THEWILL JULY 11-17 EDITION

VOL 1 NO.22 •

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L A G O S R E S O LU T I O N

2023 Elections: Bumpy Road Ahead Southern Governors Talk Tough ● It’s Conspiracy Against North - NEF, CNG ● Ofeimum, Ozekhome, Others React ●

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COVER

2023 Polls: Bumpy Road Ahead

BY THEWILL CORRESPONDENTS

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learly, the road to the 2023 general elections in Nigeria might turn out to be bumpy and laden with political landmines.

THEWILL has authoritatively gathered that the resolutions of the 17 Southern State Governors at their second meeting in Lagos, penultimate week, are further pointers to the fact that preparations for the next general polls may not be as smooth as expected.

“Signals of the big battle ahead has already been sent,” a source close to the Southern Governors Forum, which has just chosen Lagos as its headquarters, told this newspaper on Thursday.

The main source of the fear and discomfort in the political landscape, THEWILL further learnt, is that apart from the novel idea of the 17 Governors setting aside their political differences to forge a common front, driven by what a government source called “perceived injustice, lack of equity and severe security concerns,” national issues were equally raised at the meetings around security and, recently in Lagos, power shift to the South in 2023.

“It is true federalism they are asking for. The issues they are concerned with have blurred party lines. They now realise that one region is dominating the other in terms of equity. Many Nigerians have come to realise that the country is no longer one and I think the governors are with their people on that score,” the source, who craved anonymity, told THEWILL. This line of thought was corroborated on Thursday, July 8 in Ibadan

by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, while receiving the report of the Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led PDP Southwest Reconciliation Committee at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office in Agodi, Ibadan. Governor Makinde said, “The governors from the southern parts of the country came together and without looking or thinking about party affiliations, took far-reaching decisions in the interest of this country and in the interest of fairness, equity and justice, for everybody in this country.”

At the Asaba meeting, hosted by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of the PDP, what is known as the Asaba Declaration articulated burning national issues, which were further elaborated upon alongside developing topical affairs at the Lagos meeting hosted by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of the APC. SOUTHERN GOVERNORS TALK TOUGH At the Lagos meeting, the governors agreed to make Lagos State the Forum’s secretariat, thereby sending a strong message that they have come to stay. Far reaching decisions that further united the governors in their demands were taken alongside new developments whose impact they felt would shortchange the region inequitably and unjustly. They also set aside September 1, 2021 as the deadline for a region-wide ban on open grazing.

Unlike the Asaba meeting, which focused on the worsening insecurity in the country, agitations for self-determination and restructuring, which were well articulated for inter-state collaboration and partnerships, the Lagos meeting, which extended the first set of demands, focused on current affairs dealing with lingering insecurity, constitutional amendment and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB).

The governors re-affirmed their commitment to the unity of Nigeria on the pillars of equity, fairness, justice, progress and peaceful co-existence between and amongst its people and stated that the Presidency be “rotated between southern and northern Nigeria.”

They also resolved that the next President of Nigeria “should emerge from the South.”

The governors also re-emphasised the need for State Police and resolved that “if for any reason security institutions need to undertake

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an operation in any southern state, the chief security officer of the state must be duly informed.” They frowned at the selective criminal administration of Justice and resolved that arrests should be made “within the ambit of the law and fundamental human rights.”

On open grazing, they set Wednesday, September 1, 2021 as the timeline for the promulgation of the anti -open grazing law in all member-states and resolved that funds deducted from the Federation Account for the Nigeria Police Security Trust Fund should be distributed among the states and Federal Government to combat security challenges.

The Forum faulted certain clauses in the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) Law, namely the proposed three percent, and supported the five percent share of the oil revenue to the host community as recommended by the House of Representatives. It rejected the proposed 30 percent share of profit for the exploration of oil and gas in the basins and the ownership structure of the proposed Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC).

The Forum also demanded that the company should be held in trust by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) since all tiers of government have stakes in the profitable investment vehicle.

It rejected the purported removal of the electronic transmission of the election result from the Electoral Act and also rejected the conferment of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

IT’S A CONSPIRACY AGAINST NORTH – NEF, CNG But the North would not have none of what some the region’s groups have described as the “effrontery” of the southern governors to “rock the boat” by challenging the northern hegemony. Describing the Lagos Resolution as a “conspiracy against the North,” the political demands on power shift have so far attracted more reactions from northern groups, such as the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) and Arewa Youths Forum (AYF), as well as some prominent politicians from the region.

Voicing his opposition to the Lagos Resolution, the national chairman of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Sani Yabagi, accused the southern governors of a gang-up against the North.

Yabagi, a presidential candidate in 2019, who spoke on a live television programme monitored by THEWILL, also described the southern governors’ meeting and decisions as a gang-up against the Muhammadu Buhari administration. “When you look at the grazing issue, insecurity and the issue of politics of 2023, how can we have elected officials, governors for that matter, coming in this manner to emphasise things that divide us? Not talking about things that unite the country beats my imagination. All the things listed in that communique from their meeting seems to be a kind of gang up

Zulum

Attended by all 17 governors from the three dominant political parties in the South, namely the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with eight governors, the All Progressives Congress (APC) with eight governors and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) with a governor, issues raised at the two meetings were at once regional and national.

Sanwo-Olu

Without any iota of doubt, echoes of the two regional meetings of the 17–member Forum, held eight weeks apart, first on May 11, 2021 in Asaba, capital of Delta State, and on July 5 in Ikeja, the Lagos State capital, are still reverberating throughout the political landscape and sending jitters across political divides in the country, ahead of the 2023 general elections.

against the North,” he said.

On its part, the Northern Elders Forum said it was not in opposition to the emergence of a southern president in 2023, insisting that this kind of leadership that has run Nigeria aground is what it is against.

Appearing alongside Yakubu Pam Gam, the Director, Publicly and Advocacy of the Middle Belt Forum, Hakeem Baba Ahmed of the Northern Elders Forum clarified his earlier position which had made it look like he was opposed to the governors’ demand for power shift from the North to the South.

In a television programme monitored by THEWILL on Friday, he stated that NEF had nothing against the South, but it was opposed to the emergence of the present crop of leaders that ran Nigeria into crises.

“Fairness, equity and justice must apply in whatever democracy.

They are the pillars of our democratic system. In the interest of equity, justice and fairness Nigerian citizens must be granted the freedom to choose who should govern them.

“When the 17 southern governors were elected, they knew the value of allowing the democratic process to work. There are ways in which candidates emerge on party platforms and there are rules within party platforms. Political parties decide who to field for a particular office and then Nigerian citizens choose who to vote for,” Hakeem Baba Ahmed said, adding, “Words like ‘we must’ and ‘should’ or ‘giving ultimatums’ and threats completely negates the fundamentals of a democratic process.”

Continuing, he said: “The Northern Elders Forum never said it is against rotation or power shifting. What we have always insisted on is the respect for the fact that we are operating a constitutional system.

“Our constitutional system states that, irrespective of what the party decides, the Nigerian citizens eventually have to line up and cast their votes to choose their leaders.

“It is wrong and counter-productive for southern governors to take the position that suggests that the presidency must move to the South.

This is dangerous. It is heavy politics and it is not going to persuade northern governors or northern voters to vote for a southern candidate simply because somebody sits in Lagos and wants the presidency to be taken there.

“Northerners are not opposed to voting for a southern candidate.

What we are opposed to is being compelled or threatened to vote for a southern candidate simply because a few politicians are too lazy to do the hard work, which is to work with other politicians within their parties on the basis of fairness, equity and justice to allow citizens to vote. That is the position of the northern elders’ forum.”

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COVER A source from one of the states, who had accompanied his governor to both meetings, expressed his fears. Speaking to THEWILL on the condition of anonymity, he said that although there is no sign of cracks yet among the governors and the demand for power shift to the south in 2023 is for the peace and stability of the country, the real problem is to “think the South is monolithic politically, just as the North is not monolithic, despite what people say to the contrary.”

Also the CNG, in a statement by its spokesperson, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, accused the southern governors of ganging up against the North.

“The southern governors’ threat to impose and enforce this undemocratic leadership selection process on the North, irrespective of its advantage of numerical superiority and inherent political sophistry, is part of a calculated design to continuously weaken our region politically and pauperise it economically,” it said.

Explaining that politicians are driven by interests and calculations of power, he said the power equation in 2023 can tempt some of the governors who are serving their second term in office.

The group blamed the development on Governors Nasir-el Rufai of Kaduna State and former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, who have both argued for power shift to the South.

“If a powerful and popular politician from the North dangles a carrot, say Vice Presidency, to some of the second-term governor, will they reject it?,” he asked rhetorically, saying, “They would accept it and rationalise it as a way to serve their people.”

“Inevitably, the immediate trigger to the Lagos pronouncements was the collaborative assurances by the former Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima and the Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, given just two days earlier,” it said.

According to him, that is how politicians reason. “You can call it selfish interest. It is not bad. It is called enlightened self-interest. Even Jesus Christ was concerned about his image. He asked his apostles who the people thought he was and when they answered, he in turn asked them what they thought of him. That is human nature,” he said.

Also, the Arewa Youth Forum, in a statement by Gambo Gujungu, said the governors’ resolutions were not only unconstitutional but “unfortunate,” adding, “Our advice to the southern governors is that before we talk about the 2023 elections, they should work to settle the problems ravaging their states and region. It is only when some of these impasses are resolved that any one should begin to talk about the presidency in 2023 in an atmosphere devoid of rancour, bitterness and the present pronounced division.”

Ofeimun somewhat agreed with the source when he too expressed his fears. According to him, two of the southern governors appeared to be shaky because of their dependence on support from the North.

He declined to mention names. On the demand for power rotation, he submitted that negotiations may not give the governors what or who they want.

The AYF believes that some of the resolutions, especially the Southern governors’ rejection of certain provisions of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), “do not engender peace, unity and fairness that the Southern governors said they want by asking for the Presidency in 2023.”

WE’RE NOT MOVED BY THREATS – AKEREDOLU The opposition, notwithstanding, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, who is the spokesperson of the Southern Governors Forum, has declared that the governmors are fully committed to their resolutions. In line with the September 1 deadline for the promulgation of laws by the member-states to ban open grazing, the Ogun State Assembly, last week, passed the Bill proscribing open grazing in the state.

The southern governors have also received support from the likes of Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, with the Chairman of the Middle Belt Forum, Abuja Chapter, Pam Gam, declaring,”We will support the South and patiently wait for our turn because we want the progress of Nigeria.”

Pam Gam continued, “You will recall that in the history of Nigeria, the Middle Belt has been a region that has kept Nigeria together over time. Various examples abound during the military and in the democratic setting.

“The Middle Belt people believe in equity, fairness and justice. That is why the Middle Belt is at the centre of the divide between the North and the South and trying to balance both sides.”

“On the issue of 2023, the Middle Belt, in all honesty, is in tandem with the position of the southern governors that the 2023 presidency should go to the south. There is an informal understanding that power should rotate between the two parts of this country.

“Based on that, the North has had it for eight years. Naturally the south should have it in 2023. Looking at the way the southern governors presented it, that could be another thing, but the true position of the Middle Belt is that power should shift to the South now. After eight years, it will also come to the North.”

Ortom said the plan to legislate on the prohibition of open grazing is a bold and patriotic move that will bring to an end the lingering crisis caused by armed Fulani herdsmen.

In a statement by his media aide, Terver Akase, the governor praised the governors’ position on power shift. Ortom believes that only equity, fairness and justice can strengthen Nigeria’s unity, give all citizens a sense of belonging and reduce tension.

Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives from the 17 southern states have also backed the governors’ resolutions.

In a statement by the Chairman of the Southern Caucus of the House, Victor Nwokolo, the lawmakers said, “We note that the demand that the next president of Nigeria should come from the southern region unambiguously represents the opinion of a majority of Nigerians across the board, in tandem with the already established rotation of presidency position between southern and northern Nigeria.”

They supported the governor’s position on the electronic transmission of election results in the Electoral Act, as well as its position on the THEWILLNIGERIA

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“The truth is that President Buhari has all the money and power to do so,” he affirmed.

conferment of exclusive jurisdiction in pre-election matters on the Federal High Court.

The lawmakers backed the rejection of the proposal that 30 percent of the profit from oil revenue should be dedicated to oil exploration efforts in the basins.

They also backed the governor’s recommendation that the NNPC should be controlled by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

IT’S A GAME OF BRINKMANSHIP – OFEIMUN From all indications, the prevailing developments really pose a big threat to the next general elections as the regional divide continues to widen with pundits wondering what effects this could have on the continued corporate existence of the country, even as the southern governors have restated their commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

“It is actually a game that two persons can play,” said Odia Ofeimun, thinker, poet, author and former private secretary to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in an interview with THEWILL. “Many of the positions taken by President Buhari and his men are not backed by law or any rule. They believe the other side will fall. So far, the governors have not fallen back. But if they fail to push more, the executive will push at them. The executive will try and use federal power to show the governors cannot win. But, I tell you, nothing can stop them from winning.”

But asked how that could possibly happen, he explained, “Recall how President Obasanjo failed to pay the Lagos State Government its allocation because of the local government problem. Did Lagos crumble? So, if you say you will not give the 17 souther states their allocation because of the national demands they have made, then you are ending Nigeria. If the governors stick together, it is the Federal Government that will change its position. It is a game of brinkmanship. You push and see the other side moving, you push more. Look at the PIB thing. It is like pouring rubbish on the Niger Delta. If you are going to give three percent to people who have the oil and you say the people who are affected cannot talk, even slaves will not take that from you.”

Communication scholar and immediate past Head of Mass Communication Department at the University of Lagos, Prof Abigail Ndisika-Ogwezzy, agrees with Ofeimun.

“The governors are living up to the expectations of their people who have expressed worry over issues of insecurity. Everyone needs to be secure to maximise their full potential and given the opportunity to self–actualise, equality of opportunity in terms of citizenship, employment and the freedom to engage more with their compatriots across the country. The governors are the ones taking the heat. Look at what happened during #EndSARS protest, for example. So they have to take action now before the growing call for self-determination in their areas causes another problem,” Ogwezzy told THEWILL.

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Stating that the stand of the governors was for the good of the country, especially in the face of ongoing clamour for restructuring, constitution amendment and electoral reforms, he pointed out that one of the advantages of the meetings, especially the Lagos session, which is actually not yet talked about, is that fact that the 17 governors can “take a position and get support from one of the 19 governors of the northern states,” Samuel Ortom of Benue State said, “It shows that if the southern governors hold on enough, more states from the North may join them.”

According to him, the common call for state police and related issues are some of the reasons that may get that support from northern counterparts for the southern governors. But he was quick to warn that all the governors must be very watchful about the issue of state police, which is already receiving attention in the National Assembly, where the House of Representatives have moved to pass a bill.

“Every state wants state police. They have to read between the lines and be sure that what they are getting is state police. They must follow what happens to the Exclusive Legislative list. If it is left untouched and they are granted state police, they will not have money. That is where the Federal Government takes all the powers of the state. So, if they leave the Exclusive Legislative list as it is and give the states state police, the FG will continue to give them grants. That is why I insist that the southern governors must be ready for the long haul in their struggle,” Ofeimun said.

RESTRUCTURING IS THE ONLY WAY OUT – OZEKHOME However, Chief Mike Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, insisted that without restructuring Nigeria would continue to move from crisis to crisis. In a webinar held on Friday with the theme, ‘Restructuring Nigeria and Clamour for Self-Determination: Historical and Constitutional Challenges for the Midwest Region’ and attended by THEWILL, he said, “The union was not working and it is better we all do what will make it work or else there are examples of countries that have broken up peacefully and Nigeria would not be different.

“That is why we say restructuring must be done for the country to work. It simply means re-organisation, rejigging of jurisdictions in the country.

“Why should the Federal Government take 56 percent of revenue share, leaving the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and 774 local governments with the balance? Today, all states have become suffocating units under a behemoth. That is why we must have fiscal federalism. The late Professor Otitu Onoge did a study that showed there are 374 national nationalities. Why should things revolve around the three major ethnic nationalities? Even the 1999 Constitution is a schedule attached to Decree 24 that General Abubakar Abdulsalami regime gave to Justice Niki Tobi to package what became the 1999 Constitution fraudulently called the Peoples’ Constitution, No. “ As things stand now, even a crystal ball may not offer ready answers to how far the 17 governors can keep their house standing as Nigeria is still in ferment and any push can tip the scale either way.

The game, however, continues.

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NEWS

Pam, Adigun, Abdulmutalib to Speak At 25th LAAC Confab

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

T

he Chairman, Governing Council, Nigeria Aviation Safety Initiative (NASI), Captain Dung Pam; Chairman, Association of Aviation Ground Handlers (ACHAN) , Mr Olaniyi Adigun and General Manager, Total Nigeria Plc, Mr. Rabiu Abdulmutalib have been scheduled to deliver papers at the forthcoming League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) Conference slated for July 28, 2021 at the Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja.

The League, in a statement announcing the conference at the weekend, said that Capt Pam would speak on the topic: ‘Nigeria Airlines: Management, Policy and Regulation,’ while Adigun would speak on ‘Ground Handling in Nigeria: Management, Policy and Regulation.’ Also Abdulmutalib is set to dissect the topic: ‘Aviation Operations, Jet A1: Challenges and Solutions.’

Major stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation industry are already keying into the conference with the theme: ‘Nigeria Aviation Industry: Management, Policy and Regulation.’

While the Ministry of Aviation has indicated interest to be part of the event, all the aviation agencies, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Accident Investigation Bureau, Nigeria (AIB-N), Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria and Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), have equally expressed their desire to be fully involved in the arrangement.

Expressing his commitment to the forthcoming event, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Capt Rabiu Yadudu, said the event is coming at the very right time.

Bayelsa Resolves Crisis at NDU

L-R: Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Ekiti State Governor/Chairman Governor’s Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the inaugural meeting of the National Poverty Reduction and Growth Strategy Committee at the State House, Abuja 9/7/ 2021.

Ayade Receives Ndoma-Egba Committee Report •Promises to Provide Basic Infrastructure

FROM BASSEY ANIEKAN, CALABAR

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overnor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has received the report of a committee set up to look into the Ebom/ Ebijaghara and Ediba/ Usumutong communal crisis.

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The committee was headed by former Senate leader Victor Ndoma-Egba.

Students of the university had been protesting against the closure of the institution’s portal for payment of school fees and alleged enforcement of compulsory wearing of school uniform by the university authorities.

Speaking while receiving the report, Governor Ayade pledged to bring lasting peace to the war-torn communities through massive infrastructural development.

FROM DAVID AMOUS- OWEI, YENAGOA

he mediatory meeting covered Wednesday at the instance of the Bayelsa State Government between the Governing Council of the Niger Delta University, NDU, students’ representatives and other stakeholders has restored normalcy to the state-owned university.

But rising from the last round of meetings directed by Governor Douye Diri which were presided over by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at the Government House, Yenagoa, it was agreed that the portal for the payment of school fees be reopened.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, highlighted other resolutions reached at the meeting to include payment of 70% of school fees at the beginning of every semester.

It added that the remaining 30% is to be paid before the commencement of second semester’s exams, while year one students are required to make full payment of all fees to enable them have their matriculation numbers.

It also endorsed the prohibition of indecent and indiscriminate dressing by students, directing all faculties to enforce their respective dress codes and other regulations as spelt out in the 2015 students’ handbook.

On the issue of suspension of Student Union Government, it was resolved that the school authorities should allow the formation of the body at the beginning of the next academic calendar.

The committee was tasked with the responsibility of bringing an end to the crisis, which has been raging for over two decades and resulted in wanton destruction of lives and properties.

The governor said, “I have listened to you very clearly. I think the fundamental issue being raised here is the issue of infrastructure. We will sit down and look at the provision of land and decide on social housing structure. The

Ayade also said he had extended the terms of the committee so that they would help him to provide infrastructure to the communities.

He urged the committee to provide a concept design, a social housing master plan for the entire Ebijaghara and a general detail of the infrastructure for the area.

Earlier, Senator Ndoma-Egba said the committee visited scenes of devastation in the communities.

“The committee visited the scenes of crises and while we did not see signs of blood again arising from the passage of time, we actually saw scenes of devastation and ruins, especially in the areas hitherto occupied by the Ebijaghara community and Usumutong,” he said.

The former Senate leader expressed the optimism that if implemented, the committee’s recommendations would heal wounds and bring lasting peace.

A’Ibom Women, Youths Embrace Teamwork, Partnership

FROM UDEME UTIP, UYO

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omen groups and youths in Akwa Ibom State have moved to embrace entrepreneurship as part of efforts aimed at ensuring sustainable partnership and teamwork in driving the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises as the bedrock of rapid economic development.

Specifically, the women groups are coming together to form formidable teams across many frontiers, despite the challenges facing small business operators, including irregular power supply, in the country.

Through teamwork and partnership, the women and youth groups look set to avail themselves of the numerous credit facilities to grow their business.

Earlier in his charge to the students, the Deputy Governor reminded the students that their primary objective is to acquire degrees and good character that will enable them eke out a living after graduation.

This was the vision for the inauguration of the women and youth groups by the Uyo Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (UYOCCIMA) at a ceremony held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital and attended by captains of industries and leaders across the country.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo cautioned them never to resort to violence in agitating for their rights, especially when there is room for dialogue.

Iyalode Alaba Lawson, one time president of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture (NACCIMA), who delivered a keynote address at

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commencement of the detailed design of the road network and all of that has to be worked out because this committee has done very well and you have worked within the time limit.”

the ceremony, emphasised the need for self discipline, integrity and etiquette as the guiding principles for success in business.

Lawso’s views were also re-echoed by the president of UYOCCIMA, Obong Nseyen Ebong, who noted that bringing together women and groups together was meant to unleash their economic potentials noting that the population of the two groups far outweighs that of men.

“Since we started the idea of women and youths groups, I have been pleasantly surprised by their commitment and their enthusiasm,’’ adding that trade groups have been created within the association to fast track entrepreneurship and economic development.

Promising that UYOCCIMA would grant entry free loans to those seeking funds to expand their businesses,’’ he however urged the would-be beneficiaries to pay back such credit facilities to ensure that a revolving loan scheme would be achievable for others to benefit.

Ebong, a maritime expert and former Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, lauded the women groups for their enterprising spirit as displayed by the various products exhibited during the ceremony.

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NEWS ANALYSIS General of the Directorate of Culture and Communications in the German Embassy in Nigeria, paid the monarch a courtesy call in his palace. He also had one this weekend, insisting more than ever before that the artefacts belong to the Benin people and must be returned to them.

The monarch took umbrage at the decision by certain third parties to negotiate on behalf his kingdom concerning the artefacts. One of them is Legacy Trust Foundation set up by the Edo state government. Quoting Ewuare II, some analysts reported that the monarch “expressed displeasure that some groups of individuals, using pseudo names, are negotiating the recovery of stolen Benin artworks on behalf of the throne,” insisting that “the palace could not fold its hands to see such abominable development take place.”

Continuing, Ewuare II said: “These artefacts should be returned to the original owner which, in reality, is the Benin Kingdom. The works, he also disclosed, “have deep spiritual, traditional and cultural significance.”

Oba of Benin

But just this week, the Federal Government led by Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Lai Mohammed, insisted the planned return of the works should be delayed for a year more. It is not clear yet whether the minister’s statement is in consonance with the Benin monarch’s views.

Controversy Over Planned Return of Benin Artefacts

BY MICHAEL JIMOH

T

he spoils of war have been, for centuries, part of human nature. When nations or countries go to war, the victors almost always loot whatever they can lay their hands on from the vanquished. Such war booties could be human beings, women especially, artworks, gold, money and any such thing that might be of value to them.

From ancient Greece through the Roman Empire down to modern warfare like the first and second world wars, losers have never been spared. The English did it to the Greeks by systematically making off with the famous Elgin marbles. The Germans did it to the French in World War II by criminally stealing some of their famous paintings.

So, when the British invaded the ancient Benin Empire in 1897, they naturally felt obliged to make off with hundreds of artefacts from the ancient kingdom.

It is not quite clear whether such war booties are part of the punitive measures imposed on the vanquished or as part payment for their aggressive behaviour. Whatever it is, it is fait accompli that losers must pay somehow. But times have changed. There seems to be more consideration for countries now after a particularly brutal confrontation, especially when it comes to national treasures like art works.

When news filtered in sometime last year that the looted artefacts from Benin were to be returned, Nigerians were delighted to no end. More delighted was the traditional institution in Benin, the palace of the Oba of Benin, THEWILLNIGERIA

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Ewuare II. Months after the planned repatriation from some European countries, particularly Germany, controversy has arisen over who should be the custodian of the said art works. Is it the palace of the Oba of Benin, the state or the federal government? Again, a whopping sum of $20m is likely to be paid as restitution. Where should the money go? Is it the very place the works were looted from or the country Nigeria?

Those are the questions of the raging controversy at the moment.

Just last May, Oba Ewuare II had a press conference after a German delegation led by Andreas Gorgen, Director-

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These artefacts should be returned to the original owner which, in reality, is the Benin Kingdom. The works, he also disclosed, have deep spiritual, traditional and cultural significance

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On Friday, again, a famous Benin son and onetime deputy governor of Edo state, Lucky Imasuen, spoke to Arise TV on the raging controversy. Asked where the art works should be returned, Imasuen was unequivocal in his response. He began by tracing the history of the works, saying that at the time they were looted in 1897, the works were in the present palace during Oba Ovoramwen’s reign.

“The fight to return this artefacts back to Benin started several years ago during the reign of Oba Akenzua and Oba Erediauwa. The current Oba who was Crown Prince and an ambassador to several European countries was mandated by his father to ensure that these artefacts are returned back to Nigeria. The palace of the Oba of Benin belong to Benin people. The artefacts belong to the Benin people. The Oba of Benin is the authorized custodian of our heritage…You cannot possibly take things out of the palace of the Oba of Benin.”

The former deputy governor also spoke on the safety of the artefacts as some people have griped about. Imasuen insisted that long before the artworks were looted by the Brits, many of them were more than 400 years old and nothing happened to them. So, the question of safe keeping by those who have expressed such fears is out of it.

“Some of the artworks were already 400 years old before the British looted them,” Imasuen added, “and they were in good form.” What those canvassing for another museum should do, he said, is for them to work in tandem with the palace to build a suitable museum “for the benefit of the Benin people, for the benefit of Nigerian, for the benefit of west Africa and for the benefit of Africa and for the benefit of the entire world.”

On whether there should be a compromise between the palace and the trustees to manage or take custody of the works in question, Imasuen declared that “it is an insult of major proportion that the works should be received or managed on behalf of the Benin people.”

However long it takes, the looted art works will find their way back to where they were purloined centuries ago.

What is yet unclear at the moment is whether they will be returned to the Oba’s palace as the traditional ruler wishes.

As it is, the controversy over the return of the artefacts is still on.

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

L-R: Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philips Shuaibu; his Ebonyi State counterpart, Kelechi Igwe; Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa; Governor of Ogun State Dapo Abiodun; Deputy Governor of Imo State , Placid Njoku; Chairman, Southern Governors Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, and Governor of Lagos State/host, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi (signing the communique), during the Southern Nigeria Governors Forum meeting held in Ikeja, Lagos on 5/7/ 2021.

L-:R: Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria and Guest Lecturer, Mr Godwin Emefiele, The Serving Overseer, Citadel Global Community Church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, Chairman of the University Council, Senator Lanre Tejuosho and the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Okuwatoyin Ogundipe after the 2019 Convocation Lecture in Lagos on Monday, June 5.2021.

L-R: Secretary of the PDP South West Reconciliation Committee, Monsuru Kukoyi; Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde ; Chairman of the Committee, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; another member of the Committee, Saka Balogun and fomer Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Omolade Oluwateru, during the presentation of the Committee’s report to Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State in Ibadan on 8/7/21.

Member, Lagos State University (LASU) Governing Council, Moronke Williams (left), being presented Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila (right), with the Turkish Ambassador to with her oath of office by Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the swearing-in of Chairman Nigeria, Hidayet Bayraktar, during a courtesy visit by the latter to the Speaker in Abuja on 8/7/2021. and Members of the LASU Governing Council in Ikeja, Lagos on 8/7/2021.

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Soludo

Obiano

POLITICS

Soludo, Uba, Others Battle For Anambra Governorship

BY AYO ESAN s of the time the Independent National Electoral Commission’s deadline for the conduct of governorship primaries expired, 13 of the 18 registered political parties had carried out the exercise in Anambra State. The major political parties, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA); the All Progressive Congress (APC); and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) all had a rough experience as they held parallel primaries which produced different candidates. However, the parties have announced their official candidates for the Governorship election scheduled for November.

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APGA has Prof Chukwuma Soludo as its governorship candidate. Other parties that have announced their candidates to the electorate include the PDP, which has Chief Valentine Ozigbo as its candidate and the APC, which also announced Dr Andy Uba as its candidate.

Other candidates, as announced, are Obiora Emmanuel Agbasimalo – Labour Party (LP); Senator Ifeanyi Ubah – Young Progressive Party (YPP); Azubuike Echetebu,– APP; Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo – ADC; Prince Afam Ume-Ezeoke – ADP ; Chief Arinze Ekeleme – SDP; Chief Uche Ugwoji – ZLP; Alex Nwankwo – Accord Party; and Dr Nnamdi Nwanwuo– PRP. .

Political analysts and watchers of the political development in the South-East believe the race to succeed the incumbent Governor Willy Obiano is going to be a three-horse race between the candidates of the APGA, which is the ruling party in the state and the candidates of the PDP and the APC. This is as they also believe that Senator Ifeanyi Ubah who won the last senatorial election on the platform of Young Progressive Party, through support from the grassroots in the state, may spring a surprise in the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra State.

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Also speaking with THEWILL, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Ralph Nwosu said its party’s candidate, Nze Akachukwu Nwankpo, will emerge victorious in the forthcoming election.

Nwosu said, “The ADC has produced the best candidate for the election in the person of Nwankpo. He is a seasoned technocrat and has also been involved recently in the state politics at different levels. He happens to be the most qualified and the candidate of the ADC, so he put the ADC as the party to beat.”

THE MAIN CONTENDERS Charles Chukwuma Soludo Charles Chukwuma Soludo, the candidate of APGA has the advantage of riding on the platform of the ruling party in the state. Born on July 28, 1960, he is a professor of economics and a former governor and chairman of the board of directors of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN).

Soludo has been a Visiting Scholar at the International Monetary Fund, the University of Cambridge, the Brookings Institution, the University of Warwick, and the University of Oxford, as well as a Visiting Professor at Swarthmore College (USA). He has also worked as a consultant for a number of international organisations, including the World Bank, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the United Nations Development Programme.

A core professional in the business of macroeconomics, Soludo obtained his three degrees and then professorship at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in Enugu State, having graduated with a First Class Honours degree in 1984, an MSc Economics in 1987 and a PhD in 1989, winning prizes for the best student at all three levels.

Soludo has been trained and involved in research, teaching and auditing in such disciplines as multi-country macro-

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econometric modelling, techniques of computable general equilibrium modelling, survey methodology and panel data econometrics, among others.

In 1998, he was appointed to the position of professor of economics at the University of Nigeria; the next year he became a visiting professor at Swarthmore in Swarthmore Pennsylvania, USA. He held the positions of Chief Economic Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo On September 16, 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Soludo as a member of newly formed eightmember Economic Advisory Council (EAC) which would report directly to the President.

Soludo is not new to the governorship race. In September 2009, he announced his desire to run for the seat of governor of Anambra State and participated in the February 9, 2010 election. He went on to lose to Peter Obi in an election that was largely considered to be free and fair by major election observers. On July 17, 2013, he resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party after writing a letter to the National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur. He later joined the All Progressives Grand Alliance in preparation for the November 2013 governorship race in Anambra State.

In February 2021, Soludo officially declared his intention to run for the position of governor in Anambra State under the banner of APGA. He won the party’s primaries and is now the official candidate of the party.

On March 31, 2021, unidentified gunmen disrupted an interactive session between the youths of Isuofia and Soludo at the town’s civic centre, leading to the death of three police officers.

With the support of Governor Willy Obiano and the fact that *Continues on Page 12

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW

Constitution Amendment, Waste of Time – Nwosu

Chief Ralph Okey Nwosu is the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC. In this interview with AYO ESAN, he speaks on issues as they affect the nation and his party. Excerpts:

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hat would you advise the Federal Government to do about the worsening insecurity in the country?

I have written so much on how to manage diversity and living chains, but this government is not a listening one. So, it is quite difficult advising the government on what to do about the worsening insecurity in the country. But to answer your question, I would ask the government to do its best to create harmony in the system and bring the people together.

A lot of things have gone wrong with the system.

There are too many ethnic militias operating in the country. There is too much violence, ethnic wrangling, kidnapping, et cetera. Things have gone so bad that one of the ways to restore confidence in the government is by initiating a national conversation. The Federal Government should try as much as possible to bring everybody to the roundtable. A national conversation will help to douse the tension in the country and calm frayed nerves. The government should listen attentively to what the people have to say. That may be the beginning of the healing process.

If failure on the part of this government to listen to the people results in dire consequences for the country, it will be held culpable. Look at the way the Department of State Security made mockery of a major institution by invading Sunday Igboho’s Ibadan residence at night. Can you imagine that?

There are different ways to restore peace to the country; it should not be by force.

The present government does not have any economic focus. If the economy is bad and you don’t have economic focus, a lot of things will go wrong. If people are dying of hunger, there is no way you can stop a hungry man from looking for a way to survive. So, it is better to show Nigerians that you are thinking about their welfare by creating an enabling environment for them to work on the economy. This is one of the things you can do to reassure the people that the presidency is concerned about their welfare.

A national dialogue will help the entire system to heal. Until it begins to heal, there will be no end to insecurity, insurgency, rise of ethnic militias, bloody conflicts, kidnapping and other symptoms of the bigger problem.

The National Assembly is trying to amend the 1999 Constitution. What parts of the constitution do you think need to be changed?

Although it has already started something, the National Assembly does not have the right to fix the constitution for us. We have to face reality. Do we really have a constitution on ground? Nigerians should be allowed to decide, not just a few elected people, what to do with the constitution, whether to amend it or not and what parts to amend. It PAGE 10

is unbecoming of a group of so-called elected representatives of the people, who have the people’s mandate, to make decisions without considering the wishes of the same people who elected them. I don’t even want to talk about this anymore, but what the members of the National Assembly are doing is a waste of time and they know it. What they say they are amending doesn’t even exist in the first place. Is it not better if all Nigerians sit down to discuss and decide what kind of constitution they want for the country?

Are you saying that Nigeria needs a brand new constitution put in place by the people?

Yes, I am saying so.

So how do we go about it?

That is what I have just said. I have said that we need a national conversation. It is critical for almost everything that has gone wrong in Nigeria. This is because a lot of water has gone under the bridge. We have been living in falsehood. If we are just realising it because of the way the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Muhammadu Buhari has mismanaged our diversity, then it is still good. May be the best thing we have learnt from the Buhari administration is that all they have done must lead us to a national conversation. Instead of the National Assembly usurping the peoples’ power or role by working on something that does not exist, let the people sit down and decide for themselves what to do. The 1999 Constitution can be the starting point. The conference organised by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration or the one hosted by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, which is the most recent, can also be the starting point. After making their decisions, the people will then let the National Assembly fine tune and bring them to life. But the government should first allow the people to talk and make the decisions. You cannot shut out the people and expect to have a country.

How is the African Democratic Congress preparing for the governorship election in Anambra State and what is your advice to the Independent National Electoral Commission?

Luckily ADC has produced the best candidate for the election in the person of Akachukwu Nwankpo. He is a seasoned technocrat and has also been involved in politics and governance at the state and national levels. He happens to be the most qualified candidate for the election. So he puts the ADC as the party to beat. You can see what happened when the other political parties held their respective primaries.

We need to advance our democracy. I heard that the APC are saying that they are going to write the results by all means. We need to advance our democracy beyond elections. I would like to advise the Independent National Electoral Commission to

“

What the members of the National Assembly are doing is a waste of time and they know it. What they say they are amending doesn’t even exist in the first place. Is it not better if all Nigerians sit down to discuss and decide what kind of constitution they want for the country

give Nigeria credible elections. I have told INEC that if it ensures a credible and transparent election in Anambra State, the ADC as a party will guarantee all Nigerians a super power economy within the next 20 years. It will begin immediately and in less than 20 years, Nigeria will be well established as a super power economy in the world. This will be of benefit to all ethnic groups in Nigeria. When some people think small and promise to introduce this or that, we shall be left with a parochial view of leadership that will be a great disadvantage to everybody. But if you are disciplined and you have a huge vision, everybody benefits.

So, considering its performance in Edo and Ondo governorship elections in 2020, do you trust INEC to conduct a credible governorship election in Anambra?

Judging by what they have done, there is no need to trust them. But if you want me to advise them, I will advise them as a pan-Africanist. Nowadays, we in ADC don’t talk about Nigeria alone. We talk of Africa. You are in Lagos. Lagos is in Africa and it is supposed to be the economic power of Africa. Kano is supposed to be another major commercial hub in Africa, not only in Nigeria. So those of us in ADC THEWILLNIGERIA

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW Insecurity: Federal Lawmaker Advocates Decentralisation Of Security Architecture FROM AUSTINE JOR, MAKURDI

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he member representing Katsina/ Ala, Ukum and Logo Federal Constituency of Benue State, Dr Richard Gbande, has decried the state of insecurity in the country saying it has greatly undermined the democratic process.

He also advocated the decentralisation of security architecture in the country.

Though he agreed that some level of achievements had been recorded in the areas of communication and few others, Gbande fumed that the recent killings in all parts of the country had grossly made such achievements laughable.

Fielding questions from Journalists, the Lawmaker said the situation demanded that all hands be on deck saying, the blames on the President were not personal but borne out of frustration from Nigerians who are being killed on a daily basis.

“He is the father of the nation which explains why everyone looks up to him and like you know, security is the most fundamental objective of governance”.

As a panacea, Gbande advocated that the three tiers of government be allowed to owned community based security outfits but with a central coordinating unit under the supervision of conventional security agencies.

He lamented the continued attacks on farming communities across the country emphasizing such was not healthy for the economy of the country especially as it regarded food security.

are thinking globally. We want our people to start thinking globally because it will help us to grow.

Is your party considering zoning the presidency to the South-East in 2023?

I think that every Nigerians should start thinking in terms of fairness, equality and justice. Justice is critical to unity, harmony, peace, diversity management, leadership and life. Every Nigerian should be thinking of justice, if we want a united and strong country.

What is your advice to the electorate as we move towards the 2023 General elections?

Last Saturday, the ADC kicked off what we call the PVC revolution and advised INEC to sensitise Nigerians on the continuous voter registration, which has just started. In doing that, we urged Nigerians that voting is the best way to get the kind of government they want. We asked them to do their bit as citizens of this country. If you don’t have a voter card, INEC has opened another window to enable you to register.

Makes sure you always vote, no matter the situation.

What advice do you want to give to the National Assembly, concerning the passing of the Electoral THEWILLNIGERIA

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Act? We at the African Democratic Congress have asked the National Assembly not to pass the New Electoral Amendment Bill without a clause on electronic transmission of election results.

This is truly shocking and absurd. At a time lawmakers are supposed to be thinking of how to make laws that will transform Nigeria to a strong democracy, it is incomprehensible why they are building booby traps and creating windows that serve parochial ends.

With a population of over 200 million, Nigeria should be relevant globally and to its people. Failure to adopt methods and attitudes that enhance best practices in law and policy formulation demeans the National Assembly as an institution, as well as reduces and limits us as a people.

It is of utmost importance that we begin to build integrity into our processes; things to bring value and credibility to our processes and help our journey into democracy, development and maturity. We cannot continue to live in falsehood and corruption. The beauty of democracy is people ownership, which is an endearing franchise that must be guided.

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Gbande who also called for the abolition of the joint Account System equally threw his weight behind full autonomy of local governments arguing that such was gonig to return local Council’s back to the era where they were very functional.

“We use to have local government councils who could carry out projects at the local level with the departments very functional.

“My belief is that if the autonomy is fully granted , the system will return to what it use to be but with proper checks”, he said.

Still on security , Gbande said, “ I think we have to decentralise the security architecture of this country down to the local government level with a centralized body that will be coordinating its activities, the killings have become unabated and in the midst of this, you cannot ensure food security even for a state like Benue which is the food basket of the nation.”

The lawmaker said the National Assembly has achieved a lot in the aspect of chunning out qualitative laws for the general interest of Nigerians in many aspects and for continued cooperation and understanding from constituents.

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POLITICS I’ll Revive Moribund Industries in Benue, Says Orya FROM AUSTINE JOR, MAKURDI

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ormer Managing Director of the Nigerian Import and Export Bank, Chief Roberts Orya, has promised to revive all moribund industries in Benue State within nine months, if elected governor of the state in 2023.

Speaking during a reception held in honour of Colonel Sebastian Adawa (Retd.) I Makurdi, capital of the state, Orya said Benue had no reason to be poor, given its rich potentials in agriculture and mineral resources, adding that all the state needed to do was to harness its resources to turn things around for the people.

“You must also engage yourselves with something more productive for a change. That is the only way you can move from this level of poverty to the next level of prosperity. If elected, I shall provide the enabling environment and the encouragement that will enable you do that.”

Orya, who said he was at peace with other aspirants for the governorship position in Benue, urged his supporters to imbibe the same spirit.

While congratulating members of the Benue State Chapter of the Nigerian Legion over its successful election, he described them as critical stakeholders in the state, having served the country without blemish for 35 years.

Ex-INEC Staff Bags Jail Term, Forfeits Properties to FG

BY AYO ESAN

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he Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of two former staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before Justice Mahmoud Abdul-Gafar of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The convicts, Christian Nwosu and Tijani Inda Bashir, were arraigned on a seven-count charge bordering on criminal misappropriation and criminal breach of trust while they were in the employ of INEC. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them, thereby leading to their full trial.

During the trial, the prosecution led by Rotimi Oyedepo called witnesses and tendered several documents that were admitted in evidence by the court.

In the face of the overwhelming evidence against them, the convicts, thereafter, opted for a plea bargain with the prosecution and also changed their pleas to “guilty”.

Consequently, the prosecution reviewed the facts before the court and prayed that the defendants be convicted accordingly.

Delivering his judgment, Justice Abdul-Gafar found them guilty of the offence and sentenced them to one year imprisonment each.

The Judge also ordered the final forfeiture of two landed properties valued at N25m at Okpanam, Asaba in Delta State recovered from the first convict, Nwosu, as well as a N5m bank draft raised by him in favour of the Commission to the Federal Government.

Justice Abdul-Gafar also ordered the final forfeiture of a four-bedroom flat worth N27m at No. 60 Umme Street, Wuse Abuja recovered from the second convict, IndaBashir, to the Federal Government.

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Uba

He said, “I am running for the governorship position in Benue State because of you, the youths. No father wants to give birth to a child whose future he or she will not be able to guarantee.

Ozigbo

The former bank chief decried the tendency among youths of the state to consume goods and services without making a commensurate level of input in the economy and promised to do something about it, if elected as governor.

...Battle For Anambra’s Top Job

*Continued from Page 9

he is vying for the governorship seat on the platform of the ruling and most dominant party in the state, Soludo is seen as the candidate to beat in the forthcoming governorship election.

Andy Uba - APC Born on December 14, 1958, Senator Andy Ubah is the candidate of the All Progressive Congress and the ruling party at the centre. He was the elected representative of Anambra South Senatorial District at the Senate in 2011.

He ran on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.

He defected to the APC in February 2017, following the leadership crises that almost engulfed the the PDP. Earlier, while still in the United States, Uba assisted in the 1999 presidential election in Nigeria and following the election, he returned to Nigeria and was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties and Domestic Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo. In a September 2003 visit

by Obasanjo to the United States, Uba was described as the President’s right-hand man and also the gatekeeper for people who wished to speak with the President.

In 2007, he contested in the PDP primaries for the Anambra State governorship election and was elected in the April 14, 2007. However, the former governor, Peter Obi, challenged the election, saying that because the courts had only accepted that he had won the April 2003 elections on March 15, 2006, he still had three more years of his four-year term to serve.

The courts accepted this argument and on June 14, 2007, nullified Andy Uba’s election. In November 2009 it was reported that Uba was planning to run for the delayed Anambra State governorship elections in February 2010 on the Labour Party platform, after the party invited him to make the move. The party’s leadership said they believed he would deliver on the ideals and objectives of the party.

Speaking about his decision to switch political parties in December 2009, he described the Labour Party as his “natural political home.”

In the February 2010 election, Uba was second runnerup. He returned to the PDP and was nominated as PDP candidate for Anambra South Senatorial district in the April 2011 election. He won with 63,316 votes, ahead of Chukwumaeze Nzeribe of the APGA who got 43,798 votes and the incumbent Senator Ikechukwu Obiorah of the Accord party’s 24,724 votes.

Valentine Ozigbo - PDP Valentine Ozigbo, the candidate of the PDP was born on July 20, 1970. A top business executive, Ozigbo is the immediate past President and Chief Executive Officer of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria plc (Transcorp), a diversified conglomerate with strategic investments and core interests in the hospitality, agribusiness and energy sectors. He was appointed to the position in 2019.

Previously, Ozigbo worked as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria- based Hospitality Company, Transcorp Hotels Plc. Transcorp Hotels is the hospitality subsidiary of Nigerian conglomerate Transcorp.

He also worked in the banking sector, gaining over 17 years of experience with NAL Merchant Bank, Diamond Bank, Continental Trust Bank, FSB International Bank, Standard Trust Bank, United Bank for Africa and Bank PHB. Ifeanyi Ubah – YPP Ifeanyi Ubah, the governorship candidate of the Young Progressive Party, YPP was born as the first son of seven children to Mr and Mrs Alphonsus Ubah in Otolo, a small town in Anambra State. Coming from a humble background and due to the inability of his parents to cater for the educational and material needs of their children, Ifeanyi dropped out of Premier Academy, Lugbe in Abuja to learn a trade at a young age. He later attended some local and international business workshops and seminars in leadership and business management.

He became an exporter of car tyres and other spare parts in West Africa before expanding his business ventures to some European countries, including Belgium and the United Kingdom.

In 2001, he founded Capital Oil and Gas Limited. He is the founder of The Authority Newspaper, a Nigerian daily newspaper and also the owner of Ifeanyi Ubah Football club, following its purchase as Gabros International Football Club.

In 2014, Ifeanyi Ubah lost at the 2014 Anambra gubernatorial election under the platform of the Labour Party. On February 24, 2019, he was declared winner of the Anambra South Senatorial election under the platform of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

He also runs a foundation that is named after him, Ifeanyi Ubah Foundation.

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FEATURES

Traffic Robbers on Rampage in Lagos

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n the last few months, there have been news reports on the activities of traffic robbers in different parts of the Lagos metropolis and its immediate environs. From the accounts given by some victims, it is clear that while there appears to be a surge in traffic robberies, the mode of operation of the robbers is still the same. The only difference, THEWILL investigation reveals, is that the criminals have become more daring and bold than ever. Nowadays, they launch attacks in broad daylight, sometimes as early as 2pm and in the full glare of other members of the public.

As always, the preferred targets are motorists and other road users caught in hellish gridlocks. They approach their victims either on foot or on motorcycles, force them at gunpoint to surrender their cell phones, wallets, expensive wristwatches, money and other belongings or risk a gunshot, which could be fatal, before disappearing from the scene of the crime.

A disturbing dimension to traffic robberies on Lagos roads is the fact that the attacks have become quite frequent, especially in areas identified as crime blackspots. THEWILL investigation also shows that from a few points in the city notorious for such incidents, such as Eko Bridge, Mile 2, Ketu Alapere, Somolu and parts of Ikeja, the attacks seem to have spread to other parts of the metropolis, thereby leaving commuters and motorists with harrowing tales and forcing them to either abandon the affected routes or resort to the means of defending themselves and securing their property during attacks.

In some cases in the past, a few lives were lost or the victims inflicted with severe injuries. A recent robbery attack on travellers caught in a gridlock on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, which is currently under reconstruction, left one person dead. Of course, the robbers escaped from the scene without a trace and the police are still unable to come up with a single clue that could lead to their arrest.

Some motorists and commuters who were victims of traffic robbery attacks recounted their experience to THEWILL. One of them, Denrele Olasunkanmi, said he almost lost his THEWILLNIGERIA

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JOY ONUORAH writes on the resurgence of traffic robbery on Lagos roads life during an encounter with traffic robbers.

In response to a casual wave from the criminals on his way from work one evening, an unsuspecting Olasunkanmi, who was alone in his car, wound down his window only to find a gun pointing at him at close range. The robbers ordered him to surrender his cell phone and wallet. He obeyed without hesitation, but the robbers were not satisfied. One of them hit him with the butt of the gun. Denrele’s offence was that the money they found in his wallet was too small. Nobody came to his rescue while the ordeal lasted. What more? The incident occurred during a hold-up right under the Ipodo Bridge in the heart of Ikeja.

Another motorist, Uche, had a slightly different experience.

In his case, his two cell phones, both of them expensive gadgets, were stolen from his car in a traffic hold-up. As he briefly engaged in a conversation with a young woman who asked for directions to her destination, some other person, whom he later understood to be her accomplice, stealthily removed the phones. By the he realised that he was being set up, both thieves had disappeared.

Speaking with THEWILL, another victim, whose name is Ejike, narrated how he was attacked sometime last month by two men on a motorcycle in the Somolu area of Lagos.

“I was going to my home on a commercial motorcycle. All of a sudden, two rough-looking men on another motorcycle blocked our way. One of the men brought out a gun and pointed it at me. Just then, I knew I was about to be robbed.

The man ordered me to handover my phone, wristwatch and wallet. This happened right in the presence of a policeman, but he did nothing to stop the robbers,” he said.

Since the incident, Ejike has never felt comfortable with the security situation in Lagos State.

According to another victim, Mr Kehinde Ajibade, who also

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shared his baffling experience with THEWILL, the fact that most of these incidents take place during gridlocks and in the full glare of passersby makes it very worrisome. Nearly everyone in Lagos, he adds, can attest to the fact that there are always gridlocks o Lagos roads late in the evenings.

While Ajibade, like Ejike, Uche, Olasunkanmi and many others not mentioned, was also robbed of his cell phones, wristwatch and wallet, yet another victim, Dr Felix Igwe, had to stop driving to work after his car tyres were deflated by some frustrated traffic robbers one afternoon. Thankful that he still had his life intact, he told THEWILL that he managed to park his car somewhere and returned home in a taxi cab.

These encounters and several others have made living in Lagos look not a little scary and challenging. However, when contacted by THEWILL for his reaction, The Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, denied there was a rise in traffic robbery incidents in the state in the last few months.

He said the Lagos State Police Command had to a large extent succeeded in checking the activities of traffic robbers, particularly in some areas where such activities are concentrated.

According to him, over 150 suspects have been arrested in Lagos for traffic robbery since March. When the courts reopen, he added, the suspected criminals would be charged and made to face trial. However, some of the suspects have been granted bail and others still in police custody.

To effectively address the situation, Adejobi stated that over 200 motorcycles and some equipment were made available to the police and police riders have been assigned to the motorcycles. With this, he noted, traffic robbery has been drastically reduced in Lagos.

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EDITORIAL

2021 Olympics: Trouble Within AFN O

Even as late as June 14, less than a month to the sports fiesta, two different elections were held leading to the emergence of two presidents, each claiming to have been legitimately given a fresh mandate to lead the Federation.

The consignment comprised tracksuits, vests, shoes, backpacks, wheel bags, face masks and other items worth millions of Naira, which the factional AFN President, Ibrahim Gusau, said was part of a 2019 partnership deal signed in Doha between the AFN and the company.

Gusau organised and won an election in Birnin Kebbi, backed by his erstwhile factional opponent. This other election, which bore all the markings of legitimacy because it applied the 2017 Constitution as recommended by WA and CCA, had Minister Dare and the head of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, in attendance and took place at the AFN Complex in Abuja, where Chief Tonobok Okowa was elected as new president.

n June 13, when the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) received a consignment of kits from the German multinational corporation, Puma International, it seemed that was the end of the search for kits for the country’s Olympic-bound officials and athletes participating in the sporting event scheduled for July.

However, the reality tells a different story that is steeped in intrigue, politics, selfish-aggrandisement, subterfuge and dire implications for the prosecution of Nigeria’s participation in the biggest sporting event of the moment.

That intrigue and politics which may hunt the AFN and impact on the performance of the athletes at the Olympics dates back to 2017 when the former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, in 2017 facilitated the emergence of Gusau, who in turn engineered an investigation of the Vice President of the federation, Olamide George, based on an old accusation by athlete Folasade Abugan that George provided athletes with performance enhancing substances.

The fallout drove an unyielding wedge between the AFN and the sports ministry until allegations and counter allegations of corruption led to the impeachment of Gusau and the appointment of George as President of AFN in acting capacity.

The Federation has since then been factionlised despite interventions by the courts, the current Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare and the World Athletics (WA) and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) to broker a peaceful resolution of the impasse.

Just when you thought the ghost of bitterness had been rested, Gusau showed up, signed for and received the kits from Puma, showing he still wielded some leverage.

Apparently, the Okowa-led faction will be backed by the NOC, who will accept only the athletes he sends to them through the Presidency at an event scheduled for Monday, July 12 and make a clear demonstration of preference for Okowa’s base throughout the Olympic cycle to show where power lies between these two. The problems will not simply die off after the Olympic Games.

We are alarmed that the leadership crisis rocking the AFN could not be resolved before the Olympic games. If the body responsible for preparing a country’s contingent for the biggest sports event in the world is in crisis what is the assurance that the problem will not colour the management and performance of Nigerian athletes need at the Summer Games.?

How far these squabbles can go to scuttle the chances of some sportsmen and women at the Games is not easy to compute, but the disqualification of the country’s 4x400m relay team for irregularities, the absence of race cones after their superb qualification race is an example of how a divided house can miss the small details that can be

deleterious to Team Nigeria’s chances.

The claim by a senior official of the AFN that Nigerian athletes will not use the Puma kits as they are subjects of a police investigation levelled against Gusau’s administration is another case in point. At so close a time to the Games, available kits and equipment cannot be used because there is no love lost between factions fighting selfish battles to the detriment of athletics, in general, and the athletes, in particular.

Of the 25 medals that Team Nigeria have won at the Olympic Games, 13 have come from track and field. The first-ever individual gold medal, which the amazon Chioma Ajunwa won for the country, was in the women’s long jump event at the Atlanta Games in 1996. Since then, it has been silver medals, with the Beijing Olympics in 2008, where Blessing Okagbare won silver in the women’s long jump, and the quartet of Gloria Kemasuode, Halimat Ismaila, Franca Idoko and Damola Osayomi gave the country another in the women’s 4x100m event.

It is indeed a shame that the AFN could not put aside selfish interests and power play for the sake of Nigeria’s image and glory and seek sensible means of charting a way forward.

The preparation for the Tokyo Games has not been ideal and expecting the best of our athletes under these conditions is to say the least to hope against hope. Who knows, more embarrassment may be in the offing for the country offshore because a house divided against itself cannot stand.

We can only hope they rise above the prevailing circumstances. Nigeria has got more pressing challenges to contain at home. Exporting more troubles outside at a global fiesta would be the least expected of AFN officials.

Too bad.

AUSTYN OGANNAH

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Editor – Olaolu Olusina Deputy Editor – Amos Esele Politics Editor – Ayo Esan Business Editor – Sam Diala News Editor (Online) – Felix Oboagwina Copy Editor – Chux Ohai 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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JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

OPINION Brutality, Partiality Not Solutions to Insecurity

DAMILOLA ADEPARUA t will amount to an understatement to say that the Federal Government’s prompt response to some events, which occurred recently in the country, is commendable. The government deserves an accolade for its intelligent approach to preventing an impending civil war, which hovered over the country in the last few months.

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warning to other tribes that have cried out against the murderous and destructive activities of Fulani herdsmen and their cows.

However, its response seems to be misdirected, malicious and biased due to the fact that even as the country continues to wallow in insecurity, which has its roots in the North, the government has been quite inactive and incompetent in dealing with the Boko Haram insurgency. There is a pressing need to inquire from the government why it succeeded in calling the likes of Nnamdi Kanu to order within a twinkle of an eye, yet proved incapable of routing Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.

There is a need to remind ourselves that Nigeria is no longer in the military era in governance where the fundamental rights of the people are tampered with at will. According to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights listed by the United Nations General Assembly, everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression. This right includes the freedom to “hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers”

That aside, the Fulani herdsmen have appeared to be a worse menace in our society today due to the rate of killings perpetrated by them and the effect of their actions on the agricultural sector. These killer herdsmen do not destroy farm produce, but also steal, kidnap innocent rural dwellers and demand exorbitant ransom from their victims.

How intelligent has the government been in putting an end to their activities?

It takes courage to protest against an incompetent government. Now that the Federal Government is bent on silencing the people with violence and unfounded accusations, it looks more like tyranny than a genuine effort to secure the people’s lives and properties.

Many pictures showing Fulani herdsmen in possession of guns like the Ak-47, while they are celebrated by their leaders, have surfaced online. Should whatever seems good for the goose not also be good for the gander? Many innocent lives have been lost, children rendered orphans and wives became widows overnight, no thanks to the gruesome brutality of these same herdsmen, but, quite unfortunately, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies in the country either turned a blind eye to such crimes against the people or simply decided to do nothing to check them.

It is quite interesting to see the DSS’ intelligence coming alive when it came to tracking down someone who has only been protesting peacefully in different states. The DSS was clearly on a mission to kill him. They vandalised his property and killed some of the people they met in his residence. The accused has been protesting openly against the invasion of Yorubaland by Fulani herdsmen.

This makes the level of brutality displayed by the DSS operatives questionable.

The action of the DSS betrays its ulterior motive, which is far from a mission to nip secession in the bud. It also appears like a threat to the Yoruba, while serving as a

How credible is the killing of innocent Nigerians by the DSS? How many people has their target killed? How many people has he kidnapped or malevolently manipulated?

It was reported that the DSS operatives stole the sum of N2million from their quarry’s home. The report got many people wondering if that was part of the exercise or just another case of stylish stealing on the part of the law enforcement agents. Are individuals not allowed to possess their hard-earned money anymore in the country?

Since the life of an average Nigerian has become less valuable than that of a cow, it is now very clear that things have fallen apart.

thoughts, everybody would be at risk of being prosecuted.

There is no worse leadership than a biased one. Recent events in the country have proved that the Muhammadu Buhari administration has the ability to bring an end to insecurity, but it has deliberately chosen to be inactive and silent about the murderous activities of Fulani herdsmen, bandits and Boko Haram insurgents terrorising the entire country.

A competent and accountable government has nothing to fear. If the current government had kept its election promises, there would have been no need for the people to embark upon protests or attempt to secede in the first place. A glance at the unemployment rate in the country, which has pushed many Nigerian youths into condemnable acts, such as Internet fraud, prostitution, and the likes, coupled with the worsening insecurity, acute poverty and the government’s inclination to injustice and partiality, explains why a people driven by frustration are left with no other choice than to clamour for secession.

Why is the Federal Government interested in fishing out the sponsors of Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Igboho without showing any inclination to fish out those funding the operations of Boko Haram and other Islamist terrorist groups? How come Fulani herdsmen are still found in the possession of Ak-47 rifles and the government has not for once thought bothered to find out how they got the weapons? Why has the government chosen to hunt down people who are just protecting the interests of their people?

Although the slaying of protesting youths at the Lekki Tollgate in Lagos still remains fresh in our memories, more lives have been lost after the sad event.

However, the government’s efforts should be appreciatively acknowledged and the fact that the presidency is eventually awakening to its responsibilities is worthy of commendation. Need I mention that the DSS will be more than capable in handling and tackling the insurgence of Boko Haram? It is high time the DSS went in search of the insurgents, considering the level of intelligence displayed and its promptness in tackling issues related to security.

Where exactly is Nigeria heading to?

In the past journalists enjoyed freedom of speech and expression. The reverse is the case nowadays. They are not only unfairly treated or arrested for the wrong reasons, but also kidnapped, detained indefinitely or killed. We have moved to a stage where injustice become commonplace and nobody appears to immune to government’s brutality.

Now the latest joke is that if it were possible for the current Federal Government to gain access to the people’s

The Federal Government ought to wake up to the fact that brutality can only aggravate the issue on ground. If law-abiding Nigerians are killed and their properties destroyed, while a particular tribe keeps getting favoured, the situation may get to a point where other tribes will join forces and the unprecedented may eventually happen. The government needs to know that it can only take the people away from the folk but can never take the folk away from the people.

Nigerians are no longer allowed to protest peacefully in their own country as any form of opposition to the decisions and policies of the present government is viewed as open rebellion against the state.

Way Forward For Power Sharing in Nigeria JOMO IROHA

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igeria is often regarded as a pioneer and exemplar in Africa in the use of power-sharing mechanisms and practices to promote inter-ethnic inclusiveness or discourage sectional imbalance and bias in decision-making processes.

The ‘federal character’ principle, the allocation and rotation of political party positions among geo-ethnic zones (’zoning’) and the establishment of inter-party coalition governments, represent some of the ways by which Nigeria’s political elites have sought to institutionalise power-sharing strategies in the Nigerian context.

Nevertheless, these strategies have often been distorted or frustrated by the hegemonic ambitions of the majority nationalities, the pervasiveness of the winner-takesall syndrome in the Nigerian political landscape, the imperfections and contradictions in the constitutional provisions on power-sharing and the underlying anomalies in the territorial configuration of the federation.

Zoning arrangements in political parties have, for instance, THEWILLNIGERIA

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sometimes operated merely to legitimiz=se or reproduce the hegemony of the majority groups. This was particularly so in the Second Republic, when the ruling National Party of Nigeria ‘zoned’ the three leading positions of presidential candidate, vice-presidential candidate and party chairman to the Hausa-Fulani, Igbo and Yoruba, respectively.

The ethno-political obstacle to the effective implementation of proportionality, accommodative or power-sharing principles, has been compounded by the constitutional and structural contradictions that are built into the operation of the Nigerian federal system.

What is the possible way forward?

The rotation of the presidency between the North and South, or among the six key geo-political zones in the country, namely, the North-East, North-West, Middle-Belt, South-East, South-West and South-Central (or Southern Minorities), is a possible way forward.

The reduction of the president’s tenure to a total of five years or denial of the right to self-succession to an incumbent president could also be the way forward.

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Another solution probably lies in the introduction of a multiple vice-presidential system in order to ensure that more than just three ethnic majority groups would be represented at the apex of the federal executive.

Also the introduction of a French-style presidentialparliamentary model to help balance and expand the ethnoregional base of federal executive power may be the answer.

Furthermore, the institution of a collegiate presidential system on the Swiss model, with the presidency rotated annually among the members of a presidential council, made up of representatives of each of the six or more geo-political zones in the country.

Such a cohesive ethnic minority advocacy infrastructure could provide a powerful sociological impetus for the establishment and effective functioning of a federal ministry of minority affairs, which could serve as an important institutional resource for coordinating and consummating redressive reforms in state-ethnic minority relations in Nigeria.

•Jomo Iroha can be reached via irohajomo@gmail.com

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Accountability on Exile

Post-COVID-19 Restart: Major Aviation Trends to Expect PAGE 33

Nigeria Must Create Enabling Environment for Exports, Says Yusuf

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H1-2021: Equity Market Records 533,820 Deals, Sheds N1.76trn •NGX-ASI Drops 7.8% •Shares Turnover Hits N45,506bn

BY SAM DIALA ix months into the waning euphoria of emerging the world’s best performing stock exchange, Nigeria’s equity market is beginning to adjust to the realities that shaped its outlook in the first place. THEWILL investigation showed that the nation’s bourse recorded a total of 533,820 deals in the first half of the year (H1-2021) with investors losing N1.76 trillion as All-Share Index dipped by 7.8 percent.

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The Federal Government has been battling with acute revenue shortage arising from volatility in oil prices in the international market. It has not achieved its revenue budgets since 2016, while recurrent expenditure is fully executed, hence the borrowing spree to finance its expanding recurrent budget. Ironically, its expanding recurrent budgets have maintained unyielding consistency

The sharp downward curve in the equity market graph represents investors’ sentiments as they troop back to the fixed income market on reversal of the low-interest environment, following the Federal Government’s renewed appetite for borrowing.

In recent times, bargain hunters had deserted the equity market for the fixed income market to invest in government securities Treasury Bills and Government Bonds which offered handsome yields. About three years ago, treasury bills were sold at double-digit rates and this attracted many investors who showed interest in it, including banks and other institutional investors. That era is back.

The market, which recorded N21.52 trillion on the first trading of the year on January 4, 2021, closed negative on 30th June, 2021 with N19.77 trillion, showing N1.76 loss or 8.15 percent. Similarly, the All-Share Index dropped 3,240 basis points from 41,147.39 to 37,907.28.

Total shares turnover in H1-2020 was N36.88 billion, compared to N45.50 billion in H1-2021, showing a rise of N8.62 billion or 23.38 percent. The turnover value was N414.52 billion in H1-2020, with 527,663 deals, as against H1-2021 figures of N1.69 trillion and 533,820 deals respectively.

Monthly disaggregation for H1-2021 showed 13.7 billion shares turnover yielding N106.47 billion in 121,450 deals in January; while February shares volume 8.29 billion recorded N753.57 billion in 106,663 deals.

March 2021 transactions showed N653.36 billion value from 9.084 billion shares turnover achieved in 103,556 deals; followed by a total turnover of 5.193 billion shares in 76,933 deals yielding N72.98 billion in the month of April 2021.

Trading activities in May showed a total shares turnover of 5.427 billion in 104,055 deals resulting in transaction value of N56 billion; while June trading ended with a value of N47.7 billion from 67,585 deals in 4.067 billion shares.

On quarterly segments, the first quarter (January-March

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H1-2021 EQUITY MARKET MONTHLY TRANSACTIONS MONTH

Onyema

Compared to the corresponding period of the preceding year, H1-2021 results showed a remarkably positive difference as H1-2020 market capitalisation was only N12.76 trillion.

This showed a drop of N7 trillion, representing 55 percent, compared to the H1-2021 market capitalisation.

The Federal Government had said it would borrow about N709.69 billion from domestic and foreign sources, including multilateral and bilateral finance organisations, to finance the 2021 federal budget deficit of N5.2 trillion.

2021), recorded aggregate trading of 31.704 billion shares in 241,669 deals, resulting in a total sum of N1.52 trillion; while the second quarter (April-June) trading in 14.687 billion shares yielded the sum of N176.7 billion in 67,585 deals.

Life has returned to the fixed income market, which was deserted by investors over three years ago when they trooped to the equity market where yields offered better prospects.

The fixed income market had been a desolate place because of the government’s deliberate, but misplaced, decision to starve the window of yields. It urged investors to turn to the equity market to drive the real sector and boost production, while it looked for foreign loans to fund its budget and building of infrastructure.

All these have changed. The government has returned to the debt market as it combs every corner for loans. Experts have predicted that the Federal Government’s yawning appetite for borrowing will ignite a rally in the low interest environment of the fixed income market. This will also set the pace for a corresponding downturn in the stock market, which has seen an unusually bullish trend amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

SHARES VOLUME (bn)

VALUE (N’bn)

DEALS

January

13.699

106.465

21,450

February

8.921

753.576

106,663

March

9.084

653,366

103,556

April

5.193

72.977

76,933

May

5.427

56.041

104,055

June

4.067

47.69

67,585

H1-2021 EQUITY MARKET TRANSACTIONS: Q1 – Q2 QUARTER

SHARES VOLUME (bn)

VALUE (N’bn)

DEALS

1st (Jan – March)

31.704

1,513.40

241,669

2nd (April-June)

14.678

176.70

248,573

NSE MARKET CAPITALIZATION (N'trn) Q1 - Q4 2020 21

20.23

15.75 12.76 10.5

14.03

11.1

5.25

0

Q1

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Q3

Q4

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JULY 11 - JULY 17, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

AVIATION storage facilities. More are likely to occur when aircraft are moved again, ahead of reuse.

Aircraft in storage typically undergo regular maintenance to ensure they are ready to return. However, never has the industry seen so many aircraft temporarily put out of service and the report notes that smaller airlines may face significant challenges when reactivating fleets, given it will be an unprecedented process.

Parked Aircraft

SHORTAGE OF PILOTS Odd as it may seem, given the impact of COVID-19, the global aviation industry faces a shortage of pilots in the mid to long-term. The tremendous increase in air travel prepandemic – annual air passenger growth in China alone was 10 per cent a year from 2011– meant that demand for pilots was already outstripping supply. More than a quarter of a million are required over the coming decade.

Post-COVID-19 Restart: Major Aviation Trends to Expect

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR t is on record that the aviation industry is the hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic which took the world by surprise in 2020. In April of that year, two-thirds of the global commercial aviation fleet sat idly on the tarmac, while passenger traffic was down by 90 percent year-onyear.

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Today, the aviation industry is slowly rebounding, led by domestic travel. As more aircraft return to the skies, a new report from aviation insurer Allianz Global Corporate and Specialty (AGCS) highlights some of the unique challenges facing airlines and airports as they resume operations.

It also identifies a number of ways in which COVID-19 is reshaping the sector, driving long-term changes in fleet composition, flight routes and passenger demand.

Commenting, the Regional Head of Aviation at AGCS, Dave Warfel said, “The grounding of worldwide fleets during the pandemic has represented an unprecedented event for the aviation industry. Airlines have worked tirelessly to maintain their fleets and train their crews during this long period of inactivity and, as insurers, we take a keen interest in working with them to understand their plans to return to service.

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A number of airlines have shrunk their fleets or retired aircraft over the past year, as the pandemic hastens a generational shift to smaller aircraft, given the anticipated reduced number of passengers on aircraft in the short-term future

comforting to know that the risk management processes that made airline travel safer than any form of travel, prior to the pandemic, will continue to drive an unparalleled travel safety environment in the post COVID-19 world,” says Warfel.

“Challenges will, no doubt, emerge as the industry gets ready to take off again. Although it is hard to predict exactly what shape the aviation industry will return, one thing is certain: It will have changed.”

However, the return of sightseeing flights in tourism destinations could lead to an uptick in risk for smaller leisure aircraft, including helicopters, particularly if there is an influx of new pilots unfamiliar with the routes and terrain. There have already been a number of fatal accidents involving sightseeing flights in recent years.

RUSTY PILOTS Earlier this year, dozens of pilots reported making mistakes, such as multiple attempts to land, with many citing rustiness as a factor on returning to the skies. Airlines (and other operators) are well aware of the potential for pilot “rustiness” and they continue to take steps to manage and mitigate these risks.

PERILS FROM PARKED FLEETS Although a large proportion of the world’s airline fleet have been – and are still – parked during COVID-19, loss exposures do not disappear. They change. Parked fleets are exposed to weather events. There have been numerous incidents of grounded aircraft being damaged by hailstorms and hurricanes.

Major airlines have developed different training programmes for pilots re-entering service, depending on the length of absence. “At a time of such unprecedented activity, it is

The risk of shunting or ground incidents also increases, which can bring costly claims. There were collisions at the start of the pandemic as operators transferred aircraft to

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“In less regulated countries, shortages can lead to pilots operating commercial aircraft with limited qualifications and low overall flying time,” says Warfel, adding “Pilot fatigue is also a known risk among existing pilots that must be properly managed. Fortunately, there is a lot of industry expertise and resources available to assist airlines in building proper fatigue management systems.”

Some airlines are building their own pilot pipelines by establishing flight schools. Given the nature of training, flying schools are prone to accidents and claims are becoming more expensive with rising values of aircraft and increased activity. Landing accidents are most common, but insurers have also seen total losses.

New generation aircraft bring safety improvements but higher costs. A number of airlines have shrunk their fleets or retired aircraft over the past year, as the pandemic hastens a generational shift to smaller aircraft, given the anticipated reduced number of passengers on aircraft in the short-term future.

“Newer generation aircraft bring safety and efficiency benefits,” said Axel von Frowein, a Regional Head of Aviation at AGCS. “However, new materials such as composites, titanium and alloys are more expensive to repair, resulting in higher claims costs.”

INSECT INFESTATIONS There have been a number of reports of unreliable airspeed and altitude readings during the first flight(s) after some aircraft have left storage. In many cases, the problem was traced back to undetected insect nests inside the aircraft’s pilot tubes, pressure-sensitive sensors that feed data to an avionics computer. Such incidents have led to rejected takeoffs and turn back events. Contamination risk increases if storage procedures are not followed.

COVID-19 CLAIMS IMPACT The report also notes the aviation industry has seen relatively few claims directly related to the pandemic to date. In a small number of liability notifications, passengers have sued airlines for cancellations/disruptions.

COVID-19 has not been a direct driver of aviation claims over the past year,” says Cristina Schoen, Global Head of Aviation Claims at AGCS. As a result of the significant reduction in commercial airline travel during the pandemic we saw fewer additional claims than we would during a typical year.

However, the insurance sector was not immune to larger losses during the course of the pandemic, with different regions seeing tragic accidents, emergency landings and hull losses to name a few. As air travel begins to return to pre-pandemic levels we expect claims volume to rise accordingly.”

AGCS analysis of more than 46,000 aviation insurance claims from 2016 to year-end 2020 worth more than EUR 14.5bn (US$17.3bn) shows collision/crash incidents account for over half the value of all claims. Other expensive causes of loss include faulty workmanship/maintenance and machinery breakdown.

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BUSINESS FEATURES responsibility as to how they should spend the revenues to the benefit of their people. This is the true meaning of Nigeria’s federalism as the 1999 constitution has defined it.

The over 47 per cent of the federation revenue allocated to state and local governments is meant to be applied in education, basic healthcare, water and agricultural services. While these government tiers have all not received a pass mark in these services to the people, the system does not hold them responsible for failure.

The demi-god disposition of state governors explains the existence of a backlog of years of unaccounted spending, lack of due process in approval and disbursement of funds, no audited accounts and no transparency about how public funds are being spent from year to year.

Fayemi

Ahmed

The failure to build economic capacities in their respective states all these years is paying back with a bad coin – meager internally generated revenues. Where they have not sown, they cannot reap! Apart from Lagos State that stands out for being the nation’s financial capital, the fiscal crisis and insolvency aren’t far-fetched from most of the states of the federation.

Accountability on Exile

States and local governments advocate more money, but fail to justify what they already get, writes MIKE UZOR

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ounting pressure for increased resource control by states often obscures the reality that spending power has a level of devolution in Nigeria that is not found anywhere else in Africa. Progressively, Nigeria has attained a system of devolved spending power where state and local governments get close to one-half of national revenue.

The authority to spend that much on behalf of the nation has not been linked to increased provision of social services; nor is there a matching transparency and accountability. The quest for increased resource control powers subdues the demand for state and local government authorities to demonstrate responsibility in spending what they already get.

The second and third-tier governance design was adopted in Nigeria with a view to making government spending more impactful on the people than could be accomplished at the federal level. It is, therefore, counted as direct responsibilities of states and local councils to move their people out of poverty, provide community access roads, electricity and other life enhancing social services.

State and local governments are designed to be the direct actors in developing their economies by empowering economic activities within their respective domains. By activating the development functions and building capacities in the states, they place themselves in an enhanced position to generate revenues internally.

Beyond some politically motivated slogans and make-believe gestures to paint a picture of internal capacity building, the second and third tiers of government are found to be without action or sufficient action in these basic responsibilities. This has been the story of their performance records over the 22 years of Nigeria’s return to civil rule.

The neglect of government responsibilities of ensuring normal growth and development of state and rural economies has its costs. Without proper education and opportunities in the economy, a large number of the youth has been lost to the wrong side of life. The society at large is paying dearly for this error in governance – the sustained failure to apply national resources to build the people across the states.

State and local government authorities have responsibility for primary and secondary education, basic healthcare, water and sanitation, feeder roads and other economic capacity building infrastructures. Well organised societies have found that investments in these services, particularly education, are the key ingredients for human character molding, correcting deviants and ensuring a safe and peaceful development of society.

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The coat of federalism appears to have been borrowed without the matching trousers of accountability.

State governments don’t take orders from Abuja and are not bound to answer queries from the people. Typically, they reign supreme in their domains

Over the 22 years of continuing neglect of these responsibilities in Nigeria, there have emerged from across the nation, area boys, hoodlums, miscreants, insurgents, militants, gunmen and herdsmen turned kidnapers. State governments usually blow their trumpets on how much they are spending on education and social services.

The question then is how such claimed investments have produced the high and rising population of deviants. To the contrary, they are counted as products of a woeful failure of the school system; the evidence of bad government interventions across the board in a sector as key and basic as education.

The big question mark on state and local government finances is how else have the funds not invested in the people been applied.

That has for so long been a closed end question for there are no answers coming from any quarters. The position is the same across the states of the federation. Accountability is not just on a long holiday; it has been sent on an exile.

The coat of federalism appears to have been borrowed without the matching trousers of accountability. State governments do not take orders from Abuja and they are not bound to answer queries from the people. Typically, they reign supreme in their domains.

The constitution gives authority to the states to receive the approved share of the national revenue but attaches no

The rainy days that were not provided for through quality investments in their people are now around the corner for state governments. Bereft of internal capacities, as many as 24 state governments had to go cap-in-hand for bailout by the federal government in 2016 to be able to pay staff salaries.

The bailout was approved for the purpose of clearing arrears of salaries and pensions. However, some state governors were said to have diverted the funds to other purposes, which frustrated the purpose of the bailout and allowed salary arrears to build on.

Even now many states are owing several months’ salary arrears and they are unable to service their debts. Net of due deductions, the revenues of a number of state governments compared to expenditures clearly mean that they are failed entities.

Dependence on oil revenue is total across the three tiers of government. This means that no government in Nigeria is able to shield its economic enclave from the devastating effects of oil revenue volatility. Demand for accountability for allocated revenue continues to be overshadowed by a frenzied quest for greater resource control.

This admixture of economics and politics seems to propose the wrong agenda on who should be in charge of national resources.

The chorus continues to sound in the direction of giving more to states that are less accountable, surprisingly! Putting more resources in the hands of state and local governments that have neither performance nor accountability to show for the level of authority at their command is considered a major flaw on the resource control agitation.

The push for increased financial powers to states is not supported with how to ensure strict rules on disclosure and responsible spending, due process for expenditures, empowerment of check and balancing arms of government, timely release of audited accounts of government and state-owned enterprises.

Administrative checks and balances are undermined through the election process usually influenced to ensure state assemblies and local government offices are filled with loyal people.

Insecurity of lives and property has taken over an increasing number of states – an indication that huge security votes given to state governors as chief security officers of their states haven’t been properly invested in security matters.

The funds are not accounted for to the public that is suffering the consequences of possible misappropriation. After a joint investigation of the security votes by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre and Transparency International, the bodies concluded that the transfers are fuelling corruption.

State governments are expected to take a fundamental look at the problem of insecurity by facing the much work that requires to be done in the field of education. The responsibility to prevent growing children from becoming insurgents through education is placed at the doorsteps of state governments.

Governors are expected to stop celebrating payment of arrears of workers’ salaries but show the nation by what margin they have raised the performance of state schools and the literacy levels in their various states.

The demand by states for increased power over revenue can be legitimized if performance and accountability have been linked to what they already get. A demonstration of performance and accountability are underscored as the conditions for further devolution of power to states. The conditions aren’t likely to be attained without internal changes that truly make governors answerable to independent assemblies and the judiciary.

•Courtesy: NextMoney THEWILLNIGERIA

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BUSINESS NEWS Customs Agents Support Moves on Ports Automation

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ustoms clearing agents have expressed support for the efforts of the Federal Government to ensure effective trade facilitation in Nigeria through the automation of ports’ operations.

The Chairman, Tin Can Island Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mohammed Mojeed, said the Nigerian Shippers ‘ Council (NSC) had succeeded in getting shipping service providers and consumers to have an interface through digitalisation.

Mojeed, who spoke to journalists at the weekend, said members of the ANLCA were pleased with the efforts made by the ports economic regulator, considering the positive impact on achieving an efficient service delivery at the ports.

Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu (L), briefs newsmen on the appointment of new Chancellors for Federal Universities in Abuja on (8/7/21). With him is Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Sonny Echono.

Nigeria Must Create Enabling Environment for Exports, Says Yusuf

BY SAM DIALA

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he immediate past Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr Muda Yusuf, has called on the Federal Government to create an enabling environment that will encourage export business and attract foreign exchange.

Speaking at the monthly forum of the Finance Correspondents Association (FICAN) in Lagos, Yusuf said foreign exchange earnings was all about creating the environment for more inflows in the form of Diasporan remittances, foreign direct investment inflows, foreign portfolio investment and export proceeds, among others.

The theme of the forum was ‘Post-COVID-19 economy in H1:2021 and outlook for the financial services sector.’

The former DG noted that the Nigerian economy had hidden potentials and opportunities, as well as the capacity to attract a lot of foreign exchange.

Observing that exporters are currently facing a lot of challenges, even as exports still present a clear opportunity to attract foreign exchange, he said, “We say we don’t have foreign exchange, but the way to attract foreign exchange is to export. However, exporting is almost a nightmare in Nigeria.

“For instance, the process for export cannot begin until an exporter has loaded his truck and paid the owner. After paying the truck owner he will go through about two weeks of inspection and documentation.

“He will also face a gridlock o the way and before they the

inspection and documentation is completed some of the products must have gone bad, especially the ones that are perishable.”

Yusuf also described the policy of exchanging export proceeds at the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) rate as unfair to exporters due to the gap between the official and unofficial exchange rate windows. This, he revealed, is one of the reasons why some exporters hide their export proceeds.

“Exporters should have free access to their export proceeds and be incentivised, just like Nigerians in the Diaspora were encouraged with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s naira for dollar exchange rate policy for remittances.

He stated that, looking back into the last six months, the monetary policy makers retained policy parameters as the committee tried to maintain a balance between boosting growth recovery and curbing the monetary component of inflationary pressure.

He said that since the Council became the lead agency on the Nigerian Ports Process Manual (NPPM), which is all about enforcing ease of doing business at the ports by the Federal Government, a lot of awareness had been created by the Council on the need for digitalisation among customs agents.

He commended shipping companies and other service providers for their increasing level of digitalisation, stressing that many shipping companies had increased their level of online services for the process of clearing goods at the ports.

Disclosing that members of the association had also keyed into the digitalisation agenda, he said the national executive of ANLCA, apart from training members of the association, had advised that they bring their secretaries or representatives for online training so as to be a part of the ports automation.

The ANLCA boss explained that one of the reasons why there was a delay in the clearing of goods at the ports was because his association had been battling the issue of multiple alerts.

He said the issues of manual examination and multiple alerts combined to cause delays and lead to demurrage at the ports, adding that those who benefit over this were the terminal operators.

Mojeed described as painful the issue of multiple alerts, adding that most of the time it was discovered to be frivolous and intended to extort customs agents.

The CBN, according to him, sustained its developmental finance intervention in the first half as part of its efforts in stimulating local production.

He said it was discovered that such alerts were initiated by some junior customs officers to extort importers and their customs agents.

“Similarly, the bank employed administrative measures, including Open Market Operation (OMO) auctions, Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR)/ Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) debit and special bill auctions to control excess liquidity in the banking system as a way of tackling the monetary inflationary drivers.

He disclosed that his association had met with the Controller of Tin Can Island Customs, Mr MBA Musa, over the issue of multiple alerts, who had to intervene about three months ago and told officers that there should be genuine reasons before any alert is issued on any consignment.

“The banking industry demonstrated resilience amid disruptions associated with the pandemic, attributable to the policy intervention of the CBN,” he said.

Mojeed also condemned the issue of Task Forces staying close to the port’s gates, as against the 40 kilometers distance stipulated by the Customs and Excise Law.

FMDQ Exchange Admits FBNQuest Merchant Bank’s Commercial Paper

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MDQ Securities Exchange Limited has continued to avail its credible and efficient platform, as well as tailor its Listing and Quotation services to suit the needs of issuers and its registration members (sponsors of issuances on FMDQ Exchange).

Following its due diligence process, the Exchange, through its Board Listings and Markets Committee, has approved the quotation of the FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited ₦7.34 billion Series 19 Commercial Paper (CP) under its ₦100.00 billion CP Programme, on its platform.

The net proceeds from this CP will support the issuer’s THEWILLNIGERIA

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short-term funding requirements.

FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited is a merchant banking firm that offers an array of financial services, including coverage and corporate banking, financial advisory, debt capital markets, equity capital markets, institutional sales, fixed income currency and Treasury and Wealth Management.

The Bank pursues innovative solutions for its client base of high net-worth individuals, small and medium enterprises, corporate organisations, financial institutions and governments, while catering to their diverse financial needs.

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The timely admission of this CP issue, and in general, all securities on FMDQ Exchange, is reflective of the potential of the Nigerian debt capital market and the commendable level of confidence demonstrated by both issuers and investors in the market.

In line with the value proposition of FMDQ Exchange, the CP, shall be availed global visibility (through the Exchange’s website and systems), governance, continuous information disclosure to protect investors’ interest and credible price formation, amongst other benefits derived from the FMDQ Exchange platform.

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ARTS

Star Quest

research. And then, as he declared from the beginning, and as if justifying his claim that he, indeed, saw a star, they read that “meteors are commonly called falling stars or shooting stars.”

Our Star Child by Amos Esele, Marama Communications, Lagos, 102pp

At the end of their research, father, mother and son are rewarded with previously unknown information about something as ordinary as the star. For instance, they all get to know more about the star’s significance in both the Old and New Testaments, predictions foretelling the coming of the messiah, the visit of the magi and much else, all of them connected to the star.

BY MICHAEL JIMOH uriosity, so the idiom goes, killed the cat. In the case of the protagonist of this book, curiosity drove him to excel in an essay competition and then became a star in the process. It isn’t that he was inquisitive about someone else’s affairs. No! What he was curious about was something that happens now and then which many adults take for granted – a meteor or what is commonly called a falling star.

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One night Amen, a teenage boy and student, went on an errand for his mother. His pesky younger sister would not let up about having some biscuits. On his way, Amen had something close to an epiphany. It was a life-changing experience. Like most chaps his age, he was naturally curious when he saw a meteor make its speedy descent from an ink black sky.

Fascinated to no end about the occurrence, Amen breathlessly informs his mother about what he saw. Like most adults would, mother responds that it is a falling star and passes it off as something quite normal, not an extraordinary occurrence.

The lad is puzzled but his mother reassures him. “It’s alright,” she says. “Stars fall every now and then. What you saw today is called a falling star; they fall every time.”

More than that, Amen’s mother, Zainab, presciently tells his worried son that “it is a sign of good luck. So, smile, be happy some good things are coming to you soon.”

Good things did come to the lad in a most unexpected manner. Still, the young man is puzzled. Not even his mother’s reassurance would clear his niggling doubt.

Ruminating on the chance occurrence, Amen wonders how it is ever possible something that shone so brightly fell from the sky and disappeared before it reached the ground.

Where did it go?

Like any lad his age would, Amen confronts his father straight away once he got back from work. Another round of questioning follows immediately his father settles in.

Taking a cue from mum’s response, he asks him: “What is a falling star, dad?”

A lawyer by profession, his father Uwaifo responds by asking if that was what his son was taught in school that day. But sensing it is something out of class work, something to satisfy his son’s more than cursory curiosity, Uwaifo tells his son what his spouse had told Amen earlier, and then explains further. A falling star “flashes across the sky now and then. That is why it is called a falling star. It dies away and that is the end of that star you saw. Another day, one would come and do the same thing, that’s all. Life continues.”

Amen may have rested his case about the meteor with his father’s explanation that night. But the following day, he saw a silvery star smack on top of a mosque on his way to school. His search begins all over again with renewed interest and more fascination.

Getting home from school, Amen breezily tells his mother of his recent discovery: “Mom, I saw another star.” Mom’s response is as logical as it is funny. “In the afternoon?”

Psychiatrists sometimes joke that children are terrorists in the sense that they literally hold their parents hostage until a particular demand is met or a wish fulfilled. Any reader

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would want to believe so about the restless hero whose quest for a star – falling or cresting the roof of a worship centre – sort of consumes him and his parents. In no time, father and mother are coerced into their ward’s restless energy devoted to knowing more about what began from a nighttime errand.

Together, they search the internet, learning more every day about the star, its symbolical value to some religions and not only Islamic faith. For instance, they discover in their search that the “star and the crescent symbol itself is very ancient, dating back to early Sumerian civilization, where it was associated with the sun god and moon goddess.”

By this time, the star quest had gone beyond Amen’s fascination with a star. It has become a family affair as father, mother and son dig deeper into what the star represents to Muslims. Reading from their findings on the net, they learn that “the crescent moon with a star are symbols of Islam. Muslims begin some holidays such as Ramadan based on the phases of the moon, their calendar is based on the lunar cycle, they are to visit a holy meteorite in Mecca at least once in their lives, and their religion has roots near Babylonia known for astronomical observations.”

Every time the trio spend on the net reveals more interesting information about what the adults had previously taken for granted. The adults have become converts to what began as a childish pursuit. They learn, also, that what they had mistaken for a falling star isn’t one at all. “A falling star or shooting star has nothing to do with a star! These amazing streaks of light you can sometimes see in the night sky are caused by tiny bits of dust and rock called meteoroids falling into the earth’s atmosphere and burning up. The short-lived trail of light the meteoroid produces is called a meteor.”

Amen’s objection to this last passage is a cue for more

But the story does not end there.

Amen’s fascination results in something grander, something he would never have imagined after he first sighted the falling meteor that night.

Amos Esele, the creator of this admirable lad, is the Deputy Editor of THEWILL, a daily online newspaper with a weekly print edition only on Sundays. He has been a senior journalist for decades in many national newspapers. Like most journalist’s ambition to write a book in the course of their journalistic careers, Our Star Child has fulfilled that wish for Esele. Those who know say he began the book soon after The Union, a newspaper he worked with, suddenly packed up. Left with plenty of time and with nothing to do in the interval, he thought of and started writing Our Star Child.

The star child himself, Amen, would linger long in the mind of readers, if for nothing else but his questioning mind, his drive and total belief in what he knows. Like a scientist seeking to know more about the universe, Amen goes on and on until his questions are reasonably answered, answers that will come handy when a bank sponsors an essay competition in his secondary school, Pantako.

Esele captures the school environment so well it can pass for any up to it institution anywhere in Benin or Lagos. Amen resolves to write about the star he has been fascinated with in the competition and then submits it for one of the categories. Students from other schools are also in contention for the prizes.

Prize giving days arrives and, as anyone would imagine, Amen is as apprehensive as some of his co-students. It is a natural reaction for anyone who has ever had to hope for something in life, for as Nietzsche once mused, “hope in reality is the worst of all evils because it prolongs the torments of man.”

For the first announcement, the award went to a female student from another school. Agony for our lad. The second went to another student. More agony for the lad, until the very last. Nothing for the chap. It was pure hell, especially considering that his most important guests that day was his own mother and little sister.

But as they say, every serious lad will have his day. Amen did. It turned out the sponsors were so fascinated with the student’s essay they set it aside. In the end, his essay on and about the star got him a special prize and also made him a star.

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JOYCE DASER ADAMS THE LADY MECHANIC THEWILLNIGERIA

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It is normal for people to look at you as if you don’t know what you are doing. Even at school, we were just two females that studied mechanical engineering. The only thing I do is to manage the information I get from people. Sometimes, when I get distress calls from someone who needs our services, they will request to speak with a mechanic. I would tell them they can talk to me. Some of them think I am the receptionist, but I try to make them comfortable so they can open up to me. However, anytime I am stressed up, I will hand over the phone to a male mechanic at the workshop. Sometimes when I want to enter a client’s vehicle, he wants to know if I can drive. Most of them don’t want you to drive their cars. Funny enough, I can drive any car. My father taught me how to drive.

When you met your husband, was he initially discouraged that you were an automobile mechanic?

He was aware that I studied mechanical engineering in school. He tells other people that his wife is a mechanic. He wasn’t discouraged at all.

Fixing Cars is My Calling – Joyce Daser Adams

As the first female engineer to run an automobile maintenance garage in Northern Nigeria, Joyce Daser Adams, no doubt, stands out in a profession dominated by the men folk. In this interview with SHADE METIBOGUN, METIBOGUN, she speaks on her passion for repairing cars and other matters. Excerpts.

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hy did you choose a profession that is dominated by men?

I studied Mechanical Engineering in school and I wanted to practice what I studied. I didn’t want to end up as some of my colleagues in school who got employed in a commercial bank and not in an engineering firm. We all understand the problem of unemployment in Nigeria.

I never bothered to look for a job anywhere. I dreamt of having my own business before setting up an automobile workshop. Besides, what I do is related to what I studied in school.

What were your parents’ reactions when you told them what you wanted to do?

Let me say that I grew up in a family where there is no gender disparity. We were all treated equally in my home, irrespective of gender. But the truth is that I did more of the physically demanding chores at home. I don’t really consider mechanical engineering to be a male-dominated profession.

I just took interest in it because it was something I grew up with. I recall telling one of my neighbors that I wanted to continue to work with my hands even after graduating from school and he gave me the option of either studying Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering. He said it was only in engineering courses that I would be able to work with my hands. I first did a certificate course in electrical installation, but when I wanted to go further, I couldn’t get admission to study it for a degree so I had to opt for mechanical engineering. In school, we didn’t have the opportunity to enroll for practical courses, but I thank God for the holidays. I used those periods to improve on my practical knowledge of mechanical engineering with the help of my father. Of course, my mother made fun of me most of the time. She often told me that I did not know what I was doing. My father taught me a lot of things, including many of the things I know today as a career woman. I was always with him. I was very close to him. As a youngster, I used to help him wash his car, fix his tires, etc. My brothers are more into the information technology stuff.

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When did you set up Autolady Workshop?

Auto lady was incorporated in 2013. I graduated in 2010 ad completed National Youth Service in 2011. I needed a lot of money to set up my workshop. Eventually I was lucky to get a grant from the Federal Government. I can say that working as an automobile mechanic is my calling.

Everything seems to be arranged by divine intervention.

I was actually posted to Ogun State for national service.

I was posted to a certain cocoa processing company but I was rejected and reposted to an automobile company in Sagamu. When I was there I saw what a standard workshop looked like and I dreamt of owning one like that. An opportunity for a grant came up much later. I applied for it and won. I had to register the business in 2013, while I trained at Daneland Automobile Company. I was also coming to Lagos from Sagamu to learn auto diagnosis with Auto Medics. You know, you need to learn the computer aspect of automobiles. I didn’t know about it at the time. I had to learn it. Being a graduate of mechanical engineering without any managerial experience didn’t augur well for me.

I knew I needed it because I wanted to set up a company. I knew I could proffer solutions on cars, but I needed to learn more about the managerial aspect. As a start up, you need to limit the number of people you employ. So, I bought a franchise of Auto Medics. I became their managing partner in Abuja. I started with Auto Medics for that period and I was able to understand how the business works through our partnership. I mean the managerial aspect of the job, not as a technical person.

What professional body has helped you to advance your career?

I belong to the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN); Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) and the Nigerian Institute of Mechanical Engineers (NIMECHE).

What challenges did you encounter when you were starting out as a female engineer?

Would you encourage any of your female children to follow in your footsteps?

Funny enough, I have three daughters. I heard my little girl calling one of her sisters an engineer. Their toy broke down and the little one was saying her sister can fix the toy because she is an engineer. They already have the mindset that it is not only a male child that can do engineering courses. I will be glad if they take after my profession, but I will not force them. The only thing I will make sure they learn is to identify cars and their different parts. There are some tools I would ask them to bring and they can identify them already. They can identify some parts of the car, too. I have started teaching them. Even if they don’t want to end up as mechanics, they will be able to fix their cars themselves.

We have been doing that for other women. They might be in the middle of nowhere and they should know some basic things and be able to fix their car tires themselves.

What is Autolady Inspire Foundation all about?

The whole concept is to increase female participation in the auto mobile industry because most of them need mentorship. They may love the job, but they don’t have anybody to guide them. We have trained over 30 women and some of them are working with us. Our goal at Autolady is to meet a woman at the point of entry into the workshop.

We want to have about 80 per cent of female and 20 per cent of male automobile mechanics in our workshop. It is not as if we don’t need the men; we need them, but we want more women to work with us. Those that we train and we cannot employ, we try to get them employment in other companies. Mothers love to bring their female children to the garage. They are more confident that the place is owned and run by a woman. We have students on Industrial attachment and our foundation also gives out scholarships.

We gave one to a young girl who helps her father to repair power generators. I was inspired to assist her because it brought out the memory of childhood for me. Those are the kind of things we want to do to keep them moving because if they don’t get encouraged, they might give up.

What about those who are not privileged to go to school?

Would they have the opportunity to train with you?

I have some people like that. I even try to train them in school, aside the skills they would acquire in our workshop.

As much as they need to have skills, it is also important that they go to school. I just pick a few that are interested in education. We train them to acquire skills, while they have an opportunity to go to school. I know that I cannot train all, but I ensure I do the little I can. One of the girls I trained, who is in school, wants to start running a radio programme on automobile repairs in her institution’s radio station. I wrote a proposal for her and she took it to her school. That is one of the things we are proud of. The girl child has the awareness of impacting others with the little she knows.

Are there other aspects of the job that you prefer your male staff to handle?

There is none, so far. Technology has made things easy for us a lot. The things we can’t handle as women will be handled by technology. I started when we had the latest equipment in technology. We use equipment to bring out engines, which are perhaps the most difficult job in auto repairs.

What is the best thing about being a lady mechanic?

We are unique. We are doing a job in a male-dominated industry. We are providing solutions to car users and also making impact in our society, which is very important. We don’t want to just have the knowledge; we also want to give back to the society.

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STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

Freda Francis Rethinks Relationship With Embattled Boniface Odenigbo

Francis & Odenigbo

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ne of those currently counting their losses over the arrest of Buzz bar owners, Sunbo Winfunke and Amandianeze Boniface Odenigbo, is Freda Francis, a socialite who operates a high-end beauty spa in Ikoyi. This is because she is alleged to be in a sizzling relationship with Odenigbo, also known as Armani. Although the latter, like most men, likes to stray once in a while, he is believed to share such a strong bond with the single mother of one that he always retreats to base for fear of losing her. Freda and Armani were said to have begun their hush hush relationship after her relationship with the son of a former governor of Lagos State resulted in the birth of their son, Alexander. Due to his marital status, the illicit affair had to end, prompting her to quickly move on to Armani who was liquid enough to fund her lifestyle. Now that the bubble has burst on Armani and his partner’s fraudulent activities, there are talks that Freda is seriously considering jumping ship and leaving Armani to stew in his own mess while she

finds a suitable replacement for him. It would be recalled that THEWILL reported the arrest, gestapo style, of Armani and Sunbo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for

alleged fraud to the tune of $35m on Tuesday June 29. The partners were granted stringent bail conditions which they have since met as investigation into the matter continues.

Timi Alaibe Denies Connection With Brenda Ataga Ajimobi’s Widow Eyes Senate

Alaibe

Musa Danjuma’s Ex Mistress, Daniella Allen, Gets Hooked

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Allen

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lthough she is from Zimbabwe, Daniella spent the better part of her life in Nigeria where she grew her fashion designing business and nurtured a few relationships, one of which was with wealthy man about town, Musa Danjuma, younger brother to Gen Theophilus Danjuma (retd). While the relationship lasted, she was the spice of Musa’s life and he couldn’t get enough of her. Despite being of mixed parentage like his estranged wife, Caroline, whom he is allegedly making efforts to reunite with, Musa seemed to prefer Daniella so much that he openly flaunted her, a situation that didn’t go down well with Caroline who got physical with her at a point. The affection which Musa openly showered Daniella worried Caroline so much that she decided to break up their marriage. This gave room for Daniella and Musa to carry on unhindered. They both attended social events together and Daniella played hostess each time Musa threw a party. Many already saw Daniella as Caroline’s likely replacement and waited with bated breath for the couple to formalise their relationship. Unfortunately, that isn’t going to happen as Daniella recently got hooked to an African American and is currently on honeymoon. This may perhaps explain the reason why Musa has been making moves to reunite with Caroline, having been ditched by Daniella.

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Ajimobi

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imi Alaibe, former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, has denied any amorous connection between him and Brenda Ataga, wife of late Michael Usifo Ataga. With the death of Ataga, who was the CEO of Super TV, a lot of conspiracy theories have been thrown up, supposedly in a bid to reveal the actual people (if any) behind his brutal murder as well as their motives, (if any). Worried that one of the dailies, a reputable one at that, could stoop so low as to run with and even embellish a false narrative, Alaibe has denied the allegation, saying the story was concocted by a certain Peter Agba Kalu, a reporter with one of the dailies. Alaibe also dares the people behind the malicious allegation to either make public any verifiable evidence to corroborate their falsehood or desist from conceiving destructive lies to rubbish his person, dent his image and smear the integrity of Brenda.

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t is over a year since a former Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, died of complications from COVID-19.

For his one-year remembrance, which was held on June 25, 2021, the late governor’s widow, Florence, played host to family, friends, political associates and well wishers who came to celebrate the life and times of the late Ajimobi at their Oluyole Estate, Ibadan residence. First, a documentary video was played in honour of Ajimobi. This was closely followed by the decoration of his widow as a Fellow of the Society For Peace Studies And Practice by the University of Ibadan.

One of his daughters, Jibola and her husband gave the vote of thanks to end the ceremony. Now it is speculated that Mrs Ajimobi might be going into politics soon and she is eyeing the Senate. The rumour mill has it that pressure is being mounted on her to make a go for it. What is further lending credence to this is that a few days after the one-year remembrance of her late husband, she paid a courtesy visit to Oyo state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Akin Oke at the party secretariat. It would be recalled that in 2019 the late goveror had attempted to return to the Senate at the end of his tenure to represent Oyo South senatorial district. Unfortunately, he lost to the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Kola Balogun. To compensate him for his loss, he was appointed the acting national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party. If Mrs Ajimobi takes the bait to run and she wins, she would be fulfilling her husband’s unfulfilled dream.

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STORIES BY SHADE METIBOGUN

Ogiri

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n December 2020, Nollywood actress, Sonia Ogiri bought an expensive gift, a grey coloured Toyota Venza, for her aged mother to celebrate Christmas. The beautiful Nollywood actress decided to gift her mother the Sport Utility Vehicle because she couldn’t spend Christmas with her. About six months later, she bought another SUV, a white Lexus RX 350 worth millions of naira. The thespian, who is never tired of showing off her expensive lifestyle, also made it known to all who cared to listen that she had acquired another posh car for herself. She even claimed that it was her second car in a space of six months.

Barely three weeks after sharing the good news, Sonia bought yet another wonder on wheels, a White Range Rover that also cost a bomb. The actress has since been painting the town red with her new automobiles. However, mixed reactions have trailed her latest acquisition, with many wondering where she got the money to maintain such an expensive lifestyle. To some critics, buying three expensive automobiles is a misplaced priority.

Others believe her flamboyant lifestyle is being bankrolled by a sugar daddy who is probably a politician. However, some of her fans seem to be convinced that the actress has been working hard enough abroad to afford such a lifestyle.

Charly Boy Unveils New Album to Commemorate ‘71st’ Birthday

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n Saturday, June 19, Nigeria’s most controversial entertainer cum activist, Charles Chukwuemeka Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, had a double celebration. The enigmatic entertainer marked his 71st birthday and also had an exclusive EP (Extended Play) album listening party. In his usual controversial manner, the Area Fada, as he is also called, shocked many when he said he has started his backward aging process and would be marking his 70th, not 71st birthday.

According to him, since the government in power had not done anything to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, there was nothing to celebrate going forward. That was why he decided to keep his celebration simple and low keyed. He told his fans to expect the celebration of his 69th, as against the 72nd, birthday by 2022.

Unlike his previous birthday celebrations, which were usually heralded by fireworks and protest marches, this year’s event was quiet. The seasoned entertainer was clearly not in the mood for celebration. In his words, the present situation in the country calls for sober reflection.

Nevertheless, he seized the opportunity to announce that he had retired from ‘active street protests’ which had failed to yield the desired results due to the calibre of

Charly Boy

Mixed Reactions Trail Arrival of Sonia Ogiri’s Newest Car

people in government. He also said that he had decided to restrategise and channel his ‘frustration’ through his music. His latest musical album titled Odudubariba, meaning ‘Spiritual Warrior,’ was well applauded by music lovers who graced the occasion

Ex BBN Housemate At War With Clothing Line Boss

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Adebayo & Adeleye

10 Years After, Family Remembers Christy Essien-Igbokwe

ig Brother Naija ex housemate, Victoria Adeleye, otherwise known as Vee, has decided to keep a long distance from Zeena & Zara clothing line, which she used to represent. Trouble started after Vee went for a photo shoot and she was asked to wear hair sold by the clothing line through another company. Although this wasn’t part of the original agreement, she agreed to wear the hair. She however told the company that for subsequent shoots, she would prefer to use her own hair. Later, a video from the shoot was shared by the company and Vee asked that they properly edit the footage, a request which did not go done well with Happiness Adebayo, the owner of the clothing line. The latter felt that Vee was proving difficult to work with as she never got bad vibes from working with any of her brand ambassadors. Therefore she demanded a refund of the ambassadorial fee paid to Vee. Happiness got a refund of N2 million instead of the sum of N2.5 million, which was earlier paid to the artist as her managers had removed N500, 000 due to the mileage that her page and that of the brand’s page had received from the announcement of the campaign and time spent working with the clothing line. While conversation between both parties around contract termination was still ongoing, Happiness started sending information about their engagement to some blogs. She also called out Vee, saying that she was acting as if everyone on the set of the photo shoot were her housemates at the Big Brother Naija reality show. She also accused the artiste of putting up an attitude and stated that she still owed her a lot of money.

Buzz Bar Owners Granted Bail Under Stringent Conditions

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bout two weeks ago, the family of Christy Essien Igbokwe marked the 10th anniversary of her death.

Unlike the usual fanfare, thanksgiving and visits to orphanages that characterised the event in the past, this time her family chose to have a low key celebration.

Christy’s first son, Kaka Igbokwe Chinwuba, took time to reflect on the life and times of the talented musician. Kaka made a video cataloguing the different stages of his late mother’s life, from her days in college to when she started out as a musician. The video also showed some of her stage performances and fond memories that mother and son both shared. Christy Essien-Igbokwe took her last breath on June 30, 2011 at the Ikeja General Hospital after a brief illness. She was fluent in Igbo, Efik, Hausa,Yoruba and English languages. Her mastery of four Nigerian languages gave her songs the appeal that crossed tribal lines. She was the brain behind the founding of the Performing Musician Association (PMAN) and the first female president of the association. Most of her hit songs, such as Show a little kindness, Seun rere, Hear the call, were quite popular even before her demise.

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fashion designer wife, has been flooded with good will messages since the ugly incident happened. Friends and fans of the lady sent flowers and chocolates, in what looks like a display of solidarity, to the businesswoman in her trying moments. THEWILL earlier reported that the duo of Odenigbo and Winfunke were arrested on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at 3pm in their residence at Oniru Estate. The two were allegedly implicated in a $35 million fraud. It was alleged that one of their partners in the United States gave them out to the FBI.

Olawale & Odenigbo

Igbokwe

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mandianeze Boniface Odenigbo and Sunbo Olawale Winfunke, co-owners of Buzz Bar in Victoria Island, have been granted provisional bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) upon satisfying their bail conditions. The conditions include the provision of a private person, who would stand as surety, of which the person must be a property owner located within Ikoyi or Victoria Island in Lagos State. The surety must present the original Certificate of Occupancy of the property, which must be verified by the anti-graft agency. The suspects were required to drop their passport photographs and that of the surety, as well as their National Identification Numbers and Bank Verification Numbers. They were also expected to provide an officer on grade level 15 in a Federal or State Ministry, Department or Agency. The officer must provide two passport photographs each of the suspects and surety. He must also provide an employment letter/appointment, letter of last promotion, last three months’ pay slips, recent letter of introduction from employer, Identification card, National Identification Number, Bank Verification Number. Finally they were expected to deposit their International Passports with the commission. Odenigbo and Winfunke have reportedly regained freedom after meeting all the conditions, as stated by EFCC and they have also been spotted at a few places on Victoria Island.

Meanwhile, Tania Omotayo, Winfunke’s

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STORIES BY SHADE METIBOGUN

Ex-Big Brother Naija Star, Tobi Bakre, Unveils Lover

Why Kunle Afod Didn’t Marry Mother Of His 18-Year-Old Daughter

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Oluwa & Afod

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who is now 18 years old. Having called it quits with her baby daddy, she moved on and focused on her daughter and her career. She however decided to seek greener pastures abroad some years later. At the time she made the decision to move abroad, her acting career was on the decline. The perks she was getting from her politician cousin, Ganiyu Solomon, was no longer regular as the man went into political oblivion, thus intensifying her plan to relocate abroad.

Uche Ogbodo, Stella Dimoko Korkus Mend Fences

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Ogbodo & Dimoko-Korkus

ollywood actress, Uche Ogbodo and journalist turned blogger, Stella Dimoko Korkus, have brought their longtime rift to an end. The duo decided to bury the hatchet after the beautiful actress gave birth to her second child about a month ago. Stella was the first to announce the good news on

few weeks ago, Tobi Bakre, an ex-housemate in Season 3 of the popular TV reality show, Big Brother Naija, unveiled his girlfriend, Anu Oladosu. Many who saw his post have been congratulating and wishing him and his lover well. THE WILL gathered that Tobi and Anu have been dating for a while now, but they kept their relationship secret until he posted their loved-up picture on social media. Anu is a Muslim from Oshogbo in Osun State, who was born and raised in Lagos. She attended Queens College, Onike before proceeding to the university. She is social media shy. On his birthday, she posted some of Tobi’s pictures but decided to make her page private to ward off intruders who are curious about their relationship.

her social media handle. She congratulated the actress and her baby daddy and requested that Uche should allow the arrival of her baby to end the bad blood between them. The excitement Uche Ogbodo felt on the arrival of her bundle of joy made her accept the apology and responded to Stella’s post in high spirit. She laughed it off with beautiful emojis and thanked the blogger for being thoughtful and for welcoming her beautiful bunny to the world. She also professed her love and admiration to Stella, saying the latter loved her so much that she could not do without writing about her. It would be recalled that the Nollywood actress started a war of words with Stella after the blogger broke the news of her pregnancy about three months ago. According to the writer, Uche was already on a nine-month course and most people were not aware of it. She added that she was at the beginning phase of her last trimester and was lucky because her baby bump was not big enough for people to notice. The news, which didn’t go down well with the actress, led to a verbal attack on the blogger. She was called all sorts of names by the actress. And their once rosy friendship turned sour. Now the two are on speaking terms. Uche Ogbodo was once in love with a man named Apo Arthur, but she left the relationship when she was 10 months pregnant. She had her first baby for Arthur in 2015. Now, she is dating a young music star, Bobby Maris, with whom she had her second baby. They have since named the baby Lumina Maris.

Bakre & Oladosu

ot many people are aware that popular Nollywood actor and movie producer, Kunle Afod, has a teenage daughter from another woman other than his wife, Desola. It wasn’t until the young lady, Oyinkansola, clocked 18 a few weeks ago and he announced it on his social media page that the secret was blown open. Investigation conducted

by THEWILL revealed that Oyinkansola is the product of his affair with Queen Serifat Oluwa more than 19 years ago. The two love birds were an item before Desola Afod, the woman he eventually married, came into the picture. Kunle and Serifat started out as friends at a movie location. They both took their relationship to a different level until it blossomed into full-blown romance. The two were so much in love that many of their colleagues thought they would end up as husband and wife. Even after he met Desola around 2000 and started dating her in 2001, Kunle was still seeing Serifat secretly. They, however, decided to go their separate ways when it became obvious they were not compatible. At this time, Serifat was already pregnant for the actor. The lightskinned actress knew Kunle had another lover who wasn’t an actress. The two handled the issue with maturity and Kunle promised to take full responsibility of the pregnancy, but marriage was not on the card as Desola was already preparing for her wedding, which eventually took place in 2004. In 2003, Queen Serifat gave birth to Angel Oyinkansola Afod,

Child Comedienne, Emmanuella Samuel, Makes Hollywood Debut

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two luxurious offices that she recently opened. He is alleged to have been married with two children before meeting the actress.

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Blessing & Falegan

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ollywood actress and entrepreneur, Nkechi Blessing Sunday, has finally found love after experiencing many heart breaks. The mother of one is romancing one Falegan Opeyemi David. We gathered that the two have been an item for some years now and both have allegedly made their relationship formal with a traditional marriage in London.

The actress traveled to see her lover about a month ago and she has been singing his praises since she left the shores of the country. Hon Falegan Opeyemi David, the man rocking Nkechi’s world is from Ado Ekiti in Ekiti state. He is the son of late politician, Chief Ojo Falegan, a former chairman of Ado Local Government Area. The handsome man has his eyes in politics and has been watering the ground in preparation for his political ambition. He recently gave out free fuel to over 5,000 motorists in the state when he celebrated his birthday on June 10. He also donated 2,000 Joint Admission and Matriculation Board forms to youths in his state.

Opeyemi is a philanthropist, a post-graduate student in a university based in London and the Chief Executive officer of Opeyemi David Falegan’s Foundation which caters to widows and the less privileged in Ekiti State. We gathered that Opeyemi is generous to a fault and he has been spoiling the actress silly with the good things of life. He is also responsible for the expensive lifestyle the actress has been living. He was the one who sponsored most of Nkechi’s trips abroad and the

Samuel

Meet Actress Nkechi Blessing’s Lover Who Spoils Her Silly

THEWILLNIGERIA

opular child comedienne, Emmanuella Samuel, has joined the league of actors clinching international movies roles. The talented skit maker made her Hollywood debut in a movie titled Survive or die. Emmanuella featured as a guest star alongside the major cast of the movie.

She acted as a “Ghost” who was hunting Shade, the lead character in the movie which tells the story of a young girl, Shade who made it out from a war-torn African country and battled for survival as she finds herself in an uninhabited part of Australia. It also amplifies the plights of immigrants who risk their lives as they search for better opportunities in the face of harsh realities. Produced by Daniel Okoduwa and directed by Michael Kang, the movie was shot in 2018 and it had a two-year festival tour before it was released on Amazon Prime in 2020 as well as on You Tube in 2021. The movie had over a million views within the first week it was released on major platforms. Many have attributed the streaming success to the step that Emmanuella took after its release. She went to her social media platform to inform her 10million fans about her latest feat and many who love the kid skit maker ensured they watched the movie on all streaming platforms.

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BY IVORY UKONU

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RMD Rocks At 60

imeless! That was the theme of actor and influencer Richard Mofe Damijo’s 60th birthday party, which held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 in Lagos. It aptly depicts the lifestyle of the man, who has been able to conveniently and comfortably blends with the younger and older generations, while still maintaining his relevance and youthfulness. All of these characteristics he brought to bear as he hosted the creme de la creme of high society at his party.

ABOUT THE CELEBRANT’S OUTFITS In keeping with the dress code, the celebrant turned up in a tuxedo embellished with Swarovski stones, looking every inch as dapper as always. Midway into the party, he changed into his Warri traditional ensemble and for the after party with the younger guests, he opted for a casual linen top and pants.

THE SURPRISE OF SEEING REVEREND ESTHER AJAYI Some guests were surprised to see at the party, Reverend Esther Abimbola Ajayi, the popular clergy woman who once reigned supreme in the United Kingdom before her relocation to Nigeria.

RMD isn’t a member of her church, Love of Christ Generational Church, Cherubim and Seraphim, but considering that Rev Ajayi relates with everyone, irrespective of tribe, religion or age and won’t pass off an opportunity to attend a high-octane event, this could perhaps explain why she honoured him with her presence.

Well, the philanthropist, who was accompanied by her husband, Dr Ademuyiwa Ajayi, set the ball rolling with an opening prayer.

FRIENDS PAY TRIBUTE TO RMD VIA DOCUMENTARY FILM A documentary film put together by the celebrant’s friends as a tribute beamed from a screen mounted on the stage shortly after the party kicked off. They all had nice things to say about him, including how he impacted on their lives and how they were all lucky to have crossed paths with him.

BETWEEN OBA SAHEED ELEGUSHI AND SENATOR FLORENCE ITA-GIWA The young and stylish monarch of Elegushi land arrived at the party with some of his friends and chiefs. Very unlike his 45th birthday party where he abandoned his royal regalia for casual ensembles, Oba Elegushi opted to wear the traditional agbada accessorised with his royal beads. He sat next to Senator Florence Ita Giwa, otherwise known as Mama Bakassi, and at some point couldn’t help but gush at how amazing she looked at 70. In the course of the party, he got carried away, got up to dance with her and then quickly remembered his royal status and sat back almost immediately. He left not too long after he arrived.

JAMES IBORI’S ELECTRIFYING PRESENCE The former Delta State governor complied with the dress code and as soon as he walked into the venue of the party, the atmosphere became charged. Everyone wanted to have a handshake with him, as well as a hug and photograph. His arrival fast tracked the programme of events. Even while seated on the same table with Rev Ajayi and her husband, a few people kept going to pay homage to him. Ibori, who is fondly called Odidi-di-gbo-i-gbo (greatest of the greatest/one with intimidating charisma or size) was at the party without his wife, Senami Sosu,

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over two years.

Celebrant & wife, Jumobi

THE DRESS CODE It was a black tie event and that meant everyone had to turn up in sophisticated modes of dressing. The men were expected to turn up in tuxedos and the women in long gowns, with a caveat – both genders were told to dress to kill. Not a few complied with the dress code. However, some men chose to do it the agbada way, while the older women decided to go easy on themselves.

Celebrant & Ibori

COVID-19 PROTOCOL WAS JETTISONED The party was totally devoid of any form of COVID-19 protocols. Everyone mingled, hugged and pecked just like it used to be before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Even when the master of ceremony, Bovi Ugbomah, at a point appealed to the guests to observe social distancing, nobody paid attention to him. How could they? The hall was arranged without social distancing in mind. The only person who obeyed the protocol was entertainment heavyweight, Olisa Adibua, who had his mask on but also kept going round to hug other guests and shake hands with them.

who always accompanies him to social events.

EMMANUEL UDUAGHAN’S CONSPICUOUS ABSENCE The celebrant’s former boss, former governor of Delta State, Emmanuel Uduaghan, was conspicuously absent at the party.

Not a few wondered why Ibori, who RMD didn’t exactly work directly with, honoured him with his presence, but not Uduaghan who was RMD’s direct boss for eight years, both as Uduaghan’s special adviser on culture and tourism and later as a commissioner in the same ministry.

SHOLAYE JEREMY’S ‘JAMES BOND’ STYLE Until he became popular blogger, Linda Ikeji’s baby daddy, not many people had heard about Sholaye Jeremy. Not even when he dated popular society lady, Alali Hart, who he left for Linda. This is largely due to the fact that Jeremy isn’t a very loud person, as he prefers to operate in the background. The businessman, who has interests in the oil and gas sector, showed up without pomp at the party and quickly took position next to James Ibori as they both chatted away.

BOBO AJUDUA SHOWS UP FOR RMD Bobo is the only son of Fred Ajudua, but he has managed to carve a niche for himself. The married father of one who is an entertainment lawyer, was at the party to felicitate with RMD. ONYEKA ONWENU’S ‘NEW’ LOOK The singer, actor and politician was at the party looking very unrecognisable. The mother of two, who spent the greater part of her life wearing a low-cut hair style, has now decided to start plaiting her hair. Call it midlife crisis and you may not be totally wrong. Did it suit the soon-to-be 70-year-old ‘Elegant Stallion’?

Your guess is as good as mine.

MARRIAGE FITS JULIANNA EDEWOR WELL The society lady, who is the mother of TV presenter and actress, Eku Edewor, was present at the party in company with her famous daughter. Julianna who is the daughter of late Delta State born billionaire, Chief James Edewor, looked every inch the classy and beautiful lady she has always been. It is obvious she is having the best of times in her third marriage. Julianna was initially married to a Briton, Hugh Thorley, father to Eku and her twin sister, Kessiana. Thorley and Juliana parted ways and she married Peter Thomas whom she was with for almost 15 years. However, he died and after 10 years of mourning him, Juliana who is now in her 60s found love again in the arms of Dr Victor Izegbu. The couple have been married now for a little

FUSION OF OLD AND NEW NOLLYWOOD Members of the celebrant’s immediate constituency, Nollywood, turned up in their numbers to honour the one man who has succeeded in plying his trade and fit in successfully among the old and new school players. RMD, who began his acting career about four decades ago, has managed to remain relevant 40 years after and he is today, still one of the most sought-after actors in this clime. Seasoned actors, such as Norbert and Gloria Young, Fred Amata, Zik Zulu Okafor, Sola Sobowale, Ramsey Norah, Segun Arinze Taiwo Ajayi-Lynette, etc. as well as the new school Nollywood such as Eku Edewor, Denola Grey, Banky W etc. were sighted at the party.

CLOTHIERS PAY HOMAGE Known to be quite the stylish man, the party had quite a sizeable number of male fashion designers, most of who had at one point or aother had the privilege of having RMD, not only model their collections, but also sold racks of their designs to him. Designers, such as London-based Emmy Collins, Taryor Gabriel, Seyi Vodi, Evans Akere, Yomi Makun etc. made it to the party. Even the female designers were not left out.

BOOK PRESENTATION One of the highlights of the party was RMD’s book presentation.

The book, ‘Portrait of a Warri boy’ chronicles the life and times of the celebrant. Rev Ajayi, Sholaye Jeremy, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, real estate mogul, Ned Nwoko; politician, Ossai Osanebi; James Ibori - were all called up on the stage to launch the book. Each of them gave a moving speech but they all declined to mention their exact monetary donation towards the launching of the book for very obvious reasons. Setting the pace of this new style of book launching was Ibori, who after a lengthy prayer in Urhobo language, promised to do the ‘needful’. Naturally, every other person followed suit.

RMD SETS THE PACE WITH PERFUME LAUNCH The celebrant, who said he liked to smell good, used the opportunity of his party to launch his own brand of perfume aptly named ‘Timeless’. He encouraged everyone present to embrace the art of smelling nice at all times.

LG WOWS THREE PARTY GUESTS Electronic giant, LG, one of the brands that RMD represents as an ambassador, gave out three flat screen TV sets to three lucky guests. The guests were randomly selected and presented with the television sets.

THE AFTER PARTY The party, which dragged into the night culminated in an after party with the guests, comprising mostly the younger generation, bringing down the roof. On stage to thrill them was a disc jockey and Veentage Band who had been playing since the party began, thrilling guests with their repertoire of songs, ranging from oldies to current singles.

THE GUESTS’ LIST On the guests’ list, which read like the who-is-who in Nigeria, were Olumide Apata, Dele Momodu, Chike Ogeah, Badejo Okusanya, Charles Otudor, Iheme Osita, Funke Akindele-Bello and husband, Mary Akpobome, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Gloria Nash, Ruth Osime, Mo Abudu, Funke Kuti, Dare Art Alade, Funmi Ajila-Ladipo, Ebube Nwagbo, Bimbo Thomas, Eniola Badmus, Betty & Soni Irabor, Mercy Johnson, Mercy Aigbe, Nse Ikpe Etim, etc.

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TOURISM

Lagos State: Heralding New Era of Tourism Activities utilization and deployment.

“It is on this premise, that the idea behind the Tourism Master Plan and Policy was conceived in order to provide a more holistic approach for implementation of tourism activities across the state such that there will be uniformity and orderliness in this sector.”

Lekki-Beach (Inset) Sanwo-Olu

According to Bonu, while using the event to unveil plans by the ministry to train 500 youths from the five IBILE Divisions of the state as Tour Guides, he equally stated that the Tour Guides in place would complement efforts at domesticating tourism activities in the local government areas. “With this idea, tourists that visit our state would now have a better experience as they would be professionally guided and accompanied to all the tourism sites in the state by local people with local knowledge of their respective communities.”

“In addition to this, the establishment of tourism clubs is also being considered by the ministry across these IBILE zones.

The members of these clubs would also be instrumental to the promotion our tourism sites. Some of our stakeholders are already partnering with the ministry in this area to enhance the capacity development of our youths as it relates to the promotion of community-based tourism.”

STORIES BY JANEFRANCES CHIBUZOR

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overnor Babajide Sanwo Olu of Lagos State has reiterated his administration’s commitment to the attainment of a robust implementation of short, medium and long term plans in different areas of tourism activities in the state. He assured that 20 years from now, the state will be one of the best five attractive destinations for tourists in Africa.

“This will also help in the attainment of a robust execution and implementation of short, medium and long term plans in different areas of tourism activities,” Sanwo-Olu said while presenting the state’s Tourism Master Plan and Policy.

The two documents, which are described as tools for a new era of systematic implementation of tourism activities across the state, can translate into increased GDP, improved job creation, better quality of life, among other numerous advantages.

Sanwo-Olu described the event as evidence of the present administration’s commitment to inclusiveness and stakeholders partnership knowing that this sector thrives on public-private partnership and collaboration.

“Our resolve to ensure that the production of these documents came up to fruition speaks to our sincere intention to better the lots of Lagosians, promote ease of doing business, attract more tourists to our state and domestic tourism activities in the centre of excellence.”

The event which was recently organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and culture in collaboration with Sterling Bank PLC took place in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

Continuing, he said: “There are numerous tourism potentials

in Lagos State that are yet to be fully harnessed. The need to harness these untapped tourism potentials necessitated the development of both tourism master plan and policy. With these documents in place, efforts in the tourism sector would now be directed to six strategies areas which are: Culture and heritage, film, art and entertainment, business and MICEBeach and leisure, nature and adventure and others.”

The gathering of eminent personalities and distinguished stakeholders in tourism, hospitality, film, entertainment, arts and culture sector signalled a new narrative in the tourism sector. Considering the fact that all these six areas of focus have not been fully harnessed for economic and tourism value before now, this administration’s determination to focus on them will change the tourism narrative for sure.

The event witnessed award presentation to certain stakeholders who have greatly contributed to sustainable tourism and economic growth in the state. They include renowned artist, Chief Nike Okundaye, organizer of Akwaaba African Travel Market, Ikechi Uko and others.

Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture to the governor, Mr. Solomon Bonu to the governor said: “The Ministry ensured that the stakeholders were involved from inception of compilation and review of these documents up till its final stage. It is a widely known fact that the tourism policy of any nation or state is designed to provide a set of guidelines, rules, direction and facilitates consensus around specific vision, strategies and objectives for a given destination.”

“In the same vein, the youths would also be given access to loan facilities under the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, (LSETF), upon completion of their training.

“In a nutshell, the same way the ministry is training creative practitioners under its Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative, LACI, Tour Guides and members of Tourism Clubs will also be trained to meet the needs of tourists in all our tourism sites, evidently, the administration is touching every segment of the Ministry from Tourism, to Arts, Culture and Entertainment.”

But was the commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akibinle-Yusuf truly convinced this could be achieved within these specific years?

“I think it’s possible,” she said. “Lagos State in 20 years would be one of the top-five urban tourism destinations in Africa and recognised as the Face of Art in Africa for its multiple creative and innovative tourism products and experiences.”

On the vision, Akibinle-Yusuf said that the tourism master plan developed for Lagos State proposes a bold and audacious vision for Lagos over the next 15-20 years. On tourism mission, she said: “Build on the inherent creativity of the people of Lagos and establish the state as a vibrant and innovative tourism destination that diversifies the economy, creates jobs across multiple tourism segments and offers the world access to the ingenuity and hospitality of the residents.”

On goals: “This will generate tourism revenue for business and government which will lead to job creation, enhance the quality of life for Lagosians and align with state development plans.”

“Apart from this, it helps to map or pinpoint a course of action for savvy decision-making and forms the basis for effective structuring of an organization while also providing direction or basic information on responsibilities and human capital

Bonus pointed out that with the public presentation of Lagos tourism master plan and policy, another feather has been added to the state tourism activities which, on the long run, will translate to a better state and quality life for residents of Lagos State.”

Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON) which held on Wednesday at Gombe jewel hotel, Abuja, Dr. Moghalu stated that NIWA is determined to get containers bearing heavy duty vehicles out of Nigerian highways to the waters to avoid pressures and damage to roads infrastructure.

Moghalu who presented an atbowaton branded face cap and inducted Mr. Frank Meke, a maritime and cultural tourism development journalist as a member, Board of Trustees of ATBOWATON, commended the selfless service and passion to which Meke brought to bear in the reporting and advocacy on marine transportation and tourism.

Earlier, the President of ATBOWATON, Mr. Gani Tarzan Balogun, praised the efforts of NIWA to change the narrative of water transportation in Nigeria and for also carrying the association along in its programs across the country.

NIWA Determines to Change Narratives on Inland Waterways

•Commends ATBOWATON, Frank Meke

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igeria inland waterways will be redefined to play strategic roles in the movement of goods and services across the country. To this end, the organised Boat Operators and Water Transporters have been challenged to take advantage of the navigable channels to open and expand opportunities for water transportation economy.

Dr. George Moghalu, Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), disclosed that there is still the national question on what Nigerian Boat Operators have done with the 3,500 navigable channels across the country, promising to assist them find their bearings.

Speaking at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Tourist THEWILLNIGERIA

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“It is sad to see the damage done to our roads by containers bearing heavy duty vehicles, and which ordinarily can be moved easily through our inland waterways. We shall continue to advocate that such trucks should be kept off the highway and containers and heavy equipment be transported through the waters.”

Moghalu revealed that a contract for the construction of a jetty in Illa, Delta state will be awarded soon, commending ATBOWATON members for the long years of dedication and sacrifice for the growth of water transportation business in Nigeria.

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Other dignitaries at the well-attended meeting, were the acting president of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Mr. Nkerewuem Onung, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye, President National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) and Justina Ovat, President, Women in Hospitality.

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SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

Insecurity: Requiem for Owerri Hotels •Customers Flee • Revenue Drops 80 Percent •Proprietors Move to Sell Facilities

BY SAM DIALA

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ast Easter, all the over 90 hotels in Owerri, capital of Imo State, were fully booked. Patronage was at its peak, such that the word “virtually” would not be applicable. And that is the trend most of the weekends in Owerri – a city that has become Nigeria’s headquarters of the hospitality industry.

However, the hotel business boom in Owerri took a dramatic turn after a spell of COVID-19 restrictions, which struck the industry with a brutal stroke. Then came the EndSARS protest – another upheaval across the country. In the midst of the recovery mood, insurgency struck. A deadly phenomenon unknown to the SouthEast region hit Owerri. The degree of disruption is unimaginable.

Sadly, it signalled a swift move into economic doldrums, which may take decades to reverse.

A CITY AND ITS ANECDOTES Many years before Nigeria gained independence from the British colonial masters, Owerri was the seat of government in what was known as the Owerri Province, which comprised the present day Imo, Abia, Ebonyi, Rivers and Bayelsa States. Being an administrative headquarters at the time, Owerri town attracted uncommon attention. This paved the way for the arrival of two dominant Christian denominations, the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church, which made the town their take-off base leveraging on the presence of Shell Oil Company.

towards expatriates. But the Dutch company had built solid infrastructure in the form of hospitals, schools and a housing estate, popularly called ‘Shell Camp,’ before it left.

Notwithstanding Shell’s presence and the remarkable influence of the colonial government and the churches, Owerri remained a glorified urban centre. The people’s carefree lifestyle earned the town the sobriquet, ‘Owerri Ndi egwu’ (Owerri the people of music or entertainment). This is more evident in the areas of highlife music and folklore.

“When you listen to a song performed in a typical Owerri dialect with guitar, conga drums and maracas accompaniment, you will appreciate the people’s preference for a simple and carefree lifestyle. But that does not connote laziness. It only shows the people’s love for a peaceful atmosphere, which could prolong their life span. That is how hotels became the only factories in Owerri,” said Dan Iheakolam, a schoolteacher and resident.

The accommodating nature of the indigenes kept attracting visitors who loved to live in the town, notwithstanding its acute housing deficit.

Shell had arrived in Owerri for oil prospecting, which ended abruptly. The company later relocated to Port Harcourt before independence, when its technology was found to be inadequate to strike oil in Iho in present day Ikeduru, Imo State.

Until the creation of Imo State in 1976, with Owerri as the capital, it was difficult to tell the difference between the town and a typical rural village. The only tarred roads in the town then were Douglas, Mbaise, Okigwe, Port Harcourt and Works Roads.

Beyond Wetheral Road, there was a large expanse of farmland.

The arrival of Imo civil servants and their families from Enugu, the then capital of the old East Central State, led to accelerated infrastructure development in Owerri. As such, the hotel and entertainment industry was revolutionised.

The departure of the oil company was also said to have been triggered by the hostile attitude of traditional rulers in the area

Till date, Owerri remains a place where no productive industry exists.

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“The skies of Owerri are always neat,” said Iheakolam, alluding to lack of industrial fumes in the area. Rather, the city has developed into an engine of entertainment that keeps attracting fun seekers.

The trend is higher during weekends and public holidays.

“The more they come, the more hotels are built. That is the only industry in Imo. Hotel is in every corner, coupled with drinking and other entertainment spots,” said Smart Anyanwu, a furniture expert who works for many of the hotels.

ENTER ERA OF BOOM Owerri is noted for its high density of spacious hotels, high street casinos, production studios and top quality relaxation centres. It is the home to the annual ‘Miss Heartland’ and ‘Miss Adanma’ beauty pageants.

A journalist, Damian Duruiheoma, says, “A cluster of hotels and night clubs around an area known as World Bank is a major attraction to visitors. This also makes the hospitality industry crucial to the economy of Imo State.”

But hotels were not really the mainstay of the state’s economy in the past. Owerri is basically a public service place. It is not known for high economic engagements, unlike the business and commercial hubs of Onitsha, Aba, Nnewi and Enugu. Evidently, no organic linkage can be identified between hotel boom in the state capital and its traditional low economic activity. What then is the thing about Owerri that gave birth to the hotel boom and earned it the reputation of being the entertainment capital of Nigeria?

One of the factors is the serene, peaceful atmosphere that, before now, was a major characteristic of the city. It is regarded as a place to “come, rest, go and come again.” Unlike the bubbling life in commercial and business cities of Aba, Onitsha, Nnewi and Port Harcourt, from where most of its visitors come, Owerri is a place of rest. Investigation by THEWILL revealed that insecurity in

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SPECIAL INVESTIGATION

...Proprietors Move to Sell Facilities other towns and cities initially drove large groups of people to Owerri in search of fun in a safe environment. The first set of fun seekers to pioneer such periodic pilgrimages probably believed that the city’s location in the ‘bowel’ of the hinterland protects it from danger and activities of criminals. Again, the place is not known for high cost of living, relatively speaking. Its location as a converging point for tourists and fun-seekers from the SouthSouth and other parts of the South-East gives it a territorial advantage.

The influx of visitors, which boosts the hospitality industry, gave a fillip to the activation of tourism potential of the popular Oguta Lake and the Mbari Cultural Centre. These had become huge sources of revenue for the operators and the government before they were practically destroyed by bad governance and insecurity.

The Chairman of the Imo State Hoteliers Association, Chima Chukwunyere, notes that until recently, the serene nature of the town was conducive to the hospitality business.

“The serenity of the city is a major positive factor. Owerri is quiet and security has been a major advantage, until recently,” he says.

Flights to Owerri are fully booked from Thursdays. Many newly launched airlines have Owerri on their routes. You must book well in advance during weekends, festivities and public holidays to secure a seat on an aeroplane bound for the city.

Furthermore, many people believe that the major factor attracting people to Owerri, especially during weekends and public holidays, is sex tourism. This is boosted with the existence of several tertiary institutions within and around the state capital whose female students have become abundant ‘raw materials’ to feed the appetites of male visitors. They observe that the existence of these institutions created a huge opportunity for hotels to thrive in the city.

The institutions include the Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Imo State University; Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education; Federal Polytechnic, Nekede; Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo; the Schools of Nursing in Owerri and Emekuku, and the Federal College of Land Resoures and Technology.

But some people do not subscribe to the theory that other state capitals have a similar concentration of educational institutions and serene environment, but lack as much attention and patronage as Owerri. For example, Calabar, the Cross River State capital, also known as called ‘Caanan City’ because of its beauty, serene and tranquil nature, also has a concentration of educational institutions within and around it. They include the University of Calabar; Calabar Polytechnic, Cross River University of Technology, Diamond Polytechnic, School of Nursing, School of Psychiatry Nursing and College of Education.

“Calabar’s coastal location away from the hinterland could shield you from the prying eyes of those you don’t want to see. There must be something special about this Owerri that pushes people to it every weekend,” Etim Okon, a transporter who plies the Calabar-Onitsha route, says.

Also, Chukwunyere describes Owerri as a place where wealthy people like to come and enjoy themselves.

“

Definitely, the economy of Imo is severely challenged. The state recorded the highest unemployment and underemployment rates among the subnationals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2020, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)

rooms, which used to be fully booked between Thursdays and Sundays; or between 60 and 70 per cent full from Monday through Wednesday, were empty. The rates for the rooms range from N15,000 to N50,000 per night, but the ‘Senatorial’ and ‘Presidential’ suits go for N70,000 to N100,000 per night, respectively.

“You can see there is no senator or president in any of those rooms,” a worker said, sarcastically.

The highly patronised Rose Life Hotel has 39 rooms, which used to be fully booked from Thursdays through Sundays and up to 60 percent occupancy on weekdays before the crisis, currently enjoys very little patronage.

“You can see the car park; it is empty. There are no customers here. This has been the trend for about three months now, especially since May,” an official of the hotel told THEWILL. Pascaline Global Hotel, a 33-room facility on Toronto Road, now records no more than three or five guests at any time. A member of staff, who spoke to THEWILL on the condition of anonymity, disclosed that the rooms used to be fully booked between Thursday and Sunday, and no fewer than 10 guests often checked in between Monday and Wednesday. The rate for the rooms is between N5,000 and N18,000 per night. The car park was empty during the visit.

Remmy Kings Global Hotel on Owerri/Umuahia Road by Road Safety Junction is a 30-room facility which enjoyed full bookings at weekends before the security crisis. The hotel now books about five guests on weekends and most times none on other days. He management has already laid off some of the workers. The cost of accommodation ranges from N5,000 to N8,000 per room/ night. The parking lot had only two cars at the time of the visit.

Esbon Hotel, which is located on Toronto Road, by Road Safety Junction, has its fair share of the insecurity-induced lull in business. Its 31 rooms used to record up to 80 percent occupancy during weekends and 40 percent on other days. Room rates are from N5,000 to N20,000 per night. The facility is mostly empty, especially during weekends.

High-brow 5-star Rento Hotel located at 40-40 Junction, Area H, New Owerri, used to transfer excess guests to other hotels as the level of patronage before the security crisis was always at its peak.

All the 85 rooms were usually occupied mainly during weekends.

“We are now battling with insecurity. The level of patronage has dropped to between 25 and 40 percent now. Rento is like a ghost area these days,” a female receptionist told THEWILL. THE RAGING HAEMORRHAGE “People are no longer coming to Owerri because of insecurity.

There are many checkpoints where security agents harass people, ask them to come out of their vehicles and raise their hands like captives. They have their belongings searched or seized. No one wants to come to Owerri under such a terrible situation,” Chukwunyere said, in a telephone interview.

The Imo Hoteliers Association boss expressed concern over the economy of Imo State, which he described as crumbling due to factors threatening the hospitality industry. He put the loss suffered by the operators at about N2 billion monthly. He explained that no hotel would run a generator for only five guests or maintain the same number of workers who are now idle.

According to him, many hotels have begun to lay off their staff, while some proprietors are eager to dispose of their facilities.

“Some of our members have approached me to find buyers for their hotels because the business is no longer profitable and no entrepreneur would want to pay huge taxes or carry heavy overhead when there is no business.

“By 5 pm, the roads are deserted and nobody wants to be seen in the streets. About 900 hotels and brothels in Owerri are badly affected by insecurity. These are facilities that were beginning to recover from the COVID-19 restrictions and EndSARS protests last year.”

Apart from operators and direct workers, a large number of indirect employees are also affected. These include suppliers, transporters and security outfits. Mr Dan Okwudili, who supplies food items to many hotels in Owerri, lamented over the impact of insecurity on his business.

Okwudili has 15 workers who travel to the food-producing Ohaji/ Egbema/Oguta and neighbouring Rivers communities to buy garri, yams, vegetables, fish, snail for supply to the hotels. His three mini-trucks are now idle and the drivers asked to go home.

Definitely, the economy of Imo is severely challenged. The state recorded the highest unemployment and under-employment rates among the sub-nationals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in 2020, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, Ogu Bundu Nwadike, attributes the high level of insecurity in Nigeria to the poor leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government.

“There are no industries in Owerri; instead, people come here to enjoy their sweat. The business is booming because people who have made the money prefer to invest it here. They would not want to invest in a place that gives them trouble,” he says.

The story is not different at Explicit Lounge Hotel located at Commercial District G in New Owerri, which used to sell all the rooms at weekends. It now books about five guests and sometimes, none on other days. The worker who spoke to THEWILL did not disclose the rates for the rooms when she reallised that the reporter was not going to make a booking.

“The insecurity in the zone and in Imo is fallouts of the duplicitous nature of the ruling party, APC, which not only created banditry and terrorism in the country up North, but also infested the SouthEast and South-South with all manners of genocidal policies, programmes and projects.

END OF BOOM Insecurity has worsened in the South-East in recent times and Owerri is at the centre of it all. THEWILL visited over 20 hotels in Owerri and its environs recently. Findings revealed that the proprietors of the once booming hotels and entertainment centres are now counting their losses. What used to be “where it is happening” has become where nothing is happening.

City Cruz Hotel located at Action Layout has 44 rooms that used to be fully booked. Its room-rates are between N18,000 and N48,000 per night on weekends. Hit by low patronage, the hotel now sells between six and 14 rooms. The car park had only three vehicles when THEWILL visited.

“Meetings that were hitherto hosted in hotels and event centres are now hosted online via zoom. Physical meetings are fast turning anachronistic and moribund. The effect of that on the economy is very severe. Jobs will be lost while profit and income will decline as businesses close shop with passing days,” Ogu Bundu said in a note to THEWILL.

The same applies to Harvesters Hotel & Suites in the same neighbourhood (Action Layout) which used to enjoy full patronage. It has 47 rooms with tariff ranging from N15,000 to N45,000 per room/night. The story is different now as it barely has five guests at any time, if at all they come.

But the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachukwu, thinks otherwise. Nwachukwu told THEWILL in a note that peace has returned to the state and business activities have begun to pick up. He said the people are partnering with the state leadership to achieve success in the fight against insecurity.

Zafira Hotels looked deserted when THEWILL visited the 51room facility located in the heart of the city. It used to be the centre of activities, with the rooms fully booked at weekends and about 80 percent occupancy on week days. Room rates range from N15,000 to N50,000 per night. The car park was clean and almost empty.

“Peace has returned to Imo. Businesses are picking up and Imolites have risen to the challenge by partnering with the government of Governor Hope Uzodinma to ensure that the state is completely free of security breaches and challenges,” he said.

Most of the hotels have gymnasiums, swimming pools, night clubs and other recreational facilities. They are virtually empty now, with some operators contemplating closing them.

“Everyone is afraid. Nobody wants to lose his life in search of entertainment,” a manager in one of the hotels says.

Some of the hotels visited include the following: The popular Villa Garden Hotel in New Owerri, which used to be a beehive of activities, looked like a deserted place when THEWILL visited penultimate weekend. The hotel’s 70 THEWILLNIGERIA

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SportsLive

Remembering Muda Lawal, 30 Years After

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

T

hirty years ago, Nigeria lost a football gem and an inimitable player of repute. The country was thrown into mourning on Saturday, July 6, 1991 when the death of talented midfielder and Super Eagles legend, Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal, popularly known as Muda Lawal, was announced.

The memories of Muda Lawal’s giftedness were rekindled during the week, especially on the exact day that he passed on to eternal glory. The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) paid tribute to the memory of the Nigerian football icon in a message sent through its official Twitter handle.

The tweet reads, “Muda Lawal inspired Nigeria to their 1st #AFCON title in 1980 and he was the first player to appear in five successive editions of the competition. 30 years ago today, the Super Eagles legend passed away, aged 37.”

Although Lawal worked as an automobile mechanic before his football talents were discovered, not much information on his youthful years has been collated for posterity. The Super Eagles midfielder, who marshaled the advance and retreat of the attack line with the dexterity of a commando, began to hone his football skills as a player with the IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan (now renamed Shooting Stars Sports Club or 3SC) in 1975 almost at the same time as he made his international debut with the Nigeria national team. He must have been 21 years-old at the time.

Lawal played decisive roles in his first foray into club competition with the Shooting Stars Sports Club. He played with the club between 1975 and 1984. He even returned to 3SC in 1989 as a player and coach before he passed on in 1991.

He won the African Cup Winners’ Cup with the club in 1976. The victory was a historic event of note because it made 3SC (then known as IICC Shooting Stars) become the first Nigerian club to win an international trophy in the history of domestic football in Nigeria and in the history of the country’s involvement in continental football competitions.

In 1985, Lawal moved on to the Stationery Stores after the military administrator of Oyo State at the time disbanded 3SC. He spent a year at Stationery Stores, another year at Abiola Babes Football Club before returning to a rebranded 3SC where the rest of his football career in domestic clubs was spent as an assistant player and coach until his demise. His high club mobility was a testament to the acknowledgement of his talent and the desire of all the clubs to have him in their payroll.

However, the rivalry for domination of the domestic league between 3SC and Stationery Stores meant that Lawal played on both sides with distinction. Of the PAGE 46

Lawal

The reflective account of the life of the player sums up what is known as an inspiring tale of football artistry, talent and determination to reach higher for the glory of self and team. It is a story that began in 1954 and, to be precise, in Abeokuta where Lawal was born on June 8, 1954.

three dominant clubs at the time, the only one he did not play for was Enugu Rangers International, where the extremely dogged ad fearsome goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, held sway. Rangers were the type of club that approached every game seriously, as if their very lives depended the on it. To the management of the club and players, the passion for success was second nature.

In Lawal, a passion for home-based football carried the midfielder back to Abeokuta when he joined a young club financed by the corporate magnate and serial entrepreneur of his town, the late Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. The club eponymously named after the businessman, publisher and politician was promoted to the Nigerian First Division in 1984 after winning the Second Division trophy and Lawal joined them three years later.

Abiola Babes won the Nigerian FA Cup in 1987 and improved upon their previous appearance on the continental level. A first round exit in the year before Lawal joined the club was how they marked their debut in the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup. However, it was a much stronger side that went into the competition in 1987, with Lawal dictating the tempo of the game in the midfield. The team went as far as the semi-finals before they were knocked out.

Muda Lawal was capped 86 times and he scored 12 goals for his country from the midfield where he was most influential. His commanding presence in the midfield was enough to make him the only player

on the continent to have appeared at five consecutive Nations’ Cup finals from 1976 to 1984. This was the fact recognised by FIFA in their tribute to his memory.

Lawal’s gift of midfield management, which was a defining factor in his club games, helped to guide Nigeria’s Green Eagles (now Super Eagles) to their first- ever African Nations Cup title in 1980.

As African champions, Nigeria’s football profile leapt high on a global scale and the national football team also qualified for the Moscow Olympic Games held in 1980. But it would be many years later, at the Atlanta Games in 1996, that a Nigerian team under the captainship of Nwankwo Kanu went all the way to clinch the gold medal in the football event.

Back in August 18, 1985, Lawal played his last international match in the colours of the Super Eagles in a match that Nigeria lost to Zambia while seeking qualification for the 1986 African Cup of Nations.

Although, he did not lace his boots for country again, he continued in his role at 3SC until his unfortunate and untimely death. He was reported to have died in his home.

The Ashero Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State was named after Lawal, the homeboy who grew into a football icon and helped his country win two bronze medals, a silver medal and a gold medal from four AFCON tournaments. This they hope will keep his memory fresh in the hearts of football fans.

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