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T H EWI LLN I GERI A

APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2021 VOL . 1 NO. 10

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N 6 0 B N C O N T R O V E R S Y:

Why Obaseki Is ‘Rocking The Boat’

● Edo Governor Being Honest – Insiders

You Lied – Finance Minister ● Leave CBN Out Of Politics – Emefiele ● FG’s Unpaid National Sports Festival Commitment To Edo, A Betrayal – Aide ●

FEATURES

Counting The Cost of Continued Herdsmen Attacks

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COVER FG’s Unpaid National Sports Festival Commitment to Edo, A Betrayal – Aide

BY AMOS ESELE AND SAM DIALA

G

overnor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State appears to be burning with righteous anger right now. After the glamour and glitz of one of the most controversial sports festival in the nation’s history hosted by his state have faded into the backstage, his state’s account is totally in the red.

And that is the last thing an investment banker of repute like him would contemplate, particularly after he had personally declared earlier that Edo State would not be able to host the 20th edition of the National Sports Festival without Federal support.

THEWILL investigations revealed that few weeks to the hosting of the sports festival, Obaseki had requested N2 billion naira from the federal government as price tag to successful stage the Games. This was as far back as January 26, 2021. That day, after the games had been postponed for the third time, the Main Organising Committee and the Local Organising Committee paid him a visit in his office. The governor told his visitors that the state was not financially capable to host the festival.

According to him; “Since March last year, you know the financial strength of most states, sub-nationals and countries. For us as a state, we are ready to host but don’t have the funds at this point in time to host the Games; this is the plain truth.

“If the Federal Government, however, in its wisdom, decides to bring the funding for the Games, we will be too willing to host the country. We have to live with COVID-19 because it has come to stay; even with the vaccination, the virus will still be around.

Cancelling the Games is not the solution to this issue. We have to sit down and look at all these issues critically before reaching a final decision.”

BACKGROUND With that disclosure from the governor, the stage was thus set for a confrontation with the Federal Government. After postponing the festival twice due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the National Sports Festival, tagged Edo 2020, finally kicked off on April 3, 2021 in Benin-City, the state capital.

By this time, however, the cost of hosting the annual event had bloated and the host state, Edo and the Federal Government through the supervising Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, agreed to share the unanticipated extra cost incurred as a result of the postponement.

According to reliable sources close to the development, a disagreement in picking a final date for the start of the games was the first sign that trouble was ahead. In the face of an increased budgetary cost and with no cash from the Federal Government as promised, even the N500 million that was eventually agreed on, Edo asked for a postponement yet again and suggested a firm date in May by which time it hoped federal funds would have arrived.

The Main Organising Committee, MOC and the Ministry of Sports, MoS, disagreed on further postponing the games and picked a date with a firm promise to deliver funding.

With this firm commitment on cash and a new date, all the attendant drama and suspense but uncertainty were rested and the Games finally kicked-off on April 6.

DRAMATIC TURN OF EVENTS However, three days into the festival, the events took a dramatic turn. The Project Manager, Media & Communications, Edo 2020, Mr Ebomhiana Musa, raised the alarm that the Federal Government was yet to redeem its pledge to support the host state financially for the cost of postponements. He therefore threatened that on Thursday, April 8, the Games would be shut down even as the State Deputy Governor, Phillip Shaibu, same day, ordered the closure of the offices of the local and central committees.

“The State cannot sustain the hosting of the fiesta alone after tomorrow, Friday, unless the Federal Government fulfilled its promise on funding,” he declared as he gave Abuja up till 12 noon of that Friday to redeem its pledge.

In its response, the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, issued a statement, saying “the 20th National Sports Festival, Edo 2020, is going on as planned with competitions going on as scheduled.”

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Obaseki

According to investigation by THEWILL, the Federal Government later pruned Obaseki’s N2bn request to a meagre N500 million to offset the extra cost incurred for maintaining and completing the facilities for the games.

According to the statement signed by Mr Ramon Balogun, Assistant Director, Press, at the Federal Ministry of Sports, “The Ministry and the MOC for the festival are unaware of any plans or threat by the Edo State Government to shut down the sports festival as there has been no official meeting or communication that relayed such information.”

PRESIDENTIAL INTERVENTION THEWILL gathered that apparently alarmed by the turn of events, President Muhammadu Buhari, who was on medical vacation in the United Kingdom at the time, ordered the Presidency to pay the promised N500m agreed upon before the start of the festival on April 6. Buhari, THEWILL, learnt spoke directly with Obaseki and reassured him of his support.

One of the known supporters of President Buhari, Obaseki, was said to have taken the promise on its face value.

Taking the President’s word for it, Edo therefore reneged on its threat to shut down the festival as it allowed the events to go on as scheduled.

According to LOC spokesman, Ebomhiana Musa, in a statement; “The Local Organising Committee, LOC, Edo2020 has just risen from another emergency meeting to review the Presidential intervention over financial crisis threatening the National Sports Festival.

“At the end of the meeting presided over by the Chairman/Deputy Governor, Edo State, Rt. Hon. Comrade Philip Shaibu, the LOC decided that the games have to continue. *Continues on Page 4

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COVER

... You Lied – Finance Minister *Continued from Page 3

The LOC agreed that the Presidential intervention is a very strong and direct commitment which we must all respect, honour and take seriously.

“We strongly believe and respect commitments from the Presidency. We take them by their words. It’s a strong message to us that they are strongly committed to redeeming their pledge to support us for the losses suffered arising from the three postponements of the games.

“The LOC appreciates President Muhammadu Buhari, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo; the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Agboola Gambari and indeed the Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his high level of commitment to work with the Federal Government for the success of the Festival, Edo2020.

“Wishing the athletes and officials from across the 35 States and the FCT a memorable stay in Edo as the games last.”

In fact, Edo State Government, it was learnt, had become suspicious of the Federal Government’s support when, at the last minute, Vice President Osinbajo, who was supposed to declare the event open on Tuesday, April 6, abruptly called off the trip to Benin- City and the supervising Ministry of Sports had no concrete thing to offer in terms of funds.

Governor Obaseki, THEWILL learnt, was miffed by the Federal Government’s chicanery.

“He felt used and dumped, tricked and lied to,” a top government source in Benin City told THEWILL. According to the source, who craved anonymity, “Now the government is financially stressed, some states had refused to host the event in the past, so Edo would not have been the first to do so, but we felt we had to honour our word.”

STIRRING THE HORNET’S NEST But a tactical disclosure by Obaseki about the true situation of the country’s economy, especially as it affects Edo State, as well as others, was to later trigger a torrent of reactions.

The initial thought was that, partly for patriotic reasons and partly to get back at the Federal Government, the governor had to fire the salvo with the controversial revelation that the Federal Government ‘printed’ between N50-N60 billion to share as part of federal allocation in March, a claim which the Minister of Finance has disputed.

“When we got FAAC for March, the Federal Government printed an additional N50-N60 billion to top-up for us to share. This April, we will go to Abuja and share. By the end of this year, our total borrowing is going to be between N15 and N16 trillion. Imagine a family that is just borrowing without any means to pay back and nobody is looking at that, everybody is looking at 2023, everybody is blaming Mr. President as if he is a magician,” Obaseki had said.

But THEWILL gathered that the Edo Governor made the disclosure during a closed-door engagement with members of the state’s transition committee as he tried to explain the dire straits the country has found itself presently with the implications for the states. Disclosing that the Federal Government was so broke, as still is, Obaseki, whom THEWILL gathered, was about to constitute his cabinet, which had been long overdue, was said to be complaining bitterly about the economy of the country, and by extension, Edo State.

THE ENSUING FIREWORKS But the Federal Government’s reaction was immediate as

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Ahmed

A FAILED PROMISE THEWILL however gathered that, that was all as even the presidential intervention and promises ended up as a mere statement and empty promise. Until the games ended on Wednesday, April 14, the Federal Government did not pay a dime.

“

Government to “Stop playing the Ostrich.” He also called for urgent steps to end what he described as the country’s “current monetary rascality,” so as to prevent the prevailing economic challenge from degenerating further.

What we distribute at FAAC is revenue that is generated and, in fact, distribution of revenue is public information. We publish revenue generated by FIRS, the Customs, and the NNPC and we distribute at FAAC. So, it is not true to say we printed money to distribute at FAAC, it is not true

THEWILL reports that the federal government and most of the states have seen their external and local debts hit the roof within the last 10 years with barely nothing on ground to justify these borrowings. Edo State for instance grew its external debt to $280 million from $42.5 million where it stood in 2011. Its domestic debt stood at N80.7 billion as at December 31, 2020. Obaseki had served as the Chairman of the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team inaugurated by his erstwhile mentor, former Governor Adams Oshiomhole in March 2009. From that role, he successfully ran for Governor of the State and was sworn in on November 12, 2016.

the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, described the governor’s statement as untrue. Speaking with State House Correspondents in Abuja, she said: “The issue that was raised by the Edo State Governor, for me, is very, very sad,” adding “Because it is not a fact.”

“The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, should rally Nigerians to stem the obvious fiscal slide facing our country.

According to the minister, “What we distribute at FAAC is revenue that is generated and, in fact, distribution of revenue is public information. We publish revenue generated by FIRS, the Customs, and the NNPC and we distribute at FAAC. So, it is not true to say we printed money to distribute at FAAC, it is not true.”

Apparently miffed by the Finance Minister’s reaction to his honest disclosure about the true situation of the nation’s economy and the paucity of funds to even run the government, Obaseki, who is more of a technocrat than a politician, fired back at the Minister, advising the Federal

The governor, in a statement by his Media Aide, Crusoe Osagie, on Thursday, said: “While we do not want to join issues with the Federal Ministry of Finance, we believe it is our duty to offer useful advice for the benefit of our country.

“Rather than play the Ostrich, we urge the government to take urgent steps to end the current monetary rascality, so as to prevent the prevailing economic challenge from degenerating further.”

He added: “We believe it is imperative to approach the Nigerian project with all sense of responsibility and commitment and not play to the gallery because, ultimately, time shall be the judge of us all.”

Obaseki’s “candid advice,” however, triggered a lot of controversies, with condemnation from government circles, especially, for daring to open a can of worms and saying what has become obvious but was considered a no-go area for any government official.

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COVER

... Leave CBN Out Of Politics – Emefiele money in circulation. This is why the central bank can take measures to mop up excess money in circulation, or to boost money supply when it is considered inadequate. The aim is to ensure price stability.

In Nigeria, the central bank has been giving the federal government a huge over overdraft to avoid a situation where government cannot discharge its obligations such as paying salaries. At the beginning of President Muhammadu Buhariled government, the federal government provided the states with “bail-outs” worth billions of Naira to enable them to pay salaries and meet other obligations. The argument was that the drop in the price of oil in the international market in 2014, led to a drastic decline in government revenue which affected the states in the payment of salaries.

Of course, this obligation was undertaken by pumping more money into the system through these interventions of which States all the states have not serviced for obvious reasons.

The government has also sold bonds and treasury bills as a means of borrowing from the public.

Emefiele

Throwing light into this matter, the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele, who accused Obaseki of playing politics with the CBN’s bailout to states and the federal government said that printing money is part of the responsibility of the apex bank. He said no central bank would watch its government crumble when the bank is in a position to sustain government business and to ensure it plays its governance roles.

TORRENTS OF REACTIONS Reactions are also coming from within the state.

Mr Bright Omokhodion, a former Commissioner for Finance in Edo State, told THEWILL that the “statement

by Governor Obaseki can take an economy to a level of depression.”

“N60 billion cannot fund the Federation Account. Oil prices have gone up for some time now and we therefore cannot discountenance the inputs into the FAAC from the receipts of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC,” he said.

He thinks that as a member of the Federal Economic Council, like other governors, the Obaseki stands in a position to give advice to the fiscal committee of the government.

“If the Federal Government finds a fiduciary base to print money, they would do so. Hypothetically speaking, if a government sells bond and prints money to back it up, would it go about announcing that it printed money?

Obaseki’s statement was flippant. As an investment banker, he ought to know that investment is based on value, ” the former Commissioner said.

Restating the negative implications of the governor’s statement for the economy, Omokhodion called for more caution and circumspection.

THE FINANCIAL DYNAMICS By conventional wisdom, the central bank (or fed/reserve bank) is referred to as the government’s bank, bankers’ bank or lender of last resort. As government’s bank and lender of last resort, it has a principal responsibility to support government in building and stabilizing the economy by focusing on price, interest and exchange rate stability. This it achieves through its various monetary policy instruments while government is concerned with fiscal policies.

In playing this role, central banks control the volume, value and circulation of money to ensure there is price stability THEWILLNIGERIA

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“

Printing of money is about lending money; that is our job. It is inappropriate to think that printing of money means printing money to distribute in the streets. It is about lending to the government. It is inappropriate for people to give some colorations to the word ‘printing of money’ as if it is a foreign word coming from the sky and inflation brought under control. It is important that money is printed (or minted) in proportion to the value of the central bank reserve. The reserve, on the other hand, is a function of the value of goods and services produced in the country at any given time, called gross domestic product (GDP).

As the institutional authority with the traditional responsibility of ensuring that financial markets function smoothly and in a stable manner, printing money goes beyond producing or minting currency notes or coins. This is because the central bank has a responsibility to protect businesses from difficulties that could arise from financial or macroeconomic challenges.

As the authority that monitors and controls the nation’s reserves, the central bank can print money in the proportion of the value of the reserves. It can also print money above the value of the reserves in anticipation of a near-future boost in the value of goods and services to equal the “volume” of

“Printing of money is about lending money; that is our job.

It is inappropriate to think that printing of money means printing money to distribute in the streets. It is about lending to the government. It is inappropriate for people to give some colorations to the word ‘printing of money’ as if it is a foreign word coming from the sky,” Emefiele said while briefing journalists in Nasarawa during the groundbreaking ceremony for a sugar manufacturing plant in the state.

He recalled that in 2015/2016, the CBN extended a bail-out facility to the states to enable them to survive the turbulent times that were not even as bad as what the country is currently undergoing. “All the loans remain unpaid until now and we are going to insist on the states paying those loans going forward, since they are accusing us of giving them loans, that is what they are saying.”

Emefiele explained that most countries of the world are confronted with the health and economic challenges of COVID-19 and their government banks are taking steps to rescue the economy.

“What I keep saying is that, it will be irresponsible for the central bank of Nigeria or any central bank, or any fed to stand idle and refuse to support its government at this time.

And what is being done is being done in any clime.”

Emefiele said Nigeria is in a very bad situation and that the central bank is doing everything it can to ensure that the economy is stabilized. He said Nigeria is doing anything different from what the advanced countries of the world are doing to rescue their economies.

THE THREAT Emefiele then dropped a threat, saying the CBN was going to recover intervention loans extended to state governors.

“It’s important for me to put it this way that in 2015/16, the kind of situation we found ourselves in, we did provide a budget support facility to all the states of this country.

“That loan is still unpaid up till now. We are going to insist on them paying back the money since they are accusing us of giving them loans”, he said, adding, “Central Bank will call back loans issued to state governments which could perhaps mean deducting the loans from the monthly Federal Allocations shared between the States and the Federal Government.”

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APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

NEWS Edo Assures Tertiary Institutions of Support

BY AYO ESAN

T

he Edo State Government has assured tertiary institutions in the state of sustained support to improve the standard of education and ensure the overall development of the state.

The Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa Esq. gave the assurance when he received members of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) from the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, who were on a courtesy visit at the Government House, Benin City.

Okungbowa said the government has made education a priority and would continue to support tertiary institutions in the state to make them more viable to run optimally.

The Head of Service said that the importance of the education sector to societal development could not be over-emphasized, reassuring that the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration was all out to make sure that the sector gets the needed support.

Urging the Union to support the government in its efforts at transforming the sector, Okungbowa said the government is stepping up efforts in ensuring that the polytechnic gets accreditation for more courses.

Earlier, Engr. Ehiabi Paul Aziegbehim, thanked the governor for his unflinching support for the institution, noting that the Union will continue to collaborate with the state government to ensure an improved standard of education in the state.

L-R Partnership Investment Officer Patrick Habamenshi; Prof Oyebanji Oyeyinka, Senior Special Adviser to the AfDB President on Economy; Toda Atsuko, Acting Vice President, Agriculture, Human and Social Development; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo SAN; Minister of Agriculture Mohammed Sabo; Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, and Special Adviser to the President on Economic Matters, Ambassador Yemi Dipeolu, at the State House, Abuja. 16/4/ 2021

Obaseki had in May, 2019 signed a bill into law changing the School from Edo State Institute of Technology and Management to Edo State Polytechnic, as part of reforms to reposition the school for greater impact.

Bayelsa Dep Governor Tasks PDP S/South Zonal Exco on Unity Music Producer, Four Others Nabbed

BY DAVID AMOUS -OWEI

T

he South/South Zonal Executive body of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been urged to pitch a united front in all their activities as they represent the geopolitical region in the affairs of the party.

Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the advice when members of the zonal executives from Bayelsa paid him a “thank you” visit in Government House, Yenagoa.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo congratulated them on their peaceful emergence as South South Executives of the PDP at the recent zonal elections that held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

He, however, insisted that the purpose of their election would be defeated if they pursue their divergent personal interests, rather than imbibe the spirit of teamwork and unity of purpose.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who expressed optimism that the PDP

otorists plying the dilapidated Abak-EkparakwaIkot Abasi, a federal highway in Akwa Ibom state undergoing construction by the China Civil Engineering Construction Company, CCECC are facing threats to their lives as the diversion through Ikot Eval village has been taken over by hoodlums.

Persons who plied the road in recent times have complained that the risk was high as motorist had to drive through dirt tract for over 30 minutes before accessing a good portion of the road.

“It was very scary, I drove for over 30 minutes through a thick forest with dreaded looking village boys mounting road blocks to collect money. Considering your life in such situation, you do not want to be harassed before cooperating with your assailant. The guys were actually making good money on the diverted village road,” a lady who gave her name simply as Idongesit told our Correspondent.

According to residents, hoodlums have taken over the road and resorted to robbing and kidnapping unsuspecting commuters, especially those going to Ikot Abasi and Port Harcourt.

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Speaking earlier, the South-South Secretary of the PDP and leader of the team, Chief Felix Omemu, said they were in the office of the Deputy Governor after paying a similar visit to Governor Douye Diri to appreciate him for the supportive role he played in their election.

While asking for continued guidance and counselling from the Deputy Governor and other well-meaning stakeholders of the party, Chief Omemu assured that they would be good ambassadors of the state in all their dealings as party executives.

Other zonal officers of the PDP from the state, who accompanied the Secretary on the visit were Mr George Turnah-legal adviser, Mr Lloyd Owonaro-youth leader and Chief Boghabofa Amaimo, Ex-officio.

For Alleged Cybercrime in Uyo

BY AYO ESAN

O

peratives of the Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday March 16, 2021, arrested one Imeh Henshaw Nyong, a music producer and four others for alleged internet fraud in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Nyong was arrested alongside Benjamin Ikpeme, Godwin Isong, Magnus Chimaobi and Victor Usun.

The suspects, whose ages range between 22 and 25 years, were arrested in an early morning raid at two locations in the state, based on credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in cybercrime.

While Nwele was arrested at 23 Calabar Itu Road by Urua Ikpa junction, Nyong and the other three were nabbed at 25 Faith Road, Off Ikot Ekpene Road, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Attack: Motorists Narrate Ordeal on Federal Highway

FROM UDEME UTIP, UYO

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would continue to maintain its dominance in the politics of the South-South geopolitical region, called on members to continually work for the common good of the party and the country at large.

A boss driver who narrated his ordeal in the hands of the hoodlums told our Correspondent that the hoodlums have taken to killing their victims after robbing them.

He said; “My passengers were robbed at gunpoint other vehicles were robbed but I thank God that nobody was injured” he said.

The road diversion, according to the people in the community people, lacks the presence of security personnel while the narrow road is also collapsing due to a sudden increase in vehicular traffic.

Residents of the area who have continued to lament the activities of the hoodlums told this newspaper that many unsuspecting commuters have fallen prey to the hoodlums who exploit the commuters’ ignorance of the terrain to rob and kidnap them.

One such victim, a palm oil dealer who recognised one of his abductors, was killed by the hoodlums after the sum of N200,000 was allegedly collected from him.

Two other abducted commuters were said to have been killed by their abductors a week ago because they could not raise the

ransom.

No less than five persons are said to have been killed within the last few weeks at the village.

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer, MacDon Odiko denied knowledge of the activities of the hoodlums on the federal highway.

According to him, nobody has reported any criminal activity in the area to the Command in the state.

He however did not mention if the command would take any action now that he had been informed about the situation.

The Federal Comptroller of Works in the state Engr Nkeruwem Ukpong after several unanswered calls to his phone finally replied to a text message, saying, “I’m just from the site, the contractor is working.”

The bad state of the Abak-Ikparakwa-Ikot Abasi highway have compound the woes of commuters between Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River states as the Calabar-Itu highway, another federal road passing through the two states is almost impassable and would get worse when the rains begin.

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FEATURES Counting The Cost of Continued Herdsmen Attacks in one- fell swoop, according to available records.

Pregnant women had their wombs striped off while children were also not spared in the act of infamy by the suspected Fulani killer squad.

Houses were razed and property valued hundreds of millions of Naira reportedly destroyed, causing a huge humanitarian crises.

The killings which attracted wide condemnation, even beyond the country, could not still get those concerned to act fast as investigations revealed that none of the leaders of the group was either arrested nor invited for questioning.

The Benue State Government, rights groups and cultural groups including the Tiv Youth Organization (TYO), the umbrella body of Tiv Youth worldwide, followed with several appeals and petitions yet, it was gathered federal authorities remained aloof in tracking down those who carried out the carnage alongside their sponsors for onward prosecution.

Conspiracy theories, it was learnt, became the norm with the Federal Government and its agencies popping up different narratives as to the group that attacked, killed and sacked Tiv villages on the 1 January 2018.

As the accusations and counter accusations continued, the suspected herders, again, attacked a Catholic Church in Gwer East Local Government area of the state, killing two priests, Rev. Fathers Joseph Gor and Philip Tyolaha, alongside several parishioners on a Sunday morning.

Though issues of killings by Fulani herders had existed around the Benue Valley for many years, the scale and nature of attacks as well as motives were completely different from what now persists. AUSTINE JOR reports from Makurdi.

V

ery often, skirmishes between pastoralist and farmers were either settled by local chiefs with a fine to be paid by the party that was found to have trampled on the other’ s busineses, being it the destruction of farms by cattles or the killing of cattles by farmers.

In Benue, the manner in which the herdsmen have advanced in carrying out attacks on villages in recent years, killing, burning and occupying settlements according to findings by THEWILL is a fallout of the Anti- Open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law that was signed into law in 2017 by Governor Samuel Ortom upon its passage by the Benue State House of Assembly.

The law, which came into effect in the latter half of the year after a grace period, was believed to be the way out of constant farmers herders’ crises which had taken a terrible toll on the Benue economy as a people who eke out their livelihoods through the practice of agriculture.

Upon assenting to the law by the governor, , several pastoralist organisations called for an immediate reversal of same and went a step further to issue out threats that should the law not repealed, Benue was on a verge of witnessing an unprecedented amount of blood shed.

Prominent among the groups was the Miyetti Allah Kauta Hore, which during a press conference in Abuja, made this security threat public.

Sadly, efforts by the Benue State Government and other concerned interest at getting Security Agencies to apprehend leaders of this groups for prosecution have landed on deaf ears as none of such groups had any of their leadership invited by any security organisation.

According to our investigations, Governor Ortom, who did not take the threats lightly, reported the matter to Vice President Yemi Osibajo, who was at the time acting President as well as THEWILLNIGERIA

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the Chief of Army Staff, the Inspector General of Police and other security bodies.

It was further gathered that even with the governor’s report, nothing meaningful was seen to have been done with a view to nipping the impending mayhem on Benue communities as threatened by the Kautal Hore group who continued to hold press conferences in Abuja in addition to issuing same on both print and the electronic media.

Such was the apprehension that pervaded Benue communities with the herders trying very hard to change the narrative, Insisting they were bonafide indigenes of the state and not settlers and the enforcers of the law, insisting that anybody willing to carry out cattle business in Benue should embrace ranching.

As the media war continued to rage, the Fulani militia group made real their threat on the 1 January 2018 in the early hours.

They invaded over six communities where they unleashed their dastardly acts on the unsuspecting villagers, killing 72 persons

Here too, no single individual was arrested and the killings continued unabated across the state with the southern part of the state also not spared. The case of Agatu readily comes to mind.

The insistence on the full implementation of the law in the state against powerful interest at Abuja, it was also gathered, forced Ortom to ditch the All Progressives Congress for the Peoples Democratic Party in the build up to the 2019 general elections as findings showed the APC has already positioned a replacement for him as punishment for his insistence on not repealing the law in the state.

The renewed attacks, shortly after Ortom’s re-election, is, therefore, viewed in certain quarters as a second phase of the planned take-over of the Benue Valley by the herders for reasons some, who spoke to THEWILL, disclosed were also political.

Only few weeks ago, Ortom was attacked by people he alleged were Fulani militia thus lending credence to the fact that the second phase of the planned carnage, if not properly checked, could even be more disastrous with its consequences better imagined.

TYO Ready to Defend Tivland - Hembaor

Comrade Timothy Hembaor is the President General of Tiv Youth Organisation ( TYO). In this no-holds barred interview with AUSTINE JOR in Makurdi, he speaks on the continued threats

by Fulani groups to overrun Benue, insisting that the TYO is now set to take a drastic action with a view to ending the menace.

W

hat’s your reaction to the comments credited to one Salleh Alhassan regarding issues surrounding continued herdsmen attacks In Benue State?

You see, I watched with consternation the suicidal arrogance with which the so-called National Secretary of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, one Engr. Saleh Alhassan, foisted self-inflicted invitation to pogrom against the Fulani herdsmen militia and their sponsors in Nigeria.

He did the unthinkable in the interview he granted a newspaper

reporter when he arrogated to himself the status of someone above the law and deliberately invited the numerous victims of Fulani militia atrocities to take him out, outside the law.

Curiously, the refusal of the security agencies to invite the militant Fulani sponsor of mass murder and scorched - earth policy for questioning has confirmed that he has to be dealt with outside the law.

What then is your next line of action?

We have taken this as our onerous responsibility which has become imperative. When Engr. Saleh Alhassan addressed a press conference on Tuesday, 30th May, 2017 threatening to invite Fulani across the world to resist the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition Law 2017, we regrettably, expected the security agencies to stop him - but they didn’t. His organisation in collaboration with other Fulani militia groups mobilised and sponsored the mass murder of hundreds of defenceless people, including old men, women and children in their sleep on New Year Day, 2018. *Continues on Page 8

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FEATURES *Continued from Page 7

...Ready to Defend Tivland - Hembaor

How would you react to the latest utterances by the group?

Well, With his recent utterances after his sponsored attack on Governor Ortom, we shall never waste any time expecting deliverance or intervention from anyone. We shall take our destiny into our hands. And we want everybody to know this. In doing that, we shall not act alone but mobilise well-known Fulani victims across Nigeria and beyond to assist us to deliver justice at the doorsteps of Engr. Alhassan and other killers of our people. We shall, with fellow victims, hunt Fulani militia and their sponsors to their very source, be it Futa-Jalon, Niger, Chad, Mali or Sudan. We call on Governor Ortom not to waste time and resources on conventional security which has since 2017 refused, failed or neglected to arrest well known Fulani militia sponsors who have openly taken responsibility for the horrendous mass murder, maiming and destruction perpetrated on defenceless people of other nationalities as well as Tiv people in Nigeria. Perhaps, there is need to debunk the barefaced lies which Engr. Alhassan, who has sold his soul to the devil, the father of lies, churned out against Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom in the suicidal interview before proceeding with our other strategies.

that the 73 caskets buried were empty, Engr.

Alhassan has completed the full circle of a sponsor of mass murder and butcher who has also danced on the grave of victims. However, any impartial investigator is welcome to get the list of the victims and some other details as contained in the burial brochure which is an everlasting document in our archives as well as a perpetual memorial against the conquest and occupation agenda which is doomed to fail in these days as it did 200 years ago.

Alhassan’s claim that Governor Ortom comes from a minority ethnic group whose position on issues cannot affect the fortunes of the Fulani is exhibition of confidence in gross ignorance. As far as ranching is concerned, Governor Ortom is with the majority. The National Economic Council, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, the Northern Governors’ Forum, as well as majority of enlightened Nigerians have openly supported ranching. Moreover, ranching has been adjudged as the best global best practice in animal husbandry.

Perhaps, tt it might be necessary to remind Engr.

Alhassan and his Fulani militants that Governor Ortom won re-election against the federal might that has provided the canopy for him to be above the law. However, let it be known that he will be tackled outside the law where he operates with impunity.

What is your take on insinuations that Governor Ortom faked the purported attack on him by suspected Fulani militia recently?

It is laughable because Governor Ortom has nothing to gain by organising a phantom attack.

He went out that day in company of security aides who included members of the state security services and the police who send routine regular reports to their various organisations. Besides, the security agencies could find out and controvert him if he raised a false alarm. None of them did that.

Rather, the Inspector General of Police received a formal report on the attempted assassination and sent a team to investigate it.

Even before the March 20, 2021 failed attempt, the Governor received security reports since 2017 after he signed the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, that Fulani militia planned to kill him. Consequently, he flew to Abuja several times after the reports indicated that he could be attacked on the way. It could also be recalled that his predecessor, Governor Gabriel Suswam, had also been attacked when he went on an inspection of one of the Fulani militia killing fields in Guma local government area of Benue State in 2013. He could not therefore, ignore such reports.

A new group known as Fulani Nationality Movement has emerged. What Is your understanding of this group?

Well, concerning the roots of the Fulani Nationality Movement, a cursory check on the Google search engine will reveal that it is the mouth piece and militant wing of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and other Fulani socio-cultural groups across the world.

Their claim of responsibility for the March 20th attack on Governor Ortom was not their debut. They had also met in Kano on 13th January, 2018, less than two weeks after the New Year mass murder, and issued a communiqué claiming responsibility for that massacre. FUNAM again issued a statement on 25th June, 2018, on the Fulani herdsmen mass killings in Plateau State claiming responsibility. It is on record that their outrageous claims that Nigeria belongs exclusively to the Fulani race across the world tallies with the position of all leaders of Fulani socio-cultural groups including those of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore.

On the trail of the mass killings and destruction of lives and property particularly in Nigeria, the World Terrorism Index in its 2015 report ranked Fulani militants as the fourth deadliest after Boko Haram, ISIS and al-Shahab. Would Engr. Saleh Alhassan also credit this ranking to Governor Samuel Ortom?

Obviously, no! Just as Governor did not invent this ranking, he does not have any need for a phantom group to pursue the just cause for which he has already been known. He and his aides who believe in answering their fathers’ names do not operate outside the law hence they have no need to hide their identities.

Some persons had argued that the number of victims of the 2018 January attack was exaggerated by the Benue State Government for political reasons. Do you subscribe to this

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Ortom

Hembaor

The attack on Governor Ortom was greeted with wide condemnation. What could have been responsible for this in your opinion?

When Governor Ortom speaks on matters of the rule of law and justice, majority of Nigerians stand with him. The outrage that greeted the attempt to eliminate him testified to this. Only outlaws including Engr. Alhassan and his cohorts can brand him a minority at their own peril. That they have protection from the Presidency at the moment is temporary, the day of reckoning will surely come.

At that time, those under whose canopy he hides to wreak havoc and illegalities will be helpless.

Let all be reminded that at their recent National Executive Committee meeting in Makurdi, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, publicly backed Governor Ortom’s call for justice for all groups in Nigeria. But for a bigot and sponsor of mass deaths who has no faith whatsoever in life hereafter, to brand him a minority, is delusion to say the least. Samuel Ortom is a re-elected Governor, a courageous patriot, as well as a distinguished politician, Christian and community with a loud and clear voice at the national and global level.

line of thought?

The painful mass burial of 73 victims of Fulani herdsmen militia genocide of New Year Day 2018, the police, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, where the butchered remains were kept, as well as other security agencies have the names and other statistics of the victims. It is a fact that more than 100 persons were killed during the attacks. However, some were too decomposed by the time their bodies were recovered such that they were buried immediately. For the 73, however, the funeral brochure of the event contained a list of all the names of the victims most of whom hail from Guma and Logo local government areas. The brochure even contains pictures of some of the listed victims. By claiming

Critics of Governor Ortom have accused him of not being able to meet up with the challenges Of governance, especially payment of salaries, among others. How would you react to this?

To say that Governor Ortom does not pay salaries and pensions as well as execute development projects is the obsession of a partisan opponent far from the conclusion of the Benue electorate. The false allegations of land grabbing also belong to the class of fabrications of those who fail again and again in tainting his leadership profile. As various Fulani leaders have stated time and again, the crises on all the fertile lands of Nigeria are a struggle for the land and all its other natural resources. It is not about Governor Samuel Ortom. The struggle predates his era. However, in the current dispensation, he remains the voice of his people who elected him as their Governor, first, and that of all other victims of injustice in Nigeria and all patriots.

Your final words to the leadership of the Kautal Hore Group My final words are that Alhassan should do himself some good to learn from the history of previous war encounters between the Fulani and Tiv people. In this time and dispensation, we have no alternative than to take the battle now to the doorsteps of the invaders and their sponsors. That is what we will do, in collaboration with the multitudes, who are all victims of Fulani butchers all over Nigeria. We are tired of being at the receiving end. We shall not stand by and watch another attack on our elected representative, Governor Samuel Ortom. We shall rather prefer a situation where Fulani leaders will be running for their lives or be the ones lodging reports with the security agencies.

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POLITICS PDP Repositions Ahead 2023

the report believing that the PDP should zone the presidency to the South East as a reward for its loyalty to the party since 1999.

In response the PDP said it had yet to adopt any position on zoning ahead of the 2023 presidential elections. It said it had not taken any decision on any of the recommendations proposed by the Sen. Bala Mohammed-led PDP Committee on the Review of the 2019 elections.

The party said it immensely appreciated the overwhelming interest by majority of Nigerians in the party.

The Saraki - led PDP’s new six-man committee on National Reconciliation has as members.

Former President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Pius Ayim; former Governors Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Ibrahim Dankwambo (Gombe), and Ibrahim Shema (Katsina); as well as former House Minority Leader, Mulikat Akande.

The committee last Month met with former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and General Ibrahim Babangida as part of its reconciliation effort.

Speaking on the visit to Obasanjo, Saraki said: “It was a very useful deliberation; we informed the former president why we are here – the purpose of the committee and that it is important, as an elder statesman,” the former Kwara governor said.

Secondus

“The president is someone who has been in our party before and someone committed to the unity, to the success of this country”, he further said.

The committee has also visited former President Goodluck Jonathan in his Abuja home.

BY AYO ESAN

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he Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, ruled the country from the inception of this democracy in 1999 till May 2015 when the then president and the PDP candidate, Mr Ebele Goodluck Jonathan, lost to the incumbent President, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress.

At the height of its ruling, PDP leaders had boasted that the party will rule the country for 100 unbroken years. So the loss in 2015 shocked them to the marrow. In 2019, the party’s attempt to take over the reign of government came to naught as its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, failed to win the election, although the result of the election generated a lot of controversy.

The party realising that to regaining control of government at the Federal level is not going to be a tea party, so immediately after the election in 2019, it started making plan for the coming election in 2023.

The first thing the party did was to set up a committee to review its performance in the 2019 presidential election and another committee to reconcile aggrieved members of the party who for one reason or the other have ditched the party. While the committee on review of 2019 election has Bauchi Governor, Bala Mohammed, as its chairman, the reconciliation committee has former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, as its Chairman.

The PDP NEC also appointed the party Deputy National Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Agbo, as secretary of the committee on review of 2019 election while two persons were drawn from each of the six geo-political zones to constitute the 14-man committee. Members of the committee include former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido and a former Minister of Special Duties, Taminu Turaki (North West); former Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara and Hassan Baduge (North East).

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Other members are former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu; Sen. Istifanus Gyang (North Central); Francis Nwaifuru and Austin Nnamani (South ast), as well as Austin Opara and Stella Omu (South East).

The committee while submitting his report in March, has recommended that the party should allow all aspirants from all parts of the country to contest for its 2023 presidential ticket.

The committee, which submitted its report to the leadership of the party said though many people think special consideration should be given to the North East and South East geo-political zones for the sake of fairness and equity; merit, rather than zonal consideration, should be adopted in the choice of the party’s presidential flag bearer. It said the two zones have had the shortest stints at the Presidency.

The committee’s recommendation, if adopted, would dash the hope of some of the members of the opposition party who had canvassed the zoning of the presidency exclusively to the south.

“In line with certain unwritten conventions of the nation’s history, many people think that for fairness and equity, the North-East and South-East geo-political zones that have had the shortest stints at the Presidency should be given special consideration in choosing the presidential flag bearer of the party for the 2023 elections,” Mohammed said.

“While we admit that this is a strong argument, we should not lose sight of the fact that Nigeria is endowed with many capable and very experienced leaders in every part of the country”, the committee said in its report.

The report on zoning by the committee even before it was discussed by the party’s NEC , received widespread condemnations most especially from the South East where the Pan- Igbo Group, Ohanaeze among others condemned

Speaking on the visit, Saraki said it was successful, saying that Jonathan pledged his commitment and support for the advancement of PDP. He said that the committee members were at Jonathan’s residence to brief him of their mandate, plans as well as to seek his advice on how to go about it to strengthen the party, by reconciling aggrieved members.

“He gave us his views and we are very happy. He reassured all of us of his commitment to the PDP and he told us that he is still ready to offer his time, experience and resources to strengthen the party.

“That is very strong and important for us. Of course, you know there are funny issues going on but we are leaving this place very happy.

“He is also ready to work with the reconciliation committee to play his own part. That is a great step for the party,” Saraki said.

He advised those disturbing Jonathan to defect to forget the thought, saying the former president remained a PDP man.

Saraki said Jonathan’s pledge to work for the cause of the PDP was commendable.

“We spoke about what role former Presidents like him will play and he left us feeling very happy that yes, he will like to play that role in the PDP and help our committee to move forward,” he said.

The PDP’s reconciliation effort seems to have started yielding fruit as penultimate week, former presidential aspirant of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Professor Jerry Gana dumped the party and returned to the Peoples Democratic Party where he was a foundation member.

Gana lost the presidential ticket of the SDP to former Cross River State Governor Mr Donald Duke in 2018 and since *Continue on Page 11

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POLITICS Matawalle: ‘Using Market Fire Incident to Advance Political Interest’

BY AMOS ESELE s the politics of the 2023 general election hots up politicians in the country are using every chance and means to advance their interests.

A

Accusing the south of becoming increasingly unfriendly, he said that, “northerners’ lives, dignity and possessions are being threatened even as we try as northern leaders to always calm the situation and to protect the interest, businesses and dignity of all southerners in the north.”

More so for Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara state whom THEWILL learnt has been uncomfortable since warring leaders of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in his state settled their differences and closed ranks to reposition their party and possibly reclaim the power they lost through a Supreme Court ruling in 2019.

Matawalle, the People’s Democratic Party candidate, who came second in the 2019 governorship poll was handed the governorship on a platter, when the Supreme Court upheld the ruling of the appellate court in favour of APC faction led by Senator Kabiru Marafa.

“We will not tolerate any form of intimidation any longer.”

Even a civil protest in London by Nigerians against President Muhammadu Buhari’s medical tourism, was interpreted by the governor as a Southern sponsored agenda.

The Senator, rejecting appeals from party leaders, had relentlessly pursued his case that the party failed to conduct a post-election primary according to its constitution and thereby merely allotted victory to candidates of the rival faction led by Governor Abdulkadir Yari. Apart from Matawalle, the federal and state lawmakers were equally affected, thus boosting the PDP’s image and power in a state that was structurally APC’s.

“:…I am sure they wouldn’t have done that to Buhari if he is from the South as we have seen severally on matters of their interest and agenda…”

Confirming the current political reality in the state, Sanusi Maradun, a former commissioner for Social Welfare in Zamfara state, who defected from the ruling PDP in the state to the opposition APC a fortnight ago, said; “I am in politics because of development of my people. l decided to join APC based on the party’s successes in retaining grassroots politics in the state.”

Worse for his political return match in 2023 is the trending news that the warring APC leaders in the state have cemented their reunion with a symbolic outing during the beginning of Ramadan, the Muslim Holy Month.

On April 11, 2021, Yari and Marafa, who had since agreed to the intervention of the Governor Mai Buni led APC Caretaker Committee, showed up at the secretariat of the All Progressives Congress in Gusau on Sunday, April 11, during the distribution of N1.3bn assorted grains he purchased for the APC supporters as Ramadan gift.

The ex-governor, who was represented by his former arch rival, Senator Marafa, used the occasion to hit Matawalle.

He reminded his successor that his rumoured attempt to defect to the APC was stalemated by the Supreme Court ruling.

“As such, until after that period, any PDP elected officer who defects to another party must also vacate his seat going by the court’s judgment,” he said.

Yari asked Matawalle not to listen to those who wooing him to join the APC, “forgetting the circumstances that have made him to become the governor of the state.”

The APC could only wax stronger and consolidate while Matawalle is forced to make all kinds of compromises and forge alliances with strange bedfellows.

Matawalle

Investigation reveals that political calculations in the state may not favour a second term for Matawalle. Faced with a brutal banditry ravaging the state, partly inherited from his predecessor and partly fueled by politics as he disclosed after the serial kidnapping of school children in the state though he failed to carry out his threat to name those behind it, Governor Matawalle has been unable to assert his party’s dominance in the state.

donated the sum of N50 million to assist in rebuilding the market.

The forum was led by its chairman, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State with his Jigawa counterpart, Mohammadu Badru Abubakar and acting National Chairman of the party and governor of Yobe state, Mai Mala Buni.

Though he expressed doubts whether the donation was not a ploy by the APC Governors to lure him into their fold, Matawalle used the occasion to run his party down.

He said; “Still I commend the APC because I am not an APC member but they paid a solidarity visit to me and my state with N50 million”.

“As I am talking to you, no PDP state has visited Zamfara since the inferno occurred in Tudun Wada market last week.”

Taking the hint, the rival PDP Governor’s Forum wasted no time in sending a delegation led by Governor Aminu Tambuwal to visit Gusau where they made a donation of N100m towards the rebuilding of the burnt market.

If he is not accusing his party leaders for not sympathizing with him as he did during the recent abduction of 234 school girls from Jegenbe and a fire outbreak in a market in the state, he is up stoking sectarian differences. Or playing the major parties against one another.

Tambuwal, how ever saw through Matawalle’s gimmick the statement was spot on. While making the donation alongside his Adamawa counterpart, Umar Fintiri, Rivers State’s Nyesom Wike, Oyo’s Seyi Makinde and Darius Ishaku of Taraba, he said, “politicians must not use the fire incident to advance political interests.”

The March 20, 2021 fire which gutted Tudun Wada market and 60 shops were destroyed provided the occasion for him to play the PDP against APC. The All Progressive Congress (APC) Governors Forum which beat the rival PDP to visit him at Government House , Gusau on March

Undone, Matawalle in a statement on Thursday, April 8 on the state of the nation, drove a wedge between the South and North in his attempt to condemn the attacks on northerners in parts of the south, stating that the south should not think it has a monopoly of violence.

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war.

Excerpt for the dissenting voice of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum which endorsed his statement, all the influential social and political organisations in the country saw through his aim and condemned him in harsh terms. The Arewa Consultative Forum, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, said the governor call to selfhelp would further worsen the insecurity in the country and push the country to the

For the Arewa Consultative Forum’s Spokesman, Emmanuel Yawe, “ACF does not recommend or support self-help. . That is the easiest way to destroy this country if everyone takes the law into his hands and decides to revenge. We are completely against that.

The Northern Elders Forum (NEF), spoke in the same vein: … “The North urges Northern communities to continue to exercise restraint and continue to be good hosts to Southerners living in the North.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo National Spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, hit the proverbial nail in the head in his statement.

He said: “It is unreasonable for the governor to be accusing the south of attacking northerners. He is not talking like a leader.”

The National Publicity Secretary of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Ken Robinson, stated that Matawalle was acting irresponsibly.

He said among others; “As a governor who is the chief security officer of the state, he should be ashamed of himself, to say the least, and I say this with all sense of responsibility.”

When THEWILL contacted the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbodinyan for comments, he asked to be called at an appointed time but refused to answer further calls or reply WhatsApp messages sent to his phone.

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POLITICS their own affairs.

Lalong

Thenceforth, the four local councils have been a big pot of honey around which party patronage and reward for loyalty have been spinning. In a questionable and even dubious regime of appointing, dissolving, and appointing another set of caretaker management committee members, the state government has been exploiting the branded councils by using them as reward conduit for party faithful and contractors.

All efforts by citizens of the affected council areas and political commentators have not pricked the adamant Lalong Government to ‘let the people go’. With six months to the expiration of the elected councils, the four local government councils have lost more than three years and a huge fortune in terms of democratic rule and dividends of democracy. The real situation that is evincing is that while Lalong’s fears remain, and the claim of insecurity becomes bare, over flogged, or old fashioned in the circumstances, the sentiments and aggregation of emotions by the people of the affected areas continue seething and fomenting, as it is clear that continuing to impose caretaker committee on the councils is undoing the All Progressives Congress as the time ticks in the build up to 2023.

Four Plateau LGAs and Lalong’s Illegal Caretaker Rule A highlight of the governmental intrigues that occurred within the officialdom in Plateau State last week was the announcement of the extension of the tenure of four local government councils’ caretaker committees by two months with effect from April 12; just as the development also saw one of the caretaker committee chairmen being sacked in the same swoop ostensibly for being a bull in the China shop or veritably not conforming to ‘house rules’. UKANDI UDEY reports from Jos.

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he affected local government councils are Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, and Jos South whose ‘erring’ chairman was sacked while the management committee had its tenure extended.

It was after several deferments before the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission, PLASIEC could hold the councils’ polls on October 10, 2018, The Lalong’s government bandied several reasons, ranging from logistics outlay to PLASIEC’s preparedness as reasons why the Government pleaded that tempests were rampant in the state’s politics sphere, and to that extent, the security situation and reports were not permissive, with the security chiefs in the state sounding to the effect that going ahead with the elections was foolhardy.

Within the same period however, a ‘minority’ security report on the state of affairs in the state reportedly indicated to the state government and its bearer, the All Progressives Congress, APC, that conducting the LG polls at that time will see the APC suffering a comprehensive statewide defeat; noting that the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP was menacing and kicking at the grassroots across the state with a huge potential to win the polls.

Between April and October 2018, it was believed that the ‘security situation’ had improved passably, at least in 13 of the 17 local government areas, so the PLASIEC could go ahead with conduct of the elections on October 10, 2018. In the preelection press briefing, PLASIEC Chairman, Fabian Ntung Ari, announced that elections would go ahead in 13 council areas except four – Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Riyomwhere security reports restrained the exercise because some THEWILLNIGERIA

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sectarian landmines were heating and booting for explosion into electoral violence in those areas.

The empirical veracity of this report was disputed by many, including the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, especially because Bassa Local Government Area, where bestial killings and savage nocturnal attacks on homes and families were subsisting and recurring, was included in the list of council areas where polls would hold. And, on elections day, the exercise was held in Bassa and results successfully declared in spite of the strife in its recesses and scope.

With the election conducted, ballot collated, results declared, and inauguration conducted in byzantine traditions in the dead of night all within 24 hours, the other four local government councils had no option than to capitulate to over-lordship, and be lapsed into comatose from democracy and determination of

A lot of political book makers in the state are of the opinion that Lalong has done himself and his party, the APC in politically.

Like the farmer who planted his maize inside the house because of fear of monkeys in the farm, Lalong ate up the APC’s 2023 fortunes especially in the gubernatorial and senatorial elections by waging a war against the same population that is the swing and decider of who wins the gubernatorial and Plateau North Senate elections. The four councils being kept under democracy’s lock and key by Lalong are all in Plateau North district, and is dominated up to ninety percent by the Berom ethnic group.

In the 2015 gubernatorial elections, Simon Lalong on the APC platform, contended with the colourful and vibrant late Senator GNS Pwajok, a Berom, who was PDP’s flagbearer.

Even having been declared winner of the elections, Lalong has not lost grip of the dynamics and dimensions that shaped the contest and characterized the patterns. Curiously, Lalong did not win in the Berom local government areas, apart from Jos North that is flavoured with stranger, non-indigenous elements.

It is also contended in some circles that the real security available to Lalong and his APC indicates that the Berom people, who have also been decrying ethnic profiling in the Lalong government, are being ‘unrepentant’ and recalcitrant, rebellious, and will ensure the APC loses if council elections are conducted in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, and Riyom and Jos North. Only recently, the APC re-registration exercise held in all local government areas, including the suppressed four, to put a lie to the plea and theory of insecurity ravaging the areas and rendering conduct of elections there impossible. As the tenure of the elected councils expire in October, it is not likely that the Lalong administration is contemplating another round of local polls to bring in new elected councils. For one, he would have good reason to maintain and sustain the status quo in the branded four. Two, the process and exercise will generate ‘extraneous’ variables that might ease the APC out of the state in 2023. However the cookie crumbles, the chestnut is already at fire.

...Repositioning Effort Ahead 2023

*Continued from Page 9

then had been inactive in local and national politics.

Gana rejoined the PDP at his Busu ward in the Lavun Local Government Area of Niger state.

Speaking with THEWILL, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan said aside the effort of the reconciliation committee, the successful conduct of the zonal congresses of the party is an indication that the party is getting set for the 2023 general election.

“The successful conduct of our zonal congresses despite the doomsday prediction of naysayers, further confirms that the party is united and poised for the task ahead.

“The spirit of sportsmanship and unprecedented zeal displayed by critical stakeholders and members of the party in the exercise is an unmistaken pointer that the PDP is indeed poised to take back its political dominance.

Moreover, the peace and understanding that pervaded the exercise have also shown that the PDP is a party of

patriotic Nigerians, who put the collective interest of our nation over all parochial consideration, in the allimportant task to rescue her from the misrule of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ologbondiyan further informed THEWILL. Also speaking with THEWILL on the reposition effort of PDP ahead 2023, former Minister of Transport and Board of Trustee member of the party, Chief Ebenezer Babatope said the party’s effort at repositioning itself ahead of the presidential election and other elections in 2023 is on course saying the party will bounce back come 2023 .

He said “We are very, very ready. We made mistakes in the past, we have realised those mistakes and we won’t make such mistakes again because we badly paid for it.

We were paid back for it, we went powers back in the country. We want the PDP to be at the head of that struggle to liberate Nigerians and we are prepared for it and if by the Grace of God we are giving back the opportunity this time around, we won’t make mistakes”

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW

Nigeria’s Fragmented Nature Makes Zoning a Necessity - Adeogun

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s a security expert-turned politician and Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on National Security, what do you think is responsible for the spate of insecurity that pervades the nation?

I will attribute the immediate cause of worrying insecurity in our country to economic deprivation and poverty. A lot of our citizens are jobless, hungry and angry, hence they have resorted to crime as a means of economic sustenance. Added to that is the poor capacity of the law enforcement agencies to protect the citizens and forestall crime. It is a fact that when people find it easy to commit crime without repercussions, the tendency is for others to see crime as a viable option. Lastly, as a nation, our leaders have not been acting or speaking in ways that discourage criminal tendencies. So where wealth is celebrated without questioning its source, and where leaders flaunt ill-gotten wealth, citizens are bound to adopt a get-rich-quick mentality.

What do you think are the probable panacea to these security challenges?

We must address the issue of good governance. Poor governance is the foundation of our situation; and we need to reverse the trend, such that government is able to provide for the welfare and security of the citizens. We also need to build the capacity of the law enforcement agencies to maintain law and PAGE 12

Adeogun

Hon. Ade Adeogun is the member of the House of Representatives representing Akoko South East/ West Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC. The security expert is the Vice Chairman of the House Committee on National Security.

In this interview with AYO ESAN, he speaks on way out of present insecurity in the country, the controversy trailing Constituency projects, creation of state police, zoning policy, among other issues of national importance. Excerpts:

order. Crime will reduce once the law enforcement agencies show capacity to ensure that no crime goes unpunished and are able to safeguard lives and properties of even the lowliest among us.

The constituency projects by lawmakers has been a subject of controversy; for instance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo believes it gives room for fraud. How will you react to this allegation?

We need to understand the genesis of constituency projects, to be able to put things in proper perspective.

In more advanced democracies, where government provided infrastructure and is responsive to the needs of the average citizen, constituency projects are non-existent. In Nigeria, it was introduced to bridge the gap in places where the executive failed to meet the needs of the citizens, especially given that most citizens expect the legislature to provide needed infrastructure, not minding that it is not part

of the job definition of the legislature. The seeming controversy has been generated over the years, because of a misunderstanding of the purpose of the constituency project, a mere intervention to ensure that government reaches every constituency with something, no matter how little. Sometimes, where there is conflict between the executive and the legislature, the executive uses the issue of constituency project to blackmail the legislature, by deliberately portraying constituency projects as cash grants, rather than project nominations that have to be controlled through a procurement process managed by the executive. If there is any fraud in the handling of constituency projects it can only be done with the collaboration and active connivance of the agents of the execution ministries and parastatals. It’s like someone giving you opportunity to plant tubers of yam, which must be planted on his farmland. Once it’s on his farmland he will advise when to apply manure, when to weed, when it’s ready for harvest, THEWILLNIGERIA

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW with kid’s gloves

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Nigerians seem to rate the incumbent All Progressives Congress, APC, administration at the centre a failure, as it has failed to deliver on its Three - Point Agenda of Security, AntiCorruption and the Economy. How would you rate the incumbent administration based on these tripods?

I think your question is generic. I am a Nigerian and like majority of Nigerians, I have not rated the APC government as you described.

Adeogun

Zoning was an unwritten agreement between members of the political class to ensure political stability. I think it was introduced to protect the minority groups and give all sections of the country a sense of equity. I think it is a necessity, given how fragmented our nation is

which barn the harvest is to be stored and when it can be distributed to consumers. Will it be possible to steal such tubers of yam from his farmland without his knowledge? Beyond the power to suggest projects and locations, lawmakers are almost powerless when it comes to the issue of constituency projects.

fears of domination by some groups and giving all component parts assurances that they will have a chance at the saddle. Zoning in 2023 will depend on the internal arrangement of the respective political parties. In APC, the arrangement is a North/South exchange and I hope that arrangement is respected.

How will you rate the 9th National Assembly, as most critics have described it as a rubber stamp Aasembly?

The 9th Assembly has been superb in terms of rising up to the circumstances of its era. Coming after the chaos of the 8th Assembly, the 9th Assembly has restored order to governance. Unlike in some of the past Assemblies, where interactions between the different arms of government was belligerent, the 9th Assembly has brought in some measure of maturity to place the interest of Nigeria above the egos of the players in the executive and legislative arms of government. The few who describe the 9th Assembly as rubber stamp are those who do not understand how the legislature functions. Perhaps, they are still fixated with the endless conflicts that were the hallmark of the 8th Assembly. Nigerians must understand that the legislature is not an alternative government or an opposition to the executive, but an institution saddled with the responsibility of looking over the shoulders of the executive to ensure that government functions in accordance with democratic norms. The responsibility of the legislature cannot be achieved in a belligerent manner, but through checks and balances.

There has been renewed calls for creation of state police, what is your take on this?

It’s difficult to have state police in the absence of a well-defined federalism. It would take tremendous national consensus to amend the 1999 constitution, to provide for state police. I doubt if we are any close to such consensus. First things first!! If we adopt federalism with all its appurtenances, then state police will be a given. For now, it is far-fetched.

Do you believe in the policy of zoning. If yes, where do you think the position of president should be zoned to in 2023?

Zoning was an unwritten agreement between members of the political class to ensure political stability. I think it was introduced to protect the minority groups and give all sections of the country a sense of equity. I think it is a necessity, given how fragmented our nation is. It is a way of addressing THEWILLNIGERIA

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Are you not disturbed about recent events in Imo State? What in your view, is happening with the attacks on the Police and Correctional Centre in Imo State?

The situation in Imo State is the most challenging national security threat being faced by the nation as at today. Unlike the situation in the North West, which is basically criminal activities by fragmented groups of bandits and the North East, where the military is combatting the remnants of Boko Haram, what is brewing in Imo State and by extension, the South East, is the manifestation of the earliest stage of insurgency. The goal of this group is to take control of a section of the entity called Nigeria, either as part of separatist agitations, or to force a regime change. The underlying factor is that some agitators are capitalizing on pre-existing grievances against the government to plan an insurgency. So we must all be disturbed by recent events in Imo State, which I see as part of efforts to obtain weapons in pursuit of a nascent insurgency and to portray the government of Nigeria as incapable of securing the people of the region. I just hope that those saddled with the responsibility of securing this nation see what is happening within the proper context and not treat it

The President recently travelled for medical treatment abroad without transmitting power to the Vice President. What do you think are the implications of this lapse?

What is the constitutional provision for presidential travels? Is he able to perform his presidential duties during the period of travel? Section 145 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) addressed such situation, hence there ought to be no room for worry, if Nigerians understand the constitutional provision.

If for any reason power is not properly transmitted within 21 days by a President or Governor, who is unable to perform his duties the constitution provides for a peaceful transfer of power through a simple resolution of the National Assembly. The key provisions are ‘inability to perform’ and ‘within 21 days’. The President only made a foreign trip. To the best of my knowledge, he is still able to perform his functions. So why the needless anxiety?

The legislators though are not executive but Nigerian electorate still expect that they should carry out some efforts at supporting them despite their oversight and law making functions. How have you fared in this area.

During my pre-electioneering campaign, I crisscrossed communities in the constituency, interacted with the constituents and was able to identify the core challenges they face. From every analysis, we came to the conclusion that the core challenges bothered on unemployment, low human capacity development, non-existent micro economy and poor infrastructure. Consequently, I assured them that if I was elected, I would give them a strong voice in Abuja and ensure that steps are taken to address the challenges that seems to impair the quality of life they live. So far, we have attempted to address some of these issues.

The need to build the human capacity of the constituency is the first and major push for our investment in education in our constituency. We needed to intervene to provide a second chance for our young girls, especially, whose education were truncated by early marriages and teenage pregnancies. We also intervened to provide opportunities for indigent education loving youths to have access to tertiary education. We have fared well in attracting Federal Government interventions in the areas ranging from road infrastructure to welfare interventions, to address the pressing needs of our people As a legislator, I have given the constituency a voice at the national scene, unlike in the past when their representatives were back benchers. As we speak, I have four bills that have gone through the early stages of passage, to address issues such as business skills and incubation centres, firearms reforms, fire service reforms and other areas capable of creating new jobs, whilst strengthening the capacity of law enforcement agencies to provide security for the citizens.

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EDITORIAL JAMB: UTME Candidates and Agony of NIN Procurement T he Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board (JAMB) has insisted on the use of National Identity Number (NIN) for the registration of the 2021 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The policy was introduced last year (2020) but had to be suspended when JAMB realised it could not be achieved. This followed the confusion and chaos the terribly short notice created at the NIN registration centres across the country.

Before now, JAMB had assured it would interface with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, National Communication Commission, and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to ensure a smooth administration of the process. But the exercise suffered some “technical hitches” which affected the scheduled take-off date – April 8, for the 2021 registration. Expectedly, the incident has reinforced the fears about NIN as a project whose inefficiency is not in short supply. But JAMB is not relenting.

Since 2016 JAMB, under the leadership of Professor Oloyede, has been the cynosure of excellence among Nigeria’s government parastatals. The frontal attack on examination malpractice, bazaar of indiscipline and systemic corruption, has helped in restoring confidence in the integrity of JAMB’s examinations. It can therefore be understood that the push for NIN as a requirement for UTME registration aims to sustain what stakeholders now refer to as ‘Oloyede revolution’ in the 43-year-old establishment.

According to the Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, JAMB insists on NIN for the UTME registration for security reasons and to checkmate examination irregularities. We understand this explanation and appreciate the move. We also commend the leadership of JAMB for its efforts to sanitize our educational system which has become the nadir in the nation’s human capital development.

But we consider the timing most inauspicious. We are also worried that JAMB does not seem to appreciate the inconveniences of COVID-19 which has overshadowed most things in importance and the attendant disruption to the academic calendar. Above all, the obvious unpreparedness of government in the entire NIN registration exercise has exposed Nigeria’s debilitating inefficiency to the international community. This cannot be glossed over.

At a recent media briefing in Abuja, Prof Oloyede was quoted as saying, “Not all the candidates are without SIM; 80 percent of the candidates already have their number, we are talking of the 20 percent and if we are fortunate enough to secure the waiver of the minister through the NCC, we will go ahead to make sure there is full compliance to the conditionality because it is in our interest as a nation that those things that are put in place should be allowed to protect all of us.”

We therefore consider it counter-productive to foist on the distraught UTME candidates the trauma of obtaining NIN in a process that showcases chaos and confusion as a national identity. Moreover, these are students who, like their counterparts across the globe, are struggling to wriggle out of the disabling COVID-19 effects.

This statement does not offer the desired encouragement.

In a culture of inefficiency and corruption, we have strong reasons to entertain fears that some candidates are not unlikely to experience SIM hitches that would not be promptly resolved. Even with the much-touted securitytight SIM registration, unscrupulous elements have penetrated the system.

The candidates are in a hurry to make up for the lost months that witnessed calamities of the pandemic. They are equally traumatized by the agony of arriving at NIN registration centres in the wee hours of a day for an exercise that would eventually take several days to complete.

We therefore advocate that the candidates be allowed to settle down, read their books, undertake extramural classes and attend intensive classes in their schools or coaching centres. This is to ensure adequate preparations for the highly competitive UTME exercise that is becoming almost malpractice-free.

Additionally, there are reports of extortion by officials of NIN registration centres who charge between N3,000 and N5,000 for the exercise. The candidates also lament over poor connectivity and other network hitches that create prolonged downtime. The situation is worse in the countryside with overcrowded facilities that show no concern about the breach of COVID-19 protocols.

We also urge JAMB to suspend the NIN requirement for the next two years.

JAMB has said that candidates should use SIM that has not been used for previous UTME registration. This suggests that most candidates would be required to obtain new SIM. But SIM registration has been suspended nationwide and this creates additional uncertainty for the exercise.

During this time, NIN registration should be adequately decentralized. Registration centres should be located in schools or within their neighbourhoods for students to obtain their NIN and have it linked to their SIM. By then, the system would have become more efficient and the existing poor infrastructure and inadequate hands addressed.

JAMB should concentrate in consolidating the gains of the ‘Oloyede revolution’ before jumping to NIN as an additional requirement for UTME registration. That way, both JAMB and the candidates will experience peace.

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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief - Austyn Ogannah Editor - Olaolu Olusina Deputy Editor - Amos Esele Politics Editor - Ayo Esan Business Editor - Sam Diala News Editor (Online) - Felix Oboagwina Cartoon Editor - Victor Asowata Entertainment/Society Editor - Ivory Ukonu Photo Editor - Peace Udugba Head, Graphics - Tosin Yusuph Circulation Manager - Victor Nwokoh

Nigeria Bureau: 36AA Remi Fani-Kayode Street, GRA, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria. info@thewillnigeria.com / @THEWILLNG +234 810 345 2286, +234 913 333 3888. EDITOR: Olaolu Olusina @OLUSINA (Letters/Opinions: opinion.letters@thewillnigeria.com) PAGE 14

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OPINION Yinka Odumakin: The Storm is Over!

BY ABIODUN KOMOLAFE

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biodun, stop crying; the storm is over!’ Those were the exact words of Peter Oluyinka Odumakin to me at Saint James’ Anglican Church, Aramoko-Ekiti in Ekiti State, on November 5, 2009. It was on the occasion of my wedding to thethen Miss Oluwafunmilola Awosusi.

For obvious reasons, it was to be a day of joy for me; and, truly, it was! But, midway into the programme thoughts, particularly, of the physical thistles and the psychological inflexibility of a journey, which had, at one time or the other, tended to dilute my faith, overwhelmed me; and I became drenched in my own tears. The man fondly called Yinka Odumakin understood the mood of that moment, seized it, walked up to me, patted me on the shoulder, and whispered into my ears: ‘Abiodun, stop crying; the storm is over.’ That was vintage Odumakin!

I remember receiving a telephone call one fateful afternoon in 2008. The other party was Odumakin who … offered to pay me a visit. Of course, I rejected the offer - of a big man paying a courtesy visit to a ‘small man.’ It ought to be the other way round. So, I chose the latter option. The rest, as they always say, is history! As the pioneer Administrative Secretary of Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), yours sincerely worked closely – and, tirelessly, too - with leaders like Olawale Oshun, Ayo Afolabi, Kayode Fayemi, Jimi Agbaje, Bisi Adegbuyi, Lai Oyeduntan, Babafemi Ojudu, Olutola Mobolurin, Pastor Akin Adeoye, the late Dipo Famakinwa and Odumakin to nurture ARG into a global brand.

Our ideological differences thereafter notwithstanding, Odumakin and I remained brothers till he breathed his last on Friday, April 2, 2021. For instance, the week preceding his death, I had, in what has overtime become the practice between us, sent SMS messages to him, and his wife. But, while I was doing that, little did I know that death was already nearing him by the eyelids!

A popular Yoruba proverb goes thus: ‘odo to ba gbagbe orisun re yio gbe’ (a river that forgets its origin will dry up). In so numerous ways, Odumakin touched lives while he lived on Planet Earth. Mine was no exception. For example, though God used Archbishop Olukayode Akinyemi and

Bishop Matthew Kukah to discover my talent, the Strength of Israel used Odumakin as the rung of the ladder to whatever height I have attained in life. I also know, for a fact, that he assisted many others to realize their dreams.

Ask what I knew about Yinka Odumakin and I will say that this departed soul was a man of very sound character who dared to dream; he dared to be different. He was as gentle as a lamb but equally as wise as a serpent. Odumakin was one calm dove who never suffered fools gladly. Jimi Agbaje, aka JK, once told me that the late wordsmith was one individual who’s fond of deploying all the weapons in his arsenal into fighting whoever he believed has crossed his path. Well, what Agbaje failed to add was that, if this Moro, Osun State-born humanist also promised to lend somebody a helping hand, he would neither sleep nor slumber until a source of lift-up was found.

Odumakin was a man of conviction who took no prisoners. Once he believed in a cause, he would fight to the last. You might not like what he’s saying but, once he stood on it, that would remain his bible. But, again, the trouble with such Odumakins is that, if they are wrong, they will be fatally wrong; and, if they are right, they will be like essential saints. So, the challenge lies with those who deal with them: you have to win them over at the level of ideas.

Yes, Odumakin may no longer be with us, but we can learn one or two things from his life and times. In every society, we need people like this gentle giant because, in a society where thugs and bandits are running riot, needless to repeat that ideas, logic, philosophies and deep thinking have taken flight. So, where is the hope for corrections, renewal, or rebirth? The truth of the matter is that Odumakin occupied some space in our societal structure. He did not just show up like one nincompoop on the street. He toiled for it; and he made his voice heard. Whether the people like it or not, some of his moves shattered certain myths and instilled fears in the minds of the so-called high and mighty in the society.

Matter-of-factly speaking, the society where the Odumakins of this world can thrive will be one where people reason! In a society where rabble rousers now dictate the tune of things, Nigerians are bound to miss the contributions of Brother ‘Yinka, who would rather approach any issue in discourse from a compellingly rich angle. Whether it is a philosophical principle,

or an economic theory he believed in, or a socio-cultural matter, to which he devoted his life, something was always the anchor of his convictions. Of course, this tells us something about the workings of his inner mind. If only we can have a hundred of Odumakins in our midst, who knows, things might be better. But, if everybody would just ‘sidon look’, who, then, would challenge the rogues who have strayed into positions of authority in the country?

As for Sister Joe, Odumakin’s widow, she must take heart and remain strong, so that Abraham, the son left behind by her spouse may appreciate what the struggle his father lived and died for is all about. Death is the terminal end of all mortals; but, herein lies the essence of truth: even, if Odumakin had lived for 100 years, he would surely die, one day! No! This isn’t the time for Comrade Joe to cower to the dictates of sorrow or blankness. It is not so much about what the political class; even, any culture-influenced tribute expert is prepared to give her in terms of sympathy or solidarity. It is much more about the legacy of her late husband; and her ability to look inwards to the inner convictions that threw her up as an activist in the first place.

In the immortal words of Marion Howard, life “is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel. You yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulders. But cheerful folks manage to draw their knees and have a comfortable night.” If death is a necessary end, then, Odumakin has fought a good fight and he has hung his sword. So, the storm is over! Whoever thinks he has not used it justifiably can pick it up and continue from where he stopped.

Yes, the storm may be over for Odumakin. So, I say to him: ‘rest on, brother; and, goodnight!’ To the remaining genuine activists however, it’s ‘good morning.’

Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta!

May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, rest the soul of our departed brother and comfort the family he left behind!

•KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 07087941459 – SMS only)

Fighting Insecurity: When to Support The Police leave a sour taste in the mouth.

BY IFEANYI OKALI

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he police as the foremost law enforcement agency oftentimes come under fierce attack and destructive criticisms as a result of unprofessional conduct of few persons who have continued to portray the force in a bad light. Most often also, when they deliver incredible milestone in an effort to make the rest of us and our entire family sleep with our eyes close, it faintly make headlines in the newspapers. Irrespective of the angle from where we may view them, the police are the number one law enforcement body and the first point of protection for the civil populace.

Even with the constant felling of their colleagues, these gallant officers and men ensure they do not rest on their oars in protecting our lives and investments. While this intervention is not aimed at deodorizing the police of their shortcomings, it is important to state that appreciation for excellent work is a virtue and indeed a morale booster. The peace we enjoy in the state today is largely on the account of the vigilance, commitment and sacrifices of men of the Nigerian police and other security agencies who stake their lives for the country.

Have you thought of a situation where you are being randomly harassed, molested and trampled upon, yet no organ or instrumentality of the state to lay your complains to?

Kidnapping and arm robbery that was in the past a recurrent decimal across the state has largely reduced. The Isuikwuato Akara road that was a den of criminality has now become a safe haven, creating the leeway for our people to move about their legitimate businesses without fear of harassment and intimidation. The constant attacks on POS operators around Aba and Umuahia is rapidly on the decline.

We cannot forget in a hurry how Miss Ezinne Iroh, a 23-yearold POS operator in Aba was callously killed in cold blood by a deadly gang after robbing her. She was just one of the many who were dispatched to early grave by these blood-thirsty men of the underworld. Cheeringly, the police have launched an aggressive manhunt against them and indeed dealing them series of bloody nose. This is commendable and worthy of our support. A number of them have been arrested and cooling off at the moment, waiting for their day in court.

Have you imagined how often we will be at the mercy of those wielding iron fist and physical power in the absence of the police?

Interestingly, the force is made up of our brothers, sisters, friends, fathers and uncles. They are no strangers but part and parcel of the society. They are humans and as such feel the same way we feel.

They receive and feel all social problems bedeviling us in one way or the other. They go to the same market with us, send their children to the same school with our children, use the same road with us and live in the same neighbourhood with us. In all these, they put their lives at risk to ensure the corporate security and protection of the weak and strong, the rich and poor and indeed all manner of people.

There is hardly a day a policeman does not get killed in the course of performing his tasking duty of protecting us. In Abia my state, for instance, the recent vicious series of attacks launched against officers and men of the force really got the governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu worried when he declared and demonstrated total support to ensure that the criminal elements behind the unjustified killing of policemen and stealing of their rifles are apprehended and brought to book. He did not stop there. He went ahead to place a bounty on the killers to aid their easy arrest. From Aba to Omobo, Isuikwuato to Ohafia, Ukwa and indeed virtually all parts of the state, the stories THEWILLNIGERIA

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Undoubtedly, the 2020 #EndSARS protest was an eloquent testimony that the police need to do more in the area of checkmating extra-judicial killing, flagrant human right abuse, extraction of ‘confessional statement’ through force and torture as well as bribery.

This was not only necessary but its speaks volumes to the enormous power citizens wield in making their voices count in matters that challenge them and wave unanswered questions in their face on daily basis. Of course, this was followed by prompt action from the police top hierarchy that announced the immediate dissolution of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) accused of largely perpetrating most of the human rights abuse against citizens.

An effective policing system requires the active support of all citizens through prompt provision of intelligence report. Without the support and collaboration of the community, the police cannot perform magic to serve the populace better. The fear over time has always hinged on the protection of the identity of those who volunteer information to the police. The new, reformed police under the leadership of IGP Usman Alkali Baba have never hidden their willingness to give all citizens who assist with information with maximum identity protection. This they have demonstrated and continue to uphold.

While we were all at home at the peak of COVID-19, these security agencies were out there protecting us. A little act of kindness, like the provision of non-pharmaceutical interventions such as face mask, hand sanitisers and whatever we have to encourage them is all they need to let them know how much we cherish and appreciate their good work. As stated earlier, it is true that few bad eggs may have soiled the image of the force with adversarial behaviour. However, it will be an unfair judgment to slam all policemen with the paintbrush of bad eggs.

Our state Abia is really becoming extremely unconducive for criminal elements to perform their evil enterprise. The tempo can be sustained if all citizens offer maximum support by knowing who their neighbours are and what they do. Well-to-do individuals as well as corporate bodies can assist by donating patrol vehicles so that security can be enhanced in our society. Alhaji Aliko Dangote and others have set the pace in this regard.

Office equipment such as tables, computers, pens and rulers can be a very significant support in helping the police serve us better.

Lastly, security is the duty of everyone and we must not lose our guard by leaving it at the doorstep of the Police, Army, Civil Defence, Immigration, Customs etc alone. A peaceful, secured and safe society can only be made possible when the people own their security.

•Ifeanyi Okali writes from Ohafia, Abia state.

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BDCs Strive for Market Dominance

Emirates Skywards Launches Exclusive Double-Tier Miles Offer

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Businesses Brace For Tougher Times PAGE 33

FG Moves to Rejig Aviation Security

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•Alerts Managers in Lagos, Abuja, Maiduguri

BY ANTHONY OKECHUKWU

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he Ministry of Aviation is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that about 29 airports in the country are secured from attacks by assailants. The new security measures are as a result of fears that, most of the airports, including local and international, across the country may be under threat of a planned attack.

The airports that are said to be under such threat are: Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos; Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) Kano; Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA) Owerri; Akure Airport; Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar; Jos Airport; Minna Airport; Ilorin Airport; Maiduguri Airport; Kaduna Airport; Katsina Airport and Ibadan Airport.

THEWILL gathered that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had, in a circular, dated 9th April, 2021 signed by the agency’s deputy general manager of administration and logistics, S.M. Mamman and addressed to airport chiefs of security, warned that criminal elements were already planning attacks at the airports and that the airport managers had to enact countermeasures.

The circular issued by FAAN is coming few weeks after the Nigerian security agents foiled an attempt by armed bandits to kidnap aviation workers residing in the staff quarters of FAAN at the Kaduna Airport.

The foiled attempt was not the first attack on Kaduna Airport.

Two weeks before the incident, a similar attempt was made with the kidnap of about 13 staff, including a member of staff of Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and his entire family, and that of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) when the bandits attacked previously.

The memo read, “I am directed to convey an alert from the Ministry of Aviation regarding security threats by criminal elements against Airports in Nigeria and to request for the immediate enumeration of necessary countermeasures for the protection of Airports/Facilities under your purview”.

“Specifically, the airports top on the list for which criminals are considering carrying out attacks include those in Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Kano, Abuja, and Lagos amongst others.

However, all airports are hereby alerted and requested to operate at a heightened threat level.”

The airport chiefs have been directed to “submit a list of existing and additional countermeasures to address the threats, along with their cost implications where applicable”.

Sirika

Others are: Sokoto, Zaria, Benin, Enugu and Yola, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Asaba, Kebbi, Gombe, Akwa Ibom, Dutse, Jalingo and Osubi Airports.

stakeholders in the nation’s aviation industry had earlier warned that if the frequent security breaches at the airports continue it may lead to threat of lives and property, which may consequently affect the perception of the flying public.

Earlier this year, armed bandits attacked workers of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and that of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) quarters in Kaduna State, abducting about 9 persons, including a family of 6 and a housewife with her two children. The bandits had gained access to the quarters through the airport runway at midnight, storming into the apartment of their victims in a brazen manner.

security authority. My take; first, since all operators have approved security programmes by the NCAA, all that is required is for the NCAA to use the security intelligence estimates which should be sent to it by the appropriate national authority to update the national civil aviation security programmes (NCASP) and send it down to all the operators under its oversight as directives not advisory”.

“Secondly, I will suggest, in addition to the FAAN HQ circular and more important than the purchase of any equipment now; urgently include carparks, fuel depots and the airport service roads at MMA connecting the terminals among the airport security restricted areas”, Ojikutu said.

Last year, a 25-year-old man was caught at the runway of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, attempting to hide in aircraft wheel-well of Air Peace flight.

He was, however, arrested by Aviation Security of FAAN. Still in 2020 similar incident occurred when a middle-aged man identified as Nigerien attempted to climb Azman Air aircraft on the same runway but was stopped and eventually he was arrested by security operatives.

Ojikutu also advised that the authorities should improve surveillance on all access into the airport security-controlled area; increase patrols on both sides of the airport perimeter fence; reduce the number of visitors, meeters and greeters and also the control of the VIP escorts. In addition to these security measures proffered, the retired Group Captain advised that FAAN must close the Bisaam access and exit route roads into the MMA airport transit access road.

Cases of unconfirmed reports of runway incursion abound across the airports, the latest being the Kaduna scenario.

However, despite the bandits attack in Kaduna, the FAAN has said, it will not shutdown the Kaduna International Airport.

Reacting, Director of Press Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu was quoted as saying that he had no knowledge of the letter and with what has transpired in Kaduna of late, the Ministry may be aiming to forestall a recurrence of incidents that happened in Kaduna recently.

Also, they are expected to urgently convene an emergency meeting of airport security committees “to review the status of airport security, jointly recommend appropriate measures and share responsibility for effective implementation”.

In his reaction, Aviation Security consultant, Group Captain John Ojikutu advised that a national security or intelligence estimates should be sent to the NCAA to distribute to all operators both public and private. According to Ojikutu, airports are not the only targets for terrorists to attack but other areas such as parking aircraft, fuel depots, etc.

Before the recent alarm raised by the Aviation Ministry,

“They require similar directives from the responsible aviation

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The airport chiefs have been directed to submit a list of existing and additional countermeasures to address the threats, along with their cost implications where applicable

“Honestly, I am not aware of the letter. Probably, it is a measure to curtail what has been witnessed in recent times especially in Kaduna Airport. I have not seen the letter and I cannot comment specifically on it. “But, of course with what has happened in Kaduna, the Ministry is putting in place measures to guide against recurrence”, he stated.

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ECONOMY will deal a deadly blow on many of them resulting in cut in production, hike in prices of goods and services, rise in cost of operations and, possibly, through pay cut or lay off.

The signs that the Nigerian government would eventually end fuel subsidy in the second quarter of this year indicates that inflation rate could hit 20 percent or above. The proposed hike in electricity tariff will contribute its portion of the ‘3 Quarters of Pains’.

The multiple taxes which businesses are subjected to will further add to the worsening macroeconomic environment.

Operators of MSMEs lament over official and unofficial taxes they are subjected to in the course of their operations.

Most of the perpetrators are government officials who engage in the illegal activities to augment their pay as inflation eats into their income. They also operate with the consent of their superiors who are allowed to engage in such activities as compensation for their support to elected government officials.

Courtesy: BusinessDay

Businesses Brace For Tougher Times

BY SAM DIALA he upward trend of inflation rate in Nigeria is not a good omen. Nigeria recorded 18.17 percent rise in inflation rate in the month of March 2021 as against 17.33 percent in February and 12.26 percent in March 2019.

It is the highest inflation rate in four years. The underlying message is that businesses are faced with tough times for the remaining three quarters of the year – or what may be referred to as ‘3 Quarters of Pains’. This is because, inflation touches every aspect of our lives and makes businesses more expensive as they make choices in their everyday activities.

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With the rising trend in inflation, it is obvious that businesses across all sectors will walk a tight rope to survive what appears an extremely tough macroeconomic environment which the raging upward inflationary trend create. With distraught operators wriggling out of the turbulences first quarter that ushered in one of the most challenging years in recent times, more businesses will be forced to downsize, cut operating expenses and lay off staff or close shop. The worst hit will be the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) known as the engine of the economy as they embrace higher operating expenses, declining profits, shrinking opportunities and extraneous regulatory pressures.

The MSMEs as suppliers to major businesses will no longer enjoy the opportunity of large orders which earns them bigger returns. For instance, hotels that depend on high customer patronage will witness less room bookings.

That means they will reduce the level of goods and services they source from their suppliers – such as food and drinks, transport services, newspapers and periodicals. They will also reduce the number of vehicles in their fleet, which will affect the services of drivers and mechanics.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) inflation report for March 2021, revealed that the major drivers of the raging inflation rate are food and transportation. Data published by the statistics bureau revealed that composite food index rose by 22.95 percent in March 2021 compared to 21.79 percent in February. Beside food is transport, health and maintenance services.

A major concern centres on the worsening insecurity across the country which shows no signs of abating. The major casualties are farmers. Reports indicate that many farmers, especially in the Northern part of the country, particularly North East, have abandoned their farms over attacks by terrorists, bandits, herdsmen and kidnapping. On a daily basis, people are either killed or kidnapped making farming a dangerous undertaking. In some states, like Niger, Borno and Katsina, farmers are forced to pay ‘tax’ to bandits to allow them to harvest their crops or transport their THEWILLNIGERIA

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We expect headline inflation to further increase going forward amid worsening insecurity which has spread to other peaceful regions, thus further disrupting economic activities, especially farming activities, supply chains and general output level

commodities to the markets and other outlets.

The few transporters that brave it do so at a great risk to their lives and their vehicles. According to reports, vehicles carrying food items from Borno to Lagos state encounter over 90 check-points at which they are forced to pay tolls.

This is not going to abate in the ‘3 Quarters of Pains’ as experts predict higher rate of inflation in the year.

“The highest increases were recorded in prices of Passenger transport by air, Medical services, Miscellaneous services relating to the dwelling, Passenger transport by road, Hospital services, Passenger transport by road, Pharmaceutical products, Paramedical services, Vehicle spare parts, Dental services, Motor cars, Maintenance and repair of personal transport equipment, and Hairdressing salons and personal grooming establishment.”

Businesses will most likely increase the prices of their goods and services. Already, there are indications that the prices of bread, transportation, maintenance services and vehicle spare parts will increase further as the second quarter ushers in the rainy season. This is a time when the condition of Nigeria’s bad roads worsens and traders adjust their activities to remain in business. Whatever choice they adopt involves cost. This suggests that many transporters may park up their vehicles due to high maintenance cost and low returns.

From the annual reports of companies in the brewery, industrial and consumer goods sectors, 2020 was not particularly a good year as a result of COVID-19 in terms of restrictions and patronage, and the prolonged land border closure. They are not likely to bounce back to pre-COVID-19 positions soon because of the prevailing unfavourable macroeconomic environment. The raging inflation rate

Operators of courier and logistic firms facilitating e-commerce in Nigeria are being squeezed by multiple, unending layers of taxes from the federal, state and local government authorities across the country.

The President, Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), Mr Okey Ubah, said “Local government papers are never enough. You cannot say at any time that you have got all the papers the local governments need to allow you operate your business as a courier and logistics operator.

This is what a regulator should focus on – streamlining the tax requirements by the three tiers of government to provide a uniform tax system for the industry across the country.

“Courier is time-consciousness; it is a business that moves with time. The roadblocks and harassment by local government revenue officials affect our service delivery.

Nigeria’s business environment is hostile. Many of our colleagues who invested hugely in infrastructure – imported equipment and machinery to transform the e-commerce sector, have closed shop because they cannot cope with the high operating cost”, Ubah had told THEWILL. The rapid depreciation of Naira deepens the injuries of the business operators. In a bid to close the gap between official and parallel foreign exchange markets, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has embarked on gradual adjustment of the exchange rates. The Naira which exchanged N364/US$1 in March 2020, today exchanges N380/U$1. In March 2020, the parallel market rate was N465/US$1 as against N480/ US$1 currently.

“We expect headline inflation to further increase going forward amid worsening insecurity which has spread to other peaceful regions, thus further disrupting economic activities, especially farming activities, supply chains and general output level. This, coupled with the long-standing structural challenges, may result in cost-driven inflation rate hitting 20% level in the near term”, say analysts at Cowry Asset Management Limited.

Inflation is the general rise in the prices of goods and services over time. The “inflation rate” is the rate at which the change in prices happens. This is usually expressed in percentages over time. For instance, if inflation goes up 10 percent than last year, it means purchases will cost 10 percent more than they did last year.

One basic fact about inflation is that it reduces the value or usefulness of money. That is to say, the higher the rate of inflation, the lower the value of the usefulness of your money, or your asset worth in real terms as time goes by.

Inflation therefore means one’s purchasing power, how much a person’s money can buy.

Although, Nigeria exited recession in the fourth quarter of 2020 (Q4 ’20) earlier than anticipated, businesses remain challenged as they embrace negative fundamentals that increase operating expenses, cut profits, and shrink opportunities to expand. While the banks announce impressive returns in their 2020 annual reports, the other sectors are not so favoured.

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MONEY MARKET

BDCs Strive for Market Dominance

The Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) held a zoom general meeting recently where regulators and industry stakeholders lauded the strength of Nigerian Bureaux de Change (BDCs) and their contributions to economic growth and exchange rate stability.

It was an opportunity for ABCON President, Alhaji (Dr) Aminu Gwadabe to restate the prime role played by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)-licensed BDCs in promoting exchange rate stability, forex liquidity and forex sale to the retail end of the market. THEWILL captured highlights of the gathering of champions with a clear mandate geared towards setting the BDCs on a path of sustainable growth:

The meeting, which had the backing of CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele was also attended by the apex bank directors, Representatives of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Financial Action Task Force (FATF), DataPro CEO and over 550 top BDC directors, traders and other attendees nationwide.

All the financial sector regulators, watchdogs and facilitators at the event took turns to chart a formidable future for BDCs. They are confident of a future for BDCs built on regulatory compliance, fight against illicit financial flows, and support for CBN’s exchange rate stability mandate.

ABCON boss Gwadabe further highlighted the urgent need to foster a better and positive image for the BDC sub-sector.

He said the BDCs needed a positive and rewarding image different from what the naysayers have fed the public with.

“We need to tell everyone that ABCON members are different. Majority of BDCs are not criminals. We need respect from members of the public,” he stated.

He said with over 20,000 Nigerians employed by the subsector, there was need to support the BDC business for sustained economic growth and employment generation.

Gwadabe who spoke on the theme: “BDCS Operations: A Trillion Naira Sub Sector, Issues of Formalisation, Regulation & Way Forward” said foreign currencies dealt in by a BDCs are derived from private sources. Other sources may include the CBN window as determined by the CBN from time to time for the purpose of funding Business Travel Allowance (BTA), Personal Travel Allowance (PTA), School Fees Payment abroad, Medicals, mortgage and subscription. Diaspora Remittances, walk-in customers and banks constitute other autonomous sources.

Gwadabe

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lhaji (Dr) Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) spoke extensively about the N1 trillion turnover milestone achieved by BDCs which reaffirms the sector’s prime position in the economy. He also listed the challenges facing the sub-sector, especially the low transaction margins on dollar sales, which continuously threaten the survival of BDCs businesses.

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ABCON is now training Compliance Officers to ensure they are acquainted with what is required of them, especially on monthly rendition of results and tracking illicit capital flows through compliance

He said BDCs are required to comply with all extant rules & regulations prescribed by the CBN, while the CBN closely supervises and monitors their operations.

“In compliance with the provisions of Bank and Other Financial Institutions (BOFIA) as amended, every BDC renders returns to the CBN in prescribed format and within the deadline stipulated by the CBN. The records of the BDCs are made readily available to the CBN examiners as and when requested including carrying out customer due diligence, corporate governance and tax returns,” he said.

He said that ABCON has over the years established itself as a key player in the BDC industry, and has also made several commitments and sacrifices to ensure that the sector continues to thrive despite all odds.

He said ABCON is now training Compliance Officers to ensure they are acquainted with what is required of them, especially on monthly rendition of results and tracking illicit capital flows through compliance. According to Gwadabe, BDCs are complying with the rendition of suspicious transactions reports as directed by NFIU, CBN, and EFCC.

“The recognition of the role of BDCs in Nigeria’s financial sector remains the first step to building a sustainable and viable forex market that is comparable to what is obtainable in other developed economies. But getting the Nigerian BDC sector to where it is desired to be demands hardwork, quality leadership, regulatory foresight and sound government policies,” he said.

“Directors of BDCs are being trained, and after training, whoever is found wanting will be recommended for sanctions,” he said.

Digitization/ Transaction Margin Review Gwadabe said that BDCs have achieved major success with the digitization of their operations as operators can now file

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their reports from convenient points without clustering at CBN’s offices.

He said ABCON digitized BDCs operations with the official launch and take off of the ABCON Live Run Automation Portal in Lagos. The project, which has the backing of the CBN, ended decades of manual filling of regulatory reports

by BDCs and enhanced global competitiveness of operators.

The portal, which is a game changer in the Nigerian BDC Industry, is the final phase of automating all BDCs’ operations and integrating them with the operations of CBN, NFIU and Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) for improved compliance with regulation and seamless operations.

He said ABCON is working with its consultants to revamp the naijabdcs.com to MyBdc.com. This will make the site transactionary, informative and to finally nib abokifx.com in the bud.

Gwadabe also called on the CBN to review the transaction margin for BDCs to enable operators stay in business as the sector needs profitable margin to sustain operators’ businesses.

He disclosed the N2 per dollar margin currently earned by BDCs was discouraging and insufficient to sustain their operations and discourage foreigners from investing in the sector.

Making BDCs Payments Agents of Diaspora Remittances ABCON President Gwadabe also suggested to the CBN to make BDCs Diaspora Remittances Pay Agents.

He disclosed that the CBN introduced the Investors and Exporters (I &E) Window which allows foreign investors to freely bring their funds into the economy at a rate of their choice.

Similar plan was implemented by the CBN in 2016 /2017 and the impact was massive in boosting foreign capital flows to the economy and deepening exchange market liquidity.

Therefore, ABCON suggests that the CBN allows investors and Diaspora Remittances senders to freely interact with the *Continue on Page 35

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BUSINESS NEWS ...Market Dominance *Continued from Page 34

BDCs bid and offer rates and make the BDCs pay out agents for remittances.

CBN, NFIU, NIBSS Speak In his presentation, CBN Director, Williams Kanya, said the apex bank acknowledges the support of BDCs under ABCON adding that the apex bank has key interest in ABCON operations.

He said: “I am happy that BDCs and ABCON have become more professional. The ABCON team has understanding beyond what they do and this makes CBN’s work easy. We are happy with what they are doing to keep the exchange rate stable and promote sustained economic growth. The CBN remains the biggest supplier of dollars to BDCs and has pumped enough liquidity to the sector”.

NEPC Partners ITA For E-Lab Innova Agribusiness Training

Continuing, Kanya said speculation remains a big problem, adding that CBN stands with ABCON on balancing of rates. “Speculation will be bad business going forward as people will keep losing money. Also, we need rendition of returns from BDCs not to witchhunt anyone, but to take decisions that will favor the economy with the data”.

prospects for Nigerian companies to be imparted on the knowledge and technicalities of their counterparts abroad whilst also paving the way for collaborations between Italian and Nigerian agribusinesses.”

Acting Associate Director, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Mohammed Jiya, urged BDCs to always file their returns on time, and even where there are no transactions to report, they can file Nil reports.

“It is a pleasure to see the collaboration between the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), to develop the capacity of agribusinesses and aid their integration into the value chain of European Union markets. We remain committed to supporting the government’s plan to create more jobs through the agrofood industry and ensure that these businesses have the right skillset to grow, sustain their operations and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s economy”, Dr. Gerbino added.

He said the agency needs the data from BDCs returns to know what is happening in the sector and take decisions that would favor the economy.

In her keynote address, Uduak Etokowoh, Director, International Export Offices, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), said, “the council constantly seeks out collaborations like this to strengthen trade relations across the world. The European Union (EU) is one of the largest markets for agribusiness, however, challenges such as logistics and inability to meet market needs pose a threat to growth opportunities. In adjusting to the new normal of virtual engagements, we are extremely delighted to partner the ITA to deliver this virtual training in support of wealth creation for the economy and to enhance seamless penetration to the EU markets for Nigerian agribusinesses”.

He said Compliance Officers are to ensure that there is a compliance programme, prepare suspicious transaction reports and render returns on same to the NFIU and where there are no such transactions, a “Nil Return” shall be rendered monthly.

L- R: Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare; Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; and Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on 14/4/21.

BY ANTHONY OKECHUKWU

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s part of its commitments to boost trade relationships with Nigeria, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), a governmental agency that supports the business development, partnerships and collaborations between Italian companies and their local counterparts, has launched the first E-Lab Innova in Nigeria.

The E-Lab Innova is an educational training program for the agri-food sector in Nigeria which will be implemented in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) alongside other Italian partners, such as MACFRUT, a leading exhibition for the agribusiness industry.

The training is aimed at increasing the technical and managerial skills of Nigeria agri-food companies in order to support their access to EU markets and foster business partnerships with Italian companies. Participants which were selected with the support of NEPC are CEOs of highpotential companies active in the production of foods such as mango, pineapple, shea nuts and groundnuts.

The programme is scheduled to hold for the duration of five weeks and will be implemented in three phases: a preliminary assessment to analyze the technical and management training requirements, company potential and profile design; 2-week webinar training classes focused on key internalization topics and a 5-day study tour in Italy, which will include MACFRUT exhibition.

Giving his opening remark at the event held to flag off the training, the Italian Trade Agency Director for West Africa, Dr. Alessandro Gerbino said, “Nigeria remains a strategic point for engagement between the agency and other countries across West Africa. The E-Lab Innova holds

13 agribusinesses across Nigeria took part in the first training session including United Agro Cooperative Society Limited, Cobrend Trading and more; the programme will involve nearly 40 Nigerian companies in total. Since the launch of Lab Innova in Africa, over 140 companies across Ghana, Angola, Mozambique, Uganda and Ethiopia have successfully gone through the training programme, with study tours and exhibitions held in Italy.

Emirates Skywards Launches Exclusive Double -Tier Miles Offer

“The guideline clearly states that every BDC shall have an AML/CFT policy in compliance with AML/CFT Act 2011 for, amongst others, identification of customers using relevant means before carrying out a transaction or establishing a business relationship,” he said.

“All Licensed/Registered BDCs operating in the country are expected to register on goAML and NIL Reporting Portal to enable them respectively render Statutory Returns (STRs, SARs, CTRs and AIF) or NIL Return when there is no report for a given period,” Jiya advised.

In its presentation, DataPro, said data Protection is about data Security. It ensures that personal data is safeguarded from unlawful access by unauthorized parties. The firm said that BDCs that collect personal data, have the responsibility of protecting it from unauthorized access.

Also, representatives of Other Financial Institutions Department of the CBN, Nigeria Interbank Settlement System, FATF Among others called for vigilance on the part of BDCs to ensure they follow regulations by conducting customer due diligence on all their transactions.

BY ANTHONY OKECHUKWU

rewards.

mirates Skywards, the award-winning loyalty programme of Emirates and flydubai, has rolled out an exclusive offer to help members fast-track to a higher tier status.

“The offer applies to any ticket, regardless of fare type, purchased on Emirates or flydubai during the offer period helping members quickly earn sufficient Tier Miles to bump up one tier status higher.

With the new development, members can automatically earn double Tier Miles on all Emirates and fly Dubai flights booked from 1 April until 30 June, for travel between 1 April and 30 December 2021.

To be eligible for the promotion, customers need to simply be existing Emirates Skywards members, or join as a new member before 30 June 2021.

“ For example, an Emirates Skywards Blue tier member can upgrade to an Emirates Skywards Silver tier member, and an Emirates Skywards Silver tier member can upgrade to an Emirates Skywards Gold tier member”, Emirates stated.

“The challenge of poor formalization of BDCs operation makes us inefficient and difficult to fulfill CBN’s mandate. We want the CBN to step in and formalize BDCs operations and make it difficult for street forex traders to operate,” he said.

Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each Tier offers members unique privileges and advantages, including lounge access, priority boarding, dedicated check-in counters, complimentary seatselection, and much more.

Gwadabe said that getting a BDC license costs around N40 million in Nigeria, when it costs only $5,000 to get the same license in Kenya. Yet, both the public and regulators have continued to castigate Nigerian BDCs.

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According to the airline, members can now move up tiers faster, and unlock an extensive range of benefits and THEWILLNIGERIA

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Challenges Before BDCs Gwadabe said the BDCs suffer from low level formalization of operations, whereby street traders are now competing for the forex market with CBN-licenced operators.

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POLITICS XTRA of the party to take over.

“The SEC of the party wishes to reaffirm its earlier stand regarding the purported leadership declaration of March 28, 2021 as a nullity and of no effect till such a time the State party Caucus will be constituted, inaugurated and would meet with SEC to decide on the Leadership of the party in the State.

“This will preferably take place after the Congresses and will convey legitimacy on whosoever will emerge.” Udosen stressed.

The second meeting had a stakeholders outlook as it was attended by the National Caretaker Secretary of the APC, Senator John Akpanuodehe, the managing director of the Oli and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority and Obong Umana Okon Umana among other important stakeholders of the party in the state though the absence of the major bone of contention, Sen. Godswill Akpabio was obvious.

Udosen

Akpobio

Others were the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Ita Enang, the sole administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Mr. Efiong Akwa, Group Captain Sam Ewang(retd) among others.

Leadership Crisis Rocks APC in A’Ibom FROM UDEME UTIP, UYO

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t all started with a perceived divisive tendencies of some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Akwa Ibom State, which was brought to the fore in a wellattended stakeholders meeting even as cautions and riot act were issued to those who engage in anti-party activities.

The party had particularly frowned at the attitudes of some leaders of the party who they suspected to be hibernating with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which is the ruling party in the state in the night and return to claim to be APC members in the day.

A communique was issued at the end of the meeting which was held at Vimpy Event Centre, Udoudoma Avenue within the Capital City of Uyo describing such attitude as not only anti-party but one that could lead many into confusion as well as cause division within the party’s ranks in the state.

The communique which was signed by the former military administrator of Ogun and Rivers State and national caucus members of the party, Group Capt. Sam Ewang (retd) called on leadership of the party to work towards the advancement of the party.

The communique read in part “the meeting condemned the divisive gathering of factions within the Party and resolved to call on all factional leaders to bury their individual interests and come under a united APC in Akwa Ibom State.

“The meeting condemned actions by some persons in leadership positions of the party who work with other political parties in the State and are currently romancing the Peoples Democratic Party thereby engaging in anti-party activities and causing confusion among members”.

According to the communique, the meeting further exhaustively discussed, settled and affirmed the Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Sen. Godswill Akpabio as the leader of party in the state and called on members to work and cooperate with him for the advancement of the party.

“This meeting has settled the issue of who is the leader of the party in Akwa Ibom State, recognized and affirmed that the Honourable Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio is the Leader of the All Progressives Congress in in Akwa Ibom State” This first meeting was at the instance of a two-time military administrator of Rivers and Ogun states, Group Captain Sam Ewang (retd).

Akpabio, the former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, who

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is known for his liberality did not just take the leadership position accorded him for granted but ensured transport fare for every individual who attended the meeting including babies and infants who were brought by parents.

The atmosphere in the party was lighted as Akpabio was seen by majority of members as the best man for the job at the moment.

It is also common knowledge in the state that though the APC did not win in the state during the 2019 elections for obvious reasons, Akpabio led the party in the state to the National where members met and discuss with the President of the Federal Republic; Muhammadu Buhari and the national leadership of the party.

In a swift reaction, the leadership of a faction of the party rose against the choice of Akpabio as the leader, arguing that leadership quorum was not formed in the meeting that took the all-important decision as such the nomination could not be upheld.

In a recent and an elaborate stakeholders meeting, the party declared all leadership of the factions of the party null and void as a means of bringing peace and sanity to the party ahead of 2023 general elections.

The meeting which was at the instance of the State Caretaker Committee Chairman, Dr. Ita Udosen also annulled the leadership status accorded Senator Godswill Akpabio during one of such factional stakeholders meetings.

Addressing party elders at all levels in Uyo last Sunday, during what could be described as the second stakeholders meeting, the state Caretaker Committee Chairman said it was necessary to collapse all the factions in one fold to avoid disunity and crisis of confidence that robbed the party of victory in the state in 2019.

Udosen explained that the party structure is under a Caretaker arrangements pending when it will conduct party congresses within the next three months and therefore nullified every leadership status accorded to any stakeholder at any meeting in the state for peace to reign.

“The current party structure in the State is under caretaker arrangement with less than three months or so to go. For now, the party at the National level has no BoT nor Caucus. In the same vein, the party at the State is yet to set up its Caucus as well”, he maintained.

The State Executive Committee (SEC) of the party therefore, appealed to all the leaders to sheathe their swords on this issue until the Congresses are conducted for a substantive structure

Akpabio who was absent at the meeting sent an apology letter which was duely received and read before the end of the meeting.

The communique however dismissed the insinuation that there were factions in the party and urged all leaders of the party from those holding appointive positions to work for the interest and unity of the APC. To show that the APC in Akwa Ibom is still wallowing in division and indecision, a chieftain of the party, Group Captain Sam Ewang(retd) accused the National Caretaker Secretary of the party, Sen. John James Udoehe of being the brain behind the leadership tussle in the party.

Ewang is accusing Udoedehe of using his position to oppress and hijack the state party structure to oil his political aspiration in 2023.

He told THEWILL in Uyo that the party’s national caretaker scribe is stirring bad blood and opposition against Senator Godswill Akpabio who he said was statutorily the leader of the party in the state.

However, Ewang argued that the Niger Delta Affairs Minister is the party’s highest political officer holder in the state hence should automatically and by convention assume the leadership of the party.

He recalled that the national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the immediate past national chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole had declared Akpabio the party’s leader in Akwa Ibom during his formal induction ceremony into the APC in 2018 at the Ikot Ekpene Stadium.

Ewang called on President Muhammadu Buhari and elders of the party at the Centre to wade into the crisis rocking the party in the state by categorically coming clear on who the leader of the party in the state is.

He warned that the APC would be dead in the state if leaders of the party fail to close ranks and accept Akpabio as leader for the state to take over power from the Peoples Democratic Party in 2023.

Political onlookers in the state are seeing ethnic colouration in the whole leadership fight, where the Ibibio ethnic group which is the largest in the state do not want Akpabio, from Annang ethnic extraction whom they see as always showing domineering attitude to lead the party where Ibibio people are in the majority.

It is perceived that if Akpabio is given the opportunity to lead the party, he will certainly impose a candidate on the party come 2023.

It is also the fear of the ruling party in the state; the PDP that if the former Governor, decides to impose a candidate from Uyo Senatorial District, APC may clinch the governorship seat in the state and indirectly, he would have a third term in the state.

To ensure that the Ibibios hold on to political power in the state, it is suspected that the powers that be may have planted a fifth columnist in the leadership of the APC

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INSIDE:

•Osanebi Ossai Builds Stateof-The-Art Hotel in Lagos 41 •Monarchs, Socialites Ignore Covid19 Protocols at HRM Saheed Elegushi’s 45th Birthday Party 42

DELE MOMODU

On 25 Years of Lifestyle Reporting THEWILLNIGERIA

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Media entrepreneur, Bashorun Dele Momodu needs no introduction when it comes to celebrity, luxury reporting in Nigeria, Africa and the world at large. He is an accomplished man having successfully redefined this genre of journalism. His brainchild, Ovation magazine, birthed while in exile and the medium, through which he reports luxury living by very important personalities, has traversed uncharted terrains and has stood the test of time. The coverage of many A list events will not be complete without it gracing the pages of Ovation. As the magazine clocks 25 years, the onetime presidential aspirant speaks with SHADE METIBOGUN about the journey so far and the future of the celebrity magazine. Excerpts.

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ow does it feel having come this far, sailing the Ovation magazine ship for 25 years?

I am grateful to God; it’s a mixed grain of sadness and happiness for me. Sadness in the sense that I had to run from my own country to take solace in another country for three years. It was during that period that Ovation International was established. Happiness for me because I was able to come back to Nigeria. Anybody who is into publishing knows that it is a roller coaster journey. It has not been easy really but we thank God for how far we have come. We have the Ovation International TV, The Boss Newspapers and Ovation International magazine, all under Ovation Media Group. It was turbulent when we started however; we are still managing to carry on.

Are you throwing a party to celebrate this laudable feat?

No, there is no time for partying, there is COVID-19. And why waste money when there are so many things we need money for. So, no we are not going to do any party.

Does Ovation magazine still print monthly especially now that many publications are leaving the print media to embrace the online platform?

We still print. We are still with the same company we started printing with at inception. They are based in London.

How did journalism start for you?

I started as a writer in 1981; I studied Yoruba at the University of Ile-Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.

And I proceeded for my Masters in Literature in English in 1988. Out of joblessness, I tried to get something I can report every weekend, and then I came to Lagos, and got my first job at Concord Newspaper. I got sporadic promotions when I started, I came in as a staff writer in 1988 by February 1989, I was moved from the African Concord to be one of the pioneer staff of Weekend Concord. Within two months there, I earned double promotion. From a staff writer, I became an editor. Six months later, I jumped to news editor. Two years later, I left to become the editor of Classique which made me the highest paid editor in the whole of Nigeria in 1991. I started

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Dele Momodu

My Life Depends Solely on Reporting - Dele Momodu

a Public Relation outfit but years later, I set up the Ovation Group.

Have you been tempted to call it quit in the last 25 years?

Yes many times. Anybody who has done this job and wants to do it well will face a lot of difficulties but God has been extremely kind to me. I have attempted stopping because of lack of money to print, lack of money for cargo. I was living abroad and I had to shuttle between Nigeria and London. It was quite demanding and also expensive. Lack of money to pay people that were working with you, a lot of factors contributed to the desire to quit back then but then, my whole life depends solely on reporting. This is what I have been doing from inception and I am addicted to it. The love for publishing is absolute for me. I love this job. I guess this has kept me going when it became very tough. But now, I don’t have the intention of dropping it anytime soon, I love the job.

What are your succession plans?

Succession is not something that is very difficult. We have succeeded in training and working with few people who can successfully take over from us. Michael Effiong, the Editor, is very loyal, for his dedication and loyalty over the years, he is a natural successor. I also have a son who is a journalist and a photographer. I am sure he will be able to work with the team. He has honed his skills in some places.

He is the managing editor of Glam Africa. He shuttles between Nigeria and London, he is really doing a lot now.

He was invited by Nduka Obaigbena to work with Arise TV not too long ago.

You have traveled far and wide, you have also worn many caps such as being a teacher, reporter, columnist, and politician. How did all these experiences shape you and your life’s philosophy?

The greatest exposure you can have is to be multi-faceted.

I have been very fortunate that right from my young age, my best friends were always older than me. From Chief Omoboriowo, MKO Abiola, Mike Adenuga and the rest of them - they are all distinguished Nigerians whom I was exposed to and they were able to influence my life.

You must be focused, consistent and tenacious. You must never let anything hold you down in life. In life, some people are going to love you or hate what you do but most importantly, the best way to punish your enemies or detractors is to remain successful. I have been to all the continents of the world, in fact, it is what gave me the encouragement and the confidence that I can run Ovation.

Nigerians think leadership is about politics. Leadership is about managing people and resources.

One of the hallmarks of Ovation magazine is the Ovation Red Carol. What was the idea behind it?

In 2017, we felt we had done a lot with the brand; we wanted to give back to society so I approached a lot of people to see what can be done. I approached Leke Alder, a very good friend of mine. He sat down with his team and he came up with Ovation Red Carol. It is meant to give hope to the hopeless. We have given donations to schools, and we have affected people in fashion, agriculture. It is the largest pan African carol concert; it’s a celebration of African music, fashion, culture and other aspects of life.

The Ovation Red Carol is also a platform for fundraising for various initiatives. It started in 2007. We have done it in both Nigeria, and Ghana. However, we missed two editions, when I was contesting for election and because of Covid19. I am fulfilled because I have impacted a lot of people in entertainment, we have been able to promote a lot of artists and comedians. We have had people from South Africa, we brought artists from Kenya, it’s been really big. Since 2007 till now, we have spent millions of naira, between 250 and 300 thousand US dollars.

Can you compare journalism when you started to what it is now?

Everything has changed, times have also changed too. I am happy that I quickly embraced the change. When I contested for election in 2011, I became so active on the social media space that I had a lot of followership that has helped me to remain very relevant among journalists of my age. The social media campaign that I ran during the election back then, I converted the platform to that of my business, which gave me a lot of edge.

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Do you mean those who are not so relevant now were affected because they didn’t embrace social media?

A lot of journalists didn’t embrace social media on time and some even refused to embrace it. The social media has a lot of advantages, you can do your TV on it, send breaking news on the go, cover events live and broadcast it immediately. My advice to them is to embrace the social media, and then they should reduce their print publication.

Social media makes it easier; you can reach people faster with your news unlike before.

You court controversy with the people you interview and the stories you do. Is this intentional?

No, it is not intentional. The job of a journalist is to report the good, the bad and ugly, more so, Ovation is a lifestyle magazine, it deals with newsmakers, lifestyle of the rich and famous, that is my job, it does not preclude me from criticizing people and the society. Just like an artist, they will sing praises of people on weekends at their stage performances but it doesn’t mean they wouldn’t still sing about the ills in the society. I am a liberal person, I don’t judge, I present the truth to people and they make their judgment about it. Most people will come to my social media space to abuse me there after but I just have to do my job. That is it.

About the abuse and criticism you get on your social media space, how does it make you feel?

If people don’t criticize me, it means they are not following me. A lot of people are ignorant, that is why I respond to them. I respond so that I can put my side of the story on google. When people repeat things often, it sticks, I remember when Bukola Saraki was the senate president, he was accused of misappropriating funds but he was able to tell us his own side of the story and even gave us proofs too. For me, I make it a point of duty to respond to people.

If the issue will affect my person, I will definitely respond, that is why people respect what I do. People are bitter nowadays that they criminalize success; they even go as far as abusing those of us who are still struggling but I must say it is just my principle to respond to them. Some people will say I promote the government. Tell me, if people are getting married, wouldn’t I promote them? If the people in question are in government, will I say because I don’t want to promote the government, I wouldn’t cover the wedding?

I am not running a charity. People just get bullied and intimidated anyhow on social media. For instance, Hello magazine will put David Beckham on the cover of their magazine and make good money but I cannot try it in Nigeria. Put any of those celebrities on the cover and you may regret it.

What was your motive for venturing into politics?

I went into politics because I was tired of lamenting about the situation of the country. I came back disappointed but fulfilled. I now know what it means to run for a political post and win an election in Nigeria. When I see the youths going into politics, I already know the outcome and I try to advise them but they wouldn’t listen. Anyway, experience is the best teacher. If you think because you are popular on social media, you would contest for a political post and win, that will not reflect at the polling unit, it does not.

Nigerians are not ready to change, that is one thing I have come to realize.

Any regrets that it didn’t work out as planned?

Not at all, I have learnt a lot from the experience. I started the whole idea and I was able to see the end. Many started that race with me but they didn’t see the end. My name was on the ballot, so anywhere I go, people recognize me as a former contestant. I have also come to realize that the Nigeria of today is not ready for change. I have seen the attitude of young people who desire the change desperately. Call them tomorrow; they will complain that you don’t have the experience.

If you are given the opportunity to contest again, will you?

No, I am not interested in it unless it falls on my laps on a platter of gold. The odds are too much against people like me.

Not much is known about your wife I have spoken about her many times, she is from the

“

The job of a journalist is to report the good, the bad and ugly, more so, Ovation is a lifestyle magazine, it deals with newsmakers, lifestyle of the rich and famous, that is my job

Adaramaja family in Ijebu Igbo, and she is on the quiet side unlike me who is everywhere. She is a chartered accountant but now she is into business. Her mother is a big-time business woman, my wife took after her. We got married in 1992 and we have four boys.

Ghana is like your second home. Do you still have investments there?

Yes. I have my home in Ghana. I almost know Ghana more than Nigeria. I have a home in Nigeria and London as well.

My family lives in London.

The controversy between you and Davido (Davido saying ‘Dele na my boy’) may have been resolved but why didn’t you feel the need to caution him at that time, especially because he is like a son to you?

The tongue and the mouth fight. Husband and wife also fight too. We had our misunderstanding and it has been amicably resolved, we are very close now. Everybody knows that I am one of his biggest fans. He is smart and hardworking. We have a daughter with him. His first child Imade is our daughter. We are very close, I am a member of their family, and his dad sees me as a family member. It was just a misunderstanding that went beyond the roof. We thank God that we were able to put things in place. He has even come after the whole episode to perform in one of our events, so we are good together now.

Of all the personalities you have featured in Ovation magazine, who stands out the most to you and why?

I don’t think there is any personality we have featured that didn’t stand out. Having said that, the first person I would pick is Chief Anthony Oladeinde Fernandes. We did a lot of stories about him and we also covered his burial. I will also mention late Chief MKO Abiola, Globacom boss, Chief Mike Adenuga, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otedola and some other personalities.

If given an opportunity to interview a personality over and over again who would that be?

Dr Mike Adenuga jr. As close as I am to him, I have not been able to interview him directly. We will sit down, talk about life but not as an interview. He is a very knowledgeable man; there is no field of endeavor that he doesn’t know something about. He has been extremely good to me. It is like 30 years now that we have known each other. He is very smart, extremely wealthy but he does not display it like others would. He doesn’t get into unnecessary fights and he is media shy. He always tells me not to accept or refute any story, he will say you are just giving them the opportunity to talk more. And Adenuga is a very generous man, he gives in such a way that you will be frightened, that is who he is.

What would you consider your greatest achievement in your career as a journalist?

My ability to network and I will also say access. Everyone knows I have met a lot of world leaders, captains of industry and the fact that I have influenced a lot of younger generations.

Momodu & Wife

Who has impacted your life the most among the personalities that you have interviewed?

Many people have impacted my life, not necessarily the people who I have interviewed. Everybody knows that MKO Abiola has greatly influenced my life and that of my career. I started my journalism journey in his company and I have worked so closely with him. Chief Deinde Fernandes, Alike Dangote. I have Chief Akin Omoboriowo, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Chief Philip Fatoye, Bode Olajumoke. Femi Otedola, has been my friend for over 30 years. My elder brother, Prof Oladele Ajayi, his life transformed mine. My sister, Feyisara Adeniran, my life prayer warrior mother Esther Ajayi. I am a very lucky man; a lot of people love to identify with me. I have Prophet T. B Joshua, he has been my brother for many years, he invited me to Israel sometime back. I have some younger generations who have impacted my life as well, the likes of Ayo Animashaun, Michael Effiong, my egbon, Mayor Akinpelu. The list is endless, that is why I said I am a very blessed man, I am a man of the world. I am a chief in Liberia. There is nowhere I will write the story of my life that I will not mention Kunle Bakare, Sir Shina Peters, Bisi Olatilo, Chief Ebenezer Obey, Dayo Adeneye, Kenny Ogungbe, I also have some men of God who have impacted my life as well, I have mentioned some of them, Pastor Tunde Bakare and Evangelist Telemi.

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APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

BY SHADE METIBOGUN

Davido,Undoubtedly,TheMostGenerousEntertainer

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hen former Big Brother Naija housemate, Rebecca Nengi Hampson more popularly known as Nengi unveiled her multimillion-naira home located in the highbrow area of Lekki which she acquired weeks ago, the social media space was agog with some singing her praises to high heavens and others having not so palatable things to say about her acquisition. The latter set of people questioned the source of the money, while alluding that she probably got the money she used to buy the house from frolicking with men. But Nengi, while debunking critics’ insinuations about a man funding her lifestyle, insisted she bought the house from her hard earned money. She added that she doesn’t need a man to buy her a house if she can afford it.

She dared any man who contributed one naira to buying her the said house to come up with proof or forever remain silent.

Despite what naysayers are whispering about the second runner up in the BBN lockdown edition, findings reveal that Nengi is a self-made lady. Having lost her mom to a kidney disease years ago, she has been working round the clock to foot her bills and enjoy the good things of life. Since the reality show ended, the Bayelsa born beauty has been named the brand ambassador to notable companies in Nigeria. She is also a co-face of the girl child in Bayelsa state. She also owns a foot wear business named after her late mum, Shoes by Flora.

Davido

avid Adedeji Adeleke more popularly known as Davido is a selfless person when it comes to doling out cash to people in dire need of it. He has positively influenced and affected more lives than some of the wealthiest men in Nigeria. Despite his insatiable appetite for anything in skirt and his ever-increasing baby making capacity, the Davido Music Worldwide, DMW boss knows how to channel his wealth in the right direction to help humanity. One admirable trait about him is the fact that he doesn’t advertise his philanthropic act. It is those he has helped that can attest to his generosity and also when the media makes it their affair.

He definitely deserves to be awarded the most generous artiste in the industry. His generosity even extends to people he does not know. His fellow celebrities are not left out among the people who have drunk from his milk of kindness and wealth.

Not too long ago, one Jide Sanyaolu otherwise known as Ojaysanya who just graduated from Afe Babalola University, openly thanked the ‘Omo Baba Olowo’ crooner for being instrumental to the successful completion of his education. This is not the first time that he would be lending a hand of support in financing someone’s education. He once awarded scholarship up to the highest level of education to Utibe, a boy who sang one of his hit singles in a video that went viral. Utibe dropped out of school because of financial constraints and was always miming songs until Davido noticed.

However, Davido also ensured that he and his mom left the make shift shelter that housed them to a modern place he built for the family of five. No other benevolence can be greater than offering hope to a single mother. Not forgetting a teenage saxophonist, Temidayo Abodunrin, got the sum of 500,000 from the singer after playing ‘Jowo’ with a sax. Even those in need of medical aid have also benefited from his benevolence. Actress, Ify Onuwuemene, who was down with cancer sometime ago, got a million naira to aid her treatment.

And most recently, while attending a function in Abeokuta, Ogun state, he joined gospel singer, Yinka Ayefele while he was performing live on stage at the event. He not only free styled some of Ayefele’s songs, the father of four doled out a bundle of 1000

‘No Man Bought Me My House’ - Ex Big Brother Naija Housemate, Nengi Hampson

notes which was said to be in the region of 1 million naira. We could go on and on listing names of people who have shared from the singer’s largesse. Certainly, the story of their lives will be incomplete without Davido boldly inscribed on it.

Senator Ben Bruce Collaborates With Wesley Snipes to Make Nollywood/Hollywood Movies

few weeks ago, news of foremost music act, Davido and his long-time girlfriend, Chioma Avril Rowland hit the airwaves. The couple called it quits because of the singers’ constant infidelity especially after news of him impregnating another lady surfaced. The lady in question, a London based makeup artist, Larrissa Lorenco has since put to bed and recently celebrated the baby boy’s first birthday. The boy, Dawson, is Davido’s fourth child. This is also coupled with the fact that the singer began seeing Instagram model, Mya Yafai and was recently seen publicly kissing her. Unable to bear the blatant disrespect, Chioma moved out of the singer’s Banana Island home to an undisclosed apartment where she is starting life all over again. She also deleted all of Davido’s pictures on her social media space and unfollowed the music star.

The erstwhile couple’s issues have since generated heated argument between their respective fans and it recently became a topic of discussion on Television Continental’s Lifestyle programme, ‘Your View’.

One of the co-hosts of the show, Beecee Ugoh hit hard on Chioma, calling her senseless and even went as far as praying to God not to give her a child that would be as “senseless as Chioma who would leave school for a man”. This obviously didn’t go down well with both viewers and fans of Chioma, who came to her defence and sent torrents of abusive words to Ugoh for being tactless and lacking diplomacy especially on a live television programme. They tongue lashed her for thinking she was better than Chioma because she was married. She was advised to bridle her ‘loose’ tongue because it is not all two cents that have value.

Reacting to the backlash on her co-host, Morayo Afolabi Brown said, even though viewers were right to disagree because their programme is about expressing diverse views, viewers should desist from insulting Beecee. She was of the opinion that Beecee did not insult Chioma as she only wants people to take charge of their ward to keep to the right path while admonishing them to teach their children some common sense. Speaking further, she stated that certain malady shouldn’t be encouraged in the society such as a child dropping out of school to follow a man, as according to her, it was unheard of when she was growing up. But that, if any child makes such mistake, the child should still be supported but the mistake should not be made a norm.

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Nengi

Ugoh

A

Davido, Chioma’s Break-up Saga Rocks ‘Your View’ TV Program

Davido & Chioma

Wesley Snipes & Ben Bruce

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igerian business magnate and former senator, Ben Bruce, is set to take the Nigeria movie industry to the next level with his most recent collaboration with Hollywood legend, Wesley Snipes. This was disclosed in a series of tweets by the former senator who visited Los Angeles days back where he sealed a partnership with Wesley Snipes.

According to him, the partnership between the two would inspire the production of great movies and would birth great synergy between Hollywood and Nollywood. In 2019, shortly after the end of his tenure in the 8th Senate, Bruce had revealed that he will return to his roots in entertainment with movie making. He announced the collaborative expansion of Silverbird Group ventures in association with his Dream Magic Studios, a production studio complex and full-service pre and post-production house, which he founded in 2013 and located in Los Angeles, California. He also announced that he had assembled a dream team to bridge the gap between the burgeoning entertainment culture of the African Diaspora and Hollywood entertainment. He added that a veteran Hollywood studio executive, Davina Douthard, will take the helm of the upcoming film while Dream Magic Studios operations will be overseen by his son and company Vice President, Jonathan Murray-Bruce.

This is not the first-time entertainers would be making the industry proud by collaborating with Hollywood. The likes of Omotola Jalade, Genevieve Nnaji, Taiwo Ajayi Lycett, Jim Iyke, Stephanie Okereke Linus, have all featured in Hollywood movies and series.

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APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

BY IVORY UKONU

Obafemi Martins Unveils New Love Interest

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f the many Nigerians who are mourning late television presenter, Rachel Bakam, the two individuals who have been badly hit by the shocking news of her death are Israel Edjaren and John Fashanu. The duo are currently beside themselves with grief and if there is one thing they wish could be granted them at the moment, it most likely will be to have Rachel come back to life despite how things went south between her and each of the men. While Israel Edjaren, a popular television personality with the defunct DBN TV was her husband, John Fashanu was her boyfriend. Her marriage with Israel which lasted for only a few years ended in 2014. Rachel had said they both decided to end things amicably as they were both experiencing some difficulties in their marriage. She quickly moved on to another love interest, football legend, John Fashanu. At the time they were an item, Rachel had gushed in an interview she granted about how in love she was with the handsome athlete. She described him as very caring man whose paramount interest is her happiness. In addition to giving her money, she said he supports and encourages her work, something her ex husband never did for her. Unfortunately, despite all of the aforementioned attributes, Fashanu never walked her down the aisle. Perhaps, he didn’t want to ruin the beauty of the relationship with another marriage having been married thrice before. But barely two years into their fairy tale relationship, both went their separate ways, much to the dismay of many. They however still remained friends.

Rachel Bakam died at 12 pm on Tuesday of anemia at the age of 38. She hailed from Fadia Tudun Wada in Zangon Kataf LGA in Kaduna state and was the CEO and managing director of Rayzeds Media Ltd, founder and president of the Nigerian Water Ski and Wakeboard Federation (NWWF).

Martins & Nadine

ike some popular Nigerian musicians, footballer, Obafemi Martins has no qualms knocking up any woman who catches his fancy and having children spread across the continents of the world. The footballer who loves the good things of life and is financially buoyant enough to acquire these luxuries has debuted a new love interest called Nadine.

He has been up and about with the beautiful lady within the Lagos metropolis, perhaps trying to make a statement to teeming young ladies who will go to any length to catch his attention. The lifestyle entrepreneur who has never been married is father to at least four children. He has a daughter with a lady from one of the African countries. They met in Italy many years ago and began a love affair. He also has an 11-year-old son with a Caucasian he dated when he played in the United Kingdom. And then a son with Abigail Barwuash, footballer, Mario Balotelli’s older sister. So in love was he with Abigail that many thought he had hung his playboy boots and settled down to raise a family. Alas! It wasn’t to be. Obafemi who obviously detests serious commitment ended things with Abigail and allegedly sired another daughter with a Nigerian lady. Well, we wait to see the outcome of his love affair with Nadine. Perhaps, Nadine would be the one to finally tame him.

John Fashanu, Israel Edjaren Mourn Late Rachel Bakam

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Osanebi Ossai Builds State-of-The-Art Hotel in Lagos

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e may be the youngest legislator in the Delta State House of Assembly representing Ndokwa East Local Government at only 40, but when it comes to his financial fluidity, Osanebi Friday Ossai is miles above his older colleagues. In his third term as a legislator representing Ndokwa East constituency, Osanebi who is a graduate of Material and Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Enugu goes by the acronyms, Mr Empowerment or Mr Money. The reasons are now far fetched. Many entertainers have benefited from his generosity, particularly those from the Niger Delta region. Even his aides are not left out of his generosity as he is known to give out homes, cars etc to them from time to time in an exercise he termed ‘April the month of giving.’ That he throws money around like a drunken sailor would be putting it mildly. A former deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly, Osanebi who was a one time Chairman, House Committee on Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), where he allegedly cleaned out, recently unveiled his state of the arts hotel, called Westine Hotel. Located in the heart of Lekki Phase 1, the hotel exudes luxury just like his homes which are all architectural masterpieces with gold plated interior decorations. Due to his legislative duties and to also avoid prying eyes, he handed over the hotel to his younger brother, Mathias Ogochukwu to manage on his behalf.

Osanebi

The Akpobomes

n Thursday, April 15 standup comedian and master of ceremonies, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, more popularly known as Ali Baba, put up a social media post in commemoration of his 15th wedding anniversary with his alleged estranged wife, Mary Akpobome. He captioned the post which had three pictures, one of which was a picture of their wedding day, “15 years of 25 years... that’s how @mary.akpobome reminded me of today.

Happy Anniversary to us. Suuumall jollof, fried rice and swallow go dey later for my office. See you after work. Like from 4pm.”

His wife similarly posted a few pictures with a simple caption, “15 years to the Glory of God. Happy Anniversary to us @alibabagcfr.”

This is quite an improvement from Valentine’s Day when she didn’t acknowledge her husband on the said day, as well as other celebrations dating months back.

Recall that THEWILL had reported a few weeks ago about the troubled marriage of the comedian which he tried in vain to keep under the radar. Well, there is no mincing words that there is indeed trouble in their ‘paradise’ as the comedian no longer lives with his wife at their Nicon estate home on Lagos Island. He reportedly now lives somewhere within the expansive Oniru estate as concerned friends and family have taken it upon themselves to ensure that the union doesn’t totally break down irretrievably.

Bakam

Alibaba Celebrates 15th Wedding Anniversary Amidst Troubled Marriage

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APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

BY IVORY UKONU

Monarchs, Socialites Ignore COVID-19 Protocols at HRM Saheed Elegushi’s 45th Birthday Party

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he disregard for Covid19 protocols: With Lagos State being the epicenter of the virus in Nigeria, one would have thought that basic Covid19 protocols such as the use of the facemask, hand sanitizers and a bit of social distancing would feature prominently at the party.

Unfortunately, the reverse was the case. With the calibre of guests in attendance, monarchs, socialites, captains of industry, government officials, all of who should know better than to display nonchalant attitudes about the virus which has killed over a million people worldwide, everyone carried on like pre-covid days.

The venue: Naturally, the party had to take place at The Monarch, owned by his first wife, Olori Sekinat. The allwhite classy events place which is considered one of the most beautiful event centres in Nigeria, was beautifully decorated to befit the royal status of the birthday boy

Celebrant digging it on the dance floor with Patoranking singing

Glitz, glamour and classy are some of the adjectives that can best describe the 45th birthday party of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi, which held penultimate weekend. It was the grand finale of a two-day celebration. From the venue of the party, to the décor, to the choice drinks and food served to the upwardly mobile and stylish guests, who all came to honor the youthful monarch with their presence – to say that many didn’t want the party to come to an end, would be putting it mildly. But as with all things, it had to come to an end. Here are tit bits of what went down at the party.

The Master of Ceremony: Comedian and compere, Gbenga Adeyinka got the contract to co ordinate the smooth running of the party and he exuded a high level of professionalism executing his brief.

Between Olori Sekinat and Olori Hadiza: Olori Sekinat, the monarch’s first wife nearly took the shine from the birthday boy. Dressed in a pink outfit and sparkling emerald jewelry, the beautiful and delectable Olori was the cynosure of all eyes as she was everywhere with her husband. She stayed glued to him and from the way she danced alongside him on the platform as each of the entertainers performed, it was obvious she set out to have a good time and she did have a good time. The second wife, Olori Hadiza was a bit more reserved at the party except when she walked into the venue of the party when it was already under way with her retinue of friends, making a show of it.

Celebrant partied with mum: What is a high-octane party without the presence of one’s mother? The Elegushi made sure that his mother, the revered Olori Sinat, shared in his joy and was part of his birthday celebration. It was also the first time a lot of the guests were seeing the Queen Mother.

Salihu Yakasai resurfaces: The sacked media aide to Abdulahi Ganduje, the Kano State governor, made a surprise appearance at the party. Salihu recently ran into trouble when he got invited by the Department of State Security for constantly criticizing the incompetence that has come to characterize President Muhammadu Buhari’s

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administration. While in DSS custody, he was given the boot by his principal who felt his criticism of Buhari was one too many. About two weeks after he regained freedom, Yakassai reportedly ‘fled’ the country. He showed up at the Elegushi’s party unannounced in his capacity as the older brother to monarch’s second wife, Olori Hadiza and left without anyone noticing him as well.

Julian Osula steps out of his cocoon: Julian Osula, the man behind Julian Luxury was at the party as a guest of the celebrant. Julian who rarely attend parties must have thought it expedient to attend the party owing to the fact that the monarch is one of his high valued clients. At the party, he sat quietly, backslapped with a few people he was familiar with, made sure the celebrant saw him and off he went. Just like John Obayuwana of Polo Limited, Julian is also considered a king in the luxury retail business in Nigeria. However, unlike Obayuwana, he likes to operate behind the scenes. His luxury company has on offer, a wide range of luxury goods, from exclusive timepieces and jewellery to accessories and writing instruments.

Julian Osula

Monarchs came ready to party: It is not everyday you see monarchs dressed in outfits other than their royal apparels. But at the Elegushi’s party, monarchs such as Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, Oba Lateef Adams etc. with the exception of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, dumped their royal apparels for casual outfits. They felt very free without the encumbrance of their flowing gowns. And were it not for their retinue of aides who all milled around them, not many could differentiate them from the regulars as they mingled freely.

Olori Sekinat, Olori Sinat, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Olori Hadiza

The dress code: The dress code was all white casual.

Only a few men adhered strictly to the dress code, dressed stylishly.

Taiwo Afolabi lets down his hair: The business maverick who is the CEO of Sifax Group, a conglomerate with tentacles in maritime, aviation, haulage, hospitality, financial services and oil and gas, found time out of his busy schedule to attend the Elegushi’s party. Taiwo isn’t known to party as hard as his twin, Kehinde, who is the outgoing type and the life of a party. It therefore came as a surprise to many who saw him at the party letting his hair down. The SIFAX boss who clocks 60 next year, is also getting ready to shut down Lagos for his birthday and the formal launch of his 250-bed Marriot Hotels The entertainers who thrilled guests: There were quite a handful of entertainers who thrilled guests and kept them on the dance floor. Davido, Patoranking, Naira Marley, CDQ Olowo, Fireboy, Lil Kesh and Veentage Band. On the wheel of spins was DJ Spinall.

The VIP guests: The guests as earlier mentioned were made up of 1st class monarchs, politicians, government officials, captains of industry, entertainers, socialites.

Some of those who made it to the party include; The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Lagos State speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi and husband, Dr Ademuyiwa Ajayi, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, Amina Jambo, Hon. Shina Pellar, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, Oba Lateef Adams, Hakeem Muri Okunola, Seyi Tinubu, Chief Nike Okundaye, Peter Obafemi, Chris Ubosi, Jay Jay Okocha etc.

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APRIL 18 - APRIL 24, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

SHOTS OF THE WEEK PHOTO EDITOR: PEACE UDUGBA [08033050729]

L-R: Caroline Oghuma - Executive Head, Corporate Communication, MultiChoice Nigeria; Victor Okhai L-R: Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu - President, Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN), and Femi Odugbemi - Academy Director, MultiChoice and the President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan, during a meeting between the Governor and the Talent Factory (MTF), West Africa during a courtesy visit by the Directors Guild of Nigeria to MultiChoice office on 13/4/ 2021.PHOTO: PEACE UDUGBA lawmakers in Abuja on 14/4/2021.

L-R: Deputy Director, Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr Gadzama Bashir; Head Technical Unit for Governance and Anti Corruption Agency Reforms, Mrs Lilian Ekeanyanwu, and Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr Hassan Bello, during a stakeholders sensitization on the Implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) by the project steering committee in Port Harcourt on 13/4/21.

L-R: Project Manager, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Dare Odusanya; Director of Agricultural Services, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Ayoade Abiola Tokunbo; Project Manager, Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA), Dr. Olamilekan Pereira-Sheteolu, and Director of Administration and Human Resources, Lagos State Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Maryam Amodu, during the grand finale of a three-day capacity building workshop on production and processing of catfish in Lagos State organised by LSADA in collaboration with the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation at LSADA Office, Agege, Lagos. 12/4/2021 THEWILLNIGERIA

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L-R: Representative of Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Mrs Kehinde Oyebode; Zonal Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS 11, Emmanuel Abe; Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Prof. Abiodun Otegbayo, and Oyo State Sector Commander of FRSC, Uche Chukwurah, during the commissioning of RS 11.3, FRSC, Oyo State Command Staff Clinic Laboratory facilities in Ibadan on 14/4/21.

L-R: Mr. Abubakar Suleiman, MD/CEO, Sterling Bank Plc; Ms. Sarah Chidebelu-Eze, Head, Customer Relationship Management, NIBSS Plc; Mr. Oladipo Alabede, Group Head, Digital Banking, Sterling Bank Plc; Ms. Mojisola Bakare, General Manager, Corporate Client Coverage and Sales, Sterling Bank Plc, and Mr. Wale Olajubu, Head, Acceptance Business, Sterling Bank, during the launch of OnePay for Business in Lagos on 16/4/2021

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ARTS

Of the award itself, Ebele is ecstatic, more so that it was totally unexpected. In other words, she neither canvassed for it nor entered into any competition with other competitors. It came straight out of the blues.

Clearly over the moon about the award, she said it has spurred her “to be Africa’s best female flutist and development coach by building a generation of people with sound understanding of music and overall wellness.”

Before then, she had been written about in nearly a dozen national newspapers, invited to concerts across the country where she wowed audiences with her skillful handling of the flute. Late last year by her own account, Ebele the Flutist dazzled a number of high profile guests at a swank event in Lagos. There was lockdown in Nigeria’s commercial capital and entertainment hub. Yet it didn’t stop a growing number of her admirers and fans from trooping to the venue to watch Ebele do her thing, all of them observing the social distancing on account of COVID-19.

When THEWILL spoke via email with the rising star two months and a week ago, she seemed truly passionate about an instrument she has fiddled with for more than ten years, starting from around age 14. Today, she is a pro and the country’s first. It is commendable, especially because she never ever imagined she would one day take up flute playing. It was pure serendipity.

Rise and Rise of Ebele The Flutist

BY MIKE JIMOH

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y now, most Nigerians know the most recognized female flutist around town. On Valentine’s Day when THEWILL published its very first print edition, Ebele Ezeamakam made the cover of the Arts pages. It was not for nothing.

Given her rising profile as the sole female professional flutist around (well, there are quite a number of them but none has taken to playing the wind instrument as passionately as she has) we couldn’t help but feature her in the maiden publication.

She seemed a perfect fit for a newspaper whose mission statement is to report, analyze and publish news differently, “expanding the national conversation,” as the newspaper’s motto states.

For sure, the spectacle of a woman playing the flute pales before the larger and more pressing issues of insecurity in Nigeria and criminal herdsmen roaming free today. Still, people have taken notice of her virtuoso performance not least the African Art Music TV (AAMTV.) Just last week, news made the rounds that Ms. Ezeamakam aka Ebele the Flutist has been given an Award of Notability

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In her own words, she was in a church choir and had to play one of the instruments in the orchestral pit. It could have been a drum, a guitar, an accordion, hi-hat or even cymbals.

Ebele settled for the flute, a reedy instrument most times the forte of the male folk. After years of practice and an uncommon commitment for a woman, recognition came bit by bit until Ebele turned professional and, as any teenage entertainment freak around here would say, “she come blow.”

“There is no passion to be found in playing small – in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living,” the great Nelson Mandela once mused. Going by that, Ebele has lived a fulfilled professional life as a flutist.

Nothing suggests she will stop anytime soon. As they say, the sky is her limit and the recent recognition conferred on her by AAMTV is proof of that, a shot in the arm, a tonic to drive her on.

Can anyone imagine if, by chance, she’d turned to the drum or guitar, striking repeatedly on a taut leather or some such synthetic rubber simultaneously stamping her feet on the pedals or strumming a guitar?

“

Once she put the instrument to her lips, she stayed glued to it, perfecting every lift of her fingers in synch with blowing away

by a continental television station in recognition of her “numerous contribution to classical and choral music in Africa and globally.” The award was endorsed and signed by the president of AAMTV himself. It speaks volumes.

Perhaps because of the restrictions on account of COVID-19, there was no gathering of any sort anywhere, say, at a posh hotel on the island or mainland. But the television station duly sent a a carefully worded letter of recognition embossed with the company logo.

It is possible she would have achieved fame as a drummer or guitarist but certainly not as she has done as a flutist. For one, she was clever enough to focus on what didn’t catch on with the female folk early on. Besides, once she put the instrument to her lips, she stayed glued to it, perfecting every lift of her fingers in synch with blowing away. Is it any surprise Ms. Ezeamakam is the number one female flutist in Nigeria today with an ambition to become the pioneer professional flutist in the continent?

If her dream comes true to be the best in Africa, then Ebele the Flutist would have proved beyond doubt what the incomparable Oprah Winfrey famously said about passion.

“Passion is the energy,” one of the most recognized and respected live television show host has said. “Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.”

There is no doubt the Anambra state-born artiste is excited about what she does. And nothing seems to stop Ebele the Flutist from whatever heights she is aiming for, witness the recent AAMTV award.

Commenting on the award itself, Ebele told THEWILL last week about her aspirations thusly: “I strive to be the best I can be......and I look at it globally. My vision propelled the drive to push higher. I can say now that this vision is accomplished, because this award is an African recognition.

None of these achievements I could have gotten without the help of God. God’s grace was my strength.”

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NEWS XTRA U.S. Government Supports Additional 45,000 People Living With HIV in Oyo, Ondo States

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he U.S. government will identify and place an additional 45,000 People Living with HIV (PLHIV) in Oyo and Ondo states on life-saving antiretroviral treatment as part of efforts to move Nigeria towards HIV epidemic control.

The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), administered by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), is providing HIV treatment to more than 23,000 PLHIV in Oyo State and over 12,000 PLHIV in Ondo State.

United States Consul General Claire Pierangelo disclosed this during the launch of the HIV Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Surge programs in Oyo and Ondo States which held on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.

“The PEPFAR Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Surge program identifies people living with HIV and places them on treatment for life. HIV treatment not only reduces HIV-related illnesses and death but also helps prevent new infections,” Consul General Pierangelo remarked.

L-R: Director of Administration, United Nigeria Airline (UNA), Mr. Linus Awute; Chairman, High Chief, Obiora Okonkwo, and Chief Operating Officer, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, during UNA meeting with Aviation Correspondents at the Murtala Mohammed Airport Ikeja in Lagos on 14/4/2021

Edo 2020: Gov. Diri Hails Team Bayelsa

•We Surpassed Our Expectation - Igali

BY DAVID AMOUS - OWEI

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he Bayelsa State contingent to the just concluded National Sports Festival, Edo 2020, returned to Yenagoa to a rousing welcome on Friday.

The state placed third at the end of the festival with 56 gold, 55 silver and 58 bronze medals, a feat it achieved for the first time in its history at the festival.

Receiving the contingent at the entrance of the Government House, Governor Douye Diri congratulated them for making the state and the Ijaw nation proud by their spectacular performance.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, the governor had to cut short one of his official engagements to receive the athletes.

Governor Diri said it was heartwarming that they surpassed the previous fourth position record set in 2006 at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when he was the Commissioner for Youth and Sports.

He urged the athletes to begin preparation for the next festival slated for Delta State in 2022 and promised to give them the necessary support towards a better outing.

Diri described as inconsequential unverified claims about the state being denied some medals over the state of origin and

nationality of some its athletes.

He said its indigenes represented the state at the festival as there was no iota of truth in such claims.

“Let me on behalf of the government and good people of Bayelsa State congratulate you. You have made not only yourselves proud, but you have also made Bayelsans and indeed the Ijaw race proud.

“This is just the beginning. By coming third, you were presented a trophy of an eaglet. What that tells you is that you have to go for the eagle next time. So, preparation for the next festival resumes from tomorrow. That is the only way you will break your record again by next year when you go for the national sports festival in Delta State.

“When you were about leaving, I gave you a charge. While I was Commissioner for Youth and Sports between 2006 and 2007, we had a record. For the first time, Bayelsa clinched the fourth position at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.

“My charge to you was to break that record. Today you have made me proud by breaking that record. In the history of Bayelsa, you have come home with a trophy from the National Sports Festival.

“We shall announce a date when your government will formally receive you. For now, welcome back and congratulations to the Commissioner, Daniel Igali, the Director of Sports, other officials, coaches and our great athletes.”

Speaking during a courtesy and advocacy visit to the Ondo State Government House, Consul General Pierangelo thanked Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and senior members of the administration for their commitment to work with all stakeholders, as the state implements the PEPFAR ART Surge.

She urged the Ondo State Government to remove all barriers hindering people living with HIV from accessing free services offered by the U.S. government through the PEPFAR programme.

Specifically, she highlighted the negative effect of user-fees as a major barrier to PLHIV accessing treatment and urged the elimination of such fees. In addition, she advocated removal of antenatal care charges for pregnant women living with the virus.

In Oyo State, Consul General Pierangelo met with the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, who represented Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

They discussed the U.S. government’s PEPFAR support in Nigeria’s policy development, human capacity building, and strengthening health systems, including the provision of state-ofthe-art laboratories and pharmaceutical warehouses.

While in Ibadan, the Consul General also visited the University College Hospital where she toured the U.S. CDC-supported ART clinic, as well as interacted with program beneficiaries and management staff of the facility.

Consul General Pierangelo requested Oyo and Ondo state governments to prioritize the procurement of additional HIV test kits to support the current PEPFAR efforts. The additional test kits are necessary for identifying PLHIV in various communities, and the rapid and sustained effort to put them on life-saving medications. This effort will ensure that they live normal, productive, and healthy lives, and break virus transmission.

PDP Rekindles Hope of Taking Over Power in 2023 FROM HENRY IYORKASE, MAKURDI

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pposition Peoples Democratic Party is poise to take over power from the All Progressive Congress at the centre in 2023. The the leaders of party rekindle this hope at its Zonal Congress held in Makurdi, the Benue State capital penultimate Saturday .

Speaking one after the other at the occasion, former Senate Presidents Bukola Saraki, Dr.iyorchia Ayu and David Mark said they have resolved to unite and reconcile their differences with a view to form a common front and dislodge the ruling party from power come 2023.

Ayu who was overjoyed that one of the founding members of the party, Prof. Jerry Gana had finally returned to the Party after sojourning elsewhere, expressed the assurance that the crop of leaders of the party would team up to ensure victory for the party at all levels in 2023.

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“Now that the people of Nigeria have tasted a second wife, they now know how beautiful the PDP is. And with the return of Gana, the PDP will.get back on track in 2023 and the whole of North Central will be governed by the PDP. “Even though Nigeria is at the verge of disintegration, Nigerians should not be deterred by the failed government of APC,” Ayu said, assuring that the PDP is coming up stronger and better to take over the governance of the country come 2023.

On his part, Sen. David Mark who agreed with the speech of Sen. Ayu said it was for that reason that Nigerians need to “change the change.”

Also speaking, the immediate past Senate President and Chairman, PDP Reconciliation Committee, Dr. Bukola Saraki said it was time for the north central to go and recover its mandate from the remaining five states.

“It’s time for us to go back and reclaim our mandate from the

remaining five states of the North Central because North Central belongs to PDP and that journey has started with the return of Jerry Gana. The future of Nigeria rests with the PDP. He charged all PDP leaders to go back and work together in unity to recover the mandate.

“We must also continue to retain FCT. We must go back and send a message that PDP has woken up and is now on the map to take the country,” Saraki said Former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu observed that only PDP could salvage Nigerians from abysmal performance occasioned by President Buhari - led APC administration in the country.

According to him “ the present dispensation had visited sharp divisions, anarchy leading to unprovoked attacks on innocent Nigerians, which was never before stressing that “when we are back, all these vices would be a thing of the past adding, monumental development would flourish in the country”.

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SportsLive

Ahmed Musa: Uncommon Bond With Kano Pillars

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BY JUDE OBAFEMI hmed Musa, the captain of Nigeria’s senior men’s national football team, the Super Eagles, has the reputation and renown of a record-setter in his own rights. He has accomplished himself on the biggest stage of world football, the World Cup and not just on one occasion only, so that it is not misconstrued as a flash in the pan, but in two consecutive world cups, against Argentina first, and then, against Iceland.

A

Whatever improves the image of Nigerian football is something that I strive to embark on and Kano Pillars holds a special place in my heart. It is the team that helped me become the professional footballer I am today, so, this is more than just football but a very strong bond

The 171cm tall pacy forward stole the headlines across the sporting media recently with his decision to accept the proposition he received from Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, the governor of Kano State, and from Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the League Management Company (LMC, ) to use his current free-agent interval for a short stint in the local league in the country by rejoining his old domestic club, the Kano Pillars of the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).

This stems from the fact that since the January transfer window shut this year and Musa failed in his attempted bid to secure a dream move to the English Premier League, the continuity of the 28-year-old’s professional football career had became mired in uncertainty to the point where some Nigerians protested his inclusion in the Super Eagles’ squad to contest the final matches of the qualifying series for the 2022 TOTAL African Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the end of last month.

will keep him in shape and increase his fitness levels for any opportunities that arise when the transfer season kicks off and also when Rohr makes his squad selection for the World Cup qualifiers.

On the side of the NPFL, the benefits are major. Having Musa join as an Elite player for the remainder of the 2020/2021 season comes with the potential to boost the image of the local league in the country itself, where the majority of football fans still demonstrate clear preference for football in Europe, and beyond, as fans of Musa’s, who follow the player’s progress across the globe, will be interested in finding out more about his latest club and league and follow the development as the season continues.

The team’s German coach, Gernot Rohr, displaying an awareness of the furore his selection of the clubless Musa, who had been without club football since October last year when he left the Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, explained the inclusion of Musa as a strategic decision and a technical morale booster for the three-time African champions and Group L leaders.

“Musa is our captain, and he is a part of the team though he won’t play because he has not been active, but we want to assist him to train and he will also help our team as we prepare for these two important matches,” Rohr explained.

The implication is that there will be new eyes on the domestic league from football watchers in all the football clubs that Musa has played for since leaving Nigeria’s shores to grow his football career. From Dutch side VVV-Venlo to the Russian club CSKA Moscow, from the English side Leicester City to the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, there will be fans and media eyeballing the NPFL, seeking to find out more, desiring to follow the progress the pacy forward makes and bringing such global attention to the local league, which is a benefit that was behind the motivation to bring him to Kano Pillars.

This explanation was considered weak as it went against what Rohr himself considered as a criteria for joining the Super Eagles’ squad, which was reserved only for players who were actively engaged with club football. That was why Nigerians could not understand how it became a sufficient rationale to relegate in-form and fiery hot choices like Paul Onuachu, of Belgian side Genk, and Henry Onyekuru, of Turkish club Galatasaray, to the standby list, putting the hopes of qualification of a whole nation in jeopardy simply to satisfy the needs to assist a single player.

However, although Musa was allowed some game time in the last match of the series against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, attention quickly shifted from AFCON qualifiers to World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria is in Group C of the 2022 Qatar World Cup qualifying groupings under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) zone. The teams against whom the Super Eagles will clash for a berth in Qatar within that group include Cape Verde, Liberia and the Central African Republic.

To avoid another set of debates about including a clubless team captain in these qualifiers, which are due to commence in June, Musa had to consider options that will place him in good stead to continue his record setting performance in the Green-White-Green colours of the Super Eagles and keep him within the fitness levels to be in form.

goals.

However, it has never been to the advantage of a professional footballer, at any point in their career, how much more at their prime, to be away from active football outside an injury spell.

Being away from competitive football involvement since October 2020 and staying that way until the jostle for Summer transfers begin in June across Europe, will not place Musa in the best light, especially at clubs are seeking to optimise value after the losses incurred due to the pandemic.

Getting offers did not appear to be the problem for the 28-yearold. Reports confirm that even while attempting to get into the Premiership, especially at Sam Allardyce’s West Bromwich Albion, at the turn of the year, Musa mulled over enticing offers from elsewhere in England and from Russia, where he successfully won titles in the league and domestic cup, and from the Turkish Super Lig, which boasts of brilliant Nigerian players including Onyekuru at Galatasaray.

This rationale was behind why players seeking to feature for their countries in the World Cup qualifiers and earn a place of respect in their football clubs seized the advantage of the transfer window of January to find better playing opportunities elsewhere. A solid example of this is Jesse Lingard, the English professional footballer who now plays as a rejuvenated attacking midfielder for the English Premier League club West Ham United, on loan from Manchester United. He has shown such an improvement that they want him back at both Old Trafford and the Three Lions.

He held back from these offers as they did not meet his preference for the direction he intends to take on the next stage of his professional career. The third most capped Super Eagles’ player opted to see out this season, get into the transfer business when the European window opens and find a suitable club that meets his criteria for the advancement of his football

With the possibility of finding football teams to play for in his continent of choice in Europe temporarily shut and with time increasingly not on his side, Musa strongly considered the local feature proposition of the Kano State governor and the chairman of the LMC as a prospective opportunity to for a win-win deal. The prospect of playing in the local league

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For a player with the reputation of the Super Eagles’ captain to feature again at the club that brought him to the limelight, enabled him to reach great heights, as the top scorer of the 2009/2010 NPFL season with 18 goals, enough to draw the attention of suitors from abroad that was the springboard of his international career, it is an immense opportunity for incredible publicity and promotional potential that ought not to be frittered away by the LMC and the NPFL. The marketing materials have to scream this at every opportunity to break through to any other international Nigerian player who may have to consider such a step in future to know that he or she will be welcomed with open arms.

They must devise the best means to take the most benefit of the Elite nature of the deal that brought Musa back to the league and promote the league to the utmost as bearing the potential to attract talents such as the only Nigerian to have ever scored a brace in two consecutive World Cups, repeating his feat against Argentina in 2014 with a brace against Iceland in 2018. As eyes and cameras will follow Musa wherever he goes in the league, it is the time for the LMC and NPFL to present their best sides and outlook around him as that is how those who watch will adjudge the league to be.

It is a fact that Musa will not be the first high profile Super Eagles’ player to come home to the NPFL and feature in the colours of a home club. Many are quick to point at the example of Rashidi Yekini, one of Nigeria’s best ever strikers to play the game and the first ever to score at the World Cup, in Nigeria’s debut appearance. Although it is not to be conceived as a competition between both players, the difference with Musa’s case is that this is occurring at his prime, in the very height of his active days rather than when there has been ageenforced decline in the ability to reach peak performance on a regular basis in today’s demanding football scene.

*Continues online at www. thewillnigeria.com

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