FRIDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2022

With 52 Violence Cases in One Month, NSA Monguno Says Rogues Planning to Disrupt 2023 Elections Declares troublesome politicians will face the consequences Chuks Okocha in Abuja The National Security Adviser (NSA), Babagana Monguno

yesterday in Abuja alerted the nation to “rogues” planning to disrupt the 2023 elections and vowed to deal with them.

Monguno gave the warning at an emergency meeting of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security

(ICCES), comprising the Army, Airforce, Police and Department of State Security, among other security agencies, and hosted

by the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

This is coming on the heels of

the burning of INEC office in Ogun State last Thursday by hoodlums.

Continued on page 5

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OPL 245: Italian Court Rejects Nigeria’s $1.1bn Compensation Demand... Page 5

FG Files 7 Amended Terrorism Charges against Nnamdi Kanu Prosecutors, Kanu’s lawyers to address court Monday Bennett Oghifo The federal government has filed an amended seven counts

of terrorism charges against the detained leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the

Federal High Court, Abuja.

This is coming after the Court of Appeal discharged Kanu of all the terrorism allegations, as

well as appeals on the subject matter still pending before the Supreme Court.

The amended charges marked

FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, were entered before the Federal High Court in Abuja, and contained all earlier sustained allegations

against the IPOB leader.

Justice Binta Nyako of the Continued on page 5

Atiku: PDP’s Feud to End Soon, Talks Still Ongoing with G5 Govs Says his plan to restructure Nigeria does not necessarily imply resource control Jonathan denies working for aggrieved PDP governors Charles Ajunwa in Lagos, Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Laleye Dipo in Minna Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar yesterday expressed optimism that the crisis plaguing the party would be resolved long before the general election.

Earlier same day, Atiku, who spoke at an Abuja Businessmen Breakfast meeting, said his plan to restructure the country did not necessarily imply resource control, but adding responsibilities that would motivate development in the country.

On the same day, former President Goodluck Jonathan openly declared that the five PDP governors currently involved in the crisis in the party were not working for his cause.

Atiku, who spoke on the crisis rocking his party after paying a Continued on page 5

FOCUSED ON 2023…

L-R: Sitting, PDP’s presidential running mate, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa; former military President, Ibrahim Babangida and the Presidential candidate of the party, Atiku Abubakar, during a visit to Babangida in Minna … yesterday. Standing from left are former Governor of Adamawa, Boni Haruna; Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State; Sokoto State Governor and DG, PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Aminu Tambuwal; former Governor of Jigawa, Sule Lamido; former Governor of Imo, Emeka Ihedioha and former Governor of Niger, Babangida Aliyu.

At Alaghodaro Investment Summit, Obaseki Sets N60bn IGR Target for 2023... Page 6

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OPL 245: Italian Court Rejects Nigeria’s $1.1bn Compensation Demand Nigeria has for the fifth time lost its case in the long-running OPL 245 court case in Italy.

Yesterday, the Appeal Court in Milan, Italy, rejected the country’s request for $1.1 billion compensation from Shell and Eni, the two energy giants that bought the oil block off Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd in 2011.

The Nigerian government had alleged that there was corruption in the deal, leading

to a number of criminal trials in Nigeria and Italy.

The Milan Appeal Court rejected Nigeria’s civil claims and promised to make its reasons public within 90 days.

“We are pleased that these civil proceedings have been dismissed.

This follows the Milan criminal tribunal’s finding that there was no case to answer for Shell or its former employees when they were fully acquitted in 2021, a

FG FILES 7 AMENDED TERRORISM CHARGES AGAINST NNAMDI KANU Federal High Court, Abuja has subsequently fixed next Monday for Kanu’s team of lawyers and the federal government’s prosecution team to address the court on whether the federal government could proceed to re-arraign the IPOB leader on the amended charges despite the October 13 judgment of the Court of Appeal that freed him.

The FG, in the amended charges, alleged that Kanu had issued a deadly threat via a broadcast, heard and received across the country, that anyone who disobeyed his sit-at-home order in the South-eastern states should write his or her will.

It also contended that the resulting effect of the broadcast had caused banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, fuel stations in the Eastern states of the country to shut down their business operations, affecting citizens and leading to grounding of vehicular movements.

The federal government further alleged that the IPOB leader had between 2018 and 2021, made inciting broadcasts, received and heard in Nigeria, instigating the public to hunt and kill Nigerian security personnel and their family members, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 1 (2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.

Furthermore, the FG alleged that Kanu had, between March and April 2015, imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulisiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, a radio transmitter known as Tram 50L, concealed in a container of used household items, thereby, committing an

offence contrary to section 47 (2) (a) of Criminal Code Act Cap, C45 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, adding that he also directed members of IPOB “to manufacture bombs.”

The Court of Appeal Abuja had last month granted the federal government’s application for stay of judgement discharging Kanu of terrorism.

A three-man panel of the appellate court agreed to stay the execution of its own judgement in deference to the appeal at the Supreme Court.

The appellate court had on October 13 discharged Kanu from the alleged terrorism charge over the manner he was brought back into the country to continue his terrorism trial.

The appellate court in the lead judgement delivered by Justice Adedotun Adefope-Okojie had held that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to try Kanu because his extraordinary rendition violated international convention and protocols.

Dissatisfied, the federal government having filed a notice of appeal against the judgement of the Court of Appeal at the apex court, asked the court to stay the execution of the judgement discharging Kanu pending the hearing and determination of the appeal at the apex court.

Federal government’s lawyer, Mr. David Kaswe hinged the request on the security situation in the country and especially in the South-east, adding that Kanu is a flight risk who had once jumped bail and that freeing him before the appeal at the apex court could jeopardise the case.

decision that was upheld in July 2022, when criminal proceedings ended,” Shell said in an emailed comment to the Reuters news agency.

In the first case, in which the government of Nigeria joined as an injured party, the Court of Milan ruled in March 2021, after three years of criminal trial, that the prosecutors did not establish any proof of corruption, discharging and

acquitting Shell, Eni and all the defendants.

The prosecutors subsequently filed an appeal but Celestina Gravina, the Italian attorney general, said the case “has no basis… in fact it should have finished earlier” and it was struck out in July, 2022.

In another case, the High Court of England and Wales ruled in July 2022 that Nigeria did not prove its allegations

criminal undertaking.

“Any political party, including the party of the president, that wants to have a hand in violence, will face the consequences.

“Now, for those people who control these groups that have a tendency for unleashing violence, those people who have gangsters working for them, I want to send a very clear categorical and unequivocal warning, regardless of any party including the party of the president.

“For as long as you decide to scatter the election process, the law enforcement agencies will be uninhibited and equally visit you with the consequences of whatever actions you take.”

The NSA urged people with history of organising and controlling groups, to re-assess, re-evaluate themselves.

He said: “Hold your people and advise them that as long as they behave in a manner that suggests non-compliance with the election laws, they will be held accountable.

“Therefore, it is important to call the people under your control, those thugs, those bloodthirstytrigger-happy, straining-at-the-leash, foaming-at-the-mouth, desperate to harm the election process — they will be brought to law. Already, intelligence agencies have been tracking these people; this I can guarantee you.

“Have a nice, quiet fireside chat with them and tell them to lay

OPL 245 affair, told a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja that he was forced by EFCC to implicate former President Goodluck Jonathan and Adoke in money laundering in the same transaction.

He said in December 2019, a statement was prepared for him to sign, failing which he was to be detained by the EFCC under the instructions of Ibrahim Magu, then chairman of the commission.

ATIKU: PDP’S FEUD TO END SOON, TALKS STILL ONGOING WITH G5 GOVS courtesy call on former military president, Ibrahim Babangida at his Minna hill-top residence in Minna, Niger State, said all parties in the dispute were open to a quick resolution of the crisis.

Members of the PDP G5 Governors, led by Nyesom Wike have been at loggerheads with Atiku, after Wike failed to win the party’s presidential ticket. They are also unhappy that Atiku rejected Wike as running mate and are demanding for the resignation of Iyorchia Ayu as party Chairman, allegedly to reduce dominance of the PDP by the North.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State are the other members of the PDP G5.

The former vice president said he would continue to engage the G5 Governors in dialogue that will lead to the resolution of the crisis, describing the dispute as "a family affair".

"We are going to resolve it (the crisis) before the election and you will see a very very united and strong PDP before the election," declared Atiku.

Commenting on the attack on his convoy after a visit on the Shehu of Borno earlier in the week, Atiku described the incident as "unfortunate” despite the signing of a peace accord by the political parties taking part in next year’s election.

He alleged that the attack "may have been sponsored by the political leadership in that state."

Atiku said his visit to Babangida was to pay their respect to the former Nigerian leader for his sacrifices to the country.

"We consider him as the father of the country; he nursed the current

democracy in Nigeria, so we are here to commend him for his efforts. We will continue to come and pay our respect to them and remind them of their contributions to the nation."

Atiku and his entourage arrived at the uphill residence of General Babangida at about 12.35pm and went into a closed-door meeting which lasted about one hour.

Among those on Atiku’s entourage were the Vice-Presidential candidate, Dr. Ifeayin Okowa; the Director General of the Presidential Campaign Council and Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; National Vice Chairman (North) Alhaji Ilya Umar Damagun; former minister of defence, Lt General Aliyu Gusau; former Niger State governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu; former deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha.

Atiku: Restructuring Does Not Mean Resource Control Early yesterday morning, Atiku said his plan to restructure the country does not necessarily imply resource control.

Atiku, who spoke at an Abuja Businessmen Breakfast meeting, said restructuring should be seen as adding responsibilities that would motivate development among Niger Deltans.

The PDP presidential candidate said, "restructuring does not mean resource control, it goes more than that. It means responsibility and responsiveness.

"I will give you an example of the Niger Delta Ministry. In my proposal.

I said the ministry should be situated in the Niger Delta. Whether it is Port Harcourt or any other place,

WITH 52 VIOLENCE CASES IN ONE MONTH, NSA MONGUNO SAYS ROGUES PLANNING TO DISRUPT 2023 ELECTIONS Festus Okoye, INEC’s commissioner for information and voter education, had said critical election materials including over 65,000 uncollected PVCs were destroyed in the fire.

The commission also reported an attack on one of its offices in Osun.

Afterwards, an emergency meeting with members of the inter-agency consultative committee on election security was summoned.

Speaking at the meeting, Monguno said he was aware that in the last month, at least 52 cases of electoral violence across 22 states in the country had been reported.

He described the situation as a bad signal that must be dealt with decisively.

The NSA said: “We’re all aware of the fact that the president, as far as he is concerned, is committed to upholding and safeguarding democracy. This is what the people want.

“The president has also given his directives, through me, to all the operational intelligence and law enforcement agencies to ensure that the 2023 elections are held in an atmosphere devoid of any rancour.

“Now, I want to assure you that security agencies have been given clear-cut instructions to deal with any situation in which any rogue organisation or institution decides to embark on what we consider to be a fundamentally

against Mohammed Bello Adoke, the former attorney-general of the federation, who was accused of corruption in the transaction.

Nigeria had sued JP Morgan Bank for $1.7 billion for allegedly failing in its “duty of care” when it transferred the payments by Shell and ENI to Malabu Oil and Gas Ltd between 2011 and 2013.

On Tuesday, Aliyu Abubakar, the property developer who was also on trial in Italy over the

down whatever plans they have because whoever wins in any state, whichever party wins, has won. This is the intention of the president of this country. There will be no excuse whatsoever.

“So, if you think you can stretch security agencies, I think you’re making a mistake. You will be brought to book. If you think we have a history of not following through with whatever instructions given to us, I think this time you will be in for a real shocker.”

Yakubu: Violence Can Derail 2023 Elections At the security meeting, the INEC boss also expressed worries over the incessant attacks on political convoys and political campaign rallies, stating that they have the capacity to derail the 2023 elections.

The INEC chairman called for a swift apprehension of the election violence perpetrators, as well as their prosecution, warning also that delay could be dangerous.

According to the INEC Chairman, who gave statistics on attacks, "the country has witnessed 50 incidents across 21 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

"These unhappy occurrences are coming just a little over one month into the election campaign which is scheduled to last for about

five months from 28th September 2022 to 23rd February 2023 for national elections (Presidential and National Assembly) and from 12th October 2022 to 11th March 2023 for State elections (Governorship and Houses of Assembly).

"The Commission is worried that if no urgent and decisive steps are taken, the attacks will intensify as we approach the election date. As we all know, a peaceful campaign heralds a peaceful election. We need to take decisive steps to stem the ugly trend."

Yakubu said as a body, ICCES brings together security, safety and other agencies responsible for securing the process and ensuring peaceful elections in Nigeria.

"Understandably, Nigerians expect a decisive action from ICCES. It is important that we move swiftly to apprehend perpetrators, prosecute them as required by law and reinforce security around election officials and electoral infrastructure around the country."

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba said some arrests had already been made in connection with campaign violence and that investigations are ongoing.

Others present at the meeting included the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi and the DirectorGeneral of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Abubakar.

the responsibility is to develop the infrastructure and human capital and so on of the Niger Delta.

"What has happened, the ministry of the Niger Delta has been created, billions of Naira allocated to it, where is the money going to, into pockets.

If I am elected, the Ministry of Niger Delta will be in the Niger Delta.

"I will make sure the ministry develops all the infrastructure, education, and that institutions are fully equipped and well-funded. It is not only resource control that is the meaning of restructuring."

He told the gathering further, "You have tasted PDP, you said you wanted change, you voted for change and you have seen what the change brought for you.

"It brought poverty, insecurity, it is clear there is a record for you to look at. So, if your choice is based on patriotism and performance of a given government, you know that you cannot compare PDP with APC. "Our road records are there, our economic records are there, but what is there in the APC, they are now saying they want to recover, recover from what, from poverty, from insecurity?

"I have visited some West African countries in the last few months, what I told them is that Nigeria will be back. Nigeria has been retreating in the past seven years, did you hear about Nigeria again in ECOWAS? I told those presidents that I will bring back ECOMOG, I will restore the multi-national forces to ensure regional security, peace and stability.

So that we all can deal with this insecurity decisively.

"Once we secure the country, our businesses will be safe. Everybody will be safe to operate where he wants to operate."

Unveiling of ‘Recovery Nigeria’ Atiku was also at the unveiling of the strategic communications brand of his presidential campaign in Abuja yesterday.

There, he reaffirmed that his administration would increase empowerment for women if elected president.

Atiku, while responding to questions from the audience remarked that, “if we are serious about increased prosperity, then we must increase empowerment of women.”

He said further that the Recovery Nigeria message must be taken to the women and youths.

“If we are to recover Nigeria from its current mess that the APC has put us through, then we must begin that recovery from the demography that is most hit by the failure of the APC, which are the women and youth.

“The records are there to compare the performance of the PDP and the APC and the upcoming election should be a referendum on the performance of the APC. “Nigerians have had a taste of the two parties, and I am not saying this for myself, but we should be proud of the records that the PDP offered,” Atiku said.

The Director of Strategic Communications for the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, Bashorun Dele Momodu, in his remarks, said that the recovery Nigeria messaging is a reflection of the current pains that the country

is passing through.

“Nigeria, currently is going through hard times. We have taken time to evaluate the challenges facing the country and the plan to rescue and restore Nigeria by the PDP. That evaluation gave birth to our Recovery Nigeria messaging, because it includes not just the diagnostics of where we are, but the prescriptions of the antidotes to the challenges,” Momodu said.

Jonathan Denies Working for Aggrieved PDP Govs Former President Goodluck Jonathan says the five Peoples PDP governors currently involved in the crisis in the party are not working for his cause.

Jonathan made the declaration in a statement by his Media Adviser, Ikechukwu Eze. The former president said such claims were false and targeted at misleading the public.

“We believe that such duplicitous statements could not have emanated from the camps of those who truly wish the party well. It simply shows that the so-called ‘sources’ of the story are not disposed to the peace and unity they pretend to be seeking in the PDP,” the statement reads.

It adds: “How could anybody turn around in 2022 to accuse Jonathan of bearing a grudge against the PDP when the former President had campaigned vigorously for the party and its Presidential candidate during the 2019 elections?

“Those who insinuate that Dr. Jonathan is not happy with the PDP’s Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, because of whatever roles he played ahead of the 2015 elections forget that the former President actively campaigned for Atiku in 2019, attending the flag-off of his campaigns in Sokoto and subsequently participating in the campaigns in some states like Rivers and Bayelsa.

“The fact that Dr. Jonathan stood out as an exemplary politician who, throughout his political career, abhorred treachery and mean-mindedness, and played politics without bitterness, needs no gainsay. Unlike many of his detractors, the former President has, out of office, progressed to a higher level of statesmanship, faithfully applying himself to causes that promote peace, love, unity and progress, across the entire West African sub-region.

“It is Dr. Jonathan’s wish that the PDP is able to resolve its internal crisis, unite all members and have a good showing in the forthcoming 2023 elections. We wish to however point out that it will be difficult to achieve this aspiration if some forces in the party continue to engage in mudslinging, disinformation and manifest tendencies that negate the values that are dear to loyal party members.

“Former President Jonathan had served this country meritoriously at both the state and federal levels.

He has now been out of office for almost eight years and Nigerians have come to trust and love him for who he is.

“While in office, he had no enemies to fight. He still has no enemies to fight, now that he has become a private citizen.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

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

At Alaghodaro Investment Summit, Obaseki Sets N60bn IGR Target Adibe Emenyonu in Benin The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has set an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target of N60 billion for the state in 2023 at the Alaghodaro Investment Summit, holding in Benin City.

The summit is organised yearly in partnership with the private sector to mark the anniversary of Governor Godwin Obaseki in office and showcase

the progress being recorded in transforming the state into an investment haven.

This year’s edition to mark the governor’s 6th anniversary, themed ‘Edo’s Transformation: Partnerships, Resilience, Impact’ is taking place between Friday, November 11 and Sunday, November 13, 2022.

Dignitaries at the event include the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II; Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu; Secretary

Nigeria to Host Heads of African Drug Law Enforcement Agencies Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria has been elected to host the next conference of Heads of Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA) Africa in 2023. This was the unanimous decision of the continental network at the close of its 2022 annual meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, at the weekend.

According to a statement yesterday by the spokesman of Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency.

Femi Babafemi, the move by other heads of anti-narcotics agencies in Africa to have Nigeria host the 2023 conference followed the country’s good relationship with others on the continent and NDLEA’s exemplary performance in the renewed fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Babafemi said in the course of the weeklong conference, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig.

Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), led the Nigerian delegation in presentations on every item of the agenda for discussion, where he shared the

country’s experience and successes so far recorded in the drug war as a result of bilateral and multilateral cooperation with other stakeholders in Nigeria and partners at both regional and international levels.

Babafemi disclosed that on the sidelines of the conference, Marwa also led his team in bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Kenya, Gambia, Ghana and South Africa on areas of mutual interests such as intelligence sharing, joint operations, training and exchange programmes, among others.

He noted that the bilateral meetings also agreed on the setting up of technical working groups on both sides to work on Memorandums of Understanding that will formalise the partnerships and working relationships.

Babafemi said Marwa had in his discussions at the bilateral meetings emphasised the need to build new and strengthen existing partnerships among anti-narcotics agencies at the sub-regional and regional levels to make trafficking of illicit drugs and movement of drug lords difficult on the African continent.

Arise News Presidential Town Hall Series 2 Holds Tomorrow Bennett Oghifo The second series of Arise News Presidential Town Hall Meeting will take place tomorrow at 7p.m. and will feature the presidential candidates of African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore; Action Democratic Party, Malam Yabagi Sani; All Progressives Grand Alliance, Prof. Peter Umeadi; and the Social Democratic Party, Prince Adewole Adebayo.

This second series of Arise News Presidential Town Hall Meeting, #Roadto2023, #NigeriaDecides, is on “Security and Economy” and is being held in collaboration with

the Centre for Democracy and Development.

Others are Premium Times; Nigerian Union of Journalists; Nigerian Guild of Editors; Vanguard; Daily Trust; New Telegraph; Leadership; TheCable; Nigerian Coalition Fact Checkers; Punch; The Guardian; and The Sun. The meeting will stream live on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and on all social media platforms.

It will be on Sky Channel 519, DSTv Channel 416, GOTv Channel 44, www.arise.tv, youtube Arise News, instagram @arisenewsofficial, twitter @ARISEtv, and on facebook, Arise News.

Bianca Ojukwu to Chair Eddie Mbadiwe’s Book Launch Iyom Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu will on November 16, 2022 chair the launch of a book titled, ‘Nigerian Universities Echoes from the Underground’, in Abuja.

The book is written by Rt. Hon. Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe, a former member of Imo State House of Assembly and House of Representatives.

The Father of the Day at the event will be Prof. Ihechukwu

Madubike, a two-time former minister while the book will be reviewed by Dr. Paul Dike, former Director General, National Gallery of Art. The author had earlier written two books – ‘A Scientist in Parliament’ and ‘Stunted Nigerian Dreams’ - which were presented last year.

The book presentation will hold at New Chelsea Hotel, Abuja.

to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie; Speaker, Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Marcus Onobun; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Osaigbovo Iyoha; Commissioner for Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Olaitan Bamidele, and Chief Imam of Benin Kingdom, Alhaji Fatai Enabulele, among others.

Experts at the event predicted a positive economic outlook in Edo on the back of the Benin Enterprise Park, the Cultural District, Modular Refinery, Ossiomo Power Company and other numerous transformative reforms and projects pursued by the state government.

Obaseki, in his address, said the state’s growth will come from leveraging its comparative advantage and exploring opportunities in culture, forestry, manufacturing, agriculture and technology, among other sectors of the state’s economy to drive development.

The governor said, “We see growth ahead of us and this growth is going to come from certain endowments that we

have which most people don’t have. Our culture – people must come and see us and admire what our forebears built. Our forestry assets – the world is talking about net zero carbon and we have something to contribute to the environment and environmental economy.

“Manufacturing is the way to go. Edo has the largest onshore gas reserve in Nigeria with most of our other gas in the swamps and the offshore.

With that energy source, there’s no reason we cannot generate enough energy to attract investors to drive industrialisation.

Agriculture that’s what we grew up with. Of our 19 million square kilometres of land, there’s practically no way we cannot grow something.

For us, the future is technology, because the world is talking about technology and that is the new area of focus.”

Noting that the government hopes to raise over N60bn in 2023 from internally generated revenue, Obaseki said, “In the

last six years, things have not been easy, but we have tried in our own little way. You can see that from 2016 when we got in, we tried to increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Except for the COVID-19 year, we sustained an increase in our IGR and we hope to end the next year with over 60bn IGR.” Reinstating the need to rebase the nation’s economy from consumption to production, the governor stated, “In spite of all the challenges that face as a country, we have over 200 million people who are going to be 450 million in 2050 and will not stop consuming. Therefore, if this is our reality, it means that we cannot and should not be despondent.

“God has given us something that He has not given to many countries around the world. We have a huge domestic market and these over 200 million people have to consume. If we cannot import, are we going to die? We

will have to create the things we consume in this country. That is why the government must now rely on those who have the capacity and knowledge to produce the things that we consume. Government cannot continue to behave as if they have all the resources because they don’t. The people who have the resources are, you, the citizens – the private sector.

Hence, the government has to be restructured to ensure that they trust us and are able to bring the resources we need for the benefit of all of us.

“Hence, states will have to reorder their priorities and that is what we have done over the last six years, to make sure that we can meet our financial obligations to the people who work for the government and our citizens,” he added.

Ighodalo, in his welcome address, said the governor and his team have worked tirelessly to transform Edo State into “a land of plenty, where peace and justice reigns, where all her citizens are safe, secure and healthy.”

GENERATING PROSPERITY… L-R: Chief Judge of Edo State, Hon. Justice Joe Acha;; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Marcus Onobun; wife of the Edo State deputy governor, MaryAnn Shaibu; Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu; wife of Edo State governor, Betsy; and Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki at the sixth edition of the Alaghodaro Investment Summit, in Benin City...yesterday.

Bishop Warns against Corruption as Ekiti Speaker is Buried Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The late Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, was yesterday buried in Ikere Ekiti, with Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Olusola Ajayi, warning Nigerian leaders against obscene corrupt enrichment and mind-boggling material acquisition.

The Cleric averred that if Nigerian leaders were futuristic and were circumspect of the last

day, the country would be peaceful and bereft of crises of corruption, kidnapping, insurgency, vote- buying and other cankerworms that are destroying the Nigerian fabrics.

The man of God spoke yesterday in his sermon marking the church’s burial procession for Afuye held at Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, Oke ‘kere, Ikere Local Government Area of Ekiti State.

Afuye, who presided over the Assembly for three and half years,

died of a heart attack on October 19,2022, at the age of 66.

Afuye was brought into the church in a white casket at about 9.56a.m. and was accompanied by his wife,Titilayo, children and other family members.

The motorcade conveying the corpse began the procession with a long convoy of vehicles, at his residence located along Ikere-Ise road, which caused traffic snarl along Ado-IkereAkure Way for over one hour.

The men of the Nigerian Police Force and Federal Road Safety Corps, had a hectic day in controlling the vehicles due to the gridlock along that route.

Addressing the congregants during the barely one and half hours sermon, Bishop Ajayi, said; “Vanity upon vanity, all is vanity. How I wish all Nigerians, especially our leaders could understand this as preached by God in the Holy Books.

FAAN Installs Runway Lights at Lagos Airport Domestic Runway after 14 Years Chinedu Eze History was made yesterday when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced the completion and use of the Runway 18L/36R known as domestic runway.

Since 2008 when the runway was rehabilitated and was supposed to be accompanied with runway light, the facility was not installed until 14 years after.

Airlines had lost huge resources on fuel taxing 15 minutes from

the international runway, 18R after 6p.m. everyday, amount Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) put at over N3 billion annually.

FAAN in a statement said it has reopened the runway 18L to traffic after installing airfield lights.

“Today, November 11, an Air Peace flight NO P4 742 enroute Lagos- Kano with registration number 5N-BUJ was the first to depart the runway at 0618HRS. “The runway was shut more than three months ago to give room for installation of lights,

which was excluded from the main project in 2008 when it was commissioned.

“The absence of lights on the runway which had put untold burden on airlines over the years as they burn fuel while taxing to the domestic runway from the international runway,” the statement said.

FAAN also said that according to a Notice to Airmen ( NOTAM) A0441/22 NOTAMC A0439/22 Q emanating from the Aeronautical Information

Services (AIS), the runway was opened today (Friday) after the Authority completed the installation.

“FAAN had in July announced that as part of efforts aimed at improving safety and efficiency of flight operations at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, it will close the runway for 90 days to complete the installation of CAT III Airfield Ground Lighting system on Runway 18L/36R. The project commenced on July 7, 2022,” the statement also said.

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NEWS Unions Fault Minister over Planned Demolition of Aviation Agency Buildings Chinedu Eze Insisting that there must be ulterior motives behind the plan to demolish operating structures of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other aviation agencies in Lagos, three aviation unions, National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) have called on Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, to put on hold plan to demolish aviation agencies offices in Lagos in a bid to pave way to aerotropolis.

Sirika had last week said that as part of the Ministry of Aviation’s road map for the aviation industry and particularly for Lagos, the office spaces occupied by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), and the Nigerian Civil Aviation

Authority (NCAA) were to be demolished to give room for the ambition of turning the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to an aerotropolis.

The unions at a joint press briefing at Lagos airport said the plan should be put on hold pending proper evaluation, planning and better timing.

Some of the inscriptions on their placards read: ‘demolition of aviation agencies headquarters must be resisted’, ‘If labour matter is not resolved, concession cannot take place’, among others.

Ocheme Aba, Secretary General, NUATE, who spoke for the unions also called on the Federal Executive Council to halt further approvals on the airports concession programme, and indeed any other Aviation Road Map project, pending a comprehensive forensic audit of the projects undertaken up to this point. ”It is our firm belief that such audit will expose the activities

so far to be wasteful of public funds, and to be tilted away from national good. This is the least the Council can do in order to redeem itself, in the face of the accusation that the Federal Executive Council has so far been railroaded into giving consent to bad deals for the Country.”

According to them, the

unions recognise some of the successes achieved under the current administration but the failure to deliver any of the programmes in the Aviation Road Map and the rush to quickly put something on table for Nigerians call for concern. ”The projects include establishment of a national carrier, maintenance, repair and over-

haul, aircraft leasing company, agro-allied airports, aerotropolis, and concessioning of the four major international airports in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt. For inexplicable reasons none of the above projects has been delivered up till now.

It is therefore not surprising that the Honourable Minister is presently in a frenzy in an

effort to deliver these projects, being that this administration is at its twilight. This rush to deliver at all cost has expectedly occasioned suspicion and a plethora of missteps which if not corrected will spell doom for the aviation industry in Nigeria, and which may prove exceedingly costly to amend in future.

Ogun Declares War on Kidnappers, Others James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Government has assured the residents in the state and travellers commuting through it of adequate security before, during and after the Yuletide period.

The government added that it would intensify efforts by giving more support to the security agencies to rid the Ogun State corridor of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway of kidnappers and other armed gangs.

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Ogun State governor, Kunle Somorin, yesterday, said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Lanre Bankole, after a security meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun, disclosed that the security agencies had put in place adequate arrangements in terms of manpower and equipment to confront any security challenge in any part of the state during

and after the festivities.

The CP, according to Somorin, declared: “We are battle ready to deal with any breakdown of law and order in any part of the state. Our men have been put on high alert and I can assure the people of this state that their security is guaranteed.

“For those hoodlums still operating in the state, I have bad message for them. We are going to give it to them hot. We are going to make Ogun State unattractive to them. They will have no safe haven in any part of this state, that I can assure them.”

The statement concluded that the meeting which was convened to discuss current security issues affecting the state with a view to puting appropriate measures to ensure the safety of lives and property of indigenes and residents alike, was attended by the heads of security agencies in the state.

Police Confirm Terrorists Attacks on Niger Villages Laleye Dipo in Minna The Police in Minna, Niger State yesterday confirmed series of attacks on villages in different local government areas of the state by terrorists in the last six days.

The attacks took place in Kaffinkoro in Paikoro Local Government area, Akare, Jiwawa, Gulanji and Kadaura villages in the Wushishi Local Government Area and Chibane in Munya Local Government Area.

Police Public Relations Officer Niger State Police Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement made available to newsmen said two lives were lost while several of the bandits were neutralised.

DSP Abiodun giving details of the attack said an unconfirmed number of cattle were rustled in the Kaffinkoro incident where two local vigilantes sustained bullet injuries.

Those injured in the Kaffinkoro incident Abiodun said were receiv-

ing treatment at the town’s general hospital while the cattle rustled were also recovered.

The police/military tactical teams which were mobilised responded swiftly and engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle, Abiodun said, adding that “As a result, the bandits abandoned the looted cattle and some of their motorcycles and scampered in disarray for safety with bullet injuries.”

Though Abiodun said the hoodlums who attacked Chibane Village in Munya Local Government Area were successfully repelled leading to their also abandoning rustled cattle, two members among the local vigilante lost their lives during the gun battle.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ogundele J. Ayodeji, according to the statement assured the people that the Command and other security agencies in the state would not relent, and “shall continue to rise to situations in curtailing banditry activities in the state.”

SEEKING DIVINE INTERVENTION Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the 18th annual “Pray for Nigeria Crusade”, organised by the Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners’ International, at Agege Stadium...yesterday.

FG Affirms Commitment to West Africa’s Anti- Money Laundering Group Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The federal government has affirmed its unalloyed commitment to supporting the Forum of Inter Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) member states in the fight against financial crimes and other corrupt practices in all its ramifications in the region and Africa at large.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja at an audience with the

delegation from the Forum of GIABA member states, led by its President, Stanley Ford and the Executive Secretary of the Forum of FIUs of the GIABA member states (FIU of Nigeria), Hafsat Abubakar Bakari.

Mustapha, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, said the federal government was committed to fighting financial crimes and ensuring fiscal transparency and accountability.

He stated that the federal

government has been committed in the fight against money laundry, terrorism financing, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and small and light weapons in the country in order to ensure fiscal transparency and security of lives and property.

In its quest to fight corruption, the SGF said that the federal government has established several anti-graft institutions such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) , the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Of-

fences Commission (ICPC), the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) and Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT); with the mandate to curb money laundering and other illicit financial crimes. He added that the Government is ready to collaborate with the Forum in the actualisation of its mandates in fighting against money laundering and other financial crimes.

He further indicated the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to the fight against corruption in giving his support for the location of its regional headquarters in Abuja.

Flood: IFAD to Expend N258m on Agric Entrepreneurs in Niger Delta Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) working with the federal government and other partners has announced $600,000 (N258m) as support for Agric Entrepreneurs flood-victims in the Niger Delta.

The fund was intended to cushion the sufferings of youth and women agric entrepreneurs in the region whose businesses were swallowed by the ravaging

flood menace this year.

Announcing the support in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, at the third Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises for Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) mission workshop, the Country Director, Dede Ekoue, noted the need to enhance resilience to climate change and to build the recovery capacity of the most affected agro-entrepreneurs.

The Country Director said the supervision mission took account of the particularly

challenging environmental impact of both youth and women beneficiaries, the most glaring and threatening being flood.

She mentioned the war in Ukraine, the challenges linking fuel and the foreign exchange rates to businesses around the world as some of the impacting factors to beneficiaries of the scheme in their striving to groom agro-businesses.

Ekoue mentioned key areas of achievement of the LIFE-ND,

saying that more than 2,000 youth and women had established their businesses as agro-entrepreneurs.

He added that some of them were already helping to train others.

“Another 5,000 youth and women are now in the incubation process (in training) and they will be independent agro-entrepreneurs in 2023.

The project has also enhanced the productivity of several value chains including cassava, rice, palm oil, and fisheries,” Ekoue said.

Attah, Bakare, Ahmed, Ezekwesili, Lekwot, Others Float Pressure Group Deji Elumoye in Abuja Concerned leaders of thought drawn from the nation’s six geo-political zones have floated a pressure group with the sole aim of rescuing Nigeria from the myriad of problems facing it.

The leaders who gathered in Abuja yesterday under the aegis of ‘The Compatriots’, said Nigeria had all it takes for any country to survive, progress and develop on the tenets of equity, fairness and

justice among her citizens irrespective of their religious, ethnic and political differences.

The group, under the chairmanship of former two-time governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Victor Attah, at its maiden media briefing, stressed the need for all Nigerians to properly reinvent the country ahead of the 2023 general elections and beyond.

Attah, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the body was not out for partisan politics but for good

governance in Nigeria from 2023.

According to him, “History has shown that multi-nationality, multi- ethnicity or even multi-racial and religious composition can be turned into a source of strength by a nation.

“Members of this group have decided that, though tribe and tongue may differ, we do not have to sing discordant tunes.

“We have therefore resolved in the spirit of our National Anthem to Arise to dedicate the remaining

days of our lives to the service of Nigeria with the vision to re-invent a new and better Nigeria for every Nigerian.”

He added that core national values of strong and united Nigeria, equity, Justice and Fairness for every citizen, realisation of full potentialities of every Nigerian, primacy of peaceful co-existence between and among Nigerian communities, proper sense of nationhood and common nationality, were the focus of their mission.

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NEWS Avoid Irregular Migration, NIS, IOM Warn Students, Traders, Others James Sowole in Abeokuta

LAST RESPECTS… L-R: Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hakeem Jamiu; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Monisade Afuye; First Lady of Ekiti State, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; and Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji; during the burial service for the Speaker of the State Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye; at St. Peters’ Anglican Church, Ikere- Ekiti… yesterday

BPE: FG, China EXIM Bank Collaborating to Build Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) has stated that the federal government was actively collaborating with the EXIM Bank of China to construct the 700 megawatts (mw) Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant (ZHPP).

The BPE Director General, Mr. Alex Okoh who stated this, said that the investors’ roadshow for the concession of the plant was in continuation of the federal government’s drive to achieve a

power sector that fully serves the needs of the citizenry to unleash their potential and engender socio-economic development to meet global standards.

Speaking when he hosted the virtual investors’ roadshow, Okoh noted that the aim was to attract private sector innovation, H΀FLHQF\ DQG WHFKQLFDO FDSDFLW\ in the operations of the hydro power plant.

In a statement, Okoh was quoted as saying: “The essential objective of this roadshow is therefore, to interact with

potential investors, answer TXHVWLRQV SURYLGH FODULÀFDtions and generally address all concerns from the prospective Investors with regards to the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power transaction.”

He added that the forum was also aimed at highlighting the potential in the Nigerian power sector and provide a platform for prospective investors to understand the process for the concession of the plant.

Okoh stressed that it would also enable investors to ad-

HTXDWHO\ DVVHVV WKH EHQHÀWV RI their participation in the process and make informed decisions.

Giving a background to the project, the DG said the federal government was actively collaborating with the EXIM Bank of China to construct the plant and that following discussions between the BPE and the Federal Ministry of Power (FMoP), the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) at its 7th meeting for the year 2020, held on December 21, 2020, approved the commencement of the concession of ZHPP.

FG Delivers More Humanitarian Aid to Bayelsa Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development has confirmed the second despatch of food and non-food items by its operations agency, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to Bayelsa state.

In its latest update on the recent status of flood relief interventions to Bayelsa, the ministry confirmed the ongoing airlifting of relief materials by the Nigerian Air Force which commenced on Tuesday October 25 2022.

The additional relief items

delivered include; 1,000 pieces of mosquito nets; 600 cartons of bath soap; 2,500 pieces of guinea brocade; 1,000 pieces of children’s wear; 1,000 pieces women’s wear; 1,000 pieces of men’s wear; and 8,000 pieces of nylon mats.

The food items are; 1,000 bags of 10kg rice; 1,000 bags 10kg beans; 1,000 bags of 10kg maize; 75 bags (20kg) of iodized salt; 150 cartons of seasoning cube; 75 kegs (20L) of vegetable oil; and 75 cartons of tin tomato.

NEMA, through the Southsouth zonal office, delivered assorted relief materials comprising food and non-food items for

immediate distribution in Otegwe and Ibelebiri communities of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa.

Following heavy flooding of the East-West Road linking to the state, the Nigerian Air Force intervened in airlifting operations of relief items from Benin Airport to Port Harcourt International Airport and the subsequent use of helicopters to move the items to the Helipad in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Despite heavy flooded routes along Kogi State and other locations on the way to Bayelsa State, delivery of the third consignment

of relief items to Bayelsa State is in progress.

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq had directed NEMA’s intervention team, which is presently in the state, to collaborate with the State Emergency Management Agency, the Nigerian Navy in Bayelsa State, NNS Pathfinder in Rivers State, Nigerian Red Cross and local volunteers to carry out an in-depth assessment of the damage by the flood, for further assistance by the federal government.

Pharmacists Charge FG to Invest 2023: Obi Promises to End Nepotism, More on Petrochemical Industry Eliminate Hunger Among Women, Youths The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the federal government to stimulate a functional petrochemical industry through improved investment to guarantee desired revolution in the pharmaceutical sector of the country’s economy.

Speaking at the 95th Annual Conference of the PSN in Jos, the President of the society, Prof.

Cyril Usifoh, emphasised on the need to encourage the production of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), excipients and equivalents, as well as SDFNDJLQJ PDWHULDOV LQ HͿRUWV WR DWWDLQ PHGLFLQH VX΀FLHQF\ VHcurity and enhance the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GPD) through local manufacturing

of drugs.

He said, “We encourage the federal government to stimulate a functional petrochemical industry that guarantees an industrial revolution beyond the pharma industry.

“We must become primary producers of APIs, excipients, equivalents, packaging materials DQG DOO RWKHU ÀQLVKHG SURGXFWV in a determined bid to attain PHGLFLQH VX΀FLHQF\ DQG security.”

He challenged the presidential candidates of the political parties for the forthcoming general election to “begin to look at how to fast-track new but substantial investments in healthcare.’’

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, yesterday promised to end nepotism, ethnicity, saying he will rebuild the country if elected.

Obi, who declared this at the rally which was held at the Baptist Convention Ground in Benin City, Edo State, said he would ensure that women and youths would never go hungry when voted as president.

The LP presidential candidate who was accompanied at the rally with his running mate, Yusuf Datti and the National Chairman of the party, Julius Abure, stated that his government will leverage on the

country’s population and vast lands to boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product and make life better for Nigerians.

He said he and his running mate would do everything within their constitutional powers to ÀJKW FRUUXSWLRQ WR WKH EDUHVW minimum.

At the palace of the Oba of Benin during a courtesy visit, the LP presidential standard bearer, told the monarch he was in his palace with his team to seek for his blessings as he embarks on his campaign, noting that the forthcoming election should not be based on sentiments but on competency and one who can deliver to Nigerians the dividends of democracy.

The Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) Ogun State Command and the International Organisation on Migration (IOM), yesterday, embarked on a sensitisation rally to some secondary schools, markets and motor parks in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, admonishing people against irregular migration.

The sensitisation which was led by the Comptroller of Immigration, Ogun State Command, Jibril Yakubu and officials of IOM, took off from the Command headquarters, Okemosan and terminated at Itoku Market in Abeokuta South Local Government.

During the sensitisation rally, the NIS and IOM officials carried placards of various inscriptions, warning students, parents, market men and women against allowing

any person to lure them or their children or wards into unexisting greener pastures outside Nigeria.

Yakubu advised the students not to be deceived by some people, who may want to lure them into travelling out of the country, through irregular means.

The Comptroller, who guided the students on how they can migrate through regular means, said travelling out of the country through irregular means and Illegal routes is dangerous in all aspects.

He said the sensitisation rallies were held in school, motor parks and markets because it is at these places that they can reach the target people.

The one at school was directed at the students themselves who will understand what we are talking about and will also talk to their parents on what they were told.

Again, Court Sacks 16 APC Rivers Assembly Candidates Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

four others over alleged exclusion in the party’s primaries However, Justice Turaki Two weeks after a Federal Muhammed of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt High Court, in his ruling declared candidates of the All yesterday, sacked the 16 Progressives Congress (APC) candidates of the party for invalid for the 2023 general the state assembly seats out elections, another Federal High of 32.

The Peoples Democratic Court sitting in Port Harcourt \HVWHUGD\ GLVTXDOLÀHG VWDWH 3DUW\ 3'3 KDG ÀOHG WKH FDVH constituency candidates of against the APC registered in the party in the state and suit (FHC/PH/CS/152/2022).

The PDP claimed in the also upheld 16 state house suit that the primaries of the of candidates.

Justice E.A. Obile had nulli- DͿHFWHG FDQGLGDWHV ZHUH QRW ÀHG WKH 3ULPDULHV RI WKH $3& PRQLWRUHG E\ WKH R΀FHUV RI in the state following a suit the Independent National ÀOHG E\ RQH *HRUJH 2UOX DQG Electoral Commission (INEC).

Bayelsa State Has Highest Invalid Registration, Says REC Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Bayelsa chapter, Mr. Emmanuel Hart, has revealed that the state was with the highest invalid registration in the country with only 43,678 valid registrations out of 132,628 persons that registered while 88,950 were invalid.

The REC, who stated this during a meeting with political parties in Yenagoa, on INEC’s preparedness for the 2023 general elections, said invalid registration for that period was 67.1 per cent

stating that the reasons were double/multiple registration, underage registration and outright fake registrations.

He said that the commission has completed the exercise to clean up the register and in the next few days hard copies will be displayed in the 105 Registration Areas (Wards) and eight Local Government Areas in Bayelsa.

He said, “The register will also be published on INEC’s website for claims and objections as required by law. The physical display of the register will take place at the Registration Areas (Wards) from November 12 to 18 2022,” he said.

Flood: ‘Delta Yet to Receive Financial Support from Federal Government’ Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

doubles as Chairman of the state Inter-ministerial Flood Delta State Government Management Committee, Chief KDV VDLG WKDW ORVVHV VXͿHUHG Patrick Ukah, disclosed this due to devastation by this ZKLOH EULHÀQJ MRXUQDOLVWV LQ \HDU·V ÁRRGLQJ LQ WKH VWDWH Asaba yesterday.

While noting that the loss was minimal because of the proactive steps taken by the associated with the massive Governor Ifeanyi Okowa VHDVRQDO ÁRRGLQJ ZDV XQTXDQadministration in tackling WLÀDEOH KH SRLQWHG RXW WKDW WKH the natural disasters, involving Delta State Government was over 35,000 displaced persons yet to receive any money from being catered for in more than the federal government aside from some relief items it got ten camps.

Secretary to the State from the National Emergency Government (SSG), who Management Agency (NEMA).

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COMMENTARY

ARISE TV PRESIDENTIAL TOWN HALL MEETING Okowa takes the trophy, reckons Mohammed Danbatta

A

s the dust begins to settle on the Arise TV Presidential town hall meeting, political observers and Nigerians who followed the programme dispassionately have been unanimous in awarding Governor Ifeanyi Okowa the highest mark.

Received opinion is that Okowa who is the vice-presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), standing in for Atiku Abubakar, the PDP Presidential candidate, showed superior intelligence, leadership composure and demonstrated a far more pragmatic approach to solving the many problems of insecurity, economic downturn, disunity and others confronting the nation.

The townhall meeting was organized in concert with the Centre for Democracy and Development, CDD, and it turned out the first major encounter between the major contenders in the 2023 presidential election and the publics. The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was absent and did not have any representation. This did not sit well with many Nigerians who voiced their concern that Tinubu has made himself too evasive in a manner unbecoming of a man who wants to lead the nation in the 21st century.

Early dissent from the audience including from one or two presidential candidates present in the hall to the effect that Okowa representing Atiku was an anomaly, was smartly doused by Okowa himself. He did not fret. He showed composure while making his explanation. He said he read the invitation letter to Atiku who was overseas for another important engagement. He said that nowhere in the letter was it stated that a vice-presidential candidate cannot stand in for the presidential candidate. Besides, he took further steps by calling the organisers on the possibility that Atiku may not be back to the country at the time the programme was slated to kick off. On this, he got the approval of the organisers to stand in for his boss.

He said the Presidency is one and that the vice president must and should be as fit and capable as the president because at a point in time, according to the constitution, the president may have the need to transmit power to the vice president hence the overriding need for the vice-presidential candidate to be such a person that should competently stand in for the presidential candidate. He made the point very clear: Neither Atiku nor himself breached any law or rule as it was not specified in the invitation letter that only the presidential candidate should be present at the meeting. His explanation thawed the tension inside the hall.

But this ought not to even be an issue. Atiku talks, speaks and has been engaging various focus groups, meeting with the media for interviews, both local and foreign. He, sure, would have been present physically but for his earlier scheduled overseas engagement.

Back to Okowa’s performance. The PDP vice-presidential candidate showed a better grasp of how to turn around the national economy using the model he created in Delta as governor. He emphasised capacity building and skills acquisition not just for the youths but also for the women. He said training of the youths and women must be of two critical components: training of the mind and of the hands.

He showed a linkage between untrained booming population and insecurity. When the mind is trained and liberated, it will help check

OVER ALL, OKOWA REPRESENTED ATIKU AND HIS PARTY VERY WELL. HIS SUPERLATIVE PERFORMANCE COULD EASILY BE MEASURED BY HIS COMPORTMENT IN THE FACE OF NEEDLESS PROVOCATION, HIS CLEAR ROADMAPS ON DEVELOPMENT AND CLARITY OF LOGICAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON ECONOMY, SECURITY AND OTHER ISSUES

population explosion and this will directly address the challenge of out-of-school children, parents siring children they cannot take care of. A liberated mind and a hand that has acquired skill and is well resourced cannot be easily recruited into gangsterism, he posited.

Okowa was not merely grandstanding. He was not just being politically flippant to score cheap points or to impress. He demonstrated that what he was proposing for the larger Nigeria was something he has achieved in Delta State. Okowa’s Delta, one of the top three oil-bearing states, was once a theatre of agitations and upheavals which forced oil companies in the creeks to stop production with frequent declaration of force majeure. Militancy was high as the youths in the oil-bearing communities raged against oil companies for the despoliation of their environment and leaving them in poverty and their communities undeveloped. But Okowa quenched the fire of agitation and the sweltering rage of militancy.

His formula, according to him, was simple. He took development to the people in the creeks, actively engaged the youths with skills and resources, brought entrepreneurship and infrastructure to them in the manner they never imagined. To his credit, many of the communities where militancy was rife now have roads and bridges linking them for effective movement of goods, services and personnel. They have schools, skills acquisition centres, healthcare facilities and sundry infrastructure which gives them a sense of belonging.

He argued that with the right approach to development, issues of poverty, out-of-school children, food insecurity, national disunity among others, would be addressed. He punctured the idea always bandied by one of the candidates that saving money was one of his achievements while in office as governor. Okowa’s counterpoise to this was that you do not emphasise saving money over development.

Atiku’s brand of leadership, he affirms, is such that will use the money to build infrastructure including education, transport and health infrastructure that would engender creation of jobs and wealth, rather than keeping the money in the bank where it will suffer depreciation. Why save money in the bank when you don’t have potable water, steady electricity, good roads, growing youth unemployment, growing army of children out-of-school, efficient healthcare system and functional education sector, he wondered.

To further situate why the PDP and Atiku should be trusted to deliver the country from the mess created by the ruling APC, he reminded Nigerians how the PDP inherited from the military a broken nation with humungous debt profile, decrepit infrastructure, massively depleted external reserve and a pariah nation where no foreign investor was willing to invest in. He recalled how the Obasanjo-Atiku Presidency turned things around: Got Nigeria out of debt overhang, rejigged the nation’s infrastructure, revamped healthcare and education, attracted foreign direct investments and moved Nigeria’s economy to the topmost floor on the continent. He referenced a telecom revolution wrought by the Atiku Abubakar-led National Economic Council, a revolution that did not only create direct and indirect jobs, but also became a major public relations tool for Nigeria in the global arena.

Danbatta writes from Kano

ASUU/FG IMPASSE AND GBAJABIAMILA’S TIMELY INTERVENTION James Azuquo writes that Femi Gbajabiamila’s efforts showed that he is a trustworthy leader who seeks the good of the people

T

he Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) industrial action that lasted eight months, was a national malady. It grinded the tertiary education ecosystem and worsened the youth restiveness crisis as many idle young men took to vices.

Many businesses that serve university communities closed shop. Losses mounted. Families suffered.

The industrial crisis grew into a full blown rift between the federal government and the varsity union. Within the same period, a rival union, Congress of University Academics (CONUA) was recognized and registered by the government to break the powerful hegemony of ASUU that has held down shut public universities over its demands.

Rt Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker, House of Representatives moved in to end the face-off between the government and ASUU. The past successes in resolving similar matters and credibility of the speaker as a trusted public official whose words are his bond made ASUU leadership to submit to agree to his mediation.

Expectedly, the patriotic Speaker who has now become a reputable nationalist got to work. He met with the federal government team and secured commitments from them on matters of concerns to the striking lecturers. He reasoned that the current socioeconomic, including heightened insecurity that is threatening the corporate existence of the nation should not further be compounded by youth restiveness and related vices as a result of the strike.

As an experienced administrator and politician, Gbajabiamila successfully facilitated

the truce that ended one of the longest industrial actions in the history of Nigeria.

Lecturers returned to the classrooms, with the assurances of the speaker that incremental improvement will be achieved in the sector.

Alas, barely three weeks after the public universities opened, another issue arose.

This time around, the Nigerian government paid October, 2022 salaries of lecturers on a pro-rata basis. According to the government, lecturers will only be rewarded for the days they worked in the month of October. As intellectuals, the lecturers were miffed by the action of the government and threatened to back out of the gentleman agreement they made.

In the midst of ensued melee, the vibrant Speaker of the House didn’t sit idle, whining on the ugly turn of events. He stepped in!

Gbajabiamila chronicled the steps he had caused the federal government to take within three weeks that lecturers returned to the classrooms.

He said, “Since then (resumption of academic activities in the public universities), the Executive and the House of Representatives have worked to address the issues that led to the strike. We are currently working on the 2023 Appropriations Bill, which includes the sum of N170bn to provide a level of increment in the welfare package of university lecturers. The Bill also includes additional N300bn in revitalisation funds to improve the infrastructure and operations of federal universities.

“Furthermore, the House of Representatives has convened the Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), the Academic Staff Union

of Universities (ASUU) and other stakeholders to facilitate the adoption of elements of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS) into the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). This effort is being supervised by the Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Rep. Aminu Suleiman.

On why the federal government would not pay salaries for the striking period, the Speaker explained that, “The Executive position that it is not obligated to pay salaries to lecturers for the time spent on strike is premised on the law and the government’s legitimate interest in preventing moral hazard and discouraging disruptive industrial actions.

“Nonetheless, interventions have been made to explore the possibility of partial payments to the lecturers. We look forward to a favourable consideration by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR who has manifested his desire to what is prudent and necessary to resolve all outstanding issues.

On the pending matters, especially IPPIS, Gbajabiamila sued for calm and argued it will be utterly devastating for lecturers to embark on another round of industrial action.

The Speaker appealed that, “Implementing meaningful change takes time, especially when appropriations and modifications to systems such as IPPIS are required.

Therefore, I urge all parties to be patient and grant each other the presumption of goodwill to the extent necessary to achieve our shared objectives. This is not a time for

political brinkmanship. There is no more pressing objective than to preclude the possibility of further disruptions to the academic calendar of the universities. We must prevent this possibility by all means, as these disruptions risk the promise and potential of our nation’s youth”.

The efforts of Gbajabiamila so far showed that he is indeed a trustworthy leader who consistently seeks the good of the people.

He has demonstrated unequalled leadership dexterity in times of national turmoil. He does not unnecessarily play to the gallery nor engages in partisanship when the collective national interests are at stake.

For the first time in the recent history of Nigeria, with the good faith and patriotism and genuine love and concerns for the people, especially the downtrodden, the Nigerian people have started seeing a ray of hope in the political leadership class of Nigeria. Gbajabiamila caused that shift.

The House of Representatives that was hitherto perceived as a lackey of the Executive and as an institution whose interest is at variance with that of Nigeria has been altered positively with the great leadership that Gbajabiamila has brought as the Speaker of the House.

People-oriented and progressives legislations are carefully enacted for the benefit of Nigerians. Also, the operations of the activities of the House that were adjudged opaque have been more open for public scrutiny.

History will obviously be kind to Gbajabiamila on the patriotic role he played when he had the opportunity to serve his father land.

Azuquo writes from Nsukka, Enugu State

13

NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

A disturbing signal...

Gumji Will Make Us Proud

A Lion Threatened by Lice and Lies

T

he Catholic Church has such a long and illustrious history. It is not for nothing that the church which is many centuries old is at once considered both ancient and universal. In every country of the world, the Catholic Church maintains some form of presence. Even in those countries where the state sponsors hostility to religion, the Catholic Church maintains some form of presence even if it is underground.

The history of the Catholic Church is also one steeped in blood. The church is one that has travelled through centuries of cruelty, sometimes ruled by men who were among the worst of their kind in their days.

Today, the catholic church has become a universal symbol of unity and peace. Yet, every now and then, its UGLY past rears up its head exposing in the process the darkness that lives in the hearts of so many of the men who wear its robes and mount its pulpit.

The Catholic Church has always been a very conservative church. As a church that has always reveled in age and grace, the church has long been a symbol of that which is tried, tested and trusted.

The church in Nigeria has always been a very conservative one. It explains why even as the gale of Pentecostalism has swept by, sweeping many along with it, the Catholic Church has largely remained unchanged.

However, in recent times, there has arisen within the church some members of the church who preach the word of God accompanied by great signs and wonders. Some of them are catholic priests within the church while some of them are just lay faithful.

Expectedly, their firebrand manner of preaching which takes potshots from time to time at some of the unchanging ways of the church that many find incredulous, has brought them at loggerheads with the men who man the church. Accordingly, there have been sanctions.

For Ejike Mbaka of Adoration Ministries Enugu, a sentencing to a monastery where he is to pray and reflect on his vocation has been interpreted by many as an attempt to finally silence a man who has constantly but controversially charged into the stormy waters of politics and national affairs in Nigeria.

Magnus Ebere is the spiritual director of Canaan-

land Adoration Ministries Worldwide. The ministry which has a presence in Anambra and Imo States has been the subject of canonical sanctions in both states by both the Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha and the Catholic Diocese of Ahiara.

Ebuka Anozie Obi is the spiritual director of Zion Prayer Ministry Worldwide which is based in Lagos State. A running battle between the ministry and the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos has been brewing for a while now.

Yet, many faithful Catholics and non- Catholics continue to flock to the prayer grounds in search of spiritual sustenance. Given how traditionally reluctant Catholics go elsewhere, it is telling that these days, many of them easily shove their doubts aside in search of spiritual strength.

It begs the question of what the Catholic Church in Nigeria is really and truly afraid of. For the men in question, the version of events common to them is that their persecution is tinged with shades of envy and jealously, and no little pecuniary reasons.

Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

B

ad leadership is the major problem that is limiting our growth. The election of good people as leaders can solve 99% of our problems. I want to join the good people of Mbaketsa, Ishagev-Ya in Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State to celebrate the election of Chief Gumji Ephraim Unenge as their District Head.

Election of the new district head came after the exit of the former head, Chief Wuhe, who died after a brief illness. The new district head who is popularly known as Gumji EU, was the Principal of Ajio Community Secondary School. He brought in development by building more classrooms to accommodate more candidates seeking admission into the school, he built a befitting library and stocked it with books to provide reading materials for students.

Gumji EU, brought in electricity by purchasing a big generator that powered the classrooms, offices and the entire school environment to enable students to read even at night. In fact, he did many things to make the environment conducive for learning. With the development in place, parents and students did not complain about the increment in school fees since the increment sparked growth.

His election as district head is a welcome development and another opportunity to do more for his people, having served successfully as a teacher and contributed significantly to the growth of education in the state.

Let me at this point appreciate those who handled the process that produced Chief Gumji EU as district head since the transparency demonstrated in the process was obvious enough to make other candidates accept defeat.

May God almighty lead you to administer your usual style of leadership that would put more smiles on people’s faces.

Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja

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 MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI 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, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, 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

Gombe: Excessive Tax on Commercial Vehicles

E

xisting taxation system on commercial vehicles in Gombe adversely affects the economic welfare of Gombe people. It has greatly contributed to the increase in prices of commodities like foodstuff which are conveyed by these commercial vehicles.

Therefore, most indigenous drivers shy away from Gombe State. They would rather ply their trade in neighboring states, thereby giving to those states what should be for Gombe.

We want this insensitive system to be abolished forthwith. In its place, we recommend a system that has a human face, and which does not add to the sufferings inflicted on the people by the present administration in the state.

Darar Daraja, Gombe

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

NEWS

Emenike Still Remains Abia APC Governorship Candidate Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

APC, hence, the judgement of a lower court cannot alter the status quo.

“In the eyes of the law Ikechi The status of High Chief Ikechi Emenike as the governorship Emenike still remains the candicandidate of the All Progressives date of APC in Abia,” he said, Congress (APC) in Abia State adding that the said judgement still remains unchanged despite delivered by Justice Nyako yesterday’s judgement delivered “cannot be enforced or executed XQWLO WKH ÀQDO SURQRXQFHPHQW

by Justice Binta Nyako.

Reacting to the judgment, by the Supreme Court on the the Legal Adviser of Abia subject matter.”

The Court of Appeal in APC, Mr. Vigilus Nwankwo, said that the Appeal Court had Abuja had on October 14, 2022 DOUHDG\ D΀UPHG (PHQLNH DV WKH upheld the judgement of the duly elected candidate of Abia Abia State High Court under

Justice Benson Anya which had RQ -XQH D΀UPHG WKH candidature of Emenike in Suit No HUM/31/2022:IKECHI EMENIKE VS APC & 2 ORS. The appellate court gave the D΀UPDWLRQ ZKLOH GLVPLVVLQJ WKH DSSOLFDWLRQ ÀOHG E\ 2ELQQD Oriaku Eze seeking to appeal against the judgement delivered on September 2, 2022 by the Appeal Court, Owerri Division in Appeal No. CA/OW/269/2022.

“The law is trite that judgements of the appellate courts bind the court and parties,”

Nwankwo said, adding that “the judgement of the Federal High Court cannot override and is not superior to the said three judgements of the Court of Appeal.

“Contrary to the judgement of Justice Binta Nyako today (yesterday), the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court had settled it in so many decisions that INEC and the court cannot determine who is the candidate of a political party where and when there are two competing primaries.”

FG Awards Prizes to Outstanding Civil Servants in ICT Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has awarded Federal Civil Servants with prizes following their excellent performance in the just concluded Batches 12 and 13 ICT for Change training programme organised by Huawei Technologies Nig. Ltd. While presenting the prizes to the awardees in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, expressed appreciation to Huawei Technologies for impacting

Izunaso Empowers over 1000 PWDs AmbyUnezein Owerri The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West senatorial district, Senator Osita Izunaso, has promised to take it upon himself to champion the amendment of the persons with disabilities bill to strengthen the law that is in place currently.

Izunaso, who usually marks his birthday with these special citizens, used his birthday for this year to empower over 1,000 people Living With Disabilities (PWDs) in Imo State.

'LVWULEXWLQJ GLͿHUHQW LWHPV

Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu (middle) flanked from behind by Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe (1st left), Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf and Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Olufemi Martins. School children surrounding them at the State House Marina...yesterday

Ribadu: Tinubu is Most Saleable among Presidential Candidates Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nuhu Ribadu has described the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as the most saleable contestant in the 2023 presidential race.

“Luckily, our job is cut out for us.

We have the most saleable product

in the market today; there is no one candidate out there that is better than our own,” Ribadu said at the inauguration of APC’s Stakeholders Relations Directorate for the 2023 poll, in Abuja yesterday.

Ribadu, who is a member of the Directorate, inaugurated by former interim chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, said, “Asiwaju Tinubu is an accomplished human being and a thorough-bred administrator

and maverick politician. He has something to show from his glowing antecedents.

“He will not learn on the job.

He also has a wide network of friends and associates everywhere in Nigeria, which makes our job of outreach very much easier.”

Ribadu said the opponents of APC should not be underrated and that the party must win convincingly by a clear wide

margin, stating, “We should not underrate our opponents. We should work assiduously to make the margin of winning so wide that the victory will be massive and sweet.”

He said the campaigns of the party would begin fully with the inauguration of the leadership and members of the directorate, but that it did not mean campaigns had not started.

FG’s Cash Transfer Programme for Vulnerable Lagos First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu Gives Laptops, Learning Materials to School Children has Reduced Poverty, Says Kwara Gov Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday said there was enough evidence to prove that the Cash Transfer programme embarked on by the federal government for the vulnerable people is a workable solution to extreme poverty.

AbdulRazaq, who made the remarks in Ilorin, the state capital, at the launch of the United Nations Development Programme SocioEconomic Revitalisation Support Programme, which targets over 3,000 vulnerable families and small businesses for unconditional cash transfer, commended the federal government for leading the way.

He said, “Cash transfer to vulnerable people has proven to be a workable solution to extreme poverty.

“There is documented evidence of how putting money directly in the hands of the needy has

helped to refocus the global efforts to empower people. It gives people the power to dictate the direction of their own future.”

AbdulRazaq added, “In Kwara State, we have long domiciled the cash transfer policy of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“It works for us as it has worked for the federal government.

Through our social investment programmes and some other interventions, we have reduced the poverty rate from 30.2 per cent to 20.4 per cent. We have also helped young people to grow their businesses.

“Like our own Owo Arugbo, I am aware that the UNDP’s cash transfer has no strings attached.

“Regardless, I urge beneficiaries to use the money judiciously. This is the way to encourage organisations like the UNDP and the government to do more in the hope that the objective of spreading wealth will not be defeated.”

such as wheelchairs, sewing machines, hair dryers, generators, clutches, etc under the auspices of his foundation, Kpakpando, in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Izunaso expressed concern about the neglect of the rights of the special citizens in the country.

According to him, a lot of the rights of the PWDs have been trampled upon, promising that when he gets a second chance to represent his people at the red chambers he would sponsor amendment bills that would ensure the enhancement of these rights.

L’Oréal Cosmetics Brand, Set to Launch in Nigeria

CATCH THEM YOUNG…

Bennett Oghifo

technological skills on the civil servants thereby improving their proficiency in information and communication technology and by extension improves their performance in the discharge of their work schedules.

SGF, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, said the multiplier effects of the training would go a long way in empowering civil servants and by extension, improving the nation’s economy.

Charles Ajunwa

with our children at all.

“That is why we deemed it Wife of Lagos State Gov- ÀW WR JLYH \RX JLIWV WKDW ZLOO ernor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-olu, be memorable, a gift that you yesterday gave out laptops, will not throw away, a gift that tablets and other educational will be planted in your minds. materials to school children Your experiences will tell the from the 36 states of the whole world what you have seen and how Lagos treated country.

The First Lady presented you to hospitality.

“NAFEST has come to stay. the gifts to the selected school children who were participating We are the ones hosting the in the ongoing National Festival 35th edition of the National for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) Festival of Arts and Culture tagged ‘Eko NAFEST 2022’ (NAFEST). Lagos State hosted when she hosted them at the it in 1988 (24 years ago). We welcome all the children from State House Marina.

The governor’s wife, who is the 36 states of the federation Mama NAFEST 2022, said the of Nigeria. Welcome to Lagos decision to host the children of Centre of Excellence and DW KHU R΀FLDO UHVLGHQFH ´ZDV aquatic splendor,” the First intentional to give you a sense Lady said.

She also admonished the of history,” adding, “We want you to be part of the history children to be of good behaviour and be good ambassadors too.”

“We have decided to invest of their states in particular and in our children, we do not play Nigeria at large.

Information is rife that a global cosmetics company, Franceheadquartered L’Oréal, after many \HDUV RI DWWHPSWV LV VHW WR ÀQDOO\ enter the Nigerian market and take leadership position before the end of the year.

There are strong indications that L’Oréal may have found a reliable partner in Konga Health, a digital health care distribution company and one of the thriving subsidiaries under the Konga e-Commerce group.

Our source at Konga Health QHLWKHU GHQLHG QRU FRQÀUPHG the development. However,

he assured that if any such deal sails through, the management of Konga will make it public, adding that such a landmark deal of this nature cannot be hushed and likening it to pregnancy, which, in his words: ‘‘you can’t hide for too long’’.

L’Oréal is the world leader in beauty: makeup, cosmetics, haircare and perfume in terms RI TXDOLW\ H΀FDF\ DQG VDIHW\ Founded 113 years ago on July 30, 1909, L’Oréal has 21 worldwide research and development centers, owns more than 35 brands and over 497 patents.

Afro and The Beats Targets 200,000 Festivalgoers in December Mary Nnah

Having completely dominated the experiential and marketing ecosystem in activation and creativity for the past 16 years in Nigeria, Oracle Experience, the nation’s largest PDUNHWLQJ H[SHULHQFH ÀUP KDV DQQRXQFHG WKH PRVW VLJQLÀFDQW music and arts festival tagged ‘Afro And The Beats Music Festival’.

With this year’s edition ‘Naija Takeover’, the festival is designed to provide unmatched music and arts experiences in a multi-venue location to over 200,000 afro citizens and festivalgoers. The festival is scheduled to commence during the festive season in December starting with Lagos.

Afro And The Beats will feature live musical performances, the detty dance party, a cultural parade and comedy.

Also, there will be a kids’ corner and enjoyment village and in addition, sponsors tents for brand experiences

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

RingTrue 08054699539

yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

This ‘Nigeria Air’ Garbage Must Be Discarded

T

he Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has become an embarrassment to forward-looking Nigerians over his Nigeria Air project. This guy has been flushing public funds down the drain on the proposed airline. I can’t forget how he wasted huge public funds during the Farnborough air show in London in June 2018, just to announce the birth of the airline that has so far refused to take off. It was a show of shame by Sirika because no foreign investor participated at that fraudulent launch in London.

If the amount so far expended on Nigeria Air is revealed, many will be dazed. In countries where public officers are held accountable for failures, Sirika would have been severely punished for wasting public funds on this drivel.

Unfortunately, the man that should call Sirika to order, President Muhammadu Buhari is playing along with him because of ignorance and incompetence.

Sirika was at the National Assembly three weeks back to, as usual, make noise about his hopeless Nigeria Air venture.

He declared: “The national carrier is in the works and we have advanced significantly. Just yesterday, Mr. President in concluding our retreat, directed that this airline must work between now and December. We have so far, from all the submissions, identified the partners and the investors and we are currently negotiating and processing the AOC. We are tweaking the business case in such a way that will give us an advantage and set in, in the most efficient manner. So, I want to commit here, by the grace of God, between now and the end of the year, the airline will work.”

Nigeria Air is dead on arrival. First, Sirika pretends to be unaware that it is no longer trendy for countries to set up national airlines. The world has gone beyond this. I’m shocked that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) gave approval for this garbage. How did this happen? What will the national carrier do that existing flag carriers can’t do? The revival of a national carrier can’t be of any economic benefit to the suffering masses of this country. So, why waste public funds on it? I am not sorry to say that Sirika is more concerned about personal gains from this adventure.

A good government will support current flag carriers to utilise Nigeria’s slots in existing Bilateral Air Services

Sirika

Agreements, instead of wasting public funds to set up a national carrier. Besides, a national carrier cannot be the priority of an inept government swimming in debt.

It cannot be the priority of a country in which the security and welfare of the people are in shambles. The focus of a good government should be on critical sectors like security, health and education.

Airline businesses are better left to the private sector. This is the standard in lucid climes.

Sirika stresses that this government is giving every Nigerian, especially those in the aviation sector, an opportunity to participate in the airline. He wants us to believe that with the proposed national carrier, every Nigerian will become a stakeholder in the aviation sector. Haba!

This is preposterous. Besides, how can Sirika call the proposed airline that would be owned 49 per cent by Ethiopian Airlines a Nigerian carrier?

The Chairman of United Airlines Nigeria, Obiora Okonkwo captures this misnomer rightly: “We have not seen anything Nigerian in this Nigeria Air. It is a camouflage of interest. The decision to set up a national carrier in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines is a policy somersault. The people in government have continued to demonise the local operators. What the aviation sector needs is support. The private sector will collapse with this national carrier arrangement.

Nigeria will be losing much. It must not be allowed to happen. There is nothing ‘Nigeria’ in this Nigeria Air.” The Chief Executive Officer, West Link Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia adds: “This proposed national carrier should be stopped. The entity called national carrier is just a game to get what is touted as a national carrier owned by individuals. We have the capacity to establish our airlines.

We should not allow Ethiopian Airlines to do it. The deal should be cancelled.

It is an insult to our sensibility. We can develop our aviation sector. Some people just want to form a private carrier under the name of a national carrier.”

Again, Nigerians are regularly assaulted

by Sirika with all sorts of preposterous funding plans for the Nigeria Air. We were first told in 2018 that the airline would be private sector-led. Later, Sirika said public funds would be used to start it, and later, bring investors to buy equity in the company. He added that the federal government would commit $308.8 million to the project, and when the airline is established, its shares would be sold to investors.

Sometime last year, the story changed to another plan that would have 51 per cent of its equity owned by the Nigerian government and people, with foreign partners holding the remaining 49 per cent.

Few weeks back, the funding plan was rejigged once more. Nigeria Air, according to Sirika, will now have Ethiopian Airlines owning 49 per cent. Local investors will own 46 per cent while the federal government retains five per cent. Sirika is obviously a confused man. Ethiopian Airlines, owned by the government of another country, is being offered controlling stake of 49 per cent in Nigeria Air. So, how can this be safely described as the Nigerian national carrier? Why give a wrong impression of a state-owned airline, when the federal government will only have five per cent equity in the proposed airline? With Ethiopian Airlines owning 49 per cent, it means 49 per cent of the profit will be taken out of Nigeria. The federal government will have to provide forex for this.

On the flip side, Sirika is on a mission to kill Nigerian flag carriers like Air Peace and Max Air for selfish reasons. This is why he has been pushing his Nigeria Air rubbish. He has deliberately refused to give the likes of Air Peace, Ibom Air and Max Air, that have shown capabilities,

Waiting for NLNG to Act Responsibly

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t is almost six weeks since the Senate directed the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to pay N18.4 billion compensation to 73 host communities and 200 families in Bonny, Rivers State, within two months, for acquiring their land and for the loss of the affected land to their pipelines’ Right of Way. It is so sad that nothing concrete has happened in this direction, six weeks after the directives. The Senate gave the instruction after adopting the report of its Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions that investigated a petition from the communities calling for compensation.

It is a shame that the NLNG acquired landed properties in 1989, spanning over 210 kilometres for use as its pipelines Right of Way which ended at its export terminal in

Finima, Bonny Local Government Area for a meagre N73 million. That was all the NLNG paid 39 of the affected 73 communities and 73 individuals/families of the over 200 families whose hitherto agrarian sources of livelihood were negatively impacted by the acquisition. Of course, some powerful Nigerians in government connived with the NLNG for the rip off.

The Senate thoroughly investigated the petition before endorsing the N18.4 billion compensation demanded by the traumatised communities. The NLNG is being told to act responsibly by paying the N18.4 billion compensation to these hapless Nigerians. That is the meaning of the Senate’s directives.

But I doubt if this will ever happen.

The NLNG, in a statement issued a day after the Senate’s directives, simply said it was evaluating the resolution and circumstances surrounding it.

The recalcitrant gas company adds: “NLNG wishes to state that it has always conducted its business responsibly and in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including in this specific matter.”

This firm is obviously non-committal and showed so much arrogance in its response. So, my suggestion to the affected communities is that they should get lawyers to file a suit against the NLNG. This is the only language companies like this one understand. I am also challenging our human rights warriors to rise and fight for these devastated Bonny communities.

access to Nigeria’s lucrative Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) slots with the United Kingdom and the United States, because of this stupid Nigeria Air dream.

I need to remind this minister that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, the two airlines using the slots arising from Nigeria’s BASA with the United Kingdom, are not owned by the British government.

They are British private companies. The American airlines utilising that country’s BASA slots with Nigeria – Delta Airline and United airline – are also privately owned.

BASA (also known as air transport agreement) is a treaty which allows international commercial air transport services between two countries. It contains provisions such as the routes the airline can fly, the number of flights they can operate, as well as the number of airlines that can operate such routes.

Nigeria has signed and updated BASA with scores of countries. Unfortunately, Nigeria is not currently benefitting from the lucrative routes – Lagos to London, Abuja to London and Lagos to New York. These routes are only beneficial to the United States and UK (with their carriers) without any reciprocal benefits to Nigerian flag carriers.

Nigeria does not need to set up a national airline to benefit from all BASA slots. This country does not need Ethiopian Airlines to utilise our two most lucrative BASA slots. Sirika has simply made it impossible for our flag carriers to utilise our lucrative BASA openings. Sirika is reserving the slots for his imaginary Air Nigeria. His moves towards the establishment of a national carrier must be stopped by the National Assembly. Existing flag carriers have the capacity to utilise Nigeria’s BASA slots. Air Peace has proved this on the Johannesburg, Guangzhou and Dubai routes.

Tears for Kusherki Kids

T

here is so much pain in many homes in Kusherki village, Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State.

Here, terrorists abducted 20 children on October 19 and are demanding a N40 million ransom for their release. There are four males and 16 females among the kids abducted, and they are between four and 10 years old. The Kusherki agrarian community is incapable of raising N40 million. This is why the kids have been in the forest with the terrorists for 25 days. They are evidently facing untold hardship in the hands of their abductors.

Three weeks back, the Niger State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar said the government was doing everything possible to ensure that the children are released unhurt. That was where the story ended. Nothing concrete happened thereafter. Today, I challenge security agencies to raise their game and secure freedom for Kusherki kids.

16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

PERSPECTIVE The Lies About Ekweremadu and South East Roads Uche Anichukwu

A

mong Ndigbo, we say, “Onwu gbuo okorobia, ewere asiri jee akwa ya”. When sudden death befalls an able-bodied, young man, many fallacious stories are told at his funeral.

Indeed many tales have been told since the unfortunate fate that befell former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, and his family in London.

Only a few days ago, one Houston-based critic vomited a whole lot about Ekweremadu with triumphal gusto and air of finality.

Among others, he wrote: “I had always told the senator in his face and written extensively on how he used his time in the Senate to collude with contractors to loot the funds budgeted for several public projects in Igbo land. These, of course, include Enugu/Onitsha, Enugu/Port-Harcourt, and Oji-River/ Awgu roads, which have continued to claim many innocent lives. A simple scan of the internet on my name alongside Ekweremadu will show more, including a library, water, and road projects that were looted in my hometown of Ugbo, Enugu State”.

He also added: “One of the perceived prophesies is that I never ceased to tutor the senator on the genius of the adage: ‘A tree does not make a forest.’… Senator Ike Ekweremadu made sure that none of his political associates from his area could rise or shine”.

The irony of it all is that this man’s community, Ugbo, in Awgu LGA, is one of the greatest beneficiaries of Ekweremadu’s sojourn in the Senate, be it in terms of infrastructural projects or human capital development, regular employments, and political empowerment. Beside the asphalt road network across the length and breath of the hilly community, the water projects, electricity etc., which Ekweremadu attracted to Ugbo, the slanderer’s kinsman and political scion of Ekweremadu, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, rose from being Ekweremadu’s Special Adviser to becoming a three-term Member of the House of Representatives and incumbent Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives. This has had a multiplier effect in development projects, employments, etc. in Ugbo in particular, and Enugu West, Enugu State and the South East in general. Ekweremadu also facilitated the appointment of the critic’s elder brother, Dr. Alex Ogbonnia, into federal boards and subsequently as Special Adviser to Deputy President of the Senate.

Instructively, although this senseless falsehood that funds voted for the reconstruction of South East roads were diverted by Ekweremadu into buying properties formed the core of the mischievous petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in 2016 (in a bid to exploit the adverse relationship between the executive and legislature following Ekweremadu’s emergence as presiding officer from opposition and Dr. Bukola Saraki’s emergence without the blessings of the “powers that be”, EFCC has not told anyone that it traced such funds to Ekweremadu after six years of investigating him. The asset forfeiture lawsuit is based on EFCC’s claim that Ekweremadu’s properties are above his “legitimate income” as a former Local Government Council Chairman, Chief of Staff at Enugu Government House, Secretary to Enugu State Government, fiveterm Senator, three-term Deputy President of the Senate, former Deputy Speaker and Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament as well as a legal practitioner.

Absurd and meretricious as this sounds, I will not go into it since it is subjudice.

However, it is suffices to observe that rightthinking Nigerians have continued to flay this strange arrangement where a Nigerian public officer is being called to prove from his overseas detention his innocence over his alleged assets contrary to the well-held dictum and practice that he who alleges, proves. This judicial ambush, which the said

Ekweremadu

It has to be stated with every sense of modesty that Ekweremadu is in a class of his own as a representative in the infrastructural transformation of his constituency, Enugu State and more in addition to his millage in constitutional and electoral law reforms. In fact, he drafted in his handwriting the widely applauded electronic transfer of results writer has condemned, tells an entire story of itself. It is reminiscent of the July 24, 2018 siege when the EFCC led hosts of security agencies to storm Ekweremadu’s official residence at 4am like the home of Osama Bin Laden without any previous invitation.

At the same, battalions of security agents already laid siege to Dr. Saraki’s residence, all in a failed attempt to hold them hostage and facilitate their illegal impeachment.

Elementary knowledge of government tells us that the legislature makes laws, including the Appropriation Acts, while the executive implements them. As it were, Ekweremadu has never been a governor, minister, and director-general of any federal or state government agency. He has not been in a position to administer public funds, except as a local government council chairman between 1997 and 1998 when he was voted the best council chairman at the time.

A striking irony in the whole fallacy of Ekweremadu’s culpability for the state of South East roads is that Chief Ouesugun Obasanjo could not reconstruct the LagosIbadan road in the eight years that he was President. the same goes for Abeokuta road.

I travelled by road from Port Harcourt to Yenogoa in November 2020. Obviously, Goodluck Jonathan could not fix the single most important road in the Niger Delta, the East-West road, for the little over five years he was president. I equally travelled from Yenegoa to Otuoke during that trip. It was not paved with gold. In July 2021, Niger Delta youths barricaded the East-West road last year to protest the state of that road.

Just like the Enugu-Onitsha road, travelling on Abuja-Minna Road or Bida-Minna Road is never a pleasant experience. In 2019 and again in 2020, the people of Niger State staged protests, blocking Abuja-Minna road for hours to register their displeasure. In September 2021, truck drivers barricaded the Bida-Mokwa-Kwara road in protest.

Malam Abdullahi Mohammed, a tanker driver, lamented to the News Agency of Nigeria, saying, “The Bida/Lapai/Lambata

road is completely bad. We sleep there for two or three days before getting to our destinations”. Let us bear in mind that Niger State produced two military Heads of State.

Furthermore, right from the days of Yar’Adua to President Buhari administration, the Kano-Katsina road is still work in progress.

Yet these are roads in the areas that have produced Nigerian Heads of State and I do not think they are pleased with the situation.

It is therefore total ignorance or deliberate malice to argue that a lawmaker syphoned contract sums for South East roads when even successive CEOs (presidents) of Nigeria, who supposedly provided the funds, cannot boast of better roads in their regions and hometowns.

The hypocrisy of it all is that every South East State has produced a President of the Senate and continues to produce three senators every four years. Yet the these armchair critics, who lash at Ekweremadu, a former Deputy President of the Senate, for failing to build world class roads in the South East and a kidney centre that could have treated his daughter, go mute when asked to showcase the ones built by Presidents of the Senate produced by their respective states or their successive representatives.

However, it has to be stated with every sense of modesty that Ekweremadu is in a class of his own as a representative in the infrastructural transformation of his constituency, Enugu State and more in addition to his millage in constitutional and electoral law reforms. In fact, he drafted in his handwriting the widely applauded electronic transfer of results. In the wake of Ekweremadu’s present ordeals, former House of Representatives Member, Hon. KGB Oguakwa, said that although he was not particularly Ekweremadu’s friend and had not discussed with him for the past eight years, the lawmaker nevertheless stands out from the rest.

As could be seen, the poor state of our roads is a national and systemic problem

not peculiar to any region. The root cause is our wrong road funding and governance models. Instead of concessioning our roads to the private sector, we are still depending on annual budgets, which are a far cry from reality and hardly released. When government announces award of a N10 billion road contract, for instance, it does not mean that N10 billion was released. Such funds are released to the Ministry in tranches and sparingly. Most times, completed parts fall apart before a new tranche is released. It is so bad that during budget defence in 2021, Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, called for embargo on new road contracts pending the funding and completion of ongoing projects.

He has underscored the challenges yet again in the ongoing budget defence at the National Assembly. He said: “The main challenge to highways development in the country remains inadequate funding. As at date, the government is committed to highway contractors to the tune of about N10.4trillion while a total of about N765billion are unpaid certificates for executed works.

“As at October 2022, the Ministry had a cumulative unpaid certificate in the sum of N765,017,139,752.92 for ongoing highway and bridge projects. Apart from the pressure of resources to pay, there is the inadequacy of annual budget provisions where N100 million or N200 million was provided for roads costing N20 billion or more”.

The truth is that the only roads guaranteed to succeed as of now are those captured under the Presidential Infrastructural Development Fund (PIDF) managed by the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) because they do not depend on the unrealistic and yearly budget. They are notably the Lagos-Ibadan highway, the Abuja-Kano highway, and the Second Nigeria Bridge. By the way, it took the strategic thinking of Hon. Toby Okechukwu as the Chairman of the House Committee on Works in the 8th NASS and Ekweremadu to move the Second Niger Bridge from the stranded PPP arrangement with Julius Berger to the NSIA through the magnanimity of Fashola.

Besides funding, the initial serious flaw in the engineering design of the Enugu-Onitsha road by the Ministry of Works contributed to the delay in the reconstruction of that road.

The built portions were collapsing such that even the contractors, RCC, were not willing to continue. The government had to either re-award it or redesign it. Ekweremadu and some other South East stakeholders preferred to have it redesigned than get an undurable road. In redesigning it, polymer, some level of filter (sand), cement, double binder (instead of the initial single binder), etc., were added. Anyone, who has plied the reconstructed portions would attest to the difference.

Apart from the usual funding challenge, the summary of the story of Oji-Achi-MmakuAwgu road, is that the Federal Government awarded it to a contractor that lacked the capacity for such a challenging topography.

Unfortunately, successive Ministers of Works neglected to annul and rearward the contract despite recommendations by successive National Assembly Committees on Works after each oversight visit. Only Fashola could take that bold step in 2018 and it was awarded to SETRACO Nigeria after ten wasted years. The great work done on that road since then is there for the world to see.

By way of epilogue, although sacks of tales are taken to the funeral of an able-bodied man, the good thing is that it is not yet Ekweremadu’s funeral, by God’s grace.

Those hastily composing a dirge, hurrying to bury a breathing man will have to cloth themselves in long, flowing gowns of patience because God is still on the throne.

As Ekweremadu always says, the just shall be vindicated and the wicked will never go unpunished.

Anichukwu is Media Adviser to Senator Ekweremadu.

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tiwa Savage Talks About Her Sex-tape in New Song Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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t is the African Bad Gal, Tiwa Savage’s second installment for 2022, and together with rave of the moment Asake dishes out another song titled, ‘Loaded’, produced

by Asake’s choice producer, Magicsticks. ‘Loaded’ is delivered in Yoruba and English featuring fusion of Amapiano and Afrobeatss, as the song’s title suggests.

On this enthralling single, Tiwa, alongside Asake, in two minutes 35 seconds, showcased their tremendous abilities and dexterities to everyone in the music community with this incredibly-crafted entry. The pop

diva also dropped the video for the smash hit single. In the video, directed

by TG Omori, both Tiwa and Asake displayed high sense of urban fashion which made the project colourful.

In the new song, the talented singer and actress revisited her leaked sex video, noting that the scandal cannot ruin her life.

“They planned against me, but sex tape can’t ruin my life,” Tiwa sang in Yoruba.

She proceeded to say, “who never f*ck, hands in the air”.

Asake and Tiwa seem ready to rule the charts. Tiwa Savage has been polishing the last touches on her forthcoming.

Album.

Asake and Tiwa

RMD, Bimbo Akintola Star in ‘Far from Home’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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L-R: RMD, Bimbo Akintola and Ufuoma McDermont in a scene from the movie...

KH ODXQFK GDWH RI 1LJHULD·V ÀUVW <RXQJ Adult show, “Far From Home” was recently announced ahead of its 'HFHPEHU GHEXW RQ 1HWÁL[ IROORZLQJ D ÀUVW ORRN WUDLOHU IRU WKH OLPLWHG series. Produced in partnership with ,QNEORW 3URGXFWLRQV WKH ÀYH SDUW VHULHV concluded principal photography earlier this year.

Written by Dami Elebe, ‘Far from Home’ follows the story of Ishaya (Mike Afolarin), a charismatic teenager and talented artist from a poor family.

His dreams suddenly appear within reach when a prestigious scholarship to the most exclusive school in WKH FRXQWU\ FDWDSXOWV KLP LQWR WKH D΁XHQW ZRUOG RI Nigeria’s elite. All the while, a huge secret threatens Ishaya’s newfound status and, ultimately, his family’s safety. The upcoming title blends an exciting ensemble of up-and-coming talents and established screen legends.

With the key cast including Funke Akindele,

Richard Mofe-Damijo, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Bolanle Ninalowo, Bucci Franklin, Bimbo Akintola, Linda Ejiofor, Ufuoma Mcdermott, Chioma Akpotha, Femi Branch and Carol King. Mike Afolarin, Elma Mbadiwe, Genoveva Umeh, Gbubemi Ejeye, Olumide Oworu and Natse Jemide are part of the vanguard of rising stars.

On the upcoming title, the co-creator of “Far From Home” and founder of Inkblot Productions, Chinaza Onuzo said: “We’re excited to be partnering with 1HWÁL[ WR FUHDWH WKLV VSHFLDO VKRZ RQ D JOREDO VFDOH for and about young Nigerians. Working with such an amazing cast and crew to tell this unique story about making your way in the world and chasing your dreams no matter your status in life, is such a privilege and honor.”

The acclaimed Nigerian scriptwriter, Dami Elebe served as the series’ head writer, with Chinaza Onuzo, Erika Klopper, Zulumoke Oyibo and Damola Ademola as executive producers.

Eight Years After Split, Mbong Remarries Ferdinand Ekechukwu

page with the good news and photos from her wedding. She disclosed that God had ctress, beauty queen, done everything she ever dreamt of as she and former wife of Jeta can truly say that her life is complete.

Beaming with smiles in the photos, she Amata, Mbong, is pretty happy at the moment. wrote: “Surprise! I’m married! Everything I Mbong took to social have ever dreamt of, God has done. Wow… media to announce such a bold statement and dare I say that that she has tied the my life is truly complete! Being drenched knot with her new man. The actress who in so much love, and surrounded by my is known for her reserved lifestyle excitedly closest pals as I celebrated my nuptials this announced that she has found love again past weekend felt so incredible. God has blessed me with the best of everything. and remarried.

“My husband, family, friends, those who Mbong gave marriage another chance eight years after their split and moments couldn’t make it but still sent their love, of drama in between. Jeta and Mbong got vendors who worked tirelessly to make my married in 2008, welcomed a daughter, Veno day soooo special and of course everyone EXW WKH\ VHSDUDWHG LQ DQG R΀FLDOO\ JRW ZKR PDGH KXJH VDFULÀFHV WR ZLWQHVV WKLV divorced by 2014. Mbong’s announcement day, I’m super grateful! Thank you! Thank comes months after her ex-husband Jeta you!! Thank you!!!”

She subsequently shared photos from her Amata raised the alarm concerning her wedding and thanked her friends, family alleged sudden disappearance.

The beautiful actress took to her Instagram and colleagues who have supported her.

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Jeta Amata and actress Mbong were once WKH WRDVW RI WKH 1LJHULDQ ÀOP LQGXVWU\ 7KHLU love story, love life, and marriage were the perfect celebrity life. Interestingly, their love story didn’t start in 2008 but as far back as ZKHQ WKH\ ÀUVW PHW 0ERQJ ZKR ZDV only 16 at the time, met Jeta at an audition, and they immediately started dating.

But as any decent man, Jeta patiently waited for two years until she was 18 before asking her out. Of course, she said yes, and so they began dating. Five years after she won the Most Beautiful Girl in Akwa Ibom contest and four years after, 2nd runner-up in the 2004 Miss Nigeria, they tied the nuptial knot. And in the same year, they welcomed the only child between them, a daughter named Veno Amata.

For years they were the toast of Nollywood, and it appeared that their joy was full. Sadly, it was the complete opposite.

In 2013, they separated on friendly terms DQG ZHUH R΀FLDOO\ GLYRUFHG D \HDU DIWHU

Mbong with new husband

Jennesix Drops ‘Breaking News” Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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Jennesix

fro hip-hop singer and dancer, Adedapomola Adebesin aka Jennesix held a listening party for his new album, “Breaking News” last Friday in Lagos. It was attended by his fans and colleagues, oldies and youngies in the music industry including Marvelous Benji, Damain and Desmond BoJ, Clizi, Rex Black, Funn Boy,

Born Champion, Mysterio, Cayman, Montero, Wonder Boy, Fireman, Lady Ryan, Gring Daneers, Turnturn and Son. At the event, Jenessix describes his music as well accepted, noting it’s wide acceptability across the world. He disclosed the 12-track album took him patience and time to make, citing his album as an example of good music. Jennesix performed several VRQJV RͿ WKH DOEXP WR WKH GHOLJKW RI WKH audience and received loud applause.

Thanking those who worked on the project with him, he said, “I am really excited and

proud to be releasing my album. I need all your support for this and I promise not to disappoint my fans. I will continue to release more songs and my fans should expect the best for me. Thank you for always being there for me.”

Continuing, Jennesix advised young artistes to stay out of drugs, “believe in yourself and continue doing what you are good at doing and be focused. They should be educated before they venture into music as it will help them in their career and they should be focused.”

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Rema’s ‘Rave and Roses’ Tour Ferdinand Ekechukwu

real name Divine Ikubor thrilled fans with a selection of his hit songs. During the widely acclaimed London leg of the tour, the music ema’s “Rave & Roses” star featured a number of Nigerian artistes. tour has been on the lips The Mavin Record signee brought out of many going by the per- his friend and Nigerian superstar Fireboy formances and stunts. For who thrilled the crowd with some of his over a month, he performed hit records including their collaboration, in multiple cities across “Compromise”. Also on his set was Dave, Europe. From Amsterdam the British-Nigerian superstar who wowed to Copenhagen and Paris, Rema sold out! the crowd. There was also Victony. The The Afrobeats phenomenon stormed Europe fast-rising artiste dazzled the audience with DUPHG ZLWK KLV ÀUVW IXOO OHQJWK DOEXP DQG KLV VRQJ ¶'LͿHUHQW 6L]HV· DQG ¶6RZHWR· numerous hits - the collection of music he More recently, Rema announced that calls Afrorave. ´&DOP 'RZQµ RͿ WKH ´5DYHV 5RVHVµ The tour was named after the album album had surpassed the 1 billion streaming released in March 2022, and which had the mark across platforms. The single since its massive hit, “Calm Down”. His show at release has enjoyed wide acceptance and the 5,000-capacity 02 Brixton Arena, London the Selena Gomez-assisted remix further last Monday, culminated in a bang. Rema, propelled the song to international fame.

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Rema is conquering the international stages.

At the age of 22, Rema assumed one of the most important names in the new wave of Afrobeats stars.

His debut EP, “IronMan”, which also includes the track “Dumebi”, was released in 2019 and catapulted the young Nigerian prodigy into the spotlight, garnering praise from Rihanna, Drake, Skepta and FKA Twigs and even ending up on President Obama’s playlist. Switching his sounds to something he calls “Afrorave”, Rema released his highly anticipated debut album “Rave & Roses”, proving his talent for writing unstoppable with hits such as “Calm Down”, “Soundgasm” DQG ´7LPH 1 $ͿHFWLRQµ 7KH DOEXP DOVR IHDWXUHV D ÀQH VHOHFWLRQ RI guests, including Americans Chris Brown and 6LACK, British rapper AJ Tracey and French singer Yseult.

Rema at the London show

CKNT out with ‘Magician’ Ify Black China

Returns from China

Tosin Clegg

Fast rising Nigerian Artist, Clinton Chinaemerem Enwerem better known by the stage name ‘CKNT’ is one budding superstar to look out for in the music industry as his unique style of music and VRXQG GLͿHUHQWLDWHV KLP IURP RWKHUV The talented act is set to release yet another good tune titled, ‘Magician’ produced by SKBaddestxtra, mix and mastered by Runcheck.

Speaking on his sojourn in music, CKNT said his love for music started at a very tender age when he discovered his love for dancing to Micheal Jackson’s songs and gradually he fell in love with music then reshaped himself to the brand he is now.

Blessed with a unique sound texture; the artiste described his style of music as a blend of Afro pop, Afro trap and Afro DanceHall. He however noted that he was inspired by the good works of several talented artist like WizKid, BurnaBoy, and Davido amongst others who have been able to project their music globally.

Currently working on his EP, he informs that the challenge his brand is currently facing is as a result of not having a record

Tosin Clegg

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CKNT

label and being an upcoming artiste living abroad.

Naija Star Search: Top 5 Contestants Emerge

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rom 4000 contestants who submitted entries to seventeen contestants who made it to WKH VKRZ WRS ÀYH FRQWHVWDQWV KDYH ÀQDOO\ HPHUJHG IRU WKH ÀQDO URXQGV RI WKH 1DLMD 6WDU Search Talent Show.

Skimzo, Eniola, Kachi, Melo and Greysky PDGH LW WR WKH WRS ÀYH 7RPV WKH ODG\ ZLWK the melodious voice that got the judges crying after performing late Sound Sultan’s song last week, was unlucky as she was evicted in the following episode.

The last episode saw the contestants perform their original Afrobeats songs. At this level of the competition, the judges are looking for originality, street credibility and creativity in the talents that can soar them to a global stage. The judges worked with WKHP SURYLGLQJ PHQWRUVKLS WR ÀQHWXQH WKHLU original songs.

The show aired last Sunday saw an electrifying performance from these young talents. Unfortunately for Toms, her song choice couldn’t match up with her peers, based on the judges’ decision.

The highlight of the show was Asha Gangali’s performance of his new single.

The talent hunt show is a collaboration between StarTimes Nigeria and Kennis Music toward preserving Afrobeats.

Highlights of the previous episodes are on the Naija Star Search channel on YouTube.

The New edition airs every Sunday at 8pm on ST Nollywood Plus, ST Nollywood and ST Yoruba channels on StarTimes, as well DV WKH 6WDU7LPHV 21 PRELOH DSS 7KH ÀQDO round will air on November 27.

Winners will get N10m in cash prizes, a recording contract, and an opportunity to reach the skies.

hina-based Nigerian actor and singer, James Ogbobe popularly known as Ify Black China, is back in the country to create his own space in the music industry, as he drops his debut single track, “DuoDuo” next weekend. The artiste, who has featured in many Nollywood epic movies, says he’s not back home to compete with anybody in the industry. Rather, he wants to be himself, while doing things like never done before.

“I want to be myself. I don’t want to be like every other person out there. I don’t want to imitate any singer. That’s why I am coming out with my own unique sound style which is a infusion of Chinese with the English language. I have some Igbo tracks in my songs too. I will be releasing them one after the other,” he enthused.

He’s into Afro-beat, hip-hop and amapiano.

For him, music remains a tool through which he relives memories of his life journey. The rising singer said the message of his music is to encourage people never to give up their dreams. According to him, he did a yet to be released traditional Igbo song containing about four tracks before he relocated to China, ZKHUH KH ÀQDOO\ KRQHG KLV PXVLF VNLOOV The Enugu State-born singer said he’s into music to share his true-life experience with the world to see if it will have a positive impact on some other people’s lifestyle. On how he is combining music with acting, 28-year-old Nsukka-born said it was not a problem for him to combine two professions.

Black China

Organisers Promise Biggest Ever ‘Beauty West Africa’ Fair Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Ogungbe

He stated further, “I love standing in front of the camera as well as being on stage. Whenever I’m invited to star in a movie, I make myself available. If I am asked to perform on stage, I try to honour the invitation. It’s never an issue for me to be an actor and a singer.”

He recalled how he struggled to make ends meet back home before the grace of God located him while he was in China. He took part in various movies back in China which gave him the popularity he enjoys today among the Chinese audience.

Qian Duo Duo, as he is popularly called by his numerous Chinese fans, is a household name in China and among Chinese in diaspora who follow him online. ,W LV EDVLFDOO\ EHFDXVH RI WKLV D΀QLW\ WR the Chinese fans that he decided to create a style of Afro Pop music where he will sing to both the Nigeria audience and Chinese DXGLHQFH +H VSHDNV ÁXHQW &KLQHVH ODQJXDJH even better than his mother tongue.

The organisers of the annual “Beauty West Africa” fair have confirmed that the forthcoming edition will be the biggest yet. With more than 220 exhibitors already booked, the show will require three exhibition halls at the Landmark Centre in Lagos. Beauty West Africa will open its doors from November 29 to December 1, with exhibitors coming from Nigeria and around the world.

Manufacturers, suppliers and distributors will be coming from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America to do business with Nigeria’s beauty, hair and cosmetics businesses.

Now in its fourth edition, Beauty West Africa will see many returning exhibitors but will be welcoming many new companies, too.

“When the 2021 show returned after the pandemic, it was a sell-out and 2022 will see the exhibition space expand to more than 4,200sqm.

Of note is the increase in Nigerian businesses who will be participating at what will be Africa’s biggest beauty event yet,” said the organisers.

Beauty West Africa is organised by BtoB Events which runs a portfolio of leading trade exhibitions in Nigeria.

Its Managing Director Jamie Hill is looking forward to greeting exhibitors old and new, and particularly those from Nigeria itself.

“Beauty West Africa 2022 will welcome a record number of Nigerian exhibitors, which is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Nigerian people and sector. Despite various challenges being faced in the local economy (such as inflation and devaluation of the Naira) these Nigerian businesses are actively continuing to invest in activities designed to boost their revenue and exporting capacities,” said Hill.

Successful features at exhibitions organised

by BtoB Events are pavilions bringing together businesses from specific countries, and Beauty West Africa is no different.

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

SHOWBIZFLAIR

2Baba, Larry Gaaga in ‘Mad Over Hills’ Featuring Falz Ferdinand Ekechukwu

W

hen two music greats join forces, the outcome is magical music.

Frequent collaborators and longtime friends, Larry Gaaga and multiple award-winning superstar, 2baba are proud to announce they are joining forces to form a new super duo called “The Kabal”.

In making the announcement, Larry Gaaga who is the Vice President A&R, DefJam Africa said: “we always knew this collaboration was going to happen, it was only a matter of time. This is SDUW RI WKH IXOÀOOPHQW RI WKH SURPLVHV , made to elevate African music as Vice President, A&R at Def Jam Africa.”

2baba also shared his excitement, saying, “I couldn’t be happier and more excited to be doing this with my brother and friend, Larry Gaaga, and with a label as iconic as Def Jam.”

L-R: Larry Gaaga and 2baba

Sipho Dlamini, CEO, South Africa & Sub-Saharan Africa, Universal Music also spoke about the duo. He states, “it is exciting to see two legendary true African

talents like Larry Gaaga and 2baba come together to create a super duo this iconic.

This is the stamp of excellence in black music Def Jam is known for.”

$V WKHLU ÀUVW DFW DIWHU WKH DQQRXQFHment of their formation, The Kabal UHOHDVHV LWV ÀUVW VLQJOH FDOOHG ´0DG 2YHU Hills” which features superstar rapper )DO] WKH %KDG *X\ 2Q WKH 0DUYLR SURGXFHG WUDFN EDED DQG )DO] WHOO WKH stories of conditional love, passionate desire and heartbreak. ,Q WKH GXR LV VHW WR UHOHDVH LWV ÀUVW SURMHFW WLWOHG ´7KH %LUWKµ XQGHU 'HI Jam Recordings Africa.

The Birth is the amalgamation of sounds, stories and cultures from across the continent, and it features the biggest stars the continent has ever produced.

Meanwhile, Larry Gaaga has released a new single ‘Letters From Overseas’ which features talented Ghanaian musician Black Sherif.

The Afrobeats sound released Friday, November 11 via Ziiki Media label sees Black Sherif delivers a smooth blend of Pop rap and highlife in this single that documents the struggles of a Youngman’s miles away from home working hard to make it.

Yinka Nathan: My New Song, a Celebration of Women Tosin Clegg

A

s part of celebrating black women, Nigerian Soul Cum Pop singer, Oluyinka Nathaniel has revealed why her new single is titled “African Woman”. The dark-skinned singer disclosed that the new song

“chronicles the strength and resilience of the African woman which is second to none and the more reason why every woman deserves to be celebrated.”

Speaking more on the song’s theme, she said, “Even when faced with hardVKLS DQG GL΀FXOWLHV D W\SLFDO $IULFDQ ZRPDQ ZLOO ÀQG D ZD\ WR ZHDWKHU WKH storm and achieve their desired goal.

African women are beautiful in and out and as such are worthy of all human

praises.”

Produced, mixed and mastered by SUROLÀF HQWHUWDLQHU . VROR WKH QHZ song is available on all music streaming platforms and is currently enjoying massive airplay on radio stations across the country.

Inspired by the late Whitney Houston, Yinka Nathan is ready to bless the industry with her musical prowess and powerful stage craft.

Yinka Nathan

Don Lamba: Patience, Humility Necessary for Artistes to Flourish Tosin Clegg

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Don Lamba (middle) with his two new artistes

he Managing Director, CSE Records, Onyekachukwu Mba, aka Don Lamba, has charged upcoming artistes to make patience and humility their guiding SULQFLSOH LQ WKH TXHVW WR ÁRXULVK LQ WKH entertainment industry.

He also urged musicians to understand that it takes processes for things to manifest in the desired direction in life, adding that to gain prominence, they should not forget their humble beginnings. The music executive also emphasised the importance of artistes honouring their contract with their respective record labels He said, “Fame should not prevent artistes from honouring their contractual agreements with record

ODEHOV 7KH\ VKRXOG UHÁHFW RQ WKH GD\V ZKHQ WKH\ ZHUH QRERG\ DQG UHPHPEHU WKH VDFULÀFHV PDGH IRU WKHP WKH sweat and the money invested in their talents before they gained prominence.

“Those investing in them got the money from the VDFULÀFHV WKH\ PDGH LQ RWKHU EXVLQHVVHV VR WKH\ QHHG WR recoup the money invested in them and their projects.

When you sign artistes from the street, they have no fame and are yet to start making money, but when they see opportunity, they think that life is about money and fame.

But life is beyond that; I always tell people that what you think you have may not be what you need in life.

“Sometimes, it is all about them putting themselves in the shoes of the other person. At our label, we recently VFRXWHG IRU DUWLVWHV DQG VLJQHG WZR 0RÀ]]D\ DQG SOH B. We also took the extra measures of ensuring that we deal with the artistes’ personal names and not their stage names.”

Montblanc Launches ‘On the Move’ Collection

M

ontblanc, the leading global Maison for luxury writing instruments, watches, leather goods, new technologies, and accessories is proud to launch the new release of its exceptional collection into the Nigerian market with longstanding partner, PoloLuxury.

The collection - ‘On the Move’ with Montblanc was inspired by the desire of the Maison to help people embrace the inspirational power of their new-found mobility in the way they move and travel while on

their quest to live a life of purpose and passion. This novel collection embodies a new vision of mobility that is at the heart of Montblanc’s DNA: the way we move inspires the mark we make.

“Montblanc has also always understood the power of mobility, to move freely not just physically, but moving ahead to grow and ultimately thrive. With this new collection, we are encouraging a new generation of Montblanc customers to get out and move with passion, curiosity, and style, as they pursue what truly matters to them in life”, explains Vincent Montalescot, Montblanc’s CMO.

7KH QHZ FROOHFWLRQ FRQVLVWV RI ÀQHO\ crafted companions to inspire people to follow their path and accompany them on their journey, including the Extreme EDFNSDFN ZLWK WKH FOLPELQJ LQVSLUHG 0 /RFN D 6WDU:DONHU %ODFN &RVPRV ZULWLQJ LQVWUXPHQW WKH QHZ 6XPPLW smartwatch and the Montblanc 1858 GMT watch.

Speaking about the new collection, Jennifer Obayuwana, Executive Director, PoloLuxury said: “In our many years of partnership with the Montblanc brand, we have always been inspired by the innovative prowess and excellent craftsmanship

of the brand in pushing the boundaries of innovation. We are more than delighted to introduce the ‘On the Move’ collection to our tasteful clients and are assured of delivering to them the most wonderful experience.”

The new collection is now available at the Montblanc boutique, located in The Palms Shopping Mall, Lekki, Lagos.

Polo is Nigeria’s leading luxury goods company and the exclusive retailer of the world’s most prestigious Swiss watch brands; Rolex, Cartier, Piaget, Chopard, Longines, IWC, Omega, and Montblanc accessories, and jewellery brands like Messika, Yoko London, among others

20

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

22

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Adnek Announces New Products in the Spirit Market Adnek Food & Beverages Limited has announced two new gin brands in the Nigerian spirit market.

The new products, Dublin City Whiskey and Dublin City Gin were launched in Lagos amid fun and fanfare.

Speaking on the launch, Managing Director of Adnek, Ifechukwu Mbanefo stated that the introduction of the product, amid a highly competitive environment was strategic.

“Dublin City Whiskey is a premium Whiskey, likewise is the Dublin City Gin. It is not just a blended whiskey that you bring together; it is a tasty whiskey with single malt and a whiskey with an accent.

“Our latest has a very distinct taste that

should be experienced not just for the sake of drinking, but also because we want people to have good drinks that won’t DͿHFW WKHLU KHDOWK 7KLV EUDQG LV WKH W\SH of drink that does not damage people’s organs.”

Mbanefo added that the new products, beyond the common boast features that cater to consumers’ health.

Also speaking, Commercial and Sales Director of the organisation, Diego Menedez VWDWHG WKDW WKH RUJDQLVDWLRQ ÀUVW GHOYHG into the gin market in 2017 and has since made its mark in the industry, with many laurels to show for it.

He added that Dublin City Whiskey is cask strength and an original brand, noting

that the brand name is embroiled on the bottles to prevent adulteration.

He said, “We know the whiskey market is a very tough and competitive one, but this brand is a game changer because of its quality. I want people who drink whiskey

WR WDVWH WKH GLͿHUHQFH IURP ZKDW WKH\ DUH used to. Since the announcement and preparation for the launch of the product, people have reached out to order for the brand in cartoons because they liked its smooth taste.”

CSR-in-Action Gears up for Extractive Industries’ Conference 6XVWDLQDELOLW\ FRQVXOWLQJ ÀUP &65 LQ $FWLRQ has declared that the 11th Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) conference would centre discussion on reforms for mineral resource exploration.

The conference is themed, ‘Holistic Inclusion in the Extractive Industries’. &65 LQ $FWLRQ ZLOO EH KROG WKH HYHQW DORQJ with key partners, including Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI); Federal 0LQLVWU\ RI 3HWUROHXP 5HVRXUFHV )035 DQG Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (FMMSD), amongst others.

Chief Executive of the organisation, Bekeme Olowola stated that conversation would look into available opportunities for women, youths, businesses and communities in the extractive Industry.

She said that the conference which is taking place in Lagos will also cater to improve gender consideration in the extractive Industries.

2ORZROD VDLG ´2XU YLVLRQ DW &65 LQ $FWLRQ LV WR

adopt an inclusive approach to solving problems within the industries. We strongly believe that we can only actualise strategies for the sector’s improvement through the active participation of diverse, relevant stakeholders, and SITEI provides an open and transparent platform to achieve this” She added that the Community and Human 5LJKWV &$+5 $IULFD $ZDUGV ZRXOG DOVR KROG alongside the conference that is coming up in November 22.

The award aimed to promote and reward individual and business best practices in human rights and development across Africa.

Some speakers expected at the programme LQFOXGHG 'LUHFWRU 8QLWHG 1DWLRQV 5HJLRQDO &RPPLVVLRQV 5RVD 0DODQJR 0LQLVWHU IRU 0LQHV and Steel Development, Gbemisola Saraki; Chief ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU RI 113& 0DOODP 0HOH .ROR .\DUL DQG 0DQDJLQJ 'LUHFWRU RI 6KHOO 1LJHULD Exploration and Production Company Limited, Elohor Aiboni, and a host of others.

Nigerian Companies Shines at Paris Games Week Africa’s innovative games company, Zannoza Entertainment, alongside other Nigerian gaming companies stole the spotlight at the just concluded 2022 Paris Games Week.

The event which held at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, is an international trade fair that promotes the interests of video game developers.

The fair, which is acclaimed as the unifying event for video game fans was organised

by Comexposium, on behalf of Syndicat des Editeurs de Logiciels de Loisirs, SELL. Zannoza is an innovative games company that develops avenues to create, connect and compete through games.

Commenting, Founder of Zannoza Entertainment, Suzan Adinoyi remarked on the prospects in that Africa’s gaming industry, given its growth trajectory.

She professed that Nigeria was a leading nation in terms of gaming activities, revenues, and participants.

She added, “This is as a result of the country’s massive youthful population as well as increased access to smartphones and

more internet adoption.

Zannoza is uniquely positioned to be a major player, continuously driving growth through strategic partnerships and innovative mobile games and educational programs.

She said, “We are excited to be at Paris Games Week 2022, It is a great opportunity by the French Embassy in Nigeria, France Esports and Lagos State Government. We are pioneering the pathway into the application of games for entertainment, education, team bonding, consumer activations and community engagement.

The future is interactive and gaming is the key., thus, we are glad to provide the pathway alongside other gaming stakeholders, to create the future. ´:H ORRN IRUZDUG ZLWK VR PXFK FRQÀGHQFH HYHQ DV ZH ODXQFK RXU ÀUVW PRELOH JDPH $)52&,7< 3, RXU HGXFDWLRQDO SURJUDP &7< *$0(6 ZKLFK FUHDWHV D SDWKZD\ LQWR the gaming industry for those interested in starting a career in gaming either as a developer, designer, producer, monetization expert, storytelling and more.

L-R: Partner,Tax Services, Stransact (Chartered Accountants), Victor Athe; Partner, People and Regulatory Services, Yomi Salawu; General Partner, Eben Joels and Partner- Audit Services, Bola Mogaji at a media briefing on “Auditor’s Credibility and Assurance Practice in Nigeria”, organised by Stransact (Chartered Accountants) in Lagos...recently

L-R: MD/CEO, Sofri (powered by Links Microfinance Bank), Funsho Idowu; Executive Assistant, DLM Capital Group, Maeyen Okon; Corporate Communications Executive, Chiamaka Obiefuna; VP, Corporate Finance, Ekanem Etim and Director General, NECA, Adebola Oyerinde at the Banks’ and Financial institutions (BAFI ) Awards 2022 in Lagos....recently

Stransact Urges Ethical Audit Practice and ensure that organizations comply with relevant laws and regulatory frameworks.

Globally, strong ethics and credibility DUH FUXFLDO WR WKH H΀FLHQW FRQGXFW RI audits since auditors are expected to be independent, reliable, honest, and carry out their duties without prejudice,” he said.

He restated the code of the discipline as integrity, objectivity, professional FRPSHWHQFH DQG GXH FDUH FRQÀGHQWLDOity and professional behaviour.

He added, “The level of respect DQG WUXVW JLYHQ ÀQDQFLDO VWDWHPHQWV LV directly proportional to the credibility of the auditor. Auditors are thus required to dispatch their jobs, bearing in mind that their responsibility is not to make the client look good but to be accountable primarily to client’s shareholders, “We imagine that if the economy situation investors, regulators, and employees.”

On her part, Partner, Audit Services, FRXOG EH UXEELQJ RͿ QHJDWLYHO\ RQ WKH ZHOO WR GR LW GHÀQLWHO\ ZLOO KDYH WRXJKHU Bola Mogaji tasked professionals on output on the poor and less privileged. credibility, adding that lack of contrib“When women are educated, healthy, uted to accounting scandals and audit and safe, they will be able to lift up their failures experienced in recent times.

6LPLODUO\ WKH ÀUP 3DUWQHU 7D[ families, communities, and the world”.

Services, Victor Athe said the credibility She added that the society was also looking to partnering with cooperates to of an auditor is usually measured by absorb graduates from IWS programmes objectivity, independence, integrity, for either internship or employment op- professionalism and trust, amongst others. portunities. $ FRUUHVSRQGLQJ ÀUP WR 560 Stransact (Chartered Accountants) has charged professional auditors in the country on ethics and discipline.

The organization, during a press conference in Lagos also urged professionals to execute their duties without prejudice or sentiments, in the interest of the economy.

Lead Partner of Stransact Partners, Eben Joels reiterated the role of auditors, adding that their judgment was critical to key economics decisions.

“Auditors are professional accountants authorized to review and YHULI\ WKH DFFXUDF\ RI ÀQDQFLDO UHFRUGV

IWS Stresses Women’s Empowerment for Economic Growth The International Women’s Society (IWS) has emphasized the importance of women’s empowerment to economic buoyancy.

President of the society, Mrs Ifeoma Monye reiterated this at the society’s 65th anniversary in Lagos, where funds were also raised to execute the society’s humanitarian projects.

She explained that the society was set up in 1957 to advance the cause of women and lift the indigent and less privileged

among them.

She said funds realised at the event would be expended on the society’s budget for 2023.

Monye said, “We aim to intensify our impacts by giving out more scholarship to the indigent, empower more women and widows with the right skills set, provide training and mentorship for girls and ensuring safe spaces for orphans.”

She called on well to do Nigerians to support IWS’s cause for a better society.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

POLITY

Riveting Cultural Display at Eko NAFEST 2022 Charles Ajunwa reports that 29 states and Abuja showcased the diverse culture of Nigeria at the 35th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture in Lagos

I

t was a beauty to behold at Wednesday’s official opening of the 35th edition of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) hosted by Lagos State in collaboration with the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC).

Mobolaji Johnson Arena formerly known as Onikan Stadium, venue of this year’s edition tagged, “Eko NAFEST 2022” with the theme, “Culture and Peaceful Coexistence”, was filled to capacity with many struggling outside to catch a glimpse of every action inside.

Melodious songs from three bands of the Army, Navy and Airforce filled the air with many wriggling on their seats. Everywhere became electrified when Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the Chief Host of the event arrived and embarked on a 10 minutewalk round the stadium. The excited crowd cheered him up.

Sanwo-Olu, the Chief Host

Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by his wife, Ibijoke who is Mama Eko NAFEST 2022, while declaring open the festival said the main objective of hosting the event was to unite and showcase the rich and diverse culture of Nigeria.

He said: “I am happy that what we are celebrating here today, is our unity in diversity, our rich heritage and our cultural heterogeneity.

“The Festival for Arts and Culture is a seven-day national event in which all 36 states of the federation including the FCT participate to showcase their rich arts and culture in various competitions, such as Ayo, Archery, Traditional Cuisine, Essay writing and so much more. This makes the event in its entirety a cultural marvel to embrace.

“Right after the Nigerian Civil War, Culture and Sports were identified as major unifying factors for a country healing from the throes of war. This decision birthed the establishment of the National Arts for Festival (which later morphed into the National Festival for Arts and Culture) and the National Sports Festival.

“I am proud to state that the Lagos State Government hosted the very first edition of NAFEST, in 1970 and subsequently in 1988. This administration, as part of efforts to achieve our Entertainment and Tourism pillar of THEMES Agenda is deliberate about promoting every aspect of tourism, Arts and Culture. The State is therefore delighted to have won the hosting rights of NAFEST 2022 which was keenly contested by three other states.

“As a matter of fact, the acceptance of the hosting rights is in demonstration of my love for cultural advancement and to exemplify the true spirit of Lagos and its accommodating nature of visitors.”

The governor, who wore native Ankara cloth printed with his face, said his administration had made it a practice to support, partner and collaborate in activities that would further strengthen our cultural heritage and promote our unity in diversity.

“We have supported community festivals such as the Popo Aguda Music Concert, Coconut Festival (also called Agunke Fest), Asa Day, Isese Day, Olokun Festival, and a host of others. These are events that attract tourists from all over the world into our great state. We have equally supported organisations such as Q Dance productions, who have packaged our culture into a musical production named, Re-incarnation, that has been showing in various countries across the globe.

“The decision to host this year’s edition was borne out of the desire to further support and showcase our arts, our crafts, our entertainment, our nightlife, our people, our disposition, and the aquatic splendor of our dear state.

“Lagos State has participated actively in past editions of the festival held in other states and we have come tops in several of the activities. I am therefore confident that we shall no doubt perform the feat at home,” an excited Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor also implored Nigerians to make the right choices in electing their leaders in next year’s elections.

“This is the campaign season as our nation’s general elections have been scheduled to hold within the first quarter of next year. As political office holders continue to engage the electorate at this period, it is important to re-echo the message of unity and peaceful co-existence which NAFEST platform provides. Rather than seeing

Team Lagos on parade

L-R: Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Lagos State Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf; and Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Mr. Femi Martins, during the official opening Eko NAFEST 2022 held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena (Onikan Stadium) the differences in our language and culture as a dividing factor, I implore us to see it as one of our greatest resources to be embraced, celebrated and used to our collective advantage.”

The governor also commended the Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture and the Chairman National Organising Committee of the 35th Edition of the National Festivals for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, for his doggedness which he attributed to the success of the cultural festival.

As Runsewe Preaches Peace

Runsewe, who is the President World Crafts Council (African Region), said Lagos has continued to be a unifying and rallying ground for the development and progress of the country.

He implored Nigerians to take a cue from Lagos, saying the state has over the years maintained peaceful coexistence among all the tribes residing in Lagos.

Runsewe said: “Governor Sanwo-Olu on the 13th of November is making history, he is going to be the first governor in the history of our country to declare and unveil the 37 Wonders of Nigeria. It takes a governor with goodwill and capacity to say he wants to host NAFEST so that other arts of Nigeria can come to the state.”

A Dream Realised

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, who was publicly commended by the governor for doing a good work, said her ministry started the process of this year’s NAFEST preparation since last year immediately Lagos State was announced as the host for 2022 NAFEST during the closing ceremony of the 2021 edition in Ekiti State.

According to her, “Lagos prides itself as a peaceful State, known for cohabiting and co-existing in unity, despite the differences in ethnicity and languages, Lagos remains a reference point for what an ideal State exemplifies. As the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, I want to implore everyone present here, especially our contingents from other states across the country to use the opportunity of this festival to explore the abundant tourism potentials in different parts of Lagos State.

“Here in Lagos, our nightlife activities remain top-notch, being a 21st century economy. You have heard of the popular phrase “Eko for Show” which echoes creativity, pomp and pageantry peculiar to Lagosians. This cultural festival, however, presents an opportunity for you to experience different entertainment shows in this city of excellence.

The participating 29 states and FCT during the colourful parades displayed their indigenous arts and culture.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

POLITY

Delusions of Grandeur Eddie Mbadiwe

A

lbert Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers of all time said, “The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil but by those who watch them without doing anything”. You are free to juxtapose world with Nigeria. Einstein was an Atheist, neither Christian nor Muslim and believed there is neither heaven nor hell and no God. His theory of relativity has stood the test of time. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921 and later in life rejected the Presidency of the state of Israel.

Recently, the Minister of Finance appeared before a House of Representatives Committee and said the Central Bank did not consult her Ministry before redesigning some naira notes. The Minister has a retinue of Senior advisers plus numerous hangers on who should have advised her before going public.

The Central Bank Governor had to remind her of the relevant sections of the Central Bank act and this controversy was only doused by the intervention of the President addressing his primary constituency in Hausa.

This is a clinical example of delusional grandeur.

Let us remind ourselves that Zainab only came on board when the vibrant Kemi Adeosun was wrongly advised to resign because of some infractions with her NYSC papers. Why do I say not properly advised? Simply because in Nigeria, no minister resigns and none is sacked either.

It is necessary to observe that of recent, the Minister of Finance has been appearing in complete hijab presumably to reassure her principals that she has not derailed and is still a committed member of the ruling cabal.

Because no Minister is ever sacked, all of them operate as despots. driving against the flow of traffic protected by their gun-toting army and police security. Any civilian who dares to challenge them can have his car pulverised.

The only remedy seems to be to align with Dame Patience Jonathan and pray shouting; there is God -ooo-ooo. Those who have ridden rough shod on this country cannot escape Karma at some stage.

Recently America, Britain, Germany and Australia rejiged security operatives in their embassies sending

Ahmed home none essential workers British Airways also changed their flight schedules so that flight staff don’t have to sleep in Abuja. The Nigerian Government says there is no cause for alarm but we also know those embassies don’t shout wolf just when there

is only a Cat in the vicinity. Nigeria will be well advised to find out what they really know before it is late. Once beaten twice shy.

The Nigerian elite, lily-livered and spineless are a major component of Nigerian’s woes. They seem completely afraid to speak and are so emasculated to get involved in matters concerning our commonwealth. Whatever intervention that exists has been left to Wole Soyinka, Femi Falana and Sowore as if they have nine lives.

Nigeria is racing precipitously to an election in 2023 and yet the two major parties are thousands of miles away from putting their houses in order. Out of sheer pride, PDP is gifting the election away.

Inspite of Governor Wike’s growing public image as a bad loser, he has a valid point when he tackles the PDP leadership. The leadership of the PDP cannot in good conscience allocate all the important positions in the party to one section of the country leaving the Southern part as hewers of wood and drawers of water. The PDP is playing the proverbial Ostrich and unless it engages its reverse gear soon will inevitably come to avoidable grief.

For the APC, there is an Everest of a mountain to climb to convince Nigerians that a Muslim/Muslim ticket is viable in a secular religious country such as we have. This is a hard pill to swallow Inspite of the bad press that the legislature usually gets (some of it justified) a certain degree of sanity and pride is beginning to resonate from the two chambers. It is comforting that some of the Committee Chairmen are beginning to wield the powers the constitution bestowed on them.

Uche Ekwunife (then in the House of Representatives) was Chairman of a committee in which I also served.

When a ministry or parsastatal did not send their chief executive for budget defence, Uche Ekwenife tonguelashed whoever was sent for at least five minutes after which they were ordered to leave the hearing room and return with their chief executive at a future date. Uche would then sometimes turn to me and ask “Eddie I hope I did well?”

If I nodded approval, she was visibly pleased. Grandeur can be a soothing balm

Rt. Hon Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe writes from Abuja

Ogundipe Bows out as UNILAG’s VC, Gives Scorecard Funmi Ogundare

T

he 12th substantive Vice Chancellor of University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, yesterday bowed out after completing a five-year tenure.

Ogundipe, who had spent 33 years in the service of the institution, gave his score while briefing journalists at UNILAG’s Senate Chamber with his successor, Prof Folashade Ogunsola and all other management staff and deans of faculties in attendance.

He stated that on assumption of office, his administration set out on a six-point agenda with the acronym ‘UNILAG.’ He explained what each of the letters meant in detail and with their overall objective to take the university not only to a greater height, but also to prepare it as a university for the future.

He recalled that UNILAG under his watch in the last five years attracted up to N19 billion in research grants from both local and international organisations and also registered more than 64 companies for the students.

“The university is not only committed to academic excellence, but also to problem-solving research, entrepreneurship and community services.

“The University of Lagos, from 2017 till date has recorded significant progress. Not only did we sow seeds, but we also witnessed the fruition of the numerous seeds and the results are there for all eyes to see.

“Today, the University of Lagos has grown in leaps and bounds, management under my watch transcended the threshold we set for ourselves as excellence.

Our results speak for us such that even in the eyes of the storm, we kept our peace and so our focus did not shift. We pushed through and today, I can confidently say I am leaving UNILAG a happy man.”

He, however, attributed the successes recorded to God, who he said had been the one guiding his steps and to the management staff, university senate, staff unions, students and other stakeholders including the alumni association for their support and cooperation.

Ogundipe noted that they all worked together as a team, while commending them all for standing firm with him throughout his tenure, and cherished their strong contributions and would externally be grateful

L-R: Outgoing Vice Chancellor University of Lagos (UNLAG) Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; incoming 13th ViceChancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Development Services) Prof. Ayodele Atsenwa; and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Management Service), Prof Lucian Obinna Chukwu, during the end of tenure valedictory press conference of Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, yesterday to them.

The VC also commended his successor, Prof Folashade Ogunsola, the first female vice-chancellor of the university for solidly standing behind him, particularly during his travail with the last governing council, saying that the period when he was suspended as the vice-chancellor and Ogunsola was appointed to replace him in an acting capacity, many people told her that her time had come.

“But she told them that her time has not yet come and would wait for it and now this is her time. She is

now the new Vice-chancellor of this great university and I am happy about this development.”

The outgoing VC revealed that despite the series of industrial actions that rocked the Nigerian University System (NUS) between 2017 and now, the issues were never internal, adding UNILAG enjoyed unprecedented industrial harmony because staff welfare, which were within the capacity of the management, were amicably resolved.

He, however, solicited the cooperation, support and prayers of staff and students for his successor, Prof.

Folasade Ogunsola.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

POLITY

An Essay on Nothing Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

I

once got very big-headed with the boast that I had written on everything, only for me to suddenly discover that I’ve not written on nothing!

A writer that hasn’t written on nothing has not started at all. In short, I am a non-starter. So, it is with all humility that I am here starting my writing life by penning this essay on nothing.

The fire that burnt my library the other time could not burn one particular book entitled The Quotable Nothing Book.

This oddity of a book bears this subtitle: “Being a Book of Quotes about Nothing and Nothingness”. It was published at $3.95 in 1980 by Running Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This so-called book actually contains nothing save a quote on top of the left hand side and at the bottom of the right hand side of it, thus leaving the entire pages blank.

The largely empty “nothing book” which has no page numbers such that one cannot even talk of odd and even number pages was given to me in Canada by two lovers, Mike Anderson and Tina Novotny of 350 Dundas Street, London Ontario, Canada N6B 1V7, and they wrote the following words therein: “Send us stuff you write in here!”

The Quotable Nothing Book gives the definition of nothing taken from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia thus: “NOTHING (nuth’ing), n. 1. No thing; not anything; not something; something that is not anything. The conception of nothing is reached by reflecting that a noun, or name, in form, may fail to have any corresponding object; and nothing is the noun by which its very definition is of that sort.”

Given this kind of nonsensical, if complicated, definition of nothing, little wonder Paul Valery has this quip: “God made everything out of nothing. But the nothingness shows through.”

And who am I not to trust Socrates when he says: “As for me, all I know is that I know nothing.” Plato then goes ahead to stress: “I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”

Soren Kierkegaard of course echoes the masters: “The something which I am is precisely a nothing.” Against the background of the father of philosophy and his sons knowing nothing and being nothing, Ambrose Bierce defines Philosophy this way: “A route of many roads leading from nowhere to nothing.”

Bear with me, for as Edward Dahlberg knows, “It takes a long time to understand nothing.” After all, this exercise in nothing is only a thousand-word piece as opposed to an entire book of umpteen pages written by Joop Berkhout entitled What Men Know about Women which contains nothing but blank pages to show what everybody already knew: that man knows nothing about woman! The great Lord Byron sums it up thusly: “A book’s a book, although there’s nothing in it.”

Genius has a lot in common with nothing, as Gertrude Stein opines, “It takes a lot of time to be a genius, you have to sit around so much doing nothing, really doing nothing.”

The fear though is that “there may not be no nothing”, as H.L. Mencken declares. Jonathan Edwards ups the ante in this wise: “That there should absolutely be nothing at all is utterly impossible. The mind, let it stretch its conceptions ever so far, can never so much as bring itself to conceive of a state of perfect nothing.”

Frederic Amiel has this different take on the subject of nothing: “Almost everything comes from almost nothing.” And wallowing in nothing, Madame du Deffand declaims: “I hear nothings, I speak nothings, I take interest in nothing, and from nothing to nothing I travel gently down the dull way which leads to becoming nothing.” Alas, the words of Henry Fielding ring true: “To whom nothing is given, of him nothing can be required.”

As though inspired by nothing Mussolini sums up his

foreign policy this way: “Nothing for Nothing.”

Jean Paul Richter would rather have it thus: “A variety of nothing is better than a monotony of something.”

For Penelope Gilliat, “There are times when nothing has to be better than anything.” Trust good old Jonathan Swift to get into the nothing fray: “He asks for nothing; and thinks, like a philosopher, that he wants nothing.”

Crucially, Lady Morgan asserts the inevitability of nothing: “Nothing’s new, and nothing’s true, and nothing matters.”

The mathematics of nothing engages the attention of Joseph Glanvill: “All the ciphers of arithmetic are no better than a single nothing.”

“What then is man?” asks Edward Young, and he supplies the answer: “The smallest part of nothing.”

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Forensic Institute to Support INEC in Electoral Fraud Deterrence The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Examiners of Nigeria (CIFCFEN) has said it would support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the areas of electoral fraud deterrence, and forensics evidence gathering.

This will involve training and retraining of INEC officials to help them recognize and identify threats and tends of electoral malpractices and also mitigate vote buying during the elections.

Speaking at CIFCFEN’s 6th Professional Training and Standards graduation ceremony, at the EFCC Academy, Karu, Abuja, recently, the President, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki said other categories of officials in the electoral management process to benefit from the Institute’s capacity building, are security officials, election observers and Civil Society Organizations.

He also reaffirmed the Institute’s commitment to providing “a robust technical assistance on revenue recovery to both the Federal and subnational governments in tackling the challenges as Nigeria is faced with the greatest revenue crisis in history.”

This, he attributed to oil theft, direct revenue

L-R: Deputy Chief Registrar, Court of Appeal, Ekiti Division, Mrs. Mesiobi-Emeto Uju; Chairperson, Ekiti State International Federation of Women Lawyers, Mrs. Oyinade Olatubosun; Wife of Ekiti State Governor Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji; and Secretary, International Federation of Women Lawyers, Abigail Aladejare, during a courtesy visit to the first Lady in in Ado-Ekiti... yesterday

L-R: Communications Manager, Savannah Energy, Nigeria, Okwudili Onyia; Managing Partner/ Lead Consultant, Georgid Consulting and representative of the Founder/Advisor, Inoyo Toro Foundation, Idotenyin Isaac; Chairman, Screening and Award Committee, Inoyo Toro Foundation, Dr. Enobong Joshua; and CSR/NCD Advisor, Savannah Energy, Nigeria, Roland Uye at the 15th edition of the Annual Award for Teaching Excellence in Akwa Ibom State Public Secondary Schools held in Uyo ….. yesterday

leakages, misappropriation and diversion of public funds.

Deploring the scale in which corruption and financial crimes is growing, Chairman, CIFCFEN Professional Training and Standards, Prof. Michael Ayeni said to outwit the perpetrators, forensic experts must upscale their knowledge which the Institute is doing.

“To this end we implore the government to look inwards whenever the services of forensic experts are required and to engage members of our Institute.” Ayeni said the Institute is ready to join forces with the anti-crime agencies in the country to fight the illicit business to a stand-still.

A total of 108 members graduated form CIFCFEN Course 6 made up of 52 from 6th Proficiency Class; 8 home bred candidates from 3rd Fraud Examiners Proficiency Training and 48 from 4th Direct membership among who are 8 top-ranking EFCC officers and 2 from the Code of Conduct Bureau. So far, the Institute has trained 2,000 forensic experts.

CIFCFEN was established by Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) to provide core professionals in the specialized fields of Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination in Nigeria. This will in turn strengthen the crusade against corruption in the country.

L-R: Committee Member, Enterprise Development Center (EDC) Alumni, Bisi Sotunde; EDC Alumni Director, Nnenna Ugwu; former President EDC Alumni, Abiodun Afolabi; and Vice President Lagos EDC Alumni, Dr. Omopeju Afanu, during the EDC Alumni Press Conference to announce 2022 EDC Alumni Dinner/ Awards in Lagos….. yesterday Sunday Adigun

L-R: Group Head, Corporate Services, SystemSpecs Holdings Limited, Mr. Oluwasegun Adesanya; Business Development Fund ACause, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited, Mrs. Ire Odega; Managing Director, Human Manager Ltd, Mrs. Adekunbi Ademiluyi; and Managing Director, Remita Payment Services Ltd, Mr. ‘Deremi Atanda, with the award for “Best Lending Support Service Provider” won by Remita Payment Services Ltd; at the Nigeria Fintech Awards, held in Lagos recently ETOP UKUTT

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

Summonses, not ‘Summons’

Y

OU are welcome to this week’s features. “Flooding: A disaster fortold” Get it right: foretold “At the last count, 31 states across the federation and (the: vital) Federal Capital Territory have (had) taken a dangerous hit with over 500 dead….” “…Nwasinobi said the objectives of the workshop include (included) the review of the eNaira implementation journey….”

“Somewhat subtly, what used to be a household name in the hey days (sic) (heyday) of print journalism in Nigeria….”

The suspension of ASUU strike: “Earlier, the government has (had) made some promises to address the demands of the university teachers.”

“Floods: Expert raises alarm (the alarm) over looming food scarcity” “Don’t abandon PDP candidate, your son in-law” This way: son-in-law “…said the abduction of children whether at home, at school or anywhere is (was) ‘reprehensible’….”

Wrong: World class film complex Right: World-class film complex “…said the federal government cannot (could not) go against the….” “…Otedola always remind (reminds) young entrepreneurs that….”

Business: “OPS decries incessant summons (summonses) by National Assembly” Singular: summons; plural: summonses “Contempt: Court orders remand of EFCC chairman in prison” Crime: Yank away ‘in prison’ in the interest of healthy grammar.

“Despite Nigeria’s huge agricultural potentials (potential or potentialities) which includes (include)….”

Daily Independent of November 2 continues the race for lexical sanity this week with

a celebration of lapses: “No doubt we have degenerated to (into) moral abyss where money has become our idol.”

“He said Nigerians have (had) intermingled over a long period and….” “…should be reverted back to their original intended purpose.” How to make Nigerian varsities work: delete ‘back’! This same law also applies to ‘reverse back’.

“EKSU VC alerts on (to) imminent famine” “NBS introduces gender based (genderbased) issues in statistical data production” “To enable (ensure) that (that the) cashless economy initiative in the country works….”

“The Nigerian (Nigeria) Police and its (their) image” “Nigeria failed woefully (abysmally) in the London 2012 Olympic Games….”

The Ogba publication under review rounds off the howlers: “…oil cabal in a country where the majority lives (live) on less than one dollar a day.”

Vanguard of November 2 disseminated a few inaccuracies: “Imo contractors protest non-payment of (for) jobs done” “Reckless driving: Court orders bank to cough out N3.3m” News: cough up—not cough out!

“Enjoy free 6 months (months’) internet service” THE GUARDIAN of November 2 circulated copious faults: “Sources said it will (would) not be the first time the leaders are (were) meeting on the issue….”

Its Metro Section also contributed to the faux pas: “…his defence counsel spent close to two hours making last minute (last-minute) submissions to the judge.”

“Institute vow (vows) to tackle quackery” THISDAY of November 5 published a catalogue of infractions: “Buhari launches website for flood relief (flood-relief) efforts” “Group sues FG for not swearing-in

(swearing in)…”

“Oil producing (Oil-producing) communities want Section 162 amended” “The crisis in Jos is rooted on (in) this, other states of the federation also have their own tale of woes….” Negative signal from the temple of justice: tale of woe—not woes. “…the Chief Justice of the Federation….”

Existential humanism: Chief Justice of Nigeria (not Federation) “…it is an affront on (to) the sanctity of marriage.”

“A petition of this nature should have been thrown away on ground (grounds) of frivolity.”

“12 (Twelve) months down the lane, the forensic pathologist cast (casts) his mind back and says the university is on the path to reclaim its lost glories.”

“Wike advocates distance learning (distance-learning) education” “3,327 corps members deployed to (in) Lagos” “Burkina Faso sets (set) to resolve varsity crisis” “Global recession: Nigeria’s vessel traffic records six year (six-year) low” Finally from THISDAY: “Power was restored in (to) Santiago three weeks after Sandy” ”Saraki, patriach of Kwara politics, died of cancer at 79” Cover: patriarch “In Togo, Nigerian masquerades (masqueraders, preferably) thrill audience as late Igbo leader goes home in style” “Forms of sin and the consequencies (sic)” This is the consequence of either loose thinking or sheer carelessness!

“Man electrocuted under (by) high tension wire” The surest thing that can electrocute a man is a high-tension (note the hyphen) wire.

Other high-capacity appliances, of course, do.

Any other thing less (low-tension wire) should be aggravated, third degree or mere shock.

So, a rewrite: Wire electrocutes man (prefer-

2023 Interrogatories: Plans for Peace and Unity

P

erhaps more than on any other issue, the self-acclaimed “Nigerian unifier”, and presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar waxes eloquently, even elegantly, on the salient twin matter of Peace and Unity! On several occasions, especially during nationally observed festive periods, he has been well documented by the national media pontificating about the virtues and values of embellishing peace and unity. Let us pool some of his submissions, oftentimes against established posturing.

Late last year, on Christmas day, ThisDay captured Abubakar’s statement thus: “As a nation, we can achieve more if we stay united, extend hands of fellowship to one another and be law abiding. We must also rededicate ourselves to the virtues of faith in God, love for one another and make these virtues more evident and practical in our daily living.” “...We cannot move forward as a country until we all realise that we are first Nigerians, before our religious beliefs, ethnic identities, political leanings and cultural affiliations and as such, we must show respect for one another by living in peace…

“This is why I find it amusing when people declare Nigeria’s unity as fixed and nonnegotiable, while doing everything in their power to destroy that fragile unity. Nothing in the relationships among peoples is fixed for eternity.

“You cannot declare your marriage as non-negotiable, while doing everything to sow seeds of discord in that same marriage.

Countries can be created by force. You can whip groups of people into forming a country but you cannot whip them into forming a nation.

“Nations are built through conscious or even unconscious agreement by peoples who believe that being together is, on balance, more beneficial than being apart.”

On the same track, and in a tone that should evoke warmth and hope in those who clamour for a more equitable society,

Abubakar declares: “Nigeria needs peace, unity and prosperity. But all three of these virtues are dependent on Nigeria having social justice. Without justice, there cannot be cohesiveness in a multi-ethnic and multi-religious nation like Nigeria.

“Nigeria has foundational issues, which we have to resolve. Until we resolve those issues, our nation may not fulfill its potential of being the beacon of light for the Black Race, even if we have the most righteous people at the helm.

“If half of our people expend their energies pulling Nigeria in one direction, and the other half counter by pulling her in the other direction, our motherland will never know peace, unity and prosperity…” (see Daily Post of 25 January, 2022).

In April last year, after receiving an honorary doctorate degree in Management from the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State (one of the ill-fated states under the excruciating pummeling of banditry and terrorism), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, APC, made his position clear on the route to peace and unity. According to TVC News’ loosely dated blog post, Tinubu challenged Nigerians to make a decision: “whether to give the truest meaning to our national motto ‘peace and unity’ or we allow the agents of destruction and merchants of violence to have their way with us”.

He enjoined Nigerians to identify “terrible people and strong forces (who) want to break Nigeria’s appointment with its greater destiny… terrible people (who) seek not only to ravage the agricultural community but to visit misery on the rest of the nation through food scarcity and food costs that poor people can simply not afford.”

“We must decide whether our farmland and grazing areas are to be battlegrounds, or they are to return to their role of feeding the nation.

“This is where committed Nigerians of all stripes and vocations must join in peace and unity… Whether city or rural dweller, whether farmer or herder, we must join in common cause against the real enemies that we face: the terrorists and bandits who attempt to pull us apart…

“Good Nigerians must stop fighting each other so that we can present a unified front against the common violent threat.”

His independence day speech (recorded in The Guardian of 1 October, 2022), was more effusive and vehement: “The path we walk has not always been an easy or smooth one, but we walk it nonetheless because it is the road hewn by our own hands, ingenuity and aspirations…”

“While we have firmly established democracy as our way of governance, we still have work to do in perfecting our form of governance such that government will always and completely be for, of, by and because of the people.

“That our people live in the dignity afforded by prosperity, justice, freedom and an unyielding belief in our capacity to overcome any obstacle was what compelled our founders to strive for the independence we now enjoy…

“May we all seek the best for Nigeria regardless of partisan affiliation and may we never undermine the national purpose in pursuit of narrow gain.

“As the nation heads toward the coming election, may we all eschew violence and recourse to divisive, incendiary politics that pull against the fabric of national unity and concord.”

Finally, let’s start the last leg of the “Peace Search” with the prayer tweets of Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party delivered during the Eid-El-Maulud commemoration a few weeks ago (see The Punch, 9 October, 2022): “May today’s celebration bring to birth, in our highly divided

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

ably)/Man electrocuted by wire (passive!)—it must have been a high-tension wire to achieve that fatality! Most other newspapers lousily and thoughtlessly had a similar or exactly the same headline which clearly confirms that it came from the wire service (NAN)! Flat wires do not electrocute. Any dissenting view?

The next blunder is from THE GUARDIAN of November 4: “We begin to wonder the kind of precedence (precedent) the CJN is trying to set because….”

“Cleric’s rape of under-aged and abortion mess” This way: underage girl (adjective and only before noun—never an independent word or what they call stand-alone in computing).

Silverbird Dream Network 7 a.m. News Scroll of November 4 terrorised viewers: “Armed robbery: Police parades (parade) suspects in Lagos, recovers (sic) arms and ammunitions” The last word in the extract is uncountable.

THE GUARDIAN of November 3, especially its Editorial, played school-boy lotteries with the English language: “Termination of calls were (was) becoming increasingly difficult from one network to another….”

“Ownership of these vessels are (is) ascribed to members of the political class….”

“Take advantage of this money making (money-making) opportunity today!” (Full-page advertisement by First Bank PLC) Lastly from THE GUARDIAN: “Access Bank launches ‘back to school’ campaign” Financial literacy: back-to-school campaign Yet another goof that bordered largely on slovenliness: “Constitution Review: N1m allowance tear (tears) Reps apart” ”There should be many enough so that the rich do not highjack (hijack) the programme.”

By the way, what is the function of ‘many’ here?

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

nation, the much needed peace and unity, love and progress. May we unite in purpose and efforts, to move our nation forward, as we journey into the New Nigeria.”

Obi makes a plain confession in Vanguard of 22 September, 2022: “We are so badly polarised in our country. We have become more sharply divided along ethnic and religious lines that we all live in mutual distrust of one another, and true peace continues to elude us.”

Then goes ahead the following month to chart what he believes are routes to peace and unity: “I want to give Nigerians hope. I and my running mate will be in charge, they will not find us wanting, we have the physical strength, I will dialogue with every agitator because it will make us a better and united Nigeria…

“But we must return to (the) dreams of our founding fathers to create an egalitarian society. The Nigeria we seek will be a United and Secure Nigeria that symbolizes the spirit, letters, and exhorting ethos of our national anthem - ‘one nation bound in freedom, peace and unity’, where ‘peace and justice shall reign’.” (See ThisDay, 18 October, 2022) Meditating on peace and unity takes me to the soul-stirring song of Hillsong Young & Free entitled ‘Peace’ - especially the song’s third stanza: “There’s a peace far beyond all understanding / May it ever set my heart at ease / Dare anxiety come, I’ll remember / That peace is a promise You keep / Peace is a promise You keep”.

Now, who amongst these gladiators have the capacity, composure and temperament to seek, nurture and keep the elusive peace and unity that we dearly crave and covet?

The answer is in the wind of 2023.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

NO LOVE LOST

12.11.2022

PAGE. 29

Premier League Dream Actualised?

Samuel Chukwueze

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Samuel Chukwueze tries to outpace former Real Madrid captain, Marcelo Vieira

Samuel Chukwueze

Premier League Dream Actualised?

Bukayo Saka remains the only senior right winger in Arsenal’s fold and the Gunners are eyeing a backup in person of Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze and with new Aston Villa manager, Unai Emery also targeting the Nigerian, Chukwueze’s dream of plying his trade in the English top flight may come true in the winter transfer

A

rsenal have entered the race to sign Nigerian international, Samuel Chukwueze.

Chukwueze is an exciting young winger who came through the Villarreal youth team and has already made 24 appearances for his country at the age of 23 .

The Nigerian international has spent the majority of his career playing off the right wing, but he has struggled to score goals consistently at the top level.

This hasn’t stopped multiple clubs showing interest in signing Chukwueze – according to Fichajes, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton are in the race to secure his signature.

Arsenal do not have a recognised backup for Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side except for the inexperienced Marquinhos.

Bringing in a player of Chukwueze’s calibre, a player who has plenty of experience at the top level at a young age, could be a smart move, possibly allowing Marquinhos to be sent out on loan.

However, his lack of goals could be a concern to Mikel Arteta, who relies on players all over the pitch to contribute, with Gabriel Jesus, not a natural, goalscoring striker.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa Manager, Unai Emery is thought to be eyeing a move for the Villarreal forward.

Chukwueze is primarily a right-winger

who can also play on the left or in an attacking midfield role.

The 23-year-old has been hailed as a ‘ridiculous’ player who ‘tortures’ defenders and he knows Emery well.

He lined out on 94 occasions under the 51-year-old, contributing to 29 goals, and it looks as if a move for the Nigeria international could be on the cards for Villa.

Sport Witness relayed an update from a Spanish source regarding Chukwueze and Villa on Monday. They claimed that ‘Emery calls Chukwueze to be Aston Villa’s top winter signing’, with Arsenal, Everton and West Ham also name-checked with an interest.

Chukwueze has only been recalled to the Villarreal XI on a consistent basis since Emery made his decision to take on a second job in the Premier League.

While the playmaker has made five starts in the Europa Conference League, eight of his 12 outings in La Liga have been as a substitute.

Although Villarreal would ideally like to retain Chukwueze’s services in the long term, just over 18 months remain on his contract at Estadio de la Ceramica.

In total, Chukwueze has contributed 27 goals and 24 assists from his 176 appearances in all competitions, 20 of those outings coming in the Europa League triumph in 2020-21 and run to the Champions League semi final

during the following season.

This season, despite limited match action, he leads the way for shot-creating actions per 90, sits third for average goal-creating actions and outranks his colleagues for dribbles per 90. The Super Eagle is creating 2.0 chances per 90, outdoing Villarreal teammate, although slipping to fourth for the expected p20 suggests those opportunities have not always been on high quality.

The Nigerian talent can strike the ball with power and accuracy from long range and can even set up some inviting chances for others around him on the attacking third of the field.

At 23, Chukwueze is a player on the rise and has what it takes to help the Villans push for a top-half finish in the Premier League. He will undoubtedly bring more pace and goals to Unai Emery’s attack having previously played under the new Aston Villa manager at Villarreal. Furthermore, he would give Emery more options in the final third.

However, it remains to be seen whether Chukwueze can maintain his good form in the Premier League if the West Midlands club successfully manage to lure him to Villa Park this January or next summer. Still, there is no denying that he will be an exciting acquisition for Aston Villa to pull off in 2023.

Report adds that any prospective suitor would need to pay around €50m (£43.5m) for the forward, which would make him Villa’s

most expensive signing of all time if they land him for that amount.

The Nigerian is absolutely rapid and is a very good dribbler as well. He can score goals, create chances, and the fact that he’s still only 23 means he will only get better in the coming years.

Chukwueze was snapped up by the Spanish top-flight team from Diamond Football Academy thanks to his impressive outing where he helped the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria win the 2017 Fifa U-17 World Cup in Chile.

There, he was named third-best player behind Johannes Eggestein and compatriot Victor Osimhen.

Having impressed for the club’s reserves in the third tier, he was promoted to the senior team – making his debut in a Europa League game against Rangers – as manager Javi Calleja brought him in as a 79th-minute replacement for Nicola Sansone.

Since then, he has been a regular in the Yellow Submarine setup, while accentuating his importance to the team with eye-catching performances.

Days after winning the Bronze Ball - on the strength of three goals and three assists - and helping Nigeria win a fifth U-17 world title, football agency Stellar Group signed Chukwueze and three other players from the Nigerian squad.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Chelsea defender, Thiago Silva beats Newcastle striker, Callum Wilson

Newcastle Set to Compound Chelsea’s Woes With two straight loses in the Premier League and dumped out of the League Cup on Wednesday, Chelsea’s woes may be compounded as they visit in-form Newcastle at St. James’Park in one of today’s league fixtures

C

helsea will be bidding to bounce back from successive Premier League defeats when they travel to an in-form Newcastle United side in today’s late start.

A four-game winless run in the league has seen the Blues drop down into seventh spot in the table, but Newcastle are up in third, with the Magpies picking up 27 points from their opening 14 matches.

Newcastle will certainly be expecting to challenge for the biggest prizes in European football in the not-too-distant future, with their recent takeover making them one of the wealthiest clubs on the planet, but not too many would have predicted how well they would start this season.

Indeed, a record of seven wins, six draws and one defeat has seen Eddie Howe’s side collect 27 points from their 14 Premier League games, which has left them in third position in the table.

Newcastle are one point ahead of fourthplaced Tottenham Hotspur and four clear of fifth-placed Manchester United, albeit with the Red Devils having a game in hand.

It is perhaps still too early to discuss Howe’s side as possible top-four contenders, but they have now won each of their last five matches in all competitions, including their last four in the league, scoring eight times in their recent victories over Aston Villa and Southampton.

The Magpies have also managed to progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup, beating fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace on penalties following a goalless draw at St James’ Park on Wednesday night.

Chelsea, meanwhile, were also in EFL Cup action on Wednesday evening, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City to exit the competition in the third round.

Graham Potter has managed to lead the Blues into the knockout round of the Champions League, with the capital giants finishing top of Group E ahead of AC Milan, boasting a record of 13 points from six matches.

However, Chelsea’s recent league form has been disappointing, picking up just two

points from their last four matches, losing their last two against Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal.

The four-game winless run has seen the capital giants slide down into seventh position in the table, six points behind Newcastle ahead of this match, although they have a game in hand on Howe’s side, and a victory this weekend would still leave them in a relatively good position heading into the break.

Chelsea have won each of their last four Premier League games against Newcastle, including a 3-0 victory at St James’ Park last October, but it would be fair to say that the Magpies are a completely different side at this moment in time, and it is sure to be a tough examination for the six-time English champions.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will look to ensure that they will enter the World Cup break at the top of the Premier League table when they meet Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux today.

The two sides endured contrasting fortunes in the EFL Cup in midweek, with the hosts overcoming Leeds United, while the Gunners went out at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion.

One final chance for Steve Davis to strut his stuff on the Molineux touchline will present itself against the league leaders, as the Wolves coach prepares to step aside for Julen Lopetegui after the World Cup, and his penultimate match in charge was a joyful affair.

After 85 goalless minutes against Leeds United, midfield man Boubacar Traore came up with a stellar strike from outside the box to send Wolves through to the fourth round courtesy of a 1-0 success, but their most recent game in the top flight ended in a painful 3-2 loss to Brighton with 10 men.

It will certainly come as a relief for Wolves fans to see goals flying in from other areas rather than just Ruben Neves’ penalties or long-range stunners, but the hosts’ predicament in the table is still a highly precarious one, as they lie 19th in the rankings and three points adrift of safety.

Davis’s side could lift themselves above

the dotted line if things go in their favour this weekend, and they can take some encouragement in the fact that both of their top-flight wins this season have come at Molineux, but they are now without victory in four straight Premier League games.

Conceding at least three goals in three of their last four Premier League home matches is hardly a reassuring statistic either, and Wolves will hope that Arsenal’s momentum has just been taken down a notch after a rare domestic defeat in midweek.

On an evening to forget for Arsenal debutant, Karl Hein, the Estonia international made his first-team debut for the Gunners in Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash with Brighton, where his key contribution was to give away a penalty in a 3-1 home defeat.

After Eddie Nketiah gave Arsenal the lead against the run of play, Hein tripped Danny Welbeck in the area before the ex-Arsenal man converted from the spot, and Karou Mitoma and Tariq Lamptey sealed a memorable win for the Seagulls in the second half.

Going out of the EFL Cup early may be a blessing in disguise for Mikel Arteta, whose team selection certainly showed that he is a man with bigger fish to fry this season, and he witnessed his crop of first-teamers nullify Chelsea in a deserved 1-0 London Derby win last week - one which keeps them two clear of Manchester City at the summit.

There is always talk of the importance of being top of the league at Christmas, which will not carry as much weight this term given the imminent World Cup break, but entering the festive period as league leaders will no doubt be of major psychological benefit to the Gunners, even if they have not gone on to win the league in that scenario since 1948.

Arteta’s side have now won six and drawn one of their last seven Premier League games, and while the five points that they have dropped this season have come away from home, four goals conceded on the road is still the best defensive record of its kind in the division.

Not everyone took kindly to Arsenal’s celebrations when they won 1-0 at Molineux

Premier League Table Arsenal Man City Newcastle Tottenham Man Utd Brighton Chelsea Liverpool Fulham Crystal Palace Brentford Leeds Aston Villa Leicester West Ham Everton Bournemouth Southampton Wolves Nottm Fores

13 13 14 14 13 13 13 13 14 13 14 13 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

20 34 27 32 17 27 9 26 -1 23 5 21 1 21 9 19 -1 19 -2 19 -3 16 -3 15 -7 15 -2 14 -3 14 -3 14 -17 13 -12 12 -14 10 -20 10

Premier League TODAY

Man City v Brentford 12:30 Bournemouth v Everton 15:00 Liverpool v Southampton 15:00 Nottm Forest v Crystal Palace 15:00 Tottenham v Leeds Utd 15:00 West Ham v Leicester 15:00 Newcastle v Chelsea 17:30 Wolves v Arsenal 19:45 SUNDAY

Brighton v Aston Villa Fulham v Man Utd

Hot Shot PLAYERS

Erling Haaland Harry Kane Aleksandar Ivan Toney Newcastle Leandro Trossard Rodrigo James Maddison Roberto Firmino Phil Foden Callum Wilson Wilfried Zaha Mohamed Salah

CLUB

14:00 16:30

GOALS

Man City 18 Tottenham 11 Mitrovic Fulham 9 Brentford 8 8 Brighton 7 Leeds Utd 7 Leicester 6 Liverpool 6 Man City 6 Newcastle 6 Crystal Palace 6 Liverpool 6

last term, but the pandemonium was in full swing when the Gunners claimed a late 2-1 triumph at the Emirates just two weeks later, and the visitors are aiming to score against Wolves for the 30th match in a row this weekend.

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R: Tijani Babanginda; Chioma Ajunwa; Executive Director Finance, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Olori Aderonke Emmanuel-King; Group Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuel-King, Daniel Amokachi and Deji Hasstrup at the opening ceremony of the 2022 Adron Games which held at Yaba College of Technology, Lagos...recently.

Amokachi Recreates USA ‘94 Dance Steps at Opening of Adron 2022 Games Duro Ikhazuagbe Ex international, Daniel Amokachi, recreated his USA ‘94 World Cup dance steps after he scored from the penalty spot as former Super Eagles stars held Adron Contractors 1-1 in the novelty game to declare open the 6th Adron Games in Lagos on Thursday evening.

Amokachi who is one of the Adron Games Ambassadors scored a fantastic solo effort in Nigeria’s 2-0 defeat of Greece in what was the country’s last group stage match at the Foxborough Stadium.

And to celebrate that goal, ‘Da Bull’ as Amokachi was fondly called by adoring fans,

ran to the corner flank and started wheeling around, wriggling his waist to the victory songs coming from Nigerian supporters that dominated that arena.

Although Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be sorely missed when the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Doha, Qatar next weekend, Amokachi brought back memories of a missed Mundial when he recreated those dance steps after scoring in that opening Novelty game inside the sports complex of Yaba College of Technology.

Interestingly, some of the former Super Eagles players on parade in that novelty game include, Friday

Ekpo, Friday Elaho, Wasiu Ipaye, Victor Agali, Festus Odini, Tijani Babangida, Waidi Akanni, and a host of others.

They showed skills of old but lacked the stamina to recreate those things that endeared them to Nigerian. Strutting around in the customary green white green jerseys, they dominated the Adron Contractors but age was not kind to these ex internationals.

Before that novelty game, Adron staff from all the locations of the real estate company operations around the country did the ceremonial march past in dazzling costumes, portraying shades of the company’s colours and job descriptions.

‘Judo to School’ Project Thrill Lagos Pupils From the secondary school to the primary schools in Lagos State, the Lagos State Judo Association (LSJA) Judo to School project continued to be embraced across all boards as pupils from primary schools in Education District One were thrilled with the exercise.

27 primary schools from the district converged at Ajenifuja Primary School in Ilupeju area of Lagos to watch live demonstration of judo under

the supervision of judo coaches from the Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC).

LSJA chairman, Sheriff Hammed was also present to inspire the pupils to embrace the sports as a way of building their confidence and self-defense when the need arises.

Blessing John of Ansarud-Deen Primary School could not hide her passion

for the sport after watching the demonstration by some young judokas.

“I found it interesting because it is one sport that can be used for selfdefense and if one imbibes the values explained by the coaches, it can also help us in everything we are doing. I would love to join the judo club and compete in the inter-schools tournament,” the primary six pupil said.

WWE to Host Africa’s Superstar Search Tryout in Nigeria World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), in conjunction with its Sub-Saharan Africa broadcast partner, SuperSport, has announced a continent-wide talent search to find Africa’s next WWE Superstar. The campaign was announced today in Lagos, Nigeria, the host city for a multiday tryout in February 2023.

“The Search for Africa’s Next WWE Superstar” is now open to Nigerians and citizens of other African countries. Submissions will be accepted till December 18.

Interested candidates are to submit a video highlighting their potential to become a WWE Superstar. Successful applicants will be invited to participate in the Lagos tryout in February 2023.

A select number of tryout participants will then be awarded

an all-expenses-paid experience to continue their tryout journey alongside current and prospective WWE Superstars ahead of WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles in April 2023.

A full-time WWE developmental contract may be offered to the top-performing participants who will then begin their new career at the world-class WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida.

“Africa is a focal point of our renewed global talent recruitment strategy and this initiative in Lagos will launch what we envision becoming a year-round, multi-country effort to cultivate relationships and identify talent that will resonate with our passionate and loyal African fanbase,” said James Kimball, WWE Head of Talent

Operations and Strategy. “The region has incredible potential to serve as a meaningful talent development hub for WWE and we look forward to working with our tremendous partners at SuperSport to uncover the next generation of Superstars through this program.”

“The continent abounds with athletes and Africa has had several WWE Superstars, so this is the perfect opportunity to showcase fresh new talent,” said Marc Jury, Chief Executive of SuperSport. “As there is a massive appetite among African audiences for WWE action and entertainment, we expect this initiative to be very popular with aspirants. SuperSport looks forward to telling this exciting story in the weeks and months to come.”

Lagos Women Run Set for Historic Seventh Edition The stage is now set for the seventh edition of the Lagos Women Run; an annual 10km race eagerly anticipated on the country’s sports calendar.

According to the organisers, over 25,000 participants (the highest ever in the race’s history) have entered for the 2022 edition.

This year’s Lagos Women Run is scheduled to take off at

the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS and it will end at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena formerly known as Onikan Stadium.

While expressing delight at the unprecedented number of participants, Tayo Popoola, coordinator for the Lagos Women Run said Saturday’s event will be more than just a sporting activity.

“Of course, we are

delighted with the massive growth we have witnessed in the past seven years, our mission statement is resonating with more and more people that the Lagos Women Run is not just another sporting event, it is a platform to celebrate women from all walks of life, amplifying the issues affecting our gender while also proffering solutions,” she said.

L-R Diego White, Sadiq Dantata, Santiago Marambio and Diego White of FirstBank Polo team at the just concluded Emir of Zazzau African Patrons Cup

With Pink Polo, FirstBank Truly Cares When the 2022 edition of annual FirstBank sponsored Emir of Zazzau African Patrons Cup polo tournament galloped to a screeching halt in Kaduna last weekend, one thing that reverberated in the mind of many of polo fans who thronged the venue to watch their favourite players was that, truly FirstBank cares.

Dubbed Pink Polo, the tournament is a breast cancer awareness initiative wrapped up in a sporty ambience with the sole aim of raising awareness on the scourge, with the aim of reducing its prevalence, especially among women.

To achieve that purpose, the best of polo players drawn from around the world gathered at the highbrow polo resort for the weeklong polo extravaganza.

Often referred to as the King of sports, and sport for the kings, the 2022 Emir of Zazzau African Patrons Cup was polo at its best. And it had in attendance renowned polo players from far and near.

Manuel Crespo, Alejo Aramburu, Satiago Marambo, Fecundo Retamar, Satiago Marambio, Diego White, Nicola Recaite and co came all the way from Argentina. So also was Kwame Isa from Ghana.

Hamisu Buba led home boys that comprised of Murtala Laushi; Patron Malcomines, Abdulrahaman Mohammed and Sadiq Dantata. The players not only entertain polo fans, they also gave themsome to cheer.

The sight of a horse running at breakneck speed is something pony lovers will always behold.

But the biggest match of weekend was the High Goal encounter that pitched host team; Fifth Chukker; serial winner, against the visiting Malcomines in a 6-chukker thriller.

Parading star players like Crespo; the teams Captain; a

6-goal polo player, Fecundo Ketemer, another 6-goaler, home-based Abdulrahaman Mohammed +3-handicap polo player and of one of Ghanaians greatest polo player, Kwame Isa 3-goaler.

The other end of the turf has Patron and Captain; Laushi +1, highly experienced Buba +4 and two other hired polo assassins; Argentine Marambio, 6-goal player and Aramburu, also a 6-goal player.

True to its rating as sport for kings, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamali was on hand to watch the fierce contest, a mark for which the sports in known for.

And in no time, the competition galloped off on a fast paced mode with hightech dribbling, piercing incursions to dangerous areas of each opposing sides. Though the defense wall of Malcomines was tight, it soon gave way under pressure from Crespo led side.

The opposing side responded in similar fashion netting a great goal to the delight of the fans who roared in appreciation.

But then the closing chukka did belong to Crespo, Ketemer, Mohammed and Isa who overpowered the tired Malcomines to extend their lead to 10-goal and Malcomines who ended the game netting 8-goals at the blast of the whistle.

The other match that drew attention also was Late Gen. Hassan Cup which Coronation won, after beating FirstBank team of Sadiq Dantata, Satiago Marambio, Diego White and Nicola Recaite by 10-goals to 8-goals.

Apart from the turf actions, there were lectures and talks on the need to educate women and made aware the scourge of cancer among women, the role which the FirstBank sponsored African Patrons Cup is being used to play.

The FirstBank sponsored Africa Patrons Cup debuted in 2004 as African Masters; Polo’s version of the African Nations Cup, involving Polo playing nations on the continent. The first edition had South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Zambia in attendance.

But the event was relaunched and renamed as African Patrons Cup in 2011 for high ideals and found worthy cause in Breast Cancer Awareness movement in Northern Nigeria. And the organisers also found in FirstBank of Nigeria limited, a reliable partner, a Bank that cares and together they are battling the scourge.

And from all indications, the fight against Breast Cancer is a battle that must be won.

Ever since its debut, the African Patrons Cup has enjoyed the patronages of some of the biggest brands in the corporate world including FirstBank, the financial institution that has bankrolled the activity and support the worthy cause of Cancer among women.

As the event attracted the nation’s biggest brands, it has also attracted some notables in the society.

On hand to watch the best of nation last week were the Governor of Niger State; Abubakar Bello, Emir of Zazzau Ambassador Nuhu Bamali, Patron of Fifth Chukker Resort Adamu Atta, former Inspector General of Police; Aliyu Atta, Wife of the Governor of Niger State, Dr. Amina Abubakar Bello, Commissioner for Health, Kaduna State; Dr. Amina Beloni, Group Head, Private Banking of FirstBank, Idowu Thompson and Sadiq Suleiman, Hub Head North, FirstBank, Private Banking among others.

No wonder they say at FirstBank, it’s ‘You First’.

Gino Tennis Tourney Climaxes Today at Lagos Country Club After two weeks of action, curtains will fall today on the 2022 Gino Lagos Country Club Tennis Tournament with prizes up for grabs in seven categories.

The event is being used to launch the Gino party jollof tomato mix from the stable of Spanish manufacturer GB Foods.

Destiny Da-Silva is poised to battle either of the Ujiagbe brothers Idemudia and Ehi for the top prize in the newly formed A+ category which is being competed for in round-robin format while

the likes of Victor Ogbeide and Deji Oguntoye are also closing in on honours in the Men’s A category.

Sunny Igboanugo and Deji Oshikoya will compete for the Men’s s Singles B title following their triumphs in the semifinals.

For the Men’s Doubles, the Ujiagbe brothers look good for the title but they will face strong challenge from the pair of Segun Aluko and Kunle Onamusi who edged Bimbo Okubena and Wale Adesida 7-6,7-6.

Nimota Omope looks unstoppable for the women’s singles crown as she eases to a 6-1,6-1 win over Ify Akpan.

In the veteran’s category, Peter Mgbeahuru and Adewunmi Adisa will battle for the title after defeating Abu Innocent and Samuel Ojo respectively It has been an exciting two weeks of tennis action and we are looking forward to a colourful grand finale come Saturday,” tennis section captain, Omon Ehighebolo said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Asisat Oshoala Another Award to A Glowing Career

Asisat Oshoala

Winning awards have been synonymous with Asisat Oshoala since she dumped education to face a career in football. Earlier this week she added another to her growing list of awards

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uper Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala has been honoured by the Women’s International Champions Cup for her role in advancing women’s soccer.

Oshoala was named to the third annual WICC Best XI on Monday, with the Barcelona forward joining England national team coach Sarina Wiegman, journalists Jeff Kassouf and Anna Kessel, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone and Ally Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Brimmer on the award list.

Recognising the contribution of Oshoala and the other awardees, the head of the WICC, Susie Fiore said, “The winners work tirelessly to champion the women’s game, often in spite of great obstacles.

“Without the contributions of the 2022 honorees, the women’s game would not have the explosive growth that we’re seeing today.”

Oshoala is Nigeria’s most decorated female footballer.

She is the first African woman to play in the English league, when she featured for Liverpool and Arsenal, winning the 2015 Women’s FA Cup with the Gunners. A record five-time winner of the African Women’s Footballer of the Year award, Oshoala was the first African to score a goal in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final. Last year, the 28-year-old became the first African woman to win the UEFA Champions League.

Oshoala is also the first African woman to win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy.

In August 2022, she became the first African

woman nominated to the Ballon d’Or. Oshoala is a three-time winner of the African Women’s Championship, claiming the titles in 2014, 2016, and 2018 and winning the competition’s golden boot award in two of those editions.

Since abandoning her education in pursuit of a football career, Oshoala has never looked back- it’s been one success story to another. This season her game had be blighted by injury reducing her game time to just 12 starts in 19 appearances. Not deterred, the Super Falcons striker not only helped Barcelona to win the league for the second time in a row but went on to win the Spanish Premiera Iberdrola Golden Boot, making her the first African to achieve the feat.

Oshoala had earlier won the Spanish Premiera Iberdrola golden boot following an impressive goalscoring season with champions Barcelona Femeni to become the first African woman to achieve the feat after scoring 20 goals in just 12 starts of all 19 league appearances.

The 27-year-old, who opened her season account with a brace in a 5-0 win over Real Betis on September 11, grabbed her 20th goal of the season in a 5-1 win against Sevilla on May 5.

The 20th goal of the season saw the Super Falcons star to level with Brazil’s Geyse of Madrid CFF, who failed to go further.

Despite being introduced as a 63rd minute substitute, the Nigerian could not add to her goal tally on final day’s 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid, but she still nicked her long-sought accolade, having played fewer matches (19) than Geyse (27).

The Nigerian captain was the highest goal scorer

at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and was named the best player at the tournament. She was also named best player and second top goalscorer with the Super Falcons team who won the 2014 African Women’s Championship.

Indeed, World football governing body, FIFA hailed the Barcelona Femeni striker for winning the Pichichi with the Catalan club despite suffering a two-month injury spell.

“20 goals and a perfect club season. Asisat Oshoala has always been unstoppable!,” FIFA wrote on their official Women’s World Cup page.

Oshoala has had a superb season, winning the league’s top scorer, and achieving a spotless league record. Speaking on the award, Oshoala said: “It’s obviously been a team effort to get here, and l can only thank my team-mates and everyone at the club for this achievement. “We’ve been working hard all season and cannot stop now.” Barcelona scored 159 goals in 30 games as they didn’t drop a single point. They conceded just 11 goals to establish their exceptional dominance.

Oshoala, 27, is Africa’s most decorated female footballer and becomes the first woman from the continent to claim Spain’s golden boot.

Oshoala scored 81 goals in 104 appearances for Barca, and has signed a deal to remain with the Spanish giants until the end of the2023-24 campaign.

She joined the Spanish outfit from Chinese champions Dalian Quanjian in January 2019, initially on loan, before agreeing a permanent switch five months later.

The former FC Robo and Rivers Angels star had moved to the Far East in February 2017 from English

side Arsenal, with whom she won the Women’s FA Cup at Wembley in 2016.

She finished as the Chinese Women’s Super League top scorer in 2017 with 12 goals to help her club to the title same year.

Oshoala, who began her European career at Liverpool, won her third Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Falcons in Ghana in 2018, scoring three goals as Nigeria lifted the title for a ninth time.

Oshoala won the Confederation of African Football’s Women’s Player of the Year fourth time in 2020equalling the record set by compatriot Nkwocha.

The maiden BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year winner helped Nigeria reach the last 16 at the 2019 Women’s World Cup in France and will be hoping to lead her country to qualification for the 2023 World Cup and a record-extending 10th Nations Cup title in Morocco in July.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 12, 2022

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK How to Install a Fire Extinguisher in Your Car

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Investment and Cooperative, Dr. Lola Akande; Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Olorunimbe Mamora; Mrs. Dora Ajayi; Chairman/CEO, Nord Automobiles Limited, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi; Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Oluwatoyin Ogundipe; and Director, Federal Education Quality Assurance Service, Lagos Office, Mrs. Rachael Elujoba, during the unveiling of Nord Automotive Complex at the premises of University of Lagos… recently

Ogundipe Inaugurates UNILAG-Nord Auto Assembly Plant, to Build Drones

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istory was made in Lagos this week, as the first auto assembly plant to be established in a university in Africa was inaugurated in the University of Lagos.

Beside assembling new automobiles and giving relevant students hands-on or practical skills, the facility built by Nord Automobiles, will also make drones for commercial purpose.

Outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, disclosed this at the unveiling ceremony of the auto complex on Thursday.

He said, “We are going to be manufacturing drones in this same place. They already have an agreement with the Nigerian Air Force.

“And I want us to know that our students will learn something new in this area of drones and other things that will come from this particular arrangement.”

He expressed optimism that the venture would

soon gain international recognition being “the first time that any university in Africa will be having an automobile assembling company in such a way that it will train students, expose staff to practical skills and also make staff to get new cars at affordable prices.”

Ogundipe said the university decided to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Nord Automobiles having found out that it is one of the reputable auto assembling companies in Nigeria and the benefits of having such practical skill-oriented venture within UNILAG. “I know that the Minister of Education Malam Adamu Adamu, and the Tetfund head have been talking about R&D (Research and Development) for the university. We felt this project is an opportunity for us to have our R&D in the university.

“With that, we entered into an MoU with Nord so that our students can get their training through this platform; the academic staff too can get their exposure through this platform. It is not only the staff in the Faculty of Engineering that will benefit from this, even those in the departments of architecture,

finance, marketing and every other department that has relevance to this project.

“This is in line with what the President (Muhammadu Buhari) has been talking about – that there is a need to expose our engineering students to the industry so that they will be able to do well in their areas of interest.”

Speaking on the drone project, Chief Executive Officer of Nord, Mr Oluwatobi Ajayi, said it would offer unique experience and expand the body of knowledge and exposure in a new area in high demand.

“We also have Nord aerospace here. We designed the drones ourselves; nobody can shut us down; no country can shut us down because the software was designed here in Nigeria by young Nigerians,” he said.

The automobile complex at UNILAG, according to him, comprises a research and development centre, a magnificent showroom, a vehicle making/ assembling point and an after-sale centre, adding that this will offer massive opportunities that other institutions can copy.

Increased Safety: Mercedes-Benz to Make Accident-free Driving a Reality

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afety is an essential part of MercedesBenz’s DNA and one of the core responsibilities the company has assumed in regards to all road users.

The automaker said the priority of the brand with the star is to prevent and improve the outcome of accidents.

Two anniversaries in active and passive safety serve the company as an opportunity to present its latest safety features. Everything was set off by a car test in October exactly 25 years ago. In Sweden in 1997, the A-Class rolled over during the so-called ‘moose test’. This prompted the rapid and widespread introduction of the Electronic Stability Program ESP® in all Mercedes-Benz models. The company immediately followed up with extensive development of driving assistance systems. Today, drivers of current Mercedes-Benz models enjoy many support systems. The second anniversary: Twenty years ago, the anticipatory protection system PRE-SAFE®, which has undergone continuous development ever since, was introduced. This was the first time that active elements helped support passive protective measures in order to improve outcomes of an accident. The company is pursuing a clear goal: to achieve accident-free driving by 2050. The ‘real-life safety’ philosophy guiding the company’s ambitious goal is based on real-world accidents. The Group’s own Accident Research unit, which Mercedes-Benz has been conducting for more than 50 years, forms an essential component.

In recent years, research has been expanded to include locations in China and India.

Twenty-five years ago, the automotive world was in an uproar when, on October 21, 1997, the new Mercedes-Benz A-Class (W 168 series) rolled over during a spectacular test conducted by the Swedish

Mercedes-Benz’s safety drill magazine ‘Teknikens Värld’. This incident during a ‘moose test’, only known to the Scandinavian public at the time, helped the Electronic Stability Program ESP® to achieve a breakthrough, admittedly involuntarily. Only two years later, Mercedes-Benz for the first time introduced the system as standard worldwide in the S-Class Coupe (C 140 series). The company reacted immediately to the A-Class incident, upgrading all 18,000 vehicles already delivered at no cost to customers. The system became a standard feature in the A-Class from February 1998. This made Mercedes-Benz a pioneer in the industry, successively outfitting all model series with ESP® as a standard feature starting in 1999. Overnight, ESP® became a symbol for an innovative and active in-car

safety system – regardless of vehicle class. Today, 25 years later, ESP® is standard equipment in all Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. And in November 2011, it even became a legal requirement for all new car registrations in Europe. ESP® also paved the way for the other active driver assistance systems available today.

Brake control systems involved in more than 100 vehicle functions ESP® stabilizes the vehicle through targeted and lightning-fast braking intervention on individual wheels. Largely ignored by the public until now, brake control systems have continued to develop rapidly since the moose test incident.

How prepared are you for car safety?

Do you have a car fire extinguisher kit ready to go in your vehicle? An automotive fire extinguisher is safe to put in your car and can make the difference between minor damage and a total loss in the event of a car fire. A bracket or mounting system is the safest way to store a car fire extinguisher. But, how do you install a fire extinguisher?

We’ll tell you about a few different ways to do it and give some tips on safety and convenience.

Where to keep a fire extinguisher in your car The driver’s seat is a possible placement for installing a fire extinguisher You can and should use a fire extinguisher on a car fire, as long as it’s safe to do so. There are a few options for where to put a car fire extinguisher in your vehicle. As long as it’s secured, out of direct sunlight, and easy to access in the event of a car fire, it should be fine wherever you put it.

Most drivers choose to install a fire extinguisher directly in front of or behind the driver’s seat or the front passenger seat. You may also be able to store the extinguisher underneath one of the front seats, as long as it won’t roll around.

However, some options are better than others. Installing a fire extinguisher close at hand where it can be securely bolted down is the best and safest option to store an extinguisher.

Check out two options below.

Installing a fire extinguisher in your car using a simple bracket While researching fire extinguisher installation, the Bracketeer Universal Automotive Fire Extinguisher Bracket is one of the coolest and most accessible options I found. Bracketeer claims that this product is compatible with most cars, including newer models and classic cars.

Using a car fire extinguisher system with a bracket is one of the best ways to safely secure and store an extinguisher without needing to do any customisation work on your car.

This is a particularly good product if you lease your vehicle. You don’t need to drill any holes, and you can remove it when you need to return the car.

In the video above, RallySport Direct doesn’t name a specific brand or model of the fire extinguisher that the presenter installs. But, it appears to be a standard extinguisher.

Installing a car fire extinguisher with a mount Kies Motorsports shows how to install an automotive fire extinguisher in your car using an additional mount.

These can typically mount to the front or back of the driver or front passenger seat. Like the video above, installing this fire extinguisher is relatively quick and easy and can be bolted down to existing equipment.

If you’re buying a car fire extinguisher system with a mount and don’t want to need to drill holes, be sure of two things. One, you’re purchasing some universal system product. And two, your modern or classic car has the proper equipment to support the mount.

In the video above, Kies Motorsports uses the H3R Performance Halguard Fire Extinguisher, which is also recommended below. The Universal Fire Extinguisher Seat Mount is used to secure it.

(Source: Motor Biscuit)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 12, 2022

AUTO WORLD

Kia Sonet Star Prize at India Golf Foundation Cup

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he Indian Cup organised by the Indian Golfers Foundation at the Ikoyi Club 1938 features an outstanding field of players and promises spectacular golf.

In the same vein, these descriptions can be said of this year’s Hole-in-One Prize, a leading urban and athletic compact SUV in Nigeria, the 2023 Kia Sonet. The first Ace on the 13th hole will be rewarded with the all-new Sonet, a model that incorporates Kia’s DNA of emotive styling along with a premium appeal, which creates a strong presence on road.

With multiple powertrain options, the new Sonet’s impressive features come encapsulated in a modern exterior, making the compact SUV the latest addition to Kia’s award-winning SUV family. With a dynamic stance in a confident and compact body, the Sonet includes a fresh interpretation of Kia’s signature ‘tigernose’ grille, LED DRLs (daytime running lights), and a stylish front skid plate beneath. Designed around the driver with a well-laid-out, intuitive infotainment and cluster interface, the Sonet was built taking into consideration the end user’s experience, harbouring functional qualities in every inch of its ergonomic space.

Built through synthesizing customer insight, Kia has formulated the Sonet, a compact SUV design built to

Kia Sonet 2023

world-leading standards, pioneering segment-leading features, and design that naturally nestles itself into the increasingly demanding urban lives of individuals.

“Kia Nigeria is poised to the #DrivenbyInspiration in everything we do, including driving the game of golf and other sporting activities forward on an international and local level,” said Olawale Jimoh, Head of Marketing, Kia Nigeria. “Kia and the game of golf have been synonymous with sophistication and innovation for many years. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Indian Golfers Foundation in Nigeria for this year’s Indian Cup at the Ikoyi Club, 1938. “Our partnership for the India Cup provides the perfect platform to present our brand’s sustainable luxury and the mobility of the future to the golf world,” Olawale added.

Speaking on Kia’s partnership with the IGF for the 2022 Indian Cup, Keshab Vaswani, a member of the organizing committee, stated that the “IGF acknowledges with deep gratitude the steadfast commitment of our sponsors who have stood firmly with us even in these trying economic conditions.”

“They identify with the ideals of the IGF in hosting the event as a channel to foster the growing relationship between the Indian and international communities with their Nigerian counterparts.

Toyota Unveils Tremendously Cool GR Corolla Rally Concept

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he 2023 GR Corolla debuted earlier this year and gives North American driving enthusiasts the hot hatch they have been asking for.

The automaker said in a statement that before the new addition to the Toyota GR sports car model line becomes available in Toyota dealerships in 2023, Toyota provides a glimpse of the new model’s potential for aftermarket customization with its GR Corolla Rally Concept.

On display at the 2022 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center is Toyota’s new and expanded exhibit (Central Hall, Booth No. 22200), including the GR Corolla Rally Concept – rocket fuel for those who love Toyota sports cars and rally performance.

“The all-new GR Corolla checks all the driving

A

bout 20 years ago, we made history. I know WKDW WKH ÀUVW KLVWRU\ was made in 1988 by the General Ibrahim Babangida administration. Under his watch, Nigeria paved the path for the lead Agency concept by birthing the Federal Road Safety Corps. It was however in 2019 that the United Nations Road Safety Strategy was launched while in August 31,2020 through the instrumentality of resolution A/74/299 adopted and recognised the role of the Department of Safety and Security in implementing the UN strategy.

This national historic feat is rarely celebrated by a cross section of the motoring public who would rather throw away the baby out with the bathwater. Today, FRSC Nigeria is the model the World Bank is selling to the developing world as a workable concept even though there are gaps we need to close to meet the yearnings of our people. Yet again, another history which is actually my focus for this week was made in 2003 and KDV EHHQ LQVWUXPHQWDO LQ URDG WUD΀F crash reduction and moulding driving behaviour. I am talking about the year when the Federal Road Safety Corps introduced compulsory wearing of seatbelt by all occupants of a vehicle even though the phased approach started with the driver and front seat passengers.

I once told you that I was privileged to be part of the three-man team that muted the idea and kick-started the campaign to tilt driving behaviour in the country. I was barely six years

excitement boxes – 300 horsepower, turbocharged performance, standard six-speed manual,all-wheeldrive handling and hot hatch functionality,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president – Toyota Division Marketing.

“The GR Corolla Rally Concept shows what happens when we apply a healthy dose of Toyota Gazoo Racing DNA and expand the GR Corolla’s rallying roots.”

Starting with a 2023 GR Corolla Circuit Edition, Marty Schwerter and the Toyota Motorsports Garage team – Brad Vetter, lead fabricator; Justin Lacore, fabricator; and David Senn, technician – nailed the goal of creating an ultimate rally machine. Inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing GR Yaris Rally1 World Rally Championship race car, they focused on applying many of the race car’s technologies and characteristics to this concept.

The 2023 Toyota Corolla GR

20 Years of Seat Belt Enforcement SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

old in the Corps and privileged too to be the spokesperson for the Corps then. Like I wrote a couple of months ago when I did a piece celebrating the former Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, it was a privilege to have worked with the former Corps, Marshal Boboye Oyeyemi, as well as Kayode Olagunju who was then the Sector Commander in Lagos.

Although Oyeyemi has bowed out after 34 years of glorious service to the Corps, Olagunju and my humble VHOI DUH VWLOO LQ WKH ÀHOG VWULYLQJ WR DGG value and coach future practitioners on the best humane arsenal to deploy in saving lives. Meanwhile, I must place on record that the trio (Oyeyemi, Olagunju and my humble self were basically instrumental in conceiving the idea and running with it to the glory of God Almighty.

As Sector Commander, Lagos, Olagunju coordinated my movement within Lagos and Ibadan to curry the buy-in of my media colleagues. The cost for the movement to Lagos and Ibadan, the Oyo State capital was borne by the former Corps Marshal. I

must roll the carpets for the Guardian Newspaper whose support culminated in a beautiful editorial commending the Corps for the initiatives but advising that the six months deadline given before enforcement be extended by another six months.

This call was heeded before we went full blast on 1st January, 2003 with the enforcement of seat belt usage by driver and front seat passengers. What the public didn’t know was that the enforcement was all drama amidst fears that it may not succeed. It also had a taint of stubbornness exhibited by some of us led by Olagunju all in the name of doing what we believed was right.

In the words of Olagunju, who bore the greatest chunk of the enforcement phobia as Sector Commander in charge of Lagos with the highest number of vehicles including substandard vehicles, we deliberately commenced the enforcement at exactly 12: 01 am on January 1, 2003.

The Corps, he noted, was afraid of the backlash and I remember we were asked to postpone the enforcement.

We tactically ignored the directive in Lagos and started arresting those returning from crossover church services. We were even labelled mean and ungodly, piling pressure on people on the New Year day. That was seen DV ZLFNHGQHVV E\ DP DOO RXU R΀FHV ZHUH ÀOOHG ZLWK LPSRXQGHG YHKLFOHV DQG WKH PHGLD VWRUPHG P\ R΀FH 7KH media concern and massive coverage assisted in raising awareness that we were serious as the news was everywhere. Since the motorists needed not to buy anything but just to strap, the level of compliance was huge. If it

KDG EDFNÀUHG ZH ZRXOG KDYH EHHQ punished too. I remember discussing with you that before the directive postponing the enforcement formally got to us, we would have commenced the enforcement. We both believed there was no need to postpone the enforcement again after the initial six months extension. That was why we started by midnight of 31 December 2002 to “ambush” motorists coming from church and also pre-empted the postponement circular.

The success owes a lot to the media.

Before we began, this is how one of the media houses captured the campaign; the seriousness exhibited by the FRSC and the Police Force personnel in the enforcement of the order have led to the rush for seat belt purchase in the market by those whose cars lack this life saving facility. So within a short while of the decisive enforcement on the use of front occupant seat belt nationwide, about 90 per cent compliance level was recorded all over the country. One could say without fear of contradiction that the fears expressed were genuine but the seriousness exhibited by FRSC personnel and the police led to a rush for seat belt purchase in the market by users of bastardised vehicles without any seatbelt.

I remember vividly that when we were about to start, the United Kingdom had run and enforced the seat belt campaign for over 22 years with a report showing that millions of pounds was voted and was still being voted to raise the level of consciousness and achieve a greater level of impact.

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVERMBER 12, 2022

EVENTS

T

he families of late Sheikh Ibrahim Ahmad (Sarkin Ruwan Zazzau) and late Malam Saeed Khalid held a wedding Fatiha for their son and daughter, Fu’ad Ahmad Makari and Aisha Rufai Umar at the Government College Jumaat Mosque, Governor Road, Kaduna recently.

Here are some of the guests at the ceremony L-R: Mr. Usefa, Fu’ad Ahmad Makari [groom] and Professor Makari

L-R- Mahmoud Yusuf, Magaji Garin,Gusu, Fu’ad Ahmad Makari [groom] and Albashir Yusuf

L-R: Mallam Yusuf and Mallam Shuaibu

L-R: Jemilu M-Z; Usama Bello and a Guest

Mallam Bapa Ladan

Mallam Mahmoud Yusuf

Albashir Yusuf

L-R: Musa Ahmed and Umar Suleiman Yusuf

L-R: Ibrahim Ahmed, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani

Mallam Ibrahim

Dr. Bello Zaria

L-R: Mallam Ibrahim and Alhaji Ayuba

Saturday, November 12, 2022

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UT H

& RE A S O

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Elder Oyelese to Gov Makinde “It doesn’t mean anything if Makinde says he will not work for Atiku. He is on his own! It is an empty threat! We are too sophisticated for that in Oyo State” –Former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Wole Oyelese, Chiding Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for opposing Atiku Abubakar’s presidential bid.

OKEYIKECHUKWU EFCC, Naira Redesign and Fuel Scarcity T EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

he Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC) has just announced that some state governments are poised to pay workers’ salaries in cash. Why? Are these states breakaway fraternities from the Nigerian brotherhood, which are no longer interested in transparency and proper accounting processes? No more e-banking and cashless efficiency? And, pray, where would such humongous cash volume come from?

Besides the question of whence, there is also the further question of when the monies in question here were all appropriated. From which bank(s) was it all withdrawn, and when?

If the monies did not come from any banks within the period under review, who brought it and from where? See the problem? There are questions for which the EFCC must obtain answers. And it is only just beginning.

But what if those who stashed billions of Naira away now rush out and convert same to dollars? What will EFCC do if kidnappers also convert their hidden Naira cash volume to dollars? Let us look at it this way: The EFCC can always demand explanations from a forex dealer whose trade volume shows an astronomical rise in a season of national currency redesign. Right? And every forex dealer must have, and keep records of, all his customers, is that not so?

So, let us relax and watch; but without taking anything for granted. True, there is much that is wrong with the nation; including challenges with the war against corruption of financial systems and processes. But let us just watch. Let us give Bawa the benefit of doubt.

And that brings us to the presumed unwisdom of a Naira redesign. Let us first note that a nation can always redesign its currency. The reasons for this may vary from one country to another. The reasons may also vary within the same country, depending on what the fiscal and monetary authorities of that country wish to achieve at a particular time. But one thing is sure: Calls for currency redesign will always be welcomed by some people and found unwelcome by others. In our case at the moment, debate is on (1) Whether we need a Naira redesign at all; (2) Whether this is the right time for a Naira Redesign; and (3) Whether it will not drive inflation through the roof.

On the first point, there is nothing wrong, in principle, with redesigning any national currency. That is the prerogative of every sovereign state and government. It may be done to commemorate a historic national event, because someone just wants to see a new design. It may also just be a tool for some fiscal/economic objective, among other possible reasons. In our own case, the truth is that this our Naira has been around for quite a while. But that is not bad in itself. So, being around for quite a while cannot really be a good reason for changing the look of a currency. Fortunately, this fact of having been around long enough is not the overriding reason being advanced by the monetary authorities.

A point to consider, especially regarding the expectation that everything will fall apart because of Naira redesign is that our previous experience, and research into the experiences of other climes, indicates that we are likely to lose close to 20% of the actual cash in circulation by currency redesign. Reason?

There will always be that tranche of cash

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Bawa here and there that does not make its way back into the system. Some people will always tell themselves that the old notes will always be accepted; and hence face the too late.

Some of us may still recall how some people tried to run a sub-economy on old notes in the past; after a currency change. It went on, until events caught up with them. At first it looked like the “two currencies” were welcome. Then, the value of the old notes kept declining. Then they lost more than 50% of their original value.

Then people began to use massive quantities of the old notes to buy the new ones. Those who then woke up, frighteningly belatedly, faced the “too late”.

As for those who say that this is not the time for currency change, the question for them to answer is this: When is the right time? Should it be in January 2023, after the elections? Alright, after the next Ramadan Season, perhaps? And what would be the justification for any time we settle for?

The point to note in the matter of timing for a national currency redesign is this: The specific date and time of commencement of the exercise is not conclusively indicative of an irreversible total timeframe allotted for the commencement and conclusion of the exercise. If the allotted time is not enough, then it ca be extended. It is as simple as that. If you think the exercise will disrupt everything, including the rotation of the earth, please tell us how and why.

As for the currency redesign driving up inflation, that remains to be seen. What was our national experience in 1973? Did we not find less money buying more, because cash was scarce? What do traders do when few people can pay? What they do is that they either cut their profit, sell at cost price, or below cost price, in order to also get other things, they need. Losses and re-balancing take place here and there; and life goes on.

Fuel Sales in the South East Abuja, capital of the Federal republic of Nigeria, has been under the grip of grinding

fuel scarcity for about three months now. There was a reprieve after the first salvo. Then the Lokoja flood came. This flood was blamed for the new round of fuel scarcity. The waters are now long gone. Yes, the flood waters receded weeks ago, but the fuel has not found its way to Abuja. As I write, you cannot find more than 20% of the filling stations in Abuja selling fuel at any point in time. And this Abuja is where some of the presumed owners of Nigeria who live at public expense, the big boys and girls who “Divide and Share” everything, live.

The roads are still mostly empty. The blackmarket rate for petrol ranges from three thousand Naira to four thousand five hundred naira.

And everyone is buying and grumbling. Fairs are up for commuters. But wages are stagnant.

So, workers and their bosses have worked out a new timetable of who should come to work on which day of the week. And loyalty to the nation suffers, as would-be citizens work together to undermine the foundations of responsible citizenship. All because they feel shortchanged, stranded and swindled.

But the situation is different in the South East, when you think of fuel scarcity. The zone has not had fuel scarcity for a very long time.

That is because the people simply pay for what they want, at any prevailing price, and get it. It is only those who insist on government subsidy that have issues with efficiency.

Repeatedly cheated, serially diminished by several governments and disinherited, but not amenable to self-diminution, South Eastern Nigeria carries on like an organism with an incredible immune system. It was observed on this page three years ago, under the title “As the South East Mourns”, that the South East has “…become a metaphor for how to exist (without really living) in a federation of supposedly equal partners. It twists and turns piteously in subdued pain. There is an unvoiced gnashing of teeth and a bitter forbearance.”

As a region, it is “Denuded, ridiculed, swindled and roundly scandalised on all fronts by an elaborate pretence at nationhood that has been to its detriment for far too long. Its gifted, energetic and bold youths are forced to scavenge around the fringes of morality and legality, because they have found themselves in a system that excludes them from what their peers and supposed fellow citizens take as a matter of course; and regard as their entitlement”. These are facts of our living experience today It was further said, then: “… being a people resolved not to dissolve under inclement currents and the unrelenting assaults of a merciless state that seems determined to annihilate them, Ndigbo remain resilient in the face of inhuman political and economic odds. But does the rest of the Nigerian federation really know, and to its fullest measure, that thraldom and misery have taken permanent residence in the entire South East? Put differently, does anyone really care what people of that region feel, or do not feel, about everything going on around them – and sometimes in their name? I think not. And that is because everyone has been living with a badly treated South East since after the civil war in 1970. It has become normal to reckon without the people in every way.

It is a matter of fact, and record, that the South East region has remained sidelined in federal developmental projects for decades.

The nation has lived with this reality for very long before the current government. The region lacks relevance in the siting of impactful institutions and major drivers of our economic

environment. It is mocked by the wretched profile of its most visible political actors. Its sons and daughters in national public positions mostly live to survive their tenures. They sneak off to some recondite and narrow existence, or to their villages, once out of office. Not so for their peers, contemporaries and supposed equals from other parts of the country.

Look around you calmly and you must conclude that there is really nothing happening in the South East to warrant serious national human, economic or political traffic in that direction. It boasts the most dilapidated federal roads in the nation. It is the least considered in the new epidemic of rail projects springing up all over the nation. The second Bridge over the Onitsha end of the Niger was on the cards for decades. It became a metaphor for what should have happened immediately after the civil war, but which did not happen. The over 30 years of traffic nightmare for travellers on that route lingered and became the norm.

When, finally, approval was given for the Bridge to be built under the PDP government of yore, it turned out to be a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) arrangement. In other words, the bridge was approved to be built by whoever was willing, able and available to put down his money for it. Yes, the builder will fund the project and then later recover the money by putting up toll gates on both ends of the new bridge. It is those using the bridge that would pay for the cost of building it; and it was not to be handed over to the government to be used free of cost, until the number of years stipulated as adequate for the builder to recover his cost, along with the accruing profit. And, mind you, there was no case of national bankruptcy; or a dearth of projects of even higher net value being executed all over the nation at the time.

But the bridge was still not built. Had it been built as initially planned, it would most probably have been the only spot in the federation where toll gates were erected so that users of a public, land transport, facility like a bridge would pay for using it. And this was at a time the federal government banned and dismantled all toll gates in the country. Only the South East must moan, groan and bleed through the nose for a bridge that should have been constructed over 40 years ago.

Now that work has finally commenced on the bridge, thanks to the Buhari government and after a protracted toing and froing on several fronts, the euphoria of this “breakthrough” has, again, exposed the myopia and infantilism of South East political leadership. An elite that clamoured, and still clamours, for an inland port in Onitsha is blind to the fact that this new bridge has been deployed as undertaker for the port project. What type of ship will pass under it. To be fair, there is enough head room for, crabs, swimmers, speedboats and rafts. For good measure, it may even endure a flat-bottomed steamer ferrying sand around the now-dry banks. But that would be all. So, we can at least commission the Onitsha inland port for some form of retail shipping, using canoes, fast swimmers and speedboats between the creeks of the South South and Onitsha”.

The region has no fuel scarcity today. It has not had any, as a region for decades now; because the people are on their own. Petrol is sold all over the region at a maximum price not exceeding two hundred and fifty naira per litre. Let others take note and end the illusion of subsidy.

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