SATURDAY 10TH DECEMBER 2022

Emefiele to Banks: Proffer Solution to FX Shortage Challenges them to meet forex needs of customers without relying on govt Nume Ekeghe The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele yesterday admitted that there is shortage of foreign

exchange to meet genuine import needs of Nigerians and challenged the financial institutions in the country to proffer solution to the problem.

The CBN governor spoke

in Lagos at the 2022 Bankers’ Committee Retreat, with the theme, “Increasing the Productive Base of the Nigerian Economy and Non-Oil Export Revenues.”

He said: “We must in an

attempt to walk towards diversifying the nation's economy think about how we are less reliant on crude revenues. We are in the business of servicing our customers and servicing

customers also entails that they have import needs and they need foreign exchange to conduct their import activities.

“There is a clear shortage of foreign exchange today but yet

as bankers, we must meet the needs of our customers. The market is tight and I know we don't have a choice, we will have Continued on page 5

Military: Security Agencies Not Under Pressure to Scuttle 2023 Elections... Page 5 Saturday 10 December, 2022 Vol 27. No 10105

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WHO: Nigeria Accounted for 31% of Global Malaria Deaths in 2021

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Nigeria accounted for 31 per cent of malaria deaths recorded globally in 2021, the World Health Organisation L-R: Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; his Oyo State and Rivers State counterparts, Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike; as well as the Chairman, Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun, at the conferment of Honourary Doctorate Degrees on the governors by Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo State...yesterday

Continued on page 5

IPOB, Amotekun, Ebubeagu May Spark Election Violence, US Democracy Institutes Alert If the election is perceived to be illegitimate, IPOB/ESN could gain significant traction, and potentially become ‫ދ‬directly involved in post-election violence. The proliferation of informal security elements such as Amotekun in the Southwest and Ebubeagu in the South-east further complicates security and increases opportunities for election violence ‫ދ‬

Bennett Oghifo

Two United States-based Democracy institutions - the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and International Republican Institute (IRI) - have expressed concern about the activities of separatist groups and informal security outfits in the South-east and South-west of Nigeria, warning that they could be recipes for election violence in 2023.

An international delegation of the NDI and the IRI raised the alarm in Abuja yesterday while presenting its second joint preelection assessment statement on Nigeria’s approaching 2023 elections.

According to them, while the secessionist agitation by Indigenous Continued on page 5

CELEBRATING OONI… L-R: Wife of the Olu of Warri, Olori Ivie; His Majesty, Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ọjájá II); and three of his wives, Olori Mariam, Olori Temitope and Olori Tobi Phillips, during Ooni’s 7th coronation anniversary in Ile-Ife… yesterday

FG Targets Additional 30,000MW of Electricity By 2030... Page 5

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Military: Security Agencies Not Under Pressure to Scuttle 2023 Elections Bennett Oghifo The Military High Command has accused the media of twisting the recent 2023 general election comment of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, to convey a “sinister meaning.”

Irabor was at the State House briefing last Thursday, where it was widely reported that the CDS said the military and other security agencies were under pressure to compromise the 2023 general elections.

But the Defence Headquarters, in a statement yesterday signed by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Jimmy Akpor, said Irabor was misrepresented, stressing that neither the military nor other security agencies are under pressure to scuttle 2023 elections.

The statement reads, “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to several headlines and news purporting to suggest that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, CFR, had alluded to the military (and other security agencies) being under pressure to compromise the 2023 elections.

“This impression was reportedly made during the 61st Session of the State House Briefing, which

featured the Chief of Defence State on 8 December 2022. The Defence Headquarters, however, wishes to say categorically that this impression is not only erroneous, but false and a deliberate or inadvertent attempt to twist what was said, to convey a sinister meaning.

“After the briefing by the Chief of Defence Staff, one of the correspondents asked, ‘You have spoken on military neutrality in times of elections.

Specifically, based on what the Commander-in-Chief directed. Just this week, the President gave a directive to the Armed Forces to remain neutral during the 2023 elections. But my worry is that politicians have a way of piling pressure on security forces and we are witnesses to some of the things that occurred in the past exercises. Now, given this kind of scenario, where politicians or political actors try to pile pressure on your men, how far have you prepared to go to ensure that neutrality as directed by the President is protected?’

“In response, the Chief of Defence Staff said, ‘I am glad you reiterated what the Commanderin-Chief said or his directive to the Armed Forces. I am afraid you

said you had to worry. Rather than worry, I would think that trust in our cause (is paramount), why? Of course, in our training, there will always be pressure from all quarters, wanting to induce security forces, not just the military, security forces. That is what criminal enterprise is all about, that is what someone that is wrong is all about.

“But what makes the difference is, the professional approach in dealing with the issues, and that is what the military intends on doing. That is the reason why we have ramped up our training in that regard. Sensitisation, a lot of

curtail the energy crisis caused by the war in Ukraine.

“Most of these actions, including the effects of capital flow reversals and exchange rate pressures, have not only amplified the vulnerabilities of EMDEs, but assertively highlights the need for us to strengthen our domestic economic base, fasttrack the attainment of economic diversification, limit our reliance on foreign products, insulate and immunise our economy against foreign shocks.”

Furthermore, on diversification, he said: “It is in view of the need to support the fundamentals of the Nigerian economy, diversify from dependence on oil inflows, and minimise the debilitating pressures in the foreign exchange market that the Central Bank of Nigeria launched the RT200 programme in February 2022.

“This initiative, which is designed to stimulate non-oil exports, with a $200 billion foreign exchange income target in three to five years, has been widely accepted and driven by the institutions that constitute the Bankers’ Committee. In order to contribute to national development and economic growth, the Bankers’ Committee must recognise the critical role of the financial system in accelerating the development of the productive base of the economy.

also engage others to trust that we will keep faith with these desires that we have.”

Major General Akpor, however, said the military would do everything necessary to ensure that the 2023 election is free, fair and credible.

He said: “The Defence Headquarters chose to err on the side of verbosity by transcribing the entire response by the Chief of Defence Staff so that everyone can see the quantum misrepresentation of the Chief of Defence Staff’s comments during the briefing.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria however, stands ready to aid

The federal government says it has developed a National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency policy with accompanying Vision 30:30:30 to add 30,000MW of electricity to the national grid by the year 2030.

The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu stated this yesterday in Abuja at the 5th National Council on Power with the theme “Sustaining and

“We must play our productive parts to engender the necessary infrastructure and services that are critical to boosting non-oil exports. The 2022 Bankers’ Committee Retreat provides us with the opportunity to review the progress and impact of the implementation of RT200.

It is equally an occasion to re-examine our support for other government programmes to promote non-oil export and to identify specific implementable actions by the financial system to enhance foreign exchange revenues.

“It is against the backdrop of adverse global realities and the current price frailties of the Nigerian economy that I enjoin and challenge all of us at this retreat this morning to deliberate purposefully and discern innovative and sustainable ways to boost the productive base of Nigeria's non-oil sector.

We can no longer delay resolving the structural issues inhibiting non-oil export receipts in Nigeria.

We must strengthen the immunity and engender the resilience of our economy against exogenous shocks.

“Once again, I reiterate that at this retreat, we must come up with actionable steps to ensure that the Bankers Committee continues to make a meaningful contribution to the growth and development of our dear country.”

Improving Electricity Supply through the Power Sector Value Chain for Socio-Economic Growth.”

Aliyu said renewable energy would contribute 30 per cent of the energy mix to the policy.

He said renewable energy was

taking the centre stage of the ongoing reforms in the power sector as it is visible from the ongoing and completed projects in the Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, which is at 97 per cent completion.

The minister said, “It is

malaria deaths globally in 2021: Nigeria (31%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (13%), Niger Republic (4%) and the United Republic of Tanzania (4%).

“Twenty-nine countries accounted for 96% of malaria cases globally, and four countries – Nigeria (27%), the Democratic Republic of Congo (12%), Uganda (5%) and Mozambique (4%) – accounted for almost half of all cases globally.”

Based on the figures, precisely 191,890 Nigerian lives was claimed by the disease nationwide last year.

WHO said despite the continued impact of COVID-19, malaria cases and deaths remained stable in 2021.

It said countries around the world largely held the line against further setbacks to malaria prevention, testing and treatment services in 2021 as opposed to 2020 when the COVID pandemic disrupted malaria services, leading to a marked increase in cases and deaths.

The statement reads: “In 2021,

countries distributed 223 million Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT), a similar level reported before the pandemic.

“In 2021, Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) distributions were strong overall and at similar levels to pre-pandemic years: 171 million ITNs planned for distribution, 128 million (75%) were distributed.”

The Director-General of WHO, Tedros Ghebreyesus, said following a marked increase in malaria cases and deaths in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, affected countries redoubled their efforts and were able to mitigate the worst impacts of COVID-related disruptions.

Ghebreyesus adds: “We face many challenges, but there are many reasons for hope. By strengthening the response, understanding and mitigating the risks, building resilience and accelerating research, there is every reason to dream of a malaria-free future.”

expected to provide 700 Megawatts to the national grid while Kashimbila Hydroelectricity Project will be providing 40 Megawatts to the grid.

Continued on page 38

IPOB, AMOTEKUN, EBUBEAGU MAY SPARK ELECTION VIOLENCE, US DEMOCRACY INSTITUTES ALERT People of Biafra might affect voter turnout because of apathy, the proliferation of regional security elements, including Amotekun in the South-west and Ebubeagu in the South-east would increase opportunities for election violence.

They observed that a major concern affecting most parts of Nigeria is insecurity driven by extremist and sectarian violence, banditry, the rise of separatist elements, and the proliferation of informal security forces.

According to them, in addition to attacks by various violent armed groups, election-related violence in Nigeria has increased significantly over the past year.

The organisations disclosed that in 2022, the country experienced more than twice the level of election violence experienced during the same period prior to the 2019 elections.

The NDI and NRI said despite most presidential candidates signing the first peace accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee, there have been at least 50 reported incidents of electoral violence, occurring across 40 local government areas in 24 states.

The institutes observed that the security challenges, if left unaddressed, could negatively impact the credibility of the elections and increase the risk of post-election violence.

The report reads, “The delegation notes consensus among stakeholders that insecurity is the primary risk factor for the 2023 elections. Nigeria is facing record levels of insecurity in 2022

and conflict has become more geographically widespread and more complex.

“Increasing banditry and attacks

by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province in the North-east and North-west threaten to undermine logistics and strain capacity to secure elections.

The continuing conflict between herder militias and farming communities drives displacement and exacerbates sectarian tensions in states that are likely to be key electoral battlegrounds.

“Secessionist agitation by IPOB/ Eastern Security Network in the South-east threatens to depress voter turnout. If the election is perceived to be illegitimate, the group could gain significant traction, and potentially become directly involved in post-election violence.

“The proliferation of informal security elements such as Amotekun in the South-west and Ebubeagu in the South-east further complicates security and increases opportunities for election violence and malfeasance.”

The NDI/IRI, however, commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, for the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Automated System.

The institutes warned: “If there were to be a widespread malfunction of the BVAS machines as occurred with the smart card readers in 2015, it could undermine the perceived legitimacy of the elections and spark violence.”

While saying that although Nigeria had witnessed a surge

WHO: NIGERIA ACCOUNTED FOR 31% OF GLOBAL MALARIA DEATHS IN 2021 (WHO) has said.

WHO's report came just as the federal government said that a health indicator survey report it carried out in 2021 showed a slow but steady decline in malaria prevalence at national level from 42 per cent in 2010 to 27 per cent in 2015, 23 per cent in 2018, and 22% in 2021.

WHO, in its World Malaria Report released last Thursday, said there were 247 million malaria cases and 619,000 deaths globally in 2021, adding that the figures show an increase of two million cases and a decrease of six million deaths compared to the start of the pandemic in 2019.

According to the report, Nigeria was among four countries that accounted for almost half of all malaria cases globally and among four countries that accounted for over half of malaria deaths.

WHO reports that: “About 96% of malaria deaths globally were in 29 countries. Four countries accounted for just over half of all

civil authority in assuring free and fair 2023 elections.

“Already, ongoing military operations all over the country (in collaboration with the Nigeria Police and other security agencies), are creating an enabling environment for electioneering campaigns to hold. These military operations would be escalated or re-calibrated when called upon to do so, to support the successful conduct of the 2023 elections.

“The Defence Headquarters therefore, seriously frowns on misrepresentation of the military leadership at any forum at this critical time of our nationhood.”

FG Targets Additional 30,000MW of Electricity By 2030

EMEFIELE TO BANKS: PROFFER SOLUTION TO FX SHORTAGE to do something to ensure that this problem is solved.

“That is the reason we decided at this retreat to focus on RT200 because essentially, we have to think about how to source foreign exchange for our customer’s needs without necessarily needing to resort to revenues from crude which as we all know has come to zero or almost zero compared to about $3 billion monthly that we were getting in 2014.”

He urged the bankers to think outside the box and try as much as possible to think of how the import needs of customers would be met.

He added that the global reaction to the evolving circumstances had escalated the threat of hyperinflation, causing central banks in many countries to react with a sharp and extensive monetary tightening in renewed pursuit of price stability and in most cases even at the expense of growth.

He also called for intensity in diversification.

The CBN governor said: “In view of the widespread food and cost-of-living crisis, we are seeing growing restrictions on food exports as about 23 advanced economies, according to the World Bank, have banned the export of 33 food items.

“Also, the European Union plans to impose energy price caps on Russian supplies, to

engagements across formations and units are going on daily.

And then, moreso, to articulate the Code of Conduct for all our personnel, which has been done and distributed. So, we know how we should act before, during and after the elections. These have been codified in SOPs (Standing Operating Procedures) issued to them. And so, it remains the duty of commanders to ensure the directive as indicated, that the content of SOPs is adhered to by every personnel of the Armed Forces.

“So, my good friend, please stop worrying, rather trust and

Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire had said, while flagging off the dissemination of the results of the 2021 Nigeria Malaria Indicator survey (NMIS) report, that there was a decline in the national prevalence rate of malaria to 22 per cent from 23 per cent in 2018, and 42 per cent in 2010.

He said the 2021 NMIS report provided the country and partners the necessary baseline information with which the achievements of the current anti-malaria intervention effort would be benchmarked.

The document tagged, "The 2021 Malaria Indicator Survey Report, as well as the Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Strategy and Implementation Guide," was formally unveiled at the ceremony in Abuja.

He also said that ACSM strategy and implementation guide would provide direction on the implementation of ACSM activities to improve uptake of high-impact interventions that would lead us to achieving the goals and objectives of the malaria strategic plan.

Ehanire said the surveys showed a slow but steady decline in malaria prevalence at national level.

He said significant declines had also been observed at the zonal and state levels.

"The third round of MIS was implemented in 2021, the report of which we are launching today.

“The results of the 2021 NMIS showed a further decline in the national prevalence of malaria to 22 per cent from 23 per cent in 2018, and 42 per cent in 2010.

"While this may not appear significant at the national level, at the sub-national level, substantial gains have been observed in several states," the minister said.

in the registration of young people, the organisations said there were still significant barriers for young people and other traditionally marginalised groups to participate in the electoral process as candidates.

According to them, the overall percentage of women running for elections has declined from 13 per cent in 2019 to 8.9 per cent in 2023, a development the NDI and IRI described as a “disappointment” for Africa’s largest democracy.

While urging INEC to clarify how underage voters, double registrations and any other criteria that would result in a voter being removed from the voter roll will be handled, they called on the commission to conduct national stress tests of the BVAS machines and the IReV system to ensure they are prepared to function effectively on election day across more than 176,000 polling units.

They said, “INEC should complete surveys of internally displaced persons camps in all states, and provide clear guidelines on the process by which IDPs, including those not living in IDP camps, will vote in the election.

“Candidates and political parties should adhere to the principles in the peace pledges facilitated by the National Peace Committee ahead of the elections, and refrain from engaging in or encouraging violence against electoral opponents. Political parties should also sign a second peace pledge to renew their commitment to peaceful elections and to sanction supporters who commit electoral offenses.

“All presidential candidates should commit publicly to accept results of credible elections while grievances arising before, during and after the elections should be channeled through the appropriate legal process.

“Security forces should proactively identify wards at high risk of strategic election violence and focus their resources on these areas.”

The assessment conducted from December 4 to 9, 2022 was built on the first assessment mission which visited Nigeria in July 2022.

The delegation included Senior Fellow for Africa Policy Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Ambassador Michelle Gavin; Commissioner at the Electoral Commission of South Africa, Judge Dhaya Pillay and Programmes Director of the Zimbabwe Election Support Network, Ellen Dingani.

Others were IRI Director for Africa, Gregory Kearns and NDI Deputy Director (Central and West Africa), Dr. Sophia Moestrup.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

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

Body of Benchers: Why NBA President’s Letter to Olanipekun was not Debated Alex Enumah in Abuja The Body of Benchers (BOB) has cleared the air on why the letter by the President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), requesting the Chairman of the BOB, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), not to preside over the recent Call to Bar ceremony in Abuja was not debated.

According to BOB’s Secretary,

Mr. Daniel Tela, the letter was not debated during the body’s December 5 meeting because it (the letter) was delivered late at the BOB headquarters in Abuja, adding that the meeting was meant to finalise arrangements for the Call to Bar ceremony.

The body in a statement released to journalists yesterday however, frowned at the use of social media by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to circulate

Fighting Corruption to Standstill Takes All, Says UN Michael Olugbode in Abuja The United Nations (UN) has said it takes all to fight corruption to a standstill with the states, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth all having a role to play in ending the scourge.

This was its message during the occasion of the 2022 International Anti-Corruption Day (IACD) celebrated in Abuja.

Astatement by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) yesterday said: “States, government officials, civil servants, law enforcement officers, media representatives, the private sector, civil society, academia, the public and youth alike all have a role to play in this.”

According to the statement, the 2022 IACD also marks the start of efforts to mark the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC), which is reflected by the theme of this year’s International Day, ‘UNCAC at 20: Uniting the World Against Corruption’.

The statement further said,

“Over the next year, culminating with IACD 2023, together with partners worldwide, we will be reflecting on a world made better thanks to the collective push afforded by the Convention and, crucially, what gaps remain to ensure this is a truly strong mechanism for the years ahead.

“On this day, as well as beyond as we mark 20 years of UNCAC, join us as we continue to unite the world against corruption.”

The statement lamented that corruption is a major impediment to peace, security and development.

“From education to the environment, from business to sports, from gender equality to access to justice, and more – corruption undermines all areas of society’s development.”

The statement recalled that in 2003, the world came together to adopt a landmark agreement – the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). Since then, 188 parties have committed to the Convention’s anti-corruption obligations, showing near-universal recognition of the importance of good governance, accountability, and political commitment.

Labour Party Dissolves Ogun Chapter, Sacks Publicity Secretary Emameh Gabriel in Abuja As part of its efforts to manage an impending implosion, the Labour Party (LP) yesterday announced the dissolution of its Ogun State chapter and the suspension of the state party chairman, Michael Ashade, along with the state executive members.

This was even as the party wielded its sledge hammer on the National Publicity Secretary, Arabambi Abayomi, who was also suspended over allegations of anti party activities.

Their suspension followed a resolution made and adopted by the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) after a two-hour meeting held in Abuja.

The party has also announced the constitution of a caretaker committee to manage the affairs of the party pending when investigations of allegations levelled against the affected members is concluded.

This came hours after Arabambi raised fresh allegations against the national headquarters of the party on financial misappropriation.

Addressing journalists at the end of the meeting which lasted for almost two hours, the National Secretary of the party, Umar Farouk, said a disciplinary

committee has been constituted to investigate the activities of the affected members.

He said: “The acting National Publicity Secretary has been suspended after investigating his anti party activities as a member of the party. The Labour Party chapter in Ogun State has also been dissolved.

“The Chairman and his Exco have also been suspended. A caretaker committee will take care of the party. Also, a disciplinary committee has been set up to investigate their anti party activities and report to the NWC. Farouk who described the allegations levelled against the national chairman as baseless, said “the NWC has also unanimously passed a vote of confidence on the leadership of the National Chairman, Mr. Julius Abure.”

He therefore called on party members to “adhere strictly to the provisions of the constitution and code of conduct of the party in the conduct of their activities.

“We also call on the general public to have more confidence in the party. We are anticipating these kinds of issues to be coming up but the leadership of the party is working very hard to ensure that we are not distracted,” he added.

official sensitive documents of in-house communication among members of the body.

He further explained that members did not consider the issue, when it was raised by Maikyau, because they were not in receipt of the letter and the Chairman, to whom it was directed, was not afforded the opportunity to respond to the letter before the NBA President brought it up.

According to the statement, besides the fact that the NBA’s letter was addressed personally to its Chairman, it was not an item on the agenda of the meeting

which had been scheduled since November 14.

It added that the letter, had been published on the social media before it was received at the BOB headquarters at exactly 9:32a.m. on December 5, the day of the meeting, hence, it was not ripe for discussion.

The statement reads in part: “It is on record that the media, (print and social media) has been agog with the reports regarding the call by the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for the Chairman of the Body of Benchers, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) not to preside over the Call to Bar ceremonies.

“This widely circulated call has saturated the media space from Sunday, December 4, 2022 till now.

“At the meeting of the Body of Benchers held on Monday December 5, 2022, which notice was given on November 14, 2022, the sole item for discussion was the consideration of the report of the screening committee of the Body, preparatory to the Call to Bar ceremonies.

“The report was duly considered and approved.

“Under the AOB, the President of the Nigerian Bar Association informed members that he had

written a letter to the Chairman of the Body to which the Chairman stated that although, he had not read the letter as it was not yet brought to his attention, he was aware of the fact that it had already been circulated in the media, particularly the social media.

“And despite the fact that the letter was personally addressed to him and not to the Body, he was prepared to waive his rights as he would want it discussed one way or the other in view of the contents of the letter which centred on his personality and integrity.

ENHANCING SECURITY… L-R: Air Commander, 553 Base Services Group, Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Enugu, Air Commodore Isaiah Taiwo, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Ahmed Ammani and Garrison Commander, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.

Gen. M.K Ibrahim, after an emergency security meeting at the Government House, Enugu...yesterday.

Aba Power to Provide ‘Free’ Meters, Dump Estimated Billings Dike Onwuamaeze The Aba Power Limited, which is Nigeria’s newest electricity distribution company, has launched an aggressive programme to provide meters to all its customers in nine out of the 17 local government areas in Abia State where it supplies electric power.

The Managing Director of APL, Mr. Patrick Umeh, explained in a recent press statement that the company’s metering programme would also mark the beginning of the end of estimated billings of electricity consumers in its area of operation.

Umeh, a former commissioner with the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), said that the Aba Power would want

to make history by being the first distribution company to meter all its customers even though the company was licensed only last February to provide power to the nine LGAs in Abia State.

He said that the meter programme is being executed under the NERC’s Meter Access Providing (MAP) scheme.

The cost of a single-phase meter under this programme, according to him, is N63,061.32 while that of a three-phase meter is N117,910.69.

Umeh further explained that customers would be repaid the cost of obtaining each meter through energy credit in 36 months, implying that the customers would be entitled to power supply until they have obtained full value for the meter payment.

“In other words”, he explained,

the customers “are getting the meters at no cost to their pockets.”

He said: “The era of estimated bills given to consumers will soon be a thing of the past in our coverage area,” adding that “we are going to pursue the programme’s implementation with all the energy we can muster.

“Our chairman, Professor Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power, has always argued that it is unfair to ask consumers to continue to pay estimated bills which may make them feel shortchanged each month.

“This practice doesn’t make for probity or transparency, as there is no evidence of what they actually consumed for the period charged.

“We are a socially responsible firm, so we must be seen as committed to the highest ethical

standards of transparency.”

Umeh said that the Aba Power would always regard its customers as partners in progress, rather than persons to be exploited for economic or commercial gains.

He said that the first phase of the metering exercise would commence 5,000 meters that would be available in single and three phases, “and will be installed in buildings and other structures according to the technical needs of each place.”

Umeh, a former executive with the Los Angeles Water and Power Company in California, United States of America, explained that three-phase meters would be installed in big structures while single-phase meters will be installed in smaller ones.

Gambari: Don’t Allow Militarised Governance to Truncate Nation’s Democracy Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambari, has said that despite the plethora of challenges facing the country and tough times, democratic governance still offers the best chance for achieving goals of national transformation.

Delivering 12th convocation lecture of the Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, titled ‘Democratic Transition and Challenges of Good Governance and Human Security in Nigeria’ Prof. Gambari said that Nigerians should not allow any form of militarised governance to

truncate the nation’s democracy.

Gambari, who said that unity of the country provides the most solid platform for realising national greatness, added that, “we must not permit the enemies of the Nigerian state to triumph over the legitimate aspiration for a united, peaceful and prosperous nation.”

The President’s aide also said that challenges of human security afflicting democracies is a global phenomenon, adding that, “The central question that is posed is how democracy can be renewed and reinvigorated to better serve the needs of citizens?

“It is here that I feel the Nigerian scholarly community in general

has its work cut out for, including you at Al- Hikmah.

“At a time of when students of democracy around the world are stepping up their work on how democratic governance could be recalibrated to meet the challenges of very rapidly changing times, our scholarly community must rise to the challenge of how, in our context, elected government can be ushered to a new phase that will enable leaders to answer the problems of the day.”

Gambari, who was the first Under Secretary General and Special Adviser to the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan, said that obstacles to

the nation’s quest for delivery of dividends of democracy are a number of domestic factors.

“Among these factors is the significantly weakened capacity of our public service institutions, the persistence of corruption in the public sector, especially, and a sharp decline in ethical values in society.

“In the face of these challenges, generalised human security has proved quite elusive to win. As unemployment, poverty, and inequality have persisted, a fertile ground has fostered itself as to enable the emergence of an array of enemies of Nigerian democratisation.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

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CBN Explains Latest Cash Withdrawal Limit to Senate Panel Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) yesterday succeeded in convincing, overwhelmingly, the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions on its latest policy to limit cash withdrawal for individuals at N100,000 and Corporate Bodies at N500, 000 per week.

The CBN Deputy Governor on Financial System Stability, Mrs. Aishat Ahmad, gave the clarification when she appeared before the Senate panel, alongside her counterpart on Corporate Services , Edward Lametek Adamu, when they both appeared before the panel for screening.

Both Ahmad and Adamu, were recently reappointed by President Muhammadu Buhari who requested the Senate’s screening and confirmation for their second and final tenure at the apex bank.

Ahmad who addressed the Senate panel, chaired by Senator Uba Sani (APC Kaduna Central), explained that the policy was first introduced in 2012 during former President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

She explained that the cashless policy being fully implemented by CBN now, was not new.

She said the required steps in that direction, was taken in 2012 with Lagos State as pilot scheme and later extended to Abuja and six other states in 2013.

Ahmad, however, explained that the full implementation of the policy has not been carried out by CBN since then.

She said its introduction then, has brought a lot of transformation into the banking and payment system.

The Deputy Governor’s directorate is responsible for ensuring a safe and sound

financial system and credible efficient payments system, a core mandate of the CBN. Ahmad said, “The cashless policy in Nigeria, was first introduced over 10 years ago in 2012 starting in Lagos State.

“In 2013 the policy was later extended to six additional states and the Federal Capital Territory. Since then, Nigerians have continued to embrace the cashless policy by using electronic channels for their transactions, whilst the Nigerian payments system and telecommunications infrastructure continued to

develop.”

She spoke of the significant growth in variety and number of financial access points expanding from just bank and Micro Finance Banks branches to include agents.

She stated that agents could perform an increasing variety of transactions including cash in cash out, bill payments and even account opening.

Ahmad said, “Under the CBN’s SANEF initiative, agent network had grown to 1.4m agents with agents available in every local government in Nigeria.

“While the growth in the

network was not even, there was representation in every state.”

She added that in furtherance of its mandate to develop an efficient payments system, the CBN had continued to license more financial institutions including allowing the telecommunication firma to participate in financial services through the Payment Service Bank license, recognising their extensive technology platforms and wide agent network.

The CBN Deputy Governor reiterated the various options open to Nigerians to perform financial transactions including

mobile money, USSD, Internet banking, mobile apps, e naira, agents and mobile POS, among others.

She said, “All of these would ensure that Nigerians would seamlessly adapt to the cashless policy to enable financial inclusion and economic growth.”

She pledged the CBNs commitment to ensuring that Nigerians in the rural areas and informal sector are not disenfranchised.

She stated that the Bank would be flexible in its monitoring and implementation of the new cash withdrawal limits.

Court Reaffirms Status Quo as Nigeria Air Proponents Fail to Set Aside AON Injunction Chinedu Eze The Federal High in Lagos yesterday reaffirmed its injunction order issued on November 24, 2022 pending the determination of the Motion on Notice filed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) to stop the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air. The Hon Justice A. LewisAllagoa after hearing the submission of Nureni Jimoh, SAN with Abubakar Nuhu Ahmad Esq. counsel for the Plaintiff/Applicant and Mr. Seun Oriowo esq with Oyin Koleosho Esq. counsel for the 1, 3 and 4 Defendants, Bassey Attoe Esq.counsel for the 2 Defendant; has also adjourned the matter to January 16, 2023 from February 13, 2023 when the Suit on the proposed national carrier was supposed to be heard.

The Federal High Court had earlier issued an Order of Interim Injunction restraining the Minister of Aviation, Federal Ministry of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, Attorney General of the Federation and other defendants from

executing the proposed National Carrier, Nigeria Air. The injunction read, ”The Court after careful consideration of the application and submission of counsel. It is hereby ordered as follows: ”That an Order of Interim Injunction is granted restraining the Defendants either by themselves, agents, privies, Principals or any other persons whosoever from draft the proposed executing “National Carrier Establishment and Agreement Between the Federal Government of Nigeria (represented by the 3rd and 4th Defendants) and the strategic equity partner (the 2nd Defendant) or giving effect to and or suspending the sale and transfer of the shares & operations of the 1st Defendant by the 2nd Defendant pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

“That an Order of Maintenance of Status Quo by all parties in this suit from taking any further step(s) in relation to the subject matter of this suit pending the determination of the Motion on Notice is granted.

NAFDAC DG Tasked to Solve Expired Drugs Disposal Policy The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has advised the new Acting Director-General (DG) of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Dr. Monica Eimunjeze, to resolve the raging issues associated with disposal of expired drugs in the country.

A directive by NAFDAC that those in possession of expired drugs and unwholesome food substances should pay fees for disposal of such has been a source of agitation by stakeholders.

President of PSN, Prof. Cyril Usifoh, opined that it would be double jeopardy for a stakeholder who has expired consignment to pay fees for its disposal after payments of tariffs to government and urged NAFDAC to redress the decision.

Presenting a six-point agenda to Dr. Eimunjeze, during a courtesy visit recently, Usifoh, said “the

Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria views this development as one that will catalyse the recycling of expired drugs for use in the health system if not well managed now.”

“The stakeholder who has expired consignment loses money and it is unthinkable to expect such a person to submit to a system where he loses more due to payment of tariffs to the government. It is in this light that we call on the management of NAFDAC to have a rethink on this subject matter moving forward.”

Usifoh decried the persistent untidy drug distribution channels in the country which according to him has been in a messy state 35 years after the Fake Drug Act was first enacted as Decree 21 of 1988.

He called for the activation of the federal and state Task Forces in partnership with PCN to cleanse the drug distribution channels in the country.

WE’LL WORK TOGETHER...

L-R: Director General of Korean International Cooperation Agency, Mr Hoyon Kim and the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Mr. Isah Idris Jere when the Korean paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja... recently

PDP Cries Out, Accuses APC Controlled States for Destroying Campaign Billboards Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday cried out that all its campaign billboards and posters are being destroyed in all All Progressive Congress (APC) controlled states.

The party said that the worst case scenario is in Lagos State, where it alleged that money paid for the presidential campaigns billboards are being returned and posters destroyed.

This was disclosed by the Director of Strategic Communications of the PDP Presidential Campaigns, Otumba Dele Momodu, who addressed a press conference to lay the complaints of political thuggery against the

PDP presidential campaigns.

He said that in the Third Mainland Bridge that money paid to the advertising agencies are being returned.

Momodu, who appealed to Presidential Muhammadu Buhari to call the various state governors concerned to order, also appealed to the National Security Adviser, General Babagana Munoguno, to march his words with action as the PDP presidential campaigns are daily becoming victims of thuggery and political violence.

Momodu explained that the interventions of the President and the National Security Adviser were needed, noting that if such took place in 2014 and 2015 that Buhari may not have won the

Bandits Kidnap Zamfara Lawmaker’s Wife, Children, Neighbours The wife and four children, as well as two nighbours of a member of the Zamfara State’s House of Assembly, Aminu Ardo Jangebe have been kidnapped by bandits.

The attack took place in Jangebe town in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and the lawmaker was not at home when the bandits struck.

Although the police in the state could not confirm the abduction of the persons as at the time of filing this report, those who are familiar with the ugly event told journalists that the bandits, who were

on motorcycles, entered the town on Thursday at about 11 PM, shooting sporadically, adding that they headed to the house of the lawmaker, broke down his gate and kidnapped his wife and four children, adding that on their way out, they saw two of this neighbours, Alhaji Yahaya and Sa,adu Mainama, whom they also abducted.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Magaji Dosara confirmed the abduction, saying that the information at their disposal was still scanty.

2015 presidential election.

He explained that the new Electoral Act guaranteed free access to political parties to campaign.

Also, spokesperson of the Atiku/Okowa Presidential Campaign Organisation, Kola Ologbongiyan, yesterday alerted Nigerians and the international community of designs being promoted by the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to incite violence and disrupt the smooth conduct of the 2023 presidential election.

In a statement by the Atiku/ Okowa Presidential Campaigns, Ologbindiyan said “This apprehension is heightened by the viral video making the rounds in which

Tinubu, having been intimidated by the rising acceptance of the PDP Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, across our nation, and knowing that there is no way he can win in a peaceful and credible election, has directed his party members to put aside decorum and deploy violence in the 2023 general elections.

“Nigerians were horror-struck to watch the deflated and demystified APC Presidential candidate inciting his supporters by stating that “political power is not going to be served in a restaurant, it is not served a la carte. It is what we are doing; it is being determined; you do it at all costs; fight for it, grab it, snatch it and run (away) with it.

INEC Plans to Hold Borno Elections in Super Camps The Independent National Electoral Commission Resident Electoral Commissioner of Borno State, Mohammed Ibrahim, yesterday said next year’s elections will be held in super camps in 19 or the 27 local government areas of the state.

Briefing journalists on this development, Ibrahim described the super camps as buffer zones of sorts that will shield the voters from insurgents.

According to him, Borno State has 27 local government areas, three senatorial districts, 10 federal constituencies and 28 state constituencies, adding that it has 312 registration areas, 5,071 polling units and 2,514,228 voters, as contained in the preliminary

register of voters.

Giving an idea of how the super camps will be deployed, Ibrahim said, “the residents of all the nine local government areas in the northern Borno senatorial zone will vote in super camps as those in seven of the nine local government areas in the central senatorial zone.

“The residents of three of the nine local government areas in the southern senatorial zone will also exercise their franchise in super camps.”

He said the residents of the remaining eight local government areas, comprising two in the central zone and six in the southern zone, will vote outside super camps as they used to do.

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DECEMBER 10, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

2023 AND DISCORDANT DIVINATIONS Jason Osai writes that God is not author of confusion

D

ivination, the act of finding out what will happen in the future by using special powers, or the practice of this act has been a permanent fixture in the affairs of man from antiquity. Michel Nostradamus (1503-1566), a French astrologer, apothecary, physician, and reputed seer, is best known for his book Les Prophéties, a collection of 942 poetic quatrains allegedly predicting future events. He was a reputed seer who supposedly predicted WW2 mentioning Hister (Hitler) by name albeit with slight spelling error. In one of his quatrains, he wrote thus: “Two metal birds fly into a tower” thereby starting Third World War; this has been read to allude to 9/11. Nostradamus also predicted what has turned out to be the translation of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the anticipated ascension of King Charles in 2023. Other than Nostradamus, there have been reputable chiromancers and seers in various parts of the world in human history.

Prophecies by men of God is not a new phenomenon; it existed in biblical times. In modernity, prophecies have also remained a major feature of Christendom, especially in Pentecostalism. It is within the purview of this that the prophecies of three Pentecostal pastors for 2023 presidential election is being interrogated. The worrisome thing is that, seven pastors have discordantly predicted the outcome of the presidential election.

Pastor Sunday Adelaja, a Nigerian pastor based in Ukraine, is said to have recently declared that the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be elected president in 2023. Sources hold that in a lengthy piece titled: NIGERIA, BEHOLD YOUR NEXT PRESIDENT and posted on his verified Facebook page, the founder of the Embassy of the Blessed Kingdom of God for All Nations in Kyiv, Ukraine, said the former Lagos Governor would win because of 10 reasons, which time and space have disallowed detailing here. Earlier and similarly, Pastor Alamu David of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Abule Egba, Lagos, prophesied a Tinubu victory in the 2023 presidential election. According to Pastor David, the emergence of Bola Tinubu as the future president of Nigeria was revealed to him in a vision in 2008. In same vein, Rev (Dr.) David Oyediran declared in March 2022 that Ahmed Bola Tinubu“will rule Nigeria constitutionally.”

Expressing optimism in the capacity of Tinubu as a manager of resources, the general superintendent of Glorious Vision World Outreach Ministries Lagos, said “Tinubu is one of the few people who can restore hope and transform the nation as president”.

Prophet Emmanuel Chukwudi, the General Overseer of King of Kings Deliverance Ministry, Gbonum Ulepa Ntezi, in Ebonyi State, claims that God told him that Atiku would win in 2023. This is clearly at variance with the prophecies

TAKE A LISTEN TO THIS: IF TINUBU WINS, THEN FOUR OF THEM LIED; IF ATIKU WINS, FOUR OF THEM LIED AND IF OBI WINS, SIX OF THEM LIED

of Reverend Oyediran and others previously mentioned.

In a statement made in June, Prophet Chukwudi asserted that the 2023 presidency belongs to no other person than, the candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar. Aligning himself with the prophecy of Prophet Chukwudi, Pastor Adewale Giwa, Senior Pastor of the Awaiting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ Ministry, Akure, Ondo State holds that Atiku Abubakar, will win the election and that Tinubu was the only candidate that could give Atiku a bit of hiccup in the contest. Primate Elijah Babatunde Ayodele, of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, holds that the contest would be a straight battle between the candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, and Atiku.

He, however, tipped Atiku to emerge victorious. The cleric ruled out the candidate of the APC, Tinubu, from the contest because of the Muslim-Muslim ticket.

Toeing a different path in what has invariably become discordant divinations, Reverend Shalom Kelvin Akinbo categorically states that Peter Obi will win the election. The Head Pastor of Doers Nation International Church, in Akure, the Ondo State, based his prophecy on a revelation from God. The cleric, however, warned that there must be intense prayers to avert confusion in the land.

Safely sitting on the fence in the game of divine messenger-ship, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), says that God is yet to speak to him on the issue. He stated this on Friday, November 4, at the Redemption Camp while ministering to the congregation at the latest edition of the “Holy Ghost Service” program.

Seven men of God (MOG) claiming revelation from God are torn into three parts: three for Candidate A, three for Candidate B and one for Candidate C. The eight MOG bidding his time, waiting for the voice of the Divine One. The question is: Did they really hear from God or is it a pigment of their imagination buoyed by desperation for relevance?

The literature of Judeo-Christian theology says that “God is not author of confusion”. God, whoever or whatever He, She, They or It may be, DID NOT speak those discordances.

So, some of MOGs spoke falsely. While Adeboye is sitting comfortably on the fence, four or six of them are false prophets. Take a listen to this: If Tinubu wins, then four of them lied; if Atiku wins, four of them lied and if Obi wins, six of them lied. I once wrote thus: “self seeking and self serving prosperity preaching pastors proselytize while pauperizing the people from the posh personages, platforms and pulpits of Pentecostalism”. Institutional religion is the bane of human society. To quote Thomas Paine (1737-1809) “The whole world should be our country and to do good, our religion”.

ADVISORIES IN RESPECT OF THE 2023 ELECTION The North needs concrete plan of action that has the capacity to change the narratives of destitution, poverty, and tragedies, write Dan Agbese and Zainab Suleiman Okino

I

ntroduction: As Nigerians prepare to elect the next president of Nigeria, lawmakers and governors of states—with the exception of a few off-season state governorship elections— the Northern Media Forum considers it paramount to issue the following advisories to guide the voting populace of our region and office seekers, and as part of our contributions to discourses on the election One, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) recently released Nigeria’s multidimensional poverty index and the verdict was damning.

The report indicates that 133 million Nigerians representing 63% of the populace are poor; 86million of this, representing 65% live in the North. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that the North which harbours the highest number of poor people is also the most dangerous place to live in the country. So, those wishing to take up leadership positions in 2023 must tell us in clear terms, how they intend to lift this huge number from their miserable low life where people cook with dung, wood or charcoal rather than clean energy and where deprivations also exist in sanitation, healthcare, food insecurity and housing. This is in addition to the higher percentage of poverty in rural areas, (where majority of the poor reside) put at 72% as against 42% in the urban areas.

Two, one of the direct consequences of the high level of poverty especially in the North is equally the high level of insecurity in the region. From Boko Haram insurgency to farmer-header crisis to banditry and kidnap for ransom, the North is now a massive killing field. This is not surprising. The fact of poverty makes unemployed youth recruitment assets for criminal gangs, whether as insurgents or as bandits.

Starting from the North East where Boko

Haram insurgents once held sway, (Nigerian troops have liberated many parts) to the North Central where there are incessant clashes between herders and farmers, to the North West where bandits have established a foothold, the North has been bleeding for almost 15 years since Mohammed Yusuf, the acclaimed leader of the then fledgling BH group was eliminated extra-judicially by the Nigerian police. The situation (of insecurity) festered until the 2015 election, the basis of which the APC government of Muhammadu Buhari was elected. Sadly, more than seven years after, insecurity has grown wings; it now manifests in many folds.

Already, there are reports that in Zamfara and Sokoto States, bandits dictate to politicians on where to take campaigns to and when to hold them. This is dangerous and alarming. If the trend persists, their (bandits) indulgence will be a fait accompli, and there might be no end in sight for banditry, if they are already providing protection for the political class.

This is unacceptable. Anybody worth his salt, seeking political office must seek to end banditry and not cut deals with them.

Banditry has left families traumatised and only a declarative statement on how to end it should earn office seekers votes. We enjoin voters to be aware of the ugly trend of some politicians in cahoots with bandits.

Three, as a dimension to insecurity generally, education of children and teens became a major casualty too. In the North, education of children and teens is in jeopardy. From train hijack to abductions of school children, the halt in education is real. For instance, in 2020, 300 boys were taken from Kankara Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State; in May 2021 and 130 Islamiyya pupils abducted

from Salihu Tanko Islamiyya School in Tegina, Niger State. In May 2021, 126 students were herded out of Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Kaduna State. In June 2021, 112 girls were kidnapped from FGC Birni Yauri, Kebbi State even as undergraduate students of Greenfield University, Kaduna were affected and many more isolated cases recorded here and there. Some of the abducted girls now have kids for bandits in the bush and parents now hold back on the education of their wards especially the girl-child. This obviously has compounded an already bad situation of our out-of-school children.

For those seeking to govern us, they do not have to look far. The challenges are known, and the antidotes should not be far-fetched.

Nigerians want resolutions of the compound problems.

Four, the North is not just the headquarters of banditry, it is home to millions of IDPs who became victims of insurgency, banditry and herder-fulani clashes. They lost their homes and means of livelihood too. Something needs to be done urgently for them to be relocated back to their homes or permanent abodes. No politician should come tomorrow to say they didn’t know how daunting the catastrophe was. They should have no business seeking to govern if they have no antidotes to the challenges that ail our society.

The Northern Media Forum however sounds a note of warning on the possible disenfranchisement of this critical mass of people. We urge all security agencies to secure the IDPs, while INEC should make arrangement for them to be able to cast their votes and make an independent decision on who to govern them.

Five, we condemn the rather new and

disgusting angle to campaigns in Nigeria—that is, campaigns centred on personality attacks rather than on issues that afflict us. Politicians resort to direct insults; stoking religious and regional fires at the detriment of confronting issues headlong and how to nip them in the bud. Education is in crisis. ASUU’s clash with government is not yet over, because the former is bruised. There are no jobs for our graduates; they are leaving the country in droves. We need programmes of action that can revive the economy and provide jobs for our over 30 million unemployed youth. We do not want people playing to the gallery; we do not want rhetoric. We want actionable plan against 2023.

What the North in particular needs this time is concrete plan of action that has the capacity to transform, reform and change the narratives of destitution, poverty, anger and hunger, desolation, tragedies. We want the North in particular and Nigeria in general reengineered for good.

Six, Nigerians are desirous of free, fair and credible elections come 2023. Fortunately for us, the Electoral Law 2022 has made the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), Electronic Transmission of Results to INEC portal (IReV) and other technological innovations integral part of our election. From all indications and its practical demonstration in Anambra, Ekiti and Osun States, these two (BVAS and IReV) have ensured that our elections are increasingly rig-proof. This gives hope to Nigerians that their votes will count.

We therefore urge voters to take advantage of the opportunity offered by INEC’s technologies to vote. In the near future, even the monetisation of votes will no longer be relevant.

Agbese is Chairman while Okino is Secretary, Northern Media Forum

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DECEMBER 10, 2022 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Soccer...

A Remarkable Rallying Call

T

here are only a few Nigerians who doubt that the 2023 general elections would prove crucial in the life of the country.

Indeed, all over the country, even those for whom neutrality remains a forte have come to the realization that Nigeria is at a crossroads, a crossroads that may lead the country to perdition if care is not taken.

Ahead of the 2023 general elections, Nigerians are hard-pressed to ask what the immediate future holds for them and their beloved country. Those who are fashioning and fielding these questions are mostly those who have stayed behind. Many of those who have since fled the country could not care less because probably because they are too busy making new lives for themselves in the countries that now play host to them. At this point, it is now undeniable that as much as its diversity which has utterly failed to gel its many disparate parts, leadership has been an insoluble problem for Nigeria.

It is a problem that has raged since independence in 1960 with Nigeria experiencing only flashes of visionary leadership for more than six decades now.

It is noteworthy that Nigerians from all walks of life have tested the corridors of power only to find the heat too much to bear. Many have consequently sunk into incompetence and inertia.

Since 1999, bad leadership has steadily dragged Nigeria into the dungeon of poverty and underdevelopment. With the 2023 elections this close, would Nigeria continue the cycle or is the country about to chart a new course?

Every four years, Nigerians troop to the polls to exercise a key civic duty by electing those who would govern them.

Whenever this time comes around, it is more in hope than expectation that those who participate do so as conspiracy theories abound as to whether elections really count in Nigeria as they should.

Now, as the race heats up, Nigerians know that their next president will be one of Peter Obi, Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar who by virtue of their visibility and widespread acceptance should prove too much for other opponents. Of the lot, Peter Obi is threatening to cause an upset.

Since he formerly announced his bid for the post, dumped the Peoples Democratic Party and moved into the Labour Party, his popularity has spread like wildfire, whipping up a movement ostensibly known as the Obidient movement.

Now, he has gone ahead to release a 62-page manifesto

which chronicles his hopes and dreams for Nigeria.

However, beyond his visions for Nigeria, what has stood Mr. Obi out is his consistent call to Nigerians not to vote for any candidate based on his tribe or religion.

Anyone familiar with the backstory of what would surely prove the most pivotal elections in years would know that a lot has been made rightly or wrongly of the ethnicity and religion of the main contenders. Mr. Peter Obi, a Christian from the Southeast and would have been greatly placed and pleased, to exploit Nigeria’s fractures around ethnic and religious lines. But rather than do that, he has been as constant as the Northern star in asking Nigerians to look beyond religion and ethnicity in choosing their next president.

In a race where many of the main contenders have brought more baggage than brilliance to the table, it is refreshing to see how much of a breath of fresh air Mr. Peter Obi has proven to be. As the elections approach, many Nigerians are understandably anxious about what it would yield for them.

But ultimately, the lot will fall on Nigerians to choose wisely, and by so doing guarantee the future of the only country they have and love.

Kene Obiezu, @kenobiezu

Calling on Victims and Survivors of Witch Persecution in Benue State

T

he Advocacy for Alleged Witches invites all victims and survivors of witchcraft allegations and witch persecutions in Benue state to come forward and share their stories and experiences. Until now, people who suffer attacks, torture, and assault following allegations of witchcraft resign to their fate. They suffer in silence and refuse to speak out or discuss the maltreatment meted out to them. Relatives seldom recount their pain and trauma after their family members have been lynched or murdered in cold blood by witch hunters. There is usually no space for victims to share their experiences and no audiences for alleged witches.

Nobody wants to hear their story or understand their pain.

Nobody listens or wants to listen to them. In most cases, accused persons are deemed guilty as charged or alleged. But the Advocacy for Alleged Witches is trying to change this culture of silent resignation. Alleged witches are innocent. The law is on their side. AfAW is creating a space for alleged witches to speak out and tell their stories to a listening and caring audience. AfAW is giving voices to the accused and is providing a platform for them to be heard. AfAW asks all the people in Benue who have suffered witch persecution or whose family members have been accused, abused, attacked, or killed to come and share their T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R experiences at its event.

EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE Many people are still traumatized after beDEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU ing persecuted as witches or after witnessing MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO the torture and brutal killing of their fathers, DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI mothers, grandfathers, and grandmothers EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN who have been accused of witchcraft. AfAW MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI invites victims and survivors to its first THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE seminar in the state. The seminar, scheduled for September 17, 2022, did not hold. On that day, the police invaded the venue and stopped the event due to some misinformaT H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D tion. The event takes place at North Central EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA CBN Entrepreneurship Development Center GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, Makurdi on Wednesday, December 21, 2022.

ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE All victims, survivors, and relatives of victims DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI and survivors of witch persecution should SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH try and attend. AfAW will take care of the ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI transport fare of attendees coming from CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI distant places. See you there, come December DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO 21, 2022.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Leo Igwe, nskepticleo@yahoo.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

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NEWS Don’t Allow APC, PDP Near Power again, Sowore Tells Nigerians Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

REWARDED FOR EXCELENCE… L-R: Former Governor of Ogun State and a leading Media Icon, Aremo Olusegun Osoba (CON), National President Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Chief Chris Isiguzo, (MFR) presenting an award of honour and recognition to the Publisher/CEO MARKETING EDGE Publications MR. JOHN AJAYI with two of his daughters,Miss Teresa and Olubukola Ajayi during the maiden edition of NUJ Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria held recently in Lagos.

Adegbite: Obasanjo Government’s Concession to Globe Steel, a Major Setback on Ajaokuta Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

The Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Olamilekan Adegbite, yesterday disclosed that the concession that was done in 2005 by President Olusegun Obasanjo to Global Steel, which resulted in litigation and a demand of N7bn dollars by the company was a major albatross on Ajaokuta.

Adegbite noted that things went sour and the company took the Nigerian Government to court.

The court case, he added,

went on for about 12 years, “but thanks to a patriotic Nigerian lawyer in the UK who handled WKH FDVH YHU\ HͿHFWLYHO\ µ The minister made the disclosure while presenting the achievements of his ministry at the ninth edition of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Scorecard 2015 to 2023 series organised by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

“Global Steel came with a demand of $7bn but our lawyer was able to puncture holes in their case and at the end, they

selves, servants or privies from arranging him, via charge No. Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa FHC/L/404C/22 alleging illegal of the Federal High Court in SRVVHVVLRQ RI ÀUHDUPV DW WKH Lagos yesterday struck out an Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, DSSOLFDWLRQ ÀOHG E\ D IRUPHU SHQGLQJ WKH ÀQDO GHWHUPLQDWLRQ President of the Nigerian Indig- of the origination motion.

However, Justice Lewisenous Shipowners Association (NISA), Chief Isaac Jolapamo, Alagoa, in his ruling, ordered asking the court to restrain the the applicant to face his trial Nigeria Police Force, and the At- before Justice Yelim Bogoro, and torney General of the Federation FKDOOHQJH WKH FKDUJH ÀOHG DJDLQVW (AGF), Abubakar Malami (SAN), him by the police.

Jolapamo had through his from arraigning him over alleged LOOHJDO SRVVHVVLRQ RI ÀUHDUPV lawyer, Falana, argued that the The Applicant, Chief Jolapamo police had already concluded had approached the court investigation and upon the through his lawyer, Mr. Femi conclusion of the investigation, Falana (SAN) to seek an order the police came to a conclusion of interim injunction restraining that there is no case against the IGP, and AGF either by them- application, and there no prima

facie case established against him. +H VWDWHG WKDW WKH FKDUJH ÀOHG against him is defective, and if the Applicant is arraigned based on his rights to liberty, fair hearing would be violated.

He stated that Section 46 of the constitution empowered the court to protect the rights of any citizen to liberty.

Opposing the application, counsel to the applicant, Anthony Iyeye, submitted that since a charge has been ÀOHG EHIRUH WKH FRXUW WKH only option available to the Applicant is to take his plea.

He argued that the Applicant cannot raise an objection as to the validity of a charge, which he has not taken a plea.

He urged the court to dismiss the application as it constituted an abuse of court.

The police had in charge number FHC/L/404c/22 accused the Jolapamo of being in possession of several illegal ÀUHDUPV QDPHO\ 0DU FDOLEUH ULÁH SXPS DFWLRQ ÀUHDUP DQG D Double-barrel, all without lawful authorisation.

7KH FKDUJHV ÀOHG DJDLQVW KLP read: “In the 3-count charge QXPEHU )+& / F ÀOHG before the court, it was alleged that Chief Isaac Jolapamo was LQ SRVVHVVLRQ RI VHYHUDO ÀUHDUPV QDPHO\ 0DU FDOLEUH ULÁH SXPS DFWLRQ ÀUHDUP DQG D Double-barrel, all without lawful authorisation.

WHO: Poor Health Services Exerting Ogun 2023: PDP Candidate, Adebutu Heavy Burden on Nigeria’s Economy Unveils 7-Point Manifesto Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Ahead of the International Universal Health Coverage Day celebration coming up on December 12, World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that the persisting poor health indices have a huge burden of losses on the country’s ailing economy.

It estimates that presently a hundred million persons across the world slide into extreme poverty every year because of the costs of paying for healthcare out of their own pockets.

For Nigeria, WHO said that healthcare out-of-pocket

expenditure stood at 70.5 per cent of the Current Health Expenditure (CHE) in 2019, general government health expenditure as a percentage of the GDP was 0.6 per cent, while government expenditure per capita was $14.6 compared with WHO’s $86 benchmark for universal health coverage (UHC).

These facts were revealed by WHO, at the opening of a 3-day conference on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) organised by the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHEJ) in collaboration with the WHO in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

2023: Delta North Monarchs Vow to Stand by Okowa Sunday Okobi

Traditional rulers in Delta North senatorial district of Delta State under the umbrella of Delta KDG WR VHWWOH IRU P µ WKH process of concessioning it to North Traditional Rulers Forum a competent bidder, adding (DTRF) have vowed to remain minister said.

According to him, “As we that by 1999, mining in Nigeria resolute in the collective struggle speak, 11 companies are pres- had declined to almost zero to ensure the state governor, ently involved in the concession per cent attributing to what Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, emerges the bid for Ajaokuta Steel Company happened in 1970. next vice president of Nigeria “There was an indigenisa- on the platform of the Peoples but, we are still committed to ensuring that the company was tion decree which sent a lot Democratic Party (PDP). concessioned to a competent of mining companies out of The monarchs also promised bidder with technical and Nigeria. And by 2015, when to support Prince Ned Nwoko ÀQDQFLDO FDSDFLWLHV WR RSWLPLVH President Muhammadu Buhari and Hon. Ndudi Elumelu in FDPH LQWR R΀FH EHLQJ WKH ÀUVW their quests for seats in the LWV SRWHQWLDO µ According to him, the president, like I have said a few Senate and Federal House of Buhari government had been times, put the money where the Representative respectively. able to resolve all contending mouth is. So in 2015, there was legal issues with the steel D GHOLEHUDWH HͿRUW WR UHSRVLWLRQ company and was in the WKH VHFWRU µ $GHJELWH VWUHVVHG

Court Refuses to Stop Police, AGF from Prosecuting Ex-NISA Boss, Jolapamo Wale Igbintade

The presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore, yesterday called on Nigerians to shun the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the 2023 elections and vote AAC. Sowore, who made the call while speaking virtually during a roundtable organised by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, with the theme, ‘Manifestoes and Issue-based Political Campaigns for the 2023 General Elections in Nigeria’, said Nigerians owe it a duty through their votes not to allow

James Sowole in Abeokuta

crowd and PDP supporters, who stormed the venue from The Peoples Democratic the 20 local government areas Party (PDP) Governorship of the state.

7KH HYHQW FUHDWHG WUD΀F VQDUO Candidate for 2023 Election in Ogun State, Hon Oladipupo on a stretch of Adatan-Ake Road Adebutu, yesterday unveiled for several hours, as a section a seven -point manifesto,which of the dual carriage road, was he promised to implement if he FORVHG WR WUD΀F Addressing the people, Adewins the forthcoming poll.

Adebutu unveiled the mani- butu, who faulted many of the festo, tagged “IDERA DE, (Relief policies and programmes of the +DV &RPH µ DW D UDOO\ WR ÁDJ RͿ current administration of Prince his gubernatorial campaign in Dapo Abiodun in several sectors, Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. said his manifesto, was not a 7KH FDPSDLJQ ÁDJ RͿ ZKLFK vague one but drawn based on took place at Ake Palace in results of researches conducted the heart of the state capital, RQ VWDWH RI DͿDLUV LQ WKH *DWHZD\ was attended by tumultuous State.

the two political parties near power again because they have QRWKLQJ WR RͿHU WKH FRXQWU\ He said the people must scrutinise the political parties very well and avoid those that had wrought destruction on the country, stating that they should be wary of sugar-coated politicians who are out to hoodwink them.

He maintained that it is only the AAC that has the blueprint to make life meaningful for Nigerians, noting that its manifesto which is hinged on the tripod of human security, sustainability and economic development would be fully implemented to end poverty and insecurity in the country.

The monarchs noted that even when they are not card-carrying members of any political party, they have a right as stakeholders in determining who represents them at the state and national levels to ensure good governance.

The chairman of the forum and immediate past Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, Obi of Owa His Majesty Dr. EO Efeizomor, made the vows on behalf of other monarchs in the district recently when Nwoko paid a courtesy visit to the forum in Owa palace ground in Owa Oyibu.

Lekoil Nigeria, Lekoil Cayman Find Common Ground on Dispute

Rebecca Ejifoma

Lekoil Nigeria Limited, an oil and gas exploration and production company and Lekoil Ltd (Lekoil Cayman) have agreed to terminate all legal proceedings and settle all claims made by or between the parties.

The parties have been in dispute since early 2020 in connection with the rights of Lekoil Cayman among others under the shareholders agreement in respect of the company, the various inter-company loans granted by Lekoil Cayman to Lekoil Nigeria and its related entities.

As noted in a press statement it issued at the weekend, the companies have acceded to release and discharge all relevant claims, withdraw legal proceedings, surrender certain shares and other transactions, as well as agree on a new framework for their future relationship.

“The settlement covers all the disputes that arose between Lekoil Nigeria Ltd, Lekoil Cayman and Mr. Lekan Akinyanmi concerning the management of Lekoil Cayman and related entities, proprietary interests, liabilities and contractual and non-contractual rights and REOLJDWLRQV RI WKH SDUWLHV µ WKH statement read in parts.

Global Entrepreneurship Network for Nigeria Impacts Over 2,000 MSMEs Global Entrepreneurship Network for Nigeria celebrated the 2022 Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) Award ceremony in Lagos with young entrepreneurs awarded cash prizes and given an assurance of quality support to sustain and develop their businesses.

In a remark by the Managing Director, Global Entrepreneurship Network for Nigeria, Dr. Olawale Anifowoshe, he said the annual event is organised to energise the youth of Nigeria in businesses as it has a proven record of impacting startups to launch their business ideas and be more visible in the business ecosystem.

He said, “In over four years the centre has impacted over 2,000 MSMEs and is willing to continue to support young entrepreneurs in the country as access to quality support service and the lack of accessible information has hampered young businesses WR WKULYH µ Anifowoshe asserts that young entrepreneurs on board are given access to obtain a loan through their partnership with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to scale up and also, to have a support system for accelerated development and expansion with the right perception of being a global brand in their businesses.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

15

NEWS Gunmen on Rampage in Imo, Kill Policeman, Machete Commissioner

Corona College Advocates Functional Educational System to Produce Self-reliant Citizens Uchechukwu Nnaike

Ahamefula Ogbu

There was pandemonium yesterday in parts of Owerri, the Imo State capital and Mbaitolu that left some dead, including a policeman and several others injured by gunmen said to be enforcing sit-at-home.

The dead policeman was LGHQWLÀHG DV 3ULQFH WKH HOGHU brother of midget Nollywood sensation, Osita Iheme who goes E\ WKH PRQLNHU 3DZSDZ ZKLOH the Imo State Commissioner for Solid Minerals, Mr. Martins Eke was dealt severe machete blows some said was life threatening.

Trouble was said to have started when gunmen patrolling in Tundra and other Sports Utility vehicles moves round the state shooting sporadically and shouting that everyone should go home.

However, the wounded Commissioner was said to have returned from a political rally where the slain Ihemme provided security when they were attacked and the gunmen allegedly shot directly at the SROLFH R΀FHU ZKR GLHG LQVWDQWO\ It was after the killing of Iheme that the gunmen said

to have worn black attires dealt the machete blows on the Commissioner. The policeman was killed at the popular 7up junction by the gunmen said to be wearing black attire.

An eyewitness narrated that, “They just killed a policeman QRZ 7KH\ RSHQHG ÀUH RQ WKHP and were shouting there is sitat-home, we have asked you to go home”.

Another eyewitness said he escaped by the whiskers as they were shooting indiscriminately but may have killed people in his group if not for elderly women

among them.

The gunmen allegedly shot continuously at Nkwo Orji market in the metropolis before taking to their heels before the arrival of security forces.

The gunmen were also reported to have attacked an All 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV FDPSDLJQ WHDP WKDW KDG MXVW ÀQLVKHG campaigning at Mbaitolu, a reason a source suspected it was politically motivated.

While businesses abruptly closed, the roads were deserted as motorists abandoned their vehicles and ran away.

The Corona College of EducaWLRQ &&(' KDV FDOOHG RQ WKH federal government to work towards developing a functional educational system that would make Nigerians self-reliant. ,W PDGH WKH FDOO DW LWV ÀIWK public lecture in Lagos to address the ills in the education system, which was themed ‘Education for Self-reliance LQ 1LJHULD $ 3ODFHER"· DQG examined the current state of the education system in 1LJHULD SURͿHULQJ SRVVLEOH VROXWLRQV WKDW FDQ DͿHFW WKH system positively.

7KH JXHVW OHFWXUHU 'U 3HWHU

%DPNROH D PHFKDQLFDO HQJLQHHU DQG 'LUHFWRU (QWHUSULVH 'HYHORSPHQW &HQWUH 3DQ Atlantic University, said the value of education can never be overestimated, just as the dangers of ignorance.

He added that education is pertinent to the development of any nation and said that education in Nigeria is not a placebo but a lot of work has to be done by stakeholders for it not to be seen as a placebo.

According to him, “We have been accustomed to think of education in terms of restrictive labels of law, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, among others.

2023: Adefarasin Calls for Exceptional Leadership

REWARDING LOYALTY… L-R: Glo house winner, Chimeka Woke, Chairman of Ahoada West Local Govt, Barrister Ben Eke; His Royal Highness, Eze Orlu Ekpodota 1, Dr Anugbom Onuhua, and Globacom’s Regional Activation Manager, Port Harcourt, Mr Johnson Omonigho, at the presentation of a 3-Bedroom apartment to Woke who won the house in the Glo Festival of Joy promo in Port Harcourt on Friday

,*3 3UHVHQWV 1 P &KHTXHV WR )DPLOLHV RI 'HFHDVHG 2ͿFHUV LQ .DWVLQD Francis Sardauna in Katsina

would not relent in its welfare scheme for its personnel who The Inspector General of have sacrificed their lives fighting 3ROLFH ,*3 8VPDQ $NDOL %DED for the peace and progress of yesterday presented cheques the country.

Nadada called on residents of worth N54,532,909.32 to families and next of kin of 27 deceased the state, especially those living police officers in Katsina State. in frontline communities that the 7KH VWDWH 3ROLFH &RPPLV- 1LJHULD 3ROLFH )RUFH DQG RWKHU sioner, Shehu Umar Nadada, security agencies are on their toes who presented the cheques to and unrelenting in their ongoing the beneficiaries at the police onslaught against terrorists in headquarters on behalf of the the state.

He urged members of the police chief, sought collaboration with communities to end communities to come forward and give out useful information terrorism in the state.

He assured that the police to the security agencies about

any person or group of persons suspected to be terrorists or their informants, adding that any information given would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

He said: “The Inspector GenHUDO RI 3ROLFH LV YHU\ SDVVLRQDWH about the welfare of the officers DQG PHQ RI WKH 1LJHULD 3ROLFH )RUFH ,W ZDV DV D UHVXOW RI WKLV giant stride that on behalf of the ,*3 , DP SUHVHQWLQJ FKHTXHV worth N54,532,909:32 under the ‘Group Life Assurance Scheme’ to the families and next of kin of deceased police officers, who died while in active service of

their fatherland.

“I urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the money for the betterment of the families of the deceased officers. I pray to Almighty God to repose the souls of the deceased police officers in paradise.

“I wish to also use this opportunity to assure members of the public especially those at the frontline areas that the Nigeria 3ROLFH )RUFH DQG LQGHHG RWKHU security agencies are on their toes and unrelenting in their onslaught against terrorists in the state.”

NIDS Urges FG to Increase Budget for Local Production of Medical Consumables The Nigerian Infectious 'LVHDVHV 6RFLHW\ 1,'6 KDV charged the federal government WR FRPPLW VX΀FLHQW EXGJHW LQ WKH promotion of local manufacturing of medical consumables in the country, including therapeutics and vaccines for infectious diseases.

In a communique issued at the end of the 10th Annual General 0HHWLQJ DQG 6FLHQWLÀF &RQIHUHQFH RI WKH 1LJHULDQ ,QIHFWLRXV 'LVHDVHV

of us. No one person can lead us into our prophetic destiny without galvanising every one of us in the corporate task of rebuilding a wasted nation.”

The cleric maintained that Nigerians need to change their mindset if they truly desire liberation.

The 2022 edition of the concert is themed ‘Jesus: The exceptional one’ and had over 16 globally sought-after gospel artistes in attendance.

Adefarasin stated that the timing of the concert was deliberate to strengthen its impact.

“It is never mere coincidence that ‘The Experience’ is intentionally positioned at the end of the year, which presents the perfect opportunity for all to appreciate the Almighty for the deliverances wrought, the blessing vested and the increase given across the expanse of the year, with the certain conviction that there will be greater grace in the coming year.”

PAC Foundation Cleans Up Mesewo Community, Donates Food Items to 100 Households Mary Nnah

carry out the clean-up exercise.

They were equally supported 3DQ $IULFDQ &DSLWDO )RXQ- by some youths in the Masewo GDWLRQ 3$& WKH FRUSRUDWH community, which made it a social responsibility arm of collaborative exercise, to ensure 3DQ $IULFDQ KROGLQJV UHFHQWO\ an environmentally friendly organised a clean-up exercise atmosphere. for the Mesewo community, in the Mushin area of Lagos State.

The clean up exercise was aimed at enlightening the residents on environmental sanitation and reducing the health hazard that can be The presidential can- contracted through pollutants of his niece, Hajiya Laraba 0DOODP 0DPPDQ 'DXUD the president’s nephew, GLGDWH RI $3& XUJHG WKH and accumulated waste in the 'DXGD Tinubu in a statement who is a brother to the SUHVLGHQW 0DOODP 'DXUD environment.

According to the Executive issued yesterday by his deceased. and all those left behind by +DML\D 'DXGD GLHG DW WKH the deceased to take heart 6HFUHWDU\ IRU WKH )RXQGDWLRQ 0HGLD 2΀FH DQG VLJQHG

by Mr. Tunde Rahman, also weekend leaving behind and accept the incident as Omolola Ojo, ‘‘The mission is expressed sympathy with children and grandchildren. the will of Almighty Allah. to create impact for social good through innovative interventions that are private-sector driven. Our focus areas are health, education, environment, 6RFLHW\ LQ <HQDJRD %D\HOVD 6WDWH to infectious diseases threats as at all levels to increase budgetary and economic empowerment.”

“The foundation promotes the Society noted that the country some of the major factors militat- allocation to primary healthcare still faced the challenges of LQJ DJDLQVW HͿHFWLYH FRQWURO DQG and health security, and call and creates Eco-conscious inadequate investment in health management of infectious diseases for investments in infectious communities by engaging security and largely depends on in the country. diseases surveillance, diagnostics, youths and everyone in the foreign aid for health interventions. ´,QIHFWLRXV GLVHDVHV DUH VLJQLÀ- research, risk communication society to create sustainable The document jointly signed cant causes of disease morbidity and community engagement. Eco-solutions to problems E\ WKH 1,'6 3UHVLGHQW 3URIHVVRU and mortality in Nigeria, but there 7KH )*1 VKRXOG DOVR FRPPLW impacted by climate change 'LPLH 2JRLQD DQG 6HFUHWDU\ 'U are still considerable gaps in the VX΀FLHQW UHVRXUFHV WR SURPRWH DͿHFWLQJ SHRSOH·V KHDOWK LQ Uche Unigwe respectively also country’s capacity to detect, local manufacturing of medi- the environment,” Omolola observed poor multi-sectoral col- prevent and control various cal countermeasures including added.

2YHU PHPEHUV RI VWDͿ RI laboration and untapped private infectious diseases. therapeutics and vaccines for 3$& KROGLQJV YROXQWHHUHG WR “We implore the government relevant infectious diseases.’’ sector investments in response

Tinubu Condoles Buhari over Hajiya Laraba’s Passing Adedayo Akinwale 7KH 3UHVLGHQWLDO FDQGLGDWH RI WKH $OO 3URJUHVVLYHV &RQJUHVV $3& $VLZDMX %ROD 7LQXEX KDV FRQGROHG 3UHVLGHQW 0XKDPPDGX %XKDUL RYHU WKH SDVVLQJ

7KH 0HWURSROLWDQ 6HQLRU 3DVWRU RI +RXVH RQ WKH 5RFN &KXUFK 3DXO Adefarasin, has advised Nigerians to be exceptional in their choice of leaders come 2023.

Adefarasin, who was speaking at a media briefing on the 17th edition of ‘The Experience’ gospel concert, lamented the imperfections in the country, urging the electorate to change the narratives by being intentional and deliberate.

He noted that Nigerians were in their present state as a result of their choice, adding that the situation is not irredeemable.

“Today, we stand poised on the cusp of a nationhood-determining election like no other, we know that the survival and growth of our beloved country is paramount. We therefore must acknowledge that the leadership we have experienced this far is a reflection of who we are as a people.

“Consequently, the transformation we yearn for must start with us and I mean absolutely every one

16

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

17

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Yemi Alade Captures Different Moods, Genres in New EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ultiple awardwinning musician, Yemi Alade’s new EP ‘African Baddie’ is all the rave of the season, and available via (Ϳ\]]LH 0XVLF 7KLV LV D IROORZ XS WR KHU ÀIWK VWXGLR DOEXP ´(PSUHVV µ ZKLFK ZDV UHOHDVHG LQ 7KH WUDFN SURMHFW IHDWXUHV FROODERUDWLRQV ZLWK 6SLFH 3K\QR %LVD%LVD .GHL Zlatan, Bramsito, Joe Dwet File, and %ULWLVK 1LJHULDQ VLQJHU /HPDU ´$IULFDQ %DGGLHµ FDSWXUHV GLͿHUHQW moods and samples various genres including dancehall, highlife, and afUREHDWV ZLWK HDVH LQ WKLV ERG\ RI ZRUN 2YHUORDG -R -R %DGGLH ,NHEH 'MH 'MH *HW 'RZQ 0\ 0DQ )UHQFK YHUVLRQ %XEEOH ,W DQG %HJJLQJ DUH MXVW D IHZ RI WKH VRQJV On the ‘Baddie’ EP, Yemi Alade revealed that it is a collection of songs to which all

Yemi Alade

ODGLHV PD\ FRQQHFW 6KH ZHQW RQ WR VD\ that it contains all the feminine moods: ´,·P DQ $IULFDQ ¶%DGGLH · EXW WKDW GRHVQ·W PHDQ , GRQ·W KDYH HPRWLRQV (YHU\ ZRPDQ FDQ UHODWH WR DOO WKH PRRGV LQ WKLV (3 One minute, we are begging a man not

WR KXUW XV DJDLQ DQG WKH QH[W ZH·UH LQ front of the mirror reminding ourselves ZKR LV UHDOO\ LQ FRQWURO ´7KLV QHZ (3 LV VSHFLDO WR PH (YHU\RQH ZLOO EH DEOH WR UHVRQDWH ZLWK GLͿHUHQW VRQJV WR SXW WKHP LQ YDULRXV PRRGV

7KHUH LV D VRQJ IRU HYHU\ SHUVRQ RQ ¶$IULFDQ %DGGLH · 7KH YLEH ÁRZV LQWR RQH DQRWKHU DQG , DP KDSS\ WR WDNH P\ DXGLHQFH RQ D PXVLFDO MRXUQH\ ZLWK HDFK VRQJ µ Preceding the release of ‘African Baddie’, <HPL $ODGH UHOHDVHG ¶%XEEOH ,W· IW 6SLFH which amassed over 6 million views on Youtube, bumping the Nigerian singer LQWR RYHU PLOOLRQ YLHZV RQ 7LN 7RN For Yemi, this latest EP garners the same level of attention and recognition, FDSWXULQJ KHU YHUVDWLOLW\ DV DQ LQWHUQDWLRQDO DUWLVWH 6KH KDV PDGH *UDPP\ DZDUG ZLQQLQJ FRQWULEXWLRQV WR ERWK $QJHOLTXH .LGMR·V ´0RWKHU 1DWXUHµ $OEXP HDUOLHU WKLV \HDU DV ZHOO DV WR %H\RQFH·V %ODFN ,V .LQJ RI :LWK IRXU DOEXPV WKUHH (3·V XQGHU KHU EHOW DQG ZLWK JUHDW KLWV VXFK DV ¶-RKQQ\· ‘Ferrari’, ‘Na Gode’, and ‘Bum Bum’, DQG DV RQH RI WKH ÀUVW IHPDOHV LQ WKH JHQUH WR KLW RYHU PLOOLRQ YLHZV RQ <RX7XEH DQG RYHU PLOOLRQ GHGLFDWHG VXEVFULEHUV <HPL $ODGH LV WKH 1R $IURSRS IHPDOH DUWLVWH RQ WKH FRQWLQHQW

The Cavemen Thrills at Trace Live Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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W ZDV DQRWKHU QLJKW ÀOOHG ZLWK thrills and classic highlife music DV EURWKHUV .LQJVOH\ 2NRULH D EDVVLVW DQG GUXPPHU %HQMDPLQ James performed live with their EDQG 7KH YHQXH 7HUUD .XOWXUH ZDV ÀOOHG WR WKH EULP DV IDQV WURRSHG LQ WKHLU QXPEHUV WR H[SHULHQFH the Headies Award winning brothers IURP ,PR 6WDWH In an Afrocentric design with a blue EDFNJURXQG DQG JUHHQ DUWLÀFLDO JUDVV WKH VWDJH OLJKWV URWDWH WR DGG EHDXW\ WR DQ DOUHDG\ VWXQQLQJ YLHZ ,W ZRXOG KDYH been impossible for one to have imagined KRZ LQÁXHQWLDO WKHVH WZR EURWKHUV FRXOG EH LQ D VRFLHW\ ZKHUH $IUREHDWV GRPLQDWHV

PXVLF JHQUHV ,QGHHG LW LV HYLGHQW WKDW 7KH &DYHPHQ KDYH D OR\DO IDQ EDVH ZKR IROORZ WKHLU PXVLF DQG NQRZ WKHLU VRQJV ZRUG IRU ZRUG /LYH PXVLF QHYHU VRXQGHG DV JRRG DV WKH\ SHUIRUPHG VRQJV OLNH ¶/LYH DQG let Live’, Bella, Beautiful Rain, Anita and RWKHU VRQJV $V KRVW 6KRGG\ WKH +\SH 0DQ DQG comedian Pencil welcomed members of WKH PXVLF FRPPXQLW\ WR WKH LQWLPDWH VKRZ ZKLFK KDV SUHYLRXVO\ IHDWXUHG WKH OLNHV RI 3·VTXDUH 3K\QR .LQJ 3URPLVH .LQJ 3HUU\ DQG 0, $EDJD DPRQJ RWKHUV ´:H DUH WHOOLQJ RXU VWRU\ RXU SHUVSHFWLYH RI KLJKOLIH PXVLF µ .LQJVOH\ 2NRULH RQH RI WKH VLQJHUV WROG WKH DXGLHQFH ´:H FDQ VWD\ KHUH DOO QLJKW WR HQWHUWDLQ \RX DQG QRW JHW WLUHG EXW \RX KDYH WR FRPH WR

RXU VKRZ RQ 'HFHPEHU DW /DQGPDUN A number of attendees described the HYHQW DV RQH RI WKH EHVW WKH\ KDG DWWHQGHG WKLV \HDU DIWHU VSHDNLQJ ZLWK WKHP ´7KLV is one of the best shows I’ve attended WKLV \HDU ,W·V ZKDW , FDOO RULJLQDO KLJKOLIH PXVLF IURP WKH URRWV µ VDLG 6KDZQ D PXVLF HQWKXVLDVW ´, DWWHQG PDQ\ OLYH PXVLF VKRZV EXW WKLV VWDQGV RXW WKH\ DUH WRR JRRG DQG WKDQNV 7UDFH /LYH IRU EOHVVLQJ P\ 'HFHPEHU µ DQRWKHU DWWHQGHH VDLG 6KRZ 'HP &DPS /\Q[[ $OSKD 3 7REL %DNUH H[ %LJ %URWKHU 1DLMD KRXVHPDWH Sammie, among others, also graced the The Cavemen - Kingsley Okorie, a bassist and drummer, Benjamin James DUHQD ZLWK WKHLU SUHVHQFH 7UDFH /LYH PRQWKO\ VHULHV LV FUHDWHG LQ partnership with Bolanle Austin- Peters *LQ 7RP 7RP 'HVSHUDGR /HDGZD\ DQG %LQJZD ,QLWLDWLYH VXSSRUWHG E\ /RUG·V $VVXUDQFH DQG UHIUHVKHG E\ 3HSVL

Mike Afolarin

I’m Taking Each Day One Step at a Time

As an actor, television presenter and movie producer, Mike Afolarin has won hearts, combining all roles together. He is creative, skillful and highly talented, known for his good interpretation of roles in movies, he can as well accept any character assigned him and he does this very well to the admiration of his numerous fans. Afolarin’s rise to fame and recognition in Nollywood follows roles in movies likeA ‘ juwayah 2017 and Kasala 2018. In this interview, Mike talks about his role as Ishaya in Netflix’s young adult Nollywood series “Far From Home” and what everyone should expect from his character…

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ow did you land the role Ishaya?

7KH DXGLWLRQ ZDV KRZ , ODQGHG WKH UROH 6KRXW RXW WR P\ IULHQG DQG FROOHDJXH .RODGH 6KDVL , EHOLHYH KH PHQWLRQHG P\ QDPH LQ WKH FDVWLQJ URRP 6RRQ DIWHU KH UHDFKHG RXW WR PH DQG DVNHG IRU P\ KHDGVKRW 7KHQ GXH process prevailed, and after several auditions VHOI WDSHV DQG SK\VLFDO *RG GLG LW What was it like playing the lead? Walk us through your experience…

It was quite an amount of pressure, because ÀUVWO\ WR ÀOP WKLV , KDG WR EH IDU IURP KRPH ,W ZDV JHQHUDOO\ D UHDOO\ EXV\ WLPH LQ P\ OLIH 'HVSLWH WKH HDUO\ FDOO WLPHV DQG SK\VLFDOO\ GHPDQGLQJ VFHQHV ZLWK PXOWLSOH WDNHV , KDG D JRRG WLPH , JRW WR GR ZKDW , ORYH ZKLOH ZRUNLQJ DORQJVLGH Afolarin VRPH RI P\ LQFUHGLEOH IULHQGV DQG DOVR WKH JRRG SHRSOH DW ,QNEORW DQG RI FRXUVH 1HWÁL[ ZKLFK Tell us how Ishaya is similar to Mike without PDGH WKH MRXUQH\ D UHPDUNDEOH RQH 7KH HQWLUH cast and crew brought their A-game, and we giving any spoilers. And would you trade KDG D ZRQGHUIXO WLPH FUHDWLQJ WKLV PDVWHUSLHFH lives with Ishaya, if given the choice?

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What was your favourite scene from “Far From Home” while playing Ishaya?

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What do you hope audiences take away from Ishaya and Far From Home? +RSHIXOO\ LW LVQ·W WKH GUXJV« 0RUH VHULRXVO\ , ZRXOG VD\ ¶\RXU GUHDPV DUH YDOLG · 5HJDUGOHVV RI ZKDW \RXU UHDOLW\ LV GRQ·W ORVH IRFXV RQ \RXU JRDOV , KDYH VHHQ WKLV SOD\ RXW LQ P\ UHDOLW\ QRW MXVW LQ ,VKD\D·V ZRUOG ,VKD\D ZDQWV \RX WR IRFXV RQ WKH IRFXV What is a typical day like in the life of Mike Afolarin?

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What should we expect next from you? )UDQNO\ ,·P WDNLQJ HDFK GD\ RQH VWHS DW D WLPH , ZLOO GHÀQLWHO\ NHHS SXVKLQJ P\VHOI WR GR P\ EHVW RQ HYHU\ SURMHFW , JHW WR EH D SDUW RI DQG WR FRQWLQXH WR DOORZ P\VHOI WR EH D YHVVHO IRU HDFK QHZ FKDUDFWHU DQG VWRU\ ,·P ORRNLQJ Are we going to love or hate Ishaya? , WKLQN \RX ZLOO HLWKHU KDWH RU ORYH KLP ,W forward to producing a couple of stories as WRWDOO\ GHSHQGV RQ WKH DQJOH \RX·UH ZDWFKLQJ ZHOO DQG ,·P MXVW KRQHVWO\ KRSLQJ WKDW *RG·V JUDFH FRPSOHWHV P\ KDUG ZRUN IURP , GR ORYH KLP ZKROHKHDUWHGO\ WKRXJK

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

18

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Hi-Impact Studios Re-emerge Better, More Beautiful Godwin Ifijeh

I

t was a celebration of a renaissance, beauty and excellence as the Hi-Impact Studios got relaunched after over a year of the fire incident that devastated it.

The studio and equipment were consumed by fire in Ogun State, its location then, on August 12, 2021.

By last Saturday when the Chairman, Prince Omoba Adeyanju Lipede turned another year, he made the day a double celebration, with its already excellently-refurbished production unit, its scintillating Tv station and a new radio station of esteem.

The event held at Ilupeju, a centre point in mainland Lagos and the new location of the studios, a bye product of Solution Media and Infotech Ltd. A business magnate of class, Lipede is into all manner of businesses, including Solution Media and Infotech Ltd, Hi-Impact Hotel, Hi-Impact Studios, Hi-Impact Tv, Hi-Impact Radio, and Hi-Impact Production, among others.

Recalling the sad fire incident on the day, the Chairman said: “All taken by it has been restored sevenfold. We glorify God. We are securing the future of our youths, we have consolidated at securing the future.”

He described his new Hi-Impact radio Station, as a major first in the South West of Nigeria, just as he referred to the Tv Station as family based and into education and entertainment.

The Prince said: “Before the fire incident, Hi-Impact television was transmitting to over 90 countries of the world in three continents.

Sad as the fire incident was, Jesus has made it possible for us to turn ashes to classical gold, we are now better than we were then.

“The fire not only touched our Tv Station, but our equipment. For two hours as the fire ranged, we could not get any fire-fighting service, but lucky that there was a water pool close by, which all of us, the staff in particular had to move into to get water to fight it.

“In fact, when the fire service eventually came and their water got finished, they also moved in there to get water.

“My mind had told me to set up a fire solution when we started there, but I said No, believing that we had a government and a fire service department.

“But it occurred and destroyed everything we had, here we are today, we have re-emerged better and more beautiful.

“In the next few weeks, our OB Van will be here, I’m not celebrating my birthday today, but our new beauty, we shall be touring not only with the television station, but the best radio station around.”

Prince Lipede

Sinach Set to Host ‘Love Feast 2’ Tosin Clegg

answering about how I do this or that and that is what I put together in the book.

“So, it’s a story and mentorship guide that has helped me over my 30 years plus of ministry and continues to me help me.

And I’m looking forward to having them for people who have dreams in their heart and have a passion. And you’re wondering, how do I start? Where do I go from here? And how would I make it happen?

So, I put a few things together, the things that guided me over the years and that helps me and of course the waterfall which is in various forms.”

U

narguably one of Nigeria’s top gospel ministers, the ever gorgeous Sinach is set to headline a Christmas Concert at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos on Sunday, December 11, 2022. The show will start at 3pm and is tagged, “Sinach & Friends – The Love Feast.”

Sinach will be joined by a huge line up of gospel power houses including Chief Ebenezer Obey, Da Music, Enkay, Judikay, Chris Shalom, Ayo Vincent, Nosa, Everton Mlalazi Music, Acsa Olangi Kaseya, Ada, Joe Praize, Eben, Emmy Madubuko, Buchi, Frank Edwards, Da’dra Greathouse + Minister K.I., Mista Push, 121 Selah, Grace Nation, Yadahworld DQG 2΀FLDO 5HTHOO She said, “We are all working hard to make sure we present an exciting time and a beautiful time.

It’s our second edition and it’s more inclusive as WKLV \HDU ZH DUH JRLQJ WR GR VRPHWKLQJ GLͿHUHQW :H KDYH GUDPD DQG PXVLF IURP GLͿHUHQW DUWLVWHV It will be showcasing several of your favorite and anointed gospel ministers, in worship, praise, dance, drama and wholesome family-oriented entertainment.

“What we do is celebrating Jesus Christ and his birth. Sometimes you can say oh, December is a time to spend money and all of that, but sometimes we forget the real reason for the season.”

In addition to her concert, Sinach will launch a new a book titled, “I know who I am” on the concert day as well. According to her, the book was actually inspired by the questions that she keeps getting from the people that listen to her music.

She said, “So we have travelled across the world and I always have people come up to me asking me questions. And those questions I was always Sinach

Super Story Wins TV Drama of The Year Tosin Clegg

T

he Super Story titled, “Dangerous Love” has won the award for “TV Drama of the Year” at the 2022 Nigeria Media Merit Awards (NMMA) which took place in Lagos.

The producer of Super Story TV Drama, Wale Adenuga Jnr., had this to say: “We appreciate the organisers of NMMA, and we don’t take it for granted that Super Story has remained relevant to several generations of viewers; rather, with each new story, we work even harder to keep our content authenticallyAfrican, relatable, and enjoyable by viewers of all ages, ethnicities, genders, socio-economic class, Adenuga religions, etc. In January, a fresh season of Super Story titled Destiny will commence; kindly follow us on Instagram, SuperStorySeries for updates.”

Since 2001, Superstory TV Drama, produced by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP), has been providing highly-engaging stories which entertain and enlighten Nigerians home and abroad, and this is why many corporate brands, MDAs, NGOs, and other organisations regularly partner with WAP to get their messages across to the millions of viewers glued to Superstory weekly.

OHLA Hits the Charts with Debut EP Tosin Clegg

Ohla

W

aves after waves, the Nigerian music industry is experiencing a Tsunami of sounds like never before. Amongst these new Afrobeats stars is OHLA. Born Bukola Ireti Holo, OHLA’s debut EP, a seven-track specially curated EP titled “Afro Icon” is an inspirational, melodic,

all-round Afrobeats sound, which landed on the charts almost immediately after its release. +XJHO\ LQÁXHQFHG E\ WKH GLYHUVH VRXQGV and genres of music she grew up listening to as a kid, this project is expected to resonate with all audiences.

Blending her own eclectic music style, The EP is set to position the rising talent as one of the future stars to look out for. ‘Afro Icon’ EP is out on all digital platforms. The project IHDWXUHV YHWHUDQ UDSSHU 9HFWRU DQG SUROLÀF producer Mystro. Tracks produced by Big Mouse and Mystro.

The Ondo State-born singer, who is currently

signed to international music label GIFTED Nation, explains that her music is a beautiful bag of emotions put together to tell her story.

“I want the underprivileged, especially girls and the young generation coming up LQ WKHLU GLͿHUHQW QLFKHV WR OLVWHQ WR P\ VRXQG and feel good about themselves, be proud of their roots, be brave at all times, not to be scared to make moves and stay iconic in their own uniqueness without bowing to societal pressure.”

The brand OHLA is here to make a sterling introduction to the music scene with her “Afro Icon” body of work.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

PERSPECTIVE The Consensus on Fiscal Discipline in States Many states across the country recently received awards from the federal government for their performance in the ongoing Word Bank-assisted States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results (PforR), designed to enthrone fiscal discipline at the sub-national level. Ndubuisi Francis profiles the reform-styled programme which has opened new vistas for public finance management in the states

T

here is a growing consensus by stakeholders at the federal and state levels that the four-year SFTAS programme (2018-2022) is increasingly revolutionising the way public finance management system is handled at the sub-

national level.

Conceived by the federal government, SFTAS was approved by the World Bank in June 2018 and took effect in May 2019 to nudge states into imbibing fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability.

Theprogramme’soriginal$750millionloanfrom the World Bank comprised two components – the performance-based grants from the federal government to states for achieving the Annual Eligibility Criteria and the Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), the programme results.

Following the advent of COVID-19 in December 2020, the World Bank approved an additional financing of $750 million to assist states to cope with the fiscal constraints occasioned by the pandemic, bringing the total to $1.5 billion.

The Precursor In 2016, the federal government introduced a 22-point Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) for states and local governments, designed to bolster fiscal prudence and transparency in public expenditure.

The aim was for state governments to abide by the FSP’s strategic objectives around the five key elements of accountability and transparency, increase in public revenue, rationalisation of public expenditure, public financial management reforms, and sustainable debt management.

The ultimate objective of the FSP was to ensure that states were on the path of fiscal sustainability.

However, after more than a year of the existence of the FSP, many of the states were still a study in opacity. They were bereft of fiscal discipline and transparency while wastages and mismanagement festered.

These unwholesome trends constrained the federal government from having a good understanding of states’ expenditures and their fiscal situation until risks materialised.

Therefore, in a bid to nudge the states into imbibing fiscal transparency, accountability and sustainability, the government at the centre, in collaboration with the World Bank decided to incentivise states with the SFTAS programme, which is anchored by the Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) under the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning.

The programme supports the full and sustained implementation of a strategic subset of reforms from the FSP and the Open Government Partnership (OGP) commitments that are implemented at the state level.

As of October 8, 2022, the Finance Ministry had disbursed the total sum of N475.5 billion to the 36 states following their performance in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Annual Performance Assessments (APAs) carried out by the Office of theAccountantGeneraloftheFederation(OAGF).

The last and final disbursement (2021 APA) is expected to be made in the next few weeks.

The Turning Point The programme which thrives on the tenets of responsive and responsible governance was designed to encourage states to significantly improve outcomes in four key results, and provides performance–based grants and technical assistance to the sub-nationals to implement the federal government’s 22- point Fiscal Sustainability Plan FSP and the Open Government Partnership.

The four key areas where states are expected

Ah d Ahmed

to significantly increase results are: Fiscal Transparency and Accountability; Strengthen Domestic Revenue Mobilisation; Increase Efficiency in Public Expenditure and Strengthen Debt Sustainability.

The federal government has already disbursed grants to states that met the Annual Eligibility Criteria and Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs), which are determined through the Annual Performance Assessment (APA).

For the states, they have come to realise that the more fiscally transparent, accountable and sustainable their operations are, the closer they come to harvesting from the incentives offered

by SFTAS. SFTAS has not only bolstered the internally generated revenue (IGR) of various states in areas like property taxation, it has also plugged leakages and led to greater efficiency in public finance management.

The Awards Impressed by the far-reaching reforms the SFTAS programme has so far entrenched in states across the federation, the federal government recently rolled out the drums to celebrate what many analysts have described as one of the far-reaching fiscal reforms of the Buhari administration.

At an award dinner in Abuja, where various states were honoured, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab

Ahmed applauded state governments in the country on their performance on the SFTAS. Ahmed expressed delight that the $1.5 billion SFTAS programme supported by the World Bank which commenced in 2018 has come of age with the full institutionalisation of fiscal reforms at the sub-national level.

The event witnessed the presentation of awards to best performing states in the successive Annual Performance Assessments conducted over the last threeyearsoftheprogramme’sexistence.

The deserving states were honoured based on their performance in key results areas, including Overall Best on SFTAS (All DLIs), Improvement on Original DLIs, Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Domestic Revenue Mobilisation, Efficiency of Public Expenditures and Debt Sustainability.

In the first category of Overall Best on SFTAS (All DLIs), Yobe clinched the first spotas‘TopPerformer’withJigawa,Kebbi and Ebonyi states grabbing the ‘Excellent Performer Award’ while Sokoto, Gombe, Delta, Borno and Niger states got the ‘Very Good Performer Award’.

For the second category: Improvement on Original DLIs (1-9), Borno won the ‘Top Performer Award’ with Nasarawa, Kebbi andBayelsastatesclinchingthe‘Excellent Performer Award’ while Zamfara, Imo, Kano, Ebonyi and Akwa Ibom states received the ‘Very Good Performer Award.’

Under the Fiscal Transparency and Accountability category, Yobe again got the ‘TopPerformerAward’withGombe,Delta and Ekiti states following closely behind with ‘Excellent Performer Award’ while Edo, Abia, Ondo, Enugu and Kogi states got the ‘Very Good Performer Award’.

The domestic revenue mobilization category saw Osun State clinching the ‘Top Performer Award’ with Sokoto, Kaduna and Bauchi states earning the ‘Excellent Performer Award’ while Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Kogi, Gombe, Nasarawa and Plateau states took the ‘Very Good Performer Award’.

In the Efficiency of Public Expenditures category, Edo came tops with the ‘‘Top Performer Award, closely followed by Borno, Niger and Ebonyi states with the ‘Excellent Performer Award’ while Delta, Yobe, Kebbi, Osun, Gombe and Jigawa states achieved the ‘Very Good Performer Award’.

The minister, who described the SFTAS programme as one RI WKH FRXQWU\·V PRVW ODXGDEOH DQG HQGXULQJ ÀVFDO UHIRUPV initiated under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, with the support of the World Bank, also expressed optimism that the resounding success recorded, especially the wholesale adoption of the SFTAS Charter by all the 36 state governors, the programme ideals already entrenched in the ÀVFDO JRYHUQDQFH VSDFH DW VXE QDWLRQDO OHYHO ZRXOG FRQWLQXH WR HQMR\ D SODFH RI SULGH LQ WKH FRQGXFW RI ÀVFDO JRYHUQDQFH HYHQ LQ WKH DEVHQFH RI DQ\ IXUWKHU ÀVFDO LQFHQWLYHV

Under the Debt Sustainability category, Jigawa clinched the ‘Top Performer Award’ just as Yobe, Kebbi and Ebonyi states took the ‘Excellent Performer Award.’

Kogi, Sokoto, Borno, Akwa Ibom, Delta, Niger and Nasarawa states grabbed the ‘Very Good Award’ category.

Whilepresentingtheawardstothegovernorsof thevariousstates,thefinanceministerexpressed hope that the honour would spur them further to strive towards deepening and mainstreaming the reforms in their respective States.

Ahmed also highlighted that since inception, the programme had continued to enjoy a very high level of political support and commitment with steady and strong performance coupled with demonstrable high level of ownership by State and Non-state Actors especially the civil society and the media.

She explained that the primary objective of the programme was to install a common set of fiscal behaviour and standards and facilitate the widespread adoption of good practices in fiscal and public financial management across the states while respecting their fiscal autonomy.

She said: “These good practices include preparation of Citizen -based Budgets, timely preparation and publication of Annual Budget and Audited Financial Statement as well as adoption of National Chart of Account amongst other Disbursement Linked Indicators (DLIs).

“There is no gainsaying the fact that over the years, SFTAS has achieved its set objectives and recorded significant milestones in improved fiscal transparency and accountability; increased domestic revenue mobilization; increased efficiency in public expenditure; and strengthened debtmanagementinlinewiththealreadyimbibed ideals.”

The minister, who described the SFTAS programme as one of the country’s most laudable and enduring fiscal reforms initiated under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, with the support of the World Bank, also expressed optimism that the resounding success recorded, especially the wholesale adoption of the SFTAS Charter by all the 36 state governors, the programme ideals already entrenched in the fiscal governance space at sub-national level would continue to enjoy a place of pride in the conduct of fiscal governance even in the absence of any further fiscal incentives.

Ahmed excitedly told the governors that in the next few weeks, their sates would receive the last tranche of performance-based grants including the sum of N1 billion withheld by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) through naira exchange deficit thus bringing to a close, the Performance for Results Grant.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Sokoto State Governor Aminu, Waziri Tambuwal assured the federal government and the World Bank of their continued support in upholding SFTAS’ ideals beyond the fiscal incentives, noting that the grants were very useful and that the states had begun to streamline their operations, cut cost, publish their accounts, and deepen citizen engagements.

The NGF had recently launched and signed the States’ Charter to Sustain Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Reforms whereby they reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the sustainability and willingness to be further accountable to the people.

On the occasion, the immediate past NGF Chairman and former Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi expressed optimism that much was already being sustained beyond SFTAS’ performance years, with states still publishing their fiscal documents in line with appropriate standards and pursuing the implementation of various laws that have been put in place.

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

IMAGES

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n Thursday December 8th, 2022, Group Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Dr. Ahmed Tunde Popoola organised a dinner to celebrate the elevation of his diligent, brilliant and accomplished bosom friends, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN, who was recently appointed as the 11th Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Kwara State and former Managing Director of Accenture Nigeria, Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, who was elected as the 8th Chairman, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). The event which took place at Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos paraded distinguished Nigerians from various sectors of the economy. Here are the faces at the event.

L-R: Alhaja Mariam Mojisola Popoola, Chief Host/Group Managing Director/CEO, CRC Credit Bureau, Dr. Ahmed ‘Tunde Popoola and Chairman, BoT, UNIFEMGA and Pro-Chancellor, Summit University Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti

Mrs. Muinat Idowu Yusuf, celebrant and newly elected 8th Chairman, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf

L-R: Guest of Honour and National President, MUSWEN, Alhaji, Rasaq Oladejo, Chairman of the occasion, Mallam Yusuf Alli, SAN and Guest Speaker, Mallam Mohammed Hayatu-Deen

L-R: Celebrant and newly appointed 11th Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN and1his wife, Hajia Muibat Adeola Egbewole

L-R: Executive Secretary, Borno State Education Trust Fund, Mallam Meina Yaumi and Managing Director/CEO, Matrix Energy Limited, Alhaji Abdulkabir Aliu

Former Minister for Communications, Dr. Omobola Johnson

Former Chairperson, Access Bank, Dr. Mosun Belo-Olusoga

Executive Director, FATE Foundation, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemi

CEO, Organisation Effectives Consultants, Mrs. Habiba Balogun

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, Lagos Export Processing Zone, Mrs. Islamiat Bolatito Ajibode and Managing Director, LOTUS Bank, Hajia Kafilat Araoye

Chairman, FCSL, Mr. Lekan Belo

National President, UNIFEMGA, Engr. Abdulfattah Olanlege

Partner, Verraki Partners, Mrs. Toluwaleke Adenmosun, wife of the Chief Host, Mrs. Mariam Mojisola Popoola and Chairman, Health Assur, Mr. Bade Adeshina

L-R: Business man, Alhaji AbdulRahamn Egbewole and Director of Education, Lagos State, Mr. Bisiriyu Egbewole

L-R: Head of News, New Central TV, Mr. Jubril Folarin, Past Dean of Arts, University of Ibadan, Prof. Afeez Oladosun and Alhaji Jumat Alli-Oluwafuyi.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

IMAGES

L-R: Alhaji Mutiu Omisore and Former President, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Alhaji Rasaq Jaiyeola

L-R: Managing Director, Asfal Ventures Limited, Mr. AbdulRauph Egbewole, his wife, Mrs. Omolara Sikirat Egbewole and Mrs. Kudirat Peluola Egbewole.

L-R: Chairman, BoT, UNIFEMGA/Pro-Chancellor, Summit University Offa, Kwara State, Alhaji Rafiu Adisa Ebiti, Chief Host and Group Managing Director, CRC Credit Bureau, Dr. Ahmed 'Tunde Popoola, Celebrant and newly appointed 11th Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN

R-L: Former Managing Director Toptech Engineering, Engr. Abdulwaheed Odeyimka and Head, Digital Banking at Parallel Bank, Mr.. Wasiu Popoola.

R-L: Prof. Fatimah Abdulkareem of College of Medicine, UNILAG and Alhaja Monsurat Alli-Oluwafuyi, FCA…

R-L: Mallam Aliu Badmus, Mr. Sulaiman Adedokun and Mr. Oloyede Oyediran

L-R: Former Sales Director of Cadbury, Mr. Biodun Jaji and Mr. CEO, BKO Citadel Consultants, Mr. Luqman Obileye

R-L: Kadijat Yusuf Adenike and Vice-Chancellor, Summit University, Offa, Kwara State, Prof. Abiodun Musa Aibinu.

L-R: Prof. Muhez Durosinmi and Dr. (Mrs.) Lateefat Durosinmi

L-R: Deputy Managing Director, CourteVille Business Solutions Plc, Mr. Wale Sonaike, Managing Director, Watershed Communications Ltd, YKO AbdulKareem, Group Managing Director, CourtVille Business Solutions Plc, Mr. Akindele Adebola and Partner, Inukan Chambers Law Firm, Barr. Hassan Fajimite

L-R: Former Vice-Chancellor, University of Uyo, Prof. Fola Lasisi and Former Chairman, The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), Mr. Kyari Bukar.

R-L: Former Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Prof. Labo Popoola, Mr. Ariyo Olushekun and Mr. Saheed Bashiru.

L-R: Mrs. Olubukola Karim and Ms. Raqeebah Oloko

L-R: President/CEO, Vasznets Technologies Ltd, Mr. Ayo Stuffman and Member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotimi Abiru

L-R: Chief Operating Officer, CRC Credit Bureau Limited, Mrs. Jelilat Kareem and Chief Commercial Officer,CRC Credit Bureau Limite, Mrs. Peggy Chukwuma Nwosu.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

POLITY

Enugu: How Much Can Govs Actually Do to Curb Insecurity?

Uchenna Nwatu

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his piece was inspired by a commentary published in this newspaper recently. Although the essay in question highlighted the incongruous provision of Nigeria’s federalism that utterly constrains governors’ capacity to take all the necessary actions deemed necessary to secure their states, it however carried this somewhat mischievous headline “Is Ugwuanyi Overwhelmed by Insecurity in Enugu?” This appears to suggest that any security breach was solely the fault of the governor.

Despite its listing as an exclusive function, years of inadequate funding have essentially made responsibility for security agencies’ welfare a shared function between the federal government and states. Such shared burden has, ironically, failed to yield for the governors any leverage in the control of security personnel deployed in their states. This is often a sore point, given that governors are the ones who bear the brunt of the people’s rage when the security situation goes awry, as it has in recent weeks in Enugu State. The security breaches referenced in that essay are inconsistent with the scale of support the Enugu State governor has given to security agencies, which often comprises donations of utility vehicles fitted with necessary security gadgets, and various forms of logistical support.

But governance abhors excuses, not least in a democracy, because the primary responsibility of government is the welfare and security of the people. That is why Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has always been proactive with regard to security, an inclination reinforced by the fact he was the first in the South-East establish Forest Guards after the collective decision by governors of the region to set up the complementary security outfit.

A long spell of peace and security often tends to create a false sense of assurance that ultimately results in complacency. But not so for Governor Ugwuanyi. Indeed, long before the recent spate of attacks, the governor had embraced the maxim that it is always expedient to take actions to curb possible future security breach even when the risk of one occurring seems minimal. His administration’s procurement and donation, in 2019, of 360 patrol vehicles

Ugwuanyi

(100 SUV trucks produced by Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing company and 260 sundry vehicles comprising wagon style saloon cars and buses) to the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps was premised on this belief.

The recruitment that same year of 1700 forest guards and strengthening of the Neighborhood Watch with additional vigilantes was further testament to that. The employment spread across the various wards of the 17 local government areas of the state is consistent with the community-based approach to crime-fighting the governor has adopted. The successes of the Enugu State Forest Guard and Neighbourhood Watch had fueled strong optimism on the prospects of community police - or state police, if you will.

Indeed, the fairly tolerable security situation that prevailed in Enugu compared to other states is a positive indicator regarding the efficacy of those proactive measures, especially given the huge social burden that comes with its status as the political heartland of the South-east, and the attraction it holds for the Igbo political elite, who either resides in or at least has a home in the city. These are actually facts which the essay itself concedes. So, the answer to the headline wondering if the Enugu State governor has been overwhelmed by the recent untoward security

situation is an emphatic no. The question, however uneasy it sounds, should be this: Have the Nigerian armed forces been overwhelmed by spiraling insecurity?

Even in the wake of the sudden spike in criminality, the Enugu State governor has literally been at the forefront of the fightback, evident in his visit to the Nsukka-Ugwogo-Nike-Opi road - a major notorious route lately - alongside armed security operatives on the trail of criminal gangs. Similar visits to other dark spots were a regular itinerary for Governor Ugwuanyi for weeks. Although this disturbing trend is occurring against a backdrop of generally worsening insecurity across the country, the governor has never appraised the situation through the lens of inevitability.

This mindset underlines his prompt visits to scenes of these ugly incidents, and several other forest-straddling communities identified as locations prone to attacks.

He has used such visits to rally actions against potential reoccurrence, lift the officers’ morale, inspire confidence in the communities, and encourage them to offer information to security agencies especially with regard to criminal gangs hiding in surrounding forests. The outcome could be seen in the resulting calm that has returned to the once dreaded areas.

The challenge lies in how the calm that has been restored can be sustained and not broken by another cycle of criminality. The essay suggests the adoption of an Amotekun (the moniker for the regional security outfit in the South-West) style crackdown on organized crime like kidnap-forransoms and the general terror caused by forestdwelling bandits. The overlooked point, however, is the state of helplessness expressed by some governors of that region in tackling the menace. The reason is not hard to decipher - the lack of powers to mobilize the necessary arms for Amotekun’s personnel similar to those wielded by the criminals.

I’m not the Enugu State governor’s spokesman.

But I do not see the relationship between his political convictions and the security situation in Enugu, as alluded to in the said commentary. Perhaps the writer can help the Enugu public unmask those “observers” who he said would rather Ugwuanyi stopped “following Governor Nyesom Wike about”. The sudden insecurity experienced lately in Enugu State might just have some extraneous political undertones after all. rNwatu resides in Enugu.

Amachree Wants Govt to Develop Traditional Wrestling Justina Uzo

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former president, Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Chief Mike Amachree has urged the different tiers of government in the country to develop traditional wrestling. He said it has become very important for government to develop wrestling like football as this will help the youths.

“There is no tribe in Nigeria that does not engage in traditional wrestling in different forms. It is a healthy traditional sporting activity. The government can promote it and encourage the youths to participate.

“Apart from helping to promote the culture and tradition of the people of Nigeria, it will also engage and develop the youths, as well as their personality as individuals,” he said.

Amachree, who is regarded as the Father of Nigeria Tourism, expressed this view in a recent chat with reporters.

He maintained that that aspect of leisure (traditional wrestling) will engage the youths positively and by so doing helps reduce crimes in the society.

He likened traditional wrestling to football loved by youths even though the latter (football) was brought by foreigners.

He said: “Traditional wrestling in Nigeria can be compared to sports and other cultural activities. It is

sometimes held during festivals. Some people like the Offa people in Kwara State celebrate it with festival known as Ijakadi Lori Offa. Traditional wrestling attracts interest among youths, adults, senior citizens, young women, mature women, adult men, handicapped persons, prisoners, peasant farmers, civil servants, artisans, and others.

“Like football, we can also do the same for traditional wrestling and promote it to world standard. Some West African countries like Senegal has promoted their traditional wrestling and it has become a tourism product which people come from far and wide to see.

We could equally do the same.”

The Port-Harcourt, Rivers State-based tourism practitioner said wrestling is a nationwide leisure activity and only needs government backing.

“I know in some parts of the country, like in the north, wrestling is already a very popular traditional sport among locals. In order to promote the traditional wrestling as a sport and tourism products, it needs a government stamp of support and promotion.”

Also, in organising this kind of event as a tourism product, he said there are so many top tourism industry practitioners from across the country that governments could consult.

For example, he suggested that the Director General,

Amachree National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, could spearhead the move to develop traditional wrestling.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

POLITY

Clean Slate Exhibition Spells Christmas in Awka Uzor Maxim Uzoatu

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he Christmas season in Awka, the capital city of Anambra State, is being kicked into focus by a momentous art exhibition tagged “Clean Slate”.

The ever innovative Awka Museum Foundation situated at 261 Zik’s Avenue, opposite Polaris Bank, Awka is opening its doors to the public for the Clean Slate group exhibition showcased as “A Sculptural Journey into Mass, Space, Colour and

Time.”

Clean Slate is an exhibition of sculptures by four bourgeoning sculptors, who are products of the Awka School of Art, lasting from December 17 to 23.

A VIP Preview session is slated for December 16 while the unveiling will be done at 12 noon on December 17 by HRH Igwe Ositadinma Sunny Nwokedi, Uthoko N’Eze Achalla VI. Clean Slate is a fresh manifestation of aesthetics of the plastic arts that is pluralistic in approach, appearance and meanings.

It is an exposition of a select group of artists based in Awka who are comprehensively armed with a global outlook.

Their works reflect contemporary culture and materials, and they are driven to the interpretation of several socio-political issues as observed through the eyes of the artists.

The theme “Clean Slate” radically announces the emergence of a fresh style of art out of the Awka environment, with influences from within and beyond.

The large collection of metal works from most of the sculptors can be seen to give credence to this creative reality.

The exhibits carry the potency of competing with art pieces from the art capitals of Nigeria like Lagos and Abuja, and even beyond.

Harris-Eze The exhibition which opens daily from 8am to 5pm from December 17 has the purpose of showcasing sculptures for public viewing and for collectors.

The captivating sculpture pieces that are the delight of collectors, art enthusiasts, the bourgeoisie, and connoisseurs are enthralling sights to behold and cherish.

The featured exhibitors are Moses Njoku O, Nwali Elijah,

Fidelis Umahi Stephen, and Nwakanma Chiedozie.

The personable Director of the Awka Museum Foundation, Barrister Arthur Harris-Eze, said the Exhibition is a crucial part of the end-of-year calendar that includes “Lecture and laying foundation for our 2022 CSR Project of a 10-foot Okwomma Masquerade at Amikwo Village.”

Fidelis Umahi Stephen is a serial Experimental Studio artist with vast interest in Media exploration. He started his art career in 2010 at Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo in Ebonyi State. He then proceeded to the Department of Fine and Applied Arts, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, and graduated in 2017, majoring in Sculpture.

He hails from Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, Ebonyi State.

Born on November 22, his Media interest spans Metal welding, Stone Carving, Modelling in Concrete, Fiber Glass, and Installation Arts. Recently, he picked keen interest in the conservation of the environment through several explorations on bio non-degradable plastics waste which he uses for sculptural productions. He has successfully handled numerous art commissions for both Government and individuals within public and private spaces in Nigeria. He is happily married.

Nwakanma Chiedozie is a multidisciplinary artist even as his training is in sculpture from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, graduating in 2019. He is inspired and influenced by life, his societal background and other master artists.

Employing the new/vintage technique of maximalism and minimalism, Nwakanma has participated in several shows and workshops. He has this Artist Statement: “Medium and concept are bound together, while I combine the impact of African ideology with simple dignity.”

Clean Slate exhibition by Awka Museum Foundation is a grand idea whose time has come.

Marketing Edge Publisher Bags NUJ Media Icon Award

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he Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has honoured John Ajayi, Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of Marketing Edge, Nigeria’s foremost marketing and brand-centric magazine, as one the nation’s media icons. Mr. Ajayi was bestowed with the prestigious award alongside other veteran journalists and media owners at the maiden edition of the Annual Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.

The high octane event, which had Aremo Olusegun Osoba, seasoned journalist and former governor of Ogun State as the

chairman, was held at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos and attended by the ‘who is who’ in the media industry.

Mr. Ajayi, who was recognised for his outstanding and remarkable contribution to the growth of the industry as pioneer of the brands and advertising genre of journalism where he is not only a veteran, but the publisher of the foremost and most authoritative magazine, Marketing Edge, could not hide his elation.

He expressed profound gratitude for the honour done him by the NUJ, a network of media professionals established to advance the safety and welfare of Nigerian journalists.

“I am overwhelmed and humbled by this recognition.

Journalism has been my passion and vocation. This is the profession to which I have dedicated my entire professional life.

While I was just doing my bit as a journalist and a publisher, I didn’t know the world, and indeed, the custodian of our dear profession in Nigeria is taking note of these modest efforts. To be honoured and sharing the podium with veterans such as Sam Amuka-Pemu, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Nduka Obaegbena (my former publisher), Chief Raymond Dokpesi, Dr. John Momoh and my mentor, Bayo Onanuga, is an experience to be treasured for a lifetime. It is very humbling,” the man of the moment enthused.

L-R: Gospel Artist, NK Naduforo; Chairman Organising Committee, Unusual Praise 2022, Chike Oruche; Vice Chairman, Auguastina Igbokwe; Parish Priest, Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, Monsignor Paschal Nwaezeapu; and Gospel Artist, Bukola Bekes at the Catholic Church Unusual Praise 2022 in Lagos…. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Director General, West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management (WAIFEM), Baba Yusuf Musa; Director of Operations, ICPC, Akeem Lawal ; President, Compliance Institute, Nigeria (CIN), Pattison Boleigha; Zonal Commander EFCC, Ahmed Ghali; Vice-President Compliance Institute, Nigeria (CIN),Isah Aminu Buhari; Former Director of Evaluation and Compliance of Inter-governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) Nduka Buno; Chairman, Education and Programmes Committee (CIN), Isioma Gogo-anazodo, and the (Registrar, Compliance Institute, Nigeria (CIN), Victor Oni at the CIN Induction and Investiture in Lagos… recently

L-R: President, FinTech Association of Nigeria (FinTechNGR), Mr. Ade Bajomo; Director, Payments System Management Department, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Musa Jimoh; MD/CEO Digital Jewels Limited, Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa; President, Information Security Society of Africa – Nigeria (ISSAN), Dr. David Isiavwe; Cyber Security Professional, Marsh FJC International Insurance Brokers, Lagos, Rosemary Abang; and Chief Information Security Officer, Ecobank Nigeria, Fidelis Elogie; at ISSAN Annual Cybersecurity Conference in Lagos recently

L-R: Consul General of India,Mr. Chandramoull K.Kem; Non Executive Director, Prestige Assurance Plc, Mr.Agrawal Ramakant; Chairman, Mrs.Funmi Oyetunji; Chief Economic Adviser to the President,Dr.Doyin Salami; Non-Executive Director, Dr.Nosike Agokei; Non-Executive Director, Mr.Vivek Kalla during the celebration of the 70th anniversary of Prestige Assurance Plc held at Radisson Blu Anchorage Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos recently.

ETOP UKUTT

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

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POLITY

APC Takes Sure, Steady Step in Journey to Liberate Abia Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

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ith the inauguration of the Ikechi Emenike Campaign Council for the 2023 governorship election on Wednesday December 7, 2022, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has taken a sure and firm step in its “rescue mission”.

The main Abia opposition party had ab initio declared that, in this 2022/23 election season, it was set on a mission to liberate God’s Own state from the bad governance of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to APC, the ravenous governance which the ruling party has perpetrated for over two decades has stagnated Abia.

Leading the liberation movement is the governorship candidate of Abia APC, High Chief Ikechi Emenike, who has consistently insisted that time was up for the bad managers holding Abia down. While inaugurating his 1,740-member Campaign Council, Emenike reinforced the quit notice he had already issued to the ruling PDP, vowing to flush out the swarm of locusts from Abia’s seat of power, willy-nilly.

To underscore the significance of the Campaign Council inauguration, the party faithful turned out en masse, making the event to appear as a campaign rally. The party’s campaign office along Azikiwe Road Umuahia was not only filled to the brim inside and outside, but the adjoining streets also overflowed with people and vehicles. The governorship flag bearer described the members of the campaign council as “ambassadors of APC in all the polling units of Abia”. He, therefore, charged them to represent the party very well and work very hard to achieve resounding victory for APC in Abia come 2023.

Indeed, the campaign council members, who are rightly regarded as the party’s foot soldiers in the 2022/23 electioneering, were painstakingly selected, which a party source, said accounted for the slight delay in the inauguration. Emenike had promised to make the membership of his campaign council “comprehensive and inclusive”.

Among those in the list are retired professional soldiers - six retired army generals and other ranks, who were also present at the inauguration ceremony. Like all well-meaning Abians, the retired infantry and combatant generals have joined forces with the APC to save Abia from further degeneration.

Some of the generals include former GOC 3 Armoured Division, Jos, Maj. Gen. Jack Okechukwu Nwaogbo (rtd), former GOC 2 Division, Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Chinedum Abraham, former Commandant, Army School of Infantry

A cross section of Abia APC Campaign Council members during their inauguration in Umuahia . . . Wednesday. session Jaji, Maj. Gen. Charles Ogbonna Okoro, and former Director of Training, Nigeria Army, Brig. Gen. Victor Nnorom. Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, who has long identified with APC, was listed among the 13 vice-chairmen of the campaign council. He was unavoidably absent at the inauguration ceremony.

There was no mistaking the battle cry as party leaders, chieftains and stalwarts expressed their disenchantment at the state of affairs in Abia. Emenike said that the time has come for all well-meaning Abians to rise up and join in the liberation movement to free their state from the hands of those running it down. But the governorship hopeful, who has seen it all in Abia politics, is not under illusion that the battle to free Abia from the vicious grip of PDP would not be an easy was one.

This is because the ruling party has over the past two decades entrenched itself in the political space of Abia and has spread its adventitious roots across the state.

Nonetheless, the dogged fighter bearing the banner of APC liberation struggle in Abia remains unfazed. He vowed to uproot the ruling party from Abia Government House so that the mission of developing Abia could begin in earnest in 2023.

“Let the work begin. We must work as one to achieve victory,” he declared, adding that “our mission, aspiration is for the development of Abia (and) God will help us lift Abia up. What we’re doing is a divine mission.”

Emenike’s optimism about the end of PDP hegemony in Abia is infectious. He has been working hard, digging deep, strategis-

ing and restrategising to rally to rally Abians across party, professional and religious divides to join the rescue mission.

For leaders, chieftains and indeed all genuine members of Abia APC, all hands are already on deck. The deputy governorship candidate, Rev. (Mrs.) Gloria Akara, who also doubles as the first deputy chairman of the campaign council, exhorted the foot soldiers and all party faithful to remain steadfast and dedicate their energy, time and resources “to drive the wheel” of the liberationmovement. “We are ready. The rescue and develop Abia (RADA) movement is not designed to stop. We’re going to continue until victory is assured,” she declared.

Abia APC chairman, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, said that the party would not leave any stone unturned to make success of its 2023 Abia project. He explained that the members of the campaign council were carefully selected and scrutinised and found to be “trusted worthy soldiers” to fight the battle of the ballot box in all nooks and crannies of Abia. He urged the foot soldiers to be self-motivated and “go out there and fight for the rescue of Abia”. “We are very determined to rescue and develop Abia,” he asserted.

On his part, the Director General of the Campaign Council, High Chief Uche Ogboso, who is well grounded in Abia politics, echoed Emenike’s stance that the rot in Abia orchestrated

by PDP, has made the job of electioneering easy for the main Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Tony Elumelu Foundation, Others Host Reception for US-Africa Leaders’ Summit

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he U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Tony Elumelu Foundation are partnering to host an official kickoff event to increase trade and investment between African nations and the United States.

This dynamic evening event will open President Biden’s U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit on December 12, 2022, bringing together investors, entrepreneurs, members of the Diaspora, influencers, and media leaders to celebrate and strengthen cultural and economic ties between the U.S. and African nations, support young entrepreneurs, encourage relationship building and deal making, and highlight the opportunity and dynamism across the U.S.-Africa investment ecosystem.

This welcome reception themed “The Innovators Gathering: Investing in U.S-Africa Cultural and Economic Ties” will be hosted by the Secretary of State and the Prosper Africa Initiative, in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International

Development and the Tony Elumelu Foundation. The event will take place on Monday, December 12, 2022, and will feature a remarks program and panel discussion, followed by a reception.

The Innovators Gathering is the first U.S. government hosted event during the week of President Biden’s U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit, bringing together African and Diaspora innovators, entrepreneurs, and U.S. investors for an evening to celebrate and strengthen U.S.-Africa cultural and economic ties.

The evening will support in catalyzing partnerships between African and Diaspora innovators/entrepreneurs and U.S. capital/technology. It will showcase how the United States and its partners such as the Tony Elumelu Foundation, are bringing together U.S. and African investors, entrepreneurs, members of the Diaspora, influencers, and media

leaders to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the U.S. and African nations.

This reception will celebrate and strengthen US-Africa partnerships, serving as a milestone for the work achieved together so far, and as a catalyst for future action. It will showcase the dynamism and depth of the multi-dimensional cultural and economic ties between the U.S. and African nations, and highlight the opportunities in Africa as one of the fastest-growing startup cultures in the world. The event will feature U.S. government leaders, young entrepreneurs, investors, sports figures, artists, and influencers who show the rich ties between the U.S. and African nations.

It will also draw media attention and showcase young Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurs in attendance to foster greater relationship building and deal making, and to highlight the opportunity and dynamism across the U.S.-Africa investment ecosystem.

Bauchi 2023: Former Governor Backs Mohammed’s 2nd Term

SONCOHS ‘97 Organise 25th Anniversary

in a statement by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser Media and Publicity to the Governor.

According to him, “Let me begin by thanking Allahu subhanahu wataala for making it possible auchi State Governor, Bala for us to meet in this very beautiful hall, in this very Mohammed ‘s second term aspi- beautiful Government House to celebrate my attainration yesterday got a boost as his ment of the rank of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria. immediate predecessor in office, “The occasion could have not been possible, but Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar for the magnanimity of my younger brother and my has declared his support for his successor, Governor Bala Mohammed. Bauchi State is 2023 reelection bid. always making history in the Nigerian polity.

He also applauded Governor “We must be playing politics without rancor, Mohammed’s outstanding performance in because our aim is the same, the aim is to develop ensuring improvement in critical sectors of the state and bringing succour to the masses of the the state’s economy for rapid development state.

The former Governor made the com“I must commend my younger brother for the mendation at a state dinner organised by the giant strides he has achieved in many sectors of the State Government to honour him over his state’s economy, since the aim is to develop the state, recent elevation to the position of the Senior I am in full support of the developmental strides Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), held at the new he succeeded in achieving. May Almighty Allah Banquet Hall, Government House, Bauchi continue to assist him in managing the affairs and yesterday. politics of the state.”

Abubakar who said that Governor On his part, Governor Bala Mohammed Mohammed has succeeded in working towards congratulated his predecessor for the attainment opening the state for investment opportunities, of the position of the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, declared his total support for the PDP-led SAN and requested him to use the opportunity administration in the state for more developto unite all stakeholders for the best interest of mental projects to be executed, as contained the state.

onmori Comprehensive High School, Ifako, Agege, Lagos State (SONCOHS ‘97) set has organised its 25th anniversary celebration and donation of furniture tagged: ‘Give a Child a Seat in SONCOHS Project ‘97 set’.

The group in the statement commended Mr. Bolutife Bamgbowu, the Executive Secretary Professor Felicia Odebo Olokoyo, Financial Director, Mr Michael Ajao; Treasurer, Mr Kunle Ajayi; and other members of the Executive and Administration for this great achievement during their tenure.

The statement said: “Let me also commend the 25th Anniversary Committee, chaired

by Hajia Azeezat Oluwakemi; Lawal AbdulRahman; and others, Mr Rafiu; whose efforts are unquantifiable, Pastor Kunle Okelola; Mrs Mercy Akogun Omede; and Mr Afolabi Salam; for their laudable and unceasing efforts in making this project a reality.

“I also want to deeply appreciate every member of this noble group of SONMORI and ‘97 Associates for their immense contribution towards achieving this huge success of the Project, “Give a Child a Seat in SONCOHS

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

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Project ‘97’set.

“You may wish to recall that Sonmori Comprehensive High School, a great institution, whose products can’t be equalled “was founded in the year...1980...at Ifako Agege with a Motto “God’s wisdom is light”.

“There’s no gain; saying the above “quote” as we, its products have exceptionally stood out and out paced our mates anywhere in the world, where education has risen.”

The statement further explained that SONCOHS ‘97 has produced many toprank rofessionals, Academicians, Professor, Doctors, Registered Nurses, Engineers, Bankers, Lecturers/ Teachers, Lawyers, Entrepreneurs, Business Executives and others.

The group, in the statement, commended the Alma Mater, teachers and “our dear parents who breeded us for the best.”

Continuing, the statement added: “For these reasons and many more, we decided to give back to our dear school (the fruit of its labour), a token of our donations towards the betterment of the school and the students.

GLOBAL SOCCER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

MOROCCO TARGETS HISTORY

10.12.2022

PAGE. 29

Ch id er a Ej uke Striving to Match Dribbling Skill with Scoring

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ejuke tries to gets pass two opponents in a Bundesliga game but his club wants more than dribbling

Chidera Ejuke Striving to Match Dribbling Skill with Scoring He is regarded as one of the best dribblers in Europe, his average of 2.2 dribbles per game rates him as Bundesliga’s best dribbler so far this season.Yet putting the ball behind the goalkeeper has been the major challenge for Chidera Ejuke. With the second half of the season to begin after the World Cup, Hertha Berlin, head coach, Sandro Schwarz is optimistic that the Nigeria international would find his scoring boot

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uper Eagles winger, Chidera Ejuke is having his first spell in the German top flight, but things are yet not going according to plan as far as goal scoring is concern. He has been unlucky in front of goal since joining Hertha Berlin on loan from Russian side, CSKA Moscow in the summer.

The 24-year-old has made 14 appearances in the Bundesliga and has impressed with three assists.

But the Nigeria international is yet to open his goalscoring account in the German top flight.

The former Heerenveen man has had 20 unsuccessful shots on goal this season, the worst of any Bundesliga player.

Still, Ejuke has shown at previous clubs that he can find the back of the net even as a midfilder.

The Hertha Berlin number 40 scored 15 goals in 69 games for Norwegian side Valerenga, netted 10 in 29 matches for Heerenveen, and managed 10 in 65 appearances for CSKA Moscow.

It however appears only a matter of time before Ejuke finds his range in Germany, and Hertha are backing him to do just that.

Convinced of the Nigerian playmaker’s quality in the final third, Hertha Berlin head coach, Sandro Schwarz said: “Chidi will score his goals. He has the quality.

“We will continue supporting and

encouraging him to get into these situations. Then the penny will drop for him too, and he will score. It’s human for a player to struggle with his quality and be very self-critical.”

While Ejuke’s goalscoring statistic in Germany has been an unpleasant read, his dribbling numbers, however, remain top-notch.

The former Valerenga ace is the Bundesliga’s best dribbler, averaging 2.2 dribbles per game.

That however did not impress the Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro who has snubbed Ejuke for Nigeria’s friendly match against Portugal on November 17.

The 24-year-old Super Eagle took advantage of the Fifa ruling relating to the Russian invasion of Ukraine to end his stay at CSKA Moscow after he suspended his contract in April.

Ejuke used the temporary employment rules approved by the world governing body Fifa to terminate his contract.

“Two PFC CSKA foreign footballers will play for other teams in the 2022-23 season,” the club confirmed on their official website.

“Striker Chidera Ejuke and midfielder Arnor Sigurdsson have used the temporary employment rules, which were approved

by The Bureau of the Fifa Council, and suspended their respective deals with PFC CSKA until June 30, 2023.”

The Russian club however said they were

against the decision taken by the player and vowed to file a lawsuit to defend the club’s interest against Fifa’s decision.

“PFC CSKA regrets the players’ decision, which was taken despite the club’s effort and their contract duties,” the statement continued adding: “As was announced earlier, PFC CSKA plans to fill in lawsuits to defend its interests against Fifa’s decision, which we consider discriminatory and contrary to the statutes of that organisation.”

On June 21, Fifa announced they had extended until June 2023 the possibility for foreign players and coaches based in Ukraine and Russia to unilaterally suspend their contracts and move to another club.

In a statement, Fifa said: “The Bureau of the Fifa Council has decided to extend the temporary employment rules established in the Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (STP) with the aim of effectively assisting players, clubs, and coaches impacted by the war in Ukraine.

“The decision follows changes made to the transfer rules in March following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Should clubs affiliated with the Ukrainian Association of Football [UAF] or the Football Union of Russia (FUR) not reach a mutual agreement with their respective foreign players and coaches before or on 30 June 2022... these players and coaches will have the right to suspend their employment contracts with their clubs until 30

June 2023.”

In March 2017, Ejuke signed a three-year contract with Eliteserien side Valerenga and in July 2019, he moved to the Netherlands to play for SC Heerenveen, ignoring interest from clubs such as Besiktas JK and Lazio.

On August 28, 2020, CSKA Moscow announced the signing of Ejuke from Heerenveen on a four-year contract and he scored his first goal for the Army Men on September 20, 2020, in a 3-1 derby win over Spartak Moscow.

Reacting to his transfer, the three-cap Super Eagles winger said, “I’m looking forward to Hertha, to the Bundesliga and this special challenge. I want to do my part to help the club achieve its goals.”

Hertha Sporting Director, Fredi Bobic, said of his new acquisition, “Chidera has already proven himself in several European leagues.

“He brings technique, versatility and skills. We are convinced that he will augment our game.”

As a dress rehearsal ahead of the second half of the season Ejuke on Wednesday found the back of the net for the Bundesliga side as Hertha Berlin defeated Eintracht Braunschweig 1-0 in a friendly match.

The CSKA Moscow loanee fired the ball into the right corner 10 minutes into the second half for the game-winning goal.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER Q ATA R 2 0 2 2 . . . Q ATA R 2 0 2 2 . . . Q ATA R 2 0 2 2 . . . Q ATA R 2 0 2 2 . . .

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frica’s last team standing at the ongoing FIFA World Cup here in Qatar, Morocco, have a date with history this afternoon inside the 44,000-capacity Al Thumama Stadium. The Atlas Lions are on the verge of becoming the first team from the continent to reach the semi final of the World Cup. Euro’ 2016 champions, Portugal, stand between Morocco and this piece of history!

Already, the Atlas Lions are the first from the Arab world to get to the quarter final of this senior World Cup. After defeating 2010 champions

Spain to achieve that feat, it is obvious the Atlas Lions want to go a notch higher in their fairytale story here in Qatar.

And the man who is at the driver’s seat, plotting the game-plan to create history here, Walid Regragui, agreed yesterday that he knows Morocco are the underdogs in this contest this afternoon.

He however insisted that Portugal would find the Lions who are hungry for more successes, worthy challengers for the semi final ticket.

“We have already achieved great things but we feel it’s not enough, we want to go further,” Regragui told a news conference yesterday.

“We’ve already proven all the data analysts wrong about Belgium’s chance and Spain too. They all thought we’d lose to them,” began the 47-year-old Moroccan gaffer.

En-route this stage of the tournament, Morocco finished top of their first-round Group F after drawing with Croatia and beating Belgium and Canada, before edging Spain on penalties in the last 16 on Tuesday night interestingly inside the Education City Stadium.

That match with the La Furia Roja has however taken toll on the Moroccans with three key players now

DURO IKHAZUAGBE Reporting live

doubtful for this all-important clash with Portugal.

Skipper of the team, Romain Saiss and midfield supremo, Sofyan Amrabat are nursing injuries that may rule them out of the match. Another important link in the defence set up, Nayef Aguerd is battling hamstring and also a doubt.

England Dream ‘Football Homecoming’, Go for Broke against France

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t’s Coming Home or Allez Les Bleus will be ringing around the Al Bayt Stadium at the full-time whistle this evening, as England battle France in their World Cup 2022 quarter-final.

The Three Lions put three past Senegal without reply to advance to the last eight, while the reigning champions overcame Poland 3-1 to keep their hopes of backto-back titles alive.

An error-strewn England team looked the most likely to concede in the early stages against Senegal, who did not allow the Three Lions a second to breathe with their effective pressing, but the tide soon turned when 19-year-old Jude Bellingham took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Bellingham set up Jordan Henderson for the opening goal before playing a huge part in Harry Kane’s goal just before the break, and Gareth Southgate’s decision to bring Bukayo Saka back into the fold was vindicated, as the Arsenal man made it three for England after 57 minutes.

Southgate was delighted to see his side display a streak of “ruthlessness” in another game where a below-par start led to a familiar sense of dread, and a semi-final with Morocco or Portugal now awaits if the Euro 2020 runners-up can send the holders packing.

However, quarter-final exits have been commonplace for England, who have been dumped out at this stage in the 1954, 1962, 1970, 1986, 2002 and 2006 tournaments, and six of their last eight World Cup eliminations have come against fellow European nations.

A three-game streak without conceding a goal at the World Cup does stand England in good stead, and Southgate could now become the first Three Lions manager in history to lead the team to more than one semi-final, but the most formidable of formidable foes is standing in their way.

As Kane came up with a 52nd international goal to edge closer to the England record, Olivier Giroud’s 52nd strike was enough to see the AC Milan attacker storm to

Croatian players celebrating their victory against Brazil yesterday

the top of the France charts, as Les Bleus displayed a clinical edge that Robert Lewandoski’s Poland had no answer to.

Mbappe turned provider for Giroud to fire home the opening goal, which saw the 36-yearold overtake Thierry Henry at the summit of the men’s goalscoring list, and the former soon came up with two thunderous finishes to put the game to bed before a retaken Lewandowski penalty gave Poland a late consolation.

Giroud still has some way to go to become France’s outright leading goalscorer -Eugenie Le Sommer has a staggering 86 to her name - but the veteran’s strength and link-up play complements the explosiveness of Mbappe perfectly, and England’s rearguard will have their work cut out for them here.

RESULTS

Croatia 4-2 Brazil (Pen) Netherlands 3-4 Argentina (Pen) TODAY

Morocco v Portugal England v France

Sponsored by:

Africa’s Last Team Standing, Morocco, Gunning for Piece of History against Portugal

“We’re not going to hide it, we’re tired,” Regragui admitted. “But when you go this far in the tournament, you have to count on everybody in the squad. So if Nayef cannot play then someone else will have to take his place. We won’t be looking for excuses, we are here on a mission.”

Regragui said several players had arrived in Qatar carrying injuries and niggles and been forced to play through them.”You haven’t seen Morocco at 100 per cent, but mentally we are strong,” he added.

The coach also felt the support at the stadium would again be key. Morocco have enjoyed passionate backing in all four of their games and today is expected to be no different.

“The energy is fantastic.

People are identifying with us. It has been great to see our people happy but for us the important thing remains a chance to write history,” Regragui said.

Without mincing words, the Moroccan coach who took charge of the Atlas Lions barely three months to the World Cup, is not deluding himself that the clash with Portugal will be a piece of cake. “Portugal will be a formidable opponent,” he added.

“It’s a big challenge against one of the best teams in the

world. They could field two or three high quality teams at this World Cup,” Regragui said of the depth in the Portuguese squad.

“They might be a bit fresher than our guys. I’m not sure if Cristiano Ronaldo plays but I hope he doesn’t. He’s one of the greatest ever and I’d be delighted if he didn’t play against us,” concludes the coach.

If there is a player in the Portuguese team capable of creating havoc for Morocco, it is 21-year-old Goncalo Ramos who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in their last 16 clash with Switzerland. The Benfica forward scored a brilliant hat-trick in their 6-1 romp over Switzerland to set up this clash with Morocco.

Known as the “Pistoleiro” for his gun-toting celebration, Ramos shot his way into world football’s consciousness, having only made his Portugal debut in a late tuneup friendly against Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Lisbon. He scored and provided an assist as a substitute as Portugal hammered Nigeria 4-0.

Even as the likelihood of Ronaldo starting this quarter final remains hazy, Ramos who came from Benfica’s impressive academy, just like former graduates Bernardo Silva, Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix, remains the main danger to put at arm’s length.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

L-R :MD/CEO of Tingo Media Group, Martin Ebuwa Agbonwaneten, NPFL Interim Management Committee Chairman, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye and NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau presenting NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation Pre-season Tournament trophy to Shooting Stars Captain, Omololu Waheed... yesterday

Brazil, Netherlands Out of World Cup, Tite Resigns as Selecao’s Manager Tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties as Croatia kept their nerve to edge through to the semi-finals.

Croatia, beaten finalists four years ago, scored with all four of their spot-kicks as Rodrygo - taking his team’s first kick - was denied by the brilliant Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos’ crucial fourth effort struck the post.

As the ball hit the foot of the woodwork and bounced away, Croatia’s team sprinted to celebrate with their goalkeeper, while the Brazil players hit the turf, knowing their dream of a

sixth crown had come to an end.

Meanwhile, Messi looked to have inspired Argentina into a last-four meeting with Croatia when he set up Nahuel Molina’s opener 10 minutes before the break and then added the second from the penalty spot.

Louis van Gaal, in his final game as Dutch coach, went for broke and it paid off as substitute Wout Weghorst led a sensational comeback by scoring twice.

A game of many flashpoints and more than a dozen yellow cards went to penalties, during which Aston Villa’s Argentina keeper Emi Martinez emerged as the hero, saving from Virgil

van Dijk and Steven Berghuis.

However, Brazil’s Manager, Tite says he “goes in peace” in confirming he is stepping down as head coach after Croatia knocked them out of the World Cup. Tite, 61, said before the tournament that he would stand down regardless of how his side did.

“It is a painful defeat, but it is the end of a cycle,” said the Brazil boss.

“I already said that a year and a half ago. I didn’t come here to win and then turn around and say I was going to stay. People who know me know that.”

3SC Outclass Enyimba at NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Pre-season Super Cup Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) emerged champions of the NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Super Cup after coming from behind twice to defeat Enyimba 3-2 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan in Lagos yesterday.

Earlier on Thursday, Bendel Insurance finished third in the tournament sponsored by Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation that also provided medical outreach services for free prostrate cancer screening. Insurance came from behind to beat Rangers 2-1 The tournament finals was watched by the hierarchy of the Nigeria Football Federa-

tion (NFF) which included the President, Ibrahim Gusau, first Vice President, Felix Anyansi Agwu and General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi. Also on hand to watch the pulsating finals were the MD/CEO of Tingo Media Group, Martin Ebuwa Agbonwaneten, Head of Human Resources, Busayo Ayenimo and COO Tingo Media Group, Peter Owoloko . It had a total prize of 100m.

The Ibadan club were always the underdogs heading into the contest despite their impressive show in previous matches against Bendel Insurance (3-0), Rangers

(1-1) and Enyimba (0-0) in the round-robin stage.

It was Enyimba who lived up to their pre-match favourites rating. Six minutes into the match, Fatai Abdullahi’s free kick skimmed the wall of 3SC to hand the eight-time NPFL winners the lead.

Enyimba’s lead lasted just seven minutes as Taofeek Malomo drew 3SC level but the Aba side restored their lead with 15 minutes to the break through Eze Ekwutoziam. The People’s Elephant went into the locker room with the advantage.

Neymar Equals Pele’s ‘official’ Brazil Scoring Record Neymar has equalled Brazil legend Pele’s ‘official’ goalscoring record of 77 for the men’s national team with his goal against Croatia at the World Cup. World governing body Fifa recognises the record, but the Brazilian Football Confederation and Pele will not because they say he scored 95 goals.

Fifa only counts games between two nations and some of Pele’s goals came in friendlies against club sides.

Neymar has made 124 Brazil appearances, equalling Pele’s tally from 92 games.

Pele - who won three World Cups with Brazil in 1958, 1962 and 1970 - is currently receiving treatment in hospital in Sao Paulo.

Neymar’s tally is not an overall Brazilian record, with Marta having scored 115 for the women’s team since 2002.

He equalled the record at the end of the first period of extra time in Brazil’s quarterfinal against Croatia when he combined with West Ham’s Lucas Paqueta, shrugged off Borna Sosa and fired into the roof of the net from four yards.

However, his side lost 4-2 on penalties, with Neymar yet to take one, after Bruno Petkovic equalised with Croatia’s first shot on target in the 116th minute.

The 30-year-old made his debut on August 10, 2010, scoring his first international goal in the 28th minute of a 2-0 win over the USA.

Eight of his goals have come in World Cups - four in 2014, two in 2018 and two so far in this tournament in Qatar - with another five coming in the Copa America.

He won the Confederations Cup in 2013, but his best World Cup run came when Brazil reached the semi-finals in 2014, while his best Copa America campaign ended with a runner-up spot in 2021.

Speaking on BBC One, former England midfielder Jermaine Jenas said: “Finally, one of the best players in the world turns up.

“What a goal that is. He has one thing in his mind to drive through the heart of Croatia.

Sterling Jets Emerge Winners of Nigerian Bankers’ Games Leading Nigerian commercial bank, Sterling Bank, have been crowned champions at the recently concluded Nigerian Bankers Games.

The Sterling Jets, the bank’s football team, beat First Bank of Nigeria in the final game of the football tournament by one well taken goal to become the top footballing team in Nigerian banking industry games.

The Sterling Jets kicked off their campaign with a two-goal

victory over FCMB, beating Wema Bank, Keystone, Fidelity and First Bank in the group stages. The Sterling Jets then played First Bank again in the final game at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex to be crowned the champions of football in Nigerian banking.

The victory follows an eventful and successful year across many fronts for the famed one-customer bank in 2022, with the bank being

named the Best Bank in Nigeria in an independent survey by AFRINVEST as well as the best participating bank in the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund. The agricultural sector is one of the strategic pillars of the bank’s HEART strategy, with the remaining being Health, Education, Renewable Energy and Transportation.

Sterling Bank was also recently named the Overall Best Place To Work in Nigeria, Large

L-R: Former Champion, Edward Aibangbee; Chairman, Hackers Kitty Group; Chef Lucky Osawaru, winner of the Hackers Kitty Group End of Year Golf kitty, Maero Okpewono, Ikponmwosa Osayande during the presentation of trophy at the even

GOTV BOXING NIGHT 27

I’m Ready for World Title, Says Esepor Ahead of WBF Fight London-based Nigeria’s Taiwo “Esepor” Agbaje has declared that he is ready to win the world featherweight title. Esepor, who is billed to fight Richard Pumicpic of the Philippines for the World Boxing Federation Intercontinental featherweight title on December 26, spoke from his London base.

The WBF bout is the headline encounter at GOtv Boxing Night 27, scheduled for the Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Lagos.

“My ambition is to win the world featherweight title and I’m about to take the first step towards the actualization of the ambition. Pumicpic will not be a barrier. He’s a hurdle I will scale with ease,” the West African Boxing Union (WABU) champion said.

Long tipped as the best next thing in Nigerian boxing, Esepor’s rise has matched the hype around him. He idolizes former American world heavyweight champion, Mike Tyson, and blitzes opponents like his idol, the reason for his 65 per cent knockout rate.

“Like Tyson, I finish off opponents very quickly and Pumicpic is my next victim. I know he has more experience, but I have defeated boxers with more experience than me,” he bragged.

At GOtv Boxing Night 19, Esepor defeated Waidi “Skoro” Usman, the former African Boxing Union (ABU) featherweight champion, in dismissive fashion, making nonsense of his opponent’s 21-fight and 61.9 per cent

knockout profile.

The performance, brimming with power as well as speed of hand and thought, earned him the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer at the show. He also saw off the fearsome Nurudeen “Prince” Fatai, former national champion, whom he knocked out.

Esepor has won all his 14 fights, nine by knockouts, including in the UK where he defeated Christian Flores Lopez Jayro Fernando Duran.

He dismissed his Filipino opponent’s 38-fight profile as having no bearing on the outcome of the forthcoming bout.

“It means nothing. Nothing, I repeat. This is my chance,” he raved.

Asaba Set for Bullet Energy Basketball Championship The next edition of the Bullet Energy Basketball Championship has been confirmed to hold in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

The February 2023 schedule was confirmed by the CEO of the Samuel Oguche Foundation who partners with the drinks manufacturer to run the event.

“The initial idea was to move to Abuja from Lagos but having put lot things into consideration going by the country’s schedule, we have settled for Asaba,” Oguche announced via a telephone call from the USA on Thursday.

About 12 teams are expected in competition in both the men’s and women’s categories in the first week of February as the competition rounds off quickly ahead of the general elections in Nigeria.

Oguche who has promised a bigger national competition is thankful to the teams, sponsors and media for the last edition which was held in Lagos in November.

He said, “I will like to say a big thank you to the CEO of Sunmark Ltd, Harmeet Ahuja, the CEO of Bullet Energy drink who has been in the forefront

of developing the game of basketball in Nigeria and Africa for the past seven years. More so, he has promised to continue to support the Sam Oguche Foundation in developing the game in Nigeria. On behalf of the sporting youths of Nigeria, I say thank you.

“I cannot forget the huge contributions of the media whose beautiful and positive stories have continued to attract spectators to the National Stadium. I am positive that our relationship will get better and bigger.

Okpewono Wins Hackers Group End of Year Golf Kitty Maero Okpewono played his season best 70 net on Monday to emerge winner of the Benin Club Golf Section (BCGS) Hackers Kitty Group End of Year Golf Kitty held at the club golf course, Edo State.

Okpewono (hcp 16) victory was not achieved on the platter of gold as he was hotly chased by the defending champion, Edward Aibangbee (hcp 25) who played a 71 net and thus surrendered the trophy to the King of Hackers Group while A. Uzamere (hcp 27) placed third with 77 net.

Similarly, Eghosa Otabor, BCGS House Officer won the best gross trophy with 91 gross, making it two trophies within six days.

He and his mother, Debby won the Rt. Hon. Philip Shaibu @ 53 Birthday Golf Tournament on December 1st, 2022.

In the guests’ event, Jude Igbinadolor (hcp 13) and fmr.

BCGS Lady Captain, Princess Nkeiruka Awiaka (hcp 18) won the guest men and ladies trophy as they both recorded 71 and 72

L-R: Former Champion, Edward Aibangbee; Chairman, Hackers Kitty Group; Chef Lucky Osawaru, winner of the Hackers Kitty Group End of Year Golf kitty, Maero Okpewono, Ikponmwosa Osayande during the presentation of trophy at the even

net respectively.

In his address, Captain of the club, Ikponmwosa Osayande expressed delight on the turnout and spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by members towards the Hackers Group and other kitty groups in the club.

Also, Chairman of the hackers, Chief Lucky Osawaru appreciated all members for their support since creation of the group in 2020, adding that though they thought the group will not succeed at

the beginning, but the group has become the most consistent to have organised her weekly golf kitty for 52 weeks.

“I want to appreciate all those who supported this end of year kitty, the founding members and the ladies division for their stance in ensuring development of the group. Hackers Group Kitty started as a baby to others, but today we are now a sought after kitty group in BCGS.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Tobi Amusan Turning Attention to Third Diamond League Victory When last month the World Athletics Federation named Tobi Amusan as one of the five finalists for Women’s World Athlete of theYear Awards-the first Nigeria to make the top five list, many Nigerians were optimistic that the 25-year-old might clinch the award after her world 100m hurdles record feat in Oregon. She also won a gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games before retaining her Diamond League title. However, it was not to be as Amusan finished second runner-up behind Sydney McLaughlin and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce as she now turns attention to a third consecutive Diamond League title

W

orld Record holder in 100 metres hudles, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, was on Monday voted behind Sydney McLaughlin and Jamaica’s Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce as the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year for 2022 season.

Prior to the award ceremony, it looked promising for Amusan who broke the World Record in the women’s 100m hurdles with a time of 12.12s at the World Championships in Oregon, successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title setting a new Games Record of 12.30s, retained her Diamond League title clocking a Meeting Record and won the African title.

Doing this, she became the first Nigerian female athlete to achieve these feats, which put her in a solid contention for the prestigious award.

However, it was McLaughlin who took the night having had a fantastic season herself. The American broke the 400m hurdles World Record on two occasions and won two gold medals at the World Championships in Oregon.

The two-time Olympics and three-time World 400m hurdles champion first broke the World Record in June, at the USA World Champion-

ships trials in Eugene, running an outstanding 51.41s.

Barely a month later, the 23-year-old ran an incredible 50.68s to successfully retain her World title, breaking the World Record for the second time this year. Thereafter, she helped the USA 4x400m relay team secure a third consecutive World title, with a blazing split time of 47.91s.

By comparison, no other runner in the field ran a split time faster than 49.39s, and only five women, including McLaughlin, ran under 50s with their splits.

“All my goals were accomplished this year,” said McLaughlin. “We were able to accomplish everything we set out to do. It couldn’t have been any better, and I was so grateful that I was able to produce that performance in front of a home ground.” McLaughlin concluded in an interview with World Athletics.

Fraser-Pryce was another huge contender for the award, having had an incredible consistent 2022 season.

The Jamaican surpassed the 10.70s mark in the 100m seven times throughout this season and one of those performances – her 10.67s in Oregon – saw her become the first athlete to win five World titles in a single individual running event.

In her 15th season of international racing, the 35-year-old sprint star continued to blaze a trail.

Amusan will take solace in the fact that she’s

the first Nigerian athlete in history to be amongst the five finalist for the distinguished award, and eventually finish as second runner-up. Meanwhile, Amusan’s bid for a third consecutive Diamond League title will begin in May, next year after she successfully retained her Diamond League title in 2022.

Her quest for a third consecutive Diamond League title will begin at the event’s season opener in Doha, Qatar, on May 5, 2023, as the World Athletics has released the 2023 provisional calendar. The two-time Diamond League Champion may be competing in Doha if the meeting organisers include the 100m Hurdles among the events to be competed for at the meet for the second year running.

Amusan started her Diamond League campaign at the same meet this year, finishing a close second behind former World Record holder Keni Harrison, who clocked a windaided time of 12.43s, ahead of the Nigerians’ 12.44s.

However, Amusan turned it around by gathering enough points during the season, which earned her a spot in the final leg in Zurich, where the newly crowned World Champion and record holder successfully retained her Diamond League title with a new Meeting Record of 12.29s.

Doing this, she became the first Nigerian

athlete in history to win two Diamond League titles, her first win in 2021 when she sped to a then African Record of 12.42s, to become the first Nigerian in the Diamond League era to win a trophy.

The 2023 provisional Diamond League calendar, which for the first time includes 15 host cities across 12 countries and four continents, was released by the World Athletics and the final scheduled to hold outside Europe for the first time in 14 years.

The final is scheduled for Eugene, Oregon, at the Prefontaine Classic, where Amusan will seek to be among the 32 champions for the third time in a row. These champions will become new Diamond League trophy holders across two days of elite athletics action on September 16 and 17, 2023.

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

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 10, 2022

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

TIPS OF THE WEEK Is Revving an Engine Bad for the Car? Imagine you’re sitting at a stoplight. You nearly jump out of your seat as you hear a booming VROOM VROOM from the car next to you. You’re no race car driver, but you know the sound. It’s a revved-up engine!

It might sound cool, but is revving a car engine bad for the car? Let’s dive in to learn more about what revving a car engine is, what it can do to your engine, and why you should totally avoid it.

Maxus T60 pickup premium

Maxus Autos Berths at Mikano Motors

O

ne of Nigeria’s fastest growing automotive companies- Mikano International’s Motors division- has introduced what it aptly named Maxus Auto brand into Nigeria’s auto market.

The latest addition to Mikano Motors includes the Maxus T60 pickup- premium and standard- that is poised to be the preferred piece of machinery in the Nigerian light truck segment. Here’s why: the Maxus T60 is a descendant of Leyland, the British top auto company/brand, it runs on Mitsubishi engine, all these additions were infused purposely for Nigeria’s environment, particularly the vehicle’s ground clearance. The vehicle is tough, gritty, elegant, and can take on all terrains effortlessly.

The experience is exciting and unforgettable, as the fine piece of machinery sprang to life at the Kuramo beach axis of Eko Atlantic City, an equally iconic community being built on a stretch of the Atlantic Ocean.

It joins the ZNA (Rich6) and Geely brands, in an exclusive partnership with Mikano International.

Born in 1896, Maxus Autos epitomises the positive benefits of a British heritage, having begun in the UK in 1896 under the ‘Leyland’ marque with the production of commercial vehicles.

Subsequently, the company expanded its line-up to include passenger vehicles and a wider array of commercial vehicles such as buses, delivery vans,

etc. By then, the name had evolved to Leyland Daf Vans (LDV)’, through mergers.

LDV-Maxus has become one of Europe’s most recognizable and reliable brands for commercial vehicles and in 2010, the brand was acquired

by China’s largest automaker, SAIC Motors- a Fortune 500 company which owns several of the largest auto brands in the world’s largest automotive market- China,. SAIC also has long term joint venture partnerships with Volkswagen (Volkswagen, Skoda, Audi) and General Motors (Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac).

With the powerful global support from SAIC, the Maxus brand is a success story across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and many others.

The brand retains the LDV-Maxus name for the UK, Australian and New Zealand markets where it remains the top selling Chinese automotive brand.

In Africa, the Maxus brand is already making waves, most especially in Ivory Coast where it has gained vast popularity.

Now, Nigerians are set to enjoy the durability and reliability the mid- size pickup truck with advanced technology and an intelligent operating system offers, for their personal and business needs.

The T60 comes in 3 gasoline variations; Comfort, Elite and Luxury with Manual and Automatic options. The Mitsubishi powered engines are available in 2.4L or 2.0T, with a Borg- Warner 4WD system and other parts supplied by International

Fortune 500 global companies.

At the launch event at Mikano Motors flagship showroom in VI, Ralph Haidar, GM- Mikano Motors, stated that “We at Mikano Motors are excited about welcoming the Maxus Brand into our fold”, describing Maxus Autos as “a brand with great potential to become a market leader.”

Haidar additionally stated that, like the other brands under Mikano Motors, the Maxus T60 - will be assembled locally at Mikano Motors’ auto- assembly plant located in their Karameh Industrial City in Ogun State.

Interestingly, Mr. Haidar shared that the Maxus T60 is the only Chinese pick- up vehicle permitted to be sold in European markets like Spain and Italy and also is the first Chinese-manufactured utility pick-up truck to score 5 stars on the Australian ANCAP rating. He extolled the tried and tested strength, durability and quality of the T60 and announced that they would be on sale for the yuletide season from 15.9million naira, till DEC, 31ST 2022.

The National Sales Manager for Mikano Motors; Chijioke Mbonu added that “from Mikano Motors, theT60 offers a 5-year/ 130,000km warranty- the highest warranty offer for any pick-up brand in the Nigerian auto industry”. He added that this warranty and the Maxus brand legacy has led to impressive pre- launch sales figures, stating that “over 150 units had already been sold to state governments and private sector fleet purchases”.

JAC Motor Offers N1m Discount in End of Year Promo

J

AC Motors Nigeria has unveiled a special end-of-year promo for its numerous existing customers as well as potential customers across the country.

The company says it wants its customers to celebrate holidays and the festive season in a grand style through its latest sales promotion tagged, ‘JAC Motors End of Year Promo’.

It says in a statement that it will give a discount of N1 million on any of the JAC models purchased during the promo period, which will run till January 10, 2023.

7KLV DFFRUGLQJ WR WKH DXWR ÀUP LV WR HQDEOH the buyers to use the N1 million for other essential items needed for the family during the festive period. $OUHDG\ WKH DXWR ÀUP VD\V SOD\HUV LQ ERWK the public and private sectors are already taking advantage of the promo to acquire quality vehicles this season and enjoy the mouth-watering discount.

It says, “Festive periods are synonymous with the act of giving. JAC Motors will, as part of the End of Year Promo, give its customers not just the N1 million discount on every car purchased but also ample value-added services that come with after-sale support to strengthen the durability and performances of all vehicles purchased. Now is your chance to drive your dream JAC car in this season of giving.” ([SODLQLQJ ZK\ -$& 0RWRUV LV RͿHULQJ WKH

Revving A Car Engine: What Does It Do? So, what exactly does “revving” a car engine mean? It means you’re literally putting your pedal to the metal. You’re giving the engine gas to do what it does best.

Your car revs and makes that trademark noise when the RPM increases. This puts your HQJLQH ÁXLGV XQGHU SUHVVXUH 7KDW SUHVVXUH helps make sure your car’s engine is lubricated, which means the engine can shift and hold gear.

For race car drivers, revving the car’s engine can be necessary to keep the car running at all. Talk about an important job!

Revving Makes Your Engine Perform Like It’s Driving (Except It’s Not) When you rev your engine, you’re not driving. You know that already.

Your engine is still getting pushed, though.

That can be tough on your car. See where this is going?

Some swear by revving up their engine during a jump start. A jump start is unique, though.

When you rev your engine, your engine turns or “revs” which makes the alternator do the same. Once the alternator is on board, you have more electricity which equals more power.

Revving Warms Up Your Engine Too Fast Some people also swear that revving their engine warms up their car faster. ,W GHÀQLWHO\ ZLOO ZDUP \RXU HQJLQH XS EXW be careful. When you rev your car when it’s cold, it causes your engine’s temperature to change abruptly. That puts stress and unnecessary wear and tear on your engine.

Plus, the oil in your car isn’t warm yet either. ,I \RXU RLO LVQ·W ZDUP LW GRHVQ·W ÁRZ ZHOO That forces more stress on your car to warm XS $1' PRYH WKDW RLO H΀FLHQWO\ 'RQ·W PDNH your car choose.

Revving Your Engine Can Cause Valve Floats In addition to temperature problems, revving D FDU HQJLQH FDQ FUHDWH D GLͿHUHQW YDOYH ÁRDW issue.

That means that the valve gets stuck in between open and closed. This will likely kill the engine and shut the vehicle down.

Revving Can Kill Your Connection Rod What is your connection rod and why does this matter? Well, the connection rod is one of the most important parts of your car’s engine.

It connects your car’s crankshaft to its pistons.

When revving a car’s engine, this can knock the connection rod out of place. If that happens, \RXU HQJLQH ZLOO EH WKURZQ RͿ DQG ZLOO PDNH your car impossible to drive.

It’s important to avoid wear and tear before it does this type of damage to the connection rod and engine itself.

Revving Wastes Gas It’s not surprising to hear that revving a car’s engine can be a big waste of gas. That can mean a big dent in your wallet if you aren’t careful.

JAC vehicles

unique end-of-year promo, the Head of Brand and Marketing Communication of the company, Mr Franklyn Okotie, stated that the year had its fair share of challenges for everyone.

“There is no better way and time than now to thank all our customers who go the extra mile to make the JAC brand stronger and continually promote us. For this reason and more, we will always support and positively impact our customers as we steadfastly meet the vehicular and transportation needs in Nigeria.”

He advised their existing and potential customers to log onto this website - https://

jacnigeria.com/end-of-year-promo/ to get their dream car today, even as he promised that a JAC car would be a remarkable gift to a friend this season.

7KH ÀUP VDLG WKH -$& YHKLFOHV DUH RI EHVW quality, durable, beautifully designed with modern-day aesthetics, optimum performance DQG KLJKO\ IXHO H΀FLHQW “JAC vehicles are tropicalized, made tough to withstand all the challenging terrains on 1LJHULDQ URDGV (OL]DGH $XWRODQG RͿHUV -$& passenger cars, commercial vehicles and light duty trucks,” it added.

When you rev your car engine, you cause your engine to work harder. This pulls more DLU LQ DQG SXVKHV PRUH ÁXLGV WKURXJKRXW your engine.

All of that takes gas, which means you might ÀQG \RXUVHOI DW WKH SXPS VRRQHU WKDQ \RX expect.

Revving Makes Noise Isn’t that the whole point, though? Maybe for some, but it’s clear that not everyone enjoys the sound of revving a car’s engine.

In fact, many communities have laws to regulate noise and “anti-idling.”

(Source: EPICVIN)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

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AUTO WORLD

Coscharis Motors, AIICO, Tangerine Partner to Provide Premium Insurance

C

oscharis Motors Plc, an automobile conglomerate in partnership with two leading DXWRPRELOH LQVXUDQFH ÀUPV AIICO Insurance Plc and Tangerine General Insurance are aligning to provide the Nigeria auto market with an unbeatable insurance SUHPLXP RQ DOO WKH YHKLFOH EUDQGV RͿHUHG E\ the company.

As announced during a media parley at the head R΀FH RI &RVFKDULV *URXS /DJRV WKH REMHFWLYH RI WKH partnership is to provide existing and prospective customers of Coscharis, avenues to enjoy premium automobile after-sales service backed with risk protection from the underwriting companies, guaranteeing peace of mind at a minimal cost of 1.75 premium from the moment they purchase any Coscharis vehicle of their choice.

Welcoming the insurance partners and other guests at the launch, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, Coscharis Group’s General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, stated that the partnership was “an initiative from three great organisations to create value as key players in the automobile and insurance industries in Nigeria.”

%DEDULQGH VDLG ´7KH LGHD RI D MRLQW FRVW HͿHFWLYH premium insurance was conceived by the three reputable brands to deliver multiple value for money when it comes to purchase of brand new vehicles with a robust opportunity to insure the vehicles at a very lucrative insurance premium rate that is compelling enough in the market.

“One of the primary objectives of this partnership is to provide existing and prospective customers of Coscharis, AIICO and Tangerine avenues to enjoy premium automobile after-sales service backed with risk protection from the underwriting companies, guaranteeing peace of mind at a minimal cost of 1.75% premium from the moment they purchase any vehicle of their choice from the Coscharis dealership.

“These three great brands have entered into this value-based collaboration in our quest to FRQWLQXRXVO\ RͿHU WKH EHVW YDOXH WR RXU ZLGH range of customers. With this integrated insurance package, we can guarantee our customers immediate insurance coverage at the time of vehicle purchase across all of Coscharis showrooms, as well as a quick and stress-free claims process should the need arise from either Tangerine or AIICO insurance respectively.

Head, Digital Partnership & Wealth Management, Tangerine Mrs. Luciana Ojeniyi; Head, Partnership & Alliance, AIICO, Mr. Piyush Srivastava; General Manager, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr Abiona Babarinde; Group Executive Director – Commercial, Tangerine, Mrs. Yewande Adewusi; and General Manager, Sales, Coscharis Motors Plc, Mr. Ufuoma Umukoro at a media parley to announce the Vehicle Insurance Partnership between Coscharis Motors, AIICO and Tangerine, held at the Coscharis Group Head Office in Lagos… recently

Kia Slates Prizes for Fans at FIFA World Cup 2022™

A

V DQ R΀FLDO DXWRPRWLYH SDUWQHU of FIFA World Cup 2022™, Kia, will add a touch more excitement to this year’s historic tournament through two must-see activations and a host of exciting prizes.

According to a statement by the automaker, the activations will be hosted at Al Bayt Stadium, Al Thumama Stadium, and Khalifa International Stadium, where Kia’s latest generation EV6 GT, Sportage, K5, Telluride, K8, Sorento will all be on display.

7KH ÀUVW DFWLYDWLRQ DW WKH %UDQG $FWLYDWLRQ Area promises a thrilling simulator experience where spectators can drive a Kia vehicle of their choice from the automaker’s latest line up. The second activation invites football fans to win big by participating in a football challenge. Successful participants can walk away with a Kia branded cap, towel or wristband.

I

remember my University days at the greatest University at Akoka. As a. post graduate student, I had two crazy friends: Toye and Folly. Both were smokers. I never was a smoker but a distant but passive admirer. My admiration for smokers dates back to my foray into acting. During my acting days, I allowed my passion for acting get the better side of me. As an actor, I copied some of the screen mannerisms of actors which included smoking. Although I never really smoked, but I became a fan of St Moritz which was my anger management pastime.

7KH VWRU\ ZDV GLͿHUHQW IRU 7R\H DQG )ROO\ /LNH I said, both were chain smokers and sometimes I marvel at how God preserved me from joining their smoking club. I remember a story I once shared on this same page on how Folly and I almost took to the boxing ring to size each other.

This happened during our post graduate days DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI /DJRV

Meanwhile, visitors can check out Kia’s spot at the FIFA Fan Festival™ zone, which is the perfect place to experience the World Cup, as it is the central destination where fans from all over the world can come together to share their love of football and celebrate the electrifying atmosphere of the global event.

At the FIFA Fan Festival™, Kia’s Ground of ,QVSLUDWLRQ ZLOO RͿHU DXGLHQFHV D FKDQFH WR FKHFN out the Kia EV9 Concept, which embodies an adventurous and recreational form with its rugged and upright stance. Fitted with a solar panel built into the car bonnet and an interior made from sustainable materials, this electric car reimagines what an all-electric vehicle can be.

Alongside the activations, Kia will support 64 2΀FLDO 0DWFK %DOO &DUULHUV 20%& DFURVV WKH WRXUQDPHQW &KLOGUHQ IURP DERXW GLͿHUHQW nations globally will enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime H[SHULHQFH RI FDUU\LQJ WKH R΀FLDO PDWFK EDOO WR the pitch at the start of all matches.

Kia K8

Cannabis and Driving Don’t Mix SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

:KLOH SUHSDULQJ IRU RXU ÀQDO H[DPV ZH WRRN time out to eat at one of the eateries. After eating, Folly got himself a pack of St Moritz as well as some kolanuts (gworo). After smoking multiple sticks to tame sleep, I noticed Folly devouring kolanuts to frustrate sleep itself. Shortly after deploying the combined cigarette and kolanuts arsenal, I noticed him dusting and preparing a

table for a quick nap.

It was at this point that I grabbed his hands and told him that I would not allow him doze DIWHU WKH TXDQWXP RI FDͿHLQH LQ KLV V\VWHP $ ÁXUULHG )ROO\ MXVW FRXOGQ·W WDNH WKH MRNH DQG ZDV ready to pounce on me and do me a Mike Tyson right before our classmates who quickly stepped in to make peace. A relieved Folly got the message that nature cannot be cheated.

I am relieving this experience because of a write-up on cannabis and driving, I stumbled.

I hope to share this with those who indulge in cannabis, or other sorts of alcoholic and drug lifestyle as inducements to stay alert while on the wheels as we gradually countdown to another Christmas and end of 2022 celebrations .The end of year festivities is noted for frenzied cannabis and alcohol usage especially for long distance drivers instead of observing adequate rest..

The piece I am sharing was authored by Adams Hill. According to him, increased legal cannabis use has created increased illegal use by drivers.

Please enjoy Adams position and counsel to authorities such as the Federal Road Safety Corps operatives whose duty is to checkmate these vices during this festive season. Adams title is Cannabis and Cars don’t mix although I chose Cannabis and driving don’t mix.

Adams notes that ‘’there have long been arguments – medical and social – for the legalisation of cannabis. Now that it is permitted for personal use in 18 US states (with more ballots on the issue expected elsewhere in November), the XVH RI SRW RU ZHHG KDV PRYHG ÀUPO\ LQWR WKH mainstream.

However, with increased usage has come a road safety problem: more drivers in fatal crashes in the US tested positive for the drug during the Covid pandemic. This has prompted authorities to issue guidance about safety messaging to drivers who are cannabis users. For one thing, Cannabis Consumers and Safe Driving: Responsible Use Messaging recommends that you don’t use outdated terms like ‘pot’ or ‘weed’ (note to self).

MUSIC

As Yuletide Beckons Ric Hassani Set to Serenade Local Audience

R

ic Hassani is one of the few Nigerian performing artiste who has shone at the highest levels.

Ric has taking the Nigerian sound to places you would never imagine it getting to.

He’s pretty much done it all but never staged a show in Nigeria in all that he has been able to achieve since his emergence to limelight with “Gentleman”.

His performance portfolio has North America, East Africa, Europe and United States. He has

performed to 40,000 audience in countries you can’t pronounce as an African as a headline artiste with the audience singing along his songs words by words like it’s a karaoke session, I am talking non-english speaking audience. In all of these, he has never staged one in his motherland Nigeria.

He was even called out for not to have done anything for the local audience who loves his sound and brand, this is no peer pressure situation but it just feels right that he brings it home as he will be thrilling his local audience with his

stage performance this December.

The show is happening at Terra Kulture, 9LFWRULD ,VODQG /DJRV RQ WK RI 'HFHPEHU ,W·V called Ric Hassani In Concert- One Night Only.

He will be performing a 2hrs set of songs like Gentleman, Only You, Beautiful to Me and other smash hits from his last studio album. Joining Ric on stage are legends like 2Baba, Darey Art Alade, Niyola, Styl Plus, Frank Edwards and other surprising artistes that will grace the stage ZLWK KLP /DJRV WKLV LV WKH RQH WKLV LV WKH PXVLFDO

concert to never miss for anything.

It promises to be a nostalgic experience judging by the quality of artistes that will be performing alongside Ric Hassani.

Four ticket categories, regular, Choice Sits, Premium Choice Sits and Tables are available on sale. Tickets are limited because RI WKH YHQXH FDSDFLW\ VR LW·V D ÀUVW FRPH ÀUVW VHUYH VLWXDWLRQ 7R SXUFKDVH \RXU tickets or to book a table, visit www. richassani.com.

36

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2022

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Head Talent and Engagement, Airtel Nigeria, Tobi Amisu; Head, Enterprise Customer Experience, Airtel Nigeria, Adebisi Femi Derinde; CSR Lead, Airtel Nigeria, Chioma Okolie; Director Supply Chain Management, Airtel Nigeria, Raghvendra Gupta, and Director, Airtel Business, Ogo Ofomata at SERAs CSR Awards Africa,2022 where Airtel received the award for Best Company in Education Intervention in Lagos. ... recently

Kwara State SUBEB Chairman, Professor Raheem Adaramaja Shehu, receives second position trophy won by Nigeria, while Sanita Kara ,Sandra Kaiyan, Samir Amin and Ahmed Kashim, all Education officers of Dubai Education Authority, present the trophy at the Dubai-Nigeria school debate competition organised by President School Debate Nigeria in collaboration with Dubai Education Authority in Dubai, recently

Unilever Rewards Drivers, Seeks Partners Unilever Nigeria Plc. has reiterated its commitment to the safety and wellness of its logistics partners at the 2022 edition of Transporters’ Safety Week.

The company also called for collaboration through information gathering and sharing to keep drivers safe and healthy in the course of their duty.

The Unilever Transporters Safety Week KROGV DQQXDOO\ ZLWK WKH ÀUP GHGLFDWLQJ a week to recognise its logistics partners amidst training, health checks, fanfare, and awards.

This year’s edition held at the organisation main distribution center in Agbara, with the theme “Buga for Safety, Dey Kampe,” The event had hundreds of stakeholders within the company’s value chain in

attendance.

Speaking, Supply Chain Director (Go-toMarket), Unilever, Tobi Adeniyi, stated that the theme was adopted as a demonstration of the company’s commitment to safety.

He said: “We are constantly engaging our partners on what the standards are in terms of security, safety, and quality, whilst ensuring that we do not compromise, and we are glad that the feedback has been very positive.

“We value this partnership as we place a very high value on the safety, well-being, and security of all partners involved in the handling of our products. We cherish our enhanced collaboration with our transport partners, especially the drivers who exemplify the safety standards of Unilever within and

Expert Stresses Best Practices in Oil& Gas Sector

An environmental advocate, Olivia Ihemeoutside of the company premises.” son has emphasised the In her remark, Safety, Health, and Envi- need for best practices ronment Manager for Unilever Nigeria/ in the Oil & Gas sector, Ghana, Rachael Ezembakwe stated that just as he was conthe programme has had a positive impact ferred with the award on the company’s zero-fatality initiative. of Sustainable and “In the last three years, UNILEVER has Valued Friend of the continued to leverage the opportunity to Mangrove Ecosystem of emphasize safety measures needed for Nigeria. our partners to remain safe while they The award was contribute their quota to our value chain. presented by Mangrove “We are happy that many of our logistics Forest Conservation partners have demonstrated good behaviour Society of Nigeria as they commute both within and outside (MFCSN), a non-govour facilities. We hope to maintain these ernmental organisation standards because we believe that it is the that sees to economic best approach to keeping people safe and empowerment of oil achieving our desired goal. producing communities and protection of the environment.

Ihemeson was recognised for his contributions to the In boosting sector operations, Michael protection of ecosystem said his organisation had been consistent and supporting liveliin providing players with advisory service, hood of Niger Delta developing business plans, creating of communities impacted working structure and strategy direction. by exploration and He urged government to complement production activities.

In his remarks, the SULYDWH HͿRUWV ZLWK VWHSV VXFK DV RͿHULQJ tax breaks, infrastructures and trainings, legal practitioner said

Expert Urges Support for SMEs Survival An expert, Mr. Okoh Michael has sought more support for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, SMEs, to sustain the economy.

Micheal emphasised this while addressing the press recently, stating that FKDOOHQJHV ZHUH VWLÁLQJ JURZWK RI SOD\HUV and the sector at large.

Quoting statistics, he said that SMEs account for 48% of national Gross Domestic Product, GDP and 96% of employment ÀJXUH

He maintained that the sector remained indispensable to economic stability, being a source of entrepreneurship abilities, innovation and jobs.

Michael lamented that perennial threats in the sector was weakening and rubbing RͿ QHJDWLYHO\ RQ DFWLYLWLHV He listed some of the persisting challenges as multiple taxation, lack of basic amenities to aid starters, absence of tax holidays for incomers as well as lack of trainings and credit support.

for a more robust sector.

He also tasked SMEs players on patience and resilience, instead of giving up easily to challenges.

CITN Honours Stakeholders, Restates Remita Shines at the Commitment to Tax Growth Nigeria Fintech Awards The Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria, CITN, has restated its commitment to the growth and development of taxation at its annual dinner & award ceremony that held in Lagos.

The institute also rewarded stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the development and sustenance of the institute and the Nigerian tax system.

President of the institute, Adesina Adedayo stated that the award initiative had proven relevant in no small measure in encouraging excellence in taxation and tax profession across the country.

While recounting the institute’s achievements in the course of the year, Adedayo said that it has

been able to weather many storms, resulting in success through members support.

He said: “Despite the economic downturn, high LQÁDWLRQ UDWH DQG GZLQGOLQJ oil prices in the international market, the Institute recorded appreciable growth. This can only be possible with our dedicated members and stakeholders”.

The President described taxation as the “Hope of the Nation”, emphasising its importance to the entire sectors of the economy.

He stated that the annual event provided an opportunity for tax professionals and other stakeholders to come together in an informal setting to network, interact and share ideas.

Indigenous payment software, Remita has bagged the ‘Best Lending Support Service Provider’ and ‘Best Corporate Payments Platform’ at the Nigerian Fintech Awards.

This is coming shortly after the firm was declared ‘Payment Service Provider of the Year’ by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN. Commenting, Managing Director, Remita Payment Service Limited (RPSL), a subsidiary of SystemSpecs Group, Deremi Atanda expressed fulfillment in the recognition, as he pledged improved service to consumers.

He said, “These awards

are attestations to our mastery of payments and collections for individuals, businesses, and the government, as well as our innovative data referencing services.

“For over 15 years, we have empowered individuals, enterprises, and even the government to transfer money conveniently and pay bills easily using multiple payment options on Remita.”

The firm recently introduced e-Naira, a digital currency of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), as an additional payment option across all its touch points.

she was humbled by the award, adding that he is being motivated to do more.

Ihemeson said: “Preservation and conservation of the Mangrove Forest resources and improvement of the quality of lives of host communities are projects that are close to my heart. We cannot DͿRUG WR GHVWUR\ WKH environment through negligence and toleration of destructive practices.

“There must be best practices in the oil sector, as the same standards used abroad must be utilized in Nigeria in line with bilateral and multilateral international conventions.”

He pledged continuous advocacy and sensitisation campaigns on promoting the right of oil producing communities.

Stakeholders Urges Partnership to Promote Effective Learning Stakeholders have called for synergy between government and private RUJDQLVDWLRQV WR DLG HͿHFtive learning.

They made this known at an inter school contest organised by Lagos Education District 4, in collaboration with Darlin Sofola and Andrew Chariokwu Foundation.

According to Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Education District 4, Mr Olusegun Osinaike, the contest tagged Faces of Heroes Schools’ Challenge aimed to motivate learning and to enhance cognitive abilities and development of students.

Osinaike thanked the partners for their support, while urging students to remain steadfast.

He said, “Faces of heroes and heroines are everywhere across the society not because they are extraordinary human being but because of how they project and plan their future. To be successful in life, you have to plan your career positively and work towards your dreams in life.”

Noting that government cannot do all alone, he encouraged support from private individuals, stressing that such support would inspire more passion for learning among students.

On her part, representative of Andrew Chariokwu Foundation, Mrs Uduak Adesuwa pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at growth.

38

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION RESILIENCE: LIKE ANWAR, LIKE ATIKU? a situation. However, I persisted in my argument that Nigeria needed a President that shared the ideological underpinning of the PDP government. I said, without mentioning any name, that any candidate other than one of those who worked closely with Baba will reverse the gains from 2003 to 2007.

Presciently, two years into Yar’Adua’s government Obasanjo like Mahathir was getting restive. The Lagos – Kano railway project had been cancelled, the sale of the refineries was reversed and President Obasanjo’s choice for Party Chairman was torpedoed. The PDP constitution amendment of 2007 that enabled Baba to become the Board of Trustee Chairman was reversed in a 2009 constitutional amendment that made all members of the Board eligible to run for Chairman effectively scuttling the former President’s influence over the Party.

As at the fateful night of our meeting, I did not envisage President Yar’Adua would go that far, despite my reservations

about his ideological leaning. The only inkling, I had was when Baba, as he again recounted in “My Watch”, sent me to then President-Elect Yar’Adua to “advise” him to stop talking about increasing power generation to 50,000 megawatts and follow the existing plan of 10,000 MW under the NIPP. Governor Yar’Adua was resolute in his refusal to change his position. I did not fully communicate to President Obasanjo the blunt refusal. On that day I sensed the inevitability of conflict.

Back to Anwar, he like Atiku refused to accept the judgment of his former boss who labelled him corrupt. Upon release from Prison in 2004, he formed an alliance and continued his quest to become Prime Minister. Waziri Atiku also sought to replace his boss, in 2007, by defecting to another party and challenging his disqualification successfully in the courts. Both lost multiple elections but remained dogged in the quest for power over the last decade.

In a twist like Obasanjo and Atiku, Anwar, while in jail for the second time

in 2018, made up with his former boss, and forged an alliance that presented the 90 years old Mahathir as the candidate for Prime Minister with Anwar’s wife Wan Aziza as Deputy. Mahathir pledged to grant Anwar a pardon and handover to him after two years. The alliance won.

Mahathir kept the first promise of a royal pardon but reneged on the transfer of power to Anwar Ibrahim. Many thought Anwar’s path to the top was permanently sealed.

Like Anwar, Atiku made up with his former boss in the run-up to the 2019 election, but unlike Anwar/Mahathir alliance they did not win. Atiku’s path to the Presidency appeared closed. In 2022, Atiku won the primaries of his party again, but President Obasanjo withdrew support for him.

The fascinating trajectory of PM Mahathir and President Obasanjo is very striking to me. They share character traits that include a messianic love of country, blunt public expression of strong opinion, and

a penchant to pick public quarrels. Both men, in my opinion, in upending their deputies weakened their parties. The current crisis of identity in the PDP stems from the disorderly tradition of 2007. The choice of a successor by the two leaders damaged the growth trajectories of both countries. It is a poignant tale of the failure of mentorship and a recurring reminder of the futility of abridging democracy.

Anointing and imposing successors is a failed strategy that delivers no value to the anointer, anointed, and the state or country. One will think that political actors will learn from the lessons of history but many suffer from optimism bias – a tendency to overestimate the likelihood of experiencing positive events.

In 2023, like a phoenix, the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would once again go before the electorates. Hopefully, like Anwar, his doggedness, ability to come back from humiliating failure, and refusal to accept the judgment of a former boss, will pay off.

going on at any point in time.

The LG bosses will now be forced to wake up their largely idle Ward and Council Chairmen. We cannot continue to pretend that it is the business of the Federal Government in Abuja to address all local issues that a passing knowledge of one’s living environment should be able to deal with. The security situation in the North would since have changed dramatically if the governors had stopped their repeated lamentational media engagements to adopt a conscious effort at actually earning the title “Mr. Governor”? For now, they blame everything on Buhari and the military, even as they parade the expended monthly budgets of many local government areas that have been without any form of government presence for years”.

As said regarding the Riot Act, “The beauty of Wike’s intervention … lies in the fact that he is calling out politicians who are in office as servants of the people to do their work. He is also, metaphorically speaking, asking his fellow governors and their LG Chairmen to do their jobs. They are being told that they have a duty to identify criminality and propose ways of dealing with same, in their largely closely-knit communities where everyone knows what everyone else is doing. He is saying that it is not right that people should carry official titles/cars and have their names on the government payroll, without actually being on the job.

That is one major takeaway from Wike’s ultimatum to the LG Chairmen in his state. Another major takeaway is that he is doing what his fellow governors

should do with their LG Chairmen. He is telling everyone that being a governor, or a local Government Chairmen is a job.

There are role expectations in every job. LG Chairmen should know their people and their environment. They should remember that they are an indispensable chain in the machinery of public administration, national security and good governance”.

The. Article continues: “But that is not all. Wike is also saying that his colleague governors and LG Chairmen should feel ashamed and embarrassed if the territory under their watch acquires a reputation for malfeasance. It does not mean he denies the challenges facing them and their various peoples. It is simply his way of saying: “Hey, enough of everyone pretending that we don’t know what’s going on here; and who is doing what. Either you become part of the solution, or I get you fired.

It is back to the backbone of effective service delivery for LG Chairmen all over the country, most of whom have been coasting for the last 20 years of democracy.

By taking the Local Government Chairmen to task, he is forcing them to prove that they are not complicit in the revenue-draining and health-endangering activities that are worsening the environmental challenges facing Rivers State and the entire Niger Delta Region”.

And, coming round to the present (actually, present continuous(ly) tense), thanks to Wike, the Cunning of the Absolute seems to be at work around here. Just look around you. Everyone seems to be in the line of fire - perhaps including Wike himself.

WIKE AND THE ‘CUNNING’ OF THE ABSOLUTE went on to announce that his state was not the only beneficiaries of this largesse; and that all other oil-producing states received their fair shares of the same arrears.

Forthwith, he called out the respective state governors to tell the people what they used the monies so received for.

Then, And his colleague oil-producing governors started speaking in tongues.

It was the same Wike who, after losing a delegate’s election and becoming implacable thereafter, went ahead to rack up massive amounts of dust that has now made it impossible for anyone to see clearly around the political firmament of the peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Wike’s reaction to the the PDP primaries has raised questions But for Wike’s Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s ability to resolve intra-organizational disputes. It is thanks to Wike, and the PDP’s handling of rhe post-primaries palava, that many are now seeing a party that will most likely stick to the letter of the constitution on such issues as restructuring and state creation.

That is why Atiku’s amusing insistence on the provisions of the party constitution is a subtle form of self-demarketing that no one is paying attention to. What is Ayu’s magnificent electoral value, that all must rise or fall with him.

The PDP’s diligent media presentations on why Ayu should not resign, months after the emergence of a presidential candidate from the North, and also given Ayu’s pre-primaries pledge, suggests to many that the PDP candidate may turn out to be more rigid than many could have imagined - even as he is being touted as a conciliator and bridge builder. Is Wike now the hand of Providence that is helping many Nigerians to seen so clearly how an aspiring president could be so roundly bereft of good counsel, or how a political party could give incredible proof that it has no real Council of Elders.

Nor would many people have easily discovered how much cash was allegedly given to which party official by which presidential aspirant. Yes, none would have returned any money, or “housing allowance”, no! And no one would have gotten any hints about many other malodorous endeavours that birthed the Atiku 2023 candidacy. But before you prance off to say that the PDP stinks, just note that it smells better than the APC, pathetic as it is.

The problem in the case of the PDP is that the party is cheerfully investing all its energies in self-diminution. The party, the party campaign machinery, Atiku’s friends and position seekers actually believe they are walking and working towards a serious showing next year. Maybe they are.

But, going back to Wike’s handling of local government officials which we mentioned earlier, it was observed on this page on 22nd January, under the caption “Governors, Just Look at Wike” that “Wike did something that every state governor should endeavour to emulate. That is if such governors are serious about genuine representation of the people by their elected

Wike

leaders, as well as socially accountable leadership, effective service delivery and sustainable security. His directive to the 23 Local Government Chairmen in Rivers State puts responsibility for some aspects of environmental awareness and security squarely at the door step of those who are supposed to be closest to the people: and who should therefore know what is

FG TARGETS ADDITIONAL 30,000MW OF ELECTRICITY BY 2030 Continued from page 5

“And Dadin-kowa dam is also providing 40 Megawatts to the national grid among others.”

According to him, the power sector is undergoing various reforms aimed at improving the sector, adding that the government is presently investing in power infrastructures.

He said that these investments were especially in the Transmission Company of Nigeria through various interventions.

The minister said the projects were funded

by International Organisations like the World Bank, African Development Bank and a host of others to strengthen the national grid.

Aliyu said: “Government to Government collaboration between Nigeria and Germany resulted in a loan agreement which was provided on concessionary terms through Siemens Company to rehabilitate the Nigeria Electricity Industry and the value chain in the industry.

“Through the agreement with Siemens, orders had been made for the purchase of 10 morbid power transformers and 10 mobile substations.

“The 10 morbid power transformers to be situated across the country have started arriving.”

Aliyu urged participants to appraise recommendations of the technical experts’ submission on various memoranda carefully to enable NACOP to arrive at the objective conclusions that will improve the activities in the power sector.

He said that forums such as NACOP were necessary for building synergy in policy formulation and implementation for the provision of adequate and reliable power supply.

“It is to drive the socio-economic development of the nation that will catapult the nation to the next level of industrial development,” he said.

On his part, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Gabriel Suswam said the challenges of NESI since the completion of privatisation in 2013 were well known to all the stakeholders and participants present.

He said: “These challenges, which are mainly operational in nature or manifest as a result of lapses in extant policies or statutory framework, include the absence of cost-reflective tariffs and inadequate enumeration.

“Other challenges are metering of consumers, limited access to funds for investment, inadequate supply amongst others.

“As you deliberate on the theme of the 5th edition of NACOP, you ponder on these

aforementioned challenges.

“I would like to assure NACOP of the support of the National Assembly, especially committees on power, to always give legislative backing to resolutions and policy recommendations of NACOP towards improving electricity supply in the country.”

The FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello said the theme of the conference speaks in no uncertain terms to the importance of the electricity value chain to the socio-economic development of the country.

The minister, represented by Mr Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority, said the importance of value chain to economic development calls for synergy between operators and players within the power sector.

“There is the need therefore for increased investment in the power sector value chain, especially by the organised private sector, working together in line with the vision and policies of the government. This cannot be over-emphasised.

“It is thus our expectation that the 2022 NACOP will evolve policies that will sustain and build on the gains made in the power sector over the last few years.

“While bearing in mind that reviving the Nigerian economy and sustaining growth depends to a large extent on an efficient and functional energy sector,” he said.

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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Saturday, December 10, 2022

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Price: N250

MISSILE

Don on Buhari “Buhari has mortgaged the future of Nigerians. The next president must work out modalities to pay off the monies we owe foreign nations” –Social critic and professor of philosophy, Prutus Uzomah chastising the Muhammadu Buhari government and asking Nigerians to ensure they utilise the 2023 elections to “take back their country from institutionalised corruption and bad governance.”

OSITACHIDOKA GUEST COLUMNIST

Resilience: Like Anwar, Like Atiku?

I

stayed awake all night refreshing my Straits Times of Singapore Newspaper App as the constitutional crisis in Malaysia entered its fifth day. In the end, Anwar Ibrahim was sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia at 75 ending a 25-year quest for the top job. His ascension to the office of Prime Minister is a tribute to his resilience after an embarrassing humiliation by a mentor turned nemesis, many setbacks, and imprisonment. As I watched the swearing-in ceremony my mind raced back in time.

In 2006, I had an important meeting with President Obasanjo at about 8 pm at the Presidential Villa. He was waiting for me, the residence at the villa was empty, and Baba was lying on a couch in the main sitting room. It was an unusual meeting as Baba, and I saw practically every other day or spoke on the phone.

As a protege of President Obasanjo, I enjoyed unfettered access to him and the villa such that Nasir El-Rufai, who introduced me to Obasanjo, in his book “Accidental Public Servant” described me as Obasanjo’s “trusted co-conspirator”.

Atiku

Baba recounted part of our conversation that night, in his book “My Watch” about how I approached him to make Nasir

El-Rufai his successor. I will recount the context and another part of that conversation today. As soon as I came in, he stood up from the sofa in his shorts and Polo shirt and we walked into his inner sitting room in his usual brusque manner he said: “yes what is it?”

I asked him if he was following the happening in Malaysia where former Prime Minister Mahathir lost a bid to become a delegate to the UNMO Party conference. President Obasanjo said, “not really but a foreign diplomat spoke about it to me recently”. I continued and told him that Mahathir accused his handpicked successor Abdullah Badawi of bribing party members to vote against him in his home district. I reminded him of how Mahathir disagreed with his former Deputy PM Anwar Ibrahim, whom many expected to succeed him, and jailed him for corruption and sodomy.

While Anwar was in jail, he picked Mr Abdullah to succeed him and left office after 22 years as Prime Minister confident that he has made the right choice for Malaysia.

A few years later, the relationship

between Dr Mahathir and PM Abdullah Badawi degenerated into an open confrontation. Dr Mahathir was openly criticising his hand-picked successor. He accused him of abandoning several of his mega projects and fuelling corruption.

The stage was set for a confrontation.

By 2005, President Obasanjo and his Vice, Atiku Abubakar had irreparably fallen out and it was clear that he won’t hand over to him. Before I requested for the meeting, I had learnt from Baba’s body language and a reliable source that he had chosen then Governor Umaru Yar’Adua to succeed him. I thought the choice was a mistake, as they were not ideologically compatible.

As we spoke in our usual father-son conversation, I told him that since Atiku could not be President, he should support one of those who worked closely with him and share the same basic worldview and I mentioned Nasir El-Rufai as one of such possibilities. He pushed back.

I was young then and did not have the experience to skilfully manage such Continued on page 38

OKEYIKECHUKWU EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Wike and the ‘Cunning’ of the Absolute

I

s Governor Nyesom Wike an instrument in the hands of the Absolute? Call it the overriding machinations of Providence in our national life, if you like. The German philosopher, Hegel, spoke of The Absolute as the hidden Reason, the Absolute Spirit, the Law, Foundation and Guiding Volition and Will behind the cosmos and all reality. It is said to manifest simultaneously in the affairs of men, in the march of history, in the evolutionary processes of nature and in the politics of every era.

The Absolute, as Providence, could sometimes be mistakenly assumed to be expressing itself in what is called the Zeitgeist, or the Spirit of the Times.

Meanwhile, what is being so interpreted is, in fact, the Gedankenwelt, or men’s ‘World of thoughts’, of a particular era or season. The Absolute is always beyond all that, and gets to have the last laugh.

And that is where what Hegel called the Cunning of Reason, or the hidden designs of the Absolute in human affairs comes in.

Humans may sometimes design elaborate schemes of their own, with clear goals in view. But they may not know that their

overall trajectory, and that of their beautiful schemes, has created a situation wherein the final outcome of their efforts will only serve the hidden designs of the Absolute.

Yes, humans sometimes get “conned” by a higher design and will; even as they are convinced that they are working and walking towards accomplishing the favourite designs of their hearts.

Take for instance the case of a dreaded and dreadful tyrant cited by Hegel, to illustrate the Cunning of the Absolute. The man was as much feared in the realm as he was passionately hated. Everyone wanted him dead, but everyone acted as if they wanted him to live and rule forever. No one was eager to assist in any of his schemes for self-perpetuation and expansion, but no one stepped back whenever he called for hands to drive his nefarious activities. They were stuck with him, because any desire to overthrow him will have to contend with the fact that only the tyrant can call people to a meeting.

Since there can be no meetings in the realm, except those called by the tyrant, the prospect of consultation for leadership replacement was out of the question. Then

the terrible fellow came to their aid, by dreaming up the idea of expanding his territories and taking over other surrounding realms. He planned for war and headed out with a mighty army, convinced that he would return soon enough to even greater glory and unchecked power and reign.

But as his absence relaxed the strictures on the people, they began to express personal views. In the end, their discussions and semimeetings turned into full-blown meetings.

Then the full-blown meetings begat loud grumblings, until there came the idea of how to ensure that the dreaded and dreadful tyrant did not return to further tyrannize over the people. He, was overthrown.

And therein lies the Cunning of the Absolute; namely, the use of a man’s blind and unwieldy aspirations to pave way for his removal, diminution, or demystification, so that the people may prosper.

In sum, Hegel’s notion of the hidden Providential volition in the affairs of men, which he christened the Cunning of the Absolute, is nothing more than the fact of how human beings would design brilliant ideas of their own, without knowing that they have become Agents of the Absolute

in a far grander design. Come, let us look at Wike in this regard.

Ten months ago, Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State directed all 23 Local Government Chairmen in his state to hire bulldozers and destroy the illegal refineries in their respective local government areas.

Four days before the directive, he said to the LG bosses: “Now, every council Chairman must go and identify illegal refineries … and you’re given 48 hours to go and identify all illegal refineries sites, and those who are in charge of them. … Our people are dying and we owe our people the responsibility to protect them, to save them from death”. Even with the foregoing, he was not yet done; but more of that later.

A few weeks ago, the same Wike inflicted began the commissioning of completed, high-Naira-volume, projects on his state.

He just went about commissioning roads, fly rovers and sundry structures in Rivers State. He said the money came from massive tranches of cash he received in arrears from the Federal Government. He Continued on page 38

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