one goal shipped representing the best record in the division so far.

There have been many tasty ties at Anfield down the years between these two clubs - with City marching to a 4-1 success in the 2020-21 season and Liverpool can only boast one win from their last seven against Guardiola’s side in all competitions, although that did come on Merseyside 3-1 in their triumphant 2019-20 season.

Meanwhile, fresh from Wednesday’s last-gasp win over Villarreal in the Champions League, Manchester United will resume their Premier League campaign at home to Everton this afternoon.

Man United are currently fourth in the table, one point behind leaders Liverpool, while Rafael Benitez’s Everton occupy fifth, level on points with their opponents at Old Trafford this weekend.

There was certainly pressure on Man United to pick up a positive result against Villarreal in the Champions League, but

it appeared that the Red Devils would be in for another frustrating night, with their classy Spanish opponents enjoying themselves for long periods in Manchester.

Paco Alcacer’s 53rd-minute finish sent the Yellow Submarine ahead, but a wonderful volley from Alex Telles levelled the scores on the hour before Cristiano Ronaldo came up with a 95th-minute winner to spark incredible celebrations inside the stadium; the victory was crucial for Man United in terms of their Group F campaign, but it was also a key result for head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

All things considered, it has been a positive start to the 2021-22 Premier League season for the Red Devils, with a return of 13 points from six matches leaving them fourth, only one point behind leaders Liverpool, but the 20-time English champions suffered a 1-0 home loss to Aston Villa last weekend and Solskjaer’s team will be desperate to put three more points on the board ahead of the international break.

Man United have an incredibly tough October and November in terms of the strength of their opposition, and a win over Everton today would boost confidence ahead of the difficult period, but a defeat would again lead to questions surrounding Solskjaer’s future at the club.

Everton were well beaten by Man United in a pre-season clash at Old Trafford on August 7, and the four-goal loss in Manchester certainly left a number of the club’s supporters fearing what could happen this term.

Benitez’s appointment as head coach remains incredibly controversial, but the Spaniard has delivered some excellent results this season, with the Toffees boasting an identical record to Man City, Chelsea, Man United and Brighton - winning four, drawing one and losing one of their opening six Premier League outings.

Everton suffered a 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa on September 18 before losing on penalties to Queens Park Rangers in the EFL

Man Utd v Everton 12:30 Burnley v Norwich City 15:00 Chelsea v Southampton 15:00 Leeds Utd v Watford 15:00 Wolvers v Newcastle 15:00 Brighton v Arsenal 17:30 SUNDAY

Crystal Palace v Leicester 14:00 Tottenham v Aston Villa 14:00 West Ham v Brentford 14:00 Liverpool v Man City 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Osasuna Mallorca Cádiz Atlético

v v v v

Vallecano 13:00 Levante 15:15 Valencia 17:30 Barcelona 20:00

v v v v v

Celta Vigo 13:00 Madrid 15:15 Sociedad 17:30 Real Betis 17:30 Sevilla 20:00

SUNDAY

Elche Espanyol Getafe Villarreal Granada

Head to Head 21-05-08 Man City 1-2 Chelsea 21-02-07 Liverpool 1-4 Man City 20-11-08 Man City 1-1 Liverpool 20-07-02 Man City 4-0 Liverpool 19-11-10 Liverpool 3-1 Man City 19-01-03 Man City 2-1 Liverpool 18-10-07 Liverpool 0-0 Man City 18-01-14 Liverpool 4-3 Man City 17-09-09 Man City 5-0 Liverpool 17-03-19 Man City 1-1 Liverpool 16-12-31 Liverpool 1-0 Man City 16-03-02 Liverpool 3-0 Man City 16-02-28 Liverpool 1-1 Man City 15-11-21 Man City 1-4 Liverpool 15-03-01 Liverpool 2-1 Man City 14-08-25 Man City 3-1 Liverpool 14-04-13 Liverpool 3-2 Man City 13-12-26 Man City 2-1 Liverpool

13-02-03

12-08-26

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Oleksandr Usyk (l) celebrating with Andriy Shevchenko and former world heavyweight boxing champion, Wladimir Klitschko

L-R: Marketing Manager, Nivea Men, Faizal Kayode; Director, PACE Sports and Entertainment Marketing, Sola Fijabi; General Manager and Head Global Marketing, Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, Samuel Ocheho; President, Nigerian University Games Association, Prof. Stephen Hamafyelto and Public Relations Manager, Minimie Nigeria, Omotayo Abiodun at the HiFL Press Conference…recently

Klitschko Fancies Joshua to Bounce Back after Usyk’s Loss Creating Winning Strategies for Brands through Football Sponsorships Wladimir Klitschko believes old rival Anthony Joshua can “overcome the challenge” of defeat to regain a world heavyweight title.

Joshua lost his IBF, WBA and WBO belts to Oleksandr Usyk last weekend, which was a major blow to his hopes of facing WBC champion Tyson Fury in an undisputed title fight.

“We have seen AJ challenged,” said his former opponent Klitschko.

‘Joshua wants the rematch with Usyk!’

“I remember my time. I lost two fights within [13 months in 2003 and 2004].

“To bounce back? To eventually

become one of the longest reigning champions?

“AJ can still have his time, absolutely. It is all about how to overcome the challenge.”

Klitschko retired after an epic fight against Anthony Joshua in 2017 Klitschko first lost to Ross Purrity in 1998, but became a world champion until he was shockingly stopped by Corrie Sanders, and again by Lamon Brewster.

He then went undefeated for the next 11 years, reinventing his style and ferociously keeping the IBF, WBA and WBO titles while his brother Vitali held

the WBC belt.

Klitschko’s reign was ended

by Tyson Fury in 2015 before he was beaten by Joshua in their sensational Wembley Stadium classic.

He retired with 64 wins and five losses as the greatest heavyweight of his generation.

Klitschko said about his fellow Ukrainian who beat Joshua: “Usyk made history.

“Since 2012, I watched Usyk winning his gold and I watched AJ winning his gold.

“Usyk has been undefeated for such a long time, winning all the titles as a cruiserweight and now with the heavyweights.”

6th National Youths Games

Lagos Commences Closed Camping of 260 Athletes After series of training, trials by 33 sports association and screening of selected athletes by the Lagos State Sports Commission, the commission has concluded plans of moving the athletes and coaches to closed camping ahead of the 6th National Youths Games scheduled to hold on October 10-20, in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Lagos State athletes will be camped at Anglican House Hostel, Bariga, from Sunday, October 3, after which the camp will be closed on October 10 and the athletes will leave for Ilorin, Kwara State on the same day.

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports

Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar stated that Lagos State will participate at the Youths Games with only its best athletes who are all under 15 as stipulated by the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development.

“We are going to the 6th National Youths Games in Ilorin with fit and prepared athletes who are ready to represent Lagos State.

“We are camping 260 athletes who are to participate in 33 sports, which areAthletics, Deaf Athletics, Badminton, Boxing, Canoeing, Chess, Cycling, Darts, Fives, Gymnastics, Golf, Judo, Karate, Scrabble, Shooting, Squash,

Swimming, Table -Tennis, Taekwondo, Tennis, Ayo, Kokowa. Others are ; Weightlifting, Wrestling, Wushu Kung-fu, Para Athletics, Para Table-Tennis, Handball, Volleyball, Football, Hockey and Rugby. Gafaar added.

He encourages athletes, coaches and all other officials to be in the camp to embrace unity and work together for the success of the camp activities, assuring that Mr. Governor, Babajide SanwoOlu have provided all the necessary logistics for the camping and the needed fund for the execution of the National Youths Games proper in Ilorin.

Customers to Enjoy More Sports Content from DStv Play Packages Hate him or like him, Cristiano Ronaldo would go down as one of the best football players in the history of the game. The Manchester United forward now has 111 international goals, breaking the record of 109 goals previously held by Iran’s Ali Daei.

If you missed that action, you need to look for a replay of that iconic match of Portugal against Ireland. After missing an early penalty in the first half and trailing by a goal, Ronaldo worked his magic, scoring crucial two goals in the dying minutes to hand Portugal the win.

With the return of the Premier League and other football leagues across Europe including the UEFA Europa League, customers are in for premium entertainment from DStv. It is no longer news that DStv Nigeria recently introduced new and revamped DStv business

packages that contain specially curated content to suit various businesses.

The three business packages are DStv Work, DStv Play and DStv Stay. Each package is tailored to suit the particular needs of offices, bars, clubs, restaurants, hotels and so on.

The essence of this, Head of DStv Business, Abayomi Famakinwa explains in an interview, is to tailor content to specific customers to enhance their experience. Instead of having to watch a wide array of content, these new DStv business packages now give you what you want based on business customers’ needs and preferences.

The DStv Work package offers the latest news headlines from around the world, sports, weather updates and other work-related entertainment. The goal here is to set the tone for a stimulating work environment and keep everyone well informed. The Work packages

are best suited for offices, banks and other corporate organisations.

The DStv Play package is best suited for businesses such as pubs, restaurants, bars, clubs, café and betting houses. These packages enhance the guest’s experience and ensure that they are always entertained with their favourite sports programmes and other first-class entertainment.

The DStv Stay packages are suited for hotels, motels, lodges, resorts, B&B and serviced apartments. Giving each guest – whether a kid, adult or elder – a memorable in-room experience due to the vast array of channels available to them during their stay.

For public viewing centres, pubs, restaurants, bars, clubs, café and betting houses owners, this is the best time to activate value for customers on the DStv play packages with tons of rewarding content to choose from especially in the world of sports.

One veritable passion for Africans is football. For years, the bond between football and Africans has become inseparable with Africans following it with religious fervour.

Away from Africa, the passion has position football in many regions of the globe as “the world’s game,” and its popularity in recent times has shown no sign of waning.

Buoyed by an increasingly diverse array of participation at the grassroots level, and spurred forward at its highest professional ranks by bankrollingownersandlucrativemedia rights deals, this relatively simple yet beautiful game has continued to excite and enthral billions of people around the globe.

Apart from serving as a means of entertainment, football is regarded as a strategic marketing tool that brands can employ to worm themselves into the mind of their loyal fans.

The importance of footballmarketing (sponsorship) to the growth of any brand is huge and the earlier the brand custodians understand this the better, sport marketing experts reckoned.

Marketers must realise that with the right information at their disposal, the right partners and a clear strategy, their brands are on their ways to build brand equity and customer advocacy that can last beyond football season.

Amazingly, the importance of sport sponsorship in today’s marketing cannot be over-emphasised, as it wields transformative power that can help build brands beyond game day. It’s also capable of driving exponential growth in brand awareness and affinity, and can also build brand equity and customer advocacy that will last longer.

Interestingly, many brands across the world, that recognised these benefits have tapped into football marketing through sponsorship, enabling them to leverage the enthusiasm and loyalty of the die-hard football fans to market their products and services.

Chief Executive Officer of Two Circles, Gareth Balch once said: “As a marketing platform to reach passionate and emotionally engaged audiences at scale in brandsafe environments, football sponsorship is unrivalled.

According to Sportico, the average value of a Premier League team now stands at $1.29 billion. On an estimate,

the 20 clubs in the English top-flight football league are worth more than $25 billion cumulatively.

The overall average was significantly lifted by the Premier League’s so-called “big six”, who were involved in the recent failed attempt to form a breakaway European Super League (ESL). Little wonder that different brands sponsor football clubs of their choice because of underline opportunities they stand to gain while also contributing immense financial support to the game of football annually.

Sadly the story may be different in Nigeria as a result of the decline in the prospects of the Nigerian football industry over theyearswithlowparticipation and investment.

However, the recognition of these benefits has prompted some brands and organisations to step up their participation in football marketing.

HiFL and the Collegiate Football The sponsorship deals by StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, Minimie and Bold with Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited organisers of Higher Institutions Football league in conjunction with Nigeria University Game Association (NUGA) have proved to be worthy partnerships.

Ever since Higher Institution Football League (HiFL) came in to being in 2018, football commentators and enthusiasts have been showering praises on Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited, the organisers of HiFL and the sponsors (StanbicIBTC, Nivea Men, Minimise and Bold) for bringing this lofty idea of organising the best collegiate football league in Nigeria to live.

Speaking on their involvements in Higher Institutions Football League, Managing Director of Beiersdorf Nigeria, Mr Godwin Harrison said, “Nivea Men is thrilled to come on board as HiFL’s Official Men’s Grooming Partner in 2021. The partnership will enable us to support the nurturing of football talents among Nigerian youth while connecting with our young future consumers through a sport the whole country is passionate about.”

On their participation in HIFL, Head of Brand and Marketing, IBTC, Bridget Oyefeso-Odusami, stated that Stanbic IBTC’s involvement is

in tandem with the company’s determination to help grow, empower, and develop a vibrant and productive youth populace in Nigeria.

“At Stanbic IBTC, one of our core objectives is to engage the youth through initiatives, which will contribute to talent-moulding and characterbuilding. We are committed to this project because we believe that its course is aligned with our strategic goals as it concerns lifestyle, education, and empowerment”.

Also speaking, Managing Director of The La Casera Company Plc, Chinedum Okereke said, “Our coming on board HiFLwith the Bold franchise is not unconnected with the array of opportunities Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited present to the Nigerian youths, especially for the various collegiate football leagues.

We see it as a bold statement and the right platform to support the talent nurturing of our youngergeneration.Webelieve this will go a long way to help them in their future sporting careers.”

While commenting, Brand Manager of Minimie, Monica Jaiswal said, “this is an opportunity for us at Minimie to appreciate what HiFL is doing by giving an opportunity to our youths to express themselves.

We see it as a great idea that needed to be supported to grow, hence our involvement in HiFL”.

Marketing experts believe that investment in football marketing is a great opportunity for brands and organisations to win more customers to their side and enlarge their market share in a country of over 200 million people, a growing middle class and about 65 per cent youth population. This is exactly the opportunity that HiFL has come to create for brands.

Remarkably, a collegiate football competition, HiFL has proven the possibility of embarking on sports development in Nigeria.

Since its inception, the immense value and opportunities the HiFL platform has provided for participants and corporate partners continue to exist at the front burner of youth engagements. And this has attracted the interest of many sports enthusiasts who have seen Pace Sports and Entertainment Marketing Limited as a pacesetter in the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Calvin Ughelumba Bassey

Super Eagles New Kid Ahead of the Super Eagles doubleheader 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Central African Republic, senior national team Manager Gernot Rohr on Thursday released his 23-man list and one name on the list is Italy-born Calvin Ughelumba Bassey, who is already attracting the attention of followers of the beautiful game

Calvin Ughelumba Bassey

N

igeria national team manager, Gernot Rohr on Thursday named his 23-man squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying double-header against Central African Republic, with Glasgow Rangers of Scotland left-back Calvin Ughelumba Bassey already attracting attention.

The 21-year-old Italy-born who joined Premier League club, Leicester City at the age of 15 after a successful trial and progressed through the club’s youth ranks, with regular appearances for the clubs’ U-18 and U-23 sides is also eligible to play for England at international level.

The defender linked up with Rangers from Premier League club Leicester City last summer and made his professional debut for Rangers in a Scottish Premiership match against St Mirren on August 9, 2020 as a substitute in a 3–0 win.

Premiership club Rangers sprung a surprise on everyone as they announced that they had secured a pre-contract agreement with Leicester City full-back Bassey last year.

The Italian-born defender has been a member of the Midlands club’s academy for quite a while now, and at 21, has the perfect mix of ability and potential to make an impact at the Ibrox Stadium.

Rangers manager Steven Gerrard had a lot of nice things to say about him.

He said on the club website, “There was a lot of clubs interested in Calvin and for us it’s pleasing to secure the services of another young talent. He’s a strong and dynamic athlete who is very much the modern-day full-back.

He will develop further and we are excited to have made another strong addition to our group. We continue to look ahead to next season and Calvin is another positive addition as we

continue to build the strength and depth of our squad.”

The 21-year-old left-back was promoted to the Foxes’ Premier League 2 side back in the summer of 2018, after which he’s become a regular in their academy team. Although he did miss the odd game along the way, the talent that Bassey possessed was apparent to see from day one. The defender had a fairly important part to play in the team this season as well, as the Foxes find themselves in 2nd place on the PL2 table, just three points off an unbeaten Chelsea side at the summit.

Altogether, the youngster played in a little under 100 fixtures for the Foxes youth teams across various levels, which included four outings in the UEFA Youth League back in the 16/17 campaign, he was never in much limelight for some reason.

Since the 16/17 campaign, the defender’s stock has consistently been on

the rise, and he’s deservedly received a proportionate increase in his playing time as well. Two seasons with the U-18 side were enough for Steve Beaglehole to call the speedster up to the U-23 setup, after which he’s gone on to respectively play 13 and 16 fixtures in PL2 over the last two seasons.

The wing-back’s ability to perfectly balance defending and attacking is arguably what has tempted the Gers to make a move for him this summer.

Although Gerrard has described him as a proper modern-day full-back, it’s worth considering that Bassey doesn’t bombard forward at every possible instance. The youngster seems to have a strong understanding of what’s required in each varying situation, and this defensive awareness is a real asset to have in football these days.

The Ibrox acquisition is a physically strong player who isn’t afraid to use brute force to win the ball back when solid positioning and general observation just won’t do. Physically strong and well-aware of his skill-set, Bassey is among a rare breed of defenders who isn’t desperate to win the ball back and is comfortable just ensuring that any avenue into the box are well covered.

The 21-year-old’s height and stature make him a strong presence in the box while defending against set-piece situations as well.

Although the youngster doesn’t necessarily overlap on every opportunity he gets, when he does go forward, the Leicester man usually ensures that he provides the desired effect. A good crosser from wide, Bassey is sure to provide good cover in a position that been a concern for the Rangers over the last couple of seasons. Another critical aspect of his game is aggression, and while the speedster did pick up two straight red cards during the 18/19 campaign, it’s evidently something that he’s been working very hard on since that point.

The Gers have what is undoubtedly among the strongest squads in the entire Premiership, but one of their main problem areas over the last two campaigns has been at left-back. Borna Barisic has been Gerrard’s only natural option in the left-back role for a while now, and midfielder Andy Halliday and right-back Jon Flanagan were being utilised as cover to the Croatian.

With Halliday and Flanagan now set to depart, the addition of a young left-back makes complete sense for the Ibrox side.

At 21-years-old, the Leicester City man offers Steven Gerrard’s side massive scope for development. At the same time, he also possesses the quality required to make a name for himself in the first-team picture immediately. Beating out Borna Barisic to the first-choice role might not be the most straightforward task for a player who’s never appeared in a top-flight game before, but he’s sure to give the Croatian a run for his money throughout the campaign. All things considered, this must be classed as an impressive coup

by Steven Gerrard’s side, in a position that really needed to be addressed as well. All in all, for a development fee only, this is some coup for Gerrard and Rangers.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

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POLITY

Edevbie: How I will Boost Employment in Delta if Given the Chance Olorogun David Edevbie is a technocrat and administrator. The former Commissioner of Finance in Delta State is one of the aspirants for the PDP governorship ticket in the state. He tells Funmi Ogundare how he will boost employment and achieve the Sustainable Development Goal for education in Delta if he becomes governor in 2023 security architecture must be put in place to create a safe and peaceful state. ICT surely will be embedded into the state security architecture.

How do you think the quality of education in Delta can be improved?

Education is a public good, a fundamental human right and a basis for guaranteeing the realisation of other rights. Therefore, the best approach is through social justice, people’s right to education for all, inclusion of people living with disability, which cuts across all ethnic and religious extractions, with a high degree of responsibility and accountability at all time.

E

With your wealth of knowledge as a Commissioner for Finance and your international exposure, how do you plan to have safe governance on ICT? I am glad that you chose your words carefully. Yes, it’s possible and I will make sure that the safe governance on ICT will be such that the citizens will be able to communicate freely without being monitored, the press will be free to transmit the truth in strict accordance with the NBC and NUJ guidelines and business people transact their business with all decency and free of fraudulent practices. All these people will do this in real time. My vision is to modernise Delta State and in doing that, the developmental strategy will be laser-focused on energy, security, job and wealth creation, social infrastructure and public sector reforms.

This will be underpinned by a medium/long term development plan backed by appropriate legislation.

What should a quality education system trigger in a society?

Take a good look at what the Delta State government under Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is doing on education; you are sure that in no distance time, poverty eradication will no longer be an issue. A typical educational system should trigger peace, tolerance, human fulfilment and sustainable development and transformation in the land. That explains why continuity of good governance and political party ideology is essential.

What advise will you give other state governments in achieving this?

There is a need for state governments to partner with the private sector, civil society and revise certain policies.

That was what we did when I was in government. Again, other states can learn from Okowa-led government. It’s not about politics, but about good governance so political party differences or any other sentiment should be put aside.

How will the ordinary citizen benefit in this education policy you mentioned?

Have you observed that Deltans are responsible and compassionate citizens? We are far united today as a people despite our multi ethnic nature than when we first emerge from old Bendel State and that is because these policies started from the administration of Chief James Ibori to Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan and now to Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. The fact that Deltans are more responsible and compassionate citizens today is the end result of the policies.

What is your view on the school infrastructure in Delta State?

We need to build more, renovate and equip primary and secondary school infrastructures to modern status. The educational programme goal will be to promote literacy and critical thinking among our people and train them to be highly skilled with a competitive edge nationally and internationally, using modern method and ICT. In fact, I am already in serious talk with some Delta youths on the best infrastructure that will help them more, based on our peculiarity.

Since you are already in serious talks with some Delta youths on the best infrastructure, how do intend to impact teachers?

If I have the opportunity, I will recruit, train and retain all primary and secondary school teachers in Delta State.

The teacher’s welfare will be my priority and key. I strongly believe in equity and compassion.

How do you intend to restore confidence in the public school system?

I will enforce a strict, yet regular monitoring and evaluation of the schools. Not only on policies and infrastructure, the quality and positive learning outcome for all, will be inclusive. Achieving the sustainable development goal for Education 2030, will be my aim. I will ensure that there is an infusion of ICT, skill acquisition and entrepreneur skills into the curriculum to help youths adapt to growing and emerging trends in employment. In line with the current administration’s initiative, attention will continue to be paid to Technical and Vocational Education (TVE) by upgrading the existing colleges and rolling out new colleges to ensure all 25 local government areas are covered, and efforts are made to ensure that all are fully equipped to world class standards. The same will apply to skills acquisition centres What will be your plan for Deltans studying in higher institutions within and outside the state?

I will institute session’s bursary scheme for Delta students. Don’t forget, I was part of those that initiated the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme and we brought the idea of sending the militants to school both home and abroad. I was fully part of those that instituted the bursary scheme for them. I will do more of that in Delta State and as a two-time Finance Commissioner, I know that fusing this into education, will create a major paradigm shift in the life of those students in higher institution and

We need to build more, renovate and equip primary and secondary school infrastructures to modern status. The educational programme goal will be to promote literacy and critical thinking among our people and train them to be highly skilled with a competitive edge nationally and internationally, using modern method and ICT to bring better economic benefits. Obviously, this will serve as a great incentive to the students.

What will make universities in Delta State unique?

I will make sure the universities encourage virtual education in line with global best practices of the ICT world. I know beyond all reasonable doubts that there is no limit to what we can achieve. Our tertiary education sector will be programmed for a revolution that will drive our government and peoples development aspirations.

Our universities, polytechnics, monotechnics and colleges of education will be repositioned and given the mandate to solve complex social and scientific issues and point the way for our state and society in formulating public policies. The process has already commenced with the establishment of three new universities by the current administration. Our tertiary institution should spearhead the transition to a greater modern Delta.

You emphasised on ICT, will that be part of your priority if given the opportunity to lead the state?

Yes. I know that there needs to be a defocus on oil and a focus on other emerging priorities that can yield money.

ICT it is. To this extent, I will deploy high-speed broadband in all local government areas, as we know, knowledge is power. I want to state clearly that there are emerging clean energy alternatives that depend on ICT to be fully implemented. We will explore these and latch on to those that will be clean, smart and profitable for the good of the Nigerian people and our Delta brothers and sisters.

Do you have any plan to merge ICT and security in Delta, understanding the peculiarity of your state?

Yes, ICT will be injected into the state security processes in order to make the region safer. If security is not well addressed, all development efforts would be in vain. Effective

How do you intend to carry the youth population along on ICT? If privileged, I have said it that the youth will form a minimum of 25 per cent of the cabinet. It’s clearly going to be a government of youths in all dimensions. Yes, my governance style will be inclusive and youth-based because it’s a known fact that the youths have the energy and they are the drivers of ICT. We have seen youths use Twitter, Facebook and Whatsapp to revolutionise business in the sphere of self-employment and rapid productivity.

This merging of youths and ICT will trigger a ripple effect all around Nigeria that will show that youth power is it.

The use of ICT will be promoted at all education levels, from primary through secondary to tertiary.

What specifically will this ripple effect look like in practical terms?

The ripple effect in Nigeria and Delta State will be that we will witness knowledge-based youth (or ICT-driven youths as you the media, would name them) starting digital economies that are more stable and profitable than Crypto currency, they will provide smarter employment opportunities that will be easy to set up, they will empower small businesses and definitely these activities will so accelerate digital innovation in real time in Delta State and all around Nigeria. You watch and see.

What are those basic things you will put in place to see the actualisation of the ripple effect of ICT? The basic things I will do as priority along with my team is that we will improve critical infrastructures; power generation, transmission and distribution and a proper network of the broadband access nodal points.

What kind of Delta State do you see when harnessed properly with ICT? I see a Delta where the ICT power will be amazing that businesses will be able to improve their value chains, increase productivity, modernise their practices, and have a smart delivery system. This is not only what I see, but my team and I will make it all happen.

What do you think your ICT policies will do to the youths in your state and beyond?

As I said earlier, it will make the youths smarter and their businesses more productive. However, it will encourage creativity at its peak, increased deployment of skills, increased productivity and a sustainable yet clean knowledge-based economy. Watch out for an emerging ICT compliant state. Watch out for Delta State.

We will have three ICT incubation hubs in the three senatorial districts to identify and support promising local entrepreneurs and professionals who can interact and learn from each other.

Do you mean these ICT policies will seep into the private and government sectors?

My ICT policies will definitely be seen in the private and government sectors as it will generally increase operational efficiency, improve transparency and promote easy yet nice customer experience. In fact, it’s going to clearly be a private-government partnership.

Will the soft work of this be outsourced?

No way. The soft work including the development of software, will be done by the youths in our state and thereby create jobs. Government will promote the development of local softwares solution and applications to ensure that they are responsive to their communities and create employment for the people.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

POLITY

Kano Naval Base: Where Critics Got it Wrong Ali M. Ali

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watched with growing consternation the opposition to the establishment of a Naval ‘base’’ in Kano. The decision followed the approval by the Navy Council to establish three such bases in Lekki, Oguta and Kano.

The one in Kano appears to be the one causing bellyache. It has raised a lot of dust. Some of the hullabaloo is, decidedly, from expected quarters. Pa Edwin Clark, foremost Ijaw leader for, instance, kicked. A consortium of critics, all of them ill-informed (yes-ill-informed) especially in Television Morning Shows have hitched onto the “misnomer” bandwagon that a Naval base in Kano is a wasteful venture and also an “ego trip”.

But the one that piqued my interest the most is from an unexpected quarters - Dare Babarinsa, a veteran and cerebral journalist. A veteran who stood as sentry, along with other patriots, against military dictatorship. Babarinsa and co travellers, all of them journalism icons, started Tell Magazine in 1991.The Magazine has earned global accolades.

The veteran journalist’s prose had a compelling flavour.

His prefaces to every cover were captivatingly flawless.

Throughout the 90s, his pieces along with the inimitable Nosa Igiebor, Onome Osifo-Whiskey and others kept the military regimes of that era on their toes. Each time he wrote, he “finished” the juntas of that time with wellinformed commentaries. His facts and figures were often unassailable.

The years have not tempered with his pungent commentaries against the “absurdities” in Nigeria’s theatre of the absurd. His recent jabs at the proposed Naval in Kano, however, is out of character with his usually well researched essays. This time around, he got it mixed up and I dare say, wrong.

Writing in the Guardian of September 9th, 2021, his aghast was apparent. The telling title “Our Navy’s NNS Absurdity” leaves no one in doubt as to his position on the matter.

He is not flippant. He is not frivolous. This bears stressing. His treatise asked questions about the “absurdity’ of locating a naval base in Kano. He is at sea why a naval base should be established in ”Sahel –savannah region…..

The reason for this naval base is not clear” he said. I will get to that shortly.

His argument, in the main, is that “There is no rational argument that can sustain the need for a naval base in Kano. While fishermen have traversed the two big rivers of Kano State; Hadejia and Jama’are, for centuries, it is inconceivable that someone would think of putting a fishing trawler or a speedboat on any of these rivers. To accommodate a true passenger boat, each of the rivers would require expensive dredging. Even then, that may not justify the need for a naval presence. It would only mean that the merchant marine might have an interest.

He concluded thus “The decision to establish a naval base in Kano is truly absurd. It is an indication that decisions at the highest level of the military are still taken with reckless disregard to logic. Gambo’s gift to Kano is an absurd ego trip taken at our expense. Pity. ”He is not alone. A few elements have joined the

campaign especially in the media. the latest entrant into the campaign orchestra against the base is Pa Edwin Clark. He penned an open epistle to the President and rhetorically asked: “A Naval Base In Kano In The Heart Of The Sahel?’’

He insinuated nepotism and parochialism. There were others. All of them seem to think that locating a naval base “in the heart of Sahel” is incongruous. They seem to think that a naval base must necessarily be located where rivers run deep with mighty frigates docking. Nothing could be further from reality. The idea that because Kano is in the Sahel is undeserving of a naval presence, is erroneous. It is like saying that the current military campaign against insurgent elements in the North East often led by the Navy’s Special Forces (SBS) is unsuitable because there is no sea in that troubled zone.

Except for my senior colleague, Babarinsa, who I venerate, all of the critics were just passionate and not reasonable.

I don’t blame the passionate. Humanly speaking, the less knowledge you have on a subject matter, the more passionate you tend to be. The image that comes to mind at the mention of a Naval base is that of a securely held seaport used as a centre of operation by the Navy.

But then, a base could be for operations, training, logistics or administration. This is precisely the case of the base in Kano. It is a Logistics College. But nay, critics wouldn’t hear of this.

It is not altogether, out of place to describe all naval institutions, as bases. In naval lingo, where there is a heavy personnel presence with hostel accommodation, schools and hospitals, it is technically, a base.

This is in the public domain that there are 3 operational Commands of the Navy: Western with Headquarters in Lagos, Eastern with Headquarters in Calabar and Central Naval with Headquarters in Yenagoa.

Still, there are two more Commands namely Naval Training with headquarters in Lagosand and Logistics with headquarters in Oghara. Naval Training Command has professional schools under it located in various parts of the country.

In Lagos area alone, there is the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) QUORRA, Nigerian Navy Centre for Education and Training Technology (NNCETT) and Joint Maritime Security Training Centre, amongst others.

There are many others located outside Lagos. They include Nigerian Navy School of Armament Technology in Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigerian Navy College of Health Sciences, Offa, Kwara State, Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Imo State as well as Nigerian Navy Hydrographic School, Port Harcourt It is pertinent to state that these schools are also referred to as, naval bases. And in naval parlance as stone frigates since they are all naval establishments and units. Military formations are called bases or barracks all over the world.

The Naval‘Base in Kano is meant for the newly created Nigerian Navy Logistics College while the Nigerian Navy Finance College would be retained in Owerrinta. The Base is also meant to house Nigerian Navy primary and secondary schools.

Where naval personnel are serving, it is common practice to have hostel accommodation for staff and students, hospitals or medical centres, primary and secondary schools for the wards of the personnel and people of the host community. In addition, naval units such as naval police and intelligence are housed in such a base. It could also be used as a training ground for the NN Special Forces in the immediate future The Navy also proposed another base or school in Ile-Ife in Osun state. The Command Naval Drafting was relocated to Lokoja, Kogi State in January 2019, while the Nigerian Navy School of Music has been in Ota, Ogun State since July 1991. In the same vein, the Nigerian Navy provost and Regulating School is located in Makurdi, Benue State. The Naval Base in Lake Chad is in Baga, Borno State. The Navy is, indeed, nationwide and expanding.

Is the charge by Clark and co. of the navy locating a base in the Sahel valid? Certainly not. There are countries across the globes that have their Navy on land because they are landlocked.

A landlocked Navy is a naval force in a country that does not have a coastline. Such a country is unable to develop a sea-going blue-water Navy. It can deploy its armed forces on major lakes or rivers.

Among landlocked countries that have Navies include Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Central African Republic, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Laos, Paraguay, Rwanda, Uganda amongst several others.

In the USA, the Naval Construction Battalion Centre is located in Mississippi; the Naval Air Station Fallon is in Nevada, the Naval Computer and Telecommunications Area Master Station Atlantic Detachment Lamoure is in North Dakota while the Navy Information Operations Command Sugar Grove is in West Virginia. All these states in the USA are landlocked.

In the United Kingdom, Her Majesty Ship (HMS) DRYAD and COLLINGWOOD are located on land not on the coast. In Germany, the Logistikschule der Bundeswehr (The Logistics School of the German Armed Forces) is located in Garlstedt, a landlocked city.

The insurgency in the northeast, the banditry in the northwest and militancy in the Niger Delta area have necessitated the involvement of the Navy in internal security. Its Special Forces is currently giving a good account of itself in some North central states of Plateau, Nasarawa and Benue states. All these and more justify a logistics school for the Navy b established in Kano.

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World Tourism Day 2021: Goge Africa Organises Cruise Justina Uzo

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s Nigeria joined the rest of the world to celebrate the United Nations’ World Tourism Day last Monday, tourism operators and tourism-reliant businesses, as well as states and national tourism organisations, organised activities to celebrate tourism, which is a veritable tool to reduce poverty and foster unity.

Since 1980, the United Nations World Tourism Organization has celebrated World Tourism Day as international observances on September 27.

In Lagos State, Goge Africa, through its Goge Africa Travel Club, organised a boat cruise, which afforded the group and other participants the opportunity to explore Lagos State aquatic splendour. The organisation, which partnered firms, such as KumChop Afrikana, Bestmangames Limited, Tarzan Jetty and Kizomba Nigeria, to explore the hidden and serene part of Lagos away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis They proposed more usage of water transportation, saying it would reduce the traffic gridlock on Lagos roads.

They regretted that even though 22% of Lagos State is water, residents are yet to explore the full benefits of the huge endowment.

With the theme of the World Tourism Day 2021 on Tourism calling for Inclusive Growth, the Managing Director of Goge Africa, Mrs. Nneka Isaac-Moses, said the choice of the boat cruise was a strategic move to promote the hidden tourism offerings of Lagos through boat cruise experience. She explained that it was important to seek alternative means of transportation across Lagos State.

She said: The boat cruise was fun and an exciting time for the participants, as it featured activities such as music and dancing, as well as networking opportunities.

Another participant, Rachel Adamu expressed her excitement,

Participants at the boat cruise pointing out that the boat cruise was something new and unique.

“Boat cruise creates an atmosphere for enjoyment of games, interaction and networking,” she noted.

Apart from the interactions, Adamu disclosed that there was so much to eat and drink as the participants danced and savoured the delight of the boat cruise which took them through the nooks and crannies of Lagos waters.

One of the beneficiaries of the recent Goge Africa tourism training, who was also there, Banji Alfred, said the cruise was remarkable and memorable. He explained that he identified with it because such events “sensitise the people on the need to explore water transportation not just for leisure but in a bid to ease the traffic situation of the

state.”

Generally, people enjoined tour operators in the country to focus on water leisure and package and sell cruises. According to them, it will expose more people to the “beauty of tourism destinations through the waterways.

A boat cruise, most of them said, “Opens up the beautiful but hitherto unnoticed parts of our country which can be used as locations for future productions, for example.”

While Francisca Onarinde of BestManGames, one of the event partners, advised that such event “should happen more often and by so doing everyone will have a chance to experience it to unwind, relax and have fun.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

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POLITY Kwara Leaders Recommend Yahaya Bello’s Security Template Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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rominent clerics, religious leaders and eminent sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate in Kwara State have asked Governors in Nigeria to adopt the strategy used by Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State in tackling insecurity in his state, for the country at large.

This call was made at a special prayer for the nation and symposium against insecurity, convened by religious leaders in the ancient town of Ilorin.

The conference was tagged “Rise Against Insecurity in Nigeria” (RAIN).

Dr. Mohammed Gambari of the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ilorin, who delivered the keynote address, said the prayer for the country was part of activities marking the Independence anniversary.

He said the fight could not be left in the hands of the state governments or Federal Government alone, noting that everyone must come together to fight and liberate Nigeria from the hands of “aliens who have turned to blood-sucking demons.”

He adds: “Together, we must make Nigeria better for our

generations yet unborn to live quality lives.”

The Ilorin sons and daughters, while commending Governor Bello, said, “In this regard, we, sons and daughters of Ilorin Emirate, want to single out the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for the strategy of involving all indigenes in the fight against insecurity, keeping youths busy with worthy jobs and making the task of securing the state everybody’s business. Other governors, particularly in the North should emulate him.

“We can play politics, but when it comes to the issue of security of lives and property, we must rally round those that are getting it right and also take lessons to make our domains better instead of engaging in acts of sabotage.

“Kogi State was carved out of the old Kwara State and so we can gladly say Bello is one of our beloved sons in whom we are very pleased. The state is bordered by 10 states, yet since the assumption of this young governor, there has been relative peace, calm enough to make it the safest state in the north, if not the safest in Nigeria.”

Guest Speaker, Dr. Hadi Mashood Atanda, Director, Academic Planning, Kwara State College of Education,

Ilorin, particularly said a leader like Gov. Bello must be given a chance to lead the country come 2023.

He said he had demonstrated the capacity to lead Nigeria effectively in his present position.

He said it was no longer in anyone’s interest to fold arms and watch the daily spilling of blood in the name of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of crime and criminality that had almost become the order of the day in Nigeria.

The religious leaders called on all Ilorin descendants, all Kwarans, and indeed all Nigerians, to Rise Against Insecurity in Nigeria and make life unbearable for criminals.

“We also call on politicians and governments at all levels to desist from politicising the issue of insecurity in the interest of all Nigerians,” they said.

Ace Nollywood actor and an indigene of Ilorin, Chief Adebayo Salami, who spoke at the event, also agreed with all that had been said and added the programme was necessary at this point in time because of the rising insecurity.

He called on everyone to make the fight against insecurity their business.

Prayer for the nation was led by the Imam Gambari of Ilorin, Imam Sulaiman Al-Gambari.

BBNaija S6: A Season to Remember Benson Adedamola

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n the history of Big Brother Naija, the most popular reality TV show on the African continent, the sixth edition will always be remembered for many things. First, it was the first time the show had two launch dates. On July 24, 11 male contestants from different backgrounds across the country entered the Big Brother Naija House. The female contestants, also 11, joined them the following day. The housemates had barely settled down when the invisible and omniscient Big Brother introduced the first puzzle of the game. The housemates were to identify the wildcards in their midst. Failure to identify them would automatically allow the wildcards to contest for the N90 million grand prize at stake. However, they failed their first test, allowing Pere and Maria, the wildcards, to contest in the game.

With the theme ‘Shine Ya Eye’, the housemates were kept on their toes for most of the show as Big Brother introduced twists and turns to the game. For instance, before Maria’s eviction, Big Brother tasked her to play a prank on the housemates. She was asked to make the housemates believe that they were up for nominations and only those that appealed to her would remain in the game. Most of the housemates tried to be in Maria’s good book and those who she nominated were shocked when they realised that it was all a prank.

Perhaps, the most memorable prank of the season was when Big Brother tasked Nini to leave the house for 24 hours and feign ignorance upon her return. The prank did not augur well with Saga who’s so head over heels in love with her.

Notwithstanding, if there were ever going to be an award for the best prankster of the season, either Maria or Nini would take home the honour.

To further spice up the show, four new housemates were introduced to the game. They included JMK, Queen, Kayvee and Michael. Of the quad, only Queen made it far into the game. The season had its fair share of relationships or to use the more familiar term ‘situationships’. There was the Cross, JayPaul and Saskay’s triangle, as well as the Boma, Angel and Tega’s. The only ship that sailed and interestingly stayed till the finale was Liquorose and Emmanuel. Emmanuel won the final Head of House (HoH) title and, expectedly, nominated Liquorose as his deputy.

Cross, who never won the HoH challenge, had the opportunity to enjoy the title when Emmanuel won the ultimate veto power on the ninth week and nominated him as HoH for the week A notable trait of the season was the friendships among the housemates. Before their evictions, Arin, Peace and Nini were seen as the three musketeers. Saga and Pere enjoyed a bromance that was unrivalled in the show while White-

Money took on a fatherly role and wormed his way into the hearts of a few damsels in the house, notably, Queen. But Cross, who described himself as a social party, was the heartbreaker. Not a few female housemates had their eyes set on him but ironically, the only female he appeared to be interested in, Saskay, never gave him the green light. A memorable feature of the reality show is the Saturday night parties. This season, the housemates brought fire on the dance floor. Fans get a preview of the night from Fridays when the housemates treat themselves to a wild jacuzzi party.

While the season came with all the anticipated dramas and twists, it will also be memorable for the cash gifts and prizes that the housemates won through different tasks. Most of these tasks involved drama while others required the housemates to delve into some critical issues in the society. A good example was the mental health talk, following the exit of Kayvee after he had a mental breakdown. Big Brother gave the housemates an opportunity during their diary sessions to talk about their mental health challenges before their presentation on the topic.

Different brands such as BoomPlay, Ekulo, Airtel assigned tasks to the contestants and winners were rewarded handsomely. A recent Airtel task saw Pere, Liquorose and Emmanuel walk away with One Million Naira cash prize. Also, Pere won a car prize from Innoson Vehicle Manufacturers (IVM). He was awarded a brand new Innoson Vehicle, IVM CARIS 2021 model, after beating other fellow housemates in the Innoson task.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Invited Mother, Mrs. Sandra Ojo; Special Projects Manager, Kellogg, Adenike Owolabi; Kellogg’s Brand Ambassador, Funke Akindele-Bello; Invited Mother, Justina David; and Clementina Olori during the formal announcement of Kellogg’s Superstars Scholarship 3.0 on World Breakfast Day, held at Ikeja Cantonment in Lagos….. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Chief Executive officer, Coollink, Shahin Nouri; Chief operating officer Coollink, Nadim Chidiac; Country Manager, We Konnect, Modupe Okeowo; and General Manager Africa Konnect, Philippe Baudrier at the launch of We Konnect in Lagos…. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Registrar / Chief Executive, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Prof.

Ahmed Kumshe; Lagos State Commissioner of Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo; Lagos State Deputy Gov- L-R: Youth Ambassador,National Youth Conference (NYC), Nkem Semenitari, NYC Coordinator, Miss ernor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and President, ICAN, Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo at the unveiling ceremony Nkechi Obi; Media Lead, NYC Planning Committee Gbenga Olorunpomi and Actor/NYC Youth Amof the new corporate logo of ICAN, held in Lagos …. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN bassador, Elozonam Ogbolu at press conference on NYC 2021 in Lagos... recently

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER OCTOBER 2, 2021

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NEWSXTRA US Felicitates with Nigeria on 61st Independence Anniversary Bennett Oghifo The United States Government has said it looked forward to expanding the relationship between it and Nigeria over the coming year and advancing both countries’ mutual interests.

The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinken, said this in a goodwill message to Nigeria on its 61st independence anniversary, according to a statement issued yesterday by the Department of State.

“On behalf of the United States Government and the American people, I extend best wishes to the people of Nigeria on the 61st anniversary of their independence,” the statement said.

PRESSING FOR UNITY… One Nigeria Group demonstrating in front of the Nigerian Embassy in Washington D.C. US in support of national unity yesterday

Protests: I’m Ready to Vacate the Throne, Says Ogwashi-Uku Monarch Omon-JuliusOnabuinAsaba Following series of protests that have rocked diͿerent parts of the kingdom in recent times, the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku in Delta State, HRM Obi Chukwude Anishi Okonjo II, has declared that he was so concerned about the development that he would voluntarily vacate his throne on one condition.

The monarch said that there was no iota of truth the defamatory allegations levelled against him

concerning land sales in the kingdom, adding that it was laughable to say Otulu which is part of Ward 1 in OgwashiUku was no longer part of his traditional domain.

“I think the allegation is preposterous, very ridiculous.

If I am involved in the sale of lands (in Otulu) why would I go to the place to look into the matter of illegal sale of land in the community? That would be indicting myself. It doesn’t make sense.

“What I’ll tell you is that if anybody has any document whatsoever with my signature for the sale of any land, they should bring it out and today I will abdicate this position. This is how strongly I feel about it.

“I have not sold any land. My father did not sell any land; but some of the chiefs under him did sell land.

“The truth is that I am doing a sweeping reform. Those of them involved in land racketeering, I have suspended them. And, that is

why you see a lot of crises. Those who want to continue with this activity are really behind the crisis.

“So, if anybody tells you that I’m involved, he is telling you a falsehood. It’s just not me!

“Let them show you documentary evidence to support (because) talk is cheap.

“All sorts of people have come making claims and, when they come to you with such claims, ask them to provide you with documentary evidence to support such claims.”

World Bank Approves $400m for COVID-19 Vaccines Acquisition, Deployment in Nigeria James Emejo in Abuja The World Bank Board of Directors has approved a $400 million credit in additional financing for the federal government to provide upfront financing for safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine acquisition and deployment within the country.

The funding will be implemented as part of the COVID-19 Preparedness and Response Project.

The Bank also said that it had deployed over $157 billion to fight the health, economic, and social impacts of the pandemic, the fastest and largest crisis response in its history.

The Bretton Woods institution said building on the federal government’s plan to break the chain of local transmission of COVID-19 and limit the spread of the virus,

NNPC Begins Construction of Afenifere Tackles Buhari on Independence Bunmi Obakoya 50MW Power Plant in Borno Speech, Charges FG to Face Challenges Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has commenced the construction of a 50-megawatt gas turbine power plant, the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project (MEPP), expected to generate electricity to the capital city and its environs.

The national oil company had announced a plan for the gas-powered plant in April as a long-term solution to the incessant attacks and destruction of power lines by the Boko Haram insurgents, who had frustrated attempts to restore power to the beleaguered city.

It was learnt that China Machinery Engineering Company (CMEC) and General Electric (GE) would handle the project meant to ensure supply to the state which had been cut oͿ since January this year following the insurgents’

attacks on lines along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road at least on two occasions.

In August 2021, the NNPC signed an o΀cial contract with the CMEC and GE on the project. The ground-breaking ceremony signiÀes the o΀cial commencement of the project as the contractors have since moved to site.

In his remarks at the ceremony to Áag oͿ the project, Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, explained that the move was a result of a presidential directive to provide emergency intervention to the electricity supply to the area.

Kyari therefore assured the people of Maiduguri that the project would be delivered on schedule, adding that it would further improve NNPC’s gas utilisation eͿorts for the socio-economic beneÀt of Nigerians.

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, yesterday came hard on the 61st independence broadcast by President Buhari, saying it showcased the dishonesty on the part of those governing the country and the disconnection between them and the people they govern.

The group in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Jare Ajayi, while drawing a parallel between what the president said last year and this year, said the picture painted by President Buhari of the situation in the country in the speech was at variance with what was on ground.

He said: “In the 16th paragraph of his 2020 independence anniversary speech, the president conceded that the country’s major institutions – and by implication, the services they were supposed to render to the nation – were on the decline.”

In his words, “institutions such as civil service, police, the judiciary, the military all suffered from a general decline.

“There is no indication on ground that this assessment given last year by the president has changed for the better.

The services being rendered to the people of Nigeria by these institutions continue to be on the decline in terms of value delivery.

The reason for this being lack of requisite resources and motivation.

It is therefore unfair on the part of the president to accuse ‘critics’ of misdiagnosing “incremental progress as stagnation” as he did in his 2021 independence anniversary speech.”

Ajayi stated further that the president’s claim that a lot had been achieved in the last six years “in infrastructure, social care, governance, Nigeria’s image and influence in Africa and the international community,” was against the reality on the ground.

Library: Ex-Gov Lawal’s Daughter Lauds Maturity of APC Govt Kwara State Commissioner for Enterprise, Hajia Arinola Lawal, has commended the APC-led Ilorin West local government TIC for its investments in human capital development and its maturity in wanting to rename the library under renovation after the late Olusola Saraki.

“The rebuilding and expansion of the derelict library

owned by the local government is very laudable. Especially commendable and exemplary is the large-heartedness of the APC administration to retain the name of Saraki on the ediÀce. This is more so when Senator Bukola Saraki and his late father did not extend such humanity and courtesy to my late father when they took over

in 2003,” Hajia Arinola, who is a daughter of the late former Governor, said in a statement on Thursday.

“One recalls that Saraki removed everything Lawal from all government’s properties when they took over the reign of government in 2003. It is an irony of fate to hear the same person who embodies vindic-

tiveness wants to bring down the roof just because the local government wanted to renovate a facility that belongs to the public but was just named after his father. But one is glad to be alive to witness history and even more signiÀcant to the course of history is the magnanimity of the APC administration not to toe that horrible path.”

“The strong partnership between our two countries is based on our common commitment to democracy and diversity, and a shared spirit of entrepreneurship.

As your partner, we will continue to support Nigerian efforts to counter terrorism and insecurity, improve health systems, strengthen democratic institutions, promote respect for human rights, and bolster economic growth including through bilateral trade and investment. We value Nigerian leadership on issues including African peace and security, ending the COVID-19 pandemic and building back a more inclusive economy, and reducing greenhouse emissions and creating a clean energy future.”

Bags Woman of the Year Award

For society lady, business woman and philanthropist, Bunmi Obakoya, it is double celebration as she was recently awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Ecole De Techniciens Superieurs Du Benin (Ecotes University Cotonou Benin Republic) at the 10th convocation ceremony of the frontline private university. Her businesses, Simply Casuals and Diffuser Lut Nigeria have grown successfully over the years and helped build her brand into one of excellence and exceptional service.

According to a statement by the council of the university in Porto Novo, Benin Republic, Obakoya was conferred with the Doctor Honoris Causa Award for her exemplary leadership role.

“We recognise her overt, credible and exemplary leadership role among her people and which in turn made them to repose their trust in you to represent them at an exalted position.

Managing people is a herculean and daunting task which requires humility, wisdom, commitment, selflessness, sacrifice and passion to be able to achieve positive and sustainable development for those leadership are being provided for.

Based on these distinguishing features and her achievements, she qualifies for this honour and the council has decided to bestow this special award on her.”

the original COVID-19 Response programme would be expanded to enable equitable access to purchase affordable vaccines for 18 per cent (40 million) Nigerians and support effective vaccine deployment to 50 per cent (110 million) of its citizens.

World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Mr. Shubham Chaudhuri, said” As the Nigerian Government continues to tackle the effect of a third wave of the global pandemic, it is crucial it continues to vaccinate its citizens in addition to the use of non-pharmaceutical interventions to avoid the dreadful consequences of another lockdown that left in its wake an economic toll the country is still grappling with.”

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Afenifere on Rotational Presidency “The issue of where the President comes from is on the front burner today because of the nepotistic tendencies by those who have been ruling us. This was taken to the highest level by the incumbent President Buhari.” –Yoruba socio-cultural organization, Afenifere, reacting to the position of Northern governors on rotational Presidency.

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26 years

TOYINFALOLA GUEST COLUMNIST

Dele Momodu: A Child of Independence in Search of Freedom

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eserving ovation in any part of the world is a matter of maintaining a positive impact after the evaluation of one’s I accumulated deeds. Humans are not popular with the habit of giving accolades to people who are not deserving of it, and if they are compelled to do so, it would be noticed from the get-go that they are merely following instructions, making motions, or being sarcastic. One of the notable people whom Nigerians may give accolades to without compulsion is Chief Dele Momodu. Many people have written their names in the golden book of Nigeria, and it appears the journalist and businessman is one of them. Dele Momodu has not only written his name on the sand of time as far as Nigerian celebrity and popular life are concerned, but he has also brought himself to the forefront of national and international debates, showing up in public issues for all things good.

Ayobamidele Momodu was born to Nigerian parents in the same year Nigeria secured its independence from its foremost colonizer, Britain, in 1960. His birth became symbolic with the country of birth because he represents freedom for his immediate parents and a family of people who have benefited from his immense intellectual efforts. From an early age, Momodu developed a passion for journalism and became steadfast in the pursuit of this lofty ambition. To him, that profession means more than being a platform for interviewing the big fishes in the world who have made substantial changes in human history. He considers journalism an opportunity to connect with the masses and represent those rendered voiceless in their respective societies.

One would be enthused by the mind-opening input that Dele Momodu has contributed to Nigeria’s and, by extension, Africa’s journalism profession, going by the mouthwatering initiatives he has been making with his different journalism outlets. He blends passion with opportunity and creates effortless ideas that are record-breaking and intellectually stimulating. His undying and enthusiastic passion for journalism drove him to meet notable personalities as far as Nigerian politics and economic engagement are concerned. Because he was outstanding in his chosen profession, he has had the opportunity to meet top politicians in the world and used that opportunity to advance himself personally. Through his journalism profession, Momodu has increased his self-worth so much that in contemporary times, there is no place his name would be mentioned in the Nigerian political and media landscape in particular, and in the African continent in general, where he would not get special recognition and impressive remarks from people. His name has become so domestic that people do not struggle to fix who he is in their minds. Momodu believes in activism, and he does not limit the ground for activism to the political ring since, in his opinion, activism can be introduced to one’s profession in a grand style and maximum impact can be made through it irrespective of the field.

One gets to understand what he means with his ideological stand about using journalism as the launchpad for activism when he stood behind a man whose political mandate was forcefully and criminally taken away from him in 1993. Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola (MKO) became the victim of the power play of the General Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, where the latter denied MKO Abiola of his democratic mandate. The action ruptured the people and angered many well-wishers because the denial of his right could steer inter-ethnic conflict, as the country was delineated along ethnolinguistic and ethnocultural lines, and could wreak untold emotional and political havoc on the country generally. Momodu was strongly behind MKO,

Momodu not only because he had worked under him as a Staff Writer in the African Concord magazine, but also because he believed that part of a global democratic process is to stand against dictators when they decide to challenge the will of the majority. For this ideological conviction, it would be interesting to know that the man remained steadfast behind the victim of military veto power, not without paying a heavy price, however. Ibrahim Babangida’s administration was succeeded by that of the late General Sanni Abacha, and one does need to be reminded about the extreme high-handed nature of these dictators.

Momodu was one of the heroes who championed the canonization of June 12, the occasion of which saw the annulment of the presidential election that registered MKO Abiola as the victor. It did not require the intelligence of Wole Soyinka to understand that he was up against an insurmountable challenge by calling the dictators by their name. He was mercilessly punished and subsequently detained because he followed prodemocratic ideas that supported the recognition of Abiola’s political mandate. Despite the growing challenges and mounting intimidation, Dele did not throw in the towel against the dictators. He continued to demonstrate his commitment to revolutionizing Nigerian politics through democratic means and insisted on his loyalty to his mentor, the late MKO. However, when Abacha became the head of state, he compounded the challenges because he was devoid of a sense of justice or fairness and was unconcerned about tearing the fabric of the country’s democracy by pursuing extremely selfish interests at the presidential seat.

Before being confined to the prison, this man allowed his Radio Freedom to continue engaging the military dictators and exposing their irrational fantasy about power and its flagrant abuse. He became the maverick of the society and dared to challenge a totalitarian whose sole language was force. Momodu stood his ground and registered his grievances and those of the masses, but not without corresponding consequences.

When the situation got to the climax, Momodu was forced to seek freedom in another man’s land because it seemed the government of General Sani Abacha would not adopt a gentleman’s approach concerning issues of protests or disagreement with totalitarian disposition. Momodu had to take the option of running away from the country under disguise. He traveled to the Republic of Benin, where he eventually found his way to Togo and then Ghana, before fleeing to the United Kingdom. These periods were a moment

of reflection for him and a test of his resolve, especially regarding his ideological beliefs. He was aware that Nigeria’s military government had never demonstrated a gentlemanly approach to national issues; nevertheless, Momodu desired to pursue the course of justice regardless of whose ox was gored. This level of commitment to one’s philosophical position stands Momodu out and explains why he has garnered for himself the international accolades that are globally accorded to him in the past and present conditions. Even when he was in exile abroad, he would not allow his candle of truth to be blown off by the wind of fear, or melted into oblivion under the shadow of intimidation. He provided the opportunity to expand his agitation beyond the borders of the country, and through his continuous delivery of sound journalism, he attracted the right minds to his trade and revolutionary ideas.

The cliché still holds that “Tough times do not last, only tough people do.” This saying has reflected its true value in the life of Dele Momodu because not only did he survive the harsh government positions against him during the time of his pro-democratic ideals, but he also established himself as a reliable voice in the time of despair when the government slips into the abyss of dictatorship and lawlessness. Momodu has contributed significantly to the democratic ethos that the country is not basking in, and he has not reneged on giving his country of birth the best things that showcase democratic culture.

Despite the history of torments and frustrations that has greeted him in different times when he raised his voice in the country against apparent totalitarian governments, Momodu continues to offer the best of his services to douse people’s despair and restore their confidence even when things are going sour in the country. He has demonstrated on countless occasions that he does not belong to the group of people who cow away from their philosophical position because a leader decided to be high-handed about their political activities.

And this has brought him great patronage from people who understand the importance of his voice in setting the country on the right trajectory.

Beyond his activism in the journalism profession, Momodu has been a man who represents a good character in career development. The story of his growth to fame is replete with daunting experiences and the determination to survive unusual conditions, and the swift progress he has made in the course of his career development is sure to leave one amazed. For a man that officially secured his first employment in 1988 as a Staff Writer in Concord Magazine, a journalism firm owned by the late MKO Abiola, being immediately transferred to Weekend Concord as a pioneer staff by the same company was evidence of his brilliant performance on the previous job. He obviously showed outstanding contributions that led to admiration from his employer and subsequent promotions. Nearly has he spent a year in this position than he was made the Literary Editor, and barely spent six months on the new job, he was made the News Editor of the Weekend Concord. His involvement in all these engagements brought out the best in him, and he continued to break boundaries where people made excuses for their failures. Dele Momodu followed this line of thought and excellence and was eventually considered a beacon of hope in the Nigerian editorial and journalism profession.

Apparently, he was not a man to be restrained by unfavorable circumstances, as he defied numerous challenges to write his name in gold.

Additionally, through his habit of moving geometrically, Momodu’s journalism career has been transformed in every position and condition.

Momodu’s fervor as a journalist placed him at quandary with military dictators as he was at

loggerhead with numerous Nigerian heads of state in the post-annulment of the June 12 presidential elections. During the period, he launched Ovation International in 1996 despite being in exile for his involvement in the political affairs of his home country. He was not deterred by the exile experience, which naturally makes some people lose a good deal of their emotional and psychological well-being. Instead, he made himself more relevant and created a celebrity magazine forum that would promote him beyond his imagination. Today, Momodu embodies all the qualities of a good social being and a committed individual, such that his influence spans beyond his cultural and political shores because his newspaper takes him into prominent territories where people now have a better understanding of what he represents. Ovation International’s reputation in Africa remains golden because of its linguistic flexibility and content. It adds more color to the famous publisher that the magazine is written in both English and French.

The story of this great man would not be complete without a leaf from his educational career.

He is considered successful and accomplished to the extent that his academic skills are exceptional and excellently glamorous. For someone who studied Yoruba as his undergraduate degree, one should be impressed to understand the transformative capacity of the man who made sufficient success in English and literary engagement. Although his master’s degree is in English Literature, it cannot be contested that his background in Yoruba helped skyrocket him into the stardom of journalism. Before he became eternally glued to the journalism profession, he was a lecturer at the beginning of his career. This period of teaching in a higher institution was the time of his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where he was given the opportunity to test-run his intellectual capacity. During the one-year program, Dele Momodu registered a stellar performance that granted him the opportunity to be more received by people of national values. After this experience, he began to attract members of the society who have added so much economic and financial value to themselves.

Serving as the private personal secretary to an erstwhile Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Chief Akin Omoboriowo, was a feat that brought him to political limelight because not only did he manage the reputation of his principal very satisfactorily, he also gave his professional touches to everything assigned to him. During his professional experience under the deputy governor, Momodu understood the country’s political system, and he was able to gather maximum experience that helped shape his career path in the long run. As the deputy governor’s private personal secretary, Momodu did not get any negative appraisal that would have potentially dented his image just because he did not lose sight of what mattered most. His success in that position attracted him to many other personalities who wanted him to manage their portfolio for them one way or another. While serving and making numerous accomplishments under his principal, his dedication made way for him with other notable personalities in society. One year after working with the deputy governor, he was made the manager of Motel Royal Limited, a business owned by the then Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II. The Ooni also obviously enjoyed Momodu’s services, and this catapulted him to greater heights. r50:*/ '"-0-" JT B XPSME SFOPXOFE )JTUPSJBO BOE 1SPGFTTPS PG "GSJDBO 4UVEJFT BU UIF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG 5FYBT "VTUJO 64" NOTE: Read full article online on www.thisdaylive.com

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