SATURDAY 31TH DECEMBER 2022

At Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni Steps in As New Managing Director, Ademola Adebise Retires Bennett Oghifo Wema Bank Plc. yesterday announced the appointment of Mr. Moruf Oseni as its Managing Director/CEO, effective April 1,

2023, subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

Oseni takes over from Mr. Ademola Adebise, who will be proceeding on terminal leave from January 2, 2023, after over

13 years of service to the bank.

The new MD/CEO resumes in acting capacity on January 2nd, 2023 as Adebise proceeds on leave.

Until his appointment, Oseni

was the Deputy Managing Director of the bank.

Other Board appointments announced yesterday by the bank include that of Wole Akinleye as the Deputy Managing Director

and Tunde Mabawonku as Executive Director.

“The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Babatunde Kasali on behalf of the Board and Management expressed its profound gratitude

to Ademola for his service and wished him the best in his future endeavors.

“In conclusion, the Board of Continued on page 5

Lawan: Buhari to Sign 2023 Budget Next Tuesday...

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Bolanle Raheem’s Murder: Killer Policeman Arraigned, Remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre Till January 30 Wale Igbintade Drambi Vandi, the policeman that pulled the trigger of the gun that killed pregnant lawyer Bolanle Raheem on Christmas

Day in the Ajah area of Lagos State, was yesterday arraigned in court and remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre till January 30, 2023.

Vandi was remanded

pending advice on the case from the Office of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Chief Magistrate, Miss Adeola Olatunbosun remanded Vandi

following an application filed and argued by the Lagos State Attorney General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN. The AG’s office had filed a one-count charge dated

December 30, 2022 against the defendant.

A copy of the charge reads, "That you ASP Drambi Vandi on the 25th day of December 2022, at Ajah Road, along the Lekki

Expressway, Lagos, unlawfully killed one Omobolanle Raheem by shooting the deceased in the chest contrary to Section 223 Continued on page 5

Wike Shoves Aside Speculations about G5 Govs’ Deal with Tinubu Okowa to rebel governors: No matter what you do, Atiku will still be president Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba and Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State yesterday punctured speculations that he and his allies in the Peoples Democratic Party’s G5 forum met with the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Bola Tinubu, this week in London, and struck a deal to support Tinubu against PDP’s Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 election.

On the same day, at a rally in Aboh, PDP’s vice-presidential candidate/Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa declared that his party would still win the 2023 presidential election, notwithstanding the scheming of the G5 Governors, led by Wike.

The PDP G5 governors - Wike, Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Samuel Ortom (Benue) have been at loggerheads with the party and its presidential candidate, Atiku, insisting that they will not support him unless the party’s Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu

is removed.

Wike, who spoke on the alleged meeting and deal with Tinubu in London, while flagging-off the construction of Eneka-Igbo Etche road, said media outfits speculated and insinuated so many unfounded things without any pictorial or audio proof to affirm their claims that the G5 met with a presidential candidate in Europe.

The Rivers governor said: “I am not someone who will go and see somebody and hide. Hide for who? Who is that person that will threaten me? They said Wike had a deal with so, so, and so person. Meanwhile, no video, no anything. And some of you waste time listening to such things.

Don’t you know when I want to do something, I do it? You don’t need to speculate.

“They said we had a meeting with so and so. What is your problem? Assuming there was a meeting, has Atiku not been holding meetings with governors of APC? Ask him. As he is in Continued on page 5

GOOD TO SEE YOU… President Muhammadu Buhari (l) welcomes Governor Dapo Biodun of Ogun State to his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.... yesterday.

GODWINOMOIGUI

Army: Efforts Ongoing to Rescue Female Officer Abducted in Imo... Page 5

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Army: Efforts Ongoing to Rescue Female Officer Abducted in Imo Bennett Oghifo A female officer of the Nigerian Army, Lt. P.P Johnson, abducted in Imo State allegedly by the

proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) is yet to be released as being speculated.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General

Onyema Nwachukwu, who said this in a statement issued yesterday, confirmed that the female officer was abducted on December 26 while visiting her grandmother in

Aku-Okigwe in Imo shortly after passing out of her training as a cadet and becoming a Lieutenant of the Nigerian Army.

Brigadier General Nwachukwu

Lawan: Buhari to Sign 2023 Budget Next Tuesday Deji Elumoye in Abuja President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, yesterday disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari will sign the 2023 appropriation bill next Tuesday.

Dropping the hint after meeting with the President at the State House, Abuja, Lawan said the issue of the President's recent additional loan request, the 2023 appropriate bill, as well as the legislature’s support to the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the general elections were discussed at the meeting.

The National Assembly Chairman regretted that the signing of the budget is

coming a bit later than that of 2022 which was signed on December 31 2021.

According to him: “We are looking forward to Mr. President signing the Appropriation Bill 2023, by the grace of God, on Tuesday.

“This is because we signed the documents yesterday, having lost some time because of some anomalous figures we had in the bill presented to the National Assembly.

“But thank God, the National Assembly in both chambers passed the Appropriation Bill 2023 on Wednesday, and I'm sure that Mr. President and his team, on the executive side, will work on what we have done.

And the first thing on Tuesday,

the first official working day of the year, I believe that Mr. President will be signing the Appropriation Bill 2023.”

Lawan explained that the pattern set by the federal government had trickled down to the states, “most of whom now pass their appropriation bills and assent to them before the new year.”

On the forthcoming general elections, the Senate President said the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, “lacks nothing” assuring that the National Assembly will support it to deliver credible elections.

He said: “We also discussed the 2023 general elections. The current National Assembly has

AT WEMA BANK, MORUF OSENI STEPS IN AS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR, ADEMOLA ADEBISE RETIRES Directors is confident that the appointment of the Executives will lead to the continued transformation and growth of the Bank, particularly as the Bank positions itself as a market leader in Nigeria’s retail banking segment through technology and innovation,” said the bank in a statement yesterday.

Oseni joined Wema Bank in June 2012 as an Executive Director. He has over 25 years of experience with more than 16 years at Senior and Executive Management levels.

He was an Executive Director for six years and Deputy Managing Director for the last four years and has demonstrated capacity to lead the Bank.

As DMD, Oseni was responsible for the Digital Optimisation Directorate which includes Digital, Retail, Treasury, Operations, and the Technology Divisions.

Oseni was also the Executive Compliance Officer of the Bank.

He supervised the launch of ALAT – Nigeria’s 1st digital Bank that has received local and global awards and multiple accolades.

Before joining Wema Bank, he was the CEO of MG Ineso Limited, a principal investment and financial advisory firm.

Prior to MG Ineso, Oseni was a Vice President at Renaissance Capital, and an Associate at Salomon Brothers/Citigroup Global Markets in London.

The new Wema bank MD holds an MBA from the Institut European d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France, a Master’s in Finance (MiF) from the London Business School and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is also an

alumnus of both the Advanced Management Programme (AMP) of the Harvard Business School and King’s College, Lagos.

The outgoing MD/CEO, Adebise was appointed in June 2018. He joined the bank in June 2009 as an Executive Director and rose to become the Deputy Managing Director in 2015.

Under his leadership, he expanded the bank’s footprints to other locations in Nigeria, improved the performance of the bank and spearheaded the first Dividend payment in 13 years, since then, he has ensured consistent dividend payment over the last four years.

The bank has grown its Total Assets by 155%, from N470 billion to over N1.2 trillion.

Deposits also grew by 214% from N350 billion to N1.1 trillion.

Adebise initiated the partnership with Bank of Africa to support its customers across the African continent which has increased the bank’s market share and customer base. All these led to an additional growth of two million customer accounts in Nigeria and a market share of 3 percent of industry volumes.

The bank is now the leading collection bank for state and government agencies due to its effective and efficient platform.

Wema Bank’s rating by agencies was upgraded to BBB investment grade.

The bank significantly changed the digital landscape through the ALAT platform. The innovative platform also came tops in the KPMG Digital Scorecard for leading retail banks in Nigeria and this was based on in-depth insights into the state of user experience on retail banks’ digital channels.

Furthermore, the bank

launched the first SME Business School for capacity building and empowerment of SMEs, which has benefitted over 20,000 small businesses.

Wema Bank also became one of the founding members of the United Nations Environmental plan for financial institutions (UNEP- FI) and continues to provide digital solutions for societal impact.

Akinleye, the new Deputy Managing Director has over 32 years banking experience. He presently oversees Corporate Banking and South West Business Directorate for the bank.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Akinleye is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Programme of the Harvard Business School. He obtained his first degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1989 and subsequently, a master’s degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the same University.

Mabawonku, the new Executive Director has over 23 years of experience and is presently the Chief Finance Officer and the Divisional Head of Finance and Corporate Services.

Mabawonku has a master’s in finance from the London Business School and a first degree in Economics from University of Ibadan. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and is an Honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (HCIB).

Mabawonku has also attended several senior leadership programmes.

always supported the executive in terms of ensuring that INEC gets whatever is necessary for it to work to ensure that elections are supported, that INEC doesn't lack anything.

“So, we have committed ourselves to ensuring that we give INEC whatever it needs for it to conduct a very free, transparent and credible 2023 general elections. And we are here at all times between now and June 11 when our term will also expire as a legislature in the National Assembly.”

said the Army would surely rescue the officer and prosecute her abductors, adding, “The Nigerian Army will leave no stone unturned in its effort to rescue the officer and bring the perpetrators to book.

“We appeal to the general public to provide credible and reliable information that could lead to her safe rescue and arrest of the perpetrators.

“The Nigerian Army states that the information making the rounds that Lt. Johnson had been released or rescued from her abductors is unsubstantiated as the officer has yet to be released or rescued.

“Much as we appreciate the concern and goodwill of the general public for her safe rescue, we also wish to note that the information on the rescue of the officer did not emanate from the Nigerian Army.”

The Army Spokesperson said it was curious that the officer’s

WIKE SHOVES ASIDE SPECULATIONS ABOUT G5 GOVS’ DEAL WITH TINUBU Dubai, don’t we know what is going on? So, why do you bother about us G5, that you said you can win without us? Leave us alone.”

While acknowledging that he travelled out of the country, the Rivers governor also said the PDP shouldn’t be worried about him and his allies: “Just to unwind is a problem to some people. Some people say they have moved on, ‘don’t bother about G5’. Why is he bothered about where we go to or where we don’t go to? We go to a club, you’re worried. We go and sleep, you’re worried. Yet, you tell Nigerians you don’t bother.

They say there is trouble. There is no trouble, what we have is the introduction to trouble that will come.”

The Rivers State governor who insisted that he is unperturbed about the threat of expulsion, however, wondered why those desiring to expel him are displaying anxiety instead of acting out their threat, and see if they will survive it. According to him, “when the time comes, we will know who has capacity and who does not have capacity.”

Wike reiterated that the minimum demand of the members of the G5 is the resignation of Ayu as National Chairman of PDP to allow for a southerner to occupy the office.

“We have made our demand and our demand is that the National Chairman must come to the south. It’s non-negotiable.

If you say you don’t care, no problem. Let’s go to the field.

No need to begin to threaten people, you will do this, you will do that.”

Governor Wike recalled how former President Olusegun Obasanjo knelt down to beg his then deputy, Atiku, to support his second term bid and the conditions the latter gave to him.

“You say we are giving conditions, but you forget history. When president Olusegun Obasanjo wanted to run for second tenure, he knelt down before his

vice president and said ‘my vice please allow me to run.’ You know one of the conditions he gave him was that Tony Anenih must be sacked as the Minister of Works and that Anenih must not be in the presidential campaign council. Obasanjo obliged and sacked Anenih as Minister of Works and removed him from the presidential campaign council.”

Wike expressed surprise over the undying interest by those who said they had moved ahead and do not need the G5 group to win the 2023 election and wondered why those antagonistic to the G5 were always sniffing around to uncover any latest move made by the group.

Okowa to G5 Govs: No Matter What You Do, PDP Will Still Win Presidential Election

The PDP will still win the 2023 presidential election, which holds in less than two months, notwithstanding the reported pact between the G5 Governors and Tinubu, Governor Okowa of Delta State has vowed.

Okowa said God alone would determine who Nigeria's next president would be and not the action of the G5 governors who have vowed to truncate the Akiku Abubakar-Ifeanyi Okowa presidential ticket.

Okowa spoke yesterday at a campaign rally in Aboh, as the party's local government-to-local government campaign train stopped at Ndokwa East and Ndokwa West local government areas.

Nevertheless, Okowa expressed optimism that the five governors would eventually reconcile with the party and work for the victory of Atiku-Okowa ticket and the PDP in the general election.

Okowa said, "God has said it that we the PDP will win this election. Many things may be happening now and people may be asking what about the G5 governors?

BOLANLE RAHEEM’S MURDER: KILLER POLICEMAN ARRAIGNED, REMANDED AT IKOYI CORRECTIONAL CENTRE TILL JANUARY 30 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.”

With the charge, the Attorney General applied for the remand of the defendant pursuant to Section 264 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos, 2015.

The Attorney General told the court that the basis for the remand was to allow the police conclude its investigations into the matter.

The magistrate granted the request for remand and ordered that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Jide Martins for legal advice.

The arraignment comes a

day after the Police Service Commission approved Vandi’s immediate suspension.

The spokesperson for the PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, confirmed the development in a statement after the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, recommended that Vandi be suspended for his actions.

Ani said, “The commission, in a letter to the Inspector-General of Police signed by the acting chairperson, Clara Ogunbiyi, stated that the commission has carefully examined the facts of the case, observations and recommendation with respect to allegations against the officer and granted approval for the

suspension of the officer from duty with immediate effect.”

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday, said there would be no cover-up in the investigation and prosecution of the culprit.

Raheem, a lawyer pregnant with twins, was killed in cold blood by Vandi, who shot at her vehicle while her husband was trying to make a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge, Lagos.

The husband of the deceased, Gbenga Raheem narrated how his wife was shot dead: “On December 25, my wife, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who had come for the holiday, all went to church. On our way

abductors, who claimed she was a casualty of their fight for Biafra against the Nigerian state, were not concerned that she is a lady and a citizen of Nigeria from the South-east.

He said this did not “dissuade her abductors from dehumanising her in their mindless attempt to commit atrocities under the guise of fighting for Biafra.

“This evidently is another pointer to the myriad of crimes being unleashed by IPOB/ESN on Ndi Igbo, the very people they claim to be fighting for their emancipation.

“It should therefore be crystal clear to those who are still in doubt of the true status of these groups, that IPOB and ESN are terrorists.

“They are masquerading as freedom fighters and do not deserve the support of anyone, particularly the good people of South-east Nigeria.”

back, my wife said since it was Christmas Day, we should take everyone out, so we went to a supermarket at Abraham Adesanya, and then to Domino’s Pizza.

“After that, we headed towards Ajah to do a U-turn to come back to Abraham Adesanya. When we took the U-turn, we saw policemen stopping some vehicles. As we approached them, they said we should stop, and in the process, we heard a loud sound on my wife’s side window. All of a sudden, I saw blood gushing out of her chest.

“I immediately ran out; my sister-in-law, who was also

with us, ran out and held the policeman; he cocked his gun at her too. Talking to him was pointless, so I went to see if anything could be done; I saw my wife gasping for breath, and by that time, my sister-in-law had brought the policeman into the car and pushed him into the front seat.

“We drove to a hospital but they said they couldn’t handle it; we eventually took her to Grandville Hospital, where she was confirmed dead. The policemen took her body and put it in the truck; they wanted me to follow them but I said I needed to go and settle my children.”

"These governors are our brothers; everybody is important.

But what God has said will happen, nobody can change it.

So, even if some of them decide to support APC, some will still remain with us because there will be division among them.

"The real truth is that I have strong political eyes and I have observed that no matter what they do, PDP will win the forthcoming election, by the grace of God. "It is only the power of God that can help us to win. So, no matter what the G5 said, that they would work with APC or any other party, we will win.

"We all know that the candidate of APC is not good enough to be our president. Also, we know that the Labour Party is not going anywhere and we need to sweet talk the party supporters not to waste their votes.

"Those supporters wishing to vote for the Labour Party are only indirectly helping APC and trying to reduce the vote of PDP. So, please go and plead with Labour Party supporters to return to PDP and join hands with us to change Nigeria for the better.

"We the PDP are ready to change the so-called previous change.

Therefore, everyone should go and get his or her PVC," he said.

He restated that the PDP would bring about economic boom, united Nigeria, where the economy would be private sector-driven, and restructuring that would make money available for states and local governments to embark on projects.

"The APC has finished Nigeria.

They promised change in 2015 but they have destroyed our dear country with insecurity, hunger and poverty. To solve the insecurity challenge, we will amend the Constitution to allow State Police.

"The Atiku-Okowa presidency will restructure Nigeria by allowing states to have more funds and more responsibilities to better the lots of Nigerians.

"We will amend the Constitution to give more powers and resources to states and local governments and we will encourage a private sector-led economy.

"Our economy was doing well prior to 2015, but the APC came and destroyed it again.

"Nigerians are poorer and hungry because the economy is not good and when the economy is not working, there will be no jobs, because it is a good economy that brings industries.

"We have gone round a lot of states in the country and I can assure you that Nigerians have resolved to sack the APC," he further said.

On the governorship election in the state, Okowa said Chief Sheriff Oborevwori and Sir Monday Onyeme had the capacity to build on the foundation laid by his administration, hence the need to vote for them.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

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NEWS

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

Lagos Announces Preferred Bidder for $2.5bn 4th Mainland Bridge Project to commence 1st quarter of 2023 Segun James The Lagos State Government yesterday announced Messrs.

CCECC-CRCCIG, a Consortium of Chinese construction companies as the preferred bidder for the $2.5bn Fourth Mainland Bridge.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), Ope George, who disclosed this at a press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, said CCECC-CRCCIG Consortium emerged as the preferred bidder following a competitive bibbing system and would undertake the construction of the Fourth Mainland Bridge, which would

begin immediately.

At the joint press conference addressed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso; Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Aramide Adeyoye, George said the Fourth Mainland Bridge project which is a proposed Public Private Partnership (PPP) transport infrastructure development would comprise the construction and operation of a greenfield tolled road and bridge with a design speed of 120km/h including the development of adjacent real estates.

He added that the bridge, when completed, would become the second longest in Africa with three toll plazas, nine

interchanges, a 4.5km Lagoon Bridge and an eco-friendly environment.

He said the bridge was also expected to span about 37 kilometres starting from Abraham Adesanya in Ajah, on the Eti-Osa-Lekki-Epe corridor and traverse the North West towards the Lagoon shoreline of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway via Owutu/Isawo in Ikorodu.

In his words, “You will recall that the Lagos State Government commenced a Competitive Bidding process for the selection of

a Concessionaire, by the issuance of the Request for Expressions of Interest (REOI) on 27th of November, 2019. A total of 52 responses were received with 32 being responsive.”

The Special Adviser restated that the bridge would reduce congestion on the existing Carter, Eko and Third Mainland Bridges while opening new areas of the city for future developments.

George disclosed that the proposed 37km bridge is worth between $2.5 billion and $3 billion.

Speaking, Commissioner

for Information and Strategy, Omotoso, said those whose structures would be demolished would be duly compensated and that affected property owners should have no fear.

The Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Works, Adeyoye, said “It is not just to build infrastructure but building infrastructure in a sustainable manner. We will try to complete the building within four years. We have to consider traffic management around the corridors but this administration knows what to do. We want people to have

faith in this government. This is a sense of purpose and commitment.

“We have 54 months duration, 16 alignments are to be considered and 800 structures are to be demolished. The project is estimated to cost $2.5bn,” she noted.

Adeyoye added that the governor and the entire team had taken into consideration the investors’ confidence in order to ensure transparency in the process, noting that compensations would be paid to those who provide titled documents.

Security: Ogun Will Take Delivery of Drones Soon, Says Gov Abiodun James Sowole in Abeokuta The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has disclosed that his administration would soon take delivery of drones to enhance security and assist security agencies in monitoring identified black spots in the state.

He noted that drones would be deployed particularly on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, to combat kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other forms of criminal activities being perpetrated on the highway.

The governor gave this hint at the launch of the 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem held at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Abiodun, who reiterated that his administration would continue to find ways of supporting security agencies in the state, disclosed that plans were under way to partner top personnel in the law enforcement to come and work with the state by assisting with training, support and fund raising.

“We will soon be taking delivery of our drones that we have ordered, this will allow us to monitor the length and breadth of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and all those areas where people engage in nefarious activities.

“We will continue to find

those that will collaborate with us. I recently met with two people who are highly placed in law enforcement and have decided that they are going to come and work with us by assisting with training, support and fund raising.

I will unveil these people in the next couple of weeks and introduce them to you,” the governor stated.

He, therefore, on behalf of the Ogun State Government, donated the sum of N10m to the Nigeria Legion and charged its personnel to continue to discharge their duties accordingly.

Abiodun, however, called on the people of the state and the country as a whole to see the remembrance of the country’s fallen heroes as an opportunity to appreciate their sacrifices by looking after the welfare of their widows and immediate family members, noting that they shouldn’t be left alone to weather the storm of loneliness.

Abiodun congratulated the Brigade Commander of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Alamala and his counterpart at the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Isa Abdullahi and Mrs. Archie- Abia Ibinabo, on their promotion to the rank of Major General in the Nigerian Army and Assistant Controller General of the NDLEA, respectively.

Rivers Govt Sympathies with Fire Victims As Over 200 Displaced Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt Rivers State Government has sympathised with victims of fire incident at No. 29 Off Ibe Street, by Elekahia axis of Port Harcourt, the state capital, which occured yesterday.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Ndubuisi Okere, who expressed the government’s concerns over the incident, said that the fire outbreak rendered over 200 persons homeless, regretting that the narrow road prevented the fire servicemen from gaining access to the

building early enough.

He stressed that it took an extra effort and cooperation of a neighbour in the area who agreed to pull down his fence for the firemen vehicle to get closer to the building and later put off the fire over an hour later.

The commissioner, who spoke to THISDAY at the scene of the incident, said although there were so much damage to properties but thanked God that no life was lost in the inferno, commending the people in the area for not looting recovered properties from the fire.

A SEALED DEAL… Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (middle), signing into law, the 2023 state’s budget approved by the State House of Assembly, at the Government House, Enugu, yesterday. With him are the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Uchenna Ubosi (right) and the Clerk of the House, Barr. Dr. Emmanuel Udaya.

Three Fun Seekers Didn’t Die Within Our Facility, Says Barracuda Beach Management Sunday Aborisade in Abuja The Management of a popular fun spot in Lagos, the Barracuda Beach, has clarified that nobody died within its facility in Lagos, contrary to viral media reports.

There was a media report on Tuesday that three fun seekers drowned and died at the Barracuda Beach in Lagos.

The management of the fun spot in a statement signed by its Public Relations Officer, Olusola Adedeji, yesterday, insisted that the deaths of the three fun seekers did not take place within its facility.

The statement noted that the incident took place at about 150

metres away from the beach fence line.

Part of the statement read: “When we got a distress call about the incident, the professional divers on the payroll of Barracuda immediately responded in an attempt to rescue the drowning men but it was too late. If they were within the premises, it would have been a different story.

“The said incident occurred approximately 150 metres outside our beach boundary line. The parties involved had come to the beach and initially were at the Barracuda Beach front.

“Due to the high waves, the Barracuda divers asked patrons

to stay away from the waters. The deceased persons left Barracuda premises and went outside of the beach front premises approximately 150 meters away from the fence line.

“We understand that while they were outside of the Barracuda Beach premises, an adult male was on the verge of being drowned when he went into the waters to fetch a soccer ball he was playing with his friends along the shoreline prior to the incident.

“The two adult victims resorted to self-help and attempted to rescue their friend but they lost control and were swept away by the tidal waves. Their friend they

had gone to rescue got out of the water unharmed.

“When we learnt about the incident, we contacted LASEMA and Ogombo Police Station and notified them of this sad incident.

“Our divers joined the men of the agency on the search and recovery operation.”

The management expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident “because our philosophy is to ensure that patrons leave the beach with pleasant memories.”

It added that the organisation equally ensures the lives of patrons are safe by making sure they adhere strictly to rules as provided by the management.

Bayelsa Trains Community Safety Corps Bayelsa State Government has commenced the training of recruits into its Community Safety Corps.

No fewer than 607 selected recruits are currently undergoing training at the Bayelsa Sports Institute at Asoama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.

The Chief Security Coordinator and Coordinator of the Bayelsa State Community Safety Corps, Brig-Gen. Eric Angaye (rtd), disclosed this during a briefing after the state’s 21st Security

Council meeting presided over

by Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

Gen. Angaye said at the end of the two-month training, the recruits would assist the police to enhance security in the state.

He explained that they would be deployed to all communities across the state.

Also, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ben Okolo, said the Security Council reviewed the achievements and challenges recorded in the security sector in 2022.

He said several arrests were made including kidnappers, pipeline vandals and sea pirates.

Mr. Okolo lauded Governor Diri for his administration’s assistance that enabled the security agencies to perform their duties, noting that lack of logistics was one of their challenges.

He also presented a former Commissioner in the state for Special Duties (Federal Projects), Engr. Mike Ogiasa, who was kidnapped for six months before he recently regained freedom.

On his part, Ogiasa described his ordeal as traumatic, saying he was abducted on June 2, 2022, blindfolded for months and moved to four different camps.

He also revealed that the sum of N30 million was paid as ransom and expressed gratitude to Governor Diri and the security agencies for their roles in ensuring his release.

Earlier, the governor said Bayelsa remains one of the safest states in the country as well as a suitable destination for tourism and investments to thrive.

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news

Igbo Group: South-east Governors Must Secure Their States Bennett Oghifo Concerned by what it described as life of hell on earth by people living and travelling in the Southeast in the last three years, a group Anya-Ndi-Igbo has demanded that the governors of this geo-political

zone must do all that is necessary to make security the topmost priority of their administration in order to reverse the current ugly trend.

The group’s request is contained in a statement they issued yesterday, titled ‘On the Persisting

Ogoni Group Threatens Legal Action against NPDC Over Alleged Move to Auction OML11 Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt An Ogoni indigenous group, Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI) said it would legally challenge the alleged move by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) to auction the Oil Mining Licence (OML) 11 asset.

The group insisted that the plan to auction the OML 11 secretly, contravenes the promise by the NPDC Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Ali-Zarah, that the Ogoni people would be carried along as should any action be taken on the oil bloc.

The group revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that the people of Ogoni would be carried along regarding the OML 11 as they are directly affected by the environmental

pollution caused by the activities of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

The OML 11 was operated by the Shell (SPDC) joint venture, but the company was later vacated from Ogoniland in 1993 after several massive protests led by late environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa. They argued that Shell’s years of operations had devastated the Ogoni environment with no benefit to the people.

President of OLI, Dr. Douglas Fabeke, who spoke on behalf of the Ogoni indigenes, frowned at the alleged proposed plan by the NPDC to auction the OML 11 without considering the plights of the people for proper cleanup of oil impacted sites in Ogoniland and some unresolved crises that emanated as a result of the OML 11.

Ajah Police Killings: LERSA Pays Condolence Visits to Victims’ Families The Executive Council of the Lekki Estates Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), yesterday, paid condolence visits to the families of Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer and Gafaru Buraimoh, who were recently shot dead by the police in separate incidents.

The LERSA delegation was led by the association’s President, Olorogun James Emadoye. The association commiserated with both families in their period of grief and expressed the shock and sadness of the entire members of the association to the incidents in which they died. Emadoye

vowed that LERSA will ensure that extrajudicial killing of its members will not happen again.

Emadoye equally promised the victims’ families that the association will ensure that justice is served and prayed that the families will have fortitude to bear the losses.

Buraimoh was shot during a 7 December police raid on Sky Mall in the Sangotedo area while returning on home from where he went to watch a football match.

Omobolanle Raheem, a pregnant lawyer, was, on Christmas Day, shot in her car by a police officer, in Ajah, Eti-Osa Lagos

PDP Guber Candidate Returns After Medical Trip Abroad George Okoh in Makurdi Benue State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate and Speaker of the state Assembly, Hon. Titus Uba, has returned to Abuja from Frankfurt, Germany, where he went on medical vacation.

The PDP guber candidate in company of his wife, Mrs. Paulina Uba arrived Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport yesterday evening and was received by his deputy, Sir John Ngbede, his Campaign Director-General, Dr. Cletus Tyokyaa, some members of the National Assembly from Benue, members of the 9th Benue Assembly, former PDP governorship aspirants, local government chairmen, political associates, official aides and many others.

According to his media aide, Wuese Orshi, the Speaker had been away on medical vacation to Germany for a couple of weeks

during which time, his deputy, Hon. Chris Adaji held sway in his stead.

He said Benue Assembly speaker appreciated the Governor Samuel Ortom, the state leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, his teeming supporters and indeed, the generality of Benue people for their unprecedented show of love, moral and spiritual support as well as their unflinching faith in his candidacy and their resolve to vote for candidates of the party in the forthcoming elections.

He called on Benue people to remain resolute and continue to mobilise support for him and other PDP candidates to record resounding victory in next year’s general elections.

It would be recalled that there were speculations that the speaker had suffered a stroke and was under intensive treatment abroad.

Security Challenges in the South East Region of Nigeria: Compelling Need to Stop the Destruction of Lives and Livelihoods’, and signed

by Elder Uma Eleazu, OON, Chairman, Board of Trustees; Prof.

Ihechukwu Madubuike, Trustee; Engr. Chris Okoye, President; Sir Okey Nwadinobi, Secretary; Major General Nick Rogers, Chairman, Security Committee; Nnedinso Ogaziechi, Representative of Women Groups; and Ikechukwu Amaechi. Chairman, Media and Strategic Communications.

The statement said Anya-NdiIgbo, a non-partisan organisation,

committed to peace, security and development of Ala-Igbo and to peaceful co-existence between Ndi-Igbo and other nationalities.

According to the group, “In recent years and particularly in the past three years, the scale and depth of insecurity in the South-east has become unbearable.

Terrorist-type invasions accompanied with massacre and sacking of entire communities, which are hardly countered by federal and state governments have become a common feature of the region.

Other types of merchants of crime, violence and torture have joined

the rampage, thereby creating hell on earth for residents and travellers in the region.”

They said Nigerians are facing the biggest threat to their lives and property, adding that it is the primary responsibility of the government to protect the citizens, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, and its amendments.

“It is therefore, the inalienable right and entitlement of every Nigerian to benefit from the primary duty of the government to protect lives and property.”

Anyi-Ndi-Igbo, the statement said, “condemns the havoc being wrecked on Ndi-Igbo by the

existence of nonstate actors in the South-east, under different guises, acronyms and for other reasons.

Only organisations that exist by relevant laws and Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria should engage in law enforcement.

The objective is to make Ala-Igbo safe, not only for Ndi-Igbo, but also attractive for people from other parts of the country to choose to live in.

They said the governors must use all legitimate powers to stabilise and secure their states from further descent into chaos and work with federal authorities to restore normalcy.

friends forever . . .

R-L: General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, (PCO), Ikoyi, Olugbenga Ayegbusi and Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (rtd), Tony Okho, during the end of year get-together of officers and friends of Passport Office team, Ikoyi… recently

Police Kill 54 Bandits, Charge 239 to Court in Katsina Francis Sardauna in Katsina The Katsina State Police Command has said it has neutralised 54 bandits and charged no fewer than 239 to different courts across the state between January to December 2022.

The command also announced the arrest of 1,102 other suspected criminals in connection with 705 reported cases with 989 suspects undergoing prosecution in various courts across the state.

Commissioner of Police in the state, Shehu Umar-Nadada, who disclosed this yesterday at the end of the year press

conference in Katsina, said 16 other bandits were under investigation.

His words: “241 suspected bandits, kidnappers and informants to bandits, were arrested in which 239 suspects have been charged to court while 16 suspects are under investigation.

“In the course of this campaign, 54 bandits were neutralised in various gun battles while five police officers paid the supreme price. 1,092 domestic animals were recovered, which consist of 727 cows, 370 sheep and goats were recovered from the hoodlums.”

Umar-Nadada explained that the command had within the

Iwuanyanwu Chairs Eminent Personalities Committee for Late Mbazulike Amechi Businessman and philanthropist, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has been nominated to chair the national committee of eminent personalities in Nigeria to organise a befitting funeral ceremony in honour of the foremost statesman, nationalist and one of the last remaining Fathers of Nigerian Independence,ChiefMbazulikeAmechi.

Chief MbazulikeAmechi who was Nigeria’s Minister ofAviation in the First Republic passed on November 1, 2022.

Following his demise, his associates and other stakeholders in consultation with his family announced the setting up of a committee of distinguished and respected Nigerian leaders to plan a befitting burial for this great Nigerian Patriot scheduled for February 16, 2023

at his home town, Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

Astatement signed on behalf of his familybyChiefTagboI.Amechinamed other eminent committee members to include Alhaji Tanko Yakasai, Chief Edwin Clark, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Dr. Tim Menakaya, Chief Simon N. Okeke, Senator Dr.Adolphus Wabara, Seator Chief Anyim Pius Anyim and Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

Other members of this stellar group of eminent Nigerians are Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Dr. Chukwuemeka Ezeife, Arc. Obong Victor Attah, Senator Sam Egwu, Chief Achike Udenwa, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Dame Virgy Etiaba and Senator Theodore Orji.

period under review, rescued 122 kidnapped victims from bandits and kidnappers and recovered 22 stolen vehicles, 18 stolen and bandits’ motorcycles.

According to him, 14 AK-47 riffles, two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, 19 locally made guns and 81 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition of AK-47 rifle were recovered from the criminals by operatives of the command in different fierce gun duels.

He stressed that 46 victims of human trafficking were also rescued, while 21 suspected Indian hemp and illicit drugs traffickers and suppliers of drugs to bandits, were nabbed

with large quantity of drugs.

“So far, the Command recorded the following achievements in the year under review: A total of 1,102 suspects were arrested in connection 705 reported cases.

“While a total number of 989 arrested suspects are undergoing prosecution in various competent courts of Law in the state,” UmarNadada.

While noting that the war against crime and criminality is dynamic and not an easy one, Umar-Nadada urged journalists to project the “hard and good work” of the police and other security agencies to the general public.

Toby Okechukwu Mourns Obiozor The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu, has expressed deep grief over the death of the President-General of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, describing it as the fall of an Iroko.

Okechukwu, who also described Obiozor as a patriot, who paid his dues in the advancement of both national and Igbo causes, said the former lecturer was exemplary in loving one’s people and country, and therefore called for his immortalisation by the federal government.

The lawmaker, who poured out his heart in a statement he issued yesterday, said: “It is appropriate to say that this is the fall of an Iroko and the passing

of a legend.

“Prof. George Obiozor’s death is a grave loss not only to Ndigbo, but also the nation as a whole.

He was a perfect gentleman, an intellectual colossus, great teacher, philosopher leader, and a diplomat per excellence, who gave his all to the service of fatherland. Nigeria’s international image was at its apogee while he held sway in the nation’s foreign service and the pages of history will be kind to him.

“It is regrettable that he passed on at a time his services, experience, knowledge, and local and international contacts were most needed in addressing the prevailing challenges facing Ndigbo and the nation, but he had already done so much.

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ͻ͹˜ ͺ͸ͺͺ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Merry Christmas...

TO OUR READERS Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-300 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to saturdayeditor@ thisdaylive.com. along with photograph, email address and phone numbers of the writer.

An Apocalypse at Ajah

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t is funny how one can be alive one minute and be stone-dead the next minute in a country where the welfare and security of citizens are supposed to be the primary objective of the government.

There is a kind of morbid humour in the speed with which life could be extinguished like a fickle flame in Nigeria. When the killer is an agent of the state, it is wholly incomprehensible.

It has been five days since Christmas swiftly became calvary for the family of 41-year-old female lawyer Omobolanle Raheem. On December 25, 2022, while returning from a church service with her family, her life was fatally cut short

by Drambi Vandi, a trigger-happy Police officer attached to the Ajiwe Police Station.

Mrs. Raheem’s death has rattled many Nigerians and further soiled the image of the Nigerian police which has hardly been rosy in the eyes of many Nigerians.

Mrs. Raheem’s death also has many Nigerians wondering about the value of their lives in their own country and just how quickly their lives can come to a shuddering end.

A country where death can be dished out so nonchalantly on a Christmas morning by an agent of the state must be roundly alarmed. The authorities here in Nigeria must do more.

Nigeria is infested with crimes and criminals.

Surging insurgency has further caused a horror situation to flare into a full nightmare for those who keep the peace. For the police, the situation is an almost impossible one.

Poorly funded, equipped and motivated, the supposed friendship the police have with Nigerians is a largely strained one. The friendship has always been one stained with suspicion. Trigger-happy policemen have made it so over the years.

The chilling effect it has had on police-civilian relations and efforts to build a safe and crime-free country is only better imagined.

It appears the Nigerian police is stuffed with many officers who simply should not be there, men and women who are deeply unstable and should be elsewhere.

When those who should rein in corruption become corrupt themselves, there is a problem. An almost insoluble problem exists when those who should rein in murderers become murderers themselves.

In 2020, the protests that shook the foundations of the country, threatening historical injustices committed by the police, were directly a result of the

Hannatu Musawa: A Vote for Tinubu

H

er name rings a bell when writers of conscience are mentioned in the country and beyond, but many are indeed surprised when they see her in the political field sticking her neck out to campaign for the Presidential candidate of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But she is not one that sits on the fence when issues of leadership of the country calls for action.

Her acceptance of the position of the deputy spokesperson of the Tinubu/Shettima Presidential campaign council speaks volumes of her patroitism. A daughter to a prominent politician from Katsina State, she is indeed an asset to the realization of the Presidential quest of one of the greatest minds that has added value to our democracy, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Our country has been through a crucible since independence because of bad leadership. Make no mistake about this, our democracy today is fragile and this fragility has made it necessary for those great minds and heroes who help through their personal sacrifices to go further in order for us to successfully outlast this fragility. Hanny Musawa is one of those heroes of our democracy who helped during our country’s period of troubles with military rule and their dictatorial tendencies with her writings to give us the courage to look ahead in our unique ways which makes us restless, bold, optimistic and setting our sights on victory over those tendencies.

She has decided to no longer sit on the fence because the first war- the war for the return to civil rule and democracy had been won. The next war which seems elusive T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R till this day is the war to recruit capable EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU leadership that would run the country. She MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO has decided to stick her pride to fight for DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU the realization of the Presidency of Asiwaju CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply because she is EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR BOLAJI ADEBIYI convinced among the candidates jostling to THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE occupy Aso-Rock Villa in 2023 as President of the country, Bola Tinubu has the experience, the resilience, and the ability to realize our nation’s quest to achieve greatness.

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D She decided to stick out her neck for Bola EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA Tinubu because she knows the Nigerian GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, story depends not on any of us, not on some ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI of us, but on all of us. Nigeria has gone DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKA MOMODU, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE through storms, strife, and still far from DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI attaining our goals. For her, Bola Tinubu is SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI the main man our nation needs at this time CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI when we have much to repair, much to DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO restore and much to heal.

TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com Musa Wada, Abuja

high-handedness of the police.

Constant evaluations and reevaluations must be carried out by men of the Nigerian police to weed out and rid the police of the men who have become dangerous to the people they are supposed to protect. This could save many lives.

The funding available to the police must also be improved upon so that the men who staff the force will continue to get the training and upgrade they need to perform optimally and cut out fatal mistakes.

The funding must also ensure that their welfare is improved. When people work under almost impossible conditions, there is no telling how much danger they could quickly become.

Today, Nigeria is surrounded by enemies - those who would rather the country ceases to exist. To fend off these criminals while resisting their advances, Nigeria needs their security agents to band together and work optimally.

Justice for Mrs. Raheem, ASP Vandi and Nigerians as a whole is that long-lasting reforms are effected within the police force so that Nigerians can enjoy a country where the police are working tirelessly to promote peace and security.

Kene Obiezu, keneobiezu@gmail.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

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NEWS Police Arrest 200 Suspects in Rivers Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

IMPROVING HEALTHCARE …

L-R: Director, Hospital Administration and Human Resources, LASUTH, Kehinde Gbajumo; Director, Nursing Services, Mrs. Adebola Aina; Director Finance and Account, Mrs. Titilope Alaka; Chief Medical Director, Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo; President of Rotary Club, Ikeja, Sola Akinsiku, during the presentation of the Club’s donation to the hospital…recently

FG to Review Allowances Not Salaries, Ngige Clarifies Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Nwabueze Ngige The Minister of Labour and has been drawn to the news Employment, Senator Chris item that the federal government Ngige, has denied saying that is reviewing salaries of public the federal government was and civil servants which was a reviewing salaries of public fall out of his interaction with and civil servants State House Correspondents Senator Ngige said the increase after his recent audience with he alluded to with State House Mr. President.

Correspondents in Abuja, was on “The minister wishes to clarify the remunerations and emolu- WKDW WKH LQFUHDVH KH WDONHG DERXW PHQWV RI WKH DͿHFWHG ZRUNHUV was on the remunerations and especially the civil servants.

HPROXPHQWV RI WKH DͿHFWHG The minister’s denial was ZRUNHUV HVSHFLDOO\ WKH FLYLO contained in a statement signed servants.”

by Head and Public Relations The statement said that the at the Ministry, Mr. Olajide Presidential Committee on SalaULHV 3&6 WKURXJK WKH 2΀FH RI Oshundun.

The statement reads: “The the Secretary to the Government attention of the Minister of of the Federation (OSGF) had

received recommendations for review of allowances of many Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government.

“Because salary component is not being reviewed for now by the committee, it addressed the allowances component of the requests including the peculiar allowance for Federal Civil Servants amongst others.”

According to the ministry, in Labour parlance, remuneration or emolument is made up of salary component and earned allowance component.

“Therefore, the federal government through the PCS could not have engaged on the review of salaries without involving the ZRUNHUV WKURXJK WKHLU 8QLRQV

Rivers State Police Command has arrested about 200 suspects for alleged involvement in NLGQDSSLQJ DUPHG UREEHU\ FDU snatching and other nefarious RͿHQFHV Parading some of the suspects yesterday at the Command headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the Commissioner RI 3ROLFH LQ WKH VWDWH 2NRQ (IÀRQJ VDLG WKH\ ZHUH DUUHVWHG within a space three months of KLV UHVXPSWLRQ LQ R΀FH &3 (΀RQJ UHFDOOHG WKDW DW KLV PHGLDQ EULHÀQJ KH SURPLVHG WR ensure a peaceful Rivers State,

free of all forms of criminality, just as he warned the suspected criminals to steer clear of the state.

As part of his achievements so far as the Commissioner of 3ROLFH LQ WKH VWDWH (΀RQJ VDLG VXVSHFWHG NLGQDSSHUV armed robbery suspects were DUUHVWHG ZKLOH NLGQDSSHG suspects were rescued.

The state police boss said, “Within this period of three months between October 5 and December 30, we have DUUHVWHG VXVSHFWHG NLGQDSSHUV ZH DUUHVWHG DUPHG UREEHU\ suspects, we have recovered 21 arms, 136 ammunition, 30 live cartridges, 11 live magazine and eight vehicles.

Anyim Mourns Obiozor, Describes Him As A Rare Patriot Chuks Okocha in Abuja

“Prof. Obiozor, an erudite scholar, intellectual and diplomat, Former Senate President and served Nigeria, Ndigbo and Secretary to the Government of humanity with uncommon represented by these two labour Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, dedication, commitment, IHGHUDWLRQ RI ZRUNHUV LQ 1LJHULD KDV H[SUHVVHG VKRFN RYHU WKH LQWHJULW\ DQG VHOÁHVVQHVV +H - The Nigeria Labour Congress death of the President General of was one leader who had the 1/& DQG WKH 7UDGH 8QLRQ Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George courage of his convictions and &RQJUHVV RI 1LJHULD 78& VDODU\ Obiozor, describing him as a always expressed his views on review or renegotiation is part of rare patriot. national issues with boldness, In the condolence message he clarity, candour and high sense social dialogue and the product is usually a Collective Bargaining signed, Anyim said that when he of responsibility.

Agreement (CBA) usually agreed WRRN LOO ´ZH DOO SUD\HG DQG ZHUH “He was a very amiable and to by both parties – employers hopeful that he would recover. pleasant gentleman, with an His passing, therefore, is indeed exceptional sense of humour. and employees.

“For the avoidance of doubt, a very huge loss, not only to his +H KDG D ZD\ RI PDNLQJ the minister made it clear to immediate family, Ndigbo and people, irrespective of their the press corps that it is still Nigeria but also the International social standing, comfortable ZRUN LQ SURJUHVV DQG WKDW WKH diplomatic community. around him. end-product of this review of allowances will be submitted to Mr. President for consideration DQG ÀQDO DSSURYDO DQG WKDW WKLV was one of the Labour issues he briefed him on, that day.

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi existence for over 50 years but DV , VSHDN ZLWK \RX WKLV LV WKH As part of its social respon- ÀUVW ERUHKROH WKH FRPPXQLW\ LV sibility towards its immediate seeing today.” community, the Redeemed He expressed gratitude to ,1(& DQG RWKHU VWDNHKROGHUV Christian Church of God (RCCG) RCCG for the wonderful and including security agencies to KDV GULOOHG WKH ÀUVW ERUHKROH DQG NLQG JHVWXUH ´EHFDXVH ZKDW WKH uphold the highest standards GRQDWHG LW WR 'RND FRPPXQLW\ government could not do for of professional ethics to ensure in Birshi Ward in Bauchi Local us, the church has done for us.” free and fair elections.

Government Area of Bauchi ´$QG , WKDQN *RG WKDW RXU “It must be one man, one State to address the acute water Councillor is personally here and woman, one vote. INEC must scarcity facing the community KH VKRXOG WDNH WKLV PHVVDJH WR ensure that politicians play by for many years. the state governor and I believe the rules and that logistics blues The community, which is about something better will be done that dogged past elections are WZR NLORPHWUHV DZD\ IURP WKH for us,” he added. addressed in the 2023 general Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi, ,Q D EULHI UHPDUN WKH &RXQFLORU SROO (ͿRUWV PXVW EH PDGH WR has been in existence for over representing Birshi Ward, Rilwanu ensure that the BVAS system 50 years.

Sabo, claimed ignorance of the LV HͿHFWLYHO\ GHSOR\HG DV WKH 6SHDNLQJ DW WKH LQDXJXUDWLRQ ODFN RI ZDWHU LQ WKH FRPPXQLW\ GHDWK NQHOO WR YRWH EX\LQJ DQG FHUHPRQ\ WKH 'RND &RPPXQLW\ saying that: “the community has election rigging across Nigeria,” Chairman, Lawi Samuel, said never written to me to inform he said.

“This community has been in PH RI LWV ODFN RI ERUHKROH µ

Bauchi Community Gets First Borehole From RCCG After 50 Years’ Existence

NLC: Nigerians Should Be Ready to End National Pillage in 2023

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

on the path of sustainable development.

“Fellow citizens, it is in light Ahead of next year’s general election, the Nigeria Labour RI WKH GHYHORSPHQWDO GHÀFLWV &RQJUHVV 1/& KDV DVNHG GL΀FXOWLHV DQG GHFDGHQFH Nigerians to brace up for the highlighted in the foregoing, challenge of electing a new lead- that we are called upon to ership that will end the pillage arise as one people to end of our national resources and the national pillage, smash to set the country on the path the culture of grab-and-garb, reverse our pervasive rentier of sustainable development.

In a New Year message by economic mentality and consign the NLC President, Ayuba our divisive politics to the Wabba, the congress said the dustbin of history.

“The 2023 general election 2023 general election provides D JROGHQ RSSRUWXQLW\ WR WDNH has delivered in our hands EDFN RXU FRXQWU\ DQG VHW KHU the golden opportunity to

WDNH EDFN RXU FRXQWU\ DQG VHW her on the path of sustainable development.

“The tinder box of the ballot revolution in the 2023 poll is the Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

All voters must safeguard their PVCs jealously. Newly registered voters should endeavour to collect their PVCs from the GLͿHUHQW FROOHFWLRQ FHQWUHV designated by the Independent National Electoral Commission ,1(& 7KH 39& LV RXU WLFNHW to our dream Nigeria,” he said.

NLC urged the Independent National Electoral Commission

MACBAN Denies Endorsement )* 0RYHV WR 6WUHQJWKHQ 1,1/$1 IRU (;HFWLYH of Presidential Candidate Mother Tongue Policy Implementation

Foundation Advocates Increased Awareness on Brain Injuries, Neurological Conditions

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Kasim Sumaina in Abuja

with some reporters in Abuja.

The National President of He said: “First of all, I will Miyetti Allah Cattle Breed- KDYH WR PDNH FODULÀFDWLRQ ers Association of Nigeria because there are two Miyetti (MACBAN), Alhaji Baba Allah groups. We have the 8VPDQ 1JHO]DUPD KDV Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore denied endorsement of any and the Miyetti Allah Cattle presidential candidate by the Breeders Association of cattle breeders, insisting it had Nigeria (MACBAN), which not endorsed any presidential is the one I represent as the candidate or political party National President. in the 2023 general elections.

“As far as my association, Some newspapers reported the Miyetti Allah Cattle that MACBAN has endorsed Breeders Association of the APC presidential candi- Nigeria (MACBAN) is date, Bola Tinubu. concerned, we have not 8VPDQ 1JHO]DUPD GLV- endorsed any presidential closed this in an interview candidate.

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

was determined to develop Nigerian languages and revive the dying ones.

“The language policy The federal government has said that the National provides a real opportunity Institute for Nigerian Languages for the National Institute for (NINLAN), Aba, would play Nigerian Languages to assert its a strategic role in the imple- relevance. It must focus attention mentation of the new policy on the production of resources on mother tongue as medium and building capacity needed of instruction at the basic level for the realisation of the lofty goals of the Language Policy. of education.

“I will be delighted to receive Minister of Education, MalODP $GDPX $GDPX LGHQWLÀHG DFWLRQDEOH SODQV IRU IDVW WUDFNLQJ NINLAN’s strategic role in his the sustainable implementation address at the maiden and of the policy. Government is combined convocation of the ready to provide the requisite 29-year-old institute, saying support to NINLAN in this that the federal government respect,” the minister said.

in Abuja. )RXQGHU 0LVV &KLND 2NThe Brain and Spine wuolisa, said it was important Foundation Africa, a non- to raise awareness around the governmental organisation, has condition as most people called for increased awareness spiritualise and attribute it on brain injuries, neurological WR WKH ´ZRUNV RI WKH HQHP\µ 2NZXROLVD QRWHG WKDW conditions and its traumatic most patients and families HͿHFWV RQ YLFWLPV Neurological conditions it continue to struggle with it, noted include brain aneurysm, as there is little or no idea brain tumor or cancer, trau- of the conditions especially PDWLF EUDLQ LQMXU\ VWURNH in rural communities.

According to her, these are spinal cord injury and tumor, conditions that so many people dementia among others.

The foundation made the GR QRW WDON DERXW RU HYHQ KDYH call at an Art Gala event, the slightest idea of what it organised for survivors, care- means, until one encounters JLYHUV DV ZHOO DV VWDNHKROGHUV D ÀUVW KDQG H[SHULHQFH

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

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yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Dissecting Recalcitrant ASUU President

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ast Tuesday, I read twice the interview granted to an online publication by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Emmanuel Osodeke, in which he accused the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila of deceiving university lecturers into calling off their eight-month strike last October. I had to read the chat two times to be sure I understood the ASUU President correctly.

Osodeke said ASUU members’ collective impression of Gbajabiamila today is that he tricked them to go back to work and then sort out things immediately thereafter.

The ASUU President added: “But here we are till today, nothing has been done over the promise and that is why the Speaker did not say anything tangible since then, at least on the issues, let alone ensure that his promises are carried out. The Speaker will need to come out as he still has the opportunity to prove ASUU wrong on its impression by simply working out the implementation of his promises to the union.”

This submission by Osodeke is just balderdash. He holds the disgraceful record of leading university teachers and Nigeria’s university system into disarray, yet, he has no plan of retreating. The ASUU President is still living in his world of deceit and will most likely never change.

Let’s take a very good look at some of the issues raised in Osodeke’s bosh interview. I find it so difficult to understand the ASUU President’s claim that Gbajabiamila made a written promise that the federal government would, without delay, pay in full, the arrears of salaries of the university teachers once they call off the strike. He said the Speaker presented a paper signed by him to ASUU leadership indicating the seriousness of the government to pay them for work not done.

Yes, the union engaged Gbajabiamila to

By now, I thought Osodeke would have stopped talking about payments for jobs not done by the teachers. The federal government has legitimately not paid salaries for the period ASUU brazenly shut Nigerian universities.

This is the truth that must be told. Osodeke is educated enough to know that the government is under no compulsion to pay salaries to university lecturers for the duration they were on strike. This is a settled matter in law resolve the stalemate between it and the federal government, but he cannot sign to pay salaries of the teachers. Gbajabiamila is not a member of the Executive, so, he is not in the position to sign to pay any form of salary to the teachers. The ASUU President is old enough to know this. I challenge Osodeke to show Gbajabiamila’s written promise to the world.

By now, I thought Osodeke would have stopped talking about payments for jobs not done by the teachers. The federal government has legitimately not paid salaries for the period ASUU brazenly shut Nigerian universities. This is the truth that must be told. Osodeke is educated enough to know that the government is under no compulsion to pay salaries to university lecturers for the duration they were on strike. This is a settled matter in law.

Perhaps, Osodeke needs to go and read the Trade Disputes Act again. The no-work no-pay labour law is very clear as contained in Section 43 of Trade Disputes Act. This government decided to enforce it in order to end incessant and senseless strikes by ASUU. Lecturers are ceaselessly on strike, leaving the students they are engaged to teach in tatters and quandary. This drivel must stop. ASUU’s opposition to no-work no-pay is also before a court of law. Osodeke should be patient for the outcome.

The House of Representatives rightly knocked the ASUU President, when it declared that Osodeke’s “bad-faith approach to negotiations and his affinity for political brinkmanship” were significant reasons Nigerian universities were on strike for so long, adding, “his ongoing interventions continue to threaten the progress being

Bishop Kukah’s Pungent Christmas Epistle

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always look forward to Bishop Matthew Kukah’s Christmas Epistle to Nigerians.

This Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese never disappoints. Put more precisely, he never fails to speak truth to power. No sentiments; he tells it as it is. Kukah has maintained this position for ages.

In his 2023 Christmas message last Sunday at St. Mary Catholic Church, Sokoto, titled, “Let us turn a new leaf,” Kukah took on the incompetent President Muhammadu Buhari, declaring that while Buhari would be leaving office in good health, “Nigerians are in pain on account of his failure to fulfil his promises to fix the country.”

Kukah, who berated Buhari on his policies and inability to tackle corruption, cited nepotism as a major factor that characterised his regime. He flayed the President for nepotism in his choice of appointees whom he described as mediocres, adding that the nation has paid the price for entrusting power to characters who treated it as their family property.

On Buhari’s nepotism, I agree fully with Kukah and this has always been my position too. Nepotism is indeed a cancer which Buhari has unleashed on this country for almost eight years now. His appointments are largely skewed.

Nigeria is feeling Buhari’s failings the most in the area of security because of nepotism in security appointments. Our beloved country is now one big killing field, with terrorists running riot. Under Buhari, almost all security and para-military agencies are headed by his Fulani kinsmen without result. Our President does this with so much impunity.

Aside the Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor and Chief of Air Staff, Isiaka Amao, this is what Buhari has: Director-General, Department of State Security, Yusuf Bishi; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Chief of Army Staff, Faruk Yahaya; Chief of Naval Staff, Awwal Gambo;

Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Hameed Ali; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Buba Marwa; ComptrollerGeneral, Nigeria Immigration Service, Isah Jere Idris; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Ahmed Audi; Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba; Minister of Police Affairs Maigari Dingyadi; Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai Abubakar, the Controller-General, Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa and the Acting Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Dauda Biu. Then, add the awkward Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi. What has Nigeria gained from Buhari’s endless sectionalism in security appointments? Nothing! This country is bleeding profusely.

I urge Buhari to think deeply about the four Kukah siblings killed by kidnappers this week in Garin Buhari took office. The economy continues to Dogo, Lau LG of Taraba State, after collecting depreciate, throwing more Nigerians below N60 million from their father. As usual, the killers poverty. Kukah captures it thus: “Who would may never be arrested. have imagined, after listening to the campaign Buhari is the only one unaware that Nigeria speeches ahead of the 2015 elections, the new is a multi-ethnic, multi-religion and multi-cultural President’s inaugural speech, that we will be country and that everybody must be given a so worse off than we were? Yet, it could get sense of belonging with just top appointments. even worse if we do not pause and pause very Why should most of the key federal government seriously. departments and agencies be headed by people “Is being the poverty capital of the world from a section of this country? I am talking about and one of the most violent states in the world big agencies like Customs, NPA, Pencom, NNPC, an achievement? And our suffocating internal FIRS, NCC, NBC, TETFund, SEC, CAC, UBEC, and international debts?”

NIMASA, NMDPRA, NPHCDA, FAAN, NDIC, For me, fixing Nigeria requires a President AMCON and NUC. Buhari evidently cares less with physical and mental capacity; a truly about the unity of this country.

Nigerian President in all ramifications, who Our President has indeed been stoking this will see everybody as one and treat everybody country’s fault lines for almost eight years with his equally. A President who will ensure that the skewed appointments. He fully understands the sensibilities of all Nigerians are respected and importance of Section 14 (3) of the 1999 Constitution reflected in federal appointments. Nigeria can of Nigeria (as amended), which mandates federal no longer afford an ethnic and religious bigot character in all appointments and has chosen to as President. This is my message to beloved persistently mock it. countrymen as we head towards the 2023 Nigeria is indeed worse than it was before Presidential election.

made to preclude the possibility of further disruptions to the academic calendar of the universities.”

Osodeke’s childish claims that Gbajabiamila promised to pay university teachers for jobs not done was well tackled in a response last Tuesday by the spokesman of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who stated: “For the record, at no point did the Speaker of the House of Representatives commit to offset the arrears of salaries owed to union members for the time they were on strike. The House of Representatives helped resolve the strike by making commitments to improve the welfare package of university lecturers and revitalisation funds to improve the infrastructure and operations of federal universities. These commitments are reflected in the 2023 Appropriation Bill.

“The Executive’s decision not to pay salaries to lecturers for the time spent on strike is warranted by the government’s legitimate interest in preventing moral hazard and discouraging disruptive industrial actions. Nonetheless, the Speaker has made interventions for an exemption in this regard, and Professor Osodeke is well aware of this.

“Therefore, I call on him, in his capacity as President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, to desist from making further misleading statements against the House of Representatives and the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila. There is no place for hostility and selfish agitation in this critical moment.

This is the time for calm heads and steady hands, working together for the common good.”

Another aspect of Osodeke’s interview I find repulsive is where he said ASUU members were only remaining in the classrooms in spite of the unfavourable treatment from the government “as a sacrifice for the sake of students and parents as well as the country at large.” Haba! Has Osodeke suddenly forgotten that the teachers were ordered back to the classroom by the court?

I need to remind him that it was the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, that ordered striking ASUU members back to resume work “immediately” early last October. They did not just return. The appellate court gave the order while granting leave to ASUU to appeal the interlocutory injunction granted

by Justice Polycarp Hamman of the Abuja Division of the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) on September 21, 2022, asking members of the union to resume work.

The Appeal Court struck out the application by ASUU for a stay of execution of the order of the Industrial Court, based on the motion by the applicant’s counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), for the withdrawal of the application. I also need to remind the ASUU President that the Court of Appeal presided over by Justice Hamma Akawu Barka, warned that if ASUU failed to comply with the court order, it automatically loses the right to appeal against the ruling of the lower court. That was what forced ASUU members back to work. Osodeke could not have forgotten all these. I guess he was just being sassy.

What “sacrifice to students and parents” was the ASUU President talking about in that garbage interview? After persistently inflicting so much pain on students and parents in Nigeria’s public universities for years, largely because of their pockets, Osodeke turns around to talk about sacrifice? What nonsense! If students are indeed at the centre of ASUU’s so-called struggle, then, lecturers won’t be on strike at all, not to talk of obstinately shutting public universities. I am not sorry to say that Osodeke was just rambling in that interview.

Just as I stated in my last article on ASUU, Osodeke has been misleading Nigerian university teachers. My position has not changed. This ASUU president has lost touch with the realities of modern university systems. He belongs to the past. Osodeke should step aside for somebody that can keep pace with modern day realities.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

NEWS Buhari Approves Appointments of FRSC Corps Marshal, Cornerstone Insurance Reaches Out to Inmates of Correctional Centres DG Lottery Commission, DG NAFDAC, Others Uchechukwu Nnaike were on hand to carry out basic

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Dauda Ali Biu as the Corps Marshall DQG &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2΀FHU of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said in a press release yesterday that the DSSRLQWPHQW ZDV ZLWK HͿHFW from December 23, 2022 for an initial term of four years.

Also, the President renewed the appointments of the Director General of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Lanre Gbajabiamila and that of the Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye.

The release, which was signed on behalf of the SFG

by Director Information OSGF, Willie Bassey, said Gbajabiamila’s appointment ZDV UHQHZHG IRU D ÀQDO WHUP of four years from November ZKLOH $GH\H\H·V ÀQDO WHUP RI ÀYH \HDUV ZDV UHQHZHG

As part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives, Cornerstone Insurance Plc recently embarked on a medical outreach to the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos.

The company donated food, toiletries, and medical supplies to the Maximum and Female centres, as well as other hygiene products through the Cornerstone Insurance Plc Foundation.

The Cornerstone staff were joined by a medical team of two doctors and four nurses from Sirona Hospital, FESTAC, who

COUNTING GOD’S BLESSINGS… Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike, his wife and Nigeria’s Ambassador to United States of America, Uzoma Emenike, their four children and the clergy, at the country home of the APC governorship hopeful after the annual thanksgiving of the Emenike family at St. John Methodist Church Umukabia Okpuala, Umuahia North Local Government Area, Abia State...recently

from December 1, 2022.

The statement added that three Executive Directors were appointed by the President for the River Basin Development Authorities.

They included Bello Sani

Gwarzo, whose appointment as Executive Director Planning Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority for a ÀQDO WHUP RI WKUHH \HDUV IURP November 21, 2022 was ratiÀHG DQG 0UV 2QXQRMX 0DU\

Nwabunor, whose appointment as Executive Director Agricultural Services, Benin Owena River Basin Development Authority for an initial term of three years, from December 19, 2022, was approved.

Jubilation as Delta Govt Ends Leadership Tussle in Otulu Community Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Residents of Otulu OgwashiUku community and surrounding areas in Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State have been thrown into a jubilant mood following the appointment of a substantive traditional chief for the community by the Delta State Government.

It was gathered that there had been a series of singing and dancing among the people, who apparently are relieved at the reality of enduring peace

and security in the community, which hitherto had witnessed for a long time local leadership issues that heightened insecurity in the area.

The people were seen gathered at the Otulu Village Square dancing, shouting praises to God and commending the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, IRU ÀQDOO\ SXWWLQJ DQ HQG WR WKH seeming cloud of uncertainty and the series of associated crisis that had severally disrupted peace and socio-economic activities of the largely agrarian community.

Youths and elders of the community joyously joined the women and men who were drinking and dancing for hours the jubilant celebration lasted.

The Delta State Government recently issued a Traditional &KLHIWDLQF\ &HUWLÀFDWH WR &KLHI Anthony Nweke Enurah as the new Traditional Chief for the community after he was duly appointed by the OgwashiUku monarch, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Aninshi Okonjo II, the statutory authority and traditional ruler of Ogwashi-Uku

Kingdom.

The government’s chieftaincy FHUWLÀFDWH LVVXHG ZDV VLJQHG E\ Mr. Frank Aghara, Permanent Secretary, Directorate of ChiefWDLQF\ $ͿDLUV LQ WKH R΀FH RI WKH Deputy Governor of Delta State.

Nevertheless, members of Oganihu Otulu, who are the development umbrella body for the community, have also commended the state government, D΀UPLQJ WKDW WKH GHYHORSPHQW will surely signal the end of uncertainty, insecurity and violence.

Access Bank, Hacey Health Collaborate to End Female Genital Mutilation Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

tions Trust Fund and Spotlight Initiative embarked on stop As the world commemorates cut project on female genital the Human Rights Day, Hacey mutilation with engagements Health Initiative in collaboration of 200 women in Osun State. with Access Bank organised a At the event, Alabi hinted one-day capacity building for that the projected hosted more adolescent school girls in Osun than 50 adolescent girls who State to sensitise them about were taught on the dangers of female genital mutilation which female genital mutilation and is a violation of a girl-child the law that criminalised the rights. act in the society.

The representative of Hacey The climax of the event in the state, Mr. Ayobami Alabi, was when the girls went to VDLG WKHUH PXVW EH D IUDQWLF HͿRUW the community for a door-tofor individuals to report any door outreach/sensitization such practice to the nearest to enlighten those in the police station, Amotekun and community on the danger of Nigeria Security and Civil female genital mutilation.

Defence Corps (NSCDC) for The community engagement prosecution. was organised for survivors of Also, Hacey Health Initiative female genital mutilation in in collaboration with United Na- Osun State.

Daystar Spreads Love at Christmas, Prepares for New Year’s Crossover

As part of its annual activities for the year, Daystar Christian Centre, Lagos, held its ‘Love at Christmas’, an event where several indigent persons and communities in Lagos as well DV LWV HQYLURQV KDYH EHQHÀWHG Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in The Abia APC governorship as a promoter of justice, equity from the church’s food bank. nation and the Igbo race.

Umuahia While paying tribute to the hopeful stated that Obiozor has and fairness.

According to the church’s :KLOH RͿHULQJ KLV FRQGROHQFH Senior Pastors, Sam and Nike late Ohanaeze PG, Emenike left indelible footprints in the The governorship candidate extolled his deep intellectual sands of time everywhere he to the Obiozor family, the Adeyemi, the annual event is of the All Progressives Congress capacity, noting that Prof Obiozor found himself and in every path Government and people of Imo part of the purposeful mandate (APC) in Abia State, High Chief would be remembered as an he had crossed, citing his numer- State as well as Ndigbo at large, of the church to ensure that no Ikechi Emenike has joined the accomplished academic, astute ous writings on international and Emenike prayed for the peaceful member goes to bed hungry. entire Igbo race in mourning the diplomat and a highly respected domestic issues and his service repose of the servant leader.

Prof. Obiozor was a former to the nation as a well known death of the President General of leader. director-general of the Nige- Lagos PDP Chieftain, Awesu, “He (Obiozor) was a diplomat.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, He said that given his stature rian Institute of International stabilising bulwark against Prof. George Obiozor.

Emenike expressed deep the centripetal and centrifugal and life of service to the nation $ͿDLUV 1,,$ 1LJHULD·V +LJK Mobilises Support for Atiku sadness over the passage of the forces threatening the unity and and to Ndigbo, Prof. Obiozor Commissioner to Cyprus, “dependable leader” to eternity, peaceful coexistence of this great would be greatly missed by Ambassador to Israel and also Sunday Okobi saying that Obiozor would be country, bringing his maturity the nation he had served to the United States of America. counted among the leaders that DQG GLSORPDWLF ÀQHVVH WR EHDU LQ with unblemished record and He was elected the President A chieftain of the People have worked for peace, unity his handling of national issues,” unbridled patriotism as well as General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Democratic Party (PDP) in the people he worked hard for Worldwide in February 2021. and progress of the Nigerian he said.

Lagos State and contestant for the Ikorodu federal constituency in House of Representatives, Group Tasks Media on Katsina APC Guber Candidate Takes Campaign to AbdulAzeez Adekunle Awesu, has called on the youths and residents to support the presiGender Balanced Reporting Bandits’ Enclaves, Vows to Eliminate Hoodlums dential candidate of the party, Omolabake Fasogbon of the realm needs to at all Francis Sardauna in Katsina Abdulkadir, traversed danger- Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, in the times dish out a gender fair and ous areas believed to be the forthcoming general election.

The media has been reminded EDODQFHG UHSRUW WR HͿHFWLYHO\ The All Progressives Congress stronghold of bandits in Batsari Awesu described Atiku of their roles as catalysts in carry out its role in the interest (APC) governorship candidate and Safana local government DV D XQLÀHU ZKR QHHGV WR advancing and upholding of the society. in Katsina State, Dr. Dikko areas of the state. bring the various parts of the The group frowned at a Umar Radda, has taken his The APC governorship country together, and has the rights of individuals as the situation whereby the media campaign to bandits’ enclaves candidate, who visited Zakka, capacity to salvage Nigeria out law prescribed.

A non-governmental empowers a particular human as part of his ongoing ward-to- Kukar-Samu, Babban-Duhu, of his economic and political organisation,Vision Spring gender and disempowers ward campaign to woo eligible Baure, Ummadau, Tsaskiya and problems.

Initiative (VSI), emphasised another in their output. voters ahead of the forthcoming Runka communities in Batsari The PDP contender, who is Addressing the press, VSI 2023 elections. and Safana local government challenging the withdrawal of this recently while addressing journalists on the occasion of Resource Person, Tobi Ayodele, Radda, according to a state- areas, said he would adopt a his mandate at the Supreme decried some aspects of the laws, ment issued yesterday by the kinetic and non-kinetic ap- Court, made the appeal during 2022 Human Right Day. According to the group, the policies and practices that make Director, Media and Publicity of proach to tackle insecurity in a massive rally he convened media being the fourth estate women vulnerable to abuse. his Campaign Council, Ahmed the state if voted into power. in Ikorodu yesterday.

Emenike Mourns with Ndigbo Over Obiozor’s Passage, Describes Him as Dependable Leader

medical checks on the inmates and prescribe medications where necessary.

The Group Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Cordelia Ekeocha, said the initiative is to positively impact the lives of the inmates this Yuletide season.

“The medical consumables and other hygiene products were donated to make sure the inmates were comfortable and to help maintain a healthy environment.

The medical outreach is among a series of activities carried out by our foundation.

“Our core hallmark is love, and we go all out to express it, in season and out of season.

Jesus Christ modeled true love for us by giving Himself, and we also love others by giving at all times,” Pastor Nike Adeyemi said.

Every month, the benevolence unit of the Daystar Christian Centre coordinates the distribution of food items and medical support to indigent persons in the church and GLͿHUHQW FRPPXQLWLHV 7KH Love-at-Christmas caps the church’s love outreach for the year, to ensure that no member of the church community goes hungry during the yuletide season.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Bubbly 2022 Entertainment Scene Nigeria’s entertainment space had great flashes across music and movies in 2022. Some artistes specially made the year what it was. Here are some of the highlights Afrobeats and ‘Wakanda Forever’

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frobeats was well represented in the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack, thanks to Tems, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, CKay, Rema, Bloody Civilian. In the soundtrack, six Nigerian music acts notably represented the motherland, sharing their beautiful sounds to the world. Tems took the world by storm with her “No Woman, No Cry,” Fireboy DML immersed us deep in culture with his “Coming Back for You,” Burna Boy gave us the gift that is “Alone,” CKay expressed his unique sound in “Anya Mmiri“, Bloody Civilian and Rema thrilled us with “Wake Up“, with Rema showing RͿ KLV UDS VNLOOV LQ ´3DQWHUD µ Nollywood Reigned Supreme 1ROO\ZRRG PRYLH EXͿV ZHUH WUHDWHG to non-stop Nollywood entertainment in 2022. Titles like ‘Badamasi,” “Collision &RXUVH µ ´.LQJ RI 7KLHYHV $J̥ʫLQNyOp µ “Man of God,” “Glamour Girls,” “Blood Sisters,” “Anikulapo,” “For Maria Ebun Pataki,” “Obara’m,” and more recently, “Far From Home,” kept viewers on the edge of their seats on streaming platforms.

0DMRULW\ RI 1ROO\ZRRG ÀOPV WKDW GHEXWHG this year received rave reviews, and some even went on to become award-winning, KLJKHVW JURVVLQJ DQG FKDUW WRSSLQJ ÀOPV

Tems

Kizz Daniel

Afrobeats Now Viral CKay‘s “Love Nwantiti” took over the world in 2021, and reached Double Platinum in US in 2022.

This year, artistes like Burna Boy, Ayra Starr, Asake, Rema, Oxlade, Kizz Daniel and so many more, put the Nigerian music industry on the global stage with their hit singles ‘Sungba’, ‘Ku Lo Sa’, the bewitching ‘Buga’, ‘Rush’, ‘Last Last’, ‘Calm Down’, and ‘Sungba’.

Two BET Awards for Tems In June 2022, Tems snagged three nominations for the BET Awards and ended up going home with two of them. This fast-rising singer, songwriter, and producer was nominated for Best Collaboration with Justin Bieber and Wizkid, Best International Act, and Best New Artiste.

Tems won the Best Collaboration and Best International Act categories in one night.

Asake the Breakout Star Wave-making artiste ‘Mr. Money with the Vibes’ which also the title of his acclaimed debut album won over hearts with his debut self-titled EP ‘Ololade Asake’. So far this year, only few artistes can boast of enjoying the same level of acclaim, notoriety, and success as the YBNL singer.

The breakout star arguably appears the biggest Nigerian artiste of 2022 with such record feats as making it straight to Billboard 200 at No. 66 with his debut album, topping charts and streaming SODWIRUPV DQG HDUQLQJ D ÀQH UHSXWDWLRQ as a hit maker.

Burna Boy Sold Out the 20k+ Madison Square Garden Since 2012 when “Like to Party” dominated airwaves, Burna Boy has continued to grow in leaps and bounds. Fast-forward to 2021, he won the Best World Music Album at the 63rd Grammys, after getting a nomination the previous edition. He’s bagged BET awards, sold out prestigious locations, and performed in virtually every continent. In April, Burna Boy sold out the 20,000 prestigious Madison Square Garden in the U.S.

WizKid

Wizkid Sold Out the Madison Square Garden In November, the Afrobeats heavyweight performed to a full MSG, thrilling fans with hits from his latest album “More Love, Less Ego”, as well as taking fans down memory lane to where it all started over a decade ago.

Davido enlisted on the Qatar 2022 Soundtrack plus Performance

Davido

Another celebratory moment for the Nigerian music industry! Afrobeats artist Davido sang “Hayya Hayya (Better 7RJHWKHU µ WKH 4DWDU :RUOG &XS anthem, alongside Aisha and Trinidad’s &DUGRQD 'DYLGR KDV EHFRPH WKH ÀUVW Nigerian artist and one of the few Africans to achieve such a feat.

Mavin Records hosted a Mavin All-Star concert at the annual Livespot X Festival on December 16.

This comes on the heels of their All-star Album, “Chapter X.” The Mavin OGs—Don Jazzy, Dr Sid, Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, and Di’ja—and the rising stars Rema, Crayon, Boy Spyce, Bayanni, Ladipoe, Magixx, Ayra Starr, and Johnny Drille Mavins All-Star Album and Show in all came together to give an electrifying December! performance of every one of their songs )RU WKH ÀUVW WLPH LQ D ORQJ ZKLOH produced under the record label.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Omowunmi Dada’s Exciting Christmas Gift Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ctress Omowunmi Dada has proven her acting prowess through her craft.

She has had a fantastic year winning Best Actress at the 2022 AMVCA and featured in blockbuster movies such as EbonyLife’s ‘The King’s +RUVHPDQ· RQ 1HWÁL[ 7KH WUDLQHG WKHVSLDQ has also had it good this year earning media spotlights for her peerless interpretation of UROHV 2Ϳ FDPHUD WKH 1ROO\ZRRG VWDU KDV NHSW her love life specially reserved and private.

But in what appears to be a twist in a PRYLH UROH 2PRZXQPL LV VHW WR ZDON GRZQ the aisle soon with her lover. To the surprise RI PDQ\ LQ WKH LQGXVWU\ DQG KHU IDQV WKH 1ROO\ZRRG VWDU RQ 'HFHPEHU ÀQDOO\ JDYH a sneak peek of her love life as she took to her Instagram page with a cute photo announcing her engagement. The picture shows the ‘Finding Hubby’ star beaming ZLWK VPLOH DV VKH XQER[HG KHU ¶JLIW· 2PRZXQPL·V PDQ EDFNHG WKH FDPHUD shielding his face as the actress hugged him with her ring on full display on her camera.

6KH UHYHDOHG WKDW VKH XQER[HG DQ HQJDJHPHQW

ULQJ ZLWK WKH FDSWLRQ ´VHH ZKDW , XQER[HG µ VKH ZURWH $V PDQ\ SUD\ IRU KHU LQGXVWU\ colleagues took to their timelines to share their congratulations. Though the identity of the actress’ man is however unknown for now.

Omowunmi would hours later respond to WKH FRQJUDWXODWRU\ PHVVDJHV ´7KH PRUQLQJ DIWHU JORZµ VKH ZURWH ´7KDQN \RX DOO IRU WKH ORYH DQG PHVVDJHV µ )RU KHU IDQV ZKR probably would be worried about her new VWDWXV PDUULDJH ZRXOGQ·W VWRS KHU IURP KHU acting. Omowunmi was once quoted in an LQWHUYLHZ VD\LQJ ´1R 1RW HYHQ PDUULDJH can stop me from acting because I want to be old with all my grey hair acting because this is what I am born to do. It gives 100 per FHQW IXOÀOOPHQW µ Omowunmi’s career has seen her traverse ERWK VWDJH DQG VFUHHQ DFWLQJ ,Q DQRWKHU FKDW she bared her resolve for her love for God and man. I’m a kind hearted person who is a huge lover of God . . . I love God. . . %HFDXVH WKH %LEOH VDLG ¶:H DUH *RG· WKHUH·V no way you would love God and would not love the things that God has created. And he FUHDWHG PDQ KH FUHDWHG ZRPDQ KH FUHDWHG KXPDQLW\ 6R ZKHQ \RX ORYH *RG \RX ZRXOG ORYH KXPDQ ,I \RX GRQ·W ORYH *RG LQ IDFW \RX DUH LQFDSDEOH RI ORYH LQ WKH ÀUVW SODFH µ

Omowunmi with her man

Star-studded ‘Shanty Town’ Gets Release Date Ferdinand Ekechukwu

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ighly anticipated crime thriller ‘Shanty Town’ is KHDGHG WR 1HWÁL[ VRRQ DV WKH R΀FLDO UHOHDVH GDWH KDV EHHQ UHYHDOHG following the news that the platform acquired WKH IHDWXUH ÀOP WXUQHG VHULHV HDUOLHU WKLV year. Created by the talented duo of Xavier ,JKRURGMH DQG &KLFKL 1ZRUDK WKH FULPH WKULOOHU GHEXWV JOREDOO\ DQG H[FOXVLYH WR 1HWÁL[ RQ -DQXDU\ 'LUHFWHG E\ 'LPHML $MLEROD ¶6KDQW\ Town’ follows the story of three Lagos hustlers who unite to wage war against the biggest and most ruthless crime ring in the state. Commenting on the release

Chidi Mokeme

GDWH RQOLQH $MLEROD ZURWH ´7KH GDWH LV set. #shantytownthemovie is coming to #QDLMDRQQHWÁL[ DV 2ULJLQDO 6HULHV 7KLV is a win for the entire cast and crew. &RQJUDWXODWLRQV µ Recall that ‘Shanty Town’ production NLFNHG RͿ LQ 0D\ 1RW ORQJ DIWHU principal photography commenced did Ajibola announce a major step in the project alongside high praises for the crew members. ´,·P JODG WR EH OHDGLQJ VRPH RI WKH EHVW FUHZ LQ $IULFD RQ WKLV JUHDW ÀOP SURMHFW We just hit 100 scenes and I was given WKH KRQRXU WR PDUN WKH FODSERDUG µ WKH ´5DWQLNµ GLUHFWRU ZURWH 7KH VL[ SDUW OLPHG VHULHV SDFNV D VWHOODU FDVW VXFK DV 5LFKDUG 0RIH 'DPLMR ,QL (GR &KLGL 0RNHPH DQG 1VH LNSH (WLP 2WKHUV DUH 6KROD 6KRERZDOH 6KDͿ\ %HOOR $OL 1XKX DQG 8FKH -RPER $OVR IHDWXULQJ

DUH =XEE\ 0LFKDHO 1DQF\ ,VLPH <DZ 1DLMD 2PRZXQPL 'DGD 0HUF\ (NH 6KROD 6RERZDOH 5HJLQD 'DQLHOV -XGLWK $XGX DQG 3HWHU 2NR\H RI 3 6TXDUH IDPH 6SHDNLQJ RQ WKH XSFRPLQJ WLWOH SURGXFHU of ‘Shanty Town’ Chichi Nworah said: ´·6KDQW\ 7RZQ LV D XQLTXH VKRZ LQ WKDW LW LV DW RQFH GLͿHUHQW DV LW LV IDPLOLDU The tale of redemption will especially resonate with audiences familiar with the JULW DQG KXVWOH PHQWDOLW\ RI /DJRV DQG LQGHHG RWKHU IDVW SDFHG DQG YLEUDQW FLWLHV around the world. ´:H DUH VSRWOLJKWLQJ WKH XQGHUEHOO\ RI WKH FLW\ DQG EULQJLQJ WR OLIH WKH YDULRXV FKDUDFWHU G\QDPLFV WKDW H[LVW EHQHDWK WKH FRYHU RI HYHU\GD\ ´QRUPDO OLIH µ WKXV WHOOLQJ a truly fresh and compelling story. I cannot wait for the entire world to see Shanty 7RZQ µ

Adéola Unveils ‘Afrocology’ Precious Okoye Wins Miss Africa 2022 Beauty Pageant

Tosin Clegg

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UWLVWH $GHROD LV RXW with a debut album WLWOHG ´$IURFRORJ\ µ This project is already getting praises amongst industry gatekeepers and

sonic heads. %RUQ $GHROD $GHNXQOH 6W 0DWWKHZ 'DQLHO LQ /DJRV $GHROD ZKR ZHQW E\ WKH PRQLFNHU ¶6 'HH· EHIRUH UHEUDQGLQJ KDG UHOHDVHG ´/RVH <RXU /RYH µ ´/LIH 7XUQ E\ 7XUQ µ DQG ´7KDQNIXOµ DV VLQJOHV which built massive momentum for the UHOHDVH RI ´$IURFRORJ\µ ² D IXOO FRXUVH PHDO ZLWK D ÁDYRXU RI 5Q% 3RS DQG Dancehall focused on uplifting motivation IURP OLIH H[SHULHQFHV 1RW KDYLQJ D WUDGLWLRQDO IRUPXOD DQG LQVWHDG EHLQJ G\QDPLF LW WXUQHG RXW LV D ZLQQLQJ WDFN IRU $IUREHDWV UHÁHFWLQJ both its continued relevance and fans’ salivatory desperation for more servings. /LVWHQLQJ WR WKH WUDFN DOEXP WKH DSW GHVFULSWLRQ RI LW ZRXOG EH VLPSO\ ´7KH 6FLHQFH RI $IUREHDWV µ Afrocology radiates across love stories WR UHDO OLIH VWUXJJOHV ZH IDFH LQ WKH world garnished with a spice of hope

and gratitude. ´/RYH ,V 7KH /DQJXDJHµ LV WKH FHQWUDO WKHPH RI WKLV DOEXP )URP WKH YHU\ ÀUVW VRQJ DGURLWO\ WLWOHG ´7LPHµ WR ´$PD]LQJµ ZKLFK FORVHV WKH DPD]LQJ ERG\ RI ZRUN Afrocology is worth the replay value it’s touted to carry.

Adeola is set to follow up his work on Afrocology with visuals in the FRPLQJ ZHHNV PHGLD WRXUV DQG VKRZ performances sandwiched in between what is looking like a jampacked year HQG DQG 1HZ <HDU IRU KLP

Adeola

Tosin Clegg

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epresenting Nigeria at Miss $IULFD &DODEDU KHOG LQ &URVV 5LYHU 6WDWH EHDXW\ TXHHQ 3UHFLRXV 2NR\H emerged victorious amidst more than 20 contestants

across Africa.

The event which was held on December KDG GLJQLWDULHV DFURVV $IULFD DQG beyond who were on ground to witness the emergence and crowning of the new beauty queen.

3UHFLRXV WRRN WKH FURZQ DV QHZ 0LVV $IULFD DKHDG RI 3RHODQR 0RWKLVL IURP /HVRWKR ZKR HPHUJHG VW UXQQHU XS DQG QG UXQQHU XS 7LQD +DLPEDOD IURP 1DPLELD ,Q KHU UHPDUNV 3UHFLRXV H[SUHVVHG RYHUZKHOPLQJ JUDWLWXGH WR HYHU\RQH KHU IDPLO\ VXSSRUWHUV IHOORZ FRQWHVWDQWV and organizers of the Miss Africa beauty pageant for playing a vital role in making her dreams come true.

3UHFLRXV·V YLFWRU\ DW 0LVV $IULFD &DODEDU PDNHV KHU WKH ÀUVW 1LJHULDQ JLUO WR ZHDU the crown.

Precious

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

19

SHOWBIZFLAIR

FESTAC 77 Relived as ‘Afro and The Beats ‘ Broadcasts to 55 Countries Mary Nnah

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fro and The Beats Music and Arts Festival took festival goers back down memory lane with some great performances that unlocked the nostalgic memories and experiences of FESTAC ‘77 at its 2022 festival on December 23, 2022 at Agege Stadium in Lagos.

Living up to its billing of the most talked about event during yuletide, the festival opened with the Dance Na De Main Thing’s performance, which was characterised by the features of FESTAC 77 choreographies. The performance by the foremost dance group in Africa, left several people breathless.

The performance heralded the unveiling of the tech-aided remodeled Benin Ivory Mask, a piece of art that was the symbol of FESTAC 77.

Benin Ivory is a miniature sculptural portrait LQ LYRU\ RI ,GLD WKH ÀUVW ,\RED RI WKH WK century Benin Empire.

According to the organisers “The adaptation of Benin bronze, an iconic asset, is to further drive the authenticity of the brand in telling the African story of yesterday, today and tomorrow.”

The Music and Arts Festival recorded another feat by becoming the most widely covered TV event during the yuletide with SoundCity

“Dance Na The Main Thing” group performing at the 2022 Afro And The Beats Music & Arts Festival in Lagos

TV broadcasting the footage of the festival to over 55 African countries on boxing day for two hours and HIPTV provided live coverage of the event to viewers at home on its DStv platform.

Some A-List Afrobeats artistes who gave their stellar performances at the inaugural edition of the festival include the rave-making musician- Portable, Agege-born afro singer

superstar- Small Doctors, BNXN (Buju), African Michael Jackson- Obesere, Candy Bleaks, DJ Big N and the host, MC Bash the Cash.

Obesere and his band put up superlative performances that partygoers had not seen in a long time. Festival Goers enjoyed the SHUIRUPDQFH WKDW ODVWHG IRU KRXU PLQXWHV as they danced sensationally to the beats and tunes of Obesere.

Furthermore, the festival came alive as BNXN

(Buju) mounted the stage and started with the rendition of his popular singles. The festival crowd went wild when he sang ‘Outside’ among other hot singles. As the festival crowd continued to cheer, the Agege – born superstar, Small Doctor surfaced from backstage to the excitement and jubilation of his fans.

6PDOO 'RFWRU WRRN RͿ IURP ZKHUH %1;1 OHW RͿ DV WKH IHVWLYDO FURZG FKDQWHG $IUR DQG The Beats.

Candy Bleakz, the only female artiste to perform at the 2022 festival dished out lovely tunes to the admiration of festivalgoers The introduction of Portable sent the crowd wild in excitement. The street artistes took his craft to the next level when he settled his rift with Small Doctor on the stage.

Speaking about the possibility of hosting the festival soon, the curator of the festival, Dr. Felix King stated that Afro And The Beats Music & Arts festival will be hosted twice in a year. “It will be hosted every Christmas and Easter festive holiday,” he assured.

Brands that have partnered with the festival are Desperado, Zagg energy drink, Goldberg and Ace bitters. The festival is supported by Peak Yoghurt and Nestle Water while media partners include DStv, GOtv, SoundCity, ONTV, HipTV and LASAA. Afro And The Beats Music & Arts Festival is the creation of Oracle Experience, the largest experience company in Africa.

Rema Tops 2022 ‘Most Viewed Music Videos’ Ferdinand Ekechukwu

F

rom having one of the most streamed songs of the year and standing tall on the Billboard Chart in 2022 with his hit single ‘Calm Down’ to being the most viewed music video, Divine Ikubor, aka Rema, no doubt, has had it big this year. The Mavin/Jonzin artiste recorded major feat as the hit song reaches new heights on <RX7XEH DV WKH 1R VSRW RQ WKH 0RVW 9LHZHG Nigerian Music Videos on the platform.

The list was compiled by renowned data intelligence and digital eco-system firm, Dataleum, and released

on Friday, December 30th. The list, which analysed views from official music videos released in 2022 on YouTube, revealed that Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ video got close to 300 million views. Following closely was Burna Boy’s ‘Last Last’ which garnered RYHU PLOOLRQ YLHZV DQG .L]] 'DQLHO·V ¶%XJD· ZLWK PLOOLRQ YLHZV Also on the list is Burna Boy’s collaboration with Ed Sheeran, ‘For My Hand’, which came fourth with 70 million views while Pheelz ‘Finesse’ featuring %1;1 JRW PLOOLRQ $\UD 6WDUU ZKR IHDWXUHG DV the only female on the list came sixth with ‘Rush’, ZKLFK JDUQHUHG PLOOLRQ YLHZV RQ <RX7XEH 2WKHU YLGHRV RQ WKH OLVW LQFOXGH 1R :DKDOD UHPL[ GD

Banton ft. Kizz Daniel, Tiwa Savage) with 53 million; %DQGDQD )LUHER\ IW $VDNH PLOOLRQ 2YHUORDGLQJ 0DYLQ $OO 6WDUV PLOOLRQ DQG 6XQJED UHPL[ (Asake ft Burna Boy), 35 million.”

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ continues its dominance RQ WKH 86 $IUREHDWV FKDUW DV LW UHPDLQV DW 1R IRU WKH WK VWUDLJKW ZHHN 5HPD KDV EHHQ VFRULQJ international recognition for his music as far back DV DQG DIWHU KH ZDV IHDWXUHG RQ H[ 86 President, Barack Obama’s end-of-year music of the year and his workout music list.

Since its release, ‘Calm Down’ has enjoyed impressive reception performing well in Nigeria and internationally. The single debuted on the

Rema

%LOOERDUG +RW ZKLOH DOVR VXUSDVVLQJ RYHU D billion streams on all platforms making it one of the biggest Afrobeats songs of 2022. With ‘Calm Down’ crossing the 300 million views mark on YouTube, it will joining an exclusive list of Afrobeats songs that includes CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ and Burna Boy’s ‘On The Low’.

TRAVEL

Botswana Woos Investors at CMD Food Tour in Abuja Justina Uzo

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he Botswana Acting High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Gomotsang Kealeboga-Nkanga, has restated his country’s commitment to work with investors willing to invest in its diverse and huge natural resources.

He said tourism remains one of the key sectors that contributes immensely to Botswana’s economic development and that they are also pursuing development and investment in other key sectors of the economy.

Kealeboga-Nkanga, disclosed this during the 2022 CMD Food Tour of Africa, the Caribbean and Asia recently held in Abuja.

She said: “Tourism is the second largest contributor to Botswana’s GDP. In this regard, Botswana has dedicated 38 per cent of its total land area to national parks, reserves, and wildlife management areas.

“We are committed to expanding our tourism with a deliberate intention to promote investment in this sector, therefore we are aggressively expanding our Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) opportunities, Lodges, agro-tourism, and Medical Tourism among others. Our objective is to ensure that Botswana

remains a premier tourist destination of choice, and an investment venue and continues to attract international tourism events.

“Botswana hosted the Africa Tourism Leadership Forum in October 2022. Furthermore. We remain focused on wildlife protection, environment conservation, and the preservation of cultural heritage as well as cultural activities.”

The envoy revealed that their revised Tourism 3ROLF\ DVSLUHV IRU D GLYHUVLÀHG WRXULVP VHFWRU IURP wildlife into culture, religion, heritage, sports, art, DQG IRONORUH WR QDPH EXW D IHZ 7KLV GLYHUVLÀFDWLRQ agenda, she said, is operationalized through the Community-based Natural Resources Management

(CBNRM) programme whereby communities are FRUH DFWRUV DQG EHQHÀFLDULHV RI WKH YDOXH FKDLQV created.

She used the opportunity to invite tourists WR %RWVZDQD VD\LQJ WKDW WKH FRXQWU\ RͿHUV DQ opportunity to experience the world’s largest inland Delta - the Okavango, the world’s second largest game reserve – the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, WKH DVWRXQGLQJO\ SUROLÀF ZLOGOLIH RI WKH &KREH National Park, and many more unimaginable areas of interest that would attract any tourist’s eye.

Guests and participants were welcomed to the %RWVZDQD VWDQG E\ WKH PLVVLRQ·V FKDUJH G·DͿDLUHV Mr. Roy Paya.

Tourism Body, FTAN Reassures Members Justina Uzo

way things are done in FTAN. ´*RLQJ IRUZDUG ZH ZLOO FRQWLQXH WR ÀQG QHZ he Federation of Tourism As- ways that will engender mutual membership sociations of Nigeria (FTAN) engagement, business collaborations that will has restated its commitments to promote unity in among the various membership PHPEHUV SURPLVLQJ WR UHGHÀQH under the federation.” its approach through collaboration In addition, he said FTAN is going to consolidate in order to project the tourism on the TRIAC Mandate to draw a seamless engageindustry better. ment with government and workout a win-win The President of FTAN, Mr. Nkereuwem Onung, approach towards harmonising and achieving gave the assurance in his Christmas message. He GLͿHUHQW VXVWDLQDEOH WRXULVP JRDO IRU D 333 ELG also hinted on the focus of FTAN for 2023, a new He said: “The year 2022 came with some friction approach he said will touch on a broad spectrum that destabilized some good plans, but sincerely of industry issues for a better understanding. we have been able to weather the storm through He said: “We have all worked assiduously our practical approach and genuine programmes WKURXJK RXU LQGLYLGXDO HͿRUW DQG VXSSRUW LQ and events accomplished across the six zones 2022 to not only position the Federation, but where FTAN have designated vice presidents also proudly brought a new team spirit to the and state coordinators.

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“I must congratulate everyone in all our zones as well as members of all associations under FTAN for the understanding support, solidarity and innovation during the challenges we faced and conquered in 2022.

“Together we are all champions of the Nigeria tourism industry because of our positive approaches throughout the year. No doubt, we have made a landmark achievement and we will continue to do more for members’ plights to be heard and be taken care of, as the government needs the private sector as much as the private sector needs the government to practically sustain the WRXULVP LQGXVWU\ IRU WKH EHQHÀW RI DOO DQG VXQGU\ “The federation will continue to reinvent new ways for membership engagement through right and timely planning to put the tourism industry on the right perspective for economic gains.”

Nkereuwem Onung, FTAN President

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

TRIBUTE Can There Be Another Mike Adenuga?

Ebere Wabara

T

here is no justificatory aplomb to rationalize the illimitable upscale of Dr. Mike Adenuga’s expansively flourishing opulence other than the inimitability of his philanthropic footprints and compassion incomparability.

I make the ensuing avowals on authoritative and incontrovertible grounds of my experiential, occupational and testamentary audacities of his sanguineous beneficence over the years. I have the strong conviction and visionary insight that there can never be another man as this in the currency of this generation.

As the year caresses its end, I have the privileged opportunity and copious reasons to celebrate an African icon whose passion for existential interventions in uplift of humanity - across the board - remains unparalleled globally.

Therefore, he is my Man of the Year in popular parlance.

How many genuine multi-billionaires in the world today will, at this time of the year, remember the less-privileged, the needy and the poor in the society? This is what The Bull did early last week, as he had always done in previous years. Last Monday, Otunba (Dr.) Mike Adenuga (Jr.) GCON, CSG, CdrLH sent to me a golden Christmas card with a mouth-watering, bewildering, and life-changing ‘attachment’ that some of us are now used to!

You need to imagine the excitement and feverishness that trailed the information and receipt of the package personalized by his card and romantic handwriting.

What amazes me most is that the beneficiaries of the continual doses of his largesse cannot, in any way, show appreciation, let alone reciprocity because our benefactor does not need such expressions of gratitude. In fact, I understand that he gets upset when such gifting is noised through any form of acclaim, worse of all publicly as I am doing here at my own risk! In any case, what can anyone do for this liberator of the innumerability of mankind? Only God can recompense him.

What dazzles me most is the chemistry of Dr. Adenuga’s philanthropic engagements. God, in demonstration of His almightiness, faithfulness and supremacy, keeps giving the Great Guru the sovereignty over wealth interminably.

How else can anyone explain the geometric rise and superlative success of our man’s entrepreneurial involvements that axphyxatingly subjugate competition in all spheres like a behemoth?

The indefatigability of Chairman Unlimited is such that his transformative contributions to society generally - not just through the instrumentality of entrepreneurship - have become endlessly invaluable. It is astounding that the people’s benefactor is much more diligent than those of us in the battlefield against poverty!

My crystal ball tells me that this our mentor will, most likely, not retire from industrial activism until he is 100 years old because of his passion for holistic quintessence in the totality of life! In case you didn’t know, this is the best Chairman in the universe running an exponential conglomerate of blue-chip institutions traversing banking, oil, gas and telecoms—onshore and offshore.

I will not be among those who wish one of the greatest achievers of our time prosperity! This leader of leaders and Chairman of chairmen has already conquered prosperity, if you get my drift.

What this accomplished mogul whose epochal journey to optimal heights of earthly paradise is instructive and typifies summit success needs are supplications for divine health and more intellect for revolutionary enterprise and topmost sustenance of his wealth firmament.

This chairman of Conoil PLC symbol-

Ad Adenuga den enug ug ga

izes astuteness and doggedness in all departments of life. His resolution paradigm and success profile in and out of business are hallmarks of a man determined, ab initio, to make a difference in the signposts of existential humanism. This explains his unflinching belief in the possibility of everything.

He gets enraged when you exhibit pessimism on anything at meetings—I should know full well having worked as a Public Relations Manager in Globacom amid fond memories and nostalgia as I recall this.

At times, I am compelled to marvel at Dr. Adenuga’s inelastic strings of achievements and services to humanity, all of which speak volumes and are not in the public domain. This is so because this Adonis is an introvert, a recluse of reserved gentility and most of all abhors undue attention to his personality. It is this attitudinal disposition that fuels permissive ignorance about his person-

age, massive philanthropy and profuse interventions nationwide!

A man who swims in inspirational mentoring, innovation, novelties and visions, all his activities seem dedicated to evolutionary betterment of life in all its ramifications.

His legacies remain inerasable till eternity. The deafening applause for his eventful years can never be pigeon-holed, just as the light he has lit cannot be blown off by the wind, let alone by any detractor—yes, some envious and jealous scoundrels who are negligibly marginal exist!

Chairman’s profound bouquet of compassion is unrivalled. Likewise his unbelievable statesmanship, confounding courage even in fatalistic circumstances or excruciating adversities, and exceeding commitment to mankind and country distinguish him incomparably.

I will not be among those who wish one of the greatest achievers of our time prosperity! This leader of leaders and Chairman of chairmen has already conquered prosperity, if you get my drift. What this accomplished mogul whose epochal journey to optimal KHLJKWV RI HDUWKO\ SDUDGLVH LV LQVWUXFWLYH DQG W\SLÀHV summit success needs are supplications for divine health and more intellect for revolutionary enterprise DQG WRSPRVW VXVWHQDQFH RI KLV ZHDOWK ÀUPDPHQW

I have the strong belief that the monumental strides of Nnam Ukwu will go on unabated as long as he is alive because of the passion with which he strives after pace-setting initiatives, always strategizing on issues of corporate leadership, institutional distinction and deep personal satisfaction for blazing trails.

These are the things that give him joy—not necessarily financial accruals which, by the way, are overrunning the Bellisima waterfront like intermittent oceanic surges!

Something, somehow, tells me that Baba is godsend to humanity considering the lives he has touched and is still unwaveringly impacting on positively and resoundingly richly. And the more he engages in compassionate activities, the more blessings he receives from our Creator. On a personal note, I am a testament to the long chronicle of lives he has changed robustly. The multifarious proofs and evidence are available for inveterate unbelievers and mechanistic doubters. I am one of the signposts of Uncle Niyi’s lavish goodness. For him, to God’s glory, it is never excessive or superfluous because of the triple portion he gets on account of his regular eye-popping generosities.

Oga mi, your nobility, God’s exceptional interventions in your life and, above all, your enviable reputational affluence and perceptive realm are divined to perpetually flourish immeasurably.

You are already superlatively blessed. Happy New Year sir! Longevity is my daily prayer for you. What else can I do for you in appreciation of your inexplicable love for me? Nothing that I know, for now! I’m still thinking.

Wabara writes from Lagos and can be reached on (08055001948)

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

TRIBUTE

Titilola Agbalajobi Still a Mother Hen at 80 Tunde Akanni

T

uesday Dec 20, 2022 when I paid Mummy Titi Agbalajobi a casual visit at home, one of her nieces was mildly cautioning her on the need for her to be mindful of the number of guests expected at her forthcoming 80th birthday anniversary party. Yet this same niece felt the urge to remind the Sisi of the shindig of the invitation card for Lawyer, as they fondly hail my wife in that house. “How can I forget that?”

Mummy Agbalajobi snapped back asserting immediately that “these are my treasured ones whose access card, nothing can make me forget. Professor Akanni knows that can’t happen and the wife knows”.

As she called me Professor Akanni, my mind immediately raced back to the fact that her late hubby, Prof Femi Agbalajobi, retired from the University of Ibadan as a professor of medical informatics, as he personally recounted to me in an interview he granted me as a National Concord reporter in 1991. Until his death, he remained one of the most visible and charismatic governorship aspirants with large followership ever produced by Lagos State.

It was not for nothing that the bus stop points near his house long known as amala bus stop got renamed as Agbalajobi bus stop. But the first professor Lagos State never had as a governor passed on to eternal glory suddenly in 1991 to the surprise of fans and foes alike… Yet, that didn’t terminate the visibility for the Agbalajobi name. The wife, Alhaja Simbiatu Titilola Agbalajobi, has indomitably remained one of those hoisting the flag of the family till date. She has just attained the enviable age of 80 years in spite of seemingly insurmountable vicissitudes, making us solidarise with her with gratitude to the Almighty Allah.

The only direct landlord or better still, landlady I ever had, Mrs. Bimpe Akanni Adio-Oduola, for a long time, routinely bandied the name Sisi Titi for solutionist strategies and ideas. In 1991, an elderly friend of mine who was a spokesperson for a textile manufacturing company but doubled as a farmer prospected for a transaction with the Ministry of Agriculture of Lagos State. I sounded out my landlady if she could help. Sisi Titi was our best bet, easing up an otherwise convoluted process. This enhanced my relevance and strengthened my relationship with my elderly friend. This friendship subsists till date to the glory of Allah and has yielded multiple dividends for both sides.

Ever supportive of me till she died at 49 in the year 2000, my landlady uniquely indulged me to the extent that she allowed me to determine my annual rent in the same Lagos infested by Shylock devourers masquerading as landlords. I was away in England as a British Chevening scholar when she became terminally ill. Mummy Jide, as she was popularly called, did not fail to make her hubby appreciate her reckoning for Journalist Tunde-that’s me- as another son. She bore only boys. The hubby truthfully transmitted this to me and for a long time, but complied with all conditions except the idea of Journalist Tunde determining his own rent. Maybe it was time to excuse me politely from the apartment I rented in view of the inflationary trend. I sensed that move and quickly resorted to Sisi Titi. She thawed the ice, to my delight and asked me to go thank Chief Akanni. “Olohun de se oloruko kan ni yin bo ti e je pe ara oke ni e”. I complied with the counsel.

Only Allah knew the “packaging” Sisi Titi did for Journalist Tunde. My relationship with Chief Akanni deepened so intensely that I was the only one in his company during her very first visit as inlaw to the family of the renowned media scholar and former editor of Daily Times, Femi Sonaike, whose daughter was going to marry my late landlady’s first son, Jide.

Alhaja Agbalajobi

A first-rate public servant by any standard, the Governor Tinubu administration distinguished by its relish for talents appointed Alhaja Agbalajobi as a permanent secretary and was made a round peg in the round hole of the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, being a fishery expert. Team Agbalajobi took the ministry to what has probably remained its most glorious days till date. Her retirement notwithdtanding, Alhaja Agbalajobi remains a leading fishery expert and fish farmer in Lagos State. Indeed, the Ministry, till date, finds her indispensable for inclusion in most of their fishery and general agricultural practice related programmes, especially public outings purposively intended to serve the deserving members of the general public in Lagos State. Call it reaping from where she sowed and you won’t be wrong.

Incessantly deviant of complacency and

committed to a better Nigeria free from corruption, Alhaja Agbalajobi sought and got partnership with fellow minded elites and senior citizens to set up cells of anti-corruption groups in different private schools in Lagos State. Not given to doing things in half measures she joined her friends in engaging with the school children on the invaluability of accountability and transparency for Nigeria’s greatness in future. As they began to make progress, they decided to sign on an energetic young man, Enwerem Chinedu, who literally immersed himself in the precursor to national rebirth campaign. Chinedu drove the dream conceptualized by Alhaja Agbalajobi and her friends, and got better for it as the experience enabled him to apply

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for international fellowships and the likes.

Chinedu now lives in the United States with his happy family.

Mummy Agbalajobi is however more given to philanthropy than other hobbies. Her house, ever bubbling meriting the Yoruba sobriquet, ile alayo (home of happiness) is always some kind of rendezvous for seekers of school admissions, jobs and other life enhancing opportunities. Alhaja always finds it pleasurable connecting young persons to possible benefactors and beneficiaries alike. Not a few indeed have found their relationship with the 80-year old fortuitous, with many people meeting there newly wondering how they all have relationship with her without one ever mentioning it to the other until then.

All of these are in addition to the ever daunting, uncommon supportive financial and other forms of gestures that this woman of faith dispenses to blood relations with even some persons taking a lot for granted that “Mummy must drop something , no how no how” as city boys would rap. Together with friends similarly inclined including a foremost finance expert and former Lagos State Commissioner and current Chair of the council of the Lagos State University of Education, Alhaja Sekinat Yusuf, as well as my darling wife, she set up a philanthropic organization called Life of Hope Foundation.

With this organization, they have been able to generously share out various essentials to orphanages and such other centres.

How can I forget this Mummy’s voluntary philanthropic intervention in the wedding of my foster daughter, Funmilayo Zainab Odesola in 2019? We had a modest budget but desired a decent and well secured venue for the event. None of all venues that appeared suitable for our programme was priced below N500,000! The first mention of this matter to Mummy Agbalajobi solved the knotty matter. She promptly started making calls to the management of an inside estate masjid with an “all amenities completed” hall for socials. Within minutes, an otherwise insurmountable task got neutralized. We had guests from inside and outside Lagos across all professional and social divides and all had a good time with us. Alhamdulilah, it has remained a commendable union till date, obviously a beneficiary of the baarakah of the venue which is a masjid. It was not for nothing that my late landlady was always resorting to her for support on all manner of issues. More striking perhaps is the case of Mummy’s driver fondly called Alfa who has remained a loyal domestic staff till date for about 30 years even as we keep counting.

A pioneer staff of the Department of Fishery which metamorphosed into the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, Alhaja Titilola Agbalajobi rose through ranks to the position of permanent secretary of what later came to be known as the Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives in 1992. In addition to being a distinguished pioneer member of the Governing Council of the NASFAT owned Fountain University, Osogbo, She has served in a number of other distinguished positions including the Board of Epe Boat Building Company; Urban Renewal Committee of Southwest Badagry; Board of National Council of Agricultural Research; Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology as well as the Board of the Fisheries Society of Nigeria. She is an alumnus of Methodist Girls High School, Federal School of Arts and Science, both in Lagos as well as the University of Ibadan, where he met the love of her life. Alhaja is a profound and happy family martriarch sure to attract fervent prayers eternally from individuals, NASFAT and all. May her Allah keep showering on her His limitless favours and baarakah.

Tunde Akanni, associate professor of journalism and pioneer director of Digital Media Research Centre, DMRC, LASU, is also a member of the Promoters-inCouncil of the University for Women in Africa, UFWA. He can be reached via: @ AkintundeAkanni and tundeakanni.com

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 31, 2022 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

PERSPECTIVE Eha-Amufu: Edeoga’s Political Dance on Grave Matters Raymond Odoh

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he recent cartoon depiction of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and other intense propaganda targeted at the governor in relation to the unfortunate killings and crisis in Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State, is gory, grim, and dishonourable. But these materials, which are published and shared with relish by the aides and associates of the Labour Party governorship ‘candidate’ in Enugu, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, not only confirms the long-held view that politicians of Eha-Amufu extraction have politicised a very unfortunate situation, but also lays bare those dancing naked on the graves of the dead, just to score cheap political points.

Ironically, it is a case of when you point a finger at your neighbour, the rest points back at you. It is unfortunate that the vast and fertile land and economic trees that should count as nature’s blessings to the seven autonomous communities of Eha-Amufu have been at the truth of the boundary disputes with their Benue neighbours, efforts by herdsmen to take over the lands, and the do-or-die struggle for political control of the leadership of the affected communities for well over 15 years. Yet, the same people who have not only failed to nip the crisis in the bud within their own realms of power, but also complicated and aggravated the situation, have turned around to heap the blames of the protracted crisis and security challenges on the doorstep of the governor.

Truth is that the Eha-Amufu crisis took roots and became hydra-headed under Edeoga as the Leader of the entire EhaAmufu clan and Chief Eric Ebeh (Onwa) as the President-General of Mgbuji Eha-Amufu Town Union. Even after the removal of Ebeh and the installation of Edeoga’s right hand man, Barr. Chukwuma Ede (Nwa Levi), as the President-General, the internal rivalry between Edeoga and Ebeh continued. Consequently, no concrete efforts were made to collectively tackle the challenges of border disputes, herdsmen encroachment, and the numerous other challenges facing Mgbuji.

For instance, it is on record that the Benue communities had approached Eha-Amufu under the leadership of Edeoga and the two previous Town Union Presidents-General of Mgbuji severally for an amicable solution to the boundary disputes with the Eha-Amufu communities. But instead of settling these disputes and addressing the challenges facing Eha-Amufu, these people were more engrossed in exploiting the economic trees and resources without a community constitution or a bank account. Some community stakeholders unequivocally told the governor during a recent meeting at the Government House Enugu that this has led to alleged mismanagement of between N50 to N100 million, adding that this struggle for economic and political control, has been at the centre of internal crisis and power

Ugwuanyi

tussle rocking Mgbuji, Eha-Amufu.

Unfortunately, they are not telling the world that the unresolved border issues with Benue communities is actually one of the major sources of the present calamities that have befallen Eha-Amufu communities today. It has been tales of intermittent clashes, alleged killings and reprisals by the Benue and Eha-Amufu communities all these years and now the alleged collusion of the Benue communities with herders to attack Eha-Amufu communities.

Under Edeoga’s watch, there were unfilled gaps and leadership crises in EhaAmufu communities. For instance, rather than ensure a fresh election into the Mgbuji Town Union upon the expiration of the tenure of the Chukwuma Ede-led executive, they ensured that Ede illegally continued as the President-General. It was only recently that the community got a caretaker town union leadership adopted by the Mgbuji General Assembly following the recent intervention of the new Chairman of Isi-Uzo Local Government Council, Barr. Obiora Obeagu, who is also an indigene of Mgbuji.

It is also on record that Mgbuji EhaAmufu’s traditional ruler, HRH Igwe Silas Ani, has been bedridden for well over two years, while the Onowu (traditional prime minister), Chief Christian Nnaji is dead.

On the other hand, there is no centrally accepted youth leadership, as they have various factions of youth leadership loyal to various power centres of Mgbuji community like Edeoga and Ebeh. In the same vein, the protracted power tussle between Edeoga and Ebeh has polarised Mgbuji Eha-Amufu security architecture into those loyal to Ebeh and those loyal to Edeoga and Ede. Of course, there are the issues of forceful possession of people’s lands and burning of people’s farms, which are in courts. A community leader and political activist, Comrade Odinaka Okechukwu, spoke elaborately on this in a Thisday newspaper interview last

October where he accused Edeoga of high handedness and masterminding of land-grabbing, illegal detention of community leaders, and creation of internal tension.

He said: “The affected villagers petitioned Ugwuanyi in December 2020 over the misuse of political positions, intimidating others, coveting and expropriating their landed properties. Here is the petition entitled ‘Re: Unlawful and Forceful Expropriation of land from the Umu-Ugwu Nwebe Orube Family of Omulor, Mgbuji Autonomous Community, Eha-Amufu, Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State with Threats of Morbid Dimensions: Petition Against Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, the Honourable Commissioner for Environment and his Cohorts’. It speaks for itself.

“Our people filed a case at the Obollo Afor Division of the Enugu State High Court. It is marked OB/4/2021 and has Chief Shederack Edeoga, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga and five others as defendants.

“Yet, during the pendency of the case, thugs suspected to be working for Edeoga and his cohorts chased away the land owners, and completely destroyed hectares of cassava farm belonging to these poor villagers, many of them widows. The protest by the villagers, elderly women inclusive, went viral on social media. So, Edeoga and his cohorts arrested a classroom teacher and Umu-Ugwu Nwebe Orube family leader, Mr. Silas Ofiagu, on false allegation of threat to life. They used their influence in government to detain Ofiagu from 19th July to 2nd August 2021, without regard to the rule of law. Here also is the list of over 38 villagers, whose farmlands were ruined. Feel free to call the numbers beside their names to confirm or get more details.

“So, our people petitioned to Ugwuanyi again on 25th July 2021,

It is a well-known biblical dictum that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Fixation on the resources of the community, playing local politics with security and welfare of the community, and factionalisation of the youth and security of Mgbuji community under Edeoga’s watch as Leader of Eha-Amufu have left that part of Eha-Amufu vulnerable because there is no strong and central community and youth leadership to chart a common cause of action or rally the youth of the community in times of external aggression

attaching the proofs. A petition was equally sent to the Commissioner of Police over the development and our people filed a lawsuit (E/797/2021) at the Enugu Judicial Division of the State High Court for the enforcement of Ofiagu’s rights. Chijioke Edeoga, DSP Suleiman Abubakar, and Inspector Michael Akalele are the defendants”.

It is a well-known biblical dictum that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. Fixation on the resources of the community, playing local politics with security and welfare of the community, and factionalisation of the youth and security of Mgbuji community under Edeoga’s watch as Leader of Eha-Amufu have left that part of Eha-Amufu vulnerable because there is no strong and central community and youth leadership to chart a common cause of action or rally the youth of the community in times of external aggression. These have also led to irrational and violent actions on the path of youth, which have aggravated crisis rather than promote the peace and security of the community.

There is also the major allegation of criminal land transactions by some greedy community leaders in Mgbuji community, who conspired and sold off large portions of land in that part of EhaAmufu to herders without the knowledge or approval of their people. This has created a situation where efforts by the community people who were oblivious of the transactions and are determined to repossess their farmlands are resisted by herders who see it as forceful eviction.

Therefore, they mobilise their people from all over to attack, rape, and kill the hapless people on their own land.

Apart from Mgbuji, it is equally on record that the other two autonomous communities facing these crises are living with one leadership crisis and gap or the other. Whereas the traditional ruler of Agu-Amede Eha-Amufu autonomous community, HRH Igwe Augustine Odo has joined his ancestors, leaving in its wake leadership crisis and protracted legal battles over his succession. Also, Abor-Isiala Eha-Amufu autonomous community is without a traditional Igwe or a President-General of town union that they defer to, leaving the people uncoordinated and taking rash decisions.

Yet, despite their failures, they want the world to roast Ugwuanyi, who, incidentally has done a whole lot, deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures in tackling a crisis that has lasted almost a decade before he came to office. In addition to facilitating the deployment of more troops, Ugwuanyi recently held a meeting with critical stakeholders; community, political, and religious leaders of Eha-Amufu extraction to find internal cohesion in the face of the external aggression.

It is on record that the Bishop of EhaAmufu Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Daniel Olinya and several other stakeholders blamed politicisation of security issues, absence of clear-cut leadership in Eha-Amufu communities, and internal tussles for the control of the economic resources, among others, as factors fueling the crisis and security challenges. The Bishop and many other stakeholders who live among the people in the communities equally acknowledged Ugwuanyi’s interventions and appreciated him for his efforts despite all the constraints imposed on him in matters of security by the 1999 Constitution.

Life is sacred and priceless. Even when political views and interests are divergent, as it is ordinarily expected to be, playing politics with such calamities as have befallen Eha-Amufu is tantamount to dancing on the graves of the dead. It should stop forthwith.

Odoh writes from Enugu

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

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POLITY

In Search of Justice for Bolanle Raheem Charles Ajunwa and Sunday Ehigiator write that the brutal murder of Bolanle Raheem on Christmas Day in Lagos by a trigger-happy policeman has left the entire country in a very bad mood which only justice can heal

O

n Sunday, December 25, 2022, a day when Christians all around the world were celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer pregnant with twins, was killed in cold blood by a bloodthirsty policeman who shot at her vehicle while her husband was trying to make a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge, Lagos.

The killer cop, who was later identified as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Drambi Vandi, by the Lagos State Police Command’s Spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, is attached to the Ajiwe Police Division in the Ajah area of the state, notorious for several human rights violation, including the murder of one Gafaru Buraimoh was also shot dead by a yet-to-be-identified officer from the same division three weeks earlier.

On Monday, December 26, the Lagos police spokesperson, Hundeyin, announced that the killer cop had been arrested. “On the instruction of the Commissioner of Police, the errant officer has since been taken into custody alongside his team members. The CP has equally directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for in-depth investigation,” he said.

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi; mother of Bolanle Raheem killed by a policeman on Sunday, Mrs. Salami; and husband of the slain lawyer, Gbenga Raheem, during a condolence visit to the mother and widower in Lagos…on Tuesday. Photo: Lagos State Police Command

Husband Recounts Incident Upon visitation by sympathisers, the husband of the deceased, Gbenga Raheem narrated how his wife was shot dead by a police officer in Lagos State. Gbenga said, “On December 25, my wife, nieces, nephews, and cousins, who had come for the holiday, all went to church. On our way back, my wife said since it was Christmas Day, we should take everyone out, so we went to a supermarket at Abraham Adesanya, and then to Domino’s Pizza.

“After that, we headed towards Ajah to do a U-turn to come back to Abraham Adesanya. When we took the U-turn, we saw policemen stopping some vehicles. As we approached them, they said we should stop, and in the process, we heard a loud sound on my wife’s side window.

All of a sudden, I saw blood gushing out of her chest.

“I immediately ran out; my sister-in-law, who was also with us, ran out and held the policeman; he cocked his gun at her too. Talking to him was pointless, so I went to see if anything could be done; I saw my wife gasping for breath, and by that time, my sister-in-law had brought the policeman into the car and pushed him into the front seat.

“We drove to a hospital but they said they couldn’t handle it; we eventually took her to Grandville Hospital, where she was confirmed dead. The policemen took her body and put it in the truck; they wanted me to follow them but I said I needed to go and settle my children.”

Buhari Condemns Killing On Tuesday, December 27, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned what he described as the “heinous and senseless” killing of the member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Omobolanle Raheem, in Lagos by on-duty policemen on Christmas Day. The president said he was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the brutal killing and directed the police authorities to take “the strongest possible action” against the culprits already in detention. Buhari described the incident as a stark reminder of the recurring menace of the mishandling of weapons and a wakeup call to law enforcement agencies, including the police to ensure the full implementation of reforms instituted by the administration on the subject of weapons handling, as well as the protection of the rights of citizens.

“In this hour of grief, the nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the NBA. I assure you that justice will be done in this case,” the president said.

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, condoled with the family of the deceased. He said the action of the police officer did not represent the core values of the Nigeria Police Force. The number one police ordered a “speedy investigation and prosecution of the officers responsible for the ugly and unprofessional act, which doesn’t portray the Nigeria Police Standard Operating Procedure and core values.”

On Wednesday, the Inspector General recommended the immediate suspension of the ASP while waiting for the detailed report on the incident. He noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer was in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.

He further noted that the suspension was also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference: “The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer. “ The IG

Bolanle appealed to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.

Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the news of the incident as shocking and sad.

Sanwo-Olu took to his Instagram page to express his shock at the incident and vowed that justice will be served speedily. He also sympathised with the family and friends of the deceased, describing the incident as a “mindless shooting of a citizen.”

The governor in a lengthy message said, “With utter shock and sadness, I received the news of the mindless shooting of a citizen by a police officer whose primary job function was to protect the same citizen. I hereby sympathise with the family, friends and associates of late Bolanle Raheem.” Also, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, condemned the shooting, describing it as “heartbreaking.” The former vice president also called for the reformation of the policing system. According to him, “these latest shootings call to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitise the Force and bring it in line with best policing practices,” he tweeted.

“I call on the police authorities and the Justice system to expedite action on the matter, as justice delayed is justice denied. “This will serve as a deterrent to the incidents of the irresponsible shooting of innocent citizens by law enforcement agents.” Reacting to the ugly incident, the National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Akorede Lawal, described the incident as unfortunate, noting that the president of the association, Yakubu Maikyau, was monitoring the situation.

According to him, “We are aware of this unfortunate incident. This is yet another crime against a lawyer.

Regrettably, our member is gone. The NBA President @ YCMaikyauSAN is right on this and we shall ensure that justice is duly served.”

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives

Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu and the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, have both condemned the killing of the Lagos State-based lawyer.

Taking to their Twitter pages, the presidential candidates both condemned Bolanle’s killing and called for police reform to enable the men of the Nigerian Police Force to attain international best practices and global policing standards.

The APC presidential candidate, in his post, wrote, “I share the grief and frustration of Nigerians over the senseless killing of Mrs Ombolanle Raheem by a police officer on Christmas Day in Lagos.

“The avoidable tragedy, which cost a family a beloved member and our country a diligent legal professional, underscores, yet again, the crucial importance and urgency of reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

“The important institution must live up to its constitutional mandate of protecting the people and keeping the peace. Encounters with law enforcement agents should not result in death, injury, or undue harassment for law-abiding citizens. That is unacceptable.

“While I send my sincere condolences to Omobolanle’s family, I urge the Inspector General of Police and other responsible authorities to ensure speedy justice in the matter and demonstrate even greater dedication to the nationwide implementation of measures designed to uphold professionalism within the force.”

Similarly, the LP presidential candidate tweeted, “I am shocked by the mindless killing of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem by a trigger-happy policeman on a Christmas Day. Her death is a huge loss to her immediate and extended family.

As I’ve always said, a well-trained and professional police officer will not engage in police brutality.

“Her killing, and the loss of many innocent lives across the nation to trigger-happy policemen, is the reason why I will embark on immediate and intrusive security sector reform and governance (SSRG).

“Relatedly, we must improve the functioning and effectiveness of the police by strengthening their civilian oversight as well as increasing their strength, materiel, financial allocation, and enhanced professional training. Our national policing strength must be relative to our national population and meet global standards.

“We must not allow the waste of human lives in Nigeria under any guise. May the soul of the Late Mrs Bolanle Raheem rest in perfect peace; my sincere condolence to her family.”

A Mother’s Agony The mother of Bolanle revealed on Tuesday during a condolence visit to the family by the state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, that the daughter was pregnant with twins. “I cannot see my ‘The Law’ again. People usually call her ‘The Law’. She was taken away from me. She was pregnant with twins.

“She died with her glory. She left a five-year-old daughter behind. And they took her away. On Monday, my granddaughter came to me and said ‘Grandma Iju Ishaga, I saw you yesterday when you were crying; you were shouting; is it because of my mummy?’ And I said ‘yes’.

“Then she came again and told me, ‘Pastor Jerry said what God cannot do does not exist; so, grandma, stop crying’. And she kissed me on the cheek. It is not easy. A child that I have been training since childhood. I suffered over her. I hawked oranges; there is nothing I did not do.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

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POLITY

Ijebu Ode-Epe Bypass as Welcome Relief This Yuletide Daniel Nwuzor

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all it a piece of serendipity on a day that left barely any room for optimism. I boarded a Lagos-bound bus at a park in Enugu fully aware of the harrowing experience that lay ahead as a result of the gridlock caused by the unending rehabilitation of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The situation had been worsened by students protesting the long closure of universities arising from the strike embarked on by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). They began the protest a day before my trip, enforcing their threat to block this all-important carriageway. The students’ resolve was grittier on the day of the trip, with the traffic stretching as far as Shagamu.

It was no exaggeration: for hours, we barely moved beyond 10 metres. In frustration, a few motorists began to make a u-turn, heading back in the opposite direction. It soon emerged that they were heading towards the Ijebu Ode-Epe expressway, originally conceived as a bypass connecting Ijebu Ode in Ogun State to Lagos, through Epe on its southeastern fringe, the 14-kilometre Ijebu Ode-Epe road, but long abandoned due to its horrendous condition. No one in our bus however objected when the driver reversed and made a beeline for that alternative route. It was just as well that there was no protest, for the once abandoned road had now been reconstructed into a 10-lane dual-carriageway by the Governor Dapo Abiodun administration, giving it a makeover truly befitting of an “expressway”.

In under thirty minutes, we were already in Lagos and, not long after, in Ajah - my actual destination. It was a pleasant surprise. The reconstruction of the Ijebu Ode-Epe Expressway means many long-haul commercial bus operators have added Ajah as a terminus or departure point, to their list of existing locations such as Jibowu and Mile 2. For me, it couldn’t be more convenient, especially since I discovered a commercial fleet in Enugu with specific buses that ply that route. The importance of this road will particularly be felt this Christmas and New Year holiday season, given the huge respite it represents for travelers heading to their country home in places like Edo, Delta and the South-East, who hitherto had no alternative to the harrowing hours-long traffic experienced on the the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Although classified as a federal road, the Ijebu Ode-Epe expressway has hardly experienced any federal governmentfunded intervention for years, possibly decades. This fact makes Governor Abiodun’s reconstruction of the road even more compelling. As I have since learnt, he has similarly fixed several other federal roads across Ogun State, swayed by the knowledge that while those roads may be classified as “federal”, the brunt of their deplorable conditions is mostly borne by residents of the state. Indeed, the flak too, ironically, is directed at the governor - not the federal government that receives the lion’s share of the federation accounts’ disbursement on the basis of its huge obligations, among which is

Abiodun fixing federal roads.

Could this knowledge that governors are often compelled to fix “federal roads” in their states be the reason the federal government tends to be indifferent on the matter? The answer would only be conjectural, but there’s no doubt that notions of the federal government’s indifference are further fueled by President Muhammadu Buhari’s statement that his administration will no longer refund expenses incurred by states in fixing federal roads. The impact of this ill-advised policy will be particularly sever in Ogun, which is reputedly the state with the most federal roads in Nigeria.

Indeed, in reconstructing the Ijebu Ode-Epe expressway, Governor Abiodun was primarily motivated by the new lease of life it would bring to residents in that axis. But he was buoyed, no less, by the bigger socio-economic picture.

For long, the debate about how Ogun State has maximized the benefits of being contiguous to Lagos has mostly yielded unflattering verdicts. I have been seeing many concrete evidence to believe the governor considers that an imperative.

This includes the flag-off of the Ogun State’s multi-modal transportation masterplan launched early this year.

The multi-modal transportation masterplan incorporates road, rail, water, and air transport components. The vision is to create an interface in a way that each transport mode doesn’t just exist in isolation, but complement one another in a somewhat unbroken chain for both intra- and inter-state commute. With regard to rail transport, Ogun State has leveraged the benefits of its proximity to Lagos to strike an agreement that would see the ongoing rail project developed by the latter extended to the former. Essentially, the 37-kilometre Red Line (scheduled for completion in December this year) which runs from Marina, in Lagos, would

extend to Ijoko and Kajola, both boundary communities in Ogun State’s Ifo Local Government Area. This agreement also yielded an extension of the 27.5-kilometre Blue Line rail project that runs from Marina through Okokomaiko, a high-density community on the outskirts of Lagos, down to Agbara, an industrial cluster in Ogun State.

So, as long envisaged, people who work in Lagos may well reside in Ogun State, rest assured that their daily commute will be smooth and on schedule. But sustained investments in infrastructure and large scale industrial expansion may, indeed, be flipping this economic migratory pattern. There now exist in Ogun State an increasing number of capital projects with the sort of inherent pull factors that made Lagos an economic powerhouse. A recent example was the groundbreaking of the premier site of Nigeria’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone. The project is fittingly sited within the precincts of the nearly-complete Ogun State Agro-Cargo International Airport, principally conceived as an export and import hub for cargo.

On completion, the airport is expected to further stimulate economic activities in Ogun State and the entire South-West region. Governor Abiodun is confident that the agro-cargo airport will create a minimum of 25,000 jobs in the first 18 months of operation. These are not mere optimistic projections; they are clearly rooted in data. Indeed, data from the National Bureau of Statistics outlining sectoral contribution to Nigeria’s economy has repeatedly shown that agriculture makes the most significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP. For instance, the NBS report for 2021 puts agriculture’s contribution to the country’s GDP at 29.9%, with a 1.22% year-on-year growth.

Oil and gas, on the other hand, was listed as fifth with 7.49% contribution, representing a -10.7% negative growth.

The Ogun State governor’s investments in critical infrastructure to bolster socio-economic growth has actually yielded so many positive outcomes. This is particularly evident with regard to IGR, where a National Bureau of Statistics’ data for 2021 lists Ogun State as having the country’s fourth highest after Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory and Rivers. It also reflects in the state’s GDP size, ranked eight behind Lagos and, understandably, mostly oil-producing states. Even at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, Ogun State was one of only 10 states that attracted foreign investments, according to the NBS. Indeed, Governor Abiodun’s efforts to industrialize the state received a strong validation when President Muhammadu Buhari conferred him with the Distinguished Award for Industrial Revolution during the Excellence in Public Service Awards ceremony at the Presidential Villa held in Abuja, in October.

So, it’s not flattery when Nigeria’s communications and digital economy minister, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami, said Ogun State is on the cusp of becoming “Nigeria’s Silicon Valley”. Through his works, Governor Abiodun sufficiently demonstrates that there is no better response to cynicism than good governance.

Nwuzo wrote from Enugu.

Abiodun: Beacon of Hope for a Renewed Ogun Femi Ogbonnikan

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ow time flies! By the end of this December, it will be approximately three years and seven months since Governor Dapo Abiodun assumed the mantle of leadership in Ogun State. Coming into office at a troubled time, the journey has been unexpectedly very rough, bumpy, and undulating. But with grit and resolute determination, he has been able to wade through the vicissitude of time.

For those who may have forgotten where we were coming from, the Abiodun’s administration had hardly settled down for governance when the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the most existential threats ever experienced in human history, struck and seized the world by the scruff of the neck. Apart from the fears and human casualties that heralded the dreaded disease, the global economy was literally halted. We need not relive Nigeria’s vulnerabilities to externalities. That is better left to history.

Just as people were about to heave a sigh of relief, the recession came in two quick successions. Yet, with the resilience of the economy, the nation tottered out of the crisis with relatively minimal loss.

It is necessary to lay this background in order to be able to do an objective analysis of the performance of the present administration since its inauguration on May 29, 2019, as no one can rise above the circumstance of his emergence. Compared with our immediate past experience, one thing that has helped to stabilize the administration amid all these challenges is Governor Abiodun’s calm disposition, level-headedness, and ability to carry everybody along.

To galvanize the support of the people for the implementation of his transformative agenda, first, he sought a hand of fellowship with his predecessors knowing full-well that no one can be an Island to himself. Now, he is very well at home with former governor, Aremo Segun Osoba as well as his immediate successor, Otunba Gbanga Daniel, both of whom are now working in tandem with the government to take the

state to the next level. No one else has achieved that level of camaraderie since the beginning of the present democratic dispensation. That is a hallmark of humility.

The more reason the traditional rulers have thrown their weight behind the “Building Our Future Together” mantra of the administration and the ready-made support that is given to his re-election bid since the commencement of the campaign activities by political parties. For being able to rally the support of the grassroots people, the bottom-top approach adopted by the government has also taken a firm root in the state, promoting ownership of the developmental projects implemented within different localities. From the very outset, Governor Abiodun has consistently assured the people of inclusiveness in governance, an open and transparent process, grassroots participation in the decision-making process as well as even, and equal distribution of developmental projects.

According to the Governor, 97 percent of the road projects in the state were chosen by the people themselves.

He has further assured the citizens of the continuity of investment in infrastructure as a catalyst for rapid industrial growth and economic prosperity for all and sundry. All this has crystallised into a collective vision driving the revolutionary agenda of the administration.

“We have spent the last three and a half years, rekindling the hope and trust of our people in their government. We have prioritised the delivery of services and remained focused and committed to the implementation of our ‘Building our Future Together’ Agenda,” he said.

Further to its aggressive drive for infrastructure transformation, the administration has equally evolved alternative financing options such as Public Private Partnership (PPP), the establishment of an infrastructure development Bond, and other initiatives to aid the delivery of the agenda for development.

The outcome of this laudable policy is the radical transformation of the infrastructure landscape of the state with over 80 roads constructed, reconstructed or rehabilitated, all totaling 400km within the three and a half

years of the administration. These include Ilaro-Owode Road, Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda-Epe Road, Abeokuta-Siun- Sagamu Interchange Road, Atan- Lusada-Agbara Road, Panseke-Adigbe- Opako Road, Ilishan-Ago- Iwoye Road etc. Others are Ilaro to Ilara, Ajebo to Ajebamdele, Odeda to Odogbolu, Iwopin to Iwoye, Iperu to Ipokia, Sango-Ota to Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode to Ijoko, Igbesa to Igbogila, Arepo Journalist Estate Road, Igan/Ishamurin/OdoShikiti Road, Oke-Ola Road in Imeko, Oba Erinwole road, Ilaro-Owode Road, Ijebu-Ode-Mojoda – Epe Road, AbeokutaSiun-Sagamu Interchange Road, Atan-Lusada-Agbara Road, Panseke-Adigbe-Opako Road and Ilishan-Ago- Iwoye Road to mention but a few.

In addition to these, the administration is equally looking forward to collaborating with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to finish the remaining portion of the road linking the state (Sagamu-Ikorodu) with Lagos, complete Otta-Idiroko International route as well as Ilaro-Papalanto- Sagamu Interchange routes.

Other than the road infrastructures, preparation is as well in top gear to commission the long-awaited International Agro-Cargo Airport to complement and nurture the development of Ogun State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative to fruition.

According to the governor, the cargo airport located at Illisan would be commissioned for use in the first quarter of next year, while the Akesan market in the town as well as a 100-bed ward with a new ambulance has been provided for the Ikenne General Hospital. He made this disclosure during the Christmas service at the Saint James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo. Venerable Shedrack Ajileye commended the governor for his giant strides in the health, education, and agricultural sectors and urged him to redouble his efforts in serving the people.

Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

26

POLITY

Nigeria’s Economy Needs Divine Intervention in 2023 Gbenga Adeoye

U

sually, when a car is to break down, certain signs will be seen by the owner and over time it gets worst if repairs is not carried out on time.

Listed below are the dangerous signs for Nigeria: Students who paid School fees and have been debited and now being deported because CBN could not fund the settlement.

Manufacturers who largely depends on imported raw materials, are in serious need of Forex, but after their Naira had been taken by commercial banks and sent to CBN, for months, recipient are not getting their money.

Most LC Applications and Forex Bids are just mere papers resting on the table in banks. In a short while, if you need anything overseas, you may have to go get your dollar outside the banks and to avoid problem, you may have to carry your dollar Cash and enter the aircraft with it or else your money will not get to the recipient.

Brilliant young men and women are migrating, from Doctors to Nurses, IT guys and now Teachers will join them. Several professionals are migrating in large numbers. Very dangerous. Medical Treatment and in deed all those essential needs are no more beneficiary of Forex. What a terrible situation. CBN, where is our dollar? Nothing in Foreign reserve to settle obligations again?

What is most surprising is that the newly painted notes which is called newly redesigned Naira notes are scarce in banks. Customers still get paid with old notes even after December 15. Something is wrong somewhere. Different stories every day. Somehow, you almost want to put a bet to it that those news are untrue... Because how do you explain that Nigeria’s five years budget has gone to the hands of few guys...

Even now I still doubt what I read here and there.

How did we get here? A big question yet without an immediate answer.

Solutions and Effects Only what is produced in Nigeria will then be available. We must then work out on those Skills that will enable us to do almost everything here like China did.

We may suffer for like a decade like Cuba and continue to ride old cars and so on but over time, things will improve. Billionaires in Naira may not even be able to import things through banks as Dollar will not be available in 2023. Dollar demand in the parallel market will go to the roof as almost every Importation will depend on black market. Dollar may go to N1,000 in January, later to N1,500.

Tax compliance drive will be stronger than ever before in 2023, but FIRS must be careful to avoid too much pressure on those paying already and rather work hard to widen the tax net.

Exception from tax based on less than N25 million threshold turnover will likely end as we may be losing a lot more from small companies in view of the fact that many big manufacturers will face tough times with difficulty in getting Forex to buy imported raw materials, and they may begin to close certain lines and relocate them to more stable forex arena in Africa.

Most Airlines will stop their Nigerian route as many have stopped already because they could not get Forex to take back their proceeds. It means a time will come that you will need foreign exchange to even buy ticket ... As I heard, some airlines no longer accept Naira even now. Another boom for those in forex market.

Dangerous, as dollar will keep rising as predicted in item 4 above.

Conclusion and recommendations We need all professionals to sit together to solve our problems.

Like one of my elder brother said in Abeokuta: “When elections are contested and won, the government belongs to everybody.” and to that extent, I will recommend Government of National Unity from all the seven major parties - APC, PDP, LP, NNPP, SDP, ADC and APGA. We all must join hands to find solution to our

L-R: Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, University of Abuja, Prof. Clement Alawa; Managing Director, FrieslandCampina Sub-Sahara Africa, Ben Langat; Chairman, Planning Committee, Bowen University, Prof. Cecilia Akintayo; and Vice-Chancellor, Bowen University, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, during the international conference on Sustainable Dairy Production held at Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State… recently

problems. 2023 requires patriotism and not political fights. Some guys that have been in government since 1999 have information about where our Dollars are kept and those who stole them. They even know where the accounts are.

We don’t need to spend money on litigations... All we need to do is to begin to take over those money and bring them back to our foreign reserve account, so we can at least have a new Nigeria. We understand that the kind of money in the hands of some people is so much that if they wage war against Nigeria, they may win.

Some people have enough money in dollars and pounds kept offshore that is enough to even rebuild all our schools and set up an airline that is a national Carrier like Nigeria Airways or Nigeria Air. Yes, we need all those dollars. There is no need for stressing our judges and prison budget ...all we need to do is to get as much as we can get so as to kick the country going and get it back on track Then we must speed up our development in the areas of roads, rail lines, hospitals, technical schools, university, ICT, reduction in numbers of subject in primary and secondary schools with focus on career paths. We must end lending rate of 35% and have interest rate to be a maximum of 15% if really want the real sector growth.

Divine intervention in my view also implied that men and women of integrity, character and intelligence will join hands together under God to work for the good of the country. Men who understand that they do not need billions to have food and raiment. Men who place value on hard work than pleasure. We must all join the next cabinet regardless of whoever wins the election and whichever party we belong to Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo and in deed all the tribes and ethnic nationalities must come together to deliver our country from the danger that is ahead.

God bless Nigeria and may God raise men that will fight for the country economically in 2023.

– Adeoye is a lawyer and a Chartered Accountant with PhD in Management Accounting. He also holds an M.Sc. in Banking and Finance. He can be reached: dga@ gbengaadeoye.com

L-R: Head of PPC Healthcare, Dr. Chikara Nwoke; Supervisor for Health, Lagos Island East, Olabode Babington; Business Development and Partnership Manager, VisionSpring, Mrs. Tinuke Adeyinka; and Managing Director, PPC Limited, Mr. Ayodeji Grillo, at the Free Eye Screening - CSR event at Sura Community, Lagos Island East...recently.

L-R: Director of Agency Operations, BetKing Nigeria, Uche Okafor; Chief Operating Officer, L-R: Founder Focado Orphanage Home, Abuja, Ngozi George; Head of Legal, Azura Power, Mr. Kingmakers Nigeria, Adim Isiakpona;Nigerian Afro-fusion singer, Daniel Benson (aka Bnxn); Felix Somoye and Managing Director, Azura Power, Engr. Edu Okeke, during the inauguration of Head of Legal, BetKing Nigeria, Bade Ayoade; and Head, BTL Marketing, Oludare Kafar, at BetKing’s watch party for the World Cup closing ceremony held in Lagos...recently Solar Power System donated by Azura to the orphanage home in Abuja...recently

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

DREAM TEST AT AMEX

31.12.2022

Ola Aina

PAGE. 29

Solution to Hammers’ Defensive Puzzle?

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ola Aina tries to dispossess AC Milan Theo Hernandez of the ball during a Serie A game

Ola Aina

Solution to Hammers’ Defensive Puzzle?

After failing in their attempt to sign Ola Aina in the Summer, and with West Ham needing to address their defensive problem that has shipped in 20 goals so far this season, David Moyes may be turning in the direction of the Super Eagles defender for solution

P

remier League campaigners West Ham have been tipped to make another attempt to sign Super Eagles fullback Ola Aina from Torino during the January transfer window with the Hammers having issues with their defence and will need reinforcement ahead of the crucial second half of the season.

The Hammers made a late move for Aina in the summer but they ultimately failed in that effort as Torino refused to part with the Nigerian defender.

But West Ham continues to have defensive problems at fullback with Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, and Ben Johnson either struggling with form, consistency, or injuries.

With two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments under his belt and 93 Serie A caps, Aina guarantees quality and versatility, being able to function effectively at right-back and leftback.

And according to a report from the Evening Standard, the 26-year-old is one of the options West Ham could try to sign in the winter.

West Ham, though, are not expected to make any significant purchases in January following their huge outlay on new signings in the summer.

While Aina is likely keen on a return to the Premier League, the former Fulham star may have to look at other options and away from West Ham following manager David Moyes’ recent

transfer comments.

The Hammers boss told TalkSport that the club will not be active in the transfer market.

Asked if West Ham will strengthen when the transfer window reopens in the new year, Moyes said: “Nah, I don’t think we will.

“Because I have to say the board did really well by us and spent a good amount of money in the summer, we brought in nine new players, which is more than anybody would want to do, really.

“But we needed it because we’ve got a European campaign again and because of the amount of games we played in the year before. Even this season, I think we’ve played more games than any other Premier League team at this stage of the season, so we needed to add those players.

“But January will probably be a no, unless we need something through injury or someone comes available.

But, in truth, I don’t see us doing much business, no.”

Anything can happen in football, though. Especially as Ola Aina is in the last few months of his contract with Torino.

The Hammers, however, are not alone in the race to sign the 26-yearold versatile defender who has only a few months left on his current deal.

Leeds United and Crystal Palace are also said to be keen to sign the

Nigerian international who came through the youth ranks at Chelsea.

The reliable Hammers source shared that the defender is very keen on moving to the London Stadium.

Considering the fact that he is coming towards the end of his contract, the Hammers do have a chance to sign him on the cheap.

The Hammers probably won’t need him in central defence but he can fit in at right and left back.

Vladimir Coufal is facing an uncertain future at the club, and Aina could be a potential replacement for him.

The Nigeria international’s current contract at the Stadio Olimpico is set to expire at the end of the season, with technical director Davide Vagnati eager to receive some sort of fee for a player he valued at £8.7m in the summer transfer window.

Aina joined Torino in 2019, but he went on a season-long to Fulham.

The Super Eagles defender then returned to Turin after an unsuccessful stint in London.

Last summer, Aina was linked with a move to the Premier League, with West Ham and Fulham amongst his suitors. However, the Chelsea Academy product remained at Torino.

Aina has had a decent season at Torino, featuring in 10 of their games and scoring once. Nonetheless, his future still hangs in the balance, as

his contract expires at the end of the season.

According to Torinogranata, the club has not entered serious talks with Aina concerning a new contract. As such, the Nigerian defender is free to leave when his contract expires in June.

Aside from his two-year stay at Torino, Aina has never played for any team outside the shores of England.

Aina was linked with a move away from the club last summer after losing his place in the starting line-up during the second half of the campaign.

The 26-year-old has, however, reclaimed his place in the starting line-up this season making 10 league appearances with a goal to his name.

Aina has failed to make an appearance for Torino since copping an injury in the club’s 2-1 win against Udinese on October 23.

The 26-year-old has missed Ivan Juric side’s last four league games as a result of the setback.

West Ham spent heavily in the summer transfer window, and it remains to be seen whether Moyes will at all look to add depth to his squad in January.

Aina has spent most of his life in England, and it is expected that he would favour a return to the Premier League rather than elsewhere. The Super Eagles star left Chelsea for the Bulls in 2019.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Arsenal Title Dream Faces Brighton Test After coming behind to win 3-1 against a tricky West Ham United side on Boxing Day, South Coast is the next port of call for Arsenal to test their title dream as they face Brighton at the Amex Stadium

Brighton got the better of Arsenal last season

P

remier League leaders Arsenal will endeavour to end 2022 on a high note when they travel to the Amex to face Brighton this evening.

The Gunners came from behind to beat West Ham United 3-1 on Boxing Day, while the Seagulls got the better of Southampton by the same scoreline on the South Coast.

Coach Roberto De Zerbi had warned Brighton’s latest foes to be wary of an “angry” Seagulls XI following their EFL Cup exit at the hands of League One side Charlton Athletic, but by reverting to type in the Premier League, this weekend’s hosts remain in European contention in seventh place in the table.

Nevertheless, Brighton’s defensive resilience at the Amex is well and truly alive - conceding a mere six goals in Premier League home matches during the 2022-23 season so far - and the Seagulls have established a reputation as Arsenal’s bogey team in recent years.

Thriving under the pressure of filling Gabriel Jesus’ boots, Arsenal’s number 14, Eddie Nketiah insisted that he did not want to be seen as a replacement for his stricken teammate after completing an eye-catching Gunners turnaround in their London derby with West Ham. The Premier League leaders had work to do in the second 45 after Said Benrahma’s penalty put the Hammers a goal to the good, but Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Nketiah’s lovely swivel and finish ensured that the Gunners would pick up where they left off.

United at the summit; that gap has now been cut back down to five points following Manchester City’s success over Leeds United, but Mikel Arteta’s men are

Premier League Table guaranteed to celebrate New Year’s Eve at the top of the table.

The naysayers will point out the fact that Arsenal still have two fixtures against Man City to come, but every other side to hit 40 points after their first 15 Premier League matches of the season has gone on to win the title, and the World Cup break does not appear to have disrupted the runaway leaders’ momentum.

Arsenal travel to the Amex having picked up 13 points from the last 15 on offer away from home - conceding a mere one goal in that hot streak - but Brighton overcame a weakened Gunners side 3-1 in the EFL Cup just last month and have only ever suffered one Premier League defeat to the capital club in front of the Amex faithful.

Meanwhile, Manchester City welcome Everton to the Etihad Stadium on New Year’s Eve in a game with very differing implications for both.

Frank Lampard’s job at Everton is arguably now the most fragile in the whole top flight.

Arsenal’s excellence means that despite a very strong start to the season, Man City find themselves five points adrift from the top.

Thirty-five points from a possible 45 is a phenomenal start, but a defeat to Brentford before the break has been very costly.

Over the course of a 38-game season though, City are still the most fancied side to finish on top.

That is largely thanks to the presence of Erling Haaland up front, who made it 20 Premier League goals for the season already in their 3-1 win over Leeds United

on Wednesday, the fastest it has taken anyone to reach that milestone in a campaign.

Strength in depth is the other major factor, as manager Pep Gurdiola could afford to leave Phil Foden, Joao Cancelo, Bernado Silva and Aymeric Laporte on the bench in midweek, and still win comfortably.

They have beaten Everton in all of their last 10 meetings, but the last meeting at Goodison in February proved very controversial when City took all three points despite avoiding a very clear penalty being given against them following a handball by Rodri.

Four straight losses in all competitions for Everton, all against sides in around the relegation zone, have left Lampard on the brink at Goodison Park.

On their competitive return, bottomof-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers compiled the misery by coming to Merseyside and leaving with three points thanks to a 95th-minute winner from Rayan Ait-Nouri.

They are not yet in the relegation zone, but a defeat here and the continuation of some amateurish defending in their recent matches will leave them very susceptible, with the three sides below them all within reach.

Next week’s fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion is expected to be the make or break for Lampard given that there has been an acceptance they will probably lose at the Etihad in this one.

However, if they do lose here, they must make sure the scoreline does not get ugly and play with the desire of a side that looks prepared for a relegation battle, which Lampard admitted they are now in following the defeat to Wolves.

Arsenal Man City Newcastle Tottenham Man Utd Liverpool Brighton Chelsea Brentford Fulham Crystal Palace Aston Villa Leicester Bournemouth Leeds Everton West Ham Wolves Nottm Forest Southampton

15 15 16 16 15 16 15 15 17 16 15 16 17 16 15 16 17 16 16 16

24 28 21 10 3 14 6 2 0 1 -6 -8 -4 -16 -6 -7 -9 -15 -22 -16

40 35 33 30 29 28 24 24 23 22 19 18 17 16 15 14 14 13 13 12

Premier League TODAY

Wolves v Man Utd 12:30 Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 15:00 Fulham v Southampton 15:00 Man City v Everton 15:00 Newcastle v Leeds Utd 15:00 Brighton v Arsenal 17:30 SUNDAY

Tottenham v Aston Villa 14:00 Nottingham v Chelsea 16:30

La Liga TODAY

Barcelona Sociedad Villarreal

v v v

Espanyol 13:00 Osasuna 15:15 Valencia 15:15

Hot

PLAYE

Erlin Harry Ivan T Aleks Migu Rodr Phil F Jame Robe Mo S Lean

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Victor Osimhen in training with Napoli

Osimhen Resumes Training with Napoli Ahead of Inter Clash Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen, has resumed training with Napoli as they get ready for their clash against Inter on January 4, 2023.

The Super Eagles attacker has been productive for the Italian team, contributing two assists in addition to 10 goals across all competitions.

However, as a result of his outstanding performance so far this season, he has been nominated for and garnered several prizes.

The Neapolitans were 11 points clear of The Nerazzurri and in first place in the Italian league before the World Cup break with 41 points.

The Parthenopeans have had a dominant performance compared to past years, when they consistently finished below the top four in the Serie A league rankings. They now hold an eight-point advantage over AC Milan in second place.

Spalletti’s team played friendly matches against

Antalyaspor, which they won 2-3, Crystal Palace, which they beat 3-1, Villarreal, which they lost 2-3, and Lille, which they also lost 1-4, to keep themselves in shape while the rest of the world was occupied in Qatar.

However, Osimhen was seen working out with his colleagues in the morning session at the SSCN Konami Training Center in Napoli as they prepared to head to the San Siro stadium for their first game of the year 2023.

Maduka Admits Eredivisie Move is on the Horizon Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has admitted that he’s open to a loan move to the Dutch Eredivisie.

Okoye sealed a permanent transfer to Watford in January 2022 but was immediately loaned back to Sparta Rotterdam to complete the season.

The 23-year-old has found himself out of favour at Watford with the more experienced Austria international Daniel Bachmann ahead of him in the pecking order of goalkeepers.

Okoye has yet to get on the pitch in the league, and his only appearance for the

club came in a Carabao Cup clash against MK Dons back in August.

On the international stage, his activity has cost him his starting spot in the Super Eagles, with new boss Jose Peseiro installing Omonia Nicosia’s Francis Uzoho as the first choice.

Okoye has a good reputation in the Netherlands, where he played for two seasons and helped Sparta Rotterdam avoid relegation with a string of brilliant displays for the modest outfit.

“We’ll see what happens.

My contract runs until 2027, so anything is possible. Maybe

I will be rented out, or not, I don’t know yet, “ Okoye said to Voetbal Primeur.

“The Eredivisie? Yes, that sounds like something to me.

The clubs in the Netherlands know me well from Sparta and know what they can do with me. We’ll see.

“For now I’m just focusing completely on Watford and the games we’re going to play.”

Okoye lists DJK SC Flingern 08, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Fortuna Dusseldorf among his previous clubs.

Moffi Linked with a Move to Southampton Southampton are interested in signing Nigerian international striker Terem Moffi in the upcoming January transfer window, the Daily Echo understands.

The 23-year-old has been in top form for French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient this season, with 10 goals in 15 matches in the country’s top division.

Moffi, who is contracted to 2024, joined Lorient in 2019 and now has 33 in 87 since, having played in Lithuania and Belgium before moving to France for a

fee of £7million.

The six-foot two-inch ace went on to make his Nigeria debut in June 2021 and has netted three in his seven caps.

Despite Nathan Jones insisting his concern is to sort out the defensive record, after just one clean sheet in 16 Premier League games this season, a forward is a transfer priority.

The club are looking to strengthen in other areas, including central defence and

midfield, but Che Adams needs the burden of total goalscoring taken from him.

Lorient sit seventh in the French top division while only PSG’s Kylian Mbappe (13) and Neymar (11) have scored more than Moffi.

However, new AFC Bournemouth owner, Bill Foley, has revealed he is in the process of purchasing a stake in the French club as part of their multi-club model.

Ronaldo Now Highest Paid Footballer, to Earn £177m Per Year

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr on a deal that runs until 2025.

The Portugal captain is a free agent after leaving Manchester United following a controversial interview in which he criticised the club.

Ronaldo will reportedly receive the biggest football salary in history at more than £177m per year.

The 37-year-old says he is “eager to experience a new football league in a different

country”.

Al Nassr - nine-time Saudi Pro League champions - described the signing as “history in the making”.

The club said it would “inspire our league, nation and future generations, boys and girls to be the best version of themselves”.

In the summer, Ronaldo turned down a £305m deal to join another Saudi team - Al Hilal - because he was happy at United.

Earlier in November, the striker spoke out in an interview with Piers Morgan for TalkTV in which he said he felt “betrayed” by United, did not respect manager Erik ten Hag and was being forced out of the club.

Ronaldo, who scored 145 goals in 346 appearances for United, left Juventus to rejoin the Old Trafford club in August 2021 - 11 years after he departed to join Real Madrid.

All for Pele

Tribute to Pele

Brazil Lights up in Honour of Pelé Brazil has woken up to its first day without footballing legend Pelé.

“The King”, who won three World Cups and was widely considered the greatest footballer of all time, died at the age of 82 in São Paulo on Thursday.

Overnight, Pelé’s face shone on buildings across the South American nation and landmarks were lit up in his memory. Fans took to the streets dressed in his iconic number 10 shirt.

Brazil’s government has declared three days of national mourning.

The front pages in Brazil were all talking about Pelé on Friday. One read “Pelé died, if indeed Pelé can die”, because for Brazilians, he is their eternal King.

The last time national mourning was declared was when Queen Elizabeth II died. Lots of parallels have been drawn between Pelé and royalty - he was the closest Brazil had.

Supporters started gathering outside São Paulo’s Albert Einstein hospital the previous afternoon when they heard news

of Pele’s death.

Pelé had been undergoing treatment for colon cancer since 2021. Knowing his condition was worsening, Brazilians had spent weeks reflecting on his life and legacy.

Many feel relieved his suffering is over - but he is an iconic sportsman who will be dearly missed.

The hospital issued a statement confirming his death from multiple organ failure connected to his cancer.

But in a reflection of his status, the hospital added it shared the suffering felt by the family and everyone over the loss of “our beloved King of football”.

One man, standing outside the Fiesp building in São Paulo as it displayed a colourful tribute, spoke of the intensity of feeling for Pelé.

“It is indescribable to say at this moment what we are going through here; the loss,” Widisley Guimarães told Reuters news agency.

Tributes have poured in for the late footballer, including from Brazil forward Neymar, who said: “Before Pelé, football

was only a sport.

“Pelé changed everything.

He turned football into art, into entertainment. He gave a voice to the poor, to black people.”

France striker and Neymar’s Paris St-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappé added “his legacy will never be forgotten”.

Pelé scored a world record of 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances during a 21-year career, including 77 goals in 92 matches for his country.

The only player to win the World Cup three times, lifting the trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970, Pelé was named Fifa’s Player of the Century in 2000.

But he was a cultural icon, too.

As a black man, Pelé rose to the status of national treasure in a country with a deep history of slavery and legacy of segregation that persists.

He regularly faced monkey chants on the pitch and was called several racist nicknames.

But Pelé once said that if he had stopped every game after a monkey taunt, he would have had to stop them all.

EPL, EFL Players Honour Pele with Black Armbands Premier League and English Football League clubs wore black armbands and hold a minute’s applause to honour Brazil football legend Pele.

The Scottish Professional Football League has also suggested all clubs pay their respects with a minute’s applause or “other appropriate gesture”.

Three-time World Cup winner Pele passed away on Thursday at the age of 82.

Tributes have poured in from across the world and Brazil has declared three days of national mourning.

The Premier League’s next round begins with two matches yesterday and concludes on Sunday, with all 10 games paying tribute.

The EFL held a minute’s applause before EFL fixtures

yesterday and on 1 and 2 January, while players will wear black armbands “in memory of the life of Pele”.

Football’s world governing body Fifa has lowered flags at its headquarters in Switzerland to half-mast for Pele “as a symbol of mourning and respect”.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) says it has “arranged a minute’s silence to remember Pele,” in forthcoming games.

Managers have also paid respect, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola saying Pele made football “a better place” for his ability to give people an emotional connection to the sport.

“There’s not another show or event that can produce this type of emotion. It’s part of what these exceptional players

do,” Guardiola explained.

“Football is football thanks to these types of people, players, human beings.

Before, the number 10 was just a number and after him it became something special.

Every top player wanted to wear number 10 in their team.

“What he has done for football is there and always will remain.”

Tottenham manager Antonio Conte said Pele was “one of the most important players in the world. We are talking about the story of football”.

He added: “I was lucky to know him and honestly I am really sad for his death. Also because Pele was a person who was an important person for football. One of the most popular. Maybe the most popular player in football.”

2022-23 NPFL Regular Season to End May 14 The comprehensive fixtures of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) 2022/23 season has been released by the Interim Management Committee (IMC) with matches scheduled to be completed on May 14.

The schedule shows that clubs in each group of A and B will play a combined total of 180 matches of 90 matches in each group over 18 MatchDays starting from January 8, 2023.

The comprehensive fixtures which have been mailed to all the participating clubs will see the clubs reaching a mid-season on February 18 and resuming on March 25. This schedule allows for the period of National and State Elections that will hold across the country from February 25 to March 18.

The season’s fixture also provided for three midweek games on MatchDay 2. 5

and 11 which took care of the long mid-season break for the elections.

However, the IMC also added a caveat providing for fixture changes when necessary to accommodate Club Licensing decisions, television broadcast schedules and CAF Inter-club fixtures. Dates for the Super Six play-off will be determined by the IMC at an appropriate time.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

GLOBAL SOCCER

Kingsley Ehizibue Attracting Interest from Salernitana With less than six months to his moving from German side, Koln, to Udinese, Nigerian defender, Kingsley Ehizibue could be on his way out this winter as Italian Serie A strugglers, Salernitana looking in the direction of the Super Eagles defender as a stop gap to their leaking defenceb

I

talian Serie A side, Salernitana, are weighing up a move for Super Eagles defender, Kingsley Ehizibue in the winter transfer window.

Ehizibue left German Bundesliga club FC Koln for Udinese in the last summer transfer window.

Since then, he has made 12 appearances for the club in all competitions.

However, his time at Udine may end very soon, as Salerno this reports that the 27-year-old right-back is a strong target for Salernitana.

The Garnets currently sit 12th on the Serie A table, an improvement on the placement the same time last season.

They are looking to add quality to the side and they have already signed Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa.

Ehizibue would also be a good addition to the team as he would provide some steel in the Salernitana defence that has conceded 24 goals this season.

The former PEC Zwolle man was born in Germany to Nigerian parents but he moved to Netherlands when he was two. Ehizibue featured for the Dutch youth sides, but he has switched allegiance to Nigeria.

The right-back, born on May 25 1995, never experienced life in Nigeria as his parents migrated from the West African nation before his birth.

He was born in Germany, and spent two years there, before resettling in the Netherlands.

Unsurprisingly, Ehizibue’s connection to the Netherlands is strong, having spent most of his formative years in the country before last year’s return to Germany with Cologne.

However, he has since switched allegiance for Nigeria despite having represented the Dutch at U-21 level, he’s never made the step up to the senior side.

He was brought through by the Bluefingers, so a special bond is shared with the club in east Netherlands.

“I feel like a Zwolle boy. I have family living in Nigeria and Munich, where I was born,” the defender stated in 2016, “but I only lived in Germany for two years and then we went to Zwolle.”

The towering right-back began his career on the flanks Ehizibue is 1.89 metres tall, so usually players of his physical profile seldom feature on the wings.

However, that was where the 24-year-old began his career before his conversion by Zwolle coach Ron Jans.

Since switching to a defensive role, Ehizibue hasn’t looked back.

The gigantic right-back has made 2.7 tackles per game in the German top flight this term, which is one of the highest in the Bundesliga.

In fact, of all the players who have played a considerable number of games in the division, Ehizibue is in eighth-place, the only FC Koln player to feature in the top 20.

It’s not bad for a guy who used to be a winger!

The Super Eagles invitee was part of the Udinese side that lost to West Ham recently but said despite losing to the Premier League club, his side gave a good performance.

David Moyes’ squad defeated Udinese last Saturday thanks to goals from Said Benrahma, Manuel Lanzini, and Michail Antonio.

Roberto Pereyra’s goal gave West Ham United an early setback, but they fought back to create many chances and take advantage of three of them to defeat their Serie A rivals.

After the loss, Ehizibue, who received an

invitation from Gernot Rohr in 2020 for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers, talked on Udinese TV. “We had a good game, we played well. We have to improve it’s true, but it’s normal, we’ll do it step by step. We have a strong team, I think it’s a team worthy of Europe. Even in defense, however, I found myself well. I’m learning a lot from my teammates like Becao, Bijol, who I watch a lot during training.” he said.

However, the defender is eager to return to action when his club plays Empoli in January.

“With Empoli we want to win. Sottil is a coach who talks a lot with me and with my team-mates. It’s good, even today he gave me many indications.”

The Nigerian international joined the Italian team from FC Koln last summer window.

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 31, 2022

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

33

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

AUTO WORLD

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

Suzuki by CFAO Embarks on One-Tree, One-Car Project

TIPS OF THE WEEK 10 Ways to Reduce Fuel Consumption Even though we are aware that engines need fuel to run, that does not mean you can’t make some small changes to help you gain some fuel savings. Cost of fuel is rising daily.

Keep tires pumped up 7LUHV WKDW DUH XQGHULQÁDWHG KDYH D KLJKHU rolling resistance on the road. This means that with every kilometer traveled, your tires generate more friction and rolling resistance, and hence, will increase fuel consumption. If all your tires DUH XQGHULQÁDWHG E\ SVL WKLV FRXOG UHGXFH IXHO H΀FLHQF\ E\ XS WR Lose the weight in your boot For those with a habit of keeping everything and anything in the boot, in addition to emergency spares, think twice when loading up next time.

Every extra 50kg your car puts on increases fuel FRQVXPSWLRQ E\ Drive with AC Driving with the windows down at speeds faster than 80km/h causes a lot of wind resistance, and costs you a lot more fuel. Contrary to what you may think, in this situation, it’s simply more IXHO H΀FLHQW WR GULYH ZLWK WKH DLUFRQ RQ

Staff of Suzuki by CFAO Motors Nigeria Limited; Students of Caleb British International School, Lekki with officials of the school and a team of Solution 17, during the One-Tree, One-Car tree planting exercise inside the school… recently

S

uzuki by CFAO Nigeria recently collaborated with a group known as Solution17 for Climate Action’s Trees from Art Initiative to promote tree planting, climate education, and awareness in Lagos State.

The Suzuki by CFAO One-Tree-One-Car programme began with planting of economic trees at Caleb British International School, Lekki. The initiative supports Solution 17’s goal of planting 10 million trees in Nigeria by 2030. All newly planted trees are digitally captured with the EcoMatcher app for tracking purposes.

7KLV HͿRUW RQ WKH SDUW RI 6X]XNL E\ CFAO, and Solution17 is in tandem with the trillion-tree campaign, which aims to plant one trillion trees worldwide and seeks to repopulate the world’s trees and combat climate change as a nature-based solution. Customers who purchase a Suzuki

vehicle will have an opportunity to contribute towards this initiative, as they will be assigned a tree and can monitor its progressive growth via the EcoMatcher app.

General Manager of Suzuki by CFAO Motors, Aissatou Diouf stated that her organisation is delighted to participate in the provision of climate solutions and environmental protection with the Tree Planting Programme, dedicated to the planet’s sustainability.

6KH DOVR VDLG WKH ÀUVW 6X]XNL customers who purchase cars in 2023 will be assigned a tree and be given access to the app.

Recently, the Suzuki by CFAO team paid a visit to the Caleb British International School, Awoyaya, on the outskirts of Lekki, where

a number of trees have been planted to promote tree planting, climate education, and public awareness.

The delegation was led by Adesoji Olaniyan, senior sales executive; Jennifer Ishike, senior sales executive; and David Oludotun, marketing executive.

CFAO Mobility is a division of the CFAO Group that aims to meet the mobility needs of professionals and individuals.

Comprising the most extensive vehicle retail network in Africa, we provide all mobility-related sectors with a multi-brand RͿHU SDUWQHULQJ ZLWK JOREDO DXWRPRWLYH manufacturers: sales of new and used YHKLFOHV VKRUW RU ORQJ WHUP UHQWDOV ÁHHW management and maintenance.

7KH DXWR GHDOHUVKLS·V RͿHU LQFOXGHV WKH FRPSOHWH DXWRPRWLYH RͿHULQJ LQFOXGLQJ two-wheelers, marine engines, coaches, ORUULHV KDQGOLQJ HTXLSPHQW W\UHV DQG spare parts.

Mercedes-Benz Infuses Individuality in Extensive Manufaktur Offer for EQS

A

year ago, Mercedes-Benz presented the MANUFAKTUR range. It was launched in exclusive model series such as the Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class long-wheelbase version, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the G-Class. The new individualisation range has been very well received by customers. Recently, the EQS, the ÀUVW IXOO\ HOHFWULF OX[XU\ VDORRQ IURP Mercedes and Mercedes-AMG, can also be individualised with the help of the MANUFAKTUR range.

6SHFLDO SDLQW ÀQLVKHV DQG KLJK TXDOLW\ LQWHULRU UHÀQHPHQWV H[SDQG WKH SRVsibilities for putting together an EQS to suit your personal taste. Below are some examples from the MANUFAKTUR range for the EQS: A total of nine MANUFAKTUR paints are available, including those familiar from the S-Class such as MANUFAKTUR vintage blue non-metallic or MANUFAKTUR kalahari gold magno (€7,021.00 each[1]).

As with the S-Class, there is the MANUFAKTUR Interior Package[2] (from 11,007.50 euros1). It is available for the EQS from Mercedes, also in

Don’t go too fast or too slow When cruising down a highway, your engine works hard to overcome wind resistance. You’ll EXUQ XS WR PRUH IXHO DW NP K DQG PRUH DW NP K 7KDW PLJKW WHPSW \RX to drive slow, but if you drive slower than 50 km/h, your engine would drop to a lower gear, thus using up more fuel. In conclusion, a steady 50 – 90 km/h on the highway is best to achieve optimal fuel economy.

Remain steady when accelerating Avoid revving your accelerator to a high revolutions per minute (RPM). It’s better for fuel economy, as your engine uses less fuel when it is revolving slower, at a lower RPM. Avoid braking aggressively Slamming on the brakes increases fuel consumption as you need to accelerate again later. This is especially true if you follow too closely behind the vehicle in front of you. Not to mention, tailgating is dangerous and something to avoid.

Cruise in top gear If you’re driving an automatic car, make use of cruise control to keep your speed constant.

And if you’re driving a manual car, maintain a higher gear when appropriate. In each of these instances, your engines go through less revolutions per minute (RPM) and will reduce your fuel consumption.

Practice predictive driving Look to the road ahead and plan your next move.

Instead of slamming on the brakes to a complete stop, try slowing down as you approach the red light. Or when reaching the foot of a hill, start accelerating as you edge closer to it rather than when you approach it. Avoid hard accelerations when moving your car from a complete stop, or climbing a hill as it will increase fuel consumption.

Plan your rush hour route 6WRS VWDUW WUD΀F SXWV D ORW RI SUHVVXUH RQ \RXU engine, thus burns more fuel. When possible, plan your commute to and from work carefully WR KHOS \RX DYRLG WKH ZRUVW RI SHDN WUD΀F

The Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupé

combination with AMG Line interior, as well as the EQS from Mercedes-AMG. 7KH IURQW DQG UHDU VHDWV DUH ÀQLVKHG in nappa leather and feature intricate GLDPRQG TXLOWLQJ 1DSSD OHDWKHU LQ D MANUFAKTUR colour is also used for the armrests in the doors, the centre console and the lower section of the instrument

panel. The MANUFAKTUR colours tobacco brown, mystic red and rosé grey are new. Another highlight is the MANUFAKTUR steering wheel covered by hand in nappa leather, colour-coordinated with the respective interior colour. The high-pile ÁRRU PDWV

Don’t stay idle for long If you are waiting for something or someone IRU PRUH WKDQ WKUHH PLQXWHV WXUQ RͿ \RXU HQJLQH You may not be moving but as long as your engine is on, it’s burning precious fuel. $QG D ÀQDO ZRUG 5HJXODU FDU VHUYLFLQJ KHOSV PDLQWDLQ \RXU HQJLQH·V IXHO H΀FLHQF\ (QJLQH SDUWV work closely in tandem. If poorly maintained, sludge and corrosion will build-up between WKH SDUWV PDNLQJ LW GL΀FXOW IRU WKH HQJLQH WR work smoothly. This is also why engine oils are important. A good high-performance engine oil, like Mobil™ can help to reduce friction in the engine, combat sludge and improve fuel economy.

(Source: Mobil)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

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AUTO WORLD

Hyundai KONA Gets Bolder, More Dynamic

H

yundai Motor Company today unveiled an EV-derived, futuristic design for its new generation KONA subcompact SUV. The upscaled model will be available in four variants, including all-electric (EV), hybrid electric (HEV), internal combustion engine (ICE) and sporty N Line, with a universal architecture for all and unique styling for each*.

With the all-new KONA, Hyundai Motor has brought its commitment to sustainable mobility and technology-led design thinking to expand its (9 RͿHULQJV ³ LQQRYDWHG DQG DGYDQFHG E\ WKH DZDUG ZLQQLQJ ,21,4 OLQHXS ³ ZKLOH DOVR PHHWLQJ the diverse mobility needs of its customers with a variety of powertrains.

“Upscaled with KONA’s unique character, the all-new .21$ FRQÀGHQWO\ H[SUHVVHV LWV EROG DQG G\QDPLF presence,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. “KONA has evolved in every respect to embrace an even wider range of diversity, to become a true lifestyle supporter.”

Upscaled KONA conveys more dynamic road presence, accommodates more ‘living space’ The all-new KONA has evolved into a larger yet still urban-centric SUV with bolder styling that conveys a more dynamic road presence and driver-centric interior.

To provide maximized ‘living space’ for customers, the all-new model grew to 4,355 mm in length, which is 150 mm longer from the previous generation, based on the EV variant. It also gained 25 mm in width and 60 mm in wheelbase length compared to the outgoing model without losing any of its iconic design identity.

Unlike most vehicles that are made available with a variety of powertrains, the KONA started with the EV variant design, which was then adapted the design for the ICE, HEV and N Line models. This unconventional approach allowed Hyundai to bring tech-centric design thinking to all KONA variants.

Despite the shared architecture, EV, ICE/HEV and sporty N Line model has distinctive futuristic styling.

The all-new KONA’s clean, distinctive nose characterizes the front section’s pure volume, which contributes to the model’s smooth aerodynamic performance.

The pure volume is highlighted by the stretched Seamless Horizon Lamp, which is pixelated on the (9 YDULDQW PDUNLQJ WKH ÀUVW +\XQGDL PRGHO ZLWK a Pixelated Seamless Horizon Lamp that adds to the EV’s distinctive character. KONA’s use of Parametric Pixels also propagates a distinctive design element from Hyundai’s popular EV lineup.

Hyundai KONA subcompact SUV Despite its futuristic appearance, the all-new KONA never lets one forget that it’s an SUV. Its dynamic styling is accentuated with boldly sculpted wheel arch cladding that incorporates headlamps and taillamps, reinforcing KONA’s robust underpinning.

The all-new KONA is replete with parametric surfaces.

The sharp diagonal crease of the sides connects the satin chrome molding from the belt line to the spoiler, creating a contour that wraps around the entire vehicle.

The rear features another Seamless Horizon Lamp as well as a high-mounted stop lamp (HMSL) that is seamlessly integrated within the satin chrome molding of the spoiler.

There are several styling variations between the powertrain variants.

The EV gets pixel graphic details on the intake grille and rear bumper, a pixel-inspired 19-inch alloy wheel design, black embracing line and optional black side

mirrors and roof.

The ICE and HEV share a bold and rugged bumper and skid plate design, and black wheel arch cladding.

The N Line boasts optional black side mirrors and roof, wing-type spoiler, more aggressive front and rear designs with wing-shaped bumper to emphasize a lower stance, distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels, twin PX΁HU DQG VLOYHU VLGH VNLUW Lifestyle-supporting usability with driver-oriented layout and practical features The all-new KONA’s larger interior ‘living space’ provides practical features and an evolved in-car experience to accommodate diverse lifestyles. The EV-derived universal architecture accommodates a sporty layout ZLWK ÁRDWLQJ KRUL]RQWDO & 3DG WR HPSKDVL]H .21$·V slim and wide interior, providing a versatile space for driver and passengers.

7KH LQFK GXDO ZLGH GLVSOD\V DQG ÁRDWLQJ module impart a high-tech impression. Ambient lighting enhances the user experience and convenience. With the column type shift-by-wire relocated from the center console to behind the steering wheel, it provides an uncluttered layout and additional space for belongings in the central tunnel.

The second-row Curve-less Bench Seat reinforces KONA’s 21st century urban design aesthetic. This OLYLQJ VSDFH RͿHUV D XQLTXH H[SHULHQFH ZLWK PD[LPXP usability, comfort and convenience. Behind the second row is a maximized cargo space.

Nissan Heads to Tokyo Auto Salon 2023

T

he Fairlady Z customised edition, winner of the Grand Prix in the Tokyo International Custom Car Contest 2022, will be shown for the first time at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2023. This model is the mass-market version of the Nissan Fairlady Z customized proto that was unveiled at Tokyo Auto Salon 2022. Visitors to the Nissan booth will also see the all-new Serena announced in November, as well as concept versions of the Nissan Roox, Caravan, Cube, Sakura and Ariya.

NISMO, which has continued to deliver motorsport excitement through Super GT and the FIA Formula E World Championship, and Autech, renowned for Carrozzeria and high levels of added value, will display a combined four models.

In collaboration with an outdoor magazine from publisher Geibunsha, eight Caravans will be displayed to mark the model’s 50th anniversary coming in February 2023.

The Tokyo Auto Salon 2023 will take place at Makuhari Messe Jan. 13-15. Nissan’s booth will also have a selection of Nissan and NISMO-brand merchandise.

Nissan Fairlady Z

Installing New Tyres Over 10 years ago, destiny brought me in contact with Ucheagwu Sabastine. SAB, as he is popularly called, is not just a friend and brother but a safety professional who I adore. SAB is instrumental to a lot of the materials on tyres which I have shared with you over the years.

It was therefore exciting that after we lost contact for some years, the heavens again smiled on me on December 23, 2022 when my dear SAB chatted me up.

It is with joy and in celebration of this friendship that I wish to continue my focus on another aspect of tyre. Last week, I focused on one of the most vital needs for those who travelled with their personal cars this season, as well as those who operate commercial vehicles. I advised them to ensure they get new tyres before the journey and therefore gave hints on the kind of tyres to buy. If you are one of such people, I do hope you read my piece and complied accordingly by buying new tyres if needed. My assignment today, is to guide you on how and where to install your new tyres.

So, what really should be your guide?

Please read through this piece on tyres that is useful for all season, especially now as we gradually draw the curtain on this year’s celebration. When most people buy new tyres, they tend to install them in the front axle. They give a number of reasons for doing so. Among such reasons are that with the engine in the front, new tyres should be in the front since they DUH VWURQJHU VR VKRXOG HͿHFWLYHO\ VXSSRUW the weight of the engine; new tyres will EH OHVV SURQH WR VXͿHU D EORZRXW DQG since blowout of a front tyre is more dangerous than that of a rear tyre, it is

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

safer to install new tyres in the front; DQG IURQW W\UHV VXͿHU WKH ULJRXUV RI acceleration, braking, steering and bad road conditions more and so wear out faster than the rear tyres. So, new tyres are better installed in the front.

The above reasons sound logical, but unfortunately following that logic would land you in serious trouble. It is downright dangerous to install new tyres in the front axle especially during the rainy season.

Why? Because of a phenomenon called hydroplaning. You will observe that your tyres, if not worn out, have some grooves and channels on the treaded portion that is in contact with the ground. Those grooves and channels are designed to, among other functions; remove water under the tyres on a wet surface so that the tyres will maintain adequate contact with the road surface for proper traction.

A situation may arise where the channels are not able to remove water fast enough or where the channels are not deep enough because the tyres have worn out. In either situation, the tyres will not maintain contact with the road surface DQG ZLOO VLPSO\ ÁRDW RQ WKH SRRO RI ZDWHU

7KLV SKHQRPHQRQ RI ÁRDWLQJ RQ ZDWHU because of lack of contact with the ground is called hydroplaning. It is dangerous and may lead to loss of control and a crash. When a vehicle is hydroplaning, application of the brakes will make matters worse!

1RZ OHW XV FRQVLGHU WKH HͿHFWV RI hydroplaning with new tyres in the front axle back axles. New tyres in the front axle (Old tyres at back axle) -New tyres, by nature, should have more tread depths than tyres in use.

So the tyres at the back – because they have less tread depths – will hydroplane before the new tyres in front. With the rear tyres hydroplaning ÀUVW D VLWXDWLRQ FDOOHG 2YHU 6WHHULQJ may occur. This is a situation where the rear tyres will lose traction before the front tyres and the rear of the vehicle begins to slide.

2YHUVWHHULQJ LV IDU PRUH GL΀FXOW WR control, and in addition to the initial distress felt when the rear of the car starts sliding, quickly releasing the gas pedal in an attempt to slow down PD\ DFWXDOO\ PDNH LW PRUH GL΀FXOW IRU the driver to regain control, possibly causing a complete spinout, loss of control and a crash.

New tyres at the back axle (old tyres in front axle). When you have new tyres at the back axle, the old ones in the front will hydroplane before the back tyres. This may lead to Understeering. This means the vehicle will continue to move in the straight forward direction even when you want to steer it either to the left or to the right. This is easier

to control. By easing up on the gas pedal, the vehicle will slow down and make it very easy for the driver to control.

Testing Experience-Members of The Tire Rack team had the chance to experience hydroplaning at Michelin’s Laurens Proving Grounds. Participants were allowed to drive around a large radius, wet curve LQ YHKLFOHV ÀWWHG ZLWK W\UHV RI GLͿHUHQW tread depths – one vehicle with new tyres on the rear and half-worn tyres on the front, and the other with the new tires in the front and half-worn tyres on the rear.

The ability to sense and control predictable understeer with the new tyres on the rear, and the helplessness in trying to control the surprising oversteer with the new tyres on the front was emphatically proven. It is better to experience this phenomenon in the safe, controlled conditions of Michelin’s Laurens ProvLQJ *URXQGV UDWKHU WKDQ LQ WUD΀F LQ D rainstorm. In case there is any doubt, when tyres are replaced in pairs, the new tyres should always be installed on the rear axle and the worn tyres moved to the front.

Safer to Replace Your Tyres in Pairs, If Not in Fours When you have problem with any of your tyres and you want to replace it, it is advisable to equally replace other tyres on the same axle with the bad tyres so that you have exactly the same make, same age, same physical conditions, same size- the same everything – on same axle.

This will give your vehicle stability, effective control and better handling. In fact, the ideal thing is to change all the four tyres at the same time.

36

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31, 2022

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Handwriting on the Wall’ Wrong

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

L

ET us end the year here on a business note: “Julius Berger fetes media practitioners (professionals) at end of year (end-of-year) parley” Wrong: rave up; right: rev or rev up The second set of slip-ups to round off this year comes from Daily Independent of December 7: “Beside (Besides), the old generation universities should be encouraged to….”

“Young estate surveyors task (tasked) on professionalism” “He became the third Lintas alumni (alumnus) to head the umbrella body which….”

“NSE sanctions Dangote Cement, 96 others for late submition (submission) of results” Last entry from Daily Independent: “…that we have tried our utmost best.” All the facts, all the sides: ‘Best’ has attained the end-point of intensification/absoluteness/superlative summit/ amplification and cannot, therefore, be padded or subjected to circumlocution or imprecision such as ‘very best’; ‘utmost best’; ‘better than the best’…such expressions smack of verbosity and hazy thinking that borders on linguistic indiscipline!

The word means ‘the most excellent type/quality, most suitable/appropriate, the highest standard that somebody or something can reach….’ End of discussion or should it continue? You are welcome to 2023 shortly!

“However, after series of intervention….”

(Polity, December 26) Get it right: a series of interventions….

DAILY TRUST of December 25 displayed editorial sloppiness with these two headline juvenilities on the same page: “Ugwuanyi urges Nigerians to emulate Christ…and “First Lady urges Nigerians to emulate Christ” The sub-editor who planned this page must have been dreaming of Christmas the previous day! How else do you explain this tardiness?

More from the above medium: “FRSC deploys officials on (to) Asaba-Onitsha highway”

“No gang up (gang-up) against Buhari” Still on DAILY TRUST under review: “With deep (a deep) sense of humility…who stood by us during the events of the past two months that culminated into (in) the closure of our petroleum products tank farm facility.” “…all Abuja brethren rejoices (rejoice) with… on the occassion of the 20th Anniversary of our great Ministry (sic).” (Full-page advertisement by state coordinator FCT Abuja of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement) I hope this intellectualization of religion is not blasphemous!

Spell-check: occasion “Reception follows immediately at (on) the church premises” (Full-page advertisement by Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja) “Cold blooded murder!” This is an example of cold-blooded headline casting!

“That was when I saw the handwriting (writing) on the wall.”

“YSFON mourns Late (sic)…” Basic knowledge: Do you mourn a living person? Enough of this loose thinking!

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of December 25 contained a few slips: “…discussed the envisaged restructuring of the party and it’s (its) chances in 2023.” “…he was the governorship candidate under (on) the platform of APC.” “An engineer by profession and Harvard trained (Harvard-trained) economist….” “…argues that the federal government is biting too much (biting off more than it can chew).” “…turning himself into a brand that many up and coming (up-and-coming) comedians struggle to emulate.”

Finally from THE NATION ON SUNDAY under review: “Where to find last minute (last-minute) Xmas bargains” “…they now resort into (to) more desperate inactivity.” “…shouldn’t the National Assembly summon the will and revert back to the....” How does ‘revert

back’ sound, dear reader? Simply illiterate. So, delete ‘back’, which is implied. “…on the erroneous ground (grounds) that all of them are rich.”

“Too many theories are already making the rounds (doing or going the rounds) which only an open investigation can stop.”

“The Hausa and Yoruba residents of Idi-Araba on Lagos Mainland went for each other’s throats….”

Justice in service of community: each other’s throat (two persons) and one another’s throat (more than two persons).

“The disturbances, as is (are) are now well known, started from a non-issue.”

“But as soon as the Igbo governors demanded for confederation.…” Gently delete ‘for’ in the interest of lexical sanity.

“The reunited Ijaw Youths Council has declared February 28 as a day all Ijaw youths would be ready to lay down their lives in a bid to battle the oil companies operating in (on) Bonny Island.”

“Times like this call for fresh ideas and bold initiatives that would put a final stop to this one dark spot of our national life.” The tragedy of gunmen: A time like this or times like these.

And this: ‘a final stop’?

“Karzai re-opens Afghan embassy in UAE” This way: reopens.

“Any of the elected representative (representatives) who performs well will stand a better chance of being re-elected in the forthcoming elections.”

“Therefore, they should refrain from joining the bandwagon in a life of greed and avarice and take a right step in the right direction.” Nigeria and leadership succession: climb or jump on/ aboard the bandwagon (not join—it is not a club or society).

“Assailant, vigilante member die in gun duel” Get it right: vigilance member. Alternatively: Assailant, vigilante die in gun duel.

“INEC official arrested over ‘missing’ ballot papers” Truth in defence of freedom: ‘arrest’ takes ‘for’—not ‘over’!

“Woman arrested with AK-47, 148 live ammunitions” The last word in the extract is uncountable.

“This will remove the possibility of passing the bulk (buck)” No pedestrian English.

“The organized private sector took the bull by the horn recently….” For a better society: take the bull by the horns.

“Britain handed over the reigns of power to the politicians.” Modern English: reins of government.

“One even wonders why government did not adopt that method from the onset (outset).”

“This is true given the restricted and guarded comments from those who have been priviledged to view the clips.” Spellings count: privileged.

“Government needs to put (get) its acts together and prosecute the kidnappers.” My own comment: get its act (not acts) together.

“Vigilante group accused of murder” Get it right: vigilance group.

“Apart from all these, the debt recovery (a hyphen confirms class) level of the banks have not been any issue of interest to NDIC.” Question CBN has to answer: debt recovery has (not have).

FEEDBACK PERMIT me to point out two rather frequent anomalies in Nigerian English: People are said to die after a brief illness. Does this make sense?

‘After an illness’ implies they have recovered.

Death occurs from an illness—NOT after it. Often the word ‘contract’ is omitted when reporters write about government jobs. The road has been awarded. Is it right to leave out ‘contract’? No! Once more, thanks for your good works. (Prof.

N.P. Okolie/University of Benin/07031677944) YOUR efforts at reducing lexical insanity are appreciated. The column should be an everyWednesday tonic to every lover of good English.

(Stanley/08062925996) FROM THE COLUMNIST MY dear reader: Happy New Year in a few hours!

Revisiting Remnants of a Great Country (2)

COUNTERPOINT

W

FEMI

e continue with our dissection of the insufferable missteps and scattergun approach to governance in the making and running of our country, Nigeria.

Frankly, no one is guiltless in the morasses we have indwelt for quite some decades.

Let us further probe the perfidy of our educational iniquities which is well manifested in the atrocious “qualification limit for admissions into higher institutions in Nigeria.

Though several tertiary institutions claimed four or five credits in one sitting as the least for admission, who would bet his life that more than few have not strolled in with fewer than that number of credit limit? Institutions that are created in pursuit of excellence have allowed a system of deferred corruption to dilute their mainframe by accepting applicants who have fewer credits, and lower marks in JAMB and post-JAMB exams, to come through the cracks, when more excellent students have had to be turned back because they were not born in the correct states, or far away from a particular university. It’s shamelessly called “catchment areas”.

So, some, by sheer force of their all-round brilliance, have forced their way in, while few others would simply adopt the “catchment” states as their homesteads, with their active and wily parents providing the financial and logistical endowments to make the miracle happen. And you expect that child, threatened by a stupid long-held policy, to project love and patriotism in the face of colossal indifference and red-tapeism?”

“You can gauge the barometer of resentment and underlying tensions amongst our ‘leaders of tomorrow’ when social events organised by the government or corporate bodies bring them together. The situations, if not creatively and carefully moderated and chaperoned, would flare and fester in shockingly worrisome dimensions. We have seen lots of evidence on midday TV news flashes.

It is lost on our rulers, the wise counsel in the

aphorism that when you give fish to one person, you merely feed him only, or at most, his family; but when you teach him how to fish, you invariably feed the entire village or city. Simply put, quality education presents the receiver with the immense opportunity, if he is wise and progressive, to expand his knowledge, influence and capacity; to replicate and deploy his acquired resources for the benefit of his family, contemporaries, community, and ultimately, his nation.

Conversely, the student challenged by the inadequacy of his surroundings, but shoed-in by a broken, unfair and ridiculous system, into receiving quality, or qualified, education that mostly flies above his head, will most likely come out to express his deepened shortcomings in only ways he can survive this cruel, demanding, unquota-ed world. He will likely cheat and game the systems to climb the ladder. He will supplant his superiors by the use of primordial tactics to get to the tip of the ladder, in supersonic speed. He will inevitably pillage the treasury, while at the height of the ladder, and slump at the probe panel when comeuppance calls.

Such a man, or woman, currently sits atop one critical government agency or department, in one corner of Nigeria, as you read...he may be a short-time ‘visitor’ in one of our seedy prisons, writing ‘memoirs’ of how and where to spend the billions he had stolen, and starched on one of those tiny island covens of roguery and laundered loot, from nations wiped clean by poorly educated and lavishly tolerated scallywags, who call themselves leaders.

Then, to our third attempt at understanding and accepting the ugly facts that our actions and reactions combine to produce the much maligned leadership that we have been saddled

with over the years, and invariably underscore the conflicted and grossly underwhelming followership that we have allowed ourselves to fall into.

The signs are there in our business practices and commercial interactions. Of course, we shy away from headless generalisations, such that no human organisation or activity is absolutely admirable or deplorable. There are always exceptions to the norm. There is a Prof. Is-haq Olarewaju Oloyede in the fairly long history of JAMB superstructure; there was a Prof. Dora Akunyili in the storied history of NAFDAC. And this is not to suggest that greatness is the cornerstone of only the Ivory Tower. We will quickly remind you that a professor of soil science from the University of Calabar is currently in jail for electoral fraud...and many others under prosecution, or serving sentences, for embezzlement, misappropriation, sexual harassment, sex-for-grades malfeasance, etc. Surely, no area of human life is safe from infamy.

Yet, we all know that most small to medium scale businesses have been destroyed, beyond resuscitation, by thieving and disgruntled workforce. When we are not working hard to kill some other person’s business, by stealing it dry, we are at the borders smuggling contrabands and such fancy consumables that many of us will virtually break our necks to purchase, and impress, or oppress, our neighbours. Without scruples that by such gluttonous acquisition, we join economic saboteurs in depleting and diminishing the opportunities of homegrown businesses to be in operation, to make profits, to pay salaries and other emoluments - and thus keep the industrial and commercial souls of the nation thriving and sustaining.

We have no qualms smuggling expired drugs into the country, so far we can make millions over the top; nor do we care when we set up shop in some dinghy area of our community; whip out some sort of “research and development” workshop or factory, merrily producing drugs, aphrodisiacs, condiments and solutions with stunning similarities, in

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

packaging, to authentic alternatives. You may even see on our roads, during slow traffic, supernatural portions of biblical or oriental origins, with potency to cure all, make rich, or indestructible… peddled by people who look far from the efficacy of the stuff they want others to benefit.

We do not seem to worry about the attendant deaths and devastation wrecking many homes across the nation as a result of selling adulterated, unhygienically produced, fake products. We just want the money as the bottom line! Daily, we enact schemes and subterfuges to outwit regulatory bodies at every turn: we bribe our way, using cash, influence or mysticism to hoodwink NAFDAC, for example, so that our products can flood the streets without going through statutory rigour of regulatory procedures.

This kind of villainy is not restricted to the struggling cadres of Nigerians. Some big companies and large organisations also fleece their customers, deliberately or inadvertently, with little or no reprimand or sanction from governmental bodies, or consumer protection agencies. Banks charge you for all sorts of services that, elsewhere, are taken for granted as an inclusive framework of banking.

Many Nigerians have scars, tender and tear-jerking, that were inflicted by con-artists, sometimes in seeming collusion with bank workers. Nigerian scammers have now snowballed into a massive enterprise with fangs in different layers of financial services, always upfront and inventive with ingenious schemes and highly camouflaged charades to bamboozle and burglarize the hard-earned resources of unsuspecting Nigerians.”

(To continue)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31 2022

37

FEATURE

L-R: Oyeniran Apata of Daily Independent; Victor Taiwo of Campus Online; Registrar, Lagos State University, Emmanuel Fanu; Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello; Bursar, Saidi Babatunde Olayinka; Ms. Tayo Olorunyomi of Eko FM and the university’s Librarian, Dr. Layi Adebayo, at the event

Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello Fetes Journalists Recently, the Lagos State University management led by its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello rolled out the drums to celebrate the members of the media. The 5th media parley and awards ceremony was organised by the Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations (CIPPR), LASU. Funke Olaode reports

I

t was a colourful ceremony that drew the who’s who in media profession into the expansive hall of Lagos State University (LASU) main campus Ojoo on that Thursday morning of December 1st, 2022. The day was set aside to celebrate and reward journalists who had distinguished themselves and had been loyal to the institution. Organised by the university’s Centre for Information, Press and Public Relations to primarily thank media partners and express a desire to continue to forge a healthy partnership.

According to the organisers, the fifth Media Parley was organised to celebrate ‘the competent professionalism that has been more than helpful to the school’s business and work as it has given it visibility in the eyes of the publics and etched us in their mental space as it prepares to becoming the best in West Africa.”

As such, riding on the back of the success for year 2022 and the collaborative efforts of the media in ensuring a constant and balanced reportage of the university, the Centre, at the instance of the Vice Chancellor, has set aside December 1st to appreciate the invaluable contributions of its media friends as their strategic growth partners.

Looking graceful and peaceful in her long floral gown, the brilliant Vice-Chancellor accompanied by the institution’s registrar and bursar walked into the venue with a loud ovation.

Without doubt, Prof. Olatunji-Bello’s Midas touch since the leadership mantle fell on her, has put the foremost institution on the global map in terms of academic excellence. In less than 15 months in the saddle, the citadel of learning in the heart of Center of Excellence has begun to count its blessings. Thanks to

Prof. Olatunji-Bello whose administrative skills have helped the image of the institution.

In a short clip shown to the media and invited guests, the new Vice-Chancellor’s achievements were reeled out to the admiration of all. As it is a known fact that leadership effectiveness shapes any institution, Prof. Olatunji-Bello over the last 15 months continued to challenge the status quo by putting the university on the pedestal of irreversible growth. Established in 1983, LASU under leadership of newly appointed VC recorded the highest first-class students.

The achievements are improvement in infrastructural development, construction of lecture hall (sponsored by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila), renovation of offices of staff and non-staff members and renovation of its Epe Campus. To expand the faculties, LASU has secured approval for the establishment of three more faculties.

To ensure security of lives and property, new security outfits have been put in place.

In terms of foreign collaboration, LASU under the energetic and super focused ViceChancellor has secured affiliation with foreign universities such as Cornel Universities, United States amongst others while it has continued to provide enabling environment for all and sundry to win grants.

Health is wealth and under the watch of Prof. Olatunji-Bello, she has ensured that her staff continue to live a robust healthy life.

There is a free medical check-up for top staff members on their birthday. All these outstanding achievements have earned her many awards including A ‘ Resourceful Woman of the Year.”

In her speech, Prof. Olatunji-Bello commended her staff for their support and for “making the job easy.” She also used the opportunity to

recognise her world class students.

Reiterating her promise to make the institution one of the best in the world, she said. “My vision is to deploy all the resources at my disposal to make LASU the best in Africa.”

Thanking the media for their support she said, “I am indebted to our media partner for their professionalism in positive reportage of LASU. You are critical stakeholders by making LASU a preferred university over the last one year. I can attest to this through thousands of applicants. LASU’s relationship with the media has been enduring. The media has contributed significantly to the growth of this citadel of learning through balanced reportage of our activities. You have supported in amplifying the success story of LASU as a great citadel of learning.”

She concluded by imploring the member of pen profession to put professionalism first by being objective as ‘their work will always speak for them.”

The high point of the occasion was presentation of awards to outstanding journalists in radio/TV, newspaper and online. The criteria was based on reportage, frequent mentioning and positive attention desired to achieve the best in Africa.

Best reporter in television category went to Samuel Dada of Lagos TV while Tayo Olorunyomi of Eko FM won the Radio category. Victor Taiwo of Campus online and Adonai Toluwalafe of AF24 News.Com both won the best reporter online. For the print, Oyeniran

Apata of Daily Independent Newspaper won the best reporter.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Victor Taiwo thanked LASU management. “It is a privileged to receive this unexpected award from LASU. I was surprised when I got a call that I had been nominated. LASU leadership has improved greatly as you can get your certificate within a twinkle of an eye.

Indeed, LASU is the best.”

In his closing remarks, coordinator of the event, Mr. Aderemi Fashola thanked the media for their vehement and unwavering support for the university in the outgoing year as in the past years too.

Fashola said: “Need I emphasize that the relationship between LASU and the media can, at its most serious, be likened to the interdependence of the mother and a baby in the womb bound by the umbilical cord for a fruitful end to produce life and at its most hilarious context, “the Tom and Jerry” act which exemplifies the ultimate revelation of an inseparable affinity and survivalist need for each other. Thank you for your continued support.”

What is next? Fashola asked. “It is subtly to remind us all that the Lagos State University has been able to record some enviable milestones in recent years with your support inclusive, but I must confess that our thirst for more success has not been slaked. The university under the leadership of our amiable Vice Chancellor has set a new tall but yet achievable order of becoming the best in West Africa.

We are not disembarking from this ambition anytime soon until it becomes a reality. We, therefore, as an Institution solicit for more of your support and mileage in your reportage of the Lagos State University as a part of the building block piece to achieving our goals.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 31 2022

38

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L_R: Lush Hair Brand Ambassador, Ms. Amanda Dara; Lush Hair Braid to Millions Promo Grand Prize Winner, Ms. Angel Offornedu; Brand Manager, Ms. Ritambhara Kakkar and Chief Executive Officer, Smooth Promotions, Mr. Ayo Animashaun, during the Raffle Draw to unveil the Lush Hair “Braid to Millions” Promo grand prize winner at the palms, Lekki, Lagos... recently

L-R: Chief Executive, CSR-in-Action, and Founder, The Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Africa Awards, Bekeme Olowola; Dr. Aniekan Makanjuola, representing WARIF, winner of the Josephine Nkemdilim Masade Equal Rights Awards; and popular Nollywood actress, Kiki Omeili during the endowment cheque presentation at the 4th Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Africa Awards Ceremony held at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel,Victoria Island, Lagos... recently.

Lush Hair Fulfils Promise to Grand Prize Winner in Promo Indigenous hair attachment brand, Lush Hair has delivered a brand-new car to the grand prize winner of its ‘Braid to Millions’ Promo. \HDU ROG $QJHO 2ͿRUQHGX D QDWLYH of Anambra State emerged the grand prize winner from a pool over 500,000 customers who participated in the promo nationwide.

The grand prize was delivered to Offornedu at the Palms mall, Lekki Lagos in the presence of some entertainment FHOHEULWLHV DQG NH\ R΀FLDOV RI /XVK KDLU 7KH SURPR NLFNHG RͿ RQ 1RYHPEHU VW ZLWK PRXWK ZDWHU\ RͿHULQJV which included N1million to 10 lucky

customers, deep freezer, generator set, VPDUW SKRQHV IRRG VWXͿ DQG WKH JUDQG prize of a brand-new car.

The promo is also designed such that anyone who made a purchase of any Lush Hair braiding extensions during the period get a gift of 100MB. According to the organisation, the ‘Braid to Millions’ promo was inspired by a need to reward and appreciate customers for their loyalty during the festive season.

Speaking, Brand Manager of Lush Hair, Ritambhara Kakkar stressed that the promo aimed to reward loyal customers, while ensuring that they enjoy a

memorable holiday.

She said, “Here is a big congratulations WR $QJHO 2ͿRUQHGX RXU JUDQG SUL]H winner and the numerous winners of other prizes who already have redeemed their gifts across the country, we hope this promo has left behind the most anticipated impact in the hearts of our customers as the holidays roll in.”

5HVSRQGLQJ 2ͿRUQHGX VDLG ´,QGHHG this is the most unexpected, and life changing event of my life and I am deeply grateful to the company for providing this opportunity of a lifetime.

I still cannot believe that my status has been elevated to being a car owner.”

IFC Reshuffles, Announces Key Appointments The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced the appointment of Dahlia Khalifa as its Regional Director for Nigeria, Central Africa, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

In her new role, Khalifa will drive IFC’s strategy to create a more resilient and sustainable private sector to support development and job creation in the region.

According to IFC in a statement, Khalifa will lead its investment and advisory teams in Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad and Republic of Congo.

Other countries listed included: Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, and Sierra Leone.

Commenting, IFC Vice President

for Africa, Sérgio Pimenta said, “I welcome Dahlia to her new role. We are convinced that her leadership and experience generating impactful investments in the region will further deepen IFC’s work in Africa and enable our partners to meet the challenges of the moment, from rising food insecurity WR WKH HͿHFWV RI FOLPDWH FKDQJH “I look forward to working with Dahlia and her team to deliver on new opportunities in the years to come, such as empowering more of the region’s entrepreneurs.”

Responding, Khalifa said, “We are stepping up our work to empower the private sector and to work jointly with government and development partners to deliver greener, more inclusive and sustainable growth in the region. We

commit to further strengthening IFC’s work so we can together build the strong foundations for private and public sector partnerships.”

Khalifa, an Egyptian/American national, was most recently the Senior Manager for IFC’s Creating Markets Advisory programme in the Middle East, Central Asia, Türkiye, Pakistan, and Afghanistan region, where she and her team supported the removal of barriers to investment to strengthen the private sector and boost economic development.

Before joining the World Bank Group, .KDOLID IRXQGHG DQG PDQDJHG ÀQDQFLDO services companies providing brokerDJH FRUSRUDWH ÀQDQFH SULYDWH HTXLW\ investing, and management consulting services in the Middle East and Africa.

CSR-in-Action Announces Winners of CAHR Awards Foremost international sustainability advocacy DQG FRQVXOWLQJ ÀUP &65 in-Action has announced winners of the 2022 Community and Human Rights (CAHR) Awards.

Now in its fourth edition, the award UHFRJQLVHV HͿRUWV DQG contributions of individuals and organisations to community development, inclusion and other impactful endeavours.

Sponsored by Ford Foundation and Global Rights, the award comprised nine categories of which two received endowments.

The organisation listed winners of the award as Green Africa Foundation, Kenya; Karis and Eleos Hand of Hope Foundation, Nigeria; Dr. Sanele Gamede of South Africa; Ewang Ngide, Cameroon; and Feminist for Peace Rights and Justice Centre, Kenya.

Others included: Aileen Florence Akinyi, Kenya; Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF), Nigeria; Awareness for Child 7UD΀FNLQJ $IULFD $&7 Africa), South Africa and Professor Nwaocha Ogechukwu, Nigeria.

In addition, a special award for Exemplary Leadership in Develop-

ment was presented to Channels Television.

Chief Executive, CSR-inAction, Bekeme Olowola, stressed the importance of recognising the humanitarian superheroes of African community, whose works and deeds have shaped the community.

She said, “In addition to the recipients of these awards, we recognise and applaud every individual, organisation, and company that made it to the shortlist.

They have dedicated resources to ensuring that anomalies in their immediate community and society at large are corrected, thereby promoting inclusivity, equity, and sustainability.

“I can say of the winners that I am deeply inspired by their dedication, strength, and commitment to the cause of humanity. They cause the team and I to want to do more.”

The award process involved an initial public nomination for the suitable award categories, followed by an internal review, validation of nominations, public YRWLQJ DQG ÀQDO VFUXWLQ\ by the CAHR awards jury based on a set of criteria.

Firm Tasked on Work Place Well-being NNPC/FIRST E&P Takes Medical Outreach to Bayelsa Community to Enhance Productivity Organisations have been urged to prioritise well-being of employees in workplace to drive growth and productivity.

Hence, they are advised to promote best sustainable practices in line with global expectations and adhere to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, of good health and well-being.

Experts who spoke at a webinar organised by Telecommunication and Technology Working Group (TTSWG), in collaboration with key partners, also emphasized innovation and thought leadership at workplace.

They urged good working conditions built on occupational health and safety principles so as to promote business growth through the retention of talent.

Themed, “Well-being as a Hallmark of Sustainability in the Technology Sector,” the webinar educated participants on how employers and employees in the Telecom and Technology industries FDQ DFKLHYH D KHDOWK\ DQG HͿHFWLYH ZRUNIRUFH ,W LGHQWLÀHG WKDW RFFXSDWLRQDO SUHVVXUHV FDQ lead to a build-up of physical or mental ill-health which in the long-term, may result in loss of time, productivity, and even company credibility.

Speaking during a panel session, Chief Executive 2΀FHU RI +\EULG *URXS /LPLWHG DQG +6( H[SHUW Dapo Omolade advocated for a system that will prolong worker’s life long after service.

On his part, Head of Corporate and Consumer Services at NEBOSH, Ian Cooke also admonished employees to play their part towards their wellbeing at work.

The OML 83 and 85 NNPC/FIRST E&P Jjoint Venture (‘the JV’) has reached out to over 2,200 persons in Bayelsa community at a medical outreach it organised recently.

The outreach held in eight communities of Bayelsa namely: Koluama 1, Koluama 2, Ezetu 1, Ezetu 2, Foropa, Fish Town, Ekeni and Sangana.

The JV explained that the move was part of its corporate social responsibility programmes, aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of people within its host communities.

The outreach was carried by 62 medical doctors and other healthcare professionals. Beneficiaries were provided with free preventive, referral and curative medical services.

The outreach also saw no fewer than 692 pairs of prescription eyeglasses, 1200 mosquito nets and

deworming medication, amongst others being distributed to beneficiaries across communities in the state.

Group General Manager of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NIUMS), Bala Wunti stated that the organisation was driven by partnerships to improve life of Nigerians.

He said, “For social interventions, our vision is to continue to operate in an ethical and sustainable manner, whilst dealing with any environment and social impacts occasioned by our activities.

We believe that this outreach programme will go a long way in addressing health challenges in the community. We would like to extend our appreciation to the Bayelsa State Government, and our partner FIRST E&P for driving this programme.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾DECEMBER 31, 2022

39

SPORTS XTRA

Sports People that Shaped 2022 As the 2022 comes to an end Kunle Adewale takes a look at some sports men and women and indeed moments that shaped the sporting year ending Pele: The King of Football is Gone ust as the world was counting the hours to usher in another new year, news broke out on Thursday that Brazil football legend Pele, one of the greatest players of all time, had died at the age of 82.

The former striker, who is the only player in history to win three World Cups, passed away at the Albert Einstein hospital in Sao Paulo following a battle with cancer.

Pele, who is Brazil’s joint all-time top scorer with 77 goals in 92 matches, became an icon of the game after winning the World Cup in 1958 as a 17-year-old, netting twice in the final to defeat hosts Sweden.

A message from Pele’s official Twitter account on Thursday read: “Inspiration and love marked the journey of King Pelé, who peacefully passed away today. Love, love and love, forever.”

Leon Edwards Ends Kamaru Usman’s UFC Dominance Jamaican Leon Edwards ended Nigeria’s Kamaru Usman’s dominance after Edwards shocked the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) world by inflicting a first career defeat on Usman in their welterweight showdown at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City, Utah in August.

Despite being behind on points in the fifth round, 30-year-old Edwards, who was a big underdog with bookmakers prior to the fight, landed a left high-kick to stun Nigeria’s pound-for-pound number one fighter.

J

Lionel Messi: At Last, A World Cup Winner In spite of having won every trophy available at club level and scooping several individual awards, Lionel Messi has been criticized for inability to lead Argentina to winning the World Cup. The little Argentine however put that to rest by leading Albiceleste to victory at the 2022 Mundial in Qatar.

The PSG forward not only won the trophy in Qatar but went on to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, after scoring seven goals and registering three assists, thus making the Argentina captain the first player in the history of the tournament to have won the award twice, having adjudged the best player in the 2014 edition of the competition as well.

Rafael Nadal: Tops Grand Slam Titles Rafael Nadal won an all-time record 22 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, including a record 14 French Open titles. He has won 92 ATP singles titles, including 36 Masters titles, with 63 of these on clay courts. Nadal is one of only two men to complete the Career Golden Slam in singles. At the French Open, Nadal won a record 14th title and 22nd major title overall. In doing so, he became the oldest French Open champion ever.

Tobi Amusan : First Nigerian World Record Holder Tobi Amusan became the first ever Nigerian world champion and world record holder in an athletics event when she won the 2022 World Championships 100m hurdles gold medal, setting the current world record of 12.12 seconds in the semifinal, followed up by a windassisted 12.06 s in the final. The feat earned Amusan, Africa’s Best Female Athlete for the Year 2022. Winner at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham where she set a record, Amusan has been far above her contemporaries this year. She also won the Diamond League trophy for the second successive season, highlighting her rating as one of the world’s best and Africa’s undisputed number one at the moment.

Ibrahim Gusau: The New NFF Boss Ibrahim Gusau was in September elected president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), fending off challenges from former vice-presidents Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko as well as former international goalkeeper Idah Peterside to emerge successor to Amaju Pinnick.

Karim Benzema : Oldest Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema becomes only the second player aside from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d’Or since 2008. Benzema’s Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric won the prize in 2018.

Aged 34, Benzema is the oldest Ballon d’Or winner since Stanley Matthews in 1956. However, the France international says he has a “burning desire” to keep playing.

The Real Madrid striker scored 44 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions and went on to winning the La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.

Pele

Walid Regragui

Messi

Tobi-Amusan

Victor Osimhen: Eyes First Scudetto in 32 Years With nine goals and two assists in 11 matches Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen tops the Serie A goals scorer’s chart. The Nigerian has therefore set a target to help Napoli win their third Scudetto and first in 32 years.

Serena Williams, Roger Federer Bid Tennis Farewells With 43 Grand Slams between them- Serena Williams and Roger Federer remain two of the greatest tennis players of all time. Both have however called it quit in an emotional

Serena Williams and Roger Federer

farewell. It was all love and tributes Serena played in her final tournament-the US Open in September where she crashed out in the third round. The moments were beautiful, with social media giant, Twitter, adding a goat emoji to Serena’s name on its platform, denoting that the 23-time Grand Slam winner is the Greatest of All Time.

Many tributes also went out for Federer after the Swiss announced he was quitting the sport in September. Among the many tributes paid was that of rival Rafael Nadal, who tagged the day a sad one and expressed his gratitude to his fellow tennis great.

Kylian Mbappe : Set to Rule World’s Football The story of the 2022 World Cup would not be complete without the name- Kylian Mbappe. He secured the tournament’s Golden Boot with eight goals, and became the sixth all-time top goal scorer in World Cup history with 12 goals, tied with Pele.

Mbappe’s hat-trick against Argentina was the first in a final since Geoff Hurst for England in the 1966 World Cup. Walid Regragui : Leads Morocco to Historic World Cup Semi When in August Walid Regragui was appointed as the new head coach for the Morocco national football team after the dismissal of former head coach, Vahid Halilhodizic, critics were unhappy with his appointment and derisively nicknamed him “avocado head”.

Regragui however made his critics to eat their words as he led Morocco to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1986, and to the quarter finals after beating making Morocco the fourth African nation and the first Arab nation to qualify for this stage in a World Cup competition. Regragui would eventually lead Morocco to the semi-finals, making the Atlas Lions the first African team, and first Arab team to qualify for the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup. His astonishing performance in Qatar earned him the 2022 FIFA World Cup Coach of the Year Award.

Saturday, December 31, 2022

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Price: N250

MISSILE

House of Representatives to ASUU President “Professor Emmanuel Osodeke knows that the FG is under no obligation to pay university lecturers’ salaries for the duration they were on strike. This is a settled matter in law” –The House of Representatives chiding ASUU Chairman, Emmanuel Osodeke, for accusing Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, of deceiving university lecturers into calling off their strike.

GARBASHEHU GUEST COLUMNIST

Sardauna Title Solemnizes Nigeria’s Intelligence Chief

O

n Sunday, the last day of the year 2022, honour is being conferred on one of the best brains in intelligence circles on the African continent, Ambassador Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar, CFR, as the Emir, Abdulmuminu Kabir Usman turbans him the third Sardaunan Katsina. The Sardauna is revered title made famous by the late Premier of Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, himself the Sardauna of Sokoto.

Before him, Katsina, his birth place had conferred the first Sardauna title on Ahmadu Coomassie, a former Inspector General of Police and a role model for the entire Force and lately, upon Senator Ibrahim Ida, an accomplished bureaucrat, businessman and politician who got promoted to the title of the Waziri, Prime Minister of Katsina.

Before they got to do this honor for him at home, Ambassador Rufa’i had received accolades and wide acceptance beyond the shores of Nigeria, most notably in the West African subregion where his intelligence capabilities are known and much respected, in continental Africa where he just finished serving as the Chairperson of the Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) and in the global intelligence community in which he has become a veritable reference person on matters of counterterrorism and counter insurgency.

He is well known to our European and Middle Eastern partners for providing deep insights about the threats faced by the country, West Africa and indeed the entire continent from within and from outside.

The Golden Fish, as the reference goes, has no hiding place.

Ambassador Rufa’i didn’t start this illustrious journey to the top by accident.

The polyglot (he speaks Hausa, Kanuri, a bit of Fulfulde, English, French and Arabic) was headhunted into the secret service from Katsina State civil service, which itself snatched him from the Bayero University, Kano where he taught French language and literature.

He had the distinction of being a product of an Arabic school who later joined the modern school system and proved his mettle at every level.

According to his official biography, the DG and the soon-to-turbaned Sardauna was born in Kofar Durbi area of Katsina into a respected family of Quranic scholars. “As was the tradition in Northern Nigeria and indeed, West Africa, Quranic scholarship took his uncle to Republic of Chad and he took the young Abubakar with him.

On his return to Nigeria, Abubakar attended Arabic Teacher’s College, Katsina where he obtained his Grade II Certificate.

He later went to Bayero University Kano where he obtained a B.A degree in French Language and Literature, and an M.A degree in Francophone Maghrebian Literature. He worked as a Lecturer at Bayero University before taking up appointment with Katsina

Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar

State Government. Later he transferred his services to the National Intelligence Agency, NIA in the 90s.”

At the NIA, he worked as an intelligence officer for many years during which he had served at the Nigerian Embassy Rabat, Morocco, before he quit on his own volition to join the African Union, AU Peace Mission in Darfur, Sudan.

After a meritorious service at the AU, he later joined United Nations as Director in Peace Support Operations, Mediation Process, Preventive Diplomacy and Good Governance office. He also worked as the political director of the UN Mission in West Africa in the course of which he, Ibn-Chambas and others supervised Nigeria’s successful election and transfer of power from an incumbent administration to an opposition winner, Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

The published biography went on to state how, as a top official of the UN the new Sardauna “acquired extensive experience in peace support operations of the UN, mediation process, preventive diplomacy and good offices, while all along helping to promote good governance and respect for the rule of law and human rights.”

Shortly after leaving the UN, to come home and settle down in retirement, he was appointed as a Senior Advisor with the Multinational Joint Task Force, MNJTF formed by Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin Republics with headquarters in Djamena.

Not long after this appointment, President Buhari recalled him and placed him in the Office of the Chief of Staff as Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Relations where he supervised diplomatically and politically sensitive matters of the country’s foreign affairs.

Amid heightened tensions and fears

training on the current challenges facing the nation and our neighboring countries.

Technology is being updated and made available and so are funds to carry out essential duties.

As the Boko Haram receive a battering, nearly 100,000 of them dropping their arms and accepting peace, the Islamic Stateinspired terrorists have come knocking at the nation’s doorstep and NIA’s well trained spymasters, through effective coordination and collaboration with their domestic equivalent, the DSS and the armed forces and the police continue steer the country’s strategic and counter-intelligence efforts towards a safe direction.

With a style of management as put in practice by President Buhari, the nation’s security and intelligence agencies are achieving more with the little that is available.

Although essentially a secret service organization, the NIA was transformed into a veritable health hub when the nation fell into the grip of COVID-19 pandemic. They hosted the most qualitative and the most efficient testing laboratory in the Federal Capital Territory that became the choice laboratory/clinic to leaders in the country including the Presidency on coronavirus testing and treatment.

The agency, in collaboration with other partners is currently making a historic investment in health. Building is at an advanced state of a new mega hospital in Abuja that will house dedicated centers of excellence in cancer, renal sciences, orthopedics, trauma, mother and child care, and a hi-tech, fully-automated centralised laboratory.

A charming personality and highly popular in his network, the Sardaunan Katsina is destined to bring progress and development to his native state as well.

To commemorate this turbaning, he didn’t call praise singers to trumpet his ego and invite people to dance parties. Yes, there were Polo games, the signature sport of the royalty in Katsina played in Abuja and Katsina.

But the most notable thing he and the committee of friends who put together all the money through donations for the event are doing is a two-day seminar themed: Tradition and Modernity: Trends and Issues in the History of Katsina. The seminar brought together scholars and practitioners from several institutions to jaw-jaw on the traditional system of rulership and to suggest ways the institution will enhance national development. Whatever is left of the donated money will go into building a quality primary school that will serve only the children of the poor.

Many a prophet, goes the saying, ends up without an honour at home. For Sardauna (Ambassador) Ahmed Rufa’i Abubakar there is honor abroad and honor at home.

within the intelligence service and in the West African subregion, President Buhari named him as the successor to the equally cerebral Ambassador Ayo Oke. Ambassador Rufa’i hit the spotlight upon this appointment following succession battles launched by some in the organization who believed it was their turn. In appointments to top jobs like these, succession battles are not new but in the case of this one, it was very nasty.

But governments take the final call, the Head of Government decides who to appoint to the joy of some and disappointment of some; and to others, surprises. But it stays.

As the dust settled on the fire-andbrimstone succession in the NIA, Ambassador Rufa’i steeped himself in the job, introducing policies and measures that continue to change the nation’s intelligence landscape for good.

He sought and obtained the support of most of his predecessors in office, some of whom had left very aggrieved and in a few cases in court against the organization that had nurtured their careers. Many of such cases have been discontinued.

Among the large turnout of exAmbassador this and ex-Ambassador that at the Polo event in Abuja to honor the DG on the attainment of the Sardauna title were men and women who in the past had sworn never to have anything with the intelligence agency. He has brought nearly everyone, serving and retired from the diverse sections of the country under the tent.

Internal staff matters concerning delayed promotions, lack of care and perceptions of unfair overseas postings were addressed and are still being paid attention to in a manner transparent and honest.

A lot is going on to have the field staff •Garba Shehu is Senior Special Assistant and those in headquarters updated through to the President (Media and Publicity).

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