SATURDAY 14TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Community, Not State Police, Suitable for Nigeria, Says IG Adamu Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Inspector General of Police Abubakar Mohammed Adamu has expressed preference for the adoption of community police as against the clamour for state police.

The IG made this submission

yesterday in Abuja when he spoke to reporters during the submission of the report of the committee set up by the federal government on strengthening of internal security framework and community policing in Nigeria.

The report was submitted

by the committee headed by the Permanent Secretary, Special Services Office, Mrs. Amina M.B. Shamaki, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha.

The IG noted that community policing was the

best solution to the country’s security challenges, saying it would enable policing initiatives to be derived from the communities rather than from the police high command.

Adamu stressed that community policing would

allow for engagement of the communities in every aspect of policing initiatives unlike the state police which required each state government to create, recruit, train, and manage a policing system separate from the federal system.

“Because the advantages of community policing outweigh the idea of state policing, the disadvantages of state policing are more than the perceived advantages. The way to go is by community policing, which will take care of all the Continued on page 6

Okonjo-Iweala’s Brother, Ifechukwude, Replaces Father as Ogwashi-Uku King… Page 6 Saturday 14 September, 2019 Vol 24. No 8923

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ISWAP Attacks 3 Borno Towns, 6 Soldiers, CJTF Commander Killed Military vacates Gubio, Gajiganna, Gajiram Buratai orders frontline soldiers to deal decisively with insurgents Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja and Michael Olugbodi in Maiduguri Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Thursday, carried out deadly attacks on military

formations and civilians in three towns in Borno State - Gubio, Gajiganna and Gajiram, killing six soldiers and a civilian militia leader, security sources and residents told AFP. This is coming just

three days after ISWAP ambushed Nigerian soldiers in Gudumbali town, in the same Borno State, killing nine soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole, while 20 others could not be accounted for.

In a swift response to the

recent attacks, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai yesterday ordered troops to go all out and deal decisively with Boko Haram and ISWAP. He was however silent on the setback suffered by Nigerian

soldiers in Gudumbali, Gubio, Gajiganna, Gajiram.

Sources said six soldiers were killed during the attack on Thursday in Gubio, which started around 1630 GMT. “The bodies of six soldiers and the local head of the

Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in the town were recovered outside the town with bullet wounds,” a security source told AFP. A resident of Gubio town, Continued on page 6

Buhari: How I Used FEC Meeting to Deflect Tension During Tribunal Verdict I thank God for it because I would have been in trauma or something of that sort Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said the Federal Executive Council meeting on Wednesday provided him an opportunity to deflect the tension generated on that same day by the judgement delivered at the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal.

The candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar had challenged Buhari’s victory at the February 23, 2019 presidential poll.

President Buhari, who stated this while receiving the All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole, in the State House, Abuja, said he would have "gone into

trauma" if he had watched the judgment of the Election Petitions' Tribunal and was thankful that his re-election was upheld.

The tribunal had in a judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Garba, dismissed the petitions of Atiku.

The president emphasised that it would have been traumatic for him if he had watched the judgment, which incidentally went on for several hours, simultaneously with the maiden and equally long FEC meeting in the State House on Wednesday.

"On this judgement, again it was a fabulous coincidence that it came almost the same time the first Federal Executive Council meeting of this Continued on page 6

PDP: Presidential Election Tribunal Delaying Release of Judgment Record ... Page 8

CONGRATULATIONS SIR...

President Muhammadu Buhari, with his Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, during a congratulatory visit to the President by governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other party leaders, at the State House, Abuja… yesterday godwin omoigui

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Okonjo-Iweala’s Brother, Ifechukwude, Replaces Father as Ogwashi-Uku King Former minister: Dad, a loving father, touched many lives personally, professionally Bennett Oghifo Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă? Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Omon-Julius Onabu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹ Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo, brother of former Minister of Finance, Mrs. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has replaced his father as Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom in Aniocha South Local Government of Delta State.

The former king, His Royal Majesty, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, who ascended the throne in 2007, died in Lagos yesterday at age 91.

Secretary to the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku palace, Lawrence Okolobi, who issued a statement on the demise of the monarch yesterday in Ogwashi-Uku, disclosed that the process of rites of passage of the departed traditional king and the installation or coronation had commenced simultaneously in consonance with culture and tradition of the Kingdom of Ogwashi-Uku. “Accordingly, the rites of coronation of Prince Ifechukwude Okonjo, the third son of the late monarch began at about 3am on Friday, including his formal crowning, while other rites would continue for the next 21, with the next seven days being the most critical, the statement disclosed,�

Okolobi said.

THISDAY was at the Obi's palace yesterday to witness some of the coronation rites conducted by traditional council of chiefs, kingmakers and elders drawn from the relevant clans amid intermittent gunshots.

Specifically, Ifechukwude, a financial management expert and CEO of Chevy Chase Consulting, had been duly installed as the new Obi of Ogwashi-Uku

Kingdom.

The installation rites included the cleansing of the palace ground with a live mother hen tied with palm leaves and white chalk mixed with coconut water symbolising peace.

The ascension of Ifechukwude (meaning, what God has destined) Okonjo followed the completion of necessary traditional processes.

The process also included the new Obi’s endorsement and presentation by the Umu Obi Obahai Royal Family of OgwashiUku and the traditional chalking and crowning ceremonies conducted by the Ikelike and Agidiehi Kingmakers in Ogwashi Uku. The new Ogwashi-Uku monarch, who also worked for Halliburton Nigeria, attended Federal Government College, Enugu. He obtained his A-levels as an external student of the University of London before proceeding to United States of America where he bagged two degrees in Economics and History from University of Maryland, College Park and an MBA from University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

He is currently pursuing a doctorate in Business Administration from University of Paris, in France. ''A transformational minded leader with a deep and abiding love for his people, His Royal Majesty, ObiIfechukwude Chukuka Okonjo’s focus is to be a forward-looking and inclusive traditional ruler who will elevate his people by serving as a champion of translating progressive and practical ideas into action,� said the statement from the palace.

Okonjo-Iweala: Dad Touched Many Lives Personally, Professionally Okonjo-Iweala announced the death of her father and the ascension of her brother to the throne through her verified Twitter handle @NOIweala.

She tweeted: “It is with thanks to Almighty God that I announce two impactful events: The ascension to the throne of the Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom of my brother, Obi Ifechukwude Chukuka Okonjo, upon the passing away of my father, Obi (Professor) Chukuka Okonjo at the age of 91.�

The former minister said her father died in Lagos shortly after he returned from the United States, according to a statement by her Media Adviser, Paul Nwabuikwu.

Okonjo-Iwaela said her late father, who was a professor of mathematics, was a passionate intellectual and prolific writer whose last book was published at the age of 90. “He touched so many lives personally and professionally and was an unrelenting believer and practitioner in the power of education to transform lives. “In pursuit of this commitment, daddy sponsored the education of at least 19 students up to university level in addition to his own seven children. He inspired and motivated so many more. “Having witnessed the ravages of war, he was committed to unity and peaceful coexistence of all. “From his marriage of 66 years to our mother, Professor

Kamene Okonjo to his dedication to duty, he was exceptional,� the statement quoted the former minister to have said.

She said her dad would be remembered most as a loving father and an inspiration, who led by his own example, the value of a life of service anchored on integrity, fear of God and love for others.

The former minister said that the late Monarch, Chukwuka Okonjo, whose hobies were gardening and dancing, used to be a teacher with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) in Lagos. “Though it was a normal thing; I was happy I had a father and mother who liked and did things for me and my younger ones.

I went to school because my father was a teacher. He told me many things which other people didn't know. So I did those things and he saw to it that I got as much education as possible and it seemed that I did slightly better than other people who were around. He said I should further my education so that I would become a "big man", she said.

The late monarch began his education at the age of six at the government school in the town of his birth Ogwashi-Ukwu.

In the following year, 1935, his family moved to Lagos and he went to the Ladi-Lak Institute, Yaba, Lagos.

This school had only been founded one year earlier, on June 4, 1934, by the lawyer Rita Akaje Macaulay. It was a small primary school with only four pupils in its first year. Okonjo was at this school for three years until 1938 when he went to the government

school, Lagos where he spent the academic year 1938-39.

In 1939, the late Prof. Okonjo began his secondary education at King's College, Yaba, Lagos.

In 1944, he moved to the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha where he spent the year 1944-45. This school, founded and run by the Church Mission Society, was established in 1925, nearly 70 years after the society began its mission in the area.

This long delay was due to the society believing for a long time that its role was the propagation of Christianity for which secondary education was not necessary.

By the time Okonjo attended the school, it had made great efforts to provide top quality science teaching in line with government policy. E D C Clark was principal at this time and had improved standards.

Okonjo was awarded University of Cambridge Overseas School Certificate in 1945.

The Higher College, Yaba, had been founded in 1932 and the most brilliant pupils from the Dennis Memorial Grammar School went there to follow higher academic courses. Okonjo followed this route, attending Higher College, Yaba from 1946.

This college, opened in January 1934 in Yaba, a town which has now become a suburb of Lagos, was a men's college which was affiliated with the University of London, England. The college trained science teachers and offered diplomas but students wanting higher education had to study correspondence courses and obtain degrees from the University of London.

The late king attended

University College, Ibadan in 1948-49, but registered for correspondence courses with the University of London. University College, Ibadan, was established in 1948, the year Okonjo began his studies there, as a College of the University of London, being the first university to be established in Nigeria. It became an independent university, the University of Ibadan, in 1962 after the country gained its independence from Britain.

Okonjo was awarded a Diploma in Education in 1949.

His studies as an external student of the University of London from 1948 to 1951 led to Okonjo being awarded a B.Sc. in Mathematics, Logic and Scientific Method in 1951. He had studied as a University of London external student while teaching at various schools in Nigeria. He had been a Tutor at Government College, Umuahia (1949-50), a Tutor at West Boys High School, Benin City (1950-51), and Principal of Ibadan Boys' Grammar School (1952-55).

In 1955 Okonjo went to Germany on a German government scholarship to study at the University of ErlangenNurnberg, where he remained until 1961. He moved to the University of Cologne, Germany in 1961 where he studied for a doctorate advised by Ewald Burger and Johann Pfanzagl.

Okonjo was awarded a Dr.rer. nat. (Mathematical Economics and Statistics) by the University of Cologne in 1962.

Returning to Nigeria, he was appointed as a Lecturer at the University of Ibadan in 1962 and promoted to Senior Lecturer two years later.

and building a sustainable conflict resolution process that would assist in solving the perennial security challenges in the country.

The SGF, who applauded the courage of the committee, assured that government would critically, and without any delay whatsoever, study the report and speedily give effect to the recommendations therein. “I equally note that your work touched on the need to

deploy appropriate technology in the fight against the various dimensions of criminality, the context of coordinating internal security architecture, capacity development and professionalism of security personnel, citizens’ involvement in internal security management as well as innovative funding mechanisms of security agencies and their operations and not the least, welfare of personnel,�

Mustapha said.

speak on the reported killing of nine soldiers and the missing 20 others in Gudumbali between Monday and Tuesday after troops clashed with terrorists in Granda village.

He also kept mum on the killing of another six soldiers and a civilian militia leader in Gubio.

Several soldiers and members of the CJTF are also missing, while troops were forced to flee three towns - Gubio, Gajiganna and Gajiram.

Buratai, who spoke from Maiduguri, said soldiers were enjoined to deal decisively with the terrorists. “All troops have been enjoined to henceforth go all out to deal decisively with these criminals.

They are nothing but bandits and armed robbers. Let’s support our military to ensure

a secured Nigeria�, Buratai said in a statement signed by Army Spokesman, Col Sagir Musa.

He said the Nigerian Army desperately needed the support of Nigerians to win the insurgency war, warning that support for the insurgents was detrimental to the country’s march to peace. “It is therefore important that all Nigerians rally round our gallant troops as they fight these criminals. All should know that support for the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the counter terrorism efforts would boost their morale and it will be highly appreciated. “The Nigerian Army is asking for the continued understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians and well-meaning people�, he said.

is that we make sure that we really institutionalise the party, so that when we leave the stage the party will continue to lead," he said.

In his remarks, Oshiomhole said they never had any doubt that Buhari won the election, arguing that the petitions of the PDP presidential candidate were thrown out by the tribunal one after the other,

"We never had doubts that you won your votes. All the issues raised by our opponents were trashed out one after the order by the Justices that sat on the panel," Oshiomhole said.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Progressive Governors' Forum and governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, assured the president of the governors' perpetual support.

COMMUNITY, NOT STATE POLICE, SUITABLE FOR NIGERIA, SAYS IG ADAMU demands and agitation for state police,� The IG said.

While shedding light on how the Nigeria Police intends to approach the implementation of the community police, the IG revealed that a lot of strategies had been put in place towards community policing, stressing that one of those was the report to fine-tune the implementation strategy. “The idea is that in every community, we identify people

from that community, who grow from that community, and know everybody within the community.

They would be recruited and trained as community police officers and would only work within that community,� the IG clarified.

While submitting the report, to be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mrs. Shamaki said in order to ease the accomplishment of the assigned task, the committee devolved into

two Sub-Committees; Internal Security and Community Policing, while members of the sub-committees held several meetings during which they critically studied the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, report with a view to developing actionable recommendations for strengthening internal security framework and for the implementation of Community Policing in the country.

The committee, she noted, proposed innovative alternative funding mechanism to ensure the provision of infrastructure, as well as equipping security agencies with modern gadgets and weapons and for the welfare and well-being of personnel.

The SGF expressed optimism that the outcome of the recommendations would enthrone a paradigm shift that will focus on community policing, re-orientation of citizens

ISWAP ATTACKS 3 BORNO TOWNS, 6 SOLDIERS, CJTF COMMANDER KILLED Idrissa Kaka, said the jihadists stormed into Gubio with a dozen pickup trucks mounted with machine guns.

Military sources said the terrorists also made off with three military vehicles and a van belonging to the CJTF. “The whereabouts of the remaining soldiers is unknown.

Our fear is that they were captured along with the vehicles,� the source said.

On the same day, the jihadists also attacked the towns of Gajiganna and Gajiram, where they torched buildings and sent soldiers fleeing.

Gubio, which lies 80 kilometres (50 miles) north of Borno State, capital of Maiduguri, had been repeatedly targeted by the jihadists.

Last month, six people

including three soldiers were killed when ISWAP attacked the military base in the town.

Since July last year, ISWAP had intensified attacks on military targets, raiding bases and ambushing military patrols.

Just on Monday, no fewer than nine soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole were reportedly killed, while 20 others could not be accounted for after a battle with ISWAP in Gudumbali town of Borno State.

The soldiers were ambushed by the terrorists, who engaging them overnight from Monday until the early hours of Tuesday in a village called Granda.

Sources, however, said some of the soldiers later fled, leading to the overrunning of the military base in Gudumbali.

The bodies of the slain soldiers

had since been evacuated and deposited at the military hospital in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

According to eyewitnesses, the insurgents carted away a fuel tanker and other vehicles in Gudumbali. However, it was not clear if the terrorists abducted some of the missing soldiers as claimed.

The ambushed battalion had just been deployed to Gudumbali to commence a new operational strategy codenamed Super Camp. It was gathered that the insurgents had deployed spies around the military base who pretended to be farmers.

Army authorities have yet to confirm the incidents and the casualty figures.

The Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major

General Olusegun Adeniyi, could not be reached for comment.

Buratai Orders Frontline Soldiers to Deal Decisively with Boko Haram, ISWAP Meanwhile, Buratai yesterday ordered troops to go all out and deal decisively with Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

The Army chief also urged Nigerians to stop emboldening terrorists by glorifying them and warned that sensational headlines by media organisations that tend to support terrorist activities violate the Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.

Buratai did not, however,

BUHARI: HOW I USED FEC MEETING TO DEFLECT TENSION DURING TRIBUNAL VERDICT government was taking place.

"It lasted about the same time with the judgement. I thank God for that because I think I would have gone into trauma or something," he said.

According to him, while the judgement delivery went on for as long as nine hours, the first FEC meeting since the commencement of his second term administration also went

on for as long as seven hours, describing the two episodes as an interesting coincidence.

Reiterating that watching such a long judgment would have been traumatic for him, Buhari thanked both the governors and the party chairman for paying him a congratulatory visit.

Buhari, who said he was busy deliberating on the memorandum on the 2020

budget at the FEC meeting when the judgment was being delivered, admonished his guests to ensure that APC as a party, was institutionalised so that after their exit from the seats of power, the party would continue to be relevant.

"So, I was busy trying to concentrate on the memo.

The first memo was on the budget and it took more than

five hours. So, while you were doing your thing for nine hours, we were doing ours for about seven hours here. It is a very interesting coincidence and I thank God for it because I would have been in trauma or something of that sort.

"So, thank you very much for sharing the glory with us. What I will say to you the chairman of the party and the governors

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

NEWS

News Editor Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (sms only) Email ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

HUMANITARIAN PARTNERSHIPS...

L-R: President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mr. Babatunde Ruwase; Founder and Chairman, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Representative of the Governor of Lagos State, Princess Aderemi Adebowale; and President, International Committee of the Red Cross, Mr. Peter Maurer, during the LCCI-ICRC Humanitarian Partnerships and Social Investment Forum in Lagos...recently

PDP Alleges PEPT Delaying Release of Judgment Record Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday raised the alarm over alleged undue delay by the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal to release the record of its judgment to enable the party and its Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, file an appeal at the Supreme Court.

In a statement signed by the

National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party said, “Our party and millions of supporters across the country believe that the delay is a calculated attempt by some quarters to frustrate our appeal at the Supreme Court, where Nigerians have expressed confidence to get justice as well as restore the integrity of our judiciary, which has been eroded

by the Tribunal.”

The statement said that it was instructive to state that the Court of Appeal was aware that the PDP and candidate have mandatory 14 days to appeal to the Supreme Court, yet it is delaying in releasing a judgment that was read for nine hours and which it wants the public to believe it actually wrote.

According to PDP, “Our party

fears that this development is lending credence to suspicion in the public space that the judgment is being tampered with and altered, in the name of correcting errors, knowing that there is no way the verdicts can stand the scrutiny of the Supreme Court.

“We also hope there is no link between the circumstances surrounding this delay and the boasts by the Minister of

Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, speaking for the Buhari Presidency, as well as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, that justice will not be served to the PDP and our Presidential candidate at the Supreme Court.”

It said that the PDP had always alerted Nigerians of the relentless efforts by the

APC to manipulate processes, adding, “we are happy that our party and Nigerians in general, have the full video and audio recording of the judgment and we will not hesitate to expose any underhand act by anybody.”

The PDP therefore demands the immediate release of the record of judgment as delivered by the Tribunal without any form of alterations.

UNDP Urges FG to Ban Buhari, ECOWAS Leaders, Brainstorm on Terrorism in Region Use of Polythene Bag

Ahead of Today’s Ruling, Kashamu’s PDP Faction Decamps to APC

Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja

Idowu Sowunmi

President Muhammadu Buhari will today leave Abuja to attend a one-day ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Extraordinary Summit on counter-terrorism, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, said the summit had been called by West African leaders to address the growing threat of terrorism in West African sub-region.

According to him, the summit will review different initiatives taken so far and redefine the priority intervention areas for the containment of worrisome attacks in the sub-region.

Adesina also explained that the decision to convene the summit was reached at the 55th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of States and Governments in Abuja on June 29, 2019.

“President Buhari recognises the imperative of collective actions in the fight against

terrorism, and will continue to partner with ECOWAS member states and international organisations to address the menace.

“In Ouagadougou, ECOWAS leaders are expected to adopt a priority action plan on counterterrorism and put in place a mechanism to monitor the implementation of the measures adopted towards ensuring lasting peace in the sub-region,” Adesina said.

He added that Buhari would be accompanied by three governors - Abubakar Bello (Niger), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) as well as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama and the Minister of Defence, MajorGeneral Bashir Magashi (retd).

Also listed to be on the entourage are the National Security Adviser, Maj-General Babagana Monguno (retd) and Director-General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Amb. Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.

Adesina said the president would be back in Abuja at the end of the summit.

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has called on the federal government to ban the use of polythene bag in the country.

UNDP Programme Officer, Mr. Mathew Alao, made the call on yesterday in Abuja at a press conference commemorating 2019 International Peace Day organised by the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ICPR), with the theme, ‘Climate Action for Peace’.

The International Day of Peace celebrated every September 21, 2019 across the world was declared by the UN General Assembly to re-echo the significance of peace as a priceless infrastructure.

Alao said, “One action I want the government of this country to take is to stop the use of polythene bags. Our National Assembly should take it upon themselves. We should stop this madness because all these nylon that we throw around also constitute to our peace. Kenya has done it, Rwanda has done

it UK is doing it, we can do this in phases.”

Earlier, the Director General of IPCR, Bakut Tswah Bakut, said that universally, peace was the most valuable desire of every society, saying its language is spoken by all.

The director general added that its absence communicated nothing else but destruction of lives and property leaving sorrows, pains and total disorder which are alien to civilised human society.

He stressed that the climate action for peace was expected to enhance various actions that would help address the activities that had negatively impacted the ecosystems.

Bakut noted that activities such as deforestation, inappropriate disposal of waste, tree-felling, air pollution, among others leading to environmental degredation have reduced the natural and agricultural resources which everyone depends on for survival.

He noted that resultant effects of the contestation occasioned by climate change had been maiming, killings, displacement of people and destruction of property.

In a show of solidarity to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, ahead of today’s ruling by the Governorship Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Abeokuta, the Buruji Kashamu faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The tribunal would today rule on the March 9 governorship election which is being keenly contested by the All Progressives Movement (APM) and its candidate, Hon. Abdulkabir Akinlade.

Receiving over 1,000 of them from Ogun East Senatorial District, the governor’s Senior Special Adviser on Political Matters, Hon. Tunji Egbetokun, said the decampees had made the right choice by joining the progressives.

He assured them that APC would ensure fairness, equity and justice for all its members at all times, irrespective of when they join the party.

“Our party is open to all, even members of other parties. You

have come at the right time. In our party, we do not discriminate as we give due recognition to all members irrespective of how long they have been members or their social standing,” Egbetokun said.

While promising that the Abiodun administration would not disappoint members by formulating and executing policies and programmes that had positive impact on the socio-economic well-being of the people, he urged the party faithful to remain resolute and not engage in activities that would bring the name of the party into disrepute.

Egbetokun charged the new members to bring in more people into the party, noting that the administration would not stifle oppositions as “competition becomes sweeter when there are opponents.”

Speaking earlier, Consultant to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon. Biyi Adeleye, said the party was large enough to accommodate people from other parties, assuring that they would be mainstreamed and not be discriminated against in the party.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

SUPER SATURDAY

Legendary Esama of Benin @ 85 The Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion was 85 last Sunday. The billionaire businessman shut down Benin while the celebration lasted, with the likes of former president Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan turning up to party with the icon. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

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Igbinedion

nother wonderful session of thanksgiving and immense gratitude was witnessed last Sunday in the ancient city of Benin, Edo State, as the fabled Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion celebrated his 85 birthday. The event which took place at the Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic Church was graced by people from all walks of life.

The thanksgiving mass and festivity of the 85 birthday of the Esama of Benin was held amidst funfair, setting agog the ancient city of Benin with celebration and fecundity befitting of the revered Esama. As has been the tradition for decades, the week-long celebration began with courtesy visits but hit a high tempo with the service of praise and thanksgiving and was blessed by the presence of men of God from far and wide.

Delivering the homily, entitled: “Gratitude and Thanksgiving: A fulfillment of God’s will”, Rev. Father Alfred Agbonlahor, charged the congregation to take thanksgiving, a moral obligation of Christians, seriously in order to attract God’s blessings. The priest cited relevant sections of the Bible on gratitude, including, Luke Chapter 17: verses 11-19, when Jesus, on his way to Jerusalem, encountered 10 lepers, healed them, but only one returned to thank him afterward.

He described the celebrant as a man after God’s heart and a distinguished entrepreneur who has contributed immensely to human capital development in Edo in particular and Nigeria at large. Father Agbonlahor said: “He is a dogged man who does not give up in the face of daunting challenges in life. If there is no investment, there is no future.

You have diversified your investment; even before we were born, you raised many people through your act of generosity.”

That was not all. An evidence of Esama’s immense impact on the lives of people was the fact that hundreds turned out at his palatial home on this special occasion of his birthday soiree to honour the high chief, which was reflective of the title Esama which traditionally means the “son of the people”.

The family had referred to the patriarch of the House of Igbinedion as an oak and a legendary octogenarian. There is no gainsaying the fact that he had stood the test of time, touched many lives and put smiles on many faces.

On this historic occasion of his 85 birthday celebration, President Muhammadu Buhari felicitated with the Esama.

The President saluted Igbinedion’s high sense of patriotism, love for humanity and dedication to helping the poor and underprivileged. Buhari noted, with pride, Esama’s contributions to the nation’s development as a serial entrepreneur who finds joy in investing in sectors that directly impact the livelihood of Nigerians, including education, health, transportation and the media.

The Esama of Benin’s business empire includes an international property portfolio and a private TV and radio station. He owns diamond, gold, marble mines over Africa, a private university (Igbinedion University, the first private university in Nigeria) and a large number of hotels. There is no denying the fact that Igbinedion’s foray into university education was never a fluke. For one who ventured into montessori, primary and secondary education in the 1980s, the progression to university level was seen as natural and predictable.

He previously owned the now-defunct airline, Okada Air. He has built numerous churches including a Grand Catholic Cathedral, has set up and owns a number of private hospitals across Nigeria.

The strength and apparent economic immortality of the Esama lies in his real estate spread. This is so much so that he owns property in almost every major city in the world.

The living legend and icon of entrepreneurial endeavours Chief Gabriel Osawaru Igbinedion, CFR, aka the Lion of Okada/Esama of the Universe, was born in the year 1934 in the obscure farming community of Okada, now a university town and headquarters of Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State of Nigeria.

In the course of his illustrious journey through life, he has garnered over 60 titles, awards and honours from various bodies and authorities. His title, Esama of Benin Kingdom, positions him as a prominent chief among the Eghavbo N’Ore Palace Society and 5th in rank in the Benin Chieftaincy hierarchy. He was honoured and invested a Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by the federal government on the historic occasion of his 70th birthday in 2004.

Igbinedion is a Grand Commander of the Knights of the Order of St. Benedict (GCKB). He is the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Romania for Edo and Delta States of Nigeria.

In December 2010, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award in African Chieftaincy Institutions from Ghana and also bagged an honorary Doctorate Degree in law from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Technology, Kumasi,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

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SUPERSATURDAY Legendary Esama of Benin @ 85...

Igbinedion and wife, Cherry Ghana in November, 2011. Between 1988 and 1991, he bagged honorary Doctorate Degrees in Philosophy from Rust College, Holy Springs, Mississippi, Jackson State University, Mississippi and Oral Roberts University, Tulsa Oklahoma, all in the U.S.A. He is a proud recipient of the key to the City of Holly Springs, U.S.A. and the Key to the City of Montego Bay, Jamaica. Early in 2012, he received along with four other eminent Nigerians, the Zik’s Prize for Leadership in Africa.

Chief lgbinedion is an honorary Rotarian and a Five-Star Paul Harris Fellow. He has been honoured with Honorary

Doctorate Degrees by not less than eight Nigerian Universities among which are; University of Benin, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Imo State University, Okigwe, University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, University of Calabar, Cross River State, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State and several other academic institutions and professional bodies.

One of the Esama’s sons, Lucky, was a two-term Local Government Chairman and two-term Governor of Edo State; another, Charles, was a Local Government Chairman and one time Edo State Commissioner of Education, while yet another, Peter, was the Managing Director of Nigerian

Aviation Authority. His daughter, Princess Omosede Igbinedion-Akenzua, served in the House of Representatives for Edo State.

Two former presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan were among dignitaries who attended the 85th birthday thanksgiving service.

The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, was duly represented by Chief Eduwu Ekhator (the Obasogie of Benin) and Chief H. Bazuaye (the Aiwerioghene of Benin) was accompanied by Chief Sam Igbe, the Iyase (Prime Minister of Benin) at the event.

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͚͟ Ëœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

THE CAMPAIGN AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State first lady, is committed to fighting domestic and sexual violence in the state, writes Omobolanle Ogunmola

A

cross the world, domestic violence is clearly making the headlines. Whilst women, men, boys and girls can be victims of domestic violence, women and girls are disproportionally affected.

Domestic violence occurs across cultures, and affects people irrespective of their economic status. According to a study, percentages of women who have reported being physically abused by an intimate partner vary from 69% to 10% depending on the country. In Nigeria, spousal abuse has become a scourge and there is a report that 50% of our women have been battered by their husbands at one time or the other and unbelievably, more educated women (65%) are in this terrible situation as compared with their low income counterparts (55%).

The problem of domestic violence is rooted in the sociocultural complexes of various societies of the world, for this reason, a legalistic approach is now being adopted by many nations in the fight against this plague.

Common forms of violence in the home are perpetrated by males who are in positions of trust, intimacy and power over the female partners, like husbands, boyfriends, fathers, fathersin-law and mothers-in-law, stepfathers and stepmothers, uncles among others.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, about 87,000 were killed worldwide in 2017, 58 per cent of them victims of domestic or family violence.

Our socio-cultural cum religious differences have also given room to diverse understanding of what constitutes domestic violence from one culture to another.

Basically, all forms of domestic violence have one purpose: to gain and maintain control over the victim. On the effect of domestic violence, children are often the most hit in terms of setbacks and the trauma they go through and which are most times irreparable. A child who is exposed to domestic violence during their upbringing will suffer in terms of developmental and psychological welfare.

Many victims of domestic violence usually lack the courage to seek legal redress on the violations of their rights due to lack of positive response from the society. Domestic violence is so entrenched in our society that even the victims condone such violations of their rights as some perceive it as sign of love and the socio-religious belief that a broken marriage or relationship is a mark of failure in life.

Due to poverty and economic dependence on men, many female victims may also choose to suffer in silence for fear of losing the economic support of the male perpetrator. This trend is evident in several of the reported cases where victims prefer to withdraw their complaints where it becomes apparent that punitive measures will be meted out to the abusive spouse.

Their usual objective is for the authorities to appease rather than punish the abusive partner for fear of a backlash.

In Lagos State, the new face of Campaign against Domestic Violence is the First Lady, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu. At a recent

ENLIGHTENMENT AND SENSITIZATION NEED TO BE SCALED UP AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IS NOT YET UNDERSTOOD BY MANY AS A HUMAN RIGHT ISSUE WHICH TOUCHES ON THE RIGHT TO LIBERTY AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, AMONG OTHER RIGHTS

meeting with members of the Joint Legal Clinic of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Dr Sanwo-Olu stated that she has an onerous task of curbing domestic and sexual violence in the state. She said the First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has directed her to confront sexual and domestic violence frontally in the state.

The validity of involvement of first lady as advocate against domestic violence is the high level of visibility in the media, seriousness and collaboration across spectrum of stakeholders it would attract.

Now that Dr. Sanwo-Olu has pledged to support the team from the Ministry of Justice that has visited to seek partnership with the office of the first lady in protecting citizen’s rights, it is expected that the Joint Legal Clinic Team will improve on its public enlightenment and sensitization campaign.

Enlightenment and sensitization need to be scaled up as domestic violence is not yet understood by many as a human right issue which touches on the right to liberty, freedom of expression, freedom of movement among other rights. In spite of existence of agencies like Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT), established to provide assistance to victims of the abuse in Lagos, many are still being persuaded to tolerate abuse rather than report to appropriate authorities.

Despite that, according to DSVRT, Lagos recorded 3, 089 cases of domestic violence in eight months in 2018.

The reasons are not far-fetched. In some cultures, domestic violence is still being accepted as a cultural phenomenon or as a way of life instead of being treated as a criminal matter. We have this tendency of seeing the woman as a lesser or inferior human being. It is sad that many still encourage husbands to beat “madness� out of their wives.

Also, while the agency strives to ensure the abused get fair judgment from court, a study conducted by the Lagos State Government showed that evidence for 88 per cent of cases recorded within Lagos were either destroyed by the abusers or misplaced by the victims. A report by the state government in 2016, for instance, indicated that victims of the cases perpetrated within the period could not provide evidence that would assist the agency in court or in settling the case amicably between both spouses when the need arose.

The report further disclosed that of the 20 per cent domestic violence survivors who had sought the assistance of government agencies to get redress, 18 per cent withdrew their cases from court while 85 per cent of the victims blamed third party interference which includes mothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, etc., for igniting domestic violence.

It is imperative that we all realize that though women are the most directly affected by domestic violence, it is the society as a whole that bears the brunt as the scourge is a major obstacle to human development.

Omobolanle Ogunmola is the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Ikeja

GOV IFEANYI UGWUANYI’S 100 DAYS

Chidiebere Nwobodo writes that the Enugu State governor is again off to a good start

A

fter 2019 general elections were concluded, and results collated and announced, winners emerged, while aggrieved losers headed to the election petition tribunals to ventilate their concerns. But one phenomenon that political pundits failed to take cognizance of, in their follow-up commentaries, was the landmark victory of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State. The euphoria here is not that the governor won his second term. Ordinarily, anyone who has followed Enugu politics in the last four years would not have expected him to have a challenge getting his second term mandate.

What went unnoticed in the corridors of analysts was that he scored 449,935 votes - 95% of the total votes cast, with the second runner up—the APC gubernatorial candidate, coming a distant second by mere 10,423 votes. This electoral feat is unprecedented in the annals of our political history. No sitting governor in Nigeria has beaten his challengers in an election by that margin of the votes cast. Not even governors of the ruling APC, who had at their disposal what has been baptized “federal might� in the nation’s political lexicon, could win such popular mandate across a state. It evinced the fact that no rigging sophistication cum machinery could have won such vote of confidence from Enugu populace other than excellent performance and good governance.

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi was sworn in amidst heightened expectations because to whom much is given, much is expected.

Aware of the overwhelming faith reposed in his leadership by Enugu residents, the

governor hit the ground running. The flight of governance took off for a determined destination of repositioning the Coal city.

Incidentally, an unforeseen turbulence of insecurity pummeled the state in particular, and South-East in general. News of kidnapping-for-ransom, isolated killings and vicious attacks ravaged the state like wide fire. Hitherto, peaceful and secured hub of Eastern region became harbinger of unscrupulous and barbaric activities of men of the underworld.

Governor Ugwuanyi, unique in his style of governance, refused to play to the gallery.

He resisted the temptation of blame game, rebuffed the bandwagon to stereotype herdsmen with the insecurity challenge in the state. Instead, he went for solutions rather than pointing accusing fingers at anyone or group. Ugwuanyi began his troubleshooting of the escalated insecurity by rallying all relevant stakeholders, especially in the security sector. He engaged security agencies, ethno-religious leaders, and community stakeholders in the state to find lasting solution to the challenge. Amidst criticisms, he never lost focus. Rather, he viewed it as motivation to show leadership at a trying time. He neither wavered nor slumbered—he rose to the occasion.

Not being directly in control of security agencies in the state, albeit bearing the ceremonial title of “Chief Security Officer�, Governor Ugwuanyi lobbied powers that be at Abuja for overhauling of security apparatus in the state. These decisive actions necessitated the change of police commissioner and rejigging of security operations in

the state. In his own capacity as number one citizen of the state, the government engaged the services of 1,700 forest guards, whose defined responsibility would be to assist in curbing the menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities, which usually happens along the bush (forests) pathways, highways and rural areas.

The newly employed forest guards were adequately equipped with over 260 security vehicles, motorcycles, etc., for effective community policing. Outside the deployment of new police commissioner to the state, the governor took a further step to appoint former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ogbonnaya Onovo as security consultant to the state government. Even the governor’s hard critics will not fault the wisdom in seeking the profound counsels of security experts who are indigenous to the state.

The present administration in the state has the penchant for consulting security experts before taking decision bordering on security would be reached.

Governor Ugwuanyi has reiterated severally that being a governor does not automatically confer on someone “grandmaster of wisdom�, who has monopoly of ideas. This is the ideological tenor serving as catalyst to the open system/diplomatic governance being ran by the governor. He has not failed to carry everyone along in decision-making process since becoming governor. In furtherance of this and seeing that insecurity is not restricted to Enugu alone, the governor has galvanized other governors of South-East states to rob minds, mobilize resources and form a formidable

synergy to ensure that the tide of insecurity in the region is not only curtailed but nipped in the bud. Development does not thrive in the face of insecurity.

The first 100 days of Ugwuanyi’s second tenure has not been a tea party. Arguably, it has been one of the toughest periods since he became governor: not even his first three months as first term governor was this hectic and challenging, simply as a result of sudden rise in security crisis in the state. Enugu State is traditionally and culturally known as a peaceful state. Any leader that knows his onions would be as worried and concerned as the governor was, which saw him visiting most of the hideouts of kidnappers in the thick forests. As soon as they were discovered, they ignited his prompt responses that have started yielding positives today.

The good news here is that Governor Ugwuanyi neither allowed himself to be distracted nor allowed governance to lose its thrust. He remained committed to the ultimate goal of exiting the helm of authority with enduring legacy of infrastructural strides. The first 100 days of his second term mandate has seen a reinvigorated effort in opening up of rural areas via laudable good road networks.

He has personally supervised ongoing projects to ensure that Enugu residents and taxpayers are getting value for their resources entering the state coffers, through federal allocations and Internally Generated Revenues (IGR).

The state-owned higher institutions have also received infrastructural boost within the governor’s 100 days in office alongside internal roads of Enugu metropolis. It is a sign of better things to come.

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ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What next?

Relations Between Nigeria and Israel

The Future of Real Estate in Nigeria

T

he future of real estate in Nigeria is its youth.

But not in the way that you think.

With rising concerns over Nigeria’s exploding population growth, we are seeing an emergence of a more dynamic, technologically savvy young working population. Young people are becoming more nimble, and increasingly embracing risk by establishing their own startups; from tech companies to new-age restaurants. Young professionals are shunning traditional and expensive office and residential arrangements, and embracing the flexibility and cost savings provided by shared living and working spaces. The real estate industry is being forced to innovate and redefine its value proposition, as mobile technology has put greater power into the hands of consumers. However, there remains a significant supply-demand gap in the various real estate sub-markets: residential, office, retail and hospitality.

Decent housing options for university students and young professionals are limited and often unsafe; and secure, affordable office spaces in proximity to the central business districts remain scarce. Plugging this gap has proven difficult, as developers continue to focus on delivering luxury apartments and Grade A offices, despite high vacancy levels and falling prices.

Whilst real estate investments provide an opportunity for citizens to participate directly in the economy, the traditional means of doing so are too far out of the reach of many, and the system needs to evolve.

Lack of access to affordable financing; cumbersome title registration processes and a go-it-alone culture, are just a few of the factors that have served to limit participation. In order to re-energise this sector and boost the economy, Nigeria’s government must start to aggressively push policies which encourage public and private sector financial institutions to provide innovative, affordable financing options; unlocking dead capital and restoring access to the industry.

Nigerians continue to look to developers to meet their individual needs, tastes and preferences. Our youth are responding to affordability constraints and technological advances which are changing how they live, work and shop. As Nigeria’s real estate market rebounds and stabilizes, what is evident is that the future of the industry rests on a redefinition of what value means. This will involve developing new strategies to meet the growing demand for flexibility and delivering them seamlessly - whilst maintaining sustainable returns on investment.

The need for alternative real estate options for a new peer-to-peer based economy: - student housing, co-living, co-working and even crowdfunding - is an emerging trend that cannot be ignored. The players that will survive the coming paradigm shift are those

best able to adapt and remain flexible enough to respond to these needs. UACN Property Development Company (UPDC) is fully embracing the need to innovate. With its upcoming recapitalisation, the company is reinforcing its faith in the real estate industry in Nigeria and standing firmly behind it. Having already established a position as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous real estate companies with a strong track record for successfully completing landmark developments; UPDC aims to build on that track record - leveraging the recapitalisation which will put us in a sustainable financial position.

Unencumbered by significant short term debt, we will gain more operating flexibility to access new sources of capital and strengthen our market position.

Energising the industry will be a collaborative effort. Today, the world and Nigeria in particular; face an urgent demographic challenge. An appropriate response to the current and impending real estate infrastructural needs of nearly 200 million people, is a matter of national priority, and will determine, and directly impact the dividends we reap from an increasingly youthful population.

Deborah Nicol-Omeruah, Chief Commercial OfďŹ cer, UPDC

I

n our contemporary world, no nation operates in isolation. Nations coexist within the global system for mutual co-operation and assistance. The principles of resource redistribution and technology transfer within the modern world system become imperative and hence diplomatic ties heighten around the world. For a meaningful interaction with other state and non-state actors in the world, every country of the world adopts some basic principles or policy on the mode of its operation and relation, otherwise known as foreign policy. Nigeria as a state actor within the global system has had in different times, different foreign policies to project and protect its own national interest around and within the International system.

Nigeria and the State of Israel established full diplomatic, cultural and economic ties after Nigeria became a sovereign state on 1st October 1960. Before the lowering of the Union Jack, there existed contacts between Western and Eastern regional governments in the 50s with Israel. Nigeria-Israel relations had been Nigerian’s most controversial and emotionally sensitive foreign policy pursuit. All decisions bordering the state of Israel have always been a hard nut to crack for our leaders- from Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa down to General Ibrahim Babangida.

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

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

And that indeed forced them to walk a diplomatic tight rope in the bid to balance colliding domestic and external interests.

Regional government was introduced in Nigeria in the 40s, the constitution guaranteed regional authorities some level of authority to link up with the outside world. Consequent to that, the two southern regions (West and East) established ties with Israel and had joint agriculture and education policies.

Israeli experts and loans were accessed to develop such sectors in their regions.

Israel contributed significantly to the development of Nigeria as well as other sub-Saharan African countries in the 1960’s and 1970’s by sending Israeli experts and volunteers to modernize Africa’s agriculture and teach the African farmers sustainable farming techniques. These Israelis also played a role in developing Nigeria’s educational system, its medical and technology sector. Following the Yom Kippur War in 1973, many African countries including Nigeria severed ties with Israel and relations were not restored until 1992. In April 1993 Nigeria opened an embassy in Israel. Israel has an embassy in Abuja.

Since 1992 Israel and Nigeria have enjoyed a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship, with more than 50 Israeli companies investing in Nigerian construction, infrastructure, technology, communications and information technology, agriculture, and water management industries. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Nigerian and Israeli Ministries of Foreign Affairs in 2006, formalizing bilateral consultations on political issues. This MOU facilitated increased dialogue and cooperation between the two countries on issues of regional and international concern. Economic ties between Israel and Nigeria are promoted by the Nigerian-Israeli Chamber of Commerce, and the Israel-Africa Chamber of Commerce.

Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan became the first Nigerian President to visit Israel in 2013. He held a meeting with Israeli’s former President Shimon Peres, during which the two leaders affirmed their commitment to stop the spread of terrorism. Goodluck Jonathan also expressed his support for Peres’s efforts to bring about a peaceful end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While speaking of the relationship that Nigeria and Israel share, Jonathan stated that the relations were not only “excellent at the official level�, but had also been “marked by deep interpersonal affection�. Since this initial visit Goodluck Jonathan has been back to Israel once, in October 2014, bringing other Nigerian officials and religious leaders with him.

Ukpong Victoria, Abuja

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍ˛Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

NEWS

Police Frustrated over Failure to Rescue In Brief Siasia’s Mother 62 Days After Osinbajo for Mugabe’s Burial The police in Yenogoa, Bayelsa State, yesterday lamented their frustrations in their efforts to secure the release of former Coach of the Super Eagles, Samson Siasia’s mother, 80-year-old, Mrs. Beauty Ogere.

The frustration of the police was communicated by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Uche Anozia, who updated the press on current state of their efforts to free her.

Anozia stated in his office that the abductors of the woman who has spent 62 days

in custody of her captors were constantly changing location which made it difficult to track and apprehend them, as well as free the woman.

Siasia’s mother was kidnapped from her home in Odoni, Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on July 15, 2019 and ransom running into several millions demanded by the abductors.

She was kidnapped in November 2015 by a gang of gunmen who released her after she spent 12 days in their custody thereby making

it the second time she would be kidnapped between 2015 and 2019.

Since her abduction, her captors first demanded for N70 million ransom before they, after series of negotiations, reduced it to N50 million.

Siasia has continuously pleaded with her captors to free her unconditionally as he had no resources to pay the ransom demanded being out of job presently.

Anozia said the police had “sought for useful information that gave investigators

a promising lead to some locations within the creeks where the victim may have been kept. The police have been trailing the abductors in spite of the fact that they have been changing locations. “The fundamental aspect of our operations that is of interest to us is the achievement of positive result and not actually occasional dissemination of information concerning efforts being made by the police to achieve such result. This is why we have not been coming on air to update the public.�

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, will be representing President Muhammadu Buhari at the State Funeral for former President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe. Prof. Osinbajo would be joining other African leaders and Heads of State expected at the occasion scheduled for the country’s National Stadium in Harare. Heads of State expected to attend the funeral include President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya. Mugabe, who was Zimbabwean Prime Minister and later President for 37 years altogether, up until 2017, died last week at the age of 95 in a Singaporean hospital. The Vice President, who would be accompanied on the trip by senior government officials, leaves for Harare this afternoon and is expected back in Nigeria later on today.

Floods in Niger Communities

Flash floods have sacked communities in two local governments of Niger State. The affected local governments are Lapai and Shiroro. In Shitoro local government, five communities, Gurmana, Manta,Bunuku,Gungu and Falele were affected. The flood in the areas was said to have been as a result of 12 hours of rainfall which destroyed several hectares of farmlands, houses and drowned domestic animals. An eyewitness said most of the roads in the communities were washed off. The extent of the disaster in Gulu town of Lapai local government was not immediately known but it was said to have sacked several villagers in the community.

The Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency SEMA, Alhaji Ibrahim Inga when contacted, confirmed the story saying the state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello had directed the agency to dispatch its men to the local governments for an assessment of the disaster caused by the flood. "We have dispatched two teams to the areas, for now I cannot say the extent but from reports it is very serious."

Niger Police Arrests Ritualist

The Police in Minna, Niger State have arrested one suspect in connection with alleged ritual killing in the Maitumbi area of the state capital. The incident was said to have occurred yesterday morning. According to a source, the suspect reportedly severed the head of his victim and his private parts. The incident led to wide protest by Okada riders as the victim was said to be one of them. Other okada riders stormed the police station demanding for the suspect but the police whisked him to the police headquarters. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Muhammad Abubakar , confirmed the story saying, "one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident. We are interrogating one suspect," Abubakar said but declined to say if the incident was ritual killing.

Robbers Injure Passengers

STAKEHOLDER IN A MEETING...

L-R: Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni; APC Chieftain, Lagos Central Senatorial District, Prince Tajudeen Oluyole Olusi; Chairman, Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, Mr. Olatoye Olusi; and APC Chairman, Lagos Island, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Sodiq, during a stakeholders meeting and education empowerment grants of Hon. Eshinlokun at Isale-Eko Lagos...recently KOLA OLASUPO

Ekiti Govt Visits Families of Slain FUOYE Students Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti The Ekiti State Government has commiserated with the families of Joseph Okunofua and Kehinde Dada, students of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) who lost their lives during Tuesday’s protest in Oye-Ekiti.

This is as the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on Governor Kayode Fayemi to immediately constitute a judicial panel of enquiry to investigate the death of the two students of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti over Tuesday's protest.

The government delegation comprising the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Biodun Omoleye; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social development, Mrs. Moji Fafure; Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Gbenga Ageyo; lawmaker representing

Ido/Osi 1 at the State Assembly, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun, and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Enuice Oladimeji, visited the two families in Ado-Ekiti and Usi-Ekiti yesterday afternoon.

The delegation led by Hon. Oyebanji visited Mrs. Esther Okunofua, mother of Joseph, who was a 300 level student of Biology Education in Ado -Ekiti and Mr. and Mrs. Adedayo Dada, parents of Kehinde Dada in Usi-Ekiti.

Oyebanji said the visit was at the instance of the State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; who was saddened by the unfortunate incident, adding that the visit was to demonstrate that the state government shared in their grief and to encourage them during the trying period. “On the instruction of the governor, delegation of the government is here to condole

with the families that lost their loved ones during the unfortunate incident that happened in Oye Ekiti.

"We are here to commiserate, encourage them to take heart and to assure them that government is with them in this trying period,�

Oyebanji said.

Fafure who also spoke with the parents in Yoruba language urged them to take solace in the word of God as no amount of counselling could fill the vacuum created by the irreparable loss.

She also prayed for the families. “The governor and his wife sent their condolence messages.

They share in your grief over the unfortunate incident and they prayed that God in His mercies will not allow a reoccurrence.

The loss is painful but it is our prayer that the Almighty God will keep your remaining children safe. Never again will you bury any of your children,� she said.

At the resident of the late Kehinde Dada, the deceased’s elder brother, Bankole Dada thanked the government delegation for sharing in their grief.

The students had during a protest on incessant power outage in Oye-Ekiti and other adjoining communities allegedly attacked the convoy of the wife of the state governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi where two students were killed and several others injured.

NANS in a statement signed by its Zone D coordinator, Comrade Adekitan Lukman and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti yesterday described the killings as unfortunate, adding that sanctions must be meted out to all those found culpable.

According to him, the governor's wife never ordered the security agents to shoot the protesting students, warned those who want to score political points with the incident to stay clear.

Female Youths Protest Killing of Women in Rivers Hotels Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt Female youths yesterday marched through the streets of Port Harcourt to the State Police Command in protest against the serial killings of women in hotels in Rivers State for supposed rituals.

The youths demanded that the police take stronger measures to protect women in the state.

Displaying placards with different inscriptions, they decried the targeting of women by suspected

serial killers operating in the state.

Some of the placards read: 'Hotel owners must be accountable and be responsible for their guests', 'She could be your sister, daughter, wife or friend', 'There is no life without women'.

Convener of the protest march, Soibi Ibibo Jack, said the female youths were at the State Police Command to demand stronger measures by the police to apprehend the killers.

She said once apprehended,

the killer must be made to face the full weight of the law, irrespective of his/her political or social status.

"There is a serial killer on the loose in Rivers State. We want to go out and return home without fear.

"We acknowledge the police for what they are doing, but we urge them to do more so that the killer is arrested, tried and made to face the full weight of the law," she said.

In her remarks, a protester,

Cecilia Dikibo, urged the police to deploy more resources to ensure the safety of females in Port Harcourt.

Also Speaking, Peace Pepple, from Opobo-Nkoro, said as the police work to secure women, there was the need for everyone to be careful.

Bidemi Edward-Odoi suggested the arrest and strict interrogation of managers of affected hotels to compel others to take the security of their hotels seriously.

It was dishearting last night as passengers coming from Abuja, Okene axis of the Benin-Auchi road, were attacked by armed robbers who carted awaytheirvaluablesworthmillionsof Naira,Accordingeyewitnessaccount, the passengers were attacked at Ehor, headquarters of Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State close to the headquarters of Jehovah witness Church.. According to one of the victims, who is also a corps member posted to Kano State for the one year compulsory service, the robbers made away with his handset, cash and expensive gold wrist watch."As I am speaking with you now, am in the hospital, though I didn't sustain severe injury but my valuables and those of other persons were carted away by the gang." When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, said he was yet to receive report of such incident and promised to get back to us on the matter but never did until the time of filing this report.

Edo Commences Free HIV/AIDS Testing

In a bid to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, Edo State Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDs (Edo SACA) has commenced the second round of test and counselling services to people of the state.The Executive Director of the Agency, Mrs. Flora Oyakhilome, said the gesture had enabled the record-setting of 60 per cent upfront mobilisation of all the Counsellors /Testers, Supervisors, Monitors, Data Officers and other officials that had been carefully selected for the implementation of the exercise.

She stated this in Benin City and admonished everyone involved in the project to put in their best to ensure a successful exercise as this was the only way to justify the confidence reposed in them. Mrs. Oyakhilome urged for continued support to make the exercise hitch-free while also expressing optimism that the success of the six- month programme could motivate the state government to replicate it in Edo Central and Edo North Senatorial Districts.

Jaiz Foundation Donates N7m for IDPs

Jaiz Charity and Development Foundation has donated N7 million to the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to provide succour to the victims of Boko Haram insurgency who had been forced to flee their homes in the North-east. Jaiz Foundation made the donation yesterday in Abuja as part of effort to improve the plight of the Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs)inthe North-east.TheDirector/CEOoftheFoundation,Imam Abdullahi Shuaib, said that in the last 10 years of the crisis, it had led to the displacement of over 2.9 million people, adding that many of them were in IDP camps managed by government and humanitarian organisations, which he said required continued support for meeting their basic needs.

Bauchi to Review Abandoned Projects

Bauchi State Executive Council has declared that all projects abandoned by the previous administrations in the state would be reviewed in order to ensure that they were completed to specifications for the development of the state. The declaration was made by Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Abdulkadir Ibrahim while addressing Government House Correspondents on the outcome of the Council meeting chaired by the State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir yesterday. During the briefing which was coordinated by the Commissioner for Information andCommunication,Dr.LadanSalihuattheGovernmentHouse,Abdulkadir Ibrahim said that the Council's decision to review the contracts was due to alleged fraudulent activities carried out during the contracts agreement.

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NEWS

Atiku Scammed to Believe INEC Server Existed, Says APC National Vice Chairman Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa State have said that they were not surprised that the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, lost to President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

APC National Vice Chairman, North-east, Mustapha Salihu, stated this while addressing journalists at the national secretariat of the party in Abuja after Adamawa APC stakehold-

ers meeting.

Salihu said that Atiku was scammed into believing there was a server used by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), saying that, “those that told Atiku that there was a server used by INEC only scammed him.�

The party chieftain said, “Even if he’s your own, but you know who is the best. The outcome of yesterday’s judgment at tribunal was expected. All the cases canvassed by the opposition are things that we all knew. “I don’t want to pre-empt the

court but for me, PDP motions are frivolous because you cannot look at an Army-General who served as Platoon Commander, Batallion Commander, GOC, Minister, Military administrator, Head of State and President for four years and you are now questioning his credentials. “Automatically, the case instituted was frivolous and other issue of electronic voting was not substantiated.�

Speaking on the meeting, Salihu explained that the meeting was meant for the party members to have consultation with each other and discuss on

the matters that border on the development of the party.

Salihu added: “The committee has been set up to further deepen the consultation and reconciliation. This meeting intends to synergise and rebuild the party in Adamawa State. Some people from various ideological beliefs contested for various positions and some people won, some people lost. Some people agreed and disagreed and at the end, we agreed and we entered election as one people. The committee’s job is to analyse factors that mitigated against us in the last election.�

HURIWA Carpets Lai Mohammed over Statement

A civil rights advocacy group – Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of the likes of his Information and Culture Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, over his position and utterances which they alleged were anti statesmanship and patriotism.

The group in a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko also carpeted the Information Minister for his alleged “irrational, undemocratic and unconstitutional outburst following the contentious verdict of the presidential election petition tribunal in Abuja which awarded legal victory to President Muhammadu Buhari.�

HURIWA stated that it was odd and totally irrational that a serving minister and a lawyer could be quoted as demanding public apology and/ or prosecution of a petitioner in a highly contentious electoral matter which for the time being has also been contentiously and controversially resolved in favour of the president who is a necessary respondent in the electoral litigation. “Only a completely uneducated road-side political fanatic who is delusional and cut off from the reality and dynamics of constitutional democracy can be heard demanding

that someone like the former vice president Atiku Abubakar who chose the most civilised and constitutional route to seek for legal redress over his perceived ‘shortchanging’ by Independent National Electoral Commission, should apologise for choosing to go to court of law. “We urge President Buhari to steer clear of Lai Mohammed who is simply a crass political opportunist who is totally unmindful of the need for President Buhari in the last stage of his prolonged political career to focus on bequeathing enduring legacies of statesmanship and patriotism.

Lai Mohammed by this outlandish outburst has shown himself as a political who stokes up crises for selfish aggrandisement. “What that empty rhetoric of Lai Mohammed shows is a man with a warped idea of what is the best step to adopt to seek for justice. Would Lai Mohammed had preferred that Atiku Abubakar never filed a suit but instigate his supporters to revolt? Was Atiku not also called a foreigner by the lawyers to the president in this same Tribunal? So what should Atiku do to President his kinsman who for political exigency chose to deny his kinsman Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and sought to deprive him of his citizenship by branding him a foreigner?.

Melaye Rejects PDP Appointment as Kogi Governorship Campaign DG Bennett Oghifo Senator Dino Melaye has rejected his appointment yesterday by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the Director-General of the Kogi State Governorship Campaign Council.

Melaye’s appointment as the Director-General of Kogi State Governorship Campaign Council was announced yesterday by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan Melaye, who rejected the ap-

FOR HEALTHIER CITIZENS ...

L-R: Executive Director, Child Health Advocacy Initiative (CHAI), Mrs. Lola Alonge; Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi; Advisory Board Member, (CHAI), Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; and State Coordinator, Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health at Scale (PACFaH@Scale), Mr. Onipede Wusu, during a courtesy visit to the state Ministry of Health, by PACFaH@Scale, (CHAI) and others health NGOs, at Alausa...recently

Nigerian Maritime Reforms to Encourage Youth Leaders Blast Miyetti Allah for Foreign Direct Investment, Says Dakuku Claiming Ownership of S’East Forests Bennett Oghifo

The newly elected Igbo community President General in Lagos, Chief Sunday Udeh, has pledged to seek the release of their innocent compatriots allegedly detained in Lagos jails.

The President general, while speaking to news men after taking the oath of office, lamented the worrisome population of Igbos languishing in various prisons in Lagos state for crimes they knew nothing about.

The new Lagos PG, Chief Ude, said his regime hopes to vigorously pursue the release of these unfortunate people He said he would collaborate with relevant agencies to secure the release of Igbo people languishing in Lagos prisons for various offences they knew nothing about.

Speaking after being declared winner of an election to oversee the affairs of the ISC in Lagos for the next four years on Wednesday, Ude said he was aware that many Igbos were presently languishing in Lagos

prisons for sundry offences.

He said that he would also focus on improving the welfare of the Igbos in Lagos, including providing health care services at monthly meetings of the Igbo body.

The president, elected for a four-year tenure, pledged to unite Igbos in every Local Government Area of the state.

Ude, who was sworn-in by Mr Vitalis Chukwueke, the legal adviser of the body, pulled 112 votes to defeat Chief Patrick Mba, who scored 54 votes and Chief Sunday Eze, who garnered a total of 28 votes.

More than 200 delegates from 20 Local Government Areas in the state participated in the election.

The Secretary of the body, Mr Chuks Odimegwu, said that the new executive would attend to the urgent needs of Igbos resident in Lagos.

Among other elected members are: Chief H.O Nwode, Deputy President; Odimegwu as secretary; and Chief Mrs Kate Ugoka, women leader.

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

Youth leaders in the Southeast zone have warned the leaders of Miyetti Allah Kante Hore against any plan to appropriate forests and bushes in the zone for Fulani settlements.

The youth leaders under the aegis of Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) issued the warning in a statement signed by its national president, Chief Goodluck Egwu Ibem.

It was in response to the position of the leader of Fulani herdsmen on the ownership of natural resources in the South-east.

Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Abdullahi Bodejo had reportedly asserted that forests and bushes in the South-east belonged neither to Ohanaeze Ndigbo nor the state governors of the zone hence they lacked the power to restrict herders from occupying the forests. “We condemn the unguarded outburst by the national chairman of Miyetti Kante Hore, Abdullahi Bodejo,� the youth

leaders said, adding that the “arrogant and callous� statement was meant to undermine the leaders and people of the South-east. “For Bodejo to say we don’t own the bushes and forests, he is indirectly telling us that we are not natives and owners of South East zone,� COSEYL said.

They asked Bodejo to explain if the forests and bushes in the South-east belong to him and his Fulani herdsmen as implied in his statement. “Bodejo’s statement has just confirmed our earlier suspicion of their proposal to establish a Fulani vigilante as a Greek gift. Their aim is to overrun our land and communities and turn them into Fulani settlements and cattle colony,� the youth leaders said.

The youth leaders recalled that the leaders of Miyetti Allah and other Northern leaders had lauded the South-east governors when they proscribed the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who are unarmed agitators.

pointment via his Twitter handle @dino-melaye; and his Facebook wall, wrote: “Let me state categorically that I have turned down the position of the Director-General of the Kogi State Governorship Campaign Council. “I wish PDP all the best. When truth is a casualty, there is chaos.�

Melaye, Senator, representing Kogi West Senatorial district, is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, and is currently the Chairman Senate Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

ITUC-Africa Condemns Xenophobia in SA Bennett Oghifo The Africa Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has condemned recent xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and on other Africans, and blamed economic woes for forced migration.

According to a statement signed by its General Secretary, Kwasi Adu-Amankwah, “ITUC-Africa strongly condemns these attacks against brothers and sisters of the same continent that feeds division among Africans and undermines progress towards African integration.�

The statement said diversity, fraternity and hospitality had always been part of what defines Africans and that migration had also always been part of Africa’s history that had positively shaped its societies and impacted on its people’s shared aspirations. “We must strive to strengthen and deepen the bonds that unite us as Africans, as well as continue to work together to show the relevance of our communal co-existence and culture of hospitality.�

The group said they welcome the South African Government’s condemnation of the xenophobic attacks, urging the government of other African nations to improve their societies for the benefit of the people.

The group said, “We welcome the condemnation of the attacks by

the South African Government and commend the measured reactions of African governments whose nationals have been affected by these xenophobic attacks. We call on progressive sections of South African society to weigh in and condemn these attacks, full in the knowledge that the persistence of xenophobia undermines the agenda of African unity and the solidarity of workers.�

They said, “At the same time we draw attention to the issues of economic and social malaise in Africa such as endemic poverty, huge unemployment, corruption, inadequate public services and widening inequality that lead to large scale forced migration of large numbers in Africa on the one hand, and on the other hand, how such factors become major sources of the anger and frustration that fuel xenophobic attacks in South Africa such as we have seen in the past week. These conditions demand that African governments take decisive actions to promote development and create decent employment for the sustainability and cohesion of each of our countries in Africa. “We must push our governments harder to live up to their responsibilities for managing our affairs better to ensure the wellbeing of the people.

Say no to xenophobia and yes to solidarity among workers in Africa,� the statement said.

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 • T H I S D AY

Plus

Busola Goes to Court pg 23

GLOBAL SOCCER FASHION FILE FAIRGROUND SHOWBIZFLAIR

pg. 29 pg. 20 pg. 36 pg. 43

Sharon Igho Passion for Cooking Inspired By My Parents

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

PLUS

Passion for Cooking Inspired By My Parents Sharon Igho, founder of Abujabased Sharons Kitchen is a lot of things rolled into one. She’s an entrepreneur, music act and a farmer. Her dexterity over the years has helped her achieve a lot as she keeps exploring and conquering new grounds. Sharon opens up to Azuka Ogujiuba about being an employer as a fish farmer and a restaurant owner, her music band, ‘Addiction Twins’, her vision and the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur

I

have always been passionate about cooking I have always loved to cook. It is a passion I have had over the years and was inspired by my parents who cook so well. I started on a small scale with just cooking meals at home and sending out, delivering to banks before I decided to start a franchise ‘Sharons Kitchen’ in Abuja. I hope to expand to neighbouring states in years to come. Also, some years ago, I went back into fish farming. I saw how large the market was and decided to pick it up from where I left.

Challenge as an entrepreneur The same challenge I believe every entrepreneur faces or deals with. It has to do with making a new business work.

Everyone can come up with a timeline of patience you need before a business picks up. It could be months or years as everything has its own timing. So far, my challenge has been getting more people to know about my businesses; this takes time.

Igho

My music band, why I went solo and the Nigerian music industry I am still an active member of the music duo ‘Addiction twins’ but we both have individual projects we are working on as well as the album for Addiction.

We have new singles coming out soon simultaneously. The Nigerian music industry has really grown with lots of improvement. The

major challenge we face in getting good work to be heard is the deeply rooted fraud in the media in Nigeria. I mean nothing can be done for free and so much is expected. Your song or video cannot play for free on some radio stations even television stations.

Artistes are to get royalties but it is the other way round. That alone is the termite eating deep into the music industry here.

My record label ‘Ighotainment’ and the signees Ighotainment was birthed in 2016 with an official launch at the Oriental Hotel Lagos and the unveiling of our artiste, Kido Blanko who has featured with the likes of M.I Abaga, Tekno, Yung 6 and presently working on new songs with two A-list Artistes as we compile the forth coming debut album. It was a star-studded event, which was widely televised. So far, we have just Kido but presently working on bringing new acts on board Working as an entrepreneur and an artiste It’s a tough job but I believe there is nothing one can’t do if you put your mind to it especially as I have to shuttle between states and also the best job of all motherhood, but you definitely get used to it. My vision has always been to put out great works which most times, may not be the trend but being a great musician is about content and not trend. It has always been my dream to be able to empower people by creating jobs like I have done with my businesses. I am able

ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

19

PLUS My dream is to empower more people by creating more jobs to keep people off the street and contribute to the growth of the economy which is success to me.

I also dream of building a world class record label in ‘Ighotainment’ along with my co-owner, Aaron Igho and my other ventures.

Hard work and respect for others were values instilled in me growing up and the freedom to express myself.

These have helped shape my life. I have the most amazing family ever. These people got me this far

My formative years Jos - J-town - really carved who I am today. That’s talking about the early years of my career.

Jos is where it all started and really formed who I am today.

The orientation is totally different over there. Addiction came alive in Jos. I obtained a Diploma in Psychology from UniJos and later relocated to Abuja where I further studied political science.

I was born with a silver spoon?

Yes, I was born with a silver spoon. It was really good back then. I was born in London and remained there for sometime before we relocated to Nigerian and then the silver spoon disappeared.

I am glad I have a wonderful family as we stay strong and united regardless of the situation we may face.

Essence of hard work, respect for others Hard work and respect for others were values instilled in me growing up and the freedom to express myself. These have helped shape my life. I have the most amazing family ever. These people got me this far.

Best gift received as a child The best gift I remember receiving as a child was a bicycle my dad got for me. I was so happy I rode under the rain for the rest of the day.

Making life choices is most difďŹ cult Making life choices is the most difficult thing that has and still happens. But I’m able to deal with mistakes and move on. I appreciate my journey good or bad. Wrong relationships are the biggest mistakes I make.

Things I still desire I have a lot of personal desires.

Some you know may never happen but you stay hopeful.

Life lessons Be optimistic, take things a day at a time, love accordingly, love yourself and put family first; a lot of lessons but this is just fine for now.

Biggest fear in life Losing the ones I love. I would have said failure but you can always get back upset.

Cases of rape, child abuse in Nigeria I’m happy we have more people speaking out on this issue and government is now more involved.

A lot of people have silently been victims and this awareness will drastically reduce rape in Nigeria.

In this digital age, news is able to reach anyone in minutes; so that too has contributed to the war against rape epidemic.

Igho

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Fashion File

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

IlĂ rĂŠÂ For The Stylish Women

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Î

21

FASHION FILE

Ilà rÊ For the Stylish Women Ilà rÊ, a ready to wear womenswear brand, always has a way of showcasing women’s form by playing with fabrics and unique design.

This campaign features pieces that will elevate every woman’s wardrobe. The Ilare woman is beautiful, stylish

and confident.

She will definitely love these pieces in solid hues of green, wine, red and other fun colors.

Minimalism and clean silhouettes rule as always with Ilare. Have a look at the pieces available at their flagship store in Ikoyi, Lagos.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

L-R: Chairperson,Society of Women in Taxation Lagos Chapter (SWIT), Dr. Titilayo Eni-Itan Fowokan; President, Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Dame Gladys Olajumoke Simplice; Abeokuta District Chairman, CITN, Oluwaseun Olajube; and immediate past chairperson of SWIT, Mrs. Dena-Rose Ajayi, during the investiture of Fowokan in Lagos as the 3rd state chairperson of the Society of Women in Taxation,Lagos Chapter... recently

L-R: Executive Director, INCEL Tourism, Mr. Tayo Banjo; Songstress ,Simi; the Abangs; and Miss Earth Nigeria 2019, Modupe Garland, when the Abangs won an all-expense paid trip to Dubai in the INCEL ‘ByYou promo’ in Lagos ... recently

SWIT Moves to Improve Tax Compliance Level The Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT), Lagos State Chapter, has rolled out plans to enhance tax payments in the country as part of its commitment to growth and development.

The society disclosed this during the investiture of its third Lagos state chairperson in Lagos, recently.

Speaking, the newly sworn Chairperson, Dr. Titilayo Fowokan stated that beyond getting more women involved in tax issues, the society was pulling all stops against tax defaults through its campaign approaches .

She urged government to fully comply with the Base Erosion Profit Shifting (BEPS), agreement, which it signed, to enable it harness its full benefits and encourage more foreign investments in the country.

She added: “With the global tax drive,

we have countries, including Nigeria, now tightening their tax net, such that tax remittance cannot be escaped. At this juncture, Nigeria needs to set the right policies and provide infrastructure to complement its convenient tax regime so as to attract more businesses in the country.

“With more foreign investment come more empowerment and employment that would increase productive capacity which in turn increases tax space.”

Managing Consultant of Pedabo, Mr. Albert Folorunso, who delivered the investiture lecture, titled, ‘Global Tax Compliance Drive: Implications for Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria’, pointed out that Nigeria was still losing a great deal despite that it signed up to most of the agreements including BEPS, double

taxation as well as exchange of information agreement.

He said: “For instance, most digital activities are consumed in Nigeria, yet, they are being imported and have no permanent establishment in Nigeria.

Those activities are deemed to be carried out in Nigeria and ensure that the tax due to Nigeria should be deducted. These are some of the leakages that we should fill.

“So we are saying that government should fill all loopholes to enable Nigeria enjoy reciprocal benefits from these agreements as well as fix infrastructure and every other challenge.

“I mean we should continue to develop our tax, not with the fear of somebody pulling out of the Nigerian economy because FDI is not only tied to tax regime in Nigeria.”

Five Cowries Initiative Launched Amidst High Hopes The Five Cowries Arts Education Initiative has officially been launched in London with a vibrant exhibition of 500 jerry cans painted by Nigerian primary school children.

This aimed to tell the stories of people in relations to water through art work in order to address issues of access to clean water in the country.

The initiative was founded in 2018 by Polly Alakija, a renown artist and the CEO, Hatch Ideas, Yemisi Mokuolu.

According to the founders, Five Cowries offers an inclusive route to education, enhancing teaching skills for positive educational and social outcomes.

At the London launch, Founder of Five Cowries

Initiative, Polly Alakija, explained how the Initiative had impacted lives and turned situation around.

“We have trained 38 ‘Teach for Nigeria (TFN)’ teaching fellows, delivered the programme in 38 schools and engaged 1,600 children directly. Each TFN fellow has such compelling and impactful stories about the programme and its influence on the children’s learning, especially their perspectives on water. We commenced in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, expanded to neighbouring Ogun state and now look to widen our reach to other cities in the country”.

Also speaking at the event, Co- founder and Director, Hatch Ideas Africa, Mokuolu, added

that “the initiative and its partners want to ensure arts education becomes an integral part of the educational system in Nigeria and teaching skills are improved for better outcomes.

“Children’s participation in creative activities needs to be promoted not just across the country, but also globally, and if it improves basic skills such as literacy and numeracy in Nigeria, then it is beneficial for everyone.”

Five Cowries strategic delivery partners include Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Teach for Nigeria, Thames Festival Trust (UK), Montessori Centre International, Jackson, Etti & Edu and africapractice.

Health Tech Will Reduce Healthcare Costs – Simbo Ukiri This was one of the key points from the presentation on health-tech made by the CEO of Avon Healthcare Limited (Avon HMO), Adesimbo Ukiri at the 2019 edition of the Information Communication Technology and Telecommunication Exhibition (ICTEL EXPO).

Organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Expo is a specialised conference and exhibition, attracting thousands of businesses and stakeholders from the ICT sector. The event serves as a platform for stakeholders to connect and engage each other on new innovations, network with investors, display their products and foster increased collaborations towards navigating key issues within the industry.

Speaking on the implications of the fourth industrial revolution on healthcare, Ukiri said that lower healthcare costs would be an outcome of the widespread application of technological solutions to solve the myriad of health challenges in Nigeria.

“Emerging technologies will eventually decrease healthcare inequality, thus enabling quality medical services to be provided to more people for less money.

In other parts of the world, technology has already led to the emergence of new areas in healthcare such as telemedicine, electronic medical records, biometric technology, real-time patient monitoring and even predictive medicine. All these lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment which helps to reduce the cost of inpatient treatments, especially chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and heart disease. It’s only a matter of time before Nigeria catches on” She said.

Adesimbo Ukiri also noted that maternal and infant health is pressing concern that technology can address. “One of our core pillars at Avon HMO is maternal and infant health and we’re eager to see how health tech companies can tackle this issue.

Currently, Nigeria has an infant mortality rate of 68.7 per 1000 births, 107.5 under 5 mortality rate per 1,000 infants and a life expectancy of 53.6% at birth.

Incel Tourism Rewards Forty Nigerian, Foreign Exhibitors Uber Mulls Bus Expected at Lagos Fashion Fair 2019 Promo Winners Transportation in Lagos Riding on the success of its bus launch in Egypt, Global Ride Hailing Firm, Uber Technology, has disclosed plans to venture into bus transportation system in West Africa’s business hub, Lagos.

To this end, the firm said that it had opened talks with city transport officials in the Lagos.

Uber’s chief business officer, Brook Entwistle, recently had a meeting with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on how the company could collaborate with the state to reduce traffic gridlock and provide better public bus transportation system for the people.

The firm’s latest move further explained its diversification move beyond provision of car hailing to other services including having a boat service.

Uber launched its presence in Nigeria in 2014 and ever since has expanded its reach.

A global travel and tourism company, INCEL Tourism, has rewarded winners in its just concluded ‘ByYou promo’ .

The ‘ByYou challenge’ was an Instagram competition, inspired by the recently released song of award-winning Nigerian musician, Simi.

The contest had Mr. and Mrs. Abang taking first place followed closely by the Christophers and the Odukomaiyas as second and third place winners respectively.

The winning couples were consequently hosted by INCEL and Simi to a private lavish dinner at Clear Essence California Spa and Resort where the winners were also given their prizes.

The Abangs received a travel document and an all-expense paid trip to Dubai, while the Christophers were offered an all-expense paid romantic weekend getaway at Clear Essence California Spa & Resort and the Odukomaiyas were treated to a romantic dinner.

The prize presentation ceremony was graced by the firm’s Executive Director, Mr. Tayo Banjo , members of staff, Simi and Miss Earth, Nigeria 2019, Miss Modupe Garland.

Forty Nigerians and foreign exhibitors to grace this year’s Lagos Fashion Fair 2019 in September.

The Managing Director, Atlantic Exhibition, Mr Ayodeji Paul Olugbade stated at a press briefing recently that the 3-day exhibition promises unforgettable fashion experience, exhibition, masterclass, runway, and entertainment. The fair which is the 7th edition is scheduled for 25th-27th September 2019 will be taking place at the prestigious Eko Convention Center, Eko Hotels & Suites, VI, Lagos, The event is organized by Atlantic Exhibitions Nigeria Ltd, he said.

Exhibitors are expected from Turkey, China, India, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and others. The idea is portray the Nigerian style, as many of these international brands now establish outfits here in Nigeria, and this had been a boost for many SMEs, he said.

Olugbade stated that the event offers an opportunity for designers, fashion retailers, fashion professionals, boutique owners, stylists, fashion enthusiasts, models, trendsetters and consumers to interact, network and build business relationships with Nigerian and International exhibitors.

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PEOPLE

Busola Goes to Court

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

In the suit, the mother of three, said the resultant eect of the rape aected her marriage. According to the suit, Pastor Fatoyinbo raped and threatened her life after that. It also stated that after the rape incidents, she started loathing everything around her and withdrew to herself and away from all spiritual activities of the church

T

he last may not have beeen heard in the alleged rape of celebrity photographer, Busola Dakolo and the founder/ senior pastor of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA), Biodun Fatoyinbo. Busola, wife of musician, Timi Dakolo, in furtherance of her civil rights, and in line with constitutional provisions, has filed a suit against Fatoyinbo. The civil suit which was instituted on September 6, 2019 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja through her lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi and Co. is independent of the criminal allegations and/or investigation of the police over the rape claim.

In furtherance of the police investigation, Biodun Fatoyinbo was confronted

by Busola on September 5, 2019 at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Area 10, Abuja during an investigation conference presided over by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mike Ogbizi. The FCT High Court writ of summons dated September 6 and served on Fatoyinbo, had directed the pastor to appear before it within 14 days of the service or judgment may be entered in his absence. “You are hereby commanded that within 14 days after the service of this writ on you, inclusive of the day of such service you do cause an appearance to be entered for you, in an action of Mrs. Busola Dakolo. “And take notice that in default, the claimant may proceed, and judgment may be given in your absence,� the writ read. It was gathered that the court might subpoena Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, the Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC), as he has been listed among the witnesses Busola will be using to establish her case.

There were also reports that Busola demanded N10 million compensation from Fatoyinbo. However, her lawyer issued a statement clarifying the reports and setting the records straight. “Our client has not sought any monetary damages and/or compensation against Biodun Fatoyinbo in her reliefs. “This is because our client’s reason for filing the civil suit against Biodun Fatoyinbo is, inter-alia, for the court to make pronouncements on her rights as well as Biodun’s liabilities and also to help other victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse gain the courage to confront their abusers no matter how highly placed they may be.�

Busola is seeking the order of the court to compel Fatoyinbo to publish a clearly worded apology to her on the front page of at least two national newspapers and two national televisions for seven days running consecutively.

In the suit, the mother of three, said the resultant effect of the rape affected her marriage. According to the suit, Pastor Fatoyinbo raped and threatened her life after that. It also stated that after the rape incidents, she started loathing everything around her and withdrew to herself and away from all spiritual activities of the church.

Busola had in an exclusive interview that went viral earlier in June 2019, claimed that Fatoyinbo forcefully had sex with her twice on separate occasions when she was a teenager. “You should be happy that a man of God took your virginity,� she would add, quoting Fatoyinbo on the first occasion. The detailed interview of how the flamboyant man of God allegedly raped her as a teenager in secondary school left many depressed.

Busola, in the suit, gave the dates of

Busola

the incidents as September 23 and 26, 2002, and said these caused her continuous emotional distress and amount to intentional infliction of emotional distress. The viral video report had set social media and other online platforms on fire, evoking shock, backlash and criticisms from Nigerians, especially the Christian community.

In a preceding circumstance, Fatoyinbo was detained during interrogation over the rape allegation at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in August. He was eventually released on bail. He had earlier boycotted the panel set up by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) to investigate the rape allegation against him, claiming that he was advised by his lawyers not to appear. Fatoyinbo had earlier stepped down from the pulpit as Bukola’s allegations caught fire, after protesters picketed COZA franchises in Lagos and Abuja, demanding that he vacated the altar. But that was not for long as the pastor had insisted that he has never raped anyone.

Upon his return to the pulpit on Sunday, August 4, 2019, Fatoyinbo preached about persecution and victimisation from the enemy. “As a Christian,

you must face opposition. If God, who is holy and faithful, has enemies, you are sure going to have,� Fatoyinbo had told his congregation.

A month after Busola made the allegations, a police van pulled up at her home in the Lekki area of Lagos and impeded her car, as gun totting personnel emerged from a tinted bus to bark instructions.

Busola recalled that the silver Toyota that tailed her as she was driving into her Lagos housing estate, and the white minibus with tinted windows already parked outside her house, had no police markings. By the time she got to her gate, the minibus had blocked her path.

A man appeared and told her to get out of the car, get into the bus and speak to his oga – Nigerian pidgin English for boss.

Busola added that when she refused getting on-board the minibus, three men got out and walked towards her, guns at the ready. “One was holding a gun, and I noticed a second one holding a letter. They told me they were from IG’s (the inspector general of police) office in Abuja and that I needed to sign this letter and acknowledge it,� Busola told

the UK Guardian in an interview.

The letter essentially invited Dakolo over to the police headquarters in Abuja to answer questions on criminal conspiracy, falsehood, mischief and threat to life.

Busola said she was shocked that the allegations weren’t leveled against Fatoyinbo but against her and her husband, Timi. She however wasn’t surprised by the police visit. “Our culture doesn’t allow speaking of these sorts of things against anointed men of God,�

Busola said. “They’d rather hide it, and the party that is being victimised tends to live with that self-blame. The damage on the survivor is extremely terrible.

The society, the church, keeps sweeping things under the carpet.�

In response to the condemnation that trailed the visit to Dakolo’s home on the day, the police high command issued a statement saying the institution never intended to arrest the Dakolos.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Police Force is confirming that its operatives today, 20th July, 2019 served official Invitation Letters on Bisola (sic) and Timi Dakolo. The invitation is sequel to an on-going police investigation touching on the wider and highly publicised case involving Bisola Dakolo, Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo and others. “It is important however to note that a Police Invitation Letter is not synonymous with a Warrant of Arrest, and must not be construed to be one. Rather, it is a polite investigative tool used in eliciting information voluntarily from parties to aid police investigations. “ Members of the public should see it as a legitimate act in line with the constitutional mandate of the police, which among other things include the investigation of all complaints brought before it. The Inspector General of Police, IGP MA Adamu NPM, mni has appealed for calm, and is reassuring Nigerians that the Police Force under his watch will remain professional, impartial and unreservedly committed to the pursuit of justice in this case and all other cases before it.�

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14, 2019 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

POLITY

PR Expert, Mohammed, Hails FG Over Media Partnership Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

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oremost publicist and CEO of MAKTOUB, Ms. Mariam Mohammed, has commended the Federal Government for giving the assurance that press freedom will continue to be guaranteed in the country, while ruling out any censorship or muzzling of the press.

Mohammed stated this in Abuja following the Appreciation Dinner for editors, news managers and other top functionaries in the media hosted by the Presidential Communications Team and Maktoub at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

Ms. Mohammed, in a statement, quoted Vice President Yemi Osinabjo, SAN, as saying, “I want to say how very thankful I am, for all support we get every day from the Press and to say that for good and for ill at all times, whether you report nicely or not so nicely, you will always be friends and partners.”

Osinbajo charged the media to be in the vanguard against fake news as not doing so could erode the credibility of mainstream media.

Pointing to President Muhammadu Buhari’s certificate saga, he expressed the worry that “nobody bothered to find out or didn’t want to find out, the public believed a lie for so long even after the President had brought his certificate form Cambridge West African School. So, with the anonymity of the social media, every day the problems of a free Press are becoming more and more complex and even more dangerous,” he lamented.

Speaking on the same issue, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, said government would not muzzle the press as it performs the important work of providing the public with reliable and quality information.

“We will continue to support an independent media that gives the public credible news, enlightens us to think more critically and act more honourably to address pressing national challenges.

“We will equally support efforts from media organisations to combat disinformation in all forms, especially fake news which are

L-R: Ms Mariam Mohammed and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the event detrimental to the peace, security and unity of the nation,” he said.

He said the event was organised to honour media practitioners in the country because the present administration values the contributions of the media in nation building.

“That is why in the past four years, the PCT has provided a platform for key government officials to regularly engage editors and media managers’ in-camera briefing sessions to exchange views on some pressing challenges facing our dear country,” he said.

According to him, “I make bold to say that since I assumed office as Secretary to the Government of the Federation we have run a government that is accountable to the public by all standards. “The Buhari administration has laid a solid foundation for Nigeria’s economic development through massive investments in agriculture, power, transportation infrastructure and manufacturing,” he said.

He further added that “The anti-corruption fight is upbeat. The control measures to tackle leakage in public resources have saved us

billions of naira, while those who stole our common patrimony are being made to return what they illegally acquired for themselves and their cronies through the legal process,” he said.

He said the present administration would continue to partner with the media in its determination to place Nigeria on the path of rapid growth and sustainable development.

“We will always count on your role as the watchdog of the society, partners in progress, and the conscience of the nation,” Mustapha said.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

POLITY PresidentialElectionTribunalVerdict:JusticeServed,DemocracySaved Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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ith the unanimous ruling of the Court of Appeal dismissing the Presidential Election Petition of PDP candidate Abubakar Atiku, the rule of law came to the defense of democracy by affirming the sovereign will of the people. Their will was expressed during the February 23 election when a vast, compelling majority of the electorate cast their ballots for President Buhari to serve a second term as Head of State and Commander-in- Chief of our beloved nation.

Whatever partisan side one might take, all must agree that today was a bright day for the administration of justice. The Court of Appeal rendered a comprehensive judgment of extraordinary thoroughness, reason and breadth on the many issues presented in this important matter. The Court did so in the open air and before the television cameras that gave eyes to the entire nation to watch this fine moment for the Nigerian judiciary. The court did its job by following the law of the land wherever it might lead.

As a Nigerian, I was proud to see both sides of this dispute behave with utmost civility and decorum despite the weight of the matters at stake and the intensity of the legal arguments presented. It is in this spirit that we must always seek to resolve

CJN, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad

even our most stubborn differences that we may emerge a stronger yet more peaceful nation.

Former Vice President Atiku and his legal team put forth some imaginative, if desperate, arguments as was their right.

They fought vigorously for their posi-

tions and were allowed to do so without pressure and without fear. No one used the power of the state to intimidate them in court just as no one used the power of the state to intimidate them during the election. As the Court affirmed, the election was free and fair and the final result should stand.

The PDP claimed that President Buhari was unqualified to run for office. To his credit, President Buhari took this assault against his character with customary grace.

The court thoroughly vindicated him.

Based on his education and the experiences gained through his fine career, the Court determined the evidence presented

by Atiku showed that the President was “eminently qualified” and had done nothing untoward in his election filings with INEC. Atiku also placed unfounded reliance on the assertion of the use of card readers to send election results to an imaginary server. The court found that the operative law did not provide for the alleged electronic transmission of polling booth results. Atiku could not present evidence that such transmissions ever took place. In fact, such transmissions were technologically unfeasible. Card readers were not meant for this task and the purported mystery server was but a phantom in the PDP’s mind.

To their credit, Atiku’s team argued and pressed their case energetically; but in the end their claims were based on things that existed only in their minds. They were ar-

guing what they wanted to have happened not what actually took place. The Court, on the other hand, can only deal with facts at hand not the imaginings of the mind.

Most importantly, the Court found that the election was properly conducted and that President Buhari won by the wide margin counted and recorded by INEC. Atiku was given the chance to prove his case. In the end, he did not produce the requisite evidence. This failure was not from lack of trying; the failure was because such evidence simply does not exist.

President Buhari won the election openly and honestly. I congratulate President Buhari for this resounding judicial vindication of his personal character and of his electoral victory. I know Mr. President as a magnanimous person who will reach out his hand in friendship to Atiku in the spirit of reconciliation, national tranquility and progress. We may disagree and argue as brothers but never as enemies who cannot resolve whatever difference that has come between us.

The next step lies with Atiku. He can decide to continue with these claims or he can take the more prudent approach by accepting the express will of the people and placing his ample talents in the service of the nation in his private capacity.

In the meantime, this day shall stand as a proud day for Nigeria, a day when the rule of law stood in full support of democratic elections and of the sovereignty of the Nigerian people to select the leaders of their choice.

Our 24 Days in LUTH Emma Anya

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t 5am July 15, 2019 , a telephone call from my wife roused me from sleep.

“Mummy J, what’s the problem?” I asked.

Before her answer, my mind was on Jboy’s kid brother, who in his 12 years on earth has had a turbulent health challenge.

“Nuel,’’ my wife responded. ”It’s Jboy. He hasnt been hearing for over seven hours. Before then, his temperature was high. He also complained of headache. I gave him malaria drug but no relief came.”

“Ok”, I responded. Get ready to take him to the hospital by 8am but in the interim, give him paracetamol.

By 7.30am, another telephone call came from Mummy J. “Nuel, Jboy isn’t able to stand and walk. His neck is also stiff now.”

At this point, I sprang up from my bed about 600km from my Lagos home, pondering what was amiss. For almost 10 minutes, Mummy J’s line rang out, leaving me bewildered. What next? I asked myself. Suddenly, I remembered that my childhood friend, Akeem Opere, spent the night at my home because the perennial gridlock on the Isolo-Ejigbo road in Lagos, wouldn’t allow him enjoy the comfort of his bed in Ikotun.

While dialing Akeem’s number, Mummy J’s call came again through her second telephone line. “We are on our way to the Federal Medical Center, Ebute Meta. Timininu helped to carry Jboy downstairs.” Timininu had to wade in since Akeem lacked the biceps to lift Jboy,a 15-year-old who is only two -inch less than a six-footer in height. At the FMC,my boy could not be attended to reason being that the health institution hadn’t enough bed space.

My phone rang once again and my wife’s hysterical voice set my blood pressure rising to a boiling point(145/110 according to my handset).

“Call Nonye and tell her you have an emergency. Don’t worry about time since you would be going against traffic,“ I counseled her. This was after much pleas by Mummy J and Akeem to the personnel of the FMC fell on deaf ears.

At 11 am when they arrived the military hospital, Jboy could not feel any sensation in his legs and hands. The stiff neck had also gotten worse. My wife, Akeem and Nonye, a microbiologist at the military hospital, could not carry the young man out of the car. Luck however smiled on them as three soldiers who watched their futile efforts stepped in and lifted Jboy to a waiting bay where a male military doctor placed him on drip. After examining him and conducting a few tests, the military doctor, said they suspected meningitis. Unfortunately, the health facility had no equipment to test for such bacterial infection. Consequently,they issued a referral letter to LUTH. There and then, our 24-day stay in LUTH, a World Health Organisation centre of excellence began. My family had before late 2017 been a regular LUTH client . Yet Mummy J was terribly worried that LUTH came into the picture.You need a LUTH experience to understand why.

More than two hours after their arrival at the Children Emergency, my wife and Akeem could not get the attention of doctors and nurses in the department to attend to Jboy who was still on the drip from the military hospital.

Attention, however, later came. But that was after I had placed

Minister of Health, Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire a call to LUTH’s Public Relations Officer notifying him of the development(imagine not having anyone to contact in such a situation?). Good man and a thoroughbred professional. He left his desk and headed for the Children Emergency for intervention.

Promptu,a nurse appeared, touched Jboy and retorted: “Madam(referring to my wife)why are you raising alarm when your son is conscious?”. Trust Mummy J. She gave it back to her.

“Oh, you want him unconscious before you could do something?”

Anyway, Jboy got a admitted after payments for a bed space and a series of tests had been made. Two undisputable facts about making payments in LUTH are cumbersomeness and tediousness.

In fact, you won’t for months need any form of routine physical fitness after scaling through the bureaucracy in payments in the 57-year-old health institution.

Five days after Mummy J had borne the challenges alone, I arrived Lagos and headed straight to LUTH to become a part of the unpalatable sojourn.

Everyday in LUTH was an admixture of despondence and hope. But the former far outweighed the latter. From the hospital’s main gate to the toilets in Ward D2 which served as Jboy’s temporary abode, sordid sights assaulted our sensibilities. At the main gate, the hospital’s internal security chase okada riders the way butchers drive away flies. Fear of accidents is ever palpable at the gate. In the toilets, water is a near essential commodity. Maids ration water. They complain when toilets are not flushed and curse when you step on any part of the floor cleaned by them. In fact, the maids feel their salaries are a right and not for any form of

service.

When you move round LUTH’s wards, you notice a glaring lack of medics. But funny enough, the hospital appears to have more hired security personnel than medical professionals. Few of the primary duties of the security personnel are no doubt to prevent discharged patients from leaving the hospital without settling their bills and to control the influx of visitors into the wards. But beyond the officially assigned duties, many of the security officials behave like female almajiris. They heckle every parent, relation and visitors with demand for money to the extent that you begin to wonder if they have lost the spirit of empathy.

One other sad observation or attitude of most medics is the lack of communication between doctors and nurses; doctors and parents/relations of patients and nurses and parents/guardians.

If communication is indeed the nexus of all human relationships, what exists between doctors and nurses; doctors and parents/ relations and nurses and parents of patients in LUTH is a negation of that widely held truism.

It is unarguable that every profession has guidelines but their implementation is near zero in public institutions. When a doctor examines a patient, writes down steps that should be taken by a nurse and walks away, the likelihood of the nurse not acting is extremely high. This happens in LUTH. It does not help the system one bit. Anyway, I believe the supremacy battle between the two groups in the health profession is responsible for the lack of communication. Relationship between many doctors and most parents or guardians of patients is worse. Most doctors appear cold or unapproachable. You hardly see them smiling. Ask a doctor a question and you are most likely to get ignored or receive unsavoury response. They fail to realize that a little conviviality or smile is a balm that could give hope to a patient and his/her parents.

Nurses are not different. Tell a nurse you need the attention of a doctor and be greeted with a loud silence. Remind a nurse that it’s time for his/her patient to have oral drug or get a ward maid to clean up a messed up bedside and be ready to wait eternity.

A nurse or doctor will hardly call the services of a specialist from another unit unless you get a little crazy.

LUTH management could very well minimize these negatives through little efforts. One is to regularly hold talk shops focusing on patience, smile, empathy and effective communication as the first therapies of healing. Two is to have a list of emergency lines of critical units pasted at the entrance of every ward.

Servicom lines are in some places in the hospital but in times of emergency, one may not have the patience to go searching for them hundreds of metres away.

One of the absurdities in LUTH is the fact that most drugs sold within its premises are costlier than what obtains at pharmacies outside. Common sense tells me that the reverse ought be the case.

Lack of basic equipment in public hospitals is no news anymore.

And LUTH is no exception. I would never buy the assumption that it’s a systemic failure when some private health facilities boast of them. Imagine LUTH not having a functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI} scanner. Think of LUTH without a functional equipment for testing hearing.

––Anya, an aide to Governor of Ebonyi State, has his family in Lagos Continued online www.thisdaylive.com

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

POLITY Olowo Gbadegesin

Akeredolu Did Not Influence My Selection The new Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III formally ascended the throne of his forefathers this week after final rites. He spoke with select journalists on his plans for the ancient town situated in Ondo State, his belief about culture and roles of traditional rulers. James Sowole brings excerpts

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The society should have its own culture and tradition. There is no society that does not have its own peculiar traditions and culture.

There is none. Even in the western world, they have their traditions and we have ours.

As a person, if I’m not prepared to act in line with our culture and tradition, I won’t vie for the throne

hat is your background like?

I came to this world on the 6th of July, 1966. The late Oba Adekola Ogunoye was my father and my mother’s name is Adenike Ogunoye. I was about two years old when my father ascended the throne as the Olowo of Owo in 1968. My father allowed us to mix with anybody we felt we could relate with including those who are up there, those in the middle class and those at the ladder runs. I began primary school at the Government Primary School which is located beside the palace.After that, I attended Owo High School, Owo for my secondary education. I later proceeded to the then Ondo State University,AdoEkiti now Ekiti State University for my B.ADegree Religious Studies. I equally attendedAdekunleAjasin University Akungba-Akoko for my Masters in Public Administration. I also studied Law in the same university. I started working as a classroom teacher. I taught for a year and a half before I joined the Ondo State Civil Service as anAdministrative Officer in the year 2001. From there I functioned in many Ministries, Departments, andAgencies of government.

It was alleged that the state government influenced your selection?

Yes, the government-backed all of us, I mean all the candidates by allowing the process to run through without interference. Government ensured that the environment was conducive during the process by putting security measures in place and by not identifying with any of the candidates. When you say state government, the governor readily comes to mind.

People might be of the view because I work in the governor’s office, there must have been some for interference. You wouldn’t believe it that my posting here was effected by the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. ToyinAkinkuotu, even before the governor resumed. So, the governor never had a hand in my working here (Governor’s Office). It was a civil service structure posting. When the process started, the government decided not to interfere but allowed everything to run through.As you are aware, the governor is from Owo. He is a stakeholder. In other climes, the governor would have a preferred candidate. It happens everywhere but give it toArakunrin Akeredolu, he never for once interfered with the process. He said all that he wanted was for the process to run through and for

What roles do you think traditional rulers should play on security?

From the recent past, the powers of traditional rulers have been reduced. They don’t have any constitutional role. Hardly would they be able to do much, other than advisory. The roles of government have been spelt out in the constitution. I as a person with other traditional rulers will advise government the steps that are needed to be taken, that the violence in the society will be reduced. I believe that it is quite important for traditional rulers to be given roles in the constitution because they are the custodians of the people. They know their environment; they know their people and much more responsibility are on them in order to ensure that the society is at peace. So, why can’t they be given constitutional roles?

I believe if such is taken care of, Nigeria would be better for it. Our constitution is still a working constitution and I have not seen any step taken to ensure that we rejig the constitution, it is quite necessary we do that and traditional rulers should be given roles in the constitution.

Olowo Gbadegesin

the best candidate to emerge.And that actually happened. He (GovAkeredolu) must be praised for that. He is a man of his words and for the fact that he is a statesman. I can’t imagine any society where a leader of that status will allow a process to run through without interference.

It has never happened. I have never seen that in Nigeria.

Since your emergence, how have you been able to assuage the feelings of those who lost out in the contest?

For every contest, a winner must emerge and I give God the glory for allowing me to emerge. Shortly after the process was

One of the things I plan to do is to have a hall of fame in place in Owo, where we would have an arts gallery.The hall of fame would be to preserve and promote in order to give recognition to those who have impacted the kingdom. Not only sons and daughters but on anybody who has made a positive mark on the kingdom. We will have possibly their portrait as well as a little literature on them. It will be well preserved within the palace so that whoever comes in and read what is written on somebody would be able to thrive on

concluded and I was announced, virtually all the contestants embraced and congratulated me. When we left the scene, we have been discussing. We are all together. We are from the same source, from the same family, the Elewuokun ruling house. The contest was a family affair. Unlike in the past, where it could lead to litigation and violence, there was nothing like that. It was so peaceful. The openness shown by the Senior Omo-Olowos and the conducive environment provided by the government, as well as the general acceptability by the people of Owo has led us to where we are.

What are your plans for those affected by the violence that rocked the town during the chieftaincy tussle some years ago?

Before the process and immediately thereafter, I have set my eyes on what I intend to do. I have it as my major plan to put in place a reconciliation body where avenues would be provided for those who have been shortchanged or those who have grievances to come together and ventilate their minds so that we will all come together and discuss those issues.

As a Christian, how do intend to balance your faith with your role as a traditional ruler?

I am unable to see the contradiction in that. Yes, I’m a Christian and truly, I am a traditionalist. It is all about one’s culture.

Whatever I have been required to do will be in line with our culture and our traditions.

What do you think could be responsible for the emergence of young traditional rulers these days, especially in the Southwest?

The fact is that young people are vibrant, they are challenged. They have fresh ideas to deliver.At the center of any development, the youth are always behind it. They are the working class. With a young age, they will be able to function very well. They can go the extra mile if there is a need for it. People believe that a young Oba should be able to lead very well and deliver without excuse, unlike if an elderly man is picked. You know as you grow older you are challenged by health, challenged by the reduction in the functionality of the brain.Ability to deliver would as well diminish. I believe that is what people have seen that the younger element will be able to do the job more. I’m not saying that because you are young you should be given an appointment or elective post or as an Oba. People must have seen the leadership qualities in you. They must have watched you over time that if you are given such a post you will be able to deliver.

What are your plans for the Owo town?

One of the things I plan to do is to have a hall of fame in place in Owo, where we would have an arts gallery. The hall of fame would be to preserve and promote in order to give recognition to those who have impacted the kingdom. Not only sons and daughters but on anybody who has made a positive mark on the kingdom. We will have possibly their portrait as well as a little literature on them. It will be well preserved within the palace so that whoever comes in and read what is written on somebody would be able to thrive on. We will find means for the sustenance of our youths by finding jobs for them. We will leverage on those who have the resources, either indigenes or non-indigenes so that there will be small and medium scale industries for them to work.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

POLITY Favour Adebayo

Wed-for-Free Bouquet will Help Nigerians do Weddings without Stress Many Nigerians have had their fingers burnt in the name of planning weddings. However, Mrs. Favour Adebayo, seasoned wedding planner and convener of Wed-For-Free Programme, is organising a wedding seminar where Nigerians can learn how to wed practically for free. She spoke to Labake Fashogbon

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lieving that we do not have to kill ourselves trying to please the society.

You will agree with me, that the Nigeria of today, one of the major considerations while thinking of wedding is finance, wed for free is a sure answer to that. Our ever dedicated, creative and professional team of event planners and vendors, with rich understanding of the Nigeria society and economy would always ensure our clients dream wedding is a memorable reality.

We are in wedding business to realise your dream wedding.

hat is the Wed-forFree event is all about?

Wed for free Bouquet is a special wedding package offer, by Fadem Choice Events. It is a systematic and deliberate cooperation between intending couples and Fadem Choice Events, in which wedding is planned, financed and executed without couple going through economic, financial, and emotional stress.

What should participants expect at the seminar?

At the event, we would be teaching participants on how to draw an effective wedding budget because that is where the problem really lies. I doubt if there has ever been anyone who organised wedding and would say he or she kept within budget at the end of the day. The question is how to have effective wedding budget among other things. There is also the need to know how to leverage on social capital to wed and how you can qualify for our N1 million all-expense paid wedding package.

What do participants really stand to gain then?

They will gain knowledge of social capital as it relates to wedding planning.

All Participants stand the chance to qualify for N1 million free wedding package. They

You earlier spoke about preparing wedding budget.This seems to be a very thorny issue when planning a wedding.

What do you say about this?

Budget is key when it comes to wedding planning.An effective wedding budget helps eliminate waste and guide against unnecessary spending that is associated with Nigeria weddings. It helps focus on what is important and needed not what is influenced by social media or family members.

Favour Adebayo

will also enjoy free consultations, free planning and coordination for any wedding coming up between 1st of October 2019 -31st March 2020.

Where is the event taking place and date?

The event is holding on the 21st September 2019 at The Pertinence Place in Egbeda Lagos.

Do you really believe the ideas to be propagated at the event are practicable?

Yes, I believe. It is high time we started be-

Who and who are you expecting? I mean discussants?

First of all, our seasoned facilitators. We

have the likes of Mrs. Bosede Olusola Obasa the Chief Executive Officer of 1st Royal Character and Value (RCV) who will be taking Social Capital and Wedding Planning. There is also Mrs . Eunice Iwu Basil, the Chief Executive Officer of Dore Concepts Events who will handle Effective Wedding Budgeting. There is also Mr.Amos Yeboah Dacosta, the Marketing Manager of Pertinence Group and Chief Executive Officer of Maplandi Consult. He will be showing us ways to raise funds for your wedding. Then of course, my humble self will be sharing my experience of how I successfully planned, financed and executed a 300 guests capacity wedding with just N15,000 only. In terms of participants, we are expecting all engaged to be-married Nigerians and all eligible bachelors and sprinters; and also those looking for Job opportunity before wedding and those ready to get married in 2020 without further financial delay.

Who is Mrs. Favour Marcellina Adebayo?

Favour MarcellinaAdebayo is an event planner with over many years of experience in the wedding event industry. She is passionate about helping clients realise their vision of a beautiful and memorable wedding within the confines of their budget. Her event mission is to bring creativity and professionalism to the business of wedding planning by delivering qualitative services at most affordable cost. She has been able to do this by strictly maintaining her event core value: Reliability, Integrity, Creativity and Honesty - R ICH. .

Thabo Mbeki and the Xenophobic Choir Austin Tam-George

R

ecent statements by former South African President, Thabo Mbeki, denying the targeting of Nigerians and other Africans in the latest wave of xenophobic attacks in South Africa, should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with his career as a public administrator.

As a leader, Mr. Mbeki has a long and tragic history of denialism. His standard reflex in moments of crisis was always to bury his head in the sand, while reality hovered perilously all around him.

Throughout his time as President of South Africa, Mr Mbeki strongly denied the existence of HIV/AIDS, and used every State institution to frustrate or stop the sale and distribution of antiretroviral drugs to HIV-positive South Africans.

As part of his so-called ideological battle with “Western” science, Mr Mbeki alarmingly prescribed the consumption of “African” beetroot to those ravaged by the AIDS epidemic.

The disastrous toll of Mr Mbeki’s intransigent AIDS policy on the fabric of South African society is still the subject of research and tabulation by experts around the world.

But according to a 2008 report by researchers in Harvard University, Mr Mbeki’s antiretroviral denialism led directly to the deaths of over 300,000

HIV- positive South Africans.

The report also found that 35,000 HIV-infected children were born during the period in South Africa, because Mr Mbeki rejected vital drugs that could have prevented mother to child transmission of the disease.

As South Africa erupts in yet another xenophobic violence, Mr Mbeki is back to lead the choir of deniers.

As someone who attended and taught in South African universities for the better part of a decade, I can say without a doubt that not all South Africans are xenophobic.

But there is an increasingly virulent strain of xenophobia in sections of South African society that is impossible to ignore. It is visible and dramatic enough in the streets of South Africa to cause a sense of moral panic.

Rather than confront the problem, Mbeki and other leaders of the African National Congress (ANC) are staging an escape from this unglamorous truth about South Africa.

For those who may be genuinely confused about the dialectical meaning of “xenophobia” in the context of the latest attacks, let me explain.

It simply means that there is an identitarian dimension to these killings and attacks. Foreigners (particularly Africans from other countries) are killed and their shops looted because they are foreigners in South Africa.

So these are not ‘general’ crimes, there is a clear particularity to the killings.

Foreign Africans are the target, because they are seen as a “problem”.

A sub-set of this xenophobic sentiment is the “criminalization” of the Nigerian identity. Mr Mbeki actively promotes this dangerous stereotype by referring specifically to “Nigerian drug dealers” But there are South African, Tanzanian, Namibian, Zimbabwean, American, Pakistani, and other drug dealers and criminals in South Africa. Why not fight criminality through vigorous intelligence gathering and convictions in the courts?

Why is Mr Mbeki endorsing the hateful and indiscriminate jurisprudence of the streets?In addition to his chronic denialism, Mr Mbeki seems to have also lost his sense of irony.

As anti-apartheid refugees, Mr Mbeki and many of his ANC colleagues lived in Nigeria for many years, and were supported with State funds. Mr OliverTambo, the leader of the ANC at the time, traveled around the world on a Nigerian diplomatic passport.

The truth is that South Africa owes Nigeria and the rest of Africa a moral debt that it can not repay.

As the Buhari administration considers its response to the plight of Nigerians in South Africa and elsewhere in the world, it must resist the temptation of cheap or violent reciprocity.

Nigeria’s best response must be to finally rise to the challenge of building a just,equitable and prosperous nation.

––Dr Tam-George was Andrew W. Melon Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

Mbeki

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

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WEEKLY PULL-OUT

14.09.2019

NEWS

TRICKY TEST AT OLD TRAFFORD

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Joe Aribo A New Eagle is Born?

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Joe Aribo A New Eagle is Born?

Though he is eligible to play for his country of birth, England, he chose to star for the country of his fatherland, Nigeria. Against Ukraine on Tuesday, Joe Aribo debuted for the Super Eagles and he did not disappoint as he put up a Man-of-the-Match performance, which left many fans with the conviction that the future of the senior national team is very bright

N

ewly invited Glasgow Rangers midfielder to the Super Eagles, Joe Aribo announced himself to the world stage by scoring the first goal in the 4th minute with a simple tap-in via an Alex Iwobi’s cut back and went on to deliver a Man of the Match performance that left a number of fans drooling as Nigeria ironed out a 2-2 draw with hosts Ukraine at the Dnipro Arena on Tuesday night.

Though fans had been warned before the game to expect some fireworks from the Glasgow Rangers midfielder, not many reckoned they would be forced, on watching Aribo, to reminisce about the good old Austin Okocha days.

Rangers coach Michael Beale reacted to Aribo’s goal for Nigeria @MichaelBeale Love it

@J_Aribo19.

Aribo earned his first call-up last week after his impressive start to 2019-20 at Ibrox under manager Steven Gerrard, and it’s safe to say his summer move from Charlton Athletic is starting to pay dividends.

Aribo isn’t expected to walk into the Super Eagles’ starting 11, though, with Leicester City’s Wilfried Ndidi and Stoke City’s Peter Etebo the favoured and long-term defensive midfield pairing.

The former wasn’t available on Tuesday night due to injury, but the Rangers man has surely given Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr a selection headache following a wonderful debut.

Nigerian fans were over the moon with Aribo’s debut impact.

The London-born star was in good form throughout the game

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Aribo

and his powerful play in the heart of midfield certainly impressed the Nigerian fan base.

Plenty of fans took to Twitter after the game to highlight their joy at Aribo’s performance. Some even compared him to former Super Eagles hero Jay-Jay Okocha and Manchester United midfield dynamo Paul Pogba.

It looks like Rangers’ newest hero could also be about to have the same impact on international duty.

Aribo has vowed to continue wearing the colours of Nigeria even though he is eligible to play for his country of birth, England.

The former Charlton Athletic star made his international debut against Ukraine on Tuesday evening but playing in the game at the Dnipro Arena does not compare him to the three-time

African champions.

In a YouTube video uploaded by the Super Eagles Media team, Aribo said: ‘’I am Joseph Aribo, I am from Ondo State. I play for Glasgow Rangers. ‘’I am really happy to have got this call-up to Nigeria and I just want to make the most of it and play as long as possible and just do what I can for the team and make sure that we continue being the best that we can be.’’

Aribo has described himself as a midfielder with offensive and defensive qualities. ‘’I am a central midfielder and I like to get in and around the box. I can defend and I can attack,’’ he concluded.

Aribo, who has hit the back of the net four times in the new season, shares the same agent as Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Josh

Maja.

Speaking from Ukraine, before the international friendly encounter, he said he was ready to seize his chance and put on a show for Nigerian fans and prove his worth to coach Gernot Rohr.

English-born Aribo recently joined Rangers from Charlton Athletic in England, having also previously turned out for Staines Town in non-league football.

He already has four goals in 12 games for Rangers this year after making an excellent start to the new campaign that has seen him rewarded with a call-up.

Aribo joined the likes of Teslim Balogun, Brian Idowu, Julius Aghahowa, Finidi George, Victor Agali and Obafemi Martins as Nigerians to have scored on their international debut after the Rangers midfielder scored the Super Eagles’ first goal in Tuesday’s friendly with Ukraine.

It took the 23-year-old less than three minutes into his maiden appearance for Gernot Rohr’s men to find the net thanks to Alex Iwobi’s assist.

According to Nigeria’s former youth coach, Mark Fabian, Aribo will use the “huge experience” he gained in the recent Old Firm defeat to cope with the pressure of being a success at Ibrox. Fabian worked with Aribo at Staines Town before he signed for Charlton Athletic and has “no doubt” that the midfielder will cope with the expectations at Ibrox.

Despite struggling against Celtic in the 2-0 defeat at Ibrox, Fabian is confident that it’ll stand Aribo in “good stead” after a positive start to his Rangers career.

“I know the Old Firm game didn’t go the way he or Rangers would have wanted but it would have been a huge experience for him and it will stand him in good stead,” Fabian said.

“I have no doubt he will cope with the pressure of playing for Rangers. Joe’s got a great mentality and he’s played in big games in huge atmospheres.

“He played play-off final against Sunderland at Wembley last year and looked comfortable on that stage.

“He won’t be intimidated by playing at Ibrox every other week. The fans will take to him because he gives 100 per cent every time he goes on to the pitch.”

Aribo’s form for Rangers since signing for the Gers over the summer saw him win his first call-up to the Nigerian national team.

With tough competition for starting places at Ibrox, Aribo will need to be at his best consistently if he is to keep his place in the side.

There’s no doubt that his Old Firm experience will help him in the long-term though and he’ll be a better player for it when the sides meet again later in the season.

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Man Utd Face Tricky Leicester Test at Old Traord Manchester United face a tricky task today as they host Brendan Rogers’ in-form Leicester City side at Old Traord. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men had made the dream start when they routed Chelsea 4-0 on the opening day and the Red Devils have not won since, however, having picked up just two points from subsequent matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Southampton. United could desperately do with a big result today, but Leicester won’t make it easy - the Foxes are unbeaten in their opening four Premier League matches so far this season

anchester United will be desperate for a return to winning ways when they take on Leicester City at Old Trafford today after failing to win any of their last three Premier League games, while Leicester will feel confident of causing an upset following a solid start to their 2019-20 campaign.

Despite only being four games in, failure to claim three points over the Foxes today would present serious existential questions of a Solskjaer team which has only won three of its last 13 games.

United’s inability to win any of their last three games against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Crystal Palace and Southampton has made that 4-0 win over Chelsea feel like a distant memory and shifted a series

of technical problems into clear focus, creating an atmosphere of pressure just a month into the new campaign.

The Red Devils were especially criticised following the 1-1 draw with Southampton at St Mary’s, which saw United take the lead against a poor Saints side before somehow failing to add to their advantage something you’d expect Liverpool or Manchester City to do against a lesser opponent on the back foot - even

when the home side was reduced to 10 men for the final 20 minutes of the game.

What those final 20 minutes displayed, above anything, was the lack of any seniority in an attack spearheaded by Marcus Rashford, whose talent is undisputed but went completely missing against Ralph Hasenhutt’s side, leaving United with no real focal point to bind together passing combinations in the

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final third.

Despite youngsters Daniel James and Mason Greenwood both impressing, the dearth of goalscoring maturity in the last game prompted many to highlight whether United’s decision to sell Romelu Lukaku and loan Alexis Sanchez during the transfer window may have left them short in that department.

Another area where United feel light is the midfield, which has struggled for consistent tempo in all four games so far this term. Indeed, following the club’s decision to sell and not replace Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini over the summer, the quintet available to Solskjaer comprises of Paul Pogba, Scott McTominay, Fred, Andreas Pereira and Nemanja Matic.

For a season which is likely to contain over 50 games, United supporters may worry that their team does not have the mileage nor the quality in that area necessary to play at a consistently high enough level over a nine-month period in order to challenge for Champions League football next season.

The meeting with Leicester, whose squad seems more balanced and energised than United’s, will serve as a useful indicator of whether the current crop of players at Solskjaer’s disposal are indeed capable of improving on their sixth place finish last season.

If United are a team heading backwards, Leicester deserve to be recognised as a team heading

inexorably in the right direction under Brendan Rodgers.

Since taking over from Claude Puel in February, Rodgers has imposed his high-pressing, counterattacking style on this Leicester team to devastating effect, energising the midfield and placing more emphasis on attacking the space in behind defenders for Jamie Vardy to exploit.

The Foxes find themselves in third place in the Premier League table after four games - only Manchester City and Liverpool, once again the pacesetters for the division, are ahead of them - and their performances merit that standing.

Following hard-fought draws against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea, Leicester have been good value for their wins over Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth during which Vardy claimed three goals - including a sumptuous chip against the latter.

Indeed, while Vardy has continued to impress, perhaps it is the midfield where Leicester can rightly feel they most notably eclipse United at this moment in time.

Wilfred Ndidi has looked very solid in defensive midfield, while Youri Tielemans - signed for ÂŁ40m over the summer and James Maddison, who is going from strength to strength, are enjoying excellent starts to the season. Any from that trio, you could argue, would improve the current United midfield, which is why it

comes as no surprise that all three, especially Maddison, have been linked with moves to Old Trafford over the summer.

United did manage to sign a Leicester player this summer in the form of Harry Maguire, who has been solid so far, but this loss does not appear to have greatly impacted Leicester at all, with replacement Caglar Soyuncu looking right at home in central defence alongside former United player Jonny Evans so far this term.

From a Leicester point of view, there has perhaps never been a better chance to claim all three points at Old Trafford against a United team which is lacking balance and confidence.

Earlier today, Liverpool welcome Newcastle to Anfield. The Reds have made probably the best start they could dream of, in pursuit of their holy grail, the Premier League title.

After the completion of four match-days, the team has registered four wins and has already scored an impressive 12 goals, bettered only by arch-rivals, Manchester City.

Once again the league crown is about to be subjected to a ping pong game between these two, and there really is no scope for even the minutest of mistakes. Last time around Jurgen Klopp’s men had accrued 97 points.

This would have been enough for the title for all of the previous seasons, barring the last two where City got their hands on the trophy.

As such, every single point will count, and to be frank, as dramatic it may sound – Liverpool’s best course seems to target 34 wins from the next 34 match-days. Such is the level of competition offered by the bald freak from the dugouts of the City contingent.

For sure Newcastle is about to face their hardest task in the season, considering that the venue is Anfield.

So far, the Magpies have registered a single win on the table, and ironically though, it was against Tottenham, and on the road as well.

The moral is – the reigning European champions should not be too sure of the three points.

Anfield could be touted as the biggest home advantage a team could be given at present in the world of this sport-Spanish champions Barcelona will provide sufficient testament to this statement.

As of now, the 2018-19 Premier League runners-up were unbeaten in 21 of their previous 22 home ties.

And the sole loss had come against Napoli, and that too in a friendly.

Moreover, the Magpies have been unable to register a single win in the last 21 years at this dreaded venue.

And in fact, the former 20 such clashes ended in four draws, and an unbelievable 16 wins for the hosts.

In addition, they had also scored twice or more in 18 of these meetings.

Going on, this season, the Reds are sporting a 100 per cent win-record, whereas their counterparts have recorded a single win. Count on the home team making it five wins out of five, and making the title-race more interesting.

As has been the case for the past couple of years, the on-fire frontline will get to their job early on. And a goal-riot is probably in the making.

Taking into account Newcastle’s win over the Spurs, Virgil Van Dijk and his backline will have to put in a focused shift though.

Premiership Table

Team Liverpool Man City Leicester C Palace Arsenal Everton West Ham Man Utd ottenham She Utd Chelsea Burnley So’ton Newcastle B’mouth Brighton Wolves A Villa Norwich Watford

P 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4

GD 9 11 3 1 0 0 -1 3 1 0 -3 -1 -2 -2 -3 -3 -1 -2 -4 -6

Pts 12 10 8 7 7 7 7 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 1

Premiership FIXTURES TODAY

ChLiverpool Brighton Man Utd SheďŹƒeld Tottenham Wolves Norwich

v v v v v v v

Newcastle 12:30 Burnley 15:00 Leicester 15:00 Southampton 15:00 Crystal Palace 15:00 Chelsea 15:00 Man City 17:30

SUNDAY

Bournemouth v Everton 14:00 Watford v Arsenal 16:30

Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY

Madrid LeganĂŠs Sociedad Barcelona

v v v v

Levante Villarreal AtlĂŠtico Valencia

12:00 15:00 17:30 20:00

v v v v v

Espanyol Sevilla Granada Osasuna Getafe

11:00 13:00 15:00 17:30 20:00

v v v

Juventus Sampdoria Udinese

14:00 17:00 19:45

v v v v v v

Atalanta Bologna Cagliari Lazio Sassuolo AC Milan

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 17:00 19:45

v

Lecce

19:45

CLUB

GOALS

SUNDAY

Eibar AlavĂŠs Celta Vigo Valladolid Betis

Serie A TODAY

Fiorentina Napoli Inter SUNDAY

Genoa Brescia Parma SPAL Roma Verona MONDAY

Torino

Hot Shot NAME

Sergio AgĂźero Man City 6 Teemu Pukki Norwich 5 Raheem Sterling Man City 5 Tammy Abraham Chelsea 4 Ashley Barnes Burnley 4 Mohamed Salah Liverpool 3 Jamie Vardy Leicester 3 SĂŠbastien Haller West Ham 3 Daniel James Man Utd 3 Emerick Aubameyang Arsenal 3 Harry Kane Tottenham 3 Firmino Liverpool 2 Sadio ManĂŠ Liverpool 2 Anthony Martial Man Utd 2 Marcus Rashford Man Utd 2 Alexandre Lacazette Arsenal 2 Harry Wilson Bournemouth 2 Jordan Ayew Crystal Palace 2 Richarlison Everton 2 RaĂşl JimĂŠnez Wolves 2 Mason Mount Chelsea 2

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Oladosu (r) send his opponet to the canvass during one of the GOtv Boxing nights

Anuoluwapo Opeyori wins gold as Team Nigeria emerge overall champions at the African Games 2019

Joe Boy Promises Oladosu Hell in their ABU Title Showdown ˞You’re a coward, Real One taunts Joseph

African Boxing Union (ABU) lightweight champion, Oto “Joe Boy� Joseph, has warned his challenger and West African Boxing Union champion, Rilwan “Real One� Oladosu, to expect something worse than hell when they clash at GOtv Boxing Night 20 on October 12 for the ABU title in the weight division.

The bout, slated for the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, is the biggest of the eight encounters billed to hold at the event. A thick flood of bad blood is flowing between both boxers, who are rated the best in the division locally and internationally, a situation for which analysts have dubbed the contest “fight of the decade�.

In an interview at his training base in Lagos on Wednesday, Joe Boy said he was motivated to severely punish Real One for all the insults he had publicly hurled at him. He also denied his challenger’s claims of serial victories over him during their time in the amateur ranks. “I’m really prepared for this fight because I know it’s a very big fight for me.

Rilwan was there before me, but I have leapfrogged him. “He has been claiming that he defeated me before but even the fight that he said he

won, I was robbed. How could someone be fighting three rounds and they were watching the time at 1 minute 30 seconds?

So, I’m really prepared. Over the 12 rounds that we are scheduled to fight, he will be in a place worse than hell and that is if he lasts the distance. I’m going to beat him black and blue on that day,� boasted Joe Boy. The WABU champion has never shied from talking up his chances and insulting Joe Boy at every opportunity, including at press conferences, where they almost came to blows; GOtv Boxing Night 18 venue as well in radio and television interviews.

He is unwavering in his belief that he defeated Joe Boy in the amateur cadre and believes that he was well placed to inflict a first professional defeat on the champion and wrest the ABU title from him. Most boxing analysts and fans believe that there is little to choose between both boxers, who have seen off local and international opponents almost without fuss. While Joe Boy is rated as having better punching power, Real One is viewed as one with sufficient guile to neutralise the champion’s menace.

Analysts have put the upcoming fight in the same category as the fierce 80s

rivalries featuring Hogan Jimoh versus Dele Jonathan, both deceased; and Joe Lasisi versuss Jerry Okorodudu.

Meanwhile, Oladosu, has launched a fresh verbal attack on Joseph ahead of their ABU title bout at GOtv Boxing Night 20.

Speaking after his training at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos last Saturday, Real One described Joe Boy as a coward and boxer with limited ability. He boasted that he will expose the ABU champion’s limitations in brutal fashion. “I know him very well. He is my boy; I know what he can do and what he can’t.

He relies on raw power. He has no boxing brain. But raw power can only work against low-grade boxers. I’m not in that category. The ABU title is for me. His limited ability has taken him as far as it can. It is the end of the road for him on 12 October,� bragged Real One, who has serially claimed to have defeated Joe Boy in their amateur days.

Real One’s verbal offensive is the latest trail of bad blood between both boxers, who are considered the best in their division. They have had to be pulled apart at press conferences and GOtv Boxing Night 18, where Real One never failed to taunt Joe Boy, who also always responded.

Lagos Sports Commission Justifies Summer Camp The Director General of Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr. Oluwatoyin Gafar, has said that the just concluded Lagos Sports Summer Camp was put together to give the participating children the opportunity to be exposed to different sports featured in the programme .

The Summer Camp, which featured eight sports involved children from ages nine to 16 years. The camp, which was held from August 31 to September 5, saw the participants not only engaged in sporting activities but were taken through vocational and entrepreneurial training where they learn different skills.

To the Director General of the Sports Commission, who was the brain behind the programme , there were a lot of children who did not have the chance

to be exposed to sports, while there were some who had not found themselves among peers of the same ages for social interactions. “We came up with this Summer Camp to give the children the opportunity to be engaged during the holiday, and more importantly for us to unearth different talents which God has deposited in them. “Iamhappytosaythatduringthecamp, thechildrenweretakenthroughvocational training in tie and dye, tilling, makeup, interlockinganddrama.Whileincamp,we saw how the children practicalised what they have been taught, it was amazing and encouraging to us that we are doing the right thing to develop these children. “We also had a 15-year-old who had never been exposed to any sporting activ-

ity,butnowhehasbeenabletopickinterest in one of the sports, table tennis within a very short time of training. “These children are so wonderful and learn very fast. We will select some of them for further grooming to monitor their progression and expose them to better competitive environments,� he said. “We also organised this Summer Camp in line with the vision of the Government of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu that grassroots sports development is fundamental to the quest to make Lagos the sports hub of Africa, I must give kudos to the governor for supporting us for the success of this programme as we plan to expand the camp to cover more areas of the state in the next edition, which we hope that it will be bigger.

SuperSport to Feature WWE Clash of Champions on September 16 Dstv and GOtv viewers will be in for a thrilling night of professional wrestling action as SuperSport features the 2019 WWE Clash of Champions from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina on September 16 at 12:00am on SuperSport 4 The headline match for the Clash of Champions is the finals match for the King of the Ring tournament. This will see one of the following Raw representatives – Samoa Joe, Ricochet or Baron Corbin – face either Elias or Chad Gable of Smackdown to win the legendary title, which has helped launch the careers of wrestlers such as Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, Kurt Angle and Brock Lesnar.

But the King of the Ring final is just one of the major matches on the card, with every single WWE Championship belt set to be defended through the course of the event. This includes the Women’s Smackdown Championship (Bayley v Charlotte Flair), WWE Championship (Kofi Kingston v Randy Orton), WWE Smackdown Tag Team Championship (The New Day v The Revival) and the WWE Intercontinental Championship (Shinsuke Nakamura v The Miz), amongst others.

One of the most unique storylines heading into WWE’s Clash of Champions is the relationship between Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman.

The pair will face off for Rollins’ WWE Universal Championship in one of the most eagerly anticipated battles of the event, but also be teammates in defence of the WWE Raw Tag Team Championship against the duo of Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler.

SuperSport viewers can also enjoyAlex Bliss & Nikki Cross v Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship, a fierce rivalry between Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks, with ‘The Man’ putting her WWE Raw Women’s Championship on the line, and a potential thriller as Drew Gulak, Humerto Carrillo and Lince Dorado face each other in a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.

All Africa Games

How Lagos Athletes Propelled Team Nigeria to Successful Outing When the story of Team Nigeria’s second position outing at the recently concluded Rabat 2019 All Africa Games in Morocco is being told, the place of athletes from Lagos State and the contributions they made in the success story would not be easily forgotten.

Lagos State has always been the ‘Centre of Excellence’ in Nigerian sports because the state has been known for its sports development programmes , a situation that has made the state as the grooming ground for athletes for national and international competitions.

Right from the government of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu down to the present administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the development of sports and the welfare of athletes have always been in the hearts of the state governors who usually give all necessary support to the administrators saddled with the responsibility of managing sports in the state.

There is no doubt that the gains of International Badminton Classics, the monthly Boxing Hall of Fame Show, the ITTF Nigeria Open Challenge Plus and numerous developmental school sports programmes of the Lagos State Sports Commission are adding values not only in sports in the state but Nigeria as a whole.

This was evident in what happened at the Rabat Games last month with the contributions some of the athletes from Lagos State made to the total number of medals hauled by Team Nigeria to finish second at the continental championship.

Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Godwin Olofia’s inspired Nigerian badminton team won a team gold medal in Morocco, the first to be won by Nigeria when the Games started. Anuoluwapo overall won 2 gold and 1 silver medal, while another Lagos athlete, Godwin Olofia won 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze to the kitty of Team Nigeria. In the men’s doubles, the duo of Anuoluwapo and Godwin won silver medal, while in the women’s singles Lagos’ Dorcas Adesokan and Sofiat Obanishola won silver and bronze medals respectively. Dorcas Adesokan paired Deborah Ukeh to settle for silver medal in the women’s doubles event.

Anuoluwapo is Nigeria’s and Africa’s number one in badminton, while Godwin is rated number three in Nigeria. The pair of Anuoluwapo and Godwin are Africa’s number one in the men’s doubles.

Two Team Lagos boxers,Afeez Osoba (male) andAyisat Oriyomi (female) representing Nigeria at 2019 All Africa Games won 1 silver and 1 bronze medal in the 69kg and 51kg categories respectively.

Afeez Osoba was a gold medallist in 69kg event in the last Abuja 2018 National Sports Festival. He is currently in the second position in African boxing. Ayisat Oriyomi, on the other hand, is a gold medallist at the Abuja 2018 National Festival, while she is in the third position on the continent.

The record shows that Oriyomi was two times Governor’s Belt winner in 2013 and 2018. Governor’s Belt is an annual boxing championship usually held every Boxing Day to determine Lagos boxing champions in both the female and male categories every year. Oriyomi also won gold medal at the Eko 2012 National Sports Festival.

In weightlifting, Adijat Adenike Olarinoye, a Lagos athlete, won 2 gold and 1 silver medals in the 55kg (Clean and Jack respectively). She broke the All Africa Games record. Olarinoye has been an outstanding lifter, she won 3 silver medals at the year 2018 National Sports Festival (NSF) held in Abuja (snatch, clean and Jack and as well as Total in 55kg).

The same success story was recorded in table tennis where unfavoured Lagos’ Olajide Omotayo, who was representing Team Nigeria, conquered three of the best players in Africa in the table tennis event to be crowned the champion.

From the quarterfinal stage, Omotayo worked his way to the final beating two former champions – Egypt’s Ahmed Saleh and Nigeria’s Segun Toriola - in the quarterfinal and semifinal stages.

The final produced the best of Africa with Aruna Quadri going up against Omotayo and the fans were treated to an exciting match.

Omotayo threw caution to the wind and raced to the lead with a 3-0 (13-11, 11-9, 16-14) but experienced Quadri cut the lead to 3-2 with 8-11, 13-15 wins in the fourth and fifth games.

The sixth match was a display of energy and skills and it was the younger Omotayo that scaled through with 12-10 win to claim the second gold medals for Nigeria in the table tennis event of the multi-sports fiesta.

Executive Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission, Dr. Kweku Tandoh, who alongside some top management staff of the commission including the Director General Oluwatoyin Gafar, were in Rabat to watch proceedings of the All Africa Games. He commended Anuoluwapo and Omotayo for their ‘golden’ performance. He said they are not only good ambassadors of Nigeria but they also made Lagos State proud. “Jide Omotayo, a player groomed and developed through the Lagos State sports system, has shown that with determination, commitment and discipline, you can get to the top. We are proud of him and wish him the very best,� Tandoh said.

ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

35

GLOBAL SOCCER

Moses

F

enerbahce are highly unlikely to sign Victor Moses on a permanent deal, despite having the option to buy the winger at the end of their loan agreement.

The 28-year-old is too expensive for the Turkish club due to his ÂŁ75,000-a-week wages, in addition to the fee required to sign him.

Moses’ contract with Chelsea expires in 2021 and it will leave the player available to leave on a cut-price deal next summer.

Moses is the joint fifth-highest earner in the Turkish Super Lig for the 2019/20 season, as he is tied on the fifth position with Galatasaray’s Steven Nzonzi and Trabzonspor’s Jose Sosa.

Despite not being in the club’s long-term plans, Moses has been influential for the Turkish giants with four goals in 14 Super Lig appearances last season.

Moses began 2019-20 with a goal and an assist in the 5-0 win over Gazisehir on August 19, but also suffered a muscle injury in that game and has not played since.

Fener failed to qualify for Europe last season, while they are also facing sanctions for a failure to appease UEFA’s Financial Fair Play target that required them to balance spending with revenue.

That is thought to be a significant restriction for the club’s transfer activity, including the signing of Moses.

The loan move to Turkey is the fourth for the former Nigerian international since he joined Chelsea from Wigan Athletic in August 2012.

Chelsea sent Moses to Liverpool, West Ham and Stoke City before he had a resurgence under Antonio Conte where he was converted into a

Victor Moses Chelsea Return on the Horizon

With Fenerbahce said to be reluctant to pay Victor Moses’ £75,000-a-week wages, in addition to the fee required to sign him, longterm right-back Cesar Azpilicueta enduring an error-strewn start to the season and fellow Spaniard, Marco Alonzo drop in form, a return to his parent club, Chelsea is on the horizon for the Nigerian international wing-back in the title-winning season of 2016-17.

Moses signed his current deal during that campaign and he was nominated for African Footballer of the Year but fell down the pecking order once again last season under Maurizio Sarri.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly considering an offer for Nice’s £35mrated right-back Youcef Atal in January if they can get their transfer ban lifted.

Long-term right-back Cesar Azpilicueta has endured an error-strewn start to the season, committing defensive errors leading to goals against Manchester United and Sheffield United. Consequently, his place is under threat with Frank Lampard reportedly considering handing 19-year-old Reece James a promotion, once he has returned from

an ankle injury suffered in May. Another option for Chelsea could be to move for Algerian international Atal, who enjoyed an eye-catching debut season in Ligue 1, scoring six goals in 29 league matches.

Although Chelsea are banned from signing any players for 12-months by FIFA, the club are hopeful the decision will be reduced to just one transfer window after they appealed to CAS (the Court of Arbitration for Sport).

After summer rumours linking him with a move to Inter Milan, to reunite with Antonio Conte, Moses ended up staying with Fenerbahce as per the terms of his 18-month loan agreement that began in January.

And things got off to a fantastic start in their first match of the season, as the

Chelsea loanee grabbed a goal and an assist in Fener’s 5-0 demolishing of newly promoted Gazisehir Gaziantep But Moses also missed a penalty, and worse yet, was forced off the pitch with an injury which was diagnosed as a muscle strain in the upper leg and the 28-year-old winger is expected to be out through the end of September. The injury is said to be minor enough that he will complete his rehab with the club rather than return to Chelsea, as is often the case for loanees.

Fener are looking to put last year’s shocking season behind them, they were flirting with relegation when Moses joined and thanks in part to him, recovered to finish sixth, which is still disappointing for a club of their stature, so hopefully, he won’t miss too many games.

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FAIRGROUND

Funky Brunch Lagos Marks 1st Anniversary

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

E

femena Tommy with his team, Nimi Briggs and Akunwa Moemeke recently celebrated the Funky Brunch Lagos 1st anniversary party with some of the biggest names in the entertainment, fashion and lifestyle industry in attendance.

The event, which took place on September 1, 2019, at the Balmoral Event Center, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, was marked with style and grandeur. It marked a recommendable milestone in the Luxury Entertainment & lifestyle industry in Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.

The Funky Brunch Lagos, which started in September 2018 with 320 guests has grown to become one of the most anticipated music, fashion and lifestyle event beloved by celebrities, fashionistas, socialites and young millennials across all industries catering to over 2500 premium guests as of now.

Guests were treated to an exquisitely decorated welcome area entrance which had them taking hundreds of selfies, delicious feasts for the stomach, endless drinks, crazy laughter, great energy, and good vibes.

The mega party had multiple picturesque areas, live games, bouncing castles, Ultra Lightings and over 60,000 Watts of sound to amplify the music delivered by 14 of the best DJ’s in Lagos: DJ Prince, DJ Consequence, DJ K Flow, DJ Harmony, DJ Six7even , DJ Last Don, 3ple7 DJ, DJ FD, DJ Tiami, DJ Paranormal, DJ Andre, DJ Structure, DJ Kenzy, DJ Oluwabruce and super hype-men: MC Fish, MC Ak Smuth Jay Breeze & Trey. All the featured DJs took turns in moving the crowd by dishing out music in various genres of music, ranging from Afrobeats to hip hop to afro-house to EDM and of course, taking the audience back to the beloved music of the 90s. To further attract audiences, the event showcased an unconventional fashion show presenting premium high-end streetwear styles from ASH LUXE, a sister brand to ASH LUXURY. The Funky Brunch Lagos turned out an incredibly massive crowd of upwardly mobile and luxury lifestyle lovers in Lagos. It had over 2500 guests across Nigeria with a high concentration of Lagosians and from outside of Nigeria in the Balmoral Hall. Celebrity figures in attendance included Davido, Bovi, Zlatan Ibile, Obafemi Martins, Sincerely Ward, Ebube Nwagbo, Peruzzi, Rahman Jago, Yung6ix, Uti Nwachukwu, Osaze (mtn), Ice Prince, Dammy Krane, Ric Hassani, Taymesan, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Tania Omotayo, Nadia Nakai, Moozlie, Lilian Afegbai, Chef Eros, Poco Lee, Beverly Osu,B-Red, CDQ, Lilian Esoro, Timini, Koko By Khloe, Beverly Osu, American TV personality, Sincerely Ward, South African TV personality, Babalwa Mneno and many other cool kids in fashion, arts, music and the booming creative industry in general.

Ify Okoye, Maureen and Faith Ogei

L-R: Nimi Briggs, Kuku Moemeke and Efe Tommy

Uti Nwachukwu Timini

Dj Prince

Davido

Babalwa Mneno

Eng Abayomi and Olowo Fuad

Lilian Esoro and a guest

Chef Eros, Ade Torch and Guest

Pela, Pretty Mike and Dabota Lawson

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

FAIRGROUND

Jobberman Celebrates 10 years with 'Shop for Free'

A

s a part of Jobberman’s 10 years anniversary celebration, a CSR activity was organised in order to give back to the community. The event tagged “Shop for Free” gave participants the opportunity to shop official clothing items at no cost. Also, part of this event was a free Employability Skills Training set up to provide job seekers with CV Writing tips and interview best practices.

The event, which was held in partnership with Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), was organised as part of a wider initiative to invest in job seekers by helping them tick all the boxes needed for them to be prepared to successfully enter the Labour market.

Individuals representing various organisations in Lagos State also joined in the donation of clothing items for the Shop For Free charity event; these items were given to all the participants who had a variety of work clothes to choose from.

In explaining the notion behind

the “shop for free” event, the CEO of Jobberman, Hilda Kabushenga Kragha said: “Our work with job seekers over the last 10 years has given us a deep understanding of the broad spectrum of their needs including small things like having fitting work clothes which for some can be the difference between making it to the next round of interviews or not. With the shop for free event, we hope to give job seekers one less thing to worry about as they focus on securing their dream jobs. I call upon corporates and individuals who can contribute to this cause to join hands with us so that we can make shop for free a regular event”.

This event, which held on September 6, 2019, at Stone Side hotel, had a turnout of over 200 participants, who were eager to gain new insights on how to thrive in the workplace.

Jobberman continues to be at the forefront of increasing workplace productivity in Africa by helping employers to find the best and brightest talent for their companies and by linking job seekers to their dream jobs.

Cross Section of Jobberman Staff

Inspire Me Tells a

Story on Ups and Downs of Immigrants The book's project was inspired by the aim that no refugee, unaccompanied immigrant should think it is difficult to get blended into any system they find themselves, especially when it comes to language barriers.

Barnabas Udin, in this new book admonishes the obvious facts on immigrants.

He further said: "I want to organise an event on integration and assimilation.

These are two exemplary topics that need awareness and different approaches.

For instance, how Nigerians who have returned home from abroad, can easily get-on in Nigeria after many years outside of the country and also the type of mentality our youths who

Ono Abumere Uto and guests at the event

Nono’s Catering Holds Empowerment Summit for Women

T

he need to empower women and to promote collaboration between women in Nigeria especially women in Catering business, prompted the CEO/MD of Nono's Catering Services, Mrs. Ono Abumere Uto to organise an employment initiative titled Nono's Catering Mentoring Initiative, which held on September 5, at Coral Hall in Lagos.

Abumere, in an interview, gave a brief history of her business, the reason for the initiative, her success story as well as challenges she

has faced in the catering business.

Ono traced the birth of her catering service, Nono's catering services to 2011, after she quitting her job at a Corporate organisation.

"At entry level, I was earning just about a hundred thousand a month as an HR which wasn't enough so I knew I had to go into catering.

I started my catering service Nono's in 2011 with cakes and I moved onto preparing foods but now we do solely foods. We don't do cakes anymore but we do deserts, small chops for weddings and corporate events", she said.

The CEO said the Idea of the Initiative was born out of the need to help other women in the catering business, also to empower women and also preach collabration among these women.

She added: "I decided to organise this program because I saw how hard it was to grow the business, how tough it was to get referrals and customers would ask questions like have u worked for this party or have you done this or that."

Also in attendance was Funke Bucknor, Nkechi Okolo, Bisi Sotunde and a host of other Events and Catering services CEOs.

Barnabas Udin

are planning on relocating abroad needs to adapt.’

According to ABF Workers Education Counselor, Sweden, ”Inspire Me is a very personal tale about Barnabas journey from Africa to Europe. The novel is a good mixture of humour, seriousness as well as an overall feeling of self-identification. Barnabas´s warm and including personality really came through in the book.”

He added that "Because the stigma that the “hustle sharp sharp come back, build house, buy cars for family members, and spray money around, isn’t helping some Nigerians quite much.

These are some of the topics I’m interested in highlighting in my future project.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

38

AUTO

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Mercedes-Benz Continues Double-digit Sales Growth in August Stories by Bennett Oghifo

M

ercedes-Benz has said it posted double-digit growth (+14.0%) for the second time in succession, with sales of 177,819 cars in August.

At the same time, a new record was set for the month of August. Doubledigit sales growth in all three regions – Europe, Asia-Pacific and NAFTA – and in those regions’ core markets was achieved last month.

Astatement by the auto company said the continuing popularity of the compact cars had a positive impact on the development of unit sales (+28.6%).

Deliveries of SUVs increased inAugust for the first

time this year due to sales stimulus from the new models (+8.7%). Furthermore, worldwide deliveries increased once again last month of saloon cars of the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (+6.7%) and E-Class (+14.7%). Sales of 1,501,405 units in the first eight months of the year by the Stuttgart-based company with the three-pointed star are approaching the high prior-year level (-0.7%).

From January until August, Mercedes-Benz maintained its market leadership in the premium segmentinmarketsincludingGermany,UK,France, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Australia, Canada and Republic of South Africa.

“August was the second month in succession for Mercedes-Benz in which we posted a new record for worldwide unit sales. The encouragement and

Compact, Spacious, Kia Pegas Sedan, First Time in Middle East Market

loyalty of our customers are an absolutely positive signal for us in view of the current challenges for the entire industry,” said Britta Seeger, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG responsible for Mercedes-Benz Cars Marketing and Sales. “Since August, our customers have been able to order the third generation of the compact-car family with hybrid drive.

The EQ Power for theA- and B-Class demonstrates our plug-in offensive at Mercedes-Benz. By 2020, we want to expand the range to well over 20 model variants.”

Mercedes-Benz unit sales by region and market In August, 62,213 cars with the three-pointed star

were delivered in the Europe region and a new record for the month August was set (+13.1%).

Sales in Germany, the domestic market, grew by a double-digit rate, as in July, to 26,658 units (+24.3%).

In the first eight months of the year, 200,340 cars with the star from the Stuttgart-based company were delivered to customers – an increase of 2.7% compared with the same period of last year.

Last month was the best August of all time for unit sales in Belgium, Switzerland, Poland,Austria, Portugal and Denmark.

Sales of 82,310 cars by Mercedes-Benz in the Asia-Pacific region are higher than ever before in an August (+13.8%). From January to August, 642,603 units were delivered in the region – also a new high for the first eight months of a year (+0.5%).

COSCHARIS to Unveil First-ever BMW X7

C

oscharis Motors Nigeria Plc, the exclusive franchise owner of BMW in Nigeria, is set to officially reveal the very first-ever BMW X7 in Lagos.

The BMW X7 is the pinnacle of BMW’s X Sport Activity Vehicle line-up and a statement of the luxury class, will be revealed at this year’s Banana Island Festival in September 28, 2019.

According to the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde, the objective of the reveal at Banana Island is to strategically offer customers and prospects an opportunity to see and feel the all new BMW X7 within their home and work contexts.

“Thenew2019BMWX7becomesthesecondBMW model to be launched at the Banana Island Cultural festival. The very first was the BMW 5 series in 2017.

“The new BMW 7 series will be added to this reveal, in order to pull back the covers on a new definition

of automotive luxury,” he stated.

The BMW Brand Manager for Coscharis Motors, Cletus Aregbeshola, also enthused that BMW X7 builds on the class leading comfort, handling, safety and technology of all the previous BMW X Sport Activity Vehicle model lines that have been produced at Plant Spartanburg since 1999.

“BMW’s latest premium Sports Activity Vehicle is designed to reflect the personality and requirements of the owner. It not only adds a new top model to the X family, but also defines a progressive approach to luxury for the BMW brand.”

The X7 offers standard three row seating for 7 with optional Second-row Captain’s Chairs offering a more exclusive seating arrangement for 6. Standard two-axle air suspension, 21-inch alloy wheels and advanced driver assistance systems ensure that the new BMW X7 lives up to expectations of style, driver engagement, passenger comfort and all-weather and all-terrain capability.

New B-segment Kia Pegas sedan

S

pacious,economicalandhighlypractical, the new Kia Pegas compact sedan goes on-sale this month across the Middle East. Entirely new to the region, the Kia Pegas is a smart option for young families in urban areas. It features a big personality, compact dimensions, and generous storage and cabin space.

The Kia Pegas boasts a stylish exterior design and a spacious interior, as well as an array of convenience features and technologies to please B-segment sedan customers. Built by Kia in China, the car was introduced to several international markets in 2017.

“Pegas will be a great option for young families looking for a practical car that delivers the perfect combinationofcomfort,space,andthelatesttechnologies,” said, Mr. James Kim, head of Kia’s Middle East and Africa regional headquarters. “This important

new model will enhance the diversity of Kia’s model line-up in the region and will further strengthen the brand’s image.As our newest arrival goes on-sale in the Middle East, Kia now offers customers a greater choice of high-quality vehicles than ever before.”

Stylish, aerodynamic exterior design The Pegas offers buyers in this class a uniquely stylish design, with sculpted body panels and bold character lines complemented by a striking color palette and a carefully-balanced sedan silhouette.

The aerodynamic front of the Pegas, with a drag co-efficient of just 0.29 Cd, presents a bold ‘face’ to the world. Its deep bumpers incorporate sporty air curtain intakes in each corner, and a large trapezoidal air intake. The wide ‘tiger-nose’ grille extends into the headlamps, enhancing the sense of width and stability.

L-R: Business Manager, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Lagos, Tolu Gbadamosi; COO, Private Jets Nigeria, Omotade Lepe; CEO, Private Jets Nigeria, Samuel Iwuajoku Jnr.; GM, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Abiona Babarinde; GM, Legend Hotel, Peter Idoko, at the signing of partnership ceremony of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Lagos with Private Jets Nigeria and Legend Hotel in Lagos, yesterday

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

39

AUTO

New Land Rover Defender is Reimagined for 21st Century Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he new Land Rover Defender is an icon reimagined for the 21stcentury, it is clever, capable and safe for all the family, and in a category of its own.

The New Defender is built for adventurous hearts and curious minds, for those who know the value of community and strive to make a difference, according to the automaker in a statement.

Coscharis Motors is the sole representative of Jaguar Land Rover in Nigeria. The unmistakable silhouette of the new Defender is familiar yet new. It looks tough and is tough but designed with purpose and engineered to excite. Iconic in name, shape and capability, Defender can be personalised to allow owners to make the most of their world.

The statement said across seven decades of pioneering innovation, Land Rovers have earned a unique place in the hearts of explorers, humanitarian agencies and adventurous families across the world. Proven in the harshest environments on earth, the new Defender maintains this bloodline.

Beside the peerless luxury and refinement of the Range Rover family and the highly capable and versatile Discovery SUVs, new Defender completes the Land Rover dynasty. The 110 is just the start for this family of the most capable and durable 4x4s in the world. It will be swiftly followed by a short wheelbase 90 in 2020.

Command post of the new Land Rover Defender

Driven by a passion and respect for the original, new Defender delivers transformational breadth of capability.

Advanced all-terrain technologies redefine adventure for the 21stcentury, remaining true to the pioneering spirit that has been a Land Rover hallmark for 71 years.

Emotionally charged design Adistinctive silhouette makes the new Defender instantly recognisable, with minimal front and rear overhangs providing excellent approach and departure angles. Land Rover’s designers re-envisioned familiar Defender trademarks for the 21st century, giving the new 4x4 a purposeful

upright stance and Alpine light windows in the roof, while retaining the side-hinged rear tailgate and externally-mounted spare wheel that make the original so identifiable.

Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover, said: “We have created the new Defender to ensure it is ready for anything, with a design that has been inspired by the past, not constrained by it. Its elemental grille, sophisticated surfacing and commanding stance give the entire family a modernity and confidence that set it apart, while simultaneously retaining the essential elements that make a Defender so recognisable.”

The stripped-back personality of the original Defender has been embraced inside, where structural elements and fixings usually hidden from view have been exposed, with the emphasis on simplicity and practicality. Innovative features include a dash-mounted gear shifter to accommodate an optional central front ‘jump’ seat, which provides three-abreast seating across the front like early Land Rovers.

As a result, the Defender 110 offers five, six or 5+2 seating configurations, with a loadspace behind the second-row seats of up to 1,075 litres, and as much as 2,380-litres when the second row is folded. The Defender 90 will be able to accommodate six occupants in a vehicle the length of a compact family hatchback.

User-friendly features include practical touches and advanced technological innovations. Durable rubberised flooring shrugs off the spills of daily adventures and once-in-a-lifetime expeditions, providing a brush or wipe clean interior.

Inspirational Design: The Process of Creating a World-Class SUV

T

ake a look around on the roads today, and you will see Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) everywhere.

That wasn’t always the case.

For years, sedans, wagons and hatchbacks ruled the roads, and were for many customers the only options when buying a new car. But since the birth of the SUV segment in the 1950s and 1960s, these flexible and capable vehicles have become more and more popular.

The increasing popularity of SUVs can be attributed to many changes in the segment.

Improvements in engine technology and a better understanding of aerodynamic design have helped to increase their efficiency to passenger-car levels, saving owners money over the lifetime of the vehicle. There have also been dramatic improvements in safety, making SUVs some of the safest cars on the road.

Another key aspect is design: People want to buy a vehicle that looks like it’s ready to take on the world.

Ford has been designing and building SUVs for almost as long as the vehicles have existed.

Over that time, Ford’s design team has learned what customers are looking for in an SUV and

refined the design process into an art form.

What makes an SUV? Countless individual elements go into distinguishing an SUV from other vehicles.

These elements can be emphasized or toned down depending on the intended customer and segment.

At its heart, a Ford SUV needs to be both capable and versatile, and the design plays a major role in presenting that image. Even more than most cars, SUVs are bought because of the emotions they evoke and the doors that they open – SUVs give drivers the opportunity to go almost anywhere and do more than other vehicles.

“When designing an SUV, it’s so important to portray a sense of the vehicle’s robustness and strength,” said Doreen Mashinini, Marketing Manager, Ford South Africa. “After decades of designing the world’s best utility vehicles, we know what makes an SUV look like it’s ready to take on the world. From high ground clearance, to a wider stance, every element has been tailored with functionality at the top of our mind.”

Highlighting an SUV’s robustness alone is not enough: It is an SUV’s versatility that

New EcoSport

makes it stand out as the ultimate vehicle for modern lifestyles. Customers want a car that fits seamlessly into their lives – a vehicle equally

Driving Habits To Avoid This Ember Today is the first weekend of the 2019 EMBER MONTHS.I have written on this subject several times and so I do not intend to start a sermon on whatEMBERmeans.WhatIneedyoutoremember is that road crashes tend to increase during the EMBER MONTHS. Although there are some unfounded myths by some people regarding this period, the simple truth is that it signals the end of the year with government and private businesses warning up to wind down. Individuals also plan all sorts of activities ranging from weddings, house warming among others while some see it as a time of merriment especially because of the Christmas festivities. The consequence of this is increased motorization coupled with bad or irresponsible driving. Let me start with night driving and the inherent risks. Recall I once took you through some oftheriskinvolvedindrivingatnight.Ialsonarrated the recent experience and trauma of my friend and colleague whose details I concealed .If you missed the edition and you are one of those who take delight in travelling late, I urge you to please get a copy and peruse. .Before I go into the details of these driving hazards or risk behaviour, please allow me share another experience a friend of my mine went through. My friend whose details I have again chosen to conceal rounded up a lecture at about 5pm and insisted he must travel from Jos,the Plateau state capital toAbuja in the Federal Capital Territory.All my plea and guidance on the dangers of such a trip fell on deaf ears.I took my time and

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491 listed all the possible scenarios that makes his choice foolish and risky and also unnecessary.In my usual character,I cited the tragedies that resulted from such a choice hoping that my sweet talk will make any difference.When I could not convince him further,I gave up and let him proceed on the journey,praying that GOD in His divine mercies will watch over him and preserve him from any harm or danger.At about 7pm,I called him to know where he was and was told he just passed Akwanga.He also told me that since Abuja was just two hours away,that he will proceed to Abuja same night.Again,I pleaded with him to pass the night in Akwanga and proceed the next day.Again,plea fell on deaf ears as he insisted that he must make Abuja that night.I wished him well and again prayed for journey mercies.After an hour of waiting I dozed off and by the next morning I called him and .I was not surprised when he began his lamentation.He apologised for not listening to my counsel.Out of curiosity,I probed further only for

him to tell me that on approaching Keffi,his vehicle developed a mechanical fault which kept him there till midnight until he was saved by his friend who brought his Thundra to tow his vehicle to a mechanic workshop and also assisted in driving him toAbuja.

While my friend is celebrating God’s mercies, there are uncountable numbers who undertake such a journey and end up with worse tales . Most of these people died as a result of the mistake of one driver.

The campaign focus of the Federal Road Safety yearly aims at dissuading motorists from embarking on what we term dangerous or risky journeys such as night trips. I know that we have recorded some road traffic crashes since 2019 kicked off. Some of these crashes have resulted in deaths and serious injuries sustained as a result.My plea to all travellers is to reflect on these driving risk behaviour and avoid becoming victims. This is not the time to allow our religious inclinations to make us sweep certain realities underneat.Careful driving is the only antidote .Let me also refresh our minds on traffic infractions such as covering of number plates with plastic, use of Peace Ambassador number plates, use of plastic number plates and the use of broken and defaced number plates which negates the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2004.

Roadvicessuchasexcessivespeeding,overloading, dangerousdriving,driver’slicenseviolation,non-use of the passenger manifest by some fleet operators and light sign violations should be avoided. Traffic hazards associated with the above in addition to the

at home whether on a long commute, taking the kids to school or discovering hidden secrets on a weekend trip. use of worn-out tyres, the new number plate, use of phone while driving and driver’s license.

As we nurse our plans to travel, please ponder on your driving habits and avoid these hazardous driving habits. The Beauty Queen: some drivers have been known to apply makeup (e.g, lipstick, mascara) while driving. But, it is very easy to lose control of a vehicle if both hands are not on the steering wheel and eyes are not on the road. Drivers should put away all makeup products and keep out of reach while driving. The Hungry Commuter: Eating while driving is another habit that results in driving without both hands on the wheel. Drivers who are eating cannot react as quickly to sharp curves or properly handle lane changes because their hands are full. Drivers should take extra time to eat before they leave or plan a roadside stop to eat. The Tech-Obsessed: Even with state laws that prohibit sending text messages or talking on cell phoneswhiledriving,peoplestillusetheirtechnology gadgets while driving, Cintas says, “CDC reports that 25% of drivers in the U.S admitted to regularly or fairly often talking on cell phones while behind the wheel”. Drivers should refrain from this, as it slows down reflexes and takes attention off the road.

The Sleepy Traveller: Commuters sometimes refuse to pull over when they feel tired.AnAAAFoundation poll found nearly a third of people admitted to driving when they had trouble keeping their eyes open. Sleepy drivers should find a rest stop and pull over if they feel unable to keep their eyes open and concentrate. The Daydreamer: These drivers get lost in their thoughts and do not think about what they are doing while driving.

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อนอผห อบอธอนฮ หพ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

อนอผห อบอธอนฮ หพ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

‘Upliftment’ Incorrect

I

N response to a demand by one of the ardent readers of this column, I make the following elucidation concerning ‘upliftment’. There is no such word as ‘upliftment’. What exist are ‘uplift’, ‘uplifted’ and ‘uplifting’. According to the copious dictionaries I use, ‘uplift’ (noun/ singular) implies an increase in something. An uplift in sales. Also, as an uncountable noun that describes a feeling of happiness and hope. Its verb form means to make someone feel happier or to make something higher. ‘Uplifted’ (adjective) is feeling happier and more hopeful.

I felt uplifted by Davido’s presence at the event.

In literary context: raised upwards. ‘Uplifting’ (adjective): making you feel happier and more hopeful. An uplifting experience‌.

NATIONAL NEWS of September 11 takes over with this egregious headline: “FG to clamdown (sic) (clamp down) on unregistered IT firms, operators�

THISDAY of September 7 takes over from the introductory medium with this front page lexical sluggishness: “Oshiomhole: After 100 days, President no longer Baba Go Slowâ€? The phrase, Baba Go Slow, should have been set off with quotes thus: ‘Baba Go Slow’—for standard morphological reasons. “Oshiomhole explained that government is (was) already effectively on ground‌.â€? “Obasanjo: Late (The late) Zimbabwe (Zimbabwean) President, an indomitable fighterâ€?

DAILY SUN comes next with this common headline infraction: “Mugabe’s body arrives Harare today� Get it right: arrives in Harare today. Grammar comparison: You arrive in a city or country: We arrived in London at 2 a.m. You arrive at a place such as house, hotel, or airport: They arrived at the airport at 10.30. You arrive home: He arrived home at midnight. You arrive here/there/back: Call me when you arrive there.

(Source: Dictionary of Contemporary English— 6th Edition—For Advanced Learners) “This is because of the numerous restraints, both social and economical (economic), which is (are) associated with the day to day (day-to-day)

life of a convict.â€? (DAILY TRUST, April 6) “Planned national carrier project remain (remains) on course, insists‌.â€? “Bayelsa/Kogi polls: INEC reminds parties of Sept 9 deadlines (sic) for guber (governorship) candidatesâ€? “Kayode is at the helms (helm) at‌.â€? “Nigerians (Nigerians’) blood matter (matters) as fear, anger fuel xenophobic attacksâ€?

From Global Soccer of September 7 comes the next goof: “Osun half marathon (half-marathon) to sensitise on (sensitize to) exercise, fitness, says‌â€? “’Three Thieves’—an upcoming movie—provide (provides) unlimited humourâ€? “Davido’s club manager‌said that (the) nuptial will (would) be ‘the biggest wedding in Africa.’â€? “It’s been a week of challenges for housemates with back to back (back-to-back) task‌.â€?

Finally from THISDAY under review: “Bauchi Gov swears-in (swears in) 20 new commissionersâ€? Phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation. “Your efforts and love for the people is (are) testified in‌.â€?

Let us welcome DAILY Sun Editorial of September 9: “The South African government must be held vicariously liable for the attacks and damages (damage)‌.â€? ‘Damage’, in this context, is uncountable. “Nigeria, Cameroon strenghten (strengthen) collaboration on commerce, MSMEs devt (dev)â€? THE GUARDIAN of April 7 nurtured two sub-headline blunders: “Southeast bound (Southeast-bound) passengers stranded at Lagos Airportâ€? “Facilities at AOCOED excites (why?) NCCE teamâ€?“I had it rough at (in) the beginning—Proprietress, Carol Schoolâ€? “CAF mourns late Somalia FAbossâ€? Arewrite: CAF mourns Somali FAboss. Do we mourn someone who is alive? “CSR: Between philantropy and palliativesâ€?

Brands and marketing: philanthropy� “...Toure’s kids’ gloves treatment of the Tuareg rebels (rebels’) insurgence as its main reason to....� All the facts, all the sides: kid gloves. “Akwa Ibom Commissioner dies in motor

accident� (Headline) Now the first sentence: “Immediate past Commissioner for Youths and Sports in Akwa Ibom....� The misleading headline gives the impression that it is a serving commissioner! Next time: ex-commissioner. “Woman arrested for killing mum� It is obvious that the sub-editor who treated this story has never heard of ‘matricide’! So, woman arrested for matricide. “The elevation of some police officers and retirement of 13 Assistant Inspectors General has (have) led to some bad blood (delete the word preceding bad blood) in the force....� Elevation and retirement are distinct milestones that cannot be collapsed into singularity! “When Hafeez Ringim, then an Assistant Inspector General (a comma) was elevated to the rank of Inspector General (another comma) all his seniors (DIGs) had to retire.� Not true: they were retired to pave way for the Ringim ultimate disaster! “You have undoubtedly brought to bear stability and credibility to (on) the National Assembly.� Let us ignore the convoluted lexical arrangement to save space and time. “Your unassailable wisdom and sterling qualities have made you stand out as trustworthy and reliable leader.� Happy Birthday: a (note the article) trustworthy and reliable leader. “Your ability to work out knotty political puzzles...makes you worth (worthy) of emulation.� “Indeed, its (it’s) really a pleasure working with you....� “...so he could not have seen fire and tell (told) me to put my hand.� Alternatively, he cannot see fire and tell me to put my hand. “Why change your wardrobe every five minutes while all it takes is a different accessories.� All it takes are different accessories.

According to the Book of Proverbs (12 v 1), whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid. On this note, constructive interventions are welcome—not frivolous hypercriticisms devoid of intellectual depth. For me, I treasure other language columnists and cherish the candour of those who critique my own work. There is no perfection in

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

the business of public communication, yet we have to keep striving after purism. “Even when members of the Special Task Force (STF) came to restore order at the venue‌.â€? Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: restore order to (not at) the venue‌. “In Nigeria, if you loose, you call a press conference telling the world the judge does not like your face or is biased and so on.â€? Just lose. “Nigeria’s first private refinery takes-off soonâ€?

Again, phrasal verbs abhor hyphenation. “Every one of us has a part to play as electorates because this is the only country we have.�

Democracy for Justice: ‘electorate’ is a collective that does not need any inflection. Arewrite: Every one of us has a part to play as a member of the electorate or as an elector (or still, all of us have a part to play as the electorate). â€œâ€Śgood governance in a continent where the use of impunity, unfortunately, has become an instrument of democratic governanceâ€? Tunisia’s changing times: on a continent. “Like (As) I have always said‌.â€? â€œâ€Ścalling to question the forced involvement of Nigeria in the second world war.â€? At a time like this: World War II. “It was this situation that heightened the political condition in the country that culminated into‌.â€? ‘Culminate’ takes ‘in’. “London was actually constantly under siege until he was eventually extradited back to Nigeria‌.â€? The Guardian is not on trial, but let us delete ‘back’ from the extract for all parties’ collective grammatical sanity.

From the preceding diseased headline to this juvenile slipshodness: “Doctors suspend stike in Kaduna, Ebonyi� Even the computer underscored this ‘strike’ carelessness from the same page as above! Do we still have editorial bastions (proofreaders) this time round?

Lastly from THE PUNCH under ‘cross-examination’: “The facility will result in improved security profile of the Internet traffic and save the nation of the embarrassment of‌.â€? Info-tech: save the nation the embarrassment of‌.

POLITY

EFCC Bursting Cyber Crimes, Making Global Businesses Safer John Meyaki

T

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has always been judged, unfairly, by most Nigerians including this writer, on the number of politically-exposed persons it had successfully prosecuted. Perhaps, the only thing that would excite most anti-corruption activists and other Nigerians is to see more thieving public officials in jail. This writer is not excluded.

But while corruption in the public service has become a cog in the wheel of national progress and we want to see more corrupt officials pay for their crimes, we must also recognize the danger posed to our national wellbeing by cyber criminals.

Cyber criminals popularly called ‘Yahoo Boys’ are a menace to the Nigerian financial system and the invariably the economy. In 2017 alone, cyber-attacks across Nigeria resulted in total losses of $649 million, significantly up from the $550 million it cost in 2016.

In the same year, the Nigerian Electronic Fraud Forum Report estimated that financial damages from online banking fraud during 2015-2017 amounted to N5.571 billion, with mobile payments fraud rising to almost N350 million in 2017 and ATM fraud climbing to roughly N500 million in the same year. Nigeria is now believed to rank third in electronic crime globally, surpassed only by the UK and the US. Cybercrimes had risen so high in the country that the government had to enact the Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2015, which prescribes the death penalty, N10 million fine or jail term of five years for crimes such as attack on a national communication infrastructure, hacking or cyber stalking among others.

It is therefore hardly a surprise that the EFCC has included tracking and prosecuting cybercrimes among operational priorities. News

report about EFCC’s arrest of cyber criminals have recently become part of the news menu served daily by the media.

Whether in Enugu, Lagos, Benin, Abuja or Kano, operatives of the anti-graft agency are closing in on all shades of internet scammers.

Their operational modality is similar in all states and cities on the agency’s crime-map. After securing the permission of the state police command, armed operatives storm the designated criminal hide-outs closing entrances and exits and conduct searches on the residences until the targets are located.

At the end of the operation, some young boys are arrested along with their exotic cars, laptops and expensive phones, especially iPhones. This has gone on almost daily since the beginning of the year and it is making the financial system of the country and the international business world safer. But no one seemed to have taken notice of these incredible actions until the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, released the news that 77 Nigerians were among 80 people facing charges of cybercrimes in the US. But the news came as a shock to many Nigerians who might not have known how widespread cybercrimes have become in Nigeria, and the admirable job the EFCC was doing to stop it. It is gratifying to learn that Nigeria is among nations co-operating with the FBI to stamp out cyber crimes and make international business safer.

The FBI’s global reporting internet fraud body received 20,373 Business E-mail Compromised (BEC) complaints with losses of over $1.2 billion. To help global business and make the world’s financial systems a lot safer, the EFCC is now partnering with the FBI and similar organizations around the world to ensure there’s no hiding place for criminals who compromise business emails and international business transactions.

Since the FBI revelation last month, the EFCC had gone into automatic mode to dismantle

the criminal enterprise of computer fraudsters.

A coordinated operation with the FBI tagged: ‘Operation Rewired’, has led to the arrest of 167 suspected cyber criminals and recovery of $169,850 as well as N92 million. In addition, exotic cars, plots of land in choice areas of Lagos and a property in Abuja were recovered during the operations.

It was an international model operation targeted at computer-related frauds and designed to intercept and interrupt the global network of internet fraudsters.

For an operation that lasted just three weeks to have recorded such success says a lot about the men at the EFCC and the gut of the man leading them. Despite the challenges he faced due to his non-confirmation by the 8th senate, Acting Chairman of the commission, Mr. Ibrahim Magu, has shown a rare grit and hunger for success since his appointment. Part of what drives him, perhaps, would be a determination to prove detractors wrong. But all who knew the man before his appointment attested to his professionalism and a strong sense of duty.

He was touted as the man behind the success of Nuhu Ribadu, the fiery ex-chairman of the anti-graft commission.

The success of the FBI-EFCC partnership was possible because a lot of the groundwork had been done by operatives of the EFCC who had gathered valuable intelligence on internet scammers. Before ‘Operation Rewired’, the anti-graft agency had launched intensive investigative actions against the ‘yahoo yahoo boys’, culminating into various strategic raids on criminals hideout, prosecutions and convictions.

In Edo, Delta and Ondo States alone, the commission secured 53 convictions in the last six months out of 113 suspected internet criminals arrested. One of them included a female fraudster said to have collaborators in the US. The American collaborators use the information she gives to file for fraudulent tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service after which

she is given her cut through Bitcoin. According to Muktar Bello, the zonal head of EFCC in Edo, about 185 Bitcoin, which by current market value is N656,371,490, had been traced to her.

Over 38 exotic cars, laptops, handsets and other items were also recovered.

In the Kano Zone, the commission had also recovered over N798 million from suspects over financial-related offences between January and August and arrested 280 suspects. The commission had already filed charges and pursuing 51money laundering cases in court. Similar successes have been recorded in other zones.

Magu is understandably excited at the successes of his men in the operation to rid society of computer scammers and has sent warning to criminals to turn a new leaf. At a media briefing in Abuja recently, he advised youths against living a life of crime as the EFCC would, sooner than later, get them. “I wish to state with a high sense of responsibility, there is no short cut to success other than hard work. The youths, therefore, must shun crime and its alluring temptations, because it will always end in sorrow and regrets. Now that the infamous internet crimes have received global attention and concern, there will be no hiding place for fraudsters,� he said.

Magu’s boast is not an empty threat to internet fraudsters. It is statement of intent and commitment to making domestic and international financial transactions more secure.

The on-going collaboration with international law enforcement agencies, especially in the area of exchange of information and actionable intelligence, will certainly enhance arrest and prosecution of more perpetrators of financial crimes. Magu and his men must not rest on their oars. This is the time to achieve what had hitherto seemed impossible. Magu must continue to lead his men in battle to narrow the room for financial scammers, including the nation’s legion of looting public officials. ––John Meyaki, a public affairs commentator, writes from Jos

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Tiwa Savage Vs Yemi Alade...

The Beef Goes On EUPHEMIA EKUMAH Kizz Daniel on ‘Baby Mama’ Train? pg. 45

I was Singing Along to Songs, Way Before I Started Making Complete Sentences

pg. 46

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The Beef Goes On Just when one is thinking the rivalry between two of the biggest female African music superstars in Nigeria, Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage is over, it turned out otherwise. That may never make any collaborative effort between the duo happen, going by Alade’s stance, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

R

valry between competitors in any sphere is often welcomed, especially when it has to do with the strength of their individual abilities either in sport or entertainment. The rivalry could have evolved naturally or stem from insinuations. While this rivalry often times is attributed to fans and supporters of the athletes or artistes, it’s sometimes drawn from their action or content of their work as it makes and create exciting atmosphere for the followers of the parties involved to thrive and get themselves engaged.

Of note, there has been some sort of rivalry between top female artistes on the music scene in Nigeria as to who is superior in terms of their act or craft.

Even as they would almost not willingly admit to this individually when asked, observers of the entertainment industry could tell about the seemingly superiority contest existing amongst them which could somehow be felt. In more ways than one, they throw shade or call out their perceived competitor at every slightest provocation or opportunity.

Quite pronounced is the rivalry between two of the biggest female African music superstars in Nigeria/Africa, Yemi Alade and Tiwa Savage.

The singers have not exactly been friends, which perhaps made their teeming fans to tag them as rivals. Their relationship as far as one knows has not really been pleasant. Just when one is thinking the rivalry is over, it just turned out otherwise.

And that may never make any collaborative effort between the two happen, going by Alade’s stance in a video interview last week, in which she spoke about her relationship with Savage.

According to Yemi, fans and followers will always try to stir up something from the collaboration and they’re chances whatever they stir won’t be good for them. The singer, when asked if she would be open to collaborating with Tiwa now that they have put their differences aside, she said: “I don’t know how to answer this question.”

Explaining further, she said: “It’s unfortunate that with the troubles that people keep steering in our ways, it probably will never allow us to ever have collaboration, because you’re not sure the outcome would even be positive or be overrun by negative things and all the fights. When we do music, we do it so people can be happy, so when we do a song together, what are we fueling? What are we encouraging? That’s the most important question.”

The background to this position started about a fortnight ago, when the self-proclaimed ‘Mama Africa’, Yemi released a new album titled Woman of Steel, to the delight of her fans and music lovers across the continent. In the euphoria of that moment, Tiwa Savage, the self-proclaimed Number One African Bad Gal via a post she made on Instagram hailed Yemi. “Been meaning to post this for a few days now but been so caught up. Huge congrats on a great body of work Queen @yemialade For sure you be Woman of Steel.” While this actually got not a few talking about their relationship, it was seen as a subtle admission to set aside their differences.

Savage would further during a listening party for her own new single, ‘49–99’ in England last Wednesday, give a shout-out to her fellow African female artistes including Yemi. The Universal Music

Yemi Alade

Group artiste gave the shout-out after a member of the audience at the listening party asked her who she would like to do collaboration with among Nigerian female artistes. Responding to that, she said, “Oh man, there’s many queen, man. Come on, like Yemi Alade just dropped an incredible body of work, huge shout-out to her. Errrm, who doesn’t like Teni The Entertainer? Like, she’s incredible.

Simi, Niniola, Waje, Omawumi…”

“We even have Vanessa Mdee from the East; we have Becca whom I have done records with as well.

And even the females from the UK, like you have Tomi… There’s so many… Lola Rae…” After she had given the shout-outs, she then charged women to fight because men can be difficult to deal with. She says, “to keep doing it big, we just need to fight.”

She then joked that, “You men are just ruling us, ah… Agbara yin po (Your powers are you much).

African men are stubborn (laughs).”

Instructively Yemi’s Woman of Steel, album is thoughtful of the tough appearance that she and most women are often required to wear in order to command the same level of respect as the men.

Interestingly both singers have had amazing careers respectively and reasons like maturity, versatility, flexibility, visibility and creativity stand both out.

But rivalries as to who rules the crown of Queen of the industry have pitched them against one another.

Like Yemi once publicly in 2018 claimed to be on the same level with Davido and Wizkid, stating that there was no such thing as number one artiste in Nigeria. She also passed up the chance to stand for Savage while on a radio show and the presenter talked down at her rival. The presenter, Misi, stated that Yemi had a fine vocal range while

Tiwa Savage

Savage just shouts.

In reaction to the statement, Tiwa shared a video of herself singing. She also made suggestive posts that alluded to Misi begging from her. She also hinted that she has cut ties with the OAP and any other person who tried to involve her in “BS.” The animosity between the two singers had gravitated to the point that they un-followed each other on Instagram.

Yemi allegedly started the fight when she took to her Twitter handle to throw shots at an unnamed person who according to her, had been photo-shopping her bum to deceive her fans on social media. She warned the person to stop deceiving people and accept the fact that she had nothing behind.

She wrote, “Stop increasing your nyash (buttocks) in your pictures. You know you are straight like ‘I’.

Embrace your real self! Ahh ahh. Deceiving fans up and dan (down).”

However, Tiwa thought the message was directed at her and wasted no time reacting. The Mavin First Lady first took to her Instagram Stories to write, “Don’t start a war you cannot finish. Trust me, I’m not the one. I’m quiet but don’t f**k with me.” She followed that up with two Instagram posts showing off her derriere.

With the recent 2019 E! People’s Choice Award nomination putting them up in same set for the African Influencer category alongside Wizkid and Davido, and other African music celebrities like Casper Nyovest and Diamond Platinumz, the Woman of Steel might just be on point with her claim to be on the same level musically with Davido and Wizkid and that there is no such thing as number one artiste in Nigeria, be it male or female.

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Kizz Daniel

Emerald Vicky

Kizz Daniel on ‘Baby Mama’ Train?

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

W

hen it comes to the celebrity life, rumours and makebelieve stories are a common occurrence, of which the end point most times justifies the result whether true or false. For instance, there was news of how music superstar, Davido and his lover and wife to be, Chioma, were reported to have broken up. However, it turned out to be a rumour as Davido came out to debunk the story, of which events of late has proven.

Lately, there have been reports of popular Nigerian music star Kizz Daniel, allegedly expecting his first child. In one of the reports which

started making the rounds some weeks back in August, had it that the afropop artiste impregnated one Adedamola Williams, an Instagram model and a graduate of Afe Babalola University.

The report would further state that Adedamola took to her Instagram page to reveal that she has something to tell the world but she needs courage. According to sources, she is not showing because she is still in her first trimester. She later denied being pregnant and explained that she would not easily reveal that she is a baby mama to be.

While the veracity of that report is still being checked, another report during the week emerged: “Kizz Daniel’s soon-to-be babymama, Emerald Vicky unveiled”. In the report that went viral, the soon-tobe baby mama, Emerald Vicky who is known in the social media circle

as Poshmerald, is a cloth designer.

The fashion stylist and baby mama to be to Kizz Daniel is said to be due by October and has deactivated her Instagram account to avoid been trolled on social media.

Reacting to the reports that the ‘Madu’ crooner is expecting a child with the fashion stylist, Poshmerald, Kizz Daniel retweeted a post with the caption: “how many people I don give belle like this?

Una no dey Taya (Don’t you get tired)?” The Baby-Mama trend has been recurring among celebrities in Nigeria for a while now.

This list opens you to some popular Nigerian celebrities that have children with multiple women.

From music legends Kwam 1, 2Baba, 9ice, Flavour, Wizkid to JJC Skillz, Davido, Oritse Femi, Tekno, and Solidstar, the list is just endless.

Kizz Daniel (real name Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe) most likely

might just be the latest addition to the list.

Recall that the Fly Boy and Pablo label Inc. record label owner was linked in a romantic affair with sensational Nigerian female singer, Chidinma Ekile. Their romantic relationship was believed to be secret until snaps of the singers surfaced online, revealing there was something solid between the pair as they got done of hiding it.

Reports that the singers dated sometime last year and were reportedly very much in love with each other heightened when Kizz shared a video showing Chidinma sitting on a bed playing with her phone and laughing as he filmed her. He captioned the video simply with heart emoji’s, and subsequently smileys that suggested something stronger on their social media pages as they were seen publicly teasing each other.

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SHOWBIZFLAIR EUPHEMIA EKUMAH

I was Singing Along to Songs, Way Before I Started Making Complete Sentences Soulful singer and ingenious songwriter, Euphemia Ekumah, popularly known as GoodGirl LA, is an Afro-Fusion artiste with deep soul roots. She shares with Tosin Clegg her journey into music, about a new EP that was released recently, the music industry at large and much more How I Started Music started my career professionally in 2015 and that was when I recorded my first song. Music has always been a part of me. My mum says I was singing along to songs, way before I started making complete sentences. I grew up singing, I was part of my church’s choir at an early age, and was a choir director as a teenager. I was a contestant on the GLO X-Factor with a group called ‘Tone Fanatics’, and then the following year, 2014, I entered for the Nigerian Idol as a solo contestant. After all this, I did my first recording.

I

My genre of music is called Afro-fusion It’s a fusion of Afro sounds and other music genres. The Afro Fusion consists of Afrobeat, Pop, Reggae and Soul. GoodGirl LA distinguishes herself as the total musical package, Amazing voice, top-notch performer with the looks to match. I’m an accomplished student of the theory of music at the MUSON School of Music. I started my career with four releases till date, including my standout singles “Faraway” and, most recently, “Bless Me”, which set me on the right path to stardom. With my striking looks, signature hair style and an astoundingly powerful voice, GoodGirl LA is set to take on the world, one song at a time.

I wrote and sang my heart out on every track LA Confidential is very special to me especially being my first EP, it is a reflection of me, where I was musically and personally, when I recorded all the music. I worked with several producers, in finding the right sound, I recorded over 30 songs, cut it down to 15 songs and eventually my team and I settled for eight-tracks. Each song is unique. I wanted everyone who listened to the EP, to feel a strong connection with me. I wrote and sang my heart out on every track.

“Inspire You”, “Pina”, “E Sure” and “Greatest (God of Shutdown)” was produced by P. Priime, he is such a genius. The first time we got in the studio, we stayed in for two days and made about six songs.

Quebeat, another incredible producer, worked with me on ‘Waste No Time’ and ‘Sora’, we actually recorded about seven songs for the EP. ‘Tired’ was produced by my longtime producer and friend, Syn X. He also engineered some of the songs on the project. Working with LeriQ was such a blessing and learning experience, he produced ‘Why’. I always knew my debut

album would be titled LA Confidential, before I had a team or met my producers and all. Working on the EP was experimental in terms of the sound, but lyrically, it was all real emotions and feelings. I want this project to be remembered forever. I’m confident that it’s going to change my life. I also want my growth to inspire everyone.

My first music name was Ladern It’s a name I randomly picked and fell in love with, in secondary school. My friends shortened it to LA, which became my nickname.

I started releasing music as LA, but then it was hard to find my music when you searched online.

I decided to add something to it and chose GoodGirl because it was unique and GoodGirl LA felt very special and strong. I would describe myself as daring and different.

Role models and mentors My manager, Osagie Osarenz, inspires and teaches me a lot. I’m greatly inspired with heavy musical influence from Britney Spears, CeCe Winans, Michael Bolton, Michael Jackson, Tiwa Savage, Rihanna and Beyoncé.

Growing up, education and childhood dreams I was born on February 20th, 1997, in Lagos. I am the second child in a family of four children.

My family lived in Ajegunle, Festac, Amuwo Odofin and Iba, so I was exposed to so much music, Nigerian and international, from R&B to Pop, Reggae and Gospel genres. Listening to all these sounds influenced my sound as an artist. I attended Learning Field (Satellite Town) and Kings Foundation (Amuwo Odofin) primary schools; Hopebay College (Maza Maza Campus) for secondary school. I got admission into the University of Calabar to study Nursing, but left after a semester to focus on music.

Music is personal, it is spiritual It is a gift from God. I would say good music speaks to you, connects with you. Our strength lies in our hunger for more. Our hunger to be the best, keep raising the standards of success. What we need to do better is support, share and teach each other more.

I hope to headline my own shows locally and internationally I’m also eager to tour the world, sharing and performing my music.

I would love to work with Tiwa Savage, 2Baba, Wizkid, Tekno, Asa; internationally, Chris Brown, 6lack, Rihanna and Beyoncé.

Ekumah

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Tosin Clegg 07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

MY STORY

Gists

Doro Musik Gang Unveils Big Plans, Signs Lyta Record label executive, Yusuf Abdou Ramy, also known as Doro Bom, has unveiled his strategy to help take music talents to the next level under his imprint, Doro Musik Gang. As part of its plans, the label recently signed ex-YBNL artiste, Opeyemi Babatunde Rahim, popularly known as Lyta. The singer had made a passionate cry for help after falling out with his ex-record label. Clearing the air on the singer’s new deal, Yusuf Abdou Ramy said they saw an opportunity in the singer “Lyta , who was already making waves before he got signed to the label. “Of course, he was not contract-binding to anybody or any label and we at the label saw an opportunity to sign a young and futuristic act with the mindset of progressing in the industry,” he said.

Talking further about his plans, he said, “I schooled partly in Nigeria and Cameroon before completing a degree in Business at University of Buea in 2010. With Doro Musik Gang, I want to capitalise on the growing entertainment market across Africa and show it to the world through the production and promotion of high quality entertainment. We are a multimedia entertainment company which will supply profitable, positive, audio and visual entertainment to a diverse, international consumer group. Doro Musik Gang is committed to wholesome entertainment across the board and firmly believes that quality, palatable entertainment can be realised without compromising commercial appeal.”

Doro Musik Gang launched out officially in August 2018 with songs from its act, Bobby Jazx such as Kowope, Key, Show Dem, featuring Zlatanm among others. The label has helped Lyta to release the hit song, Monalisa with a remix featuring Davido.

BARNABAS UDIN

My Novel is a Good Mixture of Humor Barnabas Udin is an emerging story teller who is seasoned with experiences from his travels and exploring. He tells stories with relations to music to give a refined vibe and meaning to his works. He talks to Tosin Clegg about himself, his new book, style of writing, future projections and more

Doro Music Team

WapTV Receives Youtube’s Silver Play Button Award

Wole Adenuga

Nigeria’s foremost Family Entertainment Satellite TV Channel, wapTV, recently received the distinguished Silver Play Button Award from YouTube in recognition of achieving the milestone of 100,000 Subscribers on wapTV’s YouTube channel.

WapTV’s popular YouTube channel, named waptvchannel, is a free video-on-demand platform which gives subscribers unlimited access to thousands of entertaining videos; including Akpan & Oduma, Superstory, Papa Ajasco Reloaded, Nnenna & Friends, This Life, Odd World, Binta My Daughter, Chief Olododo Horoscope, Omonla on the Street, Celebrity Interviews, Nollywood Gist, and lots more.

According to the Managing Director of wapTV, Wole Adenuga, “We appreciate every one of our 130,000 subscribers on YouTube. We are equally grateful to YouTube for this award as a recognition of the quality of our content. While we continue to have millions of viewers watching wapTV on live TV via Satellite, this waptvchannel YouTube platform helps us satisfy audiences who want to re-watch something they have already seen on TV, as well as those who prefer the Video-on-Demand method of consuming content.”

The multiple-award-winning wapTV is available across Nigeria, and several parts of Africa, through an extensive network consisting of all major Satellite TV Platforms.

IDesign Art to Hold in October iDesign Art is an affordable art sale which started on the 4th and 5th October 2019 at A White Space, Ikoyi, Lagos, premise of developing regular art buying and to encourage there are three featured artists - Uchay Joel Chima, everyone to buy. It is done three times a year - March, Olumide Onadipe, Uche Uzoka with up to 23 other June and October. For every edition, there are about three artists showcasing their works. to four featured artists who are the headliners and up to 90 curated works from 28 to 32 artists with varying styles and techniques. Past featured artists include; Tola Wewe, Diseye Tantua, Yomi Momoh, Alex Nwokolo, Alimi Adewale, and many others.

Arinola Olowoporoku, cultural producer, said, “iDesign Art gives the opportunity for new and emerging artists to meet with and communicate with people who draw a blank when they think of where to get works for their space. These artists are able to get their works out there and people are able to buy and increase the ecomomic value of the work and the artists.”

Tola Akelere, the Founder of IDesign Art says, “Our goal is to get the average person to own at least a single piece of artwork that speaks to him or her without breaking the bank.”

For the fifth edition coming up on the Arinola with kid

T

ell us about yourself and what you do?

I am an entrepreneur, a communication student and a student of life, a friend, sibling and fiancé who’s hoping to get married soon.

What kind of writer are you?

I think it is safe to say I’m a 28-year-old writer who loves story telling. Prior to this, I think and see books from an album point of view, whereby a chapter represents a track. Every sentence is a bar rhyming in either iambic dimeter, tri meter, or perhaps just a sonnet. Storytelling for me can be from one’s experience, stating facts or simply from imagination. Word play in the process is both fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Sometimes they have literal meaning and sometimes it is about reading between the lines. This is how I would define myself as a writer at the moment.

What inspired your new book?

The book’s project was inspired by the aim that no refugee, unaccompanied immigrant should go around thinking it is difficult to blend into any system he or she finds herself. ‘Inspire Me‘, is a very personal tale about Barnabas’ journey from Africa to Europe. The novel is a good mixture of humor, seriousness, as well as an overall feeling of self-identification.

What are your future projections?

A dream project for me in the nearest future would be to organise an event in Nigeria to be specific at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja. It would be a pleasure to work with these interesting individuals like author Mr. Akin Alabi, business mogul Mr. Ubi Franklin and some public speakers to spread light on certain subjects.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Adaeze Revels Yobo at 39 Former beauty queen, Adaeze, spent most of last Saturday celebrating husband and former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, who clocked 39. The former Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria wrote: “How you smile when Beyonce let you touch her?

Happy birthday Chief.” Adaeze also shared numerous photographs of them together. This is showbizflair’s pick from the lot

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Omoni Oboli Tinkles in Toronto Nollywood actress, Omoni Oboli, was the cynosure of all eyes at the “Women in Film” breakfast meeting during the concluded 2019 Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. Her fashion sense dazzled many at the event. Omoni also promoted her upcoming movie “Love Is War” at the film festival.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

50

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Cordelia (middle) on set with her friends

Cordelia Emeh Stirs with ‘My London Slave’ Starring household names and London-based Nigerian actors, Cordelia Emeh’s second movie, My London Slave evokes memories of a common event, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

T

he name Cordelia Emeh doesn’t truly ring a bell in the movie industry. But the story she brings through her new film, My London Slave, which is already showing in cinemas, sure evokes memories of a common event. She recently ventured into film production after a slew of movie roles and now working in partnership with other producers to be reckoned with.

This solo debut movie as a producer tells the story of Ada, a young medical doctor. One of her dreams is to marry a London “Bobo”. Luck shined on her when her best and childhood friend successfully introduced and matched her with her London-based handsome brother.

Life was set to be a dream until the nightmares started. The movie which successfully premiered in London on 29th March 2019 starred Nollywood heavy weights like Jide kosoko and Rachel Oniga. My London Slave also features some London based Nigerian actors.

Cordelia, who started acting as a teenager and took part in several stage plays back home, described the latest movie as ‘expository and mind-bowing.’ She had earlier stated that she decided to produce the movie as a way of enlightening Nigerians concerning the dangers of travelling abroad in search of greener pastures.

According to her, “The idea of producing the movie came after hearing the stories of various women in the UK and we decided to share these with the world in the form of a film as a caution.

“We want to open people’s eyes to the different forms of abuse that couples go through in their relationships so as to enable take action when they notice the signs.”

Written and directed by Toyin Moore, My London Slave packed cast include Daniel Lloyd, Ademola Amoo, Uche Odoputa, Cordelia Emeh, Dapo Opayinka, Charles Efe Lawson, Flavia Apio, Grace Echeta, Iffy Chukw, Làbáké Làbáké, Funmi Ogidan Bello, Lucien Morgan, Yetunde Wunmi, Jacqui Shaw, Neli

Kings, Gbemi Kehinde, Christiana Tome, Julia Adaeze Ogokeh, Lucy Edako,Nicki Moore, Jennifer Alali Brown, Gafar Babatunde, Ayan De First and Oduduwa, Funmi Layo Andare, Tiya Odebode.

According to TY Moore, “Shooting this movie was very emotional for me. Its stories of people real close to me.” The movie was shot in London and Lagos. Cordelia has featured in TV Soaps and Movies some of which are; International Games, Blood Type, Captivated, “69”, Housewives & Girlfriends 1&2, Enchained, Apostle Do Good, In a Strange land, Love Zone, Tears of the Rich, Love Triangle, Diva Diva, Sister Sister, Maids of Dockland, Silent Journey and many more.

Her first Production was a joint collaboration titled Silent Journey.

Her second is My London Slave (MLS). A member of the UK Nollywood Actors Guild, the UK Nollywood Producers Guild and the UK Christian Drama Ministries Association, Cordelia is a wife and mother of four children.

Cordelia Emeh

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER t 4&15&.#&3 , 2019

51

EYE ON BIG BROTHER HOUSE

Diane

Mercy

Big Brother Naija ‘Pepper Dem’ Nears Home Stretch

It’s been over two months since 21 housemates began the journey to stardom in the Big Brother Naija competition. After an injection of five new housemates in the fourth week of the show and 15 evictees later, only 11 housemates are left in the running for the grand prize for this season, writes Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

S

o far, it has been a rollercoaster ride for the remaining ‘Pepper Dem’ housemates as the show inches towards the home stretch. The realisation that just one of them will leave the house with the ultimate prize has heightened the tension, as the housemates appear to have intensified their game plans.

The gestures exhibited indicate that there is no love lost as the competition among the housemates has become more intense.

A feeling of vulnerability has suddenly gripped the housemates as they have become more vigorous in their various tasks as well as in their social relations with one another.

Housemates have, over the past two weeks, expressed determination and desperation to emerge either as the Head of House or the Veto Card holder, two positions likely to help them evade eviction and keep them in the house for one more week. Viewers have also seen the housemates discuss either in hush tones or explicitly the strategies of fellow housemates in addition to displaying anger when they clash over issues.

Some of the housemates seem to enjoy varying degrees of support from their counterparts and the viewers for being boisterous, while others have also received praises or are bashed for being sedate.

For instance, the likes of Omashola, Seyi,

Mercy and Tacha have been loud and unrestrained, attributes that have brought them into confrontation with fellow housemates.

Just last week, Tacha, who has been handed two strikes for indiscipline, and Seyi had an explosive conversation over the latter’s dislike of Khafi, a friend of the former. Up until now, therelationshipbetweenthetwohasremained strained. Omashola has also not hidden his dislike for Frodd, with whom he regularly swaps angry words with. The Delta-born housemate has also been constantly chanting his hometown, Warri, as his slogan, thereby doing an impression of Efe Ejeba, winner of BBN season two. But will this help?

Despite the near-ceaseless quarrels, Mike and Elozonam seem to have made it a strategy to remain cool, calm and collected in the house. Both have hardly instigated any crisis and are always hobnobbing with other housemates. Mike has also emerged one of the most competitive housemates as he always channels his ‘inner spirit’ as a professional athlete that he is to complete tasks. This has resulted in a bit of a bad blood between him and some housemates, a situation he now handles by being sarcastic to shove off any comments that could potentially erupt into full blown confrontations. On the other hand, Elozonam seems to have also captured the hearts of his housemates, especially Diane, his love interest, with his dancing skills and

other endearing behaviours.

But between being combustible and unruffled are the likes of Frodd and Ike, who tend to be composed but are suddenly brash for a moment. Not even Mercy, his love interest, could prevent Ike’s outburst at Omashola, evicted housemate, Tuoyo and even his own “madam”. The two strikes handed to him

by Big Brother, has forced him to slowly withdraw from his gangster-like attitude and play the game with a bit of caution. Similarly, Frodd has been accused by Mike, Omashola, Elozonam and Seyi of playing the game with emotions and always depicting himself as a victim in all circumstances. Frodd himself has not hesitated to express his emotions whenever he feels hurt, stating that he has been made a target by some persons. He even declared to Big Brother during one of his diary room sessions that he would cook for the entire house should he not be up for nomination. Well, he is not up for nomination this week much to his surprise. Will he, therefore, fulfil his promise before the week runs out?

Khafi and Cindy, according to public perception, seem to be the most carefree housemates. They are always seen to be cheerful and having discussions with all housemates. Khafi also seems to have brought her training into the house as a police officer as she is inquisitive about anything and

everything surrounding her.

This has led to some housemates showing their disgust with her while others have advised her not to ask too many questions and instead focus on the flow of the game.

Cindy, on her own part, has taken her place as the foodie of the house. She has also risen to become one of the strong competitors among the females and seems to relish her underdog status. This was evident when she surprisingly became the Head of House this week.

One lady that has stoked conversation on social media in recent weeks is Diane, who is clearly soft-spoken and is one of the quietest personalities in the house except from when she is discussing with her best friend, Mercy.

Despite being away from the thick of action most times, Diane is still in the house after over 10 weeks. Some viewers have adduced her staying power to being friends with everyone and staying away from controversy. But she still has an unsolved puzzle: who is the king of her heart: Elozonam or the evicted Tuoyo?

The ‘Pepper Dem’ gang have now upped their game leaving fans guessing on who the last housemate standing will be. Fans can find out who will claim the ultimate prize totalling up to N60 million only by staying tuned daily to DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29. Big Brother Naija ‘Pepper Dem’ edition is sponsored by Bet9ja.

52

˜ ˞ SEPTEMBER 14, 2019

JOE/FAJ THEFRONTLINES

Let’s Heed Justice Agim’s Treatise on Morality, Greed

F

ew months ago, in the milieu of the RUGAcontroversy that embroiled the entire country, a landmark judgment almost passed unnoticed. The Court of Appeal headed by Justice Emmanuel Agim, had faulted the payment of either severance allowance, pension or gratuity to political office holders and political appointees, insisting that the practice was morally wrong.

Kogi state government in a suit marked: CA/A/810/2017 filed by the Governor and three others had appealed a decision given on October 10, 2017 by Justice R. B. Hastrup of National Industrial Court (NIC) Lokoja in a suit filed by some former political appointees in Kogi State, who sought to compel the state government to pay them severance allowances, gratuity, among others.

The suit marked: NICN/LKJ/03/2017, was filed by Chairman, Kogi State Local Government Service Commission 2013 -2017, Alhaji Nuhu Ahmed and members, who served in the capacity of Permanent members II within the same period – M. O. Sule, Momoh Steven Azia, Michael Nuhu Akeji, James Olusoji Olumorin and George Agbogun.

At the end of deliberations, the three-man panel of the court, decided that it was outrightly wrong in the face of the nation’s socio-economic reality for privileged politicians, who, just for the sake of holding public office for not more than eight-year, to allocate huge public funds to themselves in the name of pension and severance package while civil servants, who committed most of their active years to the service of the nation are denied their gratuity and retirement benefits.

Delivering its lead judgment which was read by Justice Emmanuel Agim, the court held that it was wicked and morally wrong for political office holders and political appointees, who helped themselves to public funds while in office, to turnaround and lay claims to pension and severance allowances.

Justice Agim said: “I must state here that the claimants’ claim for payment of severance allowance because the tenure of their appointment has come to an end, is as unfounded as is morally wrong� “As I have held that their letters of appointment did not stipulate their entitlement to such payment. They did not produce any law or any document or instrument that entitles them to such payment. “The fact that elected pubic officeholders and political appointees are paid huge amounts of money as monthly salaries and

other forms of allowances, while in office, is common knowledge in Nigeria and is not reasonable to open question. “It is also common knowledge that many of them after an office tenure of between three to eight years become stupendously wealthy, exhibiting mind-blowing opulence and splendor. Yet these office holders insist on being paid severance allowance for holding such offices “Meanwhile, career civil servants, who have served this country or their states or Local Governments, all their lives, can hardly collect their pensions and gratuity when retired. “They are now being subjected to contributory pension schemes in which they contribute part of their monthly meagre salaries that are always paid in arrears while in service, to be able to earn pension and gratuity upon retirement. “The political appointees and elected public office holders, who do not work as long and as hard as the career civil servants quickly get paid huge severance allowances upon leaving office in addition to the huge wealth they acquired while holding such offices and without having been subjected to any contributory pension schemes. “It is not morally right to pay an elected public officer or political appointee pension and gratuity or severance allowance for holding such an office for three to eight years as the case may be. “It cannot be justified in the context of our present social realities it amounts to gross social injustice.� He concluded.

This ruling would without a doubt go down as one of the landmark rulings in this country. It has to be so because of the far reaching effect or impact this ruling could have on good governance, transparency and accountability by all tiers of government going forward.

We must salute this panel of highly esteemed and courageous justices who rose above all odds to deliver this landmark ruling.

Given the level of cynicism and distrust with which the judiciary is viewed, the ruling has restored a level of confidence in the judiciary.

It is a strong message which echoes that indeed there are still judges who would stand to be counted.

Our politicians from the executive arm of government, legislature from the federal to grassroots have demonstrated by their conduct and actions that their main interest is to serve themselves.

The word service to the people whom they represent is mere lip service. The reality around the country today is that virtually all past governors draw pensions from their state treasuries. This is apart from the humongous allocation of state resources annually

JOSEPH USHIGIALE jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

to service their homes, pay utilities and provide medicare for them and their families as compensation for their tenure. Former Minister of Justice, Mohammed Adoke in a recent public narrated how he convinced erstwhile president Goodluck Jonathan not to approve severance, pension and gratuity package for the National Assembly members who had made a law seeking to benefit from such payments. If that law was passed, they would also have joined the ex-governors in the jamboree. This is notwithstanding the fact that some of these governors who were already drawing pensions and enjoying perquisites from their respective states had also transited to the senate.

Yet, retired civil servants some of whom after dedicating a minimum of 35 years of service currently have to groan in anguish, beg and go through harrowing experiences for payment of their gratuity and pension. Some heartless governors introduce biometric data capturing tactics just to delay the payment of their benefits.

In the process, most pensioners die before help comes their way.

Why do we patronize these past governors and political appointees; is it for their failed attempts to develop their states and lift their own people out of poverty, failed to create wealth in the face of abundant resources in their respective domains or leave lasting legacies that would stand the taste of time?

The big story today is the state governors complaining that they are unable to pay the new minimum wage of N30,000 per worker because of lack of funds. This is certainly not true. If governors are sincere with themselves and decide to plug the leakages in each of their respective states, I am sure the payment of both gratuity, pension and minimum wage would not pose any problems.

I urge the governors and all political appointees in this country to for once, make the necessary sacrifices by abrogating the security votes, scrapping the payment of severance benefits and pension and gratuity and all frivolous unjustified allowances and free up money for the states to meet the needs of the people.

I enjoin all politicians in this country to heed Justice Agim’s warning that “It cannot be justified in the context of our present social realities it amounts to gross social injustice.� Let us remember that social injustice breeds dissatisfaction and strife in the polity and Nigerians who have been at the receiving end of these acts of impunity may one day take it no more.

Raypower at 25:The DreamThat Never Ends

I

really don’t understand why this momentous occasion didn’t attract a lot more mentions and accolades than it has received...why other practitioners and “offsprings� are not rolling out the red carpets to boldly punctuate this hallmark? One guess is the polluting sewage of ongoing political aggrandizement. To be fair, the fact that the first independent private radio in Nigeria clocked 25 years of unceasing, resourceful and attractive broadcasting is truly worthy of generous acclamation - across the media spectrum.

Writing about Raypower’s journey through the years - especially the first pioneering decade, didn’t need copious side-notes, tedious research, background interviews and such scholarship - for me is a stroll through history. We have always been at the fringes, from pre-launch, the test transmission, the false countdown, the shutdown, the miraculous reversal and the blast of the day one broadcast on September 1, 1994. Sometimes, we have found ourselves deeply involved in keeping the dream alive, (especially after the even more prodigious erection of the massive television octopus in 1996) - swapping strategies and points of view with the incredibly energetic and visibly calculating sprit-being of Raypower, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, and the cream of his star-studded pioneering staff.

When Raypower started test transmission late December of 1993 on 100.5 frequency modulation, the country was in the throes of anguish, threats and general unrest as a result of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election barely six months earlier.

It was such a moment, on hindsight, that it was foolhardy to grant a broadcast license to a private citizen, for the first time, and be unwary of dire consequences of misuse or sabotage or whatever evil machinations enemies of a fast depreciating military junta could whip up. Obviously, Dokpesi must have been seen as an apple of Maradona’s eye who was above reproach...with absolute confidence that the experiment would not boomerang. That was in 1992.

Unfortunately, the new year (1994) ushered in a new Sheriff who perceived danger all around him, and lashed out as he deemed appropriate. The infant outfit, still doing “testing testing�, was declared an “illegal station� on January 15, 1994 under the vehement gaze of Gen. Sani Abacha. In the words of a leading “benefactor� of governmental rascality: “then began a period of extreme pain and suffering...�. Exactly nine months after, ostensibly finessed by the diplomatic skills and charm offensive of Dokpesi, the station received the “all-clear� signal on August 15. The workstarved professionals swung into action, and launched commercial broadcasting on that cool first day of September, 1994.

The first six months of Raypower were indeed rays of solid professional, hi-tech display of light programming, fluid presentations and the unprecedented capacity to take the “studios� outdoors... into clubs, homes, event venues, all sorts of spaces, and broadcast live...from anywhere around Lagos. If older state-funded stations were dazed by the dash and bravura of the new kids on the block...the realisation of what everybody thought was a

reckless threat, to broadcast for 24 hours everyday, simply “killed� the cynicism of the ageing establishment.

The miracle of Raypower of the 90’s was not squeezed into reality by some magic, luck or some dodgy government patronage. The greatness of Raypower is carved by an admix of unassuming talents strangely infused with the capacity for industry, diligence, resourcefulness, dare-devil determination to tread where normal people would run mad...and the unNigerian ability to work, sacrifice, deposit all that the pioneer staff had or could muster...as if it was their personal business which must rise and soar, even as the world was coming to end!

One can also argue that it is either Dokpesi was the luckiest man in the world or the gods congregated at a sleepy swathe of forestland around Alagbado... somewhere on the outskirts of Lagos, in Ifako-Ijaiye LGA...and marked the spot as their “miracle mountain�.

One of the smartest things Dokpesi did in birthing Raypower was his ability to turn the hearts of some of the best voices and minds on radio led by the young-looking headmaster at the high-flying new FM station of Ogun State, OGBC-2, self-styled “the ultimate in style�. His voice, skills and manipulation of songs and sense endeared me so much to Olusesan Ekisola that around 1979, I would risk expulsion from secondary school to be at the poolside disco weekend show inside the Ogun State Hotel, Ibara, Abeokuta, knowing that Ekisola and good fun would be available.

So, the swashbuckling salesman and bohemian jolly fellow that was Dokpesi, backed by the vast experience and easy conviviality of Ekisola, “conjured� the amazing appetite and glory-hunting verve of other young brilliant people in the three core spines of broadcasting: (Programmes) Ambrose “Brozuma�

Somide, DĂ po Sobukola, Yemi “Twinkle-Voiceâ€? Adenuga, Segun “Shy-Shyâ€? Shyllon, Gboyega Sotunde, Abayomi Asekun and TĂłun Okewale; (Engineering) Kayode Kilasho and (Marketing) BĂĄyo Adebiyi - leading a small troop into the rugged trenches of Alagbado.

Today, that forestland of Alagbado is now a city of sorts, dotted with tarred roads, residential buildings, electricity, and other modern amenities and infrastructure.

In recognition of the singularly momentous intervention the arrival, flowering and sustenance of Dokpesi’s dream has had, and still has on the trends, creativity, knowledge, culture and awareness of Nigerian listenership, I submitted perhaps the longest published entry in my 1999 “Millennium Mementos� dedicated to honouring the biggest influencers in the entertainment annals of Nigeria... here’s what I wrote then, and still stand by today, on Raymond Dokpesi: “When it comes to bold innovations and bravura in pulling chestnuts out of broiling furnace, your best partner is Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi. You may not like his style or distrust his ambition, no one can dismiss the incredible attainments of the Aghenebode (Edo) high chief in the entertainment world of Nigeria. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 25, 1951 the Ray

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

of Raypower FM, stormed big business with a loud splash launched the first shipping line this side of the world with pioneer billionaire, Chief MKO Abiola, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, still in his 20’s! “Nearer home, and relevant to us, are his forays into broadcasting and entertainment. As usual, it was with the biggest splash late in the century that Dokpesi, a first class graduate (received his doctorate degree in Marine Engineering at age 26), seized our hearts and dance steps with the commencement of broadcast signals of Raypower 100.5 FM on September (1), 1994.

He practically combed out a modern production city-village out of the rustic wasteland of Alagbado, on the outskirts of Lagos State. “Working with some of the brightest minds in radio (Kehinde ‘Keke’ Ogungbe, Dayo ‘D1’ Adeneye, Steve ‘the Sleek’ Kadiri, Dennis ‘the Menace’ Ogi, Segun ‘Shy-Shy’ Shyllon, Jumobi Adegbesan, Yemi Adenuga, Tony Akiotu, etc) the new station soon launched a sleepless parade with its 24-hour programming and music jamming. It was so unprecedented that competitors were rolling on the floor, confident that the charade would fail.

Of course, history has recorded their shock and distress at the phenomenal successes and dizzying elevation Raypower has recorded in so short a time. In stead of smirking with “didn’twe-tell-him-so� recriminations, Dokpesi’s competitors have been chasing after his shadow ever since. “And trust the hard-nosed business man, while simple men and women would pursue means of calming their opponents’ nerves, the doctor of engineering from University of Gdansk, Poland, pushed in the screw-driver - and what a giant one. Large of frame and awesome in gait, Dokpesi revealed himself usually in the expansiveness of his projects. The concept, planning, financing, acquisitions and man-power outlay of African Independent Television, AIT, about two years after Raypower, in 1996, simply took away the breath of everyone, most especially veterans who wrote the scripts of Nigerian broadcasting. Dokpesi tore the scripts into shreds, and wrote a sparkling new script - Nigerian broadcasting and entertainment have never been the same again. “If still in doubt, ask countless Nigerian artistes, promoters, actors, producers, award organisers and sundry practitioners of show-busimess how their lives and professional exertions would have ended if not for the sometimes effusive and bewildering interventions of Dokpesi’s media muscle. Surely, Nigerian entertainment owes Raymond Alaegho Dokpesi, a resounding standing ovation...yet he’s still a young man.�

It is our prayer though that the labours of the pioneers and their legacy of unstinted devotion and sacrifice have not been, and shall never be in vain. Happy 25th anniversary.,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍŻÍ˛Ëœ Ͱ͎ͯ͡

53

NEWSXTRA

Air Peace Debunks Suspending Evacuation of Nigerians from S’Africa Chinedu Eze

The management of Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace, has debunked the report that it had suspended the evacuation of Nigerians from South Africa.

TheChairmanandCEOof the airline,Allen Onyema, said that AirPeacehadnotsuspendedthe evacuation exercise but it was waiting for the Nigerian High Commission to get ready the next batch of Nigerians that

would be taken out of the country that had become hostile to Africans.

He said that the airline would continuetobringbackNigerians who were willing to return to their country until the last evacuee was taken out of that country. Following the stance and earlier evacuation of the first batch by the airline, the Anambra State Government has commended Onyema, for whatitcalledhisunprecedented

patrioticgestureinbringingback free of charge in 187 Nigerians from SouthAfrica threatened by the ongoing xenophobic attacks against African and Asian immigrants in the rainbow nation.

Onyema disclosed that indications from the Nigerian High Commison showed that about 1,000 Nigerians were still willing to return home but the airlift would start after the Commission had finished with paper work to prepare them for

the flight home. “I said it earlier thatAir Peace will bring back to our country all those Nigerians who are willing to return and we will continuetobringthembackuntil the last evacuee is taken out of South Africa. “I learnt from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa that about 1,000 Nigerians are willing to return home. So what Air Peace has agreed with the Commission is that when it finishes with

documentation, settled with Immigration then the High Commission will notify Air Peace which will deploy aircraft to bring them back. “This is to avoid what happened last time when 320 passengers were expected to be airlifted but South Africa authorities allowed 187 to make the flight,� Onyema said.

The commendation from Anambra is contained in a statement in Awka, the Anambra State capital, by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. C. Don Dinuba, who explained that the government decided

to commend Mr. Onyema after a meeting in the Governor’s Lodge in Awka, capital of the state.

Adinuba explained that Onyema’s “huge humanitarian gesture is the latest in a series of philanthropic activities by the Air Peace Chairman which Governor Obiano recognised in his public declaration last July 2, 2019 when he stated that Mr. Onyema was driven by sheer patriotism rather than profit by starting direct flights into Dubai via Sharja in the United Arab Emirates at less than 50 per cent of the tariffs charged by foreign carriers�.

Be Rallying Point for Peace, Development, Wike Charges Royal Fathers Ernest Chinwo Ă“Ă˜ Ă™ĂœĂž Ă‹ĂœĂ?Ă™Ă&#x;ĂœĂž

CONGRATULATIONS SIR...

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari with the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun after the President’s meeting with governors of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the State House, Abuja‌yesterday. ÒÙÞÙË? Ă™ĂŽĂĄĂ“Ă˜ ×ÙÓÑĂ&#x;Ă“

Bauchi Directs Immediate Refund of N15m to UNICEF Segun Awofadeji Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă&#x;Ă?Ă’Ă“

Bauchi State Governor, Senator BalaAbdulkadirMohammed,has approved the immediate refund of N15 million to the UNICEF D Field Office, in Bauchi being money given but not utilised by theimmediatepastadministration in the state.

The governorgavetheapproval for the refund during an interactivesessionwithUNICEFofficials led by the Chief Field Officer, Mr. Bhanu Pathak at the Council Chamber, Government House Bauchi yesterday.

Bala Mohammed was responding to a request made

by the UNICEF on the need for the state government to refund the money for not utilising it by the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency during the last administration.

The governor condemned the previous administration in the state for spending N732 million unaccountable due to poor documentation, saying that the StateRecoveryCommitteewould be directed to recover the funds.

He assured UNICEF of his administration's determination towards the timely payment of counterpart funding to enable thestateaccessmoreinterventions from donor agencies.

Onmalnutrition,BalaMohammed assured UNICEF of timely paymentofcounterpartfunding for the supply of commodities to malnourishedchildreninthestate.

He pledged the readiness of the present administration to block human capital gap in the state for effective implementation of development partners’ projects for the well-being of the citizens.

The governor informed UNICEFofficialsthattheresolveofhis administration to declare State of Emergency on Health and Education sectors was to find lasting solution to the challenges facing them as they are key to societal development.

Earlier,theUNICEFChiefField Officer,Mr.BhanuPathaksaidthat UNICEFsupportedtheimplementation of five programmes in the areasofHealth,Education,WASH, Nutrition and Child Protection.

Hesaidalready,theorganisation has set aside N270 million for the supplyofcommoditiesforthetreatment of malnourished children and appealed to the governor to allocatemoreresourcesfortackling malnutrition in the state. Bhanu Pathak reassured to support the presentadministrationinthestate to address the challenges facing critical sectors of the economy especially the menace of out of school children in the state.

Nigeria May be Consumed by COZA Rape Saga: Stop Harassing Youth Unemployment, Cleric Warns Fatoyinbo Group Tells Police

Kemi Olaitan Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ‹ĂŽĂ‹Ă˜

A UnitedKingdom-basedcleric, Pastor TobiAdegboyega, yesterdaywarnedoftheconsequences of the high level of youth unemployment in the country, saying Nigerians must come together to avert what he described as a looming time bomb.

Adegboyega in a statement made available to THISDAY in Ibadan, assured of the commitment of the SPAC Nation, London, toempowerthousands of Nigerian youths before the end of this year, noting that the country owes them the duty of providing jobs for them as the leaders of tomorrow.

The 38-year-old cleric who is backed by his team of young Pastors,saidstatesandthefederal

government could not be left alone to meet the employment needsofNigerianyouthsinview of the economic travails of the country.

He said he and his team had replicated the feat in the United Kingdom where many jobless youths had been gainfully empowered and restored both socially and economically, stating that some of the people empoweredbyhisteaminSPAC Nationhadbecomeemployersof labour,adding“thisisatestimony whichGodhasgivenusatSPAC Nation.�

The Head, SPAC Nation, London, further disclosed that the church intend to form a partnership with schools in Londontogivescholarshipsand vocationaltrainingtotheyouths.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË

Ahumanrightsandsocialjustice organisation called Social Justice League has asked the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to stop harassing and intimidating the Senior Pastor of the Commonwealth of ZionAssembly (COZA), Pastor Biodun Fatoyinbo, over the allegation of rape levelled against him by Mrs. Bukola Dakolo.

The group alleged that some big pastors were behind the ordeal of Pastor Fatoyinbo, adding unless they desist from their egoistic and evil ways fuelled by jealousy and envy, they will be exposed.

It said that such harassment is not necessary since the police

is still carrying out preliminary investigation into the matter.

It cautioned police authorities not to make itself willing tools in thehandsofexternalinfluencesto pervertjustice.Thegroupwarned that it would soon expose forces behindCOZApastor'sordealfor the whole world to know their true identities.

In a press statement signed by the Director of the organisation, Dr. Atta Ogah, and Secretary, Bitrus Godwin, and made availabletojournalists,thegroup, said that it considered the rape allegation during its quarterly policy review meeting inAbuja, the Federal Capital Territory, observed that, “Rape allegation is a very serious matter that should not be glossed over.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has called on traditional rulers to continue to be the rallying point for the promotion of peace and development of Rivers communities.

He also urged the traditional rulers not to misuse their powers, saying that they should use their positions to advance the welfare of Rivers people.

He spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt during the presentation of certificates of recognition andstaffofofficetogovernmentrecognised traditional rulers .

He said: "All that we ask from our traditional rulers is to continue to be the rallying point for the advancement and sustenance of peace, unity and progress in our communities.

"We will not hesitate to withdraw recognition from any one of you who abuses your authority or misuse your powers against the law and the collective well-being of our people.

"As traditional rulers, it is importanttoremindyouthatthe progress of your communities depend on the social, political and economic choices you make and the kind of leadership you provide. Indeed, without good

leadershipyoucannotmakeany meaningful difference and our people will continue to hope against hope."

He charged the Traditional Rulers to set new development agenda for Rivers communities with the support of the elected and appointed political leaders of their communities and Local Government Areas.

Wike regretted that some traditional rulers had been negatively involved in cultism or other social vices, while others had been indifferent to the social crisis in their kingdoms.

"Under your watch or seeming complicity or indifference, cultism and criminality, especially among community youths continue to rear their ugly heads disturbing the peace and development in our State.

"Worse still, some of you have become partisan traditional rulers and divisive figures in our communities and thereby constituting obstacles to unity, peace and progress", he said.

The governor informed the people that the State Government formally presented Certificates of Recognition and Staff of Office to 84 traditional rulers of different classes drawn from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

Group Calls for Upgrade in Educational Qualifications of President, Governors David-Chyddy Eleke Ă“Ă˜ ĂĄĂ•Ă‹

Arights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety) has called for the upgrade of the educational qualification required for one to be a president or governor in Nigeria.

The group which recommended a Master’s Degree for people seeking to become governors or president in Nigeria, said its proposition were as a result of the recent judgement of the Presidential Election Petition TribunalwhichupheldPresident Muhammadu Buhari’s election despite the call to question of his schoolcertificatebyhisopponent, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Thegroupinapressstatement made available to THISDAY in Awka,AnambraStateandsigned byitschairman,BoardofTrustees, Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi said it

amountedtoracingbackintothe cave to allow persons with no knowneducationalbackground to govern the country.

Thegroupsaid,“Italsoamounts to racing back to the cave from being the Africa’s cradle of knowledge for Nigeria’s seats of Presidential and Gubernatorial powers to be cheaply and illiterately occupied by persons without physically proven or certified educational certificates or qualifications. “It is further insulting beyond quantification tothemoderndayknowledgeable world for the offices of the PresidentandGovernorinNigeriatobe allowedtobeoccupiedbypersons with ordinary secondary school or primary school certificateswhereas in other social climes, such are occupied by professors anddoctoratedegreeholderswith unassailable charisma.�

54

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍšÍźËœ ͺ͸͚Î

NEWSXTRA Man Stabs Neighbour for Celebrating Buhari’s Tribunal Victory Sylvester Idowu in Warri

ENRICHING KNOWLEDGE ...

L-R: Executive Senior Assistant to Lagos State Governor on New Media and Public Relations, Mr. Olusegun Fafore; former Lagos State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde; Celebrant and immediate past Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Folarin Adeyemi; and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, during the retirement and pen down ceremony in honour of Mr. Adeyemi and public presentation of his book in Lagos...recently

Nigerian Mother Cuddles Baby, Encamps Outside Nigerian Consulate in SA A young Nigerian woman and her child, rendered destitute by raging xenophobic attacks in South Africa, have been sleeping on the door steps of the Nigerian Consulate in Sandton, waiting for a free bus ride to the airport for evacuation to Nigeria on board the free flight provided

by Air Peace.

A local TV station, eNCA, report said the Nigerian mother is spending her fourth day camping on the steps of the

consulate, because she had nowhere to go after her apartment was burned by xenophobic attackers.

The woman told eNCA she had been in South Africa for five years and that after the attack on her flat, she had no money to rent another accommodation, hence her decision to camp on the steps of the Nigerian Consulate until the next flight.

The television footage showed

her speaking on the steps of the consulate, while holding her young child, as she said, “I’m leaving South Africa because of the fight [sic] and it affect my area a lot. “They burnt all the shops, some houses and even my flat.

They came there. So I just have to leave,� saying she and her child would remain outside the consulate until they are given a free ride to the airport enroute Nigeria.

Reports say over 600 Nigerians living in South Africa had agreed to return home after Air Peace offered to provide free flights on account of xenophobic attacks in which still to be determined number of Nigerians were killed and their businesses rendered derelict.

The first batch of returnees landed in Nigeria on Wednesday, and a second flight, scheduled on Thursday, was rescheduled with no specific date of service.

NSE Boss Tasks Investors on Product Unical VC Vows to Rid Offerings that Diversify Investment Varsity of Graft ChikaAmanze-Nwachuku The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has called on investors to create product offerings that would promote diversity in investment.

The Chief Executive Officer, NSE, Mr. Oscar N. Onyema made the call at the 4th edition of the NSE Market Data Workshop in Lagos, with theme, ‘Partnerships, Products and the Customer’.

According to Mr. Onyema, despite the evolving needs of consumers demanding for financial information globally, Nigeria still had low inclination towards investments.

He highlighted the increasing importance of leveraging market data in boosting retail investor participation in the Nigerian capital market. “It is important for us to create product offerings that promote diversity in investment, manage risk and make the information readily available to consumers. The Exchange and data vendors are already responding to this increasing demand using new tools for market data products. “We have evolved our product strategy to focus on catering to the needs of the end-user.

At the NSE, we believe in customer centricity and we will continue to foster partnerships with local stakeholders

across the market, incorporating new technologies and expertise to drive market data by-products like derivatives and other structured products such as the Exchange Traded Funds�, he said.

Onyema added: “This year’s theme spotlights the need for a more inclusive collaboration among capital market players in analysing and extracting raw data to deliver data products that are easily consumed to make informed investment decisions.�

In her presentation, a lecturer at the Department of Mathematics, University of Lagos, Dr. Mary Akinyemi noted that protective put, such as derivatives, would be good for hedging risks, especially with the losses recorded by the stock market in recent times.

She advised investors to buy enough options when purchasing shares, which would act as a protection from risks associated with losing streaks.

Speaking on the importance of the workshop in developing the Nigerian capital market, Divisional Head, Trading Business at the NSE, Mr. Jude Chiemeka explained that the Exchange instituted the Market Data Workshop to inspire market participants and the wider ecosystem to become more innovative in the use of market data as they strive to leapfrog performance through the use of the array market data solutions offered by NSE�.

Bassey Inyang in Calabar

The Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Prof. Zana Akpagu, has stated his administration’s commitment and support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s war at ridding Nigeria of corruption.

Akpagu said this at the opening session of a one-day workshop with the theme: ‘Eliminating Corrupt Practices and Enforcing Ethics and Integrity’ organised by the institution Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ATU) held in the main auditorium of the University’s Senate Chambers.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice Chancellor who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the university, Prof. (Mrs.) Lucy Udida, said the theme was very apt and timely, adding that corruption is counterproductive and capable of destroying the university system hence the need for collaborative efforts to eliminate the menace.

The vice chancellor said his administration would not rest on its oars but will ensure that corrupt practices are eliminated from the institution, which he said, would help in the achievement of set goals

and objectives.

The immediate past Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Ekpo Nta in his paper presentation entitled ‘Instituting and Endorsing Viable Structures for Ethics and Integrity to thrive in the University System’ stated that institutional integrity cannot be achieved without personal integrity.

Nta said when an organisation or country was lacking ethical values as well as integrity, individuals in such organisations may be seen to be corrupt; adding that unethical behaviour cannot thrive where there is a clearly defined code of conduct.

While stating that individual unethical behaviour is the reason for establishing ACTU and Servicom, he mentioned ways to fix ethical deficits to include reviewing UNICAL codes of conduct and ethics while infusing relevant provisions of the ICPC Act, and encouraging departments to review same.

In the same vein, the Commissioner, ICPC, Uyo Zonal Commission, Mr. Olusola Oluseyi Shodipo in his paper presentation ‘Manifestation, Causes and Prevention of Corruption in Universities’ said corruption was a major challenge in every part of the world and every facet of life.

Doctors at a private hospital are battling to save the life of a middle-aged man identified as Elvis Omoiri, a resident of Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State who was allegedly stabbed by a neighbour for celebrating the Tribunal victory of President Muhammadu Buhari last Wednesday.

THISDAY gathered that Omoiri, a supporter of All Progressives Congress (APC) was stabbed repeatedly following an argument that ensued between him and his alleged attacker, Best Uduophori, over the ruling of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which affirmed the election of President Buhari.

Effurun is the hometown of the Minister of State for Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Festus Keyamo.

The argument between the duo, it was learnt, was said to have degenerated into violence when Uduophori, believed to be member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) reportedly broke bottles and attacked his victim.

Sources said the victim was battling for life at a private hospital in the city over the injuries he sustained on his neck, head and other parts

of his body.

An APC supporter in the state, MC Paul told newsmen that the attack on the victim, an operator of a drinking bar around Okoloba area of the city, was unwarranted and animalistic.

According to him, “I have just received report of an attempted murder of one Elvis Omoiri by a neighbour, Best Uduophori who runs a beer parlor in Okoloba, Effurun, Uvwie LGA, Delta State, over a mere political argument.

What are we turning politics into in this country? You want to kill someone over Buhari and Atiku tribunal matter? This is animalistic! “You break a bottle and stabbed a fellow countryman almost to the point of death over APC and PDP matters? So, someone doesn’t have right to personal opinion again in Nigeria? “Just few days ago, we were all against South Africans for Xenophobic attacks on Nigerians. Today, it is a Nigerian that seems not to value the life of a fellow Nigerian. This is very disgusting, cruel, callous, mean and most condemnable,� he said Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Onome Onovwakpoyeya could not be reached for confirmation of the incident as she refused to pick her call.

Don’t Blame Your Failure on Tribunal, PDP Tells APC Okon Bassey Ă“Ă˜ ĂŁĂ™ The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has asked members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state not to blame the tribunals over their failure to obtain judicial victory in some of the cases which judgement had been delivered by the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the state.

The State Publicity of the PDP, Comrade Ini Ememobong at a press briefing held in Uyo, said if APC had issue against the judges of the tribunal they should direct their petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC). “We challenge them, like we have done severally, to produce any thread of evidence, against the judges, apart from the habitual blackmail occasioned by a warped thought process inherent in their party. “Tribunal judge cannot be held responsible for the way the APC cases went, especially considering the fact that they had known ab initio that they had no case, but only approached the tribunal as a facesaving mechanism, while earnestly seeking for federal appointments. “How else can you describe people who protested the location of the Tribunal before the tribunal was even constituted? Since then, they have been shouting to high Heaven over non-existent issues. “When the tribunal started, they filed processes that were manifestly and incurably defective. Now that the natural consequences of their actions have manifested, instead of taking a sincere introspection, they have decided to apply their stock in trade - pass the buck. “I am of the firm view that enough materials have not been placed before this court to show that the Presiding Justice of this panel is likely to be biased against the petitioners/applicants in the hearing and determination of the petition. “I am of the view that the fact that the Honourable President of

this court is the wife of Honourable Adamu Mohammed Bulkachuwa and the mother of Aliyu Haidir Abubakar are not weighty enough to impute likelihood of bias against the President of the Court of Appeal. “The two of them are not parties to the petition before us, and have not shown to be listed as witnesses of the 3rd respondent (the APC) in the petition before us...There is no allegation made against the spouse or the son of the Honourable President of this court in the petition of the petitioners/applicants...� the PDP stated.

Referring to Wednesday judgement on Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District which the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio lost to former Deputy Governor of the State, Senator Chris Ekpenyong, the PDP said that the majority judgement of the tribunal was a soothing balm to the people of the senatorial district who massively rejected him at the polls.

55

͚͟ ͺ͸͚Π˞ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

SPORTS XTRA

ICPC Seals Houses of NFF President, Pinnick, Dikko The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) yesterday sealed the Lagos residence of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and the Abuja residence of his 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko.

It was gathered that officials of the commission placed Pinnick’s house which is inside Parkview Estate in Ikoyi, Lagos, under lock over the investigation on corruption allegations levelled against him.

Earlier on Friday, ICPC had sealed the residence of the Chairman of the League

Management Company and second vice-president of NFF, Dikko, located at No. 1 River-Benue Street, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged corrupt practices in the federation.

The anti-graft agency said it was in connection with an ongoing investigation on the alleged monumental mismanagement of funds meant for the development of grassroots football in the country.

Mrs. Rasheedat Okoduwa, spokesperson of ICPC confirmed the development which took place at about 10:00 a.m.

She said the investigation was an ongoing one on the

Nigeria Professional Football League adding however that the latest action followed a breakthrough that involved other persons in the alleged graft in the NPFL. “Unfortunately I cannot tell you much because we do not want to tip off those that are involved in the latest case. The investigation is still ongoing, a lot went wrong and we believe that with discrete investigation our operatives are doing, we will get to the root of the matter.�

According to the ICPC, the investigation is to uncover financial malpractices in the football association, allegedly involving Dikko and other

executives. “It is true that ICPC sealed Shehu Dikko’s Maitama residence this morning. He is being investigated with others over fresh corruption charges. It has nothing to do with the cases of SPIP or EFCC,� she said.

The NFF has been on the watch-list of the anticorruption agencies. The federation is also currently under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Special Presidential Investigation Panel on Recovery of Public Property (SPIP).

The executives of the fed-

eration have been accused of diverting funds meant for the association.

There have been widespread allegations against operators of the league, ranging from misappro-

priation of funds from the world football ruling body, FIFA, meant for grassroots football development, television broadcast funds, and other questions bordering on marketing deals.

Tokyo 2020 Falcons to Regroup for Cote d’Ivoire ahead of African QualiďŹ er Ahead of the second round of the African qualifying series of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics women’s football tournament, a total of 30 home-based professionals will arrive at the Super Falcons’ hotel camp in Abuja on Sunday to kick-start preparations for the clash with the Senior Women National Team of Cote d’Ivoire.

Seven overseas-based professionals will join the group before the trip to Abidjan for the first leg.

Already, the world football governing body, FIFA, has directed that both legs of the qualifying fixture must be concluded between September 30 and October 8.

The Nigeria Football Federation has already picked Sunday, October 6, for the return leg match, slated for the Agege Stadium, Lagos. The venue hosted the return leg of Nigeria/Algeria in the earlier round, with the Falcons winning by a lone goal to push out the Algerians on a 3-0 aggregate.

Cote d’Ivoire also emerged 3-0 aggregate winners, eliminating Mali from the series to set up a clash with nine-time African champions, Nigeria.

Asisat Oshoala, scorer of the lone goal against Algeria in Lagos on 3rd September, heads the list of the overseas-based professionals that also includes defenders Osinachi Ohale and Chidinma Okeke, midfielders Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and Chinaza Uchendu, and forwards Francisca Ordega and Rasheedat Ajibade.

Midfielder Osarenoma Igbinovia heads the list of 30 home-based professionals.

All invited home-based players are expected to arrive at the Chida Hotel, Abuja on Sunday.

Brighton Debunks Claims that Balogun Opted Out of Eagles/Ukraine Friendly

Nigeria Football Federation President, Amaju Pinnick (r) discussing with his 2nd vice president, Shehu Dikko

NFF Executive Committee to Decide Salisu Yusuf’s Future after Ban Expiration The executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will decide whether Salisu Yusuf will return as assistant coach of Nigeria and manager of the country’s U-23 team after serving a one-year ban.

The 57-year-old was handed the ban and fined US$5000 last September after he was caught on camera taking cash from men posing as football agents.

The NFF confirmed the end of his ban and its executive committee will now decide Yusuf’s future. “Salisu Yusuf’s one-year ban ended on September 5, and he’s now free to return to management again,� Olajire told BBC Sport.

“I must reiterate that Mr. Yusuf has not been reinstated as an assistant to Gernot Rohr, nor has he taken charge as head coach of the Super Eagles B team or the under-23 side. “Adecision about his return or not will be decided by the NFF executive committee. “We understand the public interest in this, but communication to that effect will be made available at the appropriate time.�

Olajire was clarifying an earlier statement from the NFF about end of Yusuf’s ban. “The Federation thanked Coach Imama Amapakabo for his sterling efforts while in charge of the U-23 National Team in the

absence of the suspended Yusuf, and for eventually seeing to the team’s qualification for the U-23 AFCON.�

Yusuf was highly respected in the West African country as one of the finest local coaches, but his reputation took a dent when he was caught on camera taking cash from men who requested that two players be selected for a continental championship.

He has always denied any wrongdoing; however, his possible return to the national team coaching set up has divided opinion.

Yusuf was assistant to Gernot Rohr at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and led Nigeria to the final of the Championship of

African Nations (CHAN) in Morocco last year.

Nigeria finished third at this year’s Nations in Egypt, while Imama Amapakabo sealed a spot at this November’s U-23 Africa Cup of Nations finals in his absence.

The event, which Nigeria won in 2015, serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2020 Olympics, where the top three teams will book their place in Tokyo.

Nigeria - bronze medalists at Rio 2016 - won the 1996 Olympic football tournament and are the firstAfrican country to complete anOlympicmedalsweephaving won a silver medal in Beijing in 2008.

Gerrard: Eagles’ Call up, a Prove Rangers is Right for Aribo Steven Gerrard insists Joe Aribo’s progression onto the international stage was a welldeserved accolade and proof of his impressive start to life at Ibrox this season.

The midfielder was handed his debut for Nigeria in their friendly match with Ukraine.

The 23-year-old opened the scoring for Nigeria and earned rave reviews for his overall performance.

It was the latest big show-

ing from the former Charlton playmaker as he enjoys an encouraging start to the campaign following his move from The Valley to Ibrox.

Addicks boss Lee Bowyer was critical ofAribo for heading to Glasgow but Gerrard reckons his decision is more than paying off as the London-born star goes from strength to strength.

Gerrard said: “Joe is in a fantastic place, he is smiling away and congratulations to him. In

his first game, he managed to get a goal. “He was rewarded for his form as a Rangers player. He was called up so it shows you that he is in the right place, that he is playing football at the right level. “European football, playing in Old Firms.At last, he has been recognised as an international player and been rewarded with his first game and his first goal.

He should be in a great place.

“They must have started watching him since he has been playing at Rangers. “They must be happy with him playing in Europa League games and playing in front of 51,000. “The people that select now for the Nigerian national team know that he can play in big football games. I don’t know many players in the Championship who are playing for Nigeria.�

Brighton & Hove coach Graham Potter has dismissed as nonsense reports in the local media which claimed that Leon Balogun deliberately withdrew from the Nigeria squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Ukraine.

It was wrongly suggested that the central defender departed the Super Eagles Dnipro camp after he was omitted from the starting line-up against the Ukrainians.

However, Potter has confirmed that his number 14 is racing against the clock to be fit for Saturday’s Premier League meeting against Burnley.

Speaking to reporters at Thursday’s pre-match press conference, Potter said: ‘’Yves Bissouma has had the go-ahead to start training with us from next week. “Leon Balogun had a bit of tightness and needs an extra day, but apart from that everyone else has come back fit and ready from their national sides.’’ Balogun joined the Seagulls from Mainz in the summer of 2018 and has made 11 appearances for the Premier League club so far, scoring one goal against Crystal Palace.

Ndidi Gives Reason for Returning to School Super Eagles midfielder Wilfried Ndidi said he decided to go back to school because he did not have the opportunity to do so while growing up, while also revealing what he plans to do with his certificate once he graduates.

The Leicester City midfielder who is currently studying Business Management at De Monfort University said he and his siblings found it hard to go to school while growing up.

In an interview with BBC, the former Genk midfielder also revealed he plans to open a football resort in Nigeria for kids who do not have the opportunity to study and play football at the same time. “Growing up, while I was a kid, and my sister, my cousin, we did not have the opportunity to actually go to school, because my dad could not afford it.� “So after training, I have spare time, so I just thought of it, and I said yes it’s better I go to school,� he added. He also revealed that he was nervous on his first day, but the lecturer helped him to feel at home.

Saturday, September 14, 2019

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MISSILE

NECA to Federal Government

“The benefits of the recently signed National Minimum Wage of N30,000 would be neutralised by the proposed increase in the VAT, further reduce the purchasing power of the citizens, leading to increase in prices of goods and services” – The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) chastising the new 7.2 per cent Value Added Tax approved by the Federal Executive Council.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

The Importance of Celebrity Journalism in Africa Today

F

ellow Africans, I’m proud to give you a feedback and update on my Fellowship at The African Studies Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

It all started as a joke, or one of those my brainwaves. I had toyed with the idea of heading back to school for further studies. But I was quite confused about which school, what course and when. I think my greatest enemy is time. I’m so permanently occupied with one activity or the other that I often wonder if I would ever have the chance and time to take time out, or even laze about, once in a while, like regular people. I believe I must have picked the habit of multitasking from two of my mentors and role models like Chief Moshood Abiola and Dr Mike Adenuga Jr. It amazes me how much work those two have packed into one lifetime. But they have fired me up with their drive, determination and ambition, so much that work has become an addiction.

I knew I would definitely go back to academia, either full-time or part time.

Nothing else would ever make me happier.

That was my dream and passion growing up as a young boy in the University city of Ile-Ife which combined tradition, history and culture with knowledge and innovation.

But the risk and fear of hunger in our dear country Nigeria was always the beginning of wisdom. Since I had made up my mind to take the road less travelled in Nigeria, by not wasting my time with government people who see every critic as an enemy, I knew I must double up my hustle and pray for God’s bountiful harvests.

A window of opportunity opened up to me, almost spiritually. I had walked into the great Scholar, the first Black Rhodes Professor of Race Relations and Director, African Studies Centre, Oxford School of Global and Area Studies Fellow, St Anthony’s College, University of Oxford, Wale Adebanwi, by chance. I had not met him since he left his big job an erudite academic at the University of California, Davis. Incidentally, he was already a distinguished journalist before diving headlong into academia which he has also taken by storm. His stint in journalism, where he made a name for himself, has no doubt helped him in his exploits and achievements as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria in the field of journalism and academia.

I told Professor Adebanwi about my burning desire to return to school and he was very candid in his response. He told me it might be difficult for me, at my present level, and status, to find fulltime Studies enjoyable or worthwhile. I have not been back in school since I completed my Master’s degree at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile - Ife in 1988. So, I deferred to his superior knowledge and wisdom in this area and agreed with him. He suggested that I could apply for a Fellowship in the UK or America, which would be more flexible and less expensive. He said that I could apply to Oxford University and although he could not promise anything about the success or otherwise of my application to Oxford, he was confident that with my

Abiola

global exposure in journalism, it should be possible for most Universities, including Oxford to accept me and embrace my knowledge readily.

I decided, at the outset, that I would only limit my application to Oxford University.

I felt buoyed by the confidence in my capabilities which Professor Adebanwi had evinced. His belief in my ability and widespread acceptability and connect with the literary world resonated with me.

The day I got a positive response from Oxford was one of my happiest days. Who won’t be happy associating with such a powerful brand? I know the impact will live with me forever. And that was how my journey started.

I must say it has been so amazing. The Oxford environment is very conducive for learning. The libraries are certainly some of the largest and most up to date in the world. My God. How have African schools and students coped without books and reading? It is a question I soliloquise about regularly. Those who say education is not important have lost their minds for sure.

We are going nowhere until we recognise the values of grounded education. It is the foundation for all things positive that any nation would want to imbue in its citizens.

From education you learn about listening, learning, understanding, capacity, diligence, hard work, resourcefulness, innovation and above all integrity.

Anyway, I have made good use of the facilities offered me. That is simply the best I can do in the circumstances. My research work has been on Society Journalism and social media in Africa. I realised shortly after embarking on the project that the work is so vast that I couldn’t conclude it within one academic session. My innate feelings were soon to become real as I discovered that I could not complete the daunting task that I had set for myself in the last academic session. This did not make me happy as I am someone who constantly seeks to achieve perfection in everything that I do. The good news is that Oxford has graciously renewed my Fellowship. I’m extremely grateful for this honour and privilege. I’m now expected to spend the next academic session doing my research, reviewing my work and preparing an exposition of my research and findings and developing my

treatise and conclusions to be presented in a seminal paper which I will submit to the Department. I’m also using the opportunity to work on my autobiography in preparation for its launch as part of my 60th birthday celebrations next year May, by the grace of God. My romance with society journalism could not have been by accident. As we love to say in Africa, it must have been preordained. My trajectory is almost surreal. Working for extremely famous and influential Nigerians has definitely prepared me for the humbling roles I’m currently playing in African media. The most important tools required for this job are confidence, courage and access.

It takes a lot of guts and skills to penetrate the rich and famous. You must be able to hold your head high, be self-assured and audacious. You must be brave and convincing, displaying that you a master of your game. The rich, famous and notorious have to know and trust you reasonably well and same goes for you. Trust is therefore another key element, without which you may be kicked around like a football. Respect is another. It is essential that you are able to command the respect of those that you come in contact with.

That, sadly, is the bane of many of our society journalists today. They do not respect themselves and therefore do not get the respect which should normally follow from those that they seek to interact with. Essentially, to become a celebrated society journalist you must have integrity.

That is the benchmark or quality control which separates you from the best of the rest. Unfortunately, most of our present crop of journalists do not recognise this.

It pays to be old school. The rewards can be great not just in financial terms, but also with respect to acceptance, status, contentment and fulfilment.

Though I didn’t set out deliberately to be a society reporter, I just found something I could hardly escape pulling me in that direction, almost helplessly. My foray into journalism was mainly out of joblessness.

I would have preferred to be an author and editor of books than being an editor or publisher of newspapers and magazines.

But it was not to be. I have no regrets though. I know and I have since proven that the one may be just a steppingstone to the other.

I started reporting hard news at the African Concord magazine when I arrived Lagos in 1988. My transfer to Weekend Concord, a tabloid, changed my life and career. My wide contacts from my personal relationships nurtured in the ancient town of Ile-Ife and extended as I expanded my horizons came in handy. I didn’t have to introduce myself in most places. My contacts and, more and more, as time went by, my exploits and writings meant that I was readily recognised and appreciated. Meeting people and extracting information from them was quite easy and straightforward from then on. I was lucky because people felt drawn to me and felt the need to talk to me and sometimes give me scoops, either wittingly or unwittingly. The result was that I produced covers after covers

to the delight of our bosses, patrons and readers.

Society journalism wasn’t this big at the time. Not many society people could even be classified as such. And so, we had to manage and cultivate the ones that were available. And they belonged in different categories. They included royalty, sports men and women, artistes, business titans, and upwardly mobile professionals. Our society was not as open as it is today. We needed to convince them of our noble intentions. We live in a society when jealousy and envy are very common attributes.

There were several publications publishing the lifestyle of the rich and famous. We also had to create celebrities out of wannabes.

It was not an easy task. Society journalism was more of hyping the assumed celebs.

Some of the stories were sensational. We stepped on toes, some powerful, others not so. The earliest publications were gossipy and thrived on hyperbole. The screaming headlines often bore no correlation to the body of the stories. They fooled and titillated their readers endlessly. That style is being packaged and repackaged now, but oftentimes not with the style and guile of the original progenitors.

We had Lagos Weekend, Prime People, Vintage People, Fame, Climax, Encomium, City People, First Weekly, Global News, amongst others. They looked identical and had the same angles and convictions.

And everyone was afraid to be put on those covers except when the stories were positive.

Things changed when Ovation International magazine came on board.

The Directors decided they won’t damage reputations, but rather build and promote the best of Africa. Naysayers said it cannot, and will not, work. The quality was another feather to our cap. It was different in style and taste and too beautiful to behold.

Many doubters said it is impossible to maintain the standards that we had set for ourselves from the very first edition.

This was in 1996. 23 years after, the quality has not gone down. Instead we have over time continually improved on thee quality.

We have maintained the same Printers in Enfield, England, in the past 18 years, because we believed that the style and quality could not be compromised. Our Printers have kept faith with us and kept ensuring the improvement of our product and brand.

Many copycats also came from nowhere with each promising to give us a run for our money. There were also foreign franchises like Ok and Hello magazines that were bought and brought to Nigeria as some sort of competition to us. I’m not sure they remain in circulation, not because they were not beautiful and appealing, but due to lack of patronage, especially in the area of advertisements. We have had our fair share of disappointments in that area, but we have always been proactive in everything that we do. The secret of our survival is as tight as that of Coca Cola...

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