Saturday 30th April 2016

Finally, Oba of Benin Leaves the 'Savannah', Reunites with Ancestors Erediauwa’s transition, a great national loss, says Buhari

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Damilola Oyedele in Abuja The Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Omo N'Oba N'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Erediauwa, has joined his ancestors.

The Iyase of Benin, Chief Sam Igbe, yesterday, announced the passing on of the great monarch at the palace ground in Benin City, saying, "Osorhue Burun" in Edo, meaning "the chalk has broken.”

He added: “Oba Erediuwa of

Benin Kingdom, the Prince of Peace, Ebo, Ayamwirhe, Emini Mini Mini, has reunited with his ancestors. May he find perfect peace with God." Both President Muhammadu Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan, among

Jonathan: Late monarch, a stabilising force

other distinguished personalities, have expressed grief at the passing of the monarch.

The announcement of Erediauwa's passage was followed by the traditional breaking of white chalk at the entrance to palace and a formal announcement of

the closure of all markets within Benin as a mark of respect for the revered Oba. The announcement that the Oba had joined his ancestors was done in the presence of palace Chiefs, Enigies, Children of the Oba without the Crown

Prince, relatives and subjects.

As a mark of respect for the late Oba, markets in the whole of Edo land will remain closed till further notice while traditional chiefs with several beads will Continued on page 6

Ahead of Workers Day, NLC, TUC Insist on N56,000 Minimum Wage ...Page 6 Saturday 30 April, 2016 Vol 21. No 7668 Price: N250

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Saraki’s Trial Political, Premeditated, Says Waku Case may derail Nigeria's democracy, CCT chairman controlled by external forces

Alex Enumah in Abuja A former National Vice Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Joseph Waku yesterday alleged that the

federal government was directly involved in the ongoing trial of the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) over issues concerning his assets declaration and that the whole

trial was politically-motivated.

Waku, who was also a Senator alleged further that he was sent to the CCT in Abuja on Thursday by the leadership of the ACF to observe the court session on behalf of the forum.

He said from what he observed, Saraki’s trial was politically-motivated and that it would do a lot of damage to the country's democracy.

The former senator who addressed judiciary correspondents

after observing the court session claimed that from all indications and from the conduct of the proceedings, the tribunal’s chairman, Mr. Danladi Umar was being tele-guided by external forces.

He also warned that the federal government “through the CCT must not give a predetermined judgment against Saraki for political reasons as doing so, Continued on page 6

Enugu Killings: Ugwuanyi Demands Explanation from Army, Police, DSS Attack went ahead despite security assurances a day earlier Arase: Why police can’t protect every Nigerian

Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State yesterday reviewed last Monday's invasion of the agrarian community of Ukpabi Nimbo in Uzouwani local government area of the state by suspected Fulani herdsmen where scores of people were killed and stated that security agencies had a lot of explanation to make in view of the prior assurances to forestall the attack.

In a related development, the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has declared that the current numerical strength of the Nigerian Police was far too inadequate to provide security to all Nigerians.

Addressing major stakeholders in the state including the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, members of the National and State Assemblies, council chairmen and members of the State Executive Council as well as PDP chieftains at the Government House, the governor said he was at a loss as to why the attack took place Continued on page 6

ADEYANJU ADELAKUN

We Need to Raise the Bar of Innovation, Creativity in Nigeria’s Interior Design

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

HENRI MOWETA: I’m an Artist with Answers to Nigeria’s Economic Crisis

Plus pg. 17

GLAD TO SEE YOU

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (left) with President Muhammadu Buhari during a courtesy call on the President at the State House, Abuja...yesterday

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Ahead of Workers Day, NLC, TUC Insist on N56,000 Minimum Wage Say governors still fly private jets

Paul Obi in Abuja Ahead of the commemoration of Workers’ Day tomorrow, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday insisted that there was no going back on its demand of N56,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers, arguing that the three tiers of government were capable of paying.

NLC Vice President and Chairman of the May Day Committee, Comrade Peters Adeyemi told journalists in Abuja that this year’s theme, “The Working Class and the

Quest for Socio-Economic Revival” was in consonance with labour’s zeal to chart the course of pro-poor policies and programmes in the country.

He argued that addressing income equality and ensuring a sustainable living minimum wage remained key to resolving the conflict of inequality and poverty among Nigerians.

He justified labour’s call for N56,000 as the new minimum wage, stating that, “some are asking if there is justification for wage increase in view of the current situation on ground; the answer is yes. The Naira itself has collapsed beyond the

expectations of every Nigerian.

“As of this morning, it’s about N321 to the dollar, and they say it’s stable now. If you do the calculation, that’s more than 100% fall. What that means is the N18,000 has gone down from the time it was negotiated.

With good conscience, you can’t insist that N18,000 should be the minimum wage.

“The unlawful increase of electricity tariff; If you look at every other thing, you find that there has been tremendous increase in services and commodities. So there is enough justification for minimum wage increment.”

The NLC VP stressed that the prevailing economic hardship and the attendant suffering associated with it, compel the need for a new minimum wage, stating that “when we renegotiated the minimum wage then, the exchange rate was N145 to a dollar.”

Adeyemi said: “With this proposed new minimum wage, life will be better for our workers. At this point in time, we believe that the figure of N56,000 is realistic and it is supposed to be affordable by our employers.”

He maintained that the excuses given by the Nigerian

Governors Forum (NGF) that the present economic climate was not conducive for such demands fell short of the mismanagement and prolificacy going on across the state, adding: “as we are talking now, there are governors that are still flying private jets.”

Speaking against insinuations that labour might have jettisoned its planned nationwide strike against government, Adeyemi said: “We have not called off the planned warning strike over the refusal of DISCOs to return to the normal electricity tariff, but both the TUC and NLC are committed to that mandate.

So, we have not called it off;

it’s something that we are committed to.”

He added: “It is most pertinent to reiterate our calls for the suspension of the implementation of the recent increment in electricity tariff, and for the government to put an end to the endemic fuel scarcity that has resulted in the unwanted long queues at the filling stations, leading to the loss of man hours and bringing untold hardship on the workers and the masses, who are already impoverished by the lack of electricity supply and near collapse of the energy sector.”

to face with the wounded and bereaved. I saw burnt and damaged personage of Christ Holy Church. I saw a traumatised community in shock and despair. I saw a dead body. I wept. I wondered what had become of our quest for a united, peaceful and prosperous nation. Our first national anthem had a phrase which went thus: ‘though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand.’

"Now in less than three months, violent clashes have occurred in Enugu State in Awgu, Nike, Abbi and Nimbo between suspected Fulani Herdsmen and our people. This situation cannot be allowed to continue."

The Enugu State Director of the Department of State Security (Abdul Malik) was also at the emergency security meeting summoned by Ugwuanyi, a day before the attack.

The governor further explained that he had audience with President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that their discussion was frank and cordial.

"I thank the president for his prompt and decisive reaction to the incident in Nimbo. The President came out with a clear and unmistakable condemnation

of this dastardly act and gave clear and definite directives to the security agencies to fish out these criminals and bring them to justice.

"So long as we are Nigerians, we cannot live in isolation but those who come to Enugu must respect our values and not engage in such dastardly act as we have witnessed recently." he said.

Arase: Why Police Can’t Protect All Nigerians…

Meanwhile, Arase said the size of the police currently put at 305,000 policemen and women was not enough to guarantee the security of all segments of Nigeria.

The IG stated this while delivering a public lecture on the topic: “Police and Public Partnership in Prevention and Control of Violent Crime and Conflicts in Nigeria” at the University of Jos. “The work of the police in any society is a very difficult, complex and dangerous vocation. The expectations of members of the public in Nigeria are many and varied and exceed the resources and support given to the police.

Failures on the part of the police are easily observed and widely reported and condemned while achievements of the police are rarely recognised, applauded and rewarded.

“Police are in constant contact with dangerous persons and in dangerous situations.

In spite of the inherent hostile policing environment and sundry challenges, the Nigeria Police has remained steadfast to its responsibility of guaranteeing the safety of the lives and property of the citizens even at the risk of their own lives.

“Between January 2014 and December, 2015 a total of 278 police officers paid the supreme sacrifice in the discharge of their statutory mandate in relation to enhancement of community peace and security, while 194 others sustained varying degree of injuries. Similarly, between January and April 2016, we have lost a total of 72 Police personnel with 78 others injured in the line of internal security duties. Cases of killing of police personnel have increased since 2009 due to terrorist attacks by Boko Haram.”

Arase suggested that, in order to enhance police efficiency, develop and sustain effective police-public partnership, citizens and communities should appreciate the duties and powers of the police and avoid criticising them just of inconvenience arising from law enforcement intended to guarantee public peace and safety and promote the rights and liberties of others.

ENUGU KILLINGS: UGWUANYI DEMANDS EXPLANATION FROM ARMY, POLICE, DSS in the first place.

The governor who also gave an indication that he would constitute a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of all the violent occurrences in the state associated with suspected Fulani herdsmen and recommend appropriate measures that would be put in place to prevent future occurrence.

"What happened between 6.30am and 7.30 am on Monday 25th April, 2016 despite assurances from the security agencies? Only the security agencies can answer this question," he fumed.

Going down memory lane, the governor explained: “Four days ago on Monday April 25, 2016, many of our brothers and sisters in Nimbo, Uzo Uwani Local Government Area of the state were murdered in cold blood by suspected Fulani herdsmen who have been grazing their cattle in that area for a while now.

"On Sunday, 24, 2016, by 7 pm, the night before this carnage took place, I got security information from Uzo-Uwani Local Government’s Transition Chairman, Cornell Onwubuya that such an inci-

dent was likely to take place in the state. I immediately summoned a meeting of the State Security Council which commenced by 10pm with all the security chiefs in the state present.

"In the meeting, we received assurances from the Commissioner of Police (Nwodibo Ekechukwu) that the Area Commander of SARS was on ground in Nimbo; that the Anti-Terrorism Unit was at Nimbo; that he was in contact with the Kogi State Commissioner of Police and reported suspected herdsmen grouping at Odolu in Kogi State preparatory for an attack on Nimbo and Abbi communities; that Police mobile force and conventional police were already drafted to Nimbo and Abbi communities; that he was in touch with the Area Commander, ldah, ACP lkegwuonwu and had linked him with the Area Commander, Nsukka, ACP Monday Kuryas.

“Both men, according to the CP, reported that there were no traces of suspected herdsmen in Nsukka or Idah; that he ordered the Area Commander, Nsukka to redeploy to Nimbo; That the Enugu Garrison Commander ( Brigadier General Olufemi Akinjobi) on his part assured

the meeting that Military was already deployed to Nimbo.

“After receiving these assurances of deployments to Nimbo, I felt quite confident that we had done everything possible to forestall an attack on Nimbo. I have deliberately narrated what transpired at the Security Council Meeting fully conscious of the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution pertaining to my oath of office. I am doing this in due discharge of my duties as Governor.

"Sadly, in the early hours of Monday, reports of this carnage reached me. More disturbing was the report that the attack on innocent and defenceless citizens were carried out at about 6 30 am.

Further reports available to me indicated that apart from the killing and maiming of innocent and defenceless citizens of Nimbo, a Church was also burnt. Following this development, I engaged the security agencies in order to ensure that the Nimbo area was secured from further attacks that might escalate the situation.

"On Tuesday, April 26, 2016, I visited Nimbo in order to establish firsthand the extent of carnage. My visit to Nimbo was revealing. I came face

FINALLY, OBA OF BENIN LEAVES THE 'SAVANNAH', REUNITES WITH HIS ANCESTORS wear only one.

In his reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said he received with sadness and an immense feeling of great national loss, news of the passing away of the highly revered traditional ruler of Benin Kingdom.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina said Buhari extended special commiseration to Crown Prince, Eheneden Erediauwa and to other members of the late Oba's immediate family.

The statement reads: "On behalf of the Federal Government, Buhari extends sincere condolences to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, the people of Benin Kingdom and Edo State on the passage of the beloved monarch who had ruled over his people since his ascension to the throne in 1979."

Buhari assured the people of Edo State of the fullest sympathy and solidarity of the federal government and all Nigerians as they mourned Oba Erediauwa whom he said would always be remembered as one of the most outstanding traditional rulers of his era.

The president prayed that God Almighty would receive the late Oba's soul and grant him peaceful repose.

He also prayed that God would grant Crown Prince Erediauwa the wisdom and courage he would require to build on the laudable legacies of Oba Erediauwa.

Also reacting, former President

Goodluck Jonathan expressed grief at the passage of Oba Erediauwa, describing the late monarch as a stabilising force and bridge-builder, who was committed to the cause for Nigeria’s unity, growth and renaissance.

Jonathan, in a condolence message to the people and Government of Edo State, also maintained that the late Oba Erediauwa served as a cultural icon and spiritual guide of the rich Benin cultural heritage.

Jonathan said: “I learnt with profound grief, the news of the passage to eternal glory of the Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa, the Oba of Benin, after a glorious 36 years on the throne.

“The late Oba Erediauwa was an exemplary monarch who was highly revered and respected across the country because of his love for peace and knack for conflict resolution.

He was indeed a peace-loving father figure, a stabilising force and courageous bridge builder who devoted so much energy to not only bringing communities closer, but also ensuring rancor-free politicking by uniting politicians of divergent principles and proclivities.

“I can recollect easily from my personal interactions with the late Oba Erediauwa that he was a modest, urbane, and rational monarch. He will indeed be missed by his family, the good people of the great Benin Kingdom, Edo State, and the entire nation.”

The Speaker of the House

of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara also commiserated with the people of Bini Kingdom over the death of the Oba of Benin, Omo n'Oba n'Edo Uku Akpolokpolo Oba Erediauwa.

In a condolence message, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the late Oba Erediauwa was a role model, an exceptional leader not only of his Benin people but also a leading light in the committee of traditional rulers in the country.

The former vice president noted that the late Benin monarch radiated royalty, majesty, wisdom, intelligence and nationalism even as he spared no effort in protecting the traditions and values of his people.

Atiku noted that his passing came at a critical time when the country had numerous challenges of nation-building and would miss his wise counsel.

Also reacting, the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole said, "Our hearts are heavy-laden with pains and grief at the passing onto glory of Omo N'Oba N'Nedo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa of Benin, our revered Oba, a distinguished Edo numero uno, an accomplished Nigerian, a seasoned bureaucrat, quintessential unifier, unique personage and exemplary Omo N’Oba, whose reign brought distinction, immense class, finesse and integrity to traditional institution in Edo State and the country at large.

"The Oba's carriage comes with an élan that was peculiar

with the reverence of royalty.

His uncommon courage was symbolic of the can-do spirit of the Edo mind. His unity of purpose was not in doubt even as he used his revered position to promote constructive engagement amongst all shades of opinion and culture in Edo state. As a thoroughbred bureaucrat, rising to the pinnacle of his career as a Federal Permanent Secretary, he understood the dynamics and intricacies of governance.

Erediauwa, who was the 38th Oba of Benin, was born in 1923.

Before he was crowned in March 1979, he was known as Prince Solomon, Aiseokhuoba, Igbinoghodua Akenzua. He attended Edo College, Benin City, Government College, Ibadan, then Yaba College, before going to King’s College, Cambridge to study Law and Administration.

He joined the Eastern Nigeria Civil Service in 1957 as a District Officer, and later moved to the Federal Civil Service where he retired as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in 1973.

For a short period, he was the regional representative of Gulf Oil. In 1975 he was appointed Commissioner for Finance in Bendel State, during the Military Administration of Major-General George Agbazika Innih before he ascended the throne of his forefathers.

Oba Erediauwa took on the title and duties as traditional head of state and rightful heir of the extinct Benin Empire when he was crowned, succeeding his father, Oba Akenzua II.

SARAKI’S TRIAL POLITICAL, PREMEDITATED, SAYS WAKU will not be in the best interest of this country.”

Waku, an elder of the ACF said from what he observed, the on-going would not bring justice to the President of the Senate.

He said that he was not impressed with the performance of the Tribunal so far.

“I think that Nigeria is again moving through a trying period of Judicial process and I make bold to say that there is already a tele-guided and premeditated judgment that one expect to see in future and that may not be good for this country.

“It will not be good for judicial process, it is not going to be good for democracy and it will not be in the best interest of the 'Change' that we are looking for.

“I have been watching the proceedings on the television and reading in the newspapers. The judiciary is on trial; the country is on trial; the Justices are on trial and we are watching to see, because similar cases have gone on before and we know how they ended.

"So, my observations here are those things that I have witnessed. I have to go back to the mother organizations to report my findings based on what I witnessed, what I have seen and the way I have looked at it.

"In as much as we are against corruption, let the legal process take its due cognisance of the facts that it is the last hope of the

ordinary and common persons.

That is my observation," he said.

Meanwhile, the ACF has distanced itself from reports that it had appointed Waku to observer proceedings at the CCT. The forum in a statement yesterday in Kaduna said that at no time did it appoint anyone as an observer at the trial of the Senate President.

The statement which was signed by the Secretsry General of the ACF, Col. John P. Uba reads: "The attention of the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, has been drawn to a report by online newspaper the Premium Times, of a statement by Senator JKN Waku to the effect that he was appointed by the ACF to be an observer at the on going CCT trial of the Senate President Bukola Saraki.

"The ACF wishes to state categorically that at no time did the it meet in any of its organs ( the NWC, NEC, BOT) to discuss the issue of Senator Saraki's ongoing trial by the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

"Hence the ACF did not send anybody to the CCT trial either as observer or in any capacity.

Therefore the ACF totally dissociates itself from the statements credited to Senator JKN Waku.

The ACF is a non-partisan, and foremost umbrella organisation committed to Northern Development and National Unity. It is not in the tradition of the ACF to take sides or interfere in judicial processes".

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Adeyanju Adelakun

We Need to Raise the Bar of Innovation, Creativity in Nigeria’s Interior Design

I Have Always Had Passion for Finesse and Quality Adelakun

His passion for innovation and creativity is unmistakable; same with his appetite for tasteful furnishings. He is a firm believer of continuous growth and re-invention. Shrewd as a businessman and spontaneous as a designer, the Chief Executive Officer of Raumplus Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adeyanju Adelakun, has an eye for details and passion for excellence and integrity. With endearing elocution, good looks and intelligence, Adelakun exudes confidence and expertise that have kept Raumplus as a leading interior design company in Nigeria. His passion for the finest aesthetics of property can be glimpsed in every area of his office. Bespectacled and blessed with an eye for detail and passion for finesse and quality and armed with years of experience with Bang & Olufsen, Adelakun’s foray into interior design business was not accidental. With Raumplus Nigeria, he owns a franchise from a global interior furnishing brand based in Germany; he is committed to promote the brand and market its innovative designs to the Nigerian market. Adeyanju speaks with Omolola Itayemi about Raumplus Nigeria’s being a household name, its loyal, expanding customer base and how he keeps company ahead of competitors

I

Can you tell us about yourself? was born in Mushin, Lagos State in the ’60s. I had my primary and secondary school education in Lagos. I am the fourth child in a family of seven children. My father was Emmanuel Adelakun while my mother was Ebun Adelakun. I had my elementary education at W.J Davis School and thereafter went to Ajoda Secondary School. I read Marketing at Ogun State Polytechnic, Abeokuta. I have also attended several management courses both at home and abroad.

How did you find yourself in the interior design business?

I started my career marketing Bang & Olufsen products and this made me to

develop an interest in the luxury retail business. I have always had passion for finesse and quality. My years with Bang & Olufsen also prepared me for interior design business. I believe interior furnishing is key to a standard home and office design. My passion as well as my work experiences actually helped in developing a concrete interest in the business.

How will you describe home and property business in Nigeria?

Home and property business in Nigeria is a thriving one but there is a need to further raise the bar of innovation and creativity in the industry. The industry with its attendant challenges has become a major player and contribution to the nation’s economy. The home and property business has enormous

potentials for growth and that is why we clamour for innovation that can accelerate growth for the industry.

Tell us briefly about Raumplus and your affiliation with the global brand?

Raumplus is a global interior furnishing brand. It is based in Germany and we have the franchise in Nigeria to promote the brand and market its innovative designs to the Nigerian audience. The brand is globally recognised for its innovative designs that appeal to the clients. Our affiliation is based on our pedigree and business model to localise the brand in the Nigerian marketplace.

What is distinct about Raumplus and its services?

Raumplus is a global brand as I said earlier; it is a brand that focuses on innovative designs to build its brand’s equity. Our brand slogan is ‘The art of fine living’. We ensure the design of beautiful and colorful interior home furnishing to the taste of our clients. Raumplus is a brand that is poised to provide top-class quality products and services to the clients. Our services are distinguished through technical know-how and our professional expertise. We place a high premium on superior value delivery for our clients.

What inspires you when you are designing for a client at Raumplus?

The major inspiration comes from the clients themselves. The needs of the client are paramount when we are designing for

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

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SUPER SATURDAY I Love Playing Video Games with My Children... them. Clients want innovative and creative designs and as a result, we endeavour to design to their taste and specifications. It should also be stated that when we design for clients, we focus on top-class quality because clients should be impressed with our designs. We ensure quality and also provide superior value delivery which aligns with the brand goal.

How do you stay ahead of your competitors?

We provide strategic and qualitative service delivery. We are very mindful of the industry we operate in; the landscape is highly competitive and as a result, we re-invent the rules to remain the toast of clients.

One major thing that distinguishes us is our superior value offering.

What Raumplus offers is premium service delivery. This cuts across every aspect of our operations. We ensure that we provide upscale service that not only meets the needs of our clients but also align with their taste. We also engage in consistent research to identify the needs of our clients. Home and furnishing is all about lifestyle and we endeavor to gauge the perception of our clients on their taste and preferences.

Is the Raumplus brand for nouveau riche alone?

Raumplus is a brand that meets the needs of every client. Though it is a high premium brand, we offer products and services that meet the needs of our clients. A brand is positioned to meet the identified needs of its clients. We offer high value interior furnishing and the products are top-class quality. It is only people who want the value and quality that patronise our products. This set of people cuts across every segment in the society.

How do you source for material and what are the challenges you faced in this market?

Our affiliation with the Raumplus global brand enables us to source for raw materials internationally. We intimate them of the raw materials we need and we ship them into the country. We also have some materials that we source locally to complement our work. The challenges we face is not peculiar to us alone. Every company has its own challenges in its area of business. Funding is a major challenge as inadequacy of capital affects business expansion. The issue of electricity is also a major issue as we spend millions of Naira buying diesel to power our generators. This affects our profitability as well as meeting the demands of our clients.

There are myriads of challenges that a business owner faces in Nigeria; a major one is infrastructure –then you have poor road networks, among others. We expend huge cost on maintaining our design factory.

There is no electricity and as a result, we spend millions of Naira buying diesel on a daily basis. The road network is also not encouraging. We transport our product across the country and the poor road network can hinder prompt delivery of the products.

The cost of doing business in Nigeria is very high. The present foreign exchange situation is a case in point. We import our materials and as a result we lost huge sum of money in transacting business due to the fall of Naira. The economy faces series of challenges and these affect our industry severely. It is my belief that the situation will improve for us to remain afloat.

With your vast knowledge in the business, how will you rate the industry presently in Nigeria compared to others in the world and what government policies will ease some of

the challenges faced in the industry?

The industry in Nigeria is evolving. It is equally a thriving one as there are several other players. The industry has come to stay as it contributes meaningfully to the economy. The industry offers enormous potentials and as a result, the operators need to play the game according to the rules.

Government policies play essential role in the development of the manufacturing sector and all sectors of the economy. Government needs to initiate policies that will support the dreams of entrepreneurs in the country. There should be some waivers as well as concessions that should be granted to support companies in Nigeria. When government policies are friendly, there will be accelerated growth in the economy.

night due to the nature of the industry we operate in.

How do you unwind?

I love playing lawn tennis, table tennis and video game with my children. These make me relax after the day’s hustle.

Who is your mentor?

My mentor is Mr. Benson Nwatse of Mercedes Benz Place Nigeria. He taught me all the intrigues in business. He was my former employer. I worked with him for 18 years. He taught me so many business ethics like never to borrow money for any business but to do it at your pace.

He started from a car shop of Mercedes Benz to assembling of Benz brands in Nigeria. Mr. Nwatse is a go-getter. I can go on and on.

How has the journey been for Raumplus?

Every journey has its own hiccups. The journey has not been smooth totally due to challenges that border on infrastructure and other social amenities. The economic outlook is also a critical factor as our demand for forex has increased astronomically. The cost of doing business is also very high in Nigeria and this affects our operations. In spite of all this, we have been able to meet the desired taste of our clients.

What’s your advice for aspiring young entrepreneurs in the industry?

I would say youths of today need a lot of discipline and focus; they need to be disciplined and not live carefree lives. Focus is a major attribute and this states clearly how you remain steadfast to achieve your purpose in life. The attribute of honesty and integrity are also essential; one needs to place a high value on integrity. People should be able to vouch for one’s character.

Diligence is also a very important attribute.

One needs to be diligent and forthright in his area of calling. Confidence is an attribute that keeps one strong in the face of challenges. One needs strong inner confidence to face the storms of life and ultimately remain afloat. I would also like to advise youth to be goal-oriented; they should have specific objectives they want to achieve in life.

Where is your best city in the world and why?

My best city is Düsseldorf. I love the city for its cleanliness, its scenic beauty and wonderful night life.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I am currently reading a book by Charles Duhig, ‘The Power of Habit’. It is a book about why we do what we do in life and business.

Adelakun

What is your typical day like?

My typical day starts with a family devotion and after that, I get set for the day’s business.

Depending on my schedule for the day, I hold several meetings both in the office and with clients. I supervise ongoing installations at our various sites before getting to the office. I also have to interact with our foreign partners through the Internet. My day ends late in the

What is that thing that you cannot do without?

I cannot do without my phone. It keeps me connected to family, friends and business associates.

When you visit a home or an office, what design piece catches your attention first?

The first thing l look out for is the effective use of space, the furnishing and the type of electronics in use.

People say Nigerians do not appreciate interior design; do you share that belief?

Nigerians are one of the most exposed people in the world, and we appreciate beautiful things.

WithRaumplus,IRe-inventedthe RulestoStayAheadofCompetitors

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 30, 2016

NEWS

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

Northern Governors Meet over Insecurity as UPP, Rep Call for Investigation of Enugu Killings Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos and John Shiklam in Kaduna Chairman of the 19 Northern States Governors Forum (NSGF) and Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has called for urgent strategies to check the alarming conflict between farmers and cattle rearers in the North West and North Central zones.

This is as the United Progressive Party (UPP) condemned the Fulani herdsmen killing of innocent Nigerians across the country, particularly the recent massacre of over 20 people at Ukpabi Nimbo community in Enugu State.

Also, a member of the House of Representative, Hon. Stella Ngwu, yesterday, called on the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to embark on a holistic investigation of the circumstances that led to the incident.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the governors meeting in Kaduna on Friday, Shitima said the security situation was assuming unacceptable proportions.

He also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure the full restoration of civil authority in areas recaptured from the Boko Haram insurgents in the North east in order to pave way for the safe return of Internal Displaced People (IDP).

Lamenting the security challenges in the zone, Shittima said "It has therefore become a strategic imperative for us to take a hard look at these formidable challenges and work out strategies on the most effective ways of not only reversing the trend but also overcoming them once and for all".

He said it was pertinent for the meeting to deliberate and "make an insightful and thorough review of the current security situation in

the region, with specific reference to the Boko Haram insurgency, cattle rustling, the lingering deadly clashes between farmers and cattle rearers, as well as the intermittent incidents of armed banditry and kidnapping, all of which had generally been regarded as part of the major factors responsible for the formidable developmental challenges we found ourselves in."

He said the insurgency in the North East had been halted and the insurgents themselves completely subdued.

"What remains now are few isolated pockets of suicide bombings which the recalcitrant remnants of the insurgents use as a last resort to attract attention and create unnecessary panic among the general population" he said.

He said the meeting was to deliberate on the reports of various committees set up NSGF to address the problems affecting the north.

UPP which described the killing in Enugu as barbaric, wicked, outrageous and sadism of the worst order, urged the Federal Government to put a stop to it.

"It is time to stop this unprovoked slaughter of innocent Nigerians by rampaging Fulani herdsmen armed with sophisticated weapons. Enough is enough", the party said.

In a statement issued on Friday by the National Publicity Secretary, Chief Ogbuehi Dike, the party charged the security agents to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and their sponsors with a view to bringing them to book to serve as a deterrent to others.

"We urge security agents to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime and their sponsors with a view to bringing them to book to serve as a deterrent to others. For long, security agents have handled Fulani herdsmen attacks with a kid’s glove which spurred the impunity with which

VICTORY DANCE...

L-R: Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party, Ali Modu Sheriff; Akwa-Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel and Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose at the special thanksgiving service in honour of Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku at the Ekiti State Government House Chapel, Ado Ekiti, on Friday

they massacre fellow compatriots in the North, which has now been extended to the South.

"This detestable onslaught by Fulani herdsmen is a threat to national security and unity. The Federal Government is obliged to protect lives and property of the citizenry as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which states that, “the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government.

"UPP demands a stop to this madness and urges security agents to sit up and carry out

their constitutional duties diligently without fear or favour.

"The Federal Government should take immediate action to rehabilitate and rebuild the communities destroyed by these heartless Fulani herdsmen and ensure there is no recurrence of this man’s inhumanity to man," he said.

Ngwu who called for full investigation represents the affected area in the House of Representatives also charged other security agencies to assist in the investigation.

In a statement signed by her senior legislative aide, Kingsley

Awuka said the senseless killing of human beings and wanton destruction of properties were premeditated and unprovoked.

While praying to God to heal the wounded, console the bereaved and grant eternal repose to the souls lost, the lawmaker said the massacre should be totally condemned by all.

Speaking from the United States, where she is currently attending an International Legislative Training at the Harvard University, she said, “I am pained by the sad event. I commiserate with the victims of the attack, families and relations of those that were

killed and the entire people of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area.

"I also urge the people of the affected area to be calm and law abiding, as every necessary step shall be taken to track the perpetrators and bring them to face the law.

“I am using this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police and other relevant security agencies and stakeholders to immediately embark on a holistic investigation of the situation with a view to bringing the culprits to book and forestalling future occurrence".

Fuel Marketers Challenge DPR, Others to Enforce Price YCM Tasks FG, Security Agencies on Unconditional at Depots as Filling Stations are Sealed in Owerri Release of Kidnapped Ex-Education Minister Amby Uneze in Owerri and James Sowole in Akure Petrol Filling station Owners Association has tasked the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to enforce official price of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol right from depots rather chasing marketers at filling stations.

This is as the DPR, South east zone sealed five filling stations in Owerri, capital of Imo state and forced reversal to normal price of the product at N86.50 per liter.

The call by the filling station owners was sequel to the alleged harassment and intimidation of members by government agencies including the DPR, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Police and the Task Force of the state on petroleum for selling fuel above the official N86.50 per litre.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, Ondo State capital, the Chairman of the Filling Station

Owners and Dealers Association, Prince Adefolajimi Adedapo said members were being forced to sell at N86.50 by government agencies while many of their stations had been sealed.

"Since we have not gotten the products at the approved price and that we buy at depot between N135 and N145 per litre in Lagos and Warri, there is no way we could sell the product at approved price”, they insisted.

He said government should enforce the regulated price from the depots all over the country and not at the outlets if government really wanted to enforce price.

"The DPR and Civil Defence Corps should direct their attention to depots and ensure compliance with the regulated price of PMS from source from major marketers and private marketers depots", he said.

While challenging the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation to make public the number of trucks approved for loading to

Ondo State on daily basis and how many go to its members, Adedapo said the government needed to address fundamental issues in the sector.

"It is not cheering that some of our members have paid the official rate since December 2015 and are yet to get the products as at now. You know the financial implications of this" In order to solve the problem, Adedapo said NNPC and Petroleum and Pipeline Marketing Company (PPMC) should increase the volume of product through transfer from Mosimi, Ejigbo and Ibadan Depots to Ore Depot instead of concentrating on mega stations and major outlets.

"Government should ensure availability of the product in Ore Depot which had been abandoned for over three years.

We do not derive joy in going about depots looking for fuel with high attendant risks. We need to do business with rest of mind: Adedapo stated.

Members of the Yewa Connecting Minds (YCM) have demanded for the immediate and unconditional release of Senator Veronica Iyabode Anike Anisulowo.

They have also tasked the Federal Government and the security agencies to do everything possible to ensure the safety of the Ex-Education Minister, who was abducted late Wednesday in Sawonjo/Imasayi area of Yewa North local government Ogun State while returning from her farm.

Addressing a press conference in Ilaro, YCM's Coordinator, Prince Ekunola Gbenga Abraham said the people of Yewaland home and abroad received with shock the sudden news of the Senator’s abduction.

“As a body, we are calling on the government to do everything possible to ensure the safety of our leader and

unearth her whereabouts, and to have the perpetrators fished out.

“We call on all the Yewans, Ogun indigenes and the Nigerians to rise up in prayers against the ugly development that has gotten to Yewaland, one of the peaceful areas in Nigeria, and that God will expose the sponsors and perpetrators of this dastardly inhuman act”, they said.

YCM expressed displeasure at the alarming rate of abductions in the area recently, adding, “We therefore issue a 24-hour ultimatum to the abductors of Senator Anisulowo to free her or face the wrath of the youths”.

According to them, youths of the area at the expiration of the ultimatum would storm all the creeks in the area to look for the kidnapped Senator.

Ekunola said the abduction

would set back the development of the area, stressing that the act was capable of scaring away investors in the community.

“We the YCM condemn in its entirety the last Wednesday kidnapping of our leader Senator Iyabode Anisulowo by yet to be identified gunmen. It is regrettable that such incident could happen in our community.

“We are giving the kidnappers 24-hour ultimatum to release her or incur our wrath as youths. We will all move down to the creeks and get them out.

“The entire Yewa community is against the development and we urge the kidnappers to release the Ex-Minister unconditionally”, he said.

Since her abduction, no contact has been established while the abductors have not made any demand.

11

APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Our Squandering Governors and ICPC’s Indictment 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

M

y biggest issue with President Muhammadu Buhari is that more often than not, he encourages corruption through his actions and inactions. The recent report of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which monitored how states spent the N338 billion bailout funds given to them by the federal government confirms my position.

According to the report released last week, 16 of these squandering governors stole or diverted a substantial part of the funds.

When Governor Rochas Okorocha made this atrocious request for bailout last year on behalf of these failed governors who have consistently failed to meet the rudimentary responsibilities of paying civil servants as and when due and providing basic infrastructure in their states, I campaigned vigorously against it, warning the president not to accede to their ludicrous demands. For me, it amounted to rewarding governors, who ordinarily, should have been severely punished for looting their states’ treasury. These governors were not voted into office to give excuses. I argued that they should resign if they were incapable of doing their jobs and allow people with good ideas and political will to come in. But they mounted pressure on Buhari who settled for a political decision and gave N338 billion to them, specifically for payment of the backlog of salaries. He also instructed the CBN to arrange another N300 billion bond for them. It is very sad to note that governors, who ought to have been impeached and prosecuted, got a pat on the back from Buhari. The incriminating ICPC report has justified my position that the governors should not have been given one kobo in the first place.

According to the report issued by the ICPC, Okorocha of Imo State, Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Abdul-Azzez Yari of Zamfara State were most prodigal in the management of the bailout funds. Imo State applied for and received bailout funds of over N26 billion. In the course of analysis by ICPC, it was discovered that some transfers were made into some funny accounts which were not related to salaries and emoluments as follows: “N2 billion paid into a Government Account; N2 billion paid into an Imo State project account, N2 billion transferred into a microfinance bank; and a management fee of N21 million paid into an unspecified account.

The ICPC report on Imo State tallies with that of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission that had earlier arrested the Principal Secretary to Okorocha, Dr. Pascal Obi. Two others — Uzoho Casmir and Iheoma Kenneth — who were described by the EFCC as the director of finance and treasurer respectively, were also arrested by the EFCC for allegedly assisting Okorocha in the mismanagement of the bailout funds.

Benue State received over N12 billion for the payment of salaries but, according to the ICPC, Ortom “mysteriously paid over N70 million into the account of the office of his deputy. The report states that in Benue State, the total debt from staff salaries and emoluments amounted to about N12.5 billion. The state received about N12.5 billion as bailout fund and disbursed about N10, 852 billion with a balance of N1. 650 billion unaccounted for. Analysis of the documents submitted revealed an alleged double payment of about N37 million in favour of Ortom’s deputy. This double payment is presently being investigated by the ICPC. In the case of Osun State, the ICPC stated that the state received N34.9 billion as bailout and disbursed N16.3 billion. Almost N18.6 billion is yet to be accounted for by Aregbesola. The report adds that the commission is investigating allegations that the state had not paid salaries since July 2015.

The fact that Aragbesola got a bailout for seven-month salaries and paid half salaries for the duration is in public domain. So, what is the ICPC still investigating?

In the case of Zamfara State, it simply duped our globetrotting president. The state

Okorocha

requested for about N32.512 billion bailout, but received N10.020 billion. However, ICPCdiscovered that the state did not owe civil servants and pensioners any arrears as at the time our Johnnie Walker released the bailout. In order to utilise the funds, Yari reportedly made overture to the Zamfara State House of Assembly requesting to use the funds to settle some liabilities amounting to about N10.020 billion. It was approved. Said ICPC: “The money was then used as outstanding of payment to 14 local government areas of the state, amounting to N4,262,560,629.83; outstanding payment for fertilizer for the 2014 farming season, N3,056,300,000; N265,256,342.76 for construction of Bungudu-Nahuche Kyabarawa Road and hostel block at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, T/Mafara at 55,000,000, among others.” This was how Yari utilised a dubious bailout he collected for salaries, even when he was not owing salaries.

Other states still owe salaries, months after receiving the bailouts; an indication that the funds may have been mismanaged.

According to the ICPC, in 16 of the states that received the bailouts, figures of amounts paid out as salaries did not tally with bailouts received. Most of these governors love this type of money. It is free money and they are already asking for more from Buhari.

Just as I wrote in RingTrue last year, most of our governors are accustomed to just going to Abuja monthly to collect handouts.

They lack the slightest idea about how to make their states viable. Most of them are even too lazy to sit down with forwardlooking Nigerians to fashion out how to make these states viable. Industries and industrial estates are dead in these states.

Many governors have not shown ingenuity in terms of making their states viable and improving their Internally-generated revenue. They have great untapped agricultural potential that can make them viable, yet, they are struggling to survive. Most of them can’t point to a single industry whose emergence they have motivated since becoming governors. So, the industries are not there and commercial agriculture is in comatose. How then do they intend to make their states viable?

The late Obafemi Awolowo built the enviable economy of the defunct Western Nigeria around agriculture and agro-allied industries. There was nothing like running to the centre for bailouts. Then, this country operated fiscal federalism. The scope of operation of each region was determined by its resources and cash. There was fiscal discipline, while only people-oriented projects were implemented.

But in this era, governors who can’t pay civil servants because of dwindling handouts from Abuja pocket billions of naira annually in the name of an unconstitutional “Security Vote.” Allocations are dwindling; yet, they live big and operate with a retinue of aides - special advisers, senior special

advisers, special assistants, senior special assistants, personal assistants, private secretaries and the rest of them. For God’s sake, what is Okorocha doing with 16 commissioners and a retinue of aides in a supposedly poor state like Imo? Okorocha and his colleagues spent billions of Naira on their re-election, yet, they can’t pay salaries. So, where did all the billions spent on election come from? The answer is obvious. They also pocket the allocations to the local governments.

Irregular payments of salaries by these governors have impoverished civil servants, forcing some of them to resort to begging in order to survive the hardship foisted on them while the governors and their cronies live big. You will find them travelling around the world with a large entourage in the name of looking for foreign investors. Many will still remember Okorocha travelling to Turkey with about 100 people to study Turkey’s industrial prowess. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State went all the way to Dubai to host his daughter’s wedding.

At times, I wonder if Buhari is aware that most of these governors from hell have mortgaged their states. I can authoritatively say that this is mainly responsible for their inability to pay salaries. Many have taken huge loans beyond their repayment capacity. The monthly direct deductions from their shares of federally-collected revenue to service the loans are now impacting negatively on their finances. A critical analysis of the contractual obligations/other deductions from the February allocations of the 36 states by the Federal Account and Allocation Committee showed that virtually all our states are deep in debt with very little to show for it. Imagine a state like Osun with a debt portfolio of almost N120 billion within five years of Aregbesola. So, what did he use the money for? This is the question Buhari should be asking instead of approving bailouts for them.

Again, these governors, amidst dwindling revenues still implement populist policies. Yearly, they spend huge amount of money sending pilgrims to Jerusalem and Mecca. Two years ago, one South-west

state spent over N500 million on such pilgrimages. These governors often implement programmes that are not in tune with the financial realities of their states. Imagine states implementing free education when they can’t pay salaries of the teachers in the schools.

Imagine what just N1000 per pupil (per term) in public schools will do to their IGR and teachers’ salaries? Late Awolowo had the financial implications of his free education programme in the defunct Western Region properly worked out before implementation.

These days, these governors just introduce all sorts of free things - free education, free health, free books, free marriage, and the rest of them, without sorting out the financial implications in the short, medium and longterm. Some of them have even introduced free lunch in public schools without thorough financial plans. Osun State started this, and had to quickly dump it.

Again, many of them complaining about financial crunch are able to squeeze out money for absolutely useless projects. They delve into all sorts of things that ought to be private sector-driven. For example, what is the business of these governors with building stadia and running football clubs amidst supposed financial crisis? Okorocha’s Imo runs Heathland Football Club. We also have Abia Warriors in Abia State, 3SC in Oyo State, Akwa United in Akaw Ibom, Wikki Tourists in Bauchi and Lobi Stars in Benue State. These are states that can’t pay civil servants, yet, release billions of Naira to run football clubs.

Former Ekiti State governor, Kayode Fayemi spent about N1billion building a new Government House when Ekiti civil servants were battling for their salaries.

I hope the ICPC will go beyond just publishing this report. The commission should sit down and discuss the report with Buhari.

Perhaps, this will convince him to stop wasting our resources on bailing out squandering governors.

This morning, I urge Buhari to deeply reflect on the position of foremost industrialist, Aliko Dangote on his heart-rending bailout. He said: “This gesture encourages laziness on the part governors. I don’t believe the federal government should continue bailing out the states; they have to sit down and plan to cut costs instead of looking for bailouts and being lazy.’’

So Much Falsehood about Budget 2016 It’s a pity that majority of Nigerians are being misled about issues surrounding the wishy washy 2016 budget submitted by our president. Two days ago, a friend of mine who works for an oil company told me that our lawmakers were responsible for all the issues surrounding the budget and that they should be recalled by their constituencies.

This is the erroneous belief being propagated by agents of this administration to deceive the people. It is a shame that we are still talking about budget 2016 in May. It is even more painful that everything around the budget has been reduced to propaganda. Nigerians need to know the truth; that constitutionally, power over the budget rests with the National Assembly.

The President only lays a proposal. When the ministries, departments and agencies come forward to defend their budgets, the lawmakers can amend, add or subtract.

Otherwise, there will be no need for budget defence. When the lawmakers are satisfied, it is brought forward as a bill, passed and sent to the president for assent. It is preposterous for a bill already passed, to be returned to the legislature as being planned.

This is not the standard. The president can sign and also forward an amendment bill to the legislature; or withhold his assent. If he fails to sign after 30 days, the legislature can override him and it becomes law, which he must implement. It is an impeachable offence not to implement such a law.

Unfortunately, our president has succeeded in intimidating the National Assembly.

Our lawmakers are no longer capable of averring themselves. We should be honest

Saraki

enough to admit that the errors/padding that came with the first budget submitted

by Buhari is largely responsible for budget 2016 delay. It was withdrawn and the head of the budget office fired. The resubmitted budget also came with huge errors as attested to by some ministers while defending their budgets. Clearly, Buhari should be absolutely blamed for this budget delay.

Further delay is unhealthy for our economy.

Buhari should sign and forward a budget amendment bill to the lawmakers. There is also room for supplementary budget.

So, let’s embrace peace for the sake of our nation. Enough of this delay, so that we can move a bit forward.

12

APRIL 30 , 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

WHAT MANNER OF RECONCILIATION?

A

The reconciliatory meeting among the APC members in Ogun State is incomplete, argues Sarah Olabimtan

siwaju Bola Tinubu is someone I hold in high esteem. I respect his foresight and political strategems. His incisive thinking and doggedness marks him out as a gift to Nigeria. Although I have never met him, his track records, both in politics and in commerce, endeared him to me. I defend him stoutly any time he is being disparaged.

However, I am still numbed by Asiwaju’s involvement in a gathering recently. Asiwaju, along with some politicians from the All Progressives Congress (APC), met at the Ikoyi home of Chief Olusegun Osoba, a former governor of Ogun State. Of course nothing was amiss with that except that the purpose of the meeting was to reconcile Osoba with the APC. Maybe that was equally not too bad since there is no permanent friend or foe in politics.

But what saddened me was the curious absence of the real gladiators in the face-of that precipitated Osoba exit from APC at the parley.

Neither Governor Ibikunle Amosun nor any member of the Exco of the party in the state was present! The meeting regrettably forgot that you cannot clap with one hand. They practically tried to shave the heads of Ogun APC members without the members’ presence. Those at the meeting were alien to the crisis.

Nigerians have short memories and this is what our leaders exploit to defraud us. Let me reboot your memories. Chief Osoba decided to dump the APC because he couldn’t get total control of the party in Ogun. He loathed the idea of Governor Amosun putting his mouth where his money is. Although Amosun funds activities of the party in the state, chief Osoba forgot the adage that he who pays the piper dictates the tune. Osoba craved 100 per cent control of party whose funding comes from elsewhere.

Chief Osoba couldn’t get his heart’s desire and so dumped the APC. He exited the party when he was most needed ahead the 2015 historic election. I still recall that Chief Osoba, at a meeting with his supporters, vowed in the name of God never to have anything to do with Amosun politically again.

Osoba was also quoted to have confided in some aides that he would do everything within his power to destroy APC as a party, lamenting that the party hierarchy betrayed him during his spat with Governor Amosun.

I still recall vividly that everybody that is somebody in the APC project as well as apolitical elements in the South-west, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Awujale of Ijebuland and the Oba of Lagos, all pleaded with Chief Osoba to have a rethink for posterity sake and for the continuation of the good work Amosun was doing in our state.

On the political field, Atiku Abubakar, Muhammadu Buhari, Tinubu and Chief Odigie-Oyegun, all begged Osoba but he bluntly refused.

He insisted that he must be handed 100 per cent control of the party in Ogun or he would quit. He couldn’t get his heart desire so he left the party.

Strikingly, what Chief Osoba demanded of Amosun was far greater than what he and other governors of Alliance for Democracy (AD) rejected from the leadership of Afenifere when he was governor between 1999 and 2003.At that time, Afenifere leaders merely wanted to ensure compliance with AD’s manifestoes. Afenifere leaders weren’t asking for control of the party in the various states, but adherence to party manifestoes!

While his face-off with Amosun was on, he demonstrated his resolve to sever all links with the party by destabilising the state APC. He evicted the party from a property he gave the progressives

THE OUTCOME IS PART OF THE IMPUNITY STILL PREVALENT IN THE LAND EVEN WITH THIS ‘CHANGE’ MANTRA. HOW CAN SOME PARTY LEADERS FROM LAGOS, OSUN, OYO AND EKITI STATES MEET AND DECIDE TO SHAVE THE HEADS OF APC MEMBERS FROM OGUN BY READMITTING A MEMBER WHO LEFT THE PARTY AND HASN’T SHOWN REMORSE TO THOSE HE HURT BEFORE HE LEFT?

during the days of the AD. The party had to hurriedly secure another secretariat nearby. Such was Osoba’s bitterness and determination to wreck the APC in Ogun.

He left APC and teamed up with the Goodluck Jonathan campaigners to spite the APC hierarchy. But as fate would have it, Jonathan lost the Presidency to APC’s Gen. Muhammadu Buhari while Amosun retained his seat as governor in Ogun.

However, the true political worth of Chief Osoba was highlighted with the manner he equally failed to return his son, Olumide, to the House of Representatives. Osoba’s son got less than 6,500 votes across three local government areas of Obafemi-Owode, Abeokuta North and Odeda.

Equally, Osoba’s governorship candidate, Akin Odunsi ,couldn’t garner up to 16,000 votes across the state. Such was the humbling defeat Osoba suffered. Indeed the crushing defeat was a strong reality check of the acceptance and popularity of the former governor by Ogun electorate.

Conversely, Amosun was returned victorious having scored the highest number of votes among all the gubernatorial candidates but he also replicated the 2011 electoral feat of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria in the state. All these happened under 12 month ago.

It is against this background that my heart bleeds when I saw my Asiwaju and the highly revered Chief Bisi Akande at Chief Osoba’s house reconciling him with APC while his immediate constituency and the people he initially rejected were no where near the meeting venue.

Why is Chief Osoba changing his mind now after he has been politically exposed at the polls? Is he telling us he has reversed his avowals? If Osoba wants to return to his vomit must Asiwaju and Chief Akande stake their own integrity for him?

Several questions keep running through my mind. Has Asiwaju forgotten that every politics is local and that you need your constituency behind you to be proclaimed a leader? Are they saying Osoba will now play his politics in Lagos? How will Osoba operate amidst those partymen he had so disparaged publicly? What will be his relationship with the executives of APC in the state who he evicted from his property during the face-off? How will Osoba relate with the governor he once vowed never to have any dealings with again? Who controls the party now?

My take is that the meeting and the outcome is part of the impunity still prevalent in the land even with this ‘change’ mantra. How can some party leaders from Lagos, Osun, Oyo and Ekiti States meet and decide to shave the heads of APC members from Ogun by re-admitting a member who, willingly, left the party and hasn’t shown remorse to those he hurt before he left?

Again, the timing of the meeting is suspicious. I wonder why the gathering is coming this early in 2016 when partisan politics is still far away. Why must Asiwaju alienate one of APC’s performing governors like Amosun but rush to the embrace of a fading politician who couldn’t deliver victory to his own blood in an election? Was that meeting designed to distract Governor Amosun? Maybe. Or could it be there is a hidden agenda on Ogun State ahead of 2019?

My humble submission is that that ill-conceived re-admission -if I may call it so- will have more damaging effect on APC cohesion in the state. It is a time bomb that promises to throw Ogun back into the hands of the PDP. The seed of fresh bickering have been sown and-my hunch is the effect this time will hurt APC. Dr. Olabimtan wrote from Ota, Ogun State

LEGACY OF IDEOLOGY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Samuel Akpobome Orovwuje pays tribute to Tunji Braithwaite, a lawyer, politician and an activist

‘To achieve the possible is not failure but success, however inadequate the success may prove in the end.’ -Joseph Schumpeter

I

t was Robert Kennedy, the former United States’ Attorney General who once said that: “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance”. This statement underscores the life and times of Tunji Braithwaite, a staunch advocate of human rights and social justice. He gained singular reputation in his own right as one of the finest leaders of the pro- democracy movement in Nigeria.

He electrified the country with his passionate speeches for democracy and social reforms. He was an outspoken defender of fiscal federalism, the poor, and a champion of education, rule of law and other issues confronting the Nigerian state.

Braithwaite was educated at Lincolns Inn, United Kingdom, and Columbia Pacific University, USA. He is one heroic individual that showed time and again that courage could shake repressive and treacherous regimes; and he changed the course of nation-building through his thoughts on human rights and political reforms in Nigeria.

His political and social construct recognised the evil forces and economic constraints surrounding

the oligarchic political regime in Nigeria with a profound understanding of social change dynamics and outcomes. He also paid exceptional attention to the quality of state institutions, the design of public policy, and the promotion of self-directed role of leaders and stewardship in nation – building.

Indeed, Braithwaite’s exit from the political landscape marked the beginning of the end of courage, character, vision and ideology. He belonged to the last generation of welfare and pro- people ideologue who participated in the struggle for national liberation through the demand of human rights and he became a revolutionary force in the enthronement of civil rule in Nigeria.

His political and legal activism was driven by great intellectual and ideological ferment and his words still ring true today. His austere political leadership and intellectual notions of human rights continue to expand today and no doubt enrich the political conversation on the national question and the urgent need to tinker with the territorial dimensions of the contrived Nigeria state. He represents a socio – political movement that is unequalled in the second republic politics in Nigeria particularly in the area of political party formation, organisation and ideology, devoid of ethnicity and religious colouration of that era.

This tribute offers a frank eclectic overview of Braithwaite’s life and times in the struggle for the emancipation of the common man and the chal-

lenges ahead. This mark of respect is also derived from my profound and genuine concern with the contemporary Nigerian political situation that is drifting precipitously. Perhaps most illustrative and symbolic underpinning of this great patriot is his intellectual debates and conversations guided by grand legal theories inspired by his epochal visions of social and political emancipation of all Nigerians from the clutches of the treacherous military regimes and the orchestra of corrupt persons shrouding as progressives and leaders.

As we celebrate the exit of Nigeria’s finest social crusader and political reformist, it is painfully clear that “mosquitoes and rats” are still looting the commonwealth with reckless abandon and the tragedy of the Nigerian situation is that majority of the elite are still engaged in misappropriation of public wealth, squirrelled away in offshore accounts which weigh down social investment and development. Furthermore, Nigerian elite have failed to transform their political kingdoms into ecstasy. The inescapable image, therefore, is a picture of a people deprived of their basic needs in conditions of extreme hardship as state managers (governors) and leaders fail to or seem incapable of advancing policies and programmes that would alleviate the plight of the ordinary man which Braithwaite championed and campaigned for in the last 50 years of his political activism. It should be recalled that he founded the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP) in 1978, a Revolutionary Socialist

Party with the singular and compelling ideology of wiping out the “rats and mosquitoes” ravaging the poor masses from achieving their potential.

Crucially, it is almost not seen from the caricature and double – speak of the most blatant kind of politics played without ideology and commitment to the people, where good governance is not a question of morality and strategic thinking but a contest of fleeting power and money. But the principles and people revolution which Braithwaite stood for is not lost. The forces of progress may have been defeated several times over but certainly not destroyed. In nation – building efforts, wherever there is manifest oppression, there is bound to be resistance. Braithwaite represented social resistance, equity, restructuring and indeed liberation of the common man from the stronghold of buccaneers in high places.

Finally, as a national reformer and a social rights campaigner he may have been disappointed that Nigeria’s political landscape is still infested with “mosquitoes and rats”, but he would certainly be inspired if in the nearest future we play by the rule of law, popular democracy and social justice.

There is a silver lining but we must be vigilant as a people in need of progress and development.

That is the greatest mark of respect we can pay to a political and civil rights movement icon. Tunji Braithwaite made a difference.

Orovwuje is founder, Humanitarian Care for Displaced Persons, Lagos

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APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

What is in the making for them?

Nigeria’s Steady March to Chaos

T

he only permanent thing in life is change.

Everything is in a state of flux. And Nnamdi Azikiwe, a pan- Africanist, said this: no condition is permanent in this world.

Nigerians have been labouring under the yoke of economic hardship for long. So they voted in Muhammadu Buahari as the president of Nigeria. He is trusted to usher in change in our polity given his antecedents and spartan lifestyle. Sadly, soon he will complete one year in office without recording any meaningful achievements. But, incredibly, the change he promised to bring to our polity has continued to elude us. Daily, the long-suffering and unlucky people of Nigeria are offered lame excuses by their political leaders for their inaction, mistakes, and failures. Bashing the immediate former President of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan, is the in-thing and fad now. They have continued to bandy the stale tale about how Jonathan’s administration mismanaged the economy to the extent that it will take the current occupants of political offices in Nigeria eon years to fix it.

But did Buhari come into office with workable economic blue-print on how to address our myriad economic problems? A person jostling for political power at the topmost political level ought to be cognisant of his country’s diverse socio-economic and political problems.

Before assuming the mantle of leadership, he would articulate and formulate solutions to his country’s problems. But the bane of Nigeria is that it has the singular misfortune of being led by incompetent and myopic leaders. The factor of imposition of leaders on the populace has always led to the emergence of mediocre national leaders in our country.

The All Progressives Congress, a coalition of many political parties, was a vehicle for the removal of Dr Goodluck Jonathan from the seat of power. Nigerians bought into the APC’s change agenda and voted in Buhari, a man believed to possess the magic wand for the revival of our comatose economy and advancement of our technology. But does he have the intellectual wherewithal, mental acuity, temperament, and gumption to take Nigeria out of the economic woods? Buhari is known for his zero tolerance for corruption. So it is not unexpected of him to wage a war against corruption in Nigeria. Now some politicians who served in the immediate past political regime are standing trial for corrupt enrichment. But we are not unaware that corruption is the leukemia debilitating our country. But the prosecution of those alleged to

have committed financial misdemeanors should follow due judicial processes; and it should be shorn of any manifestations of political witchhunt. More so the money recovered from them should be accounted for, and channelled into the development of infrastructure across the country.

Corruption deepened and festered in the country as oil boom translated to the abundance of easy cash, which our political leaders do divert into their private bank accounts. But with the crash in global oil prices, Nigeria’s economy has become distressed.

Now, some states in the federation are insolvent. They go cap in hand to the federal government begging for financial bailouts .Sadly, they owe workers in their employ backlog or arrears of salaries. These cash-strapped states may be forced by financial constraints to lay off workers in their employ. Now millions of Nigerians with university degrees are without jobs. An unemployed person is vulnerable to manipulations by either Boko Haram insurgents or agitators for statehood.

Chiedu Uche Okoye, Uruowulu – Obosi, Anambra State

FCTA and the Nyanya Road Bumps

M

onday, April 24, this year, would forever remain memorable to many residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs especially motorists who use the ever busy Nyanya-Mararaba –Keffi road. On this fateful day, hell was almost let loose as the traffic gridlock that is symbolic of the road increased beyond expectations. The situation was simply chaotic. For sure, anyone that is familiar with Abuja can attest to the fact that traffic jam on the Nyanya Express way is an inseparable slice of the road, at least, for now as the Federal Ministry of Works and the FCT Administration are yet to find a lasting solution to the perennial problem.

The situation has caused many accidents, resulting in several untimely deaths. Some have equally lost their jobs. Generally, many people have come to the painful but realistic conclusion that government is paying less attention to the Nyanya road because it’s the route traversed daily by the commoners.

It was because of these sordid experiences that commuters in that axis applauded the decision by the FCT administration to provide an alternative route to Abuja metropolis by the construction

T H E S AT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R

EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENI, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, MBAYILAN ANDOAKA, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS HENRY NWACHOKOR, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI GENERAL MANAGER PATRICK EIMIUHI GROUP HEAD FEMI TOLUFASHE ART DIRECTOR OCHI OGBUAKU II DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

of Apo –Kaarshi road. The project which would have greatly eased traffic congestion on the Nyanya road seems to have been abandoned.

As if the excruciating pains being experienced by motorists along the Nyanya road are not enough, officials of the transportation secretariat of the FCT recently went and erected speed breakers, one of the ancient methods used to calm traffic at Kugbo, a furniture market, located about one kilometre away from the city centre.

The bumps installed over the weekend caused unprecedented gridlock and untold hardship to commuters. Some motorists abused and even rained curses on the officials for being insensitive to their plight. People spent between five to seven hours on the hold-up before getting to their destinations.

The unpleasant development forced the FCT Minister to order its removal barely 72 hours after its erection.

The removal of the bumps came as a result of huge public outcry that trailed the sudden appearance of bumps on a major and ever busy Nyanya road. The decision for the construction of the bumps according to the officials was to enable pedestrians cross the expressway into Kugbo market without being hit by on-going vehicles.

But it worsened the traffic situation of the road.

Usually, motorists spend between two and four hours but after the erection of the Kugbo bumps, the number of hours increased to between four and seven. The ugly development was however saved by the minister who ordered for the prompt removal of the bumps.

But the question being asked by concerned residents is: how can any public officer in the FCTA contemplate erecting speed-breakers on the Nyanya –Mararaba expressway, reputed for its heavy vehicular movement? Have the officials forgotten so soon the criticism that characterised the introduction of bumps on Abuja roads by Mohammed Adamu Aliero’s led administration in the territory? How much of tax payers’ money was spent on the execution of the ill-fated project?

By the singular action of removing the bumps, the minister has carved a niche for himself as a true public officer that cares and listens to the cry of the ordinary people. He has shown that he is averse to the suffering of the masses unlike his counterpart, who despite the huge public outcry and even public demonstrations across Nigeria, remained indifference to the over 100 per cent hike in electricity tariff.

Ben Ukeji, Abuja

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APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

Enough of the Fulani Bandits

I

t is surprising that it took the killing of over 438 persons in the last four months for President Muhammadu Buhari to finally respond to the national threat posed by the killer squad called Fulani Herdsmen. Many had made uncharitable insinuations that the Fulani herdsmen have been so daring and brazen in the killing business because a fellow Fulani is at the helms of affairs. Those who so argue make the point that it is the silence of the president and even the presidency on the matter that had inadvertently boldened the periodic pogrom being launched on various communities across the land by Fulani herdsmen.

Perhaps the final straw that broke Mr President’s stoic and worrisome silence was the killing of about 48 persons in Ukpabi community in UzoUwani Local Government Area of Enugu State last Monday. The hue and cry following that round of killing literally reached the high heavens.

Between the same period of the past four months, the blood-thirsty Boko Haram terrorist group has killed just about 367 persons, significantly lower than the number so far killed by the Fulani herdsmen.

But in all of this, I do not quite agree that the Fulani herdsmen had continued the killing because a fellow Fulani is on the throne and had given them a tacit support with his prolonged silence on the matter.

I am aware that the menace of the Fulani herdsmen did not start today. Long before the Agatu massacre, sometime in 2014, for instance, the same nomads had invaded some Benue villages and slaughtered the inhabitants and burnt their homes and properties. I recall how the former governor of the state, Mr Gabriel Suswan raised the alarm and tried to resettle the displaced persons. President Buhari was not in office at the time. No herdsman was arrested or jailed as a result.

Some other uncharitable persons have also introduced a religious slant to the attacks, implying that the communities often attacked by the herdsmen are Christian communities noting that even when the herdsmen struck recently in Taraba State, it was against the Christian-dominated area.

Thus stretching from Agatu, to Ondo, to Abia, to Uwheru, Isoko and Orogun (in Delta State) and now Enugu State etc., the blood trail is essentially in Christian communities.

While I do not believe there is a religious agenda to the senseless and needless killings, the long silence of Mr President has been quite irksome.

Recently, the Information minister, Mr Lai Mohammed had claimed that Mr President is working silently to address the issue. I did not believe him. Why should the president be working silently when human lives are concerned and be verily loud when material resources are concerned?

Which one is more important?

If Mr President has shown measurable activism in the fight against corruption to recover material resources, why has he not demonstrated half of that enthusiasm or concern in tackling the menace of the Fulani herdsmen who are wasting our human capital as against the material capital (the looted funds) which is the essence of the anti-corruption fight?

I recall how the Agatu indigenes marched and wailed to no end with nobody answering them save some whimperish retorts from the National Assembly.

It is even more annoying that the Police institution, represented by the Inspector General of Police have watched haplessly the killing of Nigerians by a marauding crew called Fulani herdsmen without he taking any action.

Pray, does Solomon Arase really need the presidential order for him to arrest the assailants?

The vexatious inertia of the police and even the army and the entire security apparatchik of the country sends a suspicious signal that the killings have either the support or understanding of the state. Were it not so, the security machinery of the nation would have long cracked into action.

In the primary school history we were taught, the Fulani nomads are said to be homeless as they roam from one region to another in search of grazing fields for their cows. But does the fact that they have no permanent abode mean that wherever they set their feet belongs to them? Are

Canticles...

The APC Town Hall Meeting

D

o you realize that in just 29 short days, it will be one year that President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office?

Yes, I know. Why are you drawing my attention to it?

Em… Em… it is just to remind you that this government you have been so enthusiastic about has kept Nigerians waiting and hoping for… (cuts in) Look, you are among the very impatient set of Nigerians who think that President Buhari and his team should become magicians who will transform all our problems to testimonies within one year. Did you not listen to the six ministers who addressed Lagosians, nay Nigerians recently during the Lagos chapter of the APC Town Hall meeting?

Buhari they part of the Abrahamic Jews?

It is bad enough that they invade the farmlands of natives and destroy their crops without apology or compensation, yet it is doubly worse that they harshly forbid their victims from complaining. How morally right is it for them to use the pursuit of their own economy to destroy and imperil the economy of others in a country governed by equitable laws?

Still in those history lessons, the typical Fulani cattle rearer is typecasted by their lanky frames, wearing large straw hats with long sticks and a sling-on bag supposedly containing some victuals. In extreme cases, they possess bows and arrows essentially to ward off attacks from wild animals in the bush. Not anymore.

The Fulani herdsmen of today have sophisticated weapons: AK 47 rifles, Uzzi machine guns, pistols and various weaponry. Many a times, such weapons are tied to the backs of the cattle they shepherd. It is those weapons they unleash on hapless natives whenever they grumble over how their cows have destroyed their crops in their farms. In Uwheru (Delta State) for instance, Fulani men not only kill the men, sometimes, they rape their wives and daughters while the men watch before they are killed or maimed. How bestial!

They are still there as I write. The Police often wring their hands in inexplicable helplessness.

Every community down south has a nasty tale to tell on these bandits who also depend on the natives to sell their cows. In the Agatu massacre, I heard, the life of a cow was equated with ten human beings. Cow! (Nama) equal to human life! Cry beloved country!

It is even so annoying that soldiers deployed to keep the peace in Agatu and some of these places look the other way when the herdsmen embark on their killing spree. As Achebe would write, indeed, there was a country.

If the soldiers deny complicity, how come in these many rounds of killings in various places, no Fulani herdsman has either been arrested or prosecuted or even jailed for killing fellow human beings? Are the lives of the Agatu people or Uwheru, or Orogun or Isoko etc., people less prized than that of a cattle rearer?

I refuse to understand the kids gloves with which these bandits have been treated all along. How many drivers are languishing in jail for mistakenly hitting and killing people on the highway?

Aside the rampant attacks on communities, these same marauders have been behind many cases of kidnap and robbery in the land. They were behind the kidnap of Chief Olu Falae, an elder statesman and former Secretary to the government of the federation in Ondo State last year. They were behind the kidnap and eventual murder of the Ubulu-Uku monarch, HRM Akaeze Edward Ofulue in Delta State last January. The monarch’s phone was eventually recovered from some other Fulani men in Yola, Adamawa State weeks after the murder.

The DNA twins (20-year old Clinton and Blair Roberts) who were kidnapped last Sunday in Kogi State were also abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen, given the intonation and accent of the kind of English they spoke.

Perhaps even more troubling is the recent plan to allocate these Fulani herdsmen grazing zones across the country. Really? Whose land will be seized and allocated to the killers? The controversial Bill is already in the National Assembly? It will be interesting to see how that Bill will fare on the floor of the National Assembly.

Now that Mr President has finally found his voice, Nigerians hope that whoever kills will be evenly treated like a criminal whether they be Jews or Gentiles.

Who is interested in town hall meeting? Nigerians want stressfree life. Not this brutish and nasty experience. In fact, many are already saying if Buhari can’t improve on what Jonathan gave Nigerians, let him not drop below that mark. And you are here talking about town hall meeting. Is that what Nigerians will eat?

You don’t understand. The essence of the town hall meetings which will go round all the geo-political zones, is to explain the peculiar difficulties that has faced this government, so that Nigerians will not only show understanding, but also exercise some patience knowing that the government is working out ways and means of tackling the problems.

You are speaking gibberish grammar. If the ministers and top government officials also queue for petrol for hours unend, scramble for daily food, burn scarce petrol in running generators or sleep in heat or have no money in their pockets, you wont stand here to speak vexatious English and propagate the idea of town hall meeting.

Ok, let me ask you: what is the Lai Mohammed new thing the town hall meeting revealed which you did not know before? Was it not a continued reading from the Book of Lamentation? Tell me. What was new?

The town hall meetings are supposed to bridge the gap between the leaders and the led in terms of… (cuts in) You are still talking about bridge. Look, there is no bridge at all. The leaders are there and we are here. No connect. They don’t feel the pinch. They only speak smooth English like the Minister of state for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, while Nigerians groan and moan in strange pains. This is not time to talk. It is time to apply the soothing balm, especially when such talks offer no elixir.

Get it right. As painful as child birth is, it eventually ushers in immeasurable joy. Just a little while and Nigerians, like a mother who has just put to bed, will forget the pains of the labour room and begin to smile as the new baby begins to bubble and cackle in smiles. Don’t forget that the darkest hour of the night is closest dawn. Nigerians have gone through the dark alleys of awkward governance. Reprieve is nigh. It will soon be dawn. And we will all know it and savour the new ray of national rejuvenation. I know so, I am not campaigning.

Away with your neo-liberal philosophy! You talk with oracular certainty. You talk as if you are not referring to politicians. You talk as if we have not heard these sermons from all our past leaders many years ago. You talk as if Nigeria is just ten years old. You talk as if you cannot see it that even in the face of seeming anticorruption fierceness, the crooks in high places have repented. You talk as if… (cuts in) Enough of your rhetoric! I am telling you that this is a regime of change. All the nuances of fraud and past misgovernance are wearing out. The culture of impunity which defined the modus operandi of past governments is absent here. The Buhari administration is like a heavyduty truck which takes a lot of time to get revved up. And as soon as the engine is warmed, roars into life and ready for the long haul drive. So much is in stock. Much money has been recovered from the looters of yesterday. They will be pumped into the economy to trigger a rebound.

Don’t forget that the mandate is a 4-year span. Even if one year rolls off without much ado, I can assure you that the reprieve of the next three years will wipe off the memory of the unpleasant one year. (pouting his lips) Indeed. You mean you do not know that they are already working out the dialectics of the 2019 elections? What do you think is at the root of all the political skirmishes and shenanigans between the executive arm and the legislature? My brother, 2019 is it! If you don’t know this, of all men, you are most naïve.

Hmmmmm. I think it is high time we urged Gen Yakuba Gowon to revive that his ministry: Nigeria Prays.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2016

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SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2016 T H I S D AY

Plus Henri Moweta I’m an Artist with Answers to Nigeria’s Economic Crisis

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER WRITERS’ WORLD FITNESS FASHION FILE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 37 pg. 40 pg. 41

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 23, 2016

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Plus

Even When My Wife Offends Me I Apologise Henri Moweta. Have you heard that before? Those are not Latin words. If you are a regular visitor to Anthony Village, you will likely understand those words. Still in doubt? Well, that’s the name of an artist –a Nigerian artist, who exudes confidence as being one of the best artists around. His aura attests to that; so do his works. Moweta can look at an old woman, portray her exactly as she is and force a viewer to see the pretty girl she used to be. He can make anyone with the sensitivity of an armadillo to see and feel that “the girl” in the old woman is “still alive,” imprisoned inside her aged body. The artist can make you feel that there was never a girl born who ever grew older than 18 in her heart. An excitable person, Moweta only sees and understands life through paintings, sculpture and carvings. Reality does not impress him. He only believes in intoxication, ecstasy and when ordinary life shackles him, he escapes one way or the other. Moweta tells Adedayo Adejobi about his priceless love for the arts, his view of riches and how art made him fall in love with a woman

A

Living in Anthony Village debayo Mokuolu is one of the major streets running and connecting through Anthony Village, a suburb in Lagos State. The Oworonshoki express road end of the street is crammed on one side with an array of storey buildings, and on the other with a busy mechanic workshop, a massive white four storey building housing a highbrow hotel and a long, low, wooden shed occupied by a food vendor; there was also an electrician’s workshop and other small-scale businesses. For anyone driving through the expressway to visit the renowned artist, empty cans of various sizes, torn clothes, shredded vehicle tyres, squashed fruits, crushed cardboard cartons and trash of every kind which have formed a plateau of rubbish are usually the welcome sign one will see. The heap of rubbish runs down into a yawning gorge from which the Anthony-Gbagada hills could be seen rising in the distance. For Henri Moweta, the area serves as his house and art gallery.

On a normal day, you would find him standing by the roadside, facing the putrid garbage, gazing at the spectacle of smelly, sprawling trash and the lush greenery of Gbagada hills in the distance. Sometimes, he is with his son. At other times, he’s alone working. The artist, who has lived almost all his life in Anthony, loves the quietude and peace the environment offers to his mind and artistry. More so, it allows him the privilege to interact with different classes of people – the rich and poor. Anthony is a good place to live.

Moweta, the owner of the studio, Henrimoweta African Art Centre, has lived in Anthony since 1989.

His Priceless Love for Art The artist no doubt cut his teeth in the arts by studying at popular Auchi Polytechnic, Edo State. He had National Diploma and Higher National Diploma certificates. “Because that’s what I have passion for, that’s what my training is based on. I went to school and studied Art, and I had to passionately pursue it to the very level that I want, which I am now. I am enjoying it (more) than every other profession. My love for the arts is priceless. I couldn’t be doing any other thing than the arts,” Moweta pointed out.

His Memory of First Pay For a man who has spent over 30 years practising, eating and sleeping art, his consistency, resilience, growth and penchant for the job says it all.

Tracing his trajectory on the job, he was swift to admit that, “I can’t remember my first pay cheque and the first job precisely. But I know for sure that, my first pay was not commensurate compared to what I did, even as a first-timer. If you look at art, just a few people can really afford to pay for a good work. But thank God we are moving on. I knew I collected some money for the first job I did, but I can’t remember who bought my first wellpriced job.”

How He Overcame Trying Times Reliving his growing up experience, he described it as “great and perfect.”

Though there were trying times, when such occurred, he found grace to overcome, “because I believed my experience was a challenge, and that things will be good.” According to Moweta, what has helped during those trying times was for him to sit down and take a stock of “where I have been; where I’m coming from; where God has taken me to; what He is taking me through; I thank God and I expect a

Because that’s what I have passion for, that’s what my training is based on. I went to school and studied Art, and I had to passionately pursue it to the very level that I want, which I am now. I am enjoying it (more) than every other profession. My love for the arts is priceless. I couldn’t be doing any other thing than the arts,” Moweta pointed out

Moweta

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APRIL 23, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

Plus I Have Friends but I Don’t Keep Them

My wife, Gloria, is a good woman. I honestly don’t remember how we met. But she’s been so wonderful to me. You know when I say she is a good woman, she really is. She is a designer; very busy and committed to her work. So one day I went to her workplace, saw a sketch and I was forced to ask who drew it. Later, I discovered she was the one who drew the sketch. I met her, and from there I developed interest in her. At that time, there were no mobile phones.

I visited her without prior appointments at some point. Afterwards, she asked me some questions which I did not hesitate or stammer to answer. I was fully prepared. We got talking; from there onwards we began our love story

The Mowetas

His Friends and Disappointments Hear him as he talked about friendship and disappointment: “I am a very private person; I don’t keep friends. I have been disappointed by friends severally, so I took the decision not to have close friends. Not that I don’t have them, but I don’t keep them. There is nothing in this life; I have seen it all; both ups and downs of life. So it makes me to be myself all the time. However, what I do is a little unwinding particularly on Sundays after overworking myself during the week. Besides, I need rest, so the flow from within translate into new and fresh ideas. My Sundays are usually free for me. I don’t do anything, not even a drawing.”

better me and a better inflow of life and what life throws at me.”

His Art, His Wife and His Home About his profession, he said, “Because I like and love art, I have been able to engage in an interplay with it.

But my art still comes into the family because my wife understands that when I am home, I am totally home.

When I’m talking, I’m making sketches and she has understood me to that level where my heart plays into the marriage. They are able to appreciate and see from that aspect of life.”

He Makes Enough Money How much does he love money? Can Moweta ever be satisfied with what he earns from his great works of art?

He has this to say, “As an artist, I make considerable amount of money to meet basic needs and more. But no money is ever enough. No matter the amount of money you have, it can never be enough for you, as there is the basic instinctive human desire to earn and make more. If you know the amount of income you earn, you should learn to cut your cloth according to your material. That’s just the principle, because there is no amount of money or resource that can be enough if you are the lavish type. So I think it’s very important to be prudent at all times, and give attention to your scale of preferences which is very important.”

Art – It Runs in His Family While he may be the main artist in the house, there is something about other

Moweta’s art works

members of his family one can’t ignore.

“My first child is a graduate and an engineer with so much interest in the arts. He might not necessarily be drawing, but he knows every rule guiding the art procedures. He is planning to hold an exhibition for upcoming artistes and for those who want to be artists, to encourage them. My wife is into art also; and that’s one of the reasons why I married her because she sketches. Even when I run out of ideas or concepts, my wife gives me ideas to work, on and that’s the complementary part of life. You know, I always say that young people should be patient enough to look for their second half,” Moweta said.

How His Love Story Began Even though he claimed that he couldn’t vividly remember how he met his wife, the Anthony Village artist recalled: “My wife, Gloria, is a good woman. I honestly don’t remember how we met. But she’s been so wonderful to me. You know when I say she is a good woman, she really is.

She is a designer; very busy and com-

mitted to her work. So one day I went to her workplace, saw a sketch and I was forced to ask who drew it. Later, I discovered she was the one who drew the sketch. I met her, and from there I developed interest in her. At that time, there were no mobile phones. I visited her without prior appointments at some point. Afterwards, she asked me some questions which I did not hesitate or stammer to answer. I was fully prepared. We got talking; from there onwards we began our love story.

His Readiness to Apologise With marriage being a bed of roses and thorns, Moweta noted that his marriage has its own fair share of marital disagreements. But who apologizes more – he or his wife? “Between my wife and me, I don’t know who offends the other most. But I know for sure that I can do a mouthful of ‘I am sorry’.

Even when she offends me, I will still apologise to her because it doesn’t cost (me) anything. When you find it very easy to say ‘I’m sorry’ you will move on,” Moweta said.

Fulfilled as an Artist “I can boldly say I am fulfilled as an artist; besides, it written all over me.

I’m very cool and calm. I can’t say I’m the best but one of the best. My imprint in the world of art cannot be pushed over, because I have done so many things; mentored and raised so many people in the industry and today they are able to stand on their own. I love to promote African culture through arts by ways of assembling art pieces, collection and exhibition, and expressing what I do in my community and what others do in their various communities,” he said.

The Artist as an Economist Nigeria’s economic situation begs for answers; but one will hardly expect an artist to attempt to provide solutions to the country’s economic woes. Moweta thinks differently. He explained, “As an artist, there is something I’m painting right now that will answer the economic questions bedeviling our economic status as a country; on where we are and where we’ll be in the next five years. The painting will give suggestions to Nigerians to make them understand we have a lot of resources and not to focus on oil alone. The painting will be launched in August.

By the grace of God, this year will be better than any other year. I have an exhibition programme I am working on, within and outside Nigeria. I have one coming up in August and another one in the first week of September.”

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

loud Whispers

Guinness Plc: Don’t Cry I just saw the last financials of Guinness Plc and I almost wept. The giant beer company recorded over 80% reduction in its profits over last year. Don’t know whether to laugh or cry. This is really sad as this is could be a reflection of the current hardships we face as Nigerians. The situation is dire when people cannot even afford to drink to cover their sorrow. Today strong blue chip firms like Guinness is recording the kind of results that would make them a laughing stock amongst serious firms.

This ‘funny’ result to me is not even their problem. Their problem in my own estimation is their inability to properly dimension the problem with a view to resolving it once and for all.

Their over paid analysts have identified the harsh operating environment as part of if not the major reason for their performance. I beg to disagree, if you ask me their problems can be put squarely at the doorsteps of the wonderful men of God that litter our environment, as those ones continue to win souls, the urge to drink beer or stout reduces with the same proportion. My personal research also shows that as more and more pool become ‘born again’ as a result of the activities of these people, the bottom line of Guinness and other such firms continue to decline in the same proportion.

So to get Guinness back into winning ways, we have to adopt these three pronged strategies. First they should erect very huge billboards directly infront of the Redeemed Camp, Winners Chapel and The synagogue.

This is so that as the people are throngin out of the churches, they are met with the very tasty and appealing billboards exhorting them to drink and be merry. Secondly, they must also reduce the drinking age from 18 to about 15 to catch them young and finally they should either look at acquiring the holy water packaging business of Pastor Joshua with a view to bottling it and selling to the public.

With the right label and marketing strategy, Guinness should be out of this doldrums in the shortest possible timeWhile we are awaiting a recovery plan, can they kindly try ,selling Zobo. It just might do the trick.

Olisa Metuh Slumps I have just learnt that my friend Olisa slumped from his chair and was rushed to the national Hospital. We spoke on the phone last week and he apologised for his inability to attend my upcoming play and because of the Wahala he was facing with E.......C he would not be able to support. I

with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

Well done, Dino Malaye

Let me say this first that I have not seen this kind of loyalty in all of Nigeria. This kind of friendship and selflessness is what we usually see in Italian mafia films,where people kiss the ring of the Boss and swear to eternal allegiance and subservience. When I read of how Dino on his faceboôk page, allegedly said that if there was only one person standing by Saraki at this grueling CCT times, it will be him. Ohh, I am so touched, if only my dear partner Lami can learn from Dino. Dino I’m so happy that at least you have finally seen the main reason you are in the Senate. This is a very noble objective. Spending

did not doubt him, for I have known him for years as a very healthy sprite young man. He sounded weary and from his voice, I could tell that he was tired. Whatever he may have done wrong,I plead for leniency. I pray that the new overlords will be touched by the Holy Sprirt and cause the stoppages of all persecution of my friend, Chief Olisa Matuh.

A career in the police Force Over 700,000 people have applied for a job in the police force. This Avalanche like the immigration one

so much resources canvassing for votes from very hungry and neglected people to receive their mandate which states very boldly that their representative should go and ‘die for Saraki’. Dino Malaye represents a dying breed and we should all learn from this. We should learn how to be very loyal and supportive despite the circumstances. Since I read that statement, I have been going around seeking who I can be so loyal to as to wish to die for the person. After all my search I later discovered that the only person I can be this loyal to is Baba Obj simply because of the fact that he has tribal marks.

before it was meant to fill a few slots within the force. If you see the main reasons for such a huge outpouring of affection for the Police Force you will begin to understand the reason behind this massive push towards the force. First and foremost as a policeman you get free housing in one of their many barracks that can be found all over the nation. You also get not to pay bus fares, you get juicy postings especially if you a re a ‘mopol’, you watch matches free of charge at viewing centers amongst other perks that comes with being an officer of one of the most respected institutions in Black Africa. So you see why people even sell their last belongings to make sure that their wards/children get the very rare opportunity to join and serve. This is a real radical shift becuase some few years ago, nobody wanted to join the force, but today due to their ‘meritorious’ services especaially the police is now the favourite career destination for many young Nigerians. I’m so happy. #Occupy National Assembly We remain a very funny people. Of all the things that is bothering us in this nation, it is the matter between Saraki and his Demons that has warranted us to match to occupy the

National Assembly. Bigger problems that we daily face has not evolved into any hashtag protest. How this occupation will bring back the price of the dollar or how this will erase the fuel queues is left to be seen. As usual we have once again refused to see the tree for the jungle as it is usually said.

While occupying the National Assembly, let’s not forget to occupy all filling stations as they continue to hoard the already scarce commodity, the offices of the NFF for their continuous power struggle which has led to our failure to reach the finals of the cup of nations and finally me I am hashtag my landlord for amongst other reasons increasing the rents despite my plea for leniency. Let the season of hash tagging commence.

Loudwhispers : the backstory Finally the day has come. The day that my very first produced Olay will be showing at the Musin Centre to a wide swath of some of the very critical theatre going crowd. It has been a fun three weeks at the national Theatre camp of the rehearsals, with cast and crew even though very hard working still had time to play, prank themselves while still memorising their lines. One of the highlights of the period was the visiting of the camp by the very beautiful Bolanle Austen Peters. She came in and immediately took over the direction of the play from my very good friend and talented director, William Benson. After her visit, scenes and characterisation were amended . Alibaba remained his jovial self throughout the period cracking everybody with his natural gifted talent. I saw veteran actors like Lari Williams hang around the Camp.

I also witnessed a lot of ‘sweet young things’ all jingling and jangling along as they rehearsed dance sequences.

The audience will be treated to some of the best theatrical offerings during this play. The highlight of which is the scene depicting a certain joseph Edgar the writer and social critique being harangued by ‘Igor’’ for running after his wife. As the camp closes, I would like to state that I will miss the buka rice, the camaraderie that spread amongst all members of the crew, the leveling fun that evolved us all forgetting who as the star or the wakapass. William made sure that the experience especially for me was unforgettable. Let me thank him for his talent, his dexterity and total understanding of what I tried to say in the book and the message that it carried by his very beautiful depiction on life theatre. Guys you should watch this.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

21

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

EBERE WABARA

Troubled Waters

D

AILY SUN SOUTHWEST Bold Headline of April 21 welcomes us today: “Kidnappers in trouble water” The voice of the nation: troubled waters “Married man arrested over (for) threat to publish nude pictures of concubine” (DAILY

SUN, April 25) “Suspected arm (armed) robbers arrested by Lagos State Police Command” (Source: as above) Finally from DAILY SUN under review: “Unlocking financial market potentials (potential or potentialities) with right policy mix” “Governors biting more than they can chew” A rewrite: Governors biting off more than they can chew “I am immuned from litigation, says lawmaker” Just like “opportune”, the only inflection “immune” takes is “immunity”. Therefore, this columnist is not immune from criticism.

A subscriber to this column sent a message to me last weekend on the correctness of “wake” and “wake-keep”. There are no such words as “wake-keeping” and “wake-keep”.

The right expression is “wake.” Virtually all funeral announcements in this part of the world disseminate this blunder in blissful flamboyance.

And for clarity or emphasis: Christian wake.

“He is frank to the point of recklessness and does not bath (bat) an eyelid about sensibilities.”

“Successful candidates in the exam are placed into (in) universities depending on their performances and choices.”

“The picture one is likely to get is that of lawmakers yet to come to grip (grips) with the seriousness of what their duties entail.”

“Both palatable and heart-rending news are (is)

most often broken there.” ‘News’ is uncountable. “…his skin must have toughen (you mean toughened?) such that nothing can stir his emotion as to make him cry.”

“They were, in their primes (prime), sent on a journey from which nobody returns.”

“Its police, too, began investigations culminating into (in) arrest of some suspects.”

“Since last week Tuesday....” Either last Tuesday or Tuesday, last week ‘Last week Tuesday’ indicates lexical ignorance. “…our politicians should realise that if they can hold the country into (to) ransom for their jumbo pay, then footballers should not be blamed if they do same (the same).”

“Wayne Rooney girds lions (loins) for Man U and Johnson stems-up for record” For sports journalists (who cherish language abuse), phrasal verbs do not admit hyphenation.

“In Nigeria, it was designed by the military dictators as bait to divert the attention of the people from the enormity of their loots.” No questions: ‘loot’ is non-count. “…it was seen as a child of necessity aimed at restoring the primary education sub- sector which was in crisis then back to a sound foundation.” Scrap ‘back’ to avoid being charged with word abuse. ‘Restoration’ has taken care of the verbiage.

“All that we have in the present Nigerian society is an hostile (a hostile) environment for the youths and children.” Either youth or the youth “Having succeeded in intimidating their opponents at primaries, the electorate became a work-over....” A time to learn: walk-over.

“A nearby police station in Benin has (had) rebuffed the request for a police report on the

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

ground of jurisdiction.” Simply put: on grounds of jurisdiction.

“Anyone who monitored the mobilization of women in the last fifteen years in Nigeria could imagine positive results that could have been achieved if the First Ladies have (had) been sincere.”

“We do not have to wait for this sporadic attacks by foreign armed bandits to metamorphose into a full blown (a hyphen, please) security threat.” Why the discord (this attacks)? And, of course, banditry without arms? Vide a standard dictionary.

“Because of an improved revenue base, the governor said that the government is (was) in a good position….”

“What stops us from returning to the heydays (heyday) of the school.…”

“This does not mean that a lady should not be congratulated for (on) a safe delivery.” “…many of the specie (species) had run amuck simply on the suspicion that another woman is nipping at the apple.”

“Industry players blamed the high cost of borrowing from the money market to (on) a number of factors.”

“It is high time we make (made) such people pay....” “…especially with regards to human development.” This way: as regards or with regard to “…as the North would be placed on an even keel or competing favourably with their kiths and kin in the South.” Fixed expression: kith and kin “Tears of instability of power has (have) caused many Nigerians to turn their attention to alternative sources of power supply.”

“The most cheering news item in recent times is the marching order given to the NPF....”

Stock phrase: marching orders “The police strenght is inadequate to cope with the security of a large population of 150 million Nigerians.” Spell-check: strength. Similarly: straight.

“News from reliable sources tend (tends) to portray a government tendency itching (do you mean inching?) towards sustenance.…”

“Ex-head of states, who have cracked and liquidated the nation’s coffers are to be paid or are receiving N350,000 every month.”

Building a new nation: Ex-heads of state “Vocational equipments, basic infrastructures and qualified personnels must be given priority in our scheme of things.” Uncountable words: booty, equipment and personnel “The news of the death of…via a ghastly motor accident recently came as a rude shock to us.” Advert condolence: fatal (not ghastly) motor accident. Beyond the correction, since the man died, there was no need for the inclusion of the mode of mishap. Simply a motor accident. Got the point? Who can explain the etymology of “rude shock” to me? I am not used to such native registers.

“But suffice it to say that those rooting to unseat a recalcitrant lawmaker should be abreast with (of) the legal bottleneck rather than arm-twisting.”

“It is very easy for a moneybag (sic) who has….“ ‘Moneybags’ (plural unchanged) (especially informal and derogatory) is a rich person. (Source: OXFORD Advanced Learner’s DICTIONARY) “Moneybag” is a bag for containing money.

PEOPLE2PEOPLE...with Oke Epia

The Deconstruction of a National Heritage

T

he creative energies of Nigeria’s young population are boundless. All you need to do to dispel any doubt about this is to troll through Twitter, the micro-blogging social media website that tasks the expertise of even the most skillful communicator.

The ‘tweeting children of anger’ (apologies to Reuben Abati) can start a trend at the drop of a hat on any issue ranging from serious socio-political debates to the mundane memes of Warri pidgin English. If nothing at all, the entertainment value of Nigeria’s Twitter space (permit me to use that phrase) is a recommended antidote to the angst and anguish of petrol scarcity and long hours of power blackout that currently define the country.

Let me crave your indulgence to take a closer look at the illustration on this page. This picture strayed into my phone from a Whatsapp group I had joined to keep up some humanitarian work to which I am subscribed. What you see demonstrates exactly the point I have tried to make in the opening paragraph of this piece.

You will agree with me that this drawing depicts a wry humour which aptly captures the signs of the times in Nigeria. While its face value impression is the image of Nigeria’s Coat of Arms, the imagery conveyed is that of fuel scarcity and the ascendancy of a generator generation badly buffeted by a depleting purse.

The picture may pass off to some as mere comic relief useful to ease the tension of today’s torturous living conditions. But to critical minds it strikes at the very heart of the social contract which seems to have been observed more in the breach in Nigeria. This telling image should raise questions about governance; those who govern; as well as the governed. Not as if it would be questions that have not been raised before. And to which answers have continually failed to be provided. There is however, a very critical question that may have passed us all by whether we belong to the group that is amused by the picture or that which is appalled by its sardonic suggestion.

That the image is a gross corruption of Nigeria’s national symbol is not in doubt. What is imperative here is the fact it is merely a hyperbole of the everyday distortion of our collective symbols of nationhood almost at every twist and turn. The Nigerian Coat of Arms and National Flag as sacred images of our nationhood have been subjected to series of innocuous and insidious insults and assaults. It is what Hon. Sam Onuigbo, member of the House of Representatives, referred to as the ‘deconstruction of the National Flag’ in a motion he moved on the floor of Parliament penultimate Tuesday. In homes, schools, offices and public buildings, we find corrupted versions of the National Flag hoisted on poles and placed on the tables of supposed ‘big men’ who sadly, are passively ignorant of the grave offence being committed against the national psyche. As Onuigbo put it in his lead debate, “this deconstruction of the National Flag is not limited to the public alone like schools but surprisingly also perpetuated by Government Institutions such as the premises of the Police, Federal Ministries, Parastatals, National Assembly, State Government Houses, Nigerian Airports and in

PEOPLE2PEOPLE

OKE EPIA WITH

Telephone (sms only): 07059850016 Email: resourceman.oke@live.com.

Twitter: @resourceme

Nigeria Heritage a host of other premises occupied by people who ought to know better.”

Pray tell, if adults of timbre and caliber in society; persons of influence and affluence; holders of public trust and custodians of the collective conscience as it were can be found culpable in the subtle dissimilation of symbols of national heritage, then one wonders what hope there is for proper socialization of the younger and upcoming generation. As the Member of Parliament (MP) put it, “national symbols are important instruments for creating and sustaining a people’s national identity and serious minded nations take their choice of flags and other national symbols seriously” apparently because a “person’s identification with his/her nation begins to take root during childhood and the childhood experience is commonly taken to be the bedrock upon which self-identity and national consciousness is built.”

A deeper look at the problem reveals that in most cases, the Coat of Arms have been embossed on the National Flag as if both symbols are not disparate with each bearing its own significance and heritage. According to Onuigbo, “the National flag and the Nigeria Coat of Arms are two entirely different national heritage symbols with separate essence, identities and representations which are distinct from each other,” stressing that “the appropriate colours and design conceived by the designer of the National Flag, Pa Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi, in 1959, were green and white without the embellishment of the Coat of Arms on the Flag.”

This situation is sadly dangerous indeed. It portends grave threat to the country’s future vis-à-vis the common heritage of nationalism

expressed in the symbols in question. According to the MP, “a great percentage of our school children sing the lines of the National Anthem wrongly and cannot even establish the correct nature of the National Flag as a separate national symbol from the Coat of Arms and what each of them represents and as such get confused over the true identity of the National Flag as a result of the embellishment of the Coat of Arms on the flag and some of their teachers do not know this and cannot therefore correct them.”

Unfortunately, this alarming state of affairs is unknowingly magnified by the media which is a major instrument of both socialization and acculturation. Like a double-edged sword, the country’s media (especially its loose social media variant) can be both a tool for centripetal and centrifugal forces no matter how subtle. The case of publishing and broadcasting corrupted versions of national symbols cannot be helpful in nation-building no matter how one looks at it. At this stage, it is not out of place to interrogate certain assumptions as it relates to this matter. What ‘version’ of the National Flag is in the office of the Minister of Information and Culture for instance? Has the Minister taken time to take a closer look to be sure that as the number one image maker of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he is not projecting a deconstructed symbol of national unity? The same circumspection should apply to government-owned media organizations. It can only be double tragedy for instance, for the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) to be found guilty of this worrisome national malaise. This is not to excuse private media organizations from the inquisition since they even attract a larger audience of viewers and/or readers both within and outside the country.

Of course, it would be unforgivable for the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to be caught in this net of negligence. We can forgive if the agency has not been up to its rating in addressing the various issues of national value orientation and projection it was set up to do. But it will be taking our magnanimity (if not ignorance or sheer carelessness) for granted if it fails henceforth to tackle headlong this national shame of hoisting adulterated National Flags in public and private places. The NOA, like the motion by Onuigbo charged, must wake up to its responsibility in embarking on immediate and far-reaching re-orientation on the correct symbols and representative values of the National Flag, Coat of Arms, and the National Anthem.

It is however, not a task for the orientation agency alone. One way or the other, we all play a role or two if not more in the socialization process whether as parents at home, teachers in schools, peers in groups, or role models in society. It is foolhardy for anyone to stay aloof in this emerging emergency of national proportions, except of course, we have resigned ourselves to centrifugal forces tugging at the helms of Nigeria’s socio-political fabric. A man loses his self-worth by first losing his identity. The same goes for a nation.

We must all rise up to arrest this deadly drift before we get washed farther off at sea.

Follow writer on Twitter @resourceme

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER•

APRIL 30, 2016

MEMOIRS Adegbenga Kaka

I Sold Toothbrushes Before I Became Deputy Governor He always gives thanks to God for sparing his life. When in primary school, Senator Adegbenga Kaka, erstwhile deputy governor of Ogun State under Aremo Olusegun Osoba, was struck by an ailment that made him unconscious and nobody had a hint he would survive it. But he survived. Luck also smiled on this Ijebu Igbo-born politician, who represented Ogun East Senatorial District in the Seventh session of the National Assembly, when as a National Sales Manager, Pfizer Livestock Feeds Plc, Lagos, he was appointed Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Ogun State. In this interview with Femi Ogbonnikan, Kaka also talks about how he joined the struggle for the revalidation of the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election through NADECO, among others…

T

Kaka

ell us about your background?

Adegbenga Sefiu Kaka is my name. I was told I was born on May 14, 1952 to Alhaji Amusa Kaka and Alhaja Idiat Adebisi Kaka, both of blessed memory. I happened to be the fourth child of my mother, who actually lost the first three children, a male and two females. After my own birth, six other children followed, making a total of seven to my mother. And as of the time my father died, we were 19 children in number, though, I was number one to my mother, of the seven children my mother had, but I was number nine out of 19 children to my father.

And when my father died at the age of 52, it was like the whole world was ending, in the sense that, as a firstborn child to my mother, I was just in Form One. Prior to that, I was totally unconscious of happenings around me, throughout my primary school, because of an ailment that didn’t give anybody an inkling that I could survive, but it pleased God that I survive it. After the survival, although, I had finished my primary school, but my father still insisted that I couldn’t go to secondary school, unless I finished the Holy Quran. As a result, leaving Ansar Ud Deen Primary School, Ijebu Igbo in 1965 I had to wait, until January 1968 after completing the Quran, before entering secondary school at the age of 16. Unfortunately, precisely on the 25th of October that same 1968, my father passed on, unexpectedly, just after a very brief illness. So, it took my maternal uncle, Engr. P. O Okeowo, to see me through from Form two, that’s Class two, at Muslim College, Ijebu Ode, through 1972 when I passed my West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE). I later came back to Orimolusi College, Ijebu Igbo, for my Higher School Certificate (HSC). It was the same uncle, who saw to my passing through the university, which happened to be University of Ibadan, where I was fortunate to come out with a 2nd Class Upper Division in Animal Science. It is ironical that since 1968 when I lost my father, my consciousness kept on improving on a daily basis, to an extent that my academic performance, my religious belief, my closeness to God, also kept on rising, thus bestowing me a sort of unexpected wisdom to the extent that after my Secondary School certificate I initially toyed with the idea of going to work in a bank, and Union Bank was almost secured for me. But some elders said they did not support my going to work in a bank, expressing doubt about my continuing in my educational career to university level.

They persuaded my uncle to discourage me.

But to me, going to a bank to work was in order to ameliorate the living conditions of my mother and my younger siblings, but to them, it could probably destroy my future, because the money being paid would entice me so that I wouldn’t want to go back to school, and I had to jettison that appointment and went back for my HSC. After the

HSC, I entered the University of Ibadan and, subsequently, I did my national youth service at Abakaliki Agricultural Development Corporation. After NYSC, I returned to my former principal, Alhaji Ambaliu Sanni, who was then the chairman of the Ogun State Teaching Service Board. He was the one that gave me a letter of appointment and posted me to Muslim High School, Sagamu, and I had a full one-year teaching experience there, before I ventured into the civil service, against all odds. So, I spent little time in the teaching service, before I joined Pfizer Livestock Feeds, where as a Technical Sales Representative, I was initially posted to the then Gongola and Borno states respectively, where I stayed for about three months, before I got transferred to Sokoto, Niger and Kwara states, respectively and on each occasion, reporting to Kaduna. That sales representative experience completed my full exposure to the entire Nigeria, because the North - Central was where we were based.

Then, I have been to the North – East to the North-West and during my youth service, I was able to traverse the length and breadth of the Eastern part and to some extent, South - South and Middle Belt. So, in the course of my service with Livestock Feeds, I discovered that we moved our plan of action meetings, conferences, from one location to the other, across the country.

Later, I became Area Sales Manager in the South-West, taking care of the entire Southwest and I was based in Ikeja, Lagos. It was as the National Sales Manager, while still there, that the Military Governor of Ogun State, then Navy Captain Alabi Lawal, later Rear Admiral Alabi Mohammed Lawal, made a Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources. When he was removed, Navy Captain, then and later Rear Admiral Oladeinde Joseph (Rtd) came in as the new Governor of Ogun State, and he also retained me and redeployed me to Ministry of Lands and Housing.

I later went into private practice, but I did the private practice not for more than one or two years when the NADECO/ MKO Abiola saga, ‘Hope 93’ was dashed and NADECO was formed. Without being prompted by anybody, I found my way into NADECO and I was embraced and welcomed by the elders. And it was through the NADECO, we wielded a war against Gen. Sanni Abacha, not the intended war with gun, but with the brain and our Godgiven talent. At the end of the day, the era of party-politics came and I became the Vice - Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Ogun State chapter and I later became the acting Chairman for a brief period of about two months. That is all circumstantial.

When the primaries were done and Chief Olusegun Osoba was picked as the party’s gubernatorial candidate, it was more or less a unanimous decision by the party and the elders of the party that I should be the deputy governor, which to the glory of God, I discharged my responsibilities to the admiration of all and sundry. After leaving

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

MEMOIRS How I Survived a Strange Ailment While Growing Up

Cont’d from Pg. 22

as deputy governor, I faced my private business squarely, especially developing my profession in Agriculture, furthering the poultry I had already established and raised it to a sizeable and optimal level. So, it was that, I was maintaining when the opportunity came again for me to aspire to be a Senator. And glory be to God, I became a senator and I was able to discharge the responsibilities expected of me, both at the local level, constituency level and of course, at the national level, for which I give glory to the Almighty Allah.

What was your experience living in a polygamous home?

It’s both positive and negative, depending on which angle you are looking at it. It was only one of those ahead of me as my seniors from the other mother that actually got educated up to Grade 2 teacher level. For me to struggle and determine to go to secondary school was the making of the Lord. I didn’t know and nobody prompted me, but I was just desperate to join my colleagues, who happened to be in secondary schools. But the stumbling block, which later turned out to be a blessing in disguise, was my being drafted to read only Quran before entering the school. So, talking of polygamy, it afforded us healthy competition. It made us realise that we didn’t have the father, but he was the father of everybody and everybody must struggle to make ends meet. So, when my father died, it was very painful to me, because I couldn’t salvage my immediate younger brother and his sister that followed him, because I was at the mercy of my own uncle, who was magnanimous enough to take two others along with me to secondary school level. So, immediately I graduated I had to take over the responsibility of all the six younger siblings, but I couldn’t salvage the education of those two, that were immediate to me.

Kaka with his mother sitting and younger siblings standing behind

Weren’t you a beneficiary of free education in the old Western Region?

Of course. My primary education was free and what we were paying at secondary school then was just a boarding house fee and a little token. So, it was difficult to pay, because sometimes my father would have to pay at two installments.

Did anybody mentor or influence you in your chosen career?

I will tell you that, not necessarily, because my uncle wanted me to read medicine, but unfortunately, at the HSC level, my intention was to have Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. And so, because my uncle was an engineer, I settled with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. But within two months our Mathematics teacher left the school and there was nobody to the subject, I quickly switched to Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Again, our Physics teacher was not sparkling, and as if to add insult to injury, at the end of lower six, that’s within six months our then agile and erudite Chemistry teacher, Mr. Kayode Bamiro, now Prof. Kayode Bamiro at Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), left the shores of Nigeria for further studies. He was so good and we were enjoying him and when he travelled out, leaving us at the mercy of a Part - time Chemistry teacher coming from Ijebu Ode. Eventually, I had to fall back to my own ordinary level economics, without attending classes, I stubbornly registered for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, along with the General paper. But, because like we had more or less no Chemistry teacher, I scored ‘x’ because I ran away, from the second paper when I couldn’t provide any answer to any of the questions, and I just dropped out. So, I had to go and retake my papers. Attempts to resit it at Adult Education Centre of Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos, within the four and five months I spent there, I discovered that only God could save me with Physics, though I made spirited efforts, but only ended up passing Chemistry and Biology, and it was only Biology and Economic I had passed earlier. And I discovered that I couldn’t go for medicine and the decision now was to please my uncle by deliberately putting veterinary medicine as First choice and, then putting in Agricultural Science as Second choice. And by the time I entered second year at the University of Ibadan, we were to specialise and going for Veterinary medicine and when I looked back with six younger siblings with me, going for a five - year course would be a selfish agenda and I would need to quickly have to pass out of the school and then face the challenges of mentoring my own brothers and sisters.

So, at that moment, I switched, initially, to Agricultural Economics, but a senior of mine, Mr Kayode Adegbuyi, who had just finished Animal Science from the university met me and in the course of our discussion, he asked, “what do you want to do with Agricultural Economics? Why don’t you go for something else more practical? Go for Animal Science.

You can establish on your own. It is so desired and rather than looking for job, you will be an employer of labour.” So, I became attracted to it and I looked back and said, look wait a minute, if I want to do Agricultural Economics, I would have wasted time, repeating my examination and, because I wanted science, and why should I now go and do Agricultural Economics, since I had suffered for Science, let me remain in Animal Science and I would still fall back on the knowledge I have gathered in science over time. And that was how I settled for Animal Science. To the glory of God, I have no regret for it. The marketing I did at Pfizer was what

Kaka, then Deputy Governor of Ogun State with late Abraham Adesanya

attracted me towards the MBA, specialising in Marketing.

And again, all are combined in a synergical manner to make me what I am, because I discovered that, even during political manoeuvring, campaign and everything, I needed no marketer to do most of the job, that I do within me. And the Agricultural experience has made me to traverse the length and breadth, and it has also opened my eyes and made me receptive to all ideas coming from all corners, be it religious, ethnic or whatever, I am at home with everything.

Did all these challenges, affect your marrying late?

It depends on what you mean by late, but I can tell you that by the time, I graduated at the age of 26, my first concern was how to salvage the education of my younger brothers and sisters, to an extent that, with my youth service money, N84 per month, I put my own Barrister Ajibola, into secondary school. Then, when I got a teaching job with my N3, 840 per annum, I put the last child, Leke into secondary school, sustained the one in Form two and took over my sister in Form four and my brother in Form five, now a Chartered Accountant. So, I was spreading myself evenly and realised that I had a long way to go. The turnout was that I didn’t have any girlfriend throughout till I entered the university.

And fortunately, the person, I befriended first, happened to be the one I married, though I had a lot of challenges. But realising that I had a long way to go and she was relatively comfortable. The father was relatively comfortable and she happened to be the only child to the mother. So, my resolve was that rather than wait for an elaborate marriage, rather than delay the marriage, the earlier, I went into it, the better, because she was having Grade two when I met her and we had decided that she must go further and she had to go for the NCE. And immediately after the NCE, we came together, as husband and wife. So, that was at the age of 29. I do think, you can say that one was too late or too early. At that age of 29, we had our first child, and to the glory of God, two years after, the second child came so that I had to combine all the three of us, with four of my younger siblings educationally, because by the time she had the second one, I realised that if we were not careful, we would be held down, without being able to move forward. So, simultaneously, I registered for my own MBA, while I asked her to resign her teaching job and she went for a degree programme at the University of Ibadan, full time. My two children, I resolved that, they were going to go to public primary schools, because I could not afford to take them, knowing full well that, I could still mend whatever shortcomings, that might arise from them going to public schools. And in any event, I never believe in all these private schools. So, I met some challenges with respect to that, but eventually, we got in. But at a time, it was like, I was having seven of them schooling at a time, and with only one source of income to carry them all along. So, I was forced to do some other part - time businesses, like selling tooth

brush, selling cement, selling some other things like animal drugs and a lot of things to make ends meet. So, it was rough, no doubt, but the toughness actually made me what I am, because immediately, they started graduating about the same time, the Accountant, the Insurer, my wife and my own self, for MBA, we all passed out about the same time, leaving me with the last two. And what happened? I discovered that, I didn’t need to go and borrow and what I owed, I was able to pay them within four months, before the four of us passed out. So, the next thing was to say, yes, let me start my own building in my own town and I laid the foundation, immediately. So, without allowing one thing to disturb the other, I was just doing trial and error within, and God was answering my prayers.

Ogun State is endowed with talented men and women. How did the military governors pick and appoint you as commissioner twices?

Well, the area you are going to is a very long story. First and foremost, maybe, sheer providence, maybe, the fact that some people had been watching my activities without me knowing. It turned out to be that, by the time, I finished my MBA and just, before I was promoted a Group Product Manager, Gov. Raji Rasaki was posted to Ogun State and my Managing Director, then in Pfizer Livestock happened to be Alhaji Idris Bello. He also had his first degree at UI in Animal Science and also had his MBA at University of Lagos and immediately, I joined the company, he became my mentor.

I mean, somebody I admired and I took after. So, when I finished my MBA and Gov. Rasaki, who happened to be his childhood friend at Ibadan asked him to look for someone for him from my area (Ijebu North Local Government Area) to be appointed a commissioner. He looked out for me, but I was on my annual leave, holidaying in Kaduna. And when I came back, a week after, and I received the message and I went to him. He now confided in me and he said I should keep my mouth sealed, that he had actually, called for my file from the personnel department and compiled a CV for me, which he had dropped at Abeokuta. But about three weeks after, he called me again and told me that there were a lot of petitions from Ago-Iwoye and Oru/Awa, that Ijebu Igbo was domineering and as a result, Gov. Rasaki was thinking otherwise.

Fortunately, the Muslim Communities that were agitating also for more representation in government were also involved without my knowledge. But the petition was very strong and Gov. Rasaki said Alhaji Bello should help him and eventually, it has to be another Christian, being tossed forward by Alhaji Bello, who was Dr. Ketiku, now Professor Ketiku, was on for nearly 18 months. And immediately, Ketiku was announced as Commissioner, I was promoted from Area Sales Manager to Group Product Manager and so, I didn’t feel like losing anything.

But God working in His own miraculous way, Gov Rasaki was moved to Lagos, while Navy Captain Mohammed Alabi Lawal was brought to Ogun State and the Muslim communities sustained the agitation for inclusiveness in the new Administration and they had the receptive ear of Navy Captain Lawal, determining to do it and Lawal gave them a challenge to look for a replacement for Prof. Ketiku. And as I was told, after I had left office as commissioner, because I didn’t know all that transpired, there was political manoeuvring, because my name came up again, while the Muslim communities were agitating and about four or five of us were compiled and somehow my name was not submitted, but I wasn’t in the know. I didn’t know how I would have reacted or not. So, Lawal had to call Prof. Olubi Shodipo, the then Vice Chancellor, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), AgoIwoye to help him search for somebody with Agricultural background from the Ijebu North Local Government.

(See concluding part on www.thisdaylive.com)

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

SHOWBiZFlAir

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

SOLIDSTAR

I Love to Keep My Love Life Away from the Public Solid Star is no new comer in the entertainment industry as he has contributed so much to the growth of the industry with great music, exemplary lifestyle and a strong brand. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his career, album to be released soon, love life and lots more My new song ‘Wait’ featuring Davido… he song is doing pretty well as the reviews and comments that I have received are quite commendable and encouraging. It’s not good on the artiste side when you put out a song and people don’t like it or there are no good talks about it; it automatically kills your morals. The song is everywhere and there are plans for a remix because of the success recorded by the original version.

T

The choice of Davido on the song…

I actually did that because I know and foresee that Davido was a very good match for the song. Although I have other artistes that can ordinarily blend with the song - the likes of Flavour, Phyno and others because of the lyrical content of the song but I chose Davido because he is a versatile artiste and people ordinarily won’t expect a Davido to jump on that kind of beat. So, I just wanted him to do something different and he did; and as well at the end of the day, both the audio and video came out well.

About the remix of the song…

Although it’s 80% done but I really don’t want to reveal the name of the artistes now till maybe a week to the release date. It’s definitely going to be a male and a female artiste.

Talking about starting from the church…

Like I said earlier, I was born and broughtup in church. I was one of the lead drummers in church as well as good vocalist. I love highlife music and I think I was able to groom myself all from the church. That I will say has really helped the artistic part of me.

I cannot forget where I am coming from…

Definitely, I cannot forget real quick where I am coming from. I am working on full gospel song which will be included in my album billed for release before the end of the year. Trust me, there are like two to four gospel songs on the album because I have not done such before?

My music yet to cut across necessary places…

It’s so sad that my music is yet to cut across the necessary places itought to have been; which is on the part of the management. As I speak to you, all hands are on deck now and we are really strategising.

Now, we have a good distribution team that is doing a good job while we are still in search for a competent manager who can bring new ideas on board.

My twitter rants with DJ Neptune…

DJ Neptune and I are good friends but what happened that night was that during the HipTV nomination party, I, Oritsefemi and one other artiste were the headliner for the show. I was the second artiste to perform as Oritsefemi was expected to round-off the show. I was performing because normally, I love to do acapella for my fans to respond before I do the main song. I had performed two of my songs already and was gearing up to perform the key song’ My Body’, so I did the acapella and was expecting the DJ to play the song, he was just scratching the music which indirectly means I should leave the stage.

I felt totally embarrassed and left the stage in anger; I tried getting back to him but his lines were not available; though it was bad, I couldn’t hold it, so I had go to twitter to pour my mind out.

About the push for my songs…

Like I said before, it all still boils down to the management and that is what we are working on. I have chased away people that are drawing my progress backward, if you notice now, ‘Wait’ has a lot of push and this is as a result of the new distributor that is on board now. Also, a good manager that talks about your brand to the corporate world is also lacking and as result causing few setbacks which is in its correctional stage now.

Expectations on my new album…

My kind of person, as the day goes by, I keep improving and a learn new ideas, getting wiser and also moving with the right person because I change friends almost every day. If you keep moving with one set of people, you will discover that you are doing same all the time. My next album will be better than the previous one most definitely. Currently, we are about 50% in the album preparation, but for the working title of the album, I will disclose that when the time is appropriate. Just be assured that I will not be falling short of standard.

How I feel when I read negative stories about myself in the media…

It was when I was still an upcoming artiste that it gets me and I begin to feel bad.

But now, when people say shit about me in the media which at all times are negative and not true, I laugh. Believe me sincerely; in the industry now, you have lovers, haters and some other categories. It does not affect me anymore because now, I have learnt to be strong and a whole lot of lesson comes as the day progresses.

My relationship with Achievas Music…

Solidstar

Achievas Music has done a lot for me even when things were not going well, they still stood by me. They just believed in me and they have a passion for growing careers.

I stand to say it anywhere that Achievas Music is one of the best labels in Nigeria and the world but where I have issues with them is that they bring the wrong people on board and that is what we are working on now.

A song in my local dialect…

The problem now is that, the Isoko language is what I can’t really speak fluently but I only understand it when people speak it. I am a proud Isoko boy wey no sabi speak am’ and for me to bring somebody to sit me down and start translating for me will be very difficult. I need to stay there for like a month to perfect everything because I am fast learner. Ridiculously, if it was a Calabar song, I can do that very well, likewise Igbo language, I love the language and the fact that I can speak a bit of it, I can still blend it. For my local dialect song, I am seriously working on it because I won’t want to sing a song in my language and will be singing off key.

My dreads…

I have carried my dread for years but it will amaze you that I have tried different look with dread. Even at a time, I had to shave a bit from It and I also hide the dread

so that people will think I have shaved it off.

But still people still want the dread on me because it something people have identified me with. So, if I should completely shave-off the dread, people will begin to find me because I have a very small head.

The craziest thing a fan has done…

It’s much oo!! But the one that amazed me more was at one of the industry night, I wanted to ease myself. So, on my way to the toilet, there was this lady who stood up at the time I did.

Instead of her going to the female rest room, she followed me to the male rest room and I was shocked. Then I asked why she did not enter the female rest room, she said ‘Solid, I am a crazy fan of yours’ and I responded with thank you. I expected her to leave immediately after my response but my brother, she did not ooo. Rather, she was coming close to me. I had to run out of the rest room.

Projects I’m working on…

Well that will be my tours outside the country because I will be out of town for a month and that in a way will equally affect the work flow of my coming album.

Is Solid Star in a relationship…

Yes, but I just want to keep my love life out of the eyes of the public, it’s my private life and that is why it is my personal affair.

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

SHOWBiZFlAir

MY STORY WAJE FEATURES ON CNN AFRICAN VOICES, RELEASES NEW VIDEO

OBA

Combining Motherhood with Music Challenging

Award-winning Nigerian Singer and UN ambassador, WAJE was featured on CNN’s African Voices.

She talked about several issues including the African women project, her new album and her mission to help homeless kids in Nigeria.

The songbird also talked about how she uses her music platform to impact lives and be a voice to several Nigerians.

Following the interview, Waje dropped the visuals of her song “Ominiknowest.” Produced by EKelly and directed by Clarence Peters and shot in black and white.

‘Ominiknowest’ shows Waje at her fiercest hitting back at ‘naysayers’ and critics.

While undeniably Fela-influenced, the video has Waje take on several personas; from a fiery Malcolm X, to a sultry Marilyn Monroe, a 90’s Janet Jackson in all her tomboy glory and shades of the king of Pop Michael Jackson.

Bamike Adeyemi who uses the stage name, Oba is a contagious worshipper that uses Yoruba/English language with jazz idioms to bring people into fresh dimensions of worshipping God. With two albums to her credit and the third on the way, OBA is in a class of her own.

In this chat with Tosin Clegg she talks music, family and more

WAPTV TO AIR ‘LA HIPOCONDRIACA’ WapTV, the 24-hour Family Entertainment Channel, has just purchased the exclusive license to air La Hipocondríaca (The Hypochondriac) Telenovela to its millions of viewers across Africa and Europe starting in May, 2016.

Produced in 2013, La Hipocondríaca is a very popular Spanish Telenovela, which tells the comedic story of Macarena (played by Stephanie Cayo), a hypochondriac who strongly believes that she would die soon.

Her ‘dreams’ seem to come true when Dr. Alejandro (played by Ernesto Calzadilla) misdiagnosis her with only 6 more months to live, when in reality she had a long, healthy life ahead of her.

What will happen when both discover the truth?

In a situation like this, the best cure is love.

BRITISH COUNCIL ANNOUNCES ‘OPEN HOUSE LAGOS’ A highly anticipated event in the city’s architectural calendar, Open House Lagos is a unique celebration of the buildings, places and spaces where we live, work and play. According to the British Council, organisers of the event, it provides an opportunity to see, explore and learn about Lagos’ amazing architecture and design over one weekend.

With over 20 buildings opening their doors to all, Open House Lagos selection will showcase beautifully designed residences, innovative infrastructure projects and prestigious civic buildings all for free.

The showcase is scheduled to take place from Friday 29, April to Sunday 1, May 2016.

Focusing on the importance of good design in creating and sustaining a vibrant city, it is a unique opportunity to know on a first hand basis what makes Lagos the great city it is today while creating a platform to be

W

ho is OBA?

I am a music minister, public speaker, and a writer. My kind of music is a blend of Afro/Neo-soul/Jazz with an African embellishment. My mantra is “Making a divine statement with an African signature. I am married to my best friend and partner in the assignment and blessed with children. My kind of music is Kingdom -oriented. I am Christian Soul/Jazz singer. My music portrays my journey through life and my deep faith and connection with God.

What are the challenges in the industry?

The major challenge for me is juggling the Homefront and my Music career as a ‘Momusician’. I just coined that word in my recent blog. Sometimes, both can be overwhelming. But thanks to God for grace and for an amazing husband.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

Five years from now, I want to see my music making global Impact, in terms of content and delivery. One of my life-long term dreams is to perform and keep performing at the Rotterdam North Sea Jazz Festivals on a regular basis and other Jazz festivals all around the world.

Who do you love to work with - artistes and producers?

inspired by the power of architecture in transforming the quality of our lives.

Lately I have been listening to Jonathan Mcreynolds. I would love to work with him some day. He is a passionate Christ-lover. I will also love to work with Modele on a full scale. In terms of Producers, Cobhams Asuquo.

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

Auto

Ford Celebrates Global Mustang Day Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he hype surrounding the Ford Mustang before it was launched in 1964 was unlike anything Ford had ever experienced. The concept vehicle was put on show and numerous pictures were circulated to the worldwide press, leading to thousands of letters pouring in from across the globe from people wanting to know if Ford was really going to build this dream machine.

This in turn created the opportunity for Ford’s very first International Press Introduction of an automobile on April 13, 1964. The event was broadcast to 11 European cities and covered by over 2,000 reporters.

Ford Executive Lee Iacocca, who spearheaded the development of the Mustang, introduced it as a new line for Ford, with versatility as its key attribute. The Mustang was to be an economical, compact car with the style of an expensive European model along with high performance capabilities – the muscle car as we know it today.

“We don’t claim the Mustang is a universal car, or that it can be all things to all people,” Iacocca told the press. “But we do believe the Mustang will be more things to more people than any other automobile on the road…We like to think that in the process we have achieved a new dimension inAmerican motoring – perhaps in world motoring.”

Four days later, on April 17, 1964, the Mustang went on sale and the demand and the hype for Ford’s new baby skyrocketed. Mustang sales were huge: 22,000 cars on the first day, 418,810 Mustangs in the first year, and two years later more than a million Ford Mustangs were on the road.

The all-new Mustang has received a similar reception: according to global IHS Automotive registration data, during the first six months of 2015 the Mustang was the best-selling sports car in the world. Customers globally registered 76,124 vehicles. Then the Mustang beat its rivals in Germany to become the top-selling sports car on the autobahns for March 2016.

The First One In 1964, 22-year-old Gail Brown was touring the showroom floor at Johnson Ford in Chicago with her parents, looking for a car of her own.

She was an elementary school teacher, and had

2016 Ford Mustang interior

been using her mother’s 1957 Ford Fairlane convertible to get to work. The salesman, took her to the storeroom where, still under a cover, was a new Skylight Blue 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible. Brown borrowed money from her parents and bought the Mustang for US$3,419, becoming the first recorded buyer of what went on to become an American icon.

The Extreme One Tuned generously and handsomely modified, a 1965 Ford Mustang notchback is the base of professional rally driver and Gymkhana legend Ken Block’s “Hoonicorn RTR”. With its 4.7-litre

Roush Yates V8 producing 485hp, it’s a far cry from the 164hp 4.2-litre V8 engine of the Skylight Blue that caught the attention of a young schoolteacher in 1964.

Block’s unique, one-of-a-kind, world’s first all-wheel drive 1965 Ford Mustang notchback features a six-speed Sadev SC90-24 with a hydraulic handbrake system, a custom ASD Motorsports-designedgeometryandcomponents suspension system, and 18-inch wheels. Since being unveiling in 2014, the Hoonicorn Mustang has become a star in its own right, alongside drifting superstar Block, in the Gymkhana series.

The Young One. For the first time in its history, the Ford Mustang is officially available in Nigeria with limited lefthand drive Mustangs having been allotted to the country.

Today the 2016 Mustang GT with its 5.0-litre V8 engine pumping out 435 hp features the return of hood vent-integrated turn signals, something fans have been clamouring for, influencing Ford to bring back the popular feature as standard equipment on the new model.

New colour options make the Mustang more personalised than ever, while added features like SYNC®2 with conversational voice recognition,

New Porsche 718 Cayman Features Four Cylinder Turbo for more Power

P

orscheAG is extending its mid-engine series with the 718 Cayman. Similar to the 911 range, the redeveloped sports coupe is now priced below the convertible roadster and therefore represents the new entry-level model for the brand.

The 718 Cayman features the same new fourcylinder flat engines with turbocharging which can also be found in the 718 Boxster. As a result, coupe and roadster have an identical engine output. The entry-level version produces 300 hp (221 kW) from two litres of displacement, while the S-model delivers 350 hp (257 kW) with a displacement of 2.5 litres. This represents an increase of 25 hp (18 kW) over both predecessors, with an NEDC fuel consumption of 8.1 to 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

The tremendous torque of the new engines in the 718 Cayman promises driving fun and agility even at low revs. The two-litre engine of the base model achieves a torque of up to 380 Nm (+ 90 Nm), available between 1,950 rpm and 4,500 rpm.

The 2.5-litre engine of the 718 Cayman S features a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG), a technology previously reserved for the 911 Turbo derivatives. It delivers up to 420 Nm (+ 50 Nm) to the crankshaft at engine speeds

between 1,900 and 4,500 rpm.

When equipped with Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) and Sport Chrono Package, the 718 Cayman sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds; the Cayman S manages this discipline in 4.2 seconds. The top speed of the 718 Cayman is 275 km/h, while the S-version can reach up to 285 km/h.

New chassis tuning...

In terms of their driving dynamics, the new 718 Cayman models follow the tradition of the classic 718. Thanks to their unrivalled agility, the historic mid-engine sports cars won numerous races in the 1950s and 1960s, such as the Targa Florio and Le Mans. In the new 718 Cayman, lateral rigidity and wheel tracking have been improved in the completely retuned chassis; springs and stabilisers have been designed to be firmer and the tuning of the shock absorbers has been revised. Steering has been configured to be 10 per cent more direct, enhancing agility and driving fun.

In combination with the redeveloped tyres, the rear wheels – now half an inch wider – result in an increased lateral forces and therefore greater cornering stability.

New Porsche 718 Cayman

11th Lagos Motor, Autoparts Fair Begins

O

ver 70, reputable and major players in the global automotive industry will be showcasing the best and latest from their stables, as the 11th Lagos Motor Fair & 5th Autoparts Expo begins this week at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. It will end on May 4, 2016.

Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Fair, Mr. Ifeanyichukwu Agwu said the event, which is organised by BKG Exhibitions Limited of Nigeria

and SENEXPO International Fairs Inc of Istanbul, Turkey is recording such turnout in these challenging times, underscores the seriousness of stakeholders to keep the sector running.

Agwu, who is also the Managing Director of BKG Exhibitions Limited, noted that the presence of these giants will go a long way in reinforcing the aims and objectives of the show which is fast tracking the development of the automotive sector of in Nigeria.

Their coming at this time shows seriousness and

resilience on their part. “’The theme of this edition is: New approach; new options; new opportunities’, whichisinformedbytheenormouschallengesfacing the sector in recent times especially in Nigeria. The challenges notwithstanding we shifted to new approach of educating the people and government in developing new options and approaches for creating and harnessing new abundant opportunities in the sector through new approaches to achieve better customer relationship ,marketing, etc; looking at the

future. The emphasis is on keeping the sector alive.”

According the head of the organizing committee, Lagos Motor Fair remains the unparalleled gathering of established brands as well as new entrants, ranging from passenger busses, cars, trucks, spare parts, accessories, lubricants, financials and many more; adding that the importance of continuously staging the show cannot be over-emphasised as all hands must be on deck to promote and support investments into the sector.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

Auto SAFE DRIVING

JONAS AGWU

with

(Asst Corps Marshal) Zonal Commanding Officer Zone RS7 Abua phone 08077690700 FRSC TOLL FREE NO 122 Email:j.agwu@frsc.gov.ng

The Tragedy Of MufuA Novice Driver

H

2016 New Toyota Prius

New Toyota Prius, Rebirth of a Pioneer Stories by Bennett Oghifo

T

he introduction of the all-new fourth generation Prius is the next milestone in the history and achievements of Toyota’s hybrid power technology.

The new Prius builds on the strengths and achievements of its predecessors and establishes newbenchmarksinfueleconomy, emissions and efficiency. Each successive Prius has delivered improvements in these areas, but the new Prius makes the biggest leap yet, with CO2 emissions falling to a historic low of 70 g/km.

This achievement is only one

aspect of a car that has evolved to acquire new capabilities, more engaging styling and new funto-drive character, adding new and compelling dimensions to its customer appeal.

Poweredbyanewgenerationof Toyota’s full hybrid powertrain, the new Prius makes significant advances in fuel economy (combinedcyclefueleconomyfrom3.0 l/100 km) and provides a much more rewarding driving experience. Acceleration is smoother and more responsive, quieter and has a more linear feel that is better aligned to engine speed.

Thenewcar’sdynamiccapabilities are rooted in its use of the first platform developed under the

Toyota New GlobalArchitecture (TNGA) philosophy.At a stroke, this endows the car with a lower centre of gravity (-2.5 cm), securing better handling response and stability. It has also given the designers a freer hand to craft a car that has richer visual appeal, with lower lines overall andamoreathleticprofile.TNGA also helps define the “peace-ofmind” interior, with its excellent packaging, a lower and more engaging driving position and highercomfortlevels.Loadspace is improved thanks to the use of a smaller, more energy-dense hybridbatterythatislocatedentirely beneath the rear seats and a new doublewishbonerearsuspension

system – features which do not intrude in trunk capacity.

The Prius remains Toyota’s technological ambassador, a showcase for new, relevant technologies that raise levels of safety, convenience, performance and comfort.

Safety remains a priority, with the TNGA-based chassis optimised for excellent impact performance. The scope of the Toyota Safety Sense package is extended in the new Prius with addition of radar-managed Adaptive Cruise Control with Full Speed Range Following Function and a Pedestrian Detection function for the Pre-Collision Safety system.

Peugeot Exhibits Made in Nigeria Vehicles at Lagos Motor

T

he 11th Lagos Motor Fair will have a Made in Nigeria flavour as foremost auto assembler, Kaduna based PAN Nigeria Limited will display a range of locally assembled vehicles at the fair which is slated for Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos from Thursday, April 28 to May 4, 2016.

PAN’s Head of Corporate Communication, Nura Maska, said his company would be displaying locally assembled automobiles, including the new Peugeot 508, 301 and the Expert Tepee all assembled in the PAN Kaduna plant.

And in order to make the acquisition of new vehicles easier for prospective buyers, PAN has introduced the Peugeot Vehicle Acquisition Finance Scheme (PVAFS) currently going on with Access Bank, FCMB and JAIZ Bank.

And to further encourage low and middle income earners to buy brand new vehicles, PAN will have the Peugeot

Made in Nigeria Peugeot 301

301 conspicuously displayed.

The Peugeot 301 is a silent power horse that is delivering all the ruggedness of the former 504 and at the same time giving more comfort and safety fea-

tures. The 301 is assembled in Kaduna by PAN Nigeria.

Available in three trims-Access, Active and Allure, the Peugeot 301 comes in two engine variants including 1.2 and 1.6 litre

power plants. The 1.2 litre engine comes standard with manual transmission, while the 1.6 litre engine version is equipped with automatic transmission.

Mitsubishi Has Been Cheating on Emissions Tests for 25 Years

M

Mitsubishi has admitted that it has beencheatingonfuel economy tests for the past 25 years.

The Japanese automaker admitted that its improper testing and data tampering date back to 1991 and that it hasn’t been adhering to Japan’s testing standards since

2002.

Last week, Nissan engineers discovered discrepancies with Mitsubishi cars they were testing, and when brought to the attention of Mitsubishi, the company admitted that “data had been intentionally manipulated in its fuel economy testing process.”

The revelation has led Mitsubishi

to lose nearly half of its market value.Mitsubishihasissuedpublic apologies but hasn’t decided how it will compensate consumers.

Last week when the news broke, Mitsubishi said that the fuel efficiency of about 625,000 Kei cars in Japan was exaggerated by as much as 10 per cent. That number is expected to grow significantly

after today’s revelations.

Japaneseauthoritiesareinvestigating further and are taking steps to prevent companies from cheating onfueleconomytestsinthefuture.

It is not yet known what kind of legal action will be taken against Mitsubishi.

Source: Bloomberg via Automotive News)

e was an only child; son, academically brilliant, creative and innovative on all fronts- a singer, dancerandcomposer-adreamfor the parents who stopped at nothing to give him the best; school, a chauffeur driven car to himself and regular trip abroad to cities of his choice but on this faithful day, Mufu did the unthinkable.

He begged his parents to indulge him on his 20th birthday and allow himself drive. They did, oblivious of the tragedy ahead.

Cruising at a speed of over 120km/ph along the expressway in company of Chizo, his friend and classmate,Mufu who was yet to be licenced had a tyre burst, stepped on the breaks and lost control crashing on to a parked trailer. Both Mufu and his friend died on the spot.

Autospsy conducted indicated that both were driving under the influence. The news of his tragic death threw their home in mourning and today his traumatised mother for the past years is yet to come to terms with the loss of Mufu,fondly called, Prince by his mother.

Mufu died a novice on the wheels and daily, parents and guardians commit the same error Mufu’s parents committed by indulging their novice children to get involved in driving without a licenced instructor. The question is ,who is a NOVICE DRIVER?A novice driver in a clime like the UK is a person holding a driver’s licence for at least two (2) years or periods adding up to two (2) years. This may include a first time learner’s permit holder,the holder of a provisional driver’s licence,a driver from overseas who has not held a driver’s licence for at least two years or the holder of an extraordinary driver’s licence.The UK classifies these into type 1 and 2; type 1 refers to a person from the time they are first issued with a learner’s permit.Once they are granted a provisional driver’s licence, they will continue to be a novice driver type 1 for a period of at least one year or periods adding up to one year Type 2 is a person who has held a driver’s licence for more than one (1) year but less than two (2) years.In most clime, Graduated license is in place to reduce the number of collisions, deaths and injuries among learner and novice drivers, particularly among the high risk 17 to 24 year olds, during the learning to drive period and period immediately after they pass their test. Research tells us that novice drivers are most likely to be killed on our roads in the first two years after passing their test due to their inexperience. Therefore, these measures are designed to protect our most vulnerable road-users so that they can become safe, competent and confident drivers, helping to ensure we have fewer

collisions, fatalities and injuries on our roads.

Let me throw light on the Graduated drivers licence introduced by the Federal Road Safety Corps in 2007 as part of measures to restore the integrity of the driver licence.Before this novelty, the relevant traffic regulation such as the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004, Section 22, sub 3-7 and section 23, 24, 25 and 26 provided for an applicant for the driver’s licence to meet the following conditions; be 18 years and above, be physically and mentally fit, pass a driving test and pay the prescribed fee.

After these, such an applicant will then qualify for a drivers licence valid for three years. However, in the face of the spate of road crashes in the country and the need conceptualise new ideas in keeping within global best practice, the Corps through the driving school standardisation programme made it mandatory for fresh applicants to attend certified and approved driving school.

Then three stage Graduated driver’s licence is the first in the country and an improvement from what had existed before now. It is broken into three parts the first part is the pre adult (18-25) years category.

Those within this group after complying with the relevant tests and other procedures as stated in the quoted sections, if found suitable, are issued with a drivers lincence that is renewal after every year. Class B licence.

The second is the adult (26-64) years category is renewal every three (3) years. Only applicants within this category are qualified to apply for a commercial driver’s licence.

However, for such applicants who already possess a class B (private) to qualify for a commercial driver’s lincence they must belong to a transport union, attend a driving school and pass a medical test government hospital.

The last category is the post adult meant for people between the age of 65 years and above. Like the pre adult category, this group’s driver’s licence is renewal every year after proof of medical fitness.

In Canada, Motor Vehicles provincial regulations vary by province. In British Columbia following the instructional phase and after passing a road test, new drivers are required to show a green N (novice) plate until they have passed an additional road test usually after 24 months.

In British Columbia a red L (for learner) plate is required for 12 months before the N can be issued, and new drivers with this marking are not permitted to drive without a licensed driver over the age of 25 present in the vehicle. In the case of France, after passing their driving test, learners must display on plate (for apprentice) for three years, two years for those who learned with their parents.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

Pomegranates

Fruits of Paradise

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel,

P

08053372356

omegranates are a glorious red berry fruit that are very rich in natural healing agents with great medicinal properties. They are among the healthiest fruits on earth.

They contain a range of beneficial plant compounds, unrivaled by other foods. Everything created

by God is good. It is understood to be the fruit that grew in the Garden of Eden and which was one of the fruits brought to Moses to show the fertility of the Promised Land. The Greeks called pomegranates the “fruit of the dead,” relating to the story of Hades tricking Persephone into eating its seeds in order to keep her as his wife.

Ancient Egyptians saw the pomegranate as a symbol of prosperity and ambition. In Judaism, it symbolises fruitfulness, and in Hinduism it represents prosperity and fertility.

Could this be the reason behind this great fruit, with exceptional healing properties?

Pomegranates are considered as the ‘fruits of paradise’ in ancient cultures. It’s not only their unique combination of crunchiness and juiciness but also their nutritional value that makes them so tempting and irresistible. Traditionally, pomegranates are known as a symbol of health, and are known for their use as a natural remedy.

Pomegranates are packed with goodness The pomegranate is known as a superfood. Its jewel-like seeds are called arils have been used for medicinal purposes. Packed with powerful antioxidants and vitamins, this ruby-red fruit has been shown to be an all cure for just about any ailment. It is a fruit that contains hundreds of edible seeds called arils. They are rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and bioactive plant compounds, but they also contain some sugar.

Sure, like strawberries, they’re a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants, not to mention fiber and anti-inflammatory properties — but more than that, studies show eating the fruit and/or drinking pomegranate juice can help protect against disease, like certain cancers and Alzheimer’s. It has powerful anti inflammatory effect, which works against chronic inflammation, that is the driver for any killer diseases, this includes heart disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and even obesity.

• It helps stomach upsets, • menopausal hot flashes, • hemorrhoids, • conjunctivitis, • osteoarthritis, • lowers blood pressure, • stimulates the immune system, • wards off the flu, • reduces inflammation, • reduces risk of heart disease and • lowers cholesterol.

• Helps increase memory • Improves exercise performance.

The peel: is good for the heart and blood vessels; The white membrane: is good for stopping diarrhea and good for wounds and ulcers of the mouth and throat.

The fruit: also strengthens the brain, cleanses the body and blood from toxins, and is very good at expelling worms from the intestines.

So is there anything that this miracle fruit cannot do? Absolutely nothing.

Great Taste Pomegranates taste great , despite their bitter peel, that also gives a purple stain to your hands.

But crack open this pink-red-purplish fruit and dig in. A bit tart but sweet too, pomegranates are a tasty and nutritious snack. And if you’re not a fan of purple-tinged fingers, it can also be enjoyed as fresh juice or pomegranate ice cream.

Health Benefits Lower blood pressure: Pomegranates help

lower blood pressure . Punicic acid is one of the main constituents of pomegranates that help lower cholesterol, triglycerides and reduce blood pressure. Study has shown that pomegranate components reduce risk factors for heart disease, in diabetic patients and high LDL levels of the blood.

Keeps your youthful looks: Ever wondered why we grow old and our skin develops wrinkles and other signs of ageing? Well, it is because of free radical damage that affects your cells.

Polyphenolic compounds in pomegranates are powerful antioxidants that can delay the process of ageing. Therefore, eating pomegranate keeps your skin glowing and radiant for a long time.

Boost your libido: Since ancient times, pomegranates have been considered as a symbol of fertility. Research has shown that a glass of pomegranate juice boosts testosterone levels in both men and women. This property makes natural aphrodisiac that is great for your sex life. Also, studies suggest that pomegranates contain certain compounds that are similar to sex steroids found in the human system, explaining why it improves sex stamina and desires.

Erectile dysfunction : Oxidative damage can impair blood flow in all areas of the body, including erectile tissue. Pomegranate juice has been shown to be beneficial in increasing blood flow and erectile response, in a study in animals.

In a study of 53 men with erectile dysfunction, pomegranate appeared to have some benefit, but it was not statistically significant. Pomegranate juice has been linked to reduced symptoms of erectile dysfunction, even though more research is needed.

Prevention and treatment of cancer: It has been found to help prevent and treat several forms of cancers like, prostate, skin, lung, breast cancers. This property of the delicious fruits is also attributed to the presence of polyphenol antioxidants in them. Studies have shown that pomegranate juice can inhibit the growth of tumour cells and induce natural death in them.

Works against prostate cancer : Certain compounds in pomegranates have an antiinflammatory ability that also contributes to its anti-cancer property. Components in pomegranate juice help prevent prostate cancer metastasis. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men.

Laboratory studies have shown that pomegranate extract can slow down cancer cell reproduction, and even induce apoptosis (cell death) in

cancer cells . The PSA (prostate specific antigen) is a blood marker for prostate cancer. Men whose PSA levels double in a short period of time are at increased risk of death from prostate cancer.

Interestingly, a human study found that 237 ml (8 oz) of pomegranate juice per day increased the PSA doubling time from 15 months to 54 months. There is preliminary evidence that pomegranate juice can be useful in men with prostate cancer, potentially inhibiting cancer growth and lowering the risk of death.

Prevention of heart disease; Pomegranates are loaded with polyphenols that have powerful antioxidant properties. These prevent free radical damage of prevent the walls of arteries, thus preventing heart disease. They also prevent oxidation of cholesterol, which causes plaque formation and development of coronary artery disease.

Lowers stress levels: Apart from reducing the body’s internal oxidative stress, pomegranates also help lower psychological stress that you go through your personal and professional life. People who drank pomegranate juice had lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that is increased under stressful situations.

Boost immunity: Being rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, pomegranates are extremely healthy for those suffering from immune-related disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and osteroarthrits. They are also rich in vitamin C, which boosts antibody production and development of immunity. Pomegranates can thus help you maintain a healthy immune system and ward off common illnesses and infections.

Prevents formation of plaque: pomegranate juice can be a better option than alcohol containing mouth washes which most people use.

Certain compounds in pomegranate exhibit strong antiplaque effects. Hydroalcoholic extract of pomegranate effectively lowered dental plaque formation due to microorganisms build up by almost 84%.

Fights against Fungal and Bacterial infections : For example, they have been shown to be beneficial against some types of bacteria, as well as the yeast Candida albicans. The antibacterial and anti-fungal effects may also be protective against infections and inflammation in the mouth. This includes conditions like gingivitis, periodontitis and denture stomatitis .

Pomegranate has anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties, which may be useful against common diseases of the gums.

Aids digestion: To keep your digestive system healthy, you need to include fibre-rich sources in your diet. However, our busy lifestyle and personal liking for junk food have deprived us of the goodness of fibre in fruits and vegetables.

Eating a pomegranate every day is a good way to add fibre to your daily diet. One pomegranate can fulfil about 45% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which is about 20 to 35.

This miracle fruit, has an impeccable power to help with your health all round. The antioxidants found in pomegranate juice may be especially beneficial to diabetic patients. Drinking pomegranate juice reduced the uptake of oxidised “bad” LDL cholesterol by immune cells, which is a major contributing factor to atherosclerosis.

“Pomegranate at low dosages is also good for diabetics as the pomegranate sugar is not free (and harmful) but it is attached to the pomegranate’s unique phenolic antioxidants.”

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

Dele Alli

Young and Flying High with Spurs

30.04.2016

Set For First EPL Title PAGE. 29

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Young and Flying High with Spurs Alli scores a spectacular goal against Everton to announce his season

Just last season, Dele Alli was struggling with lowly division club - MK Dons, but his talent was not lost to the scouts of Premier League top club, Tottenham Hotspurs and the British-born Nigerian did not disappoint. With 10 goals and nine assists in his debut season, it did not come as a surprise that Alli was last week crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year. With European super power, Real Madrid said to be interested in Alli, Kunle Adewale asks if he would still be at White Hart Lane next season

I

sincerely believe in years to come he will be a top prospect.”

These were the words of John Fashanu concerning, Dele Alli, but the 20-year-old did not have to wait long before taking the Premier League by storm since signing from League One MK Dons last year, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in 32 league appearances for Spurs. Alli beat team-mate Harry Kane, Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland, Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho, and Everton duo Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley to the award.

Alli, who was not at the PFA awards dinner at Grosvenor House in London on Sunday because of Spurs match against West Brom however admitted being honoured by the award.

"I feel honoured to win such a prestigious award and thank you to my friends, family and all the staff at Tottenham," the England international, who was also named in the PFA Team of the Year said.

Alli signed for Tottenham in January 2015 but was loaned back to MK Dons for the second half of the previous campaign, but he immediately caught the eye in pre-season when he outplayed Luka Modric in a pre-season friendly against Real Madrid.

The youngster was not expected to immediately break into Spurs firstteam but he has been a regular since his first start in Tottenham's fourth

Premier League game of the season an away win at Sunderland.

It took Alli just two games to score his first Premier League goal, coming in Spurs' 1-1 draw away to Leicester City in August. He then became one of the youngest men to be called-up to the England squad for the friendlies against Spain and France in November.

Against France at Wembley, Alli scored his first senior international goal on his first start - a sweet rightfoot strike into the far corner from outside the box.

Alli scored three times more before stunning the division with a wonder-goal at Crystal Palace onJanuary 23, controlling a knock-on before looping the ball over a defender and volleying it home from distance to help win the game.

With Real Madrid said to be interested, what would be the future of Alli at Tottenham?

“You can always trust Real Madrid to go for any player that has a big future. Alli has a lot of potentials to be a big star in future. If he could achieve all these with just a season in the Premier League, that means he has a big future. But I think he should not be in a hurry to move to a big club like Madrid so as not to be consumed, considering the number of big boys in the fold of the Santiago Bernabeu side.

“In spite of what Alli has achieved this season, there are still a number of areas he still needs to improve

upon. He is a raw talent and young.

My candid opinion is that he should just play for two or more seasons with Tottenham and be properly molded before considering a big move,” former Nigerian international, Waidi Akani told THISDAY. Early this year, Alli was offered a new contract that would keep him at the North London club until 2021 due to his splendid performance.

"When I signed, I knew I wanted to play for Spurs. I've played a few games and showed people what I can do. I'm 19, have a lot to learn and can't think of a better place to do that," he told the club website.

England manager Hodgson, said he had high regards for the versatile Alli, who could play as defensive, creative or attacking midfielder.

“We’ve been impressed with Dele Alli and this is a chance to get to know him. He’s a very exciting talent,” remarked the England boss after he was invited to the England national team.

It however remain to be seen if Alli would remain at White Hart Lane or would want to toe the line of notable Tottenham player earlier before him, Luca Modric and Gareth Bale, who could not resist the move to Santiago Bernabeu when the Galaticos came knocking.

Born on April 11, 1996, to a Nigeria father, in Milton Keynes, Bamidele Jermaine Alli joined the youth system at Milton Keyness Don at aged 11 and broke into the first team

It took Alli just two games to score his first Premier League goal, coming in Spurs' 1-1 draw away to Leicester City in August. He then became one of the youngest men to be called-up to the England squad for the friendlies against Spain and France in November

Cont'd on page 31

31

APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Nigeria Professional Football League…

Oriental Derby: IfeayiUbah Host Abia Warriors Gabros International Stadium in Nnewi would be agog on Sunday afternoon as FC IfeanyiUbah host Abia Warriors in one of Nigeria Professional Football League matches, which captain Chibuzor Okonkwo has dubbed a-must-win match.

Okonkwo said his side had pushed behind them the 3-0 bashing at Wikki Tourists in Bauchi to pay 100 per cent concentration on the clash against Abia Warriors.

“Our morale is quite high despite the 0-3 loss at Wikki Tourists at the weekend,

we have noted the mistakes that caused us the defeat as well as corrections to avoid further occurrence and have erased the memory from our minds to focus 100% on the oriental derby against Abia Warriors.

“Abia Warriors are certainly going to come out strongly against us aimed at causing an upset but we have vowed to make it three points or nothing.

“The encounter is a must win game though it’s not going to come on a platter of goal given the quality of the bench and players in

their fold.

“We are not really going to border our heads on the number of goals in the clash but key to us is the whole three points at stake.

“We need the whole points to chance challenging for the summit before the half time break,” said the former Enugu Rangers and Heartland strongman tosupersport.com.

FC IfeanyiUbah are third on the 20-team Nigerian top flight on 22 from possible 39 in the 13-week old league.

Dike Predicts Tough Tie at Ikorodu Heartland head coach, Alphonsus Dike has predicted a difficult match at newcomers and strugglers, Ikorodu United.

The Naze Millionaires will be the guests of the Oga Boys in today’s Nigerian top flight matchday 14 clash at the Agege Township Stadium in Lagos.

Dike said the score draw at oriental neighbours and champions, Enyimba inWednesday’s rescheduled NPFL matchday 6 clash is the morale boost his side needed to challenge for the three points at Ikorodu United.

“The 1-1 draw at Enyimba is a good result as the players played well to deserve the whole points if not little mistakes here and there in the match.

“Of course, the score draw

is a huge boost for us going into the weekend match at Ikorodu United.

“I have already told the players to prepare their minds for the toughest game in the ongoing top flight at Ikorodu United.

“I’m going to emphasis on the need for them to prepare for the worst as Ikorodu United are wounded lions right now.

“I foresee the encounter at Enyimba becoming a child’s play compare with the expected difficulties at the Lagos outfit.

“Of course, we understand that no good result will come on a platter of gold at Ikorodu United without us practically sweating to our panties.

“However, we are hopeful for a good result either the whole three points or point

but outright defeat is out of the calculation.

“The players are showing good understanding and we must maximise the opportunity to claim more points to improve on our rating on the log,” said the former Enugu Rangers coach to supersport.com.

Heartland are 11th on the log on 18 points from possible 39 in the 13-week old Nigerian top flight.

Week 14 Fixtures Ikorodu Utd Shooting Rivers Utd Nasarawa Utd Giwa Ifeanyi Uba MFM Enyimba Tornadoes

v v v v v v v v v

Heartland Plateau Utd Rangers Warri Wolves Wikki Tourist Abia Warriors Akwa United Lobi Stars El Kanemi

Alli Cont'd from page 30

Young and Flying High with Spurs five years later. Over the next twoand-a-half years, he made 74 league appearances for MK Dons, scoring 22 goals.

On February 2, last year, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the last hours of the mid-season transfer window on a five-and-a-half-year deal for an initial fee of £5 million, staying on loan at MK Dons for the remainder of the season.

He however made his Tottenham debut against on August 8, 2015 against Manchester United in the Premier League as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat away at Old Trafford, playing the last 13 minutes Two weeks later, he scored his first goal for the club after coming on in the 1–1 draw against Leicester City.

Alli has made several appearances at U17 and U18 levels for England.

On August 27, 2014, He was called

up to the England U19 squad following an impressive start to the campaign. He made his debut for England U19 in the 1–1 draw against Germany U19. In the game and assisted the opening goal for England.

On October of last year, which ironically was Nigeria’s independence, he was included in Roy Hodgson's squad for the final UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying matches against Estonia and Lithuania. His debut against the former on October 9, he came in as a late substitute in a 2–0 win. On November 17, Alli made his first start for the England senior team, scoring a terrific opening goal from a long range shot to beat Spurs team-mate, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in a 2–0 win against France at Wembly Stadium.

Alli was a Liverpool fan growing up, and Steven Gerrard was his childhood hero.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE LAYOUT DESIGNER WAHAB AKINTUNDE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

Nigeria Premier League Table Enugu Rangers 12 Abia Warriors 12 Ifeanyi Uba 13 Kano Pillars 12 Lobi Stars 13 Wikki Tourist 12 MFM 13 Rivers United 13 Warri Wolves 12 Akwa United 13 Heartland 13 Sunshine Stars 13 Plateau United 13 Niger Tornadoes 13 El Kanemi Warriors 13 Nasarawa United 13 Shooting Stars 13 Enyimba 9 Giwa 12 Ikorodu United 13

7 6 7 6 6 5 5 6 5 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 5 4 4 1

3 5 1 3 3 4 4 1 4 3 3 5 2 1 1 0 0 1 1 3

2 1 5 3 4 3 4 6 3 5 5 4 6 7 7 8 8 4 7 9

19 15 15 20 14 15 14 14 7 17 10 15 14 15 14 12 13 8 10 6

12 8 13 12 10 6 14 14 7 13 10 11 19 16 18 18 21 8 16 21

+7 +7 +2 +8 +4 +9 +0 +0 +0 +4 +0 +4 -5 -1 -4 -6 -8 +0 -6 -15

24 23 22 21 21 19 19 19 19 18 18 17 17 16 16 15 15 13 13 6

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Will Leicester celebrate their first English Premier League title at Old Traford today?

The Decider

United Set to Postpone Leicester Celebration Though mathematically, Leicester City are yet to win the English Premier League title, but unless the unforeseen happens, the Foxes will surely celebrate their first Premiership title in the club’s history and a victory against Manchester United would surely throw King Power fans haywire. However, the Devils also needed to win the match to keep alive the hope for a Champions League spot, and therefore postpone Claudio Ranieri’s led Leicester celebration.

D

isappointing perennial contenders Manchester United will take on the challenge of league leaders and close-to-be crowned 2015-2016 Premier League champions Leicester City at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Manchester United entered the season with high hopes of challenging for the English top flight title on the premise of their new acquisitions last summer, namely Memphis Depay, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Anthony Martial, but only the latter has made an impression during this term.

Now, instead of being among the top teams, the Red Devils is settling at the fifth spot of the league table.

They still have a shot of landing a Champions League slot for next season as they are only five points behind Manchester City and Arsenal, but it would be a mountain to climb for Louis van Gaal's men in their last four fixtures of the season.

United is coming off a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace which was the second straight win for the Red Devils and the team's fourth in their last six outings.

Meanwhile, Leicester City looks ever so close to clinching their first Premier League title as they are seven points ahead of closest pursuer Tottenham Hotspur with only three matches left in their dream campaign this season.

The Foxes crushed Swansea City,

4-0, at the King Power Stadium last Sunday to bounce back from a 2-2 draw with West Ham in their previous fixture, and it was the ninth consecutive unbeaten performance for manager Claudio Ranieri's boys, though, as they are laser-focused on the domestic crown late in the season.

Meanwhile, if Leicester win the Premier League by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will have stepped out from his father's huge shadow on a richly symbolic stage.

Peter Schmeichel enjoyed stellar success as a goalkeeper for United where he was integral to five titles during the 1990s, and as a result his son Kasper has spent much of his career being defined by his family name.

But there will be no need for comparisons should Leicester snare the first title in their 132-year history, and Old Trafford can expect the Schmeichels to party like it was 1999, the year Peter won the last of his United titles.

"The issue is that I am 29, I am married, I have two kids, but people still see me as someone's son," Kasper said with respect to his upbringing in an interview with the Mail on Sunday.

"People are surprised when I say I am 29. They're like, 'Really?' One day, maybe when I am 40 and hopefully still playing, then I might be considered a mature enough person.''

Schmeichel is an indispensable and unsung star of Leicester's season, one

of only two players, alongside centre-half Wes Morgan, to play every minute of their league campaign. Schmeichel, who is Denmark's keeper just as his father was, is clear that the secret of Leicester's rise has been teamwork.

"It's a lot of players coming together at the right time, not just football-wise but personally as well," he said. "We are similar age groups, a lot of us have played here together for three or four years."

Interestingly, Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce has called on his side to gird for an inspired performance from recently outof-sorts Stoke City when they play today at Britannia Stadium.

With European spots in the Premier League out of reach for Stoke and the team having secured their top-flight status for next season, questions have arisen about their desire to finish the campaign strong after losing their last three games.

Sunderland played out a goalless draw with fourth-placed Arsenal on Sunday to climb out of the relegation zone for the first time since early March, and Allardyce expects Stoke City counterpart Mark Hughes to fire up his squad ahead of Saturday.

"I've known Mark for many, many years ... He will not be a happy man, believe you me. We are in good form at the moment... but I would expect Mark will have Stoke really revved up and he will want to stop this very poor run of performances. But I do hope they're as bad as they have been in the last three games," Allardyce told British media.

With just four games left, Sunderland, who are 17th in the table, will look to take a step closer to top-flight safety in their away match with 10th-placed Stoke City today.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will try to hold on to the last Champions League spot for next season as they squares off with bottom three squad Norwich City at the Emirates Stadium

Peter Schmeichel enjoyed stellar success as a goalkeeper for United where he was integral to five titles during the 1990s, and as a result his son Kasper has spent much of his career being defined by his family name. The issue is that I am 29, I am married, I have two kids, but people still see me as someone's son," Kasper said with respect to his upbringing in an interview with the Mail on Sunday

33

APRIL 30, 2016 โ ข THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Spanish La Liga Fixtures TODAY Sociedad Atletico Real Betis Granada

v v v v

Madrid Vallecano Barcelona Las Palmas

15:00 17:15 19:30 21:05

SUNDAY Bilbao Espanyol Deportivo Valencia

v v v v

Celta Vigo Sevilla Getafe Villarreal

11:00 15:00 17:15 19:30

MONDAY Mรกlaga

v

Levante

19:30

Bundesliga Fixtures

TODAY Mainz Dortmund Bayern Hannover Darmstadt Hoffenheim Levakusen

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MONDAY Bremen

v

Hamburger Wolfsburg M'gladbach Schalke Frankfurt Ingolstadt Hertha

Stuttgart

14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 14:30 17:30

14:30

Serie A Fixtures TODAY Udinese Chievo

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Torino Fiorentina

17:00 19:45

SUNDAY Juventus Empoli Milan Palermo Sassuolo

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Carpi Bologna Frosinone Sampdoria Verona

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00

Lazio

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Inter

19:45

MONDAY Genoa Napoli

v v

Roma Atalanta

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Bundesliga

United Set to Postpone Leicester Celebration today.

Although the team is on a six-game unbeaten run, Arsenal has drawn three of its last six matches which made them drop a spot below at fourth place in the current league table. The Gunners are still tied on points with Manchester City, but they are at fourth because of their inferior goal differential stat compared to that of City.

In their last match, Arsenal settled for a 0-0 draw with lowly squad Sunderland at the Stadium of Light last Sunday.

Arsene Wenger's boys played a lackluster match against a bottom three team at that time as their offense could not find the target the whole match. It is just fortunate for the Gunners that their defense held on and goalkeeper Petr Cech was able to preserve his clean

sheet until time expired.

The draw allowed City to overtake Arsenal for the third spot of the league table while the Black Cats climbed out of the relegation zone.

Meanwhile, Santi Cazorla could be in the Arsenal squad this weekend for the first time since November, Arsene Wenger says .And Cazorla, whose return from a knee injury was delayed

by Achilles problems, is in contention to face the Canaries five months after completing the reverse fixture at Carrow Road with badly damaged ligaments.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is still short of fitness after two months out with his own knee injury and will have to wait for a chance to impress Roy Hodgson ahead of Euro 2016.

"Everyone is training, so that's new for us. That's the first time this season.

It's Oxlade-Chamberlain's first week in full training now, so I don't think I will select him this weekend. Santi might be in the squad this weekend, I don't know yet. He is available," Wenger told the club website. " Cazorla's return represents some good news for Wenger as he prepares to face the most co-ordinated protests of his 19-year Arsenal career in the wake of another faded title challenge.

Two prominent supporters' groups have joined forces in an attempt to persuade fans to hold up banners reading: "Time for change. Arsenal is stale - fresh approach needed."

The message is intended to target both Wenger and the club's board, although three wins between now and the end of the season will guarantee a 19th straight year of Champions League football.

Claudio Ranieri...pointing to the direction of victory

Gladbach Out to Delay Bayern Party Bayern Munich will have to overcome the team that has caused them more trouble than any other in the last two seasons as they attempt to wrap up their fourth successive Bundesliga title today.

Bayern's dominance of German football is almost total except when it comes to facing today's opponents Borussia Moenchengladbach, who they have failed to defeat in their last three meetings.

Last season the Foals drew 0-0 at home and then beat them 2-0 away.

Gladbach followed that up by becoming the first team to beat them in the league this term, winning 3-1 after coach Andre Schubert gave a tactical

masterclass to his opposite number Pep Guardiola.

Schubert surprised the Bavarians by starting with a three-man defence, then repeatedly switched his formation and was rewarded when his side scored three times in a dramatic 15-minute spell in the second half.

He is hoping to pull off another surprise at the Allianz Arena on Saturday, where Bayern are looking to clinch the title with two games to spare.

"We must not make ourselves out to be less than we are," said Schubert, whose side are fifth and still battling for a top four finish and a place in next season's Champions League.

"Munich should and must have respect for us. We want to go there and make our opponents run.

"We are working on a plan which will allow us to go to Munich and play to our own offensive qualities," he added.

The match will be Guardiola's 100th Bundesliga match as coach since he took over at Bayern at the start of the 2013/14 season.

In his third and final season at the club, the Spaniard is cutting it fine compared with 2014 and 2015. Two years ago Bayern won the title with seven games to spare, while last season they did so with four games left.

Bayern, with 81 points from 31 games, need a win to take the title without depending on the result of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who are seven points behind.

They can also wrap up the title if Dortmund lose at home to VfL Wolfsburg, or if both games are drawn. However, Bayern will want to take a rare chance to celebrate the title at their own stadium.

Bayern have not clinched the Bundesliga in a home game since 2000. Their eight titles since then have either been won in an away matches or "on the sofa", when they were not playing but wrapped it up thanks to a result in another match.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

GOtv Boxing Night...Noble Cabasa set for Chibunky

Chairman/CEO HS Media Group, Taye Ige (center), with his team discussing with delegates from StarTimes Group, China led by Eric Liu - Vice President (Business Development), Jack Liu - Chief Executive Officer and Justin Zhang Nadal and his uncle-coach mapping out strategy - General Manager.

12-Year-old Girl Runs NY Half-marathon

by Mistake A 12-year-old western New York girl has wound up running 10 extra miles after she got into the wrong road race.

LeeAdianez Rodriguez had registered for the 5K race that was part of last

Sunday's Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge. She thought she was arriving late at the starting line when the race started, so she began running with the rest of the runners.

It turned out she was

running with the halfmarathoners on the 13.1mile course and not in the 5K, or 3.1 miles. Rodriguez says she realized about halfway through that she was in the wrong race but decided to finish.

She completed the halfmarathon in 2:43:31.

Her mother became worried when she wasn't among the finishers of the 5K, but they were reunited when she finished the halfmarathon.

GOtv Boxing Night 7

Boxers Talk Tough Ahead of Showdown Ahead of GOtv Boxing Night 7, holding on May 1 at the National Stadium, Lagos, boxers scheduled to fight have been indulging in boasts and counterboasts. National lightweight champion, Nurudeen "Prince" Fatai, who is defending his title against Oto "Joe Boy" Joseph, has vowed that his opponent will not last the distance.

"This fight will be different.

Joe Boy is a small boy who is not fit to be a champion.

I will knock him out and he will go and stay on the queue," bragged Fatai.

Responding, Joe Boy, who defeated Fatai via a fifth round

knockout at GOtv Boxing Night 4, said he will repeat the trick.

"I beat him before and I will beat him again even if he has acquired four hands in addition to the two he already has. He said I defeated him because he was injured. I'm glad that he is now fit and wonder what the excuse will be when I beat him on 1 May," he said.

Joe Boy, a previous winner of the N1million cash prize for the best boxer award at GOtv Boxing Night, added that he will win the award again. "I used him to win the other time and I will do so again," he boasted.

Idowu "Cabasa" Okusote, who will fight Chibuzor "Chibunky" Vincent in a cruiserweight challenge duel, said his opponent will visit hell via the ring.

"I have been looking for an opportunity to fight. This is it. Chibunky or whatever he calls himself will see hell on earth when we fight," he said, a boast his opponent described as empty. Osamudiamen "Shiso" Goodluck, who takes on Rilwan "Real One" Oladosu, said though he is a professional debutant, his record as an amateur is one many would wish to have.

"I was a big amateur boxer

and I know Rilwan well. He will kiss the canvas in the first round and will not get up again," raved the debutant.

Oladosu, who beat him in the amateur cadre, said he will chisel Goodluck's face with blows. "He calls himself ‘Shiso’.

That will make me chisel his face with punches. I beat him as an amateur and will do it again," he ranted.

Rilwan "Baby Face" Babatunde, who squares up with Tope "Berinja" Agboola in a light welterweight duel, said he has trained well for his professional debut and will defeat his more experienced opponent.

Organisers Promise Adequate Security, Free Football Viewing on Giant TV Screens Flykite Sports, organisers of the GOtv Boxing Night, have promised adequate security for fans at the event holding at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, on 1 May. Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite, said in Lagos that fans coming to the event have nothing to be afraid of because arrangements have been concluded with KSquare Security, the leading security

firm in the country, to offer protection in and around the venue. Alumona added that fans will also have the opportunity of watching a live football match on 20-feet television screens.

"One of our partners, KSquare Security, is the leading firm in the field. Fans are assured of protection, as they have always been. There is nothing to fear. We will also mount 20-ft TV screens at

the venue to give fans the opportunity to watch a live football match before the boxing begins. They can also watch the boxing on it if they choose to. It affords them the chance of seeing action replays in slow motion," he said.

GOtv Boxing Night 7 will feature six fights across weight categories, the biggest of which is the national lightweight title fight between reigning champion Nurudeen "Prince" Fatai

and Oto Joe Boy Joseph. In the cruiserweight category, Idowu "Noble Cabasa" Okusote will take on Chibuzor "Chibunky" Vincent. Osamudiamen "Shiso" Goodluck, a boxer with an impressive amateur record, will test his skills against the exciting Rilwan "Real One" Oladosu in the lightweight division. The light welterweight division will feature Rilwan "Baby Face" Babatunde and Tope "Berinja" Agboola.

Wise King Says He’s the New King of Nigerian Boxing Chukwuebuka "Wise King" Ezewudo, a middleweight boxer billed to make his professional debut at GOtv Boxing Night 7 on May 1, has proclaimed himself the new king of Nigerian boxing.

Ezewudo, one of the finds at GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, is billed to fight fellow GOtv Boxing NextGen Search alum-

nus, Ganiyu "Energy" Kolawole, at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, venue of GOtv Boxing Night 7.

Asked if he understands the gravity of his proclamation, the Anambra State-born boxer said he understands that the claim is a huge one to make, but that he has the ability and determination to match it.

May 1 at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The tradition was established at the first edition of the event in

Rafael Nadal has finally left bad days behind him, having levelled Guillermo Vilas’ all-time record of 48 titles on clay lately, after he won a 9th title at the Barcelona Open, again, another record. This makes Nadal the sole player in the Open Era to have won most number of titles at a single tournament — nine French Open titles (Grand Slam); nine MonteCarlo Masters titles (ATP 1000), and now, nine Barcelona Open titles (ATP 500).The 29-year-old has accomplished that feat at three different events.Toni Nadal, coach and uncle of Rafael Nadal reacts thus How do you assess Nadal’s resurgence?

At the Monte-Carlo Masters, he played good. Not just his forehand, his backhand as well was up to par. I think he played really well in Monte Carlo. This season has been good so far, except in Miami, where he had to pull out because of injury during his second round match against Damir Dzumhur.

This season, he defeated good players like Andy Murray, Kei Nishikori, Gael Monfils, etc.

Toni made a particular mention of youngster Alexander Zverev, the 19-year-old who gave a tough challenge to Nadal at the Indian Wells Masters this year.

His level is good enough, and I’m glad about his results so far, Toni reiterated, affirming faith in his nephew’s progress.

Looking back on his bad days, how difficult was it to deal with suggestions from outsiders, especially when people pointed out Nadal should consider changing his coach?

We live in a world where people talk about many things — politics, football, all the things without really understanding the issues, and they don’t have to be right most of the time. For me, I only worry about the next match, not what people say.

How did Nadal take that?

That you have to ask him, I don’t know. (smiles) What was bothering Nadal? How did his forehand lose its edge last season? Did it happen owing to any physical reason or has it got more to do with his mental state?

Forehand has always been his best weapon, but one moment, he lost his confidence, and it took a while to regain that. It wasn’t because of any physical reasons. We knew the issue, and we worked on that.

Toni however didn’t want to disclose more about the same.

I took it in a different way; I didn’t look at it like how others did. I have a vision of Nadal. We have had great results in the past. Actually, it isn’t very complicated; it’s about the game. We aren’t talking about the universe or quantum physics.

"I am a debutant, no doubt.

But my faith in my ability to be king of boxing in Nigeria is very strong. I know I am good and sadly for my opponents, I will get better. I will be the king of Nigerian boxing and then conquer the world," he said.

On his impending clash with Kolawole aka Energy, Chukuwebuka said he was

told that his opponent has been boasting, a fact that surprised him.

"I am surprised that he has been boasting. I am a boast buster and will make him regret ever boasting that he is a great boxer. When I beat him, he will publicly announce that it was a mistake to provoke me with empty boasts," he raved.

When Nadal finished runner-up at the Madrid Masters last year, he didn’t seem really disappointed, but was happy about making it to the finals. Don’t you think a player of Nadal’s stature being satisfied with a second place is not easy to comprehend?

I don’t see him as a winner of 14 Majors. For us, each match is important. It isn’t just about winning big tournaments or beating big players. Every tournament is important — ATP 250, ATP 500, ATP 1000, or the Grand Slams. In Madrid last year, Nadal lost to Murray, who is a great player, in the finals.

Every match is important. Be it today’s final or the first round match he played here after winning Monte Carlo Masters. I hope he can win today. Nishikori is a really good player. It will be a tough match.

2014. The decoders will be won via lucky dips conducted in-between fights.

GOtv Boxing Night

7 will feature six fights across weight categories.

The event is conceived to revive boxing in the country.

I think Nadal is going to win today You think so? Let’s hope so.

Toni didn’t let the words take precedence over the action.

Like he said, he sees his nephew not as a 14-Grand Slam champion, but a player who has to face the challenges standing in his way to glory, each day.

Fans to win 50 decoders GOtv, headline sponsors of GOtv Boxing Night, will give out 50 decoders to boxing fans at GOtv Boxing Night 7 holding

I don’t See Rafael Nadal as a Winner of 14 Majors: Toni Nadal

35

APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

AFRICA PLAYS

with KENNETH EZAGA 0807 0530 677, zigi199@yahoo.com

The NPFL-La Liga Partnership – leading Nigerian Domestic Football Out of the Woods When I first heard that the League Management Company, organisers of the Nigerian Professional Football League, were about to sign a partnership with the leadership of the Spanish La Liga, my initial reaction was that of skepticism. We hear about all kinds of partnerships these days that are no more than some megalomaniac’s idea of business brilliance. In this case however a series of developments suggested the contrary to me in the course of the two days I was in Abuja to witness the coming together of both parties – one arguably the best league in the world, the other potentially the biggest and best league in Africa. First, there were the top officials of the La Liga, including the president Javier Tebas, and how they interacted openly and freely with their Nigerian hosts, then there was the mild-mannered and soft-spoken LMC president Shehu Dikko, who passionately took me through plans for the league, and then there was the signing of the agreement which involved the Spanish ambassador to Nigeria Alfonso Barnuevo and the Nigerian minister of youth and sports Solomon Dalung. Seated inside the Niger-Delta Room at the Transcorp Hilton and watching the events unfold, it felt like in the journey of a thousand steps to return Nigerian domestic football to its glory days, we had just crossed the first century of steps. There are 900 more to go still, but clearly the path is clear and progress is steady.

T

his partnership would benefit both parties. For the Spaniards, having Africa’s most populous nation and biggest economy on your side in the ferociously competitive world of global football cannot hurt, while for Nigeria, the benefits of walking hand in hand with a global brand like La Liga can be transformational if our usually debilitating systemic problems do not get in the way. Initially meant to run for five years, the deal essentially focuses on key areas of capacity development; training for coaches and club administrators; inter-club exchanges and commercial activities, including joint marketing campaigns. It basically blows open the door for our league administrators to learn from a global giant, while also helping to develop our coaches and footballers as well as increasing the marketability of the league.

As captured by the LMC boss Dikko: "There is a fight for the heart and pocket of Nigerians to love and buy into our domestic football league and LaLiga is ready to work with us on that. Stakeholders are already getting interested as they have seen one of the best leagues in the world associating with us. This will help us move forward and many more good things will follow. We shall move from this point to a point where we will in turn begin to support other leagues in Africa”.

However, as much as this is a fantastic business opportunity, it still leaves us with plenty to do if we must gain the best from it. It is imperative that there is equity and fairness in how we approach the opportunities open to us. No point having inter-club exchanges if, for instance, the best available people are left behind while ‘agreeable’ though less competent people are ‘rewarded’ with such opportunities. It is crucial that the LMC continues to engage deeply with its stakeholders, especially the clubs, and to educate them about how a deal like this is worthless unless it is meritorious. To be sure, the Spaniards have not promised the heavens, they have said they will continue to monitor events closely and grow in small steps. However what else can we realistically ask for? The onus then is on us to make the most of it.

Fortunately the LMC is innovating more aggressively after years of relentlessly building a strong foundation.

New ideas are being launched, and the latest, which has proven a smash hit, is Friday night football. A good example happened two Fridays ago when Enugu Rangers hosted Nasarawa United and the match pulled a massive crowd. It

was a first time in years that the city was experiencing night football and it turned out a thoroughly entertaining game which was also beamed live on Supersport. Fans in the coal city celebrated for long hours. Night football also pulled a record crowd when MFM FC hosted Kano Pillars some weeks ago. Indeed, since the fall of the once wildly popular local league of the 70s and 80s, there now appears the most interest in the NPFL from football fans. The clubs and players are also responding with some sublime football. So the stage seems set for us to engage a new gear.

Now is when the government of the day should craft business environment friendly policies for those who want to invest in football and sports generally.

For a government desperate to create jobs, there is no better sector than sports to achieve this. Thankfully the sports minister Dalung appreciates this position and has promised that the government will strive to do its bit. He said: "The league in Nigeria is indeed a major

tool for social cohesion. Government is committed to putting in place, enabling administrative and legal frameworks for international business partnerships.

"It is of significance that the NPFL and La Liga are entering into an understanding that will improve the business aspects of the league in Nigeria. Such areas will boost the earnings of football which will in turn impact positively on the welfare of the players while creating new frontiers for business".

It is time now for Nigerian businesses to throw their weight behind these efforts. It is simple business sense that the more successful the NPFL is the more jobs and wealth will be created in society and the more disposable income there would be, which then translates to bigger and more successful business patronage.

To be fair, there is heightening awareness of this in business circles and more big players are looking for ways to take advantage of the rising league. When the fans in Enugu were celebrating, they boosted business for beverage compa-

nies, for farmers whose chicken, meat, fish, etc were consumed. They boosted business for bars, for local transportation, for the telecommunications giants and TV networks. Perhaps even more critical is the oneness football inspires. In spite of the political bad blood threatening to engulf us all, a team from the north is hosted deep in the southeast and in the end rather than guns and protests, it was backslapping and fun.

It was a point not missed by Dikko.

Ensconced in his Range Rover on a quiet Abuja night, the man talked with disarming candor about how the NPFL can create over half a million jobs in this country and lead the fight for unity and peace. I heard him loud and clear. It was amazing that approaching midnight after a long tough day it still felt like morning yet for the LMC boss. Listening to him that night, it felt comforting that he was the man leading the Nigerian end of the deal with the La Liga leadership.

Hopefully the good times are close once again.

36

SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2016 T H I S D AY

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

WRITERS’ WORLD BusinessSpeak

Is the Corporate World Bastardising English Language?

Languages change over time. With new words coined and used widely all the time, vocabulary changes. It does more rapidly than grammar, but even English grammar is evolving. It is said that when a language stops changing, it becomes purely academic, like Latin or Ancient Greek. But some people are alarmed at the rate at which the Corporate World is invading the language with jargons they call Business-speak. Market place is now a generic name for business, not just that location for buying and selling. Also common in Nigeria is the new usage of SPACE, such as in ‘political space’ and ARCHITECTURE, such as ‘security architecture.’To google a person is easily understood because of the popularity of Google, but do you know what they mean by ‘boiling the ocean?’ Well, you will find out below. However there are really some funny ones like ‘Office pretty’, meaning a female coworker that is attractive only in comparison to others at the office. Interestingly, the use of these jargons has become a status symbol and a proof of loyalty in the ‘Corporates.’(If you belong, you have to speak the language of the bosses). Some bosses even use it as a measure of competency. I have gathered some of the commonly used jargons encroaching on the ‘language space’ from various sources including Forbes. Enjoy the added comments of language experts.

D

rill Down: A phrase often wielded by superiors wanting a subject examined more closely.

Core Competency: This expression refers to a firm’s or a person’s fundamental strength—even though that’s not what the word “competent” means. “Do people talk about peripheral competency? Being competent is not the standard we’re seeking. It’s like core mediocrity.”

Buy-In: This means agreement on a course of action, if the most disingenuous kind. Notes David Logan, professor of management and organization at the University of Southern California’s’s Marshall School of Business: “Asking for someone’s ‘buy-in’ says, ‘I have an idea. I didn’t involve you because I didn’t value you enough to discuss it with you. I want you to embrace it as if you were in on it from the beginning, because that would make me feel really good.’”

S.W.A.T. Team: In law enforcement, this term refers to teams of fit men and women who put themselves in danger to keep people safe. “In business, it means a group of ‘experts’ (often fat guys in suits) assembled to solve a problem or tackle an opportunity” says USC’s Logan.

Empower: What someone above your pay grade does when, apparently, they would like you to do a job of some importance. Also called “the most condescending transitive verb ever.” It suggests that ‘You can do a little bit of this, but I’m still in charge here.: I am empowering you’”, says Dr. Jennifer Chatman, professor of management at the University of California-Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.

Drinking the Kool-Aid: A tasteless reference to the Jonestown Massacre of 1978, this expression means to blindly accept something, such as a company’s “mission statement.” Robotic allegiance is bad enough; coming up with tactless expressions for it is horrendous.

Move the Needle: This beauty, which has nothing to do with heroin, is a favorite of venture capitalists. If something doesn’t move the needle, meaning that it doesn’t generate a reaction (like, positive cash flow), they don’t like it much. You could just say, specifically, how your plan and product are superior to your competitors’.

Open the Kimono: “Some people use this instead of ‘revealing information.’ It’s kind of creepy,” says Bruce Barry, professor of management at Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Business.

Bleeding Edge: Someone decided that his product or service was so cutting-edge that a new term needed to be created. It did not.

Thinking out of the Box? Tiger Teams: A ‘tiger team’ is also a group of experts---specifically a bunch of tech geeks entrusted with curing your computer ills.

Make Hay: Jargon for being productive or successful in a short period of time. The phrase ‘to make hay’ is short for ‘make hay while the sun shines.’

Scalable: A scalable business or activity refers to one that requires little additional effort or cost for each unit of output it generates. Example: Making software is a scalable business (building it requires lots of effort up front; distributing a million copies over the Web is relatively painless). Venture capitalists crave scalable businesses.

Best Practice: Refers to a method or technique that delivers superior results compared with other methods and techniques. It is also perhaps the single

Jesus meeting: A term of southern American origin that refers to a serious meeting with an individual or team. These meetings often involve ultimatums for performance improvement

most pompous confection the consulting industry has ever dreamed up.

Think Outside the Box: To approach a business problem in an unconventional fashion. Kudos to a Forbes.com reader who suggested: “Forget the box, just think.”

Ducks in a Row: The saying apparently comes from the earlier days of bowling before machines set pins automatically.

One needed to get his “ducks in a row” before hurling a weighty ball down the alley. Better: At work, “make a then later, if you’d

plan”; like, “go bowling.”

Ecosystem: The vast, interlinked collection of designers, vendors, manufacturers, customers that defines a particular industry. When did business become aquaculture?

Vertical: A specific area of expertise.

If you make project-management software for the manufacturing industry (as opposed to the retail industry), you might say, “We serve the manufacturing vertical.” In so saying, you would make everyone around you flee the conversation.

Over the Wall: If you’re not wielding a grappling hook, avoid this meaningless expression. Katie Clark, an account executive at Allison & Partners, a San Francisco public relations firm, got a request from her boss to send a document “over the wall.” Did he want her to print out the document, make it into a paper airplane and send it whooshing across the office? Finally she asked for clarification. “It apparently means to send something to the client,” she says.

Full Service: If you don’t work at a gas station, please please don’t use this expression. “If I hear one more professional describe their business as ‘full service,’ I’m going to scream,” says Deborah Shames, co-author of Own The Room: Business Presentations that Engage, Persuade and Get Results.

Robust: Often used to suggest a product or service with a virtually endless capacity to please. A cup of good coffee should carry this adjective.

Take Offline: This means to postpone addressing an issue---one that may have nothing to do with the Internet.

Unless you’re talking about removing

BISI DANIELS bisi.daniels@thisdaylive.com Blog: www.bisidaniels.com, 08093618000

your company’s Facebook page, you’re probably not taking anything offline.

Synergise: This word has infiltrated nearly every cube and conference room in the country. Blame Stephen Covey, author of 7 Habits of Highly Successful People. (No. 6 is Synergize.) Of this habit, Covey writes, “To put it simply, synergy means two heads are better than one.”

The same advice was preached several decades earlier on the hit show Sesame Street. Big Bird called it “cooperation.”

Boil the Ocean: This means to waste time. The thinking here, we suppose, is that boiling the ocean would take a long time. It would also take a long time to fly to Jupiter, but we don’t say that. Nor should we boil oceans, even the Arctic, which is the smallest. It would be a waste of time.

Hard Stop: An executive with a “hard stop” at 3 p.m. is serious about ending the meaning at 3 p.m. Very serious, and also very important---or at least that’s how it comes off, observes Patricia Kilgore, president of Sterling Kilgore, a Chicago area public relations and marketing firm. “To me it sounds like ‘This meeting isn’t really that important, so I need a way to get out of it,’” she says. A heart attack is a hard stop, Kilgore adds; anything else is just a conflict.

Giving 110%: The nice thing about effort, in terms of measuring it, is that the most you can give is everything, and everything equals 100%. You can’t give more than that, unless you can make two or more of yourself on the spot, in which case you have a very interesting talent indeed. To tell someone to give more than 100% is to also tell them that you failed second-grade math.

Body of Work: A high-nosed way of summarising the total output of an industry or company. Stop trying so hard and just say “product line,” or some such.

Let’s Talk That: For some troubled souls this phrase takes the place of “let’s discuss that,” or “let’s talk about that.”

Let’s talk that? Talk this.

Out of Pocket: Many auto-reply e-mails now carry the phrase: “I’m ‘out of pocket’ until next week.” Mark Daly, an account manager at the Davies Murphy Group, a marketing firm, astutely observes: “Expenses come out of pockets, quarterbacks come out of the pocket, but Johnny, well he’ll just be plain unavailable or out of the office.”

Peel the Onion: This means to delve into a problem, one layer at a time, to thoroughly understand what’s causing all the trouble. As metaphors go, there are worse. But like the actual vegetable, this over-used expression brings tears to the eye.

Cannibalise: To launch a new product that takes market share away from one’s own established products.

Jesus meeting: A term of southern American origin that refers to a serious meeting with an individual or team. These meetings often involve ultimatums for performance improvement.

Compliment sandwich: A pointed criticism delivered between two compliments to dull the blow. Build them up, tear them down, then leave on a positive note.

Contraction: Widespread layoffs.

“In order to prepare the organisation for sale, all employees should brace for further contraction.”

Deferred success: A term used to postpone the declaration of failure, as if a positive result is guaranteed (just not right now). “The project was a deferred success; we’re confident that things will pick up in the next quarter.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

April 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 2016

40

FITNESS FILE The Edenlifestyle corner with

Change Your Life Today

MAJE AYIDA

majeayida@edenlifenigeria.com www.edenlifenigeria.com, 07062614551

S

ome people are what we call high performers. They are exceptionally focused, insanely organised and (therefore) incredibly productive. They are detail oriented, remember things well, are good with deadlines, and usually get out of bed before their alarm clock.

Others are… well, not. I happen to fall into the “not” category. Some of us (including me) are big performers. I say “big” because they think Big. They have Big dreams, Big goals and usually Big personalities. More than anything else, they are exceptionally skilled at seeing the Big Picture. These people are good at ideas. They are fantastic at coming up with great concepts and understanding how those concepts will play out. Unfortunately, they’re not detailed oriented, forget stuff and often finish projects just before the deadline – or just after it. And, of course, they hit snooze a few times before getting out of bed.

But people with big ideas want to bring those ideas to life – they just need help being more productive.

And so, hoping for that, I undertook a quest to achieve better productivity for myself. Along the way, I compiled a list of five rules to increase productivity. The best part is, these rules can be applied to any job, any field of study and, in fact, any area of your life.

Write It Down This should have been one of the easier habits to adopt, but I wasn’t able to make it “stick” till later.

Writing things down is something I recommend in a lot of instances, and since I’m an intense planner when it comes to diet and training, it makes a lot of sense to me. You see, putting something down in black and white gives it something it lacked previously: tangibility.

Writing takes things from ideas to plans. In my case, the way I am doing things now is to have working to-do lists. I simply make a list each night of all of the stuff I want to do the next day, listed in either order of importance or the chronological order that I want to finish them (you’ll have to play around to see what works best for you). By doing this, I am immediately able to get started on my day in a productive way.

This is surprisingly effective. Even writing down “walk for at least 25 minutes” seems to have an impact on the weight of that task, and I’m a lot less likely to skip out halfway through.

Going further than to-do lists, I now write down nearly everything in my phone, any idea that comes to mind that I’d like to write about.

The pocket notebook has long been a tool for some of the most productive people in history – Thomas Jefferson carried one made of ivory leaves that he used to record everything from quotes to the migrations of birds.

Other famous bad-asses are known for pocket notebooks, including Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, Charles Darwin, and Ludwig Van Beethoven.

To put things back in the fitness context and give you something actionable, I suggest you start recording both your meals and your training sessions. Ideally, you will plan them out beforehand and then record them

during, to see how closely you can match your plan. In the case of my coaching clients, both training and diet are planned for them, and the client has to follow the plan. Life is a lot easier and more productive when these things are handled in advance (or simply done for you).

Another cool diet tip is to use your cell phone camera to take a picture of every meal. Taking a picture serves as a pattern interrupt and forces you to think about what you’re eating. While you don’t have to post the pictures on Facebook or Instagram, try to look at your meals through that lens. If you’re trying to lose fat, each meal should take you closer to that goal. If you wouldn’t want your friends to know what you’re eating, you probably aren’t making the right choices. So write it down!

Wake Up Earlier Yeah, I know. Pretty basic. I’ll go further and say it’s not just important to wake up early (or earlier), but that it’s important to wake up at the same time every day. One aspect of working from home that is simultaneously a blessing and a curse is that my days aren’t always the same. There are days when I train clients and days when the only thing I have on my agenda is writing and content. Which means that at least 50% of the time I don’t have a set schedule. This is certainly the dream for a lot of people: the freedom to do what you want, when you want and at your leisure. Currently, I am getting up at 5:30 a.m., 6 days a week.

Given that this article is all about productivity, I have come to realize that I do my best creative writing between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. That means that if I get to bed immediately after (and I don’t have difficulty falling

asleep), I can still get 5-6 hours, which is good for me. This is something that’s important to me. If I’m not working on a project that involves a high level of creativity, I can go to bed earlier.

Bringing it back to fitness, something as simple as getting up earlier and making sure you do your stretching or even a full workout is an easy way to ensure that you actually get it done. My point is that by mastering your time and understanding your “rhythms”, you can become exponentially more productive. I would estimate that in the 60 minutes I spend active that I previously spent sleeping, I get about three to four times as much work done as any other point of the day.

To touch on some great thinkers, Benjamin Franklin was quoted as to say, “Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” I don’t doubt that. Thomas Jefferson was also a dedicated early riser.

Create A “No-Think” System This is one of my favorite tips, because it is applicable to nearly any aspect of life. So many times we simply let our brains get in the way – we over-think things. Well, if you can avoid that, chances are you’ll make more progress. In the fitness context, this happens to a lot of guys. You sit and look at all the incredible options you have for training programs, and you finally decide on one. Then you’re not getting the results you want after three whole days (omg!), and you decide that the one you read about this morning sounds better, so you try that.

We call this “program hopping.” And if you couldn’t guess, it’s terrible.

Then, blunder of blunders, you start trying to mix and match and combine

aspects of each, and in the end you wind up doing an amalgamation of training protocols that isn’t just useless but often counterproductive. You’re now no longer a program hopper; you’re a hacker. And most of the time, the failure of this method is monumentally epic. So stop thinking. Put your head down. Trust in the sources you believe in. Just DO the program for 8 weeks. Sure, listen to your body, but give it some time to respond. This is one reason that hiring coaches is so effective. They do the thinking for you. You just have to put in the work.

Along the same lines, I like for people to have several “no think” programs to fall back on. For example, whenever I’m traveling, I have three separate bodyweight workouts that I bring with me. Why? Because if I don’t have a gym, I have a program.

In terms of nutrition, find 1-3 meals you can make in 5-10 minutes that are tasty and in line with your goals, and make sure you eat one of them each day. It takes thinking completely out of the equation, and makes time management a breeze. I can cook a steak in seven minutes (I like it medium-rare) while listening to music.

I can make an omelet while still in my post-workout, near-vomit euphoria.

My body is on autopilot. No thinking.

Just doing.

In terms of time-management, I have a no-think system, as well. I spend exactly one hour each day answering no-think emails. I don’t think. I just take care of it. It’s easy and monotonous, and I just do it. I do this the same hour of every day, and that’s it. The more pieces you have in place that are done for you, the more successful you’ll be.

•Look out for part 2 next week.

APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

87Origins Collection

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE

87Origins

87Origins is an online fashion & lifestyle brand based in Lagos. It was established in 2016 by Tolani Tubi & Tiwa Osibodu. wit a very simple aim: “We want to make modern & sophisticated garments accessible to everyone who enjoys wearing stunning clothes as much as we love creating them. We want to put the excitement back into your wardrobe, we care about what we do, but always strive to do better. Our products

are detail driven wardrobe stables that will make getting dressed an effortless process,” a statement from the company states 87ORIGINS is the business of making great designs accessible. It prides itself as not following the traditional retail culture of high mark-ups for good quality clothing. “As a brand our culture is to make the customers a priority at every level of our company.” the statement further revealed.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 30, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: General Manager, Lucky Fibres Plc, Mr. Jitesh Pamnani; Ag. Managing Director, Bank of Industry, Mr. Waheed Olagunju; Minister of State, Trade, Industry & Investment, Aisha Abubakar; and Senior Human Resources Manager, Lucky Fibres plc, Oluwakemi Ajibade, during the Minister visit to Lucky Fibres Ikorodu In Lagos recently.

L-R: CEO Middle East & Africa, OLX, Daan Sanders; Lola Masha, Country Manager, OLX ,Lola Masha and CEO Diamond Bank,Uzoma Dozie at the launch of \’OLX Do it for me\’on Diamond\’s TV Tech Turks in Lagos

NNPC Signs MOU with Foreign Firms on Crude Oil Sales The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has signed an agreement with South African oil and Gas Company, Sac Oil Holdings and a London based oil and gas firm, Energy Equity Resources (EER), on the purchase of Nigeria’s crude oil.

The development which experts have described as a good one considering present economic crunch, would to some

extent, relieve the financial burden of the country.

The purchasing Companies have through a joint venture vehicle, Sac Oil Energy Equity Resources Limited (SEER), signed a 12- month’s contract with the state’s own oil corporation to buy its crude oil grades.

In a statement released by the purchasing parties, Chief Executive

Officer of Sac Oil Holdings, Dr. Thabo Kgogo, noted that the quantityof crude oil that would be purchased by SEER would be dependent on the aggregate crude production in the country and prevailing global oil price.

Kgogo added, “We are pleased to have secured this crude allocation for trading as it provides us with a structured and measured exposure to

this attractive market. We look forward to working with EER and the NNPC in future opportunities in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.”

Both Nigeria and the buying countries would be benefiting immensely from the deal which would see both parties increase their revenue base that would boost growth and investment strategy.

GTBank Food and ASUS Opens Experience Is NAFDAC Accommodating Fakes?

Centre in Computer The National Agency for Food and Drug ban, he was not in a position to disclose Drinks Fair Kicks off Control, NAFDAC, was reported to have the identity of the products.

Village Award winning international Information Communication Technology (ICT) firm, ASUS, has launched its first ever demonstration centre in Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos.

The specialised designer and manufacturer of all kinds of digital accessories hinted that the newest store, which was loaded with the brand’s exclusive certified devices and accessories, would drive deeper awareness for the company, provide a credible avenue for authentic engagement with end-users and serve as a ready repository for the purchase of its genuine product offerings.

Some of the products of the firm include : motherboards, graphics cards, optical drives, displays, desktop and all-in-one PCs, notebooks, net books, servers, multimedia devices, wireless solutions, networking devices, tablets, smartphones and wearables .

Country Manager of the company, Simplice Zaongo said more of such stores should be expected in other parts of the country soonest.

“Given our growing presence in Nigeria, we are glad to announce this initiative geared towards bringing top-notch technology to end-users in Lagos. The market is already responding positively to the best-in-class quality that ASUS guarantees and we assure end-users that the new exclusive store will satisfy their yearnings for authentic brand engagement in the Nigeria IT space”, he added. .

banned some undisclosed unregistered herbal products in Onitsha, Anambra State recently.

According to the agency’s Deputy Director, Special Zonal Office, Onitsha, Dr. Christiana Ezenwah who was quoted in the report with the Headline: ‘NAFDAC Bans Unregistered Herbal Products’, the clamp-down on illegal herbal products, herbal companies and clinics had become very imperative to save the lives of those who patronise them.

However, when Market Place contacted the agency to identify names of banned products in order to alert Nigerians to avoid such products in the market, which probably may have circulated across the country. Responses from requisite authorities were disappointing.

According to South-East Public Relations Officer of the agency , Mr. Celestine Nwuruku who confirmed the

“The products are not registered, hence, do not have names” he told Market Place.

When prodded further, he referred us to “higher authority”.

Contacted, the Deputy Director and Coordinator of the agency in Anambra State, Dr. Christiana Ezenwa said the agency had not banned any product as stated in the report, “The headline was erroneously written but the story is true”, she pointed out.

Speaking further, she stated, “We only raided some stores and confiscated unregistered herbal products found in those stores but did not ban them.”.

When asked to identify names of the confiscated products, she insisted that “ I don’t have the list here with me, even if I have the list, it is our report and I have sent it to headquarters, if you need further information ,contact the headquarters.”

Olx Introduces “Do it For Me” Service Online classifieds company, Olx, has announced the introduction of proxy service on its platform via Diamond Bank Tech Turks, called ‘Do It for Me ‘(DIFM) .

This service is expected to help users who have no time to post, meet with potential buyers or want their privacy protected, get their items posting and selling to be managed by Olx champs.

According to the Chief Executive Officer Of the company in Middle East & Africa, Daan Sanders, DIFM was another innovative product of the firm to make life easier and safer for users.

“Our number one priority here in Nigeria is trust and safety, with the latest , people who are skeptical about using the platform can be rest assured that the OLX champs will manage the

posting and sales of items for them.

We continuously reinvent the classifieds business model to fit the local market. The DIFM model is convenient and will keep our users safe, help buyers and sellers close deals quickly”.

Sanders Pointed.

Explaining further, Country Manager of Olx, Lola Masha stated that “The new service which attracts a reasonable fee comes in two forms: Post It For Me(PIFM),where sales champs manage the posting of items for users and Sell It For Me (SIFM),where sales champs see to the entire posting and selling process.

The DIFM Service, for now can only be accessed in Lagos; plans are also ongoing to extend it to other parts of the country as soon as possible.

Today

The much anticipated maiden edition of the Guaranty Trust Bank Food and Drink Fair is set for launch today, to be wrapped up on tomorrow.

The two-day event according to the orange branded company aims to project numerous business opportunities in the food industry with world renowned and indigenous chefs on ground to lecture participants on latest culinary trends and tips around the world.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of the bank, Segun Agbaje, aside the entertainment aspect of the function, where A-list performing artistes were expected to thrill the audience and participants with light music, the fair offered a veritable platform for budding small and medium entrepreneurs, SMES in Nigeria to promote their businesses, through showcasing a wide variety of their products ranging from fresh organic groceries to finely prepared delicacies, confectioneries and pastries, bakery items, beverages, wines and spirits, ready to eat consumables, top quality coockery as well as wines and champagnes.

“We are incredibly excited to showcase the diverse culinary mosaic that Nigeria uniquely offers to the world, as a prime destination for foodies and experts from across the globe. In addition to showcasing the wide array of Nigeria’s culinary community as well as the richness of Africa’s cuisine, this festival reinforces our reputation for creating memorable experiences within and beyond the banking”, Agbaje pointed out.

Participants and attendees will also be enthralled with culinary experiences such as food and wine tastings, outdoor grills and kid’s activities and opportunity to purchase packaged food, beverage items and top quality kitchen appliances and accessories.

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JUNE 16, 2011 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

FAIRGROUND

HeinekenLFDW, Style House Host Fashion Business Series

with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

T

he 2016 Fashion Business Series (FBS) opened its doors, recently to private sector practitioners, textile companies, retailers, manufacturers, fashion retailers, luxury fashion brands, designers, and fashion entrepreneurs, to facilitate conversations to position the fashion industry as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP. Hosted by Style House Files, founders of Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week and sponsored by PAL Pensions and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), the Fashion Business Series served as a forum for exchanging ideas, networking and exploring strategies to grow the industry.

Speakers at the event included David Uduano, Managing Director, PAL Pensions; Folake Coker; Mai Atafo; Lanre Da SilvaAjayi; Abrima Erwiah; Lisa Folawiyo; Noble Igwe; Ebuka Obi-Uchendu; and Ketruah King, among others.

Themed, “The Future of Fashion”, FBS focused on manufacturing and how to reduce the cost of operations for profit maximisation. The event kicked-off with a keynote address by Simone Cipriani, Head, Ethical Fashion Initiative of ITC, who led the discussion on manufacturing in Africa and possibilities that exist. Industry stakeholders discussed on varied topics including: ‘Retail and ‘Etail’: Maximizing Opportunities and Reducing Risk’, ‘Communicating Fashion’, ‘Exporting Fashion to the World’, among others.

“We are happy about the recently concluded Fashion Business Series. This was our best session yet! We are grateful to all the speakers and engaged attendants. People traveled from Abuja and Calabar to attend and the response was great. We aimed to communicate the importance of Garment Manufacturing. This is the future of fashion, driving down our production prices to make us locally and internationally competitive and to generate forex through export. Planning is already underway for the next session which will take place in October - watch this space,” commented Ronke Adeola, Project Manager - The Fashion Business Series.

L-R, Simone Cipriani, Abrima Erwiah, Patricia Ojora and Omoyemi Akerele

Fola Adeola and Tokunbo Akerele

Tatiana Moussalli Nouri and Joy Chico Ejiro

Azuka Ogujiuba, Bola Balogun, Ijeoma Ndekwu and

L-R, Nnani Ochijie, Lola Eme, Isioma Aihie, Isoken Ogiemwonyi, , Dave Uduanu, Kachi Udeoji and Mr David Wej

Ronke

Cross-section of participants

L-R, Lisa Folawiyo , Keturah King and Ozinna Anumudu

Queen Ahneva

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

45

FAIRGROUND

Cointreau Launches new Global Philanthropy

C

ointreau announced the launch of its new global philanthropic programme in Nigeria recently. The programme tagged; the Cointreau Creative Crew was launched last year in the UK and is curated by Laetitia Casta, as the Creative Director.

The objective of the Cointreau Creative Crew is to promote the development of women’s creative freedom and expression, as well as encourage women to work towards taking their initial dream and extending it into a tangible creative reality. The programme will provide an entrepreneur with the opportunity to be awarded a grant worth €20,000 to support their creative project and, it is also open to men.

Betty Irabor, Founder and Publisher of Genevieve Magazine and the Creative Curator of the Cointreau Creative Crew, Nigeria, enlisted a network of seasoned professionals, entrepreneurs and creative, including, Lami Tumaka, Barbara Lawrence, Ituen Bassey, Eku Edewor, Neku Atawodi, Yagazie Emezi, Denrele Sonariwo and Afua Osei. These women form the jury and committee of the Cointreau Creative Crew and were unveiled at the campaign launch.

Ituen Basi, Eku Edewor, Lami Tumaka, Betty Irabor, Afua Osei, Yagazie Emezi, Neku Atawodi & Denrele Sonariwo

AMAA 2016: Port Harcourt Ready to Host the World

T

he prestigious panAfrican reward system for the motion picture practitioners, African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) has found a new home in the garden city, Port Harcourt, capital of Rivers State.

This follows very successful nine consecutive editions in Bayelsa State; and one in Abuja, Lagos and Port Elizabeth, South Africa respectively.

The Governor Nyesom Wike-led state, which is the headquarters of the Oil & Gas industry in Nigeria, signed the hosting rights with the management of AMAA, making Rivers State the second sub-national government in Nigeria to tap into the huge potentials of AMAA for destination branding.

A statement signed by the River State’s Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Tonye Briggs Oniyide, on behalf of Governor Wike, and by the founder of the awards’ organisation, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, said hosting the award this year would be the beginning of a partnership that would add immense value to the people of the state and to the host city in particular, as the government was determined to position Port Harcourt as a destination of choice in Nigeria and West Africa.

“We are repositioning Rivers State as a state ready for business to Nigerians and the rest of the world and our partnership with AMAA will become a veritable platform to attract tourists, global and Nigeria icons in business and the entertainment industry. We want to showcase Rivers State as a peaceful place where socio-economic activities thrive and also the hospitality of our people. There is a huge economy around entertainment and show business in Port Harcourt. While our state is known for her hydrocarbon resources, His Excellency, Governor Wike’s administration through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism through initiatives like AMAA wants the world to know and take advantage of the business opportunities

Tonye Briggs Oniyide

that abound in Rivers State,” Briggs said.

The commissioner also added that the state would soon unveil a calendar of entertainment and tour-

Peace Anyiam-Osigwe

ist activities that would create job opportunities for the teeming youths of the state.

Speaking on the new partnership with the state, the awards founder,

Tony Ezenna Visits Pope Francis

H

is Holiness, Pope Francis selected Sir Tony Ezenna and his wife lady Lizzy, among the few faithfuls that carried the Offertory chalice to the Pope, during the Year of Mercy Church service in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, recently.

As Papal Knight of St Sylvester, Sir Tony and Lady Lizzy Ezenna had audience with His Holiness, Pope Francis on Wednesday, April 13.

Tony Ezenna, his wife Lizzy and Pope

Ms. Anyiam-Osigwe said that it marked the beginning of a new phase in the journey of the continental awards that started 12 years ago. “We are very happy with this development and express our gratitude to Governor Wike and the good people of Rivers State.

We value this partnership and we promise that it will be a rewarding one for the government and people of this great state.”

This year’s awards will now take place on Saturday June 11 and the nomination night where nominees into the 28 categories will be announced will hold on Wednesday May 11. The previous nomination nights had taken place in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Banjul, Lilongwe, Ouagadougou and Los Angeles. As part of the pre-AMAA activities, the state will host a sponsorship night in conjunction with the Africa Film Academy to mobilise corporate sponsors for the awards while the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) has been signed on as the major broadcast partner for the awards night with a live telecast to over 100 million people across the globe. Other media partners include Africa Magic, OHTV, UK, SABC, South Africa, and ONTV.

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 30, 2016

46

PERSPECTIVE/TRIBUTE

Fear Not the Man Femi Fani-Kayode

“W

hy do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed saying, ‘let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us’.

He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision”- Psalm 2: 1-4.

Everything that I said about President Muhammadu Buhari and his APC during the Presidential campaign has come true.

In less than one year I have been proved right in my continuous assertion that when it comes to running the affairs of our country President Goodluck Jonathan is by far the better man and the PDP by far the better party.

That is what is paining them and that is what they cannot bear to hear. Now they seek vengeance and they wish to silence me yet I am prepared for the worse.

The only thing that I underestimated was the high degree of malice that our President has for all his political adversaries and critics, the inexplicable pleasure that he derives in inflicting pain on the innocent, the strange delight he harbours in indulging in wickedness and the monumental incompetence he displays when it comes to administering the affairs of our nation.

For him, the only one thing that matters is the total annihilation and utter decimation of all his traducers; that and his inexplicable defence and insidious protection of the murderous Fulani militias and herdsmen.

He is unable to compete on the intellectual plain so, for him, the answer to all things is to unleash his modern-day Gestapo on his enemies, with firm orders to fabricate, implicate, break, crush and destroy.

In my world, a man is measured not by his ability to kill his subjects, to destroy his political opponents, to shed the blood of the defenceless, to throw the innocent in dungeons, to humiliate and persecute his adversaries, to abuse his power and to pervert the judicial system but by the level of his humanity and his sense of decency, fairness, justice and restraint.

They wish me ill and I await them without any fear or trepidation because my Redeemer liveth. This is a battle of the

Fani-Kayode

gods.

It is a conflict and struggle between the servants of Lucifer and the children of the Lord. He will never abandon me and in the end He will vindicate me and deliver me from their evil claws.

There is nothing I despise more than cowardice and weakness. Those who tremble before the storm are not worthy of being called Christians.

Those who cannot stand up for truth are no better than infidels and unbelievers.

Those who bow and tremble before men and who have no understanding or knowledge of the power of God are not worthy of grace or life.

Those who break ranks and run at the crack of the whip are not worthy of being called men.

The bible says “who art thou O man? Though art as a grass that withers. Though art as a flower that fadeth. A man that is

born of woman: that is today and tomorrow is no more”.

Man is nothing and each one of us, no matter how highly placed, wise, strong, educated, rich or powerful, must humble ourselves before God. He alone is all-powerful and He alone is the giver and taker of life.

He said “Esau I hate and Jacob I love”: some He hates and others He loves. Some He blesses and others He curses. Some He gives life and others He kills: He favours whom He pleases and none can question Him. No nation, no President, no leader, no government, no party, no institution, no trial, no tribulation, no persecution, no circumstance, no humiliation, no shame, no betrayal and no test is worthy of our fear: God alone is worthy of that.

He alone rules in the affairs of men and forges the destiny of nations. They may destroy your name, shame you before the world, take your liberty and cut short your life but it means absolutely nothing because God is still in control and He alone judges between the oppressor and his helpless prey.

Nothing can happen to any man unless the Lord permits it and when He permits it He always has His purpose.

The Bible says “had the Princes of this world known they would not have crucified the Lord of glory”.

They humiliated Him, hung Him on a cross, spat on Him, lied on Him, insulted Him, bore false witness against Him and eventually killed Him, yet He rose again and conquered them all.

There was a purpose to His humiliation and suffering and He fulfilled that purpose: He paid the price for His mission and destiny and indeed for us all.

We are His sons and heirs: if He can endure such tribulations and pain, so can we. As a matter of fact we should count it all as joy.

We should take solace in the fact that nothing is hidden before God. We should remember that those that seek to persecute, kill and destroy innocent men will eventually suffer the judgement of God. They, and all that are theirs, will pay a heavy price for the evil that they have done, the innocent souls that they have crushed, the destinies that they have destroyed, the dreams that they have shattered and the innocent blood that they have shed.

No matter what lies ahead we must always remember this: God is great, God is good and there is nothing that He does that is not perfect. Praise the Lord!

Tribute to Bon Nwakanma (SAN) Kester Enwereonu and Aham Njoku

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egal giant Bon Nwakanma (SAN) recently passed on at the age of 78 years. At a period when the attention of the whole world is focused on London for the celebration of 400 years of Williams Shakespeare the great English playwright and dramatist, it is important to point out that he read law in the University of London where he graduated LLB (Hons) Second Class Division in 1964. He later obtained M.A. degree in the same university. He held several positions in the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He served as Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in old Imo state. He started his practice in Aba before the creation of Abia state and then relocated to Owerri in Imo state where he flourished.

Nwakanma, a member of the Eze-in-Council held the traditional title of Ugo (Eagle) of Ife Autonomous Community in Imo state. A knight of the Church of Nigeria, he was until his death the Honourable Chancellor of the Anglican Diocese of Mbaise, Imo state. Apart from playing pivotal role in improving infrastructure in his village he was also philanthropic and inspired a whole generation of lawyers. These include but are not limited to Eze Enwereji, P.P. Maduka, Amanze Okoroigwe and Harrison Ugwuala. He was married to lady Bridget Nwakanma, an educationist who died some months earlier. Their marriage was blessed with children, some of whom are lawyers themselves.

However for us, Nwakanma’s major contribution to the legal profession would be the publication of the often cited authoritative book, “Laws Governing Elections And Election Petitions”, a 667 page book published in 2007.

The book was co-authored by Mr. Ngozi Olehi who read law at the university of Nigeria and

was called to the Bar in December, 1990.

Nwakanma had taken part in several election petition litigations both at the gubernatorial and presidential elections. He was so formidable in this area of the law that he was Lead Counsel to former Governor Achike Udenwa in 1999, 2003 and to former Governor Ikedi Ohakim in 2007. His dexterity in election petition litigations was so outstanding that the publication of the above book did not come as a surprise to many legal pundits.

His Lordship, Ikechi Francis Ogbuagu, Justice of the Supreme Court (J.S.C.) as he then was, in the foreword to the book, had this to say, “This book – Laws Governing Elections and Election Petitions, begins with a survey of electoral developments in Nigeria. This is significant. The process through which an electoral system is designed or altered has a great effect on the type of system which results, its appropriateness for the political situation, and the degree of legitimacy and popular support it will enjoy. The treatment on critical electoral activities and on jurisdiction and justiciability of intra-party disputes are not only illuminating but positively challenging.

Hitherto, there has not been a detailed analysis of this subject matter and I am sure that my learned brothers at the Supreme Court will not hesitate in taking note of the points canvassed with commendable erudition”.

The learned Justice concluded, “This book is important in multiple respects. It is patterned to equip the political class, operators of the electoral system, policy makers, legislators and legal practitioners with the basics in electoral engineering”. He then concluded, “The technical aspect of the presentation is outstandingly attractive and the intellectual quality is quite good. The scope of work is quite expansive and its treatment of issues previously considered obscure and abstract, is

Nwakanma impressive”.

According to Nwakanma, himself, in the preface to the book, “The pillar on which democracy stands is the electoral process. It is what translates the choice of the majority expressed by the voting patterns, into seats in representative institutions. It identifies the person to occupy a contested office. In a plural society as ours, with multi-ethnic diversities, building trust as well as professionalism in the management of electoral process remains a major challenge for electoral management bodies. The subject of electoral system is of central interest to anyone concerned with the operations of democratic systems of government. Elections are the defining moment in any democracy”.

Further, he said, “In representative democracies, elections perform two fundamental tasks: they

confer authorization or legitimacy upon those chosen to represent the people and ideally, they hold the representatives to account for their actions while in office. The electoral process therefore is critical to democracy, governance and development”.

Emeka Nnubia, one of our colleagues when told that Nwakanma had passed on described him as a man of character. He is right. It may be recalled that many years ago when the traditional ruler of his community died, Nwakanma was unanimously nominated to be the next traditional ruler. He declined to the surprise of many. He suggested that the position should be given to anybody below fifty years of age who is dynamic because the future belonged to the youths and not the elderly. He was frank and altruistic in a society be-devilled by lies, deceit, manipulations and self-aggrandizement.

He also had a great sense of humour. Once on a visit to Lagos, he was being driven to the airport to board his flight when he came under constant harassment by aggressive Lagos roadside hawkers. After observing them patiently for a long time, he said, “Do you know that in this your Lagos, somebody can actually stay in his car and buy all the items he needs to cook a good pot of soup!”

Indeed, we can pay him no better tribute than the one rendered by another of our colleagues Mr. Dele Adeogun. Adeogun who extensively used Nwankanma’s book (supra) in all of his recent Election Petition Tribunal and Court of Appeal cases from the 2015 elections when informed that Nwakanma had passed on was pensive. Then as if encapsulating the core of all that Nwakanma stood for in the legal profession he said, “May his Legal soul rest in peace”.

Enwereonu and Njoku are both Lagos based legal practitioners.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

medIA & mARketIng with

MediaReach OMD to Represent Nigeria at Cannes Young Lions Competition

L-R: Pampers Communications Manager, Tomiwa Ajewole, Pampers Advocate Tiwa Savage, Pampers Paediatrician, Dr. Ronke Akinola and ABM Pampers, Olumide Aruleba.

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or the seventh record time, mediaReach OMD Nigeria will fly Nigeria’s flag in the Young Lions Media global competition, as part of activities lined up for the annual Cannes Lions Creative Festival coming up later this year in June. The agency representation is courtesy of emerging winners of Nigeria arm of the competition.

The competition was open to

under-30-year-old media professionals representing various media agencies in Nigeria. Eight teams participating this year were given a brief and had little over 24 hours to think, create and submit a media solution to the brief. Finally, based on the presentations to the jury, comprising of media communications and creative professionals, the winning campaign was chosen according to criteria used for the International competition.

The International Young Lions

KASIE ABONE 08057511558 (sms only)

Management of Grand Oaks Limited handing over of hand pump to some members of the Ketting community in Obanliku LGA of Cross Rivers State recently

competition gives the next generation of industry leaders the chance to prove themselves by creating campaigns during the Festival week, where more than 400 contestants from around the globe compete in seven categories (Media, Cyber, Design, Print, Film, Marketers and PR). The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is the world’s biggest celebration of creativity in marketing communications. It is also the greatest opportunity of the year for industry

professionals to network and learn about brand communications.

“Our global winning culture cascades into our local markets; we train our talents regularly to be abreast of latest developments. Additionally, we have many local initiatives through which we encourage our people to produce works that deliver on objectives and help overcome current business challenges of our Clients”, says Tolu Ogunkoya, CEO, mediaReach OMD

Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps Provides Four States with Safe Water

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s part of its corporate social responsibility, Seaman’s Aromatic Schnapps, from Grand Oaks Limited’s stable in partnership with Tulsi Chanrai Foundation has enabled about 40 communities to enjoy safe drinking water.

This it did by empowering communities to take responsibility for their safe drinking water sources by establishing an effective village level operation and management system of hand-pumps

in four focus Local Government Areas in four different states of Nigeria. The project which commenced in October 2015 was concluded in November 2015.

The communities that benefited from the CSR initiative were Anambra West LG, Tarka LG of Benue State, Obanliku LG of Cross-River State and Ekiti West LG. These hand pumps were handed over to the benefiting communities to manage with their own resources by building capacity at the community level with massive support from the state and the respective benefitting

local governments. In addition to the water project, sanitation and hygiene practices were also encouraged in these communities.

In each of the LGAs, a Technical Officer with expertise in repair and maintenance of hand pump boreholes and community sensitization skills was positioned for a period of one year.

The technical officer would coordinate with the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Committees (WASHCOMs) in the communities to develop capacity of the communities by training inhabitants

in preventive maintenance, environmental sanitation and promotion of hygienic practices within the communities.

At the launch of the bore hand pumps in Ado Ekiti, the media and market research manager, Grand Oak Ltd, Linda Temienor said. “Since the handover is complete, we intend to do periodic checks and follow-ups to ensure the water remains safe for drinking. We will do this by conducting half-yearly bacteriological and pathological analysis of the water”.

Pampers Weekend Outing With Tiwa Savage

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t was a weekend of fun and learning in Lagos as Pampers Baby-Dry from Procter & Gamble (P&G) Nigeria and its brand ambassador, Tiwa Savage hosted select mothers from different parts of the country to an interactive afternoon of fun and experience-sharing. Apart from the excitement of face-to-face contact with their screen idol, the occasion provided them a unique opportunity to share their experiences and learn some secrets about baby care.

No fewer than a hundred mothers attended even as they also had a great time sharing motherhood tips and experiences among themselves.

Many of the moms expressed their satisfaction on the usage of the improved Pampers diaper saying that it

gives their children the needed comfort and soothes their skins. One of such is Mrs. Anike Sholanke who attended the event from Bauchi State. She said that ever since she switched to Pampers Baby Dry some months ago, it provided the needed comfort for her baby.

She said: “To say I love Pampers Baby Dry for my baby is an understatement.

After my baby developed rashes from using another diaper, I decided to switch to Pampers. I now believe that there are no diapers that compare to Pampers Baby Dry. When it comes to versatility and affordability, Pampers Baby Dry delivers ultimate comfort to my baby. It’s highly absorbent and my baby has never had diaper rash ever since I started using Pampers Baby Dry.” The event host and brand advocate,

Tiwa Savage while addressing the moms explained that the brand was fully vested in supporting the healthy growth of the baby.

According to her, “Pampers is a brand that is truly committed to the healthy development of the baby. When a brand decides to improve on its product like they have done, it shows they really care about their consumers which this time is the baby. I use the improved Nigeria Pampers, it is so good and I have come to trust Pampers and I recommend moms to try it too” On his part Tomiwa Ajewole, Brand Communications Manager, P&G Nigeria said: “One Pampers diaper is guaranteed to keep your baby dry all night.

The newly improved Pampers Baby Dry is well suited for the long hours of comfortable and sound sleep that the

baby needs. One diapers guarantee up to 12 hours of superior dryness.”

In the same vein, the Pampers Paediatrician, Dr. Ronke Akinola advised soon-to-be moms and nursing moms on the importance of having adequate sleep to their health and that of their little ones.

The event is part of the ‘Moms Know Best’ Campaign launched in January this year with the aim of enlightening Nigerian moms on the latest improvements made on Pampers Baby-Dry and also encouraging them to try it.

Amongst other activities, a live demo was carried out to explain how the diapers’ super gel locks wetness away better than any other diapers and how its new stretchy sides expands and relax with the baby’s tummy to prevent leakages.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

VINTAGE Waje, Falz, Others Share Special Coke Childhood Moments

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ituaje Iruobe, popularly known with stage name, W.A.J.E which is an acronym for (Words Aren’t Just Enough) is a natural born singer. The incredible songstress’ stardom began when she was featured in P’Square’s hit track, “Do Me”. The song was widely known within and beyond Africa and some other parts of Europe. When people mention the name Waje, her biggest musical hits till date come to mind. What people do not know about her however is that as a young girl, Waje was known as the ‘Coke and Bread Girl’.

Waje, the songbird, shared her most memorable Coca-Cola moment on the red carpet on the Coke Island, where Coca-Cola launched its new campaign ‘Taste the Feeling’. Coke Island is a simulated island in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The event brought together over 100 excited celebrities who had none stop fun at the Coke Island.

According to W.A.J.E, “The best and fondest Coca-Cola memory was when I was in Secondary School. I was at home for a while and just before leaving home every day, my mother would leave N50.00 for me to buy my favourite combination of Coca-Cola and bread. I was the ‘Coke and Bread Girl’ for a very long time.”

Not missing in the memory lane journey was the 25-year-old Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, who aside the massive strides he has made in his Musical, Comedy and Law career, was also the official host for the recently concluded Share a Coke II campaign.

Little wonder his fondest and most memorable Coca-Cola moment

Denrele, Olajumoke & Falz

brought a smile to his face. For him, his most memorable Coca-Cola moment was at 10 year old birthdays and how every child was excited to stand in front of a birthday cake surrounded

by Coca-Cola bottles for that epic and forever classic birthday picture. According to him, “That memory remains a prominent memory in my head.”

For the beauty queen, 22-year-old Miss Nigeria 2015, Pamela PeterVigboro Leesi, who was crowned on November 7, her fondest and most memorable Coca-Cola moment was in the University. She said, “While I was in the University, my friends and I had a long-standing tradition where after class, we would all go share a bottle of

Coke. It was lovely sharing Coke with friends.” The fun day in the sun at the Launch on Coke Island hosted several other celebrities, including Yemi Alade, 2Baba, Annie Idibia, Stephanie Coker, Denrele Edun, fast rising model Olajumoke, Kayla Oniwo, OloriSuperGal, Gideon Okeke, Gbenro Ajibade, Cynthia Morgan, YCEE, and Black Magic.

Land Dispute: Appeal Court Affirms Judgment Against Deeper Life Godwin Ifijeh

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he Court of Appeal, Lagos, has reaffirmed the judgment of a Lagos High Court against the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in a land dispute with one Mr. Joseph Ebhodaghe, awarding N5 million general damages against the Church for the about 20-year trespass on the respondent’s land.

Ebhodaghe, who the Lagos High Court described as a Clergyman of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), instituted the case against the Registered Trustees of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry in 2005 over a piece of land, measuring about 1055.864 square metres located on Mulero Street, Off Oyewole Road, Mulero, Agege, a Lagos suburb and registered as No. 75, at Page 75, in Volume 2004 T of the Lagos State Lands Registration.

With the two parties, laying claim to the land, tracing their titles to the Olalabi Sulu Family, Ebhodaghe had filed an action by a way of writ of summons and an amended statement of claim, asking the court to declare him the owner of the disputed land, order that the Church was a trespass to the land, award him N5 million as general damages against the church for the trespass on the land, order a perpetual injunction to restrain the Church, its agents, servants and privies from further trespassing on the land and such further orders as the court may deem fit.

After about nine years of trial, Justice S.B.A Candide – Johnson of the Lagos General Civil Division, Igbosere, Lagos, on January 17, 2014, granted all the reliefs sought by Ebhodaghe, declaring in his judgment on the matter: “My overall sense of this dispute is that, at some point, the defendant Church was well aware of the prior supervening title and interest of the claimant and yet have eventually contrived to dispossess the claimant by all means other than that which is far and just and in good conscience. In the final analysis, I hold, in the balance of probability and the preponderance

Kumuyi

Ebhodaghe

of evidence, that on the strength of his case and the relative weakness of the case of the Defendant, that the claimant succeeds and judgment is entered forthwith in his favour against the Defendant.’

Unsatisfied with the judgment, the Registered Trustees of Deeper Christian Life Ministry filed a Notice of Appeal dated March 27, 2015 and filed on April 14, 2015, raising 10 grounds of appeal and six issues for determination. The Church had asked the Court of Appeal to determine whether its title was not superior to Ebhodaghe’s competing title in the face of the documentary and oral evidence adduced before the court by it, whether the action of the trial court in embarking on self-examination of its survey plans with Ebhodaghe’s survey plans in chambers without calling on the parties to address him on it was right and did not amount to denying it fair hearing and justice and whether the failure of the trial court to consider at all its defence of laches, acquiescence and equitable estoppel to the judgment did not amount to denying it fair hearing and perverse judgment.

The Church also wanted the Court of Appeal to determine whether the award by the lower court of general damages of N5million for trespass, use and occupation of the land by it was not excessive without evidence to support the award, whether the award of N400, 000.00 cost was not punitive and was judicially and judiciously awarded and whether the entire judgment of the trial court was not perverse, considering the documentary and oral evidence placed before the court by both parties.

After a thorough review of the briefs of both parties, the three-man Justices of Chinwe Eugenia Iyizoba, Yargata Byenchit Nimpar and Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Judicial Division, in their judgment read and delivered on March 30, 2016 by Justice Abimbola Osarugue Obaseki-Adejumo upheld the judgment of the lower court, declaring: “In the light of the foregoing, this appeal is unmeritorious and it is hereby dismissed. The judgment of CandideJohnson J. of Lagos High Court delivered on 17th January 2014 is affirmed, cost is accessed at N50,

000.00 against the Appellant.”

An elated Superior Evangelist Joseph Ebhodaghe, Shepherd, CCC Victory Land Parish, Oyewole/Mulero Road, Orile-Agege, Lagos, was full of praise for the judiciary for living up to its role as the last hope of the common man, thanking God for standing by him.

According to him, the Deeper Christian Life Ministry and its Registered Trustees have oppressed him for too long. “I have done everything possible to make peace with them but to no avail. After I got the first judgment from the Lagos High Court, I made several efforts to meet with them to resolve the issue peacefully, they snubbed me, I took the matter to the then Special Assistant to Governor Babatunde Fashola on Christian Affairs, Pastor Ogedegbe, asking him to intervene and make them to see reason to make peace. The SAwrote Pastor Kumuyi and his other Registered Trustee members, they didn’t respond till today, I followed up with several visits to the Church’s programmes at Ayobo, worshiped and participated in all their programmes, thinking I could see Pastor Kumuyi after any of the programmes to draw his attention to the problem, I couldn’t, then I went to their Gbagada headquarters, I could only meet with his Secretary, one Pastor Samuel Afape, I discussed with him and he took all the documents from me, promising to get in touch with me but never did, what followed was that they went to the Court of Appeal, but God has again given me victory over them,” the man of God remarked.

The ex-soldier, who said he was in the Army for 18 years and in war front for two years, explained that he bought the land in 1973 from his retirement benefits and would never allow them to take it from him by any means other than a peaceful process.

“If they come and they say they want the land, I will give them the price, once they pay; I will relinquish it to them, other than that, no way,” Ebhodaghe said.

Several efforts made to get the Deeper Christian Life Ministry’s comment on the matter were futile with Pastor Afape at a point refusing to pick our calls.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2016

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50

APRIL 30, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

POLITY

Nigeria Loses About 3% of GDP to Road Traffic Crashes Annually Although progress is being made in reducing the frequency of road crashes in Nigeria, but it is still unacceptable the number of deaths and injuries recorded each year. It is economically unhealthy, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi Oyeyemi told journalists recently. Bennett Oghifo reports

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he Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi Oyeyemi said Nigeria loses about 3% of its GDP to road traffic crashes annually.

He said, during an interactive session with journalists recently that “with three years left in the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety, every day is important.”

Disturbed by this unhealthy development, the FRSC, he said “Is relentless in effecting measures that would sternly stem the crash fatality rate.” These measures include, Speed Limiting Device Enforcement; Mandatory Rear Seatbelt Usage; Overloading Violations; Post-Crash Initiative “TOLL-FREE 122”; Driver and Vehicle Verification Portal “IVP”; and the 2016 Corporate Strategic Goal.

Use of Rear Seatbelts...

The Corps Marshal said as part of the Corps mandate to save lives and reduce fatalities in the event of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), FRSC commands have commenced advisory enforcement on the use of rear seatbelts. They would, in addition, punish those involved in Excessive Load Violation and that a 3-digit national toll-free number- 122- has been instituted for emergency road crash reporting, explaining that this is pivotal in saving lives.

Information Verification Portal...

The corps, Oyeyemi now has a portal where motorists can verify the authenticity of their vehicle documents, using their mobile phones or other electronic devices. The information portal will help Nigeria to get it right, locally and internationally with “instant verification of your Driver License; instant verification of your Vehicle Plate Number; National Records and Database.”

National Economic Council Enforcement of NRSS Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2014 – 2018 The Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) 2014-2018 is a medium-term plan on Road Safety Management.

The document, he said provides for a diagnosis of the road safety situation in Nigeria; Detailed exposition of several distressing issues that have contributed to the present rate of road carnage, resulting in the loss of about 4,000 lives and properties worth about USD10 billion in 2012 alone; He said the development of the document is in response to the “The UN Decade of Action Declaration for Road Safety (2011-2020) which demands that member countries should develop a strategy to provide a direction towards achieving the vision for road safety using the Safe System’s Approach.

This is anchored on the five pillars identified in the Declaration; and the Country Capacity Review (CCR) conducted by the World Bank in 2010 to measure Nigeria’s capacity to deliver on road safety.

Driver’s Licence...

On the status of the Driver’s Licence, the Corps Marshal disclosed that the Joint Tax Board (JTB) had already taken decision to that effect during its 134th meeting held in Kano. There is now provision for applicants who desire to have their licence renewed either after three years or after five years. It is now mandatory for fresh applicants to attend driving schools before they are issued driver’s licence.

He said the Corps’ Vision is to have a country where Road Traffic Crash results in no death and that its goal is ‘Reduction in road traffic crash fatality rate by 35% by 2018 (2012 as baseline).

Their Purpose is “Wide adoption of Safe system approach to road safety management in Nigeria Road Safety Management; Non-standardised road traffic data templates; Undefined Lead Traffic Agencies in some states; Develop and utilize standard templates to capture and report relevant traffic data; Legislate the establishment of Motor Vehicle Administration Agencies in states.”

Safe Roads and Mobility...

He said there was need to stop the “Construction of Roads without specific standards; Failure to perform safety audits on roads; Implement design standards for all road types; Conduct road safety audit and safety impact assessments.

Oyeyemi Oyeyemi He observed that there is limited coverage of the Transport Safety Standardization Scheme (RTSSS); Insufficient Vehicle Inspection Centres (VICs) operated by PPP; and that there was need to expand RTSSS to cover all commercial vehicles that ply interstate roads; Encourage Public Private Partnership for establishment of VICs. On the part of road users, he said there was poor compliance with traffic rules; Inadequate monitoring of learners in driving schools; Develop and implement awareness campaigns on proper road use; Develop and implement training programmes based on vehicle license category.

Post - Crash Response and Care

He noted that there was insufficient rescue ambulance and equipment; Poor implementation of insurance scheme; and that there was need to provide additional medical equipment and emergency rescue ambulances; and implement road user insurance scheme to finance victim rehabilitation.

NRSS Institutional Arrangement

There is now a National Road Safety Advisory Council (NaRSAC) that is to oversee the implementation of the Road Safety Strategy (NRSS)under the Chairmanship of Vice President Yemi Osibanjo. The council has other members with Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps as Member/Secretary.

NaRSAC Key Responsibilities...

Set National Road Safety Strategy target(s); Ensure

The Corps Marshal said as part of the Corps mandate to save lives and reduce fatalities in the event of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs), FRSC commands have commenced advisory enforcement on the use of rear seatbelts. They would, in addition, punish those involved in Excessive Load Violation and that a 3-digit national tollfree number- 122has been instituted for emergency road crash reporting, explaining that this is pivotal in saving lives

co-ordination between Federal, States and Local Governments in achieving Road Safety targets; Drive the implementation of the NRSS via: Requests for progress reports from relevant agencies, Invitation of relevant agencies to defend proposed activities and road safety efforts on a quarterly basis, Evaluation of outcomes of National road safety initiatives, Development of a funding plan for strategic initiatives, Fund sourcing for implementation of strategic initiatives, Endorsement of disbursement of pre-approved funds for strategic initiatives, Monitoring of funds disbursement for strategic initiatives.

Other responsibilities are to review monitoring and evaluation reports (as submitted by FRSC) for effective coordination of road safety programmes; report to the FEC on progress made on the NRSS; perform annual review of the NRSS; oversee aspects that relate to road safety enforcement of 10 per cent of the National Road Fund and endorse subsequent NRSS prior to submission to the FEC. He said the corps intends to improve fleet regulation and Sustain stakeholders’ consultation; collaborate with States on improved road safety administration Improve enforcement and public education.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

POLITY

Elumelu Challenges Entrepreneurs On Mentorship

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he Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Mr. Tony Elumelu has challenged entrepreneurs to mentor young Nigerians in order to bridge the expertise and capacity gap between both sides.

Elumelu, guest speaker at the Learning Event of Entrepreneurs Organisation held in Abuja, urged EO members to be a link and constantly pursue the motivation of young ones by nurturing them to be successful entrepreneurs.

Represented by Mrs Abimbola Adebakin, Chief Operating Officer of Tony Elumelu Foundation, Elumelu said he believed that Nigerian entrepreneurs could achieve his own feat

of becoming a bank branch manager at age 26 and owning a bank at 32.

He further said that his Foundation was committed to training and raising entrepreneurs.

On his part, EO’s Global Chairman, Gilberto Crombe encouraged the Nigerian chapters to ensure the full integration of the entire African continent in the organisation, urging members to be committed to its ideas so as to bring other entrepreneurs on board and work together for the progress of the organisation, stressing that “if we want to go far, we must go together.”

This, he said, they could do by raising other chapters in Nigeria and extending their reach to other West African countries.

The facilitator of the workshop session, Mr Jamie Douraghy, who is Chairman of EO’s Global Growth Task Team, while discussing the theme “Discover Your Why”, dwelled on the need for each entrepreneur to identify his or her reason for success in any desired endeavour.

He itemised ‘Nine Why’s’ which he said entrepreneur required to achieve their goals. These included: “Contribute, Trust, Make Sense and Better Way.” Others were: “Right way, Challenge, Master, Clarity and Simplify.”

In his remarks, Mr Raymond Hurt, who represented James F. Entwistle, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria, said the United States was ready to work with the EO in enhancing the business climate in Nigeria. He

stated that proper coordination of EO members would assist the nation in the actualisation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Five entrepreneurs were presented with awards of recognition for their selfless service to the growth of the organisation.

EO was founded in 1987 and now has 157 chapters in 51 countries. It is a global business network of over 12,000 leading entrepreneurs and serves as a catalyst that enables leading entrepreneurs learn, grow, and go on to transform the world.

The global thought leadership group on entrepreneurship, EO plays an integral role in businesses, industries and the lives of leading entrepreneurs across the world.

AUN Conducts Free Training for Adamawa Business Community

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he American University of Nigeria School of Business & Entrepreneurship, in partnership with the Adamawa Chamber of Commerce, Mines, and Agriculture, has kicked off its planned free training workshops for Adamawa State business executives.

The program is a part of the University’s efforts to help the state’s business community, while providing AUN’s business students with hands-on, out-of-classroom experience. The free workshops, like the free business clinics it earlier conducted with small business owners in the state, are geared towards improving the quality of businesses in the state.

The first workshop, which took place at the Conference Hall of the Office of the Deputy Governor, was attended by Deputy Governor Martins Babale of Adamawa State, who read the keynote address.

“The objective is to form a collaborative relationship with the business community, and that’s what the AUN Business School tries to do,” said Dr. Chris Mbah, the AUN Chair of Business Administration & International Business.

“We’ve done this through the Business Clinic sessions, and we are now also doing this through the executive training.”

President Margee Ensign, who was represented by AUN’s Chief Information Officer, Mr. Julius Ayuk-Tabe, noted that programs like these are what make

AUN stand out among other universities. “We are not just a university, but a development university, and no decision fits that name better than when we do things like this,” she said. “Our hope at AUN is that this is the beginning of many trainings like this. We are hoping that this will give you an appetizer.”

During the first of the two-part workshop, Professor Linus Osuagwu, spoke on “Marketing in a Challenging Environment;” Dr. Tamara Myatt gave an inspirational lecture on “Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Management;” Samuel Akanno, “Financial Management for SMEs,” and Dr. Ferdinand Che, “ICT and Business Performance.” Dr. Mbah spoke on “Managing Stress and Work-Life Balance,” before the feedback, motivational

and closing remarks session ended the day.

Interim Dean of SBE, Dr. Vrajlal Sapovadia, said “As a development university, AUN is always looking at how to help its community,” Dr. Sapovadia said. “So, we decided to organise some sort of training for the entrepreneurs in Adamawa state. And it’s free to all participants.”

At the end of the workshop, the participants praised the quality of information they had received. “We’ve gained a lot, because whenever you come in contact with academia, you share ideas, discuss problems, and at the end of the day, everyone is better off,” said Ahmed Jarma, Managing Director of Adama Beverages and one of the participants.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Alhaji Olumide Lawal; Hajia Faosat Lawal; her husband, Mr. Olagunju, after she was installed as the Iyalaje Adinni of Edeland and District Muslim Youths Association at the Ede Central Mosque, Osun State … recently

L-R: Managing Director, Globe Motors, Victor Oguamalam; General Manager, Globe Motors, Mohan Wasnani; and Head, Vehicle and Asset Finance, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Ifeanyi Ogbor, at the announcement of Stanbic IBTC Bank’s partnership with Globe Motors on a vehicle financing scheme, in Lagos... recently

L-R: Country Director, International Center for Prevention of Deafness and Rehabilitation of Hearing Impaired Persons (ICPDRHIP), Dr. Eneche Audu; Beneficiary, Hafusat Sabitu; Portfolio Manager, Economic Empowerment, MTN-Foundation, Ms. Foyinsola Oyebola; representative of Lagos state government, Mrs. Mariam Williams; and the Surgeon Consultant, Dr. Job Amodu, during an assessment exercise of MTN-foundation’s hearing aid support projects, at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, Lagos... recently

L-R: Chairman, Organising Committee of Women Directors’ forum 2016, Chief Sena Anthony; Chairman, Access Bank Plc and Guest speaker, Mrs. Mosun Belo-Olusoga; and President, Institute of Directors Nigeria (IOD), Mr. Yemi Akeju, during the Women Directors Forum 2016, at Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos... recently Photo: Mubo Peters

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

Behold, Nigeria’s First Drums Festival With the Nigeria Drums Festival, Ogun State has initiated a landmark in the annals of Nigerian tourism and culture calendar. From the world’s tallest drum to the 80 year old agile drummer, Nigeria cultural heritage was more trending worldwide. The 4-day African Drums Festival, as it would be known henceforth, is expected to be the destination for African drummers displaying their talent in drumming. Omolola Itayemi writes

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he opening ceremony witnessed electrifying performances with some of the best examples of drum bands in Nigeria.

It also saw the unveiling of what was declared the world’s tallest drum which stands 16m from the ground.

Apart from the colour and the fanfare that characterised the opening ceremony, our rich cultural heritage was the cynosure of all eyes from far and wide.

Ogun State came to standstill as all roads led to June 12 Cultural Centre, with the convoy of dignitaries to the throng of both indigenes and visitors, showing the importance of Yoruba heritage and culture in Nigeria.

This well-packaged event had dignitaries like The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, who came with many African Ambassadors to this event.

Most of the African Ambassadors were there today because of tourism. Also in attendance were the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Oba Dapo Tejuosho.

The event held at June 12 Cultural Centre, Abeokuta was organised by the state government as a way of promoting the country’s culture through its rich drumming heritage.

No fewer than Drummers from 10 African countries and 19 states of the federation participated.

If there was one thing this festival achieved, it’s the unifying factor of the Monarchs in Yoruba land. Also the fact that there were as much female drummers as male, all the performances at the opening ceremony featured female performers whose dexterity on the drums equaled that of any male drummer. The state troupe, described as Amosu singers opened with the performance of the national anthem, an ensembly of talking drums. The troupe also performed the state’s anthem Ise ya featuring ladies on the drums.

The first performance after the opening prayer was by Aanu, a female Ekwe player, who led a band of male and female drummers to get the audience singing to the rhythms of her ekwe, a wooden percussion with origins from eastern Nigeria.

Unique Fingers band featuring about 10 females out of the total 40 drummers on stage, showed that women can play any drums just like men.

Even the NYSC drama group that performed last featured female drummers. One of the highpoints of the opening ceremony on Tuesday was when Aralola played the cover of Olamide’s Eleda mi o on the talking

drum, accompanied with a xylophone.

The audience became ecstatic, singing along. From the response of the audience, it was obvious that if the late, thespian, Hubert Ogunde was alive, his records may still get to the music chart. When the band of the late thespian, led by one of his protégé came to the stage at the opening ceremony, the reception was surprisingly warm.

People, including the state governors and the monarchs sang along.

On the second day of the Drums Festival, an 84-year-old woman dazzled the audience with her sleek moves. The woman, identified as an Iyalaje, was on her feet throughout the period when a cultural group, Oluweri dancing group, were on stage for their performance, and could not help but move to the nice rhythms from the drummers and the singers.

Her dexterity and rhythmic movements were applauded by the teeming fans who thronged the June 12 Cultural Centre, The compere of the event would later bring her on stage and introduced her as an 84-year-old woman whose strength, many youths cannot match, especially with her moves.

The next day after the opening, performances continued and even heightened, with many drummers arriving. Those who performed included, Kegites, a famous campus

Aanu, the female drummer and her group performing

Middle is Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state flanked by dignitaries beating the world’s tallest drum

There is a wind of change blowing around the country.

Nigeria came into being in 1914 and governance has been in existence through the kingship system of government for centuries. Our culture and heritage are strong, binding forces for our unity.We should not forget our source and heritage and I strongly believe that what we are doing here today will dovetail into other states and even other African countries

entertainment group, which entertained the audience.

They carried the audience along in their sonorous songs and drumbeats.

Also, Ogun State Dance Troupe, Ogodo Egba, Zealous Singers also performed to the admiration of the audience. The centre of attraction was the performance of a seven-year-old Yoruba rapper, T-rapper. He received a loud applause from the audience. Another attraction was the performance of the local drummers known as ‘Bata Drummers’ led by a 84-year-old, Iya Osa, whose dancing steps were delight to watch even at her advanced age.

The climax of the festival was when the very excited governor Ibikunle Amosun unveiled the highest African drum, 16 feet tall with dignitaries on the stage, at the well-attended occasion. According to him, the world tallest drum which was made by an indigene of the state with 16 feet high was in correlation with Yoruba history.

Amosun assured that the name of the festival, which he said would now be held yearly, would be known as

‘African Drums Festival.’

According to Ooni of Ife, “There is a wind of change blowing around the country. Nigeria came into being in 1914 and governance has been in existence through the kingship system of government for centuries. Our culture and heritage are strong, binding forces for our unity. We should not forget our source and heritage and I strongly believe that what we are doing here today will dovetail into other states and even other African countries.

“Drums are very important and very common musical instruments in Africa and we should not joke with them; we should continue to work for the unity of Yoruba nation, Nigeria and the continent of Africa. Today, we are very proud that we are rejuvenating our dead culture, heritage and tradition; it is a very good starting point and we should continue to capitalise on festivals like this and continue to feature them.”

Also in his remark, Alake of Egba, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo said it was regrettable that “since FESTAC ‘77,

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

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TRAVEL&LEIsuRE TRAVEL NEWS

L - R: Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, Daniel Ole Njoolay, Lulu Louis Mnguni, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and his Olori Wuraola Otiti, Abubakar Samba, H.E. Hajia Afsatu Kabba and William Awinador Kanyirige at the palace

Ooni Woos African Ambassadors for Unity

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Monarchs and Royal fathers of the day

we have never gone back to our roots; we must never abrogate our culture as we can use culture to generate a lot of income because oil is gone and gone for good.”

Everyone was in agreement that the time had come for Nigeria to use its culture to generate income by promoting it through tourism.

Director General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), Mrs Sally Mbanefo in her speech described the Nigerian Drums Festival as a good boost for tourism in Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole adding that Yoruba has a lot to showcase in terms of cultural heritage and tourist destination, both natural and man-made.

She said: “The success of the Drums Festival 2016 is a clear indication that if cultural tourism is well-developed and promoted in Nigeria, we will have labyrinth of tourists’ footfalls, which will greatly boost the nation’s economy and create huge employment and empowerment in the communities where the tourist sites and cultural

festivals are located. It will interest you that the crowd-pulling carnivals in Nigeria are so much that you can’t finish writing about them.”

The NTDC boss decried the adverse effects of civilisation on the culture and heritage of the Nigeria people, saying “civilisation has made us forget our culture and heritage. We must know that a country that forgets its culture and heritage has lost its essence. Thus, we need to appreciate and be proud of our culture and heritage, and give a good attention to the promotion of our cultural heritage. I made the traditional rulers my first point of call wherever I go because they are the rightful custodian of our culture and heritage. To practically promote our cultural heritage, we must work together with the traditional rulers.”

Describing the importance of drums, Mrs Mbanefo said “drumming is a good form of communication and a fantastic means of entertainment.

We are happy to be here today. We are here to celebrate the unity of the Nigerian people.”

he all-white massive edifice of Ile Odua, Enuwa Ile-Ife, palace of Ooni Adeyeye Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II was the venue of a recent classy dinner organised for African ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and tourism enthusiasts.

Ile-Ife has continued to attract interest across the globe with high profile personalities visiting and holding court with the newly installed Ooni of Ife whose towering influence and impressive performance since claiming the throne, especially his passionate drive for the unity of the Yoruba race and promotion of cultural tourism have put Ife back on global tourism stage.

Typical of events in the palace, praise singing, photo sessions and exchange of gifts started the day in the king’s reception before proceeding to the colorfully-lit garden were guests were treated to music, food and a relaxing ambience.

From traditional poems to lyrical praise singing to Jazz master pieces by Wole Sax, there was no boring time. Add sumptuous Chinese dish and exotic drinks to the mix and no doubt it was a good evening.

But it was no ordinary dinner; the quest to make the second largest continent in the world (Africa) united is the reason behind this.

The visitors were hosted to a private dinner by the Ooni, who is also the grand patron of Motherland Beckons, an organsiation founded by Otunba Wanle Akinboboye, the president of La Campagne and Also the consultant and adviser on tourism to the Ooni.

The African ambassadors present were from Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Senegal and South Africa.

The visit afforded the Ooni and his guests the opportunity to exchange ideas and pledge cooperation in the area of cultural and tourism promotion between African countries.

Oba Ojaja II took time to educate and expose his visitors to the rich history and tradition of his people and the supremacy of Ile – Ife. He debunked the migratory theory about Ile – Ife and declared that Ile – Ife is indeed the cradle of mankind and not only the Yoruba. He also talked about the Ile-Ife Grand Resort and Leisure site, a 156 hectare of land, which on completion will house a N7.6 billion resort. A baby of the Ooni, The resort will provide employment for hundreds of people and open up the tourism economy of Ile-Ife, which clearly elated his guests.

He said Olodumare, the creator of the universe, controls the world from Ile – Ife, as evidenced by the mysterious Igi Nla, White Forest, Ark of Noah and Tower of Babel, all domiciled in Ile-Ife. He elaborated on

the significance of the 201 deities created

by Olodumare and their relationship with mankind, right from the days of Adam and Eve days.

Interestingly, Akinboboye, and stakeholder in the industry share this same belief.

“Our not being united has cost us growth and wealth.

The traditional rulers are key in propagating this. They promote oneness and growth.

This is the first of this kind of evening but many more will come. There is a movement towards this and the ambassadors have chosen the monarch as the head of it which seems perfect because in the three months of his ascension to power, he has done nothing but foster peace everywhere. Ile-ife is the cradle of civilisation.”

The quest to see this happen was continuously reiterated all night by the monarch in his speech. “Today is a honourable day for me. I greet you all from the depth of my heart. I am always very passionate when I am talking about Africa. We are the first in everything yet we lack the best, the first civilisation in the world was in Bronze age before Christ. But today there is much disunity and discord amongst us but we are one. I am proud to say we are one. Many of us have never seen each other before but we are very similar in the way we do things, are losing more by being apart, simple things like the food we eat to the patterns of our fabrics are a testimony to that fact. What we did wrong is that we forgot our forefathers.

God blessed us, we are the centre of the world with the best weather and natural resources,’ the monarch said.

The ambassadors represented by Lulu Lungani of South Africa in his speech agreed with the monarch, reiterating the need for unity in order to foster tourism. “The need to begin to transcend all obsequies and see ourselves as one is now.

Through culture, we have been able to discover ourselves, so it’s imperative we promote tourism amongst ourselves,” Lungani explained.

DG NTDC, Mrs Sally Mbanefo, one of the dignitaries present and a domestic tourism advocate in her speech was elated with the monarch’s drive towards UNITY of the continent. “Africa cannot become a Destination without unifying and only the help of monarchs like the Ooni of Ife can put Africa on the map, in terms of tourism and it takes a lot of courage to leave ones comfort zone to take up such service and I commend him for that.

And also, we must not forget the sweat of our brother, Otunba Akinboboye. We have so much tourism products that we have no business fighting each other. We need to open up our borders to offer both domestic and international tourists our wonderful natural and man-made products. Tourism is life, tourism is everything,” she added.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • April 30, 20 16

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ENTERTAINMENT FILE

with AKPOR GBEMRE; 07063000929. instagram: @mister411

Subzilla

I’m Inspired by the Beat and Environment I Find Myself Subzilla has been buzzing in the streets of Lagos since he dropped his ‘Sisi Eko’ tune in the last quarter of 2015. He is arguably one of the next big things popping in the street-hop culture that has engulfed the whole country, as more people around the world continue to embrace Nigerian music. In this interview, the budding Star Subzilla tells Akpor Gbemre about life before and after his ‘Sisi Eko’ fame, his style of music and his views on issues such as piracy, industry “beef” and more

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onsidering the fact that Nigerians are beginning to accept and dance to your latest work, ‘Sisi Eko’, how does it feel to be a fast-rising artist in the Nigerian music

industry?

It feels great but very challenging.

Subzilla is still work in progress.

Who is Subzilla? Tell us a bit about how you started out in music.

My real name is Boboye Emmanuel Bodunde. I hail from Ondo state, Ifedore Local Government Area to be precise and, I belong to a family of five children. I started music at a very tender age, and back then I used to listen to the likes of Tuface Idibia; Orlando Owoh; King Sunny Ade; Salawa Abeni, and some foreign artists. So, with that I gradually developed myself but I kicked off professionally in 2013 when I dropped my first official single titled ‘NGHELU’.

How were you discovered by UK-based Lams Records?

Lams Records is a family record label/business owned by my brother, who has been supporting me from day one.

Describe your style of music and what makes your brand different from a whole lot of artists’ doing Afro-pop?

I do Afro-pop music with a fusion of fuji music. I’m also a versatile artiste by nature and I’m inspired by the beat and the environment I find myself. If you listen to my sound you will know it is definitely different.

You released ‘Sisi Eko’ last year and the remix, featuring Tekno and Reminsce early this year; what inspired the song and why a remix?

Firstly, I thank God for making the original ‘Sisi Eko’ a hit song. The beat and well-endowed beautiful African women out there inspired the song and it’s more like studio freestyle but I always try to make sense whenever I’m recording even though it’s freestyle because I always want my song to be meaningful to everybody. As for the remix, although fans tweeted, suggesting a lot of artistes but I had it in mind to work with Tekno and Reminisce because of their originality and street credibility.

What does it feel like working with Tekno and Reminisce on a song?

As I said earlier, it was wonderful working with them, because the chemistry was good and they have been very supportive.

What have been your challenges so far in the music industry?

Life itself is a challenge and everybody knows that music is very challenging because it requires a lot of money, time and work to become an A-List artiste. But I thank God because everything is working as planned by my record label, Lams Records and my management team and we are getting there by God’s grace.

What’s the meaning of Subzilla and why did you chose to adopt it as your stage name?

Initially, I was called Zilla, which means being different because I always try to be unique in everything I do but adopted the name because I liked the way my friends used to hail me back, like “what’s up Zilla or Sup Zilla”. It sounded cool; so I accepted the tag ‘Sup’ but I changed it to ‘Sub’ on my songs to make it Subzilla because it sounds better than Sup to me.

How did you feel winning Gbedu Awards Street Next Rated Artiste of the year 2016 few weeks back?

It feels great and encouraging because I never saw it coming. I thank God for everything and shout out to Gbedu awards for the honour and for recognising me as the future.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself at the peak of my career and where hard work takes me to and I believe with God all things are possible.

Who are your role models locally and internationally?

Locally, I respect 2baba, Don jazzy, D’banj and P-Square. Internationally, I Iove Pharrel Williams, Jay-Z, Trey Songs and Lil Wayne.

What is your view about piracy and ‘beef’, the two major problems plaguing the music industry?

I believe the Nigerian government is working strongly on how to eradicate piracy and I believe with the help of God it will definitely come to pass.

Concerning the beef, I pray for peace and I believe devil is at work.

Any message for your fans out there?

I will like to say thanks to all my fans for supporting me because without them there’s no me and they should expect more good songs and videos from me. I will always keep it coming and I will never disappoint them. Just watch out and keep supporting your boy Subzilla; God bless you guys. Dreams come true.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 30, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •april 30, 2016

ENCOUNTER

Paucity of Funds, Piecemeal Implementation Overstretched Amnesty Programme The amnesty programme in the Niger Delta has been seen by some as having largely achieved its set objectives with one caveat however. The programme which was supposed to have wound down has suddenly been locked in an unending recruitment and training. Chairman of Grassroots Initiative for Peace and Social Orientation, Richard Akinaka who has been involved in returning peace to the region and one of the coordinators told Ahamefula Ogbu that lack of funds stretched the programme and was costing the federal government more. He also spoke on the economy, attacks by herdsmen, religious bill in Kaduna and Rivers Politics…excerpts

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hat is your assessment of the current situation of the amnesty programme which restored peace to the Niger Delta?

For me I think the programme is on course, we only as a country had little bit of transition; in normal political settings, transition affects a lot of things especially in this scenario where a new political and opposition party won election. The party had to come into government with their own appointees. We have witnessed that delay within a transition programme and I think from the point a substantive adviser was appointed, General P.T, Boro, the current Chairman of the programme has that tenacity and drive to ensure that the programme is brought to a logical conclusion in no distant time.

The programme is not an open-ended one, it is a programme for a particular number of persons that quickly need to be trained, set up and be reunited back to the society and as such, the earlier the government makes available resources for the programme to be urgently phased out, the better for the government because the more they delay the conclusion of the programme by inadequate appropriations, the more you cost government more money. From the beginning, if adequate funds were made available, it would not have taken three years to conclude, but because of the issue of funding, the programme keep delaying thereby giving opportunity for those who were not part of the amnesty programme to smuggle themselves into the process. For those going to school they can be handed over to the federal ministry of education or have their fees paid for so that immediately they graduate in four years’ time or when they do not graduate when they are supposed to, their parents will take over as government will not take responsibility for ones inadequacies. The government should give the needed funding for the programme so that this issue of every year amnesty continues should stop.

As a programme I think it has achieved its objective if I am to award pass mark, I would say 80 per cent because we know where we are coming from, when tension was high in the region, oil production was 700,000 barrels per day but now it is over 2 million barrels per day, so the essence of the programme was to stabilise the volatility in the region and peace in the Niger Delta which has been achieved. Of course you cannot take away criminality or insecurity as no country, not even America can boadt of that there must be some level of insecurity but basically the

Akinaka

All these things are happening because the people initially never trusted government intentions, so even those who came You mean if the federal governout initially used bush names to register, ment had voted the required lump to document themselves but when they sum, the beneficiaries would not saw that government was serious and have been trained in batches but at once and the programme would have that people were being sent abroad for training, monthly stipends were being been concluded within time? paid, coupled with unemployment rate That would have been the most in the society, everybody wanted to be beautiful thing to do and like I said, part of the amnesty. It cannot be a social initially it was 21,192, along the line, some people started agitating that they programme whereas it is a security programme aimed at reining in some people submitted arms to JTF and their names were not forwarded and captured in the who were disturbing business activity in the Niger Delta so that there would be programme, roads were being blocked on daily basis and I think they met with peace. If government had voted in the then National Security Adviser, General needed funds just like the best President this country has ever had Yar’Adua Gusau who saw their plight and adhad a plan to spend N300 billion as one vised the President to hearken to their time take off of the programme to last plea and add them to the programme for two years. If that was done, all these and it was done. There was another problems of amnesty would not have phase, another agitation again and all these happened because the implemen- happened but Goodluck came on board.

Very unfortunately a man from the tation phase of the programme was staggered and haphazardly implemented; it region who we all expected would give was not linearly done. Till today, people the required attention to the programme are still protesting to be part of amnesty. came and did not. If the money govern-

programme has achieved its aim.

So even those who came out initially used bush names to register, to document themselves but when they saw that government was serious and that people were being sent abroad for training, monthly stipends were being paid, coupled with unemployment rate in the society, everybody wanted to be part of the amnesty. It cannot be a social programme whereas it is a security programme aimed at reining in some people who were disturbing business activity in the Niger Delta so that there would be peace

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APRIL 30 , 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

ENCOUNTER People Have Hurt me in the Past…Including Friends ment spends in fighting Boko Haram had been expended on the education of the north east, I don’t think we would have had Boko Haram today. If you develop the people you won’t have need for security challenges, you can have pockets of insecurity that can be taken care of by the police but if government is sincere, the money it has expended fighting insurgency and even militancy in the Niger Delta from the onset is enough to turn the country around. So why wait for crises to happen? Do the right thing, develop the people who are suffering from pollution and degradation, train these people, give them adequate resources to exit the programme. Then let there be a focused attention on the Niger Delta; it can be a direct government intervention; it may not be NDDC which has abused the purpose of their creation after the first Board and Management Team of the Commission it became a political tool in the hands of those managing it. Today we can see the failure of NDDC. The amount of money voted for the NDDC compared with development in the region for me is a disgrace. Though this President may not have the legal power to scrap NDDC, he should look deeper at NDDC and see how he can restructure it for efficiency. We remember the days when the NDDC was still executing its mandate under Timi Alaibe and Chairmanship of Onyema Ugochukwu, it gave people hope. Development is not only physical but also involves manpower development. People were empowered, the era of Mazda bus and fishing equipment. There was no place then that you will go without seeing the presence of NDDC, even the road to Goodluck Jonathan’s place was done by NDDC under Alaibe. After the dissolution of the first Board, NDDC became a tool in the hands of politicians where one person in the Villa will control contracts worth billions for which monies are paid without execution of the contract. The failure of NDDC under Goodluck Jonathan was his fault for being unable to supervise agencies under his administration and it was under him that the East-West road which we thought someone from this region being President would be eager to complete but he didn’t. Amnesty programme could have been concluded within two years if not for the paucity of funds.

You expressed disdain at the current state and performance of the NDDC, would you want it scrapped?

Well for me, Nigeria is one country and there is no basis for division; the only thing that engenders crises is bias and ethnic concern. If not for that, what stops the federal ministry of works to do the roads in the Niger Delta? What stops the federal ministry of Housing from building houses in the Niger Delta? Must Niger Delta have a separate development agency to develop? The interest in our region is because of the oil that was found here and if there is any intervention, it could be done in terms of a trust fund, like for education or environmental problem. Oil companies are required to contribute a certain percentage of their profit to the NDDC but are they doing so? Some are not because they are not seeing the results of their contributions due to how the funds have been managed. NDDC is a commission set up by law but it can be amended and used as a poll to save for the rainy day.

Most recently we have had issues of pipeline vandalism whereas you are claiming the amnesty programmes had been a success, what do you blame for the development?

If you know where we are coming from, you cannot rid the society of criminals totally. Peace is not the absence of crises; definitely there will still be pockets of problems. Bunkering is still going on; the basic thing is that JTF was set up to tackle it. The government should look into their performance before now and if they are not performing, then government money should no longer be wasted on such agencies. There can’t be total security when people are not involved, that is why the new leadership by JTF that is adjusting to those requirements and is being commended.

The idea of community engagement is the best way to tackle the problem and that is how vital information can be got. Amnesty programme

a date for fuel scarcity to ease and it failed and he is still giving different dates. We should start de-emphasising years of experience in an industry as a new person can come in and do things differently and it works. We know the cabal issues and all the inter-plays in the oil sector, but he should stop talking and work. He has a strong President that will back up his moves.

Nigeria is a mono economy that is mostly government driven and when you stop commercial banks from keeping government money, you are telling them you want them out of business whereas they are the highest employers of labour in this country and immediately this TSA thing started, banks felt it more and decided to lay off workers so a government that promised employment ended up sacking the employed ones while you contracted out the retrieval of the monies from the banks to a particular company at a percentage. For one company to make that much money, why not keep it where it will benefit more than put it in fewer hands? Why not leave it with the banks and regulate its usage than take the monies from the banks and create unemployment? It needs proper monitoring of how government monies are used as no minister should be allowed to fix government money for himself.

Akinaka

The failure of NDDC under Goodluck Jonathan was his fault for being unable to supervise agencies under his administration and it was under him that the East-West road which we thought someone from this region being President would be eager to complete but he didn’t. Amnesty programme could have been concluded within two years if not for the paucity of funds

has really helped the country. I think the JTF has abused the purpose of its creation.

Rivers election was quite violent and accusing fingers were pointed on former militants, what is your take on that?

The fact that there were former agitators doesn’t in anyway restrict them from politics.

They are Nigerians who are from villages under local governments in a state. They have the same rights as others, to be voted for and to vote; so their involvement in politics is even a way of reintegrating them into society. Most of them are popular.

But don’t you think that the violence that happened in Rivers State could be traced to the ex-militants?

The truth is that what happened in Rivers State was popularity against federal might. It was like somebody in PDP going to any state in the north right now and trying to say you must vote for this PDP candidate. The truth is that Rivers State is a PDP state. APC won election in the north on the symbol of Buhari popularity which also gave the likes of El-Rufai the edge to win election in Kaduna State. Nigerians were tired of ways of doing things and elected someone who could give them some level of hope and Buhari was a symbol of that hope in decisiveness. So in Rivers State, there is nothing Amaechi or soldiers would have done to win the elections. Infact if APC wins any seat, then it is rigged. APC people and their leaders are not popular in Rivers State because the people who made him have left him.

Looking at the economy, the naira has weakened against international currencies, fuel scarcity and all that, how is it affecting your business?

There is more hardship in this country now than ever before. I have never witnessed this level of hardship but there is something I believe that the process of change entails a lot of things. When you are trying to change from a particular way of doing things to another way, those who benefitted from the former system will resist you with everything. That is why I am not castigating the present government. The issue of subsidy has not been helping Nigerians; it is a platform to enrich some people. He may not have said he was removing subsidy but what he is doing is tactically removing it which is good. The minister of petroleum should stop talking; he is talking too much, that is not how to do things. He gave

What of the value of the naira now?

More than 90 per cent employment in this country is by small scale industries. Most of what they deal on are imported and those imports are dollar based. My wife sells clothing and she buys from America and if she buys one for $100 she could before when dollar was one to 200 she could sell for N25,000 but now you can’t sell what you buy for the same price at N25,000 because of the cost of the dollar; every import dependent business has been crippled. I deal on steel and I buy from Ukraine and it is the same thing. Steel that I use to buy for $2,000 and equivalent of N400,000 in Nigeria is with the present value of the naira will cost me close to N700,000. Whatever is required of government to help our foreign exchange is paramount and should be done.

What do you think of herdsmen attack across the country and proposal for creating grazing areas?

I am totally against that bill because those farmers are private businessmen. The land I need to do my business is acquired by me and government is not helping me to acquire where I use for my business.

Did the government buy the ranch where Buhari keeps his animals? So they are making money and people buy the cows from them, they don’t give it out so why should government provide where they use for their private businesses? The idea of herdsmen attacking people in their farms is wrong, it is an embarrassment and indictment and the government should do all to ensure we live in peace as the attacks are polarising this country. The farmers should protect themselves.

If I am in my house and someone is breaking in to kill me and my family, I will have no option than to fight back with everything I have.

What do you think of this religious bill Kaduna State is pushing through which requires licensing of preachers?

El Rufai is one individual I have respected over the years because of his performance as FCT minister which no other minister after him has surpassed. I used to congratulate my friends from Kaduna that the State would have a new look with El-Rufai on the saddle but he should not allow himself to be used as an agent of division.

We know the polarisation between Christians and Muslims in Kaduna and being a Muslim, he should not allow himself to be used to divide the state. I have not looked at the proposed law but as a Christian our faith requires us daily to evangelise. If God has given us the charge, who is a governor to bar us from preaching the gospel?

So if I have to evangelise in Kaduna I must get licence? It is against God’s directive. El-Rufai should withdraw that bill and set up a structure to check excesses of people who want to incite through preaching. Christianity is not religion but faith and El-Rufai should heed the voice of reason and withdraw it. If he sees anyone using religion to forment trouble, he should use security agencies to stop them and maintain the peace.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

INTERVIEW Jamiu Afolabi

Nigerians Should Understand the Dynamics of Restructuring a Prostrate Economy Alhaji Jamiu Afolabi is a Chartered Accountant and member of the Board of Trustees of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He is one of the frontline governorship aspirants of APC in the forthcoming election in Ondo State. In this interview with Hammed Shittu in Ilorin, he discusses the political situation in Ondo state, his ambition, and the Federal Government’s ongoing war against corruption, among others. Excerpts:

A

s one of the members of the Board of Trustees of your party, APC, what really motivated you to want to contest the governorship position of the state in the next election?

Firstly, I am a member of the Board of Trustees (BoTs). Let me take it to mean that a trustee is somebody to whom much is given, because you are trusted with the lives and destiny of people. That is the meaning of being a member of the Board of Trustees. Trustees of an organisation like in the corporate world are those who can sue on behalf of the organisation and can be sued as well. So, APC is a human being in Law and members of the BoT are the personification of that organisation. At the state level, I am more or less the custodian of the party and, if Ondo State is endowed with numerous natural resources, including oil, then we shouldn’t be where we are today. But the state has not been lucky to have the progressive leadership that will mobilise resources for the good of the people. For instance, if in 1979/80, a person like Chief Ajasin could establish industries and most of these industries are now dead, the question is why? It is because of the type of leadership we have! So, APC, as a progressive party, therefore will want to see a state like Ondo being one of the most viable states in Nigeria because of the resources available. Consequently, as a member of BoT, I am compelled not to fold my arms and see the state go down. Also, as a citizen of the state, from time immemorial, Ondo State has never had an opportunity of being in the government at the national level; we have always been in the opposition at the national level. This will be the first opportunity because as a member of the party, we all worked together to ensure we installed a credible government that will bring progress into this country by fighting corruption, and by fighting insecurity. In view of that, Ondo State should not lag behind in this instance. That is the number two reason why I find it compelling to contest. The third reason is that Ondo State has enormous resources from Bitumen to limestone and other mineral resources. Then, it is an agrarian state blessed with the best type of weather and afforestation that can make it a food basket for Nigerians. Also, in terms of tourism, from beaches to high mountains and so on, tourism is there. If Ondo State is properly managed it will compete with Lagos State in terms of resources. Unfortunately, we have never been so lucky to have anybody that will do that.

Rather than the state progressing, we can see that it is one of the 27 states that cannot pay salaries in Nigeria. If there are nine states that are paying, then Ondo State should be among the nine. It, therefore, becomes a responsibility on people like us to act.

If we decide to fold our arms and allow things to keep going this way, then we are not going to leave this world a happy people; we would be regretting that had we known we would have intervened to ensure that the right thing was done to make the state progress properly. These are the reasons why I am compelled to come in, because I know that I have the capability to be able to bring Ondo State back to the path of progress.

Considering the perceived power of incumbency in Ondo State, how do you see the chances of APC in the forthcoming elections?

There are two ways to look at it, yes the state has power of incumbency, but APC has power of incumbency at the national level. But, bear in mind the ferocity, the intensity and the do-or-die way PDP had conducted themselves in the previous few elections, one must be worried particularly when you look at the antecedents of the incumbency in respect of the fact that he has so many things to lose by losing the forthcoming election. He has

a lot of tracks to cover; you understand what I mean. There is no doubt that what he did after the presidential election, as you know APC had 54.6 per cent, but we could not achieve that in the House of Assembly election because he (Governor Mimiko) really came out forcefully, using force and money. Now, going into the next election, which is the gubernatorial, APC would not be caught unaware. Let me assume that we rested on our oars. A sitting Senator of the party then, said we were going to impeach him after the election. But we have to win elections; we have to have members of the House of Assembly first before you can threaten an incumbent!

That comment further infuriated him into more action. But whatever the case is, the stake now is about the future of the 3.4 million citizens of the state. Everybody in the state is now aware of the fact that there is a need for a more progressive government in Ondo State, bearing in mind that the state with all the resources God has bestowed on it, an oil producing state, as at end of March 2016, the government had not yet paid November 2015 salaries. It is becoming very clear to every citizen of Ondo State that there is an urgent need for a more dynamic and progressive government that will bring more development and dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

With the array of governorship aspirants seeking the slot of your party, how will you see your chance of emerging the candidate of the party?

Every Ondo citizen has the constitutional and birth right to want to be a governor of the state.

In the process of that, you will just discover that a lot of people will come out and, as time goes on, maybe by the time they say pay for nomination fee, some people will drop out. Then the rest will now face the primary. Everybody in Ondo State has now come to realise one basic thing that Ondo State should have been better than what it is now.

We are presently confronted with two problems; one is the national economic crisis which is caused by international economic situation. Nigeria is a mono-economy, depending only on petroleum and with the price of petroleum dropping from $100 to $20, $27, the economy went prostrate, no doubt about that. The second problem which is peculiar to Ondo State is the maladministration.

Let me give you an example, in the health sector, Ondo State is acknowledged to have done very well, and what is being quoted is mother and child care - a comprehensive maternity home. I believe you don’t criticise for criticising sake. I don’t like it, and to be frank and sincere, the mother and child care hospital in Ondo State is of international standard, but there are only two; one in Akure and the other in Ondo. Akure to Owo is about one and a half hours, what happens if a woman goes into labour in Owo, you start carrying her to Akure? Those are the two maternity homes our government has been showing to the international community; is that the only thing we are entitled to in Ondo State? When I was young, the last child of my father will be about 55 years old, but there was a maternity in my town when he was born. I was not born in a maternity home but my younger brother was born in a maternity home.

Now in Ondo State, we have only two standard maternity for the whole of the state. So, how much money accrued to the state government; we have the records, but it is not time to discuss it.

And what did they use it for? You see, an average Ondo man knows that we are in trouble and this is the right time to look for the right man who can do the job; the right man not only in academic pursuit but also in demonstrable antecedents; what was this man’s yesterday? Now everybody is out,

Afolabi they want to do this and that, promising Ondo State that they are going to build for Ondo State a castle in the air. People should ask that person if he has been able to build a hut on the ground.

Now, what Ondo people are now looking at and looking for, and searching for is a man who has antecedents that can match the type of person that will take up from this government and be able to turn around our lives from the present state of deceit government to a progressive government of truth and fairness. And here is Jamiu Ekungba, who is the most befitting of the job. I am an accountant, not just an accountant, I was a banker, not just a banker, I was member of the Governing Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN). I was once the vice president of the West African Bankers Association and I am a financial expert. I have raised up to N20 billion for a private individual to build infrastructure in Nigeria. These are demonstrable evidences that are available. And my past is available for everybody to see; I don’t have anything hidden, I have never been involved in shady or messy business that cannot be discussed in the market place. I can give account of everything I have in my life. The point I am trying to make is that Ondo State is looking for that person that has the capacity, capability and the integrity to turn around governance in Ondo State, similar to what President Muhammadu Buhari is doing at the national level.

What is the vision you have for the people of Ondo State if eventually you emerged the candidate of your party?

I see an average person in Ondo State as very hard working, very committed and very loyal.

Consequently, what I want to do is encapsulated it in my Philosophy which goes thus: “For the good of the land and more of everything that is rightfully yours, let’s work and walk together, let’s stand and serve together.” Consequently, what I want to do is to provide leadership for Ondo State people so that they can rediscover themselves. That is why, in my brochure, I put it thus: “Your goal is to reach for the top; My determination is to lift you even higher.” People of Ondo State are very ambitious and very daring in pursuing their goals; we are therefore going to provide for them a leadership that will allow them to explore their potential. Secondly, I am going to bring to bear my experience in the private sector, in which case, we are going to ensure that we put value on every aspect of our life,

from education to health, to infrastructure so that everybody would be able to realise and rediscover themselves. Thirdly, we would provide liberty for the men and women of integrity of Ondo State.

The state has produced for Nigeria, professionals, technocrats that are very deep and have excelled in all walks of life. So, there is no reason why we cannot put all these people together and work together as a team to rebuild this state. In doing that, we are going to involve the private sector in the building of industries in the state. What the state needs to do is to provide a safe haven for people, because where there is peace, investments thrive. Consequently, we are going to spend a lot of our resources in maintaining peace and safety. Once we start our projects - social projects, security projects, educational projects - there will be tranquility in the state that will attract private investors because these mineral resources are there for tapping. So, we will provide a level playing field and a robust enabling investment environment for both local and international investors. Recently, Aliko Dangote wanted to start a refinery in Ondo State in Olokola, which has become moribund because of lack of visionary leaders running the government at present. For whatever the reason was, Dangote was driven away to Lagos, and the refinery is almost ready in Lagos now. We are going to ensure we stop all those type of things that will drive away investors from Ondo State. As long as we are using our resources to build stability and peace, an enabling environment, people will come and invest.

As a chieftain of the APC, how would you assess APC at the center in the past nine months?

People say we don’t have petrol to buy, and I say, yes, you people sabotaged the pipelines when the refineries were working, because you want the present government to be subsidising. The people crying that the government has not done enough are the people who are either part of that corruption that has brought us to our knees or they are members of their family, or they must have benefitted one way or another from the corruption.

I always give people this example when they say things are hard in Nigeria: I was eating with a friend in a restaurant, and asked him (he was eating pounded yam) when was the yam with which the pounded yam he was eating planted?

And he said over a year ago. So, I told him that whatever economic policy APC has put in place cannot be assessed until after 24 months. What we are suffering is caused by the bad administration of the last 16 years. What the government is trying to do is to recover from the enormity of the damage that had been done to our economy, psychology, and infrastructure and so on. After all, President Buhari is not a miracle maker. If the oil price had remained at $100 per barrel, we still would have had this problem because the new government came to change all the bad things that were there. For example, if you want to fix a house that has been damage beyond repair, the first thing you need to do is to bring down the house to start all the way from foundation, and that is exactly what Buhari is doing.

The budget had just been approved and a substantial part is earmarked for capital projects and for infrastructural development and this is to jump-start the economy, to stimulate the economy because when there is construction going on, then there will be development and employment will be provided. There will be more economic activities; there will be more money to spend and that is exactly what this government is doing.

The previous government had been stealing this money as if stealing is a culture of Nigerians.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 30, 2016

SPY GLASS Tokunbo Afikuyomi Still Out in the Cold

He was one of the powerful men in power in the late ‘90s. As a politician, his profile got a boost when he became a Senator on the platform of the then Alliance for Democracy, AD. He was also one of the few who had the ears of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State.

As proof that he was not just a lightweight at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, he was, at different times, appointed to the Committees on Aviation, Foreign Affairs, Women Affairs, Public Accounts and Federal Character. Indeed, he also enjoyed a robust relationship with the then President of the Senate, Alloysus Wabara.

Now, let’s take a cursory look at the flip side of his political adventure: In 2007, he literally played Oliver Twist, when he began to manifest traces of a man who was over-ambitious. Many say he was under some illusion over the dummy sold to him by sycophants or political hangers-on. He dreamt of becoming the governor of Lagos State, while Tinubu was interested in Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN. All entreaties to make him forego his political ambition fell on deaf ears.

Determined to actualise his dream, he dumped AD and pitched his tent with the defunct All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP). It was a wrong political step, which he later paid dearly for. His ambition to be the number one citizen in Lagos was, therefore, given a kiss of death.

At the fullness of time, he retraced his steps, swallowed the humble pie and went to Tinubu, with undisguised remorse. He was again received with open arms by Tinubu, who ensured his appointment as Commissioner under Governor Fashola. Although many derided him for that singular action, Afikuyomi saw it differently, maintaining that it was in the line of service to his fatherland. Soon, he was dropped by Fashola.

Driven by the desire to remain relevant politically, he worked briefly with Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as a Special Adviser. But it was just a fleeting ‘romance’, as he later moved to London.

After the hiatus, he planned to return to the Senate to replace his successor, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, from the Lagos West Senatorial District. But it turned out a dashed hope.

Today, the man that was regarded as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s closest pal has permanently gone into political oblivion as he has been left wandering in political wilderness.

Nike Oshinowo’s Headache

Ageless Nike Oshinowo hit the limelight when she emerged Miss Nigeria at 24 in 1990.

Interestingly, she has since remained in the warm embrace of stardom, thereby making her arguably the most-talked about beauty queen in Nigeria.

Typical of someone who is constantly seeking relevance, the celebrated entrepreneur, ex-pageant director, style icon, socialite and television presenter, in 2014, announced her plans to start a talk show tagged Late Night With Nike Oshinowo.

Indeed, many existing talk show hosts had received the news with mixed feelings. Not a few had expected that it would be an instant hit within a short period of time, given her status in the society. They were, therefore, forced to go back to the drawing board.

After the first season of the show was aired, many said the programme lacked any special appeal. Some even claimed that the poor outing was not unexpected.

After several efforts to repackage the talk, it refused to meet up with the expected impact, while the standard was considered too low for 21stcentury.

It was gathered that many also claimed that such a poor outing is not unexpected. To further give vent to their arguments, they alluded to some of her past projects, including the widely publicised Nigeria’s Centenary pageant that was reportedly poorly packaged.

Even when you try to pooh-pooh their claim, critics are always quick to refer to her allegedly disgraceful sack by the Board of Miss Nigeria pageant, after she bought the franchise from the former owner, Daily Times of Nigeria.

The ex-beauty queen was once married to Dr. Tunde Soleye, a renowned businessman and socialite. However, since the marriage broke up due to irreconcilable differences, she has since moved on.

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 Oba Saheed Elegushi Shocks All

For obvious reasons, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Kusenla 111 of Ikateland has always remained in the news.

When stories are not written about his empire, there is always an interesting discourse about his social life.

Popularly known as King Gucchi, he has friends around the globe who always join him in the celebration of life whenever he has cause to do so. He is known to have organised several shindigs that turned out to be the talk of town.

Little wonder, expectations were high recently when the handsome King turned 40. Many had looked forward to seeing him put up another superlative party in celebration of this landmark attainment. But the light -complexioned royal father literally trod the unbeaten path, as he opted to observe the lesser Hajj, Umrah, alongside his family and very close friends and confidants. It was gathered that his decision to embark on the trip was basically to slough-off the sobriquet of a party freak which he has been silently tagged.

Oba Elegushi (Kusenla III) was born to the family of the late Oba Yekini Adeniyi Elegushi, Elegushi Royal Family of Ikate land. The monarch,who is married to Olori Sekinat, was officially crowned on April 27, 2010 at his late father’s palace in Ikate-Elegushi in Lekki, Lagos State.

He was the Personal Assistant to the former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu between 2003 and 2007 and remained the Senior Special Assistant to former Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, on Special Duties from June 2007 until his installation as the Oba Elegushi of Ikateland on April 27, 2010.

Reality Dawns on Mariya Yuguda

These are indeed turbulent moments for Hajiya Mariya Yuguda, one of the wives of the former Governor of Bauchi State, Malam Isa Yuguda.

We learnt that the exit of her husband from power might have started taking its toll on her. Unlike when her husband was at the helm of affairs as Bauchi State Governor; insinuations are rife that she is currently going through financial constraints to run her pet-project, A .D Rufai Foundation, which was created to pursue issues that are germane to the survival and progress of the society. Virtually all Yuguda’s friends and beneficiaries of his government who had been of financial assistance to the Foundation have since abandoned Mariya to grapple with the trauma of a financial incapacitated pet-project. Sources of funding the Foundation include fund raising activities and partnership with government and donor agencies. ‘’So terrible is the financial crisis at the Foundation that almost all the workers have left because their salaries and allowances could not be paid. At the moment, the corporate headquarters of the Foundation located a few metres away from Bauchi State Government House stands empty with only a gateman’’ a source revealed.

Only weeks back, some official vehicles of the Government of Bauchi State allegedly being used for the Foundation were retrieved from Mariya on the directive of the State Governor, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar. And as if all these are not enough, reliable sources disclosed that Mariya, who enjoyed a long vacation from her official duties when her husband was Governor has been finding it difficult to adjust to her job in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) as an Assistant Director without all the paraphernalia of Governor’s wife. Mariya, a graduate of law from Ahmadu Bello University, who was once rumoured in the media to have been divorced

by Isa Yuguda founded the Senator A. D Rufai Foundation to immortalize the philanthropic ideals of her father.

Mariya is a professional administrator, she was first Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Bauchi State between 2001-2004.

Prior to that, she was Chief Administrative Officer with the Ministry of Defence before moving to Federal Ministry of Finance in the same capacity. Her membership cut across numerous professional bodies such as Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Association of Women Entrepreneurs and Zumunta Association, USA.

Tongues Wag over Gbemi Saraki’s Marital Status

Senator Gbemisola Saraki, daughter of the late strongman of Kwara politics, Dr. Olusola Saraki, and younger sister of the new Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, is beauty personified. She is one of the few women whose beauty would make any fullblooded man drool. So many features, including her curvature, comehither-look, figure and infectious smile can make any man weak on his knees. No one sees her without taking a pause to appreciate her God-given endowments.

However, since her marriage with Segun Fowora collapsed many years ago, the top politician and mother of three has since remained single. Her ex-husband, Fowora, who hails from Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, has since remarried, but the beautiful lady has refused to give matrimony another shot. It will be recalled that shortly before her 50th birthday on May 3, 2015, rumour went the round that Saraki, who has since decamped to the ruling party, APC, might use the occasion to introduce the man she intends to spend the rest of her life with. But the elegant woman shocked all when the part was excluded from the programme of the colourful event. Even though many of her friends are aware of her love affair with a prominent lawyer and a businessman, they have thought it would lead to the altar. Now, many are wondering why such a stunningly beautiful creature should remain single for so long.

She was first elected into the House of Representatives in 1999 to represent Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency, Kwara State and was later elected to represent the People’s Democratic Party in the Central Senatorial District of Kwara State in April 2003. She contested for governorship election in the state in 2011, but failed to make any meaningful impact apart. She also commands large grassroots followership because of her love for the poor and the lowly people in the society.

As Phillips Oduoza Bows Out

How time flies! Phillips Oduoza, GMD/ CEO, United Bank for Africa, UBA, started on a very eventful note when he took over the reins of leadership of the bank.

In reminiscence, the news of his appointment didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. It was applauded by all stakeholders who expressed confidence that he would keep up the momentum that the bank is known for. Since his appointment, he has distinguished himself in various capacities.

Oduoza , whose second term will wind up in August , is acknowledged to have contributed hugely to taking the bank to the next level. It is, therefore, expected that he will leave a great vacuum behind when his term expires.

A banking wizard, having bagged a first-class degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Lagos, providence brought him to the banking industry, which has now given him fame. But if you think his knowledge in engineering is a waste, you are dead wrong. How? He has been able to re-engineer and restructure a number of banks in the industry.

Very brainy, he began to show the stuff he is made of when he teamed up with some young, energetic, innovative and talented professionals to pioneer Diamond Bank in 1991. With his efforts and ground-breaking ideas, the bank rose to become one of the strongest in the country.

As Executive Director, Operations & Technology at Diamond Bank in 1999, he transformed the IT within the bank to global standards. In 2002, he became the Executive Director, Commercial/ Retail Banking at the same bank until 2004.

Against this backdrop, his exit from the bank was not something the shareholders took kindly, as it sent rude shock waves across to all.

He also displayed the tenacity that made him one of the most-sought- after bankers in the country in Reliance Bank, where he achieved tremendous success in 2004 as Deputy Managing Director.

As a restless soul with a bundle of talents, his sojourn in the industry continued when he joined the Management and Board of Standard Trust Bank Plc in 2004. He played a significant role in one of the biggest mergers in the Nigeria’s banking sector between STB and UBA. And then, six years after merger, he was saddled with the responsibilities of paddling the boat of the leading bank.

Oduoza has won many awards for his contributions to the banking industry, including the Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) 30 “CEO of the Year” in 2013 organised

by African Investor, one of the leading investment and specialist communication firms in Africa.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 30, 2016

newXTRA

God Used Fayose for My Victory, Says Governor Ishaku Olakiitan Victor in Ado Ekiti

Taraba State Governor, Mr. Darius Ishaku, yesterday said Governor Ayodele Fayose was instrumental to the judicial victory he recorded at the Supreme Court after losing in a dramatic manner at the Appellate Court.

In the same vein, his counterparts from Akwa Ibom and Abia states , Hon Emanuel Udom and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, respectively, disclosed that Fayose had been a pillar of support to their administrations, disclosing that the governor played similar role for them during their travails at the Election Petition Tribunal.

The governors said this in Ado Ekiti while attending the commissioning of some projects executed

by the administration of Governor Fayose.

Aside from the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, governors who graced the ceremony include, Governors Ishaku of Taraba , Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo, David Umahi of Ebonyin, Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, Nyesom Wike of Rivers ,Ibrahim Dankwabo of Gombe Ishaku, while speaking at a thanksgiving ceremony organised in honour of his judicial victory in Ado Ekiti, said Fayose’s spiritual counseling made him escape the hammer at the apex court.

“After losing at the Appeal Court, I was in Jerusalem with Governor Fayose and at a time I became burdened and I told him (Fayose)

that I am prepared to go back to my state. But he advised me to stay back and put all my supplications before God and that I did.

“I then promised that if I should win the Supreme Court verdict that I am going to do my thanksgiving in Ado Ekiti and that I’m doing today. He told me that God will make way for me and this advice actually subdued my worries and today I am celebrating .

“That was why I am committed to wiping away tears in the eyes of my people in Taraba . As I speak with you many communities in Taraba had not witnessed development since its creation. It marvels me when my wife told me that she went to a community, very remote one and a woman of over 100 years

proclaimed that she had not seen a car in her lifetime”.

Speaking on Fayose’s virtues, Ishaku showered encomiums on the governor for his forthrightness, doggedness and bravery, saying these have helped in shaping his political career”, he said.

Ikpeazu , who also escaped the Supreme Court hammer the same way with governor Ishaku relayed how Fayose stood by him for him to stay afloat and triumph in his judicial triumph.

Udom , who branded Fayose as a dependable pillar of support in the PDP, said the present crop of governors across party lines must rise above partisanship and strive hard to make Nigeria great in all respects.

SON Raids Shops, Confiscate Fairly Used Tyres, Substandard Goods Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), yesterday in Lokoja raided several shops and confiscated thousands of fairly used tyres, substandard electrical cables and fake gas cylinders worth millions of naira.

The Kogi State Coordinator of the SON, Mrs. Anne Okechukwu stated that the raid became imperative in view of substandard items that had flood Nigeria market adding that those items did not conform with specification of the agency as its posed danger to the consumers.

She explained that following the directive by the National Headquarters to raid the markets seize all the substandard products that were not measuring up to standard put in place by the organisation.

"You are all aware that President Buhari has Zero tolerance for corruption, so also the Standard Organisation of Nigeria SON is not left out of campaign against corruption. Selling of substandard items to the unsuspecting customers is a total corruption", she stressed.

According to her, the Director General and Chief Executive of-

ficer of the organization, Dr. Paul Angya had set aside yesterday for prompt checking and raiding of life threaten sub-standard consumable items to save the lives of innocent citizens as well as ensuring that consumers of such items get value for their money at all times .

"The reason why we are doing this is to save Nigerians from danger. Nigerians must get value and satisfaction for their money.

We are also working hard that SON can compete favourably with other countries. To also promote Nigeria made goods."

"We are on the field to check the

excesses of sub-standard dealers who indulged on shady deals at the detriment of the live of Nigerians. These items have been used in other countries before it was imported to Nigeria and we will not accept a situation where this country will be turned to a dumping ground for items that do not meet our specification" she said.

The Acting Coordinator who assured that the operation would be extended to rural areas in the state, said SON was desirous of competing with other nations in the act of checkmating substandard products in the country.

“The present crops of governors in the country are committed people who are ready to take Nigeria to the next level”, he said.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AGUELE MARIA OMO, now wish to be known and addressed as mRS ibRahim maRia OmO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as PEACE NWANYIEZE NWANKERENDU, now wish to be known and addressed as JOHN PEACE NKECHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED ibRahim, now wish to be known and addressed as SAIDU UMAR. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUWABUKOLA TITILAYO ODUBEKO now wish to be known and addressed as OLUWABUKOLA TITILAYO ADEBEKO. All former documents

remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS KEHINDE OLUWAFUNMILOLA OWOSO, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS KEHINDE OluwafunmilOla Ehi-ObOdEh. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS UCHE NGOZI EMEGHA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UCHE NGOZI ODOGWU. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and the general public should please take note.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 30, 2016

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NEWS

In Brief

Kidnapped DNATwins Released

TheKogiStatePoliceCommissioner,CPYakubuUmaryesterdaydisclosedthat theDNAtwins,ClientandBlairRobertsthatwerekidnappedhadbeenreleased bythekidnappers.Speakingwithnewsmen,thePoliceCommissionerstated thattheywerereleasedatabout4pmonThursdaytotheirfamily.Whenasked ifanyransomwaspaidbeforetheywerereleased,hesaidmoneywasnotpaid addingthathisCommandwoulddoeverythingpossibletocurtailrobberyand kidnapping in the state. It would be recalled that the twin artistes, DNA, who were on the reality talent show X-Factor were kidnapped in Kogi state while coming from Abuja to Lagos State. The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N6 million but later increased it to N10 million. The driver of the vehiclewasshotintheeye,andtheotherpassengerswererobbed,however onlythetwinswerekidnapped.

PDP Congresses Kick-off in 33 States

WELDONE...

NDLEA Anambra State Commander, Commander Sule Momoh and the Executive Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano at a state function

Mass Purge as Aero Sacks over 100 Workers

Chinedu Eze

After struggling in the past four years to remain operational despite its financial challenges, one of Nigeria’s foremost airlines, Aero Contractors may have laid off about 100 workers.

Inside sources said this may be one of the strategies to offload some of its financial obligations and reposition the airline, but the airline in an official statement said it did not sack any of its substantive work force.

The source said that most of those affected by the sack were support staff that had spent few years with the

airline and explained that majority of the sacked workers were not original staff of the airline.

According to the source, those affected by the development were contract staff whose contract had expired with the company, adding that some departments and workers were outsourced by the management, stressing that since the airline no longer required their services, it was pertinent for them to be relieved of their jobs, insisting that no staff of the airline was affected by the management decision.

The source insisted that what

the organisation did was not to sack workers, but reduce workforce especially those whose services were no longer required by the airline.

The source said that the reduction in staff cut across all the departments in the company and equally confirmed that over 100 personnel were affected by the decision.

"Those laid off were not staff of our airline. You know in Aero, some departments and duties are outsourced. So, what the management did was not to renew their contracts once it expired.

"I can tell you that our staff are

intact and we don't have the plans to retrench workers. We didn't have the need of those outsourced and we felt they should be withdrawn from our services", he said.

A letter to one of the affected workers said that the sacking was as a result of the ongoing restructuring in the airline.

The letter reads in part, "Dear colleague, in the light of the ongoing restructuring at Aero, we regret to inform you that your services are no longer required and employment with SBL terminated with immediate effect".

UK DFID asks FG, States to Tackle Increasing Cases of Rape Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

The United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) Justice for All Programme yesterday in Enugu expressed dismay at the increasing cases of Rape, defilement, sexual assault as well as domestic violence in the country, asking the federal and state governments to arrest the tide by funding the current efforts by concerned international organisations.

Speaking at a network meeting of Sexual Assaults Referral Centres (SARC) aimed at building a SARC Advocacy Network in Nigeria in Enugu, the National Programme Manager of Justice for All, Bob

Arnot lamented that in Lagos and Enugu states alone, a total of 1862 rape cases had been recorded in the past two years, noting that the situation had capacity of getting out of hand if something was not urgently done.

Arnot said already, the United Kingdom government had spent one million pounds in establishing SARC centres across the country as well as in providing training, advocacy and giving attention in forms of social works, getting justice and medical attention to survivors of sexual abuse across the country.

He noted that since their funding season was coming to an end, with a lot of work yet to be done, it had become imperative for the Nigerian

government to show considerable interest in the fight. According to him, with about fifty million pounds so far spent in Nigeria under the Justice for All programme in the last five years on a wide range of issues including assistance to police and anti-graft agencies, the UK government had shown so much interest in the country.

Aside funding, he also urged the government to find ways of addressing the slow pace of justice delivery system in the country, bemoaning a situation where out of almost 2000 rape cases, less than 20 have been successfully prosecuted.

He said that so far, the SARCS established in the country had provided medical and counselling

services to over 1700 victims of sexual violence including 1, 294 under the age of 18.

The SARCs, according to him provide survivors with immediate forensic and clinical examinations, medical treatment, crisis counselling and practical support. They also assist survivors in accessing and negotiating the legal and judicial systems should victim choose to pursue the matter in court.

"These SARCs have successfully demonstrated the significant positive results of collaboration with Ministries of Health, Justice, Gender and Women Affairs, the Police and key justice sector actors to address sexual and gender based violence," he said.

Pandemonium in Lagos as LASTMA Vehicle Crushes Tanker Driver Chiemelie Ezeobi Pandemonium yesterday broke out at Ijesha Bus stop, along the Mile 2-Oshodi Expressway following the death of a tanker driver, who was allegedly crushed to death by a vehicle belonging to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA).

It was gathered that the tanker driver, one Salisu Sani was intercepted by the LASTMA team, along the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, by Ijesha.

Popularly known as Dangwari, the deceased was allegedly knocked down by a LASTMA vehicle.

According to eyewitnesses, the driver tried to evade arrest after he had finished repairing his vehicle that broke down in the middle of the road.

When they caught up with him, they were said to have pulled down the victim out of his vehicle and he was accidentally knocked down by the LASTMA vehicle.

It was learnt that the victim was rushed to AMC Hospital Amuwo Odofin where he died.

Angered by the death of their colleague, other tanker drivers mustered and made bonfires with

used tyres and woods in the middle of the road, demanding that those involved in the death of their member be handed over to them.

No sooner had the protest started than some street urchins hijacked it and started harassing other road users-motorists and pedestrians alike.

Also, the protesters were joined by some commercial motorcycle operators, as they came out en mass driving their motorbikes dangerously along the expressway.

In registering their angst against the killing, the protesters demanded the state government to prune down

some of the excesses of LASTMA officials.

The protesters, a good number of whom are members of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), said they were fed up with the alleged extortion of tanker drivers by LASTMA officials who look for the slightest excuse to penalise them.

One of the protesters, Haruna Abubakar, claimed that LASTMA officials would demanded for as high as N50,000 from tanker drivers whose truck develops fault on the road in Lagos.

ThePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP)willtodayflagoffcongressesinthe33 statesofthecountry.Thepartyisyettoconstitutecongresscommitteesfor threeotherstates,Borno,AnambraandAbiastates. Aspartofthebuild-upfor theMay21nationalconventionoftheparty,theNationalExecutiveCommitteeonWednesdayapprovedguidelinesandprocessesfortheconductofthe exercisewhichisexpectedtogoonsimultaneouslynationwide. Accordingthe party'sNationalOrganisingSecretary,AlhajiAbubakarMustpha,thecongresses weremeanttoelectdelegatesthatwouldvoteduringthenationalconvention.

PDPhadsaidthattoday's congresseswouldbethelast asitwasplanningto amenditsconstitutionsothatallitscandidatesforelectiveoffices,including the presidency should emerge through a direct primary election. Speaking during a meeting with the former National chairman of the opposition party inGhana,the New Patriotic Party,Peter MacManu,thePDP.

Omitowoju Refutes Sterling Bank Claim

MessersLadiDaniel&Co,LawyersforFunmiOmitowojuhaverefutedclaims made against her concerning a purported criminal matter leading to her beingdeclaredwantedbythepolice.Theystatedthattheirclienthadovertime, refrainedfromrespondingsimilarpublicationsinthepastwhichtheyalleged wasatthepromptingofSterlingBankPlc,particularlyasthedisputebetween theBankandherwaspresentlythesubjectoflitigationintheLagosStateHigh Court–SuitNo.LD/058/CMW/2015beforeHonourableJusticeB.A.Oke-Lawal.

TheysaidtheirclienthadfiledaDefencetotheBank'sclaimsagainsther,aswell asaCounter-Claiminwhichshewasseekingsubstantialdamagesagainstthe Bankforlibelandtheunwarrantedattempttotarnishherhardearnedimage andreputation."Itispertinenttoaddthatthecourtcase(whichlastcameup onThursday28thApril2016)presentlynowstandsadjournedtoWednesday 15thJune2016forfurtherhearingtogivetheBanktimewithinwhichtofileits defencetoourclient'sCounter-Claim.Ourclientisbaffledaswellasshocked bythemischievousanddistastefulpublicationinspiteofherhavingvoluntarily visited the Nigeria Police Force's Zone 2 Command where, after an amiable interview,shesubmitteddocumentstoaiditsongoinginvestigationsandalso informed the Command of the pendency of the suit in the Lagos State High Court”,theysaid.Theythankedthosewhohadmadesympatheticcallstoher, sayingthat,"thetruthwill beknowninduecourse."

Christian Journalists Honour Men of Integrity

NigerianAssociationofChristianJournalists(NACJ),willonSaturdayMay28, 2016,honourfeweminentNigerianswhohadovertheyearsdemonstratedhigh senseofintegrityasalifestylewithaspecialawardtaggedintegrityaward.by The award is scheduled to hold at Sheraton Hotel &Towers, Ikeja Lagos.The award is an annual event institute in 2013. “The motivating factor behind the awardistospecificallyfightcorruptioninournationbyencouragingNigerians toimbibethevirtuesofintegritythroughtheaward.TheAwardisstrategically designed to make Nigerians mentally integrity conscious.The award which comesinvariouscategoriesWillfeatureGen.DenielChinookandGen.Dr.Otu Oviemo Ovadje Rtd in public service category. MrsToyosi Akerele –Ogunsiji aswomanof integrityunder privatesector category.

1949 Corps Members Posted to Kogi

Atotalof1949corpsmembersmadeupof973malesand976femaleshave beenpostedtoKogiState,justasthestategovernorAlhajiYahayaBelloassured themoftheirsafetythroughouttheperiodofservice,sayinghisgovernment wasessentiallyyouthsdriven.ThegovernorstatedthisyesterdayatAsayain Kabba,duringtheSwearing-inandofficialopeningceremonyof Orientation ProgrammeforCorpsMembersinKogiState.Thegovernorwhowasrepresented byhisSpecialAdviseronYouthEmpowerment,SportsandStudentAffairs, Arome Adoji observed that the National Youth Service Scheme had been adjudgedoneofthemostsuccessfulYouthsprogrammeintheworldtoday.

BuhariAppointsObono-Obla,Giade,Imanhobe

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed human rights lawyer and anti-corruption crusader, Chief Okoi Obono-obla as his Special Assistant on Prosecution. A letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,Mr.BabachirDavidLawal,whichwassightedbyTHISDAY,indicate thatBuharihasapprovedhisappointmentas“SpecialAssistanttothePresident (Prosecution),FederalMinistryofJusticewitheffectfrom18thApril2016on theTermsandConditionsofServiceascontainedin“CertainPolitical,Public and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries & Allowances, etc.) (Amendment)Act 2008.” Reacting to his appointment, Obono-Obla said: “I am humbled by my appointmentandbythefactthatthePresidentconsidersmeandmyservices worthyofservingthisnationalongwithotherCrossRiverianswhohavealso beensoappointedinsharpcontrasttothededicationofCrossRiver Stateto thePeoplesDemocraticParty(PDP)for16yearswithpracticallylittleornothing toshowforit,"Obono-Oblasaidinreactiontohisappointmentbythepresident.

Osibanjo, Ezekwezili, Speak on Challenges

VicePresidentYemiOsibanjo,aformerMinisterofEducation,ObyEzekwesili, areamongothereminentNigeriansthatwilltodaybrainstormonthewayout of the present economic challenges being faced by the country at the 2016 edition of the ‘Platform’.The Convener of Platform, who also doubles as the Senior Pastor, Covenant Christian Centre, Pastor Poju Oyemade made this knownatapressconferenceinAbuja,wherehestressedthattheevent,which isthe11theditionandthesecondtobeheldinAbujawouldamongotherthings exploretheuntapped economicpotentialsof thecountry.

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Katsina Woos Investors to Economic Summit Bennett Oghifo

REWARD FOR HARD WORK...

L-R: Commodore, Apapa Boat Club; Mr. Mike Towler, Social Secretary, ABC; Lynda Blundell; Executive Director, Administration, Ibru Organisation, Sir Henry Muogho and Winner, Oskcar Ibru Heaviest Fish Competition, Borg Sauber during the competition in Lagos ... recently

Current Financial Inflows make it Hard for States to Survive, Laments Ambode Tobi Soniyi in Abuja

Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode, has said that governors were finding it difficult to run their states at the current financial inflows in the country.

Ambode, who spoke with State House Correspondents in Abuja said he was at Presidential Villa to thank President Muhammadu Buhari on behalf of Lagos State and the people of the state on the outcome of his visit to China.

He maintained that the cash crunch that hit the country had made it imperative for state governors to devise means of survival which include their demand for moratorium on the payment of their debts.

Asked for his comments

on the demand by states for moratorium on their debt, Ambode said: "There is nothing wrong in asking for moratorium. Lagos State has just restructured its bond programme. It is about financial intelligence.

"The states are not saying they are not going to pay back.

We are saying that based on the present circumstances, we can hold down principal payments and just take interest.

"Maybe for a while, let us also ask for moratorium to be able to pay principal at a future date. The issue is that you cannot operate a state in the manner in which the financial inflows are coming now. It is very difficult. We have to be realistic.

"It is like any other organisa-

tion. If the inflows are not up to what the fixed costs are like, you have to do something drastic and that is what we are all doing.

"I am an accountant first before being a politician. You need to see the numbers. The numbers do not tally.

"It has nothing to do with the status you are finding yourself now. It is about the past record, it is about the present status and it is about taking drastic decisions to be able to allow the state's to stay afloat."

On the purpose of his visit to the president, he said "The reason I am here today is to come and thank the President on behalf of Lagos State and the people of the state on the outcome of his visit to China.

"You will recall that Lagos

State is a major beneficiary of that visit. The Lagos metro rail project of about $2.5bn is being signed up by Nigeria and the President.

"The Lagos-Kano rail project and other projects are also there. There are many benefits coming to Lagos State. That is why it is important to come and thank him personally."

Asked about his views on criticisms against Buhari's China trip, the Lagos State Governor said "There is nothing you do in form of policies and programmes that the people will not oppose.

What is important is about the majority of people who are going to benefit from it.

For Lagos, we cannot do any other thing than to say 'thank you'.

UAVs Operators Should Obtain Permit from ONSA, ANCAA Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has directed all operators of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for non-military purposes in the country to obtain the necessary permit and documentation from the regulatory agencies.

The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Grp Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, has urged the concerned individuals

or companies to obtain such permit from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

Famuyiwa noted that the regulation was necessary to ensure air safety as a result of growing number of UAVs across the globe and Nigeria in particular.

He said: "The use of UAVs for both military and non-military

purposes had increased globally with the attendant risk to aviation safety. Of recent, a British Airways Airbus A320 flying from Geneva to London, with 137 persons onboard, was struck by a drone as the aircraft was approaching to land at Heathrow airport.

"This incident brings to fore the need for safe integration of UAVs in non-segmented airspace, especially in Nigeria where the use of UAVs for non-military

purposes is on the increase."

"There is the need therefore to streamline such operations to ensure safety of air operations in Nigeria", he added.

The DOPRI stressed t that the operation of UAVs in Nigeria was subject to regulation by the NCAA and ONSA. Consequently, he said, UAV operators in the Country were urged to stick to the conditions stipulated in their permits".

Tompolo Distances Self from 'Avengers Group' Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Former militant and former member of the defunct Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND), Chief Government Ekpemupolo has denied links with the fledging militant group in the Niger-Delta region which calls itself the Niger Delta Avengers.

The hitherto unknown group recently claimed responsibility for the damaging attack on 48-Inch Pipeline at the Forcados Export Terminal several weeks ago, but there were indications that certain military reports attempted to link Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, with the dastardly act.

However, Media Adviser and Consultant to the embattled Ijaw chief, Comrade Paul Bebenimibo, in a statement last night denied that Tompolo had any connections or dealings with the apparently new group, saying he had personally dissociated himself from the shadowy group.

Bebenimibo, in a statement e-mailed to THISDAY, decried the purported security reports linking his principal with the pipeline blasts, saying it was part to the design to frame him as waging war against the Federal Government through acts of vandalism in the oil-rich region.

Tompolo wondered why his

enemies would not relent in their orchestrated attempt to continue labelling him as sponsoring pipeline vandalism in spite of several refutals through press releases.

He stressed that he had remained faithful to his acceptance and promised to late President Umaru Yar'Adua when the Amnesty Programme was instituted for repentant militants in the Niger Delta and was not considering going back on his words or throwing spanners into his noble achievements in the peace-building process.

The statement reiterated Tompolo's claim that his avowed enemies particularly rival business-

men and members of a particular political party in Delta and Bayelsa states were the architects of the upsurge in pipeline and other acts of economic sabotage which they then hang around Tompolo.

The statement, titled "Tompolo is not Part of Avengers Group", read in part: "The attention of High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, the Ibe-ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation, has been drawn to security reports linking him to a new militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, which claims responsibility for the damaged Forcados 48-Inch Export Pipeline some time ago".

Katsina State is to open up to the rest of Nigeria, Africa and the world through a partnership between local entrepreneurs and those interested in investing in the various sectors in the state.

A high-profile delegation, led by the Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa was in Lagos, this week, to present the fine points of the state’s upcoming Economic and Investment Summit that would take place in May. The Secretary to the Government of Katsina State, Alhaji Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa said it was important to note that Katsina was a relatively peaceful state, adding that investors would find it a safe haven.

The government chose an appropriate theme; ‘Unlocking Investment Potentials for Sustainable Development’ to underscore the importance of the summit.

Also on the entourage of the Secretary to the Government, were the Chairman of the organising committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Tukur Jikamshi; Katsina State Commissioner for Information, Hamza Muhammed; and a member of Katsina State House of Assembly, Hon. Umar.

According to the Alhaji Jikamshi, the summit would be different from others because it was designed as a networking event rather than a talk-shop.

He said present administration led by Governor Aminu Bello Masari was determined to open up the state to private sector investors who were expected to take advantage of investment potentials that abound in the state.

“Pursuant to the present Katsina State Government policy thrust on Private Sector facilitation, job creation, and entrepreneurial promotion through generation of viable investments in the state, His Excellency directed for an Investment and Economic Summit

to be organiseg with focus on awareness creation on the state Government new investment climate and policy thrust; create a flat form for dialogue with potential Investors; discuss the specific needs of those willing to invest in Katsina State; share emerging investment ideas with the target audience; engage all the state’s unutilised and underutilised natural resources towards creating a an efficient and prosperous state; revitalise the private sector for higher returns and employment generation; and enhance the visibility of the State as a viable investment hub.

He said his Committee with its partners, “The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission and USAID NEXTT is hosting the Economic and Investment Summit in Katsina to promote the investment opportunities of Katsina State from May 9th to 11th, 2016. The venue is Muhammad Buhari House (Katsina State Government House). Stakeholders located within the LAKAJI Corridor States, all other states of Nigeria and the international investing community will be present to identify opportunities available in the state.

“This will also mark the official commencement of the synergy between the LAKAJI Corridor States, other states of the Nigerian federation and the international community. The summit will also provide a robust flat form for business connection for Public Private Partnership (PPP), Business to Business (B2B), Person to Person (P2P) and Consumer to Business (C2B).”

He said priority sectors were; Agri-business; Power; Solid Mineral; Property Development; and Hospitality and Creative Arts Industry.

Target countries are: Nigerian nationals; Asian countries the Middle East; European and American countries; African countries and ECOWAS.

Military Discover Boko Haram Dumping Pits Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

Nigerian troops in the intensified efforts in ongoing Operation Lafiya Dole in parts of the North East, have discovered a pit used by the Boko Haram terrorists to dump their victims in Borno State.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement yesterday, said the troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B attached to 22 Brigade embarked on combination of foot and mobile fighting patrols on daily basis to deny the terrorists freedom of action in their area of operations.

He said that the troops on Thursday "embarked on clearance operations in the general area of Bogoro, Duguno 1, Duguno 2 and 3, and on reaching Mbaraka, they encountered some elements of the Boko Haram extremists who engaged the patrol team in a gun battle.

He noted that "The troops rose to the occasion and successfully cleared the terrorists and proceeded to Jadda village which was suspected to be strong hold of the Boko Haram terrorists".

As rightly believed, he said, a large number of them were discovered to have the terrorists group’s flags hoisted in their domains.

He said: "The troops engaged the Boko Haram terrorists and killed four of them. The patrol team also made another startling discovery, a big pit where the Boko Haram terrorists used for dumping bodies of hapless victims of their nefarious activities to decompose.

"It was also discovered that the terrorists held lots of people as hostage in Jadda."

Usman said that the fighting patrol team also succeeded in freeing those held hostage and recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number OF-4814, 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 12 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 14 Dane Guns, a motorcycle, two Solar panels and food storage facility.

He listed other items recovered to include 120 litres of AGO and packs of Panadol.

Sadly, he said, "One of our soldiers suffered gunshot wound and was evacuated for further medical treatment".

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Don’t Envisage Grazing Reserve in the South-East, Igbo Warns N’ Assembly Seriki Adinoyi inJos

Izu Umunna Cultural Association, an Igbo pressure group has warned the National Assembly to forget about getting any portion of its land as grazing reserve for herdsmen, noting that the ongoing deliberation on the matter was a grand design to use the instrument of constitutional amendment to carve out large parts of land in the Middle Belt and Southern Nigeria and hand over to the Fulani herdsmen.

In a press statement signed by Dr. Ugo Ihekuna and Chief Elvis Chukwu, President and Secretary of

the group respectively, the group also condemned the attack on a helpless community in Enugu, noting that it was “dismayed by the level of brigandage and carnage being unleashed on the people of South East by Fulani herdsmen.

“The association is particularly worried by the apparent poor response of security agencies to these atrocities and the near taciturnity exhibited by the Federal Government.

“At the last count, no fewer than 200 innocent people have been mowed down by these rampaging marauders with equal number of houses destroyed and farmlands

completely desolated.”

Frowning at the annihilation of innocent people by Fulani herdsmen, the group called on the Federal Government to immediately start the construction of ranches as opposed to grazing reserves so as to curb the menace posed by itinerant Fulani herdsmen. “We call on the National Assembly to stop forthwith the debate on the National Grazing Reserves Commission as it is a time-bomb waiting to explode.

“We also want the Federal Government to start immediate compensation to all those affected by the menace of Fulani herdsmen and bring the

perpetrators to book.

“This must send a strong signal to the government and people of the South East that having devastated their lands through the activities of the Boko, which had created deserts in almost the entire length and breadth of North East, the next alternative is to turn to the South East where there is lush green vegetation for grazing.”

The group asked the people of the South East to stop the use of Hausa/Fulani as guards in their homes as it had been established that these 'guards' are often guides to these mercenaries when they want to strike.

Young Graduate Jailed Five Years over Fake Drug Omon-Julius Onabu inAsaba

A Federal High Court siting in Asaba, Delta State, on Friday sentenced a young graduate, Mr. Osita Paul Ely, to five years in jail for being in possession of fake malarial drugs.

The young man, a graduate of economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, was arrested in 2015 in Asaba by officials of the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) who stormed his residence following a tipoff.

Osita was then charged to court on a seven-count charge relating to possession, packaging, importation, labeling and distribution of fake anti-malaria drugs and other unregistered products.

However, the accused subsequently pleaded guilty to Count One, upon which the presiding judge, Justice A.O. Faji, struck out other charges.

Count One said that the respondent was found to be in possession of "fake drugs to wit: Rysovin-500, Buscomac - 10mg, Maloxine, Lumartem, Lofnac - 100", which is punishable under the law.

The prosecution noted that

the "offence runs contrary to Section 1 of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act CAP. C34 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 3(a) of the same act."

Nevertheless, the judge duly sentenced the convict to five years imprisonment, which is the minimum custodian sentence for such offence, in line with Section 3 of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. CAP C34 LFN 2004.a The judge held that the fake drugs, which lacked the major anti-malaria and anti-bacteria components, had serious detrimental effects on persons as well as serious environmental impacts on the society, wondering how many innocent Nigerians could have victims of the action of Osita had he not been apprehended.

While delivering his judgement, Justice Faji observed, "A graduate of economics should be looking at ways of growing our economy and not increasing the population of people at the hospitals, mortuaries and cemetery. This is an abuse of the privilege of education."

Enugu Bishop Demands 'Concrete Action against Herdsmen' Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu

WE REJOICE WITH YOU...

L-R: Olotu Ebi Lajomehin of Ikorodu, Mr Lateef Banwo; Director, finance & account, Federal Institute of Industrial Research ,Oshodi, Mr. Okeowo Oderinde; celebrant, Apostle General, Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim & Seraphim, Kolawole Akerele; his wife Modue, and General Overseer, Jehovah's Salvation Evangelical Church,, most reverend Mattew Akerele, at the 70th birthday of his eminence, Kolawole Akerele, in Lagos, on Sunday

Army Denies Planning to Steal Bodies from Alleged Mass Grave in Zaria Senator Iroegbu inAbuja

The Army has denied an online report which the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) alleged that the Service was planning to steal bodies from mass grave in Zaria.

The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), 1 Div. Nigerian Army Kaduna, Col. Abdul Usman, in a statement yesterday, said that such claims "Is simply a figment of their jaundiced imagination and a campaign of calumny against the Army".

Usman described as unfounded, the report which stressed that a contingent of soldiers had been deployed to keep guard at the site of the mass grave in an effort

to prevent the uncovering of the hundreds of bodies buried there.

"The Army strongly and categorically reject the IMN's unfounded and spurious allegation. It is simply a concoction of lies and deliberate effort by the IMN to portray the Nigerian Army's image negatively.

"The Nigerian Army will like to make it abundantly clear that it has never contemplated such act at any time. It's of no relevance whatsoever, we are focused on discharging our constitutional duty as a professional military force. We expect any responsible media to double check such weighty allegations before going to press. Nigeria's national security and interest must never be toyed with", he said.

The DDAPR noted that the Nigerian Army as a law abiding entity had already stated its facts regarding the December 12-14 incident in Zaria before the Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba led Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

For the avoidance of doubt, he said, the commission had on April 27, 2016 visited all the sites of the incident in Zaria including the grave site in Kaduna.

"It was widely aired. It is not the duty of the Army to guard any public grave site other than our own designated military cemeteries", he added.

Usman claimed that the IMN's desire was to whip up public sympathy not minding their crimes

over several years against the people of Zaria as testified by the parties at the just concluded sitting of the commission.

According to him, the IMN failed to state her facts or opinion if any as regards the incident of December 12th and 14th 2015 before the judicial commission of inquiry.

"While we await the report of the judicial commission, we would like to call on the general public to disregard this unfounded claim," he urged.

Usman also assured that the Nigerian Army will continue to safeguard the lives and property of all citizens in every part of our great country, adding "that is our mission".

Galaxy Backbone Committed to Driving Nigeria’s Digital Growth Dele Ogbodo inAbuja

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Galaxy Backbone Ltd, Mr. Yusuf Kazaure, has reiterated the commitment of the company to use its infrastructure to drive Nigeria’s digital growth.

Investing in ICT infrastructure, he stated, would position Nigeria as an emerging market leader on the African continent.

Mr. Frankly Ginger-Eke, Spokesperson for the agency, in a signed statement on behalf of the company’s Managing Director, made the disclosure at the 2016 Innovation Africa Digital (IAD) Summit which held in Abuja recently.

Kazaure said: "We are fully conscious of the need to be in the vanguard of Nigeria’s digital growth especially within the public sector.

"Over the years, we have made significant investments in human and technological resources based on our vision to be the leading enabler of digital inclusion in Africa."

He told a cross section of global ICT experts at the summit that harnessing Africa’s digital growth was a key challenge facing African leaders both in government and business.

He stressed the need for highlevel dialogue that would draw attention to the nature of decisions and actions necessary for the digital

transformation of the continent for a better future.

The Galaxy Backbone boss tasked policy makers, regulators, service providers, solutions providers and ICT experts on the continent to leverage the huge investments already made in ICTs to innovate and induce organic growth in Africa.

While explaining its role and mandate in the digital drive among government agencies and parastatals, Kazaure said that Galaxy Backbone was established in 2006 and currently had over 350 Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) connected to its 1-GOV.Net in over 4000 office locations nationwide.

This he said made it the largest

single network ever developed in the public sector in Africa, adding: "It is even more noteworthy that Galaxy Backbone’s 1-gov.net initiative, – a common network infrastructure platform.

"That was benchmarked on global best practices and the company emerged in the 2013 as United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA) first place winner for promoting 'Whole-of-Government Approaches' in the Information Age' for its 1-gov.net initiative."

He confirmed that the United Nations Public Service Award (UNPSA), was a validation of Galaxy’s vision to be the leading enabler of digital inclusion in Nigeria and Africa.

The Catholic Bishop of Nsukka Diocese, Most Rev. Godfrey Onah has strongly condemned the massacre of scores of people at Nimbo in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State by Fulani herdsmen on Monday.

Bishop Onah, who addressed newsmen at the St. Theresa’s Catholic Cathedral in Nsukka, Friday, said that the diocese was worried over the senseless killing of “innocent, unarmed and defenceless citizen of Nimbo.”

He said that the Nimbo massacre was analogous to the scenes of the 1966 civil war where people were forced to flee their homes in search of solace and peace, adding that the current crisis was different particularly as people were not only chased away from their homes, but also from their farms, churches, schools and village markets.

The Bishop further said: “The most painful aspect of the Nimbo massacre is that it was announced, expected and executed without inhibition – in broad daylight. The state government is reported to have made attempts to provide security in the area prior to the incident.

“But what those who lost their dear ones and all of us want to know is why, as the reports go, the security forces ‘tactically’ withdrew shortly before the attack and why when they later returned to the scene, there was no attempt to immediately pursue and arrest the perpetrators.

“At present, nobody can say with certainty the number of those killed, given that more of those who were badly wounded are still dying and some bodies are still being recovered from the bush where the people had been killed while taking refuge.”

He said that it was disturbing to note that only Christian religious houses were attacked.

Bishop Onah reiterated that Nsukka people were peace-loving

people and called on them to remain law abiding without resorting to any unlawful protestations.

He, however, said that unnerving questions arising from the tragedy needed to be addressed.

In that light, the bishop posed some questions: “How are we supposed to react to these threats to our very survival as a people when the federal government, who controls the security agencies, seems unwilling to protect us and the state government appears incapable of defending us, since it has no control over these agencies?

“Our young people are asking us why the police and the armed forces of the federal government are so swift and sometimes so high-handed in their reaction when unarmed persons march the streets in protest in the South East and so heavy-footed when it comes to stopping the massacre of the south easterners anywhere in the country, even in their homes."

While the Diocese appreciates the stance of President Muhammadu Buhari on the issue, only concrete actions can lead to the return of normalcy in the community, the bishop said.

He also urged the federal government to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of the massacre and disarm all those who carry assault rifles publicly.

He equally thanked Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senator Chuka Utazi for their concerted efforts so far, saying that the state must use all the tools at its disposal to avert the recurrence of such tragedy.

As much as the diocese thanks the Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase for visiting the community, the bishop said it should bother the IG that some herdsmen possess better arms than policemen.

The Bishop announced that masses and prayers would be offered for the victims throughout the Diocese next Sunday.

TR

Saturday, April 30, 2016

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MISSILE Fani-Kayode to Critics

“Instead of using the EFCC to try to rubbish me and my colleagues and smear our good names, those that are in power today should tell us where they got their campaign funds from and how much of it came from the Governments of Lagos and Rivers states.”

– Femi Fani Kayode, former Director of Publicity of the Peoples Democratic Party’s Presidential campaign reacting to allegations that funds were transferred into his bank account by the former National Security Advisor, Col. Sambo Dasuki and by the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Ovation International: 20 Years of Celebrating Africa

F

ellow Africans, please, join me in thanking God for this baby of circumstance that was born through some excruciating pain 20 years ago in the city of London.

The genesis of Ovation International could only have been by divine conception. I won’t know any other way to describe it. The original idea was first ignited after my controversial exit from my high flying job as the Editor of Nigeria’s foremost celebrity journal, Classique magazine, owned by May Ellen Ezekiel Mofe-Damijo, now of blessed memory. That is a story for another day.

My first impulse was to birth my own magazine, like most journalists would. There is nothing more addictive than journalism, the reason most journalists find it inconceivable to try other trades. So, I decided it was time to challenge fate and come up with a journal that would mirror the lifestyle of the rich and famous.

There were already several such publications in circulation, including Prime People, Vintage People, Fame, Today’s Choice, Climax, Quality, Classique, Poise, and so on. There was also a very popular romance magazine called Hints which was owned by Dr Ibe Kachikwu and Edited by Mr Kayode Ajala. But I felt, there was enough space for an authoritative magazine for newsmakers.

Fame had started from my apartment in Ikeja, Lagos, as the brainchild of Mayor Akinpelu, Femi Akintunde-Johnson and Kunle Bakare.

Kunle Bakare was the Society Editor of Classique when I was Editor and he had moved in to stay with me. We were inseparable and it was only natural that I would be concerned about a business he and others were starting.

I eventually became a Contributing Editor in Fame after I left Classique while working quietly on my own project.

Kunle Bakare had played a pivotal role in finding a title for my magazine by bringing out a Thesaurus and we searched at random for any catchy word depicting celebrity status.

We came across so many but we stumbled on ovation and my reaction was spontaneous; I screamed “Ovation… loud… for a purpose…”

I was excited if not delirious. That was it…

The next action was how to get the much needed funding… That is another story for a different day. I remembered my unlettered mum teaching me early in life that “money says we should never make plans in its absence”. It is the first lesson to learn in business. You can write the most brilliant plans and proposals but it would all evaporate without cash. The second lesson I learnt was the importance of pragmatism in business. You can hardly argue with a benefactor who’s willing to invest in your dream. I was too idealistic and rigid and lost out on what would have been a good and comfortable deal. My core investor had wanted me to alter a few things but I was stubborn and we could not conclude the deal. Ironically, years later, the same benefactor would become the biggest supporter of all times, and he is no other than Dr Mike Adenuga Jnr. That was in 1992 and I had been out of job since September 1991. Mercifully, I was able to start a Public Relations outfit through the help of my friend, Mr Abdul-Lateef Kolawole Abiola, who signed me to handle the media

Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Dele Momodu during their exile years in London launch of Summit Oil International. I got my next assignment from the Spirit of Africa, Dr Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Isola Adenuga, who was already controlling two banks, ETB and DEVCOM, and the first indigenous company, Consolidated Oil, to discover oil in commercial quantity. My next job was the invitation from Prince Nduka Obaigbena, the prodigiously gifted and extremely brave Publisher of the defunct Thisweek magazine, who invited me to be the pioneer Editor of Leaders & Company which metamorphosed into Thisday newspapers. I was saddled with the responsibilty of recruiting many of the core staff that started Thisday from scratch. This was in December 1992.

Everything was going smoothly until early 1993. I was in Nduka’s house one evening when word reached us that Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola had dived into the Presidential race and he was ready to run on the platform of the Social Democratic Party. As my mentor and adopted father, I plunged myself into his campaign. Nduka was tolerant of my decision despite being a member of the opposing political party, National Republican Congress Party. Chief Abiola went on a blistering campaign and eventually emerged the candidate for his party while Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa became the candidate of NRC. It was funny as Nduka and I working from the same office on Norman Williams Road in Ikoyi campaigned for different candidates.

The June 12 Presidential election was the turning point in our lives. I thought I was only on sabbatical and hoped to return to my desk after the elections but it was not meant to be. I was so involved in the Abiola saga that I soon became one of the earliest victims of the ensuing military repression and I was thrown into the gulag called Alagbon Detention centre between July and August 1993. That is a special story on its own. I was soon released after being charged before a Magistrate court in Igbosere and discharged to sin no more.

But nothing could stop me from joining so many well-meaning Nigerians seeking the

revalidation of the watershed election won

by Abiola.

In 1994, Chief Abiola himself was arrested and kept in solitary confinement. By this time I had totally lost interest in my work at Leaders & Company and Nduka understood and appreciated my unflinching loyalty to Abiola. I was ready to throw everything into the ring. Life was hard and tough but God would always look after his own. In the midst of these conundrums, I was still able to find some odd jobs here and there.

I was fortunate to also meet the whiz kid, Mr Hakeem Belo-Osagie, through his affable cousin, Mr Ademola Adekogbe (may his soul continue to rest in peace) and Keem gave me the complicated task of sorting out the spate of media attacks against him after acquiring majority shares in Africa’s global bank, UBA. I gladly undertook this great challenge and God helped me to accomplish what was thought to be an impossible mission. Unknown to me, I was being prepared on an epic journey. I had totally perished the idea of ever publishing my own magazine. But man proposes and God disposes.

Little did I envisage a development that would change my life, and that of my family, forever. I had travelled to Abeokuta to visit former Governor Olusegun Osoba, my professional godfather. I had always prayed to be as successful as Osoba in journalism.

And we shared a similar passion in politics.

I was in Abeokuta overnight as we discussed late into the night. I left Abeokuta in the early hours of July 22, 1995 and headed back to Lagos. On getting to Lagos I ran into my wife on the way home and she gave me the most shocking news that some good Samaritans had come to alert and tip her off about my impending arrest by the Abacha junta. She was sternly advised to tell me to vanish into thin air immediately. The obvious look of panic and agitation on her face said it all. I turned back from that point and never entered that house again.

It was a strange journey. I never planned

to live outside my beloved country. I had to go quickly into a bunker. My wonderful friends, the Orolugbagbes, took me in and kept me away from trouble. I had to plot my exit. I contacted my comrade in the struggle, Mr Tokunbo Afikuyomi, one of the smartest human beings I would ever meet. He had earlier escaped the wrath of the military by running off to London. He gave me a list of all that would be needed to make the Odysseus journey. Again, money was needed. I was fortunate to have my God-sent Spirit who took the risk of sending some money to get me out of Siberia to freedom. My friends in London, led by Prince Adedamola Aderemi and Mr Gbenga Olunloyo were also busy raising funds in readiness for my kamikaze trip. On July 25, 1995, I took the leap of faith.

My first son, Oluwapekansayemi, was barely ten months old. As I bade my wife and this innocent kid goodbye, I had to keep that straight poker face of a supposedly strong man but within me I was totally squeamish. I didn’t know if I would be caught on the way by the goons that littered everywhere at the time. I was accompanied by three extremely kind-hearted people; Captain Rotimi Seriki (God bless his departed soul), Mr Bola Orolugbagbe and Mr Kunle Bakare. I camouflaged like a farmer while they provided not only the cover for me but also sufficient distraction from me to the security guys. We managed to meander through a smugglers’ route at Seme border and crossed into Benin Republic. And then, I wept bitterly. My mind was doing some acrobatics. I didn’t know what could suddenly happen to me and spin my life around again, like a rollercoaster.

We made our way to Cotonou but I was just too scared to stay long in the very next country to Nigeria and a stone throw from Lagos. My friends left me in Cotonou and went back to Lagos while I carried on to Lome in Togo. I never felt that lonely in my life. From Lome, I found my way to Accra, Ghana and checked in at the Noga Hill hotel in Dzorwulu. It was my first contact ever with Ghana and I was very impressed with the orderliness and sanity. I will return to that some other time.

I spent three nights in Ghana planning my major move to London. I was able to purchase my flight ticket. I had traced an old Ghanaian friend, Mr Fritz Baffour who had spent time in Nigeria and was very famous.

A taxi driver had led me to a joint where he said I would definitely find him and it was a happy-bitter reunion for both of us because of my predicament. Fritz accompanied me to the airport on July 28, 1995, and it was very kind of him to bid me farewell. I landed at Gatwick Airport in the early hours of July 29, 1995. Unknown to me at that moment, I would be constrained to live in London for the next three years. My wife and baby subsequently managed to escape from Nigeria through the skin of their teeth. The next challenge would be how to survive in the unpredictability of England.

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