SATURDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

NACCIMA, NECA, LCCI Seek Policies to Cushion Impact of Petrol Price Hike Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja and Ibrahim Shuaibu in Kano Anger and condemnation greeted the directives of the Pipeline and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) advising petroleum marketers

to sell Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, within the range of N168 per litre to N170 per litre with effect from yesterday.

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), The Lagos Chamber of

Commerce and Industry (LCCI), the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), all expressed anger and disappointment with the rise in the price.

The LCCI and NECA, in separate interviews with

THISDAY urged the federal government to accelerate the implementation of pro-poor policies that would cushion the impact of deregulation of the prices of petroleum products on Nigerian masses.

The Director General of LCCI, Dr. Muda Yusuf, told THISDAY that there

is an urgent need for the government to “cushion the effects of petrol price increases by scaling up investment in mass transit systems.

Moreover, the power sector recovery programme should also be accelerated to reduce the dependence of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises

(MSMEs) on petrol powered electricity generators.”

Yusuf said these two areas of intervention would reduce the adverse impact of petrol price volatility on small businesses and the welfare of the citizens.

He suggested that the Continued on page 5

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In Move to Enhance Financial System, Buhari Signs 2020 BOFI Act Regulatory and supervisory framework reinforced Credit tribunal emerges to improve loan recovery Ndubuisi Francis and Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja In a move aimed at enhancing

the reliability and resilience of the Nigerian financial system for sustainable growth and development of its economy,

President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday in Abuja assented to the Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BOFI) Bill 2020.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, in a statement, said the bill

which has now become an Act of the National Assembly, repealed the extant Banks and Other Financial Institutions

(BOFI) Act of 1991, as amended.

Continued on page 5

South-South Governors Meet Monday over Zamfara Gold Okowa: We cannot apply laws in such a manner that it becomes discriminatory; you cannot mine solid minerals somewhere in Zamfara and you won’t allow Niger Delta manage their oil Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba It has now been confirmed that the six governors of the South- south region will meet in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, under the umbrella of the Forum of South-South Governors, to discuss issues around the mining of gold in Zamfara State.

A source close to one of the governors told THISDAY last night that all arrangements for the meeting had been concluded and that Governor Nyesom Wike is excited hosting the crucial meeting.

“The governors are looking towards taking a common decision on the Zamfara gold issue on Monday. This decision will be forwarded to President Buhari. South-south states also want ‘artisanal’ mining of oil,” added the source.

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, had last Wednesday expressed worry at “federal government's apparent tacit endorsement of the decision of Zamfara State to assume exclusive right to solid minerals in the state, particularly the gold deposits.”

Okowa then hinted that the South-south governors were planning a meeting over the issue and that they were unanimous on the need to address the constitutionality of the alleged Zamfara government's action.

In a veiled reference to the federal government's support for "artisanal mining of gold", particularly with President Muhammadu Buhari’s inauguration of the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Continued on page 5

ICPC Chairman, Afe Babalola’s Son, 70 Others Elevated to SAN... Page 8

ARISE FASHION’S 30 UNDER 30… THE HUNT BEGINS The 25-member committee that will select the top 30 young and promising new designers ready to take on a post Covid–world at the ARISE Fashion Week 2020 has commenced the process for Africa's biggest talent hunt. Their choices will be unveiled on the 16 of November ahead See story on page 14 of the showcase at Lakowe Beach and Golf Resort, Lagos, to global acclaim on December 5-12, 2020.

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PAGE FIVE IN MOVE TO ENHANCE FINANCIAL SYSTEM, BUHARI SIGNS 2020 BOFI ACT Describing the Act as monumental, Shehu said: “The BOFI Act 2020 updates the enabling law in response to developments and significant evolution in the financial sector over the last two decades. It will increase the appetite of banks and other financial institutions to channel muchneeded credit to the real sector to support economic recovery and promote sustainable growth.

"In this respect, it introduces a credit tribunal to improve loan recovery and address the incidence of high nonperforming loans within the financial system, which has been a key deterrent

to lending by financial institutions.

"Furthermore, it strengthens the regulatory and supervisory framework for the financial industry and provides additional tools for managing failing institutions and systemic distress to preserve financial stability, amongst others.�

He said the Central Bank of Nigeria would hold structured engagements with stakeholders across various sectors of the economy on critical aspects of the Act in the coming months.

"This enactment of the BOFI Act 2020 is a historic and significant achievement,

which is indicative of effective and productive collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government," he said.

In another development, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has said the 2020 Finance Bill, is aimed at reducing the cost of transportation in the country, which she said had been responsible for rising inflation.

Ahmed, who spoke yesterday at a virtual consultation and stakeholder engagement to discuss the economic and fiscal policy drivers underpinning the Finance Bill 2020, said the

average transport fare paid by commuters for bus journeys within a city increased by 12.70 per cent month-onmonth and 48.02 per cent year-on-year to N278.88 in August, the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed.

Ahmed said the bill contained “some interesting new proposals,â€? citing “fiscal relief for mass transit‌which is designed to provide support to mass transit by reviewing the Duties regimeâ€? as an example. “We recognise transportation as one of the major cost drivers in the economy. If you look at the

rate at which our inflation is going, and you disaggregate the components, you will find that inflation is largely driven by transport cost. So, the essence here is to reduce transportation cost so that businesses will have ease and pass benefits to eventual consumers.�

The nation’s inflation rate rose to 13.71 per cent in September from 13.22 per cent a month earlier, according to the NBS. Analysts at Financial Derivatives Company Limited, led by foremost economist Bismarck Rewane, said last week that headline inflation was projected to rise to 14.5

per cent in October from 13.71 per cent in September. “This means that inflation will be rising for the 14th consecutive month. It would also be the highest level in 33 months. Food inflation will be the most affected as it is estimated to climb to 17.05 per cent. Other sub-indices are also expected to move in the same direction,� they said.

The CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said recently that the rising inflation in the country and the contraction of the economy had created a dilemma for policymaking and foreboded the need to strengthen the productive base of the economy.

inaugurated the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining and Biometric Data Capture and Enrolment Exercise in Yauri Local Government Area of Kebbi in February.

The programme, which is a federal government initiative to be operated by PAGMI, in partnership with the Kebbi State Government, will formalise the artisanal mining groups for the much needed support and capacity building aimed at upscaling their processes, creating more jobs and enhancing incomes.

Minister of Mines and Steel

Development, Olamilekan Adegbite said the steps taken would lead to improved practices, access to finance and equipment, create jobs and sanitise the artisanal miners’ operations.

The minister added: “Undoubtedly, it will grow the economy of the state through diversification into solid minerals development.�

Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), Hajiya Fatima Umaru Shinkafi explained that Kebbi and Osun were selected to kick start the pilot

project.

She said the programme was part of President Buhari’s economic diversification agenda through the Anchor Borrowers Programme.

She said: “Federal government wants to create more jobs in rural areas of Nigeria in line with his mission to create million jobs.�

Fatima further said the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) would enroll the first batch of artisanal gold miners under the pilot scheme.

up, we will be seeing some movement at the pump which is what is happening today."

Although the federal government insists that the current components of the pricing template, apart from the landing cost, include the National Transportation Average (NTA), the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) charges, marketers margin and transportation costs, calculations are almost always hazy with no cogent explanation from government officials.

Says PDP

SOUTH-SOUTH GOVERNORS MEET MONDAY OVER ZAMFARA GOLD Initiative, Okowa vowed that the South-south states would resist “such a discriminatory disposition, that runs foul of the constitutional provision on ownership of mining rights in Nigeria.�

Okowa, who is the Chairman of the Forum, assured that the governors were united in their support for unattended issues of restructuring and devolution of more powers, as well as resources down to the local government level.

Okowa said, "The Southsouth governors have been in the forefront for

the devolution of power to states and local governments.

Restructuring, resource control and security of the country, especially in the Niger Delta will be a major topic of discussion at the Presidential parley coming up in Port Harcourt. “There are Acts of the National Assembly that dealt specifically and unequivocally with oil production and solid minerals. We cannot apply laws in such a manner that it becomes discriminatory because you cannot mine solid minerals somewhere

in Zamfara and not allow Niger Delta to manage their oil.�

The Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative (PAGMI) is a comprehensive artisanal and small-scale gold mining development programme, launched in 2019 to foster the formalisation and integration of artisanal gold mining activities into Nigeria's legal, economic, and institutional framework.

Federal government, in collaboration with the Kebbi State Government,

NACCIMA, NECA, LCCI SEEK POLICIES TO CUSHION IMPACT OF PETROL PRICE HIKE way out of this petrol price quagmire “is to accelerate the process of domestic refining of petroleum products. A deregulated pricing regime is typically volatile, oscillating with global oil price. The reality is that a reversal of the deregulation policy is not an option. The government does not have the fiscal capacity to sustain a subsidy regime.�

Speaking in the same vein, the Director General of NECA, Mr. Timothy Olawale, implored the “government to, as a matter of urgency, fast-track the implementation of all pro-poor policies,� which would not only ameliorate the petrol price increase but also “cushion the effects of COVID-19 and EndSARS protest on businesses and the generality of Nigerian lives.�

Olawale also pointed out that the hike in the ex-depot price of Petrol by N7.50 per litre to N155.17 from N147.67 per litre has generated concerns from Nigerians because there was no corresponding increase in the price of crude oil in the international market to justify the increase.

He said: “This became worrisome to many Nigerians as there was no major increase in the price of crude oil at the global market, rather a decline, which ordinarily should necessitate a downward review in the pump price. The increase in the ex-depot price implied that PMS will now sell for up to N175 per litre� in some parts of the country.

He argued further that inasmuch as the private sector of the Nigerian economy has clamoured for total deregulation of the downstream oil sector to enable market forces determine the price of petroleum products in the country, it is imperative that government should demonstrate a high level of transparency in the deregulation process. “A deregulation system that inspires confidence

among Nigerians will go a long way in assuaging the concerns as being expressed

by Nigerians. The expected savings from deregulation should be ploughed into infrastructural development that will quicken economic recovery and elevate millions of Nigerians from the poverty line,� Olawale said.

The NACCIMA maintained that an increase in petrol pump prices, which is a major source of energy, would increase the cost of production for the real sector and consequently be passed to the consumers who have seen their purchasing power eroded.

The Director General of NACCIMA, Ambassador Ayo Olukanni, told THISDAY that the increase in petrol price should not be viewed in isolation from the current state of poverty, unemployment and inflation that have been ravaging the country’s economy.

Olukanni said: “The recent increase in price would appear as a move to ensure that prices of petroleum products reflect market realities. However, considering that the rising unemployment (over 21 million people unemployed as at Q2, 2020), rising food prices, (16.7 per cent on a year-on-year basis, as at September 2020) and an economy in decline (GDP growth rate of negative 6.1 per cent as at Q2, 2020), were further exacerbated by the closure of land borders and an increase in electricity tariffs. “It is clear that an increase in pump prices of petrol (a major source of energy needs of the population) will increase the cost of production for the real sector, which will be passed to the consumers.�

He counseled the federal government to accelerate the effective implementation of all stimulus packages and intervention funds designed to support the production processes of the real sector

in order to “stave off the looming economic recession and accelerate economic recovery,� adding that “there is an urgent need for some form of social safety net in the current situation, as well as the implementation of measures to reduce energy costs.�

The PPMC in a circular released last Thursday explained that it took the decision to increase the price of petrol, “after a review of the prevailing market fundamentals for the month of November 2020.�

The PPMC, a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) had earlier increased the ex-depot price of petrol, to N155.17 per litre from N147.67 per litre, also with effect from yesterday.

The PPMC disclosed this in an internal memo with reference number PPMC/C/ MK/003, dated November 11, 2020, and signed by Tijjani Ali. The ex-depot price is the price at which the product is sold by the PPMC to marketers at the depots.

In its PMS price proposal for November, the PPMC put the landing cost of petrol at N128.89 per litre, up from N119.77 per litre in September/ October.

The National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mike Osatuyi, said the over N7 increase in ex-depot price would translate into big increase in pump prices.

He said, “The implication of the increase in the ex-depot price is that there is going to be an increase in the pump price. We are expecting the pump price to range from N168 to N170 per litre. “Crude oil price is going up,� he said, noting that the Federal Government has fully deregulated petrol prices.

Following the deregulation of petrol prices in September, marketers across the country

adjusted their pump prices to between N158 and N162 per litre to reflect the increase in global oil prices.

Petrol price band had also risen from N121.50– N123.50 per litre in June to N140.80-N143.80 in July and N148-N150 in August.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva said in September that the government had stepped back in fixing the price of petrol, adding that market forces and crude oil price would continue to determine the cost of the product.

With the international going rate of the product averaging $40.91 in September, on which the October pump price of between N157 and N161 was hinged and the $40.1 average price of crude oil in October, which would ordinarily determine the amount Nigerians buy petrol this month, pump price was at least expected to remain static or fall.

This month, Brent Crude and the Bonny light crude, Nigeria's oil grades are both continuing to trade at an average of $40 per barrel.

Though the process of price determination remains largely opaque, Sylva had, while defending the government's deregulation policy, stated that prices would move correspondingly with the fluctuations in crude oil prices.

The minister explained then: “When you say PMS, it is refined from crude oil and therefore whenever the crude oil price goes up, we will understand that the price of the refined goes up because the price of the fixed stock goes up.

"The derivatives from that feed stock are also bound to go up. Therefore, when the price of the feed stock went down, this government was able to transfer some of that joy to the public.

"And we have never minced word that when the price goes

Kano IPMAN Directs Members to Sell Petrol at N170 per Litre The Kano State branch of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has directed its members to sell petrol from N168 to N170 per litre.

The Kano branch, comprise Kano, Bauchi, Jigawa and the Katsina states, and according to its chairman, Bashir Dan-Mallam, who gave the directive while addressing newsmen in Kano yesterday, the association heeded the PPMC advice for the upward review of the pump price of petrol as contained in the circular from PPMC. Dan-Mallam said: “I call on all our members within our branch to immediately change the price of their litres from N160 per litre to between N168 and N170 per litre. “This development came after we received a circular from PPMC, advising us on the upward review of the price after it reviewed the market fundamentals for the month of November 2020.�

He assured the public of the association’s commitment to ensure steady fuel supply across the state and beyond.

N170 Fuel Price Wicked, Unbearable,

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the rise in the price of petrol to N170 per litre, describing it as wicked, unbearable and unacceptable, particularly given the prevailing excruciating economic crunch already foisted on Nigerians by the Buhari administration.

The party insisted that the increase in the pump price would worsen the already suffocating economic situation in the country.

According to a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, "Such hike will also be an additional log tied on the economic neck of Nigerians."

The PDP said the APC and its administration have no justification to increase the cost of petrol to anything above N100 per litre, not to talk of N170, when there are practical options to maintain affordable price given the production capacity and potentialities.

According to the PDP, "It is evident that the continuous increase in the pump price of PMS under opaque and nebulous indices is a product of incompetence and large-scale corruption being perpetrated by a few individuals in the Buhari administration, who are bent on fleecing Nigerians and holding our nation to ransom.

"Our party notes that the APC administration has failed to come clean on the parameters being used for the hike in prices vis-a-vis our production, export and accruing revenue.

"Indeed, the APC administration is not being honest with Nigerians regarding the status and volume of oil production, sales and accruing revenue," the party said.

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

COVID-19: FG to Secure $750m World Bank Loan for States Ndubuisi Francis Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË As part of efforts to mitigate the effect of COVID-19, the federal government is in the process of securing a $750 million World Bank loan on behalf of the states of the federation, to help stimulate the local economy and support consumption by vulnerable households.

The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed made the disclosure in Abuja, yesterday while inaugurating the Federal Steering Committee and Federal Technical Committee of the Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery for Economic Stimulus (N-CARES).

The Federal Steering Committee is made up of ministers and permanent secretaries as well while the Technical Committee is made up of directors of key ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).

The minister explained that to ensure that the implementation of the N-CARES was in line with the federal government’s priorities as outlined in the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP), the Federal Steering Committee made up of ministers and permanent secretaries as well as a Technical Committee made up of directors of key MDAs have to be in place.

Ahmed noted that the government had carefully selected

members of the committees because of the important role their MDAs play in the recovery of the Nigerian economy as well as the fulfillment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s promise of lifting 100 million people out of poverty.

She stated: “The diverse and severe impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to be felt across the world with significant consequences on informal businesses and households that survive on daily income and the peasant farmers who depend on

their farm produce to survive. “This key population make up over 60 per cent of our entire population in Nigeria therefore, the need to cushion the effects of the pandemic on the vulnerable sectors through the provision of palliatives and stimulus package. “The federal government has created several windows of interventions as captured in the Economic Sustainability Plan (ESP) inaugurated by Mr. President, Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, on March 30, 2020 to among other things respond

robustly and appropriately to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, identify fiscal measures to enhance oil and non-oil government revenues and reduce non-essential spending. “As part of windows of opportunity to mitigate the effect of COVID-19, the federal government is in the process of accessing a World Bank loan of $750 million on behalf of the states to stimulate the local economy and support vulnerable household’s consumption.�

The minister said the major role of the Federal Steering Committee would be to provide an overall policy direction for the implementation of the programme and advise the President appropriately, while, the Federal Technical Committee will be responsible for the programme oversight, overall guidance, support, coordination, strategic direction, review and approval of the annual work programme as well as budget for the Federal CARES Support Unit (FCSU).

#EndSARS: Access Bank Pledges Speedy Resolution on Frozen Customers’ Accounts Obinna Chima Access Bank Plc has expressed concern about the inconvenience some of its customers whose accounts were frozen due to their involvement in the recent protest against police brutality.

The bank therefore assured the affected customers that it would play its part to ensure that they had access to their “accounts as quickly as possible.�

In a statement yesterday, the financial institution restated its commitment to deliver superior service to its customers.

The statement followed an online campaign for customers to boycott the commercial bank due to the freezing of accounts of about eight persons involved in the #EndSARS protest, due to a court order obtained by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

However, the bank stated: “We want to express our sympathy for the inconvenience that eight of our customers are going through due to the restrictions on their accounts as mandated by a federal court order. We are eager for this to be resolved as soon as possible.�

Furthermore, the bank noted that: “It is common knowledge that we and the entire banking industry are regulated entities

and therefore operate under the authority of our regulators and law enforcement agencies. As such we are compelled to comply with regulatory directives. “While acknowledging the concern of all well-meaning parties, we urge that enquiries and views be channelled to the relevant regulatory and judicial agencies where the matter is receiving attention. It is therefore surprising that some individuals still choose to target Access Bank in a negative manner despite not being the source of the action.�

It also pointed out that it had always been at the forefront of innovative efforts in support of the development of the country, saying it embraced the role because it was also, “the largest employer of labour - a sizable number of which are youth.� “Access Bank has always led the way with regard to support for young Nigerians in terms of capacity building and development of SMEs. Recall that Access Bank launched an initiative to boost the creative industry with loan facilities aimed at capacity building and employment for individuals and businesses in movie production and distribution, fashion, IT and music.

Jailbreak: Additional 187 Escapee Inmates Return Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ ÓÞã A total of 286 out of the 1,900 inmates who escaped from the Oko Medium Correctional Centre and Sapele Road Correctional Centre in the wake of #EndSARS protest in Benin City, capital of Edo State have returned.

While 25 voluntarily returned to the correctional centres one week after the jailbreak, 38 were re-arrested by the police in different parts of the state after committing various offences following their escape while 187 returned on their own few days ago.

As it stands, a total of 286 inmates out of the 1,900 inmates that escaped are back to the correctional centres.

A source from the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) in Benin City, who would not want his name in print said that the police and prison officials had since mounted

a manhunt for the escapees.

He said that the manhunt became necessary following the expiration of the one week ultimatum for the fleeing inmates to return, which was later extended by another one week.

The source noted that the authorities were determined to bring back the runaway prisoners and bring them back to justice According to the anonymous source, “We have a way of arresting runaway prisoners. We have swung into action following the expiration of the two week ultimatum by the governor.

The earlier they return on their own, the better. Those who are re-arrested will be retried and sentenced to extra seven years if convicted. It is in their own interest to return even with the expiration of the ultimatum.�

MAKING SENSE‌ L-R: Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and Chief of Sta to the Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, during a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina... Friday.

AbdulRasaq: We’re Ready to Abolish Pensions to Former Govs in Kwara Pension for Ex-Govs, Deputies stopped in Kwara in 2018, Says Saraki Hammed Shittu Ă“Ă˜ Ă–Ă™ĂœĂ“Ă˜ Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has expressed readiness to repeal the law backing the payment of pension packages to the immediate past governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, former governor Bukola Saraki and their deputies.

The governor said that a bill to that effect would be sent to the state House of Assembly next week and that it would request the state lawmakers to repeal the law that allowed the payment of pension packages to the former governors and their deputies.

In a swift reaction, however, former Senate President, who is also a former governor of the state, Dr. Bukola Saraki, insisted the law had been repealed during the tenure of Abdulfatah Ahmed administration, cautioning the incumbent administration to always check its records before copying policies from other states so as to avoid embarrassment.

A statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rafiu Ajakaye said that, “The Governor had listened to the voices of the majority of the citizens opposing the pension law for

former governors and deputy governors. “In line with his campaign mantra and as a product of democracy himself, I will be sending a bill to the House of Assembly next week requesting them to repeal the law.�

According to the statement, the governor felt it was time for the law to give way. He would rather the state commits the scarce public funds to tackling the question of poverty and youth unemployment.

However, Saraki, in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday said the Pension Law had since been repealed in February 2018,

during the PDP administration led by Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed.

The statement read, “It is worrisome how politics is beclouding the judgement of the present administration under Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and making it become desperate to score cheap political point, not minding the embarrassment it is causing the good people of the state. “It would be recalled that in February 2018, the Kwara State House of Assembly revised the law and abolished payment of the pension, a move that was publicly hailed by then Senate President, Dr. Saraki.

CON’T FROM PG 5 NACCIMA, NECA, LCCI SEEK POLICIES TO CUSHION IMPACT OF PETROL PRICE HIKE

The PDP spokesperson further said that this was in addition to its failure to fix the refineries and end crude oil theft, allegedly to aid APC interests. “This appears to provide answers to why the APC administration has failed to offer any explanation on huge fraud going on in the management of our nation’s oil resources, including the alleged stealing of over N9.6 trillion ($25 billion)

by APC interests, as detailed in the leaked NNPC memo. “It has also failed to publish details of its sleazy oil subsidy regime, including the involvement of APC interests in the claimed under-recovery for unnamed West African countries, running into trillions of Naira,

while Nigerians are made to bear the burden of high fuel costs,� the PDP declared.

The main opposition party said: “Such humongous fraud in the management of our oil resources is responsible for the high costs and unspeakable hardship being suffered by millions of Nigerians who can barely afford their meals and basic necessities of life. “Our party urges President Buhari to end the corruption and the stealing of our oil resource under his watch by APC leaders, recover the looted resources and immediately reverse this increase in price of fuel.�

It called on President Buhari to take steps to fulfill his promise to revamp the refineries or ac-

cept his failure and apologise to Nigerians.

The PDP said it was not too late for the president to get more competent hands to run the oil sector, instead of imposing more hardship on Nigerians.

NNPC Explains Increase Meanwhile, the NNPC yesterday explained that the increase in the price of petrol was based on the prevailing realities of market forces of demand and supply.

It also said the corporation was aware of the purported increase in the PPMC’s ex-coastal price and ex-depot price (with collection) to N130 and N155.17, respectively.

NNPC said although there was an increase, but that the

correct prices, as could be seen on PPMC’s Customer Express platform were ex-coastal price, N128; and ex-depot price (with collection), N153.17. “The correct prices as can be seen on PPMC’s “Customer Express� platform (online portal for procurement of petroleum products) are: ex-Coastal price N128, and ex-depot price (with collection) - N153.17,� it stated.

In a brief statement by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, the NNPC advised marketers to make their purchases through the online “Customer Express� platform (PPMCCustomer.Express/login/ authenticate) at the recommended prices.

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NEWS

18 Feared Dead, 5 Rescued in Bauchi Boat Mishap Segun Awofadeji Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă“

AN INSTITUTE FOR POLICE ‌ L-R: Brigadier General, Ken Chigbu; Minister of Police Aairs, Alhaji Mohammed Magari; Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade; and Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, during the inauguration of the National Institute of Police Studies at Life Camp in Abuja‌yesterday.

Yellow Fever Claims 76 Lives in Enugu, Bauchi, Delta Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja A total of 76 fatalities have been recorded from yellow fever outbreak in three states of Enugu, Bauchi and Delta.

An update report by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Country (NCDC) yesterday said that between the November 1 and 11, a total of 222 suspected cases, 19 confirmed cases and 76 deaths were reported from these three states.

NCDC said that it was currently responding to yellow fever

outbreaks in the three affected states According to the statement, on 1st-2nd and 8th of November, clusters of cases and deaths were reported to NCDC by the State Epidemiologists of Delta, Enugu and Bauchi states respectively “Seventy- four suspected cases with 35 deaths were reported from Delta State; 70 suspected cases with 33 deaths from Enugu State and 78 suspected cases with 8 deaths from Bauchi state,� it said.

NCDC further said that from the preliminary investigations, three samples from Delta (6th

November), one sample from Enugu (6th November) and eight samples from Bauchi (8th November) were confirmed as yellow fever with PCR at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Gaduwa.

It explained that most of the cases were males, with age ranging from 1-55 years and presented with fever, headache, fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, vomiting with or without blood, epistaxis, blood in stools/urine, convulsion

and unconsciousness The statement said that on 7th of November, the National Yellow Fever Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) was activated to coordinate response activities across all affected states.

It added that State Epidemiology Team in the affected states is leading the response with support from NCDC, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and WHO National RRTs from NCDC have been deployed to support response activities in Delta and Enugu states.

Bandits Run Riot, Kidnap 25 in Niger Communities Laleye Dipo Ă“Ă˜ Ă“Ă˜Ă˜Ă‹ In what appeared like a simultaneous raid on communities in the Rafi and Shiroro local government areas of Niger State last this week, not less than 25 villagers were kidnapped by bandits.

The Speaker of the Munya local government legislature, Malam Musa Alhassan and the Cashier of the council, Mr. Jonathan Cashier topped the list of the 12 people abducted at Sarkin Pawa Local Government Area while the 13 others were kidnapped from Rafi Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the Speaker of the legislature and the Cashier were returning from Minna before they were ambushed and kidnapped 10 kilometers to Sarikinpawa headquarters of

the Munya local government.

The 10 others were reportedly picked up from their farms in Kabula town of the local government.

One person whose name was given as Salisu Buhari was reported to have been killed during the raid in Rafi LGA while another villager described as Lukeman Yau was shot in the leg and had to be taken to the general hospital at Birnin-Gwari for treatment.

THISDAY was informed that among those kidnapped were three women and two children.

The raids took place at Kwangoma, Rings and Kusherki districts of Rafi Local Government Area.

According to the findings, the bandits raided the communities riding on motorcycles with each of the vehicle carrying two others

apart from the rider. “They shot into the air and caused panic among the people,� we were told by an eyewitness.

In the stampede that ensued some of the bandits moved from house to house removing valuable items including cash and food items which they loaded on their motorcycles before escaping into thin air.

It was learnt that five villagers, all women, Laure Abdullahi, Aisha Abdullahi Habiba Abdullahi, Shamshiya Abdullahi and Jamila Abubakar managed to escape from the bandits.

Another group of bandits according to the eyewitness blocked the Pandogari-Kusherki Road in the same Rafi LGA during which an unknown number of people were kidnapped.

Those kidnapped were said to be going to the farm for harvest in a Toyota Canter truck when they ran into the bandits.

All efforts to get official confirmation of the incidents from the Police Public Relations Officer Niger State Police Command, ASP Wasiu Abiodun, was abortive as he did not respond to calls made to his cell phone.

However, the Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), Alhaji Ibrahim Ahmed Inga when contacted, confirmed that the incident in Sarkinpawa where the cashier and Speaker of the legislative arm were abducted.

He said the duo were travelling with two others when they ran into the bandits. Inga said nothing had been heard from the bandits.

Hoodlums Shoot ACP, 2 Policemen in Edo Adibe Emenyonu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă˜Ă“Ă˜ City An Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) in charge of one of the Area commands in Benin City, capital of Edo State and two other policemen were yesterday shot by hoodlums.

The three were rushed to an undisclosed hospital where they are receiving treatment.

The incident, according to THISDAY check, occurred around Albico Junction in Upper Sokponba Road in Benin city.

According to an eye witness, the hoodlums opened fire on sighting the ACP and his team who were on rescue mission to the troubled Murtala Muhammed Way, Upper Sakponba, Idogbo

and Ugbekun areas considered as core den of the illegal groups.

The incident has now forced commercial vehicle operators along that route to withdraw their vehicles for fear of being caught in the crossfire.

Besides, banks, shops, markets and schools in the area have been closed to prevent any attack by the hoodlums.

Consequently, soldiers have been drafted to the troubled areas of Upper Sakponba, Idogbo, Three House Junction and adjoining locations where activities of the cultists have sent residents fleeing for their lives following the absence of policemen as a result of the burning of four police stations during the #EndSARS protest.

Some respondents described

the frequent attack in Upper Sokponba as worrisome because a lot of youths had been killed in the past few days in the area.

Besides, observers described the attackers as suspected secret cult members who have been at war among themselves for days now.

Since Monday, tension has continued to heighten in parts of the state and adjoining towns following the escalation of bloody clashes between rival cult groups in the state resulting to 18 persons reportedly killed during the bloody clashes between the two rival groups.

It was not clear what may have sparked the latest killings across major towns and some local government areas of the state.

However, investigations revealed

that one of the key actors of one of the rival cult confraternity was scheduled for burial yesterday, a development that attracted who-iswho in the confraternity, leading to several people sustaining gunshot injuries in the process.

Also, activities of the rival cultists were said to have also taken toll in Ekenwan Road, Siluko Road, Wire Road, Dumez Road, Texile Mill Road, New Benin Road, Ogida Quarters, Ogbe Quarters and Ibivwe Quarters of the City.

When contacted for comments, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo and the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Chidi Nwabuzor, failed to respond to calls put across to their cell phones.

About 18 persons were killed in a crowded canoe mishap which occurred at Zango Majiya Village in Itas-Gadau Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

THISDAY checks revealed that the incident which saw five other persons rescued in the boat accident occurred on Thursday when one Nuhu Kaila of Zango Majiya Village ferried 23 people who were heading to their farms.

But, unfortunately, they met their untimely death when the boat capsized in the middle of the river.

Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, DSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil in a statement made available to newsmen in Bauchi, the capital yesterday said medical doctor certified the 18 persons dead, while five were rescued.

According to him, on receipt of the report the Divisional Police Officer of Itas Gidau Station and team of policemen rushed to the scene where corpses were removed from the river and taken to General Hospital Itas, for postmortem examination.He gave the names of the deceased as: Abdulraham Shehu ‘m’ aged 20yrs, Suwaiba Yusuf ‘f’ aged 12yrs old, Saude Abdulkarim’ F ‘aged 14yrs old, Fatima Maigari ‘f’ aged 10yrs, Zuwaira Maigari ‘f’ aged

10yrs, Hari Maigari ‘f’ aged 9yrs, Hussaina Maigari ‘f’ aged 8yrs.

Others are; Ummani Abdulkarim ‘f’ aged 15yrs, Halima Saminu ‘f’ aged 15yrs, of Gidan Ganji Village, Najaatu Hamza ‘f’ aged 15yrs, Nura Abdullahi ‘m’ aged 25yrs, Yahuza Abdullahi ‘f’ aged 12yrs, Hafsa Abdullahi ‘f’ aged 11yrs, of Majiya Village.

Sadiya Hashimu ‘f’ aged 10yrs, Khadija Alhassan ‘f’ aged 15yrs, of Gwarai Village, Amina Idris ‘f’ aged 15yrs, Kaltime Hudu ‘f’ aged 14yrs, Furaira Malam Magaji ‘f’ aged 14yrs, of Zangon Majiya Village who were all drowned in the river and died at the spot.

He added that the canoe driver, Aisha Adamu ‘f’ aged 16yrs, Umaru Adamu ‘m’ aged 30yrs were rescued unconscious.

The statement reads ‘’On 12/11/2020 at about 1100hrs, one Ali Adamu village head of Majiya came to Itas-Gadau Police Station and reported that, on same date at about 1030hrs, one Nuhu Kaila ‘m’ of Zango Majiya Village, while carrying about 23 persons in a Canoe, from Zango Majiya to Farm, on reaching middle of river Buji, the canoe capsized. ‘’On receiving of the report DPO and team of policemen rushed to the scene, Corpses were removed from the river and taken to General Hospital Itas, for postmortem examination, medical doctor certified 18 persons dead, while 5 persons were rescued.�

ICPC Chairman, Afe Babalola’s Son, 70 Others Elevated to Rank of SAN Alex Enumah in Abuja Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offence Commission (ICPC), Professor Bolaji Owasonoye, Chief Afe Babalola’s son, Olatunde and Delta State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Peter Mrakpo are among 72 lawyers that emerged successful for the conferment with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Also successful is a former National General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Adams Osigwe.

Out of the 72 successful appointees, 62 are advocates, while the remaining 10 are from the academic.

According to a statement by the Director Information, Supreme Court, Dr. Festus Akande, the successful appointees would be sworn-in on December, 14, 2020. “The Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee (LPPC) at its 143rd plenary session held November 13, 2020, has elevated seventy-two legal practitioners to the Inner Bar. The rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) is awarded as a mark of excellence to members of the legal profession who have distinguished themselve s a s a d v o c a t e s and academics. “The swearingin ceremony of the seventy-two legal practitioners is scheduled

f o r M o n d a y, D e c e m b e r 14, 2020�, Akande said.

The committee had in September shortlisted a total of 137 candidates both at advocate filtration stages and academic pre-qualification exercise for the conferment of the SAN rank.

Acting Chief Registrar of Supreme Court/Secretary, Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee, Hajo Sarki, had stated that, “All qualified candidates short listed are graded under the category system of the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee Guidelines, 2018�.

Sarki had stated that the general public is at liberty to comment on the integrity, reputation and competence of the candidates.

Adding that, “Any complaint (s) presented to the Legal Practitioners’ Privileges Committee must be accompanied with a verifying affidavit deposed to before a Court of Record in Nigeria.�

However, after screening by the Committee only 72 out of the initial 137 emerged successful.

The figure however remains the highest in the history of lawyers to be conferred with the SAN rank, doubling the number of 30 appointed last year.

Other successful appointees include; Obafemi Adewale, Chukwuemeka Nwagwu, Abdullahi Yahaya, Robert Emukpoeruo, Boma Alabi, Osayaba Giwa-Osagie, Muhammad Nda Nusa, Terkura Pepe, amongst others.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͚͟, 2020

08054699539

Unabridged Federalism is the Way to Go

T

he pillar of the United States remains full implementation of virtually all the tenets of federalism. This is what Nigeria tried copying with our Presidential system. Unfortunately, we did not fully copy the canons of federalism. The main goal of federalism is to create a balance of power, so that neither the federal government nor the federating units can get too commanding. Many Americans did not like the thought that people far away from them could make rules about their lives. This was what they sorted out with full application of federalism. It was all well worked out. As a result, you won’t find any part of the United States agitating for secession.

Just imagine different states having different rules to elect the President of a country. That’s what happens in the United States. In all but two states, Electoral College votes are “winnertake-all�. The candidate that wins the popular vote normally receives all of that state’s votes.

But Maine and Nebraska states have taken a different approach. Using the Congressional District method, these states allocate two electoral votes to the state’s popular vote winner, and then one electoral vote to the popular vote winner in each Congressional District (two in Maine, three in Nebraska). This creates multiple popular vote contests in these states, which could lead to a split electoral vote. It can’t happen in Nigeria because of our flawed federal arrangement.

Our centrally-controlled INEC ridiculously governs all federal and state elections.

For me, virtually all the problems of my beloved Nigeria are caused by our skewed Federalism. This country’s Constitution has failed to create a balance of power between the federal government and the states. As a consequence, the federal government has become too powerful and chokes the federating units. What we have in our 1999 Constitution is pseudo-federalism.

The states are not even constitutionally allowed to establish police force despite the ineptitude of the centrally-controlled one. For those who still don’t understand the beauty of unabridged federalism, they should create time to read “The Federalist Papers� by James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, and John Jay. It is a collection of 85 essays supporting federalism written by these Americans between 1787 and 1788. They created the strongest defense of the American federal Constitution which took effect on March 4, 1789. One of the most famous of the papers is Federalist No. 10, written by Madison and says that the Constitution would keep the United States from being run by small groups called “factions�. This is precisely what has been happening in Nigeria since 1966. For years, a

A lot of items on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution are absolutely unnecessary and have turned the federal government into a monster snake, piercing the federating units. Mines and minerals, including oil ďŹ elds, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas have no business on the Exclusive legislative list. small group of people have been running the federal government for personal gains because there is no full implementation of the tenets of federalism.

A lot of items on the Exclusive Legislative List of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution are absolutely unnecessary and have turned the federal government into a monster snake, piercing the federating units. Mines and minerals, including oil fields, oil mining, geological surveys and natural gas have no business on the Exclusive legislative list. We should fully implement Federalism by allowing states to control their natural resources as was the case in the First Republic. Back then, it was beneficial to all the regions. There is no state in this country without enough natural resources to survive. They just need to look inward deeper, with a progressive and pragmatic leader anchoring the drive. This is the truth that must be told.

In the United States, local and state governments own and run airports. It can’t happen in this country because aviation, including airports, safety of aircraft and carriage of passengers and goods by air is on the Exclusive Legislative List. So, in Nigeria, some state governments will use their hard-earned money to build airports, thereafter, they will still be begging the federal government to come and run it. Why? The law does not allow them to run airports. This is what is playing out in Bayelsa State. Aviation has no business on the Exclusive Legislative List. Even Railway is on the Exclusive legislative list. State government in my beloved Nigeria cannot run railways. This

is preposterous.

Some of the other needless items on the Exclusive Legislative List are: Census, including the establishment and maintenance of machinery for continuous and universal registration of births and deaths throughout Nigeria; Fishing and fisheries other than fishing and fisheries in rivers, lakes, waterways, ponds and other inland waters within Nigeria; Incorporation, regulation and winding up of bodies corporate, other than co-operative societies, local government councils and bodies corporate established directly by any Law enacted by a House of Assembly of a State; Patents, trademarks, trade or business names, industrial designs and merchandise marks; Posts, telegraphs and telephones and taxation of incomes, profits and capital gains, except as otherwise prescribed by this Constitution. We have to delete provisions that negate federalism; provisions that do not conform to the central doctrines of federalism.

This is the only way to building a united and prosperous nation.

States and local governments should govern issues of local concern under a truly federal system.

This allows increased participation in government by people; they will be motivated to influence policies and those who govern them. Also, federalism makes the management of squabbles quite easier. It is natural for people to resist a government that is far away controlling local issues, as being seen in Nigeria today. Each state in Nigeria must have its own constitution and powers, such as being able to choose what kind of ballots it uses, even in national elections, as seen in the United States. The federal government has no business registering births in state and local governments. This should be the business of the federating units.

I have heard some people agitating for a return to regional structure. This is clearly not the way to go. We will simply create another monster snakes with regional governments. In the defunct Western Region, money from Cocoa was being used to develop non-cocoa producing areas of the region. We can’t afford to go back to this. Nigeria is good to go with the current 36-state arrangement, with full execution of all the creeds of federalism. In Ethiopia, a powerful Tigray region has even taken up arms against the central government. That is one of the negatives of a monster regional arrangement. If Nigeria had 36 states back then, the country’s civil war would not have happened.

One thing majority of Nigerians have agreed on is that this country should remain one. The way to actualise this is to rejig our Federalism. The few talking about break up are not patriots and lack a sense of history. Secession

Governor Diri High on Big Brother Naija Looks like Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa State followed the 2019 Big Brother Naija show from day one till the end.

He is clearly not very busy with state duties. He has been pretending all the while. Two indigenes of the state - Rebecca Nengi Hampson and Sinclair TrikyTee Timmy - took part in the BBNaija show for 90 days, making Diri super excited.

Nengi and TrikyTee did not win but this did not dampen this governor’s spirit. On their return from the BBNaija House, the Bayelsa State governor quickly appointed them “Senior Special Assistants to the Governor.� Nengi had extra appointment as the Face of Bayelsa. I wonder what that means. Pictures of Diri gyrating with the BBNaija guys, when they visited him were really appalling. There are scores of Bayelsa indigenes doing well in diverse intellectually-tasking fields that he should be hosting, not these creepy fellows.

For spending 90 days in the BBNaija house, doing weird and worthless things, Nengi and TrikyTee are now Senior Special Assistants to Diri. What a country! The governor was so overwhelmed; he could not decide what they will be assisting him with. He did not even start them as “Special Assistant�. Diri commanded

that they are “Senior Special Assistants�.

What knowledge do they now have to become Senior Special Assistants just like that? What experience did they gain in the BBNaija House that will help actualise the development dreams of Diri for Bayelsa State? I doubt if Diri dreams for the state.

These guys appointed by the Bayelsa governor are not role models and cannot be role models. This governor has to get this clear. If he is truly interested in developing Bayelsa State, he should appoint people that can assist him actualise development goals; that is if he has any. Government is serious business. Diri, please, show some seriousness.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State

The Mess in Zamfara State

The killings in Zamfara State by Fulani militias and counter-killings by Hausa militias are unending. Federal and state government should be ashamed of these butcheries. Governor Bello Matawalle has been a big disappointment in this regard. I once thought he had capacity to end the killings. He assumed office, sounding like that. But it was a ruse. Early this week, Fulani militias kidnapped the district head of

Matseri town, Alhaji Halilu Matseri, and his four children in Anka Local Government Area. They also killed one Maigaiya Matseri who tried to rescue the district head.

Bloodletting in Zamfara must end. For this to happen, Matawalle and the federal government need to dispassionately tackle those behind the killings. Killers must be consistently arrested and punished.

has never been the solution to issues of corruption, marginalisation, and bad government anywhere in this world. It was good hearing the leaders of the South-east geo-political zone recently pledging their commitment to an indivisible and united Nigeria built on love and justice.

This is the way to go. Nigeria needs to amend its Constitution to allow full implementation of Federalism. So, let’s put pressure on our lawmakers to do the needful. This country needs to review its current governance and political arrangement to attain true federalism.

This is the restructuring patriots are talking about. Power devolution to the federating units is pertinent. States must be allowed to explore and exploit their economic resources.

Nigeria operated unabridged federalism in the First Republic and it worked very well for everybody in this country. This country has to go back to this.

Gov Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State

The Absurd Pensions for Ex-Governors The good news from Lagos this week is the pledge by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure that the absurd and morally-bankrupt 2007 law, which provides pension and other entitlements to former governors and their deputies, is repealed. A Federal High Court in Lagos, in a suit filed by SERAP, had directed the immediate stoppage of the payment of this pension to ex-governors, yet, virtually all the states with the laws still continued the payment.

Kudos to the Zamfara State House of Assembly for canceling this detestable law in response to the court’s ruling. Governor Bello Matawalle showed great wisdom and courage.

Selflessness in public service should be paramount if we want to make progress in this country. In Lagos State, it is not so. Here, civil servants struggle to get annuities, some after serving the state for 35 years, but ex-governors, after serving for between four and eight years, take home N30 million annually as pension, plus a house in Lagos and Abuja, six brand new cars (every three years), medical treatment in any part of the world and other pecks. This is the garbage that has been happening in Lagos in the last 13 years. Billions of Naira has gone down for this, amid so much suffering in the state.

Sanwo-Olu has promised to send a bill abolishing the law to the Lagos State House of Assembly for legislative approval. According to him, the abolition of the pension law will reduce the cost of governance. For me, it is more than just reducing the cost of governance. The Lagos Pension law for ex-governors and their deputies is immoral, loathsome and a slap in the face of the people of Lagos State. Since a court of law declared it illegal, those that have benefited must refund all they collected.

I sincerely hope the Lagos lawmakers, who have never been pro-people, will work with Sanwo-Olu and move very fast to abolish this horrible pension law. We should also put pressure on all the 21 other states with this repugnant law to do same. Those who have served their states for between four and eight years as governors are evidently not entitled to pension. The laws are very clear about this. Besides, public service is self-sacrifice. It is not an opportunity to milk the people.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ NOVEMBER 14, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY

Lilian Bach

Ripples of Lilian Bach at 50 Veteran Nollywood y actress, model and former beauty pageant g contestant, Lilian Bola Bach, clocked 50 last Monday. The emotion in her celebration was intense, reports Ferdinand Ekechukwu

S

tunning g pictures p that speak p to roving g eyes, y encapsulated p with terse comments that captured p her mood, heralded Lilian Bola Bach’s special p day y last Monday. y The series of p posts pushed out to mark her fabulous p 50th birthday y anniversary y were indeed emotional. The half Polish, half Nigerian g was really y excited last Monday. y Her face was cheery, y devoid of the teary y stare she wore after the EndSars unrest. Bach’s sexy y underwear store located at the Adeniran Ogunsanya g y Mall in Surulere was one of those affected during g the unrest. Not even a thong g or G-string g was left behind and she took to the social media to lament the situation.

In the Instagram g post p she shared on her birthday, the Lagos-born g star donned a simple p red dress, curly y wig, g and melting g smile, with balloon decorations that spelt p 50. She looked years y younger y g than her age. Bach accompanied each of the photos

with short comments, and thanked God for the milestone. Taking g to the photo-sharing p g app, pp Bach, who was born to a Yoruba mother and a Polish father, captioned p the post p thus: “Thanking God for fifty y fabulous y years. #oluwamimodupe”. p The ageless g thespian p added: “Excited and thanking g God @50 modupeoluwa. p I see y you, 50, and I am embracing gy you jjoyfully. y Cheers to 50 blessed years #iamgratefuljesus.” g j The former Most Beautiful Girl Nigeria g contestant, who appears pp to be on hiatus from the screen for some time now, gained g prominence p in the 90s after her stint at the p popular p beauty y contest. It earned her slots in several television commercials.

Her popularity p p y soared in the movie industry y after appearing pp g in Tade Ogidan’s g “Married to a Witch.”

As most believed, her fame did not come from modeling, g which she first entered in 1989. Lilian jjoined Nollywood y and even started producing her own movies years y back in 2008.

She said in a recent interview: “I believe I

have always y been in the limelight. g It’s just j that modeling g didn’t g give me much p publicity y when I started out. But like I said, I g got into the acting g profession in 1997 and then, I guess, p g I didn’t have enough g experience. p The first two jobs j I did were not rewarding g at all, as one of the producers p absconded with my y fee. The second jjob was not encouraging g g to me, resulting g in my y taking g a break for some time. When I came back, I did movies like, Married to a Witch, From Grace to Grass.

And these movies, I would say, brought me into limelight g in the acting.” g Growing g up, p Lilian loved the showbiz industry y from childhood: “I actually y thought g I was going g g to become a singer g first before becoming g an actress.

As a child, I used to sing g a lot and I watched a lot of detective movies. But because I’m a very y shy y person, I could not get p g into it so well when my y modeling g colleagues g like Kate Henshaw, Euchaira Anonubi and many y others were veering g into the world of make-believe. I never saw myself as

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ NOVEMBER 14, 2020

11

SUPER SATURDAY It’s Not in My Character to Disappoint People somebody y that could act.”

She speaks p about her weakness: “There’s one thing g I’m praying p y g to God to change g about me and that’s what I don’t like about myself. y I’m too trusting. I trust a lot and it backfires on me espep cially y with women. People p come to me and start lying y g and I don’t expect p them to lie. I jjust trust people, p p I trust them with money and it backfires. I jjust have to change g in that area to be on a safer side. Not as if I’m g gullible but sometimes y you miscalculate.

It happens pp most when you’re y dealing g with people p p y you already y know. I do not want to mention names.” y Lilian is a very y shy y Naturally, person. She is tall, beautiful and p her skin glows g even in the dark.

Lilian attributes her enduring g beauty y to the Supreme p Being. g She also maintains a tough g beauty y regimen. g “First of all, just j like we say y in the movie industry, y when we are rolling g the end credit, to God be the glory. g y I thank God that I am a beautiful woman. Everything y g good g needs maintenance otherwise, that’s the end. If y you don’t maintain your y skin and everything y g around you, y they y get g spoilt p easily. y We have harsh weather here. For somebody y like me with my y natural fair skin, I have to maintain it.

“I do a lot of exfoliation, I do that daily. y I moisturize my y skin twice daily, y against g the sun and harsh weather. And I drink water, water is very y good. g And I sleep p a lot anytime y I have to sleep p otherwise; you y know the bag g under the eyes y will surface.”

Not forgetting g g that she has a polish blood running p g in her veins and that makes her an ‘Oyinbo y woman’. . . “So talking g about outer beauty, y my y own man loves everything y g about me; my y legs, g hips, p boobs and everything. y g I’m wonderfully y made. God has made me so well that I appreciate pp every y organ g of my y body yp physically y y and even the ones internally y that I can’t even see. Every part of me trips p my y man . . .”

Truly, y she has got g the figure, g the kind most men would die for. But Bach has p perpetually p y left everyy one wondering g for long. g . . “For me the secret of coping with men is jjust to remain courteous. You do that by y saying y g just j a polite p no to their advances and offers.

Funnily, y some of these men come as fans and will not allow you y to rest. How they y get g one’s phone p number is amazing. g Some are jjust fans, they y want to appreciate pp your works and some live in y fantasyland. y Saying, y g ‘oh my y God, I want to date that superstar,’ p in that case, you y put p them where they y belong, g but like I said earlier, a gentle g polite p no will do.

The stubborn ones I handle with some level of harshness.

Bach has never been single g but she has never been married. How many y men has she disappointed pp p and how many y of them have disappointed pp her? “May y be, I will see myself y as a bad girl g because I have actually y disappointed pp a lot of men. But I believe these men I disappointed pp p were not g good men. It’s not in my y character to disappoint pp p people p especially p the opposite pp sex. And again, g it’s better for me to end a bad relationship p rather than hanging g g on to it and regretting g g thereafter, or ending g up p in marriage g and recording g a broken home. I guess, these are ‘bad men’ that g are not meant to come on board.

If I disappoint pp p them, I have no regrets whatsoever.”

Lilian n Bac ach h

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ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

POVERTY AND WIDENING INEQUALITY IN NIGERIA Oludayo Tade urges government to invest in public-funded education to turn the tide

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ow can we use poverty and inequality gaps to understand issues of governance and insecurity and evolving social problems in Nigeria? In this piece, I attempt to show why it is important to reduce poverty and unemployment rates as well inequality in Nigeria and the consequences of widening inequality in post-colonial Nigeria.

Since the return to democratic governance in 1999, Nigeria has continued to witness a widening gulf between the minority haves and the majority have-nots. With a population oscillating around 200million and above, Nigeria has not been able to convert her numerical strength to develop the most populous black nation and comfortably situate her among great nations of the world. Worsening poverty and inequality have reshaped the landscape of governance, social relations and inflicted deadly blow on national security. Recognising its impact on realising the Sustainable Development Goals, Nigeria listed poverty and inequality as national security threats in her 2019 National Security Strategy (NSS, 2019).

The 2019/2020 Nigerian living Standards survey released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that 82.9million (40.1%) Nigerians are poor. Disaggregating this data further unveils how poverty has burrowed into the space where most Nigerians domicile — the rural area. A larger proportion of Nigerians live in rural area while slightly above 40% live in urban centres. While the national poverty headcount rate is 40.1%, the rural has 52.1% as against urban’s 18.04% headcount rate. Furthermore, the survey shows that there is a significant geographical inequality in poverty spread. More people are poor in the Northern part of Nigeria compared to the southern part. Of these, the northeastern part of the country returned more poverty indices. Adamawa (75.4%), Yobe (72.3%), Sokoto (87.7%), Taraba (87.7%), Zamfara (72.3%), and Jigawa (87.2%) all have percentages of poor people far above national average.

The southern part of the country mostly returned percentages of poor people below the national average while the southwest recorded the lowest number of poor people. Lagos, the commercial nerve center of the country returned 4.5%, Ogun (9.3%), Ondo (12.5%), and Oyo (9.83%) with Ekiti State (28.4%) returning the highest figure of the poverty endemic state in the region.

Apart from the rural area, women are worst hit by poverty and inequality in post colonial Nigeria and this affect their contribution to national development and role in nurturing pro-social beings for the society. In terms of access and undertaking formal education, men are more privileged than women. Only about 5.6% are able to undergo post-secondary education as against 18.3% of men who have the same opportunity. Education translates to job opportunities available to each gender. For example, Nigeria has 23.1% unemployment rate as at 2018 while underemployment stood at 20.1%. Of these, males are privileged with 20.3% unemployment rate and 15.4% underemployment rate while females had 26.6% unemployment and 25.9% underemployment. Unemployment and underemployment statistics again favours the urban than those living in the rural area. It explains disparities between male and female and urban and rural dwellers in Nigeria in relation to power, economic opportunities and positionality with the entire

APART FROM POROUS BORDER, POVERTY AND WIDENING INSECURITY, ENDEMIC POVERTY AND ENTRENCHED INEQUALITIES HAVE CREATED OPENINGS FOR CRIMES AND CRIMINALITY AND OTHER FORMS OF DEVIANT BEHAVIOURS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA WHILE THE ENTIRE COUNTRY BEARS ITS COST IN RELATION TO GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT

Nigerian society. It explains those likely to be exploited and the potential exploiters.

How does age fare in poverty and inequality? Those between the active age (15-34) suffer disproportionately in relation to poverty and inequality than those above this age category.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, 55 percent of active population suffer unemployment and underemployment with about 13.1million unemployed while 11.3million are underemployed. The implication is that those willing and unable to secure gainful employment may deviate and embrace anti-social behaviours. This explains the frustration of youth as conveyed by the #ENDSARS protesters and the consequent looting of warehouses containing welfare packages by those not originally part of the protests but who also used the looting as a protest against parasitic leadership.

What are the consequences of these statistics on Nigeria?

The Northern part of the country is disproportionately represented with heavy figures in the poverty dungeon. With poverty, insecurity is birthed and nurtured. Apart from porous border, poverty and widening insecurity, endemic poverty and entrenched inequalities have created openings for crimes and criminality and other forms of deviant behaviours in Northern Nigeria while the entire country bears its cost in relation to growth and development. The entire north grapples with Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and pastoralists and herders’ violence. Southern Nigeria grapples with insecurity challenges such as armed robbery, gang violence, and kidnapping. With rising insecurity, there is food insecurity since most of the violence leads to displacements that affect many farming communities.

Governments have also encouraged insecurity to grow. Since the ascendancy of President Muhammadu Buhari to power in 2015, budgetary allocation to education has consistently nosedived to less than 7% in 2021 national budget. Majority of States also have terrible allocation to education. With poor publicly funded education, access is limited for the children of the majority have-nots whose parents receive 30,000 ($77.53) naira minimum wage per month. This is partly responsible for the rising out-of-school children. Due to the failure of governments to solve unemployment, poverty, infrastructure (electricity, roads etc), out-of-school children and problem of ungoverned spaces, Nigeria reaps the fruit of leadership negligence through increasing threats to national security. Conversely, more funds are yearly allocated to security without investing in addressing the causes of insecurity.

The widening gap of poverty and inequality in Nigeria explains why it may be a tall dream for the populous Black Country to meet the sustainable development goals of eradicating unemployment, extreme poverty and hunger. The privileged class holding the levers of power do not see the danger of building an army of unemployed, distressed and disconnected populace who will fight back on the system which has failed to cater for it. To turn the tide, Nigeria needs to invest in public-funded education, close the gap of inequality and actively engage youths in productive economy. r5BEF B TPDJPMPHJTU BOE EBUB KPVSOBMJTU TFOU UIJT QJFDF WJB EPUBE !ZBIPP DPN

MALAMI, FORFEITED ASSETS, AND MATTERS ARISING It is the constitutional responsibility of the EFCC to dispose of forfeited assets, contends Thomas Agboola

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t’s no longer news that the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has composed and inaugurated a 22-man interministerial committee to dispose assets forfeited to the federal government through anti-graft agencies, especially the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC), the main agency in the fight against corruption.

In composing the committee, Malami said he relied on the order of President Muhammadu Buhari, to dispose of the assets, essentially obtained by the former owners as proceeds of crimes, having been so established by the EFCC. The committee headed by Mr Dayo Apata, Solicitor-General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice, has up to six months to dispose of the assets whose sales is meant to generate more income into the coffers of the federal government.

Yes, it is good the FG is looking beyond crude oil sales to generate more income especially given the fact that the country is not financially buoyant at the moment, which is partly blamed on the months-long lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, in looking for more revenue beyond oil and tax, it is instructive to let the federal government know that it can’t not perpetuate illegality in doing so. Our current democracy is built on the rule of law which imposes it on all government functionaries, to as a matter of necessity, always play by the provisions, spirit and letter of the constitution (as amended).

Unambiguously, it’s the statutory responsibility of the EFCC as codified in its EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004, a creation of the National Assembly, to carry out the actual disposal of all forfeited assets it must have legally secured through the courts or any

other means known to the law.

For the avoidance of doubt, Section 31: (1) and subsections (2), (3), (4) and (5) on Final Disposal of Forfeited Property of the EFCC (Establishment), Act 2004, are very clear and unambiguous on how forfeited properties can be sold.

Section 31 (1) states as follows: “A copy of every final order forfeiting the assets and property of a person convicted under this act shall be forwarded to the Commission.

(2) Upon receipt of the final order pursuant to this section, the Secretary to the Commission SHALL (emphasis mine) take steps to dispose of the property concerned by sale or otherwise and where the property is sold, the proceeds thereof shall be paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation.

(3) Where any part of the property included in a final order is money in a bank account or in the possession of any person, the Commission shall cause of a copy of the order to be produced and served on the manager or any person in control of the head office or branch of the bank concerned and that manager or person shall forthwith pay over the money to the Commission without any further assurance than this Act and the Commission shall pay the money received into the Consolidated Fund of the Federation.

(4) The Attorney-General of the Federation MAY (emphasis mine) make rules or regulations for the disposal or sale of any property or assets forfeited pursuant to this Act. (5) Any person who, without due authorization by the Commission, deals with, sells or otherwise disposes of any property or assets which is the subject of an attachment, interim order or final order commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of five years without option of a fine.�

The interpretation of the above is that no any other committee relying on whatever extra-judicial order can carry out the actual disposal. Which presupposes that the Dayo Apata-led Committee is a nullity in the eyes of the law. It is also unassumingly correct that whoever buys any of the assets from the illegal committee is deemed in the eyes of the law to have wasted his fortune doing so.

It is going to be a toxic risk no one should take.

For oversight functions on the actual disposal of forfeited or seized assets, the office of the AGF can only regulate the actions of the anti-graft agency without undue interference in the actual disposal of the assets.

It is clearly a thing of shame that Malami and other arrowheads in this infamous act, relying on the lack of knowledge of the President in matters of law, have decided to play a fast one on the president to hoodwink him into giving a blanket presidential declaration to allow the minister dispose of the seized assets.

It’s elementary law that a presidential directive cannot supplant or override an extant provision of the law. Any day a directive of the president overrides a clear provision of the law is the day the country should begin to bid farewell to democracy and constitutionalism.

In any case, one of the accusations of Malami against the suspended Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, before the Ayo Salami-led Commission of Enquiry, is that the latter had allegedly sold off forfeited assets to his cronies and allies using proxies, an allegation that has thoroughly been shredded to a tissue of lies it has always been ab initio.

One of the issues before the Salami panel which is to prove the twin allegations of fraud and insubordination leveled against

Magu by Malami is the sale of forfeited assets.

Going by some reports, the panel is expected to turn in its recommendations to the president this week. It is pertinent to then ask why the AGF is in a hurry to dispose of the seized assets when the panel is yet to submit its report?

Is it possible that Malami has had a glimpse of the report which should ordinarily cede the powers to sell the forfeited assets to the EFCC as Magu has consistently said, which is the actual provision of the law as codified in the EFCC Act? Why is Malami eager to bring the Buhariled administration into further disrepute by carrying out an act that is completely a constitutional aberration? Who will tell the president that it is materially beyond his powers to grant an order to Malami to usurp the powers of the EFCC? One take away from the hastiness of Malam in this case is that one of the running battles he has had with Magu is the sale of the forfeited assets. While Malami will stop at nothing to direct the actual sales of the assets, Magu has been saying consistently that it is the constitutional responsibility of the EFCC to do so regardless of who the chairman of the anti-graft agency is at any particular time.

Without prejudice to the Salami panel and whatever outcome it may generate which will be laid bare before the public in the next few days or weeks, one thing that gives every anti-corruption campaigner in the country a thing of joy is the way and manner Magu has dismissed all the allegations levelled against him by Malami, who is unapologetically anti-Magu, by clearly marshalling his points with credible evidence before the panel. rAgboola wrote from Lagos

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ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

When will the strike end?

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COWLSO and Women Empowerment

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held across all Primary Healthcare Centres in the state. n the commitment of any government to end poverty and improve the standard of living of its citizens, the It also engaged in advocacy against rape and domestic violence, presented relief materials to the victims of the implementation of socio-economic programmes, especially in terms of women empowerment must be put in proper Abule-Egba pipeline explosion at the Igando Relief Camp and visited markets across the state to ensure strict adherence to perspective. the Covid-19 guidelines among others.

In Lagos State, for instance, the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO) remains a major vehicle The National Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Conference (NWC), an initiative of through which numerous women empowerment initiatives are Senator Tinubu, remains a major rallying point of the combeing implemented. The sole objective of the Committee is to mitteeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s numerous engagements. The first edition of the NWC bring wives of the state government officials such as Governor, was held in 2001 with the theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Virtuous Womanâ&#x20AC;?. Ever since, the conference has grown in leaps and bounds.

Deputy Governor, National and State Assembly Members, In 2015, COWLSO chose â&#x20AC;&#x153;Relevance in Economic TurbuCommissioners, Special Advisers, Permanent Secretaries, etc., together under one umbrella to discuss issues of mutual lenceâ&#x20AC;? as the theme of that yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NWC. In 2016, COWLSO interests. held its 16th Conference, which ran from October 24th to October 26th, under the theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strong Family, Strong NaThe committee is a community-based gender organisation tionâ&#x20AC;?. The 17th edition of the conference with the theme: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;She established principally to complement the efforts of the Creates, She Transformsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, was a befitting celebration of the government in bringing about exponential development and perseverance, deftness and resourcefulness of women and their growth among Lagosians. It promotes child healthcare as well as empower women to discover their hidden treasures and outstanding contributions towards nation-building.

The 18th edition was held from 23rd to 25th October, 2018, protect the environment, among others. at the Eko Hotel and Suites under the theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Strengthening Founded in 1974, by the late Mrs. Funmilayo Johnson, wife our Collective Impactâ&#x20AC;?, while the 19th edition themed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unof the first Military Administrator of Lagos State, COWLSO learn, Learn and Relearn: 21st Century Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s T.H.E.M.E.S was revitalized in 2000 by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the then Perspectives/Approachâ&#x20AC;?. The 2019 edition was specifically First Lady of Lagos State, after years of inactivity. designed to empower women with skills to key into emerging During her tenure as COWLSOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chairperson, Senator opportunities being provided by the current administration of Tinubu mobilized wives of the government officials to Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. complement governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts in the provision of essential Recently, the committee held the 20th edition of the NWC infrastructure for Lagos residents. between October 14th and 15th, 2020, at the Eko Hotel and Her tenure recorded massive achievements in the construcSuites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The two-day programme was tion of recreation centres and gardens across the state to themed: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Exploring the Possibilities in a New Worldâ&#x20AC;?. Mrs. promote the culture of good family life through embracing a Sanwo-Olu, disclosed that COWLSO has always supported culture of relaxation in serene centres. officials of the state government, while also stressing that it has Also, Senator Tinubuâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s passion for the aged and retirees improved the welfare of Lagosians. influenced her vision of setting up a Retirement Villa in the state. The vision of constructing the villa was fully realized 0MVXBUPZPTJ 0HVOSJOEF .JOJTUSZ PG *OGPSNBUJPO BOE Strategy, during her predecessor, Mrs. Abimbola Fasholaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tenure.

Through this, the committee has taught political leaders an instructive lesson in continuity in governance.

The committee is concerned about the general well-being T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R of mothers and children, in line with the Sustainable EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE Development Goals (SDGs). A few of the projects that have DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO been initiated and commissioned in that light include the DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE upgraded Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Lagos Island CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Maternity Hospital, Lagos and the neo-natal hearing EDITOR NATIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN screening equipment.

MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE Some COWLSOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s projects in the health sector include the renovation/furnishing of the Oncology Department of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), proviT H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D sion of financial assistance to cancer patients for treatment EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA and surgical operations within and outside Nigeria and GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, adoption of a ward at the Island Maternity, Lagos.

ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI Similarly, COWLSO constructed six blocks of classrooms at the Abule Egba Primary School and renovated two blocks DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI of classrooms at Hope Primary School, Ikoyi, as well as six SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH blocks of classrooms at Muslim Primary School, Ikorodu. It ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO also renovated, furnished and supplied/installed computer CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI systems at the Computer Block of Owode Primary School, DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO Ibelefun, Ikorodu. Under the current leadership of Dr. HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, COWLSO launched the Maternal, TO SEND EMAIL: ďŹ rst name.surname@thisdaylive.com Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) Week to reduce maternal mortality in the state. The programme was

EndSARS and Police Brutality

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he vehement protest by the youths was a right step in the right direction. The protest which was applauded globally has exposed the wickedness, greediness and selfishness of Nigeria leaders.

The palliatives meant to cushion the effect of Covid-1 9 were stacked in various warehouses in the states of the federation instead of being shared among the masses of the country. The irony of it all some of the palliatives had been given to the families, relations, friends and political cohorts of those in power. The peace protest exposed our callous, satanic and ungodly leaders.

The security guards, charged to secure the palliatives, opened the can of worms to the hoodlums who had been chained with twin evil of anger and hunger.

The invitation of the army by the Lagos State governor was ill-motivated and undemocratic. The army noted for protecting the citizen from external aggression could have applied wisdom, not to shoot at the harmless protesters who cannot hurt an ant. Nigeria leaders, particularly politicians, should do the needful by resigning their appointments both at the local, state, federal, and the National Assembly, and give room for the youths to take over the affairs of the nation.

I stand to be corrected, not all members of the disbanded SARS are bad. But I will suggest the underlisted as part of measures to reform the police force.

They should be given decent accommodation, with deserved amenities such as water and power supply.

They must appear neat and tidy all times.

Two, pay them a reasonable salary compared with workers in NNPC, banks, oil companies. They must be given moral and humane training, to partner with the masses who can give them vital information to make their job easy. They must be aware that the guns they wield are no criteria to kill with impurity. Finally, the government should not hesitate to reward the men and women of the force who are above board. r1SJODF %BQP 0EFXPMF -BHPT

Calling on Ogwashi-Uku Police

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or years policemen in Ogwashi-Uku Police Station and the entire Aniocha South Local Govt Area of Delta State have engaged in police brutality, extortion, intimidation and violations of rights of indigenes of the area. But the Ogwashi-Uku Police Station is most notorious for extortion in form of bails, besides asking people to bring money for paper and biro for writing statements, claiming that government didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide them with materials. Please we need the authorities to intervene. We are tired. r&[JPLXVCVOEV "UVFHXV "CVKB

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾NOVEMBER 14, 2020

NEWS

NAF Expects Delivery of Super Tucano Aircrafts in 2021 Udora Orizu in Abuja

PARTNERING FOR SERVICE...

L-R: Commissioner for Transport, Enugu State, Rt. Hon. Mathias Ekweremadu; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and a Director of the Board of Innoson Group of Companies, Mr. Alfred Nwosu, during the launch of the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Ltd’s novel city transportation service, ‘IVM Cruise’, in Enugu ... yesterday

ARISE Fashion Week 2020: Selection Committee for ‘30 Under 30’ Begins Africas Biggest Talent Hunt The 30 young and promising new designers ready to take on a post Covid - world are now being curated. They will be unveiled at ARISE FASHION WEEK 2020, at Lakowe Beach and Golf Resort, Lekki Expressway Lagos to global acclaim on December 5-12,2020.

Global media and luxury brand, ARISE, recently announced its plans to support and reward emerging talents in global fashion with a search for the next generation of fashion brands in a world-class event, titled – ARISE Fashion Week 2020 – 30 under 30 – The New Stars - staged without audiences, but streamed to worldwide viewership on the new ARISEPLAY streaming and other platforms.

With hundreds of wannabes from

all over the world, the Selection Committee will choose the best and brightest that will compete for $500,000 USD in Prize money in a process which combines the best formats of Idols, Big Brother and Fashion extraordinary which will start the journey towards the emergence of new brands ready to take on the Valentinos, The Chanels and The LVMH Fashion houses.

This initiative is a first of its kind anywhere in the world, starts with ARISE inviting key global fashion players with a proven track record to oversee the independent selection process. Their mandate will be to assess the contestant’s distinctive aesthetics, design philosophy, overall creativity, and potential for the global fashion market. The 25 committee

members listed will each select their preferred top 30 applicants. The 30 most recurring finalists will emerge as a consensus list and will then be announced on November 16th, 2020.

The selected committee members are Alpha Dia- Fashion Model, Alton Mason- Fashion Model, Avinash Wadhwani- Retailer (Founder of Temple Muse), Chioma NnadiFashion Editor (US VOGUE), Chinwe Obaigbena - Founder Complete Beauty, David TlaleFashion Designer, Ituen Basi- Fashion Designer, KK Obi- Stylist/Creative Director, Jenke Ahmed Tailly- Stylist/ Creative Director, Jessica Willis- Stylist, Lanre Da Silva Ajayi- Fashion Designer, Loza Maleombho- Fashion Designer, Mai Atafo- Fashion Designer, Maison Artc- Fashion

Designer, Michelle Ellie- Model/ Creative Director/Designer, Niyi Okuboyejo- Fashion Designer, Odio Mimonet- Fashion Designer, Okunoren- Fashion Designer, Reni Folawiyo- Retailer (Founder of ALARA), Sasa Thomann- Stylist/Art Director, Stephen Tayo- Photographer, Sunny Rose- Fashion Designer, Tiffany Amber- Fashion Designer, Xuly Bet- Fashion Designer, Yvone Nwosu- Fashion Designer.

For information and Enquiries, Contact Konye Nwagbogor/Editor, thisdaystyle.ng; konye.nwabogor@ thisdaylive.com; Bolaji Animashuan /Line Producer, ARISE Fashion Week bolaji@arisefashionweek. world; Sakina Renneye / Line Producer, ARISE PLAY sakina@ arisefashionweek.world.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday said that the Tucano fighter jets ordered by the federal government from the United States in 2019, will arrive the country in the second quarter of 2021.

Abubakar, disclosed this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Air Force, to defend the 2021 budget proposal of the service.

He said the force will also acquire eight unmanned Aerial Vehicles from China and three and 3 JF17 thunder fighter aircraft from Pakistan in 2021.

The Air Chief told the lawmakers that the Air Force had acquired 22 aircrafts, in recent times, and was expecting 17 more, in addition to the three special mission aircrafts, it was expecting under the Deep Blue project of the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

He, however, lamented that the N8.8 billion proposed for the overhead cost of the Air Force in the 2021 fiscal year was grossly inadequate, owing

to the new platforms it had acquired, as well as new units that were set-up recently.

According to him, ‘’the overhead cost of the service had remained constant at N8.8 billion despite the increased in the number of personnel and formations.

“We have acquired additional infrastructure, but inspite of that, not much has changed in terms of the overhead. We have increased by about 11 units. These are located in Agatu in Benue State, Gembi in Taraba State, Damaturu in Yobe State, in Ikiran in Osun State, we are expanding the unit in Ipetu Ijesha.

We have also established an FOB in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State. ‘’The running cost of these units is something that is weighing heavily on the Air Force. That is why we are appealing for increase in the overhead cost. In terms of personnel, the Air Force has grown to over 11,000 personnel and right now, we are recruiting an additional 1000. So, it is huge in terms of the infrastructure.

Naira Weakens in Parallel Market,Hits N470 /1$ Festus Akanbi There were indications yesterday that the naira had fallen to its weakest level in six weeks in informal trading as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) interventions in the official window failed to meet demand.

At the parallel market yesterday, the naira changed hands for N470 per dollar, the lowest since September 29, according to abokifx.com, a website that collates street rates in Lagos.The naira closed at 382.10 per dollar on the spot market, where the central bank sells limited amounts of the greenback bank to importers.

The naira had traded for N468 and N466 against one dollar at the parallel market onThursday and Wednesday respectively, while it sold for N465 and 464 per one dollar at the Lagos bureau de change on Friday and Thursday respectively.

Agency report stated that the naira had lost all ground it gained after the regulator started weekly

interventions, signaling the continuous existence of pent-up demand for the dollar. The CBN resumed sales to licensed bureau de change operators in September after the federal government opened up international travel following the lifting of COVID-19restrictions.

The money available in the official window is insufficient to meet demand, Julius Tayo-Olufemi, chief executive officer of Cephas GraceInternational Ltd., which imports home appliances, said by phone.

“Ona monthly basis, I need about $100,000 to $150,000 and the maximum I can get atthe controlled price is $20,000. So I have to sort out the remaining balancemyself,” Tayo-Olufemi said.

Yearly Christmas season import bill pressure, which usually starts late November and disappears in January, may be coming early, according to Omotola Abimbola, analystat Chapel Hill Denham.

1,347 Zamfara Special Constables HURIWA Presses for LG Autonomy, Rural Healthcare Centres Pass out at PTS , Sokoto Runsewe Commends Gov Abiodun “Our interest is centred on the A Human Rights Advocacy group, graduands comprise 1,342 males and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Following the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Abubakar Adamu for the recruitment of community police by the states, no fewer than 1,347 special constable of Zamfara community police yesterday passed out at Police Training School, Sokoto.

Speaking at the event, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police AIG Zone 10, Muhammad Mustapha, said the gesture would go along way to tackle security challenges in Zamfara State.

IGP disclosed that the graduands had undergone full police training stressing that they would help in solving the problem of shortage of man power in community policing in Zamfara State.

“As you are aware those passing out today had to undergo full police training under the police review training manual,” he stated.

Earlier, the Commandant of Police Training School, Sokoto Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Kabir Muhammad, said the

five females were found worthy in character and learning and so qualify to be integrated into community policing.

The Commandant commended the Zamfara State Governor, Dr. Muhammad Bello, for taking a good step in a right direction.

“I must commend the effort of the governor for this gesture, it will go a long way to curb crimes in Zamfara State.”

In his address, Governor Muhammad Bello thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and Inspector General Of Police Muhammed Adamu for giving approval for the state to recruit community police.

He enjoined the graduands to respect human rights and also charge them to abide by the rules of engagements and not to take laws into their hands.

According to the Governor the gesture would help in curbing Youths restiveness and also tackle security challenges bedeviling the state.

He averred that no amount of money was too much to spend on security saying the primary aim of any government was to safeguard the lives of its citizens.

Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has pressed for the implementation of the autonomy to Local Councils as well as its rural healthcare, insisting that such grassroots meachanisation would come with quantum leaps in development.

According to a statement from the group resources expended at the council level had more direct impact on the people just like the operationalisation of the Rural Healthcare Centers would only take healthcare delivery closer to the people.

The statement signed by the Executive Director of the group, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko wondered why a sane government would work against a programme like the operationalisation of Rural Health Centres even when there had been court decision sanctioning the project.

“We are pleased that the import of the judgment is that the construction of these community based public heathcare centres must not in any way be interfered with by the governors forum in the federation. We commend the verdict but also ask the governors forum to refrain from the sinister plots to undermine the projects because of their selfish interests.

essence of this matter which speaks to the issue of autonomy for local councils of Nigeria in line with Section 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria of 1999 as amended and we strongly canvass the implementation to its completion these projects that would significantly boost the healthcare of the over 60 million rural dwellers just as we are by this medium asking the Governors Forum not to sabotage the Primary healthcare initiatives of ALGON as that will be tantamount to exposing the lives of the rural dwellers to the consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria.

Again, we ask Mr. President to proceed with the revolutionary programme of conceding constitutional autonomy to LGAs as that is the surest way to guarantee employment opportunities for millions of the rural dwellers and will open up the rural communities to aggressive infrastructure upgrade and development. We will be writing to the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors forum to highlight the essence of permitting the full implementation of the rural healthcare projects as this will further boost the rating of the governors as true democrats,” they pointed out.

for Promoting Adire Fabrics

Charles Ajunwa Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, said he had found a soulmate in Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on the strategic campaign to promote indigenous fabrics as national dress code, thus showcasing Nigeria’s iconic cultural heritage.

Otunba Runsewe who is also the President, Africa Region of the World Craft Council (WCC), noted that the pronouncement by Governor Abiodun to adopt Adire fabrics as official uniform for all the students in Ogun State remains the very critical and visible engagement to support cultural awareness and creativity in order to sustain the emergence of the Adire heritage economy and empower rural development.

An unapologetic campaigner on Nigeria’s cultural advancement through the adoption and showcasing our diverse heritage lifestyles, Runsewe had at various times while at Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) and now at

NCAC, made the use of indigenous fabrics the fulcrum of national identify and promotional materials marketing agenda at all local and international cultural tourism events.

“I’m the happiest Nigerian today and I must thank the Ogun State governor for joining us to showcase the Adire heritage fabrics and adopting it as a school uniform for students in Ogun State, including its use by government officials and in all activities of government businesses. This is the way to go as it will benefit the rural economy, empower women and youths and help in historical revival of heritage teachings and knowledge,” Runsewe stated.

It must be noted that Adire fabrics was rebranded and became the face of cultural marketing promotion at World Travel Markets during Runsewe time out at NTDC, adopted as golf fabrics, laptop bags, facemasks as part of the protocols for new normal pandemic, and on national colours for specially made suits for international outings for exhibitions and marketing Nigerian cultural tourism opportunities.

15

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

NEWS

Lagos, Bayelsa, Other Byeelections Hold December 5 Chuks Okocha Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday announced that byeelections into vacant National and States â&#x20AC;&#x2DC; Assembly would hold December 5.

In a statement by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Voter Education and Publicity, Festus Okoye, he

said that the decision was after series of consultations where it reviewed its quarterly engagements and consultations with critical stakeholders in the electoral process.

The commission said that it further reviewed the security situation and other challenges regarding the 15 pending byeelections in 11 states.

He said that INEC met on

22nd October 2020 with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to deliberate on the said bye-elections earlier scheduled to hold on October 31, 2020 but postponed on account of the security situation and other environmental challenges in the country.

The commission met again on Thursday, 5th November 2020 and reviewed the situa-

tion and it noted among other things the extensive damage to and vandalisation of its local government offices and facilities, which affected some areas where the bye-elections are scheduled to hold.

Okoye said INEC decided to consult critical stakeholders in the electoral process before deciding on a definite date for the conduct of the

bye-elections.

According to him, the commission consulted with political parties and civil society organisations on Tuesday 10th November 2020 and with the media and the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) on Wednesday 11th November 2020.

Okoye said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Based on these consultations, the Commission believes that security in the affected States has improved while the environmental challenges have reasonably abated. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Consequently, the Commission has decided to hold all the pending bye-elections on Saturday December 5, 2020.â&#x20AC;?

He said that INEC acknowledged the support, understanding and cooperation of political parties, the security agencies, the media civil society organisations and the general public as it considers the scheduling of the bye-elections and in its overall efforts to reposition

the electoral process and give meaning and value to the votes of the people.

Okoye further stated that the commission appealed to voters and stakeholders in the states with pending bye-elections to continue to cooperate with the INEC in its efforts to deliver credible elections under a safe environment.

The outstanding byeelecrions will take place in Bayelsa Central Senatorial District, Bayelsa West Senatorial District, Nganzai State Constituency, Borno State, Bayo State Constituency, Borno State, Cross River North Senatorial District and Obudu State Constituency, Cross River State.

Others are: Imo North Senatorial District, Lagos East Senatorial District, Kosofe II State Constituency, Lagos State, Plateau South Senatorial District, Bakura State Constituency, Zamfara State and Ibaji State Constituency, Kogi State.

J.J Rawlings, An Exceptional Leader, Says Ben Obi Bennett Oghifo

ANOTHER FEATHER...

L-R: Former Head of Faculty of Mass communications, Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos, Dr. Charle Oni with a Retired Executive of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Pastor Dr. Titilayo Noibi; her step daughter, Miss Faith Alonge and the step Father, Brother Aramide Tola Noibi,at Miss Faith Alongeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Matriculation at the Yaba College of Tech, Yaba ,Lagos at the weekend

FG Ramps Up Off-grid Electricity Projects in South-east Emmanuel Addeh Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x;Ă&#x201D;Ă&#x2039; The federal government has ramped up efforts to provide off-grid electricity to rural communities in the South-east, with the inauguration of two separate power projects, totaling 107.5 kilowatts.

Theprojectsinauguratedwere a 100kw solar hybrid mini grid in Eka Awoke in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State,anda7.5KWsolarminigrid at the Joint Hospital, Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area, Anambra State.

Theprojectswereexecutedby the Rural ElectrificationAgency (REA) as part of its mandate of electrifying unserved and underserved areas across the country.

The agency said the project wouldprovideclean,safe,affordableandreliableelectricityforthe healthcentertowardsimproving service delivery.

The REA Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Ahmad Salihijo, said the project was designed to provide jobs for the community.

He urged the people to put it to productive use because the federalgovernmentwaslooking forward to assessing its positive impact on the rural community in the next few months.

The REAboss said the project wouldrunthehealthcarefacilities in the community.

Hesaidtheprojectwasimplemented from the first set of grant to the Rural Electrification Fund for off-grid electrification across the country.

Salihijo said the essence of the projectwastopromoteeconomic activities in rural communities.

"As you have heard, Cloud Energy is going to develop a rice mill here just because of this power plant. This is exactly why REAgoesintothiskindofproject to stimulate the economy and create jobs," he said.

He stated that as mandated by the federal government, the agency would continue to implement sustainable and reliable energy infrastructure deployment using off-grid technologies.

On the electrification of the hospital, Ahmad said that powering the critical facility at Ozubulu was another testament oftheimpactofrenewableenergy to healthcare infrastructure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Havingstretchedourhealthcare infrastructure to its limit in the last couple of months, this project is coming at a very timely moment as we push to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

During the event at the hospital, the Governor ofAnambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, who was represented by Mr. Emeka Ezenwanne, Commissioner for Public Utilities and Water Resources, re-emphasised the needforcleanersourcesofenergy.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is important to stress that the benefits of clean and safe and constant electricity in this hospitalwillincreasethenumber of patients visiting the hospital andimprovethequalityofhealth servicebydoctorstothepatients,â&#x20AC;? he said.

On his part, the Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi , said the solar power plant would trigger industrialisation in the community .

According him, the impact of the project was already changing lives positively.

His Deputy, Barrister Kelechi Igwe,whorepresentedhim,said" thisprojecthasalsoprovidedjobs for indigenes of this community and will create more during its expansion.

"We look forward to witnessing and commissioning more of this projects that will improve the quality of life for the people of Ebonyiandrevolutionisetheface of our economy."

Ebonyi Commissioner Resigns Appointment Benjamin Nworie Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2022;Ă&#x201C; Ebonyi Commissioners for Inter-GovernmentalAffairs,Hon. Lazarus Ogbee, has resigned his appointment with the state government.

Ogbee is a former member of theFederalHouseofRepresentatives, who represented Ikwo/ EzzaSouthFederalConstituency.

In a resignation letter dated

November 12, 2020 and titled, 'Resignation of Appointment As Honourable Commissioner', Ogbeesaidhisreasonforquitting the appointment was personal.

Ogbee said: "I wish to inform HisExcellencythatIhavedecided to resign my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Inter-Governmental Affairs in the Ebonyi State Government, effective from today, Thursday,

November 12, 2020.

"Thereasonformyresignation is personal as I thankYour Excellency for the opportunity given tometoserveasaCommissioner in the state.

"I equally thank the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family and my colleagues in the Executive Council for the cordial working relationship I enjoyed whileinofficeasaCommissioner.

"Please be informed that the official car with Chassis No. KMH3813DLU109706, Model-Hyundai Tucson Jeep, Colour-Metalic Ash and other Government property attached tomyofficearetobedulyhanded over to the Secretary to the State Government with immediate effect.

"MayGodblessyouaswelook forward to a better Ebonyi State."

Former President J.J Rawlings of Ghana, who died during the week, has been described as an exceptionalleaderthatconnected with the people.

Senator Ben Obi stated this in his brief condolence message on death of the former Ghanaian leader, saying the â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Junior Jesusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, aswefondlycalledhim,throughouthiscareer,bothinmilitaryand civilian attire, demonstrated and ran a leadership that connects with the governed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a Pan-Africanist and elder statesman, he was passionate about the political and economic advancement of the African continent, a crusade he was never shy of leading.â&#x20AC;?

Senator Obi addressed him as a very good friend and that the news of his death brought him

â&#x20AC;&#x153;deep shock and grief. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I received the news of the passing on of my very good friend and one of Africa's most decorated and exceptional leaders, His Excellency Flt.Lt. J.J Rawlings with deep shock and grief. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He will be remembered as the man who spearheaded the political liberation and birth of the modern day Ghana. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His death is highly regrettable, because, it came at a time the continent earnestly require his wealth of experience to tackle daunting socio-economic and leadership problems. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Icondolewithhisimmediate family, the President and good people of Ghana over this continental loss, may God give them the needed fortitude to bear this regrettable loss,â&#x20AC;? praying that God grants his soul eternal rest.

#EndSARS was a Blessing to PDP, Says Akinlude Nseobong Okon-Ekong Achieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Chief Willie Akinlude, has said that the postponement of the Lagos East Senatorial District and Lagos Constituency Kosofe 2 by-elections which were put off as a result of the #EndSARS campaigns, was a blessing in disguise for the party.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had scheduled all by-elections to hold across the country on October 31.

At a meeting with journalists in Lagos,Akinlude said the protests by angry Nigerian youths had reinforced the angst against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He said, "At both the federal and in Lagos State in particular, you could see that people have had enough of the bad governance and excuses by the APC government. It is

providence that brought the #EndSARSprotests.Peoplenow want a real change, not the kind of change theAPC promised but things are still the same. In fact, thingsareworse.Thereishunger and anger in the land."

Stating his conviction that the PDP will carry the day at the by-elections, Akinlude noted, "Everything is going in favour of the PDP. Peoples eyes are open to the anti-people policies of theAPC. In Lagos, they can see how one man has assumed the role of the Alpha and Omega, completely pocketing the state and dictating who gets what.

CORRECTION OF NAME This to notify the public that my name was wrongly written on my voterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s card as Clemenm Bekibo instead of Bekinbo Clement and also my sex was wrongly written as female instead of male. My correct name is CLEMENT BEKINBO. All former documents remain valid the general public please take note.

Ë&#x153; Ëž OVEMBER 14, 2020

16

TRIBUTE

Mitchell Elegbe: The Man Behind â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Switchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Mary Nnah

S

omeone once said that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;families are like branches on a tree, we g grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. For Mitchell y Olusegun g Elegbe, g family y has been, and still is, a top p priority. p y The youngest y g child of his family, Mitchell was born in Benin-City, y in the old Mid-Western Region g of Nigeria, g now Edo State.

Unfortunately, y he lost his father when he was still in his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s womb. Years later, he moved in with his uncle, at Aladja, j Delta State, who took responsibility for him and became the father-figure in his life.

There, he had his secondary education before moving to the University of Benin where he studied Electrical/Electronic Engineering. To make ends meet as an undergraduate, Mitchell had several side businesses, including recording songs on audiotapes to sell, and selling shirts.

Through the dint of hard work and resilience, against dauntt ing odds, he hoisted himself above challenges and bottlenecks to eventually emerge from the University of Benin with an honours degree in electrical/electronic engineering.

Upon graduation, Mitchell went for the mandatory National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) scheme, and was posted to Comm puter Systems Associates (CSA), a software implementation company which connected banks to the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications (SWIFT). first job as a Field Engineer in Schlumberger He got his fi Wireline and Testing, Scotland. After a year, Mitchell returned to Nigeria and started working with Telnet, a fast-growing telecommunications company, where he rose to Group Head for Business Development. After two years, and with the blessing of his employers, he left to start Interswitch and the rest, as they say, is history.

Noble Peace Prize winner, Betty Williams, once said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no use talking about the problem unless you talk about the solution.â&#x20AC;? So, Mitchell chose to fi find solution to the numerous problems associated with payment and money matters in Nigeria, instead of just focusing on these problems.

First of all, Nigerians had to make long and stressful journeys to banks and wait in even longer queues to perform any sort of financial transactions. This meant a lot of time was wasted, lead fi ding inevitably to countless missed deadlines. On the other hand, the crime rate was on the rise, as Nigerians had to withdraw large amounts of cash on Friday afternoons, enough to last the entire weekend. This knowledge naturally put criminals on the prowl for victims, knowing that there was always hard cash available in many homes.

Saddened and compelled by this situation, the young Mitchell began his search for solution to the problem.

At the time this idea was budding in Mitchell, he was working with Telnet. So, he proposed the idea of the transaction

switch to his then boss and got the blessing to execute it. Sadly, although his plans fell through, but he was turned down by many traditional players, who at that time were not interested in buying the software.

His Plan B was to create an organisation that would utilise the same software to take on this nagging challenge he had identifi ified headlong. With the support of Accenture, a multiinational professional services company, Mitchell and his team established Interswitch. This time, they got the buy-in of banks to raise a portion of the start-up capital.

The next challenge was that of getting a competent Chief Executive Offi fficer to steer the affairs of the company. All capable hands were expatriates who expected to earn more than the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital!

In the face of this apparent set-back, the challenge was invariably thrown back to Mitchell, prompting him to take up the gauntlet. As the progenitor of the idea, and with youthful drive on his side, Mitchell fortuitously became the pioneer CEO of Interswitch, just four years after completing NYSC, with relatively limited experience. Supplemented with ferocious zeal, unbridled optimism and unique insights as to where the real problems lay, Mitchell was a â&#x20AC;&#x153;bankableâ&#x20AC;? prospect.

The shareholders and the sponsoring company (TELNET) were willing to take the risk and back the relatively young but extremely passionate and motivated team, led by Mitchell and two other like-minded young visionaries, Akeem Lawal (now Interswitchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DCEO for Payments Processing) and Charles Ifedi.

For him, it was all about building trust and like the Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Scout motto: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Be preparedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I learnt early that being trustworthy is an important attribute to make it in life. From a rather young age, I have resolved to make the best of every situation I face, knowing that crises will always throw up latent opportunities for the most discerningâ&#x20AC;?.

No doubt, the shareholders were a bit skeptical, largely due to environmental challenges such as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;how do you run a 24/7 business in a country where electricity is not constant and the telecom infrastructure was still largely unreliable?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;. Plus, there was the issue of cultural orientation, especially when the target customers were predominantly already in love with cash.

Mitchellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding leadership of the company eventually earned him and his team equity in the organisation, and this has grown considerably over the years. Today, Interswitch is unarguably the most successful technology company in Nigeria, with deep roots across Africa. It currently has almost all Nigerian banks and over 11,000 ATMs on its network.

Outside work, Mitchell enjoys mentoring and providing guidance to young entrepreneurs (particularly in the tech and fi fintech space). Hear him: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Considering my background and experience with building a technology business within an emerging market context, I am able to do this. Also, I am a member of the board of Endeavor Nigeria which is a globally ree

Elegbe nowned entrepreneurial development initiative. This also helps me give expression to my passion for nurturing young people.â&#x20AC;?

When he is not mentoring, Mitchell enjoys spending time at the gym. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In recent times, I have found fi fitness and the gym as a good way to unwind and clear my head. I also relish an eclectic repertoire of music. I love to listen to different genres of music because you know; music is food for the soul. Then, the onset of the COVID-19 experience and the lock-down in its wake also afforded me a very welcome opportunity to spend a great deal of time with my family, perhaps the most extensive unbroken stretch in many years! I have also gotten into a bit of Martial Arts and every now and again, you can catch me practicing some stunts with my youngest son,â&#x20AC;? he said.

For Mitchell, the family is sacrosanct and consists of his lovely wife, Mercy, and their four children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a set of twin boys, a daughter and another boy. Mitchell and Mercy met in the early â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s at the faculty of Engineering at the University of Benin where Mitchell studied Electrical/Electronic Engineering and Mercy studied Chemical Engineering. The Biblical proverb says that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;he who fi finds a wife fi finds a good thingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. So for Mitchell, marrying his wife was one of the best decisions of his life.

Being an equally busy professional, Mrs. Elegbe helps to maintain a healthy home balance by raising their children, while supporting his work.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

To My Father, A Good Man Ojo Maduekwe

T

he death of my father, Okechukwu Uma Maduekwe, on the 9th of September, 2020, broke me in a way I never imagined possible. Norr mally, I am not the type of person to cry over the death of someone. It is not that I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel sad at the news of death, I do. The thing is, I fi find it diffi fficult to cry. The genesis of this odd behaviour, I suspect, began around the time of the death of my grandfather, Reverend Uma Ukiwe Maduekwe. I was barely 5-years-old.

I remember being close to my grandfather. Raised in the village, I often visited him at the family compound home in Ndi Awa, Asaga, Ohafia, in Abia State. On each of my visits, he would offer me yam porridge. He loved eating yam. When he died, my mother took me to his lying-in-state. As we stood by his coffi ffin, I watched as she and others cried. I did not understand what was happening. I stared at his lifeless body like a child my age would, indifferent.

Sometimes I wonder what damage seeing my grandfatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dead body at such a tender age may have done to my ability to empathise. Ever since that day, I have never cried over death.

Never believed I would cry, not even for a loved one. Until my younger sister called me on the phone on the sad morning of September 9, 2020. On hearing her say, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brother Ojo daddy is deadâ&#x20AC;?, I did not know when I started to cry uncontrollably. I would be numb for days.

You see, my father meant the world to me and numerous others who also called him Daddy. He was a great man in every possible way. He made wealth early in his life. My siblings and I were not born at the time, however, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve heard people say countt less times, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your father was a very wealthy man.â&#x20AC;? As the first fi child, he was a strong pillar of fi financial support to his family.

Being a fi firsthand witness to the struggles faced by his parents, he forfeited pursuing higher education and instead chose to work so that he could assist them train his younger ones.

He ensured his siblings got the best education, right up to university level, and were well catered for. His two brothers, my late Uncle and former minister of the Federal Republic of

Okechukwu Uma Maduekwe Nigeria, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, and their last born, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, who is presently the Managing Director / Chief Executive Offi fficer of the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), had the privilege of attending university lectures in some of the finest fi and branded suits tailored in London, to the admiration of both students and lecturers.

Born on the 26th of October, 1931, to the family of Late Reverr end Uma Ukiwe Maduekwe and Madam Ulari Ukiwe Maduee kwe in Asaga, my father was the fi first of six children, made up of an equal of three boys and three girls. My father began his early education at the Central School, Elu in Ohafia, Abia State, where his own father was the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headmaster. There he did his Class 1 - 3 and Standard 1 - 6, as Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education system was classifi ified at the time.

His father would leave the classroom to become a Reverend

at the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria; and my father, to further his education, tried to follow in his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s footsteps to pursue a career in Theology. Young and very driven, my father later changed his mind and instead went to Asaba to study Agricull ture. In Asaba, he again felt that hunger for more. The need to support his parents drove him to Lagos, where he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force.

While in the Police Force, he dedicated his life to the service of the country. However, he remained restless and desired to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria as a private citizen. He would retire from the Police to join the Insurance industry.

At the start of the Biafra - Nigeria war, he left Lagos to Aba, where he was into rice and cassava farming. As a big farmer, he employed and empowered so many Ohafia men and women.

This action helped to reduce food insecurity for many Ohafia families during the war.

At the end of the civil war, he went back to Lagos. In the city of excellence, he began the importation and distribution of educational materials. Regularly, he would travel to the United Kingdom, buy educational books, load them in a chartered commercial plane and fl fly down to Nigeria. It was through this book importation business he made his wealth.

A man of many parts, he was good at generating business ideas. He ventured into several sectors, such as publishing, transportation, printing, etcetera. Some of his well established businesses included companies like Ulari Line Transport and Ulari Ventures Limited, named after his mother whom he loved so dearly; and MANSON & Company Ltd., a publishing company that was located at 19 Kodesho Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Some of MANSONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s published works include, The Secret of Success, Moral Instruction and Discipline Handbook; Nigeria: 25 Years of Local Government Reforms and Democratization 1976 - 2001; Rebels Against Rebels, a book on the Nigeria civil war authored by foremost journalist of one-time DRUM Magazine, Nelson Ottah, amongst other books. â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Adieu Papa! p Rest in Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s p perfect f p peace, until we meet in heaven to part no more.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Plus Mai Atafo Anyone That Hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Experienced Failure Has Not Experienced Success

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 14, 2020

PLUS

Anyone That Hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Experienced Failure Has Not Experienced Success Mai Atafo, a Nigerian fashion icon noted for his brand, Mai Atafo, spent his formative years in Benin, Edo State. After graduating from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, he worked with some reputable organisations in the country that brought him to limelight. He however, later resigned from his high paying job to follow his dream, which is to be a tailor. He told Charles Ajunwa and Ugo Aliogo about his growing up, family and business, among others

gave us the best education which is fundamental for every human being.

Till now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared of failure Like I said, my parents were quite liberal and so they let you make mistakes. I think that made me realise that failure was guaranteed to happen regardless of anything in life. Till now, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m scared of failure, but it is something that I take on because it is bound to happen regardless of who you are, or how perfect you are. If it comes in small or big doses, you will experience it. Anyone that has not experienced failure has not experienced success. I think that was very key. As much as they were liberal, they also had iron hands. We were actually flogged with cane when we were out of the line, and my dad actually had a koboko whip which he used to thrash us. We were seven boys and two girls. My dad used an iron hand, we were actually put in place when we were wrong.

We were left to experience and explore life as much as we could. When you are 18, my parents didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t question certain things you did such as coming back home late. I see things in two different perspectives and through different camera lenses.

Getting into tailoring, how it happened Getting into tailoring was by mistake and a huge fluke.

I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say that it was anything that was planned. I never thought I would be a fashion designer or a tailor. It was literally out of my love for wearing clothes, I always loved clothes. So, I spent all my money on clothes. Going to university, they would give me pocket money and I will take every single dine to buy clothes, then I go back to school broke. Then, I will start looking for ways to make money just to look good. It was a priority to me to look good, so I think that actually rolled into me just liking fashion. At a point in time, you actually want to create stuff, it is either you cannot access the ones you want or you cannot afford them or they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t fit right. So, I started tailoring stuff with somebody, and I think it just ran its natural course, whereby people will see me and like what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m wearing, and ask how I can get it? So, I will say this is the tailor that made it for me, then it gradually went to I can make it for you. That is what led to what you are seeing today. It is a very interesting story like other people that attend midnight and were always sketching and sketching. I had a full blown career in marketing for years before I even started tailoring.

Leaving a lucrative career in the corporate world for fashion designing It was not a childhood dream to be a designer like I said.

I worked in corporate for slightly over eight to nine years. I was already doing fashion while I was in my last three years in the corporate and I saw possibilities, and I said if I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t move and go ahead to explore these possibilities, at the time that I did, I would not be able to do it later, because there was a point whereby I was almost getting to senior management. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think there is any way you will get to the point of being a marketing director and still be doing something by the side that needs you to stand up quickly. So, I decided that let me take a chance and do it now and if it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work out, I will go back to the corporate world and if it did work out, then I will do it and we are still here right now. So it was not about carving a niche, but it was just about following my heart.

Atafo

Growing up in Lagos and Benin

I

spent my formative years in Benin City and Lagos, even though I was born in Ile-Ife, Osun State, I quickly moved to Lagos as a toddler, then to Benin. I had my nursery and primary school education in Benin.

My parents lived in Benin at a point in time, and my secondary school was in Federal Government College, Idoani, Ondo State. Then my university education was at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, and at that point in time, my parents had moved to Ekpoma. It was during university years that I lived in Lagos and in Ekpoma as the case may be. That was where I lived my formative years. It was pretty fun and I come from a large family. Home was everything for us and we didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need to be anywhere else but home because we were large to fight ourselves, be happy with ourselves and play with ourselves. It was great. I enjoyed my upbringing. My parents were quite liberal. They allowed you to make your mistakes, which I think was a good thing.

I was not a stubborn child I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I was stubborn. I did a few naughty things which are typical of every child. I think I was one of the good kids in the house. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I caused any trouble

e, maybe y apart p from once or twice which is q quite typical yp per se, of kids to be honest. In general, g I wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say y I was a stub stub-born child child. Instead Instead, I was one of the ones that was high-flying in the family. So when everyone was getting thrashed for not passing the examination, I was never thrashed because I did well in school.

My dad and mum gave the best education I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think that in my early years, there were things I wanted that I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get. But as time moved on, I could remember that things started getting hard obviously. With words like austerity being thrown to us, I think it was during President Shagariâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s government. I was small but that made my daddy not as wealthy as he was. Born with a silver spoon? Yes, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I was born into a wealthy family. My dad worked for the university and we were okay in the scheme of things. I think Nigeria then, was better than Nigeria now, we were okay than most counterparts that were billionaires and millionaires. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t look down on you and your profession was recognised and was part of the building blocks of the nation. Yes, I would say I was born with a silver spoon. But as life went on, in Nigeria if you are a billionaire, and you did nothing, you end up being poor not by any fault of yours. Things got tough for my family, and I think my formative years were good. My dad and mum

I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend Leeds and Savile Row Academy I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attend Leeds and Savile Row Academy. I got a master tailor who ran the Savile Row training institute. He came to Nigeria to train my tailors and I here in Nigeria. He came twice, each time spending two weeks certifying us.

But in between those two times, I went to Milan, Italy, to study pattern making in a fashion school known as Istituto di Moda Burgo, so between that and the Savile Row training by the master tailor, that definitely shaped the narrative for my brand into more of what it is today. So, I focused more on tailoring than designs more than anything else. I focused on how clean the tailoring should be, how sharp it should be rather than how flamboyant the garment should be. I think that is the core of the brand ethos till today. So that really helped me to be able to see what goes on behind the scene in menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clothes and it has pushed it to every part of my fashion brand.

I think staying competitive in the market is not something I literally put as a target. I want to be this known or that known. I think what has happened is that I have always tried to constantly deliver on the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promise to every single customer that comes through the door. I think that the more you deliver; you increase your longevity. This has worked for me, I will say that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m almost doing what everybody is doing, but maybe I pay a little attention to what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m creating that has led me to where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m today. So in my eyes, I have not seen anything that says that I have done this for 10 years, it still feels like it was yesterday that I started this whole thing.

But for me it is to never think that you have done it all, look for new ways to do old things and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be scared to do new things, because at the end of the day it is the new things that are now. I think that is what has kept me relevant today.

I have never begged a celebrity to wear my clothes I have been able to drive my brand presence among the social middle class. Like I said, I have never begged a celebrity to wear my clothes. They come to me based on the fact that they like the brand, they like the clothe and they like what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing. They have not come to me based on the fact that

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 14, 2020

PLUS Getting into Tailoring Was By Mistake and a Huge Fluke they want to help me wear my garments.

No. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a matter of need for them. Instead, they come because of the need to look good and amazing, and this is the person that will help them look good and amazing. They have other options, but they decide to come here. They obviously still go to other people, it is probably because I have delivered as a brand that is why they recognise and still come to me, then say letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work together on Big Brother Naija (BBN), Africa Movie Viewersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Choice Award (AMVCA), red carpet and that is a good accomplishment.

It makes me feel good. Even beyond the celebrities because people always make mention of the celebrities, there is a regular guy Adeoye, who is a lawyer by profession, he has 30 of my suits in his wardrobe, Emeke Ifeanyi, who is an entrepreneur who has close to 30 in his wardrobe or Chima Anyaso who is a politician but he has like 10 of my fabrics in his wardrobe.

But they are not social influencers so you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see it on social media channels. I have Aminu Shehu, who has close to 100 caftans in his wardrobe. But we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see these people, but to me these are the people that matter a lot more than the social people because they are the real currency. We are in business and these are ones that are keeping us in business. We also appreciate the social influencers because they are the ones who amplify your brand which gets into the eyes of the society. So it works side by side, you will not want to give up one for the other.

Launch of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Weddings by Maiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; It was a totally academic move to be honest because at a point in time, I had been doing business full time for one year and by the time we analysed our business, we discovered that a major chunk of our business was coming from weddings. It was actually the accountant that looked at it and said look, a good per cent was coming from people that are getting married. So we now looked into it properly and decided that if that is the case, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s celebrate the fact that we have a wedding line and people will know that we do weddings and they would rather leave it quiet. That was why we launched the wedding line by Mai at a point in time. So it was a great move.

Participating in the Arise Fashion Week in 2019 First of all, it was the first year I had a cohesive collection for both male and female. It was one inspiration and thought process for what the guys and the girls were wearing which was quite interesting, even though I had two different titles. I think it was the first time I was doing a proper female jacket collection in a long time, so it was nice to express that. And I think that after doing fashion shows for almost five, six years, you can kind of get smarter and wiser about how to execute it. So for once, I did a full production for my music which was quite good and I was lucky to have Naomi Campbell work for me. She opened and closed my show that year. You know some people say dreams come true and so for me, I never dreamt of it because I never thought it was even possible in life. I never dreamt that Naomi Campbell would wear my piece not in a million years, so when that happened it was out of body experience. When that happened I said, Jesus Christ! Was this real? We thank God for the Arise platform that made that happen. That has been a key milestone in my career till date.

The best gift I never got The best gift I remembered receiving as a child was a gift they never gave to me. The gifts I always wanted, I never got. I was promised a bicycle, if I took either 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions when I was in primary one. Then I came fourth, but interestingly, someone took the 1st position and two persons took the 2nd positions, so I took 4th position, and did not understand the logic. I cried to my teacher the whole time that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m supposed to take the third position. Then she said when there are two 2nd positions there is no third position. I cried severally because I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get the rationale and my own thinking was that I deserved a bicycle.

I got home and cried, I spoke to God and begged Him to change things around for me, but it didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t happen. When I got home my dad said he would buy me the bicycle,

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider things as mistakes but I see them as learning. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let things hit me to push me back; instead I use it to propel myself such as the passing of my dad. So I never see things as a huge mistake and take it to heart. I always think there is a stepping stone Atafo

but he never did. When I was growing up, I always wanted to be a musician because that was my first love. I thought I was going to be a singer, so I asked for a guitar. But I gave up the dream because I never got the guitar.

So donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t remember any gifts at all because the ones I asked for I never got.

I was a small boy when I married I married in my early 20s, I was a small boy. How did it happen? I asked one woman to marry me and I was luckily accepted to be a man and she said, Yes. I have been dating my wife since our university days. We finished university and we continued dating, so it was inevitable that I was going to get married to her. I tell people that the first girl that decides to be my girl-friend, I will try to marry her so that she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change her mind. But that is it. She was someone that understands me. We have been together for a very long time, and we have seen ourselves in and out. I think that these days, it is about beauty and the material things in life, it is about compatibility and communication. You see, no matter how you guys are compatible and in love, you will still have quarrels, rifts and disagreements. Truth be said, when there is love, compatibility, sacrifice, compromise and communication, you can get through that. I found that in somebody, even when I was young. Luckily, she has remained my wife. I have one daughter. She is super adorable and she is our boss. She is the one that is leading the ship right now and we are behind.

I lost my dad and my brother within two months I think the most difficult thing that happened to me at the most difficult time of my life was when I lost my dad and my brother within two months. That was the most difficult part of my life. I think the only way I overcame it was through the support of my wife and through prayer. Till now, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I have actually come to terms with what it is. But I remember that period I was literally the one that buried my dad because my siblings were overseas, they came in during the start of the burial so I did all the arrangements. When my brother passed on, I told nobody to come down; I handled everything myself. I think that was the period that turned me into a man. When you have to see these things and understand

that it was part of life. It was right after then that I decided to start fashion because I told myself that I want to do everything I always wanted to do in life, just to know that I have lived a fulfilled life. That is how I started fashion, so it was that trigger that got me into where Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m today.

Though it was sad, but it propelled me, so without a doubt, those are the trying moments.

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept mistakes I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t consider things as mistakes but I see them as learning. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let things hit me to push me back; instead I use it to propel myself such as the passing of my dad. So I never see things as a huge mistake and take it to heart. I always think there is a stepping stone to some.

So I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t accept mistakes, instead I see them as things to trigger me through, so maybe I see it like that. They have come, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t catalogue them as mistakes.

I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living my life for people My biggest fear in life is more personal to me than anyone else. The fear in life is if Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to live up to my own standards or to which I believe is my ability in life, which I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing at this point in time because I know who Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m and what I can do. I know what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing to a large extent. I believe that I should be more of an impact to people and society, more than I am today. So I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living my life for me, I think Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m living my life for people. But it is something that I have not been able to fully crystalise and develop into what it should be because the way my life has been, it has not been a very straight book and I am still here today, doing something quite successfully. Even at that, I still believe Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still 60 per cent of what my brand should be doing. So my fear is that I will not be able to deliver to that goal.

I desire to impact more lives I desire to impact more lives. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how to express it; it is almost like the Nelson Mandela effect, or Obama effect. I desire that kind of thing and not just because it is a status kind of thing, it is more about impacting lives. I think we lack that a lot in Nigeria and Africa. There is almost no

role model for the next generation from the previous generation consistently. If you look at the people that inspired us the most, many of them are going into their 50s or above their 50s. Before you take a superstar that has done something in every industry; that is in their 40s, it will be hard. Then pick the 30s to inspire the 20s, it will be hard. So you see that people in their teens and 20s are still getting inspired by people in their 40s and I think that gap is too much for them to be able to understand. The generation of young boys that started banks in those days like the Jim Ovias, and the Tony Elumelus, where is the new generation after them that woke up and started banks and when is the ones after those ones that woke up and started banks, and where is the ones that woke after those ones and started banks. So it is quite sad when you see things like that. It is nice that your inspiration is probably the same age as you. It challenges you even more to know that your contemporary can do it.

I believe that for every problem in life there is more than one solution Life has taught me, no matter how hard and how much you have worked for it, no matter how much you think you deserve it, if it is not in your hands, you have not earned it. We work every month because at the end of the month we get a salary. If salary is not in your account, you have not earned it, not by any fault of yours, but anything can happen because your boss can decide not to pay that month or things may go broke and if you plan for that, you can imagine what will happen. I believe that for every problem in life there is more than one solution. Pick the one that works the best, it may take you longer or harder, so you should look out and pick the one that works for you the best. It may take you longer or maybe harder. Then you will probably be able to do it without a solution. I also strongly believe that life is black and white.

If we all live life like black and white, saying Yes when we mean Yes and saying No, when we mean No, I think life will be a lot easier. I think we should love more. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we love ourselves more, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think we love as we should. We donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t value ourselves as much as we can, I think we should do that.

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Stepping into Maggieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Premieres Lazarus Ibeabuchi

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ased on Opeyemi Akintundeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s book of the same title, Stepping into Maggieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shoes (SIMS) is a faith-based film about love, betrayal and scandal. The movie premiered last Wednesday at VIVA Cinema, Jara Mall, Ikeja and now available in cinemas nationwide.

SIMS tells the story of a young wealthy Pastor who is desired by most of the single and married ladies in his congregation. The sudden loss of his previously unlettered, dumpy wife to suicide opens the doors for a new wife, many other sins, new challenges and a ministry in disarray.

The movie features top Nollywood acts and veterans like Femi Jacobs, Liz Benson Ameye, Eucharia Anunoni, Juliana Olayode, Kolade Segun Okeowo, Emma Oh My God, Uche Macaulay, Opeyemi Akintunde and Kayode Babalola. Produced and written by Opeyemi Akintunde, the movie is metaphoric of reality in presentday Nigeria. With about 16 novels authored already, Opeyemi hopes to adapt more into screenplay.

Speaking about his role in the movie, Femi Jacobs, who played a lead role said the movie offers everyone an opportunity for selfappraisal: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The critical lesson in this movie is that there is nothing we do in this life that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have consequences and we should be careful about what we do. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The second lesson is you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know how much pain you are causing somebody else until you listen to them. Because so many things are going on well, your life is smooth and nobody is challenging you but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what that is doing to people under you. When people have no sense of empathy, it affects others negatively. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This movie addresses the rot in Christianity. We have this prevalent practice of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t criticize man of God lest they curse you.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; And flock gets afraid to incur a curse from the man of God; whereas a man of God should bless and not curse.

That happens a lot in our society.

This movie opens everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mind to stand up for whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s right.â&#x20AC;?

Lead Characters, Opeyemi Akintunde and Femi Jacobs

Nevada Bridge TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Reality Show Tosin Clegg

Nevada Bridge TV is set to commence a new reality show called Naija Hood Rep. The show will have 21 contestants who would be selected to represent their respective hoods in one house for a period of 10 weeks. The winner will walk away with N20 million and a car, while the second and third placed contestants will win N10 million and N5 million respectively.

Speaking more about the show, Nevada Bridge CEO, Neville Sajere said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The uniqueness about your hood, the experiences youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had while growing up in

that hood and also those nostalgic feeling and memories going back to the hood brings, are they things you can share to be a representative of that particular hood, such that when you speak in a particular language, not everyone understands but a particular demography. It shows that there is a unique sect that shares similar lingua and you are their rep in the hood because they would easily relate to anything you say or do in the house.â&#x20AC;?

The of the show producers have released a theme song, with two music powerhouse, Sound Sultan and 2 baba serving great tune and exciting lyrics.

L-R: Patrick Uzoh, Neville Sajere (CEO of Nevada Bridge TV) and Sound Sultan

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

21

SHOWBIZFLAIR Funmi Holder

I Love Meeting People, but Most Times, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m too Lazy for Outings Funmi Holder, an award-winning filmmaker, actress, writer and entrepreneur is a popular face in Tinsel, the 14 -year-old soap opera aired on the M-NET network. She shares her careerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and what many of her fans didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know about her with Festus Akanbi

Y

ou made your debut in acting in 2005.

Will you say you are fulďŹ lled now?

I actually made my debut a few years before 2005, in a Ghana/ Nigeria film titled After the Promise.

That was in 2003. It was shot in Ghana but released in Nigeria as well. In terms of fulfilment, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think I will ever be fulfilled in my acting career because I am always striving to be better. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t ever get comfortable to the point that I feel that I have arrived. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always an ongoing journey but I am grateful for where I am at today in my acting career.

am with people I am comfortable with.

Definitely, not as gullible when it comes to men.

Your career has taken you to several countries of the world. What will you say you have learnt from this experience?

Actually my travelling is for personal growth, enlightenment and knowledge.

I have a very curious mind and I have varying interests in different things so I travel to satisfy all that craving. I always feel that I need to see more and know more and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been absolutely mind-blowing. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always so interesting to see how others live, their beliefs, culture and traditions.

When I travel, I travel like a local. Which means I take their public buses, trains, motorbikes, eat local food etc. I stay in the city centres mostly, I immerse myself and live like a local for those days or weeks, which exposes me to a lot of things and enriches me. Today, I have friends in all the 19 countries I have been to and we still keep in touch.

If you had not opted for acting, what other profession would had caught your fancy?

If I had not gone into acting, I most definitely would still be a film producer/ film director or even started my own talk show. But away from the creative industry, I would have been travelling full time around the world, exploring different cultures and sharing my knowledge and experiences.

Will you say Tinsel has given you enough recognition and ďŹ nancial clout?

Absolutely, Tinsel has done so much for me. It has helped me develop myself in different areas. I am sure I am a better actress than I was before I came on Tinsel and Tinsel also helped me develop the discipline I needed for my film making career. In terms of recognition, I am on TV almost every night, and it has been that way for the past 11years so it definitely brings a lot of recognition and stability.

You produced the award-winning ďŹ lm, Efunsetan Aniwura. What inďŹ&#x201A;uenced you to research into the story?

Efunsetan Aniwura is my second feature film, and one that has brought me a lot of international recognition in the creative industry , the first being The Grudge in 2016. I chose to do Efunsetan Aniwura because it is a story that stuck with me as a teenager growing up in Lagos. I also watched the TV series as a child and there was just something about the story I found really fascinating. In 2018, I started my research and started filming in 2019. It has not been released officially into the market but it has been doing excellently at the Film Festivals. It won Best African Indeginous Film at the just concluded Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, TINFF 2020.

It also screened at the 2020 American Black Film Festival that took place in September 2020. It was officially selected to screen at the Cannes International Independent Film Festival 2020 in October where it made it to the finals. It was also an official selection at the Andromedia Film Festival in Turkey 2020.

You are a producer and an actor. How have you been able to combine these challenging roles?

Being a producer and actor is not that difficult for me as I am very good at multitasking. I love to keep busy, I have very good organisational skills and I love acting, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a win-win. Of course there will be challenges but with each production and helpful crew members, I have grown and I want to believe I can handle things better now under any kind of pressure.

Funmi Holder

Who is Funmi Holder?

I am a very simple person who loves to work hard and play hard. I was born in Lagos and also grew up in Lagos. I studied Botany at the University of Ibadan. I have an adventurous spirit which is why I do a lot of travelling. I love to learn so I am always studying and trying to develop myself. I do not always accept what I am being told as I believe there are always two or more sides to the story. I guess I can make a good detective too ..haha.

At what age of your life did you decide to focus on acting as a career?

Acting has always been a major part of my life. Infact, as a child I was a star in my primary school as I was very active in all the art activities. So I can confidently say I have been acting all my life in some capacity and at various stages. I went into it officially and fully in 2002. I was still in the university then but that was when it all began.

To what extent will you say acting has opened the door of opportunities for you?

Acting gives you some level of fame and

recognition that can have both positive and negative impacts. I have been lucky because I have also managed to keep my private life private, while also being in the public eye, which was how I wanted it. It has definitely opened a lot of doors for me.

You have a ďŹ lm company. Tell us about it Eropreston Creative Ventures was founded in 2015. So far, we have produced four Nollywood films. The Grudge 2016, Efunsetan Aniwura 2020 , The Cock-tale 2020, Poison 2020 . I have a vision for my film company and that is to be known for only quality Nollywood films. I write, I produce and direct.

What percentage of the character of Funmi Holder is reďŹ&#x201A;ected in the character of Amaka Fred-Ade Williams which you play in Tinsel?

This question always makes me laugh.

The only thing Funmi has in common with Amaka is her work ethic and loyalty to loved ones. But I am very different in that. I am more open minded and liberal, adventurous and very playful when I

How have you been able to ward of distractions from predatory fans?

Predators? What are those? Haha, but if you mean men. Why would I want to keep them off? I like them, they make my life interesting hahaha. But seriously, I have been lucky, I am surrounded by wonderful people and I am grateful.

When is Funmi getting married?

Marriage will come when it should and to the right person.

Some believe Tinsel is dragging too long?

Tinsel is here to stay. We are breaking records and I am happy that I am a part of this milestone. 14 years and still counting.

You hardly attend social events. What are you scared of?

I am actually not scared of anything as I love meeting people. To be honest, I think most times itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just laziness, having to dress up , then put on all that make up, with those high heels...by the time I have finished thinking about all that work, I will just put on a movie instead or read a book. But I do know I need to go out more, my friends keep telling me.

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Timaya Marks 15 Years with â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gratitudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Timaya is 15 years old on stage and he is marking it with the release of a 15-track record titled, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gratitudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, reports Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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nitimi Alfred Odom, better known by his stage name Timaya is set to release his new body of work. The album will be Timayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seventh project under his label, DM Records. The 15-track record he titled, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gratitudeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; has no guest artiste, strictly Timaya alone. Significantly, it marks Timayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 15 years career in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s music industry. Taking to his social media page, the dancehall king unveiled the tracklist of his 8th body of work with a release date. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gratitude 18/11/2020,â&#x20AC;? he wrote on his Instagram page.

The tracklist unveiled are Born to Win, Iberibe, Don Dada, Something Must to Kill A Man, No Limit, The Mood, Chulo Bothers Nobody, Okaka, Gra Gra, Local & Bougie, Ebiola Papa, L.O.V.E, The Light, I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Kill Myself and Buru. Earlier in the year, the superstar artiste had spoken for the first time about this album. He also asked his fans if and when he should release it.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Beautiful people, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s good? Listen. I was supposed to be bringing out my album, titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Gratitude.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting for this Corona period to get over, but I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see that coming any time soon. So what do you want to tell me, should I drop it? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m asking because I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to look too insensitive, but trust me I want to drop that albumâ&#x20AC;Ś Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fire. Tell me what you think, should I drop it or should I wait till after corona?â&#x20AC;? Many of his fans then took to social media after his announcement, stating their eagerness to listen to the new album, while some commented on the fact that the album has no features.

Timayaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solo career began in 2005 with the release of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dem Mamaâ&#x20AC;?, which also appeared on his debut album, â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Storyâ&#x20AC;? released in 2006.

He further released his second album â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gift and Graceâ&#x20AC;? in 2008. Meanwhile, he gained further visibility and international prominence through his third studio album â&#x20AC;&#x153;De Rebirthâ&#x20AC;? released in partnership with Black Body Entertainment. The album was a commercial success with his hit song â&#x20AC;&#x153;Plantain Boyâ&#x20AC;?. He collaborated with Dem Mama Soldiers on the album â&#x20AC;&#x153;LLNPâ&#x20AC;? (Long Life N Prosperity).

In 2012, Timaya released â&#x20AC;&#x153;Upgrade,â&#x20AC;? which spawned hits â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bum Bumâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sexy Ladiesâ&#x20AC;?, and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Malonogedeâ&#x20AC;?. Everyone knew him as Timaya when he burst into the music scene in 2007 with the release of his critically acclaimed album â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;True Storyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. From dropping out of school to hustling in Lagos before finally hitting the goldmine, Timaya has a lot to be grateful for. He often sings about those struggling days. For instance, his 2009 hit â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Plantain Boyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, chronicled his grass

Timaya and his children

to grace story while encouraging others not to give up on their dreams.

Shortly after, the Bayelsa born artiste was nicknamed the Egberi Papa I of Bayelsa state following the success of his raving hit â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Dem Mamaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; which was included in his debut album. He would later be known as Dem Mama Soldier, derived from his record label Dem

Mama (DM) Records. The last project Timaya dropped was Chulo Vibes in 2019 and it spawned the hit, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Kill Myselfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; off the Extended Play (EP) album with nine songs. By the way the upcoming album (Gratitude) carries a song of same title.

No matter the direction his creative work takes, Timaya strives to infuse his

life story in his music. For instance, his single â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Balanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from his last body of work, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Chulo Vibesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; started with a liner that encapsulates his poor origin: â&#x20AC;&#x153;One white shoe and one â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;nikaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, gat no house and I gat no car.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Chulo Vibesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was a success. It followed five years after his â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Epiphanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; album.

Blue Diamond Entertainment Restructures â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Around Naijaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Blue Diamond Entertainment, organisers of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Around Naijaâ&#x20AC;?

Reality TV Show, has expressed desire to restructure the show to align with the present-day realities while ensuring that its top-notch quality is intact.

In a statement by the company, a fresh audition is to be conducted online across the country, in line with the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of social and physical distancing as stipulated in the COVID-19 protocols.

The President, Blue Diamond Entertainment Limited, Olumide Adekunbi, said the restructuring came as a result of several factors especially,

the turbulent security situation across the country which, in 2018, had necessitated that the management to stop and rethink the show.

He said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We came up with an alternative route, wherein, rather than going around the country, which was the original concept, the show will now take place in one location only.â&#x20AC;?

He further explained that the show would still have 37 participants from all the regions of the country, as originally designed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Although the auditions would have to be done afresh. This means that everyone who is interested in par-

ticipating in the show, including those who were shortlisted in 2018 and are still interested, will have to send in fresh applications to be considered for the show,â&#x20AC;? he stated.

Adekunbi noted that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Around Naijaâ&#x20AC;? is a reality television show that is different from the norm of reality TV show in Nigeria, while adding that the show is intended to entertain, revive and reinvigorate youth consciousness.

He hinted that the show would rejig the social and cultural codes that have been deeply eroded on a national scale, and encouraging local and

international tourism.

The online audition guidelines published on the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website and social media pages disclosed that the prizes to be won in the reality TV show include N10 million and a brand-new car from Innoson Motors for the first prize, while the second prize would be N5 million and the third prize is N2 million.

The statement added that the guidelines said that the online auditions for the Around Naija Reality TV Show, billed to start airing daily in the first quarter of 2021, would start on 15 November, and end on 20 December.

23

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

SHOWBIZFLAIR Elsie and Basketmouth

10 Years of Bliss Ferdinand Ekechukwu

A

ce comedian Bright Okpocha (aka Basketmouth) and his wife, Elsie days back celebrated a decade of conjugal bliss. The duo shared beautiful pictures and went back with sweet words on Instagram to commemorate the event with Elsie giving a little backstory as to how the relationship started. In her sweet to the star comedian, the fashion label owner disclosed that she had initially given her husband a wrong number when he came to her Unilag hostel 14 years ago.

Elsie revealed that she was grateful her husband didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up on her despite that bump in the road to their romance. Elsie shared this sweet note while celebrating their anniversary on her Instagram: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My happy place, my best friend, celebrating a milestone in marriage, 10 years!!!!

Amazing!!!! Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m glad you came to my hostel in Unilag 14 years ago, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so glad you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up on me even after I gave you a wrong number. I want to grow so old and happy with you baby. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want to laugh and cry happily with you.And I want to celebrate forever more with you. Happy 10th anniversary sugarâ&#x20AC;Ś My heart is beautiful because I have you in it @basketmouth.â&#x20AC;? Basketmouth also shared a sweet message alongside the pictures he posted thus: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You may kiss the brideâ&#x20AC;Ś. That was 10 years ago. Love you forever @elsieokpocha. 5 years before she said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I Doâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

That was 15 years agoâ&#x20AC;Ś.Love you forever @ elsieokpocha.â&#x20AC;?

The couple, blessed with two children, met sometime in 2003. She was a fresher then at the University of Lagos, where she read Creative Arts. Interestingly, nobody introduced her to Basketmouth, who she says is her favourite comedian. And it happened that she boldly told him so when she met him one beautiful day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has always been my favourite comedian, so that was it. I just wanted to say hi to him and I told him I am one of his biggest fans, and that was it. So, we met sometime later and it began that way.â&#x20AC;?

With about 50 guests seated in a tent, Basketmouth didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a cathedral to formalize his marital union with Elsie. The minister-in-charge was actually flown from the UK to perform this task. He did everything all by himself, from the solemnization, prayers to sermon. His message centred on the need for the groom to take care of his wife, Elsie. He used the metaphor of the garden and the gardener to define the mystery of marriage, while urging the groom to transform his partner to a bride and excellent woman.

Basketmouth tied the nuptial knot with Elsie Ngowi Uzoma at Giwa Barracks, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos amidst pomp. The wedding, attended by family members, friends and colleagues of the couple was classy in many ways. From meeting each other at the University of Lagos, Elsie giving him the wrong number, their wedding seven years after and now ten years together!

That they knew each other for almost eight years before tying the knot was something the popular comedian acknowledged in his speech during their wedding reception ceremony. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As for my wife, Elsie, she is the main reason we are here today. She knows I love her. The only thingIdidnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tdowasnotmarryherintime.Iwould have married you eight years ago. Elsie, I love you as far as you respect me,â&#x20AC;? he said back then.

Elsie and Basketmouth

StarTimes Turns Homes to Hub of Christmas Funfair As Christmas approaches and the pandemic disrupts annual funfairs, StarTimes is giving families more reason to spend time together with its Christmas upgrade promo even as it is giving every TV subscriber access to view one subscription on four devices.

TheChristmaspromowhichkicksoffonNovember 15 to mid-January next year offers subscribers an opportunity to enjoy more exciting channels.

Nova and Basic/Smart bouquet Subscribers who recharge for two months will enjoy 2 months of the higher bouquet while Super/Classic package subscribers will get 10 extra days for free when they recharge for two months. Aside from that, StarTimes has partnered electronics firms, Lontor Bulbs and Oraimo to appreciate 2020 loyal subscribers during the festive period. Also, StarTimes has

launched a one-for-four plan. Active subscribers can stream their choice content on four devices simultaneously at no extra cost by linking their decoder to StarTimes ON streaming app on up to three mobile devices. That means four access (TV and three phones) for family members to watch whatever they like anytime, anywhere, any day.

Speaking on this initiative, Ali Auta, National Marketing Manager, StarTimes Nigeria said that as Christmas approaches, people are acknowledging the fact they are living in a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;new normalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and that things will never go back to how they were before.

And this is not a piece of bad news as the digital transformation of our lives accelerated. From work to leisure, from shopping to healthcare, digital innovation has been boosted.

Auta added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;StarTimes has been on the frontline

of this transformation. We upgraded our streaming app StarTimes ON to make information and entertainment more easily available to smartphone users. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As Christmas approaches, families like to spend quality time watching TV series and movies together at home. TNT Africa will show them the best Hollywood movies while with PBO TV, they will access top Nollywood films. On FOX, TLNovelas and TDC, they will be able to browse great dramas & telenovelas from the U.S.A., Latin America and Turkey.Also, loads of Bollywood and Chinese movies and series will thrill them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;News and documentaries aficionados can also enjoy thrilling programs on National Geographic Channel(NGC),NationalGeographicWild(NGW) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Kids are not forgotten with amazing channels:

Cbeebies, Toonami, Jimjam, BabyTV, Nickelodeon, ST Kids, Pineapple TV and DreamWorks. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Intermsofsport,StarTimeswasthefirstoperator to offer ESPN channels on the continent this year.

Subscribers will have access to exciting football, basketball, boxing and mixed martial arts sports this December. StarTimes airs Spanish La Liga and UEFA Nations League, offering football fans all matches of one of the top European football leagues, live and in HD. And StarTimes broadcasts some premium football events such as the UEFAEuropa League, the Emirates FACup and the Spanish and Italian national cups. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thus,ourChristmasUpgradePromoand1-for-4 viewing options give families more reasons to sit at home and enjoy quality entertainment together for less the bouquet price.â&#x20AC;?

24

Ë&#x153; Ëž NOVEMBER 14, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Join Togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wrong

T

HE Guardian of October 28 welcomes us today: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why FG awarded crude lifting (crude-lifting) contracts to indigenous firms, by ministerâ&#x20AC;? The incorrect extract implies that â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crude is lifting contractsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lagos PDP wants Tinubu arrested over (for) utterances on Lekki disasterâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Police threaten to charge protesters over (with) inciting statementsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Minister commissions (inaugurates) Abia eye centreâ&#x20AC;?

The next two faults are from The Guardian Editorial: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Calling off the Kano rally, therefore, would have been a wonderful symbolic gesture, (irrelevant comma) that would have spoken volume (volumes) to Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śwhat the president is doing by his so-called unity rallies amounts to electionn eering campaignsâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? With â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;electioneeringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, you do not need â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;campaignsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as the word is embedded in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;electioneeringâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But one of the detectives demanded for a stoolâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Delete â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;forâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthe battle over who should represent the oil rich (oil-rich) communityâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The initiative, which has been scripted to tow (toe) the mode of the pilot run of cash-less (cashless) policy, would begin in Lagos, with no fewer than 1000 of the 1401 branch (1401-branch) network of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deposit money banks.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śand to establish strong institution (institutional) frameworksâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śbut constitute a hindrance for (to) future expansion and other developmental purposes.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Let us join hands together and make Lagos a place of pride for all.â&#x20AC;? Please take away â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in foreclosure of Elizabethan English! Do not be deceived by the

biblical old-school entry: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;What God has joined togetherâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; We are in the New Age. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sportlight (Spotlight) on outstanding furniture, marble, tiles and interior outfi t tsâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;To discourage people from continuing with unhealthy practices of disposing (disposing of) their wastewater into drains, government needs to build suffi f cient waste water (wastewater) treatment (wastewatertreatment) plantsâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;?â&#x20AC;Śwhich is just in few (a few) months (monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) timeâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;NIA sensitises on (sensitizes to) comm pensation, counsels against toutingâ&#x20AC;?

Still on THE GUARDIAN under review: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śespecially as the country grapple (grapples) with internal and external security threats.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obiano condoles (condoles with or consoles)â&#x20AC;Śfamily, as Anambra mourns late starâ&#x20AC;? Will the state mourn a living star? So, delete â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obituary Announcement (delete â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;announcementâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;): The Management and Staff of the Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Management) Board regret to announce the passing (passing away) of its (their) staffâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? An aside: is there any â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;timely deathâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;? And this: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;obituaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is basically an announcement. Do you grasp it?

DAILY INDEPENDENT of October 28 follows with the next set of solecisms: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Ś Obi said that participating in such solemn celebration (a solemn celebration or solemn celebrations reminds (reminded) the faithful about christians (sic)â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Benue first lady assures on peaceâ&#x20AC;? Who did the Benue First Lady assure, for goodnessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sake? An aside: I thought the use of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;first ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; was exclusive to the presidentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife? Just a poser! â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am going into this contest knowing fully (full) well that I am the only candii dateâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Or simply: knowing fully thatâ&#x20AC;Ś.

The PUNCH of October 28 misled readers: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Boko Haram, an affront on (to) Nigeriansâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Card fraud: CBN issues deadline for (to) banks, othersâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dangote Cement, LSBA collaborate on building collapse preventionâ&#x20AC;? Get it right: building-collapse prevention â&#x20AC;&#x153;It cannot repeat itself again.â&#x20AC;? (Noll lywood) Delete â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;againâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

There is nothing like â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good riddance to bad rubbishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;! I grew up to meet this awkward expression which is still being used by a majority of writers/speakers. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Rubbishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cannot be good or badâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rubbishâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is rubbish (garbage)! And â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;good riddanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is somebody/something you are happy to miss: Good riddance to insurgency/ terrorism. Good riddance to my lover/ housewife! (Thanks to Femi, 08136788881, for provoking this profound thought).

Sunday PUNCH of November 8 lost its journalistic essence: â&#x20AC;&#x153;He discusses why he decided to float an online media (medium).â&#x20AC;?

THISDAY, THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER, of November 8 abused the English language: â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śeven as the Lagos State Police Command keep (keeps) mum over the matter.â&#x20AC;? Error of the head and heart: police command (singular), but police (plural). Is it clear? If not, seek elucidation at no cost at all! â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthe sixth country in (on) the contii nent.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;VNL said attempts to play up religious or zonal sentiments in the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s politics will (would) be counter-productive (counn terproductive).â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The South Eastâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vote of confi n dence on (in) Buhariâ&#x20AC;?

The Guardian of October 27 politicized grammar: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The President had commended Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, former Head of

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

State and APC over (for/on) their comm ments condemning the insurgency.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Confi n rming this, the presidency, yesterr day, said that the Nigerian elite, irrespective of their political leanings, is (were)â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Doyin Okupe, the former SSA to the President on Public Affairs, in a telephone conversation, said â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;the responses of major stakeholders is (were) quite encouragg ingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;?

The next two kindergarten lapses are from The Guardian Editorial: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The crux of the matter is that both partiesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;the ruled and the rulers, (another dash not comma)â&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śavoidable deaths from fire outbreaks from the two sources.â&#x20AC;? Just fireâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;there is no need for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;outbreakâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śthis kind of problem would not have arisen if religious sentiments have (had) not been exploited unnecessarilyâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? Is there any time (religious) bigotry is necessary?

Let us mind our collocation at all times and in every circumstance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is a (Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s) life changing (life-changing) power in the gospelâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;International Malaria Day 2020: Framing the Post 2021 (post-2021) Agendaâ&#x20AC;?

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of Novemm ber 8 harvested some misapprehensions: â&#x20AC;&#x153;The NUJ Ondo State Council has passed a vote of no confi n dence on (in) the state leadership of the NLCâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śperhaps the worst in Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history, would be do-or-die.â&#x20AC;? (COMMENT Page) â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do or dieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is hyphenated only when used as an adjective: a do-or-die affair. â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;Śwhich literarily (literally) meansâ&#x20AC;Ś.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;My battle with career threatening ailmentâ&#x20AC;? Truth in defence of freedom: career-threatening ailment â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Girls (Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;) Clubâ&#x20AC;?

Change Begins With You Mohammed Belgore

T

he p people p get g the government g they y deserve, so p posited Joseph p De Maistre. While I am currently y advocating g for youths y to step p up p to their calling g as leaders of tomorrow, I will not be remiss of the other stark reality y that before a man embarks on a q quest to change the world let him change himself first.

Change begins with you. I believe that was the message that the PMB administration sought to inject in our minds earlier in the days of this current dispensation. I believe it died In itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tracks. However, that message is one they should have sought to propagate more. Although if I recall properly the jury was out on whether the PMB administration possessed the moral authority to preach such considering the general negative sentiment amongst the people towards the government of the day.

I am not here to say they do or they do not. I am here to however entrench in the mind of the would be Nigerian leaders of tomorrow that as it stands the government we have is the government we deserve and the first step to take towards nation building would be to alter the course of the cosmic comeuppance that provides us with the sort of leaders we have.

What I am saying is that at the moment I think the character of our leaders mirror the character of the general Nigerian populace, the general Nigerian Society, the masses.

Frankly If you ask me if I think Nigeria will ever get better Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to tell you No. I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t mince words and I wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t sound as if I simply doubt that it will get better, leaving room for the odds of an optimistic remote possibility that it can get better, the answer would just be an outright No, at least until very recently. Now my position has changed and I am a believer in a brighter future for our dear nation. Why did it change? Because I have observed within the past few weeks a willingness amongst fellow millenials and youths to steer the Nigerian ship into glorious waters. My pessimism was hinged on two principal factors.

The first being that we do not even possess the will to do the right thing in this country, the second being that we do not know what our problem is, if at all we do then majority of us do not know that we are part of the problem, that we are the problem. I have numerous times and even so did I express in my previous article that our foundational bane as a country is a story of undeserving and incapable leaders.

Misfits in the corridors of power. Many might understand

this to mean that the followership is absolved of any blame, afterall the horse leads the cart, the Sherperd his Sheep, but that is not always so. We have a mentality problem in our society. We believe in doing things the Nigerian way. We take the law for granted, we circumvent due process, for a people so religious, we are not at all equally Godly.

Nepotism and favouritism is our actual religion. We believe in doing things the Nigerian way. This is what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying. Most people that are not in government today are waiting for their turn to be in government one day, some are waiting patiently while others are anxious. The ones waiting patiently wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do anything unruly to get there but if they get there they will simply take their share of the National cake, they are the seemingly good ones, they have the demeanor of grace and a fi fine moral compass, taking their share of the National cake is for them far from being a sin.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just their share. The other ones will do anything to get there, electoral violence and malpractice and what have you.

Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll do anything to get power. For them carving out their own share of the National cake for consumption is also a normal thing, far from being sinful. So essentially both the righteous and the less so, as different sets in a venn diagram have their point of overlapping intersection at the location of the element that represents the Nigerian way of doing things. That is where they always agree. It is where they are one and the same.

That is where lies the virus eating at our collective progress, an epidemic of the mind. As leads from the foregoing, every Nigerian is therefore guilty of pulling this nation backward because we are all doing something fundamentally wrong. I imagine a driver who works for one of the government agencies and considers himself quite powerful cause he drives a car with an offi f cial plate number, he beats traffi f c lights, feels he is beyond being pulled over by police or a road safety agent. When he observes a Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convoy do same heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to conclude in his mind that the governor wields power with impunity, meanwhile he and the so called Governor are one and the same.

I also imagine a simple man who gets appointed into government to be a minister, the expectations on him will immediately be overwhelming. His family members, nuclear and extended, friends and infact township people from his state of origin would immediately have unrealistic demands of him. If he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t deliver perhaps because his salary and allowances donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t quite meet the humongous expectations of these people he would be called all sort of names and labeled a useless son of wherever he comes from

by his people. They will not consider that the unfair pressure might lead him to cut deals and inflate contracts. He might become corrupt just to satisfy the pressure on him and in so doing abuse his offi f ce.

They therefore have contributed one way or another to the failure of that public servant and in extension the stagnating progress of the society at large. Basically, what Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m positing seeks to convey to my reader that save the citizens who represent the exception to every rule, and are thereby almost perfect, we are all guilty of being cogs in the wheel of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progress one way or the other. We should all check ourselves, let every man search his soul and make the necessary adjustments especially for those who seek to lead one day. The National orientation agency if I would so recommend as an ordinary citizen is supposed to take on the responsibility of this general character rehabilitation.

Let people know the consequence of doing things the Nigerian way. Most people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know they are part of the problem. A lot sit in their comfortable couches watching news on TV at night, and they hear stories about their leaders, they condemn these leaders but if they get the opportunity to serve as well they might even be worse but they do not know that they need a fundamental paradigm shift themselves if things must change.

Every citizen is a potential public servant and leader. I believe it was in Game of Thrones where I heard the aphorism that â&#x20AC;&#x153;if one must lead one day let him first learn how to follow.â&#x20AC;? That was what Lord Commander Mormont once tried to teach Jon Snow while they were on one of their missions in search of wildlings because he could tell that Jon Snow would be Lord Commander someday. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s be good followers in order to be better leaders. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s change ourselves and we will change our society.

I considered it pertinent to express the above perspective after considering that it would amount to gross Hubris to simply assert that being in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hey days is enough prerequisite to step into roles of leadership. Indeed that will not cut it if there is no deep reflection fl on the current traits of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaders that has led to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current bleak outlook. Infact we have some youths in certain strategic positions today but theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just as bad as their forebears, and most of the older ones in governance took their fi first steps into the corridors of power while they were very young, so I do not refuse to pay cognizance to this fact. Yet they have done their bit and should let the upcoming generation on the sidelines do theirs, as long as they prove to be worthy, as indeed many are worthy and ready if given the opportunity.

Arise O compatriots.

25

THISDAY, T THE SA SATURDAY A NEWS SP PA APER ˾ NOVEMBER O 14,, 2020 14

PERSPECTIVE Governor Ikpeazu’s Evidence-Based Leadership Sam Hart

T

he Bible admonishes anyone desirous of embarkk ing on a building project to first sit down and count the cost; a scriptural imperative for the place of planning in the successful implementaa tion of any project. Planning outlines your vision and options and helps you chart the best path towards the actualization of set objectives. In the course of his aspiration to be the Governor of Abia State in 2014, even before the primaries of his political party, Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu held series of technical sessions with a broad-based team of economic, social and political experts to craft a solid development plan that will guide the Ikpeazu administration in the governance of Abia State.

The series of intense and engaging meetings led to the proo duction of a document which outlined the pillars and enablers of the Ikpeazu vision and critical milestones for monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness or otherwise of those plans.

The writer was privileged to participate in most of the meetings in topic and is in a position to juxtapose what was planned, what was promised, as captured in the manifesto document, as against what has been delivered in various sectors of the Abia economy. The write-up contains verbatim reproductions of relevant portions of the manifesto as it relates to what was promised in different sectors and provide empirical evidence of how those promises have been kept.

Promotion of the Commercial Ingenuity of the People of Abia State “We will also transform the businesses of our very enterpriss ing and skilled populace to achieve scale and world class appeal.

That way, ‘Made in Aba’ will become something to be proud of and not something shoddy; Made in Aba products comprising shoe/ leather, garments and other such sectors will be bought in global retail chains and markets. We will have wealthy Abians and residents out of these historical areas of strength” Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu – November 2014.

This was the vision and outlook of aspirant Ikpeazu even before winning the primaries of his political party to fl fly its flag at the general elections. He had clarity of what he wanted to achieve in this sector and he outlined how he wanted to go about it.

In the last fi five years, it is very safe to declare that Governor Ikpeazu has kept and even surpassed the promise he made to the entrepreneurs of Abia State. The Governor has personally taken up the mantle of championing the promotion of the ingee nuity and creativity of his people. From his assumption of offi ffice till date, he has only worn articles of clothing Made in Aba/Abia State and that has elevated the standing of the creations of Aba producers as his personal example has given them confi n dence.

Made in Aba, true to his promise, has become a household name locally and globally. Hitherto unimaginable economic opportunities have come the way of Abians who are engaged five years in the leather and garment industry over the last fi indisputably as a result of the deliberate policy of the Ikpeazu administration. The Federal Government of Nigeria has paid special attention to Aba with a number of deliberate policies aimed at uplifting their status. Made in Aba Showcase events have been organized by the Ikpeazu administration in Abuja, Lagos, New York, Johannesburg, London, and other major cities locally and internationally.

The Nigerian Armed Forces and those of other African Countries have patronized Aba entrepreneurs for their military clothing essentials. At the onset of the COVID 19 Pandemic, Governor Ikpeazu rallied Aba producers and they commenced the massive production of reusable Facemasks which were soon

Ikpeazu in high demand. At the peak of the pandemic, Aba stepped up and met the Nation’s medical essential clothing needs when foreign imports were impracticable.

Over 5 Billion Naira has been added to the economy of Aba as a direct knock-on effect of the aggressive Made in Aba Campaign with over 10,000 Jobs being created directly and new opportunities created for 100,000 other Abians who provide ancillary services for the productive sector in Aba and Abia State.

Ikpeazu promised to scale the business of the Aba producer and afford them access to global opportunities and economic empowerment. This promise has been comprehensively kept with a lot more opportunities coming on stream shortly.

Positioning Abia State as the Premier Business Destination in Nigeria and West Africa “Our Unique God-given Geographical location and attendant assets- The State is strategically located with access to at least seven other states across the south-East and South-south.

This natural accessibility makes our State a choice location for establishing business and accessing other surrounding markets in Nigeria and abroad”. – Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, November 2014 The above is the backdrop and overarching vision behind the massive support for the establishment of the Enyimba Economic City. The project has been declared by international financial fi institutions to be the most iconic project with best prospects for massive return on investment in Nigeria at the moment. It is the first Special Economic Zone in the South East of Nigeria and a fi landmark project of trans-generational implications. Set on over 9,300 Acres of land spanning 3 LGAs in Abia State, the Enyimba Economic City is a mixed use industrial complex with the

potential for the creation of 650,000 jobs over the next 10 years.

With the full and fi financial backing of the Federal Government of Nigeria which has taken equity stakes in the project, other key anchor tenants have since come on board and formal groundd breaking for the project is expected to be performed imminently

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The landmark Enyimba Economic City is set on the backdrop of other outstanding feats in the industrial development of the State. The Ikpeazu administration, upon resumption of offi ffice, prioritized the resuscitation of moribund industries in Abia State to ensure that they resume operation, provide jobs for the people of Abia State and contribute to the general industrial vibrancy of the State.

It is on the basis of that that the Ikpeazu administration provided massive support to the new core investors of Golden Guinea Breweries Plc, Umuahia, which enabled the company resume operation after a 30-year shutdown. Efforts are in top gear to ensure the resuscitation of similarly unoperational industries in Abia State.

Still on industrial support, the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, in fulfi lfillment of its promise to ensure that Abia State is an attractive investment haven, midwifed the establishment and expansion of a large Chinese Industrial Conglomerate in the State. Through constant hand-holding and support, the Inner Galaxy Steel Company, which started operations in 2017 as a single company, has since grown into a 5-company Conglomerr ate, metamorphosing into an industrial cluster which is expandd ing by the day, completely changing the landscape of the Ukwa Area where it is located.

Another key project is the establishment of the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company, Aba, which was set up by the Ikpeazu administration to introduce a critical missing link in the shoemaking prowess of the city of Aba to wit, Automation. The Factory boasts the most modern equipments in shoemaking while serving as incubation hub for the 30 shoemakers the administration had earlier sent to China to study automated shoemaking. Indeed, the machines installed in the Enyimba Shoe Factory are the latest editions of the same machines used by the trainees in China. They will, in addition to working as staff of the factory on the machines, train other batch of trainees on automated shoemaking using the same machines. This move is guaranteed to deepen technological penetration and automaa tion in the shoemaking trajectory of Aba. A technical study team has also being sent to Bangladesh and Vietnam to understudy automated industrial garment-making from the leading countries in the trade and upon return, The Enyimba Garment Factory will also be set up to cement the pre-eminent dominance of Aba as the Leather and Garment Capital of West Africa.

Other industries that have received the support of the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu administration to either set up operaa tion, expand existing operations or restart halted operations include the NIBRA Shoe Company, Ukwa, with the support of NEXIM Bank, Tunnel End Group of Companies, Osisioma and Geometric Power Company, Aba, where Governor Ikpeazu has worked with the promoter, Prof. Bart Nnaji to resolve the issues and get the company to full operation.

On the promise of positioning Abia State as the premier business destination in Nigeria, Ikpeazu has delivered on that promise. One thing is clear from all of the above, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was very clear on what he set out to achieve as Governor and has single-mindedly pursued his vision to the glory of God and for the benefit fi of the people of Abia State. This series, in subsequent parts, will dissect other sectoral promises made by the Governor in his campaign manifesto and empirii cally provide proof of how they have been met and surpassed in most cases.

Hart, a Lawyer, lives in Umuahia.

UNVTF Appoints NAPTIP DG Okah-Donli new Chair Bennett tt Oghifo

T

he Board of Trustees of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Traffi f cking in Persons’ (UNVTF) has appointed the Director General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffi fficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah-Donli as its new chair.

A statement by UNVTF yesterday said Dame Okah-Donli’s appointment is coming barely few days after she was announced as a member of the Board.

The Board’s additional members, as appointed by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres include: Ms. Maria Susana V. Ople, President of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center, Philippines; Dr. Viktoria Avakova, Health and Anti-traffi f cking project coordinator at UMCOR-NGO, Armenia; Ms. Inge Vervotte, former Minister for Civil Service and Public Enterprises, Belgium; and Mr. Alexis Bethancourt Yau, former Minister of Public Security, Panama.

All members will serve a three-year term and

provide strategic guidance to the UNODC Trust Fund Secretariat in the management of the Fund. The Chair of the Board is appointed for a one-year renewable term.

Okah-Donli is the second Nigerian to serve in this capacity, following Ms. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo, former UN Special Rapporteur on Traffi f cking in Persons, especially women and children. The new board held its first meeting on Friday 30 October 2020.

The statement said Dame Okah-Donli has long been a global voice on Traffi f cking in Persons issues, and that “during her tenure at NAPTIP, she successfully lobbied the Government of Nigeria to extend its whistle-blowing policy to human traffi f cking issues, positively impacting the reporting of this crime in her home country.”

She further established the NAPTIP Rapid Response Squad to counter criminal activity and piloted joint operations with Spain, the United Kingdom and law enforcement agencies in the region.

“Through her expertise in communications, she has raised awareness about the issue of human traffi f cking

in Nigeria, campaigning for more involvement of the private sector and individuals in fighting this crime, and even launching a weekly TV segment in local television on the topic.”

Dame Okah-Donli, said: “On the 10th Anniversary of United Nations Trust Fund for Victims of Traffi f cking, I congratulate the United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and UNODC Executive Director Ms. Ghada Whaly on the laudable vision that birthed the Fund, and the remarkable achievements of the Fund in the last 10 years.

“It is noteworthy that many victims of human traffi f cking in Nigeria have benefited from the Fund through the NGOs that were able to access funding.

As I join the Board of Trustees for the next three years, I envisage an exciting future for the Fund as we seek to broaden and deepen its support and assistance to victims of traffi f cking all over the world in view of the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on this vulnerable segment of our society. Once again, congratulations to everyone who has been part of the success story of the Fund.”

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ NOVEMBER 14, 2020

POLITY

Funke Akindele Becomes Molfix Brand Ambassador Tosin Clegg

H

ayat Kimya, producers of MOLFIX diaper has announced actress, Funke AkindeleBello as its first ever brand ambassador.

The MOLFIX brand ambassador is a mum, an actress and producer known for playing the iconic role of ‘Jenifa’, a series that won the hearts of Nigerians worldwide.

A statement from the company said, “With a dynamic and successful career spanning over twenty years, she fully embodies the heart and values of the brand.”

Funke was undeniably excited as she signed up with the Molfix family.

Speaking on becoming a part of the brand she said, “Motherhood is a joyous experience, but it also comes with some levels of anxiety, as we all want the best for our children. Being a mother, my children’s comfort is of utmost importance. For my babies, I wanted a diaper I was sure would be good for their delicate skin, and also protect them from the nightmare that is nappy rash. I found MOLFIX to be the best in the market, giving me great peace of mind, knowing I had one less thing to worry

about. Because, we all know we mothers can worry. So it is with great joy that I welcome the opportunity to be the first ever brand ambassador of MOLFIX in Nigeria.”

The Managing director, Hayat Kimya Nigeria, Mr. Doruk Emiroglu said, “MOLFIX is our flagship brand and has made us proud over the years hence, we have decided to continuously ensure that our Nigerian consumers are better engaged and catered for. We believe that bringing our new Brand ambassador on board will help us deliver better value to the consumers as Funke Akindele-Bello is a real mum and will strongly represent the interest of the Number one Mums of Nigeria”.

The Head of Marketing, Hayat Kimya, Roseline Abaraonye, said, “We are committed to doing more for mothers in Nigeria and we are proud to have Funke join the MOLFIX family. Funke is an amazing mother, a successful actress, producer and entrepreneur who fully understands what it means to wear so many hats like most Nigerian mothers who are active multitaskers.

It is important we give our mother’s one less thing to worry about concerning their children. We want them to feel confident and experience 100 percent peace of mind which our diapers, Pull- up Pants & wet wipes guarantee.”

Akindele

Obaseki to Discuss Integrity at NACJ Award

E

Obaseki

do State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki is expected to speak on the prime place of integrity in society at this year’s Integrity Lecture and Award organised by Nigerian Association of Christian Journalists (NACJ).

Obaseki will deliver his lecture on the theme, “Integrity Is Everything”. AIG Tunde Ogunsakin, Assistant Inspector General Police, retired, will be chairman of the occasion and Special Guest of Honour.

The annual event is designed to discourage corruption and promote the spirit of integrity, according to a statement by the Secretary General, Charles Okhai.

This year’s lecture and award, which is scheduled to hold at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, comes in various categories and is strictly based on the leadership traits of recipients.

The organisers said they chose to do this because

“the developmental progress of any nation is intrinsically or directly connected to the level of integrity of her leaders. Our pre occupation as a group is to evolve a new face of leadership that is mentally integrityconscious.”

The prominent Nigerians who are deserving recipients this year include: Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State; Minister of State for Mines and Steel development, Dr. Uche Ogah; Speaker Cross Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt Williams Eteng; the Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Chisom Dike; Mr. John Oyekowa; Everest Okpara, among others.

“Every recipient of the award is a symbol of integrity in our society today, and a Trophy of our contribution to the developmental progress of our nation, Nigeria,” the statement said.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Brand Manager, Orijin, Noguese Awoniyi; Ex-Big Brother Naija Housemates, Olamilekan “Laycon” Agbeleshe; Emuobonuvie “Neo” Akpofure; and Digital Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Jiboye idowu, at the Orijin ambassador signing ceremony in Lagos...recently

L-R: 9mobile Senior Manager Sales and Distribution, Babangida Mukaddas; 1million Naira winner, Florence Aaron; and 9mobile Experience Centre Manager, Abdullahi Ibrahim, at the 1Millions Promo prize presentation in Kano...recently

L-R: Permanent Secretary,Ministry Works and Housing, Mr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe; Minister of Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola SAN; and Minister of State in the Ministry, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, during a Joint Session of the Year 2021 Budget Defense hosted by the Senate and House Committees on Housing at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja...recently

L-R: Area Sales Manager - Festac, NB Plc, Harrison Azekhome; one of the beneficiaries of The Life Lager Progress Booster, Blessing Nwafor; Brand Manager - Life Lager Beer, Chidi Egwu; Regional Trade Marketing Manager Lagos South, NB Plc, Kingsley Anyanwu; a representative of Mandilas United Trade Association, Tradefair Complex, Mr. IK Yomi Unigwe; President of the Mandilas United Trade Association, Tradefair Complex, Chief Anthony Okeke; at the presentation of Life Lager’s Progress Booster grants to beneficiaries in Lagos...recently

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL ALLEGIANCE STILL UNCERTAIN

14.11.2020

Alex Iwobi

PAGE. 31

Struggling at Goodison Park?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER NOVEMBER 14, 2020

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alex Iwobi Struggling at Goodison Park?

When he left Arsenal for Everton two seasons ago, opinion was divided especially among Nigerian soccer fans as to whether the super Eagles attacking midfielder had made the right move or not. While some saw the move as‘climbing down the ladder’, others hailed it on the ground that he will get more playing time at Everton. However, with the arrival of some quality players at Carlo Ancelotti’s fold this season, getting a regular playing time has become increasingly difficult for Alex Iwobi and with just one start to show for his efforts; he may be playing his last season at the Goodison Park

E

verton look set to be the Premier League’s surprise package this term and Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as head coach has been an absolute game-changer for the Toffees who now look capable of pushing for a top six finish.

As it stands, the Merseysiders sit in seventh place in the table, representing an excellent start to the season and it is no way a fluke.

Everton have been one of the most entertaining sides to watch so far this season.

With the likes of Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Rodriguez adding vital quality to the midfield, it was always going to be exciting for supporters.

Not to mention the splendid form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin in attack.

While some players have thrived under Ancelotti, others have fallen short of expectation leading to criticism.

One of those players is, Alex Iwobi.

The former Arsenal man has failed to impress this term leading to a diminished role under Ancelotti at Goodison Park.

As a result, he’s started just one Premier League game so far - something he deserved after some very poor displays.

Former Everton forward, Noel Whelan said: “Iwobi has had his opportunities and he has failed to take them up to now.

“When you do not take them you fall down the pecking order. That is what has happened to Alex Iwobi.

“His performance against Southampton was shocking. He was brought off at halftime and rightly so.

“You do not get too many chances at life in general and football is no different.

“Unfortunately,Ancelotti has seen enough and he believes there are others that deserve their opportunity now.”

In his reaction, respected English sports commentator, Phil Spencer said things just aren’t working out for Iwobi at the moment.

After arriving from Arsenal it was expected that the midfielder would really kick on and prove himself to be a top player at Premier League level.

That hasn’t really happened yet.

Competition is tough under Carlo Ancelotti and Iwobi may need to be patient to an extent.

But more than anything, it’s vital that he impresses when he does make it onto the pitch.

If he doesn’t and Ancelotti can’t trust him then it’s not going to be a happy time for Iwobi on Merseyside.

First teamer Richarlison was sorely missed in Everton’s defeat by Southampton, as the Brazilian began his ban for the red card sustained in the Merseyside derby.

The former Watford forward has been hugely influential this season as Ancelotti’s side have shot to the top of the table.

Iwobi filled in for Richarlison at St. Mary’s, but the Nigerian international is just one of a number of options for Ancelotti as he attempts to get his team back to winning ways, with Bernard, Iwobi or Anthony

Iwobi

Gordon all contenders to step in on the left.

Iwobi had a tough time at Southampton, playing just 45 minutes before being replaced by Bernard for the second half.

It was a first league start of the season for the former Arsenal winger, who had previously come off the bench in the games against West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove Albion and Liverpool.

However, with his early withdrawal, the 24-year-old set an unwanted record under Ancelotti.

The manager has made just eight halftime substitutions in his time at Goodison Park, and Iwobi’s early exit at Southampton meant he has been the player to leave the field at the break more often than any other.

The other two occasions came in back-toback games in July, with Anthony Gordon replacing Iwobi at Tottenham and Djibril Sidibe taking his place at home to Southampton.

The numbers behind Iwobi’s starts and substitution appearances may offer a guide

to his future underAncelotti on Merseyside.

In a recent interview with Football Insider, former Everton striker Kevin Campbell urged Iwobi to improve his performances following the player’s lacklustre start to this campaign. Campbell said, “Iwobi is a frustrating player because you know the ability he has got but it is that battle for consistency.

“A lot was expected from him when he came into Everton from Arsenal. He was seen as a player who could take them on, but they were not at that level yet. He could not do it all on his own and he has struggled.

“This is the time now where Iwobi has to pick it up. It could be a confidence thing with him.

“He is supposed to be performing better.

He is a lot better than he is showing and I know his form will come back but I do not know if he will be able to get into that team with Richarlison, Rodriguez and Calvert-Lewin.

“It is going to be difficult for him. It needs to be now.”

The ex-Arsenal wide player has made a stuttering start to this campaign as he failed to find consistency with his performances out on the wide areas.

Iwobi has featured in nine matches for the Merseyside outfit this term, scoring just one goal and grabbing two assists on all fronts.

The 24-year-old has mostly been used as a substitute in the Premier League this season which has affected his form in the final third. Iwobi is averaging 0.1 shots, 0.4 key passes and 0.1 dribbles per game in the Premier League which is simply not good enough from a player of his skillset.

At the moment, the Lagos-born wide player’s Everton career is going nowhere as he currently finds himself behind the likes of Richarlison, James Rodriguez and Bernard in Ancelotti’s pecking order. However, if Iwobi is willing to put in the work in the training ground, then he might still be able to redeem himself to the Toffees supporters by turning his career around for the better in the coming months.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 14, 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

Precious Achiuwa Journey to the NBA

Achiuwa

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recious Achiuwa has gone from Nigeria to New York to Memphis, cultivating an â&#x20AC;&#x153;extreme level of versatilityâ&#x20AC;? in his game that is key to making it in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NBA. Achiuwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s road to the NBA has had many stops â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and a pandemic detour â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but, as one of his coaches said, he â&#x20AC;&#x153;had this willingness to do whatever it was going to take,â&#x20AC;? said Butch Dill/Associated Press.

He has never been in the same place for long. He tends to be on the move â&#x20AC;&#x201D; from Nigeria to New York to Memphis.

Stationed in Long Island City, Queens, for the past seven months as he prepares for the NBA draft on Novemver 18, Achiuwa has been coping with a rare period of extended monotony. A projected first-round pick who spent last season at the University of Memphis, Achiuwa, 21, works out with his trainer. He does â&#x20AC;&#x153;a whole bunch of Zoom callsâ&#x20AC;? with frontoffice personnel. He takes unscripted naps.

He visits with his older brother Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift

Achiuwa, 30, who lives not far from him in Queens.

But it has been a fairly solitary and stationary existence, a change of pace for a 6-foot-9 forward with drive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seven months of doing the same thing,â&#x20AC;? he said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;over and over.â&#x20AC;?

He misses competition, he said. Games of five-on-five have been off-limits during the Coronavirus pandemic. He has tried to fill the void in creative ways. His first love growing up in Nigeria was soccer, and he has a ball at his apartment that he juggles with his feet every day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I set goals for myself,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be like: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know what? I did 25 in a row yesterday. Today, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to try to get 30.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

But the wait is nearly over. Training camps are tentatively set to open December 1, just 13 days after the draft.

For prospective first-year players like Achiuwa, it will be a quick transition.

No summer league. No long runway to acclimatise to the league. And no time to

waste. Achiuwa is eager to learn where he will wind up next.

His life, in many ways, has been a nomadic one. One of six siblings, he grew up in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, where his parents, Donatus and Eunice, were Pentecostal ministers. In Port Harcourt, over 350 miles South-east of Lagos by car, soccer was the game of choice. Basketball was not that alluring to Achiuwa â&#x20AC;&#x201D; not when he was very young, anyway. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a basketball around the house, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d pick it up and dribble it once or twice,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d put it back down and go back to kicking the soccer ball.â&#x20AC;?

But around the same time he was finding himself towering over his friends on the soccer field â&#x20AC;&#x201D; â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was just so awkward,â&#x20AC;? he said â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift Achiuwa was carving out a path that his younger brother would one day follow.

As a teenager, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift attended a basketball camp in Nigeria where he was scouted by Alex Nwora, the longtime coach at Erie Community College in

Buffalo. Nwora eventually offered a scholarship, and Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a 6-foot-8 forward â&#x20AC;&#x201D; jumped at the chance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think any time a kid from Africa has the opportunity to come to the U.S. to play basketball and get an education, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a no-brainer,â&#x20AC;? Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift Achiuwa said.

Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift later transferred to St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, where he played for two seasons before graduating in 2014. By then, Precious was 14 and showing promise of his own as a basketball player. So much promise, in fact, that Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift wanted his brother to live with him in Queens so that he could attend high school in the city. Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift approached several coaches to gauge their interest â&#x20AC;&#x153;Some of them were actually demanding video of him playing,â&#x20AC;? Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And I told them: â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Listen, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to at least be as tall and as big as I am. It runs in the family.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

He secured a scholarship for Precious to attend Our Saviour Lutheran School in the Bronx, starting as an eighth grader. Their parents were on board with the plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Knowing that I would be getting an education made it a lot easier for them to let go of me at a really, really young age,â&#x20AC;?

Precious said.

On one of his first days in the United States, Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift introduced his brother to a staple of New York City life: the subway. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There was nobody on the street,â&#x20AC;? Precious said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And then all of a sudden there were just so many people coming out from the underground. And Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking at my brother, like, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yo, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going on?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

Before long, Precious was commuting to school in the Bronx â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a four-hour round trip that required the use of both the subway and public buses. He quickly established himself as one of the top freshman players in the country. His brother had been entrusted by their parents to keep an eye on him. But Precious seemed uniquely focused. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to go to any meetings or sit in front of any principals,â&#x20AC;? Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;sgift said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a really good kid.â&#x20AC;?

As Preciousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talents became more obvious, he sought better competition by transferring to St. Benedictâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Prep in Newark, N.J., where he lived with a teammateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s family, and later to Montverde Academy, near Orlando, Fla., where he was a McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-American as a senior.

Even then, he was still relatively new to the game â&#x20AC;&#x201D; new enough that he was unfamiliar with Penny Hardaway, the coach at Memphis who was recruiting him.

(A friend suggested that Achiuwa watch some of Hardawayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old highlights online.)

Cody Toppert, one of Hardawayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assistants, said Achiuwa was not a guaranteed â&#x20AC;&#x153;one-and-doneâ&#x20AC;? player when he arrived at Memphis before the start of last season.

But the coaching staff could sense that he had come with purpose: to maximise his time. For example, he stayed late after most practices to refine his 3-point shot, which he knew would be a prerequisite for a player his size in the NBA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He basically had this willingness to do whatever it was going to take to make sure he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t coming back for a second year,â&#x20AC;?

Toppert said.

The spotlight found Achiuwa early in the season after James Wiseman, the teamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centre and one of the top prospects in the draft, ran into eligibility problems and left school after playing in three games. In Wisemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s absence, Hardaway went with a smaller lineup. Achiuwa ran the court, defended multiple positions and proved to be an energetic leader. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It kind of happened by accident because James left,â&#x20AC;? Toppert said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no doubt that it created an opportunity for Precious to show an extreme level of versatility.â&#x20AC;?

After averaging 15.8 points and 10.8 rebounds while shooting 49.3 per cent from the field, Achiuwa was named the American Athletic Conferenceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Player of the Year as a freshman. When the season was cut short by the pandemic, he declared for the draft and returned to Queens to prepare for the next phase of his life.

His basketball dreams have involved sacrifice. His father recently died, and he has not seen his mother in about three years. But he talks with her on the phone nearly every day, he said, and there is a chance that she will be able to travel to New York this month to watch the draft with him.

It would mark the end of one journey â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and the beginning of another.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 14, 2020,

GLOBAL SOCCER

Egbo

Rilwan â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Baby Faceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Babatunde getting the better of an opponent

Egbo Undaunted Despite KF Tiranaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sack The firstAfrican coach to take a team to the European Champions League, Ndubuisi Egbo, remained upbeat despite losing his job at KF Tirana just four matches into the new Albanian season.

The Nigerian, 47, led the club to their first league title in a decade back in July; becoming the firstAfrican coach to lead a European team to a league title and qualification to the Uefa Champions LeagueoranyEuropean competition.

KT Tirana said the decision had been â&#x20AC;&#x153;taken due to poor performances in the last matchesâ&#x20AC;? and also thanked Egbo for â&#x20AC;&#x153;his dedication and title success last seasonâ&#x20AC;?.

Egbo remained philosophical following his dismissal after losing

the last two matches. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I would like to thank the club for the opportunity to serve, which helped me become the first African to win a European title and end up managing in the Uefa Champions League and the Europa League,â&#x20AC;?

Egbo told BBC Africa Sport. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any regrets or disappointment because I gave the maximum and the team did likewise, so I remain grateful to God for what we achieved and accomplished together. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To the fans for their incredible and overwhelming support towards me and the team, I am grateful. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The players for their wonderful and positive spirit all through our campaign last season, I say kudos to them all.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Both those who made big impact and those with little impact, all of them as a team made it to happen with faith in God almighty. For now there is no regrets but grateful to all.â&#x20AC;?

Egbo won the Albanian league, the cup and Super Cup in three years as a player with KF Tirana.

After holding the coaching job on an interim basis many times before, he was appointed partway through the season in late 2019, with Tirana eighth in the 10-team division.

But the former Super Eagles keeper, who is a dual Nigerian-Albanian national, realised the local media had labelled his old team a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sinking shipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; got to work and swiftly turned things around by bringing a new attitude to the club.

WBC Championâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dispute with Wilder could Delay Joshuaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Fury Clash Tyson Furyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dispute with Deontay Wilder over a third fight could disrupt plans for an undisputed world title clash with Anthony Joshua, says promoter Eddie Hearn.

Fury was set to announce a homecoming clash against Agit Kabayel in December, but has entered into a mediation process with Wilder after failing to agree terms for another WBC heavyweight title fight.

Unified champion Joshua will face IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev on December 12, but Hearn is

unsure whether Fury can still press ahead with a blockbuster battle next year.

He told Sky Sports: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We try and avoid the mess, and keep discipline and focus on what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing, and the path for AJ has always been clear, with the ups and downs of the Ruiz fight, and getting that rematch over the line. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But we know what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing.

December 12, it was announced probably eight weeks before the fight, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re focused on the victory. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their (Fury and Wilderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s)

business, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a right mess either way, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to resolve itself any time soon. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hopefully we can just make sure that if Anthony Joshua can beat Kubrat Pulev on December 12, then the path is clear for AJ against Fury in 2021.â&#x20AC;?

Asked if the Joshua vs Fury schedule could become more complicated, Hearn said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;If the legal action rumbles on, because ultimately, after that fight with Pulev, we want to be in a position to say â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is the fight for the undisputedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.â&#x20AC;?

GOtv Boxing Night 21

Boxers, Coaches to Undergo COVID-19 Tests All the 14 boxers lined up for the seven bouts at GOtv Boxing Night 21 and their coaches will undergo COVID-19 tests, organisers have disclosed. The event, which holds on November 27 at the Rowe Park Sports Centre in Lagos, will be behind closed doorsandbebroadcastliveacross AfricaonSuperSport.

SpeakinginLagos,JenkinsAlumona,CEOofFlykiteProductions, organisersoftheevent,saidboxers and their coaches scheduled for GOtvBoxingNight21arerequired totakethetestsinaccordancewith safetyprotocolsprescribedbythe authorities. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The virus is still raging, as we can see from the infection data. The sponsors are big supporters of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s efforts at curbing its spread and making the society safer. It is for this reason they have graciously accepted to fund the tests, so as to ensure that boxers who get on the ring are free of the virus. Safety is the number one priority Major sporting activities around the world have resumed and are available to fans only on

television. Boxing fans will not miss much. They will see top-class boxing action by tuning into SuperSport on the day of the event,â&#x20AC;? said Alumona.

Those scheduled forthetests arealreadyatalocationwherethe testswillbecarriedoutbyClinaLancet Laboratories, one of the medicaldiagnosticlaboratories approvedforthepurposebythe LagosStateGovernment.Boxers and coaches whose results are negativewillthenproceedtothe MojisolaOgunsanyaMemorial Gym,wheretheywillbecamped fortwoweeksbeforetheevent.

Duringthisperiod,theywillbe regularly visited by a medical teamfromagovernmenthospital that will monitor compliance with safety measures.

Alumona also added that all safety measures against COVID-19 have been put in place at the facility, which is the brainchild of Chief Adewunmi Ogunsanya (SAN), Chairman,MultiChoiceNigeria and GOtv Boxing. Ateam from the Lagos State Ministry of Health, on Wednesday, visited the gym, named

after Chief Ogunsanyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late wife, and passed the facility fit for use.

GOtv Boxing Night 21 was to hold in April, but was postponed following COVID-19 outbreak and subsequent ban on crowd-attracting activities.

The event will see the return to action of big-name boxers

such as Olaide â&#x20AC;&#x153;Fijabornâ&#x20AC;?

Fijabi, former African Boxing Union (ABU) light welterweight champion; Rilwan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Real Oneâ&#x20AC;? Oladosu, West AfricanBoxingUnion(WABU) lightweight champion; and Rilwan â&#x20AC;&#x153;Baby Faceâ&#x20AC;? Babatunde, WABU welterweight champion, among others.

Nations League Live this Weekend on GOtv Jolli As the 2020-21 UEFA Nations League continues this weekend, GOtv Jolli subscribers are promised live coverage of these matches on SuperSport, from 14 to 15 November 2020.

The UEFA Nations League action gets underway today, as Spain visits the Netherlands for a clash against Switzerland by 8:45pm, live on SS Football (Channel 31). Spain tops Group A4 with seven points but their 13-game unbeaten competitive run ended last time with a shocking 1-0 defeat to an

inexperienced Ukraine team.

Switzerland are at the foot of Group A4 with two points, having recorded two impressive draws against Germany, but lost their remaining games.

A defeat here would mean relegation to League B. Also today is Malta vs Andorra at 3:00pm on SS Football (Channel 31).

The Nations League continues Sunday with Denmark vs Icelandat8:45pm on SS Football (Channel 31) and Czech Republic vs Israel at 8:45pm on SS Select 1(channel 34).

99 Golfers Jostle for Honour at Maiden DStv Premium Golf Day A total of 99 golfers are expected to take part at the inaugural DStv Premium Golf Day scheduled for the Ikeja Golf Club, Lagos, today, organisers have disclosed. The 99 were selected from over 500 golfers, who registered for the event, which will follow the stroke play format.

According to Flykite Productions, the organisers, , the number of participants was pruned in accordance with the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Also, in line with the safety protocols, the best 50 golfers will be hosted to a cocktail at the end of the event. Ikeja Golf Club captain, Mr. Oladimeji Durojaiye, expressed delight at the huge interest shown by golfers and commended the sponsors, DStv, for partnering with club.

Other prominent members of the club involved in the organisation of the event include Messrs. Akin Areola, Chairman, Managing Committee; Jide Oreagba, Tournament Director; Biyi Fetuga and Omini Ofem, who are in charge of registration.

The first prize at the event is a business class ticket to Dubai for a weekend stay at a five-star hotel, while the second prize is a business class ticket to Rwanda for a weekend stay at five-star hotel. The third prize is a weekend stay at a five-star hotel in Lagos, with the prize for the longest drive a 55-inch television set.

Giving reasons for DStvâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsorship of the event, Chief Costumer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, Martin Mabutho, said the sport is one that enjoys considerable followership by DStv Premium subscribers, who have access to the most prestigious golf tournaments via a dedicated channel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an exciting opportunity for us because we understand that golf tournaments are some of the most important games for our DStv Premium subscribers, hence this sponsorship. So, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to be a part of this, with Ikeja Golf Club, and are hopeful that this will further consolidate our relationship with our Premium subscribers and those that play and enjoy the game,â&#x20AC;? said Mabutho.

â&#x20AC;ŚN1m DStv Credit for Holein-One Premium Golf Day Any golfer who plays a hole-in- one at the maiden DStv Premium Golf Day will be rewarded with N1million credit on their DStv Premium account.

The prize, named the Adewunmi Ogunsanya Hole-in-One Prize, is one of the big draws at the event, which holds today at the Ikeja Golf Club in Lagos.

This was announced in Lagos yesterday by the organisers, Flykite Productions, who had previously announced five performance-related prizes, including for the longest drive and nearest to the pin.

The first prize is a business class ticket to Dubai for a weekend stay at a five-star hotel, while the second is a business class ticket to Rwanda for a weekend stay at five-star hotel. The third prize is a weekend stay at a five-star hotel in Lagos, with the prize for the longest drive being a 55-inch television set.

About a hundred golfers are expected to be in action at the event, which is in stroke play format.

According to the organisers, a total of 500 entries were received, with the number having to be trimmed in line with the requirements of COVID-19 safety protocols.

Golfers drawn in the top 50 will also be hosted to a cocktail at the end of the event.

Martin Mabutho, Chief Costumer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, said DStv has a long association with and commitment to golf, as evidenced by the platformâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specially dedicated channel- Home of Golf (DStv Channel 213), which has PGA Tour, European Tour, Ryder Cup and other top tournaments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re excited to be a part of this with Ikeja Golf Club and are hopeful that this will further consolidate our relationship with our Premium subscribers and those that play and enjoy the game,â&#x20AC;? said Martin Mabutho, Chief Customer Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 14, 2020

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Eberechi Eze A Glimmer of Hope Though presently in the England U-21 duty, Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is not ruling out committing his international future to Nigeria

Eze

C

rystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze has refused to rule out playing for three-time African champions, Nigeria.

Last year, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) boss Amaju Pinnick held discussions with Eze over switching his international allegiance and turning out for the Nigeria national team but the player requested to be given time to make his decision as he wanted to focus on his club career.

The 22-year-old played non-binding games for England U-20s before playing competitively for the U-21 squad - earning three caps in total in U-21 EURO qualifiers against Albania, Andorra and Turkey.

Though Eze has hinted that he may decide to represent the Super Eagles, the former Queens Park Rangers playmaker has stressed that he was focused on the England U-21 team at the moment.

In quotes carried by Evening Standard, Eze stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can still play for Nigeria. At the moment, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m focused on my England Under-21 camp. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to put any type of pressure on myself and try to force anything now. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m focused on the Under-21s, playing for the Under-21s, training, trying to play as many games as I can, and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most important thing right now for my development.â&#x20AC;?

Eze added to his international caps for England U-21s on Friday when they played Andorra in an U-21 Euro qualifier at Molineux Stadium.

Eze, however, said he would not let a potential decision over his international future distract him from progressing.

The Crystal Palace midfielder also qualifies to play for Nigeria through his parents and has trained with the Super Eagles in the past.

Nigeria could look to convince Eze to switch his international allegiance in future, but for now the 22-year-old says he is focused on playing for England.

Eze has been eased into life as a Premier League player by Palace boss Roy Hodgson since his ÂŁ19.5 million move from QPR over the summer.

But, after he scored his first Palace goal in last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 4-1 win over Leeds, Eze says he is learning at a rapid rate under Hodgson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Palace, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m learning a lot every day,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re put into a position where you have to learn quickly. I feel like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m doing that, not only from the manager but the players in the team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a brilliant opportunity and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m very grateful. Defensively Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m having to be a lot more aware and playing in two banks of four and being able to cope. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a player, thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not always been in my game, but Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m learning and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m picking it up.â&#x20AC;?

Eze has vowed that last Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stunning free-kick against Leeds is â&#x20AC;&#x153;only the startâ&#x20AC;? for him at Crystal Palace. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think it is only the start,â&#x20AC;? said Eze. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we are working hard. I am learning a lot and I am growing as a player. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That is the most important thing â&#x20AC;&#x201C; as long as I keep learning and keep pushing and keep working with the guys around me, and those are people to look at. It is a great opportunity for me.â&#x20AC;?

Manager Roy Hodgson has been cautious in introducing Eze to the Premier League, but hinted ahead of last weekend that the forwardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chance was fast approaching.w It was just Ezeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s third top-flight start, and his manager said it was the perfect time to â&#x20AC;&#x153;unleashâ&#x20AC;? the England U-21 international. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has looked at home ever since he arrived, his training sessions have been constantly impressive,â&#x20AC;? said Hodgson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He has also had to be a bit patient because Andros Townsend and Jeff Schlupp are very good players in those positions too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was the right time today to unleash him as it were, he certainly responded and lived up to the expectations that I have of him.â&#x20AC;?

Asked about the fact that Eagles fans might be hoping to see more of the

former QPR man, Hodgson replied: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once again itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about competition. Jeff Schlupp isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly anything other than a very good attacking left-sided midfield player. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So I had to make choices there. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve not been able to fit both in the team together â&#x20AC;&#x201C; especially with the form of Andros Townsend on the other side. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been nothing more complicated than that. But again, like Jairo Riedewald, he has been excellent in training. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done really, really well. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impressed everybody â&#x20AC;&#x201C; not just with his ability but his attitude and professionalism. â&#x20AC;&#x153;His chance, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure, will come very, very soon.â&#x20AC;?

Eze was released by Arsenal aged 13 and tried his luck at a series of other clubs but history repeated itself after the academies at Fulham, Reading and Millwall all declined his services.

Having worked part-time in a UK supermarket chain while studying in college, Eze finally saw a subsequent trial at Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Rangers lead to a contract. He made his first-team debut six months later and now, four years on, he is playing against Manchester United and Chelsea in the Premier League.

To overcome such a series of setbacks wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy and Eze admits that he was concerned that his dream might never have come to fruition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Of course, you have doubts,â&#x20AC;? Eze said at Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training centre at St. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have doubts in your thinking of whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to get your professional contract, whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to be what you hoped youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d be. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has built huge resilience in me; I think being released, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure loads of players will tell you this, being released is not the best feeling and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not in the best space mentally. But of course, as a footballer, not just a footballer, but anyone, you have to be strong, you have to be courageous. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You have to get back up again, not allow your setbacks to determine where you end up in life. You have to keep

moving forward. For me, I feel thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something that was put into me, was forced into me after being released - I had to get up and be strong. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But for me, it was more the support my family and people around me that continue to instil, that faith in me - and being religious as well. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Having faith was huge for me, I would always believe that I would get to where I hope to get to and thankfully, and thanks to God, it has worked out.â&#x20AC;?

Indeed, Super Eagles Manager, Gernot Rohr had made approaches to the Anglo-Nigerian-born midfielder, who is seen as the long-sought successor to Austine Jay Jay Okocha if he eventually chooses to star for Nigeria. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have approached him, but not directly. Tunde Adelakun, my assistant, spoke to his mum. What we understand is that there is a lot of pressure on him and Ebere Eze doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to give an answer now. Obviously, we would love to have him in the Super Eagles, of course! We continue to work on getting him. It may take some time,â&#x20AC;? Rohr had said.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢T H I S D AY

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2020 â&#x20AC;¢ T H I S D AY

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

AUTO WORLD

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

Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Discovery, a Versatile SUV with Enhanced Connectivity

N

ew Discovery combines an exceptional design evolution with a versatile and intelligently packaged interior which embodies the spirit of family adventure that has characterised Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premium family SUV for more than 30 years.

Featuring the latest generation of powerful and efficient six-cylinder Ingenium petrol and diesel engines, advanced Pivi Pro infotainment and superior comfort and practicality, New Discovery remains one of the most capable, connected and versatile full seven-seat premium SUVs in the world, according to a statement by the automaker.

With Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Electrical Vehicle Architecture (EVA 2.0) underpinning a suite of advanced technologies, New Discovery delivers new levels of sophistication, desirability and efficiency while retaining its customary breadth of on- and off-road capability and towing credentials. From its updated Terrain Response 2 system and Software-Over-The-Air (SOTA) updates to its new Cabin Air Filtration*, New Discovery looks after customers like never before.

Sophisticated design The distinct character and optimised proportions of New Discovery embrace more than three decades of design evolution. Discovery DNAdesign cues â&#x20AC;&#x201C; including the clamshell bonnet, the stepped roof and the highly visible C-pillar â&#x20AC;&#x201C; remain, but New Discovery delivers a bold exterior evolution optimised to project a more confident road presence.

New signature LED headlights with a daytime running light signature set lower into the units create a more purposeful look, while animated sweeping front and rear indicators provide heightened visual sophistication and the body-colour front fender vent accentuates the premium SUVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s familiar broken waistline.

A revised front bumper features a wider body-coloured graphic and new side vents combine for a more purposeful and dynamic appearance. At the rear, New Discovery features new signature LED lights, which are joined across the back of vehicle by a new Gloss Black panel.

Following Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reductive design philosophy, this panel incorporates the trademark Discovery script, providing a cleaner

rear graphic.

The new R-Dynamic model brings a more assertive character and purposeful stance with a series of unique design elements, including purposeful Gloss Black and Shadow Atlas exterior accents on the outside and two-tone leather and contrast seat stitching on the inside.

Connected technologies Inside,NewDiscoverybenefitsfromenhancements designed to highlight the premium position and craftsmanship of its full-size seven-seat layout, with a spacious cabin incorporating Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cutting edge Pivi Pro infotainment. A completely redesigned centre console houses its 48% larger 11.4-inch, full HD touchscreen, which provides a fast and intuitive interface.

With a simplified menu structure and pioneering design, Pivi Pro provides immediate responses â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even when starting the vehicle for the first time.

Its built-in back-up battery means navigation initialisation takes just seconds, while the logical menus allow the most commonly used functions to be accessed directly from the customisable home screen, to reduce driver distraction.

Land Roverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Discovery

Cars45 Insists on enabling Automotive Trade in Nigeria

O

ne of Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tech-enabled automotive trade platforms, Cars45, has reiterated its commitment to buying and selling within Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s automotive industry.

Theyalsowanttodefinethefuture of automotive trade across the country by providing consumers brand experience that helps them with smarter choices.

Cars45, founded in 2016, provides an end-to-end digitized customer journey for buying and selling cars for individuals and corporate organisations with a desire to help them get the most value from any automotive transaction.

Briefing the press in Lagos recently, Chief Executive Officer, Cars45, Soumobroto â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sunnyâ&#x20AC;? Ganguly stated that meeting the needs and expectations of its customers and stakeholders will remain a major imperative even as the company intensifies efforts at solving the challenges across the automotive value chain from new, to used, logistics, aftermarket and repair services and scrap vehicles while the business continues to grow on the back of innovation and technology. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cars45 has moved into over twelve cities across Nigeria and two others inAfrica, we have a growing franchise dealer network coupled with our Autopreneur support system that has empowered so many young people financially, and our marketplace has exceeded expectations in facilitating consumer-to-consumer vehicle trades and making the car ownership dreams of lots of people come true. We are confident in our ability to deliver and the strength of our mission to enable automotive trade across the continent.â&#x20AC;?

Ontherecentmanagementchanges,theCEOnoted that Frontier Car Group (FCG), which invested in

Cars45 SeriesAfund raise in May 2017, was acquired

by OLX Group in November 2019 to demonstrate their ambition to lead the online market for used cars. Cars45 has now been fully integrated as a proud member of the OLX Autos family.

Cars45 announced some products offerings that include: GoMechanic45, an aftermarket service aimed at providing quality and affordable car repair services for consumers and corporates, deepening

the culture of preventive maintenance and scheduled servicing in a manner that helps them to maximize the lifetime value of their vehicles.

Institutional and Corporate Sales will cater to corporate and government institutions by solving issues around fleet liquidation and valuation as well as supply while adding value to their automotive needs and unlocking new levers of growth and productivity.

TIPS OF THE WEEK FiveTips to Maintain Your Carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Headlights Poet Sarah Williams famously wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.â&#x20AC;?

There are lots of things to love about nighttime, but driving after dark presents its share of dangers. Your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headlights provide invaluable assistance when the sun sinks beneath the horizon, delivering the illumination you need for safe travels. But itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to remember that headlights need proper care and maintenance to function effectively.

Below are five tips for maintaining your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headlights.

1. Clean Them Regularly. If dirt or grime builds up on your windshield, you will likely pull into a petrol station and wipe it clean because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harder to see through. Though theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re less obvious than a dirty windshield, messy headlights also can hinder visibility. They make it more difficult for light from the bulbs to illuminate the path ahead.

Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe down your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headlights every week. That will help make sure dust and dirt are not preventing the headlights from keeping you safe.

2. Address Clouding and Yellowing.

Headlights that are yellowed or cloudy will give off less light. Sunlight is one factor that causes yellowness, and it can wear down the plastic in the headlight structure and cause it to become cloudy and dull. Smog and chemicals from your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s engine also can yellow headlights.

In addition to creating safety concerns, cloudy headlights can affect your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s value.Anything that ages your vehicle hurts resale prices, and yellowed headlights give your car a jaundiced look that wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do it any favors if you plan on selling it.

Headlight restoration systems do a decent job of returning yellowed headlights to their former glory. If all else fails, stop by your local dealer and have the headlights replaced.

3. Check Illumination. Sometimes one headlight goes out before the other. If you have got one less headlight in use, it means you are working with less illumination, and that can compromise visibility.

Even though a blown headlight will reduce visibility, it is not always easy to tell if you have this problem from behind the wheel. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why regular checks are necessary.

To test illumination, park your car, turn on the headlights and get out and do a walkaround to make sure both headlights are working.

Another option is to park in front of a wall or garage door and check the surface to make sure both headlights are performing as they should.

4. Check Alignment. Most people know that misaligned wheels can cause problems when driving a car. But it may surprise some folks to learn that headlights can become displaced, causing safety concerns for drivers and their passengers.

Headlights are built to aim their beams in the same direction, but jolts caused by potholes and rough road surfaces can misalign them.

Accidents, whether minor or major, also can displace lamps.

If your carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beams are misaligned, they wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t provide proper visibility. Think something is off? Try the wall or garage door trick again. If one beam is higher or lower than the other, you likely have an alignment issue. Take your car to a trusted mechanic.

5. Replace Bulbs in Pairs. Sometimes one headlight will go out before the other. In cases like this, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good idea to replace not just the dead bulb, but the working one, too. If one bulb has failed, the other likely will soon follow, so be proactive. Replacing bulbs in this manner will prevent you from driving with just one functional bulb.

Shine Brightly

Whether you have got tried-and-true halogens or newfangled LEDs, effective L-R Head, Marketing and Communications, Shola Adekoya; Head, Lead Management and Market- headlights are essential for incident-free nighttime travels. place; Patricia Duru; Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer, Soumobroto â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Sunnyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ganguly; Head, Finance, ElizaThe tips listed above will help you give your beth Iyi-Eweka; Head, Technical Operations, Pankaj Bohra; and Head, People Operations and Central beams the care they need to shine brightly.

Support Services, Olajumoke Obembe, at a press brieďŹ ng by Cars45 in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Ś recently (Source: Carfax)

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

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AUTO WORLD

Bajaj Auto Launches RE 250 Superkeke in Nigeria

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ajaj Auto, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest manufacturer of 3-wheelers, has today launched the most superior keke ever seen in Nigeria, the RE 250 along with their exclusive 3- wheeler distributor Stallion Group. The RE 250 was unveiled by superstar footballer Jay Jay Okocha in the presence of over 100 keke dealers and other prominent members at an event held in Lagos. The launch of the Superkeke, themed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bigger Heart, Stronger Bodyâ&#x20AC;? marked the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s association with the fabled football star and the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desire to provide a better, stronger and more reliable keke for the Nigerian people.

The Bajaj RE 250 distinctly stands out because of a host of class leading features.

The vehicle is powered by a 236cc DTSi engine, the biggest engine to ever come in a keke. Company officials have highlighted that this engine has been running successfully in more than 20 countries across the globe. The vehicle boasts many first-in-class features like front fork, CV shaft, bigger 10â&#x20AC;? tyres, clear headlamps, remote controlled MP3 player, to name a few. Bajaj Auto has also upped the style quotient of the vehicle through a rear spoiler and a transparent passenger hood.

The Bajaj brand ambassador, Jay Jay Okocha, who also spoke about his new brand association, explained that â&#x20AC;&#x153;brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strong legacy and continuous efforts to offer best in

class products to Nigerians has inspired me to associate myself with the brand.â&#x20AC;?

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Shaleen Nayak, Vice-President, West Africa, Bajaj Auto said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nigeria is one of the most important 3W markets in the world and we have specially designed this vehicle for Nigeria. For instance, we have always felt that a keke rider in Nigeria requires a bigger, more powerful engine because of the tough road conditions.

The addition of front fork can greatly ease shoulder pain for the rider after a long hard day of work. We are delighted to launch the RE250 for our Nigerian keke riders and we believe the RE250 will help riders and fleet owners prosper in their life.â&#x20AC;?

Mr. Manish Rohtagi, Group CEO, Stallion said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The RE250 Superkeke is a truly innovative and powerful product for the Nigerian roads. The company through its superior product and sharp service offerings and welfare initiatives will establish and forge long term partnership with the channel ecosystem and customers across Nigeria. Through these fulfilment partners we envisage providing employment opportunity to 5 million Nigerians directly and indirectly over the next 5 years.â&#x20AC;?

Ms. Helen Omojola, Muboj G.K Enterprises dealer from Lagos, added â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is exactly the vehicle which the market was crying out for and I am thankful that Bajaj Auto has listened to the demands of

Superstar footballer Jay Jay Okocha unveiling Bajaj Autoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s RE 250 Superkeke in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Ś recently

the keke riders and given us such a great product. I am very excited to start selling the RE250 here.

The company aims to achieve a dominant position in the Nigerian market through the RE250 and has launched the vehicle at a competitive price of 800,000 Naira.

The Bajaj RE 250 Kekes are available from November 11, 2020 at all dealer outlets nationwide and will be showcased in 30 cities around the country from November 12, 2020 with a host of market connect activities on the superkeke with special appearances of Jay Jay Okocha.

Honda, Providence Hotel, Enyo Partner

H

New Honda Pilot

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his is the second part of my piece on Naked roads which I started last week.If you read the piece,you will recall that I concluded with an introductory focus on the history of road signs to guide our understanding of my focus on the need for appropriate road furnitures to promote safety on our roads.Let me again state clearly that a brief history of emergency road signs will be helpful in appreciating its importance. The earliest road signs were milestones, giving distance or directions. For example, the Romans erected stone columns throughout their empire,giving the distance to Rome. In the middle ages, multi-directional signs at intersections became common, giving directions to cities and towns.

Traffic signs became more important with the development of automobiles. The basic patterns of most traffic signs were set at the 1908 International Road Congress in Rome . Since then, there has been considerable change. Today,they are almost all metal rather than wood and are coated with reflective sheeting of various types of nighttime and low light visibility. Road marking was introduced into the United Kingdom in the 1920â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. The United Nations harmonized and introduced international traffic signs after the second world war. That is why from South Africa in Africa to London in Europe, including the United States of America , their signs all look alike.

In 1995, the United Kingdom had 2, 500, 000 signs

Naked Roads SAFE DRIVING with

Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

and signals, 850, 000 road markings and 700, 000 road studs within roads in England alone. In Nigeria , adequate records of signs are yet to be derived but available records of clustered billboards, which have little possible effect on highways safety, are about 50, 000 from 109 registered outdoor advertising companies.

Road signs are highway pictures provided to assist pedestrians and road users in the safe usage of the highway. They are basically placed at the roadside to impart information to road users on traffic regulations, special hazards and other road conditions. You should not only be familiar with the individual signs, you should recognize the special shapes and colours because the signs are classified and coded according to functions and retro-reflectivity. What then is retro-reflectivity?

It is the return of light incident to the source in the direction it came. Retro-reflectivity is the basic quality requirement of highway appurtenances. Retro-reflectivity increases road safety. If some minimum reflectivity is

onda is partnering with Providence Hotel and Enyo, Retail and Supply Limited, an indigenous oil and gas marketing company, Enyo in her new â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Enjoy Unlimited Luxuryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; promo.

Speaking before the signing of the agreement, the Sales and Marketing Manager, Honda Automobile Western Africa Limited, Remi Adams said: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Once a Honda Pilot is bought at the cost of N27 million against the initial cost of N30 million, our customer gets a gift from Honda, which is a voucher for two years free car servicing, which can be used to service your car anywhere in Nigeria, a velox card loaded with N200,000 for the purchase of fuel at any Enyo filling station in addition to two nights of luxury life provided by The Providence Hotel by Mantis.â&#x20AC;?

According to Mr. Adams, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the vehicle

comes with two years warranty and to avoid any form of ambiguity, you issue the voucher the way you do your cheque, a copy for customer, another copy for workshop dropped at where the car is serviced.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122; In addition, he further explained, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the customer will enjoy the luxury that Providence Hotel offers. So you get a weekend treat which extend to your spouse. So we have made preparations for two people. You can have access to Providence luxury room for two nights and a special champagne dinner to wrap up the entire stay. For the fuel card, it is Enyo Velox card with N200,000 fuel which can last for more than a year.

The moment you use it up the preloaded amount, you can continue to fund it since it is not going to be deactivated when you use up the money.â&#x20AC;?

not maintained, the signs, delinators or markings will not accomplish the job it was intended to perform.

Our signs, according to FERMA publications, are yet to be of international standard. Except for roads in some parts of Abuja, Lagos, and now Akwa ibom, our highways are yearning for United Nations international standard signs and markings both in shape, colors and above all in retro-reflectivity.

The manual on uniform traffic control devices requires that signs and pavement markings should be reflectionised or illuminated. The concern for retroreflectivity of pavement markings and signs caused the United States Congress to pass a law in 1993 that requires the federal highways administration to establish minimum maintained levels of retro-reflectivity of sAs I conclude today, let me remind you that a pavement marking that is not reflectorised or illuminated, according the Federal Road Maintenance Agency,( FERMA), is like a cosmetic application of white powder on a ladyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face that wears off with little perspiration. But a pavement marking is meant for safety and not for aesthetics. It is not meant to be like applied lipstick on a womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lips, which sticks to the drinking cup after few sips.

Pavement marking is meant to be of a high luminous intensity and not to be picked (stuck to) up by vehicle tyres after few passes (sips).It is expected that if minimum retro-reflectivity is maintained in our pavement markings, signs and delineations, there will be increase in night-time and poor weather safety on our roads and ultimately fewer crashes, injuries and

fatalities will be reported.

Retro-reflectivity is a critical element that has helped US Department of Transport achieve its safety goals of reducing fatalities by 20%. Your knowledege of the traffic rules and regulations is of crucial importance as it ensures good driving culture. Remember the biblical injunction which says obedience is better than sacrifice. Let it be your key phrase always.Learn the signs and obey them.The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, the United Kingdom, Denmark and Japan have made significant progress in redressing road crash. Underlying this progress is the consciousness on the part of motorists to do it right while realizing the need to adopt new approaches to road safety. One of these new approaches to road safety is the safe system approach which requires that the road system be designed to expect and accommodate human error, recognising that preventive efforts notwithstanding, road users remain fallible and crashes will invariably occur. It exploits synergies between measures that address infrastructure, vehicles and driver behavior when they are designed in concert. The basic strategy of a safe system approach is to ensure that in the event of a crash, the impact energies remain below the threshold likely to produce either death or serious injury. This threshold will vary depending upon the level of protection offered to the road users involved. For example, the chances of survival for an unprotected pedestrian hit by a vehicle diminish rapidly at speeds greater than 30km/h, whereas for a properly restrained motor vehicle occupant, the critical impact speed is 50km/h for side impact crashes and 70km/h for head-on crashes.

36

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

PEOPLE Esther Agbaje: A Commitment to Service Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2018;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ě&#x2039; Ă&#x2014;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x201D;Ă?Ë&#x153; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Í&#x201C;Í&#x2018;Í&#x201C;Í&#x2018; Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC;Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122; Ă&#x17D;Ă?Ě&#x2039; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x152;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2013;Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x2039; Ă?Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă? ĂĄĂ&#x2019;Ă&#x2122;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2014;Ă&#x201C;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; ĂĄĂ&#x2039;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2122; Ă?Ă?Ă&#x153;Ă Ă?Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013; Ă&#x152;Ă? Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x17D;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2014; Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x2122;ĂĄĂ&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2018; Ă&#x2019;Ă?Ă&#x153; Ă&#x161;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă?ËŞ Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă? Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă&#x153;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2018;Ă&#x2019; Ă&#x203A;Ă&#x;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x2013;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;ĂŁ Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x2DC;Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039; Ă&#x2122;Ă&#x;Ă?Ă? Ă&#x2122;Ă? Ă?Ă&#x161;Ă&#x153;Ă?Ă?Ă?Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x201C;Ă Ă?Ă? Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x2DC; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2019;Ă? Ă&#x2DC;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă&#x17D; Ă&#x17E;Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă?Ë&#x153; ĂĄĂ&#x153;Ă&#x201C;Ă&#x17E;Ă?Ă? Festus Akanbi

E

sther Agbaje, the 35-year-old daughter of immigrant parents, dreams of bringing positive changes to her immediate communities in the United States. She now has the opportunity to do this, with her election into the Minnesota House of Representatives She will be representing District 59B on the platform of the Minnesota Democraticâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; Farmerâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Labour Party (DFLP), an affiliate of the U.S. Democratic Party as the first Nigerian-American legislator in Minnesota after winning the seat formerly held by long-time state Representative Raymond Dehn.District 59B covers a growing and diverse area in Minneapolis, including Near North, Harrison, Willard-Hay, North Loop, Bryn Mawr, and Downtown. Agbaje described the district as the heart of the city, from the vibrant communities of the North Side to the Hennepin County Medical Centre and the Mississippi River.

Agbaje was born in St. Paul, lived in Brainerd, and went to high school in Faribault. After law school, she moved to downtown Minneapolis in 2017 to contribute to the place she calls home. She recalled, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My parents came to Minnesota from Nigeria to further their education. They started a family here, and my brothers and I owe the opportunities weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had to their hard work, example, and inspiration.â&#x20AC;?

Telling her story, she stated: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My father is a priest in the Episcopal Church, and my mother has directed a homeless services centre in the past. As a child of parents whose mission was to serve others, I have followed in their footsteps throughout my life. In college, I worked to advance labour rights. In graduate school, I helped build healthy and sustainable communities. In the State Department, I managed programmes advocating for civil rights. And in law school, I defended tenants from eviction.â&#x20AC;?

Expectedly, her campaign ahead of the election was robust and issued based. She made the care of the middle class the centre of campaign and she explained this. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a transit rider and renter, I am passionate about reliable public transit and affordable housing. Skyrocketing rental costs affect everyone from senior citizens to young professionals and working families. I also advocate for environmental justice, serving on climate groups through TakeAction Minnesota and St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cathedral to promote renewable energy. Throughout my work, I make sure to centre the voices of low-income people and communities of colour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have always had a focus on public service, always a desire to make sure that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m using my skills and talents to help people and to make the community around me a little bit better.â&#x20AC;?

An advocate of equality among races, Esther raised questions bordering on huge racial discrepancies in Minnesota given the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s progressive income tax, and a Fiscal Disparities policy that shift tens of millions of dollars within metropolitan areas to meet different school districtsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; various needs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a lot of it is due to remaining vestiges of segregation and institutional racism,â&#x20AC;? Agbaje said, which persists even though â&#x20AC;&#x153;we have all of these institutions that are meant to be progressive and support the people of Minnesota.â&#x20AC;? To counter issues including vastly lower Black home ownership rates, poverty rates, and high school graduation rates, Agbaje plans to support bills to change the income eligibility to qualify for current subsidized housing options and build more affordable housing.

Agbaje is also interested in prison reform, a set of issues she became aware of during her successful lawsuit that forced the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department of Corrections to provide incarcerated people infected with Hepatitis C with antiviral medication in 2019.

The case â&#x20AC;&#x153;opened my eyes,â&#x20AC;? Agbaje said, to issues including the kind of food incarcerated people are given and â&#x20AC;&#x153;how we look at punishment,â&#x20AC;? including solitary confinement, which she would like to prohibit.

In addition, she said, although she is still learning about incarceration in Minnesota, she is definitely looking forward to â&#x20AC;&#x153;using my platform to advocate for prisoners and making sure that while they are serving their time, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not treated unfairly.â&#x20AC;?

The lawmaker-elect is an Associate with Ciresi Conlin LLP. She practices in general civil litigation and medical malpractice. She also has experience in class action lawsuits. Her experienced earned her a selection as part

Esther

of a team that settled with the Minnesota Department of Corrections to allow prisoners who qualify access to potentially life-saving Hepatitis C medication. Minnesota Lawyer recognised her for this work when naming Esther, a 2019 Attorney of the Year.

Before she began her law practice in Minnesota, Esther attended Harvard Law School. While in Harvard, Agbaje distinguished herself as a defender of tenants. The opportunity came when she became a student attorney and in a period of two years, she relied on the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau to fight for the right of students. Through this experience, Esther developed a passion for housing justice after seeing many of her clients living in unsafe or unhealthy buildings or paying rents they could barely afford. Interestingly, she has continued to support tenants by volunteering with the Volunteer Lawyers Network Housing Court Project in Hennepin County.

Before she embarked on law practice, Esther had a stint as a Foreign Affairs Officer with the U.S. Department of State, where she managed rule of law projects in the Middle East focusing on Egypt and the Gulf states.

She also facilitated exchange and scholarship projects for judges, lawyers, journalists, and students between the region and the U.S. In this role, she learned how to manage varied stakeholders while pursuing programs

I have always had a focus on public service, always a desire to make sure that Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m using my skills and talents to help people and to make the community around me a little bit better.â&#x20AC;?....â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think a lot of it is due to remaining vestiges of segregation and institutional racism,â&#x20AC;?

Agbaje said, which persists even though â&#x20AC;&#x153;we have all of these institutions that are meant to be progressive and support the people of Minnesota.â&#x20AC;?To counter issues including vastly lower Black home ownership rates, poverty rates, and high school graduation rates, Agbaje plans to support bills to change the income eligibility to qualify for current subsidized housing options and build more affordable housing. Agbaje is also interested in prison reform, a set of issues she became aware of during her successful lawsuit that forced the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Department of Corrections to provide incarcerated people infected with Hepatitis C with antiviral medication in 2019 that focused on outcomes. Her work emphasised how the government can be a supportive partner to advocates and community members looking to build their own future.

At the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in Public Administration, Esther worked with local government offices to develop their performance management systems. These systems helped to better track and report on the impact and outcomes of city programs. Additionally, Esther developed indicators for recreation centres and homeless shelter programs in the City of Philadelphia. She also presented a research project on best practices in city management to advance the goal of creating healthy and sustainable communities.

At the George Washington University, where she studied Political Science, Esther was active in mentoring incoming students and advocating for labour rights in different internships. Upon graduation, she received the Thomas R. Pickering Graduate Foreign Affairs Fellowship, which led to her career at the State Department.

As a new legislator representing the city where George Floyd was killed by police, Agbaje has also joined the call to divest from the police department and invest in social support work.

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

37

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Osonuga Bags Gold Role Model Award

L-R: The Auditor, Amber Energy Drink Ltd. Mr. Adeyemi Adefemi; the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Accountant, Mr. Wale Amusiru; Past President, Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) and Chief Executive OďŹ&#x192;cer of Ladybird Ltd., Mrs. Olubunmi Oke; the Assistant Head of Sales, Korode Omole; and the Loan OďŹ&#x192;cer of the Company, Mr. William Otum, as the former AAAN president presents the Outstanding Product Launch of the Year award to Amber, during Marketing Edgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Brands and Advertising Excellence awards, held in Lagosâ&#x20AC;Ś recently

CITN Charts Path to EďŹ&#x20AC;ective Tax System The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, has charged government to enhance tax paymen by building citizensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; trust through transparency and openness.

President of CITN, Dame Olajumoke Simplice, stated this at the instituteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Annual International Academic Conference on Taxation that was held in collaboration with Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, recently.

According to the CITN president, developing countries, including Nigeria, have suffered stunted development as a result of weak tax system which is being fuelled by breached social contract between government and the governed.

Speaking further on the theme of the conference, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Taxation, Social Contract and Economic Developmentâ&#x20AC;?, Simplice stated that the small percentage of Nigerians currently in the tax net could further threaten the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prospects and competitiveness in the global space.

She said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sustainable and adequate revenue mobilisation is a function of an effective tax system. In the same vein, there cannot be

an effective tax system if the social contract is observed in breach by either party. Sadly, this is the case with developing nations of the world, Nigeria inclusive. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the citizenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s part, the level of tax compliance is abysmally low such that revenues from taxation cannot fund development projects.

From available data from the Joint Tax Board, just about 13% of our population are in the tax net. This is not encouraging for any nation that desires to achieve development in the foreseeable future. If we could ramp up the number of active taxpayers across all sectors, the recurring budget deficits and tendency to borrow to fund the budget will be adequately addressed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On the governance side, there is a glaring trust deficit between the citizens and the government. They do not trust that the government would channel tax revenues for its intended purpose. The reason for this is not far-fetched. We have seen a consistent failure by successive governments in transparently accounting for revenues and executing programmes and projects that impact on the

standard of living of the people.

As a way out, Simplice urged all players involved in social contract to play their part committedly to enable economic development in the country.

Also speaking, Chairman, Conference Organising Committee, Prof. Isa Kabiru Dandago, stated that the conference, which is in its 3rd year, is one of the initiatives of CITN to support members and non-members, especially those in the academic, to excel in the area of research and publication as they contribute to knowledge in the field of taxation and other related disciplines.

Chairman, Annual International Academic Conference Committee, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun also pointed out that the three-day conference would expose participants, host community, the nation and global society to trends and knowledge in taxation and related fields, as well as create nexus for policymakers.

According to Oyedokun, the institute received over 100 abstracts from which those that scaled through review process were accepted for presentation at the conference.

The leadership of Nigeria Youth Advocacy For Good Governance Initiative (NYAGGI) paid Dr. Freeman Osonuga a courtesy visit at his office, Adloyalty Business Network, and bestowed him a Gold Role Model Award.

NYAGGI is an umbrella body of youth organizations that have been in the Vanguard for equity, unity, peace, justice, and quantitative public service in Nigeria. NYAGGI recently has engaged in peace Advocacy, education career guidance, leadership training, student empowerment/ youth enlightenment among others with the working relationship of both local and international organizations home and abroad.

NYAGGI compliments efforts of personalities and institutions that have contributed unanimously to Youth empowerment, community development, and nation-building at large. NYAGGI is a veritable vehicle to drive excellence, credibility, hard work, diligence to all sectors.

The award-giving event was attended by core members/ delegates of NYAGGI namely Comr Alabi Akeem Abiodun, the National Coordinator, Comr Esther Paul, the Treasurer, Comr Alo Jasmine, Director of Gender and Comr Yinka Clement, Director of the program, Staff of Adloyalty Business Network and a few friends.

The National Coordinator, Comr Alabi Akeem Abiodun in his speech stated thus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Dr. Freeman Olamide Osonuga is one of the few men of God that fit into this description a Father, mentor, leader, role model, philanthropist, pathfinder, lover of truth, hope for the hopeless, epitome, a beacon of a rear gem, space setter, bridge builder, a walking encyclopedia for the Nigerian youth to emulateâ&#x20AC;?.

P+ Measurement Marks Five Years of Operations in Nigeria Independent Public Relations measurement and evaluation agency, P+ Measurement Services, has marked its fifth year in business, just as it vowed to improve on its delivery.

The agency boasts expertise in media monitoring, PR measurement and audit, CEO media performance and advisory and has offered services to over 45 brands and 15 Public Relations agencies in its five years of operation in Nigeria.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Insights Officer, Philip Odiakose, stated that the firm had, in terms of performance, delivered beyond expectation within five years of operations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every client media data has a story to tell and it depends on how strategic you are in flogging the data to yield meaningful results. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Measurement and Evaluation report is in-depth, robust and flexible to accommodate valid metrics that brands desire to see reflected in their reports, and it is also based on the AMEC Standard in accordance with the Barcelona Principle 3.0. We deploy media content analysis methodology for media evaluation and analysis based on qualitative and quantitative metrics in analysing media exposure.â&#x20AC;?

On the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio, the Chief Operating Officer, Olufunke Mohammed, points out that P+ understands the value of valid PR metrics to its clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; mediaperformance audit report.

Since inception, the agency has been able to provide media monitoring, measurement, evaluation and performance audit services for brands, agencies and government bodies across all sectors.

Amber Wins Marketing Edgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coca-Cola Launches Product Launch Award Christmas Campaign Amber Energy Drink, a premium energy drink from the stable of Amber Drinks Limited has won the prestigious MARKETING EDGE Excellence Award. Amber emerged winner in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Product launch of the Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; category at the high-octane event held recently at the Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Podium international event centre on Aromire Avenue, Lagos. For the management team of the energy drink, it was indeed a memorable occasion as the Amber brand shone brilliantly like the Northern star when they stepped out to receive the award.

Amber was launched at an exclusive virtual media event July this year due to the prevalence of the covid-19 global pandemic and other attendant government protocols. The energy drink brand was heralded into the competitive Nigerian energy drinks market with a 360 degree Integrated marketing communications support. The unique and innovative launch of the product with the deployment of avant-garde publicity and top of the mind awareness creation jolted the market which had hitherto remained quiet and dull due to the pandemic fall-out.

Barely a month after, the new Amber Energy Drink began gaining traction, driving sales in the

Nigerian burgeoning Energy Drinks market with the product rapidly penetrating major stores and trade outlets in Lagos State.

Demonstrating its resolve to be different and stands out of the pack, Amber Energy Drink within 3 months of market entrance launched a major Corporate Social Responsibility initiative through Amber Free Bus Ride project.

The Amber Free Bus Ride project was a major charity project the brand initiated to allow commuters in Lagos metropolis enjoy free BRT bus rides to their destinations for three months. It was one unique effort that resonated quickly with the Lagos state residents many of whom became early converts to the premium energy drink.

As if this was not enough, the energy drink brand began an ambitious empowerment programme where over one thousand Nigerians have been assisted to become their own bosses by starting their own enterprises.

The empowerment programme which continues to record huge successes with more participants have been providing Nigerians the opportunity to own and grow their businesses through soft loans and business support initiatives.

Beverage firm, Coca-Cola, has unveiled its Christmas marketing campaign, tagged, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;The Letterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

The campaign is asking consumers to â&#x20AC;&#x153;give something only you can give â&#x20AC;&#x201C; yourselfâ&#x20AC;? this Christmas and encourages people to be truly present with each other.

The new campaign marks 100 years since Coca-Cola created its first festive activity and builds on its association with the festive period.

The ad, created by Wieden+Kennedy London, begins with a father preparing to leave home to go to work. As he is about to leave, his daughter hands him a carefully written letter to Santa, asking him to post it on his way. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Busy at work, we see him realise he has forgotten to post the letter. And so he goes on a mission to ensure it is safely delivered to Santa ahead of Christmas that includes travelling

across seas and through jungles before reaching the North Poleâ&#x20AC;?.

Coca-Cola Great Britain Marketing Director, Kris Robbens says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This year, the Christmas season is set to be more meaningful than ever before. As a company, Coca-Cola has been celebrating the festive season through our advertising since the 1920s, featuring uplifting messages of unity and joy. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our new advert reflects the real magic of Christmas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our greater appreciation for loved ones, a sense of community and our need to be present with each other this Christmas, above all else.â&#x20AC;? The ad will run from December in Great Britain. It is also being shown globally in 91 of Coca-Colaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s markets.

As part of its festive campaign, Coca-Cola is also relaunching its cinnamon flavour in time for Christmas.

38

Ë&#x153; Ëž NOVEMBER 14, 2020

FAJ/JOE

THEFRONTLINES

The Rage in Calabar, Referendum on Ayade?

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

A

s a journalist, sometimes it is very diffi fficult for me to comment on events unraveling in my home state. The reasons for this mindset are multiple. I have chosen to tow this path maa jorly because few people believe that you can not genuinely ventilate your views without anyone egging or paying you to do so.

Thus, if an article is written and it turns out to be critical of the government of the day: you have been hired by the opposition and so on and so forth. These people forget that the media have that watchdog role to play in guiding our elected and career officials who suprintend over our collective commonwealth to always do the right things that would benefit the general good rather than their personal interests.

In the aftermath of the avoidable rage that brought the good Old Calabar to its knees leaving huge ruins behind, I opted to take my time and gauge public opinion on what just befell our dear state capital that we all so treasured.

Well, while Calabar is the ancestral home to the Efiks, I remember Calabar with great nostalgia and deep reflection about a city that is a melting pot and home to all. Therefore, I can not imagine what may have gone wrong to provoke such unprecedented rage that has set the state back by so many years.

After the war, Calabar was lucky to have a military adminn istrator in the person of Col. U. J Esuene. It is to his credit that a lot of infrastructural development that would later shape the future of Calaba were built. Succeeding military regimes lead by Ibim Princewill, Ernest Kizito Attah and others equally played their rightful parts according to their capacities.

However, it was in 1999, following the return to civil rule after several years of military rule that things started turning for good for the state. The election of Mr. Donald Duke as governor marked a turning point in the fortunes of the state. Duke, young, dashing and a man of ideas embraced the task before him with all amount of seriousness. From his choice of cabinet members to his style of governance including his work ethics, he left none in doubt that he was a man on a mission.

And with a formidable team of tested technocrats including a mix of some from the academia, private and public sectors, he was able to guide them to interpret his vision of a new Cross River state driven by commerce, tourism, agriculture and hope.

The legacies of eight years of thoughtful governance are quite manifest in the state. Evidently, Calabar and indeed Cross River state became a destination courtesy of Calabar Carnival. Tinapa

Business and Leisure Resort in spite of the setbacks, remains one of the most iconic and breathtaking investments ever to be attempted by a state almost placed as the least in the monthly FAAC allocation.

His successor, Liyel Imoke also a thorough bred technocrat in his own right steered the state for another eight years impacting rural roads, education with emphasis on human capital developp ment before capping it with an international conference Centre called the Summit Hill.

With these structures in place, it was therefore expected that the incoming administration of Governor Ben Ayade would simply plug in and hit the ground running. Right from his campaign trail leading up to his inauguration in 2015, Ayade gave all that cared to listen the impression that he was in sync and understood the state and what needed to be done.

Five years on, the jury is out. The attack on Calabar was without doubt a referendum on Ayade and his administration.

In the history of the state, there has never been any form of destruction of private and public properties the magnitude of which took place in Calabar under the watch of a sitting governor. After the dust from the rage had settled, I admitted that there was something fundamentally wrong with the state and that thing is not the people but the person on whose table the buck stops.

Governor Ayade is a very emotional man, at least that is how he portrays himself to be as can be seen severally in different fora where he openly sheds tears obviously for the love of his people. As a man who loves his people, it follows that the governor should care for his people providing and caring for them as part of the social contract.

If that was the case, how come warehouses full of palliatives donated by good spirited people and organisations were hoarded and shielded far away from the reach of hungry people who were already impoverished by the effects of COVID-19?

What manner of hypocritical tears is he always shedding to profess love for the same people whom he would prefer they starve to death while palliatives brought to cushion their sufferings and hunger are allowed to rot away in warehouses?

Is this not greed and wickedness of unimaginable proportion?

It is my strong view that Ayade should take full responsii bilities for the misfortune that visited Calabar because of his indiscretion.

For whatever reason, the governor failed to seize the moment by siding with the people in such a testy time as the pandemic.

Worse still, he did not buy these foodstuff, his only job was only

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

to distribute to the people and he chose to hoard them instead of making the people happy. Later he would be tearing up: Crocodile tears indeed.

The governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complicity should also be shared with the Cacovid palliatives committee too. It has to come clean and bring closure to certain questions: for instance why did it not publish or made public the quantity of palliatives accruing to each state, date of delivery and also publicly handed over the palliatives to the governor or his representative in a public ceremony witness by citizens of the state?

However, because that was not done, it opened a window of opportunity for rogue government officials to convert what should be for the people to their private use. Had these palliatives been publicly handed over to the states, no one would have hidden them and distribution would have began immediately and transparently and the violence and destruction that followed would have been avoided.

Why was there so much venom vented on Calabar? The immediate cause of the rage is attributed to the hoarding of palliatives by the Ayade administration in the face of biting hunger and suffering occasioned by the pandemic. However, the remote causes of the rage were largely because of his lack of transparency, dilapidated infrastructure, entrenchment of cronyism, break down of law and order, insecurity and hunger and suffering in the land.

Above all, the people have lost confidence and trust in the Ayadeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s administration. People are angry at his style of leaderr ship which is wrapped firmly around himself and members of his family. Those who know say that Ayade surrounds himself with his brothers, sisters, inlaws and relatives, these group form the crux of the Ayade administration. They enjoy government patronage, ride big cars, usurp government land like they did in Waterboard, build mansions on land belonging to government and for which they may have gotten either for free or paid peanuts.

He is accused of running an opaque government with almost zero per cent accountability. Ayade is accused of running the state as a sole proprietorship in which his brothers, sisters and relatives are stakeholders and he holds the finances of the state in a vice grip and dispensing favors only to those who do his biddings.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Nigeria Under Siege:Matters : Miscellaneous

COUNTERPOINT

W

FEMI

hen suffused with a barrage of clearly annoying and irrelevant scenarios... yet each obnoxious matter has the unusual tendency to deflect from common sense; to sabotage progressive movements; to dilute otherwise sensible and impactful programmes, the writer finds himself in a quandary.

Faced with tens of issues chasing after one another in the public space of discussions and fake news, how is the writer ever going to speak sense into the conundrum?

Well, one can only suggest that the best approach is the idea that our dilemma may be helped by making a valiant effort at subjecting the unwieldy happenstances of our nation to some sort of pacy grab-and-dash rollercoaster - yak and wag at as many as you can squeeze into an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;edibleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; format, and as quickly as possible - before another inglorious set cascades!

You may be excused if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re confused about the body â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;languagesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; of the Nigerian Presidency in its battle or panaa cea to douse the rising restiveness amongst the mammoth Nigerian youngsters. In one breath, the president would implore traditional rulers and relevant community leaders to help his administration reach deep into the core of the angry and demoralized youth within their areas of infl nfluence; and calm them down by allowing his administration a little wiggle room to deliver on his promises.

Then, in another breath, one of the presidential spokespersons would threaten reprisal and prosecution against so-called promoters and encouragers of the EndSARS protests which snowballed into humongous destructions and economic disruptions nationwide. We may add that these same persons fi fingered with insinuations of aiding and abettting insurrections or terrorism are also members of the youth â&#x20AC;&#x153;ghengâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. But that is not the end of the flipfl -flops. According to media reports, the day the tragic drama of Lekki Tollgate was enacted by Nigerian soldiers with yet unclear rules of engagement, the clearly stimulated apex banking institution, the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN also approached the Nigerian judiciary, seeking an order to freeze accounts of young entrepreneurs suspected of funding and agitating the embers and vitriol of the EndSARS street protests!

We have also read reports of the suspension of the Lagos panel of inquiry into this same matter, on the strength of alleged accounts freezing of one of the two youth representaa tives... Do you need a reminder that this is the same panel the president enthusiastically encouraged be set up, in all the affected states, to urgently and thoroughly look into the grievances and agitations of the young folks?

It is therefore easy to conclude, without asserting, that this government is not unanimous in its vaunted promise to heal the wounds, right the wrongs, and provide accelerated development and opportunities for youth engagement and mobilisation.

We can do so much better when we take cognizance of the patriotic and non-threatening but emphatic protestations of our young ones at the onset of the campaigns... before agenda-scuttlers and other dubious elements infi nfiltrated their ranks, and wantonly exploited their naivety.

We believe it will serve the nation well, when we calmly gauge the level of suppressed anguish, repressed inequities and age-long crusts of institutional corruption and barefaced thievery that have squeezed the future of tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaders, for decades...and respond with a mindset that reverses the current track where insensitive, misdirected and mindless retributions and persecutions dictate state actorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; actions and vituperation.

Two wrongs, goes the tired cliche, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make right...but, were the young ones even wrong, ab initio?

What Makes A Man Out Of You - 4 My wife was a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;delightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; to beholdâ&#x20AC;Śshe was calmâ&#x20AC;Ś meditativeâ&#x20AC;ŚI was not that into God, so I cannot recollect saying any prayers. I just presumed all would be well. Then, we waited. She pushed. We waited. She pushed. We all encouraged her in diverse mannersâ&#x20AC;Ś and she pushed the more. Then more water cameâ&#x20AC;Ś I was mesmerizedâ&#x20AC;Śa little queasy at the amount of watery substance passing out of her. So much â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;liquidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; from one sourceâ&#x20AC;Ślike an endless gale of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pissâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;.

Then, I saw it! The head. First, it looked like a black swellingâ&#x20AC;Śthreatening to burst the openingâ&#x20AC;Ś.the mother continued to push â&#x20AC;ŚI gripped my loins imagining the hellish pain of getting the huge bulb out of the way, and ease the obviously excruciating pain. Something strange.

Even as my wifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face contorted in anguish of the ongoing palaver, she remained under â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;controlled combustionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. It was amazing. I could see the bemused look of admiration from the â&#x20AC;&#x153;blood-weariedâ&#x20AC;? nurses. As they looked encouragingly at my observatoryâ&#x20AC;Ś. I held a permanent grimace with my hands folded in death-grip-like position in between my laps.

I was not bleeding, but I could â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;feelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; blood escaping from my body.

We were in this â&#x20AC;&#x153;push-me-I-push-youâ&#x20AC;? bloody tango for agesâ&#x20AC;Ś and the babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s head remained a stubborn â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;log in the eyeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. I could not imagine a large child coming out from a woman that petit. I started sweating. Then, I remembered to prayâ&#x20AC;Ś of course, I did not remember that I had not attended

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

church for several weeks before that dayâ&#x20AC;ŚI still asked God to intervene, and deliver my wife and daughter safely.

About an eternity later, (I was told we had the shortest delivery in a long while, less than an hour), the baby simply popped outâ&#x20AC;Śwell-formedâ&#x20AC;Ś a tiny howlerâ&#x20AC;Ś with a face made after my heart. I stopped sweating, and started dancingâ&#x20AC;Śuntil the doctor shut me up with a warning look.

Then, a fl flush of dirty looking stuff came out after the exit of the baby, along with the umbilical cordâ&#x20AC;Ś I watched in amazement as some of the stuff I learnt in secondary school biology class confronted me in all its slimy gloryâ&#x20AC;ŚI was stunnedâ&#x20AC;Śthat anyone could remain alive after such a sapping ordeal. She looked up at me wanly; I squeezed her â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;apparitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, confi nfirming she was still all blood and fleshâ&#x20AC;Ś. fl The nurses were unanimous in their praise of the newly minted mother for her silent strength.

Whaohâ&#x20AC;Ś I witnessed one of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing succession spectacles. By the time we were due for the second delivery about four years after, I was already a veteran labour room observer. This time, it was even a greater spectacle, as the children came barely two hours after each other. Their conception, the waiting and birth will take a full chapter or more.

So, what is the meaning of all these? When a man summons the nerves to watch, open-eyed, the birthing of his offspring, he will fully understand why this â&#x20AC;&#x153;weaker vesselâ&#x20AC;? is actually more powerful, and should be honoured, pampered, celebrated, cherished, understood, embracedâ&#x20AC;Ś.

The man should fi find it impossible to raise his hands against her; rubbish or undermine her in public or privacy; turn her to an unloved object of his sexual fantasiesâ&#x20AC;Ś. He should find ways to compensate her for the indescribable sacriifices fi and losses she â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;suffersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; anytime she enters the labour room.

The holy book tells us grimly: no greater love than for a man to lay down his life for his friendsâ&#x20AC;Ś.that is what the woman does for her man when she goes into that labour room. She is laying her life on the knife edge to give you a child that will bear your own name! Short of worshipping her, the real man will pay that woman the necessary and constant â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;obeisanceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. She is what makes you a man. Truly.

(The End)

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž 14, 2020

SPORTS XTRA AFCON Qualifiers

Super Eagles Squander Four-goal Lead against Sierra Leone

T

heSuperEagles of Nigeria yesterday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, threw away a four-goal lead as they allowed Sierra Leone to fight

back to draw 4-4 in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Super Eagles were coasting towards a third win from three in Group L after racing to a 4-0 lead inside the first half hour of the match.

Everton forward Alex

Iwobi scored twice, with his first goal coming in the fourth minute.

Napoliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Victor Osimhen found the net after 21 minutes on his return to Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team.

Osimhen then set up Iwobi who got his second goal six

minutes later and Villarealâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Samuel Chukwueze added a fourth, with another assist from Osimhen.

While many Nigerians were beginning to dream of an unprecedented score line, Sierra Leone began their stunning fightback as Kwame

Anxious moment during the Super Eagles of Nigeria versus Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Edo State yesterday

Amuneke Still Dreaming of Coaching European Club Former Super Eagles winger Emmanuel Amuneke says he wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give up on his dream of coaching in Europe.

The 1994 CAF African Footballer of the Year is currently jobless after leaving Egyptian Premier League club Misr Lel Makkasa SC in March 2020 where he was the head coach.

Amuneke made headlines on the African continent after guiding Tanzania to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals for the first time since last year after last playing in the competition in1980, but he was fired after the team underperformed in the finals in Egypt. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s frustrating and disappointing that despite playing here and undergoing your coaching training in Spain, Africans are never considered for a job in the country,â&#x20AC;? Amuneke told BBC

Sport Africa. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I returned to Spain after winning the Under-17 World Cup and applied for jobs in the Spanish Leagues, but I was overlooked and not even shortlisted for interviews. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A second division side in Spain showed strong interest through an agent, but despite my experience of playing in Spain, undertaking my coaching trainings here and winning the World Cup, it was not enough for them to put their trust in me.â&#x20AC;?

Amuneke had successful playing career in Europe where he turned out for Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon and Spanish football powerhouse FC Barcelona in the 1990s. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not discouraged about this situation. I will continue to make myself

available for any opportunities that may come or any vacant jobs that are open because Spain is where my family lives,â&#x20AC;? he continued. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can only keep knocking on different doors politely with a positive mind-set that one day they will open it for you. â&#x20AC;&#x153;No one should feel entitled to any job or seek a tokenism role, but instead continue to seek an equal opportunity like other managers.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;You never know, the next job might be in the Spanish league or elsewhere. I am happy with what I have achieved and what I am doing,â&#x20AC;? the 49-year-old tactician added. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I can only continue to stay optimistic and hopefully the objective to manage in Spain will be achieved.â&#x20AC;?

Chicago Fire Sign 20-year-old Nigerian Striker Offor The Chigago Fire have signed 20-yearold Nigerian striker Chinonso Offor via transfer from Latvian first division team FK Rgas Futbola Skola, the club announced yesterday.

The deal runs through the 2023 season, with a club option for 2024.

In his time in the Latvian first division, Offor scored 16 goals and added seven assists in 40 games across all competitions. He made one appearance in the UEFAEuropa League, playing against FK Partizan from Serbia on August 27.

Offor began his pro career in 2019 with

BFC Daugavpils, where he scored 10 goals in 23 appearances.

Since joining FK Rigas Futbola Skola on July 19, he scored six times.

Offor will occupy an international slot on the Fireâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2021 roster. He is the 13th player on the clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roster age 23 or younger.

World Welterweight Championship Bout Live on StarTimes Today

Boxing fans are in for a big fight treat as Terence Crawford comes against Kell Brook in the World Welterweight Championship bout.

The bout will air live on StarTimes on today at 4pm on Sports Arena Channel available to basic, smart, classic and super bouquet subscribers.

Breaking a hiatus of almost a year, WBO welterweight champion Crawford will return to action against Brook on this evening.

Crawford is currently positioning himself as the favourite in the contest but Brook will be a tough test.

Both Brook and Crawford are lethal punchers. That said, they will need to

time one perfect shot to seal the day.

The man to land the bigger one first can seemingly bag the win.Thewelterweight thriller is all set to provide fireworks.

Crawford (36-0) will bring his best game against Brook and will look to maintain his undefeated pro record. Meanwhile, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Special Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; can also be a threat to him.

Crawford, the deadly southpaw, has been in the ring with several elites and has huge experience. He has surpassed all his adversaries and is one of the best in the trade. However, boxing is a sweet science where anything can happen.

The WBO champ will hunt for a Knock Out but he might also look comfortable going to the distance. If Brook comes with

the answer to his shots, Crawford will have to be ready for a long night.

Brook is also a knockout specialist.

Akin to Crawford, he has 27 knockout wins under his name. However, he still needs to prove his capabilities against world-class elites.

After losing to Errol Spence Jr. and Gennady Golovkin, Brook needs to prove his worth against Crawford. Being an orthodox boxer, he might not be the aggressor from the very first round.

Meanwhile, if he lands the big one, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Special Kâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; can become the new WBO welterweight champion. Amid all the speculations and analysis, it will be a fan-favourite fight.

Quee grabbed what looked to be a consolation goal just before half-time.

In the second half, substitutes Al-Hadji Kamara and Mustapha Bundu turned the tables as the duo combined to get the three goals that saw the Leone Stars force a 4-4 draw.

Kamara added a second for the visitors after 72 minutes to make it 4-2 and Bundu added a third for Sierra Leone to make it 4-3 with 10 minutes remaining.

Nigeria were left stunned as Kamara completed an astonishing performance by his team with an equaliser four minutes from time.

While the draw by Nigeria was bad in itself, a nasty injury by Osimhen makes it even worse for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria remain top of their group on seven points - with Sierra Leone third, five points adrift. Second placed Benin play bottom side Lesotho today.

Gernot Rohrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men however have a chance to redeem themselves in Tuesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s second leg tie in Freetown while the Leone Stars are also motivated to go for the kill against the star-studded Nigerian team

in their home pitch.

Addressing the Eagles after the game, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick charged the players to put the disappointment behind them and be ready to give their all and redeem their image in Freetown on Tuesday.

Team captain Ahmed Musa, who was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho in the 71st minute while the Eagles still led 4-1, apologised to Nigerians for the poor ending to the encounter: â&#x20AC;&#x153;This has been a real shocker. I want to, on behalf of the entire team, apologise to the generality of Nigerians for this poor result. We will go to Freetown and do the needful.â&#x20AC;?

NFF President Pinnick has also summoned a meeting with the technical crew of the team for Saturday morning.

Also yesterday, Niger beat Ethiopia 1-0 in Niamey thanks to a second half Youssef Oumarou penalty.

Niger and Ethiopia are both on three points in Group K behind the top two, Ivory Coast and Madagascar, who are both on six points.

The Africa Cup of Nations finals will be played in Cameroon in 2022.

G ov Wi k e P r e - s e a s o n M e e t

SemiďŹ nalists Emerge as Rivers Battle MFM for Final Spot The semifinalists of the ongoing Governor Wike Pre-season Championship emerged yesterday with Lobi Stars taking the final spot after a 1-0 defeat of giant killers of the tournament, Ottasolo.

Going into the final group game, the two teams had the opportunity of qualifying to the semifinal but a first half goal by Abdulwasiu Mamud was enough to put Lobi at the top of their group with 10 points from four games.

Ottasolo had several opportunities to secure the equalizer but their opponent was able to edge out the game.

Speaking with our correspondent, Lobi Stars coach, Kabiru Dogo, revealed that despite the results recorded so far, his team was work in progress.

Dogo heaped praises on the Pre-season Championship while thanking the organisers for giving him the opportunity to access his team. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My team is yet to complete,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is our first pre-season and the first real test for the team, we are still trying to test all the players and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we have been trying out several of them. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The standard of the championship is high. There is no small team; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s as if we are playing the league. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real test for all the teams but still not enough and we are going to try and get more matches before the start of the season.â&#x20AC;?

Lobi Stars will take on Bayelsa United in the first semifinal while the host, Rivers United trade tackles with MFM of Lagos in the second semifinal.

Nonso, Quardri for CBN Tennis Finals

CBN Tennis women top seed and defending Champion, Oyinlomo Quadri, yesterday proved that she was not in a hurry to relinquish her title when she defeated former two-time champion Sarah Adegoke, 6-4, 6-2 in one of the semi-final matches of the womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles category to cruise into the final.

Wild card entrant and US based Marylove Edwards, another upcoming Junior player proved book makers wrong when she retired seed 8, Osariemen Airhunmwunde 3-0 in the first set of their best of three sets encounter to come face to face with the defending champion, Oyinlomo Quardri.

It was also an action packed semi-finals in the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles category where Nonso Madueke, relied on experience to survive the stiff challenge of 7th seed, Musa Mohammed, whom he defeated 6-4, 6-2. Mohammed had on Thursday humbled the menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s singles top seed and defending champion, Emmanuel Sylvester in the quarter-final stage.

Meanwhile, last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s semi-finalist and tournamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2nd seed, Joseph Imeh, came from a set down to beat 6th seed, Uche Oparaoji, 4-6, 7-6, 6-3 in the second semi-finals to set up a final clash with Madueke tomorrow.

Saturday, November 14, 2020

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Shehu Sani to Northern Governors “It’s unfortunate and tragic that governors from a region that is facing a serious security threat in terms of banditry, kidnapping, insurgency and violence have decided to prioritise the issue of social media over issues affecting the lives of their people” – Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate, chiding northern governors debating social media censorship.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

And Papa J (Jerry Rawlings) Left Without Saying Goodbye

F

ellow Africans, it is with sadness that I write this special tribute. The elephant has falling, one of Africa’s greatest revolutionary leaders, Jerry John Rawlings, has departed this world, on a journey without return. I’m totally stunned.

There is nothing more terribly devastating and stupidly frustrating than the finality of death. I had tried endlessly to speak to former President Jerry John Rawlings barely three weeks ago during the funeral of his mum but couldn’t reach him.

I’m glad Ovation International was with him everywhere. Perhaps, it would have provided some cold comfort for me if we got to speak, a kind of farewell. So sad.

The news had sneaked in like a thief in the night but it still came with a thunderous bang. My young Ghanaian mentee, Ian Okudzeto, had call me two days ago and he started with his usual pleasantries and niceties. I did not and could not have anticipated the satanic news he was about to deliver in the next few seconds. As calm and cool as the cucumber, Ian dropped the bombshell, as quietly as possible. “Chief Chief, I have bad news o, Papa J is dead!” I froze momentarily.

God knows my brains shut down instantly. I couldn’t comprehend the mumbo jumbo I was hearing. “Who’s Papa J?” I thundered back in a combination of temporary ignorance and attendant frustration. “Papa J is Jerry Rawlings, your Junior Jesus!” True, I was fond of calling him JunioJunior Jesus because of the Messianic roles he played in Ghana. Not everyone accorded him that honour.

In fact, his critics called him Junior Judas. He accepted both monikers with equanimity. Oh, how can Rawlings die, I soliloquised! I didn’t wait long enough before I fired another shot.

“Papa J cannot die, at least not yet,” I fantasized.

“Pls, double check the news and call me back. I too will check my impeccable sources...”

The news was too cruel to be a joke. I knew the former President John Dramani Mahama was busy campaigning in some parts of the Ashanti Region, so it would be difficult to get his attention.

I called a good friend of mine, Ms Rosemond Gasu, a diehard member of NDC, a political party that was founded by Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings. I’ve always found her very serious, reliable and well-informed. She confirmed my worst fears in a jiffy. “Papa J is gone!” It seemed everyone had gone crazy and spewing profanities, I thought internally. But it soon dawned on me that I was the one living in denial. These were Ghanaians right there in Accra while I was here in Lagos arguing with them. Ian soon called back to confirm the same story.

Meanwhile, my lines suddenly became excessively busy with every caller, mainly Nigerian journalists, wanting me to confirm the story. I also called my photographer in Accra to head straight to the home of Papa J and send me reports from there. I suspended all other stories on Thursday, November 12, 2020, and tapped into my very extensive photo library to fish out the amazing moments Papa J shared with the Ovation International magazine at different times. I doubt if any publication ever got Jerry Rawlings and his adorable wife, Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, to talk the way they did to us in their Accra home and country home in the Volta Region of Ghana. We also managed to capture their romantic moments for our lenses.

Those pictures have become priceless today.

Jerry Rawlings had spoken to our team for a total of 18 hours, covering five tedious days, but it was worth all the trouble. This was in 2004, some 16 years ago. And we became a family.

He trusted with classified and we never abused the privilege. For us, off record was off record, nothing to be divulged. By 2007, there was never anytime I requested the former President to attend

The last public appearance of Jerry Rawlings at Mum’s funeral on October 24, 2020 an event that he declined except it clashed with prior appointments. For example, I invited him to Lagos, Nigeria, on behalf of the Gov’nor of the Niteshift Coliseum, Mr Ken Calebs-Olumese, and Rawlings flew with me with his entire family, (Nana Konadu, Ezanator, Amina, Kimathi and Yaa Asantewa) a record-breaker according to him, and it demonstrated his special love and admiration for Nigeria and Nigerians. His wife spoke glowingly of certain prominent Nigerian families that supported them after they quit power and they were facing the vicissitudes of life. Rawlings, during that trip, accepted our invitation to join the then Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, for lunch at the Marina State House.

Jerry Rawlings was the first African leader to be inducted into the Ovation International Hall of Fame. The ceremony was attended by his wife Nana Konadu who received the award on his behalf.

He had attended the Ovation Red Carol the year before in Accra and enjoyed himself thoroughly.

Rawlings had agreed to present our Cheque to the Kofi Awoonor Poetry Competition committee from the University of Ghana, headed by Professor Kofi Anyidoho, which I had endowed in memory of Professor Kofi Awoonor who was gunned down by terrorists in Nairobi, Kenya. His death shook me so much as I was addicted to his novel, This Earth, My Brother, at the then University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). His son, Afetsi, was only lucky to escape alive with bullets stuck in his right shoulder. It was such a great and colourful night at the State House Banquet Hall, in Accra, made possible by the effervescent presence of Papa J. There were other occasions we met and he was always so nice to me.

He was such a man of great character and amazing energy. When we encountered him in 2004, the first thing he asked was “Do you have the staying power?” We thought he was joking until we spent 18 hours listening to his uncommon tales. The Rawlings that spoke to us was indeed a man of passion for his principles, for his flying and undoubtedly for his country.

He was a veritable example of a man of the people. He spoke with so much candor and was very down to earth. He had described himself to us as “a humble citizen of Ghana; a decent Ghanaian with a passion for justice and flying...”

And how did he develop his love for flying?

“I was about six years old. I remember very well.

Someone was distributing leaflets around where we were living in Adabraka. I was standing next to my mother outside that day and I saw that leaflet, they were calling for recruits.

“We were living in a house where you had other people, so one of the people there asked

me what I would like to do, this was a few days later and I was standing by my mother again and I told the gentleman I would like to be a pilot. My mum banged me hard on the back.

She said no way! You will be a scientist, you will be a Doctor. Those days being a Doctor was the in-thing. But that did not discourage me. I remember when I left school she had wanted me to continue and finish my O’levels but I had made up my mind to join the Airforce and felt I needed her permission so I bumped around for about a year. But she just won’t let me, so I had to move from her to my granny’s and later to my brother’s at Tema. Then one day I just saw the advertisement in the papers and I just went to join. I had a high recommendation.

From that day, when I saw a police car driving towards the headquarters where we were being trained, I would be scared, thinking that my mum had gone to report me and they were coming to arrest me. Fortunately all the time I spent there nothing of the sort happened. I spent six months at the Military Academy and the other one and half years in Takoradi “I had a few white instructors about three but the rest of them were Ghanaians, fantastic and very professional people. When we passed out, I won the speed bird trophy. I was being featured all over but those days we did not have television sets, but I was featured. My mother was invited but she did not turn up. I don’t know what she thought of it then, come to think of it I should probably ask her. My granny, who was my favorite among my older relations, was supportive. In fact she always wanted to have a taste of flying but time and circumstances did not allow it. I just took it for granted that she would always be there. But she died...”

Let me now fast forward to the question I’m sure you’re all dying to ask. How did Rawlings become a coupist? “I did not become a coupist.

(Pauses a while). What happened was a revolution.

You know we have but one life. Some of what we are seeing today are things that we have seen before. When you look at the youths today, you can see what appears to be hopelessness in their eyes, the future is bleak. I have seen soldiers very dispirited, being an officer in those days, we saw the extent and the depth of corruption not only in material terms but from the social point of view, they were just violating our own sensibilities and sensitivities.

“The spirit of the people was on the verge of being emasculated. Just to cite a few examples, the cost of living was horrible. People could hardly give three square meals to their children. I remember when I closed at work at 1.30 pm I will leave the station right at about 6.30-7.00pm because I could

not just bear what a lot of the people were going through with their families. I went to repair the station tractor and on Saturday when there was no work I would marshal them and we cleared a vast area between the Airforce area and Civil Aviation Airport. We then planted cassava there for them to feed their families. Can you imagine some of us officers who should be watching out for our men were treating this people in a manner that was not correct? Here was I as an O’level student and I knew some of the ranks were A‘level students and two years ahead of me who were now technicians...

“The cassava was ready for harvesting one day, the men had done the harvesting and cleared the place. I felt pretty good and asked how it went. The men then told me the story of how they had harvested it and almost a third of it was taken by a middle senior officer who had come in his car and told them to fill his booth. At that point, I did what they did not expect. I told them if any officer comes here again and asks you to fill his booth, you have my permission to burn the car. I was an ordinary officer. But the point is the dispiritedness in the Airforce then was the same all over the country...

“The point is when these terrible things are happening in the society and it is clearly a consequence of corruption then you are asking for trouble...

“That was exactly what was going on in the country in the face of all this arrogant behavior of those in leadership position, they had clearly become intoxicated with power. It was getting dangerous. I know you in Nigeria faced a similar situation. It is like you are commanded

by Generals, when the situations degenerate like that, people begin to look at the Generals to do something against who is in power. When it is not happening, the authority level of those we look up to begin to fall all the way down. I could not imagine that these people could not see these things that were so obvious and it was getting worse and worse, choking everybody.

The anger of the ranks was targeted on us all because we were ruled by the Army, Acheampong, the ranks would say you use the mess, so you were all enjoying. The hatred from the top was transmitted to some of us and if we do not take some initiative, and they exploded, I don’t know how many of us would have lived.

“Three years prior to 1979, I remember I used to warn my fellow officers that it was getting dangerous. Some of them were these Marxist, Leninist reading people who were so steeped in their theory that they could not see the corelationship between the thing they are reading in the book and the reality outside. And for some of them it was because they were involved in areas of activity where their stomachs were full, so they could not quite feel the pain like the ordinary person. The temperature was getting hotter and hotter. There were other painful experiences that I went through with colleagues. The government also at the time had destroyed the integrity of the commanding corps. The good ones had been compromised and those who would not allow themselves to be compromised had been posted out. You ended up having a situation that even if some of them wanted to make a move, it could not happen because the subordinates had lost respect in the officer corps. The situation was such that if an officer goes to a rank and said let’s move, he would probably shoot you first.

They had grown to hate us because they felt we were responsible for their woes...”

So, how did they make the move eventually?

Rawlings smiled before he answered. And he gave us the nitty gritty...

To be continued next week...

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