SATURDAY 4TH NOVEMBER 2023

Naira Continues Recovery, Strengthens to N950/$ at Parallel Market Traders with dollars acquired at very high rates incur heavy losses Nume Ekeghe The Naira continued its rebound against the United States Dollar yesterday, strengthening to N950/$ on the average in the parallel

market.

This represents a N175 gain for the local currency compared to the N1,125/$ it traded for on Thursday.

Simultaneously, the official Investors and Exporters (I&E)

window reflected renewed vigour, trading at an impressive rate of N776.14 per US dollar yesterday as it appreciated from the N793.28/$1 at the close of Thursday's trading session.

Analysing intraday data provided

by FMDQ, the highest spot rate observed was N1,100.60/$1, while the lowest spot rate recorded was N700/$1.

Moreover, the official I&E

window reported a daily volume turnover of $98.82 million, indicating a 27.41 per cent decrease when compared to the previous day's turnover of $136.11 million.

This is the second day of recovery

for the Naira following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s commencement of the clearance of some of its FX backlog on Thursday, marking Continued on page 5

After Long Legal Process, France Returns $150m Abacha Loot to Nigeria...

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NLC, TUC Declare Strike Wednesday to Protest Ajaero’s Attack...

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Army, DSS Foil Boko Haram Attack in Kano FAO warns of food crisis in Borno, Sokoto, Zamfara states

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano The Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services

yesterday successfully averted a planned attack on Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State

by Boko Haram.

On the same day, the Food and

Agriculture Organisation (FAO) warned of a food crisis that may affect no fewer than 2.6 million Nigerians in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara states, mainly due to the

activities of terror groups.

A statement, signed by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Boko Haram

members apprehended yesterday were getting ready to unleash a major terror on Kano State before they were arrested.

During the operation, the

security agencies recovered from the terrorists, five AK 47 Rifles, five AK 47 Rifle Magazines, one Continued on page 5

Cabinet Retreat Ends,Tinubu Charges Ministers to Bury Personal Ambitions for Nigeria's Sake Ministers, permanent secretaries sign performance bonds with President Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has charged his 48 Ministers, advisers and other aides to put aside their personal interest and focus on his government's immediate concern of pulling Nigeria out of poverty.

The President gave the advice yesterday at the close of the three-day retreat for ministers, permanent secretaries, presidential aides and other top government officials at the State House, Abuja.

He told the participants that they have the responsibility to change the narrative about the country, noting that if they have any problem about Nigeria, they should have a conversation about it.

President Tinubu stressed the need for the officials to bond and ensure that the country recovers from “elephantiasis.”

President Tinubu said: “We have gathered here to shape the future, no threat about it. The responsibility we bear are not just titles, they are the hope and Continued on page 5

WAR AGAINST DRUG ABUSE… L-R: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) during Marwa’s War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy visit to the governor in Asaba…recently.

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After Long Legal Process, France Returns $150m Abacha Loot to Nigeria Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Bola Tinubu has expressed gratitude to France for the return of $150 million stolen from Nigeria by former Head of State, late General Sani Abacha, after a prolonged legal procedure.

The President, who spoke yesterday at the State House, Abuja while receiving in audience the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs of France, Catherine Colonna, said, "Thank you for the good news on the return of Abacha loot. We

appreciate your effective cooperation concerning the return of Nigeria's money. It will be judiciously applied in attaining our development objectives."

President Tinubu lauded the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and France, noting that this progress followed his visit to Paris after his inauguration.

In addition to the recovery of another tranche of Abacha loot, the President acknowledged the signing of a €100 million agreement between Nigeria and France to support the

i-DICE programme - a Federal Government initiative to promote investment in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Creative Arts Industries.

The agreement was signed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Technology, Dr 'Bosun Tijani and the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, at an earlier event at Tafawa Balewa House, the headquarters of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The President, while emphasising the need to reinforce collaboration on

both political and economic fronts, welcomed the growing cooperation between the two countries in areas of shared interest, such as climate change, economic integration, education, and culture.

On the situation in Niger Republic, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, said Nigeria is monitoring the situation in the neighbouring country, and exploring diplomatic channels to avoid bloodshed.

According to him: "Leadership

ARMY, DSS FOIL BOKO HARAM ATTACK IN KANO Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG), five RPG Bombs, six Hand Grenades, five pairs of Desert Camouflage Uniforms, 10 pairs of magazine pouches and some Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials.

The statement read, “Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services have successfully averted an imminent attack on Kano by insurgents. In a dawn raid operation carried out on the terrorists’ hideout in the early hours of today Friday 3 November 2023, (yesterday) troops of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army in close cooperation with the Department of State Services conducted a well-coordinated raid operation in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.

“The operation was aimed at uncovering and apprehending suspected Boko Haram Terrorists believed to be planning a major operation in Kano State.

“Consequently, the troops swiftly swung into action and apprehended two BHT suspects, who are now in custody.”

Onyema Nwachukwu noted that the successful execution of the operation showed the cooperation between the two agencies.

Nwachukwu urged citizens to help the security operatives with timely information on the activities of criminal elements.

“The interagency cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as exemplified in the conduct of this operation, is a testament to the strength of our collective resolve to defeat insurgency and other security challenges.

“We entreat members of the public to be vigilant and collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in the ongoing operations to curb insecurity,” the statement added.

FAO Warns of Food Crisis in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara

The Food and Agriculture Organisation says no fewer than 2.6 million Nigerians in Borno, Sokoto and Zamfara states including the FCT may face a food crisis between June and August 2024.

FAO country representative, Dominique Kouacou, disclosed this yesterday at the presentation of the October to November round of the Cadre Harmonise food security and early warning analysis in Abuja.

Kouacou was represented by Dr Abubakar Suleiman, Assistant FAO representative, Programme.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the CH analysis was conducted in 26 states and the FCT to ascertain the food security situation and make projections for the future.

According to Kouacou, the current cycle is happening after an unusually lean season, which witnessed several shocks, ranging from persistent insecurity situations like insurgency, and banditry.

He listed other challenges as natural resource-based conflicts, high cost of food and agricultural inputs due to high inflation, and severe dry spells in some states immediately after the onset of rains.

On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said the analysis was conducted and validated by highly skilled professionals of the CH analysis task force over the past two weeks.

The permanent secretary, who was represented by Mrs Fausat Lawal, Director of Special Duties, said the results of the cycle of Cadre Harmonise analysis were coming at a time when government at all levels was leaving no stone unturned in reinvigorating the nation’s economy.

He said though the challenges were daunting, they were surmountable, adding that several factors seemed to be negating the ministry’s efforts.

“Notable among them are the lingering negative impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and the Russia-Ukraine war which

is currently disrupting the food systems and spiking up input prices and food prices.

“The removal of petroleum subsidy has further heightened this pressure, resulting in food inflation and increases in the consumer price index,” he said.

He said that environmental and human factors such as climate

change, displacements due to insecurity and seasonal flooding regime had all remained recurrent concerns.

Umakhihe said that the disruptions had implications on food consumption patterns and the attendant high use of irreversible coping strategies among a sizable population of Nigeria.

is about responding to the needs of the people; their cries, and their frustrations. Nigeria shares a border with Niger across the expanse of seven Nigerian states, and most of these states are very populated.

Therefore, I need to guide ECOWAS carefully and steadily so that we manage our anger carefully. ''We have a colleague and a democratically-elected leader, President Bazoum, being used as a human shield. If we are not careful, he and his family can be endangered. ''I am deploying all appropriate back-channel strategies to avoid bloodshed in Niger Republic. We recognise the wishes of our people; they do not want war, but that does not mean we cannot take bold and decisive action."

The President said Nigeria will continue to galvanize international partners in the determined pursuit of a peaceful resolution to the situation in Niger Republic.

Earlier in her speech, the French

Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs conveyed the goodwill of President Emmanuel Macron and expressed the readiness of France to expand mutually beneficial collaboration with Nigeria across multiple sectors.

She proceeded to extend a formal invitation to President Bola Tinubu to attend the forthcoming Paris Peace Forum.

Speaking on the Abacha loot, the French Presidential Envoy said the repatriation followed the completion of legal processes.

"It was a long process, but we are glad that it was concluded.

Sometimes, justice may be slow, but this is a very good achievement," she said.

Colonna also commended President Tinubu’s leadership in ECOWAS, saying: "We support your efforts at ECOWAS. We are behind you because we believe that constitutional order is a treasure for all countries, and democracy must be a reality."

CABINET RETREAT ENDS, TINUBU CHARGES MINISTERS TO BURY PERSONAL AMBITIONS FOR NIGERIA'S SAKE aspiration of millions of Nigerians.

“You might be ready to forget about the rest of the world but as a Nigerian, let’s go out there, let’s bond together and make sure our country is fully recovered from elephantiasis.

“Let me remind you that you are not here to make excuses neither am I. I’m your friend, your brother, a father and grandfather.

“You must put outside personal ambition and focus on the progress of our nation.

It is through this that we can be truly proud. I am proud standing before you. I’m very very proud of everyone of you.

And I am proud of myself too. I went for election and won with your support, they took me to court and I won.”

The President also extracted the commitment of the ministers and other government officials to work together as a team to achieve the goals of his government asking: “we are about to close this threeday cabinet retreat, are we proud that we are Nigerians? Are we sure that we’ve done this? Is the responsibility of the permanent secretary clear in partnership with the Minister, is it clear? Are we one family?

“Since we are one family and one nation and we are in this vehicle together to change the narrative and bring about economic prosperity of our country, are we ready?”

The President further told his ministers and other aides: “We have a responsibility to our country to make sure we completely change the narrative

about Nigeria.

“If we have problems, let’s talk to one another, let’s have conversations, gentle conversations about our country. It’s not about ‘just leave me alone I’m going home’, you may not have a home.

"There’s nothing you can do successfully without good healthcare, reduction in poverty.

Like I said before, poverty is not a shameful thing but it is not acceptable. Are we going to dig our people out of it?

“If you look at your background no matter where you are today, there’s a trace of poverty beneath. So, it’s left for you and I to navigate this ship out of poverty.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us, I am confident now with the attendance, concentration, you’ve seen the quality and the character of ministers, you’ve seen it.”

He stressed that his administration has tinkered with its focus areas, saying: “area one, reform the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth.

“Two, strengthen national security for peace and prosperity; boost agriculture to achieve food security; unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development; enhanced infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth, focus on education, health and social investment as essential pillars of development; and accelerate diversification through industrialisation, digitization and creative industry, manufacturing and innovative technology.”

President Tinubu also directed the reactivation of the Presidential Delivery Tracker to empower Nigerians to track the implementation of projects across the country in real time.

The President said his determination to ensure the active and direct participation of citizens in governance is unwavering, noting that all Nigerians must be given the opportunity to track and report on the implementation of projects across the country.

President Tinubu said he has asked his Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, to immediately reactivate the tracking system in a way that maximally leverages on cutting-edge digital innovation to provide real time oversight capability for the benefit of all Nigerians.

He emphasised the importance of data in governance, saying: "Data is the lifeblood of effective governance. It enables us to understand the challenges we face so that we can design and implement effective solutions, as well as monitor and evaluate our progress. Without data, we are flying blind."

The climax of the retreat was the signing of performance bonds by ministers and permanent secretaries alongside President Tinubu, who charged all implementing authorities to unfailingly demonstrate diligence, innovative thinking, commitment, and an unrelenting focus on results.

Outlining the key recommendations from technical

sessions of the retreat, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, announced that the retreat has raised the approval threshold for public procurement and encouraged open bidding for transparency.

It recommended formulation of a standardized checklist detailing appointment criteria for Ministers and Heads of Agencies and also, improved alignment of the budget for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to the president's vision, strategic goals and relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Other key recommendations are to evaluate the efficiency of previous federal government Intervention programmmes and conduct of proper pre-and post-project assessments to determine the efficacy of the programmes; improve judicial process by allowing promoted judges to complete pending cases in their new positions and revive the executive-legislature conference/tripartite meetings to discuss pre-budget issues ahead of time and to define consequences and accelerate prosecution of individuals, including lawmakers, who do not complete contracts awarded to them.

On policies and priorities for the Renewed Hope agenda, the retreat recommended reforming the economy to deliver sustained inclusive growth; reforming tariff structure to enable trade, while still supporting domestic production.

NAIRA CONTINUES RECOVERY, STRENGTHENS TO N950/$ AT PARALLEL MARKET a pivotal effort to alleviate the mounting pressure in the foreign exchange market.

This impressive ascent by the Naira yesterday in the parallel market amounted to a staggering 18.42 per cent increase in its value within a single day, leaving speculators grappling with unexpected losses as the parallel market becomes inundated with US dollars.

The ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between the official and parallel markets have yielded significant results. The arbitrage between these markets has notably contracted from N389 per US dollar to N174.

An analysis of the Naira's trajectory in the parallel market this week unveils a fluctuating trend.

It commenced the week trading at N1,110 on Monday, experienced a

slight dip to N1,180 on Tuesday, and then exhibited a positive trend on Wednesday and Thursday, closing at N1,175 and N1,125, respectively.

The most astounding surge occurred yesterday, with the Naira selling at N950/$.

Multiple parallel market operators have attested to the surge in dollar supply, leading to losses for those who had previously acquired dollars at higher rates.

In contrast, the official I&E window exhibited a trading performance that ended the week as follows: Monday, N993/$1; Tuesday, N815/$1; Wednesday, N786/$1; Thursday, N793/$1; and Friday, N776/$1.

An official from the CBN, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the settlement of FX forward contracts through 14

banks on Wednesday. He further assured investors that the remaining FX forward contracts would be addressed in the forthcoming week.

The CBN's official statement to THISDAY regarding the FX forward settlement was as follows: "Yes, I can confirm to you that we have started clearing the FX backlogs through 14 banks on Wednesday.

Whatever is left unsettled would be cleared next week. We thank everyone for their patience. We are hopeful that in the coming days, the pressure you have seen in the FX market would ease."

A US multinational financial services firm, JP Morgan, had on Wednesday projected that the naira would trade at N850/$ at the Investors’ and Exporters’ Forex window before the end of 2023.

However, the US bank said the

recent efforts to restore a flexible FX regime may be sustained given the willingness to accompany it with tighter monetary conditions.

“The interbank FX rate has risen in recent days to over 900, from 750, thereby significantly closing the gap to the parallel rate which is now just above 1,000.

“We expect USD/NGN to eventually move lower towards 850 by year-end as the combination of tighter policy, as well as more attractive rates and FX levels deter incremental dollarization and perhaps attract some foreign capital,” JP Morgan asserted.

In addition to the policy actions, JP Morgan averred that authorities may need to consider further measures such as requiring commercial banks to adhere to regulatory limits on FX net open

positions.

Other measures, JP Morgan said, include exploring the introduction of a cash reserve ratio on FX deposits, as well as the issuance of dollar assets onshore.

On the fiscal side, the financial services firm advised the government to require all taxes to be paid in local currency.

It added that some of the measures may have already been incorporated in the federal government’s forthcoming revision of guidelines relating to the operations of the forex market.

JP Morgan also urged oil exporting companies to consider selling forex proceeds on the interbank market, rather than directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The company also said the

willing-buyer-willing-seller nature of the foreign exchange market is contributing to the extreme volatility in the FX market.

It said the willing-buyerwilling-seller model impeded price discovery, so the financial regulator should reconsider the strategy.

The bank also commented on Nigeria’s plan to obtain $10 billion in foreign currency inflows in the next few weeks to ease liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

It added that the ability of the government to raise such an amount may be challenging given the “US$3 billion expected from Afrexim has been delayed for months, while Nigeria LNG Limited’s historical dividends to the government have fallen well short of US$2 billion annually.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

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

REWARDING PARTNERSHIP. . .

L- R: French Ambassador to Nigeria, Emmanuelle Blatmann; Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna; President Bola Tinubu and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, during a visit by a delegation from Paris to President Tinubu in Abuja...yesterday.

GODWIN OMOIGUI

NLC, TUC Declare Strike Wednesday to Protest Ajaero’s Attack

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Organised labour under the auspices of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have given the federal government till Wednesday, November 8, 2023 to respond to their demands on the brutalisation of NLC President, Joe Ajaero, in Imo State or risk an industrial crisis.

Among the demands are the immediate redeployment and investigation of the Imo State Police Commissioner, Ahmed Barde, sack of the Area Com-

mander and Police Officers and men involved in the alleged attack and brutalisation of Ajaero and other workers in Imo State and the immediate arrest and prosecution of Mr. Nwaneri Chinasa, the Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Hope Uzodinma for allegedly supervising the brutalisation of Ajaero.

Other demands of Labour include; an independent and unbiased professional medical examination of Ajaero to ascertain the extent of the physical and psychological injuries he may have suffered and the implementation of all outstanding agreements reached with the

Oborevwori, Marwa Say Nigerians Must Rise to Defeat Drug Scourge Michael Olugbode in Abuja Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd) and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State have stated that for Nigeria to defeat the twin evil of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking, Nigerians must rise in unison to stamp out the scourge from communities and cities across the country.

They agreed on this in their remarks when the NDLEA boss

paid the governor a courtesy visit at the Government House in Asaba, during his three-day working visit which ended yesterday.

A statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, said Marwa made the call while explaining his mission to the governor and members of his executive council at the executive chamber of the Government House where he was received along with senior NDLEA officials who accompanied him.

Ogun Tackles Ondo over Boundary Dispute James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Government yesterday urged its Ondo State counterpart to caution its citizens encroaching on Ogun territory and launching attacks on Ogun indigenes in the communities bordering the two states.

The state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, who doubles as the Chairman, Ogun State Boundary Committee, made this appeal in a statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

According to her, the encroachment on Ogun communities comes with assaults on citizens, most especially residents of Irokun Kingdom, and the culprits were allegedly

from the Ilaje end of Ondo State.

She also condemned the imposition of Princess Adeyinka Abejoye Ogunyemi, as purported regent in the town in strong terms, describing it as illegal and an act of impersonation.

She said, “Irokun, a kingdom in Ogun State has its own traditional ruler, the Onirokun of Irokun, a member of our Ijebu Traditional Council. The current Onirokun, Oba Buari Olayinka Balogun, is the 8th Onirokun and has been on the throne since October, 2007.

Irokun is very pivotal to Ogun State and the state government will not fold its hands and allow criminals to overrun it,” the deputy governor said.

Imo state government.

In a joint a press conference yesterday in Abuja addressed by the Deputy President of NLC, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju and his counterpart from the TUC, Comrade Erin Oko, the two labour centres accused Governor Hope Uzodinma of serially undermining the rights of workers in Imo state by unlawfully retrenching

workers, owing workers 44 months salaries and maintaining a backlog of eight years of gratuity arrears of workers.

They also condemned what they described as “systematic intimidation of trade unions and trade union leaders, dismantling of trade union structures, regular bullying and beating of workers and denying them access to the fruits of their labour.

The Labour unions said that it will amount to hypocrisy for this impunity against workers to be taking place in Nigeria at a time it’s chairing Governing Board of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).

“We are worried that it has become criminal for workers in Nigeria to gather for a peaceful protest when Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and the International Conventions like the Universal Declaration on

Human Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights including ILO Conventions 87 and 98 guarantees the rights to Freedom of Association and the Right to Bargain collectively. It is more absurd that these infractions will even happen at all and still continue to happen especially when Nigeria sits as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the ILO,” he said.

Beta Edu: We’re Ready to Deliver On Tinubu’s Mandate to Create Jobs, Alleviate Poverty Deji Elumoye in Abuja Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, has expressed the readiness of his ministry to deliver on the present administration’s target of job creation, facilitating food security, eradication of poverty, and provision of good governance to the citizenry.

Speaking to journalists at

the sidelines of the three-day Ministerial Retreat for Ministers and Special Advisers as well as Assistants and Aides, Edu said her ministry is already on the right path to improving things in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

She said that her ministry is collaborating with the Ministries of Finance, Health, Education, and Agriculture, among others,

to see that the administration can pull Nigerians out of the prevailing multi-dimensional poverty in the country.

Her words: “Remember, it’s multidimensional poverty. Some people are poor, because they do not have access to education.

“Some people are poor because they do not have access to quality healthcare services.

Some people are poor because they do not have access to jobs.”

The minister, however, craved the understanding of the citizens to exercise a little patience, even as the authorities fervently pushed to see that the Renewed Hope Agenda becomes a reality.

According to her, “We ask for a little patience from Nigerians, cooperation and an understanding of government and government policies. We would be sincere, we would be accountable.

Court Orders Arrest of Bizman, Ibeto Over Alleged N4.8bn Fraud Wale Igbintade Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has ordered the arrest of the Chairman of Ibeto Energy Development Company, Cletus Ibeto, for allegedly refusing to appear in court for his fraud trial.

Justice Ijelu issued the bench warrant after a motion moved by the counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), who informed him that the defendant

had flagrantly failed and refused to appear in court, despite repeatedly hearing notice served on him.

The EFCC had charged the defendant alongside his companies, Ibeto Energy Development Company and Odoh Holdings Ltd, over an alleged N4.8 billion fraud.

The anti-graft agency filed a 10-count charge of conspiracy, fraud, forgery and fraudulent use of documents.

The defendant’s arraignment was stalled on September 28 and

October 5 due to his failure to appear in court, although he was represented by his lawyers.

On the two occasions, his lawyer, Dr. Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), informed the judge that his client was absent due to ill health. He, however, promised to produce him yesterday.

However, when the matter was called yesterday, he was represented by another counsel, Daniel Awosika (SAN), who told the court that the defendant was sick and could not attend court.

Following the development, Jacobs urged the court to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of the businessman.

Jacobs claimed that the defendant was in Lagos, and the commission could have arrested him, but it did not have the order of the court to do so.

He stated, “Senior lawyers cannot come to court and waste the court’s time. We urge the court to grant us a warrant of arrest to force the defendant to court,” Jacob said.

Last Victim Of Kaduna Baptist High School Abduction Escapes After over Two Years in Captivity John Shiklam in Kaduna Treasure Ayuba, the last victim of the 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School, Kaduna, who were abducted in 2021 has escaped from captivity after over two years.

The 13-year-old Ayuba returned home on Thursday at about 4p.m. to reunite with his parents.

In a telephone interview

yesterday, Joseph Hayab, Chairman of Kaduna State chapter of Christian Association Nigeria (CAN) confirmed Ayuba’s escape back home.

On July 5, 2021, bandits invaded the school located about 4 kilometres outside Kaduna metropolis and abducted 121 students.

The bandits later released the students in batches, collecting millions of naira for the release

of each batch of students.

Hayab said speculation that Ayuba was released by the bandits but refused to return home was not true.

“We are grateful to God for the escape of Treasure Ayuba, one of the 121 students of Bethel Baptist High School in Kaduna on July 5, 2021.

When all hope seemed to be lost, God did His miracle,” Hayab said.

He said Ayuba arrived home at about 4p.m. on Thursday after a journey of over seven hours.

He said Ayuba’s parents immediately called him (Hayab) and handed over the boy to him.

“The boy looked healthy but he was vomiting after eating food so we took him to the hospital for medical examination,” Hayab said.

“I have interacted with him and he told me how he escaped from his captors.

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POSITIONING LAGOS AS AFRICA’S FINANCIAL HEADQUARTERS… L-R: Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Chairman, EnterpriseNGR, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; and CEO, EnterpriseNGR, Ms. Obi Ibekwe during the inauguration of the Lagos International Financial Centre’s Council...yesterday.

Asaba Monarch, Residents Plant 76 Trees for Maryam Babangida’s Posthumous Birthday Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Residents of Asaba, Delta State led by their monarch, Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Chike Edozien,

have planted 76 trees as part of a week-long programme of activities lined up to celebrate the 76th posthumous birthday of former Nigeria’s First Lady,

Sanwo-Olu Signs Executive Order Creating Lagos International Financial Centre Council Segun James Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday signed an Executive Order establishing Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) Council in furtherance of his government’s objective to make Lagos the Africa’s premier financial centre.

The LIFC is an initiative developed through a partnership between Lagos State Government and EnterpriseNGR – a member-led advocacy group that promotes the growth and development of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector as a catalyst for economic development.

Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR, are poised to make

history as the first African participants invited to join the prestigious Lord Mayor’s Show’s 805th procession in London. The ground-breaking collaboration between Lagos State and EnterpriseNGR is built on their shared goal of positioning Lagos as Africa’s premier financial centre.

In his address at the inauguration of the council, the governor said the Lagos International Financial Centre (LIFC) Council is being propelled in partnership with EnterpriseNGR – a member-led advocacy group that promotes the growth and development of Nigeria’s Financial and Professional Services (FPS) sector as a catalyst for economic development.

Isi-Uzo Legislative Council Passes Vote of Confidence on Chairman The Isi-Uzo Legislative Council has passed a vote of confidence on the Council Chairman, Hon. Obiora Obeagu, predicating their resolution on his strides in human empowerment, infrastructural development, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, and “critical interventions in the multifaceted security challenges in Isi-Uzo LGA” that had confronted the local government area.

The Legislative Council also congratulated him on his nomination and eventual emergence as one of the final winners of the Nigerian Local Government Chairmen Merit Award, LOGMA. The resolution was consequent upon a motion sponsored by the Majority Leader of the Council, Hon. Ugwu Nnabuike, who is also the Councillor representing

Neke Ward II. The Legislative Council equally resolved to commend Hon. Obeagu for the Ward Community Development Committees (CDC), which he established to enhance grassroots development in Isi-Uzo as well as setting-up the Isi-Uzo Emergency Management Committee (ISEMAC) and provision of palliatives to over 5,000 households, displaced farmers and widows in partnership with Peter Mbah Foundation; charity outreach and donation of items and funds worth millions of naira to internally displaced persons in Umualor, Ikem, Isu and other parts of Isi-Uzo; Moving the motion, Majority Leader noted, in particular, Obeagu’s “dogged and determined efforts in confronting the series of crisis that erupted in Eha-Amufu last year.

Maryam Babangida, who hailed from Asaba Kingdom.

The symbolic 76-tree planting on Maryam Babangida Way, an important road in the state capital, named after the deceased First Lady by the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, as well as special recognition awards for good governance and local enterprise will signpost the events.

The Iyase of Asaba, Obi Patrick Onyeobi, who represented the Asaba monarch (Obi Edozien) told journalists earlier at the palace of the Asagba that Maryam Babangida was an iconic and illustrious daughter of Asaba kingdom whose achievements were acknowledged at both national and international levels.

He hinted at the crucial role played by the former Nigeria’s first lady towards the emergence of Asaba as Delta’s capital, when the state was created in August 1991 by the Babangida military government, though it was a befitting historical honour for Asaba that once served as the country’s colonial administrative headquarters with the then Royal Niger Company stationed in the town.

Onyeobi took the opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians to give peace a chance, stressing that there was no alternative to peace, which he said had remained the hallmark of Asaba people in spite of the unfortunate incident of “The Asaba Massacre” carried out

by Nigerian military forces in October 1967.

He said, “Maryam Babangida Day, which was started last year, is marked on 1st November - the birthday of Maryam Babangida every year, to celebrate one of Asaba’s most iconic and illustrious daughters, and to remember her outstanding contributions towards the development and empowerment of Nigerian women as well as bringing women and their plight to the centre stage of national discourse and policy making.

“As the First Lady of Nigeria from August 27, 1985, when her husband became President, to August

26, 1993, Dr. (Mrs.) Maryam Babangida had a dream and vision to bring greater recognition to women in our society, improve the lives of women and empower them to seek and achieve leadership roles in all spheres of human endeavour.

“She worked throughout her lifetime for the realisation of this dream, and was still pursuing the cause at the time she died about 13 years ago.”

“Aside several educational and economic programmes during her tenure as the First Lady, she also initiated and executed numerous projects aimed at improving the welfare of the wives of Army Officers and the living conditions in the barracks,” he further said.

Presidential Yacht Delivered, Deal Signed, No Payment Yet, Says Ndume The presidential yacht that caused outcry across the nation has been delivered after the signing of the deal but no payment has been made.

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Senator Ali Ndume, stated this on Arise TV’s Morning Show yesterday, saying, “We queried the amount budgeted for the yacht, but it was signed for a dollar rate, and the new rate isn’t favourable.

The budget was predicated for about N435, and now it is over N800.

“The Navy also clarified

that it is not a new budget.

And even the House of Representatives moved the budget to the Student loan.

The deal for the yacht has been agreed, signed, and delivered but not paid for.”

However, on Thursday, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, explained that item named ‘Presidential Yacht’ as found in the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill is not for President Bola Tinubu’s personal use, saying the naval boat bears

such classification “because of the high-level security features.”

“What was named as a presidential yacht in the budget is an operational Naval boat with specialised security gadgets suitable for high profile operational inspection and not for the use of the President.”

Ndume also discussed the N160 million slated for the purchase of a Land Cruiser SUV for each lawmaker in the National Assembly, stating that it was not a new thing for government workers to buy official vehicles.

He said they did not buy cars made in Nigeria because they are not manufactured but assembled, adding that the price of the imported vehicles was affected by increase in Naira to dollar rate.

According to him, “The reason why we did not choose Nigerianmade cars is because they don’t manufacture their vehicles, but they assemble them.

“I prefer Nigerian-made products, but the Nigerian car companies are only buying the vehicle parts and assembling them here.”

House to Audit PMS Subsidy Regime Juliet Akoje in Abuja The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere, has pledged to carry out a comprehensive audit of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol subsidy regime.

Ugochinyere at the inauguration of the Committee inAbuja yesterday, said thattheimplementationofthePetroleum IndustryAct (PIA) which has become a major concern to key stakeholders would be thoroughly reviewed.

He said the committee will legislate forenergysecurity,professionalisminthe petroleum sector, economic transforma-

tion, accountability, institutional reforms and revenue recovery and generation, withaspecificgoalofhelpingthefederal government to recover $20 billion revenue from the sector.

Adding that the early remittance of federal revenues and recovery of unremitted revenues is part of what the committee would focus on in the coming days.

According to him, “It is also very important that we make it known to Nigerians that we feel the pains that Nigerians are going through due to the removal of the subsidy regime. That regime had to go because it was corrupted and that is why the downstream committee of the House on Petroleum resources

would do a comprehensive audit of the PMS subsidy regime. We would probe the beneficiaries of the payment, rendering accounts on all loan transactions, the pre-export financing arrangement and other loan arrangements. Also other loan arrangements in exchange for crude would be extensively reviewed and investigated.

“The Direct Sales, Direct Purchase, using the crude to bring in the PMS and other value chain associated with them will also be reviewed. This committee would be working closely with our brother committees in the upstream, mainstream, gas, petroleum training fund and

other petroleum related committees to also help us achieve our set objectives.

“The implementation of the PIA which has become a major concern to key stakeholders would be reviewed by this committee.

What was done before the PIA? What are they doing after the PIA? The assets that used to be national assets before the coming into effect of the PIA. Where are they? Who is with them? All these the committee would look into to ensure that the intention of the PIA is achieved. One of those intentions is to ensure that there is energy security and competition in the downstream sector.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

NEWS

KEEPING ABREAST… L-R: Director General of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Charles Odii, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Technical Vocational and Entrepreneurship Education, Abiola Arogundade and SMEDAN’s Director, Engineering, Technology and Infrastructure, Anthony Igba, during an official inspection to SMEDAN’s Corporate Headquarters at Idu, Abuja by Arogundade...recently

Abia Urged to Domesticate UN Bagudu: Controversial Yacht Not for Tinubu’s Personal Use Convention on Older People’s Rights Deji Elumoye in Abuja The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, has stressed that the controversial Presidential Yacht in the 2023 supplementary budget was not intended for President Bola Tinubu’s personal use.

Speaking to newsmen along the sidelines of the retreat for ministers and other aides of the President yesterday at the State House, Abuja, the minister described as ridiculous

insinuations that something personal was inserted in the supplementary budget for the President.

He stressed that President Tinubu before his election in February, 2023 had lived a simple and modest life in a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja.

Bagudu said: “President Tinubu has always told us his team that he is happy with all he has achieved in life; personal comfort does not matter to him.

Before he was elected president,

he stays in a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja. He lives a modest, humble life.

“So, to suggest that something was put in the budget for his comfort is ridiculous”.

Bagudu further explained that 30 percent of the supplementary budget was voted for the security sector while the remaining allocation were for infrastructural development.

According to him: “President Tinubu during the campaigns, repeatedly emphasised the urgency to tackle security. And

not surprisingly 30 percent of the supplementary budget is for the defense sector.

“Equally, he has spoken about the need to support vulnerable populace and keep promises equally 30% of the supplementary budget is also on the on palliatives. N400 billion cash transfers and N200 billion cash awards. Equally infrastructure, about 25% of the supplementary budget is infrastructure. So, there you have it, about 85% is in these three areas.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia The Abia State Government has been urged to come up with appropriate policy responses in tackling the problems affecting the older persons by domesticating the United Nations(UN) Convention on the Rights of Older Persons.

The Co-chair/Facilitator of the National Senior Citizens Centre(NSCC), Abia State Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing, Mazi Ottih Nwaka, made the call in Umuahia during

the commemoration of the second edition of the National Day of Older Persons.

He said that the domestication of the said UN Convention would be achieved by passing into law the Abia State Senior Citizens bill, adding, “we must do this for posterity and for the generation unborn”.

According to him, it has become pertinent that Abia should get the Senior Citizens Act as it would, among other things, address the “unique challenges” associated with ageing.

Award-winning Architects Grace Glo-sponsored CNN African Voices Energy Transition: TEH Experts Recommend Two award-winning architects who employed the power of design to make a bold statement for social change will be guests this week on CNN African Voices Playmakers sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.

The duo of Tosin Oshinowo from Nigeria and Luyanda

Mphalwa, a South African, have successfully created more inclusive places for people to live, work, and play.

Oshinowo, a Lagos-based Nigerian architect and designer, creative entrepreneur, public speaker and author weaves identity and culture into her work. She is a graduate of Architecture from Kingston

College, London, and holds a Master’s degree in Urban designs from Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London.

She has numerous awards to her credit, including the 3rd City People Real Estate Awards for Architect of the Year 2017 and the Lord’s Achievers Awards for Creativity, in

celebration of World Achievers 'D\ 6KH ZDV DPRQJ ÀYH ÀQDOLVWV IRU WKH 'LYHUVLW\ in Architecture Divia Awards.

Mpahlwa, one of South Africa’s earliest black students permitted to study architecture, is using his life’s journey as a blueprint to uplift those in need in post-apartheid South Africa.

Investing in Human Resources, Sensitisation

With energy transition plans on the front burner worldwide, The Electricity Hub (TEH) convened a session of energy experts in Abuja where they, among other recommendations, suggested that stakeholders invest in human resources and sensitisation to ensure everyone is carried along in the energy transition goal.

At its 87th Power Dialogue “The sensitivity of the endevours listed , which are legally titled ‘Tackling Nigeria’s Enconsidered as drug matters, is ergy Transition Vulnerabilities’ the fundamental reason most the experts discussed ways to QDWLRQV RI WKH ZRUOG ÀQG LW manage possible challenges imperative to bring drug use matters under central or federal control. Nigeria is not an exception to this reform, and this why drug matters are listed as item 21 in part 1 of 2nd Schedule in the 1999 Constitution.’’

Pharmacists Fault Dissolution of PCN Governing Council President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Professor Cyril Usifo, has faulted the dissolution of the Governing Board of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) by the federal government, saying it was a misguided action.

Speaking at the at the 96th Annual National Conference tagged ‘Jewel City 2023’ held in Gombe, Gombe State

recently, Usifo expressed his displeasure over the dissolution of the Governing Council of a body saddled with direct responsibility to regulate and control drugs in the country, thereby incapacitating it from IXQFWLRQLQJ HͿHFWLYHO\ He said the government recognised the sensitivity of drug matters as placed on the exclusive list and did not dissolve the Governing Councils

of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), but dissolved that of the PCN without recourse to its critical role to regulate and control pharmacy practice in the country, including wholesale distribution, importation, and manufacturing of drugs, vaccines and medical consumables.

Aka Ikenga Mourns Late Prof Nwabueze

Sunday Okobi

The Igbo Think-tank, Aka Collectively Resolve, Solve Nation’s Woes Kukah Admonishes Nigerians Ikenga, has mourned the passing Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Bishop Matthew Kukah, has admonished all Nigerians to collectively resolve to work together in solving the nation’s myriad of problems.

He said that every Nigerian knows the problems facing the country at the moment and it will take the people’s resolve

to address the problems.

The cleric, however, stated that every country in the world also has its own problems and it takes the citizens and purposeful leadership to address such problems.

Kukah,who disclosed this yesterday while delivering a keynote address at the 3rd annual national public lecture of the FirstNews newspaper with the theme: ‘The Nige-

rian Question: Survival of the Federation in The Throes of Increasing Economic Challenges’ in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, said even those who are responsible for Nigeria’s problems are not also safe. +H XUJHG 1LJHULDQV WR ÀQG their own navigational truth for proper development as it is done in other nations.

He said: “The good thing about Nigeria is that everybody

in energy transition in respect to people and economic development.

The panel consisted of key industry experts: Ruchi Soni, the Programme Manager African Carbon Initiatives, SEforAll; Andrew Echono, the Country Director USADF; Engr. Barka Sajou, the Executive Director, Technical Services 5XUDO (OHFWULÀFDWLRQ $JHQF\ while Dr. Ndubuisi Nwokolo, the Partner at Security, Peace and Development of the Nextier Group, moderated the session.

knows what the problems are and the people who are responsible for the problems are not also safe, they too do not know peace.

“Nigerians talk about other countries, I feel sorry for many Nigerians who, because of many troubles, hardly travel out of their immediate environments, not to talk about travelling to other parts of Africa or other parts of the world.

away of a pre-eminent nationalist and doyen of Nigerian constitutionalism, Prof. Ben Nwabueze, who it described as the oracle of law.

Nwabueze died on October 29, according to his family spokesperson, Eni Nwabueze.

Aka Ikenga in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Collins Steve Ugwu, on behalf of its President, Agbalanze Chike Madueke, said: “We are pained at the denial of this pearl of knowledge to Nigeria, and indeed Africa at this point of our

current history, when his light of legal prowess remains inestimable asset for guidance and recovery.

“As we surrender to this weighty reality, we are consoled that Prof.

Nwabueze, an accomplished elder statesman, died rich in values as Nigeria’s most celebrated templar of law, as precept and basic norm.”

The statement added: “His indelible signatures in all spheres of his human engagements as a lawyer, teacher and minister remarked him as a rare mentor and path breaker extraordinaire.

Ndigbo worldwide will particularly remain proud and indebted to a sage, who as the pioneer secretary-

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NOVEMBER 4, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

ѡџђћєѡѕђћіћєȱ џіњюџѦȱ ђюљѡѕȱ юџђ Private sector investment has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, argue Chinonyerem Egekwu and Ofovwe Aig-Imoukhuede

W

ith a population of over 200 million people, Nigeria is the most populous country on the continent of Africa. However, her health system is fraught with many challenges including poor health infrastructure, a shortage of manpower, and weak systems.

These have contributed to poor utilisation of her health facilities, particularly the primary health centers (PHCs). This is worrisome because while PHCs constitute 85 per cent of all clinics and hospitals in the country, only about 20 per cent of these are functional and can provide basic emergency obstetric services. Furthermore, 75% of PHCs in Nigeria do not have the minimum required equipment package, including essential medicines, sphygmomanometers, glucometers, and personal protective equipment.

There are many reasons for this dysfunction of the PHCs and they include a perceived lack of trust in services provided in the PHCs, weak health infrastructure, inadequate supplies, and a shortage of human resources for health. To strengthen Primary Health Care in the country, the federal government has developed laudable policies and interventions. In 2011, the National Council on Health approved the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy to reduce fragmentation in the delivery of Primary Health Care services and integrate all PHC services under one authority.

Six years after, the Nigerian government set out to revitalize 10,000 PHCs in the country under the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (2017 – 2020). This involved renovating existing infrastructure and providing a full complement of services to ensure these PHCs can appropriately serve their communities. However, this target is yet to be met.

Despite numerous policies and programs aimed at addressing the primary healthcare gap, it is evident that the government cannot completely meet the needs of the primary healthcare system in Nigeria. Over the past two decades, the country has not been able to meet up with her commitment to allocate at least 15 per cent of the total budget to health. Although the current 5.75 per cent of the total budget allocated to health is the highest since the history of budgeting for health in the country, these allocated funds are grossly insufficient to address the challenges of the health sector. At the last PHC Summit in March 2022 tagged ‘Reimagining Primary Health Care in Nigeria’, the former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo underscored this fact and highlighted the critical role that the private sector in Nigeria needs to play to close this funding gap in order for Nigeria’s PHC goals to be met.

Nigeria has a huge private sector, which accounts for 90 per cent of her GDP. This sector can contribute her resources, expertise, and innovation to enhance the quality, accessibility, and affordability of healthcare services. This was evident during the COVID-19 pandemic where private organisations supported government efforts by manufacturing protective personal devices, donating ambulances and buildings for isolation centers. In addition, Nigeria leveraged the support of her private sector to expand access to testing for citizens.

The pandemic served as a proof of concept to demonstrate the feasibility of private sector support and partnership to improve access to care and health outcomes. Additionally,

BY FOSTERING A CONDUCIVE ENVIRONMENT, GOVERNMENT CAN LEVERAGE THE EXPERTISE AND INVESTMENT OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR TO BUILD A MORE RESILIENT PHC SYSTEM FOR NIGERIAN CITIZENS

in many Low and Middle – Income Countries (LMICs), the private sector is a huge contributor to healthcare provision.

For example, in Nigeria, 60 per cent of people access care from the private sector while half of the healthcare services in Ghana are provided by the private sector. In India, the private sector contributes 70 per cent of all healthcare services provided.

To this end, we propose four key roles that the private sector in Nigeria can play to strengthen PHC in the country.

Expand private networks and funding for health: Private organizations can forge alliances within their networks to mobilize and expand revenue and support for PHC. This will help reduce fragmentation of resources, improve synergy, and expand the resource pool for PHC in the country.

Advocate for more efficient use of funds: While advocating for increased funding for health is important, it is critical to ensure efficient use of these resources. Utilizing various approaches such as benchmarking and generating useful evidence to develop effective advocacy tools, private sector leaders can advocate for improved efficiency in the use of these funds. In addition, they can deploy their technical expertise to support government efforts by developing comprehensive frameworks and tools that aid effective budgeting, ensure proper allocation of resources, and track utilization of funds.

Align with government priorities: It is critical for private organizations to support governance-for-health and public coordination efforts. This provides a holistic approach that ensures synergy, maximizes resources, engenders ownership, and drives the sustenance of gains of PHC programs. A good example of this is the Adopt-A-Healthcare-Program.

This initiative, developed by the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), seeks to revitalize one PHC in every Local Government Area (LGA) in Nigeria. Currently, 119 PHCs have been adopted for revitalization into the program by organizations and individuals, including the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, which has committed to adopting 18 PHCs in Edo State and five PHCs in other states across the country. Revitalization includes renovating existing building structures, hiring and training of health workers, strengthening data management, and providing critical healthcare equipment.

Fund PHC-focused research: Private companies can partner with academic and research organizations to provide grants and fund research focused on improving primary health care. Also, these organizations can organize and fund innovative competitions that seek to improve various aspects of PHC in the country.

Private sector investment has the potential to strengthen Nigeria’s primary healthcare system by addressing critical gaps, improving access to care, and supporting public sector priorities. By fostering a conducive environment, government can leverage the expertise and investment of the private sector to build a more resilient PHC system for Nigerian citizens.

C Egekwu and Aig-Imoukhuede write from Lagos

џіяюљіѠњȱ Ѡȱ ћȱ њѝђџќџ

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ribalism is the ism topping all isms!

All the talk of Socialism, Communism, Humanism and so on must now be put on one side to make way for the true king of the jungle: Tribalism! Of all the isms of the whole wide world, the most triumphant ism is without any question whatsoever Tribalism.

Look, I’m not just writing about Nigeria where the current wave of Tribalism has exposed all the erstwhile charlatans of the land. Many pseudo-intellectuals and paraacademics have made a meal of wearing tattered beards all over the place and crowning themselves Emperors of Communism or Kings of Marxism. The former Marxists have all been unmasked and the erstwhile apostles of Communism have all been excommunicated.

Please this is not a Nigerian matter, so the Nigerian pretenders should stop being uncomfortable because I am not writing about the current tribal shenanigans in the country. The time is nigh to go deep into the roots of recent world history to uncover the rise and rise of Tribalism as the one true living ism.

Back in 1989, in the heady days of the commotion in the then Soviet Union and much of Eastern Europe, a hitherto unknown scholar, Francis Fukuyama, published an essay in the American magazine The National Interest entitled “The End of History?”

Uzor Maxim Uzoatu contends there is a tribal war out there

The article quickly made Fukuyama one of the most famous names in the 20th century and beyond. Fukuyama definitely had more than Andy Warhol’s touted 15 minutes of fame. In his essay, Fukuyama celebrated the collapse of the Soviet Union and the reformation in Eastern Europe as “The triumph of the West, of the Western idea.”

Fukuyama stressed quite forcefully: “What we may be witnessing is not just the end of the Cold War, or the passing of a particular period of post-war history, but the end of history as such: that is, the end point of mankind’s ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government.”

Fukuyama’s voice carried in the wake of the ultra-rightist sweep of the regimes of Ronald Reagan in the United States and Margaret Thatcher in Britain. That was when Dame Thatcher crooned that she would follow tough guy Reagan to the end of the earth, and happy-go-lucky Ronnie Reagan swore to organize it.

The market was seen as the god of all economies, and the erstwhile big government presence in the eastern hemisphere was made ample mockery of. Everybody started singing about market forces as the only way, but then Fukuyama’s voice went dead quiet as per market forces when in 2008 the global financial system collapsed, and the state had to step in to save the economies of the world.

Well, beyond the economic front of market forces, Fukuyama’s yarn about “the end point of mankind’s ideological evolution and the universalization of Western liberal democracy as the final form of human government” did not envisage the political rise of ultra-nationalism alias Tribalism.

The nationality question put to the shade all manners of isms in the inescapable sense that “all politics is local”. Josip Broz Tito did reign large over the old Yugoslavia but once the old man kicked the bucket the vast union of yore broke into pieces of little nation-states based on the ideology of Tribalism.

The old Soviet Union after Gorbachev’s Glasnost and Perestroika are today individual states based on Tribalism. The tribal war between Russia and Ukraine needs a tear or two. Good old Czechoslovakia has been sharply sundered into two: the Czech Republic and the land of the Slovaks.

Now, tell me why Nigerians who earlier pretended to be communists, socialists and ill-assorted activists should not come out swinging as agents of Tribalism? It is a tribal war out there, and it is incumbent on all tribesmen of worth to put up support for the tribal champion, warts and all! One is bound by blood to one’s tribesman whether he is an armed robber or a reckless prostitute or even a devil-may-care murderer.

Let’s get back to the intellectual front, and it is my duty to inform the world that the point really is that Fukuyama misread the

German philosopher, G.W.F. Hegel, whose ideas gave the pedestal to the “End of History” thesis.

Hegel who incidentally was the forerunner of Karl Marx asserted that the motor of history is the Idea. Of course the Idea in Hegelian dialectics is holistically made up of Thesis, Antithesis and Synthesis.

In Fukuyama’s misreading of Hegel, he thinks that Synthesis in any given application of things ought to be the end of the matter.

The fact though is that the Synthesis of an earlier stage of history inevitably forges the Thesis of current time in the endless cycles of history.

This way, the Synthesis of commotion in the then Soviet Union and Eastern Europe can only be seen as underpinning the Thesis and Antithesis of Nationalism and Tribalism we are now witnessing.

The dialectics of history can therefore not come to an end in the short-sighted manner germane to impulsive thinkers like Fukuyama. The truism “world without end” goes with the realism “history without end.”

This definitely puts an end to the “endism” of Fukuyama and his fellow starry-eyed tinsel intellectuals who have been overtaken

by Tribalism!

History is theatre with all the climaxes and sub-plots until Tribalism gets smaller and smaller - as it is wont to - before being upended by Individualism!

Uzoatu is a Journalist

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NOVEMBER 4, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Where is humanity?

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Kano’s Luminous Legacy

he apple does not fall far from the tree, it appears. In Kano State, this timeless idiom is proving spectacularly true.

Only recently, the state government bid farewell to about 1000 indigenes of the state who were going to India and Uganda for their post graduate education. It continues a laudable legacy which started under Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a two-term former Governor of the State whose strides in education will not be forgotten in a hurry.

It is really no surprise that like Kwankwaso, Abba Kabir, the present governor is toeing the line of his predecessor and mentor. During the last election, while Kwankwaso was the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in a failed bid to be president, Abba Kabir succeeded in his quest to be Governor.

Although his election was nullified by the State Election Petition Tribunal, there is widespread belief that even if the election is conducted a further 10 times in the state, his popularity would leave other candidates licking their wounds. Immediately after his swearing in May 2023, his decision to go on a demolition job in the state capital stirred up controversy. The demolition which reduced structures worth billions of dollars to rubble were perceived to hold more promise as political vendetta than any tangible benefits for the good people of Kano State. This feeling was recently validated by the decision of a Kano State high court which awarded damages worth billions of Naira to a party who had gone to court. When it is considered that the judgment debt would come from public funds, the decision to demolish indiscriminately seems like a pathetic policy failure.

But with the governor, it is not all about poor decisions. In fact, in prioritizing education much like his predecessor and mentor, Kwankwaso, the government is bequeathing a priceless legacy to the people of the ancient commercial city.

Education illuminates the mind and liberates people. In the course of man’s journey, education has been shown to wield an invisible hammer that breaks even the strongest of chains.

Kano State recognizes that it has a problem, and it is doing all it can to address that problem. According to UNICEF, the state has about 989,234 out-of-school children. Expectedly many of them are girls. To address this, the state is giving a stipend of 20,000 to 45,000 girls to encourage them to go to school and stay in school. The state is also building more schools

to absorb out-of-school children.

In a country where many public officers would rather fritter away public funds, engaging in debauchery, or sowing chaos in their states and other states, those responsible for Kano’s public purse are showing the kind of ancient wisdom that befits an ancient city.

Nigeria’s many concerns started or at least became intractable when the country began to neglect quality education. In the course of human experience, education has long shown its power as an unmatched equalizer. Especially for girls, education has long proven to be a weapon in the fight against poverty, inequality, and injustice.

Education remains in a state of flux in Nigeria.

Across many states, education, especially in public schools, continues to suffer scandalous neglect. Classrooms with neither chairs nor windows, decrepit buildings with disgruntled teachers and disillusioned students all point to a sector in disrepair.

The current government of Kano State may neither be the most prudent nor the most proactive, but in following the path of its predecessors to prioritize education, it has a lot to teach other governments in the country.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

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‘Igba Pin’ and Other Medical Superstitions

ȱ ȱ ¢ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ȱ ě ȱ of magical manhood or womanhood disappearance, another vicious phenomenon is devastating a section of the country, particularly some parts of southeastern Nigeria, that is, the belief in Igba pin, magically shooting pins into people’s bodies. Many people who take ill claim that someone is responsible, that they are victims of Igba pin. People believe their enemies could magically lodge pins in their bodies, making them ill in ways that defy modern medical practices. And if a ‘healer’ did not remove these pins, they would die. It is not clear when people started entertaining this belief and using it to make sense of their ailments. But Igba pin is a subcategory of medical superstitions pervasive in Igbo land and beyond.

As a young man growing up and schooling in southeastern Nigeria, I heard about this phenomenon. I never took it seriously. Igba pin was never invoked in circles of persons that I considered educated and enlightened. I have some medical doctors as friends and colleagues, and none of them ever told me of any patient diagnosed or treated for Igba pin. Igba pin was a fringe belief, a part of the street jabs, and some village illiterate talk.

However, over a year ago, a lady, who is a part of

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

my critical thinking project team, told me that the brother was a victim of Igba pin. I dismissed it with a laugh. But she insisted it was real, that a family member suffered from Igba pin and was taken to a local doctor or healer (I don’t know the best way to describe these charlatans, who claim to `remove pins`). I asked to see the pins, and she messaged home and they sent her the pins. And she delivered them to me.

I took the so-called pins to a carpenter near my apartment and the carpenter said they were not real pins. But what were they? What she gave me looked like some poor metalled bits of iron, cut by a local smith. This colleague said that the `healer` removed these elements from the brother`s head and that the brother later recovered. I never believed this because I did not think it was a true account of what happened. I told her there was no way that object could be in a living body and be removed not through surgery, but via some incantations and local abracadabra. But she never believed me. Many people I tell that Igba pin is medically baseless do not believe either. For her, Igba pin was real and unquestionably a fact. But she was not alone in this belief and misconception. Many people from southeast Nigeria, believe strongly in Igba pin and tackle me if I try to challenge or cast some doubt on this dubious scheme. Recently, the topic came up on my old boys’ WhatsApp group. And some people shared their experiences and thoughts. One person shared a chat with a colleague who claimed to be a victim.

It was shocking to read this hilarious display of scientific illiteracy and ignorance. Parts of the exchange (Posts(P) and Replies(R)) read as follows: “P. I was a victim of this pin stuff after I left the seminary in 1997. It is a mystery beyond comprehension, African wonder with negative implications. R. Please how did it happen? P. I can’t tell you how it happened but the symptoms were real: pains, headaches & fever. If they administered the pins to kids, if it was not noticed on time, it could lead to death. Orthodox medicine does not affect the symptoms”.

What amazes me is that believers in Igba pin and other superstitions speak with so much authority, assurance, and confidence as if they are informed about what they are saying. But they are not. Most of them have little or no medical training or expertise.

Leo Igwe is a skeptic and campaigns against superstition based abuses in Nigeria

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

14

NEWS

TALKING POWER...

L-R: Andrew Echono, the Country Director USADF; Mr. Barka Sajou, the Executive Director, Technical Services at Rural Electrification Agency; Ruchi Soni, the Programme Manager African Carbon Initiatives, SEforAll; and Dr. Ndubuisi Nwokolo, Partner at Security, Peace and Development of the Nextier Group; at the 87th Power Dialogue titled ‘Tackling Nigeria’s Energy Transition Vulnerabilities’, organised by The Electricity Hub (TEH) in Abuja...recently

5LYHUV &ULVLV :LNH )XEDUD 0XVW /DJRV &$6,2 6./' 7DUJHWV 6HFRQGDU\ 6FKRRO 7HDFKHUV IRU &DSDFLW\ %XLOGLQJ 7UHDG ZLWK &DXWLRQ 6D\V $EH Funmi Ogundare

The immediate past governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), in Rivers State, Senator Magnus Abe, has called on the political gladiators in the state to tread with caution in the interest of the people.

Speaking on ARISE NEWS Channel, Abe said in any society there are kingmakers but there are no king removers, warning that those who want to remove

the king may be charged for treason.

He stated that the present crisis in Rivers State would not help the people of the state, urging Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike and Governor Siminalaye Fubara to “cool down and settle their GLͿHUHQFHV ·· According to the former senator, what should be paramount to the political gladiators is the

welfare of the people of the state, DQG QRW ÀJKWLQJ WR PDLQWDLQ their political base.

He said: “My advice to all the parties is to tread with caution. I am very happy with the reconciliatory stand of the governor saying that it is a father and son quarrel, and I think it is left for the father to now take the FXH IURP WKH RͿHU RI SHDFH DQG make the same kind of comment that will enable them to have a

common meeting point so that there will be peace in the state and Rivers people can move forward.

“My advice to all the gladiators is that you can have kingmakers in any society, but you cannot have king removers because if you try to remove the king it would be viewed as treason. So let the gladiators sheath their swords, talk to one another.

&OLPDWH &KDQJH 0$1 %$7 1%& 2WKHUV &RQYHQH (6* )RUXP IRU 5HVSRQVLEOH 0DQXIDFWXULQJ Dike Onwuamaeze

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited (BAT) and other likeminded private sector operators are convening the Private Sector Environment Social and Governance Forum (PSESG) that would promote sustainable and responsible business practices within the Nigerian manufacturing sector.

The forum would seek to

facilitate an open dialogue among industry stakeholders to assess the extent to which the private sector is embracing sustainable practices and implementing actions to safeguard the environment and support the communities in which they operate.

Other members of the PSESG include Nigeria Climate Innovative Centre, Nigeria Bottling Company, Blue Echo Foundation, Stanbic IBTC, Sterling One Foundation and Enactus.

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on the belief that the actions of the private sector, particularly the manufacturing industries, significantly influence the trajectory towards a zero-carbon future and equitable growth.

Its key objectives, according to its promoters, include highlighting the importance of ESG principles in shaping sustainable manufacturing practices; encouraging the manufacturing industry to adopt responsible and climate resilient business approaches; showcasing best practices and

successful case studies of organisations integrating sustainability into their core operations and fostering a collective commitment to drive positive change both environmentally and socially.

Commenting on the convening of the ESG Forum, the Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said that he is excited to “witness this historic milestone as the private unites to drive corporate responsibility and accountability for sustainable growth and development.”

1LJHULDQ 'HQWLVWV JHW ,QYLVDOLJQ 6NLOO &HUWLÀFDWLRQ 2SSRUWXQLW\ Dental practitioners in the FRXQWU\ KDYH EHHQ RͿHUHG DQ opportunity to sharpen their skill under a capacity building programme organised by Orthodontic Dental Enterprise (ODE) in Nigeria, in partnership with Align Technology.

Initiated by Invisalign,a global leader in clear aligner therapy, dentists would not only have the privilege to enhance their orthodontic skills but will

enable them to enjoy a range RI EHQHÀWV RI WKHLU SURIHVVLRQ According to ODE, the InvisDOLJQ &HUWLÀFDWLRQ 3URJUDPPH allows dental professionals to EHFRPH FHUWLÀHG SURYLGHUV RI Invisalign treatment.

The company explained WKDW XSRQ FHUWLÀFDWLRQ D dental professional can evaluate patients, create treatment plans XVLQJ ,QYLVDOLJQ·V SURSULHWDU\ software, and oversee the

course of treatment to achieve straighter teeth and a more desirable smile.

It however, said that without EHLQJ D FHUWLÀHG ,QYLVDOLJQ provider, a doctor will not be able to provide Invisalign treatment to patients. ¶·7KH REMHFWLYH LV WR EXLOG WKH capacity of experienced dental providers in Nigeria and to enhance their orthodontic skills under the renowned Invisalign

&HUWLÀFDWLRQ 3URJUDPPH ·· 7KH ,QYLVDOLJQ &HUWLÀFDWLRQ Programme allows dental professionals to become cerWLÀHG SURYLGHUV RI ,QYLVDOLJQ WUHDWPHQW 8SRQ FHUWLÀFDWLRQ D dental professional can evaluate patients, create treatment plans XVLQJ ,QYLVDOLJQ·V SURSULHWDU\ software, and oversee the course of treatment to achieve straighter teeth and a more desirable smile.

81,/$* $OXPQL 361 2WKHUV WR &HOHEUDWH 'U 2ELRUD &KXNZXND The University of Lagos Association, Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria, Oraukwu Grammar School Old Boys Association, and others are to celebrate one of their own, Dr. Obiora Chukwuka, Chairman, GreenLife Pharmaceuticals Ltd, at his public book presentation billed to hold on November 8, at the Civic Centre in Lagos. ¶0\ :LOGHUQHVV -RXUQH\· is a 342 pages book, with 38

chronologies of events, which houses an autobiography that chronicled his grass-to-grace life journey of 60-years as an entrepreneur of over 40 years and as well as his formative years.

7KH ZULWHU RI WKH ERRN·V foreword, the former governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, described Dr. Chukwuka as an entrepreneurial icon, a young industrialist and corporate hero in Nigeria and

Africa.

Ezeife further said that he is also one of the compelling LQÁXHQFHV RI WKLV JHQHUDWLRQ and as a blessing to humanity. ´+LV PDJQLÀFHQW REVHVVLRQ WR add value, vitality and relevance to people, organisations and institutions had made him a rare point of reference, an ethical personality and epic historical ÀJXUH IURP WKH SULYDWH UDQNV of life”

“Today, with the winning attitude, true success and prosperity consciousness…

“His valuable experiential knowledge, obstinate success and rise from humble beginnings, from the proverbial grass to grace, are fully captured in this book as a treasury of courage and FRQÀGHQFH À[LQJ WKH PLVVLQJ link in Nigeria and African education and leadership,” he said.

a tool to unlock their potentials in the state.

A total of 1,200 teachers The capacity workshop drawn from public and private themed, ‘Equipping Educasecondary schools in Lagos are tors with Enquiry-Based WR EHQHÀW IURP WKH &$6,2 Methodology and Accuracy model School training project, Skills in the 21st Century aimed at enriching teachers &ODVVURRP· LV D SDUWQHUVKLS with teaching methodologies, between CASIO/ SKLD engaging students in new and Integrated Services and the exciting ways to enhance Lagos State Ministry of Basic hands-on learning and serve as and Secondary Education.

7HFK 'HY 3DUWQHUV $'0 &DUHV WR 7UDLQ &RPSXWHU 6FLHQFH 7HDFKHUV LQ /DJRV 2JXQ 2\R 6WDWHV Technology for Social Change and Development Initiative (Tech4Dev) and ADM Cares, the social responsibility arm of Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM), has empowered and upskilled 181 computer science teachers in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.

The 181 trained computer science teachers will serve as catalysts for passing on their newly acquired knowledge and skills to approximately 2,000 to 5,000 students within secondary schools in the respective states. This transfer of knowledge is expected to significantly enhance the digital capabilities of young learners in the states, especially their ability to utilise productivity tools and confidently take computer-based

1LJHULDQ :RPHQ *UDGXDWH IURP (PSRZHUPHQW 6FKHPH No fewer than 60 women have graduated from the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a U.S. Government initiative that empowers women entrepreneurs with skills, resources, and networks needed to scale in business.

The graduating women who have been equipped with requisite skills and tools to develop their businesses were also supported with grants to implement their ideas.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony in Abuja recently, Assistant Cultural Attaché, US Embassy, Abuja, Peter Burba recognised the knowledge gap as affecting businesses in Nigeria, stating that this initiative will bridge the gap E\ HPSOR\LQJ ZRUOG·V VXFFHVVIXO business leaders to engage with entrepreneurs.

exams.

Tech4Dev believes that training teachers on how to use new and innovative teaching methods would ensure that students are learning in a way that is most effective for them.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

RingTrue 08054699539

Yemi

Adebowale

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Emperor Wike’s Shenanigans in Rivers State

W

hile his reign lasted, he had absolute control of Rivers State for over eight years.

I’m talking about Nyesom Wike who was the sovereign ruler of the empire called Rivers State. Yes, I’m referring to his absolute powers in the past tense because those influences now belong to the past. They ended last Monday.

Wike was a ruthless and Godless ruler.

At a point, during the 2023 presidential election campaign, he decreed that Atiku Abubakar, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party must not campaign in Rivers State. Wike cruelly enforced it and nothing happened to him. Atiku could not step into Port Harcourt despite the freedom of movement in our Constitution.

What a country!

Well, Wike has now been served a dose of his own medicine by incumbent Governor Siminalaye Fubara. He did not foresee it. When he was about to complete his second term, all those he felt would be difficult to control were shut out from aspiring to succeed him.

Those who refused to back out were brutally dealt with. Farah Dagogo was one of those brutalised and left in a critical state for daring to aspire without Wike’s approval. In May 2022, Dagogo was carried into a Port Harcourt courtroom in an unconscious state to face trumped up charges and later carried out on a stretcher into a waiting police ambulance.

Dagogo backed out amid the assaults.

Wike eventually drafted Fubara, who was the state’s Accountant General into the race. He was so sure he would be a fool he would easily control. “Fubara is my boy, this one won’t give me any trouble,” Wike was quoted to have told some of his confidants after the deal.

With Wike’s grip on the politics of Rivers State, he effortlessly “fixed” the 2023 governorship poll for Fubara.

In the real sense of it, it was a third term for Wike. He started running the government from his house just a few minutes after Fubara was sworn in on May 29, 2023. Wike imposed almost all the commissioners that served him on Fubara. Most of his personal aides were also transferred to Fubara. All the principal officers of the Rivers State House of Assembly were picked by Wike, with an open agenda to unleash them on Fubara if he “misbehaves.”

Wike

“Call me Fubara”, “Tell Fubara to bring his papers for approval”, “Tell Fubara to come and see me now,” were some of the instructions marshalled out from Wike’s massive mansion on Ada-George Road, in Rumueprikom, Port Harcourt. The mansion, expanded towards the end of his second term with forceful acquisition of nearby compounds of innocent people (a story for another day) became the new Government House. The godfather became excessively overbearing. It got so bad that at a point, Fubara needed to get Wike’s approval before he could even take his meals.

When Wike was appointed minister and moved to Abuja, nothing changed. In fact, the oppression of Fubara deteriorated.

Wike simply appropriated one of Rivers State Government’s aircraft for his shuttling between Abuja and Port Harcourt. There was hardly any weekend you won’t find Wike back at his Rumueprikom mansion brashly dishing out instructions and summoning hapless Fubara to endless meetings. Wike even collects “monthly fees in billions of Naira” for installing Fubara, so goes another allegation. I’m still expecting Wike to respond appropriately to this. He cunningly waved the allegation aside last Tuesday.

In the meantime, Fubara the Ijaw

boy became frustrated. He got tired of being pushed around by an overbearing godfather who turned him, the incumbent governor, into an errand boy. He suddenly realised that he has Ijaw blood in him. Prodded by like minds, Fubara decided it was time to be his own man.

So, when Emperor Wike arrived at his Rumueprikom mansion eight days back and summoned Fubara, he got a rude shock. The governor refused to budge.

About two weeks earlier, Fubara had stopped consulting him for approvals.

“This boy is joking with fire,” thundered Wike, who immediately summoned Rivers State lawmakers. He ordered the immediate impeachment of Fubara.

Unfortunately for Wike, six of the lawmakers, led by House Leader, Edison Ehie, refused to be part of the plot.

They simply linked up with Fubara and leaked the plans. Also, the Ijaw guys around Fubara would not allow any impeachment. They fashioned a counter-plan to stall the planned baloney.

The conspirators must not be allowed to sit. That was the watchword of Fubara’s loyalists, led by Ijaw boys.

The result was the lawlessness that broke out at the Rivers State House of Assembly last Monday between Wike and Fubara’s supporters. Who razed the House of Assembly? Your guess is as good as mine.

Fubara has repelled Wike. He has won a major part of the war; the hopeless Rivers State lawmakers out to sack him can no longer sit. The issue of impeaching Fubara now belongs to history. I’m sure the governor ’s next step would be to shut the Assembly complex for repair. The Rivers State House of Assembly may become history for the remaining first term tenure of the Rivers State Governor. Fubara has shown that Wike has no monopoly of violence. He has given him a dose of his own medicine.

On Tuesday, Wike shamelessly openly confirmed his war with Fubara and his instruction to impeach the governor. “All of us want to be politically relevant; all of us want to maintain our political structure. Is it not your political structure? Will you allow anybody to just cut you out immediately? Everybody has a base. If you take my base, am I not politically irrelevant?”, the

Ki l l i n g s i n B o r n o , Yo b e S t a t e s

B

orno State, the epicenter of Boko Haram is clearly still bleeding.

The blood stains across Borno represent the crux of the matter.

The likes of Governor Babagana Zulum care less. They have continued with the lies that the terrorists had been tamed. Eight days back, Boko Haram stormed Benisheikh, Kaga LGA and killed Sheikh Baba Goni Malumti, the Chief Imam of Benisheikh Jummat Mosque. His brother and two hunters were also murdered.

Few weeks back, the terrorists killed 10 farmers and abducted many others in Mafa LGA. A fresh graduate of the University of Maiduguri, Baba Alaji, was among three civilians killed when the terrorists ambushed military vehicles escorting motorists along Gwoza-Limankara-Uvaha road in Gwoza LGA on September 23. They set ablaze five vehicles including a security patrol vehicle, with scores of people abducted.

As I pen this piece, Abadam LGA, on

the western coast of Lake Chad, remains a stronghold of terrorists. Guzamala and Kukawa LGAs are dominated by Boko Haram and ISWAP. Gwoza and Chibok experience intermittent attacks.

Boko Haram fighters are also still very active in Gaidam LGA of Yobe State. Between Monday and Tuesday this week, they killed no fewer than 40 people in Gurokayeya village, in Gaidam, for refusing to pay harvest tax to them.

One of the things sustaining Boko Haram is the falsehood by those charged with the responsibility of protecting Nigerians.

They tell lies about their capacity; they deceive us about achievements on the field.

Daily, Nigerians are regaled with stories of bombardments of terrorists, yet, killings by insurgents persist. The Tinubu government and its new security chiefs are not acting differently. The President must think out of the box to end terrorism. The military strategy must change for this country to

Zulum

experience peace. Above all, Nigeria needs help from successful climes to tame these terrorists.

FCT minister brazenly avowed, while dissecting his dispute with Fubara to some South-South leaders in his office.

At another forum on Wednesday, he declared: “Nobody can intimidate me.

If I want to do something, I will do it.

Impeachment is not a military coup; it is provided under the constitution.”

Clearly, Wike is the mastermind of the Fubara impeachment plot. It was all because Fubara decided to cut off his haughty godfather. Wike went for his jugular. That was why he hatched the unlawful plan to remove Fubara.

I’m so happy that Wike has finally been caged. For me, Fubara should go further by crushing him. It is still not safe to leave him caged. As an Ijaw boy, Fubara knows what to do. I need not say too much. This new Rivers governor is lucky that a number of Niger Delta leaders are standing up for him. One of them, elder statesman Pa Edwin Clark fired hot shots at Wike on Tuesday.

He stated, “What has Governor Fubara done wrong? Refusing to be further remote-controlled? Wike was governor for eight years, nobody hassled him.

He governed the Rivers State like an Emperor. He did not show any iota of respect to anyone, not even those who imposed him on Rivers people in 2015.”

The “love” letter of Chief Dele Momodu to Wike on his war against Fubara is also instructive. He declared: “Rivers is neither your property nor perpetual inheritance. There were governors long before y o u c u t y o u r teeth and there must be others after you. One tragic and fatal flaw of yours is lack of anger management. There are other flaws like forgetting that God has been extremely kind to you a n d t h a t y o u w i l l n e v e r b e God, and so you should beg God to grant you the spirit of humility and the wisdom of Solomon.

“Your insatiable hunger and thirst for power is driving you into believing that you must have your way all the time… My dear brother, this is now the crux of the matter. You can’t eat your cake and still have it. You installed a new governor in the PDP. You’re a minister in APC. And you still want to maintain absolute power in PDP. Please, have a quiet rethink and adjust your overbearing style a bit. Sadly, you’ve allowed Fubara to demystify you.”

It is only in Nigeria that a failure like Wike will still be going around, claiming to be a leader. As governor, he celebrated bizarre investments in flyovers amid ragged public schools and hospitals.

This man called Wike equated welfare of the people with massive construction of flyovers. What nonsense! He does not understand the meaning of human capital development. While thousands of youths of the state roam the streets unemployed, Wike was busy constructing bogus and extremely expensive flyovers.

In this same rich Rivers State, while Wike was pumping billions of Naira into flyovers, about 99.9 per cent of homes had no access to something as basic as public water supply, while the state’s pensioners struggled to survive due to huge unpaid annuities. In fact, payment of pension and gratuities stopped immediately Wike became governor. I’m not sorry to say that Wike’s eight years were wasted years. He has no business struggling to remain the leader of the state. My dear Fubara, please, retire Wike permanently from the politics of Rivers State. I challenge all forces of good to support Fubara on this mission.

16

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2023 • T H I S D AY

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

‘Before 30’ Returns, Promises Interesting, Relatable Experiences Ferdinand Ekechukwu

“B

efore 30”, a television series ended after the original production’s release. That was eight years back. Viewer were left very eager. What happened to Before 30? Was the show scrapped?

Well, it has been confirmed that lovers of the darling ‘Before 30’ show can put their minds to rest as their favourite cast of the film are currently on set for the production of its first sequel.

The sequel, “After 30” will launch soon on Amazon Prime Video streaming service, much to the delight of “Before 30” fans, although a formal release date has not yet been confirmed. Damilola Adegbite, Anne Icha, Meg Otanwa, and Beverly Naya, who played a close-knit group of four friends in the 2015 hit film

“Before 30,” are back for the production of ‘After 30’.

Confirming the news, cinematographer Ola Cardoso, who shared a teaser trailer with the four major cast members revealed the sequel promises to give its audience more interesting stories and relatable experiences as fans eagerly await further details.

In his caption, he expressed enthusiasm about their return after eight years and hinted at exciting updates on the way. ‘Before 30’ is a drama series that examines the lives of four women living in Lagos and the pressures they face to be married before the age of 30.

After reaching the age of 30, the lives of these four contemporary ladies living in Lagos are picked up in the sequel.

It’s also revealed that the writer and director of “Before 30”, Bodunrin Sasore, will step aside of the sequel, which is a major departure from the original production. Instead, Momo Spaine is in charge of directing this time.

The cast - Anne Icha, Beverly Naya, Damilola Adegbite and Meg Otanwa

Hyzah Releases Debut EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

E

merging Afrobeats artiste, Hyzah, has released his anticipated debut EP titled ‘To The World’. With contributions from producers Ogkn’Steaks, LeriQ [Burna Boy Wiz Kid] and Black Culture. The EP is available to stream/purchase.

Hyzah’s EP ‘To The World’ is an ode to his African culture, allowing us to delve into his emotions with his undeniable afro melodies paired alongside his distinct and silky vocals.

The soulful but unmistakably African project takes on a journey of free expression, love, admiration, and praise for the African woman.

With his evocative storytelling and supreme sonics, the EP showcases the very best of Hyzah’s talents.

‘To The World’ consists of 6 tracks, including ‘This And That’ featuring Victony, who first burst onto the scene in 2017 with a flurry of singles, leading to his 2022-2023 smash ‘Soweto’ which garnered over 150 million streams. Victony has performed a number of shows in the UK and US and is also the recent recipient of the ‘Best Recording Of The Year’ and ‘The Viewer’s Choice’ award at this year’s Nigerian Headies, which also saw wins for the likes of Asake and Burna Boy. Speaking on the project Hyzah explains: “I feel so excited about this EP, and it a big blessing for me to have Victony on the single ‘This and That’. I’ve been waiting for this moment for

over 2 years and the feelings is just different. I can’t wait to share this project with my friends, family and my die-hard fans.”

‘Skinny Love’ was the first single lifted from ‘To The World’ and was a afro infused RnB track that showcased Hyzah’s vocal ability and crossover appeal. Steadily creating his footprint within the Nigerian music scene, Hyzah is greatly inspired

by Apala (Yoruba music that originated in the late 1930’s), Trapsoul and early 90’s Afrobeats which is evident throughout the project.

Born and raised in inner city Lagos, Hyzah is heavily influenced by the bright lights and dynamic energy that reflects the pulse of Lagos life. Growing up he was faced with difficult prospects for education so resorted to a brief stint working as a cobbler to support his passion and journey in music.

Hyzah

Tiffany-Annabelle Presents ‘Good, Bad, Crazy’

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Tiffany-Annabelle

LͿDQ\ $QQDEHOOH 'DYLHV· “Good, Bad, Crazy”, curated

by Addie Mak, is an artistic narrative that transcends boundaries and invites you to explore Nigeria through her artistic lens. This immersive experience, hosted at the concept store in Lekki, Lagos State, called 30s, is not just DQ DUW LQVWDOODWLRQ LW·V D FXOWXUDO UHYHODWLRQ that captivates and enlightens.

It is an Artistic odyssey by a remarkable DUWLVW ZLWK 'HOWD URRWV ZKR KDV IRUJHG D unique path in the art world.

At its core, “Good, Bad, Crazy” is a SURIRXQG H[SORUDWLRQ RI 1LJHULD·V LQWULFDWH emotions and rich diversity. It unfolds as an awe-inspiring map of Nigeria, not merely a geographical representation, but a canvas

pulsating with feelings.

The pivotal question posed is, “What does it feel like to live in Nigeria?” The map invites members of the public to adorn it with an array of colorful stickers, resulting in a symbol of the multifaceted emotional landscape of the nation, encompassing the good, the bad, and the utterly crazy. Each visitor contributes to the masterpiece, turning the map into a breathtaking mosaic of emotions, an embodiment RI 1LJHULD·V FROOHFWLYH VSLULW “Good, Bad, Crazy” goes beyond the art installation; it unveils an exclusive T-shirt collection, not as mere merchandise, but wearable art.

These unisex tees feature humorous

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Available in just two sizes, small and large, they become more than attire; they are collectibles, artworks to be cherished.

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Damilare Oluwasegun: Staying Ahead in Comedy Requires Evolving Daily Damilare Oluwasegun known by his stage name Asiricomedy is a comedian, author, speaker and founder of the Humorality Club, a hub for budding comic talents. He talks to Tosin Clegg about his craft

W

hat inspired the name Asiricomedy and was it coined into your craft?

Asiri is a yoruba word that means secret. In a deeper context it could be translated as mysteries. Back then in the university, many of my peers found my sayings profound and as a result they use to call me “Bobo Asiri yen” meaning that Asiri guy.

The name made greater sense when I discovered it in Mark 4:11; It is given unto men to know the secrets of the kingdom of God. So, I adopted it after then and it has been a cascade of several mysteries ever since.

My ideas basically come from observation, research and ultimately my daily life experiences

How is your comedy exceptional?

I have found a balance between my intellectual skills and my entertainment expressions and it is evident in the highend events I host, books I publish, brands and individuals I consult for among several other endeavours. For me the goal is simple and it is impacting one life at a time.

in August and it is currently in post0production phase which will hit global streaming channels soon.

I also have an event coming up in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on November 19 where I will be treating Abuja elites to a night of complete depth, hilarity and insights.

What are some of the challenges you face and what lessons did you learn from them?

Plagiarism at some point was a challenge.

People copied my ideas and approach a lot but then it is the reason why I have adapted most of my expressions into my life experience meaning I have What are your upcoming coming passworded it. projects?

You have to be me to replicate what I I have a comedy special titled “Open do. My materials for instance are majorly 6HFUHWµ :H VXFFHVVIXOO\ ÀOPHG WKLV my life experience.

With the wave of several creators and talents today what are the basics to stay ahead?

Staying ahead requires evolving daily.

Like I use to say, exclusivity is the wheel of premium.

Oluwasegun

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2023 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2023 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

AUTO WORLD

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

Innoson Vehicles Consists Not Less than TIPS OF THE WEEK How to Clean Your Car’s Engine 65% Local Content, Says Chukwuma Bay: A Step-By-Step Guide The Chairman/CEO of Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing Ltd., Chief Dr. Innocent Chukwuma tells Bennett Oghifo and other journalists that the local content of the vehicles he manufactures in Nigeria is not less than 65 percent. The company, which marked its 13th anniversary last month, he says will produce vehicles for sale everywhere in Africa in the next 13 years

H

ow did you start? Tell us the journey into the auto business?

What I am doing today in auto manufacturing, I had earlier done in the motorcycle industry and succeeded. At the time I joined the motorcycle EXVLQHVV WKHUH ZHUH ÀYH FRPSDQLHV WKDW ZHUH dealing in motorcycles. First was Leventis that was dealing in Honda; Yamako, dealing in Yamaha; Boulos Enterprises, dealing in Suzuki; and CFAO dealing in Kawasaki and Moblet.

I brought Jianshe motorcycles which were under me. I studied what the big companies were doing. They were bringing 36 fully built motorcycles in one 40-feet container. So with the 36 units in one 40ft container, they did all the expenses on the container and their cost was very high. As a motorcycle expert, before I joined, I calculated the cost and expenditure.

Then, the motorcycle was N150,000 per unit. I calculated the component parts that make up one motorcycle and found out that the total cost was not up to N150,000. So I decided to go and import the motorcycles in components (instead of ready made). I listed the parts and brought them in, and used local technicians to assemble them in Nnewi. My container of motorcycle components, the same 40 feet size, could carry as much 150 units in one, instead of 36 units those companies were bringing in as fully built. As a result, my own motorcycle SULFH ZDV ORZHU WKDQ WKHLUV DQG , VROG WKH ÀUVW consignment at N80,000 per motorcycle, while they were selling N150,000. Clients tested it and found out that it was equally good. I GLG LW IRU DERXW ÀYH \HDUV OLNH WKDW ZLWKRXW competition before others discovered what I was doing and joined. As they were joining, I found another way of making it cheaper. I opened a plastic factory in Enugu to produce the plastic components so that the price would be okay.

When I started this component parts, some of them that joined started buying the component parts to sell their own. By then we had dropped the price of one motorcycle to N60,000. From N150,000 to N60,000. Those who bought my plastic components were also selling N60,000, but those who were not buying from me, were selling higher. So, they bought my plastic and the business was moving. That was when I

question to assist me: When I see you write so fast, how do you do it? I ask because I write very slowly. You are used to that. It will help me to answer your question. When you package your business very well, it will grow in a short time. Somebody who has grown a business for 40 years, that business is supposed to grow. Again, I didn’t start big; Rather, I started small, but grew it from a small business to what we have today. It is because of long practice. Somebody could groom you, but at a time, you grow by yourself. On steel, I don’t produce steel, but I buy from steel dealers in Nigeria. When I need steel, I tell them the size I need and sometimes, they source it locally or from outside. We have a caliper to check the PLOOLPHWHU WR FRQÀUP WKH JDXJH ,I WKH\ DUH not up to the quality standard, we reject them.

Chukwuma said let me go into the automobile. Before I did it, people were only using second-hand motorcycles. What I did stopped the use of second hand (tokunbo) motorcycles, because the new motorcycles became cheaper than second-hand motorcycles. That was what chased tokunbo motorcycles away from the Nigerian market. If you watch in Nigeria today, people are buying second hand vehicles. That was why I decided to go and develop the auto industry. If not for the foreign exchange issue, that is the weak Naira against the US Dollar at forex, people would have been buying new vehicles at cheaper prices in Nigeria now. For instance, I planned to sell one of my sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for N1 million for all to buy, but because of the foreign exchange issue, the vehicle is going for N10 million now.

People that import new vehicles cannot sell at our own price and that means we are still at an advantage.

How did you get the seed money for this huge investment? Again, where do you get the steel? Also tell us the level of local components you are using?

The local content used in my vehicles is not less than 65 per cent. I will ask you one

Tell us some of the challenges since you started the auto manufacturing journey 13 years ago?

I would say the journey has been full of ups and downs, but we still managed to survive.

Starting from when I was building this factory, a lot of challenges came up. Some people came to the factory and kidnapped the workers, including (Chinese) foreigners and Nigerians.

They took them away and started calling me.

The second one was when GTBank wanted to shut down this place. Every Nigerian knows DERXW LW , ZHQW WR FRXUW DQG ÀQDOO\ GHIHDWHG them. GTBank is still owning me up to today.

When we started, electricity was very poor, even though it has improved now What about the challenges of sourcing foreign exchange?

I am a manufacturer. We are in a better position than importers. This is because what we import is not everything we are using in the manufacturing of our vehicles..So we import a few items and use local materials to complete our needs. But, importers of ready made goods overseas import 100 per cent, which means that their forex requirements are higher. So I can say that foreign exchange depends on a number of things; sometimes, you do some export and get foreign exchange. Government allocation of foreign exchange is no longer working.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Toyota Launches All-new Crown in Japan

T

oyota Motor Corporation has unveiled its all-new Crown Sedan model in Japan, and will begin accepting orders.

The launch is planned for November 13, according to a statement by the automaker. Last year, Toyota announced four new Crown models representing a “Crown for a new era.”

Rather than simply sticking to a sedan design, the development entailed a thorough reexamination of what the Crown is about. While inheriting the Crown’s DNA of innovation and pushing the limits, the new models align with the diverse values and lifestyles of customers. The first to be released was the Crossover, a vehicle combining a sedan and an SUV. Since the development was revisiting the Crown’s origins and the original Crown had been a sedan, the team also decided to build a new Sedan type.

They created a car that offers excellent ride comfort and a high-quality driving experience, as well as a relaxing space meeting the needs of chauffeured cars. The new style redefines the traditional sedan, a reinvention reaching for new value as the “new formal” serving both personal and business purposes.

With sights on a hydrogen-powered society, the flagship Crown Sedan also gets an FCEV version that emits no CO2 while in operation. It accompanies

The back seat of the all-new Toyota Crown Sedan an HEV version, the choice of many customers, to increase their options and meet diverse needs while contributing to the popularization of electrified vehicles and the realization of carbon neutrality.

Key Points Reaching for new value as the “new formal”

Excellent ride comfort and a high-quality driving experience serving both personal and business purposes Rear seat space meeting the needs of chauffeured cars. A long wheelbase and wide body create spacious seating and outstanding ease of entry and exit.

The engine bay under the hood is one of the dirtiest parts of a daily-driven car. But it’s also one of the most neglected places to clean.

It’s not unusual to find a plethora of dust, dirt, grime, and oil stains under the hood, and most vehicles have their share of leaves, pine needles, animal nests, and other debris. It may seem daunting to clean the engine bay and its collection of electrical parts, wiring, sensors, fuses, and other sensitive electronics. There’s a reason why professionals charge up to $400 to restore the like-new appearance of an otherwise dirty, grimy engine compartment.

The reality is you don’t need to spend big money to achieve a squeaky-clean engine bay.

You can do it using a few household materials and some old-school techniques. Here are the step-by-step instructions on how to clean and detail your car’s engine bay. First, here are the materials you need: Garden hose with spray adaptor Microfiber towels Cleaning wipes Spray bottle filled with soapy water Vacuum cleaner Detailing brushes Trim restorer Plastic garbage bag Cleaning sponge Socket set Step 1: Preparation and dry cleaning Park the vehicle on safe and level ground, preferably under the shade. Engage the parking brake and open the hood, ensuring the hood prop is in place. Next, grab a socket set, loosen the battery terminals, and remove the battery from under the hood. Not only will this prevent shorting the electricals, but it frees up space so you clean more efficiently.

The best time to clean is when the engine is cool or slightly warm to the touch. Do not douse a hot engine with cold water! Doing so will prematurely damage metal, plastic, and rubber components. It would be best to wait an hour or two to cool the engine before proceeding if extremely hot.

Grab a vacuum and a detailing brush to agitate and remove dust, leaves, sand, and other loose contaminants from the engine bay. Gently wipe the brush over the dirty parts and suck the dirt using the vacuum, focusing on areas above the firewall, the electrical connections, ignition coils, and rubber hoses. If the engine has a plastic cover, do your best to dry clean around the engine as much as possible.

Step 2: Cover the engine and wash Grab a large garbage bag and lay it over the entire engine. The trick is to protect the engine and its electricals from gushing or standing water.

When cleaning an engine bay, it’s essential to clean the underside of the hood with soapy water, and covering the engine with plastic protects it from excess moisture while washing and rinsing.

Grab the garden hose and rinse the underside of the hood using a light spray. You could also use a pressure hose using the lowest pressure setting. The idea is to avoid dousing the engine bay with strong water gushes to prevent issues later.

After rinsing, spray liquid cleaner on the dirty parts and agitate the underside using a sponge. Work your way from top to bottom and focus on the areas around the engine (the non-covered bits), spraying the cleaner as you wipe with a sponge. In some areas, using a detailing brush or toothbrush is more suitable.

Rinse with water when done. Remember to use a light spray.

Step 3: Clean the engine After cleaning the hood underside and the surrounding areas of the engine bay, it’s time to clean the actual engine. Carefully remove the wet plastic cover from the engine to begin.

Grab the cleaning wipes to remove any excess dirt, sludge, and oil stains from the valve covers and the surrounding areas. You may need more cleaning wipes than usual when dealing with an extremely dirty or neglected engine bay.

The idea is to rid all areas of thicker sludge and grime.

(Source: Slash Gear)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

21

PERSPECTIVE

When Gov Mbah Flagged Off Multiple Road Projects Governor Mbah has kick-started the process of changing the face of Enugu State and enabling investment through massive infrastructural development, reports Gideon Arinze

R

oads construction, reconstruction, and maintenance are the newnormalinEnuguStatetoday as the rains gradually fizzle out; and the people are the happier for it. Citizen journalist and an engineer,EvangelistHilaryAyichi, whoresidesinIdawRivercapturedthedevelopments in one of the many trending video of the ongoing road projects.

“The work in this place is progressively and massively going on. God has remembered us through Dr. Peter Mbah. Of a truth, nobody has everrememberedthisparticularareaforthelast 48years,exceptduringcampaignperiod.Thatis whyweappreciateyou.OurprayeristhatGodwill preserveyouandkeepyourgovernment;thathe willcontinuetogiveyouwisdom,understanding, and all the grace needed to make sure that your regimewillbethebestbecausenobodyhasever rememberedthisplaceevenforthepast24years that democracy returned”, he said. But he is just one out of many.

Indeed, when Peter Mbah took the oath of office as the 5th Governor of Enugu State on May 29th,herestatedhisadministration’sresolveto grow the state’s economy from $4.4 billion to $30billionandmakeitthepreferreddestination for business, investments, tourism, and living.

Infurtheranceofhisadministration’sdesireto grow the state’s economy, Mbah also vowed to embarkonmassiveinfrastructuraldevelopment as one of the key enablers of investment inflow that will change Enugu’s narrative from a public servicestatetoaprivatesector-driveneconomy.

He set a 10,000km of road target for himself. It is in keeping with these this that the governor flagged off the first phase of the construction andreconstructionof400kmofroadconsisting about a fortnight ago. They include 71 roads in Enugucapitalcity,apartfromotherroadsaround the state.

AtthePremierLayoutwherehecarriedoutthe symbolic flag-off for the 71 urban roads, Mbah saidthathisadministrationwouldensurethatthe roadswereconstructedinawaythattherewould notbeneedtoreturnforrehabilitationaftersome years. He equally assured that the urban roads wouldbesimultaneouslyexecutedanddelivered before the end of December, as funds had been secured, adding that his administration would notentertainanyvariation,delayortimeoverrun.

Massive road construction, reconstruction True to his words, every corner you turn in Enugucitytoday,youarecertaintomeetoneroad construction/reconstruction project ongoing, apart from the many road maintenance work taking place across the Enugu urban. In Idaw River area, for instance, there is massive road construction and reconstruction work going on at Emeka Ibila, Umuchu, Omachi Agu, and Ilo Franco streets. In Awkunanaw Area, residents of Odudukoko could hardly believe their eyes as serious-mindedconstructionisongoing,including the excavation and exportation of soil the highly problematic road. At Abakpa area, work isongoing fromTexacoBus StoptoIfoandfrom AbakpaMarkettoNowas.InTransEkulu,workis ongoing at Damija. In Camp area, serious work is going on at Asata Mine Road to Agric Quarters as well as Nkpor Street to Peace Park Junction.

Asataareaisnotleftoutasworkisongoingonat Nwafor Orizu - Lagos Street. At the same time, erosion-prone bridges and culverts (washouts) suchasthosearoundMaryland-TimberShadein AcharaLayoutandAgbaniRoadbyRoyalPalace are being reconstructed.

Mbah flagging off one of the roads

CCCC, is expected to have a dedicated power project, a central sewage system, high-speed internet, and every facility that is present in any modern smart city.

Commenting on the New City project, Mbah said that the first phase would cover 26 square kilometrescomprisingtheHappyIsland,theVitality Bay, and the Innovation Park in line with the purposes the New City is to serve.

Mbahsaid:“WewillhaveafunctionalNewEnugu City between now and the next 24 months. The NewEnuguCitypromisestorubshoulderswithany othergreatcitiesintheworld,therebyrestoring Enugu to its number one position in Nigeria and beyond.

“Allthethingsthatweexperiencewhenwetravel overseas,Dubai,Singapore,toothermajorcities in the world, that is what we are about to bring to you here in Enugu State because we believe you deserve nothing but the best.”

Hethankedthevariouscommunitiesthathave playedaroleinthelocationstobuildthebrand-new city,whilealsocallingonthemtocooperatewith the contractors, as they go in to do their work.

The 40km dual carriageway Governor Mbah was also in Owo, a town in Nkanu East to flag off the construction of the 40-kilometerOwo-Ubahu-Amankanu-Neke-Ikem dualcarriageway,whichisexpectedtolserveas a gateway to the North Central region and open up rural areas.

The governor said that it became necessary because the people - who are predominantly farmers-hadsufferedpost-harvestlossesover the years because of a lack of access to good roadsthroughwhichtheycouldmovetheircrops after harvest.

“We plan to unlock our rural economy and the best way to do that is to ensure that we have access roads to our farmland and we will also createspecialeconomichomesinourruralareas.

We believethat ourruraldwellers cannot be left

behindinthisjourneytoEnugu’sgreatness”,hesaid.

Mbah explained that his administration recognised the agricultural potential in the state, hence his commitment to scale up the sector to an industrial level so that crops are not only plantedandharvestedforconsumptionbutalso as export commodities.

“We expect that this 40km road will be ready andfunctionalinthenext18monthsbecausewe believe that the contractors will adhere to the timeline, we have agreed with them to execute this project”, he added, reiterating that his administration would not fail the people of Enugu State who had given him the mandate to serve.

Sourcing funds for projects Duringtheflag-offevents,Mbahtoldthecrowd that his administration intends to spend about N3.3trillionnairaonmassiveinfrastructuraland other projects in the state in the first four years, saying that he had often been asked questions regarding where and how exactly he intends to get the money.

“We are not depending on the federation account. It is impossible because what is available forustospendfromtheaccountonFAACisabout twohundredbillionwithinthesameperiod,which islessthan10%percentofourprojectedspending in the next four years.

He noted that his administration had drawn up plans to disrupt the status quo by creating alternativefinancingmodelsthatwouldgenerate the funds needed to execute these projects.

“We have financial institutions, who believe in our model and are willing to give us money for investment. We have also grown the internal revenuebyover200percentinthisshortperiod and the target is to move that to over 500 per cent before November.

“We also did commit to making sure that we block all leakages and all the loopholes we have in our revenue so that we will be able to mobilize these funds for the benefit of the people.”

We plan to unlock our rural economy and the best way to do that is to ensure that we have acThe New Enugu City Also flagged off was the construction of a cess roads to our farmland and we will also cre17km dual carriageway feeder roads and other infrastructure, marking the beginning of the construction of the New Enugu City. Sitting on ate special economic homes in our rural areas.

10,000hectaresofland,offEnugu-AbakalikiRoad, theNewEnuguCity,whichtraversesEnuguEast, We believe that our rural dwellers cannot be left EnuguNorth,EnuguSouth,andNkanuWestLGAs, is expected to boost the tourism sector. behind in this journey to Enugu’s greatness The project, which is being handled by China’s

What the projects mean to the people Meanwhile,acrossthethreelocationswherethe flag-offeventsheld,residentsofvariouscommunities,theirleadersandlocalgovernmentchairmen took turns to express their gratitude to Mbah for remembering them and for his unflinching determination to turn around the fortunes of Enugu State.

At the Premier Layout, the council chairmen of Enugu North and South, Emeka Onunze and Robinson Nkwuo, respectively, thanked Mbah for putting smiles on their faces, noting that the efforts to rebuild Enugu infrastructure would trigger economic revival in Enugu urban and beyond.

On his part, a leader in Umunevo Nike, one of the benefitting communities, Emeka Edeh, said that residents of the community would cooperate with the contractors to execute the projects according to specifications.

ReactingtotheconstructionoftheNewEnugu City, Council Chairman of Enugu East, Livinus Anikesaid.“Wethoughtweweredreamingwhen we heard of the planned construction of a new city to decongest Enugu city and give us a feel of great cities like Dubai. But today, our joy is greatest because it has become a reality with this flag-off.”

AtOwo,councilchairmenofIsi-UzoandNkanu Eastlocalgovernments,ObioraObeguandSydney Edeh, respectively, said they were particularly excited because the areas had suffered years of neglect from both the state and federal government.

“ButMbahhasmanifested through his actions that he is a promise keeper, he has given us a sense of belonging and we will forever remain grateful and shall continue to support his government. He has also shown us that you are a visionary leader,” Obeagu stated.

Traditional rulers, including the chairman of NkanuEastTraditionalRulersCouncil,Hyacinth Edeani, and traditional ruler of Mbulu Owo, Godwin Okeke Arum, said that the time had come for the areas to witness unprecedented economic growth.

Meanwhile, Mbah’s efforts at infrastructural transformation, has also caught the attention of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in the South East.

“We are proud and happy that Enugu State has got a governor, who would transform its economy with his innovative and proactive ways of thinking. He is already taking the right steps by de-risking the business environment for investors,” the chairman, MAN, Southeast, Ada Chukwudozie, stated. She said they were highly relieved by the new things the governor was doing with governance in the state.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

22

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) Doctor, Chinwuba-Anemeje Chinwuba; Assistant Brand Manager, Power Oil, Ijeoma Obi; Baale of Makoko Water Community, Emmanuel Shemede Ajakaye; NYSC Member, MaryJane Hyginus, and Creative Manager Power Oil, John Okoro, during ‘Power Oil ‘Cares For Your Heart’Free Medical Outreach’ in Makoko, Lagos...recently

Representative of U.S. African Development Foundation (USADF), Enyah Abadjivor; Head, Learning and Career Development Division, HRMD, Securities and Exchange Commission, Abuja, Sa’adatu A. Faruk; Cultural Affairs Specialist, U.S. Embassy Abuja, Bella Ndubuisi; CEO, The Centrestage Company, Dr. Naomi Osemedua and President, Ascend Studios Foundation, Dr. Inya Lawal during AWE’s graduation ceremony in Abuja... recently

FoodCo Reinforces Retail Leadership in South West, Opens 20th Outlet Nigerian retail market has continued to record impressive growth with more investors thronging the space for economic opportunities.

Leading omni-channel retailer, FoodCo, is one of the consistent players maximising the country’s retail prospect, even as its recently unveiled its 20th outlet in Ibadan, Oyo State, thus spreading further its tentacles in Southwest Nigeria.

7KH ÀUP DOUHDG\ HVWDEOLVKHG LWV IRRWSULQW in Lagos, Abeokuta and Ibadan, with plans to reach entire south-western region in the pipeline.

Speaking at the launch of the 20th store, FoodCo’s Head of Innovation, Growth and

Business Transformation, Funmi Aiyepeku said the feat, which also coincides with the company’s 42nd anniversary, underscores the company’s loyalty and dedication to consumers.

“We are excited to announce the 20th brand store in Adegbayi, Ibadan, Oyo State. This is a milestone that speaks about our resilience in the face of tough economic headwinds and our commitment to delivering on customers’ expectations.

“At this period of great shifts in the market, we have remained unwavering in our resolve WR UHGHÀQH PRGHUQ UHWDLO LQ 1LJHULD E\ IRVWHUing a new model based on customer-focus, innovation and community partnerships. This

is the motivation behind our promise to always GHOLYHU TXDOLW\ DW DQ DͿRUGDEOH SULFH DQG WKLV RXWOHW VWUHQJWKHQV RXU UHVROYH WRZDUGV IXOÀOOLQJ the pledge.”

Aiyepeku added that with the new store, WKH ÀUP QRW RQO\ H[SDQGHG LW IRRWSULQW EXW also expanded on its promise to deliver quality, DͿRUGDEOH DQG H[FHSWLRQDO VKRSSLQJ H[SHULHQFH to every corner of Nigeria.

“We are also optimistic that this outlet will create new prospects for our rapidly expanding ecosystem of partner suppliers and vendors, especially those within the SME community, who rely on us as a trusted access to market channel,” she stated.

Commenting on the company’s growth strategy amid economic downturn, Aiyepeku said, “In over four decades of operations, we have JDUQHUHG VLJQLÀFDQW H[SHULHQFH DQG UHVLOLHQFH to help us weather changing seasons. Part of our success is hinged on our agility in adapting to the dynamics of the market.

“Presently, we are exploring and investing in new technologies to attract the mostly mobile younger population and deliver a seamless shopping experience to them in an increasingly FRVW HͿHFWLYH ZD\ :H DUH H[FLWHG DERXW WKH journey ahead and look forward to continuing to exceed even our own projections in every way possible.”

Seven Up Introduces New Beverages Sosa Fruit Drink Takes Consumers on Factory Tour

Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), recently introduced two innovative and refreshing beverages, Hydr8 100 carbonated isotonic drink and D’Vybe flavoured carbonated soft drink. The exclusive launch which took place during a 2-day “Jolibration’’ launch event, held in the heart of Lagos had in attendance customers, celebrities and Lagos socialites.

A statement from the from the company said Jolibration was a carefully curated experience put together

by SBC to give guests a first hand introduction into the world of each of the innovation brands launched.

It continued: “Hydr8 100, a carbonated isotonic drink which contains vitamins and electrolytes comes in three distinct flavours – Strawberry, Pineberry and Tangy Twist. Hydr8 100 has been designed to help consumers stay replenished, refreshed and rehydrated as they lose body electrolytes while keeping on with their daily activities.

“D’Vybe, with its enticing tagline “Make Every Moment a Vybe,” is a sweetened carbonated soft drink which comes in 2 exciting flavours; Chapman and Ginger. The brand celebrates the individuality and diversity of the consumer giving them the opportunity to express themselves and explore their

tastes without limits! With D’Vybe, every moment is a Vybe!”

Segun Ogunleye, The GM. Marketing at SBC, at the launch of the new brands into the Nigerian market stated: “Both Hydr8 100 and D’Vybe are a testament to SBC’s commitment to innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction.

“At Seven-Up Bottling Company, our consumers remain at the heart of our existence as a business and it’s based on this we drive our innovation and marketing initiatives. As a business, we stay committed to driving consumer delight and satisfaction and we are thrilled to introduce Hydr8 100 carbonated Isotonic drink and D’Vybe, sweetened carbonated soft drink.

Both brands are designed to deliver more value to the consumer by being affordable and accessible while also catering to the diverse tastes and preferences of our consumers.

“These new additions, much like our existing offerings, have been carefully developed to meet the evolving needs and desires of our consumers. Hydr8 100 and D’Vybe are birthed out of extensive research and development to meet the highest standards for taste, refreshment, satisfaction and quality.

Sosa Fruit drink, a product of Rite Foods Limited has pledged improved delivery, just as it engaged customers on a tour of its facility in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, recently.

The purpose of the tour according to the organisation was to enable it connects more with FXVWRPHUV DQG DͿRUG WKHP WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR have a hands-on experience on the making of Sosa drink.

The randomly selected consumers across the country were taken through a complete automated production hub of the fruit drink, starting from water treatment, to quality control laboratory, also WKH NLWFKHQ ZKHUH YDULRXV ÁDYRU YDULDQWV DUH FUDIWHG the sugar storage unit, the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle production section, as well as the labeling, wrapping and palletising section where products are processed for onward distribution.

The tour was also an opportunity for the brand to gather consumers’ reviews and feedbacks about

the new fruit drink towards a better output.

Speaking, Assistant Marketing Manager at Rite Foods Limited, Ms. Adebola Adeyinka asserted that the visit further demonstrated the brand’s dedication and respect for consumers.

6KH D΀UPHG WKH EUDQG·V UHDGLQHVV WR FRQWLQXRXVO\ serve top-notch products, enhance taste experiences, and contribute to the well-being of communities WKURXJK LWV LQQRYDWLYH UDQJH RI RͿHULQJV Sharing her experience on the tour, one of the participants, Eniola Olayinka said she was wowed at the automated production process in the factory, expressing conviction about product’s quality and innovativeness. $OVR FRPPHQWLQJ DQRWKHU EHQHÀFLDU\ RI WKH tour, Peter John said, “I am excited and thrilled by my factory experience. I now understand why the fruit drink is top in its segment. I have seen, tasted and tested the product and can boldly tell that consumers are in a safe hands”.

GBFoods Announces Hilda FG Tasked on Investment in Industries SCSP Lead Consultant Baci as Brand Ambassador to Curb Brain drain among Youths Bags Continental Award Foremost culinary brand, GBFoods has announced Nigerian Guinness World Record holder, Hilda Baci as new brand ambassador for two of its flagship brands, Gino and Bama Mayonnaise.

This step according to the organisation will further drive the promotion of local culinary and put Nigeria’s flavors on global map.

Speaking at the signing of the ambassadorial deal in Lagos, recently, General Manager of the company, Vincent Egbe emphasised that the move highlighted the company’s dedication to local growth, adding that the choice of Baci for this purpose was apt.

“We are excited to welcome Hilda Baci into the Gino and Bama family. This collaboration is a tribute to our unwavering faith in the people of Nigeria, particularly the young individuals who are not only emerging as Africa’s rising stars but are on their way to becoming true global giants. It’s a celebration of their extraordinary achievements and a continued commitment to the pursuit of excellence and dedicated service.

“Hilda’s remarkable journey, characterized by her unwavering determination, particularly during the Guinness World Record accomplishment resonates deeply with our company’s purpose.

The federal government has been implored to address lingering brain drain among the youths, stressing urgent investment in local industries.

This is as migration among youths continued to soar, even as recent report by Phillips &RQVXOWLQJ FRQÀUPV WKDW RYHU 52 percent professionals are planning to leave the country within a year.

Addressing the press recently, Managing Director of UpdateAfrika CommunicaWLRQV -RVHSK (΀RQJ DYHUUHG that workers attrition in the country popularly termed ‘Japa syndrome’ has denied

the country human capital needed to bolster its economy.

He stated that the authority must hasten to take key economic measures that will put the situation under control, which included collaborating with stakeholders to develop agenda for economy and social inclusion.

More importantly, he advised that government should consider transferring labor and economic resources from low productivity to high productivity sectors.

By this, he said Nigeria can HͿHFWLYHO\ KDUQHVV WKH \LHOGV of local industries.

Managing Director and Lead Consultant of Safety Consultants and Solutions Provider Limited, SCSP, Antonia Beri has bagged the Afrisafe’s Industry Impact Award for her contributions to Occupational safety and health (OSH) in Nigeria and Africa. %HUL ZLOO EH R΀FLDOO\ decorated at the Africa Safety Congress, being organised

by Africa Safety Award for Excellence (AfriSAFE).

In a statement by AfriSAFE, Beri has over the years been consistent in championing, advocating and promoting OSH

with practical demonstrations across African region.

It stated that Beri emerged winner from about 18716 HQWULHV IURP DFURVV ÀYH $IULFDQ regions after a careful and thorough screening process by a team of Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) professionals in Africa.

A multiple award-winning Health, Process and Technical Safety expert, Beri is one of the few women calling the shot in the safety environment and has shown commitment to entrenching safety culture and bridging industry gaps in knowledge and skills.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

23

SUPER SATURDAY Oyindamola Sanni

Life is Beyond Fame… It’s a Privilege to Be Famous Anikulapo series is coming, and Oyindamola Sanni is one of the stars to look out for. She is a fastrising star in the Nollywood industry. This actress, model, and movie producer, who is known for her natural acting style and her commitment to producing high-quality films talks to Chinedu Ibeabuchi, about her career, upcoming projects, and goals

L

et’s meet Oyindamola Sanni Oyindamola comes from a family of five and she’s the last born of three children. She’s a graduate of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Lagos.

Behind the camera, who is Oyindamola Sanni Behind the Camera, Oyindamola Sanni is an introvert. When she’s not working, she’s either resting, watching movies, dancing salsa for relaxation or she’s in church.

How do you balance your roles as an actor, model and movie producer?

It’s not as hard because acting is major, others are secondary. I say secondary because I don’t do them every day like I act. So, whenever I want to produce, I pick a comfortable date and time I know will not clash with any job I have.

What are some of the challenges you faced in the industry and how did you overcome them?

Combining school and career was a major challenge at the time I started but all Glory to God, I scaled through.

What are some of the movies you are most proud of and why?

A Naija Christmas, Arinfesesi, Anikulapo series, The Pedros, to mention a few. I’m proud of these movies because they are progressive in my career. It’s a step ahead, I Haven’t gotten to where I want to be but I am grateful for where I am.

Many veterans languish in their prime. Do you think the industry is lucrative enough?

Well, if you ask me I would say yes because the industry is evolving. As much as I know how the economy is now and I know the pressure public figures face, I also know the industry is lucrative enough provided you’re on the right path.

How do you balance family life and how do you keep the spark alive in your relationship?

Prayer and having an understanding partner help and also try to always create time for your partner whenever you can.

How do you maintain your beauty and fitness routine and what are some of the products or tips you swear by?

It’s God-given. I drink water a lot and I use coconut oil on my skin.

How do you deal with fame and criticism and what are some of the misconceptions people have about you?

For me, I believe life is beyond fame; it’s a privilege to be famous and as such, I see such a platform as an opportunity to positively influence my society. As for criticism, I believe in constructive criticism as a means of development and growth. However, other forms of criticism don’t get to me at all. Misconceptions are inevitable because people are entitled to their personal opinions which are beyond my control. However, I don’t like the fact that everyone has a negative perception of actors. While I understand some have spoilt our reputation in the past, the truth is we all aren’t the same.

What are some of the projects you are working on currently or planning to work on in the future?

My movie ‘Aditu’ is coming out in November.

It features amazing actors like Mama Idowu Phillips (Iya Rainbow), Odunlade Adekola, Kunle Afod, among others. I’m also preparing to shoot my cinema debut in November

by God’s Grace.

What are some of your goals and aspirations as an actor and a producer?

What do you want to be known for as a producer?

I want to be known for naturalism, quality movies, and top-notch stories. I want to create a niche for myself to a point where you all watch any movie I produce or star in because “Oyindamola Sanni” is there.

Tell us about your role in the forthcoming Anikulapo 2 I’m sorry I’d pass on this because my role is a spoiler and I cannot disclose. I just want y’all to anticipate it, it’s 3 times better than the first one, I won’t say too much, I’ll let the project speak for itself.

How many movies have you produced and what lessons have you learnt from them to make better movies?

Nine movies and I’m shooting the 10th one next month. I’ve learnt to keep getting better hence the reason this 10th production is my cinema movie debut.

What should we expect from this cinema movie?

Expect the best because this project is a masterpiece. The story is everything and more, very emotional, captivating, dramatic, and very relatable.

I believe in constructive criticism as a means of development and growth. However, other forms of criticism don’t get to me at all. Misconceptions are inevitable because people are entitled to their personal opinions which are beyond my control.

However, I don’t like the fact that everyone has a negative perception of actors. While I understand some have spoilt our reputation in the past, the truth is we all aren’t the same Oyindamola

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

POLITY With CNG-Powered Buses, Ogun Leads in Post-Subsidy Transportation Kayode Akinmade A thinking leader is a planning leader. There is no gainsaying the fact that Nigeria, especially given the multifaceted challenges with which it currently has to contend, needs leaders with strategic foresight: a unique ability to identifying current and future trends and initiate sustainable plans to respond to them. Angela Miller, a scholar at the Department of Foresight, University of Houston, Stuttgart, Germany, notes that foresight is particularly helpful for planning and navigating risks and opportunities in politics. This quality was in ample evidence when, long before President Bola Tinubu announced the Federal Government’s decision to remove fuel subsidy in his May 29 inaugural address, the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, anticipated the move and charted a data and science-driven course to ameliorate the impact on the populace.

Arguing that the regime of subsidy was most likely to be eliminated by the incoming Tinubu administration, Abiodun decided to roll out a gas-powered public transport system, with the state’s wifi-enabled buses converted from PMS to gas-powered vehicles. The thinking, now validated by events, is that with gas costing significantly less than PMS and offering better value, public buses would cost much less and offer the people relief as they commute from one point to the other. In addition, Governor Abiodun and his team decided to launch electric motorbikes and tricycles all over the state. And so when President Tinubu subsequently sounded the death knell for subsidy, the Ogun State government took the lead in rolling out palliatives. Said Governor Abiodun at the time: “We have two types of palliatives: cash transfer and technology transfer. If you buy food at controlled prices at designated areas, it saves a lot of money. If your transport cost is lower, your disposable income will be higher, and the standard of living will consequently be better.

Buses converted to CNG have been test run, and people will henceforth be refilling their vehicles at designated points.”

That epochal statement, as Ogun residents and Nigerians in general found out on Monday this week, was no ruse.

The governor rolled out 17 buses converted from PMS to CNG-run buses, saying that the move would revolutionize the transport sector and alleviate the suffering inflicted on Nigerians by the removal of subsidy. Speaking in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, Abiodun enthused: “The initiative was clearly anticipated because we knew that the regulation of the downstream sector was imminent and unavoidable. This has become very imperative considering the urgent need to provide a cleaner environment and to mitigate the effects of climate change which we are all seeing to be real and which principally is caused by the use of fossil fuel, predominantly diesel and petrol. As your governor, I am extremely

Abiodun delighted that we are able to commence the implementation of this laudable initiative and I am bold to say that we come tops yet again as the first state in the country to record this feat which is another successful Public-Private sector partnership with our partner called Spiro, a company that has successfully deplored this in other parts of the West African sub-region.”

He noted that local mechanics, a vital part of the conversion engineering, had been trained, while conversion stations had been set up in the three senatorial district of the State, adding that this would allow for the rapid conversion of commercial and public mass transit buses and vehicles across the state. That was not all: the initiative would reduce the cost of transporting goods and services as well as provide training and job opportunities for thousands of technicians and mechanics around the state. Some of the buses would be given to workers and students, while some would ply the Mowe- Ibafo to Berger in Lagos and Redeemed axis to Lagos Island, as the corridor was heavily congested with large cross border migration. And the state government has set up a gas filling station at Obada-Oko, just as it will provide the needed infrastructure to support the refueling of the buses along the roads and terminals As he noted: “Some of these buses ply Kuto to Wole Soyinka train station in Laderin, some from Onikolobo to Idi-Aba corridor, while others will serve Ita-Oshin-Adatan route. As we expand our fleet, we will also deplore the buses to major towns and

L-R: Chief Nursing Officer, Evercare Hospital, Feyintoluwa Ogungbenro; Marketing Assistant, Brand and Marketing, Stanbic IBTC, Onyeka Eze; Director of Operations, Evercare Hospital, Eric Ochieng; Marketing Assistant, Brand and Marketing, Stanbic IBTC, Oluwatosin Aremo; and Chief Business Officer, Evercare Hospital, Kehinde Oyesiku during the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk organised by Evercare

L-R: Lead West and Central Africa, South to South Learning Network (SSLN), Dr Thomas Ofem; Deputy Director, National Agency of Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Daniel Ndukwe; Director General NACA, Dr, Gambo Aliyu; Project Director, South- South Learning Network, Kerry Mangold; Director, Community Prevention and Care Services department NACA, Dr. James Anenih; and Assistant Director NACA , Ezinne Okey-Uchendu, during the regional meeting of West African countries for cross country learning in HIV prevention in Lagos on Monday

cities starting with Sango-Ota, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode and this will provide mass transportation for our citizens particularly our young students in the towns and cities.”

Given the run of events since he became governor, it is no surprise that the Gateway State, now Nigeria’s top investment destination and the second least dependent state on federal allocation, is taking the lead in gas-powered transport. It similarly took the lead during the COVID-19 pandemic, and its recognition along with Lagos by President Muhammadu Buhari for special support was nationally televised. No doubt, the current strategy will reduce hardship while creating job opportunities for the people. The subsidy removal threw up a lot of problems, particularly in the area of transport, as many people found it difficult to even go out of their homes and state governments had to reduce the number of working days.

But Ogun State, which had entered into an agreement with a company converting petrol- run buses to CNG, quickly rolled out palliative measures, including the payment of a cash palliative of N10,000 to public servants and pensioners, the use of a social register developed during the COVID-19 crisis to distribute relief items to the Ogun populace; the rollout of battery-powered motorcycles and tricycles, bulk purchase of food to be sold at controlled prices, the payment of hazard allowance to health and medical personnel in the state and peculiar allowance for public servants; immediate release of letters of promotion in respect of 2021 and 2022, the payment of March and April, 2023 leave bonuses for public servants, and immediate cash-backing for the quarterly payment of gratuities to pensioners. That was not all: it caused the state’s ministries, departments and agencies to work out modalities for ensuring that 20 percent of their staff strengths were off-duty daily to ease the subsidy situation, and began distributing food palliatives (rice, garri, beans, maize etc) to vulnerable citizens while mandating the Gateway Trading Company to establish food distribution outlets across the state and sell the items at the rates obtainable in the market before the removal of fuel subsidy. Nothing beats planning and foresight.

Now, with gas-powered buses on the roads, fuelling stations will be positioned along bus routes statewide to ensure sustainability and smooth running of the project, aided by the abundance of gas in the state. The administration is in fact intent on converting close to 2,000 buses for free, and will in the next three weeks launch its e-mobility programme, which is aimed at swapping all petrol-dependent motorcycles and tricycles with electric ones powered by rechargeable batteries.

Akinmade is Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R; Director and Head of Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mrs. Elizabeth Ugoh representing the Minister of Water Resources, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Chief WASH Nigeria at UNICEF, Jane Bevan; Head of External Communications and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh; Representative of Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, Mr. Habu Jamilu; at the 2023 Global Handwashing Day Commemoration in Abuja....recently

Prince Tonye Princewill and Secretary, Burial Committee, Professor Victor Omuaru at the Central Working Committee meeting for the burial of His Serene Majesty, King (Prof.) T.J.T Princewill held in Port Harcourt .... recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

25

POLITY What Manner of Trust Does Justice Okoro and the S’Court Want?

Sunny Igboanugo Justice Iyang Okoro, made a very remarkable statement on Thursday. At the end of his judgement, while leading the seven-man panel of the Supreme Court, which ended the legal challenge to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 1, 2023, he said, the public, must learn to trust the courts.

Of course, the erudite jurist, ought to be stating the obvious.

Courts are temples of justice or have been described as so.

Therefore, anyone and everyone that comes to them must bow to their authority. This, of course is predicated on the assumption that judges, lawyers and other judicial officers, themselves are the priests and servants at its alter. In this wise the pronouncements of judges therefrom are supposed to be words coming direct from God. That ought to be the source and essence of the respect and nothing more.

It is like the Pope speaking ex-cathedra – when he mounts the Papal Chair of Saint Peter to make a pronouncement – the Catholic Church believes that therein lies the infallibility of the Pope – where everything issuing from his mouth in that condition, is authentic and correct teaching of the church and of God, to wit.

No true priests of Osun or Amadioha would decree the trust of the people. Their conducts and outcomes of their divinations simply speak for them. In law, it is the doctrine or dictum of res ipsa loquitur – the facts speak for themselves or what in internet technology is referred as garbage in, garbage out. In other words, you cannot plant orange and demand to reap cassava. There are so many ways to put it.

The moment it is suspected or discovered that the judgements from the courts are no longer reflective of the pristine qualities of a temple, a natural reaction follows. It is either the trust and respect they are supposed to convoke or invoke become shaky, at best or at the worst, they collapse completely and in that case, suffer the fate of the biblical salt that loses its taste, and only fit for the fire as its final destination.

Is that not what is obvious in the situation at hand? To what extent, have the pronouncements of the courts Okoro wants Nigerians to trust reflective of the voice of God that dwells in the temple of justice? That is the question that he must first answer, without which, his disenchantment at the reaction of the public goes into no issue. It is akin to eating his cake and having it or blaming the victim and not the oppressor or as it is said in Nigeria, beating a child and saying it should not cry.

It is a common saying that anything that acts in the manner of a rat would naturally attract the attention of the cat. That obviously is the case here. Over the years, the Nigerian courts have acted in manners that not only raised the suspicion of the public towards their true intendments, but reached outcomes that have dealt heavy blows to their impetus as the eyes and ears of God in the temple of justice.

It is a common dictum in law and many judges have also adumbrated so that justice must not only be done, but seen to have been done. To make the concept more reflective and understandable, Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, JSC as he then was, popularly referred as the Nigerian Socrates on the bench, even expanded it to mean, justice to the accused, justice to the accuser and justice to the society.

To what extent has this been reflected in the judgements of the courts in recent years to enable them command the trust Okoro demanded of Nigerians? Consider the case in question regarding the Supreme Court itself. Could the apex court say with its full chest that it did not act as a rat that should attract the attention the cats within the Nigerian society?

This particular Supreme Court panel, which Justice Okoro presided over, holds the record today for posting the fastest judgement time in the history of Nigeria. At no time had the apex court given such a critical judgement in such a record time. Three days to prepare and read a judgement in a presidential election, is such an extraordinary feat, to say the least.

Ordinarily, that particular speed ought to earn the panel and the judges a special mention on the pages of honour for being so diligent to their call, especially in the view of the

dictum that justice delayed is justice denied. Yet, did it? But was that the case? Certainly not! Why? The answer simply lies in the sequence of events that occurred before it. Many did not see the urgency that would lead to the speed in the face of the prevailing circumstances especially with the information preceding it.

The reason is simple. Outside the main substance of the presidential election and its outcome, a bigger issue had come up in its wake – the true identity of President Tinubu, a development, whose implications clearly outshone the other questions about the credibility of the election itself during the pendency of the matter.

Before then, Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President, as the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), had roused the interest of not only Nigerians, but indeed, the entire world with the damning issue of the depositions at the District Court of Illinois, Chicago in the US, regarding the Chicago State University (CSU), where the President claimed to have obtained the degree certificates he submitted to INEC. At the time the admissibility of the matter was being argued at the apex court, there was another argument at a court in the US, where Atiku was again pressing the judges to order the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), to release its much touted dossier on Tinubu, which he and his supporters, believed would have given a further impetus to their claims that the President was complicit in all manners of crimes, including identity theft, which made him unfit for the number one job of Nigeria he presently occupies.

It was few hours after the District Court in Detroit, reportedly denied the former VP the request to release the record before the October ending, in order to aid the Supreme Court decide on what to do that Okoro and his panel decided to move. Therein lay the suspicion! Who could actually blame anyone that believes that they were working to an answer, even if the intentions of their lordships at the SC were noble?

Three days to prepare and deliver a judgement was incredible in Nigeria simplicita! It even got curiouser with the pronouncements of the Okoro panel proper. Who told Okoro and his men that what Nigerians and indeed the world were looking for was to hear their mastery of the law as was showcased during that judgement on Thursday? No! Nigerians and the world were looking out for answers to clear questions.

Ekweozor

Igbo Should Turn to the God their Ancestors Served A Reverend Canon of the Anglican Church, Charles Amobi Ekweozor, has written two books in his efforts to enlighten those not familiar with the facts of Igbo history, and culture with scriptural references. The two books include “Origins of Ndi Igbo” and “Replacing Faulty Ideologies: Redefining of the Concept of Omenani Using Biblical and Theological Principles”. Ekweozor is also using his books to send a message to the Igbo to return to God, stay in the service of God as their Biblical ancestors did, as the only pathway to progress, unity and cohesion. He spoke to Kingsley Nwezeh. Excerpts…

Give us an overview of the two books. What triggered your research work and eventual publication?

One of the books titled, “The Origin of Ndigbo” focuses on the Igbo origin, culture, identity, philosophy, history, location, symbols and social constructs. The origins of Ndigbo have its uniqueness, which requires unique approaches and tools that enabled me to unravel the roots of the Igbo people. On the strength of several ethnographic factors woven around the history of the Igbo, I adopted multiple approaches in tracing the origins of the Ndigbo.

My approaches were drawn from both the theological and social methods in social sciences which hinged on qualitative and descriptive methods. These two methods involved the historical events methods, geographical and space feature-based approach, archeological findings and concept-based construction.

I also used linguistic based approach, ethnological approach, biblical narratives and exegetical analysis. Oral, traditional, and literary approach and comparative analysis were also used. The summation of these approaches enabled me to arrive at my warrant of claims on the origins of the Ndigbo.

My genetic approach enabled me to tie the Igbo tribe to the Ekweozor tribe of Gad, one of the 12 sons of Jacob in the Bible, because they share and possess common trait and behavioral similarities. questions. What is land to the Igbo people and how did Both tribes can trace their commonness to their ancestor Gad. land come into existence? who owns the land, and how has Gad was the seventh son of Jacob, the first son of Zilpah, land been programmed to act or respond to human attitude?

Leah’s handmaiden. Gad, being the first son of a handmaiden These questions gave birth to what the Igbos conceived as understood the socio-cultural manoeuvring in a polygamous either Omenani or Odinani. home. Having come from a polygamous home, he asserts These two words, though have been used inter-changeably himself strongly among his siblings and that earned him honour but there are indications that their hermeneutic conception and respect. was devoid of deep biblical revelatory knowledge which My second book was primarily focused on the Igbo concept have resulted to wrong application and definition of the two of land. Land is not just a piece of estate; land is much more than that. Land provides the Igbos the basis for the conception of words. Odinani reflects the biblical account of the emergency of land and how land has been programmed by God to Igbo concept of Omenani. Omenani through the Igbo concept of produce for the benefits of humanity and creation while land defines the Igbo worldview. To the Igbos, land is the basis Omenani is an attitudinal concept which suggests how one in understanding law, and order, religion, culture, Igbo history, interprets and the cosmos, which could be right or wrong. identity, and philosophy. Igbo social justice derives its meaning Because the concept of Omenani is the product of the and purpose from Igbo concept of land. human mind. Thus, the study of Omenani has enabled the Land is a compendium of whom an Igbo man is, this no me to come up with replacement theology. Through these doubt helps to define Igbo value system – by using the lens of two books, there exist a gap between the Igbos of the old Igbo concept of Omenani which is the corpus of Igbo moral and the Igbos after the civil war (July 1967 – Jan 1970). There and ethical codes (the unwritten law yet it is as old as the Igbo seems to be a loss of transitory knowledge between the Igbo people). The book on Omenani provides the Igbos with tools to of the old and the contemporary Igbo. It is my view that understand the biblical concept of land and how human attitude can either negatively on positively affect land, human relationship the gap which exist between the two can be traced to loss of origin, history, identity and collapse of Igbo value system. with God and relationship with one another. The book further provides the basis on how the Igbos understand and interpret Apart from the use of legendary or oral historical their world using land theology. account of Ndigbo, what other methods did you use in The Igbo concept of land has led me to ask one or two your book in tracing the origins of Ndigbo?

Just as the question has been framed, and in my quest to unravel the roots of Ndigbo or the origins of Ndigbo, I did not only rely on or use the conventional legendary or oral account which most authors who have written on Igbo origins have used. Rather I used, developed, and engaged other approaches that would help to situate the Igbo man through his practices, understanding and interpretation of the cosmos; the construction of meaning and concepts that tie him to his ancestry.

In the light of the above suppositions, I used language and meaning construction, cultural identity and practice, archeological construction and artifacts to situate the Igbo man. By the use of these variables, I was able to establish the roots of the Igbo people. The above variables were the basis that informed why I used multi-disciplinary approach. Hence, I used geographical and space feature-based approach, archeological findings and concept construction-based approach.

What aspect of land concept or land theology in JudeoIgbo societies that is inseparable to the traditional, cultural and religious practices of both societies and how has same concept of land theology has helped in defining their ethical, religio-cultural and social practices?

Land, to both the Jews and the Igbos is a place of worship and accountability – stewardship (nke onye metelu). To both the Jews and the Igbos, land is a place where the Divinity comes to meet with the mortals and have fellowship with them.

Hence land is a place of holiness and must be kept clean.

Therefore, any attitude that defiles land must be atoned.

Hence, ikpu-alu in an Igbo context and purge which is leather in Jewish context.

The concept of land as a place where God meets with human beings is biblical. It is an injunction declared by God in Gen 2: 15a (The word “Tend” in Hebrew means Avad.

Avad connotes or means a place of worship and service – Stewardship).

Therefore, to a Jew or an Igbo cannot separate land concept from them.

To a Jew separating land from him/her means denying him/her or suggesting to him/her that God does not exist. However, Jews do not venerate land but they see land as a place where God is worshipped. But on the contrary the Igbos do not only venerate land but they went beyond seeing land not only a place of worship but also land has the capacity to exude holiness.

Hence, the Igbo concept of Omenani. Omenani derive its strength, meaning and interpretation from Igbo concept of land.

This is the reason why Omenani is the corpus of Igbo moral and ethical codes. Thus, making land the basis for the formulation of law and order. It is also the fulcrum in determining social justice. But that is not the case in Jewish religious and cultural practices.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 4, 2023

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES

‘Strangle to Death’?

EBERE WABARA

Y

OU are welcome to this new month: “Businessman strangled to death in Eket” Delete ‘to death’ to foreclose more casualties! A rewrite: Businessman strangled in Eket This edition continues with THE NATION ON SUNDAY of October 29: “A key factor in resolving the political conundrum in Taraba State…unexpectedly died last week, upsetting calculations about the conflict.” Apart from, perhaps, the condemned criminal who has a date with the hangman, nobody knows when their death will come. So, that aspect of ‘unexpectedly’ smacks of loose thinking.

The speaker simply died last week. As the Bible states, no man knows the day or time of his exit—except, possibly, supernatural cases like money rituals!

The next set of grammatical fatalities is still from THE NATION ON SUNDAY: “Last Saturday, October 21, was no different as a large crowd converged at (on) the venue to….”

Lastly from the weekly comment under review: “While we join the government and people of Anambra in mourning the dead….”

Do we mourn the living? Just mourning! “…Obiano’s critics said however he is (was) little unknown….” “…have been holding consultations in his sprawling country home mansion and soliciting for his blessings.” Yank away ‘for’ to avoid syntactic ripples. “…foreign exchange inflow through export of shrimps and other fisheries (fishery) products.”

“2027: Nigeria won’t breakup (break up), says good governance group” Let us welcome DAILY INDEPENDENT back to this column after a long absence. Its October 14 edition goofed: “Moves to stop girl-child marriage intensifies (intensified)” I hope the

BY

currency dictates of headline casting did not confuse the sub-editor.

“How do I recognize NUC approved universities?” A voice of your own: NUC-approved varsities Leadership of October 14 contained a basketful of school-boy howlers starting from its politics page: “We are building evidences against those who are using….” ‘Evidence’ is an uncountable noun and has no plural form.

Use a singular verb after it and note that it is wrong to say ‘true evidence’ instead of ‘reliable evidence’. Furthermore, you can say a piece/ scrap/shred of evidence. Phrases are sweet if correctly used.

From the politics page we move to the views page which circulated a-dozen-and-half Basic One infelicities that question the writer’s professorship: “The poor infrastructural facilities in the sector is (why?) compounded by….” “…as unmitigated abuses in this all important (all-important) department of our national life.” “…they stock sub-standard equipments in addition to….” ‘Equipment’ is non-count. “…the agency carried out massive inspection (a massive inspection) of private health facilities in the state.” “…some were located in distressed building (a distressed building) and some others (and others) were located (cited) in filthy environments.”

“Some of the hospitals he disclosed operated….” A rewrite: Some of the hospitals, he disclosed, operated….

“Quite a number of the clinics (a comma) he stated (another comma) have (had) male nurses functioning as medical doctors.”

“It is an open secret there is sizeable (a sizeable) number of quack doctors practicing (practising—British English verb) in Lagos….”

“It is sad that we have degenerated to (into) a level….”

“But what is not known is what happen (happens) to such impostors at the end of the day.”

“Asides (sic) from the dearth of medical doctors in the health sector has put immense pressure on those on ground.” Existential humanism: just begin the sentence from (or overhaul the entire wrong-headed entry): The dearth or aside, the dearth “…listen to their patients (patients’) complaints.” “…thousands of Nigerians that seek for health care abroad.” Delete ‘for’ to avoid raucousness!

“Amidst this (Amid these) most Nigerians have opted to patronize private clinics despite its (their) obvious shortcomings.”

Finally from Leadership Views Page of October 14 under review: “This revelation will not surprise any Nigeria (Nigerian) who patronize (patronizes) even the public hospitals.”

Remove ‘the’! “…considering the capacity crowd the adoration ground attracts on weekly (a weekly) basis….” “…some fellows raised alarm (the alarm) on (about) ‘fire’, which made the worshippers trooping (troop) out to scamper for safety and, in the process, fell over themselves (one another).”

Lastly from the back page: “The NFF… must get its acts (act) together by looking….”

Please note that remuneration, like infrastructure, is both a countable and uncountable noun in stateside English. Machinery has the plural machineries.’

Avoid ‘gather together’, ‘join together’ and other such biblical expressions—use just ‘gather’ or ‘join’. Apart from elegance, they convey the message intended devoid of clumsiness.

Next is the Views Page of Daily Trust, October 7: “Crisis of unemployment in Nigeria”

Where Bismarck Rewane Got It Wrong

T

he headline of this article may be mine, but the entire content, perspectives and insights are by a keen observer of the nation’s development strategies, and an avid reader. The catalyst for this rejoinder (in two parts) is a desire to redirect the recipients of the original presentation by respected economist, Bismarck Rewane which he delivered on 4 October, 2023 at the Lagos Business School October Breakfast Session. It is flamboyantly titled ‘New Debt Is The Way Out Of Bad Debt: You Have Nothing To Lose But Your Chains’.

Our guest writer,Theophilus O.Tubi, an admirer of Mr. Rewane, went through the 86-page document, prancing through the serpentine maze of economic hocus-pocus to focus on four major arrowheads of the don’s declarations; while delivering his own views on each point of contention. We have made laborious efforts to condense Tubi’s seven-page rejoinder (over 3,700 words) to manageable capsules capable of being swallowed fairly easily within two gulps, and hopefully not to the chagrin of the writer. Here we go…: “The presentation by Bismarck J. Rewane, BJR (accessed 27th October, 2023) is a detailed piece coming from a well-known and respected source; however, it has some submissions which I objectively wish to respond to. However, my response will be brief and limited only to the aspects on Nigerian economy…

On page 21 of 86: ‘Nigeria VS The Global Economy’. BJR stated that, “Nigeria is still a bank-based economy but transitioning to a market-based economy”, and that “puts severe limitation on the effectiveness of monetary policy to fight inflation”.

However, I posit that this later assertion is limiting, as there are more egregious and structural fundamentals that need to be taken into consideration, as part of the primary reason for the ineffectual nature of our monetary policies and programs, as regards inflation targeting to date, namely: (i) a 22.1% Bank Deposit ratio; (Bismarck, 2023). (ii) According to CBN in October, 2022, ₦3.2trn

was the total currency in circulation (Money supply) of which ₦2.7trn, that is, 85% of the said currency in circulation (CIC) was outside the Banking system, (CBN, 2022); As at September, 2023, CIC stands at ₦6.7trn. (CBN October, 2023.) (iii) Only ₦500 billion, representing 15% of CIC, was within the Banking system. CBN, 2022 (iv) Nigeria Financial Inclusion Index is put at only 64%, meaning only 64% of Nigerians are banked, that is, about 40 million, or 36% of Nigerians remain unbanked. (CBN, 2023). (v) Interest rates offered on savings (up from 1.4% to 4.2%) vis-a-viz that offered on loans (24% to 30%) is abysmal and discourages Savings, which is supposed to drive Investment. That is why the savings rate in 2023 is said to be at 5.18%, and considered an all-time high.

Now, although it was reported that of the ₦2.7trn outside the banking system, the sum of 1.9trn had been retrieved as at January, 2023.

(CBN, 2023), given that the currency swap policy has been temporarily halted, it is safe to assume the CIC situation is now back to status quo ante.

By implication, (i) to (iii) above translates to the obvious fact the effectiveness of CBN’s monetary policy is severely limited, as it has direct control over a mere 15% of CIC, which means that even if a 100% monetary-policy-implementation-successrate is achieved, (which is nigh impossible), at any particular time, it only translates to 100% of 15% effectiveness. At most, we can extend the coverage of effectiveness to 20% due to the Bank Deposit Ratio (Savings). The implications of (iv - v), are also obvious to see. Please note points (i - v) enumerated thus far, as they shall feature as we progress, let us label it “parameter-2”.

Therefore, given parameter-2, it is safe to assume that if we desire more effective monetary policy control, ongoing efforts must be more than doubled, and new ones initiated to, amongst other desired outcomes, bring more CIC into the Banking system, increase financial inclusion index, and encourage Savings.

On page 24 of 86: ‘New CBN Leadership - Hard To Catch A Fallen (sic) Knife’ BJR’s “No more dumb decisions” seems to endorse the “Suspended all intervention programs”

initiated by the former CBN governor; which to him is an indication to a “full shift to orthodox monetary policy”, as this is expected to “support a reduction in the total money supply”. So let us x-ray each item.

There is no gainsaying the obvious fact that the former CBN Governor, Godwin Emiefele, had his limitations, brought about principally by his deficient background in Monetary Economics and his too-close rapport with Deposit Money Bank (DMB) CEOs, as a former one himself. His appointment and such similar appointments of Bankers, highlight the debate about appointment of career Bankers to head apex Banks, as against the ‘better option’ of seasoned monetary economists.

Monetary policy coordination and execution go well beyond traditional banking roles. The two roles are almost diametrically opposed in practical terms and outlook. Too many conflict-of-interest issues between CBN and banks have torpedoed well-intentioned monetary policies in recent times.

A seasoned monetary economist is someone who not only possesses a minimum academic qualification of B.Sc. Economics, M.Sc. Economics and PhD Economics (majoring in monetary economics at each degree level); but who has demonstrated extensive academic and other professional track records, earning him/her national and international distinctions. Attending a plethora of local and international specialised monetary policy related courses is not, and can never be, an equivalent grounding. One cannot emphasise this point enough. (The only exception would be Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, given her extensive and deeply rich background and experience, if she is interested, or someone with a similar profile). We can check the antecedents of former CBN/Federal Reserve Governors, in Nigeria and overseas to better understand this simple point…

It should be pretty obvious that all these (core CBN) functions, taken as a whole, demand more than what a Banker, no matter how seasoned, can deliver. I however do not discountenance the redeeming possibility of a Banker CBN Governor, aware of his/her limitations, but who is desirous of change, assembling a team of monetary economic

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

‘Unemployment’ is a challenge/crisis/problem anywhere. So, unemployment in Nigeria…. “…under the auspices of the OECD, alerted the nation of (to) the danger ahead unless something was done about youth unemployment.”

“It is both a big risk and economic waste to be investing heavily on (in) human capital development without….”

“The PDP has expressed serious concern at the fire outbreak, describing it as suspicious.”

Just delete ‘outbreak’ on grounds of redundancy.

“Nigeria in search for (of) an enduring political structure…”

“NGO sensitises (sensitizes, preferably) girls on (to) engineering, STEM-related activities” “…or through these number….” EFCC please take note: this number “We urge that that it will (should) be sustained.”

“For instance, NLC would (should) have opposed land border closure by the immediate past government when it was clear that in Nigeria….”

“Zamfara, C’River, Adamawa, Ogun top cholera cases (case) list” “Imo agog as APC Flags (sic) off mother of all campaign” Get it right: mother of all campaigns “Chief Whip stages walk out (walkout) to protest Senate president’s out-of-order ruling” “The management of the radio station, in a statement (how else?), said his body has (had) been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre….”

“The trustees of Royal Sports Club International, Abuja (another comma) felicitate with (felicitate) you as you mark the Golden (sic) age of 50.” Write right: ‘of 50’ is an overkill!

“13 teams battle for glory as activities build-up (build up)”

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

experts to serve as personal/official advisers. This is not without drawbacks though, as you cannot give what you don’t have. This is why they have not received the required rigorous attention in recent times.

More tellingly, the nature of the commitment, dedication, rigor, and impartial decision-making required to bring sanity into the Banking system, is hard for a Banker CBN Governor to muster, due to long-standing relationships with most DMB CEOs and other extraneous considerations. How many career-banker-turned CBN Governors can initiate and complete the Banking sector reforms, more popularly called Bank Consolidation done during Prof. Charles Soludo era Again, the only exception would be a career banker-turned CBN Banker with an axe to grind with fellow Bankers.

‘Suspend all CBN intervention programs’ (initiated by the former CBN governor): Doing this permanently will be akin to throwing away the baby with the bathwater. It is prudent to “temporarily suspend” these programs, in order to reassess them holistically and objectively, through individual impact assessment studies.

The outcomes should determine how they can be better handled going forward, but outright cancellation or transferring them to DMBs or other depository corporations (ODCs) will merely end up as other similar programs, with very limited impact/success rate. A sort of reinventing the wheel. As an example, the Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP) enjoyed a 50% repayment/ success rate. That is quite significant in recent times and it will be hard to see similar intervention programs managed by DMBs or other financial institutions with such a rate. (I hope to be proven wrong)....”

Tubi, O. T is a Consultant Economist and Energy Expert - tubiotesq@yahoo.co.uk - To Continue

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

ORIENTAL WAR

4.11.2023

Arthur Okonkwo

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

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Arthur Okonkwo saves a goal-bound shot

Arthur Okonkwo Set to Exploit Eagles’ Goalkeeping Situation Having shown promise at the U18 level for England, Arthur Okonkwo’s dream was to one day, man the post for the Three Lions, but with no such opportunity coming his way, the 22-year-old is set to exploit the lackluster performances of the goalkeepers in the Super Eagles fold and therefore ready to switch international allegiance to Nigeria while the Nigerian Portuguese head coach is set to cash-in on the situation

A

head of the JanuaryAfrican Cup of Nations in Cote D’Ivoirie, one area that is giving the handlers of the Nigeria senior national team and fans sleepless nights is the goalkeeping department as the current crop of goalkeepers in the team’s fold are far from what could be described as safe hands.

However, several names have been mentioned to resolve the calamitous situation between the sticks for the Super Eagles before the biannual competition.

The latest on the list is Arsenal and former England U18 goalkeeper, Arthur Okonkwo, who has indicated willingness to play for Nigeria.

Okonkwo is currently out on loan with Wrexham, fighting at the top of League Two. The goalkeeper impressed with Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz last season, and he seems to be doing well again with his new club.

However, Okonkwo’s club progress isn’t leading to international opportunities with England as It’s been over four years since the 22-year-old was involved with the England U18s, and it seems his head is now being turned.

According to reports, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has made contact with

Okonkwo ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Okonkwo would be eligible to make the nationality switch to Nigeria, and he’s reportedly indicated to Peseiro a willingness to do just that.

Peseiro has been tracking Okonkwo for a while, and the hope is that the Arsenal man will be cleared by the time AFCON comes around.

As well as Peseiro, former Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick apparently “put in a word” for Okonkwo.

Over a season and a bit in senior football, Okonkwo has made 52 appearances and kept 20 clean sheets. It’s been a strong start to the goalkeeper’s first-team career, and it’s little wonder Nigeria look to lure him away.

According to football statistics and transfer market website, Transfermarkt, the Arsenalowned goalkeeper is the most valuable player in the EFL League Two. The former England underage international of Nigerian descent joined Football League newcomers Wrexham on loan for the remainder of the season in the hours leading up to the close of the summer transfer window.

Okonkwo has a market value of two million euros, one million euros more than second-placed Louie Barry, who is on loan at

Stockport County from Premier League side Aston Villa.

Okonkwo’s glittering performances during loan spells at Crewe Alexandra and Sturm Graz have seen his stock rise despite having less than a year left to run on his Arsenal contract.

And he has picked up where he left off by keeping four clean sheets for Wrexham to take his career total to 20.

Okonkwo is logically Wrexham’s most expensive player, ranked number 212 among all players classed as goalkeepers and is the 281st most valuable player born in 2001.

The Hale End Academy graduate has been on the books of Arsenal since the age of eight and has made 52 appearances as a professional across three teams.

The Nigeria-eligible goalkeeper has indeed revealed his admiration for former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin Van Der Sar. The 22-year-old shot-stopper started his career at the Arsenal academy and has had to go on three different loan deals to get playing time.

Okonkwo shared a little about himself in a recent podcast. He spoke about how watching Manchester United as a child with his dad influenced him.

“My favourite-ever goalkeeper is Van der Sar. My dad supported Manchester United, and growing up, I used to watch him a lot,” Okonkwo said.

“So definitely, he’s my most favourite keeper watching in the Premier League. He was a solid goalkeeper.”

The 22-year-old goalkeeper has played for England at youth level, but he is still eligible to play for the Super Eagles because he has Nigerian parents.

“I’m looking to improve all aspects of my play, but particularly my left foot. I like the different drills, and my favourite is the crossbar challenge. I start off trying to hit the bar with my left foot from the penalty spot, then move five or 10 yards further back, and then move back again. That helps me develop power and accuracy,” he once said.

The young goalkeeper joined Arsenal shortly after starting to play amateur football at the age of seven and he has been a Gunner ever since.

He has spent the last decade at the club and has progressed rapidly, first featuring on the bench for the U18 side when he was still an U15 player.

If Okonkwo can establish himself, he could be a great asset to the national team because of the paucity of top goalkeepers.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

GLOBAL SOCCER

Heartland FC player in midfield battle against Sunshine Stars of Akure, at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri

Heartland in High Spirit Ahead of Oriental Battle with Rangers, Says Christian Obi Kunle Adewale

A

head of tomorrow’s Oriental battle between Enugu Rangers and Heartland of Owerri in one of the match day seven fixtures of the Nigeria Premier Football League,l at the Awka City Stadium, Awka, Anambra State.

The two teams have churned out contrasting results since the beginning of the 2023-24 NPFL season. While the Flying Antelopes just lost the top position on the log, the same cannot be said of the Naze Millionaires who have been struggling to swim out of relegation waters since the kickoff of the new

season.

Heartland are winless in their opening six NPFL matches, unlike Rangers, who have won three of their opening six NPFL games.

However, according to the Chief Coach of the Owerri based side, Christian Obi, the team is set to begin a new course to the season with the visit to Rangers.

“We are well prepared for Sunday’s game against Enugu Rangers, the players are well motivated for the clash and their spirit are very high. The encounter will be a survival of the fittest and we have trained very hard for it. We shall continue to push on,” Obi told THISDAY. The former Nigeria international also called on the club’s management and sup-

porters to be patient with the coaching staff, assuring that he would turn the fortune of the club around just like he did when Heartland was campaigning in the Nigeria National League, NNL. “After just gaining promotion to the NPFL, we are passing through a growth system, but the supporters just want us to pick a continental ticket in our first campaign in the NPFL which is putting lot of pressure on the players. “ The pressure is easing off the players now and they are getting more focused. Hopefully, we will come out of Awka unscratched on Sunday,” Obi opined.

Enugu Rangers have impressed their fans this season, having won three of their

Sporting Lagos, Pillars Match Holds Monday The Nigeria Premier Football League matchday seven fixture between Sporting Lagos and Kano Pillars has been postponed.

The match which was earlier scheduled for tomorrow at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, will now be

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

held on Monday, October 6, at the same venue.

Sporting Lagos announced that the rescheduling was due to an unforeseen time conflict at the stadium.

The modest club have decided to throw the gate open for fans to come and support the team.

Sporting Lagos will face the former Nigeria Premier Football League champions for the first time in their history.

Paul Offor ’s side occupy ninth position on the table with eight points.

Meanwhile, Offor has expressed delight with his players’ character in their 2-1 away defeat to Kwara United at the Kwara State Sports Complex on Wednesday, which was the team’s sec-

ond away defeat at the on Wednesday.

The club have scored twice in their three away games and Offor has expressed delight with his players’ character in their 2-1 away defeat to Kwara United.

The coach opined that the players have discovered the confidence of scoring goals in away games..

“I like the fact that we are going away and we are scoring goals and we showed our performance in the game,” he stated in a post-match interview.

“Our game is all about the fans. We are excited they came out to support us in Ilorin.”

Sporting Lagos dropped to ninth position on the table.

Plateau Utd Target First Away Win in Eket Plateau United will adopt an offensive style of play against Akwa United tomorrow, according to head coach, Mangut Mbwas.

The Peace Boys will clash with the Promise Keepers at the Eket Township Stadium on Sunday.

Mbwas said they must avoid defeat in the game.

“The league is a marathon; we have to go

for the next game one after the other,” he told Plateau United media.

“We are prepared to go to Eket all out to attack, so we have to achieve a positive result against Akwa United in Eket.

“A positive result on the road is what we are lacking that is keeping us fluctuating in the league.”

Plateau United currently occupy sixth position on the table with nine points.

opening six NPFL matches. They currently occupy the third position with 10 points after six matches.

Heartland are at the bottom of the table with four points after six matches. They are winless this season so far, having drawn four of their opening six NPFL matches. It’s obvious the Imo State club have struggled to impress this term and will do everything to pull off a shock in Awka this weekend.

Although the Imo State outfits haven’t won a game in the NPFL this term so far, they have managed five goals in six matches, and because Rangers have conceded six goals in five matches, there’s a chance both teams could score.

NPFL TABLE Team P 1 Remo Stars 5 2 Lobi Stars 6 3 Enugu 6 4 Shooting Stars 6 5 Kano Pillars 6 6 Gombe Utd 6 7 Plateau Utd 6 8 Abia Warriors 6 9 Sporting Lagos 6 10 Rivers Utd 6 11 Katsina Utd 6 12 Kwara Utd 6 13 Insurance 4 14 Sunshine 6 15 Tornadoes 6 16 Akwa Utd 6 17 Bayelsa Utd 6 18 Doma United 4 19 Enyimba 3 20 Heartland 6

W 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 0

D 0 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 3 0 1 1 4

L 1 1 2 2 3 3 3 3 2 2 2 2 1 3 3 2 4 2 1 2

Matchday 7 Fixtures SUNDAY

Rivers Utd v Sunshine Stars 16:00 Insurance v Remo Stars 16:00 Shooting v Niger Tornadoes 16:00 Gombe Utd v Doma Utd 16:00 Enyimba v Kwara Utd 16:00 Akwa Utd v Plateau Utd 16:00 Bayelsa Utd v Lobi Stars 16:00 Enugu Rangers v Heartland 16:00 Abia Warriors v Katsina Utd 16:00

Pts 12 11 10 10 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 8 7 7 7 6 6 4 4 4

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Arsenal Take Title Charge to St. James’ Park Arsenal Premier League title charge will this weekend face another big test as the Gunners visit another ambitious side-Newcastle, at St. James’Park in what is expected to be an explosive encounter.

While the Magpies would be buoyed by their 3-0 defeat of Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup mid-week, Mikel Arteta would be hoping that his boys can quickly shake off the 3-1 loss at West Ham in an encounter the North London side were second best for better part of the match Head -to -Head 07/04/18 11/11/18 24/04/19 07/12/19 08/03/20 12/12/20 07/03/21 06/11/21 06/03/22 02/10/22 14/01/23

Man City 2-3 Man Utd Man City 3-1 Man Utd Man Utd 0-2 Man City Man City 1-2 Man Utd Man Utd 2-0 Man City Man Utd 0-0 Man City Man City 0-2 Man Utd Man Utd 0-2 Man City Man City 4-1 Man Utd Man City 6-3 Man Utd Man Man 2-1 Man City

Premier League Table

Bukayo Saka was a thorn in the flesh of Newcastle players when Arsenal visited St. James’ Park last season

O

n the back of contrasting evenings in the EFL Cup, Newcastle United and Arsenal return to Premier League duty with a blockbuster battle at St James’ Park this evening.

While the Magpies eased past holders Manchester United 3-0 on Wednesday evening, the Gunners’ knockout run came to an end with a 3-1 fourth-round beating at the hands of West Ham United.

A far cry from the team they were during February’s EFL Cup final, where Erik ten Hag snapped a sixyear trophyless streak for his side, Manchester United lost their grip on the crown to an inspired Newcastle, who completed their revenge mission after their previous Wembley woes and recorded their best away win at Man United in 93 years.

Miguel Almirons finish, Lewis Hall’s sumptuous volley and a crisp Joe Willock finish led to a familiar sense of doom and gloom around Old Trafford, as Eddie Howe’s team set up a mouthwatering quarter-final outing versus Chelsea and brought an end to their two-game winless run following defeat to Borussia Dortmund and a 2-2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Evidently feeling the effects of their recent Champions League exploits, Newcastle threw away a pair of slender leads - both of which came via Callum Wilson to accept a point at Molineux, one which leaves the Magpies sixth in the table with 17 points after 10 matches.

Howe’s team are currently ranked outsiders when it comes to Champions League qualification, though, as Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa who sit five points better off than the Magpies are engaged in a captivating five-team tussle to dine at Europe’s top table.

The hosts are more than capable of putting a dent in Arsenal’s title aspirations while boosting their own hopes of glory, though, as Newcastle have won each of their last three Premier League home games without conceding, recovering the defensive nous that made them quite the force to be reckoned with in 2022-23.

Not since 1993 have Arsenal added another EFL Cup to their brimming trophy cabinet, and their painful wait for mid-season glory will continue owing to a shoddy display at the London Stadium, where they were pressed off the park by a fired-up West Ham side.

There was certainly an element of fortune about two of the Hammers’ goals; VAR would have most likely disallowed Ben White’s own goal for Tomas Soucek’s shirt pull on Aaron Ramsdale, who was then deceived by a deflected Jarrod Bowen effort on the hour mark.

In between those two goals, though, Mohammed Kudus’s first touch and bottom-corner drive was a thing of beauty, and it took until the last kick of the game for Martin Odegaard to nab a consolation for the Gunners, who have now lost a domestic fixture for the first time this season.

Of course, plenty will claim that an early exit is a blessing in disguise as Mikel Arteta’s men vie for Premier League and Champions League stardom, and a 5-0 obliteration of Sheffield United last weekend ensured that the Gunners would remain unbeaten 10 games into the new top-flight season, sitting second in the standings - only behind Spurs as a result.

Furthermore, two goals conceded on the road - both of which came at Stamford Bridge last month is the best defensive record of its kind in the league, and the Gunners defied expectation to sink Newcastle 2-0 at

St James’ Park six months ago, prior to which thie Magpies’ perceived gamesmanship tactics at the Emirates saw Howe’s team come away with a goalless draw.

The Gunners will be desperate to return to winning ways and maintain their unbeaten start to the 2023-24 league campaign, but defeating the Magpies on Tyneside could be tricky.

However, respected analyst, Chris Sutton believes the Gunners have what it takes to leave St.James’ Park with all three points, predicting a 2-0 win for Mikel Arteta’s side.

“Newcastle’s third team beat Manchester United in the EFL Cup on Wednesday, and the whole club will be buoyed by that result,” he wrote in his BBC column.

“In the same competition, I found it really odd that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta waited until his side were 3-0 down to West Ham before bringing on Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard.

“Was he really expecting them to turn the game around? Either play them from the start or bring them on when they are 1-0 down.

“Both sides will be back to full strength on Saturday and I am expecting this game to be really close. There won’t be many goals, but I just have a sneaking feeling that Arsenal will take the points.”

The North Londoners have won seven league games and drawn the other three, while Newcastle have five league wins, two draws and three defeats to their name so far this term.

They last lost in the Premier League back in September 2, have lost just once at home in the competition and have lost four times in 15 games across all competitions this term.

Eddie Howe’s side would be a tough nut to crack, but Arsenal will fancy their chances given their overall form.

TEAM

P

GD

PTS

Tottenham Arsenal Man City Liverpool Aston Villa Newcastle Brighton Man Utd West Ham Brentford Chelsea Wolves Crystal Palace Fulham Everton Nottm Forest Bournemouth Luton Burnley Sheff Utd

10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10

13 15 15 14 12 15 4 -5 -1 4 2 -4 -5 -7 -4 -5 -13 -11 -17 -22

26 24 24 23 22 17 17 15 14 13 12 12 12 12 10 10 6 5 4 1

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Fulham v Man Utd 12:30 Brentford v West Ham 15:00 Burnley v Crystal Palace 15:00 Everton v Brighton 15:00 Man City v Bournemouth 15:00 Sheffield Utd v Wolves 15:00 Newcastle v Arsenal 17:30 SUNDAY

Nottm Forest v Aston Villa 14:00 Luton Town v Liverpool 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Osasuna v Girona 13:00 Real Betis v Mallorca 15:15 Celta Vigo v Sevilla 17:30 Sociedad v Barcelona 20:00 SUNDAY

Alavés v Almería 13:00 Valencia v Granada 15:15 Villarreal v Bilbao 17:30 Madrid v Vallecano 20:00 MONDAY

Getafe v Cádiz 20:00

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Erling Haaland Mohamed Salah Son Heung-min Callum Wilson Bryan Mbeumo Hwang Hee-chan Jarrod Bowen Alexander Isak

CLUB

GOALS

Man City Liverpool Tottenham Newcastle Brentford Wolves West Ham Newcastle

11 8 8 7 6 6 6 6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 4, 2023

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

: Bashorun Ladi Adegbite, Captain Abeokuta Golf Club,, Owolabi Olajide, Winner Alake@80 2023, High Chief Bode Mustapha Osi Egbaland representing Kabiyesi Alake, and Mr. Mofe Boyo of Oando

Osimhen

Amuneke Backs Osimhen for Greater Height after Ballon d’Or Recognition Nigeria legend, Emmanuel Amuneke says more should be expected from Victor Osimhen after the Super Eagles striker finished eighth in the 2023 men’s Ballon d’Or. The 24-year-old was the top African player in this year’s rankings, and became the highest-placed Nigerian in the award’s selection since its inception in 1956, thanks a remarkable 2022-23 season in which he scored 26 Serie A goals to help Napoli win their first Italian title in 33 years.

Osimhen also became the highest-scoring African in Serie

A history, breaking the previous record held by 1995 Ballon d’Or winner George Weah, who is now president of Liberia.

“There is no doubt about his character, in terms of his desire and zeal to achieve something, succeed and win,” Amuneke, who nurtured Osimhen while Nigeria Under-17 coach, told BBC Sport Africa.

“As a coach at youth level, that was something that made me admire him. That is one of the best [attributes] for a player to make it to the highest stage.”

Osimhen also finished top

scorer in qualifying for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with 10 goals, and he is widely expected to claim the 2023 Confederation of African Football (Caf) men’s player of the year trophy.

The former Wolfsburg and Lille striker is on the 30-man long-list for the award alongside Liverpool and Egypt forward Mohamed Salah, Manchester United and Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Morocco right-back Achraf Hakimi, who plays for French giants Paris St-Germain.

Chukwueze to Make Return from Injury Quicker than Expected Samuel Chukwuze looks set to return to action earlier than expected following the latest update from AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli regarding his fitness.

The 24-year-old picked up a hamstring injury during the last international break and could only feature in the Super Eagles encounter with Saudi Arabia.

The injury also made him miss AC Milan’s league games against Juventus and Napoli respectively and was supposed to be out for at least a month.

However, with the latest information given by the Rossoneri boss ahead of his side’s encounter with Udinese on Saturday, the Super Eagles forward has recovered earlier than expected.

“Loftus-Cheek is well and will be available against Udinese, while Pulisic, Chukwueze and Kjær should return against PSG,” he told AC Milan’s official website “In the last two weeks we have had more stops and

rotations have been limited, I believe we will improve this situation soon “Playing often inevitably increases the risk of injury, and the performance is also affected.”

The possible return of the right winger is a big boost for the Italian giants who have had a disastrous start to their UEFA Champions League campaign, with two points garnered after 3 games and will need all players available ahead of their crunch tie with PSG on Tuesday.

WCQ: Peseiro Gets Defensive Boost as Ajayi Returns to Training Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has gotten a massive defensive boost ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying games in November.

Super Eagles central defender, Semi Ajayi, who played the entire ninety minutes in Nigeria’s 6-0 win over Sao Tome and Principe, back in September had been out of action since October 21st.

The 29-year-old centre-back picked up an injury after playing just twelve minutes of football in West Brom’s goalless draw

against Plymouth Argyle.

Before the game against Plymouth, Ajayi had gotten no playing time since the start of October, and his injury set him further back, but West Brom coach, Carlos Corberán has given an update on the Nigerian. The Spaniard, speaking in his press conference via West Brom’s official website, ahead of the game at The Hawthorns today mentioned that Ajayi was back in training.

“Jeremy Sarmiento and Semi Ajayi are two players who, if

they completed the training session yesterday, can be part of the matchday squad today. They both trained on Thursday with the group and they came through that fine,” the 40-year-old told the club’s official website.

“It’s always really positive to add players back to your squad when you have been missing plenty of them in recent weeks. With Semi, we have one more option at centre-back and he was playing in the first XI at the start of the season,” the Hawthorns coach added.

Ajax Blame Akpom’s Struggle on Netherlands Adjustment Failure Ajax coach, Van’t Schip has revealed that Nigerian attacker, Chuba Akpom has failed to secure a shirt at the club because he is yet to adjust to life in the Netherlands, Akpom was the best player in the English Championship last season, registering 28 goals in38appearancesforMiddlesbrough to help them to the playoff spots.

Followinghisimpressivecampaign, he was linked with a transfer to other top clubs, but he eventually joined Ajax in a deal worth €14million.

The 28-year-old was handed the iconic number 10 jersey, which clearly meant that the club had high hopes for him.

However, Akpom has

struggled to pin down a starting shirt at Ajax. Surprisingly, he has had to start from the bench in nine of Ajax’s last 10 games in all competitions. And he failed to make a case for himself as he has not contributed to any goal.

Nonetheless, he eventually came good for the Godenzonen on Thursday, scoring the second goal in their 2-0 victory over Volendam.

Akpom got off the bench in the 78th minute, and eleven minutes later, he rose highest to head a cross in and secure the win for his side.

Ajax interim boss Schip was full of praise for Akpom, and he explained why the Nigerian had struggled to make an impact at

the club.

“I have seen in training that Chuba Akpom is an excellent finisher and that he’s very good at headers,” Schip said after the game per AFC Ajax.

“He is a true professional. I spoke with him, and he was very open to me. He told me that it hasn’t been easy for him since he arrived here.

“He had to stay in a hotel, without his family. But that he is now feeling more settled and that this feels like a new start.”

Akpom would hope that his performance on Thursday would buy him a place in the starting lineup when Ajax play Heerenveen this weekend.

AGC Captain, Others Hail Oando at Alake @80 Golf Tourney Activities marking the 10th edition of the Alake Golf Tournament came to an end over the weekend at the Abeokuta Golf Club amid fanfare with encomium on Oando from different personalities over its sponsorship spanning years.

Bashorun Ladi Adegbite, the Captain of Abeokuta Golf Club was first to bare his mind on Oando’s relevance to the development of the Abeokuta Golf Club.

“It’s phenomenal for Abeokuta Golf Club to be given the opportunity to remain the host club of the Alake Golf Tournament by a company in the calibre of

Oando; after all we’re not the biggest club and we’re not the richest club, but we’re a growing club and such recognition means a lot to us, because Oando is a very big company in that matter; we pray that God gives the management of the company the understanding to progress higher.”

On the three--day course competition he added, “We had a great tournament, everything started with the Caddies event on Thursday; the professionals played on Friday and Saturday crowned everything with the amateurs.

“Interestingly, the Oando

Deputy MD, Mofe Boyo took his time to play the 18 holes, he was calm; we enjoyed ourselves, because golf is life, fun and all the good things one can think about; in all these we again have Oando to thank for making it happen,” the Captain said.

Also speaking, High Chief Bode Mustapha, the Osi of Egbaland, corroborated the Captain saying, “We have to thank Oando for being there for the Alake’s Golf Tournament; Oando has always been there, but thank God it has pledged now to make sports sponsorship a priority in its strings of social responsibility.”

Organisers Increase Prize Money for Eight Lagos Women Run Following tremendous effect, the annual race, the organisers of Lagos State Women Run yesterday, announced 50 per cent increment to the prize money of the event that is in its eighth year.

According to the Coordinator of the race, Tayo Popoola, while applauding the Lagos State government led by the governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, for deeming it fit to increase the prize money for this year’s edition, Popoola also explained the rationale behind the race.

“I want to thank the Lagos State government for increasing the prize money with 50 per cent,” she said.

“This is the eight edition and

unlike the N1M prize money for last edition, we are paying the winner of the Open Race N1.5M while the prize money for the veteran race is now N500,000 as against the N300,000 in the past.

“Also, the prize money is always for the top 10 in the two categories but now we are paying the top 20 and we already have over 8,000 runners already registered with more than 300 professional runners.”

The 10km Race according to the coordinator is to empower more ladies especially the girl child with more people running the race for different reasons ranging from fun, cancer and other causes.

Speaking to journalist at the press conference, veteran actress, Bukky Ogunnote, said her NGO, Nigeria Women Development Initiatives, decided to inform the women within their organisations the advantage of becoming part of the Lagos Women Run and they decided to key into it.

She added: “We are in partnership with the organisers, large numbers of women are coming from us from different part of Lagos State, over 2000 women would be part of the race, we have seen the Women Run as an opportunity for women to ease tension, relax their mind, meet with people.

Newcastle vs Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea Live on GOtv Matchday 12 clash between Newcastle United and Arsenal as well as other exciting matches will be broadcast live on GOtv Supa+ and GOtv Supa, as action continues across major European football leagues this weekend on SuperSport

Premier League (ch 66) at 6:30pm today.

Also today, Erik Ten Hag’s future as Manchester United managerwillbeonthelineagainwhen theRedDevilstakeonFulhamatCraven CottageonSuperSportPremierLeague (ch 66) at 1:30pm.

On Monday, Tottenham Hotspur will renew their rivalry with Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 9:30pm on Monday.

In Italy, AC Milan host Udinese at San Siro today at 8:45pm, while Napoli will take on Salernitana at 3pm on SuperSelect 1 (ch 63).

FA Investigating Whether Tonali Broke Betting Rules Following Newcastle Move The Football Association is investigating whether banned midfielder Sandro Tonali breached betting rules after joining Newcastle in the summer.

Tonali, 23, was suspended for 10 months by the Italian Football Federation in October for betting on matches involving his teams Brescia and Milan.

The ban was made worldwide.

He joined Newcastle from Milan for £55m in July and the FA is investigating whether he was involved in betting on football following that move.

Meanwhile, Magpies sporting

director Dan Ashworth said he did not know if Milan were aware of the betting charges when they sold him.

“It’s really difficult for me to get into what other clubs do or don’t know,” Ashworth said.

“All we can do is look at our own internal investigation and internal process. It’s a really difficult question for me to answer - I just don’t know.

“It was a massive shock, a massive surprise. Dealing with it was new to all of us. It came from nowhere.”

In reply, Milan told the BBC they first learned about the charges from the media and only know what has been reported in the news.

Tonali only made 12 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side before the implementation of the ban, which will keep the Italy international out until the start of next season.

The federal prosecutor and Tonali agreed a plea bargain, meaning eight months of his ban will be commuted to “a therapeutic plan” to help “recovery from gambling addiction”.

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Clark on Rivers State Crisis “President Tinubu must call Wike and security agencies in Rivers State to order, to avert any untold crisis in the state.

We are not in a barbaric state where people can do whatever they like” –Ijaw leader, Pa Edwin Clark urging Tinubu to caution Nyesom Wike over plot to remove Governor Simi Fubara.

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BABATUNDE FASHOLA GUEST COLUMNIST

Duty and Citizenship: The Social Contract

I

am delighted to be here today as lecturer in honour of a truly outstanding Nigerian, jurist and patriot, the late Justice Chukwunweike Idigbe, who sadly left us on 31st July 1983, about 43 years ago. What then was it about this Nigerian whose legacy is imperishable? Indeed, it was many things, from a family that continues to celebrate him, to colleagues whose professional trust and respect he earned, to success as a professional and I dare say he was fairly rewarded as a legal practitioner so he was not poor. But perhaps the reason for his reverence and celebration in life and in death was his service and sense of duty to Nigeria and his fellow citizens.

That is why I have exercised the latitude given to me to choose my topic, to title my speech: Duty and Citizenship: The Social Contract. Justice Idigbe was a dutiful citizen and worthy Nigerian patriot.

When I was invited to intervene at his memorial lecture earlier this year, I was asked to review his judgement in the case of Bucknor-MacLean vs Inlaks report in (1980) 8 11 SC 1. That case for me demonstrated Justice Idigbe’s humanity, compassion, sense of justice and fairness to his fellow citizens.

On the face of it, it looked like just another case about the interpretation of Section 14 of the Registration of Titles Act, and the matter seemed foreclosed because the Supreme Court had decided cases like Shell BP Petroleum Company v Jammal Engineering Nigeria Ltd 1974 (1 ALL NLR 542) and Owunmi v Paterson Zochonis & Co Nigeria Ltd 1974 (1 ALL NLR 107.). These cases had decided that any transfer of title under the Registration of Titles Act must use the Forms prescribed under the Act to be valid.

I can only imagine what Justice Idigbe was thinking?

The people who came to challenge the validity of the interest created in land under the Act, were successors of the person who created the interest.

In other words, they sought to nullify an interest they had created by relying on a non-compliance that they had been part of after collecting money. It smelt of fraud at the worst and inequity at its fairest.

Justice Idigbe would have none of it and proceeded to persuade a full panel of the Supreme Court to reverse their previous decisions which were binding precedents and constraints to doing justice in the case under consideration.

Needless to say, all his brother Justices unanimously agreed with him. Idigbe, JSC enforced the law by using the law and this is one of our duties as citizens; and I will talk about this later.

It can be tempting for some to think about when another Idigbe will come and also to think that probably they don’t make them like that anymore.

As an optimist those thoughts don’t find a place with me. In the faces I see in this hall, many more Idigbes and indeed better versions of him will emerge for the sake of Nigeria.

How then does all this connect with the topic of Duty, Citizenship and the Social Contract? I believe that many of us are familiar with the concept of the social contract first propounded by a Swiss philosopher, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, sometime in 1762 about the relationship between the state, and the Government on one hand, and the citizen on the other hand.

That contract implied confers certain expectations and benefits on citizens in exchange for certain service to be performed by the state in the conduct of their affairs. These expectations and benefits are expressed as rights, some of which are classified as fundamental and set out in the case of Nigeria, in Chapter 4 Section 24 of the 1999 Constitution

as amended.

Those rights which are fundamental, are expressly conferred on “every person” as listed in Sections 33, 34,35,36,38,39,40 while there are other rights, which inure to the benefit of citizens of Nigeria only, which are conferred on “Every Citizen” as distinct from “Every Person” are to be found in: The point to make at this stage about these rights is that they are enforceable in the same way as those other fundamental rights, except with the added bonus that Section 46 (4) (b) also confers additional benefits on citizens only, where they are indigent, to get financial assistance to engage a legal practitioner.

Now let me state in an advisory way that if the University of Benin has not incorporated citizenship and the duties that pertain to that status in her constitutional law class, it would be helpful to do so without further delay in the interest of national development.

This is the heart and matter of the social contract.

Citizens enjoying certain rights over and above every person, as I have shown earlier. But those rights do not come alone, they come with duties, spelt out in Section 24.

My constitutional law curriculum did not teach me citizenship and was silent about my duties. Happily, it left me in no doubt about what my rights were, and limitations on them prescribed in Chapter IV (Fundamental Rights) of the constitution. But large sections of Nigerians have asserted their rights which is good, but sometimes without the understanding that they had duties, and sometimes without the awareness that those rights are not absolute.

This has not been helped by the rapidly multiplying tribe of so called “constitutional lawyers” and experts whose knowledge of the constitution probably does not extend beyond the sections pertaining to Rights in the Constitution. This is not helpful for our National Development, and I will attempt to demonstrate this shortly.

But permit me to quickly pivot to the issue of citizenship. I will adopt for my purpose, the definition contained on Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary which defines a citizen as a: “native or naturalised person who owes allegiance to a government and is entitled to protection from it.”

As can be seen from the definition, it envisages a two-way relationship, as I postulated about the social contract. The definition says that a citizen as a native or naturalised person “owes” a debt or duty of allegiance, which entitles the person, to a right of protection.

Very interestingly, the definition puts the “allegiance” or “duty/debt” before the “protection” or “right.”

This is the first impact on National Development that

I alluded to. The question to ask in our relationship as citizens, is whether we have consciously acknowledged that we owe a debt/duty of allegiance to Nigeria in our relationship with her when we assert our rights?

Have we asked for our rights first instead of discharging our allegiance? Indeed, what constitutes our allegiance to our country? But before I proceed further, let me highlight a few examples of some of the protection that citizenship has afforded us in recent times.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, we all recall that the Nigerian Government closed the international borders to all traffic as many other Governments did in their countries in order to contain the pandemic.

But I recall vividly that whilst some countries, for fear of spreading the virus further, refused entry to their own citizens, Nigeria’s government granted entry to Nigerian citizens who were returning home even at the risk of bringing in the virus to the country.

That was, for me, a profound expression of citizen protection offered by our country, in contrast to the seeming status of statelessness other countries dealt to their citizens when they refused them entry at that time of extreme vulnerability. During the outbreak of war between Russia/Ukraine, Nigeria arranged the evacuation and return to Nigeria of her citizens caught in the war. She had no business with citizens of other countries. But did this and many similar acts resonate with us? Or were they just what was expected of our country and government?

Put differently, were we more focused on those instances where government and the state dropped the ball, and there are such instances, that we missed the significance of those instances where government protected us?

On the domestic front, how many of us have been saved from criminals, by law enforcement, or have had the fire brigade come to put out fire in our homes or places of business, or benefited from healthcare in a government facility?

These are instances of government offering its protection in exchange for our allegiance, even if admittedly there is scope for improvement. The question is whether we understand that these acts are acts of protection because we are citizens, and are we aware of our allegiance when we get these services?

Ladies and gentlemen, permit me to then proceed to what makes us citizens. The answer is to be found in the provisions of Sections 25-32 of the constitution as amended in 2023; and I must repeat my advice that this should be taught in constitutional law class, and I dare say from primary school in a manner that people of that level can understand it.

As we have seen from our Merriam-Webster’s definition of citizenship there are two broad types

of citizens; native and naturalised. This is largely applicable in many countries of the world where citizenship is conferred on people who are naturalised citizens, and the Nigerian constitution also provides for naturalised citizenship as is provided for in Section 27 of the constitution.

While this class of citizenship does not derive from being a native and has some limitations for example such persons cannot be President of Nigeria under Section 131(a) of the constitution, their duty of allegiance is no less than those of native citizens.

It is therefore about native citizens I wish to speak, but before I do so, the limitation that naturalised citizens have, is itself another subject of education that commands the teaching of the broad subject in all our schools. Going back to native citizens, there are two broad classes on the subject, classified under the Latin phrases jus soli and jus sanguinis.

The former refers to citizens by birth acquired from being born in the territory of the state or country while the latter refers to citizenship of birth by having one or both parents who are native to that state or country.

Nigeria has adopted the sanguinis route in 25 (1) (a)(b) about people born before 1960, the date of independence, such that if you were born in Nigeria before that date with parents or grandparents who belonged to a community indigenous to Nigeria you were automatically a Nigerian citizen by birth.

And in section 25(1)(c), the sanguinis right to citizenship by birth is reinforced by providing that even if you were born outside Nigeria to at least one parent who is Nigerian, you were a Nigerian citizen by birth.

This explains why under the 1999 Constitution, Nigerians, for the first time, could have dual citizenship under Section 28(1) of the constitution because they may have been born in countries where the jus soli applies to Nigerian parents.

But this protection of dual citizenship is not afforded to those who acquired citizenship of Nigeria by registration or naturalisation; on the contrary only citizens by birth, jus sanguinis, can be dual citizens under our constitution.

Having discussed some of the rights of citizens, the basis and nature of citizenship albeit very briefly, I now proceed to examine our duties as citizens. These are set out in the provisions of section 24(a) – (f) of the constitution. But before I examine them, I wish to point out two things which appear instructive to me.

The first is the similarity between the definition of a citizen by Merriam-Webster’s dictionary where it speaks of “allegiance” before it refers to “protection.”

For some reason, the drafters of the constitution have similarly set out our duties first in Section 24, before proclaiming our rights by way of protection in the latter parts of the constitution in Sections 33 - 46.

The second instructive point is that whereas between sections 33 - 46 there are 14 provisions of the constitution dealing with rights and how to benefit from them, Section 24 (a)-(f) which deals with our duties only asks us to do six things.

With regard to section 24(a), I will focus only on the part dealing with the National Flag and the National Anthem and our respect for them, by advocating that we all adhere strictly to the colours of green, white and green on the national flag.

What then was it about this Nigerian whose legacy is imperishable? Indeed, it was many things, from a family that continues to celebrate him, to colleagues whose professional trust and respect he earned, to success as a professional and I dare say he was fairly rewarded as a legal •Fashola, immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, delivered this piece at the 19th Justice Idigbe practitioner so he was not poor. But perhaps the reason for Memorial Lecture held at the University of Benin his reverence and celebration in life and in death was his on November 1 2023.

Read full article online on service and sense of duty to Nigeria and his fellow citizens NOTE: www.thisdaylive.com

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