THEWILL SEPT 26 EDITION

Presidency: No Zonal Arrangement Will Work In 2023 -Shettima – PAGE 11

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2023 PRESIDENCY

Tinubu Changes Strategy ● Backs Southern

Governors Forum ● Set to Use Platform For Presidential Bid STATE OF THE STATES

This special publication of THEWILL x-rays the potentials of the 36 states and the FCT to achieve a quantum leap in development through investment and job creation. The prevailing cash crunch in the country makes the project more compelling for policy-makers, investors and other stakeholders.

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Akeredolu

Buhari

COVER

2023 Presidency: Tinubu Changes Strategy

BY AYO ESAN s the first southern civilian governor in the fourth republic to host a Southern Governors Forum meeting in Akodo, Lagos State in 2000, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, 69, was understandably filled with nostalgia and a heightened sense of relief when he learnt that the Forum has been revived, ahead of the 2023 presidential election, by the current set of governors in the region.

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Boxed into the South-West geopolitical zone by his main rivals and political enemies, mainly from the presidency, since news reports, his body language and movements betrayed his intention to run for the presidency in 2023, Tinubu, has seen the development as an opportunity to change his strategy and outwit his enemies.

THEWILL can authoritatively report that having watched, almost helplessly, as his perceived presidential ambition fueled by robust campaigns by trusted supporters nationwide was ruthlessly checkmated with the systematic removal of trusted aides from key positions and offices by the government, just as willing aides were openly recruited from his political ranks with juicy appointments, Tinubu saw the opening presented by the Southern Governors Forum as God sent.

That the Forum’s meeting is happening at a period ill-health has confined him to London where political bigwigs now routinely pay solidarity visits is, to say the least, a better chance to play the game he has devoted a better part of his life to, which is political brinkmanship and long, patient strategic planning.

THEWILL learnt that physical visits by loyalists, allies and supporters, has not only provided the Jagaban Borgu a healing balm, but also created the platform to receive and assess first-hand, undiluted information about ongoing political scheming and to nudge his group to continue to ramp up support for his presidential bid.

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ILL-HEALTH AS BLESSING IN DISGUISE A few weeks after Tinubu’s spokesman, Tunde Rahman, debunked his boss’s reported illness, saying he was hale and hearty and was only away on holiday abroad, matters took a turn for real when President Muhammadu Buhari, who was also in London for medicals, paid the politician a visit at his residence on August 12, 2021. The outcome of the visit punctured Rahman’s claims.

The visit clearly showed that Tinubu was struggling with an ailment. Aso Rock aides gloated over his ill-health. The photograph of Tinubu, which they put out subsequently, showed the key figure of the ruling All Progressives Congress leaning on a staff as he posed with the President for a photograph.

It remains unclear how the photograph found its way online within minutes and quickly gained traction on social media, but a Tinubu supporter told this newspaper that it was a classic lesson in demarketing by the Buhari presidency.

“That move read: Tinubu who wants to govern the country was ill and the President, who is universally known to periodically visit London hospital for medical check-up, was hale and hearty. Within a few minutes, the photo was all over social media,” the supporter said.

Worse still, the presidential visit came nine days after Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State visited Tinubu, his godfather, in London and on his return to the country showed off their photograph on social media, further affirming Rahman’s statement.

On his return to the country on August 4, Sanwo-Olu, told reporters in Lagos that he visited Tinubu in London and posed with him for photographs.

Sanwo-Olu said, “Yes, indeed, I am the one you saw in the picture that I took when I visited our leader in London just to dispel the rumour that he was sick and hospitalised.

“You saw him (Tinubu). He is well, healthy and we conversed. We talked about what is happening in our party and the nation. I went there just to say to him that all is well.

“I went to see things for myself. It is just to put the mind and heart of people to rest that there is nothing for us to worry about,” the governor disclosed.

As the presidency explained it, Buhari’s visit was a show of goodwill. The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, said the President’s visit to Bola Tinubu was not a show of support for the earlier presidential ambition, but a visit to show goodwill Adesina played down the perceived political tone of the visit. Buhari, he said, would not support any aspirant for the 2023 presidential election without APC’s affirmation.

When asked about the purpose of the meeting, Adesina said, “Yes, that meeting actually happened, but it is all about goodwill and best wishes.

“We know that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in London about the same time the President was there. We don’t believe what we read on social media, but we have read a lot about Asiwaju Tinubu’s health. So the President’s visit was a goodwill visit.”

On whether the visit was a show of support for Tinubu’s possible presidential ambition, Adesina said, “The President still has two years less three months in his tenure of office.

So, for him to start supporting somebody now will just be like jumping the gun and you know that President Buhari will never do that.

“Before the 2019 elections, people began to campaign for him (Buhari) before INEC blew the whistle for the campaign to start. He was the one who came out to say ‘No, don’t do it. Don’t jump the gun.’ The President himself will dare not jump the gun in terms of supporting one candidate or the other.

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COVER But a dependable source, who asked not to be named for political reasons, summarised the outcome of the presidential visit this way: “The visit clearly showed that the presidency will take every opportunity to diminish the Tinubu factor in 2023 politics. But he (Tinubu) will always outsmart them. The rumoured illness has become a blessing in disguise as things are now working in favour of the Jagaban,” the source said.

Even so, it turned out that one of Tinubu’s reactions to the damaging photo was to move to outsmart his rivals by giving his full blessings to the Southern Governors Forum and urging the five governors on the platform of the ruling APC in the South-West to actively participate.

According to sources, the Forum’s meeting is not only timely, but also syncs with Tinubu’s ambition. Recall that the 17 governors met in Lagos on July 5, 2021 and declared, among others, that the presidency in 2023 must return to the South.

After the meeting, the governors reiterated their commitment to the politics of equity, fairness, justice and unanimously agreed that the presidency should be rotated between southern and northern Nigeria. They resolved that the next President of Nigeria should emerge from the southern region. They also called for the signing of an antiopen grazing law.

That by-partisan agreement, which the governors restated at their September 17, 2021 meeting in Enugu, the third in a series, connects with the ambition of Tinubu, a southerner, to vie for the number one office in the country in 2023.

TINUBU CHANGES TACTICS THEWILL gathered that during their meeting, Tinubu urged Sanwo- Olu to ensure that he played an active role in the Southern Governors Forum meeting and that the forum’s demand for a southern president, come 2023, must be supported fully.

“He’s the capo for us here in the South-West and SouthSouth. We are waiting for him to return. By the time he comes, we can make some important decisions and he’ll support us,” he said.

The Lagos State support for Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on the issue of collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) by the states and the signing of the Anti-Open Grazing Law by all the states in the South-West, many believe, has the approval of Tinubu and it is a means of starting a new romance between Lagos and other states in the South, with a view to seeking their support for Tinubu’s ambition.

SUPPORTERS KEEP THE FLAG FLYING Tinubu is one name amongst a few from the South in his party who are being tipped to succeed President Buhari.

Although he has not officially declared his ambition to govern the country, many are already campaigning for his candidature.

Politicians and current affairs strategists in the country give Tinubu the credit for helping Buhari to achieve his presidential ambition in 2015 after making three futile attempts. It is speculated in APC’s top circles that an unwritten agreement was reached during the party’s formative stage that Tinubu would succeed President Buhari.

Although Tinubu’s ill-health caused his supporters a scare and temporarily doused the momentum of his presidential campaign, there is however a renewed vigour amongst his supporters.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. James Faleke (APC- Lagos), has dropped a hint that the support group for Tinubu’s bid would formally take off in October.

Tinubu, according to informed sources at the meeting, said the demand for a southern president would put pressure on the APC leadership to cede the party’s presidential slot to the South.

Faleke, who is currently representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and is known to be a close confidant of Tinubu, said, “Tinubu Support Group will be inaugurated in October and we urge his loyalists to be fully on ground in their states so that they can be our contact persons.”

He also believed that if it is zoned to the South, the SouthWest, where APC has five governors (Lagos, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Ogun), would be most favoured and that would boost his chances of emerging as the candidate of the party in the 2023 presidential election.

He commended the Asiwaju Women Cooperative Society (AWCS) for persuading Tinubu to contest the presidential election and expressed excitement at their support, saying women should not be ignored during elections because they constitute a great number of voters.

Our source further said, “You know, even Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu and himself discussed happenings in the party, the APC. That is the truth. They discussed a new strategy and he told him to play a key role in the Southern Governors Forum with the possibility of securing their support after he gets the APC ticket.”

A group supporting Tinubu’s ambition was launched about a year ago in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The group which styles itself as the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) is led by former Minister of Works, Dayo Adeyeye and it has been in the forefront campaigning for Tinubu’s presidency come 2023.

POLITICS OF LONDON VISIT TO TINUBU At the last count, not less than 30 high profile politicians and government functionaries have visited Tinubu in the last two months. The Jagaban Borgu’s former trusted aides, who have since reportedly joined the presidency against the Lagos strongman, the Minister of Interior and former Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was until recently Tinubu’s right hand man, and his immediate successor as governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola, now Minister of Works and Housing, were conspicuously absent.

Those who have visited Tinubu in London in the last two months are Governor Sanwo-Olu, his Ondo, Ogun and Ekiti counterparts, Rotimi Akeredolu; Dapo Abiodun and Kayode Fayemi, respectively; as well as Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State, his wife and four members of the state assembly.

Others are Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; ex-Governor of Ogun State and current Senator representing Ogun Central, Ibikunle Amosun (a presidential hopeful); former Governor of Borno State and current Senator representing Borno Central, Kashim Shettima; and a member of the House of Reps representing Gubio, Kaga and Magumeri Federal Constituency of Borno State, Usman Zanna.

Also on the list are Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Tayo Ayinde; Deputy Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Gboyega Soyannwo; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab; and former APC National Legal Adviser, Muiz Banire.

The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Adetokunbo Abiru, Senator Adeola Solomon from Lagos West; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele from Ekiti Central; Senator Adelere Oriolowo from Osun West; and Senator Mohammed Sanni from Niger East also visited.

A CONFIRMATION OF STRATEGY Alluding to Tinubu’s new strategy, Governor of Ondo State and Chairman of the SGF, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, said in an interview broadcast on national television last week that the ailing politician is the “Capo di tutti of the South-West and the South-South.”

The visitors also included Chairman of Isolo Local Council Development Area, Adebayo Olasoju; another politician, Adekunle Akanbi; and popular Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly called KWAM 1.

Unlike in 2000 and then 17 years later, when former Governor Akunwumin Ambode hosted it in Lagos with Bayelsa’s Seriake Dickson and Akwa Ibom’s Udom Emmanuel as co-Chairmen, the current Southern Governors Forum has increased in tempo and gamesmanship. Since reconvening in Asaba last May, it has held meetings in Lagos and Enugu with the fourth meeting holding in Port Harcourt in November.

Insisting that the next president must come from the South, Akeredolu explained that his recent visit to London alongside Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State was to see for themselves the true health status of their leader, Tinubu, and to await his directive on the future politics in the southern region.

It may turn out to be a formidable platform for envisaged political changes the country is yet to witness in the face of agitation for restructuring and fiscal federalism following the ongoing VAT war between Rivers, Lagos States and the Federal Government. And seasoned politicians like the Jagaban can only be factored into the calculations provided by the platform he helped start 22 years ago.

“We went to visit our National Leader. I was there because rumours were flying here and there. It was important for us to go and see for ourselves.

“I have seen for myself and there is nothing alarming about his health. We are praying that he returns on time.

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He noted that Tinubu remained the only person that could pilot the affairs of the country, adding that his achievement as governor of Lagos State was a testament of his competence.

Others are Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation, Temitope Adewale; Chairman of the House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Nureni Akinsanya; as well as Chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Investments and Sustainable Development Goals, Sylvester Ogunkelu.

Moreover, the Forum also provided a platform for the Jagaban to extend and consolidate his reach beyond the South-West where his enemies had trapped him and kept raiding his teeming followers, intending to weaken his base.

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“This is a selfless goal and an instinct from your leader which prompted her to canvass support for Asiwaju’s presidency in 2023. We must all register in our various wards as card carrying members of our party. That is the only thing you can do to make Asiwaju the president of Nigeria,’’ Faleke said, addressing members of the group.

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

L-R: Lagos State Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN; Oyo State Attorney-General, Prof. Oyelowo Oyewo; Ekiti State Attorney-General, Mr Olawale Fapohunda; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN; Osun State AttorneyGeneral, Mr Olufemi Akande; Ogun State Attorney-General, Mr. Akingbolahan Adeniran, and Ondo State AttorneyGeneral, Sir Charles Titiloye, during their visit to the Vice President at State House, Abuja on 21/9/2021.

L-R: Provost, College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Prof. David Adewale Oke; Head of Department, Restorative Dentistry, Dr. Yetunde Ajayi; Dean, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Prof. Oluranti da Costa, and Company Secretary / Director, Legal Services, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc., Joseph Umolu, at the official handover and commissioning ceremony of the refurbished Dental Clinic by Flour Mills Nigeria Plc. at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital in Lagos on 19/9/2021.

L-R : Chief Operating Officer, Gamr Africa Zone, Sholakunbi Adenipebi; Consule Général, Mme Laurent Monmayrant; Anthony Awunor, THEWILL Aviation correspondent and the winner of the Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award (NMNA) Chief Executive Officer, Gamr Africa, Eniola Edun, and the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Jérôme Pasquier, during Aviation Writer of The Year 2021, (2nd left) flanked by staff of Sobi FM Radio, winner NMNA Best Radio Station of Lagos Comic-Com 2021 in Lagos on 20/9/2021. the Year, during the award presentation event held at the Lagos Airport Hotel on 19/ 9/2021.

L-R: Vice Chancellor, Federal University of Technology Akure, Prof. Joseph Fuwape; Registrar, Mr Richard Arifalo; L-R: Member, Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG), Comrade Laoye Sanda; Representatives of Leader of the Yoruba SelfSecretary to Ondo State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Deputy Governor of Ondo State,Hon. Lucky Ayedatiwa, Determination Group (Ilana Omo Odua), Dr Kunle Hamza; Chairman, ARG, Wale Osun; Secretary, Mr Ayo Afolabi, and Director-General, Developed Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye, during the and Guest Lecturer, Chief Dare Babarinsa, at the 11th Edition of FUTA’s Registry Annual Lecture on 23/9/2021. celebration of the 135th Anniversary of Kiriji Peace Treaty of 1886 organised by ARG in Ibadan on 23/9/2021.

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NEWS

THEWILL’s Anthony Awunor Wins 2021 NMNA Award

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t was an evening of glory for THEWILL Newspaper at the 15th Nigeria Media Nite-Out Award (NMNA) where its senior aviation writer, Anthony Awunor, emerged the Best Aviation Writer of The Year 2021.

The annual award ceremony, held at the Lagos Airport Hotel on September 19, 2021, witnessed the crème-de-la-crème of the society, especially key players in politics, business, entertainment, property, banking, ICT, media and others.

Awunor was announced as nominated alongside four other journalists from The Guardian, Tribune, Leadership and Daily Telegraph Newspapers.

After receiving the award, which was presented by Attai Oguche, Marketing Manager, TECNO Nigeria, Awunor commended the NMNA organisers for their objectivity and due diligence in picking him as the winner.

L-R: Executive Director, University Press Plc, Mrs Folakemi Badamosi; Company Secretary, Mrs Binitie Aboyade-Cole; Chairman Board of Directors, Mr. Obafunso Ogunkeye; Managing Director, Mr. Samuel Kolawole, during the 43rd AGM of University Press Plc, held in Ibadan on 23/9/2021.

Middle-Belt Killings: Group Accuses FG of Complicity of the Nigerian public is so appalling and disgusting.

FROM AUSTINE JOR, MAKURDI

T States.

he Middle-Belt Ethnic Youth Leaders Assembly (MBEYLA) has accused the Federal Government of sponsoring attacks on communities in Benue and Plateau

The President-general of the group, Comrade Timothy Hembaur, disclosed this during a world press conference. He said the coordinated nature of the attacks show that the government is complicit.

Hembaur pointed out that before he was elected president, Boko Haram had chosen President Muhammadu Buhari as their representative during talks with former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Quoting other newspaper reports which alleged that Buhari frustrated efforts by the Goodluck administration to neutralise the terrorist organisation.

“This array of forensic evidence shows clearly that Buhari wore the toga of the leader of Boko Haram before his presidency. And, thereafter, it has been smooth sailing since then. The gullibility

“As a soldier, he needed the collaboration of his service chiefs who stayed beyond their statutory service years and even negotiated their post-service soft landing.

“This is from a man who does not extend favours easily. How can it be rationalised how Fulani militia carry sophisticated military-grade guns publicly and no security outfit makes them accountable?” he said.

He argued that Nigeria is too important and strategic a nation to be allowed to crumble under the Fulani hegemony, adding that it is reprehensible that the Nigerian president is concerned about grazing routes in this age of cutting-edge technology.

The EMBYLA leader also accused Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong of aiding herder’s attacks in the region.

Hembaor said, “I come from Benue State where 73 people were killed in one fell swoop by the Fulani killer group. When Governor Samuel Ortom sought for a solution by signing the Anti-open Grazing and Ranches Establishment Law, Governor Simon Lalong called him names, saying he had warned him about the law.

Benue 2023: Ortom’s Aide Consults PDP SWC FROM AUSTINE JOR, MAKURDI

platform.

he Chief Press Secretary to the Benue State Governor, Terver Akase, has started consultations with a visit to the State Working Committee (SWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Makurdi.

He added that having served Governor Ortom since the inception of the current administration, he was fully acquainted with the internal workings of the government and would uphold the tenets of a democratic government.

The governorship aspirant did this, ahead of the 2023 governorship elections in the state,

On security, the CPS said if elected, he would intensify the enforcement of all security laws already in place in the state and ensure no land is ceded to invaders, with the same courage and commitment that his boss has demonstrated.

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While receiving Akase, the state chairman of the PDP, Sir John Ngbede, said the party in Benue was now stronger and more coordinated with Governor Samuel Ortom as its leader.

Ngbede stated that the SWC had been involved in all decisions that the present administration has taken since Gov Ortom rejoined the party in 2018, turning the party into one big, united and coherent family.

The state PDP chairman noted that as a close governor-appointee, Akase would do well as governor, pointing to his brilliance and other qualities that made him a good fit for the role.

He reiterated the party’s resolve to adhere to the tenets of equity, justice and fairness as enshrined in its constitution. He encouraged the aspirant to openly canvass for the support of leaders and critical stakeholders.

Akase, who was accompanied by his wife, friends and associates, told members of the SWC that he came to seek their blessing and permission to contest the 2023 governorship election on the party’s THEWILLNIGERIA

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He also dedicated the award to Almighty God and the Publisher of THEWILL Newspaper, Mr Austyn Ogannah, who provided the platform from which he was recognised.

“I am very pleased to be recognised this way. I thank the organisers of this event for their objectivity in choosing the winners of this prestigious award. I dedicate the award to God and my Publisher, Mr Austyn Ogannah,” Awunor said.

Other awardees in the 45 award categories include the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for Governor of the Year on Infrastructure; Zamfara State Governor, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who clinched the Media Friendly Governor of the Year award and the Kano State Governor, Dr Abdullah Umar Ganduje, who won the Accomplished Governor of the Year award on Infrastructure and Human Capital Development.

Also, James Abiodun Faleke, a three-time member of the Federal House of Representatives, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, got a Diamond Award of Excellence for his outstanding contribution to youth empowerment and community development.

This year’s edition of the award ceremony, themed, ‘Fake News and Social Media’ also recognised TVC as the Television Station of The Year, while Journalist Hangout, clinched The Programme of The Year award.

Gatekeepers News emerged as the Next Rated Online News Platform of the Year.

Also, Mrs Susan Akporiaye, President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), won the Nigeria Media Platinum Merit Award for her leadership and resilience in keeping the Nigerian travel trade business together despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global travel and tourism.

Other organisations that won awards include Arise TV, Enugu State Television (ESTV), Benue State Television, Naija FM, Sobi FM, and TECNO Nigeria.

The NMNA was put together by the convener, Sola Olugbemiro, a publisher and media consultant of repute.

National Theatre Hosts Roundtable on Corporate Partnership

BY JOY ONUORAH

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arely three months after assuming office, the General Manager of the National Arts Theatre, Prof Sunday Ododo, launched his vision for the theatre complex.

It would be recalled that Prof Ododo had promised, at the National Theatre Workers Capacity Building Workshop, that he would do everything possible to ensure that the National Theatre attains its right of place and function in the social and cultural mix of the Nigerian economy.

Following that, a stakeholders’ roundtable attended by selected prospective partners, sponsors and patrons was held recently at Alausa, Lagos, to effect the continuation of the vision, albeit with the full involvement of corporate partners.

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According to Ododo, the round table engagement was only birthed after a careful examination and identification of the major challenges facing the National Theatre and the realistic, sustainable ways of overcoming the challenges for the mutual benefit of the public, who hold the National Theatre in trust, and the corporate world for whom there are numerous opportunities of collaborations and pecuniary partnerships.

Noting that the National Theatre edifice was undergoing muchneeded revamping, rehabilitation and restoration, he said the round table was a prelude to “the new National Theatre to come as the partnerships and collaborations forged from the engagement would serve as the arteries to supply the impetus that would positively spur the operations in the new National Theatre.”

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TOURISM

WTD 2021: How Prepared is Nigeria?

How prepared is Nigeria for this year world tourism day celebration amid COVID-19 challenges? Will its random activities across the nation make the desired impact?

Janefrances Chibuzor writes.

as the theme implies is that growth will affect everyone, as we normally like to say tourism is life.

President, National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies, Mrs. Susan Akporiaye pointed out, in her contribution, that “As usual private sector is not being carried along, they are going to celebrate world tourism day at Kebbi State”.

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here are mixed feelings among tourism expert on challenges hindering Nigeria’s preparedness for this year’s World Tourism Day with the theme, ‘Inclusive Tourism for Growth’.

But she asked rhetorically, “Is that the best of destination in Nigeria to celebrate world tourism day. How well has Kebbi promoted tourism? What do they have? She asked out of curiosity”.

To enhance the growth of tourism globally, the United Nations set every September 27 aside as World Tourism Day. For almost two-years now that the covid pandemic has impacted on tourism, coping with stipulated protocols such as social distancing, use of nose masks among others have been herculean.

He said, “for example when you’re in Osun Oshogbo groove you do not kill the monkey, you don’t kill the animals. According to him tourism also serves as a major means of protecting the womenhood in Nigeria and Africa in particular.

He advised the government to look beyond the celebration and consider making strategic development of tourists sites across Nigerian states top most priority.

“We need to improve security around those places, we need to create accessibility. We could use the occasion to develop our rural economy, improve livelihood, improve infrastructure, reduce unemployment and social vices in our rural communities.

Also, it is a strong means of reducing rural and urban migration because they provide the necessary platform for young people living in the hinterland to create alternative means of livelihood. “But because we have insecurity situation in the country, we need to improve the security, improve the accessibility, develop the capacity of our people. We do not need big hotels, sometimes when you go to France and Spain, it is the royal household that create one or two extra rooms within their particular household and host guests and someone coming from United Kingdom.

Speaking on the same development, Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Hotels Management and Tourism Board, Ini Akpabio, stated: “My state Akwa Ibom in particular and of course Nigeria as a country has a lot to offer as regards tourism, both locally and internationally. ” He said, “the theme of the year is inclusive tourism, that means inclusive growth and that means that everyone is involved. We are just recovering from the pandemic and that means everyone is very important in the sense that under this year theme we are looking at all human beings being taking into consideration and that is why we talk of inclusive growth. We want to see the social and economic benefits that tourism makes available to everybody. Do not forget tourism touches everyone unlike, may be, oil which a very select few may be beneficiaries of. Tourism is an activity that a lot of people has very economic tangible effect.

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Ogunsesan

For the Project Manager, Lekki Conservation Centre, Adedamola Ogunsesan, tourism has the tendency of creating raising awareness for Nigerian’s cultural heritage.

“

Nigeria has tremendous potential with wonderful and very diverse cultural practices, interesting and beautiful eco systems and very friendly, happy people

“We know that world tourism day normally celebrated in September 27 of every year and this year 2021 we will also in Nigeria mark that world tourism day. He recalled that the Minister for Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has decided that Kebbi State would host world tourism day celebration in Nigeria and Kebbi, has been preparing to do a very good job through sports tourism and the famous Argungu fishing festival.

He said, “what Kebbi State has done is to map out several days of activities and then the finale would be the fishing festival on the September 27. We find out there are a lot of activities that would take place there, including international media briefings, there a mini Durban by Argungu Emirate Council, cultural matches and tour of its prominent tourist sites.

“We need to reposition ourselves, so that all of us in Nigeria will become beneficiaries of tourism as it touches each and every one economically, and inclusive growth

Continuing, she added, “I expected World Tourism Day should be celebrated in areas that are truly in their own little way doing this tourism we are talking about, assuming it is also a more free area where people can easily want to be part of it and I am not necessary saying Abuja. Ekiti is there, Calabar, Uyo and even Kwara but they choose Kebbi and that part I really do not understand.

Private sector is not being carried along and really do not know what the plans of the government is and how far they have gone in their planning.

“The private sector has just decided to do their own celebration their own way, and like we have been doing it before. The governments are doing their own and we are doing our own and that is for the federal government.

But it is not the same for all part of government, state governments are doing their own celebration and they are involving our members, state government like Ogun state. And we are fully involved from the beginning to the end. And they are planning big for world tourism day, and also some other states are also doing their own in their own ways and also have invited the private sector.

“We refused to be discouraged because as usual the federal government does not carry the private sector along with things like this. So we have chosen to do things in our own different ways, a lot of our members are coming up with events, there are old school event that period too, there are lectures, seminars, and there even event for children and for us we are very busy and there are going to be lot of events powered by travel and tourism association this year and it is going to be a good world tourism day celebration this year.”

For the founder, Lufasi Nature Park, Desmond Majekodunmi, “World tourism day is a great day to celebrate one of the fastest growing industries in the world that generally benefits the local communities.

The industry has been badly hit by the over 1 year-long pandemic.

“Nigeria has tremendous potential with wonderful and very diverse cultural practices, interesting and beautiful eco systems and very friendly, happy people. Sadly the insecurity and eco system damage from climate change, deforestation and species extinction is greatly hampering our great potential in tourism.”

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Akpan

Okon

Akpanudoedehe

POLITICS

A’Ibom 2023: Aspirants Jostling to Succeed Gov Emmanuel

FROM UDEME UTIP, UYO aving tested the murky waters of Akwa Ibom politics in 2019, Governor Udom Emmanuel is paying close attention to the process of choosing a worthy successor by examining the qualities of aspirants currently jostling to succeed him in 2023.

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Earlier the governor had warned all those aspiring to govern the state not to depend only on their attempt to secure the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for the next governorship election in the state. This was evident when he spoke during the 60th birthday celebration of Senator Akon Eyakenyi, representing Eket Senatorial District, at the Destiny International Mission, Uyo, in March 2020.

He had said, “No single person can determine the destiny of this land any longer because it is a collective decision and such decision must be allowed to be led by the Almighty God Himself.

“So in Akwa Ibom State today, I don’t have any power to anoint any man. But my prayer is ‘God, whoever you want to succeed me, reveal the person to me so that I don’t waste my time on the wrong person. Let God show me who to queue behind.”

In his fifth anniversary broadcast on May 29, 2020, Governor Emmanuel dropped a hint on the qualities of the person he expects to take over from him, stressing that he would not want to govern the state from behind the scene after his tenure.

“When the time comes, our God, to whom all power belongs, will guide and direct our footsteps. For peace to reign and for Christ to have control, I am not interested in a third term through a surrogate. The only thing we all can do is to ensure that no cultist is allowed to emerge governor of the state. Some local government areas are highly volatile.

So we will not permit cultists to govern such places,” he said.

Taking a cue from the governor’s utterances, some senior clergymen on the platform of Fathers of Faith, led by the Prelate Emeritus of the Methodist Church Nigeria and former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Sunday Mbang, dropped a bombshell concerning those harbouring even outsiders’ aspiration to take over the state in 2023.

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“As far as I’m concerned, about 13 of them have come to me and my attitude is that they must go and address a national press conference and deny that they don’t belong in a cult. If they don’t, we will not have anything to do with them. Anybody who wants to be governor, because of what cultism has done to our children, if he doesn’t go to the press and tell the press that he is not a member, Christians will not vote for him,’’ Mbang said.

To show how important the transition is to him, Emmanuel devoted his speech mostly to the succession issue, saying, “Let me now ask you my dear people of Akwa Ibom. Do you want a successor who will cancel out all the great strides we have made in industrialisation, the peace we currently enjoy and return us to the years when violence and kidnapping reigned and sowed fear in the hearts and minds of the people?

“Do you want a successor who will come with anger towards all we have achieved, as opposed to continuing with the great works we have started? Do you want a leader whose approach to testing his popularity will be to drive in a long convoy to Ibom Plaza and throw money at the hapless people, watching them scramble for the money.

“Is that the kind of a successor you want? Is that the kind of empowerment our people deserve? Someone who will bring out the worst in our youths rather than challenge them to seize the future and unleash their potentials? Do you want

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When the time comes, our God, to whom all power belongs, will guide and direct our footsteps. For peace to reign and for Christ to have control, I am not interested in a third term through a surrogate

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a successor who will relegate God to the background and assume an all-knowing power? Or do you desire a successor with a known e-mail address that the International business community recognises?

“If you desire a leader who will not efficiently utilise the resources of this state on projects that have redeeming value, then I am sorry to disappoint you. God will not give us such a successor.”

The people of Akwa Ibom are left with the choice of deciding who among a myriad of governorship aspirants is qualified to take over from Governor Emmanuel. Among them are James Iniama, who hails from Itu Local Government Area; Senator Bassey Akpan, representing Uyo Senatorial District at the National Assembly; Ini Emembong, Commissioner for Information and Strategy. Others are Commissioner for Economy Development and Ibom Sea Port, Akpan Okon; All Progressives Congress National Secretary, Senator John Akpanudoedehe and Senator Ita Enang eyening the plump job.

Iniama was the pioneer president of the International Christian Chamber of Commerce, Uyo Sub-Chamber and later, the president of the Executive Chapter of the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International, Uyo; as well as Minister in the Dominion Model Parish, The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Uyo. He maintained his membership of the Redeemed Christian Church of God after relocating to Abuja and serves in the Throne Room Parish, Transcorp Hilton as the Head of the Men’s Group.

In 2010, he was elected the Chapter President of the Eminent Chapter, Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship International [Nigeria], Abuja, having previously served the Chapter for two years as secretary.

Iniama’s strength lies in his positive attitude to challenges of founding new organisations and business enterprises. He never accepts defeat. He is a good negotiator and is adept at conflict resolution, having represented governments, communities, corporate organisations and individuals in the negotiation and resolution of claims. He is completely reliant on God for direction in his dealings with the world.

He is a humble team worker and trust worthy fellow.

•Continue on Page 12

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW

Presidency: No Zonal Arrangement Will Work In 2023 – Shettima The leader of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Yerima Shettima, speaks on issues of national interest in this interview with AYO ESAN. Excerpts:

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They said the South must produce the next president.

The person that read the communique of that meeting is supposed to be a learned person, a very intelligent lawyer who should know that anything that is not documented constitutionally cannot be binding on the citizens of this country. Funny enough, he was even the one that made this declaration. We are not fools and we cannot get carried away by intimidation.

Rhetoric is not enough.

Our position is confirmed and the position of the Northern Elders Forum has clearly given you a sense of our direction that come 2023, no zonal arrangement will work. This is because if it would work, ex-President Goodluck Jonathan would not have contested in 2011. It is just coming from them now as if they have just woken up from their slumber.

So if there is any backyard arrangement by any political party that will be at the level of such party.

We will ensure that if any political party makes the mistake of producing its candidate based on zonal arrangement, we will mobilised against that party and vote for a party that allows for an open policy, for everybody to participate.

What is your reaction to former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida (retd.) statement that the next Nigeria president should be below 70 years?

In fact, some of us feel that 70 years is even too old.

We prefer somebody aged between 40 to 50 years.

Anybody who wants to be President of Nigeria must PAGE 10

Shettima

ou would recall that when they met in Lagos in August, the Southern Governors declared that the next President of Nigeria must come from the South. Apparently responding to this, the Northern Elders Forum (NETF) recently said the North would not concede the presidency to the South in 2023. What is your take on these opposing positions?

As far as we are concerned, this is not a military government. It is democracy and democracy has to do with give and take. The more the number, the merrier it is. The minorities may have their say and so will the majority. That is what is involved. Long before the elders made that statement on Sunday, we in Arewa Youth Forum said and we still maintain that nothing will be binding on us, as long as it is not constitutional.

We have said it times without number. I was surprised that state governors could openly come out and say what they said as if the presidency is their birthright.

not be older than 50 years. Anybody that is up to 70 belongs to the older generation. We don’t need such people anymore because they are too old. We need people who will not be using tax payers’ money to go to hospital. We need those that are energetic and fairminded, people who are in tune with reality and global trends. We are looking up to younger people. We shall mobilise our people across board and together with our counterparts in the South, we’ll ensure that never again will an old person rule this country.

There is a raging controversy over who should collect Value Added Tax between the states and the Federal Government. What is your position on this?

There is no need for controversy. This is because many of us have long before now said there is a need to restructure the country. The states’ desire to control the revenue accruing from VAT is one aspect of restructuring that we have been talking about. Fiscal restructuring and political restructuring, among others, are the things we have been asking for. The states cannot always rely on the centre to provide for them. Let there be restructuring. A strong and powerful centre that will be dishing out to the states cannot continue forever.

Our principle of restructuring is what Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State is exploiting. Let us go back to what happened in the 1960s when the founding fathers of Nigeria made the country work. This country was working then because we had a system that encouraged everybody to go back to his region and be productive, instead of waiting for the centre to bring them money. This practice is what made many of the governors we have today to be lazy and unproductive.

There is no state or region in this country that is not blessed with one thing or the other. But because they are over-dependent on the centre and oil money, many of them are not productive. They always wait till the end of the month to collect allocations from the centre. This cannot continue. So, I completely agree that the states should generate their own revenue and take a certain percentage of it to the centre. If they refuse to agree and amend the constitution for total restructuring, let us start from somewhere. That is exactly what Governor Wike is demonstrating and it should be so.

What is your comment on the successes recorded by the Armed Forces in their renewed effort to put THEWILLNIGERIA

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POLITICS/INTERVIEW Are terrorists stronger than the Armed Forces? No. Two or three things could be said to have happened: That some of them are very corrupt; that they are compromising the security of the country; some of them lacked the political will to address the issue; or some probably have turned it to a business where everybody collect their shares at the expense of the lives of innocent Nigerians. If it is so, this must be discouraged. I have no doubt that if we have a good person on ground, who is ready to do the work, we will get the desired results as soon as possible.

I commend the Nigeria Armed Forces for their recent efforts and their doggedness. They should not suspend the tempo. We should not also leave everything to them. Nigerians must also cooperate with them by passing valid information to them and doing the needful.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) will be conducting the Anambra governorship election on November 6, 2021. What is your advice to INEC as it gets ready for the election?

The election must be transparent. We should be able to see transparency in the process of the election.

That is the only thing that will give us confidence and make us to believe that in 2023 INEC will be able to perform. The Anambra governorship election will be a test case for INEC. It should let us see an improvement, compared to what we had in 2019. Let it improve, let things be done the right way and let the conduct of the election be transparent. INEC should also let the will of the people count. That is important.

If the will of the people is taken for granted, there is every likelihood that people will fight for their rights and in doing that, it means we are going to have more trouble. May God forbid that.

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Our position is confirmed and the position of the Northern Elders Forum has clearly given you a sense of our direction that come 2023, no zonal arrangement will work an end to terrorism in the country?

We have said it and we will continue to say that there is an improvement in our efforts to curtail insecurity in recent time. Perhaps, if the government had done this earlier, we would have better results by now.

But it is better late than never. The question is this: THEWILLNIGERIA

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Some of the southern states have passed the AntiOpen Grazing Law. But the Miyetti Allah and many other groups in the North seem to be against this. As the leader of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, what is your take on the new law?

Times and events have changed. I am of the view that we must not encourage open grazing. This open grazing is becoming more troublesome. A lot of Nigerians are still talking in the past. Let there be ranches everywhere. Let us have peace for once in our lifetime. For the laws that are even said to be in favour of open grazing, you can see some governors like Aminu Masari and Abdullahi Ganduje of Katsina and Kano States, respectively, saying we have gone beyond that now. They are calling for the establishment of ranches. Let the state governments do the needful and do it properly. Let them come together and discuss with those who own cattle on the modalities. Definitely we cannot allow herders and farmers clashes, with the attendant loss of lives, to continue unnecessarily. That is not right.

What do you think of ethnic agitators, particularly the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in the country?

What they are doing is absolute madness. Yes, there is the right to self- determination. But when you want to emphasise that and you don’t go through the proper channel, then something is definitely wrong. There is a procedure, if you chose to do so. If you want to go your own way, it should not be by unleashing terror on innocent Nigerians in the name of agitation. For us, their agitation is a scam. They are using it for selfish interest and that must be discouraged. You cannot be deceiving the people and make it look like you are fighting for them. Ignorantly they keyed into your programme, but unknown to them, you are using them to make money. This must be discouraged. That is not a ‘ struggle’. We are all products of ‘struggle’. If we had wanted money, we would have become better

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than what we are now. If you want to struggle for your people, you should do it genuinely.

After all, we had MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra) before IPOB. Did you see MASSOB taking to violence for one day? MASSOB was pressing its demands through the United Nations and other international agencies.

So you don’t just come here and you put your family in the United Kingdom and begin to take advantage of youth unemployment, put them on the streets and begin to make money behind the scene. Let him tell the people what he was doing in Kenya. Was it not to go and collect money? What kind of struggle is that?

It is unfortunate.

Nigeria will be 61 in a few days. How do you see the country at 61?

We thank God that we are still together as one country.

Although we are not yet a nation and we are more divided than before, we should give thanks to God. I hope that one day, we will become a nation. I want to be part of that history. I want to raise shoulders with my counterparts to talk only about Nigeria. Certainly I don’t have any doubt in my mind that we will get there.

I commend those who fought for our independence from Britain. We are still benefitting from what they did and we have an opportunity to do better in future.

I call on all Nigerians to celebrate because we are still one country, 61 years after we got independence from the British. Let us thank God and hope that one day we shall have a nation we can call our own.

To some people, the creation of state police will help to curb insecurity. How do you see it?

I fully support the creation of state police. I am an advocate of community policing. Let’s create state police as a way of complementing the work being done by the Nigeria Police. We are a nation of over 200 million people and the police seem to be overwhelmed or overstretched. When we have state police or community policing, it will make the task of securing Nigerians easier. The idea of having state police will not be a novel or strange one. Other countries, such as the United States and Germany, have federal and state police. I believe that where there is a will, there will always be a way. If we are sincerely committed to having it established, members of the National Assembly and the executive will work in harmony to make it become a reality.

However, it is left for these two arms of government to take or reject it. There is a renewed clamour for state police. I believe that government should heed the call. While we await action on that, we have to embark on a massive recruitment drive in order to increase the present number of police personnel across the country, especially now that criminals are gradually overwhelming the Nigeria Police. I suggest that government should come up with a strategy to employ more personnel. We should also recruit more personnel for members of the armed forces. We can use part of the security votes being collected by state governors, some who can’t account for the money, to pay the salaries and allowances of the new recruits.

Our external debt is huge and many are raising concern over President Muhammadu Buhari’s efforts to get fresh loans. Are you concerned too?

Yes. I believe Nigeria may end up running into trouble, if the Federal Government refuses to stop borrowing.

We should not think that these creditors would forgive us our debts again.

By taking these loans, we are mortgaging the future of future generations of Nigerians. Government should devise other means of generating funds to execute projects or for infrastructural development, instead of resorting to foreign loans every now and then. These foreign loans have far-reaching effects that may have unpalatable consequences for the country.

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Iniama

Ememobong

POLITICS

...Aspirants Jostling to Succeed Gov Emmanuel •Continued from Page 9

As an estate surveyor and valuer, Iniama was a consultant to Akwa Ibom State Government, who helped to set up the Property Tax Administration System until 2007. Described by his contemporaries as a Christian businessman, he is a businessman with integrity.

In addition to his professional life as an estate surveyor and valuer, he founded and incorporated Drills and Wells Services Limited, an Oil/Gas industry service provider.

Drills and Wells Services Limited retains commercial relationships with manufacturers of tools and equipment for the oil and gas industry and supplies tools, equipment and services to the sector end users.

Obong Bassey Akpan, an economist and former commissioner for finance in the state. He is a native of Ibiono Ibom, a local government area assumed to be politically pitied for not producing a governor for the state since independence.

Another aspirant from Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area is the current commissioner of information and strategy, Ini Emembong, whose desire to mouth the soapbox may be harmstrung by the spoils or protocol of office. The general consensus is that the young lawyer is very competent and has a very bright chance.

The Commissioner of Economic Development and Ibom Deep Sea Port, Akan Okon, is one of the members of the current State Executive Council intending to succeed Governor Emmanuel. Political pundits have said that if Emmanuel decides to personally get involved in the process of choosing a successor, he may queue behind Okon who is a fellow economist.

However, Okon’s local government of origin may not be the only criterion for emerging as Emmanuel’s successor, because the governorship in 2023 is said to have been zoned to Uyo Senatorial District, which includes Etinan Federal Constituency, another area that has been waiting in the wings and also claiming propriety of 2023 governorship.

From there comes, the current Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Judiciary, Hon Onofiok Luke, who is also a former Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly. Luke’s aspiration to any elective office usually has trans-class penetration. So also is a former director at ExxonMobil, Udom Inoyo, who needs to step up his game; and Akan Udofia, strong contender who nobody can tell holds all the four aces or not. There are more seemingly qualified governorship aspirants in the PDP.

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Presenting the position of the youths of Itu/Ibiono Federal Constituency in a statement, a youth leader from Itu, Otuekong Offiong Atakpa, expressed anger over an attempt by some people to truncate the existing zoning arrangement for the governorship position in the state in 2023.

Atakpa condemned in strong terms a situation where some people from Etinan and Uyo Federal Constituencies of Uyo Senatorial District moved against the aged long arrangement, which he claimed has been in existence for decades, even as other federal constituencies have benefited from it.

Going into history, Atakpa noted that two indigenes of Etinan Local Government Area had occupied the position of governor of the state in the person of Obong Akpan Isemin (between 1992 and 1993) and Military Administrator, Air Commodore Idongesit Nkanga (1990 - 1992), respectively.

He argued that while Uyo Federal Constituency, which is the largest in terms of population, had equally produced a governor of the state between 1999 and 2007 in the person of Obong Victor Attah, Itu and Ibiono Ibom LGAs had never tasted the position since the inception of the present democracy.

He is of the opinion that for the sake of equity and fairness, the governorship position should go to the people of Itu/ Ibiono Ibom Federal constituency.

He said, “Nobody should make the mistake of imposing anyone on us from any other federal constituency. Whoever contests against us is heartless. We are not fools. We teamed up to support other people in the past. Now is the time for them to support us.

“We have able and prominent people in the federal constituency who can pilot the affairs of Akwa Ibom State successfully. All we ask is support for us to produce the best among our sons and daughters who are eyeing the position.”

The youths are calling on the People Democratic Party (PDP) and other stakeholders in Uyo Senatorial District to shop for a credible person from the constituency to take over from the Emmanuel administration. They warned that failure to take necessary action may lead to unnecessary crisis in the party during the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Concerned about peace in the state, especially for the purpose of sustaining his industrialisation policy beyond 2023, Governor Emmanuel recently inaugurated the Maintain Peace Movement (MPM), as a vehicle towards the realisation of his succession plans.

The National Legal Adviser of the PDP, who is an indigene of the state, Barr. Emmanuel Enoidem, was appointed the Director-General of the MPM. The movement has been inaugurated in the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, with political leaders of each LGA leading the steering committees in their respective areas.

During the recent inauguration in Itu, the DG of the movement hinted that there was a clear indication that the governorship position of the state in 2023 would go to Uyo Senatorial District, but the particular federal constituency was not known to anyone yet.

“What I am sure of is that the governor of the state, come 2023, will come from Uyo Senatorial District, but we don’t know the federal constituency. If you want Itu to produce the next governor, all you need do is to go and pray,” he said.

Corroborating, Iniama stated in a recent chat with THEWILL correspondent, “What does the Bible say about peace? We should seek peace and pursue it. Seeking peace is a deliberate and determined effort. It is painstaking so you do it with commitment.

“We don’t only talk about peace, but also make it our lifestyle so as to make Akwa Ibom that safe haven everybody wants to come to; whether for tourism, industrial development, business or what have you. If we are thinking development, we must all rise and support the Maintain Peace Movement initiative of Governor Udom Emmanuel.

“I am not just a supporter; I am an apostle of the MPM because it is a necessary agenda. It should be preached, it should be thought, so that people would live together in peace,” Iniama said.

As detached from the issue of succession as Governor Emmanuel may claim to be, he has already prescribed the type of person(s) that can wear his shoes. He will not accept a cultist and anyone who is against his industrialisation agenda as his successor. Also, from the look of things, the political turf in Akwa Ibom has become tougher and more sophisticated than it was in 2019.

APC candidates cannot be totally ignored in Udom’s succession plan, with veteran politicians, such as Senator Akpanudoedehe and Senator Ita Enang being mentioned in the race, especially as they appear to have Abuja’s backing.

So those seeking to govern the state must have deep pockets and must have a clear cut agenda of how to make Akwa Ibom better and safer.

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 AUGUST 29 26 - SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 4, 2, 2021 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com www.thewillnigeria.com

TRIBUTE Obadaiah Mailafia: Exit of A Public Servant

BY SAM DIALA “When people behave that way, they must know it is just a matter of time. The system cannot hold. The system definitely cannot hold. Five years looks extremely long. No system can survive the kind of pressures that our system is currently undergoing. Something, sooner or later, will have to happen. People have had enough. They know the country cannot take it anymore. The system will definitely collapse.

I am not speaking as an alarmist; I am not even speaking as a politician. I am speaking as a development economist and as a policy scientist who is looking at these things and the way the system functions. This system is programmed to collapse. If we continue on the same path trajectory, it will not survive” – Obadiah, in an interview with THEWILL, April 2021

coming out to say, ‘This country is gone. So, let’s celebrate what we can get for our people’. And you can’t blame them.

However, this is an irrational response to the reality of system collapse. This is where we are,” he stressed in the interview with THEWILL. He refused to share the destiny of narrow-minded apostles of intolerant nationalism. Even at the point where he suffered momentary incarceration, he told the world where he was.

The servant-prophet said: “I spent over 20 years of my working life abroad as a university teacher, banker and international civil servant with an unblemished record. I have no criminal record — not even a parking ticket. Sadly, it is in my own fatherland that I’m being subjected to criminal investigation and such extreme political persecution. Please, pray for me. I have reasons to believe that my life is in danger and that some powerful political forces want to silence me forever for speaking the truth. For speaking on behalf of the Holy Martyrs — of thousands of innocent children, women, elderly and youths that have been killed in our beloved country.” That was about a year before he passed on.

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ate Dr Obadiah Mailafia belonged to a special species of mankind. He was a firm believer in God and gave no room for guess work about it. His life was as constant as the northern star. He was vocal, courageous, frank, bold and sincere. He was the kind of person who abhorred the company of crooked characters. He was a rare breed, one who used his knowledge, gifts and every bit of the divine endowment in him for the benefit of the society.

Mailafia was a fighter for the downtrodden and a Very Senior Advocate of those whose voices are muzzled by the 21st century emperors of their time.

His first name, Obadiah, is a Hebrew word whose meaning is “the Servant of God.” Indeed, he lived like the Obadiah of the Bible whose book concerns the divine judgment of Edom and the restoration of Israel.

In other words, Obadiah Mailafia continued to warn against the divine judgment of his generation and the restoration of God’s own people whose lives were battered by the ‘Edom’ of their time. Yet, he was scientific with his approach to the challenges of life. “Even though my name is Obadiah – a prophet in the Bible, I can only answer you scientifically…” he said in an interview with THEWILL, where he lamented over the leadership tragedy that plagued Nigeria in every aspect of life.

His left us with one truth: a society without an Obadiah Mailafia is doomed. A people without the voice of an Obadiah will be consumed by the forces of evil. On a daily basis, the 64-year-old patriot raised his voice like that of a prophet to warn against the impending doom if there was not change.

He spoke from the point of knowledge, religion and culture.

He did not hesitate to remind those in authority that they have a divine responsibility – to protect life and property; to do justice and to ensure that the land is not soaked with blood.

When he got tired of watching from the sideline, he plunged into the arena of practical politics and contested the position of president, the highest office in the land, on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He spoke his mind on the colossal loss of lives and resources through insecurity that has plagued Nigeria in recent times, especially in the last six years.

He may not have won the election, but it is on record that he pushed beyond being an armchair critic, lamenting the wrongdoing in the land like a disabled strong man confronting his fate from the wheelchair. Unlike many in his position, he did not exploit the collective bruise of his people by the powers that be to impose further hardship on the poor citizens or to steal from them. Instead, he defended them with his strength, his intellect and his genuine, hard-earned resources.

He helped to change the orientation of most of his people who had resigned to the belief that they were condemned to the ineluctable fate from which there was no escape or that life had become a choice between leukemia and a brain tumour.

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I put my trust in the indomitable courage and resilience of the great Nigerian people. Nigerians are able to get there. When it comes to the economy, they are not looking for handouts

“I put my trust in the indomitable courage and resilience of the great Nigerian people. Nigerians are able to get there.

When it comes to the economy, they are not looking for handouts. They are looking for a peaceful environment to help themselves and their families. But, what we are going through right now, we have never experienced before. Not even during the Nigerian Civil War. “What we are going through today is unprecedented: That we elected a government that is actually a foreign government; it is not a government of our citizens – building railways to foreign countries of which we know nothing; building refineries in other people’s countries, using borrowed money from the Chinese, for which they have mortgaged our sovereignty. If this is not madness, I don’t know what madness is. I don’t know who will make them account for this combination of folly and wickedness. I don’t know how else to describe it. It is totally unforgivable, totally unacceptable.

“You cannot abuse people up to that level. You cannot brutalise an entire country and hold them to ransom to that extent. And you created an atmosphere of fear. There is a culture of silence that has descended upon the country.

Everybody is scared. Nobody wants to speak out. Nobody wants to stick out his neck. That fear is reinforcing primordial sentiments. The Sunday Igbohos of this world and others are

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He left a word in the marble: “What people do not realise is that Nigerians are a very ancient people. If you look at the Middle Belt, you see civilisation that is traced to Egypt of the Pharaohs. They invented iron before the Greeks and the Romans of old. If you look at Ile-Ife, it is 1,000 yearsold. The Benin Empire is almost 2,000 years-old. The Efik people have a similar system of writing as the Jews and the Hebrews, the Kanem-Bornu Empire – these are very ancient civilisations of over 1,000 years.

“They are not going to sit back and watch people who came to Nigeria just 200 years ago. They are not going to sit back and be destroyed by foreigners who came only 200 years ago … and believe that their race is superior, (that) they are born to rule, they can lord it over us because the British in their collective stupidity came here and told them they were a race very superior to the others and were born to rule over the rest of us. It is the greatest self-deceit of the century. And they will later find out they have lived in a very big lie. The ancient cultures of Nigeria are very strong; they will resist and they will defeat them.”

Mailafia was born on 24 December 1956 in the village of Randa in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

He started his elementary education at Musha Sudan United Mission School from 1964 to 1969 and proceeded to Mada Hills Secondary School, Akwanga from 1970 to 1974. For his A/Levels, he attended the School of Basic Studies (SBS) at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between 1974 and 1975.

He later proceeded and graduated top of his class at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1978 with a B.Sc, Honours Social Sciences degree (Politics Economics and Sociology).

He also had a M.Sc. from the same institution. He subsequently won a French Government Scholarship to France, where he earned a Certificate in French Language and Civilisation from the University of Clermont-Ferrand in 1985. Mailafia later proceeded to the United Kingdom as a Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Scholar at Oriel College, earning a DPhil from the University of Oxford in 1995.

He was a former official of the African Development Bank Group and one-time Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He was also the Chief of Staff of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), the 79-nation multilateral development institution based in Brussels, Belgium.

The prophet has spoken. He has descended from the hill. He has completed his divine assignment. He is gone. Adieu the servant-prophet.

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EDITORIAL

Preventing Another ASUU Strike B

arring a last minute intervention, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may announce the commencement of yet another industrial action any time from now, thus paralysing academic activities in public universities across the country.

It is important to note that ASUU has embarked on no fewer than 15 industrial actions between 1999 and 2018, thereby losing more than 34 months that would have been spent on academic activities. The effects on the quality of graduates being churned out over the years are there for all to see.

An indication of another strike emerged last week when ASUU President, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, disclosed that the Federal Government was yet to either respond to the ultimatum given by ASUU on July 19, which elapsed on August 31, or fulfill the agreement it reached with the body in December 2020, which brought an end to an industrial action that started in March 2020.

It is unfortunate that well over eight months after the December 2020 agreement, nothing much has been done. Osodeke, who asked Nigerians to hold the Federal Government responsible if the Union eventually declares another strike, lamented that “Nothing yet, not a single response from the government...”

Assuring that all options were still being explored, though to avert another strike, the ASUU President added, “We are meeting this weekend in Abuja. We want to see what we can do between now and Friday to see them. Despite the letter we wrote to them and the press conferences, they are not bothered because nothing is at stake for them.”

THEWILL recalls the frustration of the past president of ASUU, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi, in resolving the dispute of the Union with the Federal Government and the efforts of the Senate President Ahmed Lawan to initiate the inter-ministerial process that eventually culmi-

nated in the suspension of the strike in December 2020.

The same frustration, sadly, is now being extended to the present ASUU leadership under Prof Osodeke.

the ASUU matter was being handled by the National University Commission (NUC) amounts to buck-passing and blame game.

The 2020 strike, which incidentally coincided with the lockdown declared nationwide by the government in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, led to the loss of one academic session in most of the universities with parents and the students bearing the pains.

“No one is shunning ASUU. Ask them who they reached out to. ... We have already said the NUC is working on the issues with the universities. Once they are done, they will issue a statement. There is no way ASUU will reach out and nobody will attend to them.

The contentious issues, namely inadequate funding of universities; the controversial Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) , an integral part of Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS); implementation of the University Transparency Accountability Solution (UTAS), funding and revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowances, promotion arrears and renegotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN Agreement, were thereafter resolved after several meetings with the Federal Government agreeing to implement the resolutions reached promptly.

“The message is simple. The NUC is working on the issues raised. The moment they are done, a statement will be issued to let everybody be aware of the situation on the ground,” the minister was quoted as saying.

It is however sad that despite all the promise and the agreement reached, including the payment of 10-month salary arrears of the lecturers, nothing, really, has happened. More worrisome is the disclosure that the Federal Government was yet to even respond to the various press conferences and warning statements issued

by ASUU at states levels.

We consider this statement of defence by the minister as sheer arrogance. It shows that the government was only passing the buck in its bid to justify its inaction on the agreement with the lecturers. Nigerians who have been following the ASUU-Federal Government tango would remember the same arrogance displayed last year by Nwajiuba, who asked the striking lecturers to go and farm if truly they were hungry as a result of non-payment of outstanding salaries.

The same attitude was displayed by the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, who has grandstands often when dealing with labour leaders.

The Lagos Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Dr. Adelaja Odukoya, lamented what he described as the arrogance of the Federal Government, saying the failure to ensure prompt renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement had consciously “sentenced” ASUU members “to agonising poverty, encouraged brain drain and criminally promoted falling standard of education in the country.”

We believe that Nigerian students, especially those in the public universities, who are already groaning under the harsh economic reality in the country, should not be thrown into another confusion that another strike by ASUU might bring. While condemning the frustration of the ASUU leadership by the Federal Government, we implore the lecturers to explore all peaceful avenues in resolving the issues at stake and save the students and their parents from further hardship.

The defense being put forward by the Minister of State for Education, Chukwuemeka Nwajiuba, saying the Federal Government was not shunning ASUU and its leadership, does not add up in any way as his claim that

We also call on the Federal Government, to, as a matter of urgency, attend to the ASUU leadership now in order to prevent the grounding of academic activities in the country’s public universities.

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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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

OPINION Pondei, Forensic Report And Nigerian Factor

BY FELIX OFOU

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igeria is daily regressing into a comedy of errors. It’s a moving circus. The leaders are the clowns on epic performances, while the citizens watch in awe as spectators. There is a clique, which goes by the sobriquet, ‘cabal’, who in reality are the puppet masters. Like a drunken danfo bus driver plying our mainly potholed and dilapidated roads, the cabal insists they must run the streets on overload. And all the people do is gasp for breath.

While the wheel of progress has since turned in the opposite direction, there seems to be some form of acquiescence to the unfolding disorder. No one can be said to be truly in charge of the ship of state; we are held in place by unexplained forces which ensure that the ship does not capsize. Again, the people are bemused by the conductor standard before them, directing the opera and certainly not making sense.

Perhaps, it is a reflection of our collective amnesia. It may well be that it has become ingrained in our DNA. We choose to forget easily and simply move on and hope things will get better.

Most Nigerians refuse to act in the face of brazen provocation; even when you shit on them! Nothing shocks us in this part of the world anymore.

Nigerians prefer the convenient story: tell it to deodorise their senses and ego. That way, morality becomes circumstantial and there is no moral code that binds the people. It is now everyone to himself and God for us all. And the beat goes on ad infinitum.

Today, we are regaled with snippets from the so called forensic report on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) submitted by the Minister in charge of the Niger Delta Ministry, Godswill Akpabio, to his counterpart in the Justice Ministry and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (who Nigerians have conveniently agreed epitomes or aggregates to the Federal Government).

Suddenly, we are told that over N6 Trillion (six trillion naira) has been spent by the NDDC since its inception, in addition to 13,777 contracts allegedly compromised, with the commission operating 362 bank accounts. The revelation is in spite of the fact that the actual content of the forensic report has not been made public.

Predictably, Nigerians are already threatening that heads must roll for the alleged sleaze. They are baying for blood like spectators at the scene of an execution by firing squad, which in local parlance is called ‘Bar Beach Show’. Any moment soon, you would imagine that staccato shots would ring out from assault rifles to send the convicts tied to poles to their early graves.

But, the puppet masters providing the snippets into the audit report know there would be no shots. They know it is a script meant to divert attention from agitations arising from the unconstitutional, wicked and devilish signing into law of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and the non-constitution of the NDDC board. Rather than deal with the core issues, the cabal opted to feed the oppressed people of the Niger Delta with another convenient and salacious story of stealing.

Of course, it was a similar trick deployed to deflect attention on the brazen stealing which took place in the guise of a COVID-19 relief package at the NDDC. Talk about a forensic report only emerged after the Auditor-General of the Federation exposed the thieves residing in the commission. Definitely, no individual can be swayed by such buffoonery!

Nigerians would recall that was a management appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari to superintend over the affairs of the commission found to have dipped its fingers in the till.

Acting Managing Director, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei, alongside other directors, was accused of presiding over a heist amounting to N139.3 Billion and other questionable spending amounting to over N815 Billion.

Akpabio, Prof Pondei and a director in the Interim Management Committee (IMC), Hon Cairo Ojougboh, were simply unleashed by the conductor in the Aso Rock Villa to thrill the National Assembly probing the malfeasance and the entire nation. What a show of shame it became.

Soon, Akpabio opened a ‘can of worms’ revealing that lawmakers in the National Assembly were the largest beneficiaries of contracts in the NDDC and therefore, directly responsible for the nonperformance of the federal agency and consequent allegations of corruption.

Thereafter, Prof Pondei mounted the dais and delighted us on ‘modern fainting techniques’ and on ‘Off the Mic’ when you are accused of stealing. This was closely followed by a brilliant display by Ojougboh, who told everyone that Nigeria would burn if he opened his mouth or published names of those who had stolen the commission blind.

To complement the quartet, Malami, who has since transformed to the status of being the federal government, unleashed operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Dr Joy Nunieh, Pondei’s predecessor as MD for alleged corruption. The timely and proactive step by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State saved the woman from cooling her head in the gulag, even though to this day, we cannot tell the script was not designed to end that way.

It is to our collective shame that nothing came out of the IMC probe. Pondei and others accused are walking the streets as free men. Just as tales from the forensic report seems to have dwarfed agitations over the PIA and a new board for the NDDC. Definitely, we should be expecting a twist in the script; an anticlimax. Because, it is the way we rock in Nigeria. It is a convenient story, no doubt. Except that it stinks to high heavens!

Suicide And Its Relative Causes in Society

BY ADEPARUA DAMILOLA

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ne may wonder how possible it is to hear or see people ending their lives themselves at times. There have been many reports of suicide on the social media. One common thing about these incidents is the fact that those who committed suicide made it known either directly or indirectly before eventually ending their lives. People often realise too late that such signals and threats were real.

Suicide is from the Latin word suicidium, which means the act of taking one’s life. Wikipedia defines suicide as the act of intentionally causing one’s own death. According to a source, approximately 1.5 per cent of all deaths worldwide are by suicide. In a given year, this is roughly 12 per 100,000 people.

In addition, the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines suicide as death caused by injuring oneself with the intent to die. From the same source, there was 33 per cent increase in suicide rates between `1999 and 2019. It is the second leading cause of death for people aged between 10 and 34 years; the fourth leading cause of death among people aged between 35 and 44 years; and the fifth leading cause of death among people aged 45 and 54 years.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) posits that every year, about 703,000 people take their own lives and many people attempt suicide. It was also discovered that over 77 per cent of global suicides occurred in low and middle income countries in 2019. Available statistics indicate that 10 countries have the highest suicide rates per 100,000. They are Lesotho at 72.4 per cent; Guyana at 40.3 per cent; Eswatini at 29.4 per cent; South Korea at 28.6 per cent; Kiribati at 28.3 per cent; Micronesia at 28.2 per cent; Lithuania at 26.1 per cent; Suriname at 25.4 per cent; Russia at 25.1 percent and South Africa at 23.5 per cent.

From its findings, WHO asserts that the global suicide rate fell in the period between 2000 and 2019, with the global rate decreasing by 36 per cent and decreases ranging from 17 per cent in the Eastern Mediterranean region to 47 per cent in the THEWILLNIGERIA

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European region and 49 per cent in the Western Pacific. In the Americas, the suicide rate increased by 17 per cent in the same period.

According to a source, the causes of suicide are physical, emotional or sexual abuse, lost relationship through breakup, divorce, isolation or lack of support.

Nowadays many Nigerian youths suffer depression due to the socio economic situation in the country. It can be disheartening to see youths, who have spent many years in school in the hope of getting employed immediately after graduation, idling away without jobs. These youths see themselves as a burden to their immediate families and the society. The majority of them may be tempted to indulge in criminal activities, while the rest who cannot participate in such activities are at the risk of committing suicide due to depression.

Does the fact that some parents do not teach their children how to manage rejection needs to be mentioned? In a society where government appears to be less concerned about future of the youths and hardly cares about the rising unemployment rate among the youths, where the educational system is on a decline, there is a need to teach a child how to manage rejection because he or she cannot possibly fulfill every desire in life, especially in terms of a perfect relationship, financial stability and suchlike.

Unfortunately, majority of the youths who commit suicide were not made to realise this until they eventually had to face such situations later in life and end up committing suicide when things do not go the exact way they wished for. This explains why some youths commit suicide due to failure at school, failed relationships, etc.

Research shows that men commit suicide more than women do. This can be blamed on the stereotype of the male as the stronger and superior gender. This places more responsibility on the male. In a situation whereby a man is unable to fulfill his obligation to the family and live up to the expectation of the society, life becomes a burden too heavy to bear. There is

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an adage which says that a man must always be strong and courageous at all times. Can a male child always be strong and courageous in an environment that does not aid his growth?

Failure to live up to the society’s expectation can lead to dejection, disappointment and depression and this makes WHO’s report that more than twice as many males die due to suicide than females(12.6 per 100,000 males compared to 5.4 per 100,000 females) plausible.

According to Wikipedia, while women often nurse thoughts of suicide, men die by suicide more frequently. From research, people who commit suicide do so by swallowing harmful substances, such as pesticides or insecticides more than those who actually hang themselves or kill themselves with sharp objects.

According to a source, 20 per cent of global suicides are due to pesticide poisoning, most of which occur in rural agricultural areas in both the developed and developing countries.

Other common methods of suicide are by hanging and firearms. There is the need to ban dangerous pesticides that can lead to immediate death if swallowed. Such substances should be kept in safe places where they cannot be abused.

Their usage should be well monitored.

Early identification of and follow up on people at risk of suicide is very important. Research shows that the common warning signs of suicide include sullenness, unusual calmness, withdrawal, behaviour that is self-destructive, selfconfessed desire to die, trauma triggered by either loss of a loved one, the breakup of a relationship, diagnosis of a major illness, loss of job or serious financial setback.

Sometimes, a person’s thoughts may suddenly focus on a relation or friend who has not been seen or heard of for a long time. It is advisable to call such a person at that particular time as he or she could be having challenges that may be life threatening. This is necessary because people who commit suicide are said to give or show signs before committing the act. If there is early identification and follow up on such people, suicide may possibly be averted.

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

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Okonkwo

SEPT EMBE R 26 – OCTOBE R 2, 2021 w w w.t hew illnigeria. c om VOL .1 N O.3 3

Union Bank: Crawling Performance May Erode Investment Gains From Technology

BY SAM DIALA

U

nion Bank of Nigeria Plc is investing hugely in technology. It is not lagging in this digital age that has reconfigured the banking landscape. But the bank’s 2021 half- year report shows a lender struggling to match the speed of the ‘galloping stallion’ (symbol of its logo) and this has been the trend in the past five years.

Compared with the corresponding period of 2020, Union Bank’s performance, to a large extent, points in the opposite direction of the ‘galloping stallion’: Most of the fundamentals are negative. In the few cases that positive results were recorded, the difference was more of a thin-line.

While the massive investment in infrastructure could provide a measure of relief, some stakeholders share the concern that the firm’s crawling growth could erode the gains. There are also fears it could impact adversely on Return on Investment – achieved through dividends or capital appreciation.

TALKING FIGURES Gross earnings for the 2021 half-year was N76.31 billion as against N81.9 billion in the corresponding period of 2020,

Cally Air Risks Delay in Issuance of AOC

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

T

here are indications that new airline startup, Cally Air, may have its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) delayed longer than expected, following the status of the two Boeing aircraft that

PAGE 16

are currently in its fleet.

Operated by Aero Contractors on behalf of the Cross River state, Cally Air began operations on July 15, 2021, on routes between Lagos, Kano, and Abuja with two B737-300s.

Continued Next Page

representing 6.8 percent. Net interest income after impairment was also negative: N20.34 billion compared to N22.7 billion or 10.3 percent. Although the net fee and commission income rose to N6.59 billion from N5.05 billion in 2020, representing 30.4 percent, profit after tax recorded a negative variance of 11.3 percent. It fell from N10.7 billion in the corresponding period of 2020 to N9.84 billion in the 2021 half year. Profit before tax was equally negative. It dipped by 9.7 percent during the period – N10.3 billion from N11.3 billion in 2020.

Deposits from customers rose slightly to N1.16 trillion during the period from N1.12 trillion in 2020, which is a 3.6 percent rise; while loans and advances to customers at a mortised cost were flat at N734.05 billion. Total assets also recorded a slight increase of 2.2 percent from N2.16 trillion to N2.21 trillion in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Amid the choking effects of high inflation, operating expenses jumped to N48.14 billion during the period from the N31.66 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2020, representing 52 percent.

The current slow-down in the bank’s performance began to manifest about five years ago when the periodic reports revealed negative and weak key fundamentals. Gross earnings dropped to N76 billion in the 2019 half-year, from N83.3 billion

MORE INSIDE NIM Schedules National Management Confab for September 26 PAGE 41

Red Star Reports N9.46billion Turnover At 2021 AGM PAGE 41

Continued Next Page

Unity Bank, Others in Consortium for N15.5bn Road Project

BY SAM DIALA

U

nity Bank Plc is among the consortium of select banks to execute the funding of equipment for the construction of the 380km Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project to the tune of N15.5 billion.

The facility is being extended to SCOA Nigeria Plc for the importation and supply of 33 trucks and equipment to be deployed for the Continued Next Page 41

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

AVIATION Cally Air Risks Delay in Issuance of AOC Continued from previous page

Union Bank: Crawling Performance May Erode Investment Gains From Technology Continued from previous page

recorded in the corresponding period of 2018, representing 8.76 percent. Profit after tax rose slightly by 3.5 percent from N11.5 billion to N11.9 billion in first half of 2018 and first half of 2019, respectively.

The key ratios also became harbingers of the present condition: Net interest margin slid to 7.8 percent in 2017 from 8.6 percent in 2016, while cost to income rate also recorded a decline – from 65 percent to 61 percent. Return on equity, which stood at 5.9 percent in 2016 dipped to 4.7 percent in 2017 as net asset value per share recorded a drop of 11.87 percent from 16 percent in 2017 and 2016, respectively. However, asset yield rose slightly to 15.7 percent in 2017 from 14.5 percent in 2016.

The airline had on April 6, 2021 taken delivery of its first aircraft, B737-300, 5N-BYR bought from Magnetic Leasing. The second B737300, 5N-BYQ, was also leased from Magnetic Leasing and was delivered on April 28, 2021.

The 22-year-old jet is the first of two former airBaltic B737-300s secured from Magnetic Leasing by the new airline, which is a publicprivate partnership (PPP) between Cross River State and Dana Air, in a bid to boost tourism in the state bordering Cameroon and the Atlantic Ocean coastline.

Configured with 144 all-economy seating, 5N-BYR previously flew with airBaltic, as YLBBR from March 31, 2009, to June 30, 2020, after it was stored.

THEWILL investigation, however, shows that out of the two Boeing 737-300 aircraft, one is alleged to have developed a minor snag, while the other will be due for maintenance check by the end of September 2021.

What this means is that when the second aircraft leaves for maintenance checks, the new airline will be left with no airworthy aircraft within that period, a situation which, aviation experts have said, may affect the issuance of AOC. An air operator’s certificate (AOC) is the approval granted by a national aviation authority (NAA) to an aircraft operator to allow it to use aircraft for commercial purposes.

This requires the operator to have personnel, assets and systems in place to ensure the safety of its employees and the general public.

The certificate will list the aircraft types and registrations to be used, for what purpose and in what area; specific airports or geographic regions.

Commenting, the General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Mr Sam Adurogboye told THEWILL that the issue of AOC is very serious business and that it has stages that no airline can jump.

Adurogboye, who said he was yet to get an update on the matter, added that AOC acquisition involved five stages: The pre applicant phase, compliance phase, demonstration phase, inspection phase and certification phase.

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He did not confirm whether the airline aircraft had snagged or not but affirmed that the NCAA ensures that all airlines must pass through the five stages to acquire an AOC. Earlier, the Director-General of the NCAA, Capt Musa Nuhu, had given an update on the number of new applicants seeking for AOC. According to him, there are about three or four intending airlines that are in the process and some of them have gone far, while others are initiating.

“The domestic industry in Nigeria is growing.

People don’t feel comfortable going on the road. So, they prefer to travel by air. Also, the interconnectivity is growing between all facets of the corners of the country,” Nuhu said.

On the calls for a rejig of the AOC process in Nigeria, Capt Nuhu said the agency will look at their civil aviation regulations after the new NCAA Act. “That is why I said when we are doing our regulations, we discuss with stakeholders.

When people have issues like this, we sit down and discuss and we will find a way of adopting or changing our regulations to reflect such matters without compromising safety, security, efficiency and effectiveness in the system,” he said.

Meanwhile, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State had, during the celebrations to mark the commencement of the airline’s daily flight operations from Calabar Airport to Abuja and Lagos on August 1, 2021, said Cally Air would serve the new Obudu International Airport, which is expected to be complete by December 2021.

Ayade said the aircraft would be operated and maintained by Aero Contractors until Cally Air receives its AOC. The governor stated that Aero Contractors would operate the aircraft on behalf of Cally Air “for six months in the first instance” as the airline was yet to receive its air operator’s certificate (AOC).

“It takes six months for the licence to come.

We will continue with Aero Contractors until Cally Air has its full management team and a full AOC,” he had said.

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GOING TECH Union Bank has stepped up its infrastructure upgrade and acquisition through its digital driving strategy, especially since the historic ‘smarter banking’ rebranding project of 2015 when it unveiled a plethora of digital banking solutions. It launched its upgraded online banking platform, UnionOnline, with aesthetic improvements, new features and targeted offers for its customer segments at the time.

The then Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Emuwa, was quoted as saying, “Smarter banking is not just a tagline for us. We have worked tirelessly for nearly two years to deliver the solutions we are presenting today because we invested time and resources to understand what our customers really need and how we can deliver the right solutions to meet those needs.

“This investment in understanding our customers’ needs has led to the innovations and first-tomarket features we are unveiling today. Our new platforms marry simplicity, functionality and aesthetics to deliver a seamless and improved user experience for our customers.”

Among its latest digital infrastructure is the M36 meant to deliver a wide range of investment products directly to individuals. According to the bank, M36 as an innovative userfriendly app, offered investment options not typically available on self-service digital platforms.

These include foreign currency transactions, commercial papers, local and foreign denominated bonds, treasury bills and other fixed income products, “In a rapidly evolving environment with a changing consumer behaviour fuelled by technology and growing access

“

Compared with the corresponding period of 2020, Union Bank’s performance, to a large extent, points in the opposite direction of the ‘galloping stallion’: Most of the fundamentals are negative

to information, M36 is looking to expand opportunities for investors at all levels, while also simplifying the process of investing”, the bank said in a statement in July 2017.

The bank’s N50 billion rights issue of 2017 was meant to strengthen its capital buffers and invest in technology and digitalization, which included the upgrade of nearly 300 branches to a more robust digital transformation. The bank said in 2017 that it recorded N130 billion monthly online transactions and 250,000 active online banking users.

The Chairman, Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), Patrick Ezeagu, commended Union Bank for the foresight to invest massively in ICT infrastructure. He said the lender has taken the right decision because that is what the business demands at this time.

“We are now in the fourth industrial revolution and ICT infrastructure is what drives the economy. I can tell you that any organisation that fails to invest in technology will find out that it is no longer in business when the time comes. This is the time to do what Union Bank is doing; it may take some time to see the real result, though,” Ezeagu told THEWILL in a telephone interview.

INVESTORS’ TOAST Some institutional and high networth investors have acquired stakes in Union Bank in recent times which has strengthened the lender’s recapitalisation programme. African Capital Alliance (ACA) led a consortium of international investors (Union Global Partners) to recapitalise Union Bank in 2012. The consortium invested $500 million for a controlling stake in the bank. ACA invested $75 million as part of the consortium.

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INTERVIEW

We’ve Rescued Many Students From Financial Distress – Amaegberi The Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Students Loan Board, Dr Michael Amaegberi, in this interview with DAVID AMOUS OWEI, speaks on the vision of the Gov. Douye Diri Administration, in terms of supporting the education of the youth through a loan scheme. Excerpts:

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Amaegberi

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an you give us an update on the Bayelsa State Students Loan Board?

The board has so far given out loans to 4,000 students of Bayelsa State origin in institutions of higher learning across the federation. The beneficiaries include postgraduate students, particularly those pursuing their Ph.D. programmes and students of polytechnics who have difficulty paying their fees. We have been working very hard to make sure that we get alternative sources of funding because what we are getting from the state government cannot accommodate the increasing number of applications from students. The demands actually outweigh the supply of funds. The resources are really inadequate.

You would recall that in our last media chat, I explained that due to the increasing number of students applying for the loans, we were contacting corporate bodies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Content Development Management Board (NCDMB), the Integrated Oil Companies (IOCs) and some philanthropists. That process is still on.

We have approached the NCDMB and they asked us to submit our proposal .We are also looking at how we can launch a fundraiser that people, corporate organisations and publicspirited individuals would make donations. This is to ensure that more of our students go to schools without dropping out of their programmes due to lack of funds.

What could be responsible for the increase in applications?

Bayelsans have come to realise the importance of the Students Loan Board as a recipe for financial challenge.

The premises of the board are always filled with students. The government has been doing well to provide the funds for the loans to be extended to the applicants. But it can hardly be enough. So, we have resolved to put the students in batches. That is where we are now. The state government pays adequate attention to the education sector because educating the youth is one of its top priorities.

Secondly, many students were skeptical about the scheme, while others did not believe in it at all. I am sure many parents and guardians did not see it as possible. But when the beneficiaries started testifying positively about it to their friends and relatives, applications began to surge. I can tell you that the news about the Students Loan Board spread fast and wide. Many came to see if it was real indeed. Thereafter applications began to pour into the board.

Again, the loan is without interest, but the guarantors have to sign an undertaking. Furthermore, the nation’s economy is tough at the moment and people need money to acquire education and meet other needs. There would have been many youths sitting at home without going to school because of funding.

But the student loan scheme has provided them with the opportunity to be educated and to study the courses of their choice. This is why it is paramount that we do not allow the scheme to fail. It is of great importance to the government and our people.

Is the loan available to Bayelsans living outside the state?

The loan is not restricted to only those within the state. Bayelsans outside the state are also entitled to it. Many of them are beneficiaries of the scheme already.

Irrespective of where you are, you will be considered. All you have to do is to send the relevant documents to your relatives at home who will collect the forms, complete and submit them to us for processing. Once it is verified that you are a Bayelsan, you will be paid.

You must not be physically present to

“

There would have been many youth sitting at home without going to school because of funding. But the student loan scheme has provided them with the opportunity to be educated and to study the courses of their choice. This is why it is paramount that we do not allow the scheme to fail. It is of great importance to the government and our people obtain the form.

Is there any plan to unveil the beneficiaries of the loan scheme?

It is still being considered. We need to do it so that skeptics and critics will be convinced that the loan scheme is real.

So, unveiling beneficiaries to the world is in the pipeline. We do visit the students in their various schools to ascertain their status. We have not forgotten the plan. We plan to make it happen in a big way and to provide the opportunity for Governor Douye Diri to be present and THEWILLNIGERIA

address the beneficiaries himself. For now, the governor is very busy.

What is the transition process of the scheme as of date?

As the second Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Student Loan Board and having served for over two years, I can say emphatically that the vision and mission statement of the board are being pursued. I am not unaware of the challenges. The vision/mission is to ensure that we attain educational excellence by ensuring that students in public institutions have access to loans. A lot of Bayelsa students have benefitted from the loan scheme. Many more are coming. I can say that this is one of the best in Nigeria today where student educational loan is given out without any discrimination as to who is who or who knows who. Without a recommendation from anybody, the students come here, collect the forms and once we confirm that they satisfy the requirements, they receive their money.

What is your take on the scheme under the present administration in the state?

We give God the glory that we are running a government of continuity.

As you know, transition from one government to the other is not usually easy. The previous government in the state laid a foundation which the present government is leveraging on and will continue in that regard.

Governor Douye Diri is trying a lot and following up every good thing that his predecessor started, not only in the educational sector, but also in other fields. You witnessed the inauguration of a commercial flight at the Bayelsa state International Airport. That project was inherited from the previous administration and it has not created any challenge for this government to continue with it.

What are the larger expectations of Bayelsans?

Bayelsans’ expectations from this government are, no doubt, very high.

Without any iota of doubt, I would say that this government is making commendable efforts. We are all aware of the litany of litigations that confronted this government at the beginning which, of course, created a lot of distractions for Governor Diri. There was also the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting nationwide lockdown.

These factors practically impeded speed and progress of work in 2020. It would have been almost impossible to achieve the progress that has been recorded today. There is construction of access roads in the senatorial districts to make movement possible and seamless for the people. You can see the progress on the Ekeremor-Sagbama and YenagoaOporoma Roads.

I would advise Bayelsans to be patient with the state government.

This government came with peace and strong vision. Very soon, there will be an employment boom in the agricultural sector. We encourage skills acquisition and entrepreneurship. This explains why the state government has established technical colleges in each of the eight local government areas.

It wants the youth to acquire skills and be self-reliant so as to become their own bosses and employers of labour. We are not against criticism.

Let people criticise constructively.

Those who believe that they have useful suggestions that can improve the performance of the government and quicken the development of the state should bring them without hesitation.

THEWILLNG

THEWILLNIGERIA

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

HOMTO DOKPESI:

INSPIRED BY DAD THEWILLNIGERIA

THEWILLNG

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

Homto Dokpesi, daughter of Nigerian media entrepreneur Raymond Dokpesi, has many feathers in her cap. She is a fashion designer, writer, mother, and public speaker. In this interview with SHADE METIBOGUN, she talks about her father, businesses, and sundry issues. Excerpts:

Dokpesi

I AM AFRAID OF FAILURE – HOMTO DOKPESI

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any people would leverage their father’s achievement and success to rise. Why didn’t you work with him instead of starting off on your own?

After my National Youth Service at the office of the AuditorGeneral of the Federation, I started working with my dad. I started with Daarsat, the satellite arm of the Daar Communication brand.

I also worked with Ray Power 100.5 FM Radio Station and later with Africa Independent Television (AIT). I still work with him personally, but not with Daar Communication as a brand. When I worked in Daarsat, I didn’t get any preferential treatment as the chairman’s daughter. I did my work to the best of my ability.

Why did you decide to quit and start something on your own?

As an individual, you have to discover yourself and know your strengths and weaknesses. It was interesting working with him, but I knew I had a passion. I believe if you have a passion for something, you must follow through with that passion. Understand what exactly you want to do. At that time, I took a break, and then I found joy in fashion designing. I just decided to pursue it since I had a passion for it. Going to do my thing will not stop my father’s organisation.

He has people in place to run the affairs of the organisation and move it forward. I just wanted to step out to pursue my own dreams.

Every individual is born with a vision. Your purpose in life must be fulfilled.

When you ventured out on your own, did his name open doors for you in the business world?

Yes, at every point. Like I always say to people, God gave me a very good advantage. Where people would struggle, it was easy for me. I could actually go anywhere and introduce myself. Even if I don’t introduce myself, they would ask if I am the daughter of this person or that person. His name gave me that propelling force. It helped me in business. It helped me to network properly.

You have broken into the international market. How easy was it, knowing it takes a lot of effort, money and time?

It was not easy. I remember when I started my brand. I wanted it to be sold in TM store abroad. I would write and I would have passed like four to five stages only for me to get an email that would totally shatter my heart. It wasn’t an easy thing. When I realised that the doors weren’t really opening, I decided to focus on what I had at hand. But during one of my trips to the United States, I was going to start selling at the Liverpool market. I had gotten a store at the place. A lady came to me and told me that she would love to have my brand in her store. That was the beginning of breaking into the international scene for me. She created some awareness because she has Africans, Caribbean communities shopping from her. That act opened doors for me in the United States. From there, I started selling to people in Dubai, United Arabs Emirates. It wasn’t easy really at first because I had made so many moves. I am of the opinion that no matter how many moves you make, it shouldn’t stop you from what you want to do. The barriers didn’t stop me. I just knew I had to push further.

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Dokpesi

You are a woman of many parts: an accountant, a fashion designer, a writer, a mother. Which aspect of your career is your favorite and why?

I love to be creative. I love what I become when I am creating anything, be it writing or designing. I love the way I flow. I love the person I become when I am creating anything. I write a lot of short stories and I love the part that I play. I just love who I become when I write or design. Fashion has taken me farther than any other thing I do. But I love all my jobs. They are all creative. In the creatives, nobody puts a cap on you. You can be who you want to be.

How was growing up in a polygamous setting?

Polygamy is what it is. A lot of people will say they have had negative experiences growing up in a polygamous setting. There were good days for me and there were bad days, too. Just like how things are in life. There is no life that will go on without good days and bad days. For me, polygamy is still the healthiest way you can bring up a child. That is my opinion. It is the healthiest because it gives the child a fair chance to experience how life operates. If you are into polygamy, you must learn to be political. You must learn the basics of politics in a polygamous home. You have to know how to behave. It is like you are on the stage. You have to learn to be diplomatic. For me, growing up, there were good days and there were bad days, but the good days were actually more than the bad days. It is still the healthiest method to raise a child, I do think so.

someone I can call my father or someone that can fill the gap of that fatherly role. He must share the same values with my father. To me, I don’t think you can just call anybody your husband. I must be able to put you on the same pedestal as my father. I must see a few of his values in you.

How easy is it raising your son single-handedly?

I would say it has been the grace of God. I also have an amazing family as a support system. So I will not say it has been tough. It might be tough for other people but with my family and God on my side, it has been a lovely journey. Being able to bear a child I can call my own is the greatest gift that God has given to me. Every day I look at him, he reminds me of my dad. He acts like my dad.

Is there hope of reconciliation with his dad?

Never say never. I do not hold any grudges whatsoever.

Reconciliation is part of life.

Have you found love again?

I am in a very healthy relationship.

As a fashion designer, what are the items that are in vogue now?

Adire has really taken over the place. The beauty, the pattern, the style are quite unique now. You will see pieces right now and you will wonder if it is actually adire.

Would you then like to venture into polygamy?

I have nothing against polygamy. I can venture into it if the man knows the essence of polygamy and how it works. People go into polygamy but they don’t know how to handle their women. If I see that he has the wherewithal and knows how to keep the family united, why not. I can go into polygamy once those things I stated are defined.

Your son is into modelling. How is that going for him?

He is fine and his career as a model is going very well at the moment. He works outside the country more than in Nigeria because he is signed to a modeling agency abroad. But he has a kid fashion show in Nigeria this year. It will take place in November, and he will be on the run way for the first time. Basically, he is into photo modeling abroad.

You rarely talk about your mom. It seems you love your dad more I cannot say that I love one person more than the other, but I am my father’s daughter. I have spoken about my mother in the past, too, but it is impossible for me to say that I love one person more than the other. I can only say that I am closer to my father than my mother. There are things that I share with my father that I might not tell any other person. My father is my confidant. There are things that I share with him that I also share with others. It is just that he will be the first I would tell before any other person.

How do you find the strength to do all of the things you do?

I have a phobia for failure. That actually motivates me to be who and all I am today. I also have a son who I am responsible for. Even when there is no strength, I have to find the courage to move on.

I just can’t fail. I have to find that strength to be who I want to be.

I also don’t want to disappoint my father. I always want to be that light in his eyes. That is how I am able to push myself. Irrespective of how anything looks or seems like, I must go on. So, the fear of failure, my son, and my father are my greatest inspiration.

What position are you in the family?

I am the third daughter.

Is that your reason for saying that the man you will marry must share similar values with your dad?

I have learned a lot from my father. I am always grateful to him for the opportunity to learn from him. He is someone you can easily learn from. If you spend five minutes with him, you will learn a great deal from him. If I was to choose a husband, he must be

What are you currently working on?

I am working on a stage play Ezomo N’Ogie - the chronicle of a colossus. It is in commemoration of my dad’s 70th birthday. It will be directed by Mr. Femi Majekodunmi with the assistance of international theatre director Mr. Richard Bryant (United States Institute of Theatre Technology), who would also be on ground to document the project. Live theatre is a ripe opportunity yet to be properly exploited in Nigeria, and I believe this would be the beginning of so many other projects in that line.

THEWILLNIGERIA

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STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

Abudu

WHO IS AFTER MO ABUDU?

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edia mogul and boss of EbonyLife and Films, Mosunmola Abudu, fondly referred to as Mo, is currently in the eye of the storm. Barely two weeks after she threw a party to mark her 57th birthday and the birth of a new Thai restaurant christened Jinja, the movie producer is fighting to keep her reputation from falling apart.

Mo, who is a mother of two, is being accused of several infractions, ranging from alleged intimate relationships with two state governors (a former and serving one) from one of the

south west states for contracts and outright refusal to execute the contracts even after collecting money for that purpose, to allegedly bedding a former bank chief who approved loans in the billion-naira range for her for the take-off of her EbonyLife TV, which she never serviced. Her actions reportedly put in jeopardy, the jobs of the politicians and the bank chief. She has also been accused of destroying her friendship with a socialite, who was once married to a politician who recently defected to the ruling party.

Mo allegedly stole an idea from her

Ikeji

Jeremi

erstwhile friend who trusted her with a proposal. She reportedly repackaged the proposal, sold it as her idea and got it approved for execution by a former governor of the south west state, thus preventing her friend from reaping the fruit of her labour. Unfortunately, the contract never got executed despite money released for it.

Also she is being accused of having an amorous relationship with a serving minister who allegedly bankrolled the building of her humongous edifice, EbonyLife Place, as well as netting other high net-worth individuals. Going by the allegations too many to mention, that were carefully packaged and sent for publication to a social media platform, one begins to wonder whose toes Mo must have stepped on to warrant the opening of these cans of worms. Why do people have to be overly suspicious of a successful woman who struggles to reach the peak of her career? Why does the success of a woman have to be linked with her getting things done through sexual favours? Why isn’t this notion ever attributed to successful men?

THEWILL reliably gathered that Mo is pointing accusing fingers at some close friends, with whom she is no longer on speaking terms, as those responsible for her ordeal. Recall that last week, THEWILL reported a falling out with one of her best friends and how all efforts by their mutual friends to reconcile them proved abortive.

An obviously distraught Mo has shut her social media page, which has always been open and served as an avenue to showcase her works as a film maker and media entrepreneur. This is hoping that she survives this dark period and with time, prove naysayers peddling these allegations wrong.

How Sweet Sensation Boss Celebrated 60th Birthday L Effiong

EYO EFFIONG RESURFACES

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ollowing the upheaval that characterised his once rocky marriage barely a few years after it was contracted and his business concern Made on Earth,which he ran with his friends, Yemi Ishola, folded up, Eyo Effiong went into social oblivion without warning. In his time, Eyo dominated the Lagos social scene with fervor. High octane parties were never really complete without him there to provide the spice. And then he met Apinke, got love struck and married her. Not long afterwards, issues set in between them. The acrimony that characterised the union was such that both resolved to stay married but live separately.

Eyo took off to Abuja where he found a home and began to miss out on the fast-paced Lagos social life. When he is not spending his time selling luxury bulletproof cars and tending to his oil and gas business, he is in London where his wife, Apinke, resides with their children. Her own business concern, a floral event design company, Jasmine Rose Design, which she floated shortly after their marriage, has since been abandoned. Things remained this way until he made a surprising comeback at the 57th birthday Linda, who repeatedly rebuffed his party of EbonyLife TV boss, Mo advances until she caved. They were Abudu, two weeks ago. so into each other, or so Jeremi acted, Dressed in a black ensemble, Eyo that he met her father and proposed breezed into Ebonylife Place, the marriage when she was three months pregnant. Unfortunately, he developed venue of the party, into the warm cold feet and started treating her with so embrace of friends and associates much hate and aggression, prompting with whom he dominated the Linda to completely cut him off. Not Lagos social scene long before the only was Jeremi absent all through days of social media. There was a her pregnancy, Linda has had to take lot of back-slapping, handshakes care of their son singlehandedly, and visits down memory lane. It hoping he would be man up enough remains to be seen if this new and to acknowledge him and take responsibility. The child is three years old reinvigorated Eyo is back to stay or now and Jeremi is carrying on without a if his attendance was just a cameo.

ast month, one of the pioneers of modern-day fast-food eateries, Kehinde Kamson of Sweet Sensation, clocked 60. The beautiful grandmother of three didn’t let the day pass by without rolling out the drums. The celebrations began on Saturday August 14 with an intimate family thanksgiving service held at the family chapel in her sprawling home on the Island. The service was presided over by clergymen from the Methodist Church on Tinubu Square and the Redeemed Christian Church of God. It was a moment of sober reflection and thanksgiving to God for sparing her life and that of her twin brother, Taiwo Adelaja. The celebrations continued on Sunday, August 15 with a virtual party with over 300 people in attendance to celebrate the life of Kamson and her brother. Later that day, a few close friends, associates and family members converged at her home to continue with the celebration. The party was planned this way due to the pervading COVID-19 pandemic. But despite the limitations, many didn’t mind as all they wanted to do was honour an accomplished entrepreneur.

The journey to building the brand sweet sensation began after she resigned from her job in an oil servicing firm as an accounting graduate to spend more time with her children.

To keep busy and earn money on the side, she began baking, marketing, and using her car to supply cakes and other pastries to different outlets, individuals and groups. She did this for eight years before setting up her first outlet, which eventually grew to be replicated all over the Lagos metropolis. Sweet Sensation soon became one of the fastest-growing eateries in town, receiving the highly coveted Century International Quality Era Award in faraway Geneva, Switzerland.

Linda Ikeji Changes Son’s Surname A

fter years of waiting on Sholaye Jeremi to acknowledge his son, Jaycee, Linda Ikeji has decided to set fire to the rain and let the heavens decide if they want to fall or not. The renowned blogger changed her son’s surname to hers just in time for the toddler’s third birthday, which took place a few days ago. Nothing is new here. A lot of women give their children their maiden name when the child’s father refuses to acknowledge or take responsibility for the child.

Jeremi, who recently clocked 43, has refused to be identified with Linda, not to talk of acknowledging his child with her. During their dating period, THEWILLNIGERIA

Jeremi did all he could to not be seen with Linda in public. Not even when they were sighted by one of his friends in far away France, a year before she put to bed, did he acknowledge that they came into the country together or were in a relationship. No doubt, this is his modus operandi with women, a smooth operator who ‘unfortunately’ sired a son while in the mix with Linda.

Before Linda, his last known relationship was with Alali Hart, a socialite and brain behind The Montaigne Place chain of stores. Theirs, for the period it lasted, was a hush-hush relationship. And while it didn’t produce a child, Jeremi ghosted Alali and pitched his tent with THEWILLNG

care in the world.

THEWILLNIGERIA

Kamson

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

STORIES BY IVORY UKONU

WHY GENEVIEVE NNAJI, RACHAEL OKONKWO ARE WORTHY OF EMULATION T

Dudu Heritage Boss, Ola Ibironke’s First Wife Revealed

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Nnaji & Okonkwo

he showbiz industry is exactly as the name depicts. Without any written code of conduct, industry players knowingly or unknowingly share most aspects of their lives publicly. It is this showoff that inadvertently makes the industry thrive and, by extension, the players themselves.

Little wonder, players seize every opportunity to show off their assets and acquisitions. The bigger and more expensive these acquisitions are, the better. Their private lives are also never off-limit, baring their innermost secrets to the public through various gimmicks. However, there is a very minute percentage of industry players who actually thrive away from the spotlight.

Two of these are actresses in the Nollywood industry: Genevieve Nnaji and Rachael Okonkwo. The duo are not only famous, they are in a class of their own, having learned how to make news-worthy moves

without fanfare. They have also managed to remain scandal-free for most their careers. But more important is their huge investments which they have jealously guarded from public knowledge.

Long before endorsement deals between celebrities and corporate organizations became a thing, Genevieve was already cashing out with mouth-watering million-dollar deals from Nigerian Breweries, Unilever, Etisalat, Citron Energy Drink, fashion brands etc. She was at some point the Nigerian celebrity with the highest number of endorsement deals. She also seamlessly added movie producer and director to her resume, with her debut effort, Lion Heart, which earned her millions of naira after selling it to Netflix.

But beyond acting and directing, 42-year-old Genevieve capitalized on her fame by investing heavily in the real estate business with her best friend and business partner, Chinny

Onwuegbu, one of the daughters of Igbo billionaire businessman, Louis Carter. They operate their business under the business name, The Entertainment Network (TEN) and Stick and Stone Homes. Their portfolio includes property in Lagos, Abuja and Ghana.

Rachael Okonkwo joined the movie industry 13 years ago. She is as discreet as Genevieve, who she refers to as her mentor. The 34-year-old thespian is one of the biggest influencers out of Nollywood with endorsement deals from some of the biggest corporate enterprises in Nigeria. With several properties acquired in her name in Lagos and Enugu where she comes from, Rachael is also a lover of choice automobiles that she has managed to keep off social media. Despite their successes, these two have remained level-headed, stayed off needless drama, and allowed their works to speak for them.

t is no longer news that Ola Ibironke, the boss of Dudu Heritage Company, a music promotions company, passed on from high blood-related issues on September 12. What many however do not know is that Nollywood actress, Bimbo Oshin, who many assumed to be his only wife, is actually his second wife. Long before he met Bimbo, Ibironke was married to Sola, the mother of his first four children. Their first child together is about 32 years old. They reportedly met during their secondary

school days. They got married, moved to the US, and relocated to Nigeria years ago. He met Bimbo, who was just a budding actress, and made her his second wife. 56-yearold Sola is a businesswoman and a certified behaviourist who supervises adolescents and adults in special homes.

She also moonlights as an event anchor and is involved in politics. So supportive was Sola of her husband while he lived in the US that many considered her his backbone in his early days of trying to make

Oshin

a name for himself as a music promoter. However, Bimbo Oshin’s fame and public profile created the impression she is Ibironke’s only wife.

Before his death, Bimbo, who recently clocked 50, bore him two children. A prominent Ibadan-based golfer and the captain of Ibadan Golf club, Ibironke was quite popular among Fuji praise singers such as King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal and Obesere in the 1990s. These two always sang his praises on account of how influential and affluent he was.

The Ibironkes

Family Releases Burial Arrangement for Hosa Okunbo

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Obayuwana & Ooja

John Obayuwana in Alleged Romance With Sharon Ooja

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ifestyle king and founder of the luxury brand Polo Nigeria Ltd, John Obayuwana, has allegedly had his heart stolen by a new love interest. Long after his long-term relationship with the milliner and former beauty queen Ene Maya ended, the 72-year-old father of two appears to have found someone to love and to hold.

The businessman is allegedly in a hush-hush relationship with actress Sharon Ooja. Sharon is tall, slim, and beautiful, attributes his famous ex-lover, Ene, had. Obviously, Obayuwana has a type and would rather stick to his preference

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than cast his net wide. At only 30, Sharon is in the socialite’s preferred age range for his love interests. Age differences has never mattered to his past as long as it is a mutually beneficial one. Like he did with Ene, Obayuwana spoils Sharon silly, probably accounting for how well she lives, her well-furnished apartment, and constant glamorous looks at social events. The Benue state indigene and graduate of Houdegbe North American University, Benin Republic, has featured in many Nollywood movies and television series, including the Netflix limited series, King of Boys.

ollowing widespread rumours that the late agro-allied, petroleum, telecommunications, Capt. (Dr) Idahosa Wells Okunbo would power, real estate, and banking industries. He be buried in London where he passed, his was the chairman of CMES-OMS Petroleum family has released a programme of events clearly Development Company (CPDC), the Wells showing that he would be buried in Benin City, Carlton Hotel and Apartments, and several other the Edo state capital. The programme of events, businesses. aptly tagged a celebration of life, shows a fiveday-long arrangement that will kick off at 3pm on Tuesday, October 5, with a night of tributes by his employees. At the same time the following day, Wednesday October 6, another night of tributes by family and close friends will hold in GRA Benin.

This will be followed by a service of songs the next day, Thursday, October 7, at Aiguobasimwin Crescent, GRA, Benin at 4pm. His funeral service will take place on the fourth day, Friday, October 8, at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Benin, at 8am. The funeral venue is significant as the late business mogul was a trained commercial pilot who plied his trade with Intercontinental Airlines and Okada Airlines for five years, retiring at the youthful age of 30. Finally, on Saturday, October 9, is the thanksgiving and the celebration of life reception.

This will take place at 3pm at the same venue where his funeral service would hold.

Okunbo died at the age of 63 in a London hospital after a one-year battle with pancreatic cancer. He served as either chairman or director on the board of numerous companies in Nigeria. The companies Okunbo spanned multiple business sectors such as the THEWILLNIGERIA

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THEWILLNIGERIA

SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

STORIES BY SHADE METIBOGUN

DJ CUPPY UNVEILS JEWELLERY LINE

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n a world where the children of the rich and affluent ride on their parents’ influence and wealth, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola—DJ Cuppy---has proven she is a lady who knows her onions and can thrive without the influence of her billionaire father, Femi Otedola. Not only has she made a name for herself as a disc jockey, the beautiful lady is also set to launch her jewelry line, Cuppy Cuts. Inspired by her love for cupcakes, the fun-loving DJ created cupcake designs available as stud earrings.

She will be launching them before the end of the year. Her collection comprises limited edition rings, chains, earrings, and bracelets, all made in London.

Okoye

Mbuk

IYANYA GOES Liz Anjorin’s Husband Addresses Controversies SEARCHING Surrounding Their Marriage FOR WIFE

Otedola

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The Lawals

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n July 2020, Nollywood actress Elizabeth Aishat Anjorin married her friend of many years, Lateef Lawal, in an elaborate Nikkai ceremony attended by some of her friends in the movie industry. However, some months after settling down to married life, controversies arose about her husband’s past life. One of his exwives, Fola Tinubu, accused Lateef of abandonment. She also claimed that the actress snatched her husband and turned him against her. As a result, she ran into debts and has been unable to feed their three children.

Fola stressed that Lateef cut off all access to him and refused to send money to her for their children’s upkeep. She called on Nigerians to come to her aid in her bid to keep her head above water and adequately cater for the children her husband abandoned.

After Fola’s public outburst, Lizzy Anjorin rose in defence of her husband. She said that Fola and Lateef Lawal were never married. Describing the latter as a responsible man, who would not run away from his responsibilities, Liz also said he gave Fola more than N1 million in five months.

Just when people thought the matter had been resolved and the warring parties appeased, the man at the centre of the controversy opened his own can of worms. In a video that lasted almost one hour, the businessman absolved THEWILLNIGERIA

Tinubu himself of all the accusations leveled against him. He also sent all those defaming his name to the gallows.

According to him, his first wife was one Ramota, also known as Iya Ayomide.

They had two children before they both went their separate ways. He insists that he has been performing his fatherly role to the two children. He then met Monsurat, his second wife, in 2006 and they both had their Nikkai ceremony. Not long after welcoming their child, he caught her cheating on him. He gave instances of how he found her in compromising positions with their co-tenant, her spiritual guide, and one other person whose name he didn’t mention. He said he ended the union, but the woman made away with all his valuables as he was locked out of his apartment.

After leaving Monsurat, he met Fola who already had two children from a previous marriage. But Fola never told him that she had been married before.

When he found out and confronted her, she begged for forgiveness and they both moved on. Sometime afterwards, Fola got pregnant and he took responsibility for the child, although he was doubtful about its paternity. He said he requested a DNA test multiple times, but Fola always incited trouble when the subject came up.

Finally, he challenged his ex-wife THEWILLNG

to bring the three children she said he fathered so a DNA test could be conducted. He affirmed that he would continue taking care of the children if the test turned out to be positive. According to him, Fola was an adulteress like Monsurat, his second wife. According to him, she would leave the house and not return till the following day, leaving the children locked up in the house. By then, he had moved out of the house for good and rented another apartment in Ikorodu, where he started all over again while still playing his role as their father.

Lawal stated that Fola was a gold digger who saw him as her automated teller machine. He also accused her of being lazy and called her a serial liar who did not want him to progress in life. He pleaded with naysayers to visit the former house he resided in with her in Fagba, a neighborhood in Lagos State, to confirm his claims. He also provided voice notes from his landlord and neighbours that corroborated all he said.

Lawal ensured he exonerated himself from the tale of selling Fola’s property as she claimed. According to him, Fola had no property when they met and he did not forcefully collect anything from her. He added that he is in danger and Fola should be held responsible if anything untoward happens to him or

THEWILLNIGERIA

yanya Onoyom Mbuk, popular musician and the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment to Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State, has said that he is searching for a wife. The afro-pop artiste made this known a few weeks ago during a television interview. The talented music act stated that what he wants is a wife, not a girlfriend, adding that he has started a search for the woman of his dreams. He also debunked the rumour of a secret wedding, insisting that he is still single and very much available for a serious relationship.

This revelation is coming some years after the gifted singer’s most publicised romance with Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson, crashed. Many had thought their relationship would lead to marriage, but they were disappointed when they parted ways. The breakup also left the beautiful actress heartbroken for a long time. After leaving the Ghanaian actress, the singer was tagged a “playboy,” having had his fill of beautiful ladies in the entertainment industry.

Iyanya had a short-lived relationship with Tonto Dikeh, characterized by Yvonne constantly accusing the mother of one of snatching her lover. Lagos socialitecum-entrepreneur, Freda Francis also enjoyed a short romantic dalliance with the gifted artiste.

They were one of the hottest couples around before their romance hit the rock. Now, the singer seems to be ready to settle down and quit being a “playboy”.

Iyabo Ojo to Mark Anniversary of Mom’s Death N

ollywood actress Iyabo Ojo is set to mark the first anniversary of her mother, Mrs Olubunmi Victoria Fetuga’s death. The event will take place on November 21, 2021, at Monarch Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos. Ahead of the occasion, the beautiful actress, who has promised to spare no cost in celebrating the life and times of her departed mother, is making adequate preparations to ensure the event is one of the most-talked-about for a long time. The light-skinned actress has sent out guidelines on aso-ebi to her friends and fans who wish to attend the event.

The aso-ebi is in two categories, the general aso-ebi and asoijo. The general aso- ebi for ladies costs N65,000, while the one for men costs N60,000. The aso-ijo for women costs N120,000, while the one for men costs N100,000. It was gathered that popular Fuji musician, King Waisu Ayinde Marshal, is going to entertain the guests at the event.

Mrs Olubunmi Victoria Fetuga died in her sleep on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the age of 67. She reportedly suffered from schizophrenia, a mental disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel and behave. She was buried on Friday, November 27, 2020, at Ebony Vault Cemetery, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Fetuga & Ojo

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

STORIES BY SHADE METIBOGUN

Davido Forgives Logistics Manager, Israel Afeare D

TAI ELEMOSHOOKESANJO MAKES NOLLYWOOD DEBUT H

ajia Taibat ElemoshoOkesanjo, the amiable woman behind the upscale accessory store, Montai, recently made her first appearance in a Nollywood movie titled, Marital Dilemma.

Taibat, a real estate guru, was dragged to the shooting location by movie producer Hannah Ojo. The two women share a close bond and always look out for each other when it comes to business. Hajia is also said to be the godmother of the producer’s daughter. When she was called to take on the role, she willingly

obliged and became a shoulder to lean on for the producer. The light-skinned entrepreneur played Madam Angela, the mother-in-law of the lead actress, Matilda Lambert. One of Taibat’s mansions played host to some of the cast and crew of the movie.

Marital Dilemma is a movie about uncertainties in love and relationships, as seen in the lives of two close friends, Naomi and Prisca. They both fell in love but made wrong choices that eventually

Elemosho-Okesanjo led to a series of problems. Matilda Lambert, Gbemisola Scarlet, Efe Henry, Marygold Adams and other up-and-coming movie acts featured in the movie. It was produced by Hannah Ojo, while journalist and publisher, Tunde Moshood, is the executive producer.

Rooftop MCs Celebrate 21st Anniversary In Entertainment Industry

Adeyoola & Hughes

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he duo of Kunle Adeyoola, also known as Soul Snatcha and Olaitan Hughes, popularly known as So kleva, formed a group known as Rooftop MCs that was a force to reckon with in the Nigerian gospel music industry between 2007 and 2010. The musical duo changed the narrative and paved the way for a wider acceptance of contemporary gospel music in Nigeria. One of their hit songs, Lagimo, which featured ace music producer, Cohbams Asuquo, ruled

the airwaves from radio to television. The chorus soon became an anthem among music lovers.

The song was a passionate appeal to God to keep them as a group at a time when fame and money was in sight. They also released musical hits, such as Shock Therapy, Back at One, Chop Your Mouth, Laddah, and The Minority Report.

The group won various awards and headlined global concerts. They also appeared on the Nigerian version of the popular children show, Sesame Street and launched their clothing line, Jesu Kristi. Years after, Snatcha relocated to the United Kingdom but they still continued to make group appearances while pursuing individual solo careers.

On Thursday, September 16, 2021 they celebrated their 21st year in the entertainment industry.

The two talented artistes had a live Instagram conversation about their sojourn in the music world, their hit songs and why they have not been visible in the industry. They took fans down memory lane as they played hit singles from their repertoire of songs.

avido Music Worldwide (DMW) logistic manager and show promoter, Israel Afeare, also known as Israel DMW, is over the moon as his boss and friend, Davido has lifted his suspension. A video of the young man prostrating and hailing his boss after he was forgiven has since gone viral. In the video, he was dancing and screaming after being told to go and sin no more. Israel has also posted pictures of himself and his boss on his social media pages to let his fans know he is back in the musician’s good books. Congratulatory messages have since been pouring in for the young man with many advising him to start keeping sealed lips on issues that do not concern him.

Israel Afeare was suspended in August following a comment he made on the ordeal of embattled Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari. In the nowAdeleke & Afeare deleted post, he argued that Kyari is a clean police anyone who thinks themselves officer. He also cited his a saint to identify themselves. heroic deeds in his fight However, his stance sparked against crime, adding that criticism and Davido suspended he would continue to stand him. He would later go on with the supercop. He dared social media to beg Nigerians

to plead with Davido on his behalf to rescind his decision.

Quite a few celebrities waded into the matter, but Davido decided to forgive him at his own time.

Ibrahim Chatta’s First Baby Mama Weds

Rise And Rise Of Dupe Olusola

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upe Olusola has enjoyed a consistent rise in her career as a woman in Nigeria’s corporate world. The ebonyskinned business executive worked with Bloomberg and Northern Trust in the United Kingdom before relocating to Nigeria. Her career journey in Nigeria started with Sectrust, now Afrinvest, before she moved to African Capital Alliance.

In 2008, she joined the United Bank for Africa (UBA). She started in the investment relations department, and later seconded to Transcorp Hotel as a director of resources.

Thereafter, she was appointed to lead the now-defunct agribusiness arm of Transcorp, Tetago Commodities, as the chief executive officer and managing director. Her unprecedented success as the CEO saw the company striking a deal with Coca-Cola to produce Five Alive Pulpy Orange juice, making Tetago the sole local material source for the juice.

She again returned to United Bank of Africa as its group head, Embassies, Multilaterals and Development Organisation (EMDOs) and Global Investors Services (GIS), before being appointed as group marketing head of the bank. In 2020, she was made the chief executive officer of Transcorp Hotel.

Dupe is a combination of beauty and brains. She was listed as one of the 100 most inspiring women in Nigeria by YNaija a few years ago. In 2015, she was named in Ventures Africa’s 10 most influential Nigerian CEOs. In addition, she was recently listed as one of the 30 finalists in the strategic

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women in leadership award (SAWIL). She graced the list as one of the African women in leadership making their mark in their respective industries, inspiring and lifting other women to succeed.

Olusola

The Mabinuoris

Chatta

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week ago, social media was agog after Nollywood actress Olayinka Solomon was seen twerking on her husband’s laps during their wedding reception. The mother of two was excited, recounting the travail and heartbreaks she suffered in the hands of men before finally settling down. Those who saw the video were happy the beautiful actress had finally found a partner to settle down with. But they couldn’t comprehend the reason for her display of emotion at her wedding.

They were also not aware that the actress had dated Ibrahim Chatta and had a son with him.

Yinka and Chatta’s romantic relationship started in 2007. They met on a movie location where actor and director Kunle Afod was filming Tiwonsikanga.

They became friends and then lovers. The two started co-habiting together a year after they met, but they didn’t get married as the actor refused to see her parents to formalise their relationship. They welcomed their first son, Malik, in 2008 before their THEWILLNIGERIA

relationship turned sour with allegations of infidelity and domestic abuse.

According to Yinka, Chatta became a gold digger, took all the money in her account and maltreated her when she became broke. He would bring women to the house and beat her if she dared to complain. She said she had to leave when she couldn’t tolerate the abuse again.

After leaving Chatta, Yinka fell in love again. But after her bitter experience with Chatta, she ensured he was not an actor. That relationship also didn’t work and she left after welcoming her second son.

She also took a break from the movie industry and concentrated on her business and raising her two sons. Years after getting over the series of heartbreaks, she gave love a third chance and met the man of her dreams, Olasunkanmi Mabinuori, an officer in the United States army. They dated for a few years, with the handsome dude accepting her children and marrying her.

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

BUSINESS NEWS Red Star Reports N9.46bn Turnover At 2021 AGM

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ed Star Express Plc, has recorded a turnover of N9.46 billion for the financial year ended March 31, 2021.

The company recorded a Profit Before Taxation (PBT) of N220.79 million and total of N150.07million as the Profit After Tax (PAT).

In the year under review, Red Star Express Plc grew its balance sheet size

by N211million with total assets and shareholders’ funds closing at N7.5billion from N7.3billion in the previous year, which represents a 2.9 per cent growth.

L-R: Managing Director, FMDQ Clear, Mr. Ayodele Onawunmi; Chief Executive Officer, FMDQ Group, Mr. Bola Onadele. Koko; Vice President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, and Head, External Relations, FMDQ Group, Mrs. Adaze Uzor-Kalu, during a courtesy visit to the Vice President at the Presidential Villa, State House, Abuja on 20/9/ 2021.

Unity Bank, Others in Consortium for N15.5bn Road Project

Hotelier Predicts Bright Future For Nigerian Hotels

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Continued from page 16

The first phase of the deal was executed this week when 16 trucks were handed over to Julius Berger, statements by the participating banks said The other lenders involved in the transaction are Heritage Bank, Zenith Bank Plc, Providus Bank, Wema Bank, United Bank for Africa Plc, Union Bank Plc and Coronation Merchant Bank.

According to details, Unity Bank Plc is the major financier with 27 per cent (or N4.24 billion) share of the total facility.

SCOA is exploring a total of N17billion credit line through its motor and equipment subsidiaries for the project.

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SCOA Nigeria, Dr Massad Boulos, commended Unity Bank Plc and other banks for extending the much-needed facility to enable it import and supply 33 MAN Platform trucks and equipment to Julius Berger.

“I commend Unity Bank, the managing director and members of the executive management; and the entire team of banks who have worked closely with us

Of the 33 trucks that the total sum covered, 16 were delivered during the first phase and handed over to Julius Berger.

The second phase, which will involve the delivery of the remaining 17 trucks, will be executed next month, a statement by Unity Bank said.

In a meeting with journalists in Lagos, Abbah disclosed that a new trend has emerged where people are reluctant to travel overseas on vacation because of the frustration of COVID-19 protocols that entail undergoing a period of quarantine once you travel to another location.

The company introduced its new directors to stakeholders. They are Mr Peter Surulere Aletor and Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Ndu, both of who hold the title of Non-Executive Director. The company stated that the duo were appointed after a rigorous exercise of electing qualified persons.

Commenting during the official handover ceremony of the equipment to Julius Berger, the Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank, Tomi Somefun, stated that the involvement of the bank in the project was in line with its strategic business objective to redistribute resources and channel funds to critical sectors of the economy.

In view of this, he explained that most people now embark on internal travels where they lodge in a hotel with their families for of one week to a month.

While Mr Peter Aletor is an Accountant by training with over 25 years experience in Stockbroking, Mr Chukwuemeka Ndu is an Accountant with over 35years experience in Accounting, Money market, Project Finance, Audit and Tax consulting. According to the Chairman, Red Star Express Plc, Alhaji Suleiman Barau (OON), Red Star is committed to remaining steadfast in the welfare of stakeholders.

“We looked at the strategic importance of this project and how such infrastructure could contribute to stimulating economic activity and decided that Unity Bank must play its part. Unity Bank will continue to provide support to such projects as we have been doing in other critical sectors of the economy such as agriculture,” said Somefun, who was represented at the ceremony by Directorate Head, Lagos and South-West Zone, Wale Ogunrinde.

According to him, this has opened the eyes of many to the fact that there are indigenous hotels in Nigeria, especially in Lagos, Owerri, Kano and Abuja, with standard and competitive facilities obtainable outside the country, adding that it is equally cheaper as travel costs have been considerably reduced.

He said, “Due to COVID-19, there is a new trend. Frustrated by the protocols of quarantining when they travel to other countries, people are now travelling from one part of the country to another and they lodge in hotels. It is more or less like a vacation for them, whether they stay one week or one month.

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

BY ANTHONY AWUNOR

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They also urged the company to pay up the dividend as soon as possible rather than wait for seven days.

on this project,” he said in a statement.

NIM schedules National Management Confab for September 26 he Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) will hold its 2021 Annual National Management Conference at the International Conference Centre, Abuja between September 26 and 28.

The conference is coming six weeks after NIM held its 60th Anniversary and Fellows Awards event at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos

The 11 shareholders who attended the meeting physically and 178 shareholders who attended the meeting by proxy via zoom, holding about 543,674,009 units of shares, voted that 5kobo for every 50kobo ordinary shares be distributed to stakeholders as dividend and that N8million be given as Director’s remuneration.

espite the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travels and tours sector, the Chairman, Dover Hotel, Barr Jackson Abbah, has revealed that the pandemic also brought a positive impact on indigenous hotels.

BY SAM DIALA construction of the roads by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

This was revealed by the Chairman of Red Star Express, Alhaji Suleiman Barau, at the recently concluded 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the company.

on August 19, 2021.

The anniversary, which was well attended, had Dr Emmanuel Chibuzo Ibe, a Director in the Police Service Commission (PSC), as guest speaker. He spoke on the topic, ‘Our Prosperous Enterprise, Our Secured Future’.

During the event, a total of 113

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members were inducted as fellows of the institute. Also 12 deserving members of the institute, who have attained the age of 70, were given Life Member Awards, while the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Bua Group of the companies won the Tuyo Award and Management Excellence Award respectively.

Above all, Stakeholders applauded Red Star for its commitment and asserted that there was still room for improvement, hence encouraged the company to do better.

“We maintained our promise of remaining steadfast in our policy of ensuring that the social and economic welfare of our stakeholders are preserved and sustained through the Red Star Foundation. The Company has constantly reviewed the activities of Red Star Foundation and has expanded into new areas”.

“Red Star Express, through its subsidiaries, supported some non-governmental organisations in the free delivery of palliatives in several local communities within Lagos and its environs. Red Star Logistics particularly partnered with United Way Greater Nigeria (a US origin NGO) to facilitate the delivery of large quantities of food items and other consumables to various communities. Our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees, customers and the communities we serve by providing resources for health and safety in all our facilities across the country and our francophone branch offices, whilst also leveraging technology-driven solutions to offer services and remain committed to our customers’ day-by-day”.

•Continues online at www.thewillnigeria.com

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

STATE OF THE STATES

BY SAM DIALA & OLAYEMI SHABA

Introduction:

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here are concerns that Nigeria’s deepening revenue challenge may escalate into a financial implosion, with the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (sub-nationals), being the worst hit. The situation is aggravated by the nation’s escalating public debt stock (now at N33 trillion). The debt stock comprises domestic and external loan obligations of the Federal Government and the sub-nationals.

With over 80 percent of the nation’s revenue committed to debt servicing annually, governments at all levels are struggling to survive. There is little left for capital budget, pay salaries and undertake other priorities to grow the economy. Moreover, there is a limit to which the people and

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corporates could be taxed. Yet, profligacy takes the centre of our governance space while frugality assumes the back seat.

As such, the sub-nationals are hemorrhaging huge resources in paying salaries and other emoluments of a bloated bureaucracy. To survive, they are urged to diversify their resource base, embark on aggressive internally generated revenue (IGR) and depend less on the shrinking federal allocations.

states per edition. It endeavours to unearth hidden treasures in each state and ascertain, through consultations and evidence-based survey, areas of comparative advantages and economies of scale. The publication will show-case, in no exaggerated terms, the socio-economic status of each state and highlight the opportunities and threats.

The purpose of the State of the States project, is to present evidence-based alternatives. These include avenues for the sub-nationals to become more viable and less dependent on the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) – referred to as Abuja handout.

Furthermore, State of the States will examine existing realities that hinge on sector-specific areas of competitive advantage – Agriculture, Tourism, Transportation, Education & Skill Acquisition, Wellbeing and MSMEs. Ultimately, the project seeks to create the desired spotlight on the sub-nationals to motivate them into something different for better results. We have featured Lagos and Ogun, Kwara and Kogi, Anambra and Enugu, Benue and Taraba.

State of the States, a bi-weekly publication, will feature two

This week periscopes Sokoto and Kebbi.

SOKOTO

okoto State was carved out of the then North Western State in February, 1976. Its capital and largest city is Sokoto located by the confluence of the Rima and Sokoto rivers. It is at the far northwest of the Nigerian border with the Republic of Niger to the north, Zamfara State to the east, Kebbi State to the south-east and Benin Republic to the west.

Sokoto state is said to be in the dry Sahel in the sandy Savannah with isolated hills. It is described as a very hot area with an average temperature of 23.3°C (82.9 °F). Meanwhile the maximum daytime temperatures for most of the year generally is under 40 °C (104.0 °F).

plant uses the limestone which abounds in the state.

College of Agriculture: State - 1

FACT-FILE:

School of Nursing: (4) - mid-wifery and nursing 3,

Local government area: 23

Land Area:10.628sqmi

Population: 4.8 million @ 2019

Registered businesses: 107

Public primary schools: 1,968 circa

Hospital - 1

School of Health Technology: State - 3

The dryness makes the heat bearable. The warmest months are February to April when daytime temperatures are said to exceed 45 °C (113.0 °F).

Public secondary schools: 180 circa

University: (Two) Federal - 1, State - 1

Polytechnic: State - 1

College of Education: State - 1

FAAC: N54.11bn @ 2020 (82.10% of total revenue)

IGR: N11.79bn @ 2020 (17.9 % of total revenue)

Domestic Debt: N42.3bn @ 2020

External Debt: $37.512m @ 2020

Unemployment rate: 13.9% @ 2020

Airport: Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport

The rainy season is from June to October during which showers are a daily occurrence. The rains cannot, however, be compared to wet tropical regions. Hamattan is usually experienced from late October to February during the cold season and it comes with the wind of Sahara dust. The rest of the season in the region is dry and allows cultivation of crops such as millet, rice corn, cereal, beans and some vegetables.

Modern Sokoto is a major trade centre in leather crafts (a significant export), kola nuts, goatskins and sheepskins, cattle and camel hides, sorghum, millet, rice, fish, peanuts (groundnuts), cotton, onions, and tobacco. A nearby cement

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Sultan of Sokoto palace

Usman Dan Fodiyo tomb

Tambuwal

Technical Schools: (7) Federal - 1, State- 6 Total Revenue: N65.91bn

Total Tax: N10.55bn @ 2020

Natural Resources:

Gold, tantalite, lime stone, phosphate, gypsum, copper, call, columbite, zinc, colin, talk, brine, iron-ore, iluminate, sand, clay, granite, flakes, salt, and hydrocarbon.

Tourist Attraction:

The Palace of the Sultan of Sokoto popularly referred to as the Seat of Caliphate is a magnificent structure that depicts culture and tradition of the people.

Surame Cultural Landscape is described as an ancient city created in the 16th century by its first king, Muhammudu Kanta Sarkin Kebbi.

Tomb of Uthman-Dan Fodio.

Waziri Junaidu History and Culture Museum.

Sokoto Museum - a place that tells the history of the people.

Gilbadi Rock Formation.- natural ‘architecture’

Mining Sokoto State has about 20 solid mineral and natural resources in commercial quantities. The discovery has further given room to economic diversification. The state government said it has employed the service of experts to research on available mineral resources and determine their commercial viability.

At the first phase of its findings, 20 varieties of solid minerals including coal were identified .Others earlier discovered include phosphate for making fertilizer, gold, limestone, gypsum, iron ore, copper, columbite, tantalite, zinc and kaolin.

A cement company in the state has expressed interest in the usage of the coal which abounds in the area to power its plant.

“BUA will use coal sourced from Sokoto to fuel the 40MW power plant being constructed at the factory”, BUA founder, Abdussamad Rabiu, said recently.

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

STATE OF THE STATES

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Sokoto Promotes All-season Farming

he Sokoto state government in a bid to boost the agricultural sector invests billions of Naira to subsidise the price of fertilizer for its farmers during the cropping season.

“We have bought 500,000 bags of fertilizer at the cost of N6,800 per 50kg bag but we have decided to sell the product to our farmers at the subsidised cost of N4,000 per bag. In all, we are spending the sum of N1.4 billion to subsidise the product.

“This intervention becomes necessary in view of our determination to boost agriculture in the state and to encourage

new entrants into the sector.

In our determination to make the sector self-sustaining, the government will not relent in its effort to provide necessary measures to empower agriculture knowing it’s the major occupation in the state”, Gov. Aminu Tambuwal said during this year’s planting season.

Tambuwal said the government will buy 25,000 metric tons of fertilizer at the cost of N3.4 billion for the dry season farming alone in the state. According to him, the state government will construct 1000 tube wells to assist dry season farmers as a result of a shortage of water being experienced at the Goronyo

Dam.

The governor said the ministry of agriculture has procured faro-brand rice seedlings at the cost of N281 million to be distributed to dry season farmers free of charge, while another N9.5 million worth of seedlings for carrot, onion, watermelon and garlic have been bought for the farmers to assist in improving their yields.

He disclosed that this is in addition to payment of N20 million counterpart funding to the State Agricultural Development Project (SADP) for the provision of tube wells to farmers and motorcycles for the agricultural monitoring officers.

The government also paid the sum of N40 million as counterpart funding to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and N56 million for the World Bank funded-Fadama III project which are all aimed at boosting agriculture.

ENDOWMENT AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Mechanized Farming: The huge investment in dam construction provides avenue for successful mechanized farming in the state.

Healthcare: The severely hot weather creates health challenges; the state is good for healthcare-related investments.

Non-banking financial services: This will offer the much needed services and also financial inclusion.

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Tourism: Being an ancient city, the state will attract tourists especially during ‘calm’ weather season.

Mining: Coal and other mineral resources abound in the state.

Rice Production: Leveraging the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrowers Scheme is an incentive for rice cultivation.

Transportation: The extreme location of the state makes long-haul a lucrative business

Irrigation Services: Irrigation and other water-related projects are crucial for agriculture.

Silos: Commodity preservation is necessary for sustained food and raw material supply.

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SEPTEMBER 26 - OCTOBER 2, 2021 www.thewillnigeria.com

STATE OF THE STATES

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ebbi State is in north-western Nigeria and its capital is Birnin Kebbi. It was carved out of old Sokoto State in August 1991. The state is bordered by Sokoto, Niger and Zanfara states as well as Niger and Benin Republics between latitudes 10¬0 and 130N and longitudes 3030’ and 60E. The economy of the state is majorly driven by agriculture with grains such as rice, millet, sorghum and others as well as fishing and livestock.

Total number of rain days also varies from the north to the south at 50 to 80 days respectively. The wet season starts from June and lasts till September in the northern parts and April to October in the southern parts.

KEBBI

Registered business: 41

FAAC: N51.18bn @ 2020 (78.79% of total revenue)

Public primary schools: 1,587 @ 2009

Domestic Debt: N48.03bn @ 2020

Public secondary schools: 321 @ 2009

External Debt: $43.608m @ 2020

University: (2) Federal - 1, State - 1

Unemployment rate: 17.25% @ 2020

Polytechnic: (2) Federal -1, State - 1

Airport: Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA)

College of education: (2) Federal 1, State - 1

List List of Natural Mineral Resources Found in Kebbi State Magnesite, Gold, Clay, Quartz, Feldspar, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Aluminium, Metalic minerals.

College of Agriculture: 1 Nursing School: -

Tourism in Kebbi

FACT-FILE:

Technical school: State- 3

Local government area: 21

Total Revenue: N64.95bn

Land Area: 14,206sqmi

Total tax: N12.067bn

Population: 4,286million @ 2019

IGR: N13.77bn @ 2020 (21.21% of total revenue)

Argungu International Fishing Festival The Argungun fishing festival is the culmination of a fourday cultural event in Kebbi State. Thousands of fishermen line up like an ancient army, carrying their traditional nets and gourds at the sound of the gun, they pound towards the narrow river Matan Fada and leap into the water. They have just one hour to catch the biggest fish. The festival is not limited to the fishing alone. During the festival there are various cultural, musical and sporting events as well.

Argungu Festival

Uhola Festival Another interesting festival in Kebbi state is UHOLA FESTIVAL in Zuru Emirate; this is a yearly festival of thanks given to God for spearing their lives. The festival is normally held around December/ January in all towns and villages of Zuru Area. It is at this festival that some age group teenage boys are considered matured to go into manhood while some age groups of girls also were considered matured to go into woman-hood. The festival takes two to three days of colorful events such as: Dances, Music, Wrestling exhibition of works of art and crafts. It holds in the ancient cities of Zuru area.

During this festival, the local populace moves to the ancient city which is normally situated at a hilly area, because of defense against invaders.

Abubakar

Karishi Traditional Settlement Karishi town is situated around Sakaba town in Sakaba local Government. This settlement is a traditional one and not yet been changed, the people there still holds to the traditional belief and customs. It is hilly and the people come down for anything, they have a fence surrounding their town and watchmen all the day against invaders. The ruler of these people is seen once a year by his subject, he only comes out once a year during one festival.

Tomb of Abdullahi Fodio The tomb of Abdullahi Fodio the brother of Sheikh Usman Danfodio the great jihadist of the 9th century, the tomb is located at Gwandu in Gwandu Local Government Area.

Abdullahi Fodio also participated in the Jihad and he played a role in the 19th century jihad, he was the founder of Gwandu Empire and rule this place until his death up to today his descendents still rule this great place.

Girmace Shrine, Zulu This is a traditional shrine where a piece of water is surrounded by thick trees, and there in the water, there are crocodiles, this is a place of worship, the local inhabitants visit this place with sacrifice and make special request to the shrine.

Alwasa Battlefield at Argungu Site where fierce battles were fought between the Fulani jihadist and Kabawa warriors (Gobir, Kebbi and Tuaregs) in 1807.

Rice

Yelwa Museum of Archaeology Arts and crafts works depicting the culture of the people are kept.

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Kanta Museum, Argungu Located in a part of Argungu called “old town” and adjacent to the main market, the museum which was built in 1831, used to be the emir’s palace until 1942 and got converted to a museum in 1958. The edifice retains its historic charm; and the view from outside is of ancient northern Nigerian structure. It is a fascinating treasure house for those seeking a more reflective experience of Argungu and its environs as it showcases the history and culture of the Argungu people in arts and crafts.

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D

Rice Production in Kebbi

STATE OF THE STATES

espite concerted effort by the state government to boost and modernize agriculture, it is reported to have largely remained at the rudimentary level with most of the farming communities producing at subsistence level. The problems of agriculture in the state is attributed to poor technology and lack of access to credit on reasonable terms, inadecuate rainfall, fragmentation of farmland resulting from inheritance and population growth, which has continuously reduced and individual household farm size, inability to secure farm inputs at the right time and low level of soil fertility responsible for low yield per hectare, at about 40% of the optimum.

to food production and income generation for the people of the state, the governor initiated an agricultural revitalisation, transformation and diversification drive through partnership with the Bank of Agriculture, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The situation is particularly tough on food such as rice, millet, sorghum and others increasing over the years aggravated by the absence of processing industries which are capable of taking up surpluses produced. In addition, while the production of stable, the production of cash crops decreased.

Most families tend to consume what their crop.

The government of Kebbi state identified its potential in agricultural and agro-allied which were maximised and it impacted positively on both large and small-scale farmers.

Production doubled, enhanced by improved varieties, fertilizer application and good agronomical practices facilitated by the governor.

The state governor, Senator Atiku Bagudu Abubakar partners with agencies and private organisation for the overall development of the agricultural sector. The output is the reason Kebbi turned into the largest rice-producing state in Nigeria, the governor was then appointed the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force Committee on Rice and Wheat Production.

The government’s sustained efforts in agricultural revitalisation and development have attracted investors.

The commissioning of WACOT mill recently held in the state was an attestation of the administration’s investment drive. The investment efforts have placed Kebbi second only to Kano in rice milling in the whole of the northwest zone.

Considering the socio-economic importance of agriculture

The federal government launched the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme aimed at production of food, job creation, income generation and self-sufficiency, and the rice farmers whose productivity per hectare of land has increased to an average of six metric tonnes of rice paddies recorded huge success.

Partnership with the Lagos State government in the production of Lagos-Kebbi Rice (LAKE Rice) and other states has created a sustainable, reliable and profitable ready market for the paddies produced by farmers in Kebbi, transforming their fortunes and boosting their socioeconomic standards of living.

To consolidate on the gains recorded in the dry season rice farming and improve output in wet the season, Kebbi has

also entered into partnership with other states as well as the Moroccan Government to receive the supply of over 300,000 tonnes of fertiliser.

The administration has also procured for distribution to famers 100 tractors, 1000 ox-drawn ploughs, 100 rice threshers and 100 motorcycles for trained agricultural extension workers.

The state is encouraging livestock production as additional avenue to diversifying its economy.

Success story of rice production in Kebbi opened more doors as the US Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard joined Governor Bagudu and private and public-sector stakeholders committed to ensuring food security in Nigeria to launch a new co-investment partnership between the USAID-funded West Africa Trade & Investment Hub and the indigenous firm WACOT Rice.

The partnership is geared towards improve the livelihoods of smallholder rice farmers in the country, whose success is crucial to feeding a burgeoning population. As a result the sum $1.48 million co-investment grant is offered. It will allow WACOT to add 5,000 additional rice farmers into its special Argungu Rice Outgrower Expansion Project launched to increase local production. of Rice is a major staple in Nigeria, but production and supply in Kebbi State, a major producer of rice, has suffered a setback because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the ambassador “We know the challenges faced by women farmers in owning lands and accessing finances and inputs — despite women being key to making a significant impact for future generations,” the Ambassador said. “We hope this activity will improve the livelihoods of women farmers and their families in Kebbi State.”

ENDOWMENT AND INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Tourism: The state government is strategically developing this sector; investment in value-chain boosting ventures is highly recommended, especially through SMEs.

Tomato Processing: In Kebbi State part of Nigeria’s food basket.

Investment in this area is worth considering.

Mechanized Agriculture: This will boost food production, especially in partnership with the state government.

Financial Service: Efficient financial service is critical to support the developmental projects of the state, especially in expanding tourism and agriculture.

Restaurant: This is a strong investment platform to attract tourists.

Hotel & Guest House: Investment in well-developed hotels and guest houses is strategic.

Maritime: Water transportation, trawling, cold store, repair workshop, tools/parts fabrication are germane to effective maritime services.

Shops, grossery stores: Retail shops and grossery stores will thrive in the emerging business climate of the state.

Private Security Service: Professionals who venture into this sector will help to boost capacity.

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ARTS The Greener Pastures in Our Backyard

BY MICHAEL JIMOH

I

f you ask any sufficiently discontented Nigerian youth where he hopes to find better opportunities in life, the proverbial greener pastures, so to speak, his own country will certainly not be top on the list. It is most likely to be somewhere in Europe, America or Asia where, in his reckoning, there are limitless opportunities to make it.

And yet, as one recent exhibition suggests, the greener pastures young men and women seek overseas are right here in their backyards. It is hard to believe. But once you have done the rounds of the dozens of paintings, documentary photographs and films on display at Didi Museum, Victoria Island, between mid-September and today, you tend to agree with the exhibitor, Bolaji Alonge, that there is, indeed, something to be mined from the abundance of water in a littoral state like Lagos.

As a photographer, Alonge has been pointing and clicking his long-lensed cameras for years – people and places, in Nigeria and beyond, at whatever might catch his fancy – birds in flight, an acrobatic display by a tyke, the carrier (Arugba) in Osun/ Osogbo festival, Lekki Link Bridge, the Niger and Brooklyn bridges in Nigeria and the U.S., respectively.

But what has riveted his attention mostly is the despoliation of the mass of water in parts of Lagos state by predatory weeds commonly called hyacinth.

Lagosians of a certain generation still remember when the Marina was overrun by the water weeds years ago. It was unnerving and unsightly: boats couldn’t ply the waterways as they used to; fishermen and women had to turn to other sources of sustenance because they couldn’t fish anymore.

The lagoon has since been rid of the troublesome weeds.

Now, the lush green carpet grass of the sea spreading for miles and miles around has found a more thriving location in Epe communities. It is disturbing to the photographer, which is the subject of his exhibition at Didi Museum.

“Greener Pastures,” Alonge said at the opening on September sixteen is “a collective desire to contribute to a better future for these communities.”

Besides, the title is double-edged. It is not only about containing the troublesome weeds but also providing job opportunities for thousands of youth bee-lining it out of the country, which explains Alonge and his team dubbing the exhibition “Greener Pastures.”

“People are frantically looking for ways to leave the country,” he said. “But in my view we can make Nigeria that place where we can be comfortable and happy. That will take working together and facing the challenges head-on.

Art is not just showcasing pretty images but also showing our reality, pushing people to think and act.

“We hope that this project will contribute to a broader awareness, building stronger networks of concerned citizens and, of course, push our government to do more.”

The photographer cum artist cum actor and his friends started the project sometime in 2018, a result of “the pilot study on Lagos Coastal Health that documented the health issues of people along the Lagos lagoon coastline. This is how I first started visiting these hidden villages where it seems that time has stood still. I took hundreds of shots – of the incredibly deep green environment, the aquatic splendor that abounds and, of course, the people living in these seemingly peaceful but also distressed places.”

If you’ve ever been to places like Makoko and Epe, prime focus of “Greener Pastures,” you can’t but agree with Alonge concerning the deprivation in those communities.

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Bolaji explaining to guests at the opening of Greener Pastures at Didi Museum in Victoria Island, Lagos.

His photographs and films couldn’t be more telling of life in those places. For instance, there is barely potable water to drink, darkly recalling Coleridge’s suffering seamen in “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner”: “Water, water everywhere but not a little drop to drink.”

Worst of all, some of the children are out of school, deprived of the very thing – education – that should stand them in good stead compared to their counterparts in Lagos metropolis, as if they are cut off from civilization, a point Alonge pointedly noted.

“This part of Lagos has never been seen before like this – it holds great potential for domestic tourism, agriculture and fishing, creating better lives in these parts of Lagos can also reduce pressure on urban slums. We have to fix public education for these children, improve their livelihoods and deal with the wider environmental issues such as water hyacinth and other heavily polluting elements like plastic.

Creating passageways for fishing boats is also a priority – to improve mobility and trade.”

More than anything else is Alonge’s desire for “the younger generations to get connected with art and the environment.”

On that note, the artist and his partners made sure “Greener Pastures” was not only an adult affair. Just yesterday, they

“

We hope that this project will contribute to a broader awareness, building stronger networks of concerned citizens and, of course, push our government to do more

had kids perform a dance drama and a workshop on art and the environment that was rounded off with a drawing competition.

As any museum crawler or gallery stalker can tell you, exhibitions around here follow a predictable pattern: there is no more talk about the event itself post-exhibition. “Greener Pastures” was anything but that.

As you are browsing THEWILL right now either in a swank neighbourhood in Surulere or Ikoyi, a middle-ofthe-range pad in Ikeja or Festac Town, dozens of men and women, experts on environmental matters and concerned professionals are having a public debate on the exhibition’s theme.

Some of those who attended the opening have indicated their interest in participating in the public discourse. There is, for instance, Damilola Emmanuel, MD of Lagos State Waterways Authority, music producer, Kayode Samuel, TV star Carol King and Theo Lawson of Freedom Park. The list also include Lucy Pearson, Country Director of the British Council, Yemisi Ransome-Kuti of Lagos Island Connect, Michel Deelen, Dutch Consul General, Lagos, Genco Sanli, representative of the Belgian government, Katherine Felgenhauer, Director AHK, Nadine Seigert, Director Goethe Institute.

Commenting on the gravity of the situation of the riverine communities in Epe, Alonge has said: “The beauty of the art works is in sharp contrast with the stark reality of these villagers, invisible as a result of predatory seaweed and lack of political will. The challenges faced by people in these riverine communities are universal, while being compounded by external factors.

“We have to fix public education for these children, improve their livelihoods and deal with the wider environmental causes by water hyacinth and other heavily polluting elements like plastic.”

There is a step in that direction already. Proceeds from the exhibition, Alonge promised, will be donated to children in those communities for educational purposes and other essential needs.

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SportsLive

List of Football’s Richest Players

BY JUDE OBAFEMI

W

hen rivals for the title of Best Footballer in the World, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Argentina’s Lionel Messi, swapped jerseys during the previous transfer season, moving from Juventus to Manchester United for Ronaldo and from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for Messi, another swapping took place in the so called “Rich List” of football’s wealthy hierarchy.

Of these, the accomplishment that must have been most pleasing to reach may have been also outselling Messi, based strictly on the competitive rivalry that continues to define the lives of arguably two of the greatest footballers in the modern game. It was made all the merrier for the Portuguese as Messi’s transfer had been announced weeks earlier before Ronaldo’s surprise last minute switch.

If nothing else, it was an unambiguous illustration of the immensity of the kind of selling power that Ronaldo boasted, from being the world’s most popular athlete with more than a combined half-billion followers across official accounts on Facebook, where he has 149 million, Instagram about 344 million and Twitter, the lowest with about 94.3 million followers.

These figures consistently rank comparatively higher than other superstars’ in the sports world and they place the five-time Ballon d’Or winner within the followership sphere of entertainers. In fact, there is an element of entertainment in the heroics that Ronaldo is capable of on the field of play in leading the forward line of both club and country. This was partly why it was easy for him to reclaim the top spot on this year’s Forbes ranking of the highest-paid soccer players in the world, again from rival Messi.

The ranking which is conducted by Forbes, with their long experience and reputation in compiling these records, consist of a summation of research that include reaching out to the players’ clubs, their agents, commercial sponsors and worldwide soccer experts. To allow for comparisons, all the figures are converted to U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate and include salaries (pretax) for the 2021/2022 season, bonuses and endorsements. Transfer fees are excluded because such fees do not accrue to the footballers.

Ronaldo was able to reclaim the top spot with the deal that brought him back to the EPL, which saw the Portuguese set to earn $125 million before taxes this season. $70 million of that entire sum will come from salary and bonuses. The rest will accrue to the striker from personal endorsements and partnerships with brands, including Nike, Herbalife, Clear and his ever-expanding CR7-branded portfolio that includes perfume, underwear, eyewear, hotels, gyms and more. In the entire sporting community of wealthy brokers, only three other active athletes are set to make more commercially in the 2021 calendar year: the $90 million recovering tennis maestro Roger Federer, $65 million basketballer LeBron James and $60 million of also-recovering golf legend, Tiger Woods.

After Ronaldo finished last season with Juventus as the top goal scorer in Serie A and won the award for the best player in the European continental Championship, Manchester United announced he was returning to Old Trafford, where he previously played from 2003 to 2009, scoring 118 goals in 292 games. Over his 18-year career, he has won 32 major trophies, including five UEFA Champions League titles, the UEFA European Championship for his native Portugal and seven league titles in England, Spain and Italy, making him the first player to win titles in the three countries.

As THEWILL reported, in early September, Ronaldo set a record as the greatest male goal scorer of all time in international football when he hit the back of the net for the 110th time in his country’s World Cup qualifying win against Ireland. Ronaldo has made over $1 billion in career earnings before taxes, the first team-sport athlete in the world to hit that milestone.

To Manchester United’s advantage, the 36-year-old is showing no signs of slowing down. Already showing exactly why the Old Trafford faithful were celebrating when he re-signed with the club, he has so far scored in all the three matches he has played, with four goals to his credit already. He has proven to have enough in the tank to still outperform most of his opponents in Europe, a good number of whom are decades younger. Ronaldo has also brought an infectious winning mentality with him and younger players of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United squad can gain from the plentitude of his THEWILLNIGERIA

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Messi, Ronaldo & Neymar

As was expected with Ronaldo’s switch to the English Premier League side, where his rise to fame was birthed, the superstar striker became the bestselling player on the Fanatics Sports merchandise site. Purchases associated with his name topped the sales of other top sports stars, who had made big transfers in recent years even outside football, including the NFL’s Tom Brady in 2020, the NBA’s LeBron James in 2018 and MLB’s Bryce Harper in 2019.

experience.

Away in France and down from his previously leading position at the top of the wealthy football ranking, Messi is not used to playing second fiddle to anyone, yet there is not much the 34-year-old can do about the circumstances that have become his reality. After lifting his first-ever senior international trophy in the colours of his football-loving country, he was prepared to continue his recordextending 21 years at Barcelona until it proved impossible due to the financial impediments that stood against the club.

Ligue 1 side PSG swiftly swooped into the picture and very quickly reached a transfer deal with the Argentine, whose status as a free agent made it easier and cheaper to negotiate the transfer from Spain to France where he will be paid $75 million this season.

Although, $5 million more than what Ronaldo will earn as salary, Messi’s total earnings of $110 million was how he ended up in the uncharacteristic second place. That means Messi’s PSG paycheck will be added to an estimated $35 million in endorsements from the likes of Adidas, Pepsi, watchmaker Jacobs & Co. There is also a fresh endorsement that Messi picked up last year, for a three-year contract, with Budweiser.

Messi’s switch to the Parc des Princes means that PSG now has three of the world’s five highest-paid players, including the 29-yearold Neymar, who is unchanged from last year at number three spot once again and the 22-year-old Kylian Mbappe, who is just after Neymar. The remaining of the cast of football’s wealthiest sees Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah round out the top five.

In the over two decades with the only team he ever knew, Messi scored 672 goals and had 268 assists on his way to 35 titles and 78 awards with a record six Ballon d’Or trophies for the sport’s best player. The “Little Magician” also pocketed $875 million in salary and bonuses and another $350 million from endorsements for a total of more than $1 billion over the length of his career. Earning nothing like his previous salary, what he will take home at PSG still keeps him as the sport’s highest-paid player on the pitch, along with Neymar, with whom he reunites in Paris after being teammates in the Catalan capital from 2013 to 2017.

As the third on the hierarchy, Neymar sought to escape playing in Messi’s shadow in Barcelona with a switch to PSG in 2017. It was a record $263 million transfer fee that brought that move to life. It also helped take the club to its first Champions League final last year, but stopped short of their ultimate target of being Champions of Europe. As Les Parisiens still have their eyes squarely locked on winning the UEFA Champions League, they re-signed the Brazilian in May on a fresh four-year contract extension to stay in the French capital until 2025 and remain among the highest-paid on the team.

While that contract put an end to rumours of him joining Messi at Barcelona at the time, Neymar instead started to court Messi on behalf of PSG, which among other financial bottlenecks, led to their eventual reunion in Paris.

The 29-year-old Brazilian has made quite the fortune for himself

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with his move away from Messi’s shadow. After an early exit of his contract with Nike over a reported assault allegation from a Swoosh employee, Neymar signed a shoe deal with Puma that has celebrated his flashy style. This March, he debuted a “creativity collection” of shoes and apparel in loud colour schemes. Last November, the social media sensation, as the third-most-popular athlete on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with 284 million followers, left TikTok and signed a deal to make video content exclusively as an ambassador for Triller.

Still in Paris and with a transfer debacle surrounding his continued stay at PSG, Mbappe is the third top Les Parisiens player to make the hierarchy. Of the three, he is the one whose stay in Paris is shrouded in uncertainty and it appears money is not the only factor involved because this past spring, the 22-year-old Frenchman turned down a contract extension in Paris that would have given him a bump to put him on par with Neymar’s pay and kept him with the club until 2024.

He has now entered into the last season on his current contract with no sign yet that he will remain by accepting an extension. PSG had hoped the signing of Messi was enough to incentivise the Ligue 1 three-time Golden Boot winner to negotiate to stay, but Mbappe may be thinking it is time for him to venture beyond and claim the bright spotlight that is rightfully his to inherit. And, he has every right to be ambitious as he has already amassed more career goals than either Ronaldo or Messi had at his age.

Commercially, Mbappe is also making more than they were at his age, too. In part, this has come about because commercial sponsors have recognized his potential earlier on. Last year, EA Sports gave him the solo cover of FIFA 21, making him one of the youngest to ever do so. This year, it announced he will be back as the face of FIFA 22, making him the first since Cristiano Ronaldo to get backto-back covers.

Another player from the English Premier League made it in fifth place: Liverpool Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah with a total sum of $41 million. Barcelona had another former player, midfielder Andres Iniesta, in the list as well. Iniesta, now with J-League side Vissel Kobe in Japan, is the only player from outside Europe who makes the list. Iniesta is tied for sixth place with Poland’s Robert Lewandowski of Bayern Munich on $35 million. The rest of the top 10 include French Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba on $34 million and the Real Madrid duo of Wales’ Gareth Bale on $32 million and Belgium’s Eden Hazard, $29 million.

In total, the ten highest-paid soccer players are expected to collect pretax earnings of $585 million this season, up from last year’s $570 million. Salary and bonus make up the bulk of the total, which is $415 million, and are up a modest 2.6% from last year as most clubs continue to be cautious in the face of uncertainty around emerging Covid-19 strains. In May, UEFA, Europe’s governing body of soccer, released a report that said its top-flight clubs were facing a whopping $8.5 billion pandemic-related revenue loss, putting a damper on major player movement even if top player pay saw an uptick.

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