SATURDAY INDEPENDENT,JANUARY 7, 2023

PUBLIC SQUARE

ABACHI UNGBO

The price of milk has gone beyond the reach of not a few Nigerians and it is instantiated by its absence in many shopping lists which potentially could compound the country’s already poor milk consumption per capita, which is put at less than 10 litres/per annum which is far below the recommended 210 litres by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

It goes without saying that, the country has a sub-optimal milk production capacity of about 600,000 metric tonnes (mt) in the face of a huge milk demand of about 1.7 million mt annually. As a consequence, about 1.5 billion dollars is spent annually on importation primarily to bridge the gaping deficit which effectively places the country as a lucrative destination for the world's biggest milk producers/processors.

Expectedly, it has remained a leading cause of the huge hemorrhage of the country’s foreign exchange. For the most part, the milk that is strewn in the country’s market is entirely reconstituted owing to the fact that processors import largely powdered milk.

The impact of the staggering cost of the importation sparked the backward integration initiative by the government which ostensibly was to spur domestic production.

Certainly, it is in light of this that government once declared that importation will cease in 2022, and already, in Q1 2022 milk importation had gulped about 28 billion Naira.

Though, success stories have been recorded with not few companies acting in keeping with the policy. However, the government stated target of an annual 1.6 billion litres of production would require quite a lot of doing.

It defies logic that the massive cattle population is not sufficient in putting the country in the league of top milk producers in Africa. On the cattle stock, Nigeria and Ken-

ya are almost at par, with 20.7 and 21.7 respectively ac cording to Statista- a German-based data company.

Kenya has effectively harnessed its cattle population and traditional milk-drinking culture in making the country a shining case in point of a vibrant dairy industry. It has amassed well about 5 million dairy cows in becoming one of the top milk-producing countries in Africa and with the highest milk consumption per capita at 110 litres/year.

It’s my considered view that the vibrant sub-sector is a product of the right policies and institutional environment enabled by commitment. Though, still fraught with challenges; Kenya nevertheless provides objective lessons.

No doubt, it has been a long journey for Kenya. The market liberalisation of 1992 created a path to the entry of new players as the market opened up for competition. According to pundits the industry recorded increased production prior to the

90s, which easily was imputed to the subsidies and availability of a suite of farmers' support services in Breeding and Artificial insemination (A.I), health and extension services, input supply. And also, the active participation of private and development agencies. Today, the industry contributes about 14% to the country’s agricultural sector GDP and 4% to the national GDP. It produces about

5 billion litres of ly on the back of smallholder dairy farmers and

duce 12 billion litres of milk annually by

It has also brought a tad of parity in gender income distribution due to the number of women who are known to be an active participant in the value chain and in addition

According to Kenya Diary Board, the sub-sector provides a source of livelihood to about 1.8 million households. Interestingly, in 2022 Kenya through one of its illustrious processors the Kenya Creameries Company (KCC) struck a lucrative deal in early 2022 with Azim Milk Company based in Oman for the supply of milk which is eloquent proof of its capacity. By and large, the coalescence of the smallholder dairy farmers into cooperatives that matured

into a strong force in the industry is key to the change in the dairy industry's fortune. An important takeaway is that Artificial Insemination (AI) played a singularly significant role in the Kenya dairy story. It has a long history in Kenya which dates back to the 1930s.

Successive governments were intentional about the future and development of the sub-sector resulting in massive and aggressive AI programmes. The service was also liberalized bringing about accessibility, an increase in the number of service providers and technicians.

To this end, a massive AI roll-out is the way to go in changing Nigeria’s dairy narrative with other support services in place. No progress would be sustainably recorded in expanding the dairy industry with cows producing paltry 1.5-2 litres of milk/daily! The cattle stock needs to be upgraded; enhanced milk productivity is reliant upon the genetic composition of the cow.

Again, it needs a comprehensive ranching development and transformation plan in place and a strong support system that would culminate in a vibrant dairy value chain. Interestingly, efforts are ongoing by not a few private entities and development agencies, especially with the dominant smallholder farmers which are consequential.

Clearly, the journey to making the country self-reliant is still a way off. Of course, fixing the dairy sub-sector is not a marathon but then the exercise and preparation to put the country in an active mode need to be instituted. Ungbo can be reached via abachi007@ yahoo.com

Don't Waste Your Resources, Makinde's 2nd Term Ordained By God, Oyo PDP Tells Opposition

KAZEEM AWOJOODU IBADAN

Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told opposition parties in the forthcoming governorship election that the reelection of Governor Seyi Makinde for another term of four years was already ordained by God and that nothing could stop it.

Consequently, the ruling PDP urged opposition parties in the state not to waste their scarce resources trying to contest against God's project in the spirit of politicking as it was already evident with the mammoth crowd at Makinde's campaign flag-off yesterday that the Governor's reelection is already a moving train ordained by God till 2027.

The Publicity Secretary of PDP in the state, Akeem Olatunji made this known in a press statement on Friday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday commenced the journey for his reelection bid by officially flagging off his governorship campaign at

Mapo in Ibadan.

The event was witnessed by five governors on the platform of the party also known as the integrity governors now being referred to as the G-5.

The ruling PDP in its press statement expressed gratitude to the people of Oyo State as well as party members for making a bold statement with the turnout yesterday describing the crowd as not only overwhelming but clearly an indication of popular support and acceptance by the general public.

The party also assured Makinde of a convincing victory at the polls come March 11 stressing that the Governor's landmark achievements which has catapulted the state from poverty to prosperity in less than four years in office will continue to make the PDP the political bride of the masses.

Maintaining that PDP remains united and one in the state, Olatunji said, the presence of political gladiators in the party at Mapo was a clear evidence that PDP is the master of the game in terms of managing its internal affairs.

NIS Receives N500m Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative For Africa Security Sector Support Grant

TONY EZIMAKOR ABUJA

The Nigeria Immigration Service has been awarded a N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira), from Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa) Security Sector Support Grant, in recognition of the many successes recorded by the Service both nationally and internationally.

Comptroller General of Immigration, Isah Jere Idris, received the awards letter during a brief event held at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, and showered praises to the Chairman, BUA Group, Alh. Abdul Samad Rabiu, for the initiative

and for recognising the strides of the Service.

He restated the Service's commitment to Nigeria as well as the global security while assuring the delegation of ASR Africa that the grant will be effectively utilised.

The ASR Africa Security Sector Support Grant Scheme is an intervention initiative, targeted at sustainably impactful interventions in Security and Social Development in Africa.

The grant is part of the efforts of the Chairman of BUA Group, to give back to the African continent and make lasting impact in peace and security, as a means of uplifting and restoring lives of Africans.

IYC Wants FG To Complete East-West Road, Other Projects In Niger Delta

IGONIKO ODUMA YENAGOA

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called on the Federal Government to ensure the completion of the East-West Road dualisation project and other abandoned infrastructural projects in the Niger Delta this year.

This was contained in a 2023 New Year message of the IYC issued on behalf of its national leadership by the spokesman, Ebilade Ekerefe, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

He urged the government to prioritise the East-West road in particular and give it the proper attention it required.

failed to give the region favourable consideration in terms of development.

proceeds to the development of the region.

2023: Nasarawa LP

MICHAEL DAVID LAFIA

Governorship

Campaign Council Battle Ready To Tackle Gov Sule

ria to Russia, Amb. Jonathan Tsaku in attendance.

The council suggested that the government should plough back some fractions of the additional proceeds from the success of the oil pipeline surveillance contracts awarded Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo and others, into the East-West Road and other projects.

CHIBUZOR EMEJOR ABUJA

As politicians are meeting to strategise for the last trend of campaign for the 2023 poll, the Joseph Ewuga Campaign Organisation has embarked on a re-birth mission in Nasarawa State and it’s battle ready to push out the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) from the Government House.

They also named Mr. Haruna Muhammad Ubandoma as Director General for Engr. Joseph Ewuga campaign council which has declared its preparation to unseat the ruling party APC in the state in the forthcoming general election.

Engr. Joseph Ewuga, had the last year 2022, sacked his Director General, Bishop Mathew Ablaku, for anti-party activities.

A meeting was held at the gubernatorial candidate's, campaign office along Jos road Lafia to finetune some strategies.

It was attended by the gubernatorial candidate, Joseph Ewuga, his running mate, directors and trustees of the Campaign Organisation with a former ambassador of Nige-

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Director General Joseph Ewuga Campaign Organisation, Sir. Ubandoma said that the team was now better organised and better equipped to take “what belongs to us in Nasarawa".

He said Ewuga has demonstrated his capacity and capability for good governance hence he was desirous of replicating his performance from the private sector in Nasarawa, adding that the people of the state were yearning for a candidate that would come and transform the state.

The DG noted that Labour Party has continued to wax strong in Nasarawa which was the main reason of reorganising the guber campaign team.

He insisted that LP would go the extra mile of actually taking over the Government House, Lafia by wining and defending her votes.

The Director General advised the team to be more focused, close their ranks and woo more people for the battle ahead.

The Federal Government has flagged off the distribution of 11 refrigerated meat vans to butchers and Meat Sellers' Association to enhance modern meat haulage system in the country.

Speaking during the National Stakeholders Workshop on Meat Hygiene / Distribution of Refrigerated Meat Vans to Butchers and Meat Sellers' Association in Abuja, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, said the quest to address the issues concerning meat haulage was as a result of concerns expressed over the hygiene and safety of the meat consumed by the citizenry.

He said the unhygienic nature of meat in Nigeria has continued to limit Nigeria’s full participation in trade of most agricultural commodities outside the shores of the country.

According to him, meat haulage is the act of transporting meat from one loca-

Ekerefe also advised the oil assets surveillance contractors to remain focused on their assignment to curb the age-long menace of oil theft in the region and boost national revenue.

He, however, stated that it would be regrettable if Niger Delta stakeholders withdrew support for the anti-oil theft war because the government

The IYC said: "We also want to reiterate that the bold decision taking by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to award crude oil pipeline surveillance jobs to indigenous companies, particularly Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited owned by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo alias Tompolo, is already yielding desired results.

"With reports of improving oil output data available, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) wants to urge the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, plough back some of the

"While we urge the crude oil pipeline contractors to remain focused and continue assisting the Nigerian nation to improve proceeds from the oil revenue, we demand that the East-West Road be completed in 2023, and (other) Federal Government projects in the region which are yet to be completed, be given accelerated attention.

"While we won’t preempt, it will be quite sad and shameful if stakeholders of the Niger Delta withdraw support in the fight against crude oil theft; if the region is not included in the priority list of the Federal Government in terms of development."

tion to another, either within the abattoir premises or between the abattoirs in Nigeria, adding that most of the meat produced in the country does not conform to global best practices that guarantee safety for transporters, the carcass and the consumers.

Abubakar pointed out that “the practice was undesirable especially where carcasses have to be transported on wheelbarrows, open vans, pick-up vans, among others, thereby exposing the meat to high level of contamination and quality compromised.”

Speaking further, the Minister stated that the ministry, in collaboration with financial institutions and private investors expected that each state of the Federation would start with at least five refrigerated meat vans including the one that was donated free from the Feder-

al Government through the Ministry.

Abubakar, therefore, warned that come May 29th, 2023, anyone caught transporting meat in contravention of the modern meat haulage protocols, would be sanctioned.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Ernest Umakhihe represented by the Director, Veterinary & Pest Control Services, Dr. Maimuna Habib said meat hygiene was an important aspect of food safety that should not be handled with kid gloves, noting that it was in recognition of the perishable nature of meat and meat offal that necessitated the need to improve on the operation of meat processing.

He pointed out that apart from the need to sanitise and bring meat haulage system to international standard,

the operation has the potential to create sustainable jobs for youths in Nigeria, adding that, it was worthy of note that few states and investors had already keyed into the roadmap that guaranteed the delivery of safe and qualitative meat to consumers.

Umakhihe, however, noted that Ministry had contributed to the drafting of the National Food Safety and Quality Bill that had passed third reading at the National Assembly.

In his remarks, the National President of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Alhaji Baba Ngelzarma, commended the Minister for the laudable initiative and called for an urgent need to train the butchers and Meat Sellers' Association.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of 11 Refrigerated Meat Vans by the minister.

Suleiman Adamu, Minister for Water Resources (left); Inuwa Yahaya, Governor, Gombe State (second left); Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar, Emir of Gombe (second right), and Mijinyawa Yahaya, Commissioner for Water Resources, during the flag off of the water expansion scheme in Gombe State.

PVC: INEC Devolves Collection To Registration Areas, Wards Collation Centres

KAZEEM AWOJOODU IBADAN

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Oyo State has announced the devolution of the Collection of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) to 351 Registra-

tion Areas/ Ward Collation Centers in all the 33 INEC Local Government Area Offices ahead of preparations for the forthcoming General Election in the State.

In a statement by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the State, Dr. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, he noted that the exercise com-

mences from Friday 6th January to Saturday 15th January 2023 from 9 am to 3 pm daily, including Saturdays and Sundays.

Dr. Tella stated further that the exercise is for all eligible valid registrants, those that applied for replacement of lost, damaged, or defaced PVCs, and those that regis-

tered prior to the 2019 General Election and are yet to collect their cards.

The REC informed that the collection of PVCs will revert to all 33 INEC Local Government Area Offices until 22nd January 2023. He however implored the electorate to make good use of the exercise as the collection will not be by proxy.

2023 Election: Kwankwaso Faults INEC On Run-off

CHUKWUJEKWU ILOZUE AWKA

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso has dismissed the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) thinking of the likelihood of a runoff election come February 25th general election, saying a lot of things that will shape the election will likely happen in the next 50 days.

Kwankwaso, who was former Governor of Kano State was in Anambra State on Saturday to open the party's offices and to commiserate with the founder and Chairman Board of Trustees of the party, Dr. Okechukwu Aniebonam over the demise of his sister.

He blamed the duo of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the socio-economic ruin of the country in the past twenty-four years and contended that they have no moral justification to present themselves for election before the masses.

"Recently, we have heard the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) say that there may not be an outright winner in the election; maybe that is the situation now but we in the NNPP believe that in the next fifty days, so many things are likely going to happen.

"What is obvious is that these so-called parties, the PDP and APC are going down every day and it is only our party that is going up and it is only our party that is the National party."

Kwankwaso also explained that he was one of those that participated in the 1995 Constitutional Conference as an elected delegate and even when they also drafted the 1979 electoral law, they reasoned that in addition to winning the majority of the lawful votes cast in an election, you must have spread which means twenty-five percent in at least twenty-four states.

"The North has nineteen states and the South has seventeen states so wherever you are you need the other side," he said.

He took a swipe at the PDP and APC stating that: "We have also seen the PDP and APC and their candidates are looking for help and not thinking of the problems of other people and we have also seen what the two parties have done

in the last twenty-four years or so and these parties have no reason to raise their fingers because they are responsible for the total failure that we are seeing in this country.”

Also speaking the Secretary, Board of Trustees of the party, Alhaji Buba Galadima noted that the NNPP is the party that would repair the country adding that their candidate Kwankwaso and his campaigns are already sending cold down the spines of other candidates and their parties.

Founder of the NNPP and Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Aniebonam described Kwankwaso as a detribalised Nigerian, adding that as former Minister for Defense, he knows how to fix the problems of insecurity in the country.

UK Agency To Host Free Webinar On WAEC New Digital Certificate

APATA OYENIRAN LAGOS

As part of efforts to deepen awareness about the newly introduced digital certificate platform for Nigeria and also to educate stakeholders about its use, benefits, and significance, a UK-based Recognition Agency, ENIC in conjunction with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has set aside Wednesday, January 11, 2023, to host a free webinar for the general public to attend at 10:00 hrs UK time.

According to information obtained by veracitydesk. com.ng, an open invitation has been electronically sent out to the general public on how to register for the free webinar before the scheduled January 2023 meeting date.

Interested participants who will want to be part of the webinar are advised to find out more and register to attend by using the online form provided in the link: https://us02web. zoom.us/webinar/register/ WN_qIVY3H-rQpOPl2ely311Ew

ENIC is a leading information service provider offering impartial, trusted judgment on international qualifications.

Its services have been developed to ensure that the skills, competencies and qualifications of those coming to the UK to work, study, practice, or settle are recognised at the appropriate level.

The agency also supports every university in the UK, all colleges that admit international students, employers, professional bodies, UK Government departments, and immigration advisers to understand more about educational, vocational and professional systems outside the UK.

On its official website, ENIC affirmed that it is the designated United Kingdom national agency for the recognition and comparison of international qualifications and skills. They perform this official function on behalf of the UK Government.

ENIC is as well operating under contract with the Department for Education (DfE), UK ENIC serves as the UK’s information point on the recognition of overseas qualifications.

They also provide the only official source of information

NPFL: Commissioner Reads Riot Act To Sunshine Stars' Crew

Youth and Sports Commissioner in Ondo State, Hon. Bamidele Ologunloluwa has warned all backroom staffers of Sunshine Stars FC against any form of action that could undermine the progress of the club.

Ologunloluwa, who declared that his administration has zero tolerance for

any form of anti-club activities, read the riot act on Friday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, during a meeting with the leadership and backroom staff of the club.

He warned that anyone found breaching the laid down rules of the club would face the full wrath of the rules and regulations of the club.

The commissioner emphasised that all the team needed was the unity of purpose that would ensure all the set goals of the club for the year are achieved.

Ologunloluwa, therefore, disclosed that the priority and set target of Sunshine Stars in the 2022/23 NPFL season was to finish in top place.

"We have a mission this

season, which is to finish top of the league. We are fighting for the best possible position and not settling for less. Only this will suffice and be pleasing to my boss - Gov. Akeredolu.

"Good results from the start matters and that will go a long way to encourage the governor. Let me reiterate here to everyone, anti-club ac-

tivities in any guise will not be tolerated under my watch.

"Anyone found wanting of any prohibited act or conduct will have me to deal with. What I need is the unity of purpose; the success of Sunshine Stars depends on our collective efforts and not just the coach. From the ball boys to the senior officers, we need to work together."

on international education systems and qualifications attained from outside the UK, as prescribed by the Lisbon Recognition Convention, and are part of the European Network of Information Centres (ENICs) and the wider ENIC-NARIC network.

The United Kingdom is a signatory of the Lisbon Recognition Convention which obliges the signatory nations to make arrangements for recognising qualifications across borders and to provide information on education systems and higher education institutions. UK ENIC provides these services.

However, additional information about the January 11 webinar further revealed that Mr. Patrick Ehidiamen Areghan, the Council’s Head of the National Office, Nigeria will be providing an overview of the WAEC digital certificate platform among other things during the online session.

Besides, the free webinar will also give room for discussions about the future of student mobility from West Africa; it will also demonstrate how the platform can be used by students, higher education institutions and third-party providers, as well as offer an opportunity to ask questions of members of WAEC and UK ENIC.

It would be recalled that WAEC officially launched its digital certificate on October 20, 2022, and assured stakeholders that the platform could be used to recover candidates’ forgotten/lost examination numbers. It also described it as a one-stop shop for access and validation of certificates, whereby issues of result alteration would permanently cease to exist.

Interestingly, about 30 million certificate holders who had taken the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) as far back as 1970 till date, will be able to access and share the original copies of their digital certificates from anywhere in the world, and the platform has also solved the problem of delay, doubt and faking, Mr. Patrick Areghan stated this whilst speaking about the uniqueness of the fresh milestone of the institution.

Among those in attendance at the meeting is the Administrative Secretary of ODSFA, Mr. Ijeh Bekewei, the Agency's Press Officer cum Sunshine Stars' Secretary, Mr. Ayodele Adewunmi and the Accountant, Alfred O. Osadipe.

However, Sunshine Stars have travelled to the Northeast for a date with newly promoted side, Doma United on match day one of the new season.

BOLU-OLU ESHO, AKURE

Emmanuel Osibona, Baba Ijo, Our Saviour's Church (Anglican Communion) Ikenne (left); Idowu Adenuga, Baba Ewe of the Church (second left); Dapo Abiodun, Governor, Ogun State (middle); his wife, Bamidele (second right), and Gbenga Daniel, former Governor, Ogun State and the Senatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress for Ogun East, during the burial service of Prince (Dr) Babatunde Adedapo Onafowokan at Our Saviour's Church (Anglican Communion) Ikenne, Ogun State on Friday

Obi Explains Why Collection Of PVC Is Critical

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi has given insight into why the collection of the Permanent Voters Cards (PVC) and voting in the February 25, 2023 election is critical to Nigeria and Nigerians.

In a special broadcast he made via the social media, on Thursday, Obi said every Nigerian youth and elder alike must endeavour to collect the PVC because without it what the youths and many other concerned persons desire for Nigeria this year may not be realisable.

According to Obi, PVC must be collected because it’s only with it in our hands, that the process of taking back Nigeria and rebuilding it can be said to have begun.

“This is a critical and existential election for Nigeria and all of us must endeavour to vote and we can only vote if we have our PVC.”

The LP flag bearer, one of the frontline candidates in the February 25, 2023 poll reminded Nigerians that the collection of the PVC ends On Sunday January 22 2023.

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC had opened the collection of PVCs at ward level today Friday January 6, 2023 to end on 15, January 2023 after which the collection continues at the INEC offices at local Government levels until January 22, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Labour Par-

ty Candidate has continued to receive the support and positive rating of prominent Nigerians.

After the three revered elder statesmen, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and first Republic Minister of Information and the leader of the South South people Edwin K. Clark and the leader of the umbrella Yoruba Group, the Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, endorsed him, another foremost jurist and Founder and Chancellor of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has said that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, (LP), Obi is the most qualified person to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari. The highly revered Northern Muslim Cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi had also held similar view.

According to Babalola, the only people opposed to Obi are those who participated in plunging the country into the state of underdevelopment it is at present.

“Unless you are part of the old system that has brought us to where we are, there is no way you will oppose a young man like Mr. Peter Obi, an untainted, young, educated man with ideas from being the president of Nigeria,” he said Babalola, who will mark 60 years of his call to the Bar as a lawyer this year, said he and Obi share a common passion in their love for quality education.

2023: Only God Can Stop Tinubu, Say SWAGA Chair, Others

NICHOLAS UWERUNONYE

Senator Dayo Adeyeye, Chairman, South West Agenda, SWAGA, for Bola Tinubu, Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor, Kwara State, standing in for his principal, the governor, and many others in Ilorin on Friday rallied support for the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), presidential candidate, stating, separately, that the former governor of Lagos can only be too fitting to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.

Adeyeye, on his part believes that challenges of the current debt overhang on Nigeria and other challenges can only call for extraordinary leadership personified by Tinubu, the APC presidential candidate.

Under the ruling party, the national debt owed has swelled to N77 trillion.

By implication and by per capita, each Nigerian, put at about 210 million, may have to pay at least N350, 000 each to creditors to offset the debt.

But Adeyeye insists that such challenges amount to nothing for an extraordinary leader of which Tinubu ranks as one.

Speaking in Ilorin at a special prayer organised by SWAGA in collaboration with other support groups, Tinubu's antecedents have demonstrated that he is a

man born to take up challenges.

"It is always in times of difficulty that we need a great leader who can turn things around. This is the time when you need Asiwaju as president.

"When things are easy and rosy, you don't need that much a fantastic leader.

"When things are bad, when hope is lost, when you need a leader to bring you out of debt, to take you to a higher level, that is when men like Tinubu are called for.

"This is actually the time when Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu is needed to steer the ship of state to a safe harbour," he said.

Sen Adeyeye also allayed fears of the possible emergence of a cabal around the APC presidential candidate if he emerges as president, saying that no cabal can exist alongside a Tinubu government.

"I must confess that I only hear about this so-called cabal but I have never seen it around Tinubu. How can that exist where all Tinubu wants is those who can work and deliver," he asked.

Deputy Governor, Alabi, also spoke to the quality of foot soldiers and mentee available to Tinubu from which he would draw capable personnel to solve Nigeria's problem.

"Tinubu is a good man who has built good men over the years. That is why I believe he will succeed because only God can stop a good man," Alabi said.

We Don’t Begrudge Obasanjo, Clark For Endorsing Obi —PDP

lSays Party Welcomes Candidates Who Are Ready To Step Down

MICHAEL OLADAPO ASABA

Spokesperson of People's Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign, Mr Charles Aniagwu yesterday stated that the party does not begrudge former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Edwin Clark for endorsing the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi.

Aniagwu, who doubles as the Delta State Commissioner for Information stated this

while addressing pressmen in Asaba, explaining that the PDP has competitive edge to win the 2023 polls despite the several endorsement of Peter Obi.

"We do not begrudge Obasanjo or E.K Clark for their position with Peter Obi. We are aware that we are going into a contest and such endorsement is normal.

“We have the competitive edge to win because the Atiku/ Okowa ticket ticks all the boxes. We are in the ‘A’ grade while Peter Obi in credit grade".

He stressed that the party has received the best endorsement from Nigerians who have the power to elect.

He commended PDP faithful in Oyo for demonstrating that Atiku is their choice in the 2023 elections when the G5 campaigned in the state.

"We did not mobilise them to do so, hence it speaks volume that the Oyo state people picked their choice despite attempts to downplay their voices. The endorsement we have received states clearly the intention of Nigerians for the upcoming elections.

He mooted that the party is ready to work with competent persons cutting across political parties as he further disclosed that the party is ready to welcome any Presidential Candidate that will want to step down for Atiku.

He mentioned that the attacks by Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on the PDP Presidential Candidate has further boosted the chances of the candidate to win, saying that we have more support in the North that has 58 per cent of the votes because of the continuous attacks from Wike.

Lawmaker, 'Wale Canada' Empowers Constituents, Promises More Dividends Of Democracy

RAJI ADEBAYO IBADAN

Hon. Riliwan Gbadamosi, popularly address as Wale Canada, member representing Atisbo, Saki East State Constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly has empowered his constituents with different items to enhance

OLUSEGUN KOIKI LAGOS

Mr. Abednego Galadima, President of the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), has assured that some of the projects of President Muhammadu Buhari in the Nigerian aviation industry would be absorbed by the succeeding government.

Galadima specifically mentioned the proposed national carrier project, Nigeria Air and the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities as some of the projects, which would be inherited by succeeding government, saying government was continuum.

Apart from the two, Galadima further hoped that the second runway for the Nnamdi

their daily economic activities and make their life more meaningful.

At the empowerment programme that took place at Sepeteri in Saki East local government area of the state, Wale Canada said the empowerment is a continuous process, adding that he has been doing his best to make sure his constituents enjoy

the dividends of democracy.

While stating that the empowerment is a continuous exercise, he admonished those that were not listed as beneficiaries that they would benefit in the subsequent empowerment programme if re-elected.

Gbadamosi, who's also the chairman House committee on Health sought for support for

the re-election of Governor Seyi Makinde and all other candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) in the state.

According to him, "Let me start by welcoming and thanking you all for coming to this empowerment programme. It's my utmost joy today as I distribute this empowerment programme to the beneficiaries.”

National Carrier, MRO Can’t Go Down With Present Govt — NAAPE President

Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja would come on stream irrespective of the government in charge later in the year.

Galadima in a telephone interview with our correspondent said that though, the aviation industry globally struggled to recover fully from the Covid-19 pandemic, which crippled the world’s economy, but said the sector was better in Nigeria in the past year than 2021.

“I expect that the MRO will be solid and running. I expect the crisis around the national carrier to be resolved – let the airline fly. I also expect a very visible and concrete Abuja Airport second

runway.

“Government is a continuum and aviation stakeholders will not burn it because an administration is winding down. We are there, we will continue to engage with whichever government that is in place. These are laudable projects and I think they are good for the industry.

“To allow the projects to go with the current administration, I don’t think it would be fair to the Nigerian system, knowing that quite a number of resources have been deployed in those regards.”

Galadima also lauded Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Minister of Aviation for ensuring the repeal of

the old Acts for the six agencies under the Ministry of Aviation, which he said made them in tandem with the current standards and recommendations of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

For instance, all the six agencies in the ministry; the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) all had their old Acts repealed and replaced with the new ones.

lAs More Prominent Nigerians Endorse His Candidacy

Justice Suleiman Durosinlorun Kawu, former Chief Judge of Kwara State (left); Yakubu Salihu Danladi, Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly (second left); Kayode Alabi, Deputy Governor Kwara State (third left); Justice Abiodun Ayodele Adebara, Acting Chief Judge (middle); AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Governor, Kwara State (third right); Janet Olufunke Adebara (second right), and Justice Mashud Oniye, representative of Acting Grand Kadi of the State Sharia Court of Appeal, during the swearing-in ceremony of the acting chief judge, at Government House, Ilorin, Kwara State.

My Commitment To Fight Insecurity Sacrosanct, Says Uzodimma

Charges Elders To Intervene On Matters Affecting State

ANOLU VINCENT OWERRI

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that he would remain resolute and unraveled in his fight against insecurity in the State, describing it as sacrosanct.

The governor stated this at the 7th edition of the Imo Stakeholders Forum held in Owerri, the state capital, as he warned perpetrators of criminality and other vices in the state to desist from such acts and said that he would not hesitate to bring them to book.

He commended the law-abiding residents of the state for their loyalty and warned that any attempt made by enemies of the state to disturb the peace of the state would be "firmly resisted".

"Our commitment to the security of lives and property of Imo people is sacrosanct. We will resist any attempt to cause chaos in the state and ensure that those causing our people sleepless nights are exposed for whom they really are. Nobody is above the law ", he said.

He however promised to ensure the economic uplifting of the Imo people through robust

investments in infrastructure.

According to him, 72 percent of the 2023 budget would be directed to critical infrastructure that would pave the way for more economic activities in the state.

“About 72 percent of the 2023 budget has been mapped out for capital projects. We are purposeful and clear-headed with our philosophy of wealth expansion through infrastructural development.

"Our newly constructed and ongoing roads will promote intercity trade and commerce and grow our Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)", he said.

Earlier, the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Paschal Dozie, urged Imo people to show passion for the development of the state as Uzodimma presented his scorecard.

"We all have a contribution to make for the uplifting of our state. This forum provides the opportunity for Uzodimma to give an account of his stewardship to enable us to make contributions to make Imo a pride of place ", he said.

Also, Professor Maurice Iwu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) urged the Imo people to keep faith

with the Uzodimma -led government for the overall good of the people.

The event was attended by the former Governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, some former Deputy Governors, as well as serving and former members of the State's Executive Council.

Also in attendance were Elder statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, pioneer chairman and co-founder of Seplat Oil and Gas Limited, Chief ABC Orjiako as well as traditional and religious leaders in the state.

Meanwhile, Governor Uzodimma has appealed to members of the Imo Elders Council to wade into the matters affecting the progress and development of the State, particularly, insecurity.

Governor Uzodimma, who met with the leadership of the Imo Elders Council at the New Executive Council Chambers Owerri, charged the leadership and entire membership to speak to the political detractors and the opposition to interrogate their consciences over what they are doing and how it will help Imo State to either grow and develop or retard.

Welcoming the elders led by

their Chairman, HRH Eze Cletus Ilomuanya, the Governor expressed happiness seeing them again this New Year and assured them of his continued readiness to cooperate with them always.

He told them that the Executive Bill on the establishment of the body had long been signed into law, informing them that his administration is appreciative of their activities.

Uzodimma said that his government is open to dialogue and discussions with whoever claims to be aggrieved "as long as the person or group comes up with what will move the State forward to the benefit of Imo people."

He, therefore, reminded them that it is their responsibility to intervene, "because time is running out and this administration is exhausting her patience."

He reminded the Elders Council that they have a job to do in asking the people to do the right things and commended them for setting up various committees, especially the Reconciliation committee, and challenged the committee to work hard and come out with results that will make Imo better.

Law Graduate Wins Brand New House In Glo Promo

Telecommunications service provider, Globacom, filled the city of Enugu with joyful sounds on Friday, January 6, as the company presented a three-bedroom apartment in a choice area of Enugu to Gerald Chukwunonso Okoro, a 25-yearold recent law graduate.

An ecstatic Okoro disclosed that he had just paid for a rented apartment and was worried about how to mobilise funds to furnish the place. Besides, his sister had been on admission in the hospital and he had been there with her for days until he got the notification from Globacom that he had emerged a house winner.

“For about a month now, we’ve been going through a lot attending to her in the hospital. It is Globacom that has brought such good news to brighten the horizon. This is the first joyous thing giving us hope this year. Every member of the family is delighted”, he disclosed.

Okoro disclosed that God and Glo work in special ways as he was not expecting something so great so suddenly. “I am still in shock. My head is spinning. It is like a mirage. I opted to take part in the promo, but with what I have been going through caring for my sister in the hospital, the last thing on my mind was such a call from Globacom”, said the lawyer who put off calls to his line several times before finally answering.

In his address at the presentation event, Globacom’s Regional Manager, Mr. Mike Ehumadu, disclosed that apart from the houses, the Glo Festival of Joy promo is also offering

thousands of other amazing prizes including brand new cars, power generators, sewing machines and rechargeable fans to subscribers.

“To participate in this promo, voice and data customers just have to dial the dedicated short code *611# and recharge with N500 weekly to stand a chance to win the rechargeable fan, N2,500 monthly recharge for the Sewing Machine, N5,000 monthly recharge for the generator, N10,000 monthly recharge for the car and data subscription(s) of at least N20,000 during the promo period for the house”, he added.

The Special Guest at the ceremony, Enugu State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Chief Obi Kama, lauded Globacom for packaging such a huge subscriber-reward programme.

“Globacom has done well having the interest of its subscribers at heart and delivering great prizes to them just for using their lines”, he noted.

Mr. Oliver Maduka, who is the Coordinator of the Enugu Zonal Office of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), said the NLRC had been keenly following the promo and was impressed with Globacom for keeping faith in its promise to subscribers.

"What Glo is doing is second to none. Glo has been doing its promos the right way. I am so excited for the winner because he emerged from a very transparent process. It is a level playing field and anyone can win", he said.

Canadian Minister, Madu Lauds Uzodimma Over Road Projects In Imo

Canadian Deputy Premier of Alberta and Minister of Skilled Trades and Profession, Hon. Kaycee Madu has lauded Governor Hope Uzodimma over his numerous people-oriented programmes such as road projects that impact positively the lives of ordinary citizens.

Madu spoke on Thursday at his village in Umuevu Okirika Nweke in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, during the burial of his father, Sir George Amajuoyi Madu who died at the age of 90.

him."

Madu, an attorney and politician has been a member of the legislative assembly of Alberta in Canada since 2019 and was appointed minister in October 2022.

Governor Uzodimma, who was represented at the burial programme by his Deputy, Prof Placid Njoku, conveyed his heartfelt condolences on his behalf and that of his family and the good people of Imo State to the Madu family.

LAGOS

A local firm, 7Star Limited has been granted Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to commence helicopter services.

This is as the company revealed that plans were on to launch fixed-wing operations in the Nigerian aviation industry soon, assuring that it would offer affordable and premium aviation jet services to its clients across Africa.

The presentation of the Operational Specifications (OpSpec) and AOC took place at the NCAA's headquarters

in Abuja on Thursday, the company said in a statement to aviation journalists on Friday.

The certificate was presented to Daniel Richard, the Chairman, 7Star Limited by Kayode Ajiboye, the Director, of Airworthiness and Standards (DAWS) on behalf of Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Ajiboye congratulated the company for successfully completing the five-phase process, which led to the issuance of the AOC by the regulatory body.

He stated that the company throughout the duration

of the stringent exercise, displayed high professionalism and discipline and enjoined the new operator to remain exemplary by imbibing the culture of safety as their core value. He further advised the team to “always keep eyes on the ball.”

Responding, Air Cdr. Simon, the Deputy Managing Director, 7Star Limited, expressed satisfaction with the achievement.

Simon described the achievement as a milestone in the airline's bid toward the commencement of helicopter service operations.

He promised that the company would not relegate safe-

ty to be backseat in its operations, as he lauded NCAA for the approval and reiterated that professionalism would be strictly adhered to.

With over 25 years in operations and about 50 operational helicopters across three continents, NHV and 7star are expected to take aviation operations to the next level.

Chief Daniel Richard, the Chairman of 7Star Airline, assured Nigerians that in the same way 7Star Hangar, a sister company to the new 7Star Airlines, did not let Nigerians and the aviation community down by meeting up with global standards, it would follow the same suit.

"We appreciate the great work Governor Hope Uzodimma is doing in Imo State. We will continue to stand with him for the greater good of the Imo people.

“The newly constructed road he has done for my community, here in Okirika, Ahiazu Mbaise is an enduring testament of his love for the Mbaise Nation. We thank

He said the late Sir Madu led a great and remarkable life of impact to his community and the society at large and urged the family not to depart from the good works the deceased left behind.

Prof Njoku congratulated Hon. Madu for being a good ambassador of Imo State, Nigeria, the African continent and the black race to the Canadian community and government, and urged his kits and kin to emulate him.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as Joyce Idara Joseph, ‘f’, of No. 109, Muyibi Street, Olodi- Apapa, Lagos, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Joyce Julius OKPAKO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

Ajani Isaac Aremu, Vice-Principal of Modupe Cole Memorial School (left); Simi Fasehun, past President, Rotary Club of Ikeja (second left); Abosede Oyeniran, Head Teacher, Modupe Cole Memorial Child Care and Treatment Home/ School for Children with Intellectual Disabilities (middle); Ronke Akanni, Director, Service Project; Rotary club (second right), and Sola Akinsiku, Imaginative President, Rotary Club of Ikeja, during the club’s visit and presentation of food items to Modupe Cole Memorial Childcare and Treatment Home School, Akoka, Lagos recently.

OLUSEGUN KOIKI

2023 Election: Sen. Domingo Unites Aggrieved APC Members In Akoko-Edo

FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO BENIN

A Chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the Akoko-Edo local government area and former Senator who represented Edo North Senatorial District at the 7th Senate of the National Assembly (20112015), Dr. Domingo Obende, has called on all factions in the party to bury the hatchet, unite and work towards the success of the party in forthcoming elections.

Senator Obende made the call at a unity meeting he called to harmonize factions of APC in the AkokoEdo local government area with a view to working as a team to ensure victory for the party in coming elections.

While pleading with party members during the meeting, Obende declared, "Let the past belong to the past, and let us chat a new way forward.

"Our reconciliation today is in the interest of our people and party. We should all know that there is no victor nor vanquished from the reconciliatory meeting as we are all winners, Akoko Edo people are

the winners and our party, the APC is the winner.

" We owe it a responsibility to our people, our party and ourselves to deliver all APC candidates in the forthcoming election and I am now appealing to all aggrieved members to set aside their differences in the interest of delivering all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections".

After several hours of deliberations on the way forward, the meeting was well attended by all the candidates of the party and notable aspirants at the primaries, other dignitaries include Godson Hayioye Secretary Edo North Campaign Council, Daniel Obaro, Chief Taiwo Akerele the former Chief of Staff to Governor Obaseki, Hon Anslem Agbabi, Edo North APC Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Akin Agbaje, Chief Chris Dirisu, Chief Bisi Idaomi, Lady Adetutu Owolabi, Alhaji Usman Lamidi and Patrick Felix, among others resolved among others that APC as a united one big family in Akoko Edo has no reason not to deliver all its candidates in the 2023 elections.

Ajimobi Takes Tinubu/Shettima Message To Oyo Stakeholders

RAJI ADEBAYO IBADAN

The Oyo State Coordinator of the Tinubu/Shettima Women Presidential Campaign Organisation, Dr. Florence Ajimobi has taken the message of hope and the need to support the presidential ambition of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice, Alhaji Kashim Shettima, to stakeholders in Oyo State.

Mrs. Ajimobi met with Market men and women in the State at the Oyo Tinubu/Shettima (OTISHE) Women Campaign Organisation secretariat in Ibadan where she urged support for the presidential ambition of Tinubu. Earlier on Thursday, she had met with various Moslem women's associations with the same message.

She described Tinubu as someone who would always take care of the interest of market men and women who have grown up to know them at close quar-

Preparations are in top gear for the centenary anniversary of the famous Baptist Boys’ High School, Abeokuta.

This was disclosed by the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the school’s Old Boys’ Association under the leadership of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Alake of Egbaland.

According to the BoT, many of the physical infra-

ters through his late mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji, the Iyaloja of Lagos.

“He is someone who is attuned to the need of market women based on his relationship with his late mother. He knows what they want and what he should do for them", she said.

My Administration Will Make You Job Creators, Not Seekers, Tinubu Tells Youths

SAMUEL OGIDAN ABUJA

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the Presidential Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has assured Nigerian youths that his administration will make them job creators and not job seekers.

He also assured them that they will play key roles in steering the affairs of his administration if he is given the mandate to lead the country.

Tinubu specifically promised to make youths in Nigeria job creators and not job seekers, mainly through infrastructural development that would create opportunities for them to explore all the sectors of the economy.

Speaking at the Tinubu-Shettima National Youth Town Hall Meeting, held in

Abuja on Friday, the APC Presidential Candidate noted that he would also invest in the electricity sector to power small and medium-scale businesses.

While commending Nigerian youths for their resilience, Tinubu described them as a source of inspiration, stressing that if he emerges as President, he would create opportunities for them to thrive.

He said: "There is no single sub-sector of our population that is more important than you the youth, you outnumber all of us, you are strong, you are intelligent, and your support is the key to unlocking the economic prosperity and progress of our nation. I am very proud of the Nigerian youth.

"I will bring you hope from darkness of hopelessness. God forbid, we are not going to allow them back. We are going to use

our PVC, we are going to vote our values, our expectation, we are going to vote our today and restore our tomorrow.

"My running mate and I are giving you assurance to renew your hope. I promise that you will play a vital role steering the wheels of my administration. You will have enough electricity to power your home and investment."

Also speaking, the National Youth Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidential Campaign and Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, assured the APC presidential candidate of landslide victory at the election.

He charged Nigerian youths not to allow those who allegedly mismanaged the country for 16 years to return to power.

He said: "We have the youth mandate to deliver our candidate from top to bottom in this

Emmanuel Uduaghan, former Governor, Delta State (left); Kingsley Otuaro, Deputy Governor, Delta State (second left); Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor, Delta State/Vicepresidential candidate, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) (second right); Sheriff Oborevwori, the State PDP governorship candidate, during the party’s governorship campaign in OtuJeremi, Ughelli South, Delta State on Thursday.

general election.

"This election is not about you (Tinubu), it is about our generation and the children unborn. Your Excellency, God has blessed you. We need you (Tinubu) more than you need us. The younger generation needs you, Nigeria needs you, we all need you, don't trouble yourself sir.

"The Nigerian youths asked me to tell you that you have won. This election, we are going to win it landslide, because we are determined to take the bull by the horn and take our future in our hands.

"We are not going to allow those that have mismanaged this country for 16 years to return again. That will never happen. This election has been won from top to bottom, from the leaders to the youths, to women, to people living with special needs."

She also enjoined the traders to shun the issue of Moslem-Muslim ticket but look at Asiwaju's antecedent and rally around him.

Also speaking at a meeting with the Moslem women at the Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Mosque, Mrs. Ajimobi said the presidency of Asiwaju would favour them through empowerment.

She described Asiwaju as a builder of men, gender-sensitive and a transformer who had shown his capacity in Lagos.

“He is one of the first governors in the country who picked a woman as his deputy governorship candidate. He picked Chief Kofoworola Bucknor Akerele and subsequently set into motion the idea of picking women as Deputy Governor in Lagos.”

RAJI ADEBAYO IBADAN

The former deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi has declared that against all odds, the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the most acceptable presidential candidate in the State.

Gbolarunmi, who is the Coordinator, Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation in Oyo state made the declaration on Friday while thanking members of the party for the love they showed for Atiku Abubakar during the "Freedom Walk" organised for him (Atiku) on Wednesday and at the Mapo Hall during the campaign flag-off of the Governor of the state, Engr Seyi Makinde.

It could be recalled that Hazeem Gbolarumi, Elder Wole Oyelese, Olooye Jumoke Akinjide, Femi Babalola Jogor and other prominent PDP members jointly addressed a press conference at the NUJ Press Centre on Tuesday while they also jointly organised the walk on Wednesday.

Gbolarumi said the turnout of the PDP members during the walk and the way they were shouting and chorusing the name of Atiku in the presence of G5 governors was a manifestation of the love the party members in the state have for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

The G5 governors, Nyesom Wike (Rivers), Seyi Makinde

(Oyo), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) have been at loggerheads with the party’s leadership and presidential candidate of the party over the failure of the PDP National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu to resign from his position.

But to the surprise of many onlookers, despite the fact that the G5 governors kept silence on their preferred presidential candidate during the campaign flag-off of Governor Makinde at Mapo Hall on Thursday, members of the party from the beginning to end of the flag-off, chorusing of Atiku Abubakar rented the air.

For this and other reasons,

2023: Atiku Most Accepted Presidential Candidate, Says Campaign Coordinator Centenary Anniversary: We’re Ready-BBHS Old Boys’ Association

structure projects initiated or facilitated by the Old Boys’ Association are nearing completion for the anniversary, which holds between 16 and 23 January.

Among these are the Sir Kensington Adebutu Alumni Building, built by Sir Kessington Adebutu; the 500-capacity

new sports complex and the main entrance to the school premises, all of which are undergoing painting in readiness for the unveiling.

Also, to be inaugurated are the new N43m main access built by the 1984 class set and the Centennial Park built by the Old Boys’ Association.

grant them access to all the programmes lined up for the week-long celebrations.

The anniversary will feature lectures, a road walk, Muslim and Christian religious services, career talks and an awards dinner.

Dignitaries expected during the anniversary in-

the former deputy governor of the state declared that the party’s presidential flagbearer, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is the most accepted candidate in Oyo state, southwest geo-political zone and the country at large. The Coordinator of Atiku Presidential Campaign Organisation in the state, while thanking the prominent leaders of the party including Elder Wole Oyelese, Olooye Jumoke Akinjide, Femi Babalola Jogor and others who made "Freedom Walk" a success, he also expressed gratitude to the party members, who came out en mass to show their support for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

clude Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, President, of Africa Development Bank (AfDB); prominent old boys such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former governor of Ogun State; and Mr. Dimeji Sabur Bankole, former Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Professor Olukayode Oyesiku, a former Vice Chancellor of the Tai Solarin University of Education and National President of the Old Boys’ Association has called on all old boys to fulfill their commitment to the celebrations by making their minimum statutory contributions, which will

Commends Leaders, Members For Making ‘Freedom Walk’ A Success

Ex-Big Brother Naija Housemate, Doyin David To Release Sexual Assault Documentary

According to Doyin, there are growing worries about how societal anxiety may affect people's emotional wellbeing given the situation of the country and the rest of the world. "We no longer maintain the status quo in the face of these concerning views. As a result, that became the driving force behind the production of this movie. The best way to tell the tale is to let others experience it and witness what happens to the victims and why the abusers continue to be champions. So I made the decision to do more than just give a seminar," she said.

According to Nollywood actress and key cast member, Mojisola Adebanjo, the purpose of this film is to tell the story of rape and sexual assault in a way that has never been attempted before, with the ultimate aim of inspiring key stakeholders to take timely and effective action to end the scourge in our society.

2023: APC Campaign Committee Begins Voter Sensitisation In Lagos

TOMI FALADE

The Lagos Mainland All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Committee has kicked off activities for members and voters sensitisation ahead of the 2023 general elections.

sensitisation taking place across the wards in both Lagos Mainland Local Government and Yaba LCDA respectively.

would hold its Unity Rally.

FALADE

Doyin David, a licensed medical radiographer and an former housemate of the just concluded Big Brother Naija Season 7 Reality TV show, is about to release a documentary that explores the effects of

In line with its philosophy and character as an impact-driven social initiative, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has lent its voice to the lingering humanitarian crisis in the war-torn African country of Somalia.

The 62-year-old democratic nation, which lies in the Horn of Africa, has been encumbered with civil wars and security challenges for the past three decades, throwing its most vulnerable populations, especially women and young girls into a nightmare of untold hardship.

Partnering the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its advocacy and humanitarian efforts, AFRIMA has urged political stakeholders and people of influence to shower support towards the UNFPA’s aid efforts in Somalia.

As the much-anticipated 8th AFRIMA, tagged ‘Teranga Edition’ draws near, AFRIMA has launched the #HopeForSomalia campaign, which includes championing policy-stimulating petitions and fostering fundraisers, to help alleviate the harsh impact of the crisis on Somalians, especially Somali women and young girls. The Teranga Edition is scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal on 12-15 Jan-

sexual abuse.

The movie is set to challenge stigmatisation surrounding sexual assault victims and to also raise awareness on how to show love to the victims of sexual assault, in order to enable them become comfortable enough to share their experiences.

"This is why the film is called 'Unending' because the story never ends," she explained.

"I hope that people enjoy my very first attempt at acting and movie production as we continue to raise awareness against sexual assault," Doyin said.

'Unending' will be premiere online today, January 7.

The Committee Chairman, Mr Ayodeji Abdulrauf made it known in a recent interview in Lagos.

Abdulrauf said campaign activities started on Wednesday at Ward A Mainland with Members Engagement and Voters Sensitisation held at Otto Primary School.

According to the committee chairman, activities laid down include, members' engagement and voters

He said: “These programmes are slated for Jan. 4 to 22 at 4.00 p.m. daily, while there will be a re-visit of some wards from 22 to 30.

“This is necessary for strategic purposes.

“Thereafter, from Feb. 1 to 10, Wards House to House campaign begins and it will be monitored by the local government campaign committee members for effectiveness.”

Abdulrauf added that on Feb. 11, a ‘Walk Thru Rally’ would be held for APC Candidates while on Feb. 18, Lagos Mainland APC

8th AFRIMA In Senegal Partners UNFPA, Calls For Support To End Humanitarian Crisis in Somalia

are suffering, and how high the maternal mortality rate is as a ripple effect of this war. We believe Africa will return to its position as a culturally progressive, innovative and peace-loving continent, once again.”

For effectiveness and successful outcome of the election, the chairman noted that Yoruba and Pidgin jingles would also be deployed to complement the party’s campaign activities.

He, therefore, sought the support and understanding of members and voters for a successful outcome of the election.

Abdulrauf also appealed to the people to get their PVC’s while ensuring they came out to exercise their civic rights on Election Day.

He noted that without the PVC, the electorate would not be able to exercise their power, adding that it was the only tool that could be used to do the best for the country.

“Over 82% of those displaced are women and children, including 1.95 million women and girls of reproductive age. In the next three months, it is estimated that there will be 918 deliveries per day, with 15% of pregnant women experiencing complications. Without access to qualified birth attendants, health services and facilities, maternal and newborn mortality will increase further.

uary 2023.

Commenting on the situation, AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mr Mike Dada, said: “Like the situation in Somalia, a popular narrative about Africa is that it is a war-torn habitat, without any hope for sustainable peace in sight. It’s saddening; because the danger of that narrative is that it discourages actual solutions. Somalia has enjoyed peace for years and even bears

a reputation for being one of Africa’s most pro-democratic societies. We cannot watch and fold our arms, seeing innocent women, children, and Somalis alike have their lives and dreams cut short by the conflict, terrorism or this climate crisis, without any form of aid or relief.

“In AFRIMA, we abide by the ethos of family. We are one Africa, and whatever burdens Somalia should burden

the rest of the continent. We are committed to ensuring that we help contribute to the long-awaited peace-restoration, famine prevention and drought- rehabilitation efforts in Somalia. We thank our partners the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for their great work in Somalia, and for calling our attention to this. It is especially shocking to see how great these women and girls

Commenting on the development, UNFPA Representative in Somalia, Niyi Ojuolape, said that women and girls are the most hit by the crisis, urging for support to end the gory situation, and to ameliorate the impact. He said, “Somalia is facing a complex and devastating crisis. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. Conflict and drought-led displacements are adding to the strain on the already limited sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and weak health system. Lack of nutrition and access to healthcare contribute to the poor health of women and girls. Pregnant and lactating women, in particular, are at risk due to the negative effects of malnutrition on pregnancy outcomes and newborn survival.

“Rising food prices, water shortages, death of livestock, and loss of livelihoods have led to multiple displacements, making women and girls more vulnerable to increased gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation. Data shows a 21% increase in reported rape cases, a 60% increase in reported cases of intimate partner violence, and a 20% increase in the number of women and girls accessing lifesaving GBV response services since last year.”

Ojuolape also pleaded with the international donor community to “urgently prioritise the support of quality SRH services and GBV prevention and response to help prevent death, disease, and disability for women and girls in Somalia,” to help achieve long-term development and peace in Somalia.

Doyin David

Abdulrauf

TOMI

Life&Style

Juliet Njemanze: Nollywood Belle On The Rise

At any gathering or event, Nollywood actress, Juliet Njemanze is easily the belle of the ball. But beyond that, the brainy screen star is a beauty entrepreneur that is steadily planning her rise up the ladder of entertainment success. The Imo State-born, Kano State-raised screen-darling is the CEO Kristaluxehair. She registered her name among award-winning star actors in Nollywood when she won the 'Revelation of the Year' award at the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards 2022, which was held on December 3 in Imo State. In this exclusive interview with TOMI FALADE, the role interpreter speaks on her route to Nollywood, and everything that has come after.

Why acting?

At first, I choose to act because my mother wanted me to be an actress, and it made her happy to see me on screen. But now I'm obsessed with the craft.

How long did it take you to break into the industry?

I didn't have to face the struggle of trying to break in because it wasn't a thing of choice, and as I said, I didn't pursue it at first. When I agreed to go into acting, I was introduced to a director and the rest, as they say, was history from there.

So far, does acting pay the bills or do you have a side hustle like other en tertainers?

It pays part of the bills, but I also have a beauty business where I sell hair extensions and wigs.

Can you tell us some of the major roles you have played?

I played the lead role in ‘Ben From Downstairs’, ‘Love Thy Neighbour’, ‘African Gods’ and many other movies.

With a banging body like yours, one would assume you would onlybecastinwhat is termed 'fine girl' roles. Do you get other kinds of role offers?

I love those fine girl roles to be honest. They are easier. But I prefer the challenging ones, I mean those roles that bring me out of my element.

You recently won an award at the 2022 BON Awards. Tell us about it and how you felt when you were called on stage with Governor Hope Uzodin ma part of the audience.

Truthfully, winning the 'Revelation of the Year' award was one of the high lights of my 2022. It is really an honour to be awarded in the industry and looking at that plaque motivates me to go harder.

So far, what has been the mostchallengingroleyou've had to play?

Independentngr

@independentngr

@independentngr www.independent.ng

EDITOR'S NOTE

I spent my holiday weekend chatting up young girls and a guy that is into the hookup business. While it was an enlightening journey, it was also a scary one. The story I have culled out of that expository interview is our Saturday Special this weekend, and it is truly worth reading. I'm not one to judge, but people are indeed going through a lot and we wouldn't know if we did not do such stories.

I played a cripple in the movie titled ‘Silent Pain’. It was quite challenging because I had to learn to do tricks with the wheelchair and move my body with the use of my legs in an uncharacteristic manner. This is without forgetting the emotional work required to play the role of a physically challenged person.

If you had the opportunity to meet your younger self, would she be happy with how far you've come?

My younger self would truly be proud of how far I've come, and I know she'll tell me to go easy on myself and appreciate us a bit more. I am quite hard on myself most times.

What's the next exploit for you?

I have big plans. But I know that with the grace of God and the right connections, I will achieve everything on my list. I'm not going to spoil my plans or jinx them by shouting it to the world.

Whatdoyoubelieveisyourbiggestassetas a screen star?

First off, I have a commanding onscreen presence. Also, my delivery is apt. But I would add that my beauty is another thing for me.

Will you always be an actor, or is there some endgame?

As they say, once an actor, always an actor. I'll play someone's grandma on screen someday; God keep me alive.

Have you ever been a victim of any weird DMs, especially on social media?

No. I'm lucky to have the most respectful fans ever, they are kind and gentle with me.

Before we get too engrossed in the stories of these young'uns, there's more. Doyin is set to premiere her debut artistic product, a documentary on sexual assault. This is just as the music space is heating up, especially with the coming All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

Welcome to another 365 days around the sun and have a Happy New Year folks.

Stay Winning.

Tomi Falade

THE TEAM

Tomi Falade Life Editor

Oyin Somorin Reporter

Bolatito Adebola Contributor

Ovwe Medeme Contributor

James Chude Intern GRAPHICS

Brown Clement

Joseph O. Ajibolu

DEAR OYIN,

There is this issue bothering me and I don’t know what to do about it. Please advise me, this situation can cause problems in a happy home. Left to my norms, I would keep quiet because of the life of man but the person he is doing it with is the issue.

I live in Ibadan but I come to Lagos to do business, I usually stay at my sister’s house. She is happily married with children. On this particular day, I decided to surprise the family by not informing my sister about my arrival. On getting to the house, I found it ajar.

The children were sleeping and my sister was not around. The house was filled with smoke from burning food on fire. I quickly went to the kitchen and put off the gas cooker. In annoyance, I woke up the eldest child and she told me that her father was inside the room. I went inside the room but he was not there. So

How Do I Tell My Sister Her Husband Is Sleeping With

Their Neighbour?

I checked the backyard and to my surprise, I saw my brother-in-law having sex with one of their neighbours whom I know very well.

Without saying a word, I quickly left the scene because I didn't know what to do.

I later found out through the children that my sister traveled and that the so-called neighbour has been the one taking care of them. A few minutes later, the man and neighbour came into the house coughing. Their faces filled with guilt.

I said my goodbyes to the children and left. He tried talking to me but I told him to attend to the children because of the smoke.

He later called me during the day but I didn’t bother picking up his call.

The next day, my sister called me and asked what I said to her husband. I laughed because I knew he had lied against me to cover up his tracks. I told my sister not to bother, and that I would see her later. I could feel the curiosity in her voice wanting to know what was wrong but I told her to be patient.

Now, this is where the problem lies, how do I tell my sister about their evil neighbour without the truth coming out? I understand men are adulterous but my offense is, how could he be so insensitive to bring it close to the house?

My sister loves this man very much and he has been a source of inspiration to the family as a whole. I won’t deny this man has helped me countless times when I was in

need but why would he want to jeopardise his home for a total stranger?

Felicia, Lagos

Dear Felicia, This is a serious issue because you are in between the deep red sea and the vengeful king. Loving your sister and wanting her to have a peaceful home is a good thing but keeping quiet when you saw her beloved husband in such an act is another. I would have advised you to tell your sister about it, especially because of the neighbour who is pretending to be a friend. Such a neighbour can kill and should be avoided at all costs but it would also come with its consequences. So think carefully about this situation before you make your move.

SEXROOM

Ihave this addiction to smoking after sex and I enjoy it. If I don’t smoke, I would never be comfortable. I have tried staying away from it but it’s like I am punishing myself. The thing is, I don’t smoke on a normal note. Although the person I am dating is a heavy smoker and my influencer. I have blamed him for my predicament but he doesn’t take it seriously and even enjoys seeing me smoke. My family must never find out that I smoke. How do I stop this addiction?

I Enjoy Smoking After Sex

intercourse can return quickly, getting you in the mood more quickly. This serves to enhance both of your experiences and is a common reason why people smoke after sex.

Dating Affairs

13 Careless Things A Wife Can Do To Break Up Her Marriage (1)

Today, we would be discussing some issues that cause problems in marriages. These issues can also be looked at in dating relationships but specifically marriages. This is dedicated to women. I hope we all learn from this.

AWE OLUFUNSO

1) Daring Your Husband To Beat You:

You block the doorway, and then dare him to beat you up and see what will happen. Several women have done this and ended up regretting it.

2) Daring Your Husband To Sleep With Another Woman: You will be making a major mistake if you dare your husband to sleep with another woman. You may live to regret it.

3) Neglecting Your Body And Looks Because You Are Married:

“I am married, I can relax, after all, who is looking at me?” He married you slim, sexy and trendy. Next thing you become obsessed, dirty and shabbily dressed.

It is the mistake of most careless married women.

4) Denying Your Husband Sex Regularly:

You are a career woman; you are an overly religious woman… Hmmm! You feel sex in marriage is secondary, you deny your husband your body regularly, so he is sexually starved and intimacy famished. His Secretary, colleagues and girls in church are seducing and begging him to come to them but you have padlocked your Jerusalem and expect him not to lust after others. His mind will drift from you towards them.

Res: Smoking after sex can help to relax the body. The nicotine buzz can also reduce the refractory

period between orgasms. This means the desire for

But if you are not comfortable with it as you claim, then you are the only one that can stop it. Another thing is if you don’t want to smoke then maybe you should change your partner or stay away from him when he smokes. Let him understand the habit is dangerous to your health and that you need to stop it.

Leaving Your Husband For Your Female Friend To Cater For:

5)

“My dear friend, please be my eye as I travel for this one week, help cater for my husband and my little kids”. By the time you are back, your dear friend has really helped you by sleeping with your husband and expecting a new baby as a continuation from where you stopped.

If at all she has not eloped with your man, leaving your children all alone.

It is very stupid to commit your husband into the hands of your beautiful and very active friend.

Prostitution, devoid of religion, tradition, morality, or cultural beliefs is a profession that experts believe to be the oldest in the world. In modern times, the profession has not died due to lack of patronage. Instead, the primal demand for pleasures of the flesh has evolved and drifted into the space of technology, harnessing that potential, and blowing up into what many know today as ‘hookup’. In this investigative report, TOMI FALADE takes a deep dive into the risky lifestyle of Nigerian youths engaged in hookup as a means of survival. In the case of semantics, those that sell sex through hookup believe they differ greatly from street sex workers, prostitutes. But for all intents and purposes, and based on research, they are one and the same thing.

Mairo, a 25-year-old girl got into what has become accepted as “hookup” as far back as 2015, just before clocking 18. Her entry into the trade was just for the purpose of getting money to abort an unwanted pregnancy.

She tells her story: “When I started in 2015, initially it was survival in a way. I had all the basic things that I needed but my boyfriend impregnated me. Of course, I couldn’t tell my parents, so I had to do hookup and then use the money for an abortion. After the abortion, I broke ties with him.

“I do not see a future in hookup, and yes, I plan to stop, but hookup has become a part of me; it is no longer about the money, it is something that I have to do to feel complete. It means that if I don’t do it, I don’t feel complete. I plan to stop, but it is difficult.”

Adetoun has a little more pathetic story, after stumbling into hookup when her marriage collapsed. But her story makes the words of the Bible in Matthew 5:32 that, “… anyone who divorces his wife, except for sexual immorality, makes

Exposed: Inside Lagos Casual Sex Market

her the victim of adultery…”

Conversing in a mix of Yoruba and pidgin, the mother of one recalled: “I started (hookup) in 2019 after I gave birth to my daughter. I had an issue in my marriage and things were very difficult. At that time, I had a job, but it was not enough to feed my daughter and I, until a friend introduced me to this hookup job. I didn’t have any other option than to go into it so as to feed myself, pay my rent, feed my baby, enroll her in school, and see her grow up like other children.

“Right now, it’s not like I am making a lot of money. Sometimes I do contribution, ‘ajo’ to enable me pick some bills... It’s not paying that much but one must do something to survive in this country where there is no job.

“Before I ventured into hookup, I was working as a sales representative. I would suffer, go into the sun, and do a lot of things. But after working for a month, I would get my salary almost at the end of another month, which was why being introduced to hookup was like someone doing me a favour.”

In the case of Adesuwa, whom her family calls Ada, heartbreak was her path to hookup which she started in 2021, also after her marriage plans collapsed.

Her words: “I was supposed to get married, but I didn’t because of tribal issues. He was an Igbo guy, and I am from Edo State. His parents did not want me to marry him. Thank God for the naughty groups I joined, I decided to go into hookup. After I narrated what happened to me to a very good friend of mine that was also a victim of marriage break up, she showed me the way.

“This person I was supposed to marry was rich, and that would have been my escape route from poverty. But since the marriage did not work, I had to go into runs. I had to get money to feed myself and my family,” she stressed.

It was not all about failed marriages or plans, at least not in the case of IK, a little more innocent young man who got into hookup at the age of 18, three years ago. His naturally attraction to older women, he confessed, led him to Tinder, the world’s most popular dating App.

“I met this beautiful woman in her late 30s on Tinder. She was quite successful, and she told me she has a son, but her man did not live in Nigeria. We talked for a few weeks before we decided to meet.

“She gave me a bus stop location to meet her in Ikoyi. I was scared for my safety because I had heard all kinds of stories, so I was happy with the location. She came to meet me in her car, and we sat there for about 30 minutes to get more comfortable.

“I liked what I saw, and she also liked me, so it was easy. I got to her house around 4pm, and we were in her bed till about 7 or 8pm. Before I left, she took me shopping and bought me clothes worth about N100,000. She wanted me to stay the night, but I told her I was afraid, and she understood. Aside from the clothes, she gave me N10,000 for transportation, and then transferred N40,000 to me when I got home. And that was how I got hooked. I saw her for six months, sometimes two or three times a week. We met in hotels

mostly though.”

Income/Reward

While many frown at the hookup profession simply because it is trading sex for material and financial favours, Gloria Allred, an American feminist attorney popular with controversial cases involving the protection of women’s rights asks that “Why is it immoral to be paid for an act that is perfectly legal if done for free?”

A cursory look into the said payment for these young man and women may help answer the question on whether the debate is worth it.

Mairo, for example, says that while hookup is no longer about the money for her, the extra income is like cherry on the cake. “I mean, you are having sex with somebody and then after the sex, you get a reward. The reward makes it difficult to stop. That is the basis of the whole thing; have sex, enjoy the sex, make money. So, it is three forms of enjoyment for me. Good sex is a reward, that’s why returning customers are the best.

“I can’t categorise my income daily though, because I don’t do hookup day in and day out. On average, in a week, it could be N100,000.

“I also get money from pimping people, though it depends on the amount that the person is willing to pay, and it depends on the kind of girl and the service that the person is looking to get. But on the average, I make N5,000 per person from the client.”

Adetoun, on her part revealed that she prefers threesomes and foursomes, because the money is better. She said, “It does not make me feel good, but it is extra money, less job, and less strength. Having

two or three ladies and one guy is better, and if you know your way, the guy will not have sex with you at all because there are more people.

“If it is threesome, I charge N30,000 or N20,000. Sometimes it may be N15,000 because you are sure you are not the only person the guy will be having sex with.

“Sometimes in a week, I don’t feel like going out. Sometimes in

a week, I can see more than three or four men. In a week, if I go out very well, I can make up to N50,000 or sometimes N70,000.”

For Ada, hookup pays her bills even when she has a day job. “I don’t do hookup on weekdays, only weekends. In one weekend I can see five or six men. If I go for ‘shorties’, they pay me close to N20,000 or even N25,000. If I go for nighties, they pay me close to N30,000, or N35,000. ‘Shorties’ can just be an hour or two of sex, and all night will just comprise of two rounds of sex or more. I don’t like returning clients because I feel I am probably looking so cheap, or my importance will soon wear out.”

In IK’s case, the income and reward are really good. “I meet most of my clients in good hotels of Radisson (Blu) standard. So, that is an added advantage. In a slow month, I make about N300,000 plus other gifts and perks.

“The truth is that guys make more money than girls. If my client really likes me, I can use her house for parties, or even use her car as I like. My normal charge per session is about N60,000. But if it is overnight, it is between N80,000 to N100,000.”

Worst Experience

It is, however, not all roses for these youngsters, just as in any other job or profession with hazards. In may wonder, in this case if the risks do not far outweigh the benefits and reward.

Recalling her worst experience, 25-year-old Mairo told Saturday Independent she detest Yahoo Boys and fraudsters. In her words: “Not getting paid was my worst experience ever, which is one of the reasons I don’t like Yahoo Boys.

“I met one at a party, and we got

chatting via social media. He kept asking me to hang out and meet him in a hotel. One day I asked him what I am coming for, if it is a hotel… because if I come meet you in a hotel, it means we will end up having sex. I told him I will charge him for sex because he is not my boyfriend. He offered me N50,000, and we set a date. On the fixed day, I went over with a cab and I met two other guys in the room. I got chatting with them and they told me what they do, which is a code name for Yahoo Boys. I texted the guy I came to see that I was not comfortable being the only female there, so he asked his friends to leave.

“After they left, I confronted him about the Yahoo thing, but he denied it. In my mind, I thought since I was in this house already, I can as well as just do this and get out of the house, because what if I don’t do it and then they harm me or something.

“Halfway through the sex he removed the condom and started begging me that he wanted to do raw. I told him I can never have sex with him without protection, but he kept insisting that he will not spill inside. I refused, so he asked for head (blowjob). We were on it for over one hour, so I told him I didn’t want to continue again. He insisted that I should at least make him ‘cum’, and I told him that I am not obligated to make him ‘cum’ at this point.

“He said if I don’t let him finish, he won’t pay me. I ignored him and went to clean up to leave. While I was dressing up, he came to coerce me into having unprotected sex with him. That was when I put my foot down and told him no, that this is business.”

Continuing, she explained that “having sex with somebody doesn’t mean that you must make them orgasm. If they don’t, it is their business. Everybody hustles for his or her pleasure. I was very hurt because he didn’t pay me. Though, when I was leaving, he said, ‘send your account details, I will send you something,’ but I knew that would never happen.”

In Adetoun’s case, her worst experiences are when she is unable to see her client after transporting herself to a distant meeting point.

“There was also a time I got to a client who kept begging me to do raw. He kept saying ‘I am safe’. I know this job is not forever and I have to be protected, so I declined. He took offense and when it was time for me to leave the following morning, he transferred just N4000 to me even though we discussed N20,000. He told me that he will transfer the rest.

“I knew he wouldn’t do it because I didn’t agree to unprotected sex. I don’t like embarrassment, so I left him alone. Some guys don’t have joy, he can make a video of me and release online just to embarrass me. That is why I like returning clients. You can go to them when you need money, and they would render help without doing anything.

“I once got to a hotel at Mobolaji Bank Anthony (Way) in Lagos very late,” Ada said, narrating her worst nightmares on the job. “The client told me he wanted me to come early because he wanted to have sex with me in front of his friends. I didn’t think I would be able to do it. I intentionally got there late to prevent that. When he opened the door, he made a gesture

I do not see a future in hookup, and yes, I plan to stop, but hookup has become a part of me; it is no longer about the money, it is something that I have to do to feel complete. It means that if I don’t do it, I don’t feel complete

Exposed: Inside Lagos Casual Sex Market

to his friends that I was around. I told him that I could not have sex with people watching, and he took me into another room to have sex. But he was not happy.

“Immediately after one round of sex, he turned to me and told me to get out. This was around 11pm. Where I came from was far from Ikeja. I begged him but he didn’t listen. Instead, he took my things and threw it down the stairs. I was stupefied. I felt like probably I should just end the runs life, but I gathered momentum and went downstairs. Some guys there saw me, and I told them what happened, they understood and took me with them, and I forgot about it. It was really my worst experience. I still made N20,000 that night from the other guy I met downstairs,” she said consoling herself.

“I have also had very good experiences. One was when I did video sex with a client from abroad and the client sponsored my birthday. He told me that when he comes to Nigeria, he is going to meet me and discuss how to make my life better. He sent me N250,000. He hasn’t come to Nigeria since then, but he sends me money in exchange for nude videos and sex video calls.”

While IK’s worst experience differs from not getting paid, his experience is even worse. “I once had a client who tried to use juju on me. Usually, when I get into a room with my client, I take excuse to go ease myself. While in the bathroom, I peep into the room to see what she does in my absence and that is how I caught this woman. She was whispering some words into her bag, so before I came out of the bathroom, I made a noise to alert her. She also took excuse to freshen up, which is normal. While she was in the bathroom, I looked into the bag and saw something wrapped in a black cloth. I didn’t need anyone to tell me it was juju. Immediately she came into the room, I acted as if someone called me for an emergency and left. She never called me again after that day. Of course, I have had other bad experiences like a woman that has terrible body odour, and another woman whose body was badly scarred. But the juju woman scared me into almost giving up the work.”

Life And Love Outside Hookup

Surprisingly, all our interview subjects are in relationships, but with different dynamics. Mairo explains that she maintains relationships outside hookups but keeps the hookup part of her life away from them.

These days, because she only sees about five men in a month, she can still have sex with her boyfriend without the work affecting her relationship.

Unfortunate may be the best word to describe Adetoun’s relationship outside hookup. “I have a boyfriend, but I am not planning to get married. I don’t want him to know what I do for a living. When I go out for my runs and come back to have sex with him, it is not that I am happy,” Adetoun said in tears, “but what can I do? Nothing. I just overlook it and get over it. I keep my daughter with my mother in Ibadan while I work in Lagos.

“In a relationship, they say you

must sacrifice. The person you are in a relationship with may not be offering you much or what you want. And as a single mother, you must keep up, you cannot fail your child and you cannot fail yourself.

“I am taking care of the guy also. I am spending the hookup money on the guy too. It’s just about sacrifice. You know it is difficult for men to be with a single mother these days,” she said.

For Adesuwa, maintaining a boyfriend is a form of protection for her. “I try to tell him every time I go out because of security reasons. And in the relationship, I am the donor, and he is my recipient; I go out, take care of him, sort out his bills, and in return, he gives me love. I feel loved and appreciated around him.

“I am not worried about him leaving me when he has money because life can be full of surprises, I just want to be happy in the meantime until I meet the right person,” she declared.

IK in his relationship is the provider though. “I love my girl and that’s the only reason I considered leaving the hookup life. She is a good girl and doesn’t know what I do. I also spend my money on her too.”

Same-Sex Hookup

Just as hookup is done with the opposite sex, the market for same-sex hookup is just as vast, and all of our interview subjects get regular proposals for same-sex intercourse in all its forms and all except IK willingly do it.

According to IK, “the first time I was propositioned was in church after I started doing hookups. I used to sell pastries in church, and I noticed a particular guy coming to sit with me and help me sell. He was slightly older, had more money, and was respected in church, so I was open to the friendship.

“One day, he invited me to his house, and I went eagerly. I was seated on his couch when he suddenly grabbed my ass and leaned to kiss me. I was shocked and quickly moved away. He asked me if I didn’t know that was the reason he invited me, and I said no. He apologised and let me leave. Since that day, once I notice you are about to ask, I tell you that I am not gay, no matter how much you want to pay.”

Meanwhile, the girls are more open to same-sex hookups with some like Ada even charging lesser for it because it is believed to be

When I started, I didn’t use to cum, but I got introduced to drugs. Now, when I go on drugs like weed or tramadol, I orgasm, and it makes my clients happy. Since I discovered that, whenever I am going for a sure deal, I go on drugs to cum.

“When I feel I am getting addicted, I go online to read the effects of drug abuse and that keeps me in check. When I want to go ‘gaga’, I take loud, tramadol, molly and the rest. But I don’t think I can ever get addicted

proud of her achievements. She believes that girls that do hookups are better than prostitutes on the street, because “those on the streets don’t have a choice, they have to take any price given to them. But we on social media negotiate our prices with terms and conditions before we go on any outing.”

Taking things a notch higher, Ada says she “invests” in herself weekly to make sure her clients have the best time with her. “When I started, I didn’t use to ‘cum,’ but I got introduced to drugs. Now, when I go on drugs like weed or tramadol, I reach orgasm, and it makes my clients happy. Since I discovered that, whenever I am going for a sure deal, I go on drugs to ‘cum.’

“When I feel I am getting addicted, I go online to read the effects of drugs.”

How It Works

Hookup in modern definition is used to describe a sexual encounter (vaginal, anal, or oral sex) between two persons not dating, or into any serious relationship and do not expect anything further from each other. The term encompasses a pay-for-sexual activity arrangement.

For women, they join naughty social media groups on Whatsapp, Telegram, Facebook, and even Twitter to get clients.

While in these groups, they post nude pictures and videos of themselves to advertise, and their clients come calling in their Direct Messages, or through referrals. While these groups are free for girls and women, men pay in some cases.

In other instances, like on Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and the likes, a dirty post or comment under someone’s post is enough advertisement.

For men in the hookup trade, the standard is to join dating Apps like Tinder, OkCupid, Badoo, eHarmony, Flickr, and create a dating profile with pictures.

What The Law Says

Aside from understanding the backgrounds and the mindset around hookups, it is important to understand the standing of the law on this new age form of prostitution. For many lawyers, the belief is that the law is yet to catch up with the realities of modern living, and the inconclusive nature of the law as quoted by two Nigerian lawyers reveal that.

According to feminist lawyer and gender advocate, Omowunmi Ogunrotimi, commercial sex work or involvement is largely seen as an infraction of societal norms, moral standards, and legal ethos in Nigeria.

“Over and beyond moral leanings and normative practices, which completely lack the requisite force, determining the legality or otherwise of commercial sex work in Nigeria requires a holistic interaction with the Nigerian legal system- generality and source of laws in Nigeria and the mechanisms of enforcement and implementation. This encompasses the Customary Law, Sharia Law and English Law. Some of these laws have geographical limitations in terms of applicability.

“However, the aggregate position of the different streams of laws when interpreted conjunctively indicates an alignment in terms of the legality or otherwise of commercial sex work. Without any element of ambiguity, the combined provisions of Sections 225A 225B 226 of the Criminal Code Act and the relevant sections of the penal code criminalise commercial sex work otherwise known as prostitution. The relevant sections further declared criminal any business carried out for the purpose of promoting prostitution including running a brothel. Every occupier of such premises is liable to a fine or imprisonment term.

“Despite the position of the law, it is instructive to know that there is a growing consensus across geographies to legitimise commercial sex work and recognise the rights of sex workers as human rights, given the several violations and barriers they are subjected to,” she explained.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, another accomplished lawyer, shared the same position but had even more to say.

“Prostitution is criminalised under the law. The activity of pimps in Nigeria is also criminalised strongly. Section 223, 224 and 225 of the criminal code strongly criminalises the offense of pimps and activities relating to pimps. But the caveat is that; pimp as it relates to underage, is criminalised up to the extent of the age

easier, safer, and in demand.

Mindset

The culture around hookups is almost unspoken, but these youths paint such a gory picture of the harsh descent of what is deemed moral that it needs to be brought to the limelight. Ada, for example, is almost

Contrary to popular beliefs that prostitution in whatever form is the sole department of women, research has shown that it is just as common with young men. “There are just as many male prostitutes as women,” according to a former ‘hookup guy turned chef. “We are just more subtle than the ladies, because we do not necessarily need to dress the part,” he told Saturday INDEPENDENT

“In some states of the federation, there could be certain laws peculiar to the state that criminalise such activities. The standing on those states, there is a law there that bans the activities of hotels, motels, and pimps generally. For example, operating a brothel is also penalised under the law when it comes to the northern parts of the country like Abuja. In the southern part of the country, prostitution is not a crime. But underage prostitution and trafficking is a crime.”

Going further, Olajengbesi posited that “I think for us to sanitise our society and to have a decent society, the laws functionality needs to be clear on such activities in or-

As Chair of the 1983 Booker Prize judges, Fay Weldon had been expected to make a speech celebrating the year’s best fiction, instead, she delivered a devastating attack on the publishing industry

DONNA MACKAY-SMITH

Fay Weldon delivering her speech at the 1983 Booker Prize ceremony 1983 marked the 15th year of the Booker Prize. In its short existence, the prize had already cemented its status as the most important literary award in the English-speaking world. That year, on Wednesday, October 26, the ceremony was held in the Stationers’ Hall, an imposing Grade I listed, 17th century building located near St Paul’s Cathedral in London. The shortlist including some of the biggest names in contemporary literature: Salman Rushdie, Graham Swift, John Fuller, Anita Mason, Malcolm Bradbury and J.M. Coetzee. Under normal circumstances, one might have expected a night of congratulation and polite conversation as the who’s who of the publishing world gathered to praise the year’s best works. But this particular ceremony turned into one of the most explosive in Booker history - a night of tiffs, tantrums and monumental tellings-off.

The 1983 judging panel consisted of five literary giants - the authors Fay Weldon and Angela Carter, editor Terence

Kilmartin, poet Peter Porter and broadcaster Libby Purves. With Weldon as Chair, it was a historic moment - the first time in the prize’s history a woman had been selected to lead the panel.

As a writer, Weldon, who has died aged 91, had been shortlisted for the prize in 1979 for Praxis, her portrayal of the shifting roles and personalities of one woman journeying from childhood to adulthood.

A self-described ‘militant feminist’, her work often focused on the lives and relationships of women, drawing from her own experiences in over 30 novels published throughout her career. Weldon also had numerous TV and radio credits to her name and co-wrote the first episode of the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs. In 1983, she published one of her best-known works, The Life and Loves of a She-Devil, which would become a hit TV series three years later.

The judges that year awarded the prize to Coetzee’s Life and Times of Michael K. Coetzee had declined to attend the event, citing his shyness and asked ‘to be excused the ordeal of travelling the 8,000 miles

to the venue’ from his native South Africa. Considering the drama that was about to unfold, Coetzee might have wished he’d made the journey after all.

When quizzed during the evening, Weldon said the shortlist contained a ‘terrific’ set of books, and joked how tricky it had been to make such an important decision without her “husband here to help decide” - a mischievous nod to her feminist roots. However, she later reflected that “one should never make jokes in the presence of the police, security or at a Booker prize judging, and word got round that I meant it.”

But it wasn’t a joke that made the 1983 Booker Prize ceremony so memorable. With the winner now announced, the 120 attendees were unaware that the evening’s crescendo was still to come, as Weldon was about to deliver an extraordinary speech that would toss a verbal hand-grenade into the polite confines of the British publishing industry.

Weldon’s written draft of the speech is held in the Booker archive at Oxford Brookes University and it still packs a punch 40 years later. Beginning with customary congratulations

for the prize’s participants and winner, Weldon then turned and addressed the publishers, both in the room and beyond.

“So to the publishers, I would say this. We are the raw material of your trade. You do tend to forget it, you know. You forget that books need writers: that there are very few of us: that we are quite tough but perhaps not as tough as you think.”

She was just getting warmed up. “You use what is in our heads. You use us: the living us: and you don’t, quite frankly, look after your raw material very well. And as you turn into an industry, so must we turn into workers and organise. One hundred and twenty present and a handful of writers - I think you’d do without us altogether if you could.”

She reminded publishers that authors are ‘like Atlas, in that they bear on their shoulders the entire literary world: all those who depend upon the writer for their income, the exercise of their own particular skills, their status and their very jobs’. Like criminals and prisoners, she observed, authors sit at the bottom of an inverted triangle; ‘Criminals, like artists, create an amazing amount of employment for an amazing number of people. Well, look round tonight.’

She then outlined, in great detail, a list of her dislikes about the industry. She singled out publishers’ ‘paternalism’, and the way they effectively say to writers: ‘Aren’t you lucky, we’re going to publish your book, actually publish your book!’

‘I will ask you if in your dealings with authors you are really being fair, and honourable, and right?’ she added. ‘Or merely getting away with what you can? If you are not careful, you will kill the goose that lays your golden eggs.’

Speaking on behalf of her fellow authors, she said that ‘the writer dislikes the rise of the editor’, who ‘smooths over all inconsistencies and all eccentricity, and produces a bland finished product, unexceptional and perfectly controlled - and no wonder Britain has the lowest percentage of novel buyers per head of population in Europe.’

She attacked publishers for paying their staff poorly compared to other creative industries: ‘You underpay your editors, and your designers, and your production people. It means morale inside your houses is low: it means a job which should take a week takes a month.’

She said that while publishers may have graduates with first-class degrees queuing up for jobs, ‘They’re the wrong graduates, and they’re not queuing for the right reason. They just want jobs. They don’t love books.’ The more talented individuals, she argued, were choosing ‘an exciting and wellpaid job in television or journalism’ over a life of ‘dignified poverty in publishing’.

She reprimanded publishers for being slow to support authors in setting up the Public Lending Right and said “We find it extraordinary that you demand to keep the copyright of what comes out of our heads, not just while we’re living but after we’re dead. Fifty years after we’re dead! Why? There’s no sense in it, or justice.”

She then addressed the Publishers’ Association, calling it “a beast which rather plumply wanders round the current contract jungle, tearing into the living flesh of writers, snarling

‘custom and practice’ if anyone so much as asks why.”

But there was a twist. Weldon did not have the opportunity to deliver her speech in its entirety. She was reading it from an autocue, and at 10pm promptly, the ceremony’s power was cut due to trade-union action. She had intended to end the speech on a positive note, but, she later told the Guardian, “The boards went blank before I had time to finish with the usual pacifying bit.”

“All hell broke loose,” she said, as the impact of her words rippled around the hall. Weldon would later recall that a senior publishing figure stood up, and incensed with rage at her reproach to the industry, walked over to her literary agent and landed a punch. It was the “second best thing to hitting me,” she said.

Later, when speaking to the Sunday Herald, she said she had fully intended to make an ‘anti-publisher speech’ while ‘calling them to order’ and claimed that she was banned from all Booker dinners thereafter. Weldon didn’t attend for another ten years.

But while her speech caused an unprecedented furore, it wasn’t the evening’s only gaffe. The presenter of the ceremony’s television coverage, Selina Scott, had begun the evening’s affairs by asking Weldon if she really had read ‘all’ of the 100 submitted novels, to stifled laughter in the hall. (‘Of course, I have!’ Weldon replied.)

To this day, Weldon’s speech remains one of the prize’s biggest bombshells - second only, perhaps, to when John Berger shocked the literary establishment by giving away half of his prize money to the British Black Panther movement ten years earlier. In later years, Weldon reflected on her unique place in the prize’s history, while speaking to the Guardian. “It’s all got rather dull since,” she said wryly. “No one hits anyone.”

TOMI FALADE

The Towunmi Coker Literary Initiative has announced the call for entries from secondary school students in Lagos State for the 10th Young Lagos Writers competition.

The annual creative writing competition, which is open to students in both public and private secondary schools, is an initiative to reward young writers in the state.

Founded in 2013 by Dr. Towunmi Coker while in medical school, the non-governmental organisation is known for laudable initiatives that seek to encourage the development of writers in the state and Nigeria.

Dr. Towunmi Coker, who won ANA/NECO Award in 2007 while in SS2 had revealed in an interview with Saturday

INDEPENDENT years back that her desire is to promote reading and writing culture among students in Nigerian Secondary Schools.

“TCLI was founded with the aim to inspire, develop and promote students who have flair

for writing and impact the environment through literature,” she revealed.

So far, the initiative has successfully organised nine editions of the creative writing competition: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and

2022, covering over 650 schools including public, private and missionary schools impacting over 1.2 million students since inception.

As far as incentives and rewards go, TCLI awards winners go home with laptops, tablets and iPads, school materials and cash prizes. Through the initiative, some students who would have dropped out of school were assisted financially to complete their secondary education.

The writing competition, which is in two categories: fiction (prose) and poetry, selects the best 10 students for the fiction category. These students are awarded different school materials and books while the first three are given mini laptops. The overall winner goes home with a cash prize of

N100,000 depending on availability of funds. In the poetry category the best five students are given school materials and books, while the overall best in poetry goes home with an additional mini laptop.

To keep the competition credible, Dr Coker reveals that “our judges are lecturers and teachers of English and Literature-in-English, Nigerian authors, poets, creatives, and art journalists.”

Speaking about the 10th edition, she revealed that the theme of this edition is ‘A Day After’, and for the fiction category, eligible participants must submit a piece on the theme in not more than 1000 words, while for poetry, the piece based on the above must not be more than 30 lines.

While entries remain open

till Friday, January 27, participants must include their school, class and age on their submission and must register on the TCLI elibrary.

“With the approval of Lagos State Government through the Lagos State Ministry of Education we are able to consistently involve both public and private schools in the state.

“However, due to COVID-19 crowd restrictions, the winners of eight and ninth editions were presented their prizes in their various schools.

“The winner of the ninth edition with theme ‘Unmasking At Last’ in the fiction category was Chidi C Sharon of Providence Heights Secondary School, Fagba, Iju, and the presentation was done during the school's 2022 Valedictory Service,” she revealed.

Fay Weldon

Coker

Hollywood To Produce Nigerian Vampire TV Series

A Nigerian vampire series that explores Nigerian cultural heritage is said to be in the works and will start screening anytime soon.

Titled ‘Naija Vamp’, the series is the brainchild of Nigerian-American actress Yetide Badaki in partnership with award-winning Hollywood filmmaker Prentice Penny’s Payback Entertainment.

According to reports, the plot of Naija Vamp revolves around a Nigerian vampire’s hunger for eternal love beyond the flesh.

The series is described as “an irreverent love letter to all who have ever felt othered, wrapped in a blood-sucking coming-ofage self-discovery romp.”

‘Naija Vamp’ tells the story of a female protagonist, Bisi, who is turning 40 years old again. The truth is that Bisi is what you might refer to as an

immortal, a gift or curse granted to her when she became a vampire as part of her Nigerian undead family heritage.

She struggles to find herself in the new world while navigating her family’s vampiric expectations. It has made her life seem like an inescapable time loop. But this year is going to be different because Bisi is going to embark on a journey toward self-acceptance, including the blood-sucking part of her.

Born in Ibadan, the producer of the series, Yetide Badaki has made a name for herself in Hollywood over the years and is at the forefront of pushing Nigerian content to the global market.

Having recently teamed with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Steven S. DeKnight, and Mo Abudu to develop a series with Starz on the

Award-winning novelist, Chimamanda Adichie has expressed gratitude to the people of Abba in Anambra State for their warmth, love, and for their enthusiastic support as she was conferred with a chieftaincy title.

On December 30, 2022, the novelist was given the title, ‘Odeluwa’, an Igbo language expression translated as “the one who writes for the world.”

life of Queen Warrior Queen Nzinga, Yetide would produce the comic book series alongside Penny Prentice, Sebastian Jones, Chris Pollack, and Alex Soler.

Our Culture Must Celebrate Achievements — Chimamanda Adichie

Adichie also expressed gratitude to her traditional ruler, Igwe L.N. Ezeh, who she said has always valued education.

“My father received the title of ‘Odelora’ — “the one who writes for the community” and the symbolism means very much to me.

“I am the first woman in my hometown to be made a chief, and it makes me happy to know that more women will follow. Culture does not make people, people make culture. Cultures thrive when they best serve and reflect the people. Ours must become a culture that celebrates achievement, whether it comes from a man or a woman.

“It was a day filled with joyful moments but the highlight for me was the sight of many children on the dusty road, laughing and waving and shouting ‘Odeluwa!’

Amongst them, I hope, were little girls with their hearts full of dreams who feel encouraged to keep trying, to keep going,” she wrote.

Adichie, who authored ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ had an interesting and event-filled 2022. In April, she earned her 16th honorary doctorate from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium.

In November, she also delivered the first of four 2022 Reith Lectures inspired by Franklin D Roosevelt’s ‘Four Freedoms’ speech.

In delivering the speech, she explored themes around freedom. The lecture and question-and-answer session were recorded in London in front of an audience, and Anita Anand presented them.

On October 6, the author of ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ received Harvard University’s WEB Dubois Award at a ceremony at the University in the United States.

The WEB Du Bois Medal is Harvard’s highest honour in African and African American studies. Previous writer winners of the award include Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, among other authors of global repute.

Jeremy Renner Speaks Out Following Snow Plow Accident

Two days after he was injured in a snow plow accident near his Reno, Nevada home severely enough that he had to be airlifted to a local hospital, actor Jeremy Renner updated the world on his condition.

“Thank you all for your kind words,” he said Tuesday afternoon on his verified Instagram page. “I’m too messed up now to type. But I send love to you all.

Minutes after Renner shared his comments, Nevada's Washoe County Sheriff's Office gave an update on exactly what had happened to the Hawkeye star at a live-streamed news conference. Officials made sure to point out that they were handling the major accident investigation as they would any other. They're continuing to conduct interviews and processing items from the scene.

"Based on our investigation, Mr. Renner's personal vehicle, which was being driven by a family member, had become stuck in the snow near his home.

“Mr. Renner went to retrieve his PistenBully [snowplow] or snowcat, an extremely large piece of snow removal equipment, weighing at least 14,330

pounds, in an effort to get his vehicle moving. After successfully towing his personal vehicle from its stuck location, Mr. Renner got out of his PistenBully to speak to a family member. At this point, it is observed that the PistenBully started to roll. In an effort to stop the rolling PistenBully, Mr. Renner attempts to get back into the driver's seat of the PistenBully.

Based on our investigation, it's at this point that Mr. Renner is run over by the PistenBully,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.

Renner was airlifted to a hospital just after the accident — Balaam noted that, because of the weather, it took longer than usual for first responders to reach him — where he underwent two surgeries. As of Tuesday, he was in critical but stable condition.

How Mo Abudu Was Nominated Into Oscars Voting Committee

Nigerian media mogul, Mo Abudu has been invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, popularly known as the Oscars, to vote in its International Feature Film and Short Film Live Action categories.

By the invitation, Abudu joins an elite group of industry professionals totaling more than 10,000 members, with almost 9,500 eligible to vote.

Making the announcement on her Instagram page, Abudu said that she is really excited about being part of the process and joining the voting Committee this year.

She wrote; “It's such an honour to have been invited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, popularly known as the Oscars to vote in the International Feature Film and Short Film Live Action categories of the 95th Academy Awards.”

Last December, Abudu, the CEO of EbonyLife Films, was included and ranked on The Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women List 2022.

According to Forbes, “the list was determined by four main metrics: media, impact, money, and spheres of influence. For political leaders, we weighed gross domestic products and populations; for cor-

porate leaders, revenues and employee counts; and media mentions and reach of all. The result is a collection of women who are fighting the status quo.”

Relishing her inclusion, Abudu said that was an hon-

our to be on the list, but it does not mean she or EbonyLife are challenge free.

“I am no stranger to challenges, but a major obsession for me is finding ways to turn my challenges into amazing opportunities,” she wrote.

John Njamah’s Reflections On Good Vs Evil

you have given in the past, people that you have opened your heart to, people that you call friends.

“And their reciprocity is all forms of bad gestures and ill thinking towards you. It's really sad!. It used to be easy trusting people cos it was the right thing to do… but our present reality has dismissed all of that.. and has thought us otherwise,” he added.

Meanwhile, his sister, a famous Nollywood actress, has assured her fans that she is ok, thanking them for their care and support in her moment of tribulation.

The veteran actress had cried out some days ago about being blackmailed with her nude videos by her former boyfriend, George Wade.

Popular Nigerian filmmaker, John Njamah has expressed a distaste for people who do not reciprocate kindness. In a post on Instagram, Njamah, whose sister Empress is currently in the middle of a revenge porn scandal, noted that it used to be very easy to be a good person.

According to him, being good was easy because it was the right thing to do. But now,

a lot of bad things happen to good people.

He wrote, “It used to be very easy being a good person… you know, helping as much as you can, giving wholeheartedly, and expecting nothing in return. It used to be very easy cos it was the right thing to do.”

Today, however, he said, a lot of bad things happen to good people, and these bad things are caused by people

Wade reportedly created a group where he added over a hundred contacts, including bloggers, sharing bedroom videos of the actress.

“I love you guys, I am good. Thank you for all the support, love, visits, and messages. We are far above you all devil’s incarnate. They can not bring us down. I came out alive and I am able to speak out, a lot of women are hiding under this torture and torment, but last-last, we move. I’m excited about my freedom,” she wrote.

Mo Abudu

John Njamah

Adichie with the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe

Yetide Badaki

Jeremy Renner

Young Laureates

Hello laureates, this week is a special week and we are going to be hearing from a special guest. Her name is Lola Kotey. She has a special programme coming up that would be useful to all laureates. To know what she is talking about, check out her interview at the laureate news section. It’s all about fun and education, enjoy.

STORYThe Camel And Her Baby

One day, a camel and her baby were chatting. The baby asked, “Mother, why do we have humps?” The mother replied, “Our humps are for storing water so that we can survive in the desert”.

“Oh”, said the child, “and why do we have rounded feet mother?” the mother replied “Because they are meant to help us walk comfortably in the desert. These legs help us move around in the sand.”

But the child wasn’t convinced and said “Alright. But why are our eyelashes so long?” and the mother camel replied “To protect our eyes from the desert dust and sand. They are the protective covers for the eyes.”

The baby camel thought for a while and said, “So we have humps to store water for desert journeys, rounded hooves to keep

InterviewLola Kotey is a rare personality with sheer commitments towards empowering and mentoring children. Lola, as she prefers to be called has an unflinching interest in quality education, youth development and correcting wrong doing in the society. In this interview with AUNTY OYIN, she speaks about her upcoming programme for children to boost their confidence and morals in the society.

What is your programme all about?

The programme is centered on children. It is a programme that helps boost the confidence of children and make them better people in the society. Back home in the states where I come from, I have a background in teaching Montessori, which I did for the past 5 to 6 years. I teach drama therapy with students, which helps reshape children when they are in need of emotional and physical support. Many of these children face challenges outside of school, this is where we come in. We

My Programme Intends To Boost Confidence, Morals In Children — Kotey

most of them are not active and struggle study wise but in this class, they are themselves because we tell them to be free. I have seen so many children that have been successful in my programme but meanwhile in school, they can’t study.

This is something I would love to bring into the Nigerian educational programme. I believe this programme will work here because every child deserves a right to shine, not just through academics but as a person in a whole. A child has the right to be important socially as well as academically.

How do you hope to achieve all these here in Nigeria?

Lyrics WonDaMo

By Marvin All Stars

Wake up in the morning, Hallelujah (Hallelujah)

Chasing the money, chasing the bag (chasing the bag)

No looking back, me and my gang Steady fire, we leave no gap (we leave no gap)

Gucci, Gucci, Louis V (Louis V)

Mix my Monster with Hennessy (Hennessy)

My eye don dirty, I no fit see

The smell of doings shall lead me (shall lead me)

Baby girl, why you crying?

Clean your tears with my currency

Bullion Van, outside the club

Who tell you say we need protection?

Hop in my all black Challenger

All road leading to the dynasty

We know ourself and they know we (mm)

They know we

Won da mo (won da mo)

Atin lo (atin lo)

O tin lor (o tin lor)

Ooti nlo (ooti nlo)

Mm, owo nlo (owo nlo)

Owo nbo (owo nbo)

Won da mo (won da mo)

The money lo-o-ong, ah

Oluwaa, egba mi oh (Oluwaa, egba mi oh)

K'oma wo'le, k'ope wo'le (k'oma wo'le, k'ope wo'le)

Egba mi (egba mi)

Make my blessings no seize (make my blessings no seize)

K'ope wo'le, a sha ti de (k'ope wo'le, a sha ti de)

Egba mi (egba mi)

So, what you gonna do? (o gara ku) All of my guys are ballers, all of my ladies too (my ladies)

All of my ladies too, ah (ah-ah, ah) Pull up to the pool party (pool-party)

A fe lo faaji tori, awa o wa leku Na me order the Azul

help as their safety net when they don’t get support from parents at home or teachers in school.

For example, there are some children that don't have parental supports because their parents work and hardly have time for them, so we use this medium to talk to the children about their needs and fears. Many of these children can’t come forward to say their problems. So this programme gives them the chance to speak out for themselves by mostly dramatising their fears and needs.

I got this inspiration when I was studying acting during my journalism days in the UK. A particular course involved me with children. I went to schools and I was able to communicate with them, though not directly but through acting classes. I realised so many things with children,

This is why I am here in Nigeria; currently I am having social talks with individuals, parents and teachers. I am able to go through a friend (Akpos) who has been able to introduce me to people and some parts of the educational system. I am also doing some research to discover how it can be done here in Nigeria. It has to be looked into specifically to be successful.

How many schools or children have you seen so far?

At the moment, we are still at the talking phase to know which school will be interested in the program and I am seeing some positive signs to the program.

When do you intend to start this program?

We intend to start this year though a certain date hasn't been fixed yet.

Pull up in a brand new Beamer, eh Know the money be like river, eh Who? dey no get liver, eh (uh) Who? ain't nobody bigger, eh Talo beh? talo beh? talo fe te? (talo fe te?)

T'ati fa uushh, pelu shekpe (pelu shekpe)

Yeah, we came with the spray and the pepper (Spray and the pepper-'er-'er)

You know say we no be regular (regular)

Na we dey give them the gbedu now (gbedu now)

We keep it hot like the summer We bring all the drama We burst up their medulla (uh-uh, uhn)

Automatic when we wanna party Bring like 20 baddies when we show the place

New designers, we be steady shinin' Everything I get, omo, na God grace Oluwaa, egba mi oh (Oluwaa, egba mi oh)

K'oma wo'le, k'ope wo'le (k'oma wo'le, k'ope wo'le)

Egba mi (egba mi)

us comfortable when we walk in the desert sand, and long eyelashes to protect us from sand and

dust during a desert storm. Then what are we doing in a zoo?” The mother was dumbfounded.

MORAL: Your strengths, skills, and knowledge are useless if you are not in the right place

What is the name of the programme? In the UK it is called 'SPEED THEATRE,' over here we are still working on it.

What inspired you to come up with this program here in Lagos, Nigeria?

Yemi Adebisi With .ARTS. CULTURE. REVIEWS.

Towards Effective Air Transport System In Nigeria

The book takes the reader on an excursion into the developments, prospects, and challenges of Nigeria’s aviation industry from inception in 1925 when the first Royal Air Force Squadron flew into Kano and Maiduguri and subsequently in 1946 when the West African Transport Authority was established after extensive surveys were carried out by the British Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Colonial Office for the then four colonial governments of Nigeria, Gold Coast (Ghana), Sierra Leone and The Gambia.

Succinctly put, the book written by two award-winning and seasoned journalists, can be described as a handbook of Nigeria’s civil aviation industry. The authors identified the inherent problems stultifying the aviation industry, analysed them and came up with the way out of the problems. Most common among the problems are inconsistent government policies and gaps in implementation as well as endemic corruption perpetrated by those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring the safety and effective management of air transport system in Nigeria.

The book is divided into 16 chapters. Chapter 1 deals on Air Transport Development in Nigeria, Chapter 2, the Birth of Aviation Agencies while Chapter 3 dwells on the Death of Nigeria Airways and Chapter 4 on Deregulation of Nigeria’s Aviation.

“… It is not difficult to identify the reason Nigeria Airways crumbled. In fact, attempts to resuscitate the airline proved abortive because of the same reasons. It would not be wrong to assert that some Nigerian aviation stakeholders and appointees of the

government only used the flag carrier as an opportunity to embezzle public funds.

Three major factors could be identified as basic in the demise of Nigeria Airways and these included corruption, poor management and the structure of airlines’ ownership. Furthermore, it can be identified that Nigerian Government is not only a bad manager in the aviation sector, but also in most other sectors…”

Page 86.

In Chapters 5, 6, 7, and 8, the authors discuss Policy Formulation, Policy Summersault, Concession Challenges, and prospects, and Airline Ownership syndrome respectively. The Birth, Threat, and Death of Nigerian Airlines was the thrust of Chapter 9 while Chapter 10 dwells on Wrong Equipment, Right Routes; Chapter 11, The Interference; and Chapter 12, The Interventions.

Chapter 13 is on The Failed Attempts of New National Carrier while Chap ter 14 discusses the untapped Markets – Alliance, Collab-

oration, Interline, and Codeshare. Chapters 15 and 16 treat the Impact of AMCON incursion; and how COVID-19 brought the industry to its knees, respectively.

Of particular interest is the analysis of the circumstances leading to the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2003 and the demand for a new national carrier after unsuccessful attempts to re-launch the carrier. The analysis and solutions proffered in the book can help the Federal Government in the onerous task of giving the nation

Title: Author: Reviewer: Publisher No Of Pages:

Air Transportation In Nigeria: The Lingering Expectations

Olusegun Koiki & Chinedu Eze Celestine Amoke Kenny Voak Prints 330

a new national carrier.

For instance, on the gains and attendant problems resulting from the deregulation of the industry, the authors write, “At the peak of its operations, Nigeria Airways in 1983 airlifted about two million passengers; then the market demand was projected to be about four million. In other words, travelers who could afford and would want to travel by air could not do so due to the lack of capacity by NAL … This affected its expansion and growth as expected, it was never efficiently managed because it was mired in politics, and subjected to the whims of government.” Page 97.

On the whole, the authors made an in-depth analysis of the problems bedeviling the industry and suggested solutions or the way forward.

Captain Musa Nuhu, the Director-General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, attests to this when he writes in the foreword to the book thus, “It is commendable that the authors put in a lot of work, but what is interesting about the book is that it was written by journalists who have detached disposition to look at issues from the observer perspective, digging deep without sentiment and chiding misdemeanors that begat the dark days in the sector … The book exposes us to salient issues, which we must ponder about as stakeholders.”

Chinedu and Koiki relied on their wealth of knowledge and experience

garnered in coverage of the aviation industry over the last 30 years cumulatively, and aided by their journalistic skills of research as the basis of inquiry into the phenomenon of civil aviation in the country, coupled with their methodical presentation of findings to deliver a masterpiece.

The book’s offerings will be beneficial especially to the Ministry of Aviation and all those at the helm of affairs in the regulatory agencies, aircraft owners, current and prospective managers of our airports as well as all those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring safety and effective management of air transportation in the country.

I also recommend the book to students, researchers, and scholars in our tertiary institutions and public libraries in the country.

The book is written in a lucid style, making it easy for anyone interested in the future of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the public to read and understand.

The authors were motivated to write the book by their “desire to put past and present activities in the sector in a permanent document.” They have done a fantastic job of it. It is said that a problem known is half solved. But whether government and those at the helm of affairs of the aviation industry would take advantage of their insight into the myriad of problems identified and the solutions proffered is another kettle of fish.

From Okeho Ahoro To Okeho Ile: A Review Of The Okeho Exodus

As a historian, I find it interesting to read Olutayo Irantiola 's book on The Okeho Exodus. I reviewed the book and I am pleased to say that we have own our story and it is good that we can recreate them for our pleasure and for the future.

While lecturing at Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, I had the cause to visit Okeho to supervise students on teaching practice. I also visited other towns in Oke-Ogun. In my travels around Oke-Ogun, I am distraught by the level of development in that region of Oyo State. I even wonder if Ibarapa and Oke Ogun regions are ever on the map of development in Oyo State.

Okeho, a typical Yoruba town, maintained its identity to survive the nineteenth century turmoil tensioned by the transition from the illegitimate commerce of slave trade to the legitimate commerce of the Bible and plough.

Olutayo Irantiola's play fiction the Okeho-Iseyin uprising of 1916 to narrate the everyday realities of major events that aggravated the chaos. It is pertinent to note that it coincided with the period of the First World War Britain at this time used colonial laws to encapsulate the colonies.

The book gave the impression that encounters with the Fulani and Dahomey already influenced the internal security issues of the town and its environs. This can't be downplayed because the Fulani and even Nupe have

years of integration into the Oke-Ogun region. Of course, Prof. Babatunde Ayeleru's inaugural lecture gives us the impression that the Dahomey/French influence remains relevant in some parts of Oke-Ogun region. Some doctoral students are also investigating the cross-border trade between Nigeria and Benin Republic via Oyo north.

The threats, then, made Oba Arilesire call for a common political identity between Okeho and the towns around. There was a merger that enabled cooperation against enemies. However, the death of the king and the emergence of Onjo Owolabi Olukitibi as the new king changed the status quo. Although the book gave the impression that the Ajele created havoc at this time, I disagree a bit because the Ajele was a revenue collection institution that existed since the eighteenth century.

Little or nothing can the Onjo do to stop it. It is only the British policy of indirect rule that reinforced the Ajele. Taxation should not be the issue; the people were just estranged to the colonial influence on everyday life.

The uprising also emanated from rancor and mischief among the Baale. Pointedly, Baale Olele, Balogun Atilo-

la, Alasia and Ba'Ogan were fingered as opposition to the reign of Onjo Owolabi Olukitibi. They wanted him out because he was considered an agent of colonial imposition.

The schema headed by Baale Olele was possible because the citizens preferred the traditional lifestyle. The book gave the impression that there was opposition to colonial rules against open defecation, thus compelling them to build toilets in

Title: Playwright: Publisher

Year of Publication: Reviewer:

Okeho Exodus: Regicide, Revolt, Relocation: A Historical Play Olutayo Irantiola Peo Davies Communications 2022 Dr. Mutiat Titilope Oladejo

their homes. Vaccination of children was also considered taboo as it was believed that it will affect their brains.

Courts were established and it was considered a big threat to the existing gender relations. Women used the courts to snap out of oppression as they sought for divorce. To men, oppression is normal and should not be questioned. Statistics from the archives I used in my book: The Women Went Radical: Petition Writing and Colonial State in Southwestern Nigeria, 1900-1953 attest to this because Okeho and Iseyin had high rates of divorce in the 1940s.

Furthermore, Christianity was a threat as the custodian of traditional religion believed that the missionaries were causing havoc to the belief system. Men worked as laborers to survive the colonial economy and the scope of authority that gave powers to the police angered them. The policemen (Akoda) were considered traitors.

Scholars have opinions on the issues, but the book sets us into an interesting fiction. Mofeyisara Oluwatoyin Omobowale in "Okeho Uprising" in the International Encyclopedia of Revolution and Protest concluded that the uprising was brutally suppressed.

Prof. J. A. Atanda in the article: "The Iseyin-Okeiho Rising of 1916: An Example of Socio-Political Conflict in Colonial Nigeria" published in the Journal of Historical Society of Nigeria, 1969 affirms that taxation was not the problem, but just a revolt against colonial imposition to all spheres of life.

The schema extended to Iseyin as the uprising was jointly executed to wipe out Onjo Olukitibi, the queen and the prince. Captain Ross responded swiftly by mobilizing the colonial army to capture Baale Olele and cohorts. They were sentenced to death by hanging.

The chaos led to the disruption that made colonial rule more pronounced. The people were compelled to move from Okeho Ahoro, the site of the uprising to Okeho Ile to ensure effective monitoring by the colonial state.

I appreciate my friend for his patriotism in writing this book, the playwright and I attended Abadina College, University of Ibadan, the University of Ilorin for undergrads and back to the University of Ibadan for postgraduate programmes. 

Dr. Mutiat Titilope Oladejo is of the Department of History, University of Ibadan.

Interview

Women Deserve Equal Growth Opportunities To Thrive In Tech — Alabi

You did not study computer science/ technology or any other engineering course at the university. How did you find yourself in the tech industry?

It’s true that I never studied technology or engineering in school. I actually graduated as an Economist from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. After I graduated from the university, I found myself interning in tech companies (A top Job booking site and the largest hotel booking site in Africa), where I worked as a Business Development Manager and also set up departments and managed teams across marketing. These companies were termed startups and were not as mainstream as the banks and consulting companies. This sparked my interest in tech and made me apply to a major multinational tech company called Oracle, where I worked as a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Consultant before motherhood called. I had to take out time to be hands-on.

How did you find Heels and Tech?

After I left the corporate scene, I took some time to raise my kids and tend to my family. In the background, I noticed a lot of women wanted to transit into the tech space but found it difficult. There were some myths and ceilings to debunk. The majority of the myths back then were Tech was majorly coding. I worked in tech all my life and never touched a line of code. There were so many non-coding tech jobs. Also, as a new mum of toddlers myself, I knew the challenges women faced. So, I thought, why not create a safe space for women where they can acquire technical skills so they could earn more. That was how I founded Heels & Tech. Also, since technology is now the new oil, for those who wish to transit to tech with the hope of getting a tech job in a developed country, we also train them.

Women's representation in the tech industry is low. What would you attribute this to, and how can it be reversed?

It is true that technology is an industry where women are underrepresented. The good news is that it is finally changing, and it is such wonderful news to know that the number of female technologists is increasing every year.

I believe it is so because of a lack of awareness. Many people believe tech is new, which is not true. It has been around for the longest time, but back in the day, a woman would rather become a baker and a homemaker, rather than decide to acquire technical skills. All these are not their fault, as the foundation was not properly laid. Think back

to high schools where the boys are asked to work on technical skills while the girls cook in the labs. All these experiences shape the girlchild and if care is not taken, they begin to make their career decisions there and there. In Africa, it is even worse as the girl-child is meant to be in the kitchen.

Lack of mentorship is also a huge problem, if you don’t see people who look like you in a particular space, you won’t aspire to become like them.

Technophobia is also another problem. Women believe technology is difficult, which is not true. Women have done harder things like pushing a baby out and taking care of toddlers.

Women, just like men, deserve to be given equal growth opportunities to thrive in tech. Whether you are a woman or you are a man, you should be treated fairly. No one should deprive you of a chance to learn the tech skills you love or do the tech job you like.

However, I must say that the gender gap in the tech industry is closing, but not half as quickly as it should. Though most tech roles are handled by men, they make up a greater number at tech establish-

ments. This is not just a problem in Nigeria, but a global problem. Pinning down what is responsible for the vast gender gap in tech is not so easy, but it has its roots in the misconception that courses like engineering are too difficult for women. And since tech is rooted in engineering, this seems to have affected the way recruiters, trainers, and society saw women who had an interest in tech.

However, I must say that the discrimination against women interested in tech has been watered down. But, even if there is now less discrimination against women who are interested in technology, there is still work to be done to close the gender gap.

Migration to other countries abroad has increased lately, and several factors contribute to this. What advice would you give to those relocating abroad, especially women willing to transit into the tech industry?

I will simply say enroll in tech training like ours. Many African immigrants are now making noteworthy contributions to international business. They have shaped a place for themselves in the workforce abroad and are hired by top

organisations to join in increasing their productivity.

With the whole world moving in the direction of advanced digital technology, many organisations need hands to man their growth in digital technology and make them visible to the digital world.

Africans who have been properly trained in any of the areas of tech in high demand today are hired by these organisations and often immigrate to find such opportunities. Heels and Tech has been helping several Africans, especially women, in transitioning into tech and acquiring in-demand tech skills with our students working with the government of Canada, Consulting companies like Delliotte and even banks here in Nigeria.

As a woman in tech, what are some things women struggle with, which inhibits their growth and careers?

The majority of women in tech struggle greatly, particularly when it comes to fitting in, and they probably work extremely hard to compete with their male counterparts. Whether on purpose or not, there is bias against the credibility of women. So, they need to build their confidence. Women experience a decline

in their self-confidence as a result of these biases against them. They end up suffering from imposter syndrome. The key is confidence. Learn to command a room, you are intelligent. People will pay attention if you do not hesitate to share your experience. At first, it will seem intimidating but with time it will become less difficult.

Another thing is, over time, lack of consistency has been a major challenge faced by women. We can’t blame them, women are faced with different distractions. Only consistency can give unimaginable results. If you really want to make it in the tech world, you need a great deal of consistency.

Another reason why some women also fail in tech is because of inadequate resources. For you to succeed in tech, you need devices, good ones that will not frustrate your effort as well as a good internet connection and a conducive and supportive learning environment. Once this one is settled, you are good to go.

Does one need prior knowledge to transit into tech? If not, what are the basic things one needs to possess?

There is this misconception that without prior knowledge in mathematics, computer science, and statistics, one cannot succeed in tech. In as much as knowledge is required, there is no need for a rush. It is well assured that you can learn, and know more about tech without any prior knowledge. All you need to have is a passion burning in you to learn, and know more every day; an open heart and arms opened wide to receive instructions. Try as much as possible to avoid unnecessary pressure either from yourself or anyone.

Any general advice for women in tech and young job seekers out there, in terms of how to prepare him/herself to get relevant jobs in the tech industry?

Being one of the few women in the room will be daunting but if you can push through and develop those skills, people will definitely notice you. Advocate for yourself and keep in mind that pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone with the aid of encouraging mentors and a company that shares your values can go a long way.

To the young ones, get mentors you can look up to. Also, acquire as many skills as, whether on YouTube, online, or in boot camps, such as ours. And then, finally decide the path you want to follow. But truth be told, as a young job seeker, it’s absolutely normal to be confused as a starter, but as time goes on, you will figure out the best place for you.

Alabi

Bisola Alabi is the CEO of Heels and Tech, a brand of The Learning Core Company, which offers Training and Mentorship on in-demand technological roles by connecting women with Industry professionals. The company serves as a link between women and experienced technical instructors, giving them a variety of opportunities for acquiring knowledge and skills that will support their professional advancement or transition. In this interview with selected journalists, she speaks on why women's representation in the tech industry is low, and how her company is helping migrants transit into tech to make noteworthy contributions to international business. Seyi Taiwo-Oguntuase was there.

COVID: WHO Accuses China Of Under-Reporting Deaths

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that China is under-representing the true impact of COVID in the country – in particular deaths.

The removal of most restrictions last month has led to a surge in cases.

But China has stopped publishing daily cases data, and has announced only 22 COVID deaths since December, using its own strict criteria.

“We believe that definition [of a Covid death] is too narrow,” WHO emergencies director Dr Michael Ryan said.

Dr Ryan said China’s figures “under-represent the true impact of the disease in terms of hospital admissions, in terms of ICU admissions, and particularly in terms of deaths”.

China last month changed its criteria for what constitutes a Covid death, meaning only those who die of respiratory illnesses are counted.

This goes against WHO guidance, which encourages countries to count the number of excess deaths – how many more people die than would normally be expected based on death figures before the pandemic hit.

Dr Ryan added that China had increased its engagement with the WHO in recent weeks, and said he looked for-

ward to receiving “more comprehensive data.”

But

ESV Akinwumi Emerges President Of International Facility Management Association

He is also a member of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (ANIVS). Mr. Akinwumi attended various courses organised by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Academy, and Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) amongst others.

Estate Surveyor and Valuer (ESV)

Olalekan Akinwumi has been elected as the 14th President of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Nigeria Chapter. This was announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Association that took place recently.

While making his valedictory speech at the last Annual General Meeting (AGM), Mr. Segun Adebayo appreciated the collaborators, sponsors, partners, and everyone who had contributed to the success achieved under his leadership from December 2020 when he took over the leadership of the Association.

According to him, “Our collective resolve and commitment as a forward-thinking Association through our renewed purpose has not only deepened our relevance but also enhanced the growth and development of the Facility Management space.”

In his acceptance speech, the new President, Akinwumi said, “I am delighted that I am found worthy of your trust and faith so much that you bestowed on me the leadership of this great Association. I am sure that with the collective experience of these eminent persons in this council, it is certain we are going to make a remarkable impact as we are driven to make ‘Talk FM, Do FM in Lagos and

Nigeria at large’ a reality.

“I will also like to acknowledge the tremendous initiatives that were undertaken by the previous leaders. Indeed, you are an inspiration and you have set before us a good challenge. We have a responsibility to continue with the great works that you began and we shall do that, and even surpass it with this new team.”

The new President noted that his leadership will focus on establishing sellable research; establishing new collaborations with individuals and organisations and improving on existing ones; expanding the local trainings to fit the Nigerian environment and building an effective Association as a whole.

ESV Olalekan O. Akinwumi is the founder of Lekan Akinwumi & Co, a qualified Estate Surveyor and Valuer with over twenty years of professional experience in property and facilities management, real estate brokerage, valuation and appraisal of properties as well in consultancy services.

He has a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Estate Management from The Polytechnic, Ibadan, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Estate Management from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, and a certificate in project management from the University of Lagos.

Before this new appointment, ESV Akinwumi had served as the Vice President, General Secretary, Assistance General Secretary and Treasurer of the association. He was also the former Secretary of the Faculty of Valuation and Compensation of The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers. He is the current Chairman of the Professional Group, Business Assets and Intellectual Property Valuation (The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers).

Other members of the council include the Vice President, Engr. Sheriff Daramola; General Secretary, ESV Donald George; Assistant General Secretary, Mr. Hakeem Olaonipekun; Treasurer, Engr. Adeniyi Ifaturoti and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Chinedu Nwachukwu.

IFMA Lagos Nigeria Chapter was founded in 1995 by a special group of professionals drawn across the industries within the built environment including Architects, Civil Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Builders, amongst others who had a burning desire to provide Nigeria with the opportunity of developing a maintenance culture that will shape the future of the country.

IFMA Nigeria is an affiliate of IFMA Worldwide where membership is open to people actively engaged in the application practice, teaching, and researching of facilities management principles and techniques for the built environment.

The Association is involved in training, lectures, facility tours, interactive seminars, education, and research. All these are aimed at equipping relevant officers with current skills, knowledge and increasing effective practice of facility management in both the private and public sectors.

Prof Adeyeye

As part of her first major assignment in office, having been reappointed for another five-year-tenure on December 1, 2022, the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye has announced the procurement of about 43 Truscan scanning equipment worth $2,451,000 to check the quality and quantity of drugs produced and imported into the country.

Adeyeye said the agency would reach World Health Organisation Maturity Level four and World Listed Authority Status by the first quarter of 2024 as its new initiative

of its “zero-Covid” strategy almost a month ago, there have been reports of hospitals and crematoriums being overwhelmed.

More than a dozen nations have introduced travel restrictions on travellers from China. Beijing has criticised these as politically motivated and threatened to retaliate.

On Wednesday, the European Union issued new guidance “strongly” recommending that all member states introduce the requirement that passengers flying from China provide a negative Covid test before their departure.

No new Covid variants have been detected in China, despite the surge in cases. However, the WHO has warned this could be due to a decrease in testing.

The Chinese authorities have announced they are sending medical supplies to rural hospitals before an expected wave of coronavirus infections in the countryside – where vaccination rates are patchy.

Dr Abdi Rahman Mahamud, director of the WHO’s alert and response coordination department, has warned China may see another wave of infections as families gather for China’s Lunar New Year in a few weeks – one of the country’s busiest travel periods.

to enable global trade of Nigerian-made pharmaceuticals through collaborative registration with other regulatory agencies, among others.

A TruScan is a hand-held device used for on-the-spot detection of counterfeit medicines. It allows regulators and law enforcement agents to conduct field-based screening of pharmaceutical samples to quickly and accurately identify counterfeits.

Disclosing this at a press conference held on Wednesday in Abuja, Adeyeye said the new initiative will also enable the agency to attain Vaccine Lot Release ML4 to position Nigeria strategically for vaccine manufacturing.

he also suggested individual health workers could report their own data and experiences.

“We do not discourage doctors and nurses reporting these deaths and these cases,” Dr Ryan said. “We have an open approach to be able to record the actual impact of disease in society.”

The UK science data company Airfinity estimates more than two million Covid cases a day in China, and 14,700 deaths.

Since China abandoned key parts

Dr Ryan

Akinwumi

JukeBox

Fela, Burna Boy Listed Among RollingStone’s200 Greatest Singers

Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and singer Burna Boy have made Rolling Stone’s ‘Greatest Singers List’, which began in 2008.

Rollingstone, one of the world’s leading music publications platforms, released a list of 200 who they claim to be the greatest of all time.

The publishers claim that the singers were judged on originality, influence, catalogue depth, and the breadth of their musical legacy.

Published on New Year’s Day, several notable American singers, from Aretha Franklin to Kelly Clarkson and Toni Braxton, were included in the list.

They wrote, “In all cases, what mattered most to us was originality, influence, the depth of an artist’s catalogue, and the breadth of their musical legacy.”

The platform says the list differs from the Greatest Voices List. “Talent is impressive; genius is transcendent. Many people here were born with massive

Do2dtun Shares Relationship Nuggets

On-air-personality, Do2dtun, has shared his thoughts on the trending topic involving Fancy and her estranged boyfriend Alexx Ekubo, as well as the alleged 5-year celibacy.

In a recent interview, Alexx Ekubo's ex-fiancée disclosed that the actor refused to have sexual relations with her for the entire five years of their relationship, citing religious convictions as the justification.

She stated that his decision to refrain from touching her had left her feeling very perplexed and that it had affected her self-esteem.

The OAP took to Twitter to share these views, asking when it became a crime or a thing of shame to be celibate, given that it was a moral and religious standard.

"He wrote: The last I checked, sex before marriage was discouraged to make relationships sacred, resolute & Godly. When did it become wrong not to have it before

marriage? Haven’t you all seen now that everything we considered bad are now good and what was seen as good is now bad?"

"What I am simply saying is, they said “don't have sex before marriage because it’s a sin” The same way they said being a virgin before marriage is a good thing. Counselors, The Bible, our parents told us. So why are these things now seen as bad when you don’t do them?"

Acholonu and Ekubo got engaged in May 2021, but the model suddenly called off their already-scheduled wedding in August of the same year.

Last week, in a post which she has now deleted, Acholonu issued a public apology to Ekubo via Instagram, stating that her heart still belongs to him. Ekubo reacted to the apology with a comment which read, “I appreciate the apology. May God bless us all.”

In an unexpected turn of events, Acholonu took to Instagram on Monday to declare that she is “free” and that “the chain is broken.”

“Happy New Year everyone. 2023 will be my year of strength, being fearless, speaking up for myself & FINALLY no longer under anyone’s control. I’m free, the chain is broken. May God bless us all. #SimplyFancy,” she captioned the post.

Answering questions in the comment section, Fancy claimed that the actor made her write the apology to salvage his public image.

Calledout Music Announces 2023 LiveInLondonConcert

Shortly after the release of his gratitude song, ‘Ese’ which was his last single of the year, British music producer, Samuel Nwachukwu, aka CalledOut Music, has announced his ‘Live In London’ concert, billed to take place on March 4, 2023.

The MOBO award winner, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist from Hampshire, England, took to his social media platform, Instagram on December 29, 2022, to announce his concert, triggering a series of incredible engagements on his Instagram account.

While the sale of the Early Bird tickets ended December 31, 2022, the soft-spoken talent says: “It’s only ‘impossible’ until it happens & I’m going to come back to this post when it happens. CalledOut Live In London, March 4”.

Born on April 18, 1995, and raised in Nigeria, he moved to the United Kingdom with his family when he was 12 years old. As a multifaceted artist, Samuel first displayed his God-given talent and passion for music

“He

at home climbing the European charts and maintaining a subtle emotional connection with past African genres,” they wrote.

Fela Kuti, on the other hand, ranked 188 on the list. The publication described the late icon as an Innovator for the high life, “Fela Kuti’s iconic songs of the 1970s and 1980s are sprawling orchestral instrumentals, an innovative swirl of African highlife, American soul, and Jazz.”

Describing his political influence through his music, they wrote, “Through his music, he shared an anti-colonialist, Pan-African vision and challenged Nigeria’s corrupt military government, which routinely subjected him and those around him to immense harm.”

“Yet it wasn’t just Fela’s lyrical rebellion that makes him so important- it’s the way his voice carried his vision; the way he sang, his tone commanding and direct, plain and firm,” they added

at the tender age of seven in his home church.

After producing original songs for musicals for several years, his music career kicked off in 2016 with his debut single, ‘Working on Me’. Since then, CalledOutMusic has become one of the UK’s most sought-after musicians, after releasing a vast and diverse musical collection and two successful albums, in 2018 and 2020 respectively.

CalledOut Music has worked closely on productions with the likes of Danny Duncan, thus furthering his career up to his latest single ‘Other Side’.

CalledOutMusic has also featured on tracks with several artists - including the 2011 Mobo Award winner Triple O – Good Thing.

In the space of four years, CalledOutMusic has also managed to venture out to Europe, Africa, Canada, and Amsterdam which included his first headline show at the ‘Theatre Paris Story’ in France.

In 2022, he released his third studio album “My Beautiful Reality”.

Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss Buried In Small Funeral

Three weeks after his shocking demise, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss has been laid to rest. The ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ star and beloved DJ–turned–producer was memorialised at a small family funeral, a source said.

Boss died by suicide on December 13 at age 40. His death was confirmed the next day in a statement by his wife Allison Holker Boss. In her statement, Alison, 34, described the kind of person her husband was and reflected on the legacy he's built.

“Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends, and community above all else, and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband, and father, and an inspiration to his fans,” she said.

Allison continued, “To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt. I am certain there won't be a day that goes by that we won't honor his memory.”

Concluding her statement, Allison asked for privacy for her family before sending her husband a final message: “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

Boss rose to fame as a contestant on MTV's ‘The Wade Robson Project’ before becoming a runner-up on Star Search. He later competed on ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ in 2008, ending season 4 as a runner-up and later returning as an AllStar. He was a judge when the show returned in 2022.

In 2014, Boss joined The Ellen DeGeneres Show as a guest DJ. He eventually became a permanent fixture on the series and was elevated to co-executive producer status in 2020.

The late star previously co-hosted Disney's ‘Fairy Tale Weddings’ with Allison. He also appeared in many high-profile films and shows, including ‘Magic Mike XXL’, ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Step Up All In’.

pipes, perfect pitch, and boundless range. Others have rougher, stranger, or

more delicate instruments.” Burna Boy is placed at number 197 position as Roll-

ing Stone described him as an “ambassador of Afrobeats as a global movement”.

is the ambassador of Afrobeats as a global movement that can feel equally

Do2dtun

Stephen ‘tWitch’

Fela Kuti

CalledOut Music

Alex Ekubo with Fancy Acholonu

Falade; 0706-734-1484; kiyesola2002@yahoo.com

Showmax’s FlawsomeSteps Things Up Mid-Season

Showmax debuted its second original drama series, Flawsome, 10 November 2022 and gave us a glimpse into the lives of the four leading ladies - Ifeyinwa, Dolapo, Ivie, and Ramatin the first episode. Titled 'Meet The Girls', the episode took us through their friendship and professional lives.

As the story continues to unfold, we have been introduced to other characters associated with these ladies and have seen them work through their personal and career battles layered with a truckload of emotions.

Love, being inarguably the strongest of emotions, has been front and center on the show. We’ve seen love and the other side of love in the romantic life of Ivie. While the fashion intern has not been lucky in terms of work, she drew the worst of the lot in her relationship with Poju.

In the first six episodes, we watched her support a deadbeat boyfriend while struggling with work and ‘sapa’. We also saw her struggle to cut

him out of her life. It was frustrating for her friends - and us - watching her take him back after every mess-up against their advice. We kept asking, “why?” How hard could it be to cut him out of her life?

Enter the seventh episode and Ivie had her fill of her boss, Lerato and Poju, and it was pure joy to watch her cut them out of her life. Amidst the happiness, we learnt a valuable lesson. Often, people are used to toxicity that it becomes a part of us and needs a self-awakening to cut away. Loved ones can only advise and support.

For Dolapo and Ifeyinwa, their friendship is not the only thing they have in common. The PR guru and Tech sis have their hands full trying to ensure they have successful careers in male-dominated sectors. Dolapo is trying to launch a senator’s career. Ifeyinwa wants to save her father’s company from demise. They are both fighting former friends turned enemies.

Ranti is bent on destroying

Dolapo’s campaign to help Senator Jubril’s contest as repayment for her taking away his opportunity during their intern days. On the other hand, Timi, Ifeyinwa’s ex-boyfriend and the current CEO of her father’s company, is the voice of doubts and pessimism in her head. To him, the company is on the brink of extinction, and the only way to save her family’s legacy is to sell it. In between their drama with both men, it’s painful to see both powerful women riddled with doubt, unfulfillment, and guilt for fighting back.

One of the things we love most about Flawsome is how it touches on real-life issues and stories. The drama series addresses real-life concerns such as child and women trafficking and prostitution. To an extent, the drama series addresses the loopholes in the Nigerian Police system. Ramat is our in-house fighter and hero. The human rights activist’s passion for fighting for the disadvantaged runs deep. She would fight any and everyone to save her girls, as she calls them.

Interestingly, her passion stems from the sexual abuse she witnessed her mum suffer when she was a child. Years later, the event still shapes and affects her adult life. Her fight to stop the same from happening to other women shows that abuse – any form of it – runs deeper than most people think. One way or the other, it leaves an indelible mark.

Each lady has had and fought their fair share of battles, but the one constant thing we have seen going for them is their unbreakable bond of friendship. It shows that nothing beats having true friends to hold during the thickest and thinnest moments.

Flawsome is heating up, and the drama continues.

der to protect a lot of people who are vulnerable.

“Our laws are so flexible that when you have issues like that, it depends on where you are standing. If you’re defending or prosecuting, you will prefer to use the shortcomings or inadequacies of the law to your advantage.

“I will not support absolutely criminalisation of prostitution in Nigeria and the reason is because we will be doing injustice to a lot of people. If you can’t criminalise adultery, why would you want to criminalise prostitution? When you even criminalise prostitution in Nigeria, because of the level of exposure, the law will just be a direct attack on women. Simply because we have a society that can misjudge people.

“If you criminalise prostitution, then the laws should be looking at the practice involved with the activity and not just a par-

OnScreen

OlolaAginjuGoes To Canada In February

Following an explosive December 30, 2022, nationwide release, the executive producer of Olola Aginju, Deborah Ewedafe has announced February for the premiere of the epic movie in Canada.

Directed by prolific Tunde Olaoye, some of the actors in the movie expected to attend

the Canada premiere are Ibrahim Chatta, Bukunmi Oluwashina, Abiodun Adebanjo, Antar Laniyan and Kunle Afodunrin.

Others include Akinyanju Kikelomo, Adewunmi Fatai, Olusayo Timothy, James Oyimeh, Gbade Folarin, Okoye Blessing and Abiodun Adebanjo who also doubles as

the producer.

The Yoruba traditional story is a fusion of fiction and legendary that is centered around the life of a fictional female monarch Adewumi-whose quest for power is motivated by predestination.

Olola Aginju is still showing in Nigerian cinemas and enjoying positive reviews.

Exposed: Inside Lagos Casual Sex Market

ticular person. The fact that when you talk about prostitution now, society is looking at women and ladies. When you talk about adultery, society is actually looking at women, but the nature of adultery is not about women, it is not a gender-based offense. It is an offense that can be committed by both genders. So, Nigeria as a country is not yet mature enough to criminalise such an offence because it will be used badly against a particular gender.

“More so, you will also need to recognise the fact that when people are adults, they should live their lives the way they want to live it. We need to be careful about regularising things like that, because if you understand the concept of power, when people have power, it can make them corrupt and you know absolute power at times corrupts people absolutely. The implication

is that when you empower the police to investigate adultery and prostitution, the police can just look at a guy or a lady that they do not like tomorrow and arrest the person for prostitution.

“Prostitution is also subjective. A lady can be approached, or a guy can be approached for a relationship on the promise of a consideration. People get married for so many reasons, so now if you promise a woman that ‘come to bed with me, come and marry me, I am going to give you this,’ and tomorrow the person voluntarily agrees to do this thing and you refused to do your own part of the bargain, if you look at the law properly, it is even rape because the new justification for rape right now is; when you have sexual intercourse with someone without the persons consent or when

the consent is obtained by fraud or false representation.

“For example, if I promise to give a lady N100,000 and I sleep with the lady, and after that I now say ‘No, I am not doing prostitution,’ you have committed rape under the law because you obtained that lady’s consent with fraud. So, when you begin to look at the law in different perspectives, then the question about what is prostitution? What is rape? What is pimping? What is adultery? will become serious questions. And it is the person who is now presiding over the matter that will use his own opinion to determine what prostitution is or whatever it is that the case may be.

“So, for me, I do not align with the fact that prostitution should be criminalised in Nigeria and if yes, the activities of pimps can be criminalised, it is fine, be-

cause should be at liberty to do what they want to directly do themselves not through an organised system because it is also an attack on the morals of society.”

In Nigeria, people in the profession have been known by different names. For the women, they are sometimes tagged ‘runs girls’, ‘olosho’, ‘small girl big god’, and more. On their part, the male folk are sometimes called sweet boys, a term that may mean other things also. In the last couple of years though, the all-encompassing term used with both genders is ‘hookup’.

Four Nigerian youths in exclusive interviews revealed to our correspondent how they got into the trade, and the journey so far. To protect their identities, names have been changed.

Tomi

2022 has just rolled over, and we will never see it again except for references. Many of us have documented our 2023 lifestyle resolutions, and the unfortunate question that we have not been able to ask ourselves is, 'Who's in charge of our lives?’

It's very easy to virtualise, and there's nothing absolutely wrong for us to aspire for greatness, but unfortunately, our lives are not hinged on our visions and mission statements alone.

We're God's amazing project projections. And as such, we're the tools or vessels that are being used to fulfill the God's amazing projects or purposes. We must be aware that tools or vessels are just instruments, and for them to function accurately, someone or an external force must propel them. In the process, damaged tools or vessels are discarded as useless. It means that if we must be useful tools or vessels, we must maintain our usefulness by pleasing God Almighty, who happens to be the workman that will make use of us as tools or vessels.

"A man whose only interest in life is self-edification is like an important tool or vessel displayed without any usefulness." - DSM.

As we reflect on our new year's resolutions, we must bear in mind that tomorrow belongs to God Almighty. No one has ever predicted his or her own death except Jesus Christ, and even as His death was prophesied in Isaiah, it's only the Sovereign God that knew the exact season. If Christ had known, He wouldn't have taken His best prayer warriors to pray against His purpose fulfillment. We were told that He tried to truncate His redemption mission, as He prayed with such fervency that His sweats turned out to be like

bloodletting. God Almighty only heard Him when He realised that His life was not His own, but that of His Heavenly Father.

Do we ever reflect that our lives are not ours, but that of our Heavenly Father's?

Life is a misery, sometimes, we believe that we can live without others, simply because we have enough. We've lived our lives counting those people who are our enemies instead of embracing our true friends.

We project our future based on our achievements and societal influence, but unknown to us, tomorrow may turn out to an unexpected desire, and our only hopes may just be those we never cared for.

Like a story of monkeys and a farmer, the initial rejoicing of a supposed enemy became the miseries of the monkeys.

The Story

When the monkeys heard that the man who use to chase them away from the maize field had died, they were happy and hysterically celebrated his death.

The following year, the monkeys went to the farm and unfortunately, there was no single maize. That was when they painfully realised that the dead man was the farmer who had been providing them with their daily food.

The lesson here, and as we are now in 2023, we must learn to live with the good, the bad and the ugly. Each person's diversity is the beauty of life.

Not all enemies are true enemies as our emotional assumptions may turn out to be imaginary enemies.

Love has no boundaries if the connection is from the heart.

Let's love one another in sincerity, and we will equally experience the enduring love and peace of God in every-

thing we put our hands to do in 2023 and beyond.

The truth about life and death is that some people will be born and some will die today. Some are in the hospital beds, with hopes to survive, but the traumatic cycle is that some will die suddenly without preplanned arrangements.

As we reflect on the above scenario about 2023 and beyond, we must ponder on these salient questions about life. The fact is that life is a transition to death, and if that's the fact, why are we on a rat race journey to own the world? Have we taken some time to reflect on the whereabouts of our loved ones who have departed from this earth?

Are we really sincere enough to understand the true meaning of VANITY UPON VANITY?

If we have done that, we would have realised that those designers’ shoes and clothes were all mundane things, only meant for our mortality skins.

Did we know that the dead doesn't ride on those exotic cars or live in beautiful mansions?

All our acquired academic and religious qualifications, degrees and Ph.Ds from reputable universities and institutions won't be buried with us, rather, they will only be remembered as references.

We have heard of great men and women who have ignited the world, champions and Nobel Laureates, and not forgetting football legends in Maradona, Pele, Yekini, and unfortunately, we are quick to forget that life is turn by turn...and instead of thinking about our ends, we are busy killing, destroying and maiming ourselves just to be on top that lasts temporarily.

Where are our much-vaunted international passports that were dotted with global visas? Can we

remember our handsome husbands or beautiful wives and those lovely kids of ours? Gone to the winds, and that's why we can't even remember the colours of our ATMs and the hidden Pins.

Our dependable anointing oil, churches wristbands and annual harvests were now forgotten.

Our much pride open teeth and pretty dimples have all faded, and like carcasses, we are dressed up with cotton wool and hand gloves, awaiting for our finalised earthly goodbyes.

As we lay lifeless, our latest iPhone 14 Pro Max, Samsung galaxy fold, Nokia branded e.t.c, fat bank statement, Brazilian hairstyle, security protocols, expensive perfumes, wristwatches, and those mentees and mentors have become worthless. It's only you and the casket....nothing else. So, why must you kill, betray or destroy others just for a glimpse of a few years' accolades?

2023 is here, and if we must enjoy the energy of our Divine moral values, can we be consciously prepared to do the right thing at the right time?

The salient evidence of life is that nothing has ever lasted without a season. When you're sick, you will realise that there's nothing as sweet as good health.

When you're in trouble, you will realise the importance of trusted relationships.

When you are overwhelmed by crisis, you will realise that you need a shoulder to pour out your grieves.

There are only two dimensions to life and death, the bad and the good, day and night, ugly and beauty, man and woman, you and them, and when your prayers are not forthcoming, learn to be patient. The simple reason is that God's season is different

The Youths & The Future

Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM)

Tel: 08033307702; Email: sunnymaduka@outlook.com; Facebook: Sunny Oby Maduka; Twitter: MadukaSunnyOby; Website: www.drsunnymaduka.com

from man's timing.

Always understand the difference between faith and belief, and that way, you won't pray repeatedly without knowing that God is already working out your first request.

If you can't be a blessing to others, don't be an impediment to their successes.

Remember that everything on the earth has an expiring date, and that's why God created DAY AND NIGHT, LIFE and DEATH. No matter how much we pride ourselves, a season will come when we will go back to a child's behaviour.

We are only here to compliment with each other's divine purpose fulfillment and not to be competitive with our selfstyled definitions.

We can emit happiness, peace and progress amongst ourselves if we truly understand that in doing those things, we are equally building the best of our divine nature.

A smile sometimes is all that a friend could need for a hurting heart.

A warm embrace could just be the needed vaccine for hatred.

A sincere handshake doesn't cost a dime, but it's a powerful telepathy that cements harmonious relationship.

Don't get discouraged because of the past because 2023

is pregnant with lots of God's amazing endowments and grace, and all that is required of you is to take a step of faith in the pursuit of your dreams. Keep the hope alive because 2023 has a lot of possibilities if only you are focused. WITH GOD NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE, IT'S YOUR YEAR TO MAKE THE DIFFERENCE. THE LEGACIES YOU LAID today will add value and be recorded as positive impact on humanity in the future.

"Greed, selfishness, hatred, envy and lack of self-contentment are killer squads, and if you can overcome them, you're halfway a fulfilled person." - DSM.

There won't be life in its true meaning if there's no one to relate with, and that's why this New Year message is all about the best ways we can relate with God and humanity especially now that we are alive.

Happy New Year and congratulations as we made it to 2023. Remember that I come in PEACE. Shalom!!!

Dr. Sunny Oby Maduka (DSM), is an Author, Resource Personality, Management Consultant/ Trainer, Chartered/Certified -Auditor/Accountant, Financial Compliance Expert, Economic/Political Analyst Strategist, Marine Expert and Motivationist)

The annual yuletide celebration, DecemberIsAVybe, by Nigeria’s leading financial institution, FirstBank was a huge success across the nation. The captivating entertainment fiesta which has the theme ‘Homecoming Experience’ took place across four states namely Lagos, Abuja, Benin City and Port Harcourt.

2022 edition of DecemberIsAVybe was a potpourri of entertainments' events comprising of music concerts, stage plays, comedy, cultural and arts festival, Christmas family funfair, fashion and entertainment shows.

The shows held over a period of a month got laudable commendations from the FirstBank beneficiaries from event like ‘Asake Live concert,’ ‘Kizz Daniel Live in Lagos,’ ‘Vibes on the beach with Wizkid,’ Culturati, Beeta Arts Festival Abuja, Koffi Tha Guru Unorthodox, Duke of Shomolu Production’s Encore, Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again and Ufok Iban, ‘Joromi: The Musical Concert,’; Osamede, Awo and Ufok Iban by Duke of

Shomolu Productions.

With the free tickets to these varied events, FirstBank customers and their families got memorable treatment and satisfaction that will last them many years even as the plays, concerts and family entertainment afforded them ample opportunities to bond with their loved ones during the yuletide celebration.

The campaign which started in 2018 is already generating ripples in the country with Nigerians across all ages anticipating how FirstBank will come up with surprises in its yearly offerings.

Without a doubt, the foremost premier bank, FirstBank, approaching its 129th year puts their customers' welfare first, and always put smiles on the faces of customers by giving different packages and platforms for them to celebrate the yuletide via DecemberIsAVybe.

FirstBank's DecemberIssaVybe initiative, the value chain of the arts and entertainment industry is economically im-

pacted due to the employment opportunities it creates, and it has positioned the Bank as a key enabler of the arts and entertainment industry as well as the economy.

The decision to reward some attendees with this sum highlights the bank’s commitment to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing unique and exciting experiences. Overall, the #DecemberIssaVybe campaign is a testament to FirstBank’s commitment to supporting the arts and providing enabling opportunities for its stakeholders.

With the FirstBank's dominance in supporting the artsthrough the last over 128 years - will be the highlight of the stories that showcase its deliberate efforts of going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders to providing enabling opportunities for families to come together to celebrate, live better and happier, aim higher and achieve their dreams.

{B.Sc, M.Sc, MBA, AMNIM, CNA, FCCM, Ph.D.}

Soludo’s Inclusive Government And Akwaeze Community

There was so much expectation from the people when the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and erudite professor of economics, Chukwuma Charles Soludo was elected the governor of Anambra State a few months ago. There were also calls for him to carry the people along and run an inclusive government.

After he won the election, the Bishop, the Diocese of the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo; his counterparts from Nnewi, Rt. Rev. Ndubuisi Obi and Diocese of Mbamili, Rt. Rev. Obiora Uzochukwu unanimously told Christians to not only be faithful to God but to also learn how to step into difficult situations as a way of proving their faith. They expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct and outcome of the Anambra governorship election, and called on the governor-elect Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to be magnanimous in victory and ensure an inclusive government that will accommodate even his opponents.

They also told Prof. Soludo to endeavour to address what they called certain imbalances in the state, just as to ensure that everybody in the state is treated equally irrespective of religion and denomination. They made the call during the winding up of a four-day Fresh Manna Conference of the annual spiritual carnival of the Diocese on the Niger, Anglican Communion, held

in All Saints Cathedral Onitsha.

The clerics who spoke at different sections of the conference said that Anambra State will not fail to get everything right with Prof. Soludo, who has effectively served Nigeria and has come to serve his home state, and therefore, challenged him to make a difference with his “Soludo Solution” campaign mantra.

For some communities like Akwaeze, Governor Soludo did not disappoint them, he chose one of the sons as a commissioner in the state cabinet. Akwaeze community in the Anaocha local government area of Anambra State has been in existence since Anambra was created many years ago but no son or daughter of the community has been appointed a Commissioner in the government of Anambra State.

This lingered for many years until the government of Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo appointed Dr. Ben Afam Obidike as the Commissioner for Health in Anambra State. The appointment, therefore, made him the first commissioner to come from the Akwaeze community.

Dr. Obidike, who was born in the 80s is a native of Uruolu village in Akwaeze. With barely a few months in office as the Commissioner for Health, Obidike has caused a radical cum disruptive change in the healthcare system of Anambra State. Prior to his emergence as the Commissioner for Health, public health facilities had no doctors, nurses

and other medical personnel for many years.

It was the advent of Dr. Obidike that addressed critical issues in the health sector, especially the issue of human resources for health upon which Governor Soludo employed over 300 health workers to end the era of Anambra hospitals operating without doctors and nurses. He has equally beamed his searchlight on the primary healthcare system with a view to addressing inherent anomalies there.

It is as a result of the foregoing and some other monumental strides in the health sector since his inception that the elders and traditional institution in Akwaeze found him worthy of a meritorious award which was bestowed on him on 31st December 2022 at the Civic Centre during the annual Akwaeze Day Celebration.

It was indeed an occasion for heartwarming testimonials as the people of Akwaeze testified to the benevolence and philanthropy of Dr. Obidike, whom they unanimously concurred, had been facilitating community development programmes in his own little but mighty ways in Akwaeze before Governor Soludo fished him out and found him worthy to serve Anambra State under his administration.

To this end, therefore, Comrade Maduka Okoye, the chairman of Ugwumba age-grade of Akwaeze, who spoke highly of the Commissioner for Health,

said Dr. Obidike is the very first commissioner to come from the Akwaeze community. He said Obidike has been helping to ameliorate the living conditions of the less privileged and downtrodden in the community.

Chief Gabriel Ikewesi, an octogenarian who is the financial secretary of Aku-Ru-Uno age-grade in the community, said Akwaeze health centre is about the best in Anaocha local government area courtesy of Dr. Obidike. He said pregnant women come to Akwaeze health centre from all parts of Anaocha to deliver their babies because there are medical personnel at the facility.

Another octogenarian, Engr. Patrick Nnoli, who is the chairman of Udodimma age-grade and hails from Umuezeani village Akwaeze, told our correspondent that Dr. Obidike remarkably helps the Akwaeze community on health grounds. Nnoli said they are grateful to Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for appointing their son as Commissioner for Health.

Also, Chief Linus Ike Uche, the Chairman Ifesinachi agegrade of Akwaeze; the agegrade where the Commissioner belongs, said they were solidly behind the Commissioner because he is one of them and that his capacity to revamp the health sector in Anambra State was not in doubt.

Speaking earlier, Dr. Obidike who was conferred with an excellence service award by his

native community, said in just nine months, the government of Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo has achieved a lot in the health sector.

Obidike said under his watch as the Commissioner for Health in barely a few months, Anambra State has received three awards from the Federal government. He said Anambra State Ministry of Health has the highest in the treatment of tuberculosis; the highest improved case-filing in tuberculosis and among others.

Although he was cognisant that the health centres are not where they are supposed to include the general hospitals he also disclosed that the government is mapping out strategies to take healthcare to a stage where people will have confidence in it.

Obidike, who stated that the award given to him by Akwaeze was to make young people have hope and confidence that they can actually reach their zenith and Eldorado in life with tenacity and hard work, noted that there was a need for one to give his own token of charity for the advancement of humanity as the services are what people are remembered for and recognised.

While thanking Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo for finding him worthy of serving as the Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, he pledged to do his best for the people of the state.

Dr. Obidike (in white) during the conferment of the award on him at the annual Akwaeze Day Celebration

Heeding to the advice to form an inclusive government, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State in constituting his cabinet made sure he carried along all the parts of the state. No wonder the Akwaeze community is grateful to the governor for the appointment of their son as commissioner. RAYMOND OZOJI writes

Bird Breaks Record Flying 8,435 Miles Without Stopping

During the week, Guinness World Records announced a juvenile bar-tailed godwit broke the record for the longest non-stop migration by a bird when it flew 8,435 miles from Alaska to Tasmania, Australia.

The record-keeping organisation said the bird, known by tag number 234684, was wearing a 5G satellite tag when it departed Alaska on October 11, 2022, and landed in Tasmania 11 days later, without stopping a single time for food or rest.

Eric Woehler of Birdlife Tasmania told Guinness World Records the record-breaking bird probably lost "half or more of its body weight during continuous day and night flight."

"Short-tailed shearwaters and mutton birds can land on the water and feed. If a godwit lands on water, it's dead. It doesn't have the webbing in its feet, it has no way of getting off. So if it falls onto the ocean's surface from exhaustion, or if bad weather forces it to land, that's the end," he said.

GWR said the record was previously set in 2020 by another member of the same species and this year's godwit broke the record by 217 miles.

A team of 200 bakers combined their efforts in Greece to create a massive vasilopita, a traditional New Year's cake, weighing in at more than 11,000 pounds.

The cake was baked on New Year's Eve in collaboration with dozens of Athens-area bakeries and the Bakers Guild of Athens,

Suburbs and Surroundings.

The cake weighed more than 11,020 pounds and was made from 8,800 pounds of flour, 4,400 pounds of butter, 2,200 pounds of sugar, 110 pounds of cognac, 2,000 eggs, 1,500 oranges and 4 boxes of vanilla.

The finished product

was assembled on a street in Peristeri, a suburb of Athens, and split into 50,000 pieces which were served to attendees.

Organizers said the massive cake is being submitted to Guinness World Records for official recognition as the world's largest vasilopita.

New Year Food Rush: Street children rushing a motorist for free New Year food at Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday.

MK Dons 3-2 to set up a third-round clash with Tottenham, but they have only progressed beyond this stage three times in 12 years since also reaching the 2010 final versus

If Portsmouth are to pull off the improbable and book a fourth-round place at the expense of Tottenham, they must become the first lower-league team since Nottingham Forest in 1975 to beat Tottenham away from home in the FA Cup, with Spurs winning 35 of their 43 such games

Portsmouth did overcome Tottenham 2-0 in the 2010 semi-finals, with Kevin Prince-Boateng and Frederic Piquionne netting extra-time goals at Wembley Stadium, but interim coach Simon Bassey will experience the true definition of a baptism of fire in North London.

Preston May Compound Huddersfield’s

Preston North End will host Huddersfield Town at the Deepdale Stadium in the third round of the

The Lilywhites are coming off a 1-0 win over Stoke City on Monday, snapping a three-game losing run. With 37 points from 26 games, Ryan Lowe's side are tenth in the Champi-

Huddersfield, meanwhile, have endured a torrid run this season, registering just seven wins and 25 points from 25 games to languish in second from bottom in the table.

Amid all the chaos, the Terriers have also undergone a few managerial changes, starting with Carlos Corberan resigning from his position in July.

Danny Schofield replaced him soon after but was sacked in September after just one win in nine games.

Paul Harsley and Narcís Pèlach assumed caretaker roles for two weeks before Mark Fotheringham was appointed the new permanent manager.

However, nothing much has changed under him either, with Huddersfield winning just four times in 10 games.

Preston have a good record against Huddersfield in the competition, but the Terriers have also been extremely poor this season, so the Lilywhites should comfortably prevail.

Can Gillingham Shock Leicester City?

In another match, Gillingham will host EPL side, Leicester City at home for a berth into the fourth round of the competition.

An illustrious competition, renowned for captivating the imagination, the FA Cup did not disappoint last season as upsets were rife. In eight of the 32 third round games, lower league sides prevailed.

National League North's Kidderminster Harriers beat a Reading team some four leagues above them in the pyramid, which was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch, with other highlights including Boreham Wood's win against Wimbledon and Cambridge United's triumph away at Premier League Newcastle.

League Two Swindon scored against the best team in the land, Manchester City, Chesterfield scored at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea, Morecambe found the net against Tottenham and Shrewsbury did the same away at Anfield.

Gillingham may currently prop up the fourth tier of English football, entering this game some 80 places below Leicester, but the strugglers will draw some inspiration from those results last January.

Despite winning the FA Cup in 2021, during his time with the Foxes, Brendan Rodgers has been known the shuffle his deck in the third round, particularly against lower league opposition.

In his first season at the King Power he made 10 changes in this round, then eight in his second campaign and nine last season.

They are yet to suffer an early elimination under Rodgers,

winning those three games by an aggregate score line of 10-1.

Gillingham boss Neil Harris does not seem to be a huge believer in the magic of this competition, making wholesale changes like his counterpart.

Youri Tielemans is one player to watch out for in this encounter. The midfielder is not enjoying his best stint at the club but has found the net four times this campaign, including one

in their most recent cup game against MK Dons.

The Belgian international has scored in half of his eight appearances in the FA Cup, including one at Wembley as his side lifted the trophy.

If he does get the nod to start at Priestfield Stadium, he should show his class, after all this is a player that graced the UEFA Champions League (UCL) at just 16-years old.

Reading will host Watford at the Select Car Leasing Stadium in another match in the third round of the FA Cup.

It has been a tough season on the league front for the Royals, who're languishing in 13th in the EFL Championship with 36 points from 26 games.

Paul Ince's team started their campaign with seven wins from their opening 11 games. However, things have gone downhill since then, as they have only won four times from their next 15.

Watford, meanwhile, are up in fourth position with 40 points in the Championship, but their form lately has been patchy too. They have won only twice in their last six league games.

There have been 121 previous clashes between the two sides,

Reading, Watford In Gritty Tie

with Watford leading 50-45.Reading have beaten Watford just once in their last six clashes - 1-0 victory in October 2020.

The last time they met in a cup competition in August 2018 saw Watford pull off a 2-0 win at Reading in the League Cup.

Reading are looking to reach the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time since the 2019-20 season.

Watford haven't progressed beyond the third round of the Cup competition since finishing runners-up in the 2018-19 season.

Watford (31) have scored just two goals more than Reading (29) in the league, but the two sides are ten places apart in the standings.

The hosts beat Norwich City

1-0 in their last game, while Reading were beaten by the same scoreline by West Bromwich Albion.

This is the fifth time Watford and Reading have drawn each other in the FA Cup, with the Hornets winning their last meeting 5-0 in 1971.

Reading have lost their last three FA Cup games but haven't lost four in a row in the competition since 1982.

Reading have had a poor record against Watford recently, and their current form isn't too inspiring. The Hornets haven't really covered themselves in glory this season either, but beating the Royals hasn't been a big task for them lately. The trend should continue.

Forest Green, Birmingham In Battle Of Strugglers

Two teams struggling in their respective leagues meet this afternoon as Forest Green Rovers and Birmingham City battle it out for a place in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Forest Green sit bottom of League One with a distance between themselves and safety, whereas Birmingham have recently endured a run of three consecutive losses in the Championship.

Forest Green have been on a remarkable journey over the past 20 years, which has seen them rise from the shadows of regional football into the third division of the English pyramid after winning the League Two title last year.

However - like any smaller club which enjoys a successful period - Rovers had vultures circling around key components of their winning formula during the summer, with ex-manager Rob Edwards moving onto an attractive role with Watford and crucial first-team players such as Kane Wilson departing.

Those exits have made the

step-up to League One even more challenging than anticipated, with Ian Burchnall's men sitting bottom of the league standings, having collected just 20 points from 25 matches.

The Gloucestershire-based club are currently going through their most worrying run of form in this campaign, having lost four straight games over the festive period, a record which will give them little optimism heading into a cup clash with second-tier opposition.

Despite the struggles Rovers are having at this moment, there could not be a better incentive to earn a shock win on Saturdayvictory against Birmingham would secure the club's passage to the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

Birmingham boss John Eustace has been keen to keep everyone associated with the club grounded this season despite a positive start, reminding supporters and players that they must stick together through inevitable tough periods in the campaign.

The time for Bluenoses to put

that advice into action is nowwith Blues experiencing their first real wobble of the season, having lost three successive matches in a very limp and uninspiring manner.

Second-half goals from Matt Crooks and Chuba Akpom condemned Eustace's men to a 3-1 defeat against Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough last time out, with the hosts at St Andrew's looking fatigued despite a number of changes that were made to the starting XI.

Blues' small squad is being tested to the limit with the wave of recent injuries to first-team personnel, with many players operating out of their normal positions as Eustace stays faithful to a 5-3-2 formation.

For the reasons mentioned above, a pause on league action and the arrival of the FA Cup may have come at the perfect time for Birmingham - although their recent record in the competition is not too impressive, with Blues being eliminated at the third-round stage in five of the last seven seasons.

Coach Peseiro May Get It Wrong Again

pleasure in gallivanting the globe searching for Nigerian-born footballers who would come to be part of his team.

Recently it was reported that the Super Eagles coach, Portuguese Jose Peseiro has discovered some players in Europe, precisely UK where he is geared to call such players to the Eagles camp sooner or later. I thought Peseiro has learned some lessons after he failed to qualify for the recently concluded Qatar 2022 and his failure at the nation’s cup level in Cameroon.

Peseiro was so obsessed with foreign players whom he gathered but couldn't blend all of them to form a formidable side. His friendly matches in the past were nothing to say that the Portuguese is good enough to bring Nigeria back to her glory days!

It was learnt that FIFA has cleared Chuba Akpom to play for Nigeria. He's sure to get invited and Taiwo Awoniyi all of whom ply their football trade in England. Peseiro has not hidden his

When he sees a player shine with a particular game, Peseiro will stop at nothing to go for the such player(s) but his problem in this regard is that he doesn't know how to blend different talents into a mould of the matrix to get results. Every good coach is a good "husband of many wives", who can control his polygamous home to be peaceful with one voice of understanding that would ensure tranquility, peace, harmony with one common accord of one family.

Peseiro has brought virtually every Nigerian player he has accosted in Europe to strengthen his team but this sojourning has never brought any positivity or progressive development to the Super Eagles. Each time he brings these foreign players to the Eagles, they - the players play on the pitch as strangers; they function incoherently with no rhythm of the pattern.

They play as if they never practiced whereas they are supposed to be professionals irrespective of the fact that they are drawn from various clubs and different countries in Europe. So, if this strategy has failed the Eagles coach on several

occasions, why would he continue to be in search of foreign players abroad?

Methinks, Peseiro is a lazy coach who isn't ready to work for Nigeria, otherwise, there are raw talents across the nook and cranny of the country where he goes for talent haunt. From the white sands of this world in Orile-Iganmu, the Maracanas of this world in Tolu, Peseiro could get all he needed to fortify his team.

If he visits Enugu, Kaduna, Edo, Delta, Ibadan, to mention but a few areas in Nigeria where grassroots football is competitively played as in the local league, Peseiro would discover players, he could blend as these locals would obey his instructions as they will be willing to prove a point to represent their country at that level of football.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will not even support such a move of going from one part of the country to the other in search of talent as that will not attract the kind of money to encourage corruption; so it's better off when a huge amount of money is approved for such a jamboree in search of foreign-based players abroad. Until the football federation in Nigeria will eschew corruption and bribery as a way of governing football in the country, the best will continue to elude Nigeria.

The period coach Clemens Westerhof took charge in Nigeria; all the best legs he started with were locally discovered. It was in the process of progression, most of them got greener pastures abroad and they became better for it. Within three to four years of the Dutchman in Nigeria, he was already at the peak of molding a dreaded team that later conquered Africa; the Eagles reigned as the best team in Africa after winning the Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 1994.

This remarkable triumph came fourteen years later Nigeria won the 1980 version of the CAF gold trophy with a Brazilian - Father Tiko. All the foreign coaches Nigeria had hired during the period were coaches worth their onion.

It was the same coach Westerhof that qualified Nigeria for the World Cup first time same year 1994. The FIFA Mundial was held in the United States of America. And after that fiesta, FIFA named Nigeria the best entertaining team in the world after Brazil, and the Eagles were rated fifth in the globe. Football was like religion in the country and of course opium which was the people's delight across the board.

Today Nigeria's brand of football had continued to deteriorate with the pass-

ing of various football administrations whose interests were never tied to the development of the game but rather came on board via political leaning and religious affiliation. These amongst other reasons are a pointer to the wrongdoings in the Glasshouse with each designated administrator getting involved in opposite the norm of administrative ethics including their coaches getting caught or getting involved in football malpractices. And the leadership of the federation never gets angry to punish such coaches because they are all involved in the same show of shame!

I pray my prediction on Peseiro fails concerning foreign-based players with the Super Eagles because he's had so much interest in the foreign-based players rather than scouting for indigenous players in Nigeria. However, I pray the NFF does not fall alongside Peseiro and his Eagles.

EXTRA TIME:

Cape Verde becomes the first member country to immortalise the late Pele's name, Edson Arantes Denacimento on her 15,000-capacity stadium in compliance with FIFA's instructions during his funeral ceremony in Brazil.

Thank God it's a world without end, Amen. Good Morning Nigeria.

Youri Tielemans of Gillingham

Shooting Stars Mgt Assures Players Of Adequate Welfare

13th month salary to the team.

He charged the players to continue to demonstrate high level of commitment and discipline as well as the spirit of oneness, urging them to go for victory in all their league matches.

Honourable Olaniyan, lauded the General Manager, Dimeji Lawal, the Director of Adminstration, Alhaji Rahman Olapade, the head coach of the club, Gbenga Ogunbote, his assistants as well as the backroom staff for their efforts so far.

The chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club. (3SC) of Ibadan, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro, has reiterated the club's commitment to the welfare of the players and officials.

The 3SC helmsman, while addressing the players during the End of the Year get together organised by the management for the players at the players' Jericho Camp, reassured them of the best of welfare package.

"I want to appreciate you for what you have done so far, and I am happy on our side, we are also making you happy. However, let me tell you that you have not seen anything yet.

"There was a time things were so hard for the team but the story has changed under the administration of His Excellency, Engineer Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, who has made the club his priority", added the 3SC boss who confirmed the payment of

Earlier, the acting General Manager, Dimeji Lawal, while welcoming the players to the get together, said the event was packaged to appreciate their relentless efforts so far and to also encourage them for the task ahead.

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, in his own words, praised the management for deeming it fit to organise the get together for the players as a way of appreciating their sacrifice during the festive period.

Stand in captain, Opeoluwa Olufemi, appreciated the management on behalf of his colleagues, promising that they will reciprocate the gesture with positive results when the season commences.

The get-together had in attendance, the Director of Administration and Supply, Alhaji Rahman Olapade, assistant coaches, Abimbola Lawal, Kola Ige, Abayoni Adigun and John Dosu, team doctor, Dr Falade Babatunde, the TMS Manager, Marouph Adekunle, as well as backroom staff, adminstrative staff and friends of the club.

Remo Stars Captain Excited At Start Of New Season

The new season of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) is set to kick off on Sunday 8th of January, 2023 much to the excitement of many players, coaches and club staffs.

It’s been over five months since the last game of the previous season was played and the new season is finally set to get underway which excites Remo Stars captain.

“I’m really happy the league is going to start this weekend as the fixtures are out,” Nduka Junior said.

Remo Stars played in the CAF

Confederations Cup last season for the first time in their history, losing out to ASFAR FC of Morocco 2-1 on aggregate but the focus now is on the new season says Junior.

“We’ve not really had a competitive game since we played on the continent. For how long do we want to play the preseason? It’s not too good as it’s been over 3 months for us and we’re just starting the league,” he said.

“We’re ready, fully prepared for the season and it’s here. We’ll take every game one step at a time,” Nduka Junior concludes.

Chibuike Chukwu 08032184600 silikaonline@gmail.com

Insurance’s Odeyemi Upbeat As Benin Arsenal Play Akwa In Season Opener

Ebenezer Odeyemi of Bendel Insurance of Benin is full of optimism for the club for this season as they take on Akwa United in the opening match of the 2022/2023 season of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Odeyemi said they had the intention for the season which is to churn out good results in their games, noting that they had prepared well ahead of the season.

“As a player, my expectations shouldn’t be more than getting a good result because we’ve prepared and we go in with full confidence that we are going to get a positive result.”

The NPFL is set to begin after a long break that lasted for over 150 days and football clubs and their players are getting prepared to challenge for the topflight title.

However, the league format

The players of Sunshine Stars of Akure have been warned to remain focused and shun any form of anti-club activities.

The Ondo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Bamidele Ologunloluwa, said this, expressing the hope that the target before Sunshine Stars in the 2022/23 NPFL season is a top place finish.

Ologunloluwa spelt out the task during a meeting with the leadership and backroom staff of the Owena Whales in his office on Tuesday, where he also read the riot act to all involved with the team.

“We have a mission this season, which is to finish top of the league. We are fighting for the best possible position and not to settle for less; only this will suffice and be pleasing to my, boss - Governor Akeredolu.

“Good results from the start

an

tively.

Meanwhile, the first game of the season which is also the only game slated for this week, Akwa United against newcomers Bendel Insurance, will be played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Sunday, January 8.

The game is also scheduled to be viewed on terrestrial TV. Recall that Insurance returned to the NPFL for the first time since 2019 when they were relegated in the abridged season having recorded a total of 28 points in 22 games.

But Odeyemi is full of hopes that the Edo-based club would prove critics wrong.

“We have our target and we trust God to achieve our target. Playing live matches is always interesting to express yourself fully and I feel so great the matches are going to be shown live.

I trust we are going to make history this season as a team.”

No Anti-Club Activities, Commissioner Warns Sunshine Stars Players

with.

“What I need is unity of purpose; the success of Sunshine Stars depends on our collective efforts and not just the coach; from the ball boys to the senior officers we need to work together,” Ologunloluwa admonished.

The meeting was also attended by the Administrative Secretary of ODSFA, Mr Ijeh Bekewei, the Agency's Press Officer cum Sunshine Stars' Secretary, Mr. Ayodele Adewunmi and the Accountant, Alfred O. Osadipe.

matters and that will go a long way to encourage the Governor.

eryone, anti club activities in

any guise will not be tolerated under my watch. Anyone found wanting of any prohibited act or conduct will have me to deal

Azeez Bares Mind On Kwara United's Ibadan Home

the reality".

The former Al Hilal FC of Sudan coach also admitted that Kwara United FC found themselves in a very tough group in the abridged league.”

The Kwara Stadium failed to meet the basic club licensing requirements as the pitch is undergoing renovations hence Kwara United have to adopt the renovated Lekan Salami Stadium as their home for the 2023 season.

The coach bares his mind in a chat with www.234sportsng.com on the reality on the ground and how prepared his team is for the challenges of the new season.

“Every club would love to play Infront of their fans, even Barcelona will always want to play at Camp Nou.

“The support from the fans is always a plus to every team but we just have to adjust and face

Kwara United is paired in group A alongside Nasarawa United, Plateau United, Gombe United, El Kanemi Warriors, Enyimba International, Akwa United, Bendel Insurance, Shooting Stars, and Remo Stars where two teams will be relegated at the end of the season.

Coach Azez said: “The group is very tough but we have nothing to do but buckle up and be ready.

“If you want to be a champion you have to face and beat anybody that comes your way and I think with the mentality from the boys they are ready to fight to get the needed results.”

The coach continued, “We are prepared, we’ve played some friendly matches the only thing

we are working on now is how to get the player to play together and we are doing that we are ready for the season.”

Kwara United will kick off their campaign against Gombe United at the adopted Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they will begin their quest to finish among the top three at the end of the regular season and stand a chance of qualifying for CAF competitions as well win the league.

The Interim Management Committee (IMC) has stated that the top three teams from groups A and B of the abridged season will play in the Super 6 to determine the teams that will represent the country on the continent and the winner will be crowned the winner of the league.

A hundred million naira has been declared as the prize money for the winner among other innovations the IMC has declared ahead of the new season.

Sunshine Stars travel to the Northeast for a date with newly promoted side, Doma United on match day one of the new season.

“Let me reiterate here to ev-

Odeyemi

Sunshine Stars players and the Management

Coach Azeez of Kwara

Shooting Stars chairman, Akoro

Azeez Mohammed Audu, the coach of Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin, has expressed his fears on the stark reality of his team, Kwara United, adopting Ibadan home ground as the 2023 NPFL season kicks off this weekend.

Remo Stars captain, Nduka Junior

for the season by the organizers, IMC, has been confirmed to be

abridged system that involves two groups with 10 teams respec-

Abridged League, A Child of Necessity— NFF

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, has said that adopting the abridged format for the league, which will kick off on Sunday was a child of necessity.

Gusau, who said that it was not the intention of the football house to play abridge league but has to adopt the abridge league format because of the situation the NFF found itself.

According to him, the sponsors want to ensure that the league kicks off and with time constraints, only abridged league was feasible.

He added that the major stakeholders, the players would have enough time to rest and be mentally and physically prepared for next season.

He, however, added that abridged league would enable them finish the season with two months for clubs that will represent Nigeria at the CAF Clubs Competition to recruit, prepare and compete favourably among the best in the competitions.

The NFF President also said that the abridge league would help the league to align with the rest of the world by starting next season in August.

“At the end of the season, the players must have their rest, they should be able to travel anywhere to enjoy themselves and they must be given that opportunity. The teams representing the country at the continent must also prepare well, before another season and CAF competition begins.”

Gusau however revealed that it’s being a long time that

Head coach of the national Under-20 team, Ladan Bosso has dropped Sao Paulo of Brazil striker, Azeez Balogun from his plan for the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). We gathered that Balogun was tipped to make the final list of players for the tournament as Bosso seeks more to reinforce the team’s attack, but decided to drop the striker af-

money is given to clubs and he emphatically told the Interim Management Committee to make the takeoff grant public.

“We want transparency, that is the only way more sponsors can come in and trust us, that is the only way

Nigerians can support us. I will be in Uyo to start the league on Sunday,” he concluded.

Bosso Replaces Balogun With Ubani In U20 Squad For AFCON

ter his club refused to release him.

In his place, Bosso has now extended a call to former Nigeria Under-17 striker, Wisdom Ubani, who was also a part of the squad to the last Under-20 tournament, where the team failed to make it to the Under-20 World Cup.

Ubani is currently on the

books of Lokomotiva in the Croatian first division but was sent on loan to Jarun in the second division for the first half of the season. He scored two goals in 11 matches before his return to Lokomotiva upon the opening of the January transfer window.

Ubani is expected to be in the camp of the team from

FA Cup: Liverpool To Host Wolves At Anfield

Liverpool begin the defence of their FA Cup crown with the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to Anfield for their third-round match.

The Reds enter the clash on the back of a humbling 3-1 loss to Brentford in the Premier League, while Julen Lopetegui's side were pegged back in a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Dreams of an EFL Cup double have already come to an end for Liverpool courtesy of perennial winners Manchester City, and the Anfield faithful may not be all that optimistic about their team's

chances of retaining their FA Cup crown if recent results are anything to go by.

English Premier League (EPL) fortunes take a backseat for the time being as Liverpool begin their quest for successive FA Cup crowns.

When it rains, it pours for Liverpool, who lost Virgil van Dijk to what was initially thought to have been a precautionary substitution at Brentford, but the Dutchman is now confirmed to be nursing a hamstring injury and will soon undergo further assessment.

The Dutchman is joined in the

medical bay by Arthur, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, although James Milner and Roberto Firmino will endeavour to come back from their hamstring and calf issues in time for Saturday's game - the same goes for the concussed Jordan Henderson.

There should also be a Reds debut for Cody Gakpo after Liverpool completed the formalities of his transfer from PSV Eindhoven, and the 23-year-old could be brought in from the first whistle amid Liverpool's lack of options on the left-hand side.

Wolves were also forced into

January 15 ahead of their departure to Egypt for the U20 AFCON, which will run from February 19 to March 11, 2023 in Egypt.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group A along with host country, Egypt, Mozambique and Senegal. The semifinalists of the tournament will represent Africa at the U20 World Cup.

an unwanted half-time change in their last Premier League outing, with Podence coming off at half time against Villa with a knock, although Lopetegui is hopeful that the issue is a minor one.

However, midfielder Boubacar Traore has picked up an unspecified problem, which could rule him out for a couple of months, joining long-term absentees Chiquinho, Pedro Neto and Sasa Kalajdzic in the infirmary.

While still expected to put out an XI capable of going toe-to-toe with Liverpool, Lopetegui could opt to hand Matija Sarkic a start in goal, and there may be a full debut for Atletico Madrid loanee Matheus Cunha.

Laporta Dreams European Super League

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has said the Super League "could be a reality by 2025" as football awaits a court verdict on whether UEFA's attempts to prevent the breakaway competition's launch breached European competition law.

Last month the European Court of Justice's Advocate General delivered his non-binding opinion -- rejecting the Super League's claim that UEFA's governance of European football is an illegal monopoly -- ahead of the tribunal's final ruling, due in the coming months.

The Super League filed a lawsuit when it launched in April 2021, looking to protect its 12 founding member clubs from UEFA punishments.

"This Spring we'll have the verdict on the Super League. For clubs, it will be like what the Bosman ruling [which allowed footballers to move on a free transfer at the end of their

contracts] meant for players," Laporta told Cadena SER radio on Thursday.

"If the decision is favourable, the Super League could be a reality by 2025. If it isn't, the steps we decide to take will depend on what the verdict says. The degree of the victory will dictate what we can do with the Super League."

The Super League suffered a blow when nine of its founding clubs -- the Premier League's Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham, as well as Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and AC Milan -- publicly disowned the competition soon after its launch, after vocal opposition from fans, politicians and football's governing bodies.

That left Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus as the three clubs still advocating for the proposed Champions League replacement.

Lagos SWAN Mourns Adebesin-Kuti

Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos Chapter are mourning the death of one of their own, Musbaudeen Femi Adebesin-Kuti who died in the early hours of Friday, January 6, 2023.

The late Adebesin-Kuti, who was fondly called ‘Eshin’, died after a brief illness in Ogun State at 57, and has since been buried same day according to the Muslim rites.

Sports Editor of the Independent Newspapers Limited (INL), Peter Edema wrote: “Eshin’s passage just reminded me of the Biblical injunction that we should number our days and not years (Psalm 39 v 4-5) and that we are just vapour. Eshin good night ore.”

A member wrote: “This

is another huge loss to the Lagos SWAN family. May his soul rest in perfect peace and may God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Sportinglife Editor, Ade Ojeikere said: “Terrible. Life is but a walking shadow. A tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury signifying nothing. It is finished Femi. Good night”.

Adeyinka Adebayo of Eko FM/Radio Lagos wrote: ”God, oh my God. What a great loss. Kuti, aaah. Always in a friendly and jovial mood as he approaches issues with an open mind. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Patrick Omorodion of Vanguard Newspapers wrote: “Oh my God. This is one death too many in Lagos SWAN. Eshin gone? A lover and good supporter of Bendel Insurance. May God rest his good soul.”

AYO BADA LAGOS

Adebesin-Kuti

AYO BADA LAGOS

Crime Tracker

Nasarawa PDP Decries Killings In Southern Part Of State

MICHAEL DAVID

Following some pocket of killings in the Southern part of the Nasarawa State, the opposition People Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday decried the silent killing of some citizens especially in Awe, Keana, Obi, and Doma Local Government Area of the State.

The condemnation was contained in a statement signed by Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the party, Honourable Mohammed Ibrahim Hamza, and made available to Saturday INDEPENDENT in Lafia, the state capital.

The statement explained that the attacks in those communities have become too frequent and worrisome particularly as the 2023 general elections approach.

It said that the party decided to raise the alarm since the State government has chosen to overlook the increasing incidence which is targeting the Tiv and other groups in the areas.

The statement noted that the plan of attacks and killings has been established since 2011 when elections approach and the act is being perpetrated by the so-called "unknown gunmen" prior to electioneering activities prompting residence to question and conclude that such killings are politically moti-

vated by the enemies of democracy.

They also attributed these attacks to plans by the ruling party to cause confusion.

According to the statement, “most communities in the areas are known to have a reasonable number of polling units that produce thousands of votes, but each time elections are drawing near the innocent citizens from Tiv and other extraction can no longer have their peace, rather the unabated crises would displace them from their respective abode which always hindered their participation during the elections.

“This deliberate act of loss of life and property is barbaric, evil, inhuman and criminal offence and should be condemned by men of goodwill in the society/government.”

The Nasarawa State Chapter of PDP equally call on the relevant Security Agencies to wake up to their responsibility of protection of life and prosperity as well as to ensure peace and order before, during and after the 2023 General Elections.

The party further called on Civil Society Organisations, Non-governmental Organisations and Government Agencies to add their voices in condemning the act which was targeting innocent citizens in the state.

DSS Not In Court Against INEC Chairman — Dr Afunanya

JOSEPH UNDU ABUJA

The Spokesperson, Department of State Services (DSS), Dr. Peter Afunanya has said, the Service is not in court against the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mammud Yakubu.

Dr. Afunanya in a statement on Friday stated that, the "attention of the Service has been drawn to an online publication by the Daily Trust" in which it reported that “Court Stops DSS from Arresting INEC Chairman”.

According to him, "The Service has discovered that the

newspaper skewed what transpired at the Court and reported it out of context. It is against this backdrop that the Service pointed out its disapproval to the Editorial authorities of the Newspaper.

"The outfit, which though argued that what was reported in its online version was different from the hard copy, promised to address the concerns raised but did not.

"This statement, however, becomes important to guide public understanding and perception, especially that the said report is misleading. It falsely left an impression that the Service went to Court against the

INEC Chairman. "Nonetheless, the Service is aware of the antics of some mischievous elements who are desirous of fomenting crisis in the country, including creating unnecessary controversies around the forthcoming general elections.

"One of their strategies is to subvert the efforts of the Service in ensuring peaceful coexistence and harmony. Another is a determination to overheat the polity and subtly exploit the judiciary to distract or even undermine not only the Service but other security and law enforcement agencies from undertaking their constitution-

al roles."

The Service warns these individuals and groups to desist from their devious plans. It also advises all critical stakeholders to be vigilant and resist attempts to use them to thwart the law.

While assuring Nigerians and the International Community of the Service’s commitment to the maintenance of law and order, including an accomplishment of a free and fair 2023 election as already pledged by Mr. President and Commander-in-Chief, the Service urged all and sundry to join in the pursuit of national stability and unity.

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, maintained that his administration will continue to support the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrimage Board in its bid to have hitchfree Hajj exercises in the state.

The governor, while receiving the 2022 Hajj reports from the chairman of, Muslim Pilgrimage Board, Prof. Sayed Malik, at the Presidential Lodge of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, admonished the board to double up its efforts by ensuring that the standard is maintained.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the governor called on the board to constantly engage the pilgrims, saying that regular and early preparations are quite important and key.

He, therefore, pledged to complete the projects abandoned by the previous administration at the Hajj Camp, Olodo, Ibadan.

He said: "We want to say thank you to the Board. We know the challenges you faced before, during and after the pilgrimage. Some of them, as you said, is not peculiar to Oyo State. But what I will say is, for us, we don't make excuses and we don't say that because something is happening in another state, it should hap-

pen here. No. We are proactive and we try to see our things through.

"So, I will advise the board members to double up their efforts to ensure that the standard is maintained and that we start early. If I take the issue of the Basic Travel Allowance as an example, it is something that we should have handled a lot better if those who are supposed to be on top of the situation are actually there.

"On social media, I noticed that some of the pilgrims were castigating Oyo State, saying they were the only ones suffering in Saudi Arabia. I think they also must have learned one thing or the other.

“As a government, we cannot be blackmailed because we stand up to our responsibilities and take them seriously. It is not as if we are sloppy. But if we have forex issue in the country, what can we do? We have to activate alternative plans, which may not bring immediate comfort to the people.

“But the fact that they are not being left alone and the officials saddled with the responsibilities of dealing with such issues have that engagement with them. We also have one or two things to learn from that episode. Engagement is key.”

USA Based Edo Lady Petitions IGP Over Alleged Threat To Life, Defamation Of Character By One Rachel

FRANCIS ONOIRIBHOLO BENIN

Agbonlahor Law Firm, situated in Benin City, Edo State has on behalf of its client, Becky Igiebor, based in USA, petitioned the Inspector General of Police(IGP) on a case of alleged threat to life, defamation of character, cyberbullying and impersonation against one Eboni Rachel Osazee Iyonmana.

The law firm stated in its petition as follows: "Our client is a peaceful and law-abiding citizen of Federal Republic of Nigeria who at all times protects the image of Nigeria both home and abroad; our client informed us that she has recently been a victim of cyberbullying as a result of negative, hateful, threats, defamatory and malicious messages written about her on social media by one EBONI RACHEL OSAZEE IYONMANA (with phone No: +19056178041), a Nigerian whose last residential address is known as 11-515 Walkers line, Burlington, ON L7N3V5, Canada and this has caused our client a lot of concern and emotional distress.”

Going forth, Agbonlahor Law Firm stressed: "according to our client, these messages complained about were sent by the said RACHEL using various social media platforms (especially Facebook) and shared same to our client’s friends and family members facebook pages with intent to defame, damage and assassinate our client’s character.

"Further, our client informed us that RACHEL has been impersonating her person on Facebook by malicious use of a Facebook account named: Ashawo na Becky Omoregbee-Igiebor and she sends mean messages to others in our client’s contact list in a manner to suggest that it was been sent by our client, an act that is criminal and by this, RACHEL blackmail and present our client to be a prostitute to the general public.

"That the said RACHEL has reportedly engaged in acts of making insulting remarks, threats and spreading rumors (falsehood) about our client on social media – especially through Facebook accounts purportedly opened by her with intent to malign, defame

and rubbish the person of our client to the whole world, an act contrary to the relevant provisions of Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

"Also, our client briefed us that RACHEL has continuously posted embarrassing photos and videos on Facebook to hurt her feelings and that of her family members. That RACHEL is in the habit of making derogatory comments about our client just to paint her image in bad light to her contacts on social media for no justifiable reason; to make matter worse, our client told us that RACHEL in a bid to continue to bully and threaten her online, registered different Facebook accounts in bad faith with the intention to use it to carry out her criminal acts of obscene publications against our client and family.

"More so, RACHEL according to our client is known for this kind of act of bullying innocent Nigerians online and she has been arrested and cautioned severally for same act but refused/ neglected to desist from it, an act that is detrimental to the image of Nigerians in diaspora and the

country in general; to our client, RACHEL’s conduct as a bully and acts of threats has caused her reasonable feel of fear of death, violence and bodily harm due to threats to her life and she is now afraid to travel to Nigeria.

"The reason for all these threats is because our client is related to RACHEL’s estranged husband and nothing more; that the threats and acts of continuous cyberbullying by RACHEL has gravely affected our client mentally, emotionally and physically that she feels upset, embarrassed, afraid, ashamed and now living in fear that RACHEL is likely to go physical to harm her, hence this petition to save her life and personality which has been dragged into public disgrace and disrepute by RACHEL.”

The law firm urged the IGP to intervene in what it described as a 'life-threatening situation' "and bring the said RACHEL to book and prosecute her, as her act is criminal and contrary to the provisions of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015, Criminal Code Act and Penal Code Act in Nigeria."

Nuhu Umar, suspect who allegedly killed wife in Dangarfa Village, Ningi LGA, Bauchi State.

Amina Guguwa, 50 year old who killed co-wife in Miya village, Ganguwa LGA, Bauchi State.

Makinde Receives 2022 Hajj Reports, Pledges Continuous Support For Muslim Pilgrimage Board

New Naira Notes Meet International Standards —NSPM

BAMIDELE OGUNWUSI, LAGOS

Nigerian Security Printing and Minting (NSPM) Plc has stated that the new naira notes currently in circulation are of international standards.

The NSPM, according to Ahmed Halilu, Managing Director/Chief Executive, said its attention has been drawn to various clips, skits, concerns and comments on various platforms regarding the quality of the redesigned banknotes that were recently unveiled and issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“As the nation's foremost security printing and minting com-

pany saddled with the responsibility of producing the country's currency(Naira), we find it expedient to address the salient issues and further enlighten Nigerians on the features of the Naira and, most importantly, the misconception about the quality of the new Naira notes,” Halilu said.

He added that the NSPM Plc has been meeting the currency needs of Nigeria with the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria since 2014. Indeed, Nigeria has achieved zero importation of currency, developed local capacity, and to an extent, conserved foreign exchange within this period.

“We want to inform all Nigerians that the new Naira notes

are of the same substrates and passed through the same printing processes and finishing procedures. It is, therefore, basically the same as the other notes in circulation.

“It also leaves traces of intaglio inks when rubbed on plain white surfaces. It is, however, important to note that new banknotes are generally light when issued, then become heavier in circulation on getting in contact with dirt and moisture.

“In addition, the second stage of currency printing (Intaglio) requires a deposit of special inks with fairly large particles to give a tactile feeling of the portraits as well as other raised prints by

way of design.

“One of the properties of intaglio inks is non-solubility in water and ease of transfer (light stain) on plain white material sowing to the size of the particles. This is generally a security feature of all banknotes that easily differentiates them from forged or counterfeit notes.”

While assuring Nigerians that best international practices have been deployed in the production of our national symbol, Halilu said, "The Naira is our legal tender and national symbol. We, therefore, urge Nigerians and other users of the Naira banknotes not to subject our banknotes to experiments in order to prove a point.”

Sanwo-Olu Says Only Unity Will Make Nigeria A Great Nation

SEYI TAIWO-OGUNTUASE, LAGOS

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor has called on Nigerians to come together to build the nation as Nigeria must be great for the future of the coming generations in particular and the sake of the black race in general.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, his Deputy made the call on Friday while speaking at a dedicated Jumaat service in commemoration of the Year 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque,

Alausa.

He urged everyone to make sacrifices for the country as done by the serving and dead security personnel, stressing that if everyone can do their best in their different corners, the country will be better.

While noting that it is our moral fiber that will determine the success of the Nation, the governor charged all Nigerians to ensure that they do the right things always as Nigeria must succeed as a nation.

The Governor, however, called on Nigerians to remember the nation’s fallen heroes and also give adequate support to the

families they left behind.

He stated that supporting the families of the fallen heroes in whatever form is a way of appreciating and reciprocating the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes.

He implored everyone to make donations towards the welfare of the families of the fallen soldiers, adding that “their families are going through a lot and the best Nigerians can do is to support them in whatever form they can.”

Earlier in his Sermon, Dr. Abdul-Mojeeb Isa, the Imam of the Lagos State Secretariat Community Central Mosque, stated that it is very important to remember

the dead, particularly the heroes, those that have strived and fought for a better Nigeria.

He urged the government not to forget the labour of our falling heroes stressing that the price they had paid for the unity and peace of the country must not go in vain.

He thereby commended the officers and men of the security agencies for their efforts in battling insecurity in the country, urging the government to equip them with modern training and equipment as well as ensure good welfare packages for the serving and families of the deceased officers.

Campaigns: NUJ Warns Quacks To Steer Clear Of Ondo

BOLU-OLU ESHO, AKURE

Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ondo State Council has warned all quacks to steer clear of electioneering campaigns of all political parties in the state or risk being arrested.

In a statement entitled: "WAR AGAINST FAKE JOURNALISTS IN ONDO & 2023 GENERAL ELECTION," and signed by the state Secretary, NUJ, Olaoluwa Meshack, on Friday warned all persons disguising as journalists to extort money from unsuspecting politicians to stay away from the venue of the campaigns of political parties in the state.

The statement reads inter alia: "The Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) is aiming to checkmate the influx of quacks in the pen profession and curtail the movement of unauthorised persons into the state in the guise of being journalists.

"We already have it on good authority that these set of fake journalists always claim to be correspondents or reporters

of some media station based outside Ondo state.

"These groups of people are not journalists or media practitioners as they are not employed in any media organisation but have continued to constitute themselves into a cartel going around strategic locations in the state extorting money from unsuspected members of the public.

"Therefore, we are urging professional journalists from outside the state to register their presence with the Ondo State Council of the union before going to the field to avoid any embarrassment and case of impersonation or breach of peace as security agencies in the state have been put on red alert.

"We are also asking government officials most especially politicians in this campaign season, who do not know the antics of these unscrupulous elements, to be wary of their unwholesome activities by thoroughly investigating those who approached them as reporters, so as not to fall prey to these quacks who had infiltrated the ranks and files of the profession.”

Bishop Oyedepo Speaks On 2023 Election, Says God's Choice Candidate Will Emerge

APATA OYENIRAN, LAGOS

Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners) and presiding Bishop of the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State, on Friday at the Covenant University Chapel, professed God's choice and announced candidate will emerge at the end of the 2023 general election to govern Nigeria.

Dr. Oyedepo, who is the Chancellor and Chairman Board of Regents of Covenant University, Otta prayed for Nigeria and the 1, 934 graduands of the university that were conferred with first and higher degrees in various disciplines.

Speaking during the benediction for the 1,677 Bachelor's and 257 postgraduate products of the 21-year-old university, Bishop Oyedepo prayed that the much-needed peace that has eluded the country shall be witnessed again.

He prophesy that the 2023 election in Nigeria, in all its ramifica-

tions, shall be peaceful.

Oyedepo prayed, "Nigeria's forthcoming election will be peaceful. There shall be no bloodletting, no blood will be shed. There shall be peace and God's voice candidate will emerge to rule Nigeria.”

He added, “Nigeria will enjoy good security again. There shall be peace on land, at sea, in the air and everywhere.”

For the students, he prayed, "You will never lose the track of heaven in your life. I pray that none of you will cause heartache for your parents. I pray for your ultimate success in life. I pray for your ultimate settlement in marriage. You will be happily settled. None of you shall die young, your days shall not be cut short in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen".

In his address for the 17th convocation, the Chancellor assured that the university remains committed, focused and sincere to helping students build a solid foundation of life, destiny and posterity.

Saleh Esq.

Alumni Association of Community Comprehensive High School, Ikaram-Akoko, Ondo State is set to restore public confidence in its Alma mater.

This was disclosed by the President of the association, Barrister Olurotimi Williams-Daudu at the inaugural dinner/award night organised by the association in honour of Mr. Ahmed Gambo

Williams-Daudu stated that the alumni association has embarked on renovation of blocks of classrooms and construction of buildings and laboratories in the school in its desire to put the school back on the right track.

He disclosed that old students of the 40-year-old school were exploring their influence at different levels to rebuild and reequip the school so that students of the school could excel in their

academics and extracurricular activities.

Speaking on the contributions of some personalities, who were not old students of the school, to the rebuilding of the college, Williams-Daudu, the current Registrar of National Industrial Court, said the newly inaugurated cossy administrative building of the school was built by the Executive Secretary, National Judicial Council, Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh Esq.

He disclosed that the executive

of the Alumni association decided to appreciate the legal luminary by organising the inaugural dinner/award night in his honour.

According to the President of the alumni association, "I want to appreciate you all for being here tonight. This dinner/award night is in honour of my brother and friend, Mr. Ahmed Gambo Saleh Esq.

He's a detribalized Nigerian. "It was a very deliberate decision we made In recognition of

what he has done for us at our Alma Mater.

"When I told him we had no befitting administrative building in my school, instantly, he said to me I will build one for your school.

"He's from Jigawa State not even from Ondo State or Southwest, but what he did is an expression of that the heart of kindness is not limited by boundaries, not by tribe ir religion. If you're good you're good. That's what he demonstrated.

"We, the executive of our alumni association met and decided that it's befitting to hold a night like this in his honour.

On behalf of all of us and his Royal Majesty, I say thank you sir."

Reeling out the intervention projects and programmes the old students embarked upon to resolve various challenges being faced by the school, the alumni President, who was also honoured, said: "I was elected the president in September 2021. Before I was elected, I knew the magnitude of challenges confronting us in the school.

BOLU-OLU ESHO, AKURE

Remains of Femi Adegbesin-Kuti, late Photo Editor, The Guardian Newspapers who died early hours of Friday, being lowered into the grave, in Abeokuta, Ogun State on Friday.

ROLAND OBIOMA OGBONNAYA

Just getting back to work, after what he described as "a great outing last year", the Managing Director of PWAN Plus, owners of Cedarwood Brand of Luxury Apartments, Dr. Julius Oyedemi, has said that his firm is set to commence actual construction of the much-awaited Ikoyi Cedarwood Luxury Maisonettes, in the first quarter of 2023.

The real estate guru disclosed while rolling out a set of incentives that he said his firm has carefully put together, to ensure the enjoyment of excellent service delivery to their numerous clients and lovers of the Cedarwood Luxury Brand, in 2023.

Dr. Oyedemi, who had embarked on the mission to provide affordable luxury homes for all beginning in 2020, said: “The year 2022 has been a great one for the Cedarwood Luxury brand in terms of expansion, service delivery to clients and in terms of quality construction. We have been able to surpass customers’ expectations to above 90%, even though we still have ongoing developments to meet up. For the remaining 10%, construction is ongoing for those customers.”

Speaking in an exclusive interview held at his Trimetrix Towers, Lakeview Park Estate, located on Lekki-Epe Expressway, Ajah, Lagos, the Cedarwood boss added: “In terms of quality construction, we have been able to put all standard measures, both from the government agencies, relevant private and professional institutions, in place and they are being maintained on sit. So, we maintain quality standards and excellence in our constructions; because we’ve engaged the best hands in what we do.”

The Cedarwood boss added that there is already a positive shift for the Cedarwood Luxury brand, in terms of the outlook and plans for this year (2023). He explained that “Just before Christmas, we had a three-day retreat outside Lagos, with our staff. The purpose of that retreat was to re-engineer, reprocess and re-energise every staff for the year ahead.

“One of the things that retreat did for us was to focus on excellent customer service. We believe that there is going to be a top-notch service delivery. Client’s complaints will be very minimal; because even before they say Jack their expectations are already met.

“We are also introducing technology into our operations. We will engage relevant professionals and consultants so that, next year our customers get automated receipts. The introduction of this payment gateway will ensure that as they are paying online, they are getting their receipts for whatever property, product, or services they paid for; and their documents collected immediately. A lot is being put in place to see that we deliver intact.”

According to the innovative real estate professional, necessary measures have also been put in place to improve on payment of commissions to its independent marketers and to ensure that they get their clients' allocation documents pronto. “There

Cedarwood Luxury Brand Rolls Out Delectable Incentives

Says Ikoyi Luxury Maisonettes Kicks Off First Quarter

stitutions in Nigeria saying: “Funding is a big challenge. To be honest, our financial institutions cannot be relied upon. If there is adequate funding, construction/development will be very fast. When there is poor funding, it will also be slow. Today, the interest rate on borrowing is over 30%, up to 40%.

“I had an experience whereby we took a very small loan and you find out that within the period of payment, the rate is changing and increasing. When do you ask why? The banks will tell you that ‘it is not their fault; it is due to the Central Bank’s change in policies and current economic realities.’ Don’t forget that the gap in housing deficit is still very wide. Now, the government is not even doing so much in that area of need, the government is also trying to partner with the private sector.

its own right,” Oyedemi stressed. The last challenge, according to the innovative Cedarwood boss, is about enhancing the government approval process. He explained: “My team and I have been able to visit some government agencies to make them see us as friends and not as enemies. The reception has been great. They have been able to educate us on how to go when we want to execute projects; what to do so we don’t fall into a penalty.

“That has helped us because ordinarily we always think that they don’t even want to give us an audience. But no, that narrative is changing; the government is giving the needed guidance like they will tell you do this, provide that. And you do accordingly, you get your documentation and approvals without many bottlenecks.”

is the serious overhauling of our operations such that this year it will be very seamless. As clients pay, they choose their plots, they know their plots. So, the issue of allocation becomes seamless. We are also going to surpass expectations in the area of building construction this year. Last year, before clients who are paying in installments paid up, we delivered the buildings. This year, we are still going to repeat that feat to make sure that our customers enjoy the quality and excellent service delivery,” the innovative CEO added.

The Cedarwood boss, however, assured lovers of luxury homes and apartments that his firm will roll out new projects in the New Year; adding that the Ikoyi Cedarwood Luxury Maisonette will start in the first quarter of 2023. “The phases 2nd and 3rd phases of the Cedarwood Luxury Apartments and Terraces are also commencing this year. If you have seen our Phase 1, you will see the beautiful work that has been done there.

“Our customers should expect much more luxury than what we have in Phase one. The locations of these new projects are just within the same neighbourhood. Phase three is coming up near the Monastery Estate here near Lekki Novara Shoprite, Songotedo. This is a highly sought-after environment, everybody wants to be there. Phase two is located inside Ajayi Apapta close to our Phase one. We are looking at extending outside Lagos to Abuja. So, our customers

If we have access to funds at a minimal interest rate, building developments will be easier and faster. The truth is funding is a major challenge. For instance, imagine buying a property of one billion naira in Ikoyi to develop. If one billion is all I have in my account, how do I get the money to develop? One billion is a huge amount of money, not everybody can have. What if that is all I have? That is a very big challenge

should expect to see us in Abuja this year; and we will be expanding to the Southeastern cities of Aba, Onitsha and Enugu. Our concern is to make sure that there is a presence of luxury estate in every state of Nigeria; yes people can afford Luxury,” Oyedemi added.

Has he experienced any challenges in the course of trying to provide affordable luxury homes for all? Oyedemi took a swipe at the financial in-

“If we have access to funds at a minimal interest rate, building developments will be easier and faster. The truth is funding is a major challenge. For instance, imagine buying a property of one billion naira in Ikoyi to develop. If one billion is all I have in my account, how do I get the money to develop? One billion is a huge amount of money, not everybody can have. What if that is all I have? That is a very big challenge.”

Oyedemi also identified the unavailability of sufficient numbers of indigenous artisans such as tilers, painters, etc as another challenge to real estate developers in Nigeria. He said “By God’s grace our projects are being handled by the best hands and they are local content. But they are few in supply. I think the government should do something to improve our technical schools and technical institutions. I can authoritatively tell you that if a developer wants to get the best hands to handle tiles-laying, he will have to look beyond the shores of Nigeria to get competent artisans. The good hands are found in the Benin Republic or Togo. The big question is what are Nigerians doing? In the technical space today, we are on the verge of losing it to outsiders such as Chinese, Indians, Lebanese and even neighbouring African countries.

“We’ve had experiences whereby we had to wait for these Togolese boys because they are good. When they tile your house for you, you can see that they maintain excellence and professionalism. But our people do it anyhow; the lines don’t align, so that’s another challenge.” The Cedarwood boss called on the government to improve technical schools in the country so that local artisans can acquire proper training. “Painting is a big challenge. We don’t have enough good painters. The percentage is low. In today's space, good painters are not from this country. It is a challenge in

It was reliably gathered that the Cedarwood Luxury brand is very mindful of maintaining a cordial relationship with its host communities; and that the firm has incorporated that into its budget for the year 2023. “During the COVID-19 lockdown, I led the team that gave palliatives to people in all the local governments where we operate. Last year also, we installed boreholes in areas where we operate just to avail them of good water.

“Several Omoniles are on our payroll; we train and engage them as technical staff, security personnel and artisans. That is part of giving back to society; and a lot of these are still part of our CSR budget in 2023. CSR is something we don’t joke with because there is no way a business can survive in an environment if it doesn’t carry along members of the environment as stakeholders. So, every environment we launch into, we make sure that we carry the people along as stakeholders.”

Invariably, Cedarwood Luxury brand has a remarkable culture of staff and partners welfare, Saturday INDEPENDENT learnt. This year, a lot of our marketers will be empowered with mobility. The real estate industry is changing. One cannot be marketing a product of 200 million and he or she is walking on foot. I do not agree. So, we are going to package our marketers with gifts of cars as well as send them for quality training.

“Sometimes in the past, we sent some to Lagos Business School. We will be sending more people to acquire quality training. To optimise our operations, we need to do this. It is going to be a year loaded with expectations and we are not leaving any stone unturned. Every staff, marketer and stakeholder will be served well. For me, the biggest expectation is for them to actualise their dreams. If I can, in 2023, make our marketers actualise their dreams, then my job has been done,” Oyedemi said.

Adebeshin-Kuti Was A Thoroughbred Professional, His Death Shocking — Akosile

The Chief Press Secretary to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, has mourned the passage of renowned photojournalist and Photo Editor of The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Femi Adebeshin-Kuti.

Akosile, in a statement issued on Friday described the late Adebesh-

in-Kuti as a thoroughbred professional who discharged his duty diligently and contributed to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, especially in photojournalism.

He also commiserated with the deceased family, friends and colleagues, especially the management and staff of The Guardian Newspaper, as well

as the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Guild of Photojournalists Nigeria (GPN) over the death of the veteran photojournalist.

"Mr. Femi Adebeshin-Kuti was a diligent and thoroughbred professional. I know him personally and his death was a shock to me but we take solace in the Almighty God that

he lived a fulfilled life.

"He contributed his quota to the growth and development of journalism in Nigeria, especially in photojournalism where he rose to the position of Photo Editor of The Guardian Newspapers. He was a thoroughbred professional.

"My personal experience with Mr.

Femi Adebeshin-Kuti showed a man that was diligent and committed to his work. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, associates and colleagues. I pray that God will comfort and grant him eternal rest and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss," Akosile prayed.

Oyedemi

INDEPENDENT

Vialli, Former Chelsea, Juve, And Italy Striker Dies Aged 58

Former Chelsea striker and manager Gianluca Vialli, who played 59 times for Italy, has died at the age 58.

He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017 but said in April 2020 that he had been given the allclear.

Vialli was re-diagnosed in 2021 and in December 2022 left a role with Italy's national team to focus on his health.

"Gianluca was a splendid person and he leaves a void that cannot be filled," said Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina.

"I hoped until the end that he would be able to perform another miracle. Yet I am comforted by the certainty that what he did for Italian football and the blue shirt will never be forgotten."

Ceferin To Be Re-Elected In

April

UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin is the only candidate for presidential elections at European football's governing body scheduled to take place at its congress in April, it said on Friday.

UEFA had previously said that Ceferin, a Slovenian lawyer, would stand for a third term as president. The 55-year-old was re-elected unopposed for a four-year term in 2019.

His second term was dominated by the breakaway European Super League, a 12-team competition that was launched in April 2021 but collapsed 48 hours later after Premier League clubs pulled out due to a widespread public backlash and political opposition.

Ceferin was elected UEFA's seventh president in 2016, replacing former French international Michel Platini, who was banned from the administration in late 2015 for ethics violations and forced to quit UEFA after losing an appeal against the ban.

semis

Novak Djokovic beat Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-4 at the Adelaide International on Friday to set up a semifinal with Daniil Medvedev.

The combined ATP-WTA event is a warmup for this year's Australian Open, which the top-seeded Djokovic missed last year after being barred from the country because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19.

"Early on he was a better player. He was dictating," Djokovic said after improving to 8-0 against his Canadian opponent. "[Then] I started finding my serve and my groove on the court."

Medvedev, the runner-up last year to Rafael Nadal in the Australian Open, defeated fellow Russian Karen Khachanov 6-3, 6-3 on Friday.

Peter Edema

peteredema2002@yahoo.co.uk, 08050498540

NPF’s N200m Take Off Grant, A Drop In The Ocean

Last Tuesday, thousands of fans gathered on the streets of Santos, Brazil to say their last goodbye to their football legend; Pele buried on ninth floor of a cemetery in the city.

The former Santos FC star, originally named Edson Arantes do Nascimento, died penultimate Thursday aged 82, following a battle with colon cancer. He’s death was as a result of multiple organs failure.

His burial has drawn the curtain over an era. An era that belongs to him being the only Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) as far as football is concerned. He’s the only person till date to win three World Cups in four appearances.

For those arguing otherwise, they must realize that for someone to win the World Cup at age 17 in his first appearance; when red and yellow cards were yet to be introduced into football; when we have butchers as defenders such that attackers were not protected and still won three World Cups needs to argument about who is the greatest.

Maybe, such people need to be reminded that Pele turned football into an art; he popularized the sport and the number 10 shirt. I remember when growing up in the 60s and 70s, the best player in a team is always nicknamed Pele and automatically wears the No. 10 shirt.

For Brazil’s government to declare three days of national mourning after his death, and the country's new president - Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva - travelling to Santos to pay his respects, says how highly placed he is even in death. Maybe those undermining his GOAT status need to be reminded that his country declared him national treasure after winning his third World Cup in 1970 because they did not want him to go and play in Europe. Does anyone understand what it means to be declared a national treasure?

Let’s leave Pele alone and concentrate on the living. Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United for a Saudi Arabia club Al-Nassr. The 37-year-old has begun his adventure in Arabian football, where he was given a spectacular welcome after signing a twoand-a-half-year contract worth 200 million euros a year.

“My work in Europe is done. I played at the best clubs in the world… and I won everything. I'm happy, proud to join Al Nassr” said Ronaldo, who won a plethora of titles in Europe including a record five UEFA Champions League titles, and is its all-time leading goal-scorer with 140 goals.

The five-time Ballon D’or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo Dos Santos Avie-

ro, who said his work in Europe is done, noted that he had “many opportunities” to sign for top European clubs and from other continents. However, he choice of Al-Nassr was “to develop the football and all the amazing parts” of the country.

Lets come home to Nigeria. At last the 2022/23 of the Nigeria Professional Football League season will kick off on Sunday across the

themselves “Club Owners’ when in truth they are not. There posture that the league must run its full course of 38 weeks without due consideration to the league’s kickoff time, shows how shallow minded they are.

Honestly, I was happy when the chairman of the league’s Interim management Committee, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, called their bluff and decided to deal with the state governors, who truly own the clubs.

However, I believe Elegbeleye should drum it to the governors of the need to take the players’ welfare very seriously. This is not about players’ salaries, but the state preparedness of the states in term of medical facilities that will take care of medical emergency in case of an accident.

Elegbeleye must sound it to the governors of the importance of host teams providing equipment and medical facilities to deal with accidents that have the potential to threaten lives or cause permanent injury.

his heart restarted. If his case was in Nigeria, he won’t survive.

I think this is an issue that Elegbeleye must discuss with the governors.

Elegbeleye also must let the charlatans addressing themselves, as club owners understand that the true medical conditions of the players must not be undermined. The players must be made to undergo thorough medical examination, before been registered for the season and also hours before the kickoff of any game. Time has come for us to ensure that players’ welfare in terms of medical status is not compromised in any way. We need to do away with the I don’t care attitude of Nigerians of saying, “God forbid,” instead of doing the right things.

country. It is, however, disheartening to note that a country that has won three Africa Cup of Nations; nine Women’s African Cup of Nations titles; the first African country to win Olympic football gold; a sport with the capacity to reduce youth unemployment by half; a sport that has brought such acclamation to the country, can treat it with the highest degree of levity.

In Nigeria the league has no calendar. It can be postponed at the shortest notice. We are not considering the players’ welfare that is next to nothing, as they’ve lost hope in the administrators of the league. Hence the exodus of players to Europe and any country that seems to offer hope even if the quality of the league is far below that of NPFL. The interest of the players does not matter to the administrators. And it is unfortunate.

It is this administrators’ lackadaisical that I am highlighting today for the umpteenth time; those who call

At least each host team must provide an ambulance equipped with up to date facilities capable of dealing with emergency and also qualified medical personnel that can handle any emergency that can arise at football matches. We don’t want a repeat experience of Chineme Martins who died in Lafia three years ago after slumping during a football match. It was a disgrace that what passed an ambulance on that fateful day was a rickety car not fit for human waste. Should we start recalling these awful experiences in the league, the list would be endless. But the truth is that no player has survived a cardiac arrest in the country. But this is not the case in other climes. For example in 2012, Bolton player, Fabrice Muamba ‘died’ for 78 minutes and had to be shocked 15 times before

This is why I believe that the takeoff grant of N10 million to each of the clubs is a drop in the ocean. This takeoff grant is not even enough to purchase a state of the art ambulance that is required in a stadium. What of the medical personnel’s that must be in each venue? We not are even considering the logistics of getting a venue ready, players’ allowances, getting vehicles that will take players to match venues.

The league is in a real mess. This is the outcome of the failure of the Nigeria Football Federation to realize that football is a big business and recreation or entertainment as presently treated. It is not a sector that should be left the politicians but businessmen that have what it takes to administer football. Time has come for the governors to hand off football administration and allows private individuals to take charge. Hoping to attain Europe’s level of football in the country requires serious investment by both the private sector and the government. This take off grant is nothing but palliative.

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Djokovic, Medvedev to square off in Adelaide

The players must be made to undergo thorough medical examination, before been registered for the season and also hours before the kickoff of any game. Time has come for us to ensure that players’ welfare in terms of medical status is not compromised in any way.

"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts."

– Winston Churchill