Saturday 10th December 2016

Again Opposition Wins in Ghana, Mahama Concedes Adedayo Adejobi, with Agency Reports After a bitterly fought campaign, Ghana's main opposition leader former foreign minister, Nana Akufo-Addo who was making his third bid for the top job, yesterday won the country's national election, defeating

imcumbent President, John Mahama, electoral commissioner Charlotte Osei said.

"It is my duty and my privilege to declare Nana AkufoAddo as the president-elect of Ghana," she told a news conference in the capital on Friday.

Crowds of jubilant supporters gathered outside the house of the 72-year-old New Patriotic

Party (NPP) leader, who had already claimed victory on Thursday, a day after the voting took place.

Following the footsteps of Nigeria’s ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, who called the then All Progressives Congress, APC candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to concede defeat in the 2015 Presidential election,

even before vote tally had been concluded, Ghanaian’s incumbent President, John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also called Nana Akufo-Addo, his major opponent in the presidential election, to concede defeat and congratulate him on his victory.

Prior to Osei's announcement, Akufo-Addo said on

Twitter that Mahama called him "congratulating me on winning the 2016 Presidential Election".

Ghana's state television also confirmed Maham's concession.

In a change of leadership, Nana Akufo-Addo, will be the country’s new president. This was Akufo-Addo’s third bid for the country’s presidency after he narrowly lost out in elections

in 2008 and 2012.

Akufo-Addo won convincingly this time with 53.85% of the vote, according to Ghana’s Electoral Commission. The incumbent won just 44.4%.

Mahama, despite touting several infrastructure projects, lost out in an election that Continued on page 6

Supreme Court Orders Retrial of Tambuwal's Emergence, Upholds Ayade's Election ... Page 6 Saturday 10 December, 2016 Vol 21. No 7905 Price: N250

www.thisdaylive.com TR

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Female Suicide Bombers Kill 56 in Madagali Buhari, Atiku mourn

Daji Sani in Yola with agency report Two schoolgirl suicide bombers

yesterday killed 57 people and wounded dozens more in a coordinated attack on a crowded market in Madagali, the headquarters of Madagali

Local Government Area in Adamawa State.

The bombings bore the hallmark of Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram, which has

been waging a terror war to set up a state adhering to a strict interpretation of Islamic laws in the Northeast. There was no immediate claim of

responsibility.

Yusuf Mohammed, chairman of the local government, confirmed that the bombings left 56 people dead and

wounded 57.

Major Badare Akintoye, a spokesman for an army unit in Continued on page 6

Uneasy Calm as Rivers Re-Run Election Holds

Buhari orders security agents to deal decisively with trouble-makers PDP: Oyegun inciting people to violence We didn't tell our supporters to kill, says APC Ararume accused of bribing collation officers UK, US, EU, France warn against violence BENSON OKONKWO

Ernest Chinwo in Port Harcourt, Tobi Soniyi, Onyebuchi Ezigbo and Alex Enumah in Abuja

I ‘ll Settle Down with a Woman Soon, I‘m Not Gay

SuperSaturday pg. 8-9

Uneasy calm pervades Rivers State as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) holds the rescheduled legislative rerun elections in 1,840 Polling Units spread across the 23 local government areas of the state today.

To ensure the success of today’s election, President Muhammadu Buhari has called on law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with trouble-makers and those bent on violating the sanctity of the electoral process during today's federal and state legislative rerun elections in the state.

MODUPE IRELE

I Felt Naked Losing My Only Child

Plus pg. 17-19

Continued on page 6

Emefiele Urges Banks to Support WE SUPPORT YOU...

FG's Economic L-R: Public Affairs Manager, FrieslandCampina WAMCO, Mrs. Temitope Adeola; wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari and the Corporate Affairs Mrs. Ore Famurewa during the donation of 5000 cartons of Peak Milk sachets for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Northeast as part of Strategies ...Pg 54 Director, the company's support for the 'Get Involved' campaign with a Nigeria, in Aso Rock ...yesterday STATE HOUSE

UN Says Corruption, Threat to $90trn Global Infrastructural Development Fund ... Page 10

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R •SATURDAY, DeceMbeR 10, 2016

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PAGE SIX

S’Court Orders Retrial of Tambuwal's Emergence, Upholds Ayade's Election Says sacking council chairmen, councillors by Fayemi in 2010 illegal

Tobi Soniyi in Abuja The Supreme Court yesterday ordered a new trial of a suit challenging the emergence of Aminu Waziri Tambuwal as the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2015 governorship election in Sokoto.

The court declined to invoke Section 22 of the Supreme Court to act as court of first instance to determine the issues in disputes between the parties.

A member of APC, Senator Umaru Dahiru, contested for the governorship election in the December 2014 primaries of the APC, but lost to Tambuwal, who eventually went on to win the gubernatorial poll conducted by the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) in April 2015 and was subsequently sworn-in as Governor on May 29 of the same year.

Dahiru and one other candidate, Barrister Aliyu Abubakar Sanyinna were dissatisfied and applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking to be declared the party's candidate for the election.

The appellants had at the Federal High Court sued Tambuwal and asked the court to declare that the primary of December 4, 2014 which produced him was unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void and inconsistent with the Electoral Act, 2010 and the APC guidelines.

They claimed that the list of accredited delegates was swapped at the election venue

and that votes were arbitrarily, unlawfully and fraudulently allocated to the aspirants after series of manipulation, intimidation and threat from the then state government officials backing the third respondent.

They asked for the court order restraining INEC from acting, publishing or recognizing Tambuwal as APC gubernatorial candidate.

They also prayed for an order nullifying or withdrawing the nomination of Tambuwal and that a fresh primary election be ordered.

Justice Evoh Stephen Chukwu of the Federal High Court, Abuja ruled in their favour.

But the Appeal Court in its judgment delivered by justice Moore Adumein set aside

the decision of the trial court and held that the reliefs of the plaintiffs cannot be granted again in view of the 2015 governorship poll already won by Tambuwal.

Friday’s ruling followed an earlier judgement given by the Supreme Court in June this year which dismissed application by the Sokoto State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate, Senator Abdallah Wali, to be joined as parties to Dahiru’s suit.

In a judgement written by Hon Justice Musa Dattijo Muhammed and read by Hon Justice Cletus Nweze, the court held that rather than consider the case as mere academic exercise, the high court should re-try the case on its merit.

The Supreme Court subsequently set aside and voided

the decision of the court of appeal which had earlier held that events had overtaken the action against the nomination of Tambuwal on the strength of the April 2015 governorship election. The apex court said that to uphold the decision of the Appeal Court and the claims of Tambuwal that the case against him had become academic exercise and had no life again, would amount to murdering democracy.

Counsel to Tambuwal, Paul M. Kassim Esq, who led six other lawyers, said the defence were satisfied with the ruling and would get set for trial at the Federal High Court.

“Our position remains unchanged, that our client was validly nominated by the APC and was duly elected Governor

by the good people of Sokoto State,” he told reporters after the judgement.

In the June ruling by now retired Justice Sulaiman Galadima JSC, the Supreme Court had held that PDP and Wali lacked the locus standi to apply to be joined in the suit, describing the two as interlopers who should not take part in a matter purely involving another party.

Even though Sokoto PDP had announced that they would not challenge the election of Tambuwal in 2015, they however, through case number SC/67/2016, sought to be joined as parties in Dahiru's suit on the grounds that if it succeeds, Wali should be declared winner of the election.

The president also sued for a peaceful and orderly election.

Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina urged all political parties, their candidates, other stakeholders and the people of the state to ensure that the polls are conducted without rigging, violence and intimidation of opponents and electoral officials.

He asked politicians and their supporters to put the higher interest of the people of the state in mind, as they go to the polls today.

"The rerun elections should not be seen as a do-or-die affair to the extent that people will be killed, maimed and property destroyed in a mindless display of crude primitive instincts. Innocent blood should never be sacrificed on the altar of political contest for temporary power," the president warned.

PDP Accuses Ararume of Bribing Collation Officers In a related development, the PDP in Rivers State has accused a former Federal Lawmaker, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, of meeting with 200 INEC Collation Officers at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike where he bribed them with N20,000 each to write results in favour of the APC. The collation officers for the Rivers rerun elections are being trained at the institution

by INEC. In a statement issued in Port Harcourt yesterday, the state Publicity Secretary of PDP, Samuel Nwanosike, alleged that Ararume concluded the meeting with a pledge to pay the collation officers their balance of the agreed sum after the Rivers Rerun Elections.

He however said the PDP in Rivers State has vowed to resist any attempt by the agents of the APC to use collation officers to subvert the electoral process.

He said it was revealed

that Ararume at the meeting, arranged with the electoral officers to concoct results in favour of the APC. He disclosed that the former Federal Lawmaker, who hails from Imo State, was a major revenue contractor in Rivers State under the Chibuike Amaechi’s administration and that Ararume told the collation officers that he was working for Amaechi, who is his benefactor.

According to him, it was learnt from sources at the meeting that Ararume told the Collation Officers that the N20,000 he gave each of them was for their transport and that they would be paid in full after delivery of results that favour APC during the rerun elections.

We Didn't Ask Our Supporters to Kill, Says APC Also yesterday, the APC denied ever urging party supporters at Thursday's campaign rally in Port Harcourt to shoot and kill during today's legislative re-run elections as was reported in the media.

The PDP had accused the APC, especially its top echelon that spoke during the Port Harcourt rally of gingering their supporters to violence by asking them to shoot and kill supporters of opposing parties.

PDP quoted the National Chairman of the APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun of having openly incited the members and supporters of his party saying "If they push you, push them back. If they slap you, slap them back. As you can see, we came in full force; the whole federal might is here".

However, APC has described such allegations and reports as false, saying it is a wicked fabrication which is also at odds with the party’s zero-tolerance policy for violence.

In a statement, Oyegun's Chief of Staff, Edwin Ikhinmwin said the APC's national chairman had consistently advocated for

peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible elections.

But in a statement issued yesterday in Abuja by the PDP's spokesman, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party said the APC had been working to reverse gains of democracy and to foster full blown dictatorship in Nigeria.

"It was another sad day in Nigeria as top echelon of the ruling party in the country, the APC, on Thursday, December 8, 2016, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State took turns like garrison commanders, ordering their supporters to shoot and kill any member or supporter of our party.”

Don't Export Non-payment of Salaries to Rivers State, Wike Tells APC Governors Also on Thursday, Governor Wike berated APC governors for refusing to pay salaries to their civil servants and pensioners, saying that they will not be allowed to export hardship from their states to the treasure base of the nation.

Flagging off the construction of Elimgbu-Atali Road, Rumuokoro Market and Motorola Park and the Psychiatric Hospital in Obio-Akpor Local Government Area on Thursday, Wike said that APC governors represent the failure of governance in some states.

“These APC governors are beneficiaries of Amaechi's corruption. Amaechi stole our

resources and used the funds to sponsor Lalong, Abubakar of Bauchi State, Ortom of Benue State and the APC National Campaigns".

Wike also said the Kano State Governor, Ganduje failed to set up a Commission of Inquiry to investigate who killed the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Kano State and his family.

UK, US EU, France warns against inciting violence Leaders of developed countries across the globe have appealed to all political parties in today’s election, including the electorates to toe the path of peace and avoid anything that would breed chaos and destruction in the state.

Ambassadors of the US, UK, EU and France made the appeal in a joint statement signed yesterday in Abuja.

“We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters in Rivers state to allow elections to go ahead peacefully.

We encourage INEC and the security forces to perform their duties responsibly and impartially. We urge all parties to respect the electoral process and raise any grievances peacefully and through official channels”, the statement read in part.

The ambassadors further stressed that the leaders of all parties are accountable for the actions of their members and as such should urge their supporters not to use or incite violence.

the coffin of Boko Haram.”

According to him, “This latest attack is obviously an act of desperation, but the Nigerian military will neither be distracted nor relent.”

Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condemned the attack and proposed intelligence surge to avert such horrendous attacks and greater vigilance on the part of citizens, especially in the liberated communities.

In a statement issued on his behalf by his media office, the former Vice President expressed his deepest grief and regret over such heartless disregard for human life by terrorists, and explains that indiscriminate mass murderers should not be

allowed to defeat humanity and impose their reign of terror on the people.

According to the former Vice President, the Boko Haram terrorists still pose a real threat, adding that the country must redouble its efforts and unite against them.

Atiku urges greater vigilance on the part of citizens and increased intelligence, as the military ramps up its operations against Boko Haram insurgents.

He said he was highly embarrassed that these terrorists are hiding behind religious ideology to commit atrocities against innocent people, despite the fact that Islam, and indeed any other religion prohibits the murder of innocent people.

Continued on page 55

UNEASY CALM AS RIVERS RE-RUN ELECTION HOLDS TODAY The bulk of the voting today will be in seven local government areas of Andoni, Akuku-Toru, Bonny, Etche, Ikwerre, Khana and Gokana.

Following anxiety over violence in the state, the InspectorGeneral of Police, Ibrahim Idris, announced the deployment of 28,000 policemen, in addition to equipment for the election.

As at yesterday evening, there was massive build-up of security operatives madeup of the Nigeria Police, the Nigeria Army, the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Also there was intensified patrol by the Nigeria Police and other security agencies in parts of the state, especially areas where rerun election will hold, apparently to scare away hoodlums.

While the Police are patrolling roads in parts of the states along with operatives of the NSCDC, marine policemen are patrolling the waterways along with Nigerian Navy.

Also, policemen, who are on aerial surveillance of the state with the three helicopters deployed by the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, are being assisted by men of the Nigerian Airforce.

The Nigerian Army yesterday ordered deployment of troops to flash points to prevent breakdown of law and order before, during and after the December 10 legislative elections in Rivers.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division Port Harcourt Maj.-Gen. Kasimu Abdulkarim gave the order while addressing officers and soldiers at the Divisional Headquarters in Port Harcourt.

He said troops would be deployed to strategic locations including oil and gas installations and other critical assets in and around the state.

According to him, command-

ers will embark on early planning, coordination and liaison with civil authority, Nigerian Police Force, INEC and other stakeholders to ensure hitch-free elections.

The INEC has also said it would conduct elections in only 12 polling units in Tai Local Government Area, a move the PDP has said is against the ruling of a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt on that matter.

The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Aniedi Ikoiwak, said the commission’s interpretation of the court judgment did not say the commission should hold elections in all parts of the local government area.

But in its reaction, the PDP said the commission was only out to disrespect the judgment of the Federal High Court and a plot to derail the democratic process in the state.

The Rivers PDP advised INEC to conduct the rerun elections in Tai LGA as ordered by the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt .

It will be recalled that Justice Liman of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt ordered INEC to ensure that the results of Tai LGA emanate from the rerun elections in the area.

Justice Liman said: "It is hereby ordered that the result of the re-run election in respect of the National and the State House of Assembly election, which the 1st Defendant has fixed a date to conduct in Khana, Bonny, Gokana, Andoni, Eleme and Tai Local Government Area or any part thereof must emanate from the said re-run election.

Buhari orders security agents to deal decisively with trouble-makers Meanwhile, President Buhari has called on law enforcement agencies to deal decisively with trouble-makers, while ensuring that they are non-partisan while monitoring the conduct of the elections.

FEMALE SUICIDE BOMBERS KILL 56 IN MADAGALI the nearby town of Mubi, also confirmed that the attacks had been carried out simultaneously by two schoolgirls.

An eyewitness said the two suicide bombers detonated their bombs at the grains and second hand clothes section of the market at about noon.

The eyewitness said the people injured had been evacuated to Michika General Hospital for treatment by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

He said the incident created a serious tension, resulting in people fleeing the area to a safer place.

The eyewitness lamented that the incident was happening at the time when the residents

of Madagali had started living peacefully.

In a swift reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of victims of the bomb.

Buhari also condoled with the government and people of the state over the unfortunate incident, assuring them that they were not alone as the rest of the nation mourned this grave loss with them.

Buhari said that “putting an end to this senseless loss of innocent lives remains a top priority of this administration” adding that, “over the past few weeks, the Nigerian military have made significant advancements in an offensive aimed at slamming the final nail in

AGAIN OPPOSITION WINS IN GHANA, MAHAMA CONCEDES shaped up to be a referendum on his handling of the economy.

Under Mahama, Ghana’s economy, affected by a global crash in commodity prices, has stuttered to its slowest growth rate in more than two decades.

Akufo-Addo consistently cited the handling of the economy as a reason to vote out the incumbent.

Even though official confirmation comes two days after the close of polls on December 7, local media had already projected a win for Akufo-Addo.

The former foreign minister, Akufo-Addo’s win continues a trend of consistently peaceful elections and transition of power in Ghana which has seen it become regarded as one of the continent’s most stable democracies.

This year, like most others, elections were largely peaceful and despite what the incumbent’s party had described as an irresponsible preemptive declaration of victory by AkufoAddo and his New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mahama promised to “respect the outcome of the election, positive or negative.”

Prior to the election announcements after a long wait, especially with the delay by the election commission whose

systems broke down, seeing them faxing polling sheets from 29,000 stations.

Earlier, Mahama appealed for calm and told his supporters he would respect the outcome of the vote whether he won or lost, in comments aimed at defusing tension ahead of the release of official results of the vote.

"I want to assure the nation that we will respect the outcome of the election, positive or negative, and so let us just be calm," he told supporters gathered outside his house.

Mahama, who came to power in 2012 after beating Akufo-Addo, urged voters to "stay the course", promising to deliver more infrastructure projects.

Ghana's elections have been historically close, with Mahama narrowly winning against AkufoAddo in 2012 with 50.7 percent.

Akufo-Addo unsuccessfully challenged Mahama's victory in the courts.

Ghana is the world's second biggest producer of cocoa after Ivory Coast and Africa's second biggest gold producer after South Africa.

But it was forced to turn to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2015 for a bailout as global commodity prices tanked.

7

T H I S D AY SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •

DECEMBER 10, 2016

SUPER SATURDAY Benson Okonkwo

I ‘ll Settle Down with a Woman Soon,I‘m Not Gay Okonkwo

His delicately trimmed tiny sideburns form a luscious, dark, low beard on his effervescent face. Dressed to the nines, a wide smile of confidence plays on his lips; spick and span, he finds himself irresistible to both women – and men. Meet Benson Okonkwo, Nigeria’s latest controversial actor in Nollywood, also known as Mr. Packaging. Known for his raunchy roles, especially in sexually explicit movies, Okonkwo easily catches the eye. He speaks with Oge Ezeliora about the controversy trailing his latest movie mopping up acclaims and vituperations on YouTube, on public opinion that he is gay and the role money and message play in deciding to act nude and bawdy in movies I’m Not a Gay Though I Look Like One I’ve All It Takes to Be a Ladies’ Man I’m Proud to Be a Super Actor

Y

ou starred in a movie in which you were completely nude. Why did you do that?

I did that because I am a professional actor. And, there is nothing wrong playing that part. You know one thing with Nigerians, when you play a role and play it well that’s what you are. I have acted as a gay in three movies. But, I have 50 movies to my credit. I know Nigerians love watching my movies and I will not stop acting because people are criticising me for acting completely nude. It is what I do for a living and I am proud to be a super actor.

Tell us about the movie acted nude in.

It is an interesting story. It is a

35-minute movie. The plot, the sound, lighting and props are good quality. In the movie, I was a sex addict who sleeps with both men and women. And I acted along Shirley Igwe, who was my wife in the movie. She had a torrid time containing me because I slept with virtually anybody I admired in the movie – both males and females – regardless of family ties or status. I was also a drug addict (in the movie) who was into all sorts of shady deals. I don’t really need to talk much about it. People should just rush to YouTube, Real Moneytv, to view it – people have started tagging me ‘Benson, the Maniac.’ But, I don’t care because I am making my money and getting more fans every day. It is an award-winning movie.

Is it your first movie as a producer?

Yes. It is my first movie as a producer

although it is a short film with good background and I worked with so many A-list actors, like Cossy Orjiakor, Uche Elendu, Shirley Igwe, Paschaline Alex, Denrele, Chizzy Alichi, Beverly Osu, and a host of others.

Who directed the movie?

It was directed by Image Frameworks.

How much did it cost to produce the movie?

The entire production costs me a lot of money with recession ravaging the country. Let me say I spent up to N2.5 million on the movie in total.

How many movies have you starred in so far?

I have done over 30 movies and I’m still counting.

Which will you consider most challenging?

The movie I did with Ifeanyi Onyeabor, ‘Games Town’ starring Mama G and many other stars. I sustained an injury while on location. I fell off a bus while acting a kidnap scene. In the movie, I kidnapped Kenneth Albert, and had to jump with him from the bus. Unfor-

tunately, the location driver suddenly zoomed off, leading to my falling flat and rolling on the ground. I was really injured in the process.

What’s the secret behind your charming looks?

I started my career as a model. So I have always liked to look good. Even in Nollywood, I am known for my dress sense. That’s why I’m called ‘Benson, Mr. Packaging.’ My fans also love me because of the way I dress. I am crazy when it comes to clothes. I also like to combine colours well. I have always loved fashion and I inherited that attribute from my mother. I costume myself; most times the costumiers recommend me to directors.

It has taken me to places and also makes me stand out.

If you are not gay, why you are not married and why do people accuse you of being gay?

It’s really funny that Nigeria is a country where people attribute an actor’s role to his real-life character. It’s quite funny that because I played a gay role then I’m automatically gay. I just have to thank my fans who repose so much confidence in me – that’s all. You know

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

9

SATURDAY I Have No Regrets Acting As a Gay in Movies

Okonkwo

one thing with Nigerians, when you play a role and play it well that’s what you are. I have done three gay movies.

But, I have 50 movies to my credit, I am unhappy about the negative reactions that trailed my decision to star in those movies. I insist that the public is ignorant of the fact that actions in movies are not real. Although these movies sparked off controversy about my sexuality, I will tell you that Nigerians are hypocrites. They secretly enjoy watching porn movies, yet when they see Nigerian movies that contain suggestive scenes, they secretly watch them online and then drop anonymous comments. I am only acting and doing my job.

How is the pay like in Nollywood?

When we started newly, we were paid depending on scenes and the number of times we made appearances. A scene was about N1,200 and really not worth the stress. But we did that because of the passion we had for the profession. I thank God the pay has improved now. I know that with time, it will be much better.

How many times have you acted as a homosexual?

I have acted as a homosexual three times. I mean I have acted up to three movies where I played the role of a gay and I am not regretting it. Although it was hard for me to accept the role initially, it took a lot of convincing and support from the director before I could play the role.

Before producing your latest movie, you acted completely nude in another movie few, why?

It was done by Mr. Brown Ene and directed by ifeanyi Onyearbor. The name of the movie is ‘James Town.’ Mr. Brown called me up and we negotiated and I took the role. It’s a must-see movie.

Now, before you start to ask me why or crucify me, that’s the character, I was asked to play. So, like I said, as an actor your ability to interpret any role given to you is what makes you a good actor. So, Nigerians should understand that I was only doing my job. It’s just a movie. It’s a ghetto movie and I was one of the lead characters in it.

Were you well paid for the role?

I was well paid. Sincerely, anytime I act a nude scene just know that I am well paid for it and I also took the role because the pay was so right. I enjoy the support of my loved ones in spite of the criticisms. Do you know that the gay controversy has brought me fame?

I want people to remember that I have not starred in only gay or adult films, contrary to what some persons think.

Did you act the movie for the money or the message?

I did it for both reasons, sincerely; because the message and the money matter a lot to me and my fans.

Have you ever been sexually harassed by homosexuals?

Not openly by homosexuals; maybe because they believe I am part of them.

But I am not gay. I just look like one.

Are you saying homosexuality does not exist in Nollywood?

I don’t know if it exists. But I have not experienced it before in the industry – although I have been harassed sexually outside the industry. When they approached me, I simply rejected their request, telling them they met the wrong person. I might look like a gay, but I’m not (a gay). Interestingly, I try to convert them to become my friends whenever they approach me.

Why is the issue of sexual harassment common in Nollywood?

Sexual harassment is everywhere, even in the banking sector. Thank God I have not been sexually harassed before now.

It is not about how many producers or directors you sleep with. What matters is if you are talented. You can sleep with everybody without being able to deliver.

But if you are good and God is on your side, you can go places. They feel threatened because of my good looks.

With all the beautiful women in Nigeria and outside the country, why did you choose men?

I am not a homosexual. Notwithstanding the negative comments, it took much will power to get into (a homosexual)

character (in the movie I acted in).

As a guy do you still get erection when you set your eyes on beautiful women?

Of course, yes. I love women. Anytime I see a beautiful woman, trust me I will go for her. I am not a log of wood.

Blood still flows in my veins and my body system is working. So do not get it twisted.

How did you manage reactions that come from relatives and family members after acting nude scenes?

My family understands that I am only acting and the roles have nothing to do with my personal life or character. That’s why they stood by me and continue to stand by me. I believe that versatility is one thing any actor must possess before being a professional. No negative reactions from my family members.

So, are you in relationship with the opposite sex?

Being in a relationship will not convince people that I am gay or not. Some people already have a fixed mindset based on the movies they have seen me in and the roles I played. So that’s it for now. But I don’t want to talk about my relationship anymore. I have decided to keep it private.

Why do you like to be called a ladies’ man?

Why not? I’ve got all it takes to be a ladies’ man. I am hot, I am a head-turner anywhere I go and I am handsome.

Why did you choose acting as a career?

I love acting. I usually acted for my siblings when I was growing up. It was my mother who advised me to get registered with the Actors Guild of Nigeria. Later, I registered with the Enugu State chapter of the guild when late Pete Eneh was the chairman. My mother provided the money I used to register. That was how I started my acting career.

You meant you didn’t set out to become an actor?

I have always known that I’m good-

I have done three gay movies. But, I have 50 movies to my credit, I am unhappy about the negative reactions that trailed my decision to star in those movies.

I insist that the public is ignorant of the fact that actions in movies are not real. Although these movies sparked off controversy about my sexuality, I will tell you that Nigerians are hypocrites. They secretly enjoy watching porn movies, yet when they see Nigerian movies that contain suggestive scenes, they secretly watch them online and then drop anonymous comments. I am only acting and doing my job

looking. I have all it takes to be a model as well as an actor. But my mum introduced me to the trade. And, so far, so good, I am not regretting it.

Do you think you are sexy?

I’ve got a charming smile, great height, romantic eyes and good posture. I am a head-turner anywhere I go.

How do you keep fit?

I don’t really work out much because I am always on set. But I’m always very conscious of my diet.

Before you came into the movie industry, would you say you had a crush on anyone?

(Laughs) No comment.

If you had the chance to make love to a beautiful actress who would that be?

(Laughs) No comment.

What are your plans for the future?

I want to be a famous actor and producer. I just finished working on a movie and my saloon. I pray it sells.

Although it is a short movie, I want people to go for it.

Any plan of getting married soon?

I will settle down but marriage is not in my plan for now. I want to make money. I believe when it’s time to get married I will concentrate on that. But I am not ready for now.

Will you want to settle down with a man or a woman when the time comes?

(Laughs) Press, haba! You will not kill me oh. I will settle down with a woman.

I am not gay.

I Have Been Harassed Sexually; I Always Turn Down Gay Advances

10

NEWS

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

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

UN Says Corruption Threat to $90trn Global Infrastructural Development Fund Alex Enumah in Abuja The fight against corruption in the country gained global recognition as the United Nations in collaboration with Nigerian anti-corruption agencies adopted a united front against corruption.

The world global body urged Nigerians to join in the fight against corruption and disclosed that the $90tn estimated by the G20 group for infrastructure investment to support global growth and development between 2015 and 2030 stood the risk of being eaten up by corruption.

Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki Moon speaking yesterday, at an event organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) to commemorate the 2016 International Anti-Corruption Day in Abuja, said, “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is the world’s inspiring new manifesto for transforming our world and building a better future for all.

But as we undertake this crucial journey of implementation, a broad barrier stands in our path: corruption”.

In his message read on his behalf by UNODC Country Representative, Ms Cristina Albertin, the UN Secretary General warned that corruption was capable of destroying the fabric of any nation and indeed the world if treated with kid-gloves. He revealed that the “UN Convention against corruption, buttressed by its peer review mechanism, is mobilizing action for honest, transparent, accountable governance”, adding

however, that far more was needed to be done.

Similarly, UNODC, Executive Director, Yury Fedotov, while observing that corruption was a direct threat to infrastructure investment, stressed the need for a wholehearted and determined contribution to global anti-corruption efforts from the world’s public and private sectors.

“The G20 estimates that 90 trillion US dollars in infrastructure investment is required between 2015 and 2030 to support global growth and development. To protect this investment corruption’s destructive impact should not be ignored.

“If we do not unite to successfully eliminate corruption, we risk economic growth being slowed and prosperity muzzled.

Corruption also corrodes much needed credibility and trust in the rule of law and criminal justice systems and wastes valuable resources”, he said.

He disclosed that in order to achieve Goal 16 of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda which borders on the need to seek substantial reductions in corruption and bribery, the UNODC created a comprehensive approach that includes the UN Convention against Corruption and its cutting edge per review mechanism.

While noting that at the local level the agency had been offering technical advice on invaluable legislative reforms and to help build capacities in the area of law enforcement and successful prosecutions, he maintained that,

EXPERIENCING GOD...

L-R: Vice President's wife, Mrs. Dolapo and her husband, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo; Convener/Pastor, House on the Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his wife, Pastor Ifeanyi at the night of The Experience Lagos 2016' tagged: Revealing Jesus! held at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos

“Change cannot come without the active engagement of the private sector to create a zero tolerance culture, especially in supply chains”.

Also speaking, Minister of Mines and Steel Development

and Chairman, Inter-Agency Task Team, Kayode Fayemi, noted that this year’s theme: Corruption: An Impediment to the Sustainable Development Goals” and its campaign slogan “United against Corruption” was apt.

He said the linkage with the SDGs was instructive, arguing that the essence of government anywhere was to provide and guarantee development and well-being of citizens.

“Development is basically a

process of enhancement of the welfare and security of the people and the nation itself. Anything therefore, which is an impediment or likely to constitute an impediment to this goal must be fought with vigour”, he said.

Obiano, Luxury Bus Owners Disagree Constitution Amendment Ready March 2017 Over Operation Python Dance Bennett Oghifo and DavidChyddy Eleke in Awka Luxury Bus owners have disagreed sharply with Governor Willie Obianor of Anambra State over the launching of operation Python Dance with the bus owners calling for removal of the numerous check points which they lamented built avoidable traffic snarls.

However, Obiano yesterday insisted that the security of lives and property were paramount, being part of his mandate and therefore backed the operation.

The duo spoke at different fora where each canvassed their points on the operation which the army has said would last till December 27.

While the Luxury bus owners appealed to the Federal Government to order the Army to remove the check points it mounted on many strategic highways in the south eastern part of the country to ease movement, as the Christmas and New Year festivities draw near, Obiano said, “Our task of restoring peace and order in our state and ensure that Anambra does not become what some people will tag a failed state marked by lawlessness was our cardinal task”.

The inter-state transporters

said the road blocks had led to gridlocks, leading to travelers being stranded for hours, adding that some commercial vehicles arrive at their destinations two days after departing their terminals.

According to the President of the Association of Luxury Bus Owners of Nigeria (ALBON), Chief Dan Okemuo, to stem the harrowing experiences of travelers, the Federal Government and the Army should listen to the cry of users of the eastern highways and halt the operation immediately or conduct it off-road and in a manner that would not affect the flow of traffic.

Also, ALBON’s Vice President, Prince Emeka Mamah, expressed concern that if the situation remained the same till Christmas, traveling to the east for the festivities would be nightmarish for the easterners.

He explained that prior to the check points, traveling was slow because of bad road and that the road blocks worsened the situation.

Mamah said in the past few days, “the traffic congestion caused by the Operation Python Dance road blocks was so bad that many of our buses and passengers slept on the road while some trips lasted close to 48 hours.

“This is not the kind of Christmas gift we want for our customers who grow in number during the Yuletide. The road blocks are simply compounding the problems on the roads.”

In place of the road blocks, Mamah suggested that patrol teams be deployed to some identified trouble spots and stretches of the highways.

“I believe that this will be more effective and reassuring to the road users than road blocks that cause traffic jams and keep travelers stranded.”

Some of the army road blocks are located at both ends of the Niger bridge in Asaba and Onitsha; 9th Mile in Enugu; at both sides of the expressway linking Anambra and Enugu states (at Amansea); on the old Enugu-Awka road: and Onitsha-Owerri road - in what the Army authorities say was part of efforts to ensure free flow of traffic, as well as check crimes and raids by herdsmen.

But, the transporters argued that since the operation was launched on November 27, 2016, traffic, especially on the highway leading to Asaba and Onitsha from the Benin end, had not been flowing freely, and is likely to worsen if the road blocks were not dismantled.

Damilola Oyedele in Abeokuta The Special Adhoc Committee on the Review of the Constitution has said it was working to ensure that amendments to the 1999 Constitution, reach President Muhammadu Buhari for his assent

by March 2017.

The timely conclusion, it said was to ensure that the bills were not subjected to political interpretations, when they were signed towards the end of presidential tenures, where such assent could be misconstrued.

The Chairman of the Committee, Deputy Speaker Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun said this yesterday in his opening address at the Constitution Review Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

The retreat is themed "The Imperatives of Constitution Review/Amendment in Nation Building."

Lasun further disclosed that the bills would be transmitted to the President separately, instead of lumping them together, to avoid a situation where the baby was thrown out with the bath water.

The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in his address, said several attempts to

tinker with the 1999 Constitution had proven abortive.

This, he attributed to the interplay of entrenched interests, mutual distrust among the federating units and the lack of political will on the part of the concerned political actors.

Despite the challenges, the need to amend the constitution had become imperative as several issues in national polity were premised on the perceived imbalance and inadequacies of the constitution, Amosun said.

"More importantly, it is my belief that the proposed review of the 1999 Constitution will provide a golden opportunity to resolve, once for all, those contentious issues like the Derivation Formula, Revenue Allocation, fiscal federation, State Creation, Resource Control, Local Government creation by States, State Police, the perceived long-standing marginalisation of the ethnic minorities and a few regions of the country etc," the Governor added.

While the Eighth assembly would get a chance to write its name in gold if it succeeds in its quest, he however cautioned that all amendments must be done to

ensure the indivisibility of Nigeria.

The sentiment was echoed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara who also urged the committee to avoid being guided by parochial, sectional or religious considerations in its assignment.

Represented by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Speaker said national interest should be the guiding factor for the committee's activities.

"Your committee is fully empowered to process all the referred bills and where necessary amend, reject or recommend as you may deem fit, for the peace, progress and stability of our nation, Nigeria," Dogara said.

The Speaker again made a case for Local Government autonomy.

"The issue of Local Government funding, functions, structure and elections should be reformed if we will make progress as a nation. Happily at the last botched Constitution Review exercise, 20 States voted to allow financial and structural autonomy for the LGAS. If we got the buy-in of four more states, it could have been achieved. So we should not give up," Dogara said.

11

DECEMBER 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

Yemi

Adebowale

Raging Insecurity and Government’s Feebleness

I

stifanus Bello, an employee of Dangote Industries is the latest victim of kidnappers, running riot across our country. Bello was killed by his abductors in Ogun State this week. Kidnappers have been holding our nation by the jugular for too long.

Mrs Iyuadoo Tor-Agbidye, a radio journalist with Benue State Government was a bit lucky. She was abducted last week but miraculously escaped from the devils. Three residents of Ever Winning Avenue, in Isheri Osun area of Lagos State are still with their abductors. They were taken away on Tuesday. Margret Emefiele, the wife of our Central Bank’s governor; former ministers of Environment, Mrs. Felicia Mallam and her husband, and the former foreign affairs minister, Bagndu Hirse were also recently adducted. So many other Nigerians without “big names” are abducted daily across our country and forced to pay ransom. Some are even killed in the process.

Let’s switch to the menace of herdsmen.

Some parts of Abia State were invaded by herdsmen last week, with yet to be certified number of people killed. Communities in Abia and Enugu have been repeatedly attacked by herdsmen in the last 18 months. Over 102 villagers in Godogodo and Gidan Waya communities in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State have been killed by Fulani herdsmen.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Agatu, Benue State by the same herdsmen.

Security agents are still struggling to unravel the mass killing in Zamfara State by mystery gunmen.

These are just a few of the gory tales of mass killings and abductions across our nation in the last 18 months. Our initial problem was Boko Haram. Now, kidnappers, armed robbers and Fulani herdsmen are ravaging our nation. There is hardly any state immune to one or more of these evils. Nigerians are living in fear. We are daily assaulted by well-coordinated gangs of kidnappers, armed robbers and herdsmen. Unfortunately, the response to these killings by the government and its security agents has been feeble. Just as

Ibrahim Idris

the Human Rights Writers Associations of Nigeria noted recently, “the ever widening scope and sophistication of mass killings in Zamfara and other states by armed Fulani attackers and other armed freelance hoodlums engaged in serial kidnappings for ransoms are symptoms of a failed governance capacity in the polity.”

I am scandalised that kidnapping now carries death penalty in many states, yet, we have not seen a single kidnapper convicted and executed anywhere in this country. We have not seen any herdsman convicted for his atrocity. All we hear from governments at all levels is mere rhetoric.

Back to Kaduna, the situation in the southern part of this state is pathetic. Over 50,000 houses have been burnt in 25 communities, 102 killed and 215 injured in the last six months by the herdsmen. About 10,000 people have been displaced and over 30,000 hectares of land destroyed.

No wonder the President of Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr. Samson Ayokunle said the situation in this area amounted to “ethnic and religious cleans-

Buhari’s Square Pegs in Round Holes Central Bank of Nigeria’s Director of Policy, Moses Tule made my day last week with his remark that Nigeria’s financial downturn had persisted due to the application of wrong prescription by non-professionals. He spoke in Abuja at the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria’s roundtable organised to discuss the economic challenges facing our nation. “Some came in as doctors into the macro-economic management and are giving the tools of medical doctors to advise on how to solve the problem of recession. Some came in as carpenters and they are using carpentry tools to advise on the problems of economic recession; some came in as engineers and they are using their tools to advise on how to address economic recession. They have not allowed the professionals to do their jobs. They have not allowed the professional to provide the direction,” remarked Tule.

For me, the quality of Buhari’s ministers

shows that he has simply been struggling to fit mainly square pegs into round holes in the last 13 months. I still can’t understand how square pegs will enter round holes.

The case of Udoma Udo Udoma, a lawyer and Minister of Budget and Planning is a good example here. This brilliant lawyer has no business with our Budget and Planning Ministry because he is supervising a “strange” terrain. This is why Buhari has been having a lot of upheavals with his budgets. He should look for another job for Udoma. Another square peg is our Eaglet Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun, who lacks the clout and global reach for this vital office. Other square pegs in Buhari’s cabinet include Chris Ngige, Kayode Fayemi, Hadi Sirika, Ogbonaya Onu, Adebayo Shittu, Suleiman Adama, Usani Uguru, Solomon Dalung, Audu Ogbe, Khadija BukarIbrahim, Cladius Daramola, Mustapha Baba Shehuri and Heineken Lokpobiri. I hope the President is listening.

Lai Mohammed and Our Super Falcons I watched Information Minister, Lai Mohammed on television on Wednesday reacting to the non-payment of winning bonuses and other allowance to our conquering Super Falcons. He said that the federal government was financially incapacitated and the current economic recession would not allow government to settle the allowances of the African champions. The minister said that the female footballers would be paid as soon as resources were sorted out. I hope my friend, Lai and his co-ministers are joking. I

know that many of them have been making numerous foreign trips since this recession started; and yet collect their estacode in full.

These ministers also fly Business Class amid recession. Our Flacons must be paid swiftly.

Any further delay is injustice.

On the flipside, Sports minister Solomon Dalung has no business remaining in office a day longer, for saying that the entitlements of the Falcons are delayed because he was not expecting them to win the African title.

Dalung is an embarrassment to this country.

ing.” According to Ayokunle, Christians in Southern Kaduna are facing the dangers of annihilation, extinction and genocide. “Many of them can no longer live in their communities, 32 people were recently given mass burial.

Whoever is killed, whether Christian or Muslim, deserve not to be killed in this country”, he lamented. The situation in Southern Kaduna may degenerate, with Christian youths threatening to resort to self-defence against future attacks.

They premised their threat on the alleged complacency and complicity of the security agencies and politicians in the state.

Governor Nasir el-elrufai is yet to show genuine commitments to the plight of the residents of this troubled area. This talk about paying compensation to some foreign herdsmen by the Kaduna State Government to avert future attacks is all bosh. The Senator representing Southern Kaduna senatorial district, Dr. Danjuma La’ah was apt when he declared this week that “after governor El-Rufai’s term in office, it should be possible to prosecute him for being an accessory to mass murder, since he has refused to reveal his findings to the rightful authority for actions to stop the evil that is spreading to many states today.”

Whether it’s the menace of kidnapping, armed robbery or rampaging herdsmen, the truth is that our security agents can no longer protect lives and property, not only because they are ill-equipped, but also because of the high level of ineptitude in these organisations.

Commitment to the protection of lives must be restored. The truth be told; the police and the Department of State Security require total overhaul, if we genuinely need appropriate response to these security challenges. These agencies are under the federal government and the Buhari administration must respond appropriately to save hapless Nigerians.

We all need to remind Buhari that one of the things he vowed to fight on assumption of office on May 29 last year was impunity in all aspects of our nation’s life, insecurity inclusive. Tackling insecurity goes beyond the menace of Boko Haram. These security agencies are under the Executive. Unfortunately, in the last 18 months of the Buhari administration, the laws of our land are being flouted with impunity. Clearly, kidnappers, armed robbers and herdsmen have been emboldened by the inaction of Buhari and our security agencies. This is the height of impunity. Our president should order the police and DSS to deal decisively with this menace.

These agencies are under the Executive.

Impunity arises from a failure by states to meet their obligations to investigate violations; to take appropriate measures in respect of the perpetrators, particularly in the area of justice, by ensuring that those suspected of criminal responsibility are prosecuted, tried.

To provide victims with effective remedies and to ensure that they receive reparation for the injuries suffered; to ensure the inalienable right to know the truth about violations; and to take other necessary steps to prevent a recurrence of violations. Kidnappers, armed robbers and herdsmen are terrorising ill-fated Nigerians with impunity. I hope this will be brought to the attention of our dear President.

Looting by the Presidential Initiative on the N’East

Officials of the Presidential Initiative on the North-East have further embarrassed the Buhari administration and its so-called war against corruption, with the slipshod financial report it presented to the Senate on Tuesday. Officers of PINE could not convincingly account for the N2.5 billion released to them to tackle the crisis in the camps of internally Displaced Persons. During the public hearing held in Abuja on Tuesday, the Secretary of PINE, Umar Gulani, claimed that the body spent N203 million to clear grass somewhere in Yobe State, but Yobe State Commissioner for Information, Mohammed Lamin, disputed Gulani’s claim. “No taipa grass was cleared in the state by any Federal Government agency,” declared Lamin.

Gulani’s claim that PINE cleared invasive plants species around river banks in the state

at the cost of N253 million was also disputed

by Yobe State officials. They also disputed the N422 million PINE claimed was spent on the provision of tents for displaced families in the state. Claims of renovating 18 schools destroyed by the Boko Haram in Yobe also turned out to be dubious. According to Yobe State Government’s record, only three schools were renovated by PINE. It is also sad to note that PINE confirmed donating N50 million to a questionable organisation while our star-crossed IDPs wallow in poverty.

Clearly, PINE has mismanaged its mandate of reconstructing and rehabilitating communities destroyed by the Boko Haram in the North-East, with the diversion and mismanagement of funds for the humanitarian crisis in the region. All those behind this mess must be punished.

Ambode’s Arts and Culture Theatres An aspect of the Lagos State 2017 budget that I find absurd is the provision for the construction of five cultural theatres in parts of the state. The budget also makes provision for the construction of five mini stadia. I can’t understand why Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, whose 2017 budget comes with a heavy N170 billion deficit, will include trifling things like theatres and stadia. This governor knows pretty well that these should be left to the private sector. Most residents can’t even drive smoothly to their homes; many don’t have access to public water supply and Ambode is planning to use state resources to build theatres and stadia. This must not happen in the centre of excellence. It is even more painful that there are plans for theatres and stadia in spite of the fact that the state plans to fund the huge N170 billion deficit in the 2017 budget with loans. The Lagos State House of Assembly should do the needful by redirecting the funds set aside for theatres and stadia to the rehabilitation of some of the tattered inner roads across the state, particularly those in Ikorodu North and Ikorodu West. Lagos State Government should be thinking more

about giving more people access to quality health and education facilities, good inner roads and public water supply. This is not the time to spend money on theatres and stadia.

Ambode

12

DECEMBER 10, 2016• THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

SUPER FALCONS AS UNSUNG HEROES The African Women’s champion deserves better treatment, writes Tayo Ogunbiyi

A

t the recently concluded African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) the Super Falcons of Nigeria emerged as African champions again. In a tensed final match at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Omnisports Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroun, against the host nation’s Indomitable Lioness, who were backed by a hostile 40,000 full capacity crowd, the Super Falcons fought gallantly to win 1-0 to remain worthy African Champions.

With the feat, the Super Falcons has won the coveted title for an unprecedented 10th time.

Not only did the team emerge African champions, five of its players including tournament highest goal scorer, Azeezat Oshoala, were selected in the championship’s team of the tournament. Also, by leading the Falcons to victory, coach and former captain of the team, Florence Omagbemi became the second person in Africa to win the AWCON as a player and a coach. The outcome of the tournament roundly authenticates the Falcons as the power house of African female football.

The victorious Falcons side has since arrived Nigeria amid little or no fanfare befitting of a side that has attained such a remarkable accomplishment. According to reports, the all-conquering team was received on arrival by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick and other board members, including Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau. They are now in Abuja, where the players expect the Sports Minister and the NFF will make good their promises of settling their outstanding allowances.

Reports have it that the Falcon players are being owed outstanding allowances totaling $16,500 each. Characteristically, the team’s preparation for the tournament wasn’t top notched as it merely made do with playing local sides to keep in shape before jetting out to Cameroun for the tournament. Indeed, it was alleged that it was due to the persuasion of the team’s chief coach, Omagbemi that the players were able to concentrate on winning the championship.

As usual, the NFF blamed the untidy Falcons situation on lack of funding. It is, however, instructive to note that the sports minister and his entourage consisting of top sports ministry officials and NFF chieftains were ferried to Yaoundé to watch the final match in a chartered flight. Definitely, such luxurious travelling arrangement did not portray an NFF or a sports ministry that is experiencing financial crunch. Well, it could be argued that the trip was made possible through corporate sponsorship. Assuming this is true, it remains a mystery as to why same corporate sponsorship was not made available for the team to have a smooth preparation. Indeed, it was reported that as soon as the sports minister and NFF officials were done with the usual victory razzmatazz after the final match, they headed straight to the airport to board their chartered aircraft, leaving the victorious ladies to sort themselves out.

What kind of a nation treats her heroes with such disdain? Considering the consistency of the Super Falcons in emerging victorious over the years on the African female football scene, players and officials of the team certainly deserve a much better treatment. It

IF OFFICIALS ARE NOT DENIED THEIR ESTACODES WHILE ON FOREIGN DUTIES, IT IS ONLY NORMAL THAT ATHLETES WHO BRACED ALL THE ODDS TO FLY OUR NATIONAL FLAG AT MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS SHOULD BE TREATED FAIRLY

doesn’t really speak well of us as a nation to send athletes to a major sporting event without making adequate preparation for the payment of their entitlements?

According to an unconfirmed report, the defeated Camerounian team was promised 22 million CFA (N20 million) to win the trophy.

On the contrary, our players were promised nothing while their legitimate allowances for taking part in the competition are yet to be paid. How else can a nation mock her heroes/heroines?

For the record, the Falcons ought to be paid $3,000 each for every win secured in the group stage of the tournament while semi-final and final triumphs were to earn them $4,000 and $5,000 per player respectively. This implies that each of the players is being owed $16,500 since they won two of the three group fixtures ($6,000) and drew the remaining one ($1,500). Similarly, the players are yet to receive winning bonuses for the two qualifiers against Senegal, as well as camp allowances for the tournament. The coaches of the team are equally being owed their monthly salaries and camp allowances as well as match bonuses since March.

Presently, reports have it that the players are poised for a major confrontation with officials of the nation’s football federation.

Sadly, a few of them who ply their soccer trade abroad ought to have returned to their respective base. But they are hanging around due to the whole issue of non-payment of their outstanding entitlements.

In as much as it remains a rare honour for anyone to represent the nation in any capacity, it is, however, important to stress that it is the responsibility of the nation to take adequate care of her athletes.

The issue of shoddy treatment of our sports men and women has become a nasty reoccurrence that must be tackled once and for all.

It doesn’t really speak well of us as a leading African nation to continue to indulge in such messy business. If pubic officials are not denied their estacodes while on foreign duties, it is only normal that athletes who braced all the odds to fly high our national flag at major sporting events should be treated fairly.

The NFF, in particular, needs to come up with creative strategies that would ensure that all the national teams are effectively taken care of. There is hardly any time in recent time that the NFF did not have issues with the payment of coaches and players across all strata of the national teams. The pedigree of the Falcons as a winning brand should be effectively harnessed to rake up good sponsorship deals for the team. There are so many local and international corporate organisations, especially with gender- related products and services that would be willing to leverage the Falcons success. All the NFF needs to do is to be better organised, transparent and proactive.

Going cap in hands, all the time, to beg for fund each time our national teams are on assignment is, to say the least, unprofessional and demeaning.

Ogunbiyi is of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

IS AMOSUN AHEAD OF HIS TIME?

Soyombo Opeyemi argues that opposition to the construction of 10-lane Abeokuta-Sagamu road is a product of parochial politics

“

We have built this six-lane road but made the bridge a 10-lane. Another whiz kid may come in 10 or 20 years’ time and decide to expand this road to 10 lanes. He will not need to break and reconstruct the bridge.”

That was the Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at the Isale-Oko bridge in Sagamu, during the “see-with-your-own-eyes tour” with media executives in 2014. It was equally the most affecting moment of the trip to the three senatorial districts of the state.

All the international standard highways constructed by the Amosun administration across Ogun State have 10-lane bridges (built over rivers).

For those familiar with highway construction, the bulk of the money goes to the construction of bridges once there are rivers on the road. A bridge can take as much as 30 per cent of the entire cost of a road. While you can easily construct a motorway on a dry land, it is a colossal economic cost to have to destroy a bridge in order to expand it from, say, four lanes to six lanes or from six to 10 lanes.

The foresight of Governor Amosun therefore deserves plaudits. And this point was not lost on the editors who saw the massive infrastructural development across the state and futuristic considerations of the governor.

It can then be safely concluded that Amosun’s 10-lane bridge or the ongoing Abeokuta-Sagamu 10-lane road is a metaphor for foresight, development and prosperity.

Of course, I have heard and read the “lectures” of the opposition elements. But wait a minute!

Were they the ones that taught Amosun how to raise the Internally Generated Revenue of Ogun State from a paltry sum of N750million per month he inherited to a whopping N5 billion per month

within a space of two years without imposing any burden on the people of the state but simply blocking the loopholes through the introduction of cashless system? Does Amosun need any sermon from the opposition on when to complete a particular project or the other? The governor, a grassroots man par excellence, is in constant touch with his people and they know he will deliver on those promises.

Do these opposition elements have any facts about the Abeokuta-Sagamu highway? Do they know the matrix and the socio-economic calculus that made the construction imperative at this time?

But does it really matter for these critics? I remember one notable politician who stated at a public forum that he was not aware of a road construction in his area, yet his own house directly overlooks a major six-lane road complete with modern furniture, constructed by the Amosun government! That is the ridiculous level criticisms have attained in our country. No explanation about the content and character of the Sagamu-Abeokuta motorway or any project for that matter will satisfy them. They believe in politics of “let’s share it”, but Amosun is an apostle of politics of “let’s develop the state!”

By way of analogy, and only for illustration purpose, these hidebound politicians still believe that in this 21st century, the best way to fight wars is the use of sticks, stones, bows and arrows. They can continue in such mentality. But we know we are in the age of armoured tanks, submarines, ballistic missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, etc.

They may continue to use their hoes and cutlasses to farm. But we will make use of CAT bulldozers, MF 275 Xtra tractors, Baldan Disc Ploughs, Baldan Disc Harrows, Row-planters, etc., provided by the Amosun administration. Let them continue to use

their pin-hole cameras, abacus or pascal’s calculators but we will scale up the use of digital cameras and computers. Indeed, they may continue to build and renovate their “face-me-I-face-you” roads, but the Amosun government will continue to build six-lane highways complete with modern furniture, flyovers and 10-lanes! The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.

Let there be no mistake about it. Criticisms, of course, are expected in a democracy. I recall the governor often tells journalists to put public officials on their toes. But what is clearly against the grain in a democracy is destructive criticisms, which appear to be the stock-in-trade of some of our politicians.

We should have expected these politicians to learn from history. You do not wait for tomorrow before you plan for it. Our revered leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was equally criticised for being ahead of his time. When he mooted the idea of free education, he was criticised.

When Awo built the first industrial and housing estates in Nigeria, what was the socio-economic situation at the time? When he established the first television service in Africa, how many Nigerians at the time had television sets? When he constructed the Liberty Stadium, the first in Nigeria, what was Western Region’s position in the world in relation to sports or how many children of the region were in school? Yet, but for the mismanagement of the country that followed, which greatly upset the golden era that Awo had launched the region into and the pace of its developmentt, the Western Region should have been like Europe today.

But for the Awolowo-like vision of Amosun, Ogun Sate would have remained today the narrow and myopic image of the opposition elements.

They want foreign investors to come, and in

the same breath want the state to remain a 17th century backwoods of civilisation by conduct!

Do investors flock to a place that lacks modern infrastructure and semblance of a forward-looking government?

These critics now move about freely in the state without fear of insecurity, yet when Amosun bought the very latest technology of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in 2012 at a discounted price, the first of such in Nigeria, they criticised him for not buying relics of outdated-technology World War II APCs that would work this hour and break down the next hour, thereby gulping millions of naira to maintain, yet not giving value for money!

Our people do not have such a “pound-foolishand-kobo-wise” mentality and Amosun will not be the governor to promote such. He won’t spend the hard-earned money of the people of Ogun State to maintain a completely failed highway in order to please a few politicians.

The future, as earlier observed, belongs to those who prepare for it today. Amosun’s 10-lane project remains a metaphor for foresight, development and prosperity. I shall end this exercise with a paraphrase of a portion of Awo’s address in the heyday of the Western Region: This government will press forward in the execution of the laudable projects which our people have overwhelmingly endorsed, confident also that our beloved and trusting masses, when they begin to enjoy the delectable fruits of the current investments and sacrifices, will now and in future years, remember us with gratitude and adoration as their faithful and devoted servants, and their only true friends and benefactors.

Soyombo is Special Assistant on Media to the Governor of Ogun State

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DECEMBER 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Let the election be credible, free and fair

L

Buhari, Buratai And Deadline On Boko Haram

ieutenant General Tukur Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff on December 4, 2016 urged the gallant Nigerian Army to embark on a final offensive in the war against the brutal insurgent group, Boko Haram. In a similar note, President Muhammadu Buhari, on December 6, 2016, while speaking at a panel of heads of state in Dakar, Senegal, at the third Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, assured the international community that the security situation in Nigeria has improved significantly. The two generals are not mincing their words; rather it is a show of political will from the political class and determination from the Nigerian Army to defeat the terrorists.

However, some people are questioning how feasible it is for the Nigerian army to completely clear the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists in the northeast

by December. But most observers in Nigeria and the majority of the people in the north-east have confidence in General Buratai, his gallant officers and President Buhari’s political will to win the war against Boko Haram.

They are very happy with the level of success recorded by the military so far. The people of the north-east are experiencing the difference between the sloppy handling of the war by the Goodluck Jonathan’s administration and the doggedness and commitment being shown by the Buhari government.

Anyone who comes to the north-east now will see the obvious resolve of the Nigerian army to win the war. Confidence on the faces of the soldiers on ground, the number of war planes and their activities in the skies especially from Yola airport will certainly tell any doubting Thomases that Buratai and his men are matching President Buhari’s words with action.

Buratai and his men are getting a massive approval from the north-east; people can now see that the military is in the offensive mode - taking the war to Boko Haram and not waiting for Haram to come. Now Boko Haram is being chased out of villages and their camps, unlike before when they were capturing big towns and annexing local government areas and renaming them. Boko Haram is no longer holding a single territory in the 774 local councils in Nigeria. This is a sweet thing to hear and every Nigerian should give Buratai and his men a pat on the back. General Buratai, a well-trained officer of the Nigerian Army, said: “I also wish to remind all troops that captured and surrendered Boko Haram terrorists must be treated humanely and fairly and

in strict accordance with the provisions of international humanitarian law and laws of armed conflict. In doing so, we must be prepared to enter all fortresses, camps, dens and enclaves of the Boko Haram to completely flush them out and dominate these areas to ensure they are not reoccupied”.

The people of the north-east are with Buratai, because they now see the Nigerian soldiers are very confident, fully kitted, well-armed and tackling Boko Haram head on. The people of the north-east are appreciative of Buratai’s approach to the war- because now, the rights of the people are always protected by the soldiers while the war rages on. People now see the military as their shield and protector unlike before when they feared both Boko Haram and the military.

With President Buhari’s political resolve and Buratai as chief of army staff, most people in the north-east believe the war will soon be won and most common people now have confidence to give vital information to constituted authorities that will help the government in winning the war.

Buratai and his men are resolved to clear the remnants of Boko Haram by December. The people of the northeast are with them.

Zayyad I. Muhammad, Jimeta, Adamawa State

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

Between El- Rufai and Shehu Sani

T

he protracted feud between the two most important elected representatives of the people in Kaduna State has become a matter of concern for those who mind.

The feud between Nasir El-Rufai, the Governor and Senator Shehu Sani has been a recurring decimal. However, what is despicable in the whole issue is the verbal warfare and the resort to violence. The unprintable names the central senator has used in describing the governor leaves much to be desired.

Considering his claim to revolutionary representation and the esteemed institution he represents, many people are actually taken aback when a distinguished senator calls his governor names such as “parasite,” “a bug”, “an excrement”, etc.

This, in my opinion, is on the

extreme.

Whoever decided to drag political thugs to destroy people and structures in the Comrade’ s campaign office has committed the greatest harm to public peace that was temporary achieved after the violence that characterised the campaigns of the last elections.

This is a frightening dimension that all well-meaning citizens of the state should unequivocally condemn. The perpetrators of this dastardly act must be fished out to face the full wrath of the law.

Leaders of the state, if we have any, should find a more mature avenue to find a lasting solution to this intractable wrangling that will not do us any good. The APC leadership in the state is too partisan to make any difference. The national exco is in mess or worse.

That is why I appeal to non-partisan senior indigenes of the state to intervene and bring these two highly respected representatives of our esteemed institutions to have respect for themselves and the institutions they represent by giving peace a chance.

Remember, peace has no substitute.

Jamilu Bello Dogarawa, Zaria

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POLSCOPE

DECEMBER 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

A Country Where “We Die Anyhow”

S

ometimes, until something happens very close to us, we hardly get the import of the complaints about certain shortcomings and social malaises.

I had a need to move a new vehicle back to my home in Delta State. The fellow that usually runs such errands for me was not within reach, forcing me to accept a suggestion from an elder brother to source one from Delta State itself. The driver, in company of a relation soon arrived Lagos. The plan was that they will take the vehicle home next morning.

Given the enormous space in the vehicle, we decided to move a few things, including some equipment back home. A man who helped to procure those equipment offered to join the duo so he could both install the equipment and undertake some corrective services on previous works done, The man is Mr Sharafa Toriola, a buddy who had worked with me for over 15 years. In the said period, he had more than proved his deep loyalty, honesty and undiluted commitment to my good and progress. He had long become an extended and respected member of my family. An Abeokuta-born man whom I had come to trust even more than some of my blood siblings.

On Wednesday, November 23, Sharafa arrived very early at my home, in his car, preparatory to join the duo who came to pick the vehicle. All three rushed through breakfast and hurried into the vehicle, a van. Sharafa dropped his car key with me, having parked it. “I will pick it on Friday when I return”, he said, with his usual smile as he busied himself with packing his small travel bag which had his work tool as well. He was an electrician.

Not quite an hour after they left, he called me on phone to say the battery of the new vehicle had ceased to work , causing the engine to go off. I was curious why a battery which had never shown sign of weakness would suddenly fail. But Sharafa was determined, as usual, to quickly find a solution.

Sharafa “ Shall I quickly buy a new battery?’, he asked.

I enquired if he had as much money on him, to which he said yes. “Ok, then”, I told him, still wondering, under my breath, why the battery failed.

Pronto, he bought another battery and the journey continued.

About two hours later, my phone rang again. It was the number of one of the two who came from Delta State. I thought it was to give an update of how far they had gone. I was wrong.

Some strange voice was on the other end. In a rough and rushed voice production, he announced that there was an accident. His voice was as clumsy as his message. He managed to indicate the location of the accident: some two minutes drive from the Redemption Camp, along Lagos-Ibadan express way. Pronto, in the company of a friend, I dashed off, driving as fast as the Lagos traffic could allow, with a good deal of tension and apprehension; trying intermittently to call all the lines of the three persons, with little or no success.

We soon got to the accident scene and saw all the goods carried spilled on the road side. One of the trio had some injury, but was stable. Sharafa had been rushed to the Olabisi Onabanjo Teaching Hospital, Shagamu, about 15-minutes drive away, from the scene of accident, having had a deep cut on his right arm.

Eyewitnesses explained that another car, a Black Highlander SUV, driven by a 40-year old man, had lost control and in attempt to regain control of the car, rammed into our vehicle, causing the latter to tip off the road and summersaulted three times, ending up in a ditch. There was plenty of blood both in the vehicle’s cabin and on the ground.

The driver of my vehicle rushed Sharafa to the hospital in the vehicle of the man who caused the accident. They stopped over at the Federal Road Safety Corps’s Accident and Emergency Office at the Shagamu Interchange, for possible First Aid treatment, since Sharafa was bleeding profusely.

Sadly, there was not even a drop of iodine or cotton wool at the “Accident and Emergency” outpost of the FRSC! But they had an ambulance (without any first aid whatsoever) with which Sharafa was rushed to the hospital. What kind of Highway safety outfit would not have anything whatsoever to attend to an accident victim? Were these not some of the changes we expected with the Buhari government? The bleeding continued. At the “Teaching” hospital, they insisted on registration before treatment. Eager to save his life, it was quickly paid (N7,000).

The nurses soon realised that he had lost so much blood, and would need blood transfusion.

But the blood bank was empty, prompting the hospital officials to ask those who rushed Sharafa to the hospital to go and donate blood. Again, they willingly did. But they said, understandably, that the blood has to be screened. While that was going on, the hemorrhage continued. The fellow was now gasping. They suddenly rolled in the Oxygen machine, only to realize, also that it had no gas.

They tasked those around the victim to bring money (N4,000) to go and buy gas. In all these, two critical hours had passed.

There were no signs of being in a hurry, even though it was in an “Emergency Unit” in a TEACHING HOSPITAL. How can a teaching hospital not have gas in its Oxygen machine? Is it only one oxygen machine they have? What are they possibly teaching the medical students there? Human lives mean very little to them. The attitude was lousy, slow, morbid and wickedly indifferent.

And while they rolled their bums and fluttered about with criminal negligence, Sharafa drew his last breath. And Sharafa died! It is a deep cut. I wept like never before. With prime and prompt attention Sharafa could have been saved.

Painful as that was, two other incidents made it even more annoyingly painful. We came for the body the next day and applied for the Death Certificate. There was some reluctance in issuing it. One of the nurses who had shown some faint flashes of humanity in her had tried to assist by persuading the female doctor, Dr Yomi-Adebanjo, who certified Sharafa dead, to issue it. The doctor was to retort, with noticeable ghoulish callousness, “what does an electrician need dead certificate for?” OMG! I made to challenge that silly and thoughtless comment and ask if Death Certificate was issuable only to the Big men and Big women or the nobles of the society, but the nurse gave an eye contact that pleaded for quiet.

The other incident was getting the body released from the terribly smelly mortuary. The attendant who registered the corpse the day before, insisted that we brought, among other documents, a court affidavit showing that indeed, the person died. I could not entertain such stupidity anymore. A corpse is in your custody and you demand that we prove, with a court affidavit, that the person is dead??? Such slavish indiscretion! He saw my eyes. I did not make two sentences before he released the body.

I bemoaned my fate to a doctor-friend who condemned the I-don’t-care attitude of many health personnel in public hospitals, and noted that it is such criminal acts of professional negligence that “make people die anyhow in this country”.

Gosh, Sharafa died. A trusted and honest man left, just like that. Who can question God? Even though we are perplexed, the Holy Book, enjoins us to yet give thanks “in all things”.

Yes, It could be worse. What if, for instance, all three died? Sharafa, my man, ally and friend, sleep peaceably!

Canticles...

Tinubu at The Cross Road?

S

o what is the latest on this MPP? MPP? What’s that?

Have you not been following what’s trending on the political scene? Are you not aware of the Mega Party Project (MPP) being floated by some political overlords from across board? (pouting his lips) Ugh, don’t believe too many things about politicians. The talk about mega party will be a mirage. I don’t see it working out. Too many strange fellows with different motivations and spirits. It will scatter before they ever plan to gather. I can assure you that the configuration of what is being planned will never have its centre holding. It will be another things fall apart.

You never can be too sure. That is what people also said of the APC. That the clashing ambitions of its chieftains will not make it realizable. But look it at it today. It is sitting cool controlling the government at the centre and in over 22 states of the federation.

How cool is this control? If it is that cool, there won’t be talks about mega party in less than two years of wresting power from the PDP. And I think it is the greed of some politicians that is causing the crisis of confidence presently rocking the APC. Did you say greed? Those in the know say that the sharing formulae in the APC has not been fair. That it is not commensurate with the amount of work done to birth the party. So, I will rather say inequitable sharing model, than greed, as the reason for the discontent within the party.

I do not agree with you. Some people believe they own and control the heart of the party and so should dictate its heartbeat. People like Bola Tinubu think they are the raison d’etre of the APC and so should be its Alpha and Omega.

You are not being fair to the Jagaban. Without him the APC would not be in power today. He reined-in the entire south west for the party. And he has inter-regional influence in galvanizing support for the party. Don’t forget that until Buhari partnered him in his presidential bid, he (Buhari) never succeeded. So it is not out of place to credit Tinubu with holding the longer ace of the party.

Hmmm, and for his role, he has been richly rewarded. Don’t forget he nominated the number two citizen (Prof Yemi Osinbajo). Don’t forget he brought the man in charge of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) (Mr Tunde Fowler). He produced many of the ministers from the South West region. He almost also produced the senate president and the Speaker of the House of Reps. So what else does he want? Didn’t other people also contribute hugely to the party formation and strength? Do you know Atiku Abubakar’s contribution? What did he get, save that sub spokesman position to Mr President—Garba Shehu? Do you know the depth of involvement of people like Rotimi Amaechi, who also served as the Director of Campaigns? What did he get save the Transporation ministry as Minister?

Be sure of your facts. Tinubu did not produce many of the South west ministers. He is actually flapping on a dry sand like a fish doped out of the deep. The South west ministers are not loyal to him. Many of them have their own minds and masters. Even within the party organogram, he is given the short end of the stick. Even the national party chairman , John Oyegun is beefing Tinubu and wants to contain his influence. That Tinubu is why the party refused to allow James Faleke assume Abubakar Audu’s mandate. Because they feel Tinubu should concern himself with Southwest and not more. That is why Mr Abraham, Tinubu’s preferred choice in the Ondo APC gubernatorial race was wangled out of reckoning. They want to clip Tinubu’s wings and influence. Which wise politician worth his salt will allow political Buccaneers to cage him like that? He is barely in control of any lever of government. That is his frustration and that is why the talk about exploring new platforms.

But he has denied that he is planning to form another party stating that he is eternally loyal and dedicated to the APC and its ideologies. You mean he is deceiving the public?

What did you expect him to say? That yes, he is forming another party, more than two years to the 2019 general election? That would be the height of naivety. I can tell you he is at a cross road with the APC. He is weighing all the options right now and would strike decisively at the most auspicious time. Trust me!

That would mark the beginning of his end in politics. He must learn to live and let live in politics.

He cannot have it all his way all the time.

Much Ado About a Budget

N

ext Wednesday, President Muhammadu Buhari will present the 2017 fiscal budget.

Budget presentation, over the years, has become an annual economic ritual which, these days, mean very little to the ordinary man on the street. I must confess that I am not aware that the 2016 budget is running. Aside the payment of the salary of civil servants and government appointees, I have not seen the effect of the 2016 budget anywhere. I had assumed the executive and the legislature were still trying to resolve the padding issue as alleged by the suspended

Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin. I did not know that all the allegations have been pushed under the carpet and they had moved on. So with the year having just a few days to go, what can Senator Udo Udoma, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, say the 2016 budget has achieved?

Or was the budget ruined and made worthless because of the padding saga that nearly drowned it? In no state was the school feeding scheme undertaken, except Kaduna State which has also suspended it. The employment of graduates has remained a mere announcement. The list of the less than 10,000 recruited policemen was just released three days ago. Many more people lost their jobs during the year.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016

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16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

THE ALTERNATIVE with Reno Omokri Buhari, Sanusi, NCC and the Contradictions of Nigeria

T

he contradictions of Nigeria under this administration are quite pathetic. You have a state government that cannot trace the killers of the wife of an evangelist beheaded in broad day light in Kano even though the event was caught on camera, then you have another state government that is able to trace killers of hundreds of its own citizens to Cameroon and Niger and when they traced them-wait for it-they did not apprehend them.

Instead they offered them money not to kill again. No. this is not an excerpt from Steven King’s latest horror book. This is an excerpt of life in the new and improved Nigeria!

And the contradictions continue to pour in.

On Monday the 5th of November, 2916, President Buhari complained about the demands that Nigerians were making on him and ended his lamentations by asking Nigerians not to make expensive demands of him.

A president who built an expensive helipad for his personal use in Daura with taxpayers money now asks taxpayers not to make expensive demands! Indeed, #ChangeBeginsWithMe! If President Muhammadu Buhari knew the demands of the office were too much for him then why did he contest for the office four times?

If I were to advice the President, I would tell him to choose his words carefully because his defensive words today may be offensive words tomorrow.

And yet another contradiction is the ugly news from the NCC. When the madness from the Nigerian Communications Commission reared its ugly head in the form of the attempt by the Buhari administration to hike the tariffs for GSM and Internet services, I immediately saw it as a desperate attempt by the federal government to source for funds to pay the 200,000 N-Power graduate employees it had promised to employ.

After repeated promises to employ them and even more repeated delays in the date they were to resume, the Vice President eventually set a resumption date for the scheme as 1st December, 2016, the same date that the federal government through the NCC had set as the start date for the new tariffs.

Coincidence? As a life long student of mathematics, I am convinced that there are no coincidences and this latest ‘coincidence’ only crystallizes my belief.

Like someone said on Twitter, other than Nigeria, I can not imagine another nation that will devalue its currency, increase fuel and electric cost yet leave wages the same!

Little did I know at the time I was reading that tweet that the government was toying with another tariff increase.

And when it suspended the data tariff hike, after public outcry, the NCC said it did so to enable it do consultations? My response to them is that they should not waste their money. I, Reno Omokri, have consulted on their behalf and free of charge at that and here is the verdict-Nigerians reject it!

In truly progressive nations, it is the regulator that forces telecommunications firms to lower prices. I am dumbfounded that in our case, the regulator is the one seeking an increase. I thought the federal government said they were going to spend their way out of the recession?

From the look of things, their plan seems to be to tax their way out of it! In my opinion, rather than direct GSM firms to hike rates, the NCC should invest in free public wifi for the advancement of knowledge in Nigeria. Free wifi would boost the type of thrift and industry that Nigeria needs to come out of her present recession

Buhari

Sanusi

It is wrong really for officials whose electricity tariff, fuel and GSM plans are paid for by taxpayers to increase fuel, power and GSM plans of the people!

In truly progressive nations, it is the regulator that forces telecommunications firms to lower prices. I am dumbfounded that in our case, the regulator is the one seeking an increase. I thought the federal government said they were going to spend their way out of the recession? From the look of things, their plan seems to be to tax their way out of it!

In my opinion, rather than direct GSM firms to hike rates, the NCC should invest in free public wifi for the advancement of knowledge in Nigeria. Free wifi would boost the type of thrift and industry that Nigeria needs to come out of her present recession.

It will enable unemployed youths gain access to a treasure trove of publicly available information that they can then apply to creative ventures that will lead to jobs, businesses and vocations. The human mind must be engaged and if it is not positively engaged then it is a must that it will be negatively engaged.

And of course I sympathize with the Buhari administration on its need to source for funds to pay for N-Power and other poverty alleviation initiatives. However, they should not tax the poor to provide for the poor. You tax the rich to provide for the poor.

On the second of December 2016, Forbes magazine reported that China has begun implementing a 10% additional tax (additional to regular sales tax) on luxury cars.

In justifying the tax, the Chinese ministry of finance released a statement in which it said “In order to guide rational consumption and promote energy saving and emission reduction, the State Council [cabinet] has approved a consumption tax on luxury cars.”

Nigeria’s leaders expose their hypocrisy when they turn up for public events in their long convoys of very expensive and foreign cars!

This is a country that manufactures cars. Nigerian automobile manufactures now make bulletproof cars (partially made in Nigeria) so there is no reason for anyone, including the President, to drive in long convoys of obscenely expensive Mercedes Benz and BMWs. The government’s Naira hardly circulates within Nigeria. Rather, our government officials make the dollar, euro or Japanese Yen stronger by their purchase of all things foreign!

Rather than increase the tariff on GSM and Internet rates, the federal government should direct the Federal Inland Revenue Service to take a cue from China and tax the super rich who import luxurious cars “in order to guide rational consumption” in Nigeria. If China, which is in a much better financial position than Nigeria, is doing it, what are we waiting for?

But instead of taxing the rich, the FIRS announced that it is about to implement a policy where Nigerians would have to show a tax clearance certificate before being able to apply for an international passport.

I mean what type of authoritarianism is this? An international passport is a right not a privilege. A government cannot deny it to its people. Even Nigerian citizens who become naturalised citizens of The UK, the USA, Canada and other such nations apply for passports without having to produce anything other than their identification and either a marriage or birth certificate yet in their own nation by birth their government is coming up with a hare brained idea of requiring tax certificate before a passport can be applied for!

Rather than target the long suffering masses of Nigeria, wealthy Nigerians can and should pay their fare share! We are all witnesses to the larger than life lifestyles of the rich. First Class cabins on British Airways are still regularly filled up by those for whom recession is ‘just a word’.

Additionally, we all read how President Buhari, a president who has only brought austerity where he met prosperity, recently had his daughter betrothed to the son of a billionaire who splurged N44 million on gifts for the President’s daughter!

The funniest thing is that a few miles from the house of the President’s would be in-laws are refugees from Borno who don’t have enough to eat.

That these acts are occurring at a time when the government is toying with taxing the poor out of existence only shows that some are mourning while others are celebrating!

A situation where the cost of everything skyrockets except salary and wages should not continue into 2017 except it is a deliberate attempt by the Buhari administration to rapidly reduce Nigeria’s population by ensuring mass starvation!

Before President Jonathan increased fuel prices, he first increase salaries and wages for civil servants, the military, the paramilitary and for members of the National Youth Service Corp. That is a government and a President that is connected to its people!

And just before I conclude this piece, let me touch on the fourth contradiction and just say that the presidency’s response to the Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II is most pedestrian. How can anyone in his right mind call Sanusi Lamido ‘ignorant’! Really? Ignorant!!

Even if Garba Shehu was directed to issue that statement he should also direct his mind to know that there is life after directives!

Even before President Muhammadu Buhari indicated an interest in running for the office of President of Nigeria in 2002, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi (as he then was) was one of his first advocate who, as early as 2002, had publicly promoted the idea of a Buhari presidency as the panacea to Nigeria’s many leadership woes.

Was he ‘ignorant’ then?

The same Sanusi was the poster boy of the All Progress Congress when he made allegations against the Jonathan administration to the effect that it was unable to account for $49 billion. At that time, the APC took out center page advertorials promoting Sanusi and castigating the Jonathan administration.

Was he not ‘ignorant’ then?

I doubt if amongst the ministers and appointees of the Buhari administration there can be found any individual who is as knowledgeable as Emir Sanusi.

Is it Buhari’s minister of finance who graduated from a polytechnic (University of East London was a polytechnic when Kemi Adeosun attended it and that is her highest academic qualification, BSc economics and a post graduate diploma) or the minister of budget that does not know how much Nigeria owes, or the sports minister that thinks Nigerian athletes are too hungry to go for the World Cup. Tell me who amongst Buhari’s ministers is as enlightened as the erudite and intellectual Emir Sanusi?

The Buhari administration would do well to listen more than it insults or the economy may collapse even further than it has.

Then we will know who is truly ‘ignorant’!

Had this government hit the ground running rather than hitting it blaming, Nigeria will not have experienced the present recession.

They have blamed former President Jonathan, blamed ex President Obasanjo, blamed the Peoples Democratic Party, they have blamed Nigerians, they have blamed their perceived enemies and now after running out of people to blame, they are now blaming their friends.

––Omokri is the founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Center in California, author of Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God and Why Jesus Wept and the host of Transformation with Reno Omokri.

Plus Modupe Irele I Felt Naked Losing My Only Child

LOUD WHISPERS AUTO FAMILY HEALTH WRITERS’ WOLRD FASHION FILE PERSPECTIVE

pg. 20 pg. 26 pg. 28 pg. 35 pg. 41 pg. 46

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER DECEMBER 10, 2016

18

PLUS

My Only Child Was Looking Forward to Getting Married When He Died

Far left, Modupe Irele with Ehibam Griefshare Foundation Committee members Photos: AMAIZE OJEIKERE

She cuts a grief-stricken figure as she gazes into space as if awaiting a long gone child sent on an errand. Her eye sockets deepen, looking wearied. Disconsolate, she rubs her palms against each other. It is not hard to tell the woman has lost her only child. Shaken, troubled and left childless, Pastor Modupe Irele is not ready to give her life to grief. She is willing to keep finding meaning in a life that death seems to make meaningless. She will grieve but she will also find healing. Conspicuous on her wrist is a band with the inscription: ‘R.I.P. Ehi.’ In memory of her only child, Ehisieme Osarieme Alonge, Pastor Irele has decided to help other people grieving the loss of their loved ones like her. In this interview with Funke Olaode, Irele discusses her pains, her gains and void left by the passing on of her beloved son. To her, her son’s death remains a permanent scar that the passage of time may never heal.

But with Ehibam Griefshare Foundation she has stretched out a helping hand to help other people grieve and live positively through their bereavement

C

an you tell us about yourself?

My name is Pastor Modupe Irele. I retired from UNICEF as a training officer in 2013. I am a Lagosian because I was born and bred here and had my career here.

I am a single parent. I had a child who passed on last year. But I had a good relationship with his father. We both nurtured the child till the age of 35 until he passed on.

Recently, you launched Ehibam Griefshare Foundation. What is it about?

It was launched on the December 1, 2016. It was in honour and memory of my only child and son who died on June 10, 2015 in England where he lived and worked. He moved to England at age of 10 and decided to stay back after his university education. He had a good job. When he passed on I didn’t think of setting up a foundation because I was devastated for months. I was very particular about how I was going to survive without a child who had grown up to be my confidant; who had grown up to be a man of integrity; and who had grown up to be very strong. He was looking forward to settle down and have his own children because he loved children. You can imagine my feelings. I didn’t think of doing anything until I got this revelation that I should reach out to

people like me who are in bereavement and grief. I asked the Lord how to go about it because my emotions were still raw. I got people to pray along with me and I realised it is an assignment. I said to myself I can’t go knocking from door to door, that I must have a structure. I shared the vision with people and they were excited about it and that encouraged me. That was how the Ehibam Griefshare Foundation came about. His name is Ehisieme Alonge, native of Edo State. But while he was a baby he was a chubby toddler and my elder sister would always sing for him Ehibam bam.

That is how I coined ‘Ehibam.’

What was the cause of his death?

He died of blood clot (an ailment that can affect any part of the body but deadly when it affects the lung).

Ironically, he was a child who had never had cause to stay over on admission in a hospital; he had vibrant health. I had a child who was a keen sportsman. He was an avid rugby player. So, I never had worries about his health because he never called once that he wasn’t feeling fine. There was no anxiety about his state of health. But after the autopsy it was discovered that he died of pulmonary embolism. It is an ailment that once it hits you in the lungs it ceases the breath.

In his case, there was no premonition of a sudden death. He collapsed on his way to work. He was taken to the hospital where everything was done to save his

Irele with the late son and only child, Ehisieme Alonge

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DECEMBER 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS He died of blood clot (an ailment that can affect any part of the body but deadly when it affects the lung). Ironically, he was a child who had never had cause to stay over on admission in a hospital; he had vibrant health. I had a child who was a keen sportsman. He was an avid rugby player. So, I never had worries about his health because he never called once that he wasn’t feeling fine. There was no anxiety about his state of health. But after the autopsy it was discovered that he died of pulmonary embolism. It is an ailment that once it hits you in the lungs it ceases the breath Losing My Only Child Has Given Me Strength to Help Others Who Are Bereaved life all to no avail. It was saddening because I didn’t have a premonition that his end had come.

How did you receive the news?

That fateful day there was a revival in my church. And earlier on, I sent him a text message because he doesn’t like picking his calls during office hour.

Usually, instead of calling him I would send him a WhatsApp message. I was enjoying myself in the presence of God and hoped to talk to him later that day.

But after the service the head of the church requested to see me. Surprisingly, when I entered her office I saw members of my family, the father of my son and immediately I knew the worst had happened. Then, I screamed ‘What happened to Ehi?’ What was going through your mind at that moment?

It was shock and I shut down immediately. I was devastated. I had my clothes on and I was asking people around me, ‘Why am I naked?’ I had a burning sensation and it seemed as if I was in the midst of a burning fire. At that moment I had my eyes opened but I thought I had gone blind. After a week, I travelled to the UK. All I wanted for him was to be given a befitting burial. He was a star child who didn’t give me any problem.

He was a selfless being. On arrival in the UK, I was humbled by the outpouring of emotions from his friends. I didn’t know how large his world was. I had to see the body at the funeral parlour and after that I attended the wake keep. I was also afraid that I was going to lose my faith because I asked God so many questions like: ‘Why me?’ Even if one had 20 children you wouldn’t want to lose one – but an only child? When in the service of the Lord and think you have given your best that best might just be a filthy rag in His sight. His memory has refused to fade away. While I was in London, I would take flowers to the cemetery every week. I would say, ‘Ehi, you have changed your address and that is why I have come to visit you (here).’

I would sit down for a while. Sincerely, his memory has refused to fade away and for several months I kept asking

God the same question, ‘why me?’ So, I mourned him and I am still mourning him. It is a lifetime of mourning. It is a grief that stays. I was asking God: ‘why should I go into retirement and you have taken all from me?’ I was still querying God until I got an answer one day that, ‘why not you? I gave all for the salvation of the universe.’ That He had a child and he died at age 33; that was our Lord Jesus Christ. And from that moment I was asking him: ‘father, please take me through this.’ That was because I was afraid of going into depression or going down with ailments that will make me a burden to members of my family. The first nine months I couldn’t pray and was just asking people to pray for me not to lose my faith and God should turn my pain to gain. God gave me this assignment of launching a grief-share foundation. This is something we are not familiar with in our community and the country as a whole.

Is there any lesson learnt from the picture you just painted?

I think it is quite early. But the lesson I have learnt from what has happened to me in the last 15 months is just to do the best you can in life. Why? You don’t have control over what happened to you.

Also, you have a purpose in life and it is good to discover that purpose early.

I believe I have fulfilled the purpose of motherhood. God has allowed me to have a child who lived up to the age of 35. I believe he had finished his task on earth and has gone to be with His maker. I have Jesus Christ as my God and saviour. The lesson of life has taught me to focus on Him. You can imagine looking back and realising that your only child is gone. But I would console myself that I have been a mother and I would always be a mother because a child who went through my womb may not be with me physically but his spirit will always be with me. So, I will always be ‘Mama Ehi’ till I die. Now I have so many children. My sisters’ children are all running with this foundation and it is amazing because they have taken it as a vision in memory of one of them.

Can you throw more light on what

Ehibam Foundation has to offer?

Blood clot, as I have been educated, is something its victims don’t survive.

Again, it is not something that you know that you have. It just comes suddenly and strikes. If it settles in the eye or leg you are lucky. But when it goes into the lung it is final. Sometimes people mistake it for heart attack and it is not something you discover by doing annual medical check-up. The foundation is not to create awareness about the ailment for now but to reach out to people who are in grief; people who are mourning; people who have lost their loved one. The aim is to create a platform where people can go and share experience with people who have gone through the journey. We want to give hope to the people for a new, normal life. To let them know that losing loved ones is not the end of life. I have met someone who said she struggled for 21 years. Do you want to continue? So, it is a support group that we want to create. In my case, I had a lot of support from family, friends and faith. Luckily, I found a support group on my own in the United States where I found answer to the question I have been asking God when I thought my life was over. The support group allayed my fear that I am not alone nor forsaken, that God is still there and if I put my trust in Him He will see me through.

How can those in grief get in touch with the foundation?

We have an office in Anthony (Lagos).

Kindhearted Nigerians have volunteered to partner with us. Somebody has offered a place for us in Victoria Island under an NGO that deals with family matters.

We have been offered centres in Yaba. It is going to be a place of succour, refuge, and laughter. We will pray together, laugh together, cry together and even have a drink together. It is a foundation of heart that is thrown open for people to get involved. So, by the time you are going home you are light-hearted and see light at the end of a dark tunnel. I pray that the foundation will outlive me and in a few years’ time I can tell people that I have overcome through Jesus Christ that strengthens me. I am praying to God to allow me enjoy good health and be

surrounded with people who share in this vision to execute it. It is not about me but about humanity.

Have you ever had an encounter with your son, either through dreams or trance, in the last 15 months?

Yes. I feel him every moment. But the memorable one was the Mothers’ Day in March this year. I had cried so much and decided I wasn’t going to church. I missed his every morning calls and his loving words during seasons of celebration. That day was going to be the first year after he had passed on. I was in my room when I heard my name “Mama’ – the name he used to call me.

He asked me to stretch my hands and bouquet of flower was handed over to me. I felt I had received a gift from my son. And on getting to church the first person I met gave me a gift. Another one was in June when I had planned to launch the foundation. I was in my room with all the materials when I just saw him dancing round me expressing his pleasure for the foundation. Right there, I knew I was on the right path.

How do you think one can overcome grief?

I will advise that those grieving should look for good listeners where they can express their emotions. It might not be somebody who has experienced it but somebody who they can share their loss with. My immediate younger sister who is based abroad, Mrs. Lola Davies, gave me listening ears. She was like a surrogate mother to my son throughout his stay in England. She had my heart beat; I could just wake up and talk about my son for hours and she would listen. I may decide to cry the following day she would give me her shoulders to cry one.

When I discovered the support group in the US she followed me and supported me that even she could handle me when we get back to London. So, a good listener is good and a support where you can pour out your emotions is helpful as well. In the time of grief, don’t allow anybody to shut you up. Open your heart and trust in God. He will heal your wounds if you allow Him to come into your life.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Fidelis Anosike What Mega Party?

What mega party again? It seems that anytime a set of people lose out in the internal intrigues that are commonplace in Nigerian politics, they will branch out to form a ‘mega party.’ This is totally wrong as it weakens the democratic institutions and processes. See what the last mega party did to the PDP to the point that today we do not have a credible opposition voice with the ruling APC cruising smoothly into a oneparty mode. The PDP is so weakened that if given the opportunity the two people vying for their chairmanship would readily cross carpet or even join this new so-called mega party. I am totally ashamed of this present generation of politicians. They have done so much damage to the country that I begin to doubt if our children will ever forgive them.

Now that the centre can no longer hold for some forces, they are thinking of forming another party. What kind of jagajaga mega party is that one? To say the fact, we cannot wait for old age and senility to come and clear this generation of gerontocrats who have over the years shown that all they have to offer us is their personal unquenchable thirst for power. Look, it is less than two years that we all willingly and freely gave them our mandate to bring change, so they should all go and work with their President, the one they sold to us as the face of change and whose body language would bring Eldorado. How come so soon, they are singing a new song? Buhari is their making. Buhari is their man and by extension he is our man. So, they must continue to work with him despite all the challenges and when 2019 comes, they should present their report and let the people decide again. Let me sound it very clearly to these people that Nigerians, who I want to believe I speak for, are not interested in any mega party. We voted for APC and we expect the ruling party to deliver and not be distracted by the chicanery of a few misguided old men who have lost out in the power struggle associated with the vacuous vision that led the party to victory. Death to this mega party!

Fidelis Anosike’s Ms. Nigeria – Why You Should Attend I am coming out to support this pageant simply because of the fact that this competition embodies our collective heritage. The Ms. Nigeria beauty pageant has over the years come to embody our true essence in the midst of so much despair and gloom. It has always thrown up the quintessential Nigerian woman making both our womenfolk and the general populace very proud. Today, my friend Mr. Anosike is concluding feverish plans to host the event come December 19th at the Eko Hotel. From the kind of wonderful creatures I saw in his office the other day, I have gone to look for money to buy the ticket. Where this Igbo man see these kind of angels beats my fagged-out imagination and when you compare these ladies with the cucumber-loving ones competing brands parade as queens, you will see why the Ms. Nigeria pageant stands out as that one sophisticated pageant that remains the custodian of our culture.

The Gains of This Recession One night last week, my very beautiful and longsuffering darling wife, Mrs. Mofoluwake Oriyomi Imabong Edgar – I always call her full names so there will be no confusion.

I hear there are about six people parading themselves around town as the authentic Mrs. Edgar – works for DSS, woke me up and quietly asked for N45,000. As a man exiled to the couch as a result of my Bill Clinton-like past activities, I do not argue when this kind of demands come. For you never can tell

Oyegun, APC Chairman

Emefiele, CBN governor

Okonjo Iweala and the 2019 Question We are seeing posters and all sorts of permutations regarding her candidacy in the 2019 general elections. I hear she has come out to deny it and I want to support her denial simply because our women will all rebel and run away from the kitchen and “the other room,” where we have been made to believe they belong. I do not think that as Nigerians we are even ready for the eventuality – that this otherwise very brilliant technocrat emerges our next President. I have discussed this possibility with many people and we all have come to the same conclusion.

The economy will remain the major deciding factor come 2019 elections and this may strengthen a possible Okonjo emergence, judging by her credentials and performance since she emerged on the national scene.

if it would give me the visa back into the bedroom. I did not ask a question o. I just transferred the money leaving me with a balance of N6,000. Dangote did you hear, N6,000? Well by evening, she came to me to explain why she needed the money. Apparently, it had suddenly dawned on her and a thousand other parents that the dream of university education in the UK or the US has finally escaped this generation of children who are unfortunate to have reached that level during this Great Recession. So the money was meant for WAEC registration in a private centre in Ipaja. I wanted to laugh but thought otherwise because of my tender head and my situation on the couch.

I listened and sympathised with her. I tried to hug her but she rebuffed me and walked into the bedroom not forgetting to lock the door. My people, I had said this thing oh: our private schools are citadels of scam. Can you imagine a secondary school in Lagos teaching UK curriculum and the Ministry of Education permits this infamy? So my son and thousands of his colleagues are stranded today after a full six-year education but with no WAEC and as such may not be able to

You see, the economy, if we continue at this rate of decline, would be the re-defining point of mobilisation for any candidate willing to be taken seriously and this would strengthen the candidacy of madam as she parades very strong credentials in that sphere. This is why all hands must be on deck to support the present administration in its fight against recession. Otherwise, we just might be seeing an Okonjo Presidency and you know women, you cannot beg them. You cannot say sorry and they will agree. Have you seen women driving? They are so stubborn. Then, you can imagine a female president.

All the men would be relegated to the kitchen and the “other room.”

Though I will not mind the “other room” part of it, na the kitchen one dey fear me.

attend a Nigerian university because he was not prepared for it. I have been shouting at all PTA forums and have been shouted down.

Today, he has to go to night school after I have paid over N1m per term to get inadequate education. What a shame! The recession has opened the fowl’s backside as I hear there was a mild protest amongst parents at the school the other week. I am hearing that ‘they take IGSE;’ whatever that means. So now I see my boy who had the ‘best’ education sneaks to Ipaja every other night to go and study WAEC syllabus so that he can at least stand a chance. If no be my pikin, I for laugh. But this is my failure. I should have been strong and insisted that he went to a normal school instead of these high-paying private schools that prepare our children for a future as rap artistes. This is also the total failure of our education authorities and they must step in and make it compulsory for all schools to teach the WAEC syllabus in addition to Russian or Syrian curriculum.

This is really sad. I’m coming; I’m going to Ipaja to check my poor son before they use amala to kill him.

Senator Shehu Sani MMM – Where is The Risk?

MMM is the new Ponzi scheme that has taken over the country. It pays out 30 per cent and has made a lot of people including my driver to be rich. The man now lends me money and is even wondering why I should be sitting at the back of the car since he is closer to the Forbes list than I am. He started out with N50,000 and today according to him, he is worth about N500,000. He has tried to explain to me how it works and I must confess though I do not understand, the argument is compelling. Common sense as an investment banker tells me that the thing cannot stand the rigours of test. But I see everybody around me do it and smile to the bank. I am wondering if I should not join. I hear the CBN and other authorities have warned against it but people have turned a deaf ear to it and continue to fuel it. I am watching closely as my driver’s standard of living is changing. He is now eating at the same place I eat. When we go to eat lunch, he walks in with me and makes his orders too. He is even eating more meat than me sef. This MMM thing is really transforming lives. But shouldn’t the authorities be a little bit more firm in its opposition, or at best better enlighten the public before we suffer another mass crash that may lead to general suicide? For me, I am watching closely and have decided to delay my driver’s salary for December and throw it inside, if it works, I take the 30 per cent on top and give him his money. If it fails, I will blame the delay in his salary on recession while I lick my wounds.

God will help us.

Senator Shehu Sanni – Sheathe Thy Sword Dear Sir, I have been delegated to ask you this simple question: Is there a woman between you and Governor El-Rufai? Because this your fight seems to be unending. It is now even going to very funny levels with the ‘licking of ass’ coming into the equation oh.

My brother, this is not how men fight. This is beginning to look like tattles of teenage girls.

The people voted for both of you to better their lives and not to get involved in who is licking whose ass. Or, what was it that you were quoted to have said in a new low? My brother, don’t you really have work to do at the Senate? If you are that less busy, let me give you work at Ms. Nigeria. You can be one of the judges. Can we at least just stop this name-calling and allow the man (el-Rufai) to concentrate. He has so much on his table with this Shiite matter amongst others. You are distracting him; and this is me not taking sides but feeling that enough is enough Shehu. I really do not understand what or why you are both fighting like this. The people of Kaduna who would soon be my in-laws – just met one of their sweeties last night at the motor park – are the ones losing out in this ‘cacophony of paedolistic idiocy.’ Na Obayagbon borrow me those words last night. So, if you need to sue anybody sue am. Mrs. Makinde, are you reading?

Pa Patrick Mowete Goes Home Pa Mowete of Ebu in Delta State has finally decided to go home. The great historian and father to my darling Mena Joseph Edgar and also father to Clara, Maryan, Philip, Doris, Tina, Ene, and Uyo last month joined his illustrious ancestors. I was the closest to him and have laid claim to his famous walking stick – the one he used to welcome the Queen of England when she came to the University of Ibadan in the 1960s. The great man will be missed by not only his immediate family but the wider University of Ibadan community as attested to by the Deputy Vice Chancellor during the university’s visit to the family. He is survived by beautiful Mummy Mowete. Kai, you should see her, very wonderful genes. So prof., please my walking stick oh.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

21

TRAVEL&LEISURE

by OMOLOLA ITAYEMI omolola.itayemi@thisdaylive.com 08054699602

7 Reasons to Visit Sheraton, Lagos A dash of indulgence, a splash of modern re-energised interiors, proximity to an international airport . Omolola Itayemi uncorks seven reasons to visit the iconic Sheraton Lagos

W

107 freshly renovated Club rooms and Suites to indulge in…

With107newlyrenovated club rooms and suites, all refreshed and elegantly furnished with modern interiors and enhanced amenities. There’s so much comfort, elegance and functionality in the rooms. As the lift doors open, a peak of its ultraluxe suites is glimpsed in the lush cream carpets that just warm your feet as you alight. For me, the heart-thumper is the mirror strategically placed in the corridor. It embodies class and style.

Blending both traditional and modern aesthetics seamlessly is a constant in these rooms. The use of a mosaic pattern on the wall tiling adds intricate detail to the room. The bathrooms are thoughtfully designed using quality materials and fittings with premium bath amenities.

It’s worth every naira from decor, good soundproofing, great service and nice toiletries, after all this is a hotel with no cornice unfolded, no recess in carved and no floor space uncarpeted.

If Barry Curran, Area General Manager for Nigeria, can brag about these modern enhancements, then you know you’re covered. “We are confident that these modern enhancements and added amenities will further empower our guests and enable them experience more during their stay.

Make a Night out of it, indulge in Sheraton Sleep Experience…

Not the passive state many people once considered it to be, sleep is now known to be a highly active process during which the day’s events are processed and energy is restored, so comfort is key. Sheraton has a whole new level of comfort - the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience Bed. The celebrated Bed features luxurious sheets, a deluxe duvet, a selection of feather down and hypoallergenic pillows, and a custom sealy mattress.

Designed to eliminate uncomfortable pressure points that cause tossing and turning, it will improve your circulation for a better night’s sleep. Now recovering from a long flight, an intense workout or just a hectic day is as easy as closing your eyes. See for yourself.

Variety of Dining Experiences…

Sheraton Lagos offers a variety of dining experiences, ranging from local cuisine to an international buffet to authentic Italian at the three restaurants. A lively and eclectic Sunday brunch and Theme Nights every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday at the Pool Terrace along with local live entertainment on Fridays. The very popular Wazobia night form a highlight, while the buzzing atmosphere of the lobby and bars create the ideal ambience for regular Sheraton ‘Paired’ events where friends, family and colleagues connect over a delightful selection of premium wines paired with unexpected bar snacks and food.

Club lounge

You like the mix of history and modernday aesthetics…

Opened in 1985 as the first arrival point for international travelers to Lagos, Sheraton Lagos comes with a lot of history as most of its contemporaries have since packed up. Intuitive design blends seamlessly with local cultural elements and permeates through the re- energized interiors to provide a sense of place resulting in minimalist cool rooms.

Proximity…

Even with the expanding numbers of hospitality outlets in the Ikeja axis of the city, Sheraton Lagos Hotel still holds its own. Known for its ambience, excellent cuisine and awesome experience, the hotel’s close proximity to the international airport has positioned it as a safe haven in the commercial capital of Nigeria.

Whether it’s a long-haul or short-haul or it’s simply a weekend away from home, why not take a cue from others running away from the traffic gridlock and stay here.

Enjoy the all new invigorated Sheraton

Recreate, Recreate, Recreate…

Knowing when to unwind is very important with the stressful times we are living in. Recreational facilities abound here, such as Sheraton fitness, outdoor pool, tennis courts, and a mini golf range ensuring guests can make the most out of every stay.

Room

Club Lounge…

Right up at the 6th floor, the new invigorated Sheraton Club Lounge is the brand’s exclusive lounge destination that provides upgraded access and enhanced privilege. It’s easy; your card allows you entry.

Serene surrounding; it’s the perfect place for relaxation after those long business meetings.

Better still, enjoy soft music with a loved one

or old school buddy with appetizers, finger foods and drinks. Caution - Club Lounge closes at 7pm.

The hotel celebrated and showcased its refurbished spaces with the Sheraton brand’s new hotel lobby bar experience comprising of artisanal small plates and elevated bar snacks, served alongside premium wines and suggested beverages.

The world is a global village. So, highspeed connectivity is a must…

Everything is digital, so staying abreast of what’s going on in the world is a must and Sheraton Lagos deliver that. Endless connectivity through high-speed Wi-Fi and a full-service business center caters to every business need round the clock while flexible meeting spaces with the dedicated event specialists ensure the success of any gathering. Sheraton Lagos Hotel continues to deliver effortless travel experiences enabling guests to experience more combining international facilities with the warm and welcoming spirit of Nigerian hospitality.

Kenya Airways Issues Free Ticket to Youth Tourism Winner Kenya Airways has fulfilled its pledge of a free ticket to Nairobi to the winner of the 7th Travelscope Youth Tourism & Hospitality Leaders Forum Essay Competition held on May 5, 2016 at Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

The organiser of the event and Managing Editor, Travelscope Magazine, Omololu Olumuyiwa while presenting the KQ ticket to the winner, Ebenezer Oyawale lauded the airline for their unflinching support and great passion for youth tourism advancement.

“With the KQ flight ticket, Kenya Airways has further demonstrated that Africans should embrace one another to explore the tourism poten-

tials within the continent that cannot be experienced in any other continents”, Olumuyiwa said.

Oyawale, a tourism management student of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, said: “For me, this trip to Kenya is a dream come true, knowing that the country is one of the leading safari destinations in Africa”.

“Kenya Airways and Travelscope have reawakened my interest and passion for tourism. I have earlier gained at the educative tourism forum and now presented this flight ticket with another opportunity for sight-seeing and practical exploration of the tourism potentials in Kenya”, Oyawale said.

Travelscope CEO, John Omololu presents Kenya Airways ticket to winnet

22

SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016 T H I S D AY

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

WITH

MARITIME BITS

JOHN IWORI 08057763164

R-L: Assistant Comptroller General of Customs (ACG), Zone A, ACG Charles Edike, Deputy Director, Cabotage, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Sunday Umoren and the President, League of Maritime Editors when Edike was presented an award by the League in Lagos...recently

L-R: Head, Bola Mofon Zion Shelter, Mrs. Bola Mofon, Lagos Channel Management Limited (LCM), Public Relations Manager, Prince Falade Oyekan, Head of Lagos State Government Children Centre, Mrs. Silifat Giwa, Managing Director, LCM, Mr. Danny Fuchs, Director of Finance, LCM, Alhaji M. Haruna and the Head of Lagos State Special Correctional Centre for Girls, Mrs. Sadiat Sabiu during the cheque presentation at the LCM corporate office, Lagos...recently

Ibom Deep Seaport Takes Centre Stage There are several deep seaports in the offing in the country. These ports which are in different stages of actualisation are key components of the Federal Government Greenfield Development Programme. These Greenfield Development projects have been on the drawing board of the federal government for years. The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) which serves as the eye of the federal government in the development of the Greenfield projects had at different times expressed its willingness to partner with investors to ensure that the projects

are actualise.

In fact successive Managing Directors of the grade A Federal Ministry of Transportation parasatal have continued to use every avenue to express their desire to develop the Greenfield projects. The present Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman is not an exception. This is understandable. The existing ports especially the ones in Lagos which remain the busiest in the country are river ports. A lot of scarce resources which would have been used for other things that would have been beneficial for the wellbeing

STOAN Hails FG Ban on Vehicles Import Through Land Borders Terminal operators in the country have thrown their weight behind the Federal Government ban on the importation of vehicles into the country through the land borders.

The terminal operators under the aegis of the Sea Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) through its Chairman, Mrs. Victoria Haastrup said the ban will achieve the desired results if it is well implemented.

Haastrup spoke on the heels of the recent ban which was announced by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Alhaji Adewale Adeniyi.

Adeniyi, an Assistant Comptroller, in a statement Customs Public Relations Officers, Wale Adeniyi, confirmed the ban in a statement said: “Importation of vehicles into Nigeria through the land borders have been banned by the Federal Government. The prohibition order covers all new and used vehicles.

The ban is equal to a Presidential Directive restricting all vehicle imports to Nigeria to seaports only.

The order takes effect from 1st January 2017. The restriction of importation of vehicles follows that of rice, whose imports have been banned through the land borders since April 2016. Importers of vehicles through the land borders are requested to utilise the grace period up till 31st December 2016 to clear their vehicle imports landed in neighbouring ports.”

But Haastrup argued that the ban will not only minimise vehicle smuggling across Nigerian land borders but also revive the operations of Roll-OnRoll-Off (RORO) terminals in the country.

Haastrup who is also the Executive Vice Chairman, ENL Consortium Limited, the concessionaire for Terminal C, in the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, enjoined the government to take a step further by scrapping the high import duty regime imposed on vehicles in 2013 by the immediate past administration.

Her words: “We are confident of the ability of President Muhammadu Buhari to turn the economy around. The earlier ban on importation of rice and now of vehicles, through the land borders is a welcome development. We are happy that the President has listened to our appeal to reverse incongruous policies inherited by his government from the former administration and which have deprived Nigerian ports of cargoes to the advantage of the ports of neighbouring countries.

“In addition to this ban through the land borders, we appeal to the President to return the import duties on vehicles to 20 per cent from the prohibitive 70 per cent tariff imposed by the former administration. The reversal to the old tariff will serve as an incentive for Nigerians to import legitimately through the seaports and make appropriate payments to government. This will boost revenue collection by the Nigeria Customs Service. It will also lead to the return of lost jobs at the affected ports.

of the citizenry are deploy to the dredging of the channels, pilotage and ship-to-ship services.

This explains why the construction of deep seaports as outline in the port development master plan is desirable. Besides addressing the ills associated with the present river ports, it will provide direct and indirect employment for thousands of Nigerians presently roaming the streets for non-existent jobs. The employment opportunities are in the pre=construction, construction and post-construction stages. The move will also enhance Nigeria’s quest to make her ports a

Usman Decries Poor Port Access Roads The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman has decried the poor port access roads in the country.

To ameliorate the situation, she appealed to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and members of the National Assembly to include the reconstruction of Creek Road linking Tin Can Island Port in the 2017 budget appropriation.

She also called for the quick completion of the trailer park opposite the Tin-Can port to keep the haulage trucks away from the road.

Usman stated who stated this while receiving the report on traffic decongestion of Apapa and its environs in her office called on Messrs Dangote Construction Nigeria Limited and the Management of Flowers Mills Nigeria Limited to expedite action on the reconstruction of Wharf Road as the raining season is about to end.

She expressed concern over the traffic gridlock in Apapa, which has affected access into the ports adding that the

bad access roads into Apapa is killing the trade facilitation programme of the government and affecting the smooth delivery of cargoes to importers.

NPA, she said, was not happy that all modalities and measure adopted so far had not translated into quick cargo movement in and out of the ports and assured the stakeholders that a positive action would be taken by the NPA in the interest of all and the economy.

Usman told the stakeholders that the quick rehabilitation of the road remains a priority to her team to reposition the ports and salvage the economy.

She also called for synergy between the Federal, state and stakeholders to find a permanent solution to the perennial gridlock on the road urging port users to always subject themselves to the security checks at the gates leading to the ports and warned all unauthorised person intruding into the ports to stop or face sanctions.

NPA, she said, would soon introduce measures that will make it impossible for those without genuine business to access the ports.

West Blue Clinches Award A pace-setting, innovating and world class sought after information communication technology (ICT) organisation, West Blue Consulting has been recognized as the “Software Development Company of the year” Similarly, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the firm, Valentina Mintah was awarded the “Special Recognition Awards” for her excellent contribution to the growth of the technology industry in Africa.

This was at the just concluded Nigeria Technology Awards (NITA) night which took place in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.

NITA is an award organised to celebrate and reward technology entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors, academicians and policy makers (government) in Nigeria. The objective is to promote and commend the excellent achievements to which Nigeria technology professionals and organizations contribute towards building a sustainable economy using technology.

The awards also aimed to encourage local practitioners to develop innovative and creative technology solutions, which will uplift the image of Nigeria both locally and internationally.

This year, the entries and nomination

received by the NITA achieved a record 3,556 submissions in over 92 categories.

102,000 votes were cast, resulting in 300 shortlisted entries, with a final 54 awarded in different categories.

Present at the ceremony which was held in Lagos, Nigeria were representatives of the Minister of Communication and Technology alongside the Lagos State Governor who all emphasized on the transparency and credibility of the technology awards. They also advised organizations which have been recognized to continue to ensure delivery of great innovations that would make Africa well projected as a developed continent.

The event recorded an unprecedented turnout of both the private and public sector operators in the technology business and services, telecoms, banking, education (universities) and the government.

Presentation of the 2016 best Software Development Company award was handed over by Mrs. Edith Udeagu; Chief Operating officer, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and the special recognition was presented by Mr. Victor Olukayode Onanubi; MD/CEO Maxtech Solutions Concept.

hub in the West and Central Sub-Regions.

One of the deep seaports that have shown promise in the Greenfield development agenda of the federal Government is the Ibom Deep Seaport (IDS). The deep seaport which is situated at Ibaka, a coastal community in the oil and gas rich Akwa Ibom State is a key component of Ibom Industrial City (IIC) projects. Already, the Technical Committee for the Realisation of Ibom Deep Seaport set up by the state government has not left any stone unturned to ensure that it meet set goals and objectives for the IDS.

Yuletide: LCM Doles Out N5m to Orphanage Homes Dredging giant, the Lagos Channel Management Limited (LCM), has enjoined well placed citizens, corporate and individuals to sow seeds of life to vulnerable Nigerians, especially the orphanages, because the group has no unions to champion their cause.

Managing Director, LCM, Danny Fuchs stated this at his Lagos office before splashing N5m to five different ‘homes’ to mark the Yuletide season.

The orphanage homes are; Bola Mofo Zion Shelter, Tunji Adebayo Motherless Babies Home, Bab-es-Salam Home, the Lagos State Government Children Centre and the Lagos State Special Correctional Centre for Girls.

Danny who specifically lauded Government efforts towards ensuring a peaceful and harmonious society, also noted that the government alone cannot shoulder the entire responsibility of the society, hence his insistence that all hands must be on deck, to ensure the happiness of the vulnerable class.

He however admonished both the donors and the beneficiary homes, who got a million naira each, to ensure they work according to their good conscience.

“I understand all their challenges; it is the same all over the world. More so, because the children have no unions to fight their cause.

This is why we must come together to always reach out to them.

“It is possible that our (LCM) effort may not be enough. But it is in good direction”, he said, thanking the administrators of the homes for the extra mile each must undertake in order to entrench the enviable flow of happiness in the homes; even as he recalled his background, which exposed him to the pains of vulnerable children. “I don’t want to say more, I only want to thank you for your dedicated efforts; especially because you are going the extra mile, based on your conscience”, he told the beneficiaries, while explaining to them, the nature of job that the firm performs. “Our job, our major responsibility is to dredge the channels in Lagos and ensure that the ships continue to enjoy the peace of safer navigation.

“Whatever you are doing, I commend you to just ensure you do it with clean conscience. It is not the very amount we spend on this project that matters; it is the attitude that matters; and the possible encouragement that we might engender, towards encouraging others to also pay worthy attention to the most vulnerable class.”

Mrs. Silifat Giwa, a social welfare officer, Lagos State Ministry of Social Development and head of the Lagos State Children Centre, catering for the under privilege children rescued from the street, as well as children who were emotionally or sexually abused thanked the company, even as indicated a need by the centre for a bus.

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

TRIBUTE

‘Native Trader, Not to be Trusted’ This is a story, as told by the Late Chief Michael Ibru, on the occasion of ‘Auntie’s’ (Mrs. Elsie Ibru) 60th birthday.

The tale goes thus...

I

n the mid 1950’s, after leaving UAC, Broda and Uncle Jimmy large established LAIBRU - a small trading company that was the catalyst for what would eventually became the IBRU Organisation. Chief Michael, simply known back then as ‘Mike’, came up with the idea of importing frozen fish into Nigeria - so as to alleviate the protein deficiency in the average Nigerian’s diet. In order to achieve his goals, he had to source for funding from the banks. At that time, the established banks were mainly foreign/ British - Barclays, Standard etc... Hence he proceeded to one of such banks to appeal for a loan.

During that era, the British Establishment, public and private, scouted students of excellence from reputable schools such as Igbobi College. Identified students were recruited after graduation, as the nation’s work force.

Thus, as a result of Broda’s flawless performance at Igbobi College and later at UAC, during his first visit to one of these banks, he was immediately recognized by the bank manager. Clearly his reputation proceeded him. For the purpose of this story the bank manager shall be referred to as ‘Mr. Black’. To the amazement of the Nigerian staff present, including an elderly clerk, the ‘small, fine boy’ wearing khaki shorts and a simple white shirt was warmly welcomed with statements such as;

weeks?”

Chief Michael - “That’s fine sir.”

Mr. Black - “Very good. Be back in two weeks and I am sure I should have some good news for you...”

An optimistic Chief Michael left with dreams of a bright future ahead for him and Nigeria.

Two weeks later, he was back at the bank.

Mr. Black - “Ahhhh Michael old boy, how are you? Cup of tea? How’s the cricket these days? et cetera...”

The conversation continued for at least an hour with no mention of his project. Broda cleared his throat...

Chief Michael - “Erm, sir, any news as regards to my application?”

Mr. Black - “Your loan? Oh oh yes, your loan. Yes yes I have sent it off. Just another two weeks and you should get your answer.”

Chief Michael - “Thank you sir. I will see you in two weeks.”

Hmmm... Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock. Two weeks later...

Ibru Mr. Black - “Just two weeks more old chap...”

Mr. Black - “Ah, Michael Ibru. UAC! Hmmm... Tick, Tock, Tick, Tock. Two Igbobi college! Head boy I believe? Fabulous weeks later... to meet you old chap. How’s the cricket?

Mr. Black - “Just two more weeks old chap Team captain and first colours I hear! Cup of ...” tea?”

A YEAR later, Broda once again disapExtremely elated at such a welcome, Broda pointed, was leaving the bank, wondering if proceeded to explain what he was hoping to the two weeks would ever come to an end. achieve and that he needed a loan.

He was almost at the door when the elderly Mr. Black - “Well, Michael, that’s a Nigerian clerk, who all this time had been fabulous idea. But you do know ‘old boy’ watching this handsome determined young that your request will have to be approved man, relentlessly show up every fortnight for by the bank’s home office in the U.K?” one year, approached him. He took him by Chief Michael -”Yes Sir.” the arm and in a gentle fatherly way said; Mr. Black - “That would take about two “My son, please follow me. I must show

you something.”

In his usual polite manner, Broda followed.

He was lead to an office, where the clerk handed him a file. Broda was perplexed at what he saw. In his hands was the application he had submitted to Mr. Black. Yes indeed, the ‘oyibo’ had sent his file off to the home office. However, he had also noted as his recommendation; “Native Trader, Not To Be Trusted!”

A regular person at this point might have become despondent but no, not Chief Michael. Instead, more determined than ever, he brushed himself off and proceeded to the African Continental Bank where ‘Auntie’ worked as the confidential secretary to the chairman of the N.C.N.C, Mr Fredrick McQueen. ‘Mike’ was granted audience, a loan of £3,000 followed, IBRU Seafoods (named by Auntie) was launched and the rest as they say is history...

Broda’s story taught me many things about how one should live ones life.

Determination, relentlessness, optimism, resilience, perseverance, patience and the willingness to help others are attributes that come to mind.

He was living proof that Nigerians can and should be successful by cooperating amongst themselves and should not be under the misconception that as a people we always require external aide to progress.

Mekay-e! Fantomas! ”When the fog horn blows, I will be coming home!” (Van Morrison) Perfect rest in the loving bosom of the Almighty - Amen!

Peter.

– Narrated by Peter Ibru

Eulogies to Ngozi Jasper Jumbo Sam Ekpe

M

rs. Sardonis Ngozi Jasper Jumbo (Nee Uzomah) was born on 11 February 1969 to the Royal family of late Eze B. O. Uzomah, Eze Emenaha II, Ezeukwu VI of OwerreEbeiri Ancient Kingdom in the Orlu LGA of Imo State and the oldest traditional monarch in Nigeria. The third daughter of late Eze Benjamin Uzomah and Ugoeze Patricia Uzomah (Nee Mgbudom). She was baptised at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuowa. As a Princess, she enjoyed all the royal perquisites and parental love from her father and mother till their old age. Her father died at the ripe age of 94 in 2014 after serving as the King on the Ancient Owerri Ebeiri throne for 70 years. Her mother is still alive.

In 1975, she commenced her primary Education at St. Martins Primary School, Owelle-Ebeiri Orlu, in old Imo State and obtained her First School Leaving Certificate, her secondary school education at Holy Ghost Girls Secondary School, Ihioma, Orlu, Imo State, in 1986, obtained her SSCE (WAEC). She leter secured her admission in Abia State University where she studied Public Administration. She obtained her PGD Certifcate as well as other professional and International Certifications, including full membership of the Chartered Institute of Mediators and Conciliators (CIMC), the Chartered Institute of Adminstration (CIA) which helped her administrative life.

Mrs. Jumbo was born of Christian family and is a professing and practising Christain as well as member of the Technical Group of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry. In 1999 she got married with then Dr. Jasper F. Jumbo JP and was his prayer associate till her transition. She encouraged him to sow into the building of the Church.

They are blessed with three (3) sons, Jerry, Jared and Jehu and with many extended family members.

As the wife of Chief Prof. Jasper F. Jumbo JP, - the Nkume Chineke, she joined him in the development and genuine Niger Delta struggle, outside “militancy”.

Infact, she was the woman beside the author of both the OMPADEC and NDDC blue prints. NDDC has today, helped in

Zi Jasper buoying-up the mode and modalities of many Niger Deltans and indeed Nigerians.

Until her transition, she was the Managing Director of Vocational and Community Skills Ltd, Secretary of the Development Enhancement Medium Amongst the Niger Deltans (DEMAND PROJECT) and Vice Chairman of Niger Delta Projects Consortium.

In Jumbo Major House of Grand Bonny, where she was married into, she was the pillar behind her husband who is currently the Chairman of its Caretaker Committee and Traditional Head. She helped finance and participated actively in the various meetings, women affairs as well as progovernment peace consultations that led to the Federal Government establishment of both the Federal Polytechnic, Bonny, the Bodo Bonny Road Project and the Bonny Ring Road.

She was committed to her husband in all aspect and was the pillar of support to her husband’s in most desire to employ his mind and resources towards the upliftment of the human estate. Her husband met

her during challenging and lean times.

She believed in God’s ability to fruitify the fortunes of his family and worked beside him to energise and stabilize the future.

In her husband’s family, she not minding her own children, took her husband’s other children as hers. She achieved for them, what their biological mothers could not have elicited for them. She encouraged the husband to extend helping hands to her step children even unto the grand children and the extended family. She was a strong advocate of the Biblical injunctions that “when the righteous rules, the people rejoice” and “a righteous man leaves legacies for his children and grand children”. She made sure everyone was happily stabilized and given a base without minding that her children are still tender. She opened her House to all and sundry and most times, in her humility despite her royal background, people did not even know the woman of the House! In the company, she is the mouth piece of every staff. She was the staff’s arbitrator, protecting everyone’s interest. She took every one as her own biological child. She personally derived joy and satisfaction in performing these responsibilities, orchestrating for promotions when due. She always solicited for incentives for all staff. In fact she was one of a kind.

Chief Mrs Sardonis Ngozi Jasper Jumbo was undisputably a rare gem, a vessel unto honour, in deed Her type is not easy to come by. Many described her as a peace loving, humble and down-to-earth woman who prefered the happiness and growth of others more than hers. She was a giver to the core. Her husband’s friends are her best friends. As a matter of fact, she had no direct friend but all the friends she had were all through the family. She was a paragon of beauty, her husband’s confidant and counsellor. She was a wife, an helpmate, mother and sister to her husband; a queen of inestimable value and a vessel unto honour!!!

I knew her closely only about five years ago when she visited Abuja with her husband Prof Jasper Jumbo whom I had known since the Politics of the Second Republic in the 1980s. Soon after the 1983 General Election my boss the late Presidential Adviser on National Assembly Affairs Dr. K.O Mbadiwe was appointed

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. He had just been sworn into the office and was succeeded in the Special Adviser Position by Mazi S.G. Ikoku. Being brothers of the Aro Stock the two former and new Special Advisers ‘bonded’ very well and this relationship reflected on their staff. I therefore had no difficulty relating very well with Jasper Jumbo who has just been appointed Special Assistant to Mazi Ikoku Jasper Jumbo been an active protagonist of the Niger Delta struggle. In his new office at the State House, Marina Lagos, one never failed to notice and appreciate his dynamism and exuberance. We have maintained our relationship since then, through his Blue Print days of Oil Minerals Producing Areas Development Commission (OMPADEC), the NDDC and other projects of Niger Delta Development. Now a Professor of Societal Management and Development, Jasper Jumbo needs a very understanding patient and accommodating wife. His late wife played this role very effectively.

In the hotel room, as late as 2 or 3 am, in the middle of discussions on development of Bonny, the landlords of NLNG, she would be upbeat on ideas and more effective non violent ways of attracting the interest of the Management of the liquefied gas company to develop their environment.

She was a supportive and dependent ally in the numerous projects of her husband. Ever quiet and unassuming she radiated charm and appreciated one’s humble contributions to the success of the Jumbo Major House of Grand Bonny. It is a great pity that she would not be around to witness the good results of the years of the struggles for a better Bony Kingdom.

From the Presentations of Prof Jumbo to both the House and Senate Committees on NDDC on the Bill for a Review of the NDDC Act there is no doubt that this dream will surely become a reality.

Adieu Princes Ngozi Jasper Jumbo. As we bid you goodbye on Saturday December 17, 2016, it is our earnest wish that Almighty God will receive your noble soul in His bosom and give your young children the grace to continue their lives without your guidance and counseling.

–Ekpe a Media Consultant wrote in from Abuja

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

‘Enquiry’ or ‘Inquiry’?

T

HE first set of errors is from DAILY SUN and NEW TELEGRAPH of November 28: “Ikeja Electric invests N11bn on (in) infrastructure upgrade” “NB takes Don’t Drink and Drive campaign (sic) to Abuja” Motoring: Don’t Drink-andDrive Campaign “The PDP-led administration in the state still owe (owes) civil servants five months (months’) salary arrears….” “…yesterday slumped and died at (on) the National Assembly premises.” “…to give insight into the incidence (incident) was not successful (was unsuccessful),” “But in the welter of these realignment of forces…” Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces.

“The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.…”

“It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply.…” “…Aba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts (aircraft) that fly....”

“Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.” Get it right: a major reorganization or major reorganizations, as context demands.

“One of the most outrageous abuses occured.…” Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred.

“I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services obsolete.” Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have).

“In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.” Agenda: on (not under) whose platform

he operates “As Nigerian editors converge in (on) Port Harcourt for their 11th Annual Meeting.…”

“A government white paper on the demonstration….” Sheer abuse of words! ‘White paper’ is a report issued by Government to give information. Let’s respect words. After all, reporting is all about telegraphic brevity.

“UNN students union honour vice chancellor” What is happening? Sub-editors of these days show traces of illiteracy! This way: UNN students’ union honours VC “The fact that some people eat food that does nothing for their physical well-being put them in the class of the poor.” The fact…puts.

“The richer nations who (sic) have more than enough should in this moment of great need and expectation by the poor masses (the masses are basically poor) be their brothers’ keepers.” Standard sociolinguistics: ‘brother’s keeper’—whether one or more.

“Any further discourse on it, some might say, amounts to nothing but over-flogging a dead horse.” You flog, not over-flog, a dead horse, talking idiomatically.

“Like few (a few in this context) years ago, a life cow was allegedly buried….” ‘Life cow’ in place of ‘live cow’ portrays sub-literacy.

“Opponents of private universities claim that they will aggravate the unemployment problem in the country.” ‘Unemployment’ is certainly a problem—so why compound it by adding another ‘problem’?

“Denmark has just played an historic role in….” ‘An historic role’ is the type of expression Ndaeyo Uko calls Elizabethan English!

Current syntactic trend: ‘a historic…’

“One of the enduring concerns at the workshop concerned the role and orientation of the military with regards to our democratic aspirations.” Received English: ‘as regards’ or ‘with regard to’ “…the two ethnic rivals are now creating the impression that they are about to re-open (no hyphen) their old wounds and embark on another round of strive (strife).”

“To blackmail has so much become the past-time.” Standard entry: ‘pastime’.

“They have in most cases remained willing collaborators in the de-politicization of the political system by acquiescing to virtually all the issues….” Get it right: acquiescing in (not to).

“And the neglect of such costs lead to political and economic imbalance that create disequilibria in the larger society.” The two verbs in this sentence (‘lead’ and ‘create’) demand singular usage to agree with ‘neglect’ and ‘imbalance.’

“The criteria for the choice of candidates was based on partisan political loyalties and ethnic considerations.” The plural of ‘criterion’ is ‘criteria’.

“NSE parleys foreign stock exchange” ‘Parley’ takes ‘with’, if it must be used in this sense at all.

By the way, is it not amazing that some Nigerian sub-editors do not know what the ‘N’ in ‘NUJ’ represents? It is Nigeria (not Nigerian) Union of Journalists. One keeps coming across the unpardonable error in reputable newspapers and magazines.

“Rangers’ boss picks holes on 3SC” I also pick my won holes in (not on) this headline.

“We express these fears, knowing fully well the nature of….” This amounts to ill-treatment of the English language. Right: knowing full well.

FEEDBACK

I am pained to cite a piece entitled “JED installs smart metres in Jos”, page 6, The Nation On Sunday, November 27, 2016, as a poorly edited nine-paragraph, short piece. One, “metre” measures height or length, while “meter” is a measurement device. So, the writer meant meter. In paragraph 3, “has began” should read “has begun”, while “esteem customers” in the same paragraph ought to be “esteemed”. In the fourth paragraph, “arrived” should have taken “in” or “at” Jos since “arrive” is not a transitive verb. One can “arrive home” though. Also, “over 5 to 10 years” ought to read

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“more than 5 to 10 years”. “Over” refers to height or distance while “more than” is suitable for quantity.

“To installed” is bad grammar. In paragraph 8 is another error, “mounted on polls.” Did he mean “poles”? “Interphase” should read “interface”.

Besides, there’s no need to repeat “in Jos, the Plateau State capital” in paragraph 5. (Contributed by KOLA DANISA/07068074257) LEST we forget, CELEBRATER or Celebrator is reserved for someone having a good time while “celebrant” is reserved for someone who conducts a religious rite. If “celebrator” becomes overworked/ overused or becomes obsolete, then “celebrater”, the original word, will take over (Look it up in The New International Webster’s Comprehensive Dictionary of The English Language, page 214 and The Associated Press STYLEBOOK, page 36).

“Inquire” is the preferred spelling, NOT “enquire” and “inquiry” is preferred to “enquiry” (DICTIONARY OF USAGE, page 91). Besides, in American English, the general preference is to use “inquiry” (GOOD WORD GUIDE, page 99).

The debate continues. Well done, brother! (Bayo Oguntunase, Language activist, Adoro62@yahoo. co.uk) MR. Wabara, I have always enjoyed your every Sunday tonic—Wordsworth. Keep it up. I wish to draw your attention to our discussion on the word ‘about’ in one of last month’s editions. You inadvertently repeated what was required to be corrected as the correction. Secondly, one of your contributors to that edition should have said, ‘about 1,720 or 1,700’…rounded to the nearest 10 or 100 (sic) would have read rounded up or down to the nearest 10 or 100. And this: 1,729 or 1,700 (to the nearest 10 and 100 respectively). For instance, 1,755 can be rounded up to 1,800 (not 100). Thank you. (Surveyor J. O. Amayo, Benin City, 08051646227) DR. Stanley Nduagu (08062925996) sent in the next faulty extract from Aba: “The Nigerian nurses as endangered specie (species)” (Nigerian nurses and midwives’ advertorial) ‘Species’ is both singular and plural. The word ‘specie’ has no place in English language.

Donald Trump, Barbarians and Millipedes

T

he world is going through a season of political tsunami. Brexit and the election of Donald Trump in the United States of America signposts a new wave of populism in the West that is reverberating across the rest of the world. These are times that call for introspection and circumspection as the global balance of power points in uncertain directions. It is against this background that one would have expected Nigeria’s one and only Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka to be temperate in his interventions regarding the emergence of Trump. But the professor of literature is on another wavelength on the matter and seems to be sparing no effort to attract maximum attention. The sad corollary of his ill-advised venture is that it has also imposed a string of attrition on him. As things stand and by his own doing Soyinka has brought some collateral damage upon his brand.

When Soyinka told the AFP recently in Johannesburg, South Africa that he had kept his promise to dump his green card, social media got buzzing with scepticism and criticism. He was promptly called out. While some pointedly demanded video proof of his action, others slammed the professor for privately fulfilling a promise made publicly. Others rose in his defence and asked that the professor be taken for his word.

The negative reaction angered Soyinka to no end and he decided to react with less tact. In a typical magisterial manner, the Nobel prize winner went really low in splashing spleen. His vituperations were unsparing just as his verdict was scathingly acoustic. He fired from all cylinders arguing that no one had a right to question his decision and methodology, wondering “where is the arrogance coming from? What right do they have to tell me that I have no right to take a decision in a particular way?”

He tried though to elevate the discourse by rationalizing the initial pledge to cut the green card as a revolt against “the rhetoric that got him (Trump) there. “There was a rhetoric against the black peoples and in particular, specifically named, Nigerians, and I responded to it, and that’s my business.” Such stance is highly commendable and very much in tandem with his high standing in society. But Kongi missed the point by portraying himself as being above public scrutiny. His harsh chastisement of critics tended to place him above the realm of fallibility.

Eager to remind everyone of his brave exploits with military dictatorship in the past (for which he believes the nation owes him eternal gratitude ), he fumed: “I never took orders from (the late) Sani Abacha, why should I take orders from you? Let us have a little respect and spirit of tolerance. I can decide whether to use a garden shell or scissors for my green card. What is the business of any Nigerian to challenge me on my decision? I am not an entertainer. Why should I entertain you on that? I am a dramatist.

When I say I have done something, Ogun (the god of iron) is my guiding spirit on it. They sit somewhere, writing about me, questioning the right of me to express myself.”

Having dealt a deadly blow on the unjustified arrogance of his traducers, Kongi threw the big punch by concluding that

PEOPLE2PEOPLE WITH

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

Twitter: @resourceme

Trump

“Barbarians have taken over the country, using the anonymity of the Internet. Our common sense is totally lost. I am embarrassed sometimes that I occupy the same nation space with some people.” Not done with the foul rating of his fellow country folk, Soyinka said he would relocate his Foundation outside Nigeria, adding: “Maybe I should be exiting Nigeria and not the U.S. People that one dedicated one’s life of struggle to can be so slavish in mentality to query the right of their champions to freedom of expression.” He continued with disdain: “If I decide to leave the U.S., it is my personal decision and not that of the millipedes of the Internet. We have far too many illiterates in this country.’’

For full effect, Soyinka then spoke of plans to hold a private funeral on January 20, the day Donald Trump will be inaugurated as president “to mourn the death of common sense in Nigeria and not to bewail the citizens of the U.S. over their choice of president.”

Soyinka’s acerbic rejoinder has attracted more controversy if not disdain to.himself. Some have questioned his superiority complex while others quickly rallied to his defence, saying the Nobel laureate deserved reverence irrespective of whatever public

stand he took. For the former group, the issue really is that Soyinka cannot be infallible and being a public figure, he should not be exempted from criticism when his posturing is perceived to fall below expectations.

Nobody forced Soyinka to declare in October that he would call a press conference and cut his green card to pieces if Donald Trump got elected president of the United States. And if the public demanded evidence of how he eventually kept that promise does not make fellow citizens become millipedes, barbarians, illiterates and imbeciles. It is incomprehensible that Nigerians who have celebrated this literary icon with staunch loyalty for upwards of three decades since he won the prized Nobel honour have suddenly become so trashy to be described with such adjectives by him. Nigerians are buffeted from every side- leadership and governance failure, economic recession, biting poverty, plummeting public amenities and social services, etc- and what they need from models and revered public celebrities like Soyinka is empathy and solidarity. They need figures like him to resume pro-people activism and public interest crusading that is copiously lacking in the country today. They need people like him to advocate for them and save the nation from cascading into rights recession where unarmed protesters are shot and dumped into mass graves by agents of state for simply seeking political and religious self-determination. They need the likes of Soyinka to shout out when court orders and judgements are disregarded and treated with contempt by state actors. At the least, they need the likes of him to simply keep mute and allow them suffer in silence instead of the loud rebuke for using windows duly provided by himself to ventilate their frustrations.

Bad enough for Soyinka, he has taken a battle to a field where defeat is almost certain. Here, the combatants may not know how to speak big grammar and use highfalutin language to confound foes or conscript admirers. But they sure know how to make their point pungently and drive the message home. They sure know the turf enough and how best to draw blood. Worse still, they don’t know when to stop even when the opposition raises hands in capitulation. That is Nigeria’s social media space. This is where a putrefying stench is easily activated at the drop of a hat.

Anything can trend on Twitter at any time where the tweeting children of anger (apologies to Reuben Abati) lay wait for victims like a predator prowling about in search of prey. In this boundless cyberspace, there are no rules of engagement; no scruples and no pretence to decorum. There are no regulators; no ombudsman; and no umpires. Instead, there are overlords, trolling lords, and underdogs all parading levels of influence at different levers whether positive or negative. In this unregulated and uncensored territory any and every issue or person is topic for discussion. And whether right or wrong, the highly opinionated players are not necessarily swayed by reason or rhyme; they just hold views in extremity and express such with venom.

––Epia, Publisher of OrderPaper.ng is onTwitter @resourceme.

Readers can continued online www.thisdaylive.com

26

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

AUTO

GAC to Unveil GS4 SUVin Lagos Stories by Bennett Oghifo

A

utomobile lovers are in for an exciting time as China’s GAC Motors franchisee in Nigeria will be unveiling its premiere GS4 brand on Monday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island Lagos.

A delegation from China, led by the General Manager of GAC Motors, will be making their first visit to Nigeria for this high profile event. It will be hosted by the award winning musician Dare Art Alade who would also be giving a stellar performance at the event.

Speaking about the vehicle, Diana Chen, Chairman of CIG Motors and chief host of the event said, “Applying sustainable and eco-friendly technologies in vehicle production and automotive decoration is one of our primary goals.”

She said that all cars manufactured by GAC Motor follow the highest standards and use only the best quality and environmental friendly materials. Diana Chen is the first Chinese woman to receive a chieftaincy title here in Nigeria.

The Unveiling is expected to be an event of pomp and pageantry as select stakeholders of Nigeria’s auto industry, captains of industry, celebrities, political leaders and heads of corporate organisations have confirmed attendance.

Some of the celebrities who will be gracing this occasion are Stephanie Linus, who received a car from GAC Motors for carting away the ‘Best-Overall-Movie-In-Africa’ Award at the AMVCAAwards 2016 and the award

GS4

winning Movie Director, Kunle Afolayan.

The GS4 brand has scored many firsts in the C-ECAP assessment and became the first SUV vehicle model to receive the gold medal. This

best-selling model has just made its debut to Lagos, Nigeria where it is currently been assembled.

It has optimal fuel efficiency with a com-

bined fuel consumption of 6.3-liter/100 km (37.3mpg) and only 36dB in idling noise to provide undisturbed driving space for car owners.

Jaguar Land Rover Optimistic about Rebound of Nigeria’s Auto Industry

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hechallengingeconomictimesinNigeria are only temporary; it will rebound and Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), intends to have a stronghold of the market when it does.

The Sales Operations Director, Jaguar Land Rover, sub-Saharan Africa, Nigel Clarke stated this position in a one-on-one after his product review and JLR Care presentation at the Land Rover Experience Centre.

Clarke said, “As far as auto manufacturing is concerned, all auto manufacturers are struggling; we are still selling cars but it is a difficult trading environment, particularly with the parallel foreign exchange market right of the Naira.

“We had a meeting last week with Dr. Maduka, we are working very closely with him and his team.

As we work through this period, we make sure that we are strong and ready when the economy rebounds.”

The JLR brand of vehicles will be marketed from outside Lagos, he said, adding “We are already in Abuja and we are working with Dr, Maduka in terms of making sure where is the best location to go to next. As in other markets, there is recommended retail pricing for Nigeria on the website.

On the service centre, he said, “We had Dr. Maduka here with us last week and we have been discussing the future developments of Coscharis Motors and the development of facilities. The approved use with Coscharis has already started and is available for customers today.”

The cost difference between the approved used and the grey market, he said the vehicles in the grey market come predominantly from America.

“The price difference is a lot but how did that car come into the country, who brought it in, what specification is it, how old is it – the customer

needs to answer all of those questions. If you buy approved used, then it is approved by Jaguar Land Rover and Coscharis and it is coming with the correct specification and if it has warranty, service plan left on it, that will become part of the cost.

Yes, there is a difference, but equally you are buying a correct specification vehicle if you are buying it from Coscharis Motors under the Jaguar Land Rover approved used rather than buying a car that comes from America, which is likely that the fuel quality, etc, down the road will develop problem and there is no warranty on the car. That would mean paying full cost to get that car repaired.

On the prospect of JLR in Nigeria, he said, “JLR in Nigeria, we are very optimistic, we have a very strong partner in Dr. Maduka. We are looking into the future, but clearly, these are difficult times in Nigeria and we all look forward, everybody whether in the motor trade or not, to Nigeria returning to its rightful place as the economic leader in Africa.

Sometimes, things are cyclical but we are planning for more positive future as we move forward, and as we say we have a very good partner in Dr. Maduka, because typically, we have to develop now for a year two years down the road and beyond.

Jaguar Land Rover exploits...

According to Clarke, “Jaguar Land Rover has not stood still; we have introduced Jaguar= we have the XE, XF, F TYPE, F PACE and you know there is a lot of chatter in the market about Jaguar in the future. Now, there is the new electric car, which goes to show where the company is heading. There has been many upgrades in Range Rover Sport, the new Discovery, it is truly really stunning vehicle.

All these products are coming to sub Saharan Africa. The electric car is coming to Mauritius.”

The marketing of JLR vehicles is not going to

Nigel Clarke

be limited to Lagos, Clarke said. Other cities in Nigeria will soon benefit from the presence of the vehicles in their axis.

Approved Used...

Another interesting offer in JLR’s lineup is the sale of approved used vehicles. “We are market leaders in approved used. We launched last year.

You know there is massive grey market in sub Saharan Africa and it will take a while for them to understand the benefit. It is very critical to control the grey market. What is important is cars that are coming in are not to the specification of the market.

“They come in cheap, not to go into other issues.

The most important thing is that they are not to

the specification of the market. They are cheap but mostly will not run on the quality of fuel. One of the ways we want to protect our customers and to be able to give them confidence is the approved used scheme. “They will be sure of the product and the quality and depending on the year and how the trade-in is operative, they will enjoy the remaining warranty. We want to make sure that our customers are buying proper approved and correct specification and their confidence will now grow. We want the customer to have the option of not going to the grey market. We have got a lot of enquires, trade-ins. Buying from grey market is for short gain, like lucky-deep.”

Eleko Motor Race to Hold Motorsports Final Season for 2016

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he Eleko motor race (EMR), is a high energy off-road motorsports event in Lagos providing safe fun in the scenic beach environment of Eleko.

The Eleko Motor Race has held six times since 2014, twice a year. The 7th edition of the race holding 17th December 2016 at Eleko Beach returns with a more

exhilarating racing event covering 26 kilometres of hand-selected back-roads along the coastline, six special stages of off-road rallying plus Okada coastal championship race for indigenes of the community, VIP party, amazing people, tons of swag, and many more surprises.

Since 2014, EMR has been steadily reenergising the Nigerian Motorsport Culture.

The Eleko Motor Race is internationally known to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), the governing body of motorsport that aims to safeguard the rights and promote the interests of motorists and motorsport.

EMR’s primary aim is to use the motorsport platform to enhance knowledge of automobile science and engineering and

educate the general public as to the automotive potential of everyday off-road cars and SUVs. To participate, teams (Comprising a driver and Navigator and a 4x4 or AWD vehicle) can register by Visiting www.elekomotorace. com. EMR has featured partner brands like Coscharis Motors, Studio 53 Extra, OMP Racing, SuperSports.

27

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 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

Driving Hazards to avoid this Season

I

Nissan showroom, Victoria Island, Lagos

Nissan Futuristic Outlet wins 2016 NAJA ‘Outstanding Showroom Award’ Stories by Bennett Oghifo

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tallion NMN futuristic showroom in Victoria Island Lagos has been adjudged the most outstanding ‘Showroom of the Year,’ outshining rival CFAO and Porsche outlets at the recently ended 2016 Nigeria Auto Journalists Association, NAJA Awards.

The wholly Nissan and Infiniti state-of-the-art facility was commissioned in May 2015 and has since gained reputation for distinctive styling and architectural

masterpiece.

Specifically dedicated to Nissan brand visibility, the Stallion NMN showroom has become an attraction of auto buffs and enthusiasts.

NAJA adjudicators considered these outstanding attributes when prospecting for the nominees of the ‘Showroom of the Year,’ and couple with public ballots online, the Stallion NMN outlet was pronounced winner of the coveted plaque, the organisers affirmed.

Managing Director Stallion NMN Parvir Singh who received the commemorative plaque had at a post-award remark said “We feel hon-

oured by this outstanding award and the dealership promises to continue to offer exceptional customer experience in keeping with Nissan tagline, ‘Innovation that Excites.’

He said Stallion and Nissan Sub-Saharan Africa had “worked side by side to achieve this goal, hoping to rebuild industrialisation in Nigeria and contribute towards the growth of the manufacturing sector.”

A 3S futuristic facility, Stallion NMN showroom meets Nissan’s global corporate identity for standard across Nissan dealership network worldwide.

Built on a 900 square metres piece of land, the 3s (service, sales & spares) showroom incorporates quick service centre with dedicated bays and parts store; conference room, canteen and upper floor display area, showcasing luxury Infiniti range with a large display floor area for locally-assembled Nissan and exotic sports utility vehicles as well as crossovers, passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.

Nissan seeks to continue to grow its market share baring the fact that “Nigeria is one of the most important markets in Nissan Africa Growth strategy, Singh assured.

Infinity Tyres Launches 2016 Edition of Value Drive Promo

I

n the spirit of the Festive Christmas season, Nigeria’s leading tyre, battery, and premium automobile accessories brand; Infinity Tyres Limited is offering its customers nationwide, a chance to experience Infinity’s quality automobile products and win amazing gifts with the annual Infinity “Value Drive Promo”.

In a bid to consistently share this experience with its customers, the 14th edition of the Value drive promo which will commence on 1st December and end on 31st December, 2016. Infinity Tyres Limited is the sole marketer of premium tyre brands such as; Pirelli, Goodyear, Infinity, Ceat and battery brands such as; Exide and Infinity in Nigeria.

Infinity Value Drive Promo guarantees customers a chance to win superb value prizes instantly on purchase of Infinity tyre or battery at the accredited Infinity tyres outlets and Infinity Express stores. Every customer that purchases any of the aforementioned products will be offered a scratch card, through which a prize will be revealed once card has been scratched.Prizesincludecash,tyre services such as; Wheel balancing and wheel alignment. Other exciting prizes include Bluetooth Speakers & CarAir fresheners.All prizes are redeemable instantly at the point of purchase.

TheManagementofInfinityTyres Limited, gratefully acknowledges the patronage of customers across Nigeria, stressing that its custom-

L-R: Vikas Pandotra, Jittu Singh, Vineet Mathur, Sanjay Singh, Asghar Pavalkar, and Ajoke Ajose, Infinity Tyres Team, at the launch of the 2016 Value Drive Promo, an annual event of the company, in Lagos... recently

ers are the reason why this promo has so far been successful and has become a tradition for the company. It is due to the unstinted

support & loyalty of its valued customers & stakeholders, that Infinity Tyres Limited is where it is today.

Stallion Hyundai Motors Unveils Seasons Sales

H

yundai Motors Nigeria Limited (HMNL) has announced a starting price offer of NGN2, 595,000 in an ongoing 2016 Yuletide sales offer for prospecting customers seeking to buy Hyundai cars in the company’s periodic sales campaign, ‘Hyundai Seasons

Bonanza.’

Announcing the offer in Lagos, HMNLHead, Sales and Marketing Jatin Nadkarni said the 2016 Hyundai sales bonanza coincides with the recently announced vehicle imports restriction through the land borders by the Federal Government.

Nadkarni advised intending buyers to take advantage of the

sales to buy choice Hyundai vehicles currently restricted to select Hyundai vehicles including two made-in-Nigeria models, Hyundai Grand Xcent (MT) and i10 (AT) cars with Veloster hatchback sport car.

The sales could afterwards be extended to cover other models in the Hyundai line-up, the Hyundai Motors sales and marketing

helmsman assured.

He said: “Stallion Hyundai Motors manufacturing and sales conglomerate is already putting in place potent strategies to introduce customer-friendly initiatives to fill whatever vacuums the just announced prohibition on vehicle imports through the land borders could have on the vehicle market.”

n less than ten days, the drums will start beating for another Christmas celebration. Some will even roll the red carpets just like we did last Thursday when we gathered during the FRSC End of Year 2016 Management strategy session not to click glasses but to take stock and fine-tune strategies to stop further deaths.

Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps,Dr Boboye Oyeyemi,read out the scorecard as at date, saying’’ so far, at the end of week 47 of 2016, 4,005 deaths were recorded from 7,657 crashes.

I wish to, however, point out that our record for the 3rd Quarter 2016 in respect of the 15 percent reduction in road traffic crashes (RTCs) and 25 percent in fatality rate showed that we are making progress in the campaigns. For instance, as at September this year, we have achieved 77.19 percent of the expectation in RTC reduction while 83.33 percent was achieved in respect of fatality rate’’.

He went on to say that FRSC will not only keep the momentum butfurtheraccelerateachievement of goals. But my boss expressed his worry over the killings and maimingofouroperatives.‘’Sadly within the year, we have lost 70 personnel. It is sad to note that some killing and maiming of operatives, including one from a sister agencies in close collaboration with the Corps were in the course of official duties. A recent occurrence was the happening in Talata Mafara, Zamfara State where a motorist ran into the Mobile Court in session killing three operatives almost instantly, while a Civil Defence operatives died later as a result of injuries sustained in the dastardly act’’.

So while we daily strive to stop motorists from avoidable deaths; wealsoweep,mournandcryover our operatives who are daily run over by supposedly sane drivers.

I have on several occasions expressed my worry over these driving behaviors including the irresponsible driving habits responsible for deaths during this season. Each time I worry,I however remember of the major theories of behavior change such as the social cognitive theory which proposes that people are driven not by inner forces, but by external factors. This model suggests that human functioning can be explained by a triadic interaction of behavior, personal and environmental factors often knownasreciprocaldeterminism.

Environmental factors represent situational influences and environment in which behavior is preformed while personal factors include instincts, drives, traits, and other individual motivational forces. Since this season of celebration is one period when driving behaviors tend to negate the norms of responsible driving

in the name of celebration, I have chosen to look at some of these hazardous behaviors which we must guard against as we move closer to this year’s festivities.

DrivingCommutinghurtsphysically, also affects your mental and psychological health. According to Leon James, co-author of Road Rage and Aggressive Driving: Steering Clear of Highway Warfare, people are not aware of the negative emotions that surge through them while driving. “Driving,” he points out, “is an activity in which you are surrounded by hundreds of people having negative emotions, and the whole system is based on whether it’s cooperative or antagonistic.”The warfare on the highway exposes us to the health hazards known as road rage which refers to an extreme state of anger that often precipitates aggressive behavior. It also refers to words and gestures or to assault and battery. Back home in our clime all of these tendencies are prevalent even though they may not be as pronounced. Since Shakespeare had warned that you cannot read a man’s mind through his forehead, a drivers good looking corporate mein, his fancy car, age or sex or even his vocation is not enough assurance that the fellow starring at you is not capable of battering you for daring to wrongly overtake him with the weather beaten coffin you call a car.

What then is responsible for road rage? There are particular factors thatleadtoroadrage.Thesefactors occur when another driver: uses swearing or name calling, comes to a rolling stop, speeds, doesn’t signal when changing lanes, makes an illegal turn, follows too closely, goes through a red light and fails to yield.

Others include traffic congestion, feeling endangered, frustration caused by the economic challenges, time pressure, fatigue, competitiveness, and lapses in attention. I must add here that complex or financial austerity are all capable of aggravating this just like the emotional state of the driver borne out of failed marriage,inabilitytomeetupwith self centered and overbearing landlords among others can play a great part too.

Drivers, according to Linda Mackenzie are often being punished by road rage. This compoundstheproblembyproducing road rage in the attacked driver.

Road rage retaliation tactics run from yelling and inappropriate gestures to deliberate braking and using a car as a weapon in addition to physical fights and death by shooting. The results of road rage include making driving uncomfortable,impedingtrafficflow, creating traffic jams and accidents.

The cause of road rage she says can be found within four levels of stress; environmental, nutritional, emotional and physical.

28

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • December 10, 2016

FAMILY HEALTH

Air Pollution Does Affect Your Health

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here is no need to look far , to see the extent of air pollution in our surroundings. The extent is so great, that if were to be given the actual detailed occurrence in our locality, many of us would opt to stay indoors.

The air we breathe contains emissions from many different sources: industry, motor vehicles, heating and commercial sources, household fuels as well as tobacco smoke. The effects of air pollution on health have been intensively studied in recent years. The results of these studies showed that air pollution harms human health and particularly is harmful for those who are already vulnerable because of their age as children and older people or existing health problems. The epidemiological evidence suggests that adverse health effects are dependent on both exposure concentrations and length of exposure, and that long-term exposures have larger, more persistent cumulative effects than short-term exposures, Ambient air pollution has been associated with a multitude of health effects, including mortality, respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations, changes in lung function and asthma attacks. Current scientific evidence indicates that air pollution from the combustion of fossil fuels causes a spectrum of health effects from allergy to death. Recent assessments suggest that the public health impacts may be considerable. Air pollution is associated with a broad spectrum of acute and chronic health effects, the nature of which may vary depending on constituent of the pollutants as well as the group of the population.

Air pollution refers to the release of pollutants into the air that are detrimental to human health and the planet as a whole. Air pollution can harm us when it accumulates in the air in high enough concentrations.

Many people live in areas where urban smog, particle pollution, and toxic pollutants pose serious health concerns. People exposed to high enough levels of certain air pollutants may experience: Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and breathing difficulties Worsening of existing lung and heart problems, such as asthma Increased risk of heart attack In addition, long term exposure to air pollution can cause cancer and damage to the immune, neurological, reproductive, and respiratory systems. In extreme cases, it can even cause death.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Air pollution is a problem for all of us. However, some groups of people are especially sensitive to common air pollutants such as particulates and ground level ozone.

Sensitive populations include children, older adults, people who are active outdoors, and people with heart or lung diseases, such as asthma. If you are sensitive to air pollution, you need to be aware of steps you can take to protect your health.

What causes air pollution Most air pollution comes from energy use and production. Burning fossil fuels releases gases and chemicals into the air. Air pollution in the form of carbon dioxide and methane raises the earth’s temperature . Another type of air pollution is then worsened by that increased heat: Smog forms when the weather is warmer and there’s more ultraviolet radiation. Climate change also increases the production of allergenic air pollutants including mold (thanks to damp conditions caused by extreme weather and increased flooding) and pollen (due to a longer pollen season and more pollen production).

Long-term exposure to polluted air can have permanent health effects: Accelerated aging of the lungs. ... Decreased lung function. Development of diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, and possibly cancer.

These two are the most prevalent types of air pollution.

Smog, or “ground-level ozone,” as it is called, occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight. Soot, or “particulate matter,” is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens, in the form of gas or solids, that are carried in the air. The sources of smog and soot are similar

How it affects us • Smog and soot These two are the most prevalent types of air pollution. Smog, or “ground-level ozone,” as it is called, occurs when emissions from combusting fossil fuels react with sunlight. Soot, or “particulate matter,” is made up of tiny particles of chemicals, soil, smoke, dust, or allergens, in the form of gas or solids, that are carried in the air. The sources of smog and soot are similar.

Both come from cars and trucks, factories, power plants, incinerators, engines—anything that combusts fossil fuels such as coal, gas, or natural gas.

The tiniest airborne particles in soot—whether they’re in the form of gas or solids—are especially dangerous because they can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream and worsen bronchitis, lead to heart attacks, and even hasten death.

Smog can irritate the eyes and throat and also damage the lungs—especially of people who work or exercise outside, children, and senior citizens. It’s even worse for people who have asthma or allergies—these extra pollutants only intensify their symptoms and can trigger asthma attacks.

• Hazardous air pollutants These are either deadly or have severe health risks even in small amounts. These are also most often emitted during gas or coal combustion, incinerating, or in the case of benzene, found in gasoline. Benzene, classified as a carcinogen , can cause eye, skin, and lung irritation in the short term and blood disorders in the long term.

Dioxins, more typically found in food but also present in small amounts in the air, can affect the liver in the short term and harm the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems, as well as reproductive functions. Lead in large amounts can damage children’s brains and kidneys, and even in small amounts it can affect children’s IQ and ability to learn. Mercury affects the central nervous system.

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, are toxic components of traffic exhaust and wildfire smoke. In large amounts, they have been linked to eye and lung irritation, blood and liver issues, and even cancer. In one recent study, the children of mothers who’d had higher PAH exposure during pregnancy had slower brain processing speeds and worse symptoms .

• Pollen and mold Mold and allergens from trees, weeds, and grass are also carried in the air, are exacerbated by climate change, and can be hazardous to health.

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

They are not regulated by the government and are less directly connected to human actions, but they can be considered air pollution. When homes, schools, or businesses get water damage, mold can grow and can produce allergenic airborne pollutants. Mold exposure can precipitate asthma attacks or an allergic response, and some molds can even produce toxins that would be dangerous for anyone to inhale.

Pollen allergies are worsening because of climate change. Climate change also extends the pollen production season, and some studies are beginning to suggest that ragweed pollen itself might be becoming a more potent allergen.

That means more people will suffer runny noses, fevers, itchy eyes, and other symptoms.

How to Help Reduce Air Pollution • Burn less gasoline • The less gasoline we burn, the better we’re doing to reduce air pollution and harmful effects of climate change. Make good choices about transportation. When you can, walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation. For driving, choose cars that get better miles per gallon of gas. Buying your food locally cuts down on the fossil fuels burned in trucking or flying food in from across the country. And perhaps most important , The less gasoline we burn, the better we’re doing to reduce air pollution and harmful effects of climate change, Make good choices about transportation. When you can, walk, ride a bike, or take public transportation. For driving, choose cars that get better miles per gallon of gas . Buying your food locally cuts down on the fossil fuels burned in trucking or flying food in from across the country.

• Protect yourself Pay attention to your weather report. When you see in the newspaper or hear on the weather report that pollution levels are high, it may be useful to limit the time when children go outside or you go for a jog. Generally, ozone levels tend to be lower in the morning.

When you do exercise outside, stay as far as you can from heavily trafficked roads. Then shower and wash your clothes to remove fine particles.

If the air quality is bad, stay inside with windows closed.

Wear sunscreen. When ultraviolet radiation comes through the weakened ozone layer, it can cause skin damage and skin cancer.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • JUNE 16, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

10.12.2016

UNITED WORST LEAGUE START PAGE. 29

Florence Omagbemi

Her Crowning Glory

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Super Falcons

Her Crowning Glory After playing for the Super Falcons for over a decade, Florence Omagbemi last Saturday in Yaounde, Cameroon, led Nigeria to its eighth victory in the African Women Cup of Nations, to become the first Nigerian to win the trophy as a player and as a coach. Will this feat earn Omagbemi the Falcons’ job on a permanent basis? Kunle Adewale asks

S

he was given the Super Falcons’ coaching job on an interim basis to lead the team to the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations, but she never hid the fact that retaining the trophy won two years earlier would not be an easy task.

Omagbemi understood that retaining the title would require more from the technical crew. Heading into the final against Cameroun, she said the team would build on the positives from the win over South Africa.

The tactician indeed praised her

players for their determination against all odds in retaining the African title at the expense of host, Cameroun at the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaounde. It was a record eighth African title for Nigeria.

The 41-year-old insists her side played for pride and prestige to survive their various opponents in spite of many challenges faced enroute the 2016 continental showpiece.

"I want to thank the Cameroonian team and the coach for giving us a good game. It was a great final to watch seeing the best two teams in Africa competing.

"As regards our journey to the

tournament, I will give my players all the credits for achieving these despite all odds because they deserve it. It was a long journey from Nigeria to the final.

"At the beginning of our game against Mali, we took it one game at a time and that was my communication in all my press conference; that we must give other teams some respect as they were all here to compete for the trophy."

"Against Mali, it was a good result. We had a good score margin against them as we didn't take them for granted. Against the Ghanaians, we got a good result but most people didn't believe in

us. I used to say it that we were here to defend our title. All the way to our game against Kenya - the scoreline was different.

"Even though in the semifinals, we played against South Africa, it was a different approach and we came out victorious. As defending champion, you have the pride and the prestige - the players understood all this pressure, stick to plan and playing together as a team because every game we play comes with different expectation.

"Even though with the crowd here, at the end of the day, we came out victorious. Even though, we only had one or two chances, all I care

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

GLOBAL SOCCER

Mourinho Seeks First Home League Win Since September Having just won two of their last eight league fixtures, and still trying to recover from last weekend’s draw by a late penalty at Goodison Park, Manchester United will be desperate for all three points against Tottenham Hotspurs on Sunday, while Tottenham will be aiming to open up a nine-point lead over their rivals

M

anchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs need positive results in tomorrow’s encounter to keep pace with their rivals and all signs point towards an entertain-

ing encounter.

Mauricio Pochettino's side have lost just one Premier League fixture this season while the Red Devils have not won on home soil since beating champions Leicester in September.

Spurs will go into the game in confident mood, having seemed to rediscover their mojo during a midweek victory over CSKA Moscow. And the north Londoners are also expected to be the fresher of the two sides with Jose Mourinho's men set to endure an energy-sapping trip to Ukraine.

Pochettino has confirmed that Erik Lamela remains unavailable as he continues to nurse a hip injury that’s already kept him out for Tottenham’s last eight matches in all competitions.

The attacker is struggling to overcome the niggling problem but he also flew back to Argentina earlier this week due

to personal reasons so he’s certain to miss Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford.

In a double blow, Pochettino also revealed that Vincent Janssen remains unavailable for selection due to an ankle injury and it may take up to another two weeks before the Dutch international is able to return.

There was some positive news to come out of Pochettino’s team news update as the Argentinean coach confirmed that Ben Davies is back in contention after recovering from an ankle injury that’s hampered him in recent weeks.

Toby Alderweireld is also back in the frame to return to action in the Premier League after making a successful comeback from a knee injury during Tottenham’s 3-1 win over CSKA Moscow in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Spurs head to Old Trafford sitting fifth in the table, six points above Man Utd but can move level on points with fourth-placed Manchester City with a win this weekend.

Interestingly, Pochettino has claimed Jose Mourinho gets rough justice from refrees and the FA because he is the Special One. The Manchester United boss served his second touchline ban of the season last week for kicking over a water bottle – and has also been fined £50,000 for comments about

ref Anthony Taylor before the Liverpool game.

But the Tottenham boss said: “It is too difficult sometimes to control yourself.

You get frustrated on the touchline but I think he doesn't do anything different from me or other managers. His behaviour is normal. It is too difficult to be on the touchline when you are frustrated with decisions. Sometimes you show your disappointment during the game but he isn't different from other managers.

“I cannot say anything against him because always he has my full respect. I like Mourinho – I have a good relationship with him – but I try to be objective as well. And I think his behaviour is no different from anyone else but because he is the Special One, sometimes people and referees and the media focus on him. But if you compare him to another manager, other managers behave worse than him and they are not in the focus because they are not the Special One like him.”

The Argentine added: “For me he is the Special One and will always will be the Special One. For me, he was a reference when I worked at Espanyol at the start of my career.

"He was always very kind with myself

and opened his door. Always I assess my colleagues try to be objective I really believe he is one of the best. Sometimes you struggle a bit, not easy to arrive at new club, set up ideas and philosophy but for me he was is will be one of best managers in football history.”

Meanwhile, today’s teatime sees Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side travel to the King Power Stadium to face the defending champions. When Leicester hosted Manchester City in December last year, a goalless draw showed they were capable of holding their own against their challengers at the top of the table before they went on to finish above them all.

This time around, the situation is somewhat different; their defeat at Sunderland means the Foxes go into the game just two points above the bottom three and Claudio Ranieri's men are now facing up to the prospect of a relegation battle.

Manchester City are also reeling after last weekend, when they lost vital ground to Chelsea in the title race and saw Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho sent off after the team collectively lost their heads in the closing stages.

In Aguero's absence, the pressure is on the talented Nigerian, Kelechi Iheanacho

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DECEMBER 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER Premier League Chelsea Arsenal Liverpool Man City Tottenham Man Utd West Brom Everton Stoke Bournemouth Watford Southampton Middlesbrough Crystal Palace Burnley Leicester West Ham Sunderland Hull Swansea

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

21 19 17 15 14 3 3 1 -3 -3 -6 -2 -2 -2 -11 -7 -14 -10 -18 -15

34 31 30 30 27 21 20 20 19 18 18 17 15 14 14 13 12 11 11 9

Everton Stoke Bournemouth Crystal Palace Sunderland Man City

12:30 15:00 15:00 15:00 15:00 17:30

West Brom Tottenham Middlesbrough West Ham

12:00 14:15 14:15 16:30

Seria A Juventus Roma Milan Napoli Lazio Atalanta Torino Fiorentina Sampdoria Inter Genoa Cagliari Chievo Udinese Sassuolo Bologna Empoli Pescara Crotone Palermo

to fill the goalscoring void in City's attack. His equaliser against Celtic in midweek showed he is capable of doing so, and he will hope to be the latest to take advantage of the slip in Morgan's standards since last season.

The most recent clash between these two sides was when outsiders truly started to believe Leicester could win the league; their comfortable 3-1 win at the Etihad in February was one of the most impressive performances in Leicester's remarkable campaign, and that was Leicester's first win in this fixture since 2003, with City having won 53 of these meetings to Leicester's 28.

Meanwhile, West Ham United will welcome back defender Aaron Cresswell and midfielder Michail Antonio for Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool, but Cheikhou Kouyate will miss the game.

All three players picked up groin injuries in West Ham's League Cup defeat

by Manchester United on November 30.

"From the three players who got injured in the EFL Cup game, a couple of them should be back," manager Slaven Bilic told a news conference on Friday.

"Antonio and Cresswell are training with us today after the press conference and according to the medical reports they are fit and they are okay.

"With Cheikhou Kouyate, it is a little

bit different. We were hoping he would be okay for Sunday's game, but unfortunately he will have to miss it.

"It's not a big injury, but he has a great chance to make it for the Burnley game in midweek."

West Ham are 17th in the table and have not won in the league since October, but the under pressure Bilic said he had spoken to the club's chairman David Sullivan and felt he still had the support of the club's hierarchy.

"We didn't have a meeting, we had a conversation like we normally have," the manager added.

"Since I've been here, I speak to the chairman a couple of days after every game. After Saturday's game we spoke on Monday and had a good conversation, but not a meeting.

"I feel the support and have said that so many times and I felt that support in our conversation this week. I believe in myself and my staff and look at what we achieved last year and I believe there is time to turn it around." West Ham's last league outing ended in a 5-1 home defeat by Arsenal, and Bilic said his players had reacted well in training ahead of their trip to third-placed Liverpool.

"We all felt bad last Saturday," he added.

"We were one-down after 70 minutes so to lose 5-1 left us disappointed, frustrated and angry but you have to get over it, which we have done and we have a big game on Sunday.

"I have told the players we have got to be positive and I've had a great reaction from them this week in training."

Madrid Barcelona Sevilla Atletico Villarreal Sociedad Bilbao Eibar Celta Vigo Las Palmas Malaga Espanyol Alavés Betis Leganés Deportivo Valencia Sporting Gijón Granada Osasuna

14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14

25 19 5 17 9 4 3 2 -2 3 2 0 -3 -11 -14 -6 -7 -13 -17 -16

34 28 27 25 23 23 23 21 21 20 20 19 17 15 14 13 12 12 8 7

Spanish La Liga Fixtures

Premiership

TODAY Watford v Arsenal v Burnley v Hull City v Swansea v Leicester v SUNDAY Chelsea v Man Utd v Southampton v Liverpool v

La Liga

15 15 15 15 15 15 15 14 15 15 14 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15

19 19 8 12 11 7 12 6 -1 1 2 -9 -2 -4 -6 -8 -17 -15 -17 -18

36 32 32 28 28 28 25 23 22 21 20 20 19 18 17 16 10 8 6 6

Serie A Fixtures

TODAY Osasuna Sociedad Las Palmas Madrid

v v v v

Barcelona Valencia Leganés Deportivo

12:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

SUNDAY Eibar Celta Vigo Espanyol Betis

v v v v

Alavés Sevilla Sporting Bilbao

11:00 15:15 17:30 19:45

MONDAY Villarreal

v

Atlético

19:45

Bundesliga Leipzig Bayern Hertha Hoffenheim Frankfurt Dortmund Köln Schalke Leverkusen Mainz Freiburg Augsburg B’gladbach Bremen Wolfsburg Darmstadt Hamburger Ingolstadt

13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13

18 20 9 11 8 16 6 3 -1 -2 -8 -4 -9 -15 -6 -15 -17 -14

33 30 27 25 25 24 22 17 17 17 16 14 13 11 10 8 7 6

Bundesliga Fixtures

TODAY Cagliari Atalanta Bologna Palermo Torino Inter

v v v v v v

Napoli Udinese Empoli Chievo Juventus Genoa

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 19:45

SUNDAY Palermo Bologna Cagliari Crotone Genoa Roma

v v v v v v

Lazio Atalanta Udinese Sampdoria Juventus Pescara

11:30 14:00 14:00 14:00 14:00 19:45

Head to Head 10/04/16

Tottenham

3-0

Man Utd

15/03/15

Man Utd

3-0

Tottenham

28/12/14

Tottenham

0-0

Man Utd

02/01/14

Man Utd

1-2

Tottenham

01/12/13

Tottenham

2-2

Man Utd

20/01/13

Tottenham

1-1

Man Utd

05/03/12

Tottenham

1-3

Man Utd

17/01/11

Tottenham

0-0

Man Utd

24/04/10

Man Utd

3-1

Tottenham

13/09/09

Tottenham

1-3

Man Utd

TODAY Köln Bayern Ingolstadt Hamburger Freiburg Hertha

v v v v v v

Dortmund Wolfsburg Leipzig Augsburg Darmstadt Bremen

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

MONDAY Fiorentina Roma

v v

Sassuolo AC Milan

18:00 20:00

Hot Shots

Diego Costa Sergio Agüero Romelu Lukaku Eden Hazard Jermain Defoe Alexis Sánchez Sadio Mane Zlatan Ibrahimovic Michail Antonio Philippe Coutinho Roberto Firmino Theo Walcott Chalie Austin Etienne Capoue Harry Kane

Chelsea Man City Everton Chelsea Sunderland Arsenal Liverpool Man Utd West Ham Liverpool Liverpool Arsenal Southampton Watford Tottenham

10 8 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

34

GLOBAL SOCCER\\OTHER SPORTS

L-R:Head of Marketing, Promasidor Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Festus Tettey,Torisheju Tosin, Enrico Vander Merwe and Toki Popoola, Top 3 winners of 50metres category all from Chrisland Schools, and the Category Manager, Dairy, Promasidor Nigeria, Mr. Ayodeji Abiodun, during the Loya Milk swimming competition for Secondary Schools in Lagos at the Grange School, Harold Shodipo Crescent, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos

Shahin Nouri

Dalung Charges Private Sector on Sports Development The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung has called on the private sector to invest in grassroots sports development.

Dalung gave the charge at the 5th annual Sports Summit and Games of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in conjunction with the Nigeria Olympic Committee held at the Redeemer's Camp ground along the Lagos Ibadan expressway.

Represented by his Special

Assistant on media, Nneka Anibeze, Dalung, who spoke on the topic "Transforming Potential Athletes to Olympic Stars: Challenges and Solution-The Global, African and Nigerian perspectives, said the private sector including churches holds the key to sports development and charged them to go down to the grassroots to invest in sports.

More so when some of the private sectors already have modern-day facilities that

can transform an upcoming talents into a world and Olympic champion just the way the Redeemed Church did by sponsoring a wrestler, Odunayo Adekoroye, an Olympic star, who was the first athlete to qualify and represented Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The minister commended Pastor Eunoch Adeboye for his good works and reasoned that his ministry can continue to build on such partnership

where churches will invest in youths at the grassroots.

Responding, Pastor Adeboye, who was represented by the Redeemed Assistant General Overseer, Funsho Otegbola, said it has been discovered that any country's future success in sports at the highest level is absolutely to be determined by the ability of its sports scientists to go down to the grassroots to identify those athletes with special sporting talents.

Loya Milk Promotes Secondary Schools Swimming In a bid to encourage swimming amongst Secondary School students in Nigeria, Loya Milk, last Saturday, organised a swimming competition dubbed "Loya Swim Meet" for Secondary Schools in Lagos State. Cash prizes of over N1 million, and other consolation prizes were given to participants.

The competition which was sponsored by Promasidor Nigeria Limited held at the Grange School, Harold Shodipo, Ikeja, GRA, Lagos

had 10 Secondary Schools in attendance with five boys and five girls each participating in the three categories of 25 metres freestyle, 50 metres freestyle and 100 metres freestyle relay respectively.

Speaking at the event, the Category Manager, Dairy, Promasidor Nigeria, Abiodun Ayodeji, said, “Loya Milk is fortified with 50 per cent more calcium which helps in building stronger bone, tougher teeth and a healthy heart”.

Abiodun added, "we are

aware that swimming is a 360-degrees’ sport that involves all parts of your body, and it helps to maintain a healthy weight, healthy heart, control your muscle and above all, a fun exercise for growing children."

The schools that participated in the competition were Dowen College, Chrisland College, Greensprings School, Halifield Schools, ST&T Regency international school, Supreme Education Foundation, Queensland Academy, Grace High School,

Avi-cenna International and Honeyland College.

Commenting on the event, Mr. F.J Vander Merwe, one of the principals of Chrisland Schools, who emerged winner in the 50 metres swimming competition for boys, said "l think it is a wonderful incentive for our students, and we would definitely maintain our performance in subsequent competition. We commend Loya Milk for this laudable initiative and would urge other organisations to emulate this."

GOtv Boxing Night 10

Edo Boy will See Hell, Tanzanian Opponent Boasts

Tanzania’s Meshack Mwankemwa, opponent to Nigeria’s Stanley “Edo Boy” Eribo in the African Boxing Union welterweight title bout billed to hold at GOtv Boxing Night 10 on 26 December, has threatened to make the Nigerian see hell. Smart Boy also boasted that the crowd at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Lagos, will chant his name when he begins to punish Edo Boy. Speaking from his country,

the Tanzanian Professional Boxing Commission welterweight champion said he is fully prepared for the fight and Edo Boy will feel the full impact of his training schedule.

“I am coming to win in Nigeria. The East African region is a place that boxing is alive. A Ugandan won in Nigeria last year. I will repeat the trick. Edo Boy is not in my class. I have defeated better boxers. He is just a stepping stone to something bigger. He

will be beaten without me expending energy,” bragged Smart Boy. Another Nigerian involved in a title contest is Olaide Fijabi, who takes on Raphael Kwabena of Ghana in a reprise of their close-run encounter at GOtv Boxing Night 9, when Fijabi won via a split decision.

The Ghanaian is already boasting that he will see Fijabi off when they meet in the West African Boxing Union light welterweight title fight.

“You saw the last fight and I restrained him very well. I had seen him fight so many times and that gave me the advantage, which I intend to deploy this time to put him in his place: on the canvass.

He will kiss the canvas in the third round,” Kwabena boasted.

Also in the same division, the highly rated Rilwan Babatunde will face Sikiru Shogbesan in a challenge duel.

EL Marino Team Manager Pledges Better Activities at NFSC The Team Manager of El Marino Sports Club, Lagos, Otunba Seyi Adefarati, has assured sports enthusiasts that he would improve the level of activities at the Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC) if elected the vice chairman of the club in the election which would take place today at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Adefarati, who has been at the forefront of promoting sports in the country, with improved sporting activities at

El Marino Sports Club, said he was fit for that position and strongly believed he would be elected because of his immense contribution to the NFSC, as he has spent lot of time and money in sponsoring activities of the organisation.

He stated that as the team manager of his club, he would reach out to more people and with the considerable impact made so far in enhancing sporting activities for both adults and youths, he is qualified for the position of the vice chairman

of NFSC. ‘There are lots of supports we can give to the NFSC through El Marino. I am a man of the people, and lots of people have been sponsored by El Marino in one area of sport or another, and with that, l believe l will win,’ Adefarati stated.

He added, "l have been a football fan, and widely exposed as l have travelled to different parts of the world for sporting activities. l have spent my time and money to sponsor people that have

interest in sports in Nigeria, for example to the last Super Eagles’ match in Calabar, Cross River State. "My club has also spent money to support the NFSC, and l believe l will do better than others contesting for that position.’

"If elected, Adefarati promised to create better awareness about the importance of sports to the people and the nation in particular, about physical fitness, and also ensure effective development of sports in the different parts of the country.

L-R: CEO, Kinetic Sports, Samson Adamu; Chairman, Enyimba FC of Aba, Felix Anyansi; Marketing Manager, Hero Larger, Mrs. Jennifer Balogun, and Sales Director, SABMiller, Godwin Oche at the signing of a sponsorship deal for COPA Lagos between Enyimba FC and Hero Lager at SABMiller’s corporate office in Ikoyi, Lagos...recently

Shahin Nouri: Hoisting Nigeria’s Flag across the Globe Shahin Nouri’s passion for motor sports has never been in doubt and is really holding his own.

Nouri, aka Fineboy Racing is a Swiss entrepreneur with a Masters degree in Economics from the University of Fribourg, Switzerland. In 2009, Shahin moved to Nigeria to join his Nigerian wife, who made him love the country and made it his home.

Shahin joined the AIM Group where he took on the role of Group Executive Director, adding his experience to the existing businesses in the group-consulting, hospitality, media, internet services.

Having gotten involved in the different areas, Shahin became the CEO of Coollink and turned it into a successful Internet Service Provider (ISP) delivering Swiss-quality high-speed Internet and value added services across Nigeria.

With high-speed internet also came the passion for high-speed driving, a passion Shahin put to the test in 2013 and got hooked to the adrenaline rush that came from it. Shahin always believed in following his dreams and living his passion, a racing passion that he has always cherished from childhood, and so decided to take part in the Radical S3 Challenge in 2014. He won different races including the Britcar Dunlop 24Hr at Silverstone. Not only did Shahin discover his potential in racing but also the potential in the country that welcomed him, the country he now calls home, the country that named him Fineboy, Nigeria!

Shahin decided to drive for Nigeria, to become its ambassador in the racing world and to put the name, Nigeria, on the racing map, across Europe and the world. He decided to take the challenge one step further and went for the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo European Championship in 2015 where he represented Nigeria. This was the first time Nigeria was ever mentioned in a car racing event. Shahin made sure it was constantly mentioned by coming back home with multiple wins and trophies.

Before the final race of the competition which took place in Valencia from December 2- 4, Shahin needed five points to beat the leading driver in his class. Not only did he gain the five points but he also ended first in the final race in first position, making him European champion and Vice World Champion of the Lamborghini Blancpain Super Trofeo.

Shahin is back home in Lagos, with several other cups added to his collection and with the Nigerian flag flown across different European countries and on the podium of some of the best racetracks in the world!

Participants Jostle for Honour at Governor's Badminton Championship Over 100 participants are jostling for honour at the maiden edition of Governor's South-west Badminton Championship which kicked off on Thursday at the indoor sports hall of the Rowe Park Sports Centre.

The four-day championship have witnessed participants battling for honour in the different categories which also include the country’s top 16 ranked players and two officials each from every participating state.

Completing the cast of participating players are: four male and female players from each of the south-western states for the senior category and two players-male and female, from the U-15 level as the competition also moves to improve grassroots badminton.

Vice president of the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation, Francis Orbih, who doubles as the chairman of the Lagos State Badminton Association said the competition is part of efforts to revive the dwindling state of badminton in Nigeria.

Orbih stressed that the competition was put in place to help the put its athletes in good shape ahead of any major tournament in the future, stating that it is to serve as a replacement for the classics that did not hold this year.

The prize money for the championship will follow similar trend to foster gender equality; with the singles winner in the male and female category carting away the sum of N150,000.00 each for the 1st position, the 2nd placed winners win N100,000.00, while the joint 3rd positions go home with N75,000.00 each.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

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FAIRGROUND

Promoter to Light up Lagos with Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged, Wizkid Concerts

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edia & Entertainment Mogul, Cecil Hammond has done it again. Many people who are not in the industry may not know Cecil Hammond but he is the reserved principal behind this December’s sure-to-be-a-hit concerts – Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged and the Starboy Homecoming Concert: Wizkid.

Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged, which is in its 12th year, is West Africa’s most popular concert. The all-star line-up for this year’s show calls for jostling for front row. On Friday, December 23rd, there will be performances

by P-Square, Wizkid, DavidO, Olamide, Tekno, Falz, Omawumi and many others.

Hosted by Bovi and produced by Cobhams . The fact that Cobhams is producing the on stage experience already means that the Flytime team is taking Rhythm Unplugged to a different level. We can’t contain our excitement.

Now, let’s talk about the Starboy. Not the Canadian, the Weekend, Nigeria’s finest, the Baba N la, Wizkid. The guy has been all over

the international music market this year. A song with Drake, MTV awards wins, various collaborations and a very artistic Instagram page. The kid is literally the new age Flea!

We love the name of the concert too! Starboy Homecoming Concert – because he hasn’t been around the E.N.T.I.R.E. Y.E.A.R., what better way than to close 2016 in Nigeria with his loyal fans. Flytime has strategically placed the concert on literally the last day you can be out of your house and not indoors with your family - Friday, December 30.

Both concerts are a week apart and cater to the different types of musical concert attendees. Clearly, Cecil Hammond and his Flytime team recognize this as Pepsi Rhythm Unplugged tickets go for General Admission N7, 500, VIP N25, 000 and tables for VVIP. In contrast, the Wizkid concert has a flat gate fee of N5, 000. Despite the difference in price, both concerts are at Eko Convention Centre – a sure way to ensure that concert goers feel safe and secure.

The only question we have for Flytime Promotions about The Wizkid Concert is why is the concert not at Teslim Balogun

stadium? Surely it will allow more Nigerians to attend as well as bring a more Southern or Eastern African outdoor concert feel to the show. Wouldn’t this be a welcome disruption to the Nigerian concert space? We also wonder if Wizkid will bring any of his international friends. Drake? Tinie Tempah?

His latest love interest, Justine Skye? We wait with baited breath.

According to industry insiders, Flytime Promotions is one of the foremost names in live entertainment and music promotion in Nigeria today. CEO, Cecil Hammond started organising concerts and promoting artists over 12 years ago and under his management. Flytime has hosted some of the most successful live entertainment events in Nigeria, working with both local and foreign artistes. Year on year, Flytime continues to deliver, raising the bar in live entertainment and bringing global standards to the Nigerian music entertainment scene. Let’s not forget that Africa’s top female artists, Tiwa Savage and Seyi Shay also started their careers in Nigeria signed to Flytime. What people don’t know also is Hammond gave

Cecil Hammond

DavidO made his first big break in the when he was signed to Hammond’s label. Clearly with Cecil’s corporate and entertainment industry connections, his two shows are set to be hits. However it turns out, Flytime is clearly solidifying their ownership of the throne King of December concerts and fans are happier for it.

Product Innovation Reshaping Nigeria’s Male Grooming Market

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houghmanysegmentsofthecosmetics industry are slowing down, the area of men’s grooming has continued its upward swing. Product categories like electric shavers, trimmers and home hair clippers have emerged some of the largest growth drivers in the personal care industry, boasting an overall sales growth of 12 per cent up from nine per cent in the last 12 months, according to renowned market researcher, Cosmetics Design.

Increasingly, the male grooming business inAfrica is booming. Just the clipper segment of the market alone is currently valued at about €200 million with Nigeria accounting for a major share of it, selling 3.5 million units.

The growth trend is attributable to a wider range of consumers opening up to and becoming comfortable with the idea of male grooming and total personal hygiene. Other growth triggers in the segment have been identified as increase in technologically advanced products, innovative packaging and increased tempo of clever marketing strategies exclusively targeting male consumers.

Major global brands like L’Oreal, P&G, Unilever and Philips have continued to dig deep in the male grooming market through innovation and tactical marketing strategies.

To underscore the increasing significance of in-

novation in the segment, Philips recently introduced to the Nigerian market, the first range of clippers designed to ensure no bumps and less rash. The two clippers in the range, the Philips Clipper Pro (ideal for professional barber styling) and Philips Clipper Home (for personal use) offer blades designed to avoid cuts and bumps for optimal skin comfort, close precision and durability. The Philips Pro Clipper which is designed for a powerful expert trim, cut or shave has a chrome matt finish that is complemented by a smart textured handle for a comfortable grip, and a 2.8m cord to give a greater reach and to easily move around while clipping.

Additionally, it comes with seven Click-on Combs as well as a styling comb and scissors.

The Philips Home Clipper has lacquering, textured high gloss plastic finish and a 2.4m cord; and comes with four Click-On Combs including the 3mm, 6mm, 9mm or 12mm combs. The new Philips range of clippers came with a promise of innovative solution and was well received into a market where the concerns, when it comes to grooming, remain very clear. Razor bumps on the face and head, remain one of the biggest concerns among the African male populace. The majority of men develop bumps on their skin after a very close shave (e.g. using a blade) on their face. When getting a haircut, most men cringe at the thought of getting cuts and scratching discomfort to be a

Ime Umoh, Adesuwa Igho-Orere, Chioma Nweke, Dr Ayesha Akinkugbe

necessary evil in order to get a sharp, fresh look with nicely trimmed edges. More and more men worry about hygiene when sharing a hair clipper tool with other people at the barbing saloon. It appears all these concerns have been taken care of by the new Philips clippers.

“Philips conducted extensive research across a

cross-section of men in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa; the Philips clipper was developed and extensively field tested taking into account the core concerns that came out in the research – mainly the need to get that clean shaven feeling but to avoid the scratches, cuts and bumps that sometimes develop on the skin.

Flawless Skin with Best Beauty Treatments by Abby Med Spa

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erryChristmas!Thisisprobably one of our favourite times of the year. Whatever your plan is for this Christmas, making sure you’re looking sparkling at all social events is sometimes is a little tough! The good news is Flawless Skin by Abby Med Spa – the number one beauty medical spa based in Abuja has lots of treatments to keep you looking refreshed and great inside and out! Let’s check them out.

Botox Onabotulinumtoxin A is a natural, purified protein that is used to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause lines and wrinkles. This treatment is primarily used for skin rejuvenation and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. There are no long-term side effects of having wrinkle injections, meaning you can resume your usual activities straight away. The results are subtle, leaving your friends and family believing that you are simply looking your best and great for your years.

Kybella or the Double-Chin Blasting Treatment Kybella is a breakthrough injectable aesthetic medication that was created to get rid of double chinKybella treatment contours and reduces fat to your unique anatomy in less than five minutes.

It works well and target fat, but it does more than just remove fat; laxity, wrinkles, and sagging of the skin are improved.

Dermal Fillers Dermal Fillers can make a difference to a person’s appearance, giving them a fresher look as well. By adding subtle volume of dermal fillers, it lifts and smooths targeted folds and wrinkles. This treatment of wrinkles with dermal filler will usually involve injecting this naturally occurring product (HA) through a tiny needle. The aesthetic outcomes of treatments with dermal filler are seen immediately after the treatment. Treating wrinkles with dermal filler is fast, leaving no scars. The Juvéderm range of fillers contains a variety of products which can be used to treat different areas, from fine lines on more delicate parts of the face to deep skin depressions. You can also treat your lips with lip fillers to add extra volume. The procedure takes around 30-45 minutes and patients can expect to notice the effects for as long as 18 months after treatment. The results are subtle, leaving your friends and family believing that you are simply looking our best.

Microneedling Microneedlingtreatmentcanbeconsideredamore effective way to do a facial. The treatment builds collagen and thickens the skin, so instead of looking good for a few days after your traditional facial, your skin is smooth and radiant for much longer.

It’s such a safe procedure, and is great for filling in acne scars. Of course, the idea of getting needles inserted into your face for the sake of skincare can seem intimidating, but if you’ve seen the before and after shots, there’s no questioning the treatment’s effectiveness, and instead of using injectable fillers

to repair an indented area, the process kick-starts your body’s own natural collagen production to heal the skin on its own. The treatment involves using a tool with 11 super-tiny needles in the very tip.

Microneedling isn’t exclusive to just the face area.

The treatment can be done anywhere the skin on the body needs to be thickened; particularly those that have stretch marks, like the legs, chest, or butt.

VI Peel This is Jennifer Lopez beauty secret!Achieve that healthy Red Carpet glow back in your skin with VI Peel, it’s safe for all skin types, minimal down time and is a guarantee for noticeably smoother

skin. After one treatment, the VI Peel will improve the tone, texture and clarity of your skin while stimulating the production of collagen, for firmer, more youthful skin that everyone wants to achieve.

Look your best in just six days with VI Peel. In addition to the face, the VI Peel is great for use on any part of the body especially the hands, chest, knees and elbows.

Chemical Peels Aspotless, lineless, flawless complexion is lying just beneath the surface of your skin and good old chemical peels is the fastest way there and can actually deliver certain skin benefits like reversing melismaandbreakoutsbetterthanhigh-techdevices.

They improve fine lines, acne, discoloration, and more. It helps your skin make a radical comeback.

It makes your skin and skin-care products work better. In minutes, acids lift away dead cells and trigger a lovely chain reaction. Chemical peels are low-risk, and you can go custom. A series of treatments may be needed, but some people see a profound improvement after just one.

Flawless Skin by Abby Med Spa is also kicking off this celebration season with a ‘Customer Appreciation Party’ specially for you. Bring a friend and fun attitude to this event is holding on Sunday, December 11, 2016, between 2-7PM at No 8 Nairobi street, suite 203, Wuse 2, FCT,Abuja. You don’t want to miss what have been lined up as this event will be so much fun. Network with other like-minded women while relaxing, get pampered with a glass of champagne or an exotic cocktail in hand.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • December 10, 2016

December 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

view from abroad

How Boko Haram BroughtTerror to Nigeria Conor Gaffey

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remain displaced inside the WestAfrican country as of December 2.

But as Boko Haram has been squeezed within Nigeria, it has spawned out into neighboring countries in the Lake Chad Basin.Atotal of 2.25 million people are displaced in the region, including substantial populations in Niger, Chad and Cameroon.And the needs of these IDPs continues to grow: the U.N. on Friday launched a $1bn humanitarian appeal to cope with the crisis in northeast Nigeria, saying that 5.1 million people could face serious food shortages over the next year. The appeal led President Buhari to accuse the U.N. and others of exaggerating the situation’s severity with “hyperbolic claims.”

lmost exactly a year after he proclaimed that the Nigerian military had “technically defeated” Boko Haram, President Muhammadu Buhari has again insisted that the end is coming for the Islamist militant group.

At a security conference in the Senegalese capital Dakar on Tuesday, the Nigerian president said that members of the militant group—which has fractured into a faction loyal to long-time leaderAbubakar Shekau and another affiliated to the Islamic State (ISIS) militant group—had been surrendering “en masse” in Chad, and that regional military forces were preparing a final onslaught on the group’s hideout in the remote Sambisa forest. “As far as Boko Haram is concerned in the Lake Chad Basin area, I think they are done for,” said Buhari.

The comments echoed a similar pronouncement Buhari made in December 2015, when he told the BBC that “technically, we have won the war” against the militant group. Buhari’s logic was that Boko Haram had reverted to guerrilla tactics—using young girls as suicide bombers, for example—and no longer resembled an “organized fighting force” capable of “conventional attacks on centers of communication and populations.”

Newsweek reviewed several key markers to track Buhari’s progress in fighting Boko Haram between December 2015 and today.

Deaths in Boko Haram-affected states

Boko Haram’s armed insurgency, which began in 2009, has been heavily concentrated in northeast Nigeria. The group was founded in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, and previously held territory also in the neighboring states of Yobe andAdamawa.

From January to December 2015, a total of 7,309 deaths were recorded in these three states, according to the Council on Foreign Relations’ Nigeria Security Tracker. While this tool does not identify the perpetrators of the deaths, it is safe to assume that Boko Haram is the main contributor: no other group has been as active or deadly as the Islamist militants, who were named as the world’s deadliest militant group in 2014, ahead of ISIS, by the Institute of Economics and Peace.

So far in 2016, the number of casualties attributable to the group in those three states has dropped by a third. Boko Haram has killed 2,306 people in Borno, Yobe andAdamawa. While Boko Haram has regularly used suicide bombing as a tactic, the group has also shown it still has the capacity to attack settled communities, contrary to Buhari’s

Territory held by Boko Haram

At the peak of its insurgency in early 2015, Boko Haram was estimated to control more than 11,000 square miles of territory—an area the size of Belgium. But Nigerian military advances and the establishment of a regional task force in 2015 gradually reclaimed ground from the group. During his December 2015 interview with the BBC, Buhari claimed that Boko Haram controlled a maximum of four local government areas (LGAs) in Borno state, and none within Yobe or Adamawa. Nigeria has a total of almost 800 LGAs. In his speech in Dakar on Tuesday, Buhari asserted that Boko Haram is no longer in control of a single LGAin Nigeria, nor of any meaningful territory. The Nigerian military has said that the militants are pinned back into the Sambisa forest and that soldiers are increasingly advancing upon their positions.

Buhari

December 2015 comments: in January, suspected Boko Haram militants attacked the village of Dalori, burning homes and livestock and killing more than 80 people.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Nigeria

As well as causing thousands of deaths, the militant group has displaced millions of Nigerians during the course of its conflict. There were 2.15 million IDPs in Nigeria as of December 31, 2015, according to the Internal Displacement Monitoring Center, which is run by the Norwegian Refugee Council. Of these, an estimated 85 percent were displaced as a result of Boko Haram’s insurgency, and more than 1.4 million IDPs were located Borno state.

Over the past year, the number of IDPs in Nigeria has fallen: the United Nations RefugeeAgency estimated around 1.82 million people

Conclusion

President Buhari again appears to have acted prematurely in declaring Boko Haram finished as a fighting force. Nigeria and its allies have substantially limited the number of deaths perpetrated by the militants and rolled back their territorial gains.

The Buhari administration has also made important symbolic gains against Boko Haram, chiefly the freeing of 23 of the 276 girls abducted from their school in Chibok, northeast Nigeria, inApril 2014. Prior to 2016, none of the Chibok girls had been freed, excluding the 57 girls who escaped from the group on the night of the abduction.

But Boko Haram remains a potent paramilitary force: scores of Nigerian soldiers have been killed or gone missing in recent clashes with the militants in Borno, suggesting that the group retains the capacity to battle the military. Boko Haram is still displacing people in Nigeria and beyond, and while it allegedly no longer holds any territory, the group appears well-suited to asymmetric warfare. It may be some time yet before Nigeria can truly say that Boko Haram’s insurgency is over.

DECEMBER 10, 2016 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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FASHION FILE

‘IT’- The Collection by Style Temple

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

By Azuka Ogujiuba azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

FASHION FILE ‘IT’- The Collection by Style Temple

F

resh off a critically acclaimed debut at the Lagos Fashion and Design Week, fast rising upscale womenswear brand - Style Temple has just shot its Spring 2017 lookbook titled ‘IT’ for which we’re happy to share with your readers.

‘IT’ - the collection, generally paints the idea of a blossoming flower that at it’s peak reaches a full bloom through our use of crafted appliques, innovative of-the-shoulder interpretation and fringe and tassel for movement.

Inspiration: For the most part, we go through life without knowing what ‘IT’ truly means. Alexa Chung was declared to us an international ‘it’ girl, and then Eku Edowor - Nigeria’s ‘It’ girl. We know we love them but more often than not we really cannot tell why we do.

Now, IT can be our source of confidence, identity or happiness or just something that we feel and recognize but can never place a name or description to it. It’s as intangible as it is tangible. It is multi-faceted and for that reason can mean different things to different people - but for the most part, we never come to know what ‘IT’ truly mean.

For Og Okwonkwo, designer and creative director at Style Temple, that IT is an action word; it is being, it is becoming; it is blossoming into her next season woman who could be an accomplished author like Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche who has found peace in being beautiful, stylish and yet a trailblazer or a celebrated film star like Genevieve Nnaji who has broken barriers with her craft, stealth and grace, or just a woman fully blooming

into a realization of her purpose and magnitude.

‘IT’ is a collection that is for every woman who is on a journey of being the best of herself, and because of that, she’s aware that dressing up and looking the part is as empowering as it is a part of her arsenal.

Credits: Website: www.styletemple.ng | Instagram: @styletemple Styling and Creative Direction: OgOkonkwo Photography: Terna Iwar for Bantu Studio (@ternaiwar , @bantustudio) Models: Zahara Models (@zaharamodels) Makeup: Ronaldthe7th (@ronaldthe7th) Publicist: The Pr Boy (theprboy_ng)

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

WITH

MARKET PLACE

OMOLABAKE FASHOGBON 08033621009

L-R: Head, Mining Africa, Eaton, Mr. Trevor Sansom; Country Manager, Nigeria Eaton, Mr. Temitayo Awojole; Head, Commercial Construction Africa, Eaton, Mr. Piete Van Den berg; and Regional Sales Manager, West Africa, Eaton, Mr. Charles Iyo, at the consultant engagement session by Eaton in Lagos recently

L-R: Executive Secretary Junior Chambers International Nigeria, JCIN; Mrs. Folakemi Olajiga;Social Worker at Bowen University Teaching Hospital,Deacon Amos Adeniji; Matron in charge of Bowen University Teaching Hospital Leprosy Healthcare; Adebola Olaninwa; and President JCIN, Mr. Tunji Oyeyemi during the ‘Think Leprosy Now’campaign visit to Bowen University Teaching Hospital recently

‘Ambient’ Hooks New Partner as Investors Plan Big for Fair The global consumergoods platform, Ambient, has attracted new interest from the Great Britain as the 2017 edition of the fair is set to unveil unusual product ideas such as new talents areas, ethical style and fashion accessories.

The fair which holds between 10th -14th of February 2017, in Frankfurt, Germany, is expected to host no fewer than 4,367 exhibitors from 96 countries and 137,000 visitors from 143 countries .

The fair focuses on products in the line of table, kitchen and household, gift articles,

Firm Partners Lagos NYSC on Health Initiative Manufacturer of cooking vegetable oil, Power oil, has associated with Lagos National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, to extend its health initiative to both corps members and staff, as it urged them to cultivate healthy habit that would lead to a healthy heart.

The firm which visited the Lagos State orientation camp in Iyana Ipaja with its health team engaged participants in an all-round medical exercise including free basic medical checkup ,blood pressure, Body temperature, medical consultation, nutritional advice, general health talk as well as product donation.

Brand Manager of the firm, Amisha Chawla, explained that the NYSC platform offered the brand an opportunity to deliver its health programme to more Nigerians as he explained that certain health complications could be avoided though timely sensitisation and regular checkups which was what the brand sought to achieve.

“As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, we deemed its necessary to offer something more to our consumers especially that has to do with their health to cover up for the huge expenses of accessing medical check-up in the country as well as inadequate awareness programme on health related issues. “You will agree with me that we take physical fitness and nutrition very importantly, going by our regular daily drills and healthy choice of meals which are prepared under the most hygienic condition.

“We also have our own medical community outreach programme which sees medical corps members providing free medical checkups to rural community dwellers in Lagos. That is why we are readily inclined to this initiative because it is in the interest of all”, he said.

One of the corps members, Miss Onyinye Uzowulu, observed that the health talk offered by the company had raised her awareness on health issues.

jewelry and fashion requisites, as well as decorative products, interior design concepts and furnishing accessories.

Managing Director of Exhibition & Trade Fair Limited and representative of Messe Frankfurt Exhibition, Germany, Mrs. Omonigho Itoya, explained that the activity would further the consumer goods sector in Nigeria by offering visitors and exhibitors new innovations, products and opportunities.

Vice President of Ambiente, Nicolette Naumann ,added that “With significantly over 50 per cent of visitors coming from

outside Germany, exhibitors at Ambiente can be sure of reaching multiple target groups from different parts of the world. This makes it the ideal platform for launching products or even whole product series onto the market.

“As a leading show for consumer goods, the fair would present the complete international spectrum of products for the tableware, furnishing and giving sectors. Buyers who are in search of original product ideas would find what they are looking for in the talents and next areas”

Coke Studio Upgrades with Mobile Apps Coca-Cola Nigeria has stepped up its collaborative music show, Coke Studio, with the introduction of mobile application in order to accommodate more fans on the platform.

The new app which is built on the Android platform can be downloaded on both Google play store and Samsung store.

The latest will enable fans to stream, download, share and create playlists of their favourite songs from the show, beginning from season 2.

Explaining further, Marketing Manager of the company, Cletus Onyebuoha added that the innovation would enable millions of fans, especially youths across Nigeria to watch and listen to performances from the show on the go on their mobile phones .

“We are very excited to launch the

Coke Studio mobile app, as it will enable millions of youth around Nigeria who love music to access great content on their phones. Through the mobile app, users are able to listen to content on demand from the TV show via audio streaming or video, and download the music or create playlists for future listening”.

Interested fans can keep up with the show in any of the following stations :AIT ,6pm on Sundays, with repeat episodes on MTV Base on Mondays at 8:00pm; ONTV, Mondays at 6:30pm; Wazobia TV and Wazobia MAX on Mondays at 8:00pm; Nigezie on Tuesdays at 5:00pm; Soundcity on Sundays at 7:30pm;WAP TV on Sundays at 8:00pm; Planet TV on Wednesdays at 6:00pm and AMC on Mondays at 7:00pm.

OlX Bags NITA Prize, Honours Customers Global Online Market Place, OLX, has been adjudged best classified ads website of the year at the sophomore edition of the Nigeria Technology Awards, NiTA. The company which dedicated the award to its customers said such recognition could not have been without the unflinching support and trust it earns from its customers across the country.

Receiving the award, Business Operations & Finance Manager of OLX, Goodluck Ikporo, praised the organisers, adding that such recognition would further encourage the firm to remain committed to offering exemplary services, steadfast in providing a safer and secure platform

for its users and more options for them to earn additional income despite economic downturn.

“We are truly honored to have emerged winner in this category. I want to specially thank our OLX users who believe in us. I will like to dedicate this award to them and to the OLX team”, Ikporo added.

NiTA is an initiative that is developed to recognise and reward technology entrepreneurs, innovators, inventors, academicians and policy makers in Nigeria.

The theme for this year’s award ceremony was ‘Celebrating Technology Excellence & Innovations’ and the event was attended by major players across various sectors of the economy.

The organisers of the fair further explained that exhibitors at the dining section of the programme would include a prominent newcomer, Driade, a design laboratory that has developed into an Italian institution with Israeli label, Kisim, to present handbags, rucksacks and purses for the first time at the event.

Designers, Katharina Brand and Tzuri Gottlieb, who share a love of nature, and create light and design using tangible and natural materials would also be available at the event, the organiser further stated.

Think Africa Empowers Nigerian Youths Think Africa, a non-profit organisation has concluded arrangements to reach out to Nigerian youths by establishing a platform whereby home professionals can connect with other brains in the Diaspora to share and exchange entrepreneurial ideas.

In achieving this, the body will be organising a two -week programme in Nigeria beginning from 16th of December, to feature speakers within and outside the country, with the aim of inspiring the youths and young entrepreneurs.

Speaking on the engagement, the convener of ThinkAfrica, Tunde Ogunsalu, explained that the idea of bringing the programme to Nigeria was to enable the youth expand their horizon and their reasoning beyong local examples.

“We have put together several professional events in Washington DC. The organisation is now extending its tentacles to Nigeria in collaboration with our Nigerian counterparts to improve on their directions and endeavours so as to create a conducive business environment.

“We have a network of over 100 young professionals from the Diaspora coming to Lagos and also looking to attend our events to contribute their own quota towards the rejuvenation of the future of Nigeria”, he said.

Ogunsalu added that the programme would be divided into two sessions, formal and informal while 16th of December had been slated for professional and aspiring entrepreneur session for young Nigerians who want to create jobs for others.

The masterclass event will feature speakers from the United States and Nigeria, including Abike Dabiri, Debola Williams, Fela Durotoye, Dapo Adeniranye, Elizabeth Osho, Simi Fajemirokun, JaphethOmojuwa and Jide Ipaye among host of others. Also, top US based young entrepreneurs will also be available to share experiences with their Nigerian- based counterparts.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

44

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

SANJO ADEGOKE

I Love Songs with Strong Lyrical Content Sanjo Adegoke is a filmmaker, cinematographer, music producer and musician, with his new song ‘’I Believe’’ rocking the airwaves. In this interview with Tosin Clegg, he talks about his new single

I

How I juggle everything I do have always been a musician long before becoming any other thing.

Singing is an inherent talent, while being a music producer is an acquired talent built and natured over time.

This is based on exposure, research, study, interest, engagements and instinct.

Cinematography and film making came as a passion I’m always fascinated by good pictures and storytelling. Well, sound and picture are what I would compare to strings on a guitar moving in different directions, yet producing harmonic and melodious sound. They are always in accordance.

So, juggling all of these makes life interesting and gives me the opportunity to see things in a broader spectrum, from the angle of sound and that of picture, which ostensibly determines everything in life - what we see and what we hear.

It’s like querying that if it sounds like this, what should it look like or if it looks like this, what should it sound like.

Projects and soundtracks I have produced They include Diary of a Lagos Girl; Married but living Single; Hope 234; Mufu Olosa Oko; Silence; Unforgivable; The Edge; Victims; Ojude Oba; and Ofala Festival for Glo; Legendary Show; Igbanbajo; Udeme; Betrayal; Date Gone Bad; Common Enemy; Asabi Alakara; and many others.

Sound design and sound tracking I think with the awareness about copyright and a need for every project to have its own original soundtrack or background music, whether for radio programmes, TV shows, films, documentaries and adverts, it’s becoming more lucrative, though not commiserate with the amount of time and effort that sometimes goes into the production of such works.

But I believe with time, as more need for locally-produced sound is needed for content, the potential of its profitability will get better. Also, if all our TV stations, online stations, cable networks and what have you, can encourage the use of locally produced sound on their platform, it stands a chance of boosting profitability. It will also help to grow our sound and culture because sour sound can be interpreted to be a reflection of a sour culture. I hope that is not our situation at present.

I think every composition or creative work in terms of sound or music is great on its own No matter how poorly done it might seem to a person, there is somebody somewhere that appreciates it. But sometimes the application of such work on a picture might be a way off. Doing sound for pictures has a lot to do with understanding the picture, the movement, and the message such picture is trying to convey. It is not just throwing a

sound on a picture. It is about helping to tell the story in it to endear the viewers to the picture. Film is supposed to be about sound and picture.

I think gradually, motion picture producers are beginning to appreciate the synergy of a good picture accompanied with great sound, though there are still a handful still glued to the dark days and the audience too is always there to tell the difference. Also, I think when the consumers of such works start demanding quality and detailed works rather than settling for anything thrown at them, there is bound to be a lot of difference.

Filmmakers, industry, funds and the guild of producers At times, it comes down to individual taste and level of understanding. Getting the right hand on a project too has a lot before coming down to fund. Some producers still don’t understand the importance of a good sound design on their content. Most times, sound design is seen as an afterthought with little or no importance attached to it. There are some who profoundly appreciate and understand its importance, though. On the issue of fund, I think it is something that cuts across every sector. When fund is not available or is insufficient, people are bound to cut corners. It makes people to go for the cheapest person whether qualified, unqualified or disqualified.

Also, at times some content producers like to maintain the traditional way. I think many still need to be schooled in that aspect.

Every single work you see out there went through a stage of production.

That’s before even coming down to performing. So, I don’t see myself leaving production. Besides, it’s a part and parcel of me.

Coping outside music production and mainstream performance Coping outside music production?

That’s rather an ambiguous question.

But as long as I am into music, it’s just impossible for me to leave production.

Rather, it will make me more participatory. Besides, I am only extending my horizon. All is just one body.

What inspired the song ‘I believe’ The song was borne out of a need to feast on a love song that is more about its trueness rather than sexuality. It is a song that can stand the test of time and one that will leave an imprint on both the young and old.

I want to be myself I want to do good music that is relevant; that which will stand the test of time.

I plan to take my music to every nook and cranny of the world I’ll take it to the young and the old and to the generations unborn. I am hoping to be a guy that has not only done songs,

Adegoke

but has also done great songs that will continually be a reference point that will spur more people on into doing greater songs.

Talking about my influences, the list is endless I would say I have a catholic taste for music, from the medieval era to the classical to the contemporary classical, urban jazz, pop music, reggae, electronic, hiphop, juju music, afro, afro hiphop, fuji music, awurebe, apala, poetry and spo-

ken word. I love songs with strong lyrical content and good instrumentation, be it revolutionary, emotional, historical, religious or what have you. That is why I listen to the likes of Bob Marley, Tracy Chapman, Don Moen, Yanni, Kenny Rogers, Isley Brothers, BB King, R Kelly, Asa, Tupac, Tuface, EdSheeran, Chris Brown, Ayinla Omowura, Ebenezer Obey, Papa Wemba, Ali Fakature. I love local music in its rawness, especially those with ethic signature. The list is endless.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

SHOWBIZFLAIR

MY STORY CELEBRITIES WELCOME THE “SCENT OF AFRICA” TO NIGERIA Africa’s first luxury perfume, Scent of Africa was launched in Lagos, at the upscale NOK byAlara contemporary leisure space. The exclusive event attracted Lagos celebrities, socialites and influencers. The event kicked off with red carpet appearances by Nigeria’s finest celebrities, such as Genevieve Nnaji, Olisa Adibua, Uti Nwachukwu, Gideon Okeke, Deyemi Okanlanwon, Peace Hyde, Ugo Mozie, Oluchi Orlandi, Marcel Desailly, Peace Hyde, Bimbo Akintola and many others.

As the evening unfolded, guests were given the opportunity to sample and experience the perfume.

Brand Manager of Ghandour Cosmetics, Solange Boccovi described the perfume as a blend of sophistication and elegance that pays homage to Africa in celebrating its rich identity. He added: “Scent of Africa’s identity was built around values

of authenticity. The Ghandour brothers roamed Africa to extract the best essences used to build its delicate fragrance notes.”

The Luxury fragrances (for man and woman) were unveiled by celebrity brand ambassadors, Oluchi Orlandi, an International super model, and Marcel Desailly, World Cup Champion and international footballer.

The event further commenced with theatrical performances and musical presentations used to incorporate the diverse representation of different African nations.

The Oyo drummers opened the ceremony while the ballet performance showcased the beauty and strength of Africa. Dj Caise thrilled guests to African inspired deep house, jazz and soulful house tunes as they were treated to exoticAbsolut Eylx cocktails.

Guests at the event gladly feasted their eyes on artworks and African elite pieces

among which were high-end couture tastefully designed by the remarkable Patience Torlowei and each guest went home with bottles of the perfume.

LAGOS TO HOST BIGGEST FASHION SHOW FOR KIDS AND TEENS their visibility on a global fashion stage. It was also conceived to teach the children and members of the society the beauty and value of our cultural heritage. The three-day event is expected to begin with a fashion summit, a media parley and the final day, which is the fashion show proper, when kid models hit the runway.

The Africa Kids and Fashion week 2016 is set to hold in Lagos from December 9th- 11th 2016 at the Classique event centre, Oregun.

The Teen Fashion Week, which is staged to showcase the best of African fashion for kids and teenagers and also gives talented designers a platform to showcase their design, promote their brands and raise

Packaged by SmartCode Africa, the platform is expected to project the African fashion industry for kids and teenagers not only in Africa, but also all over the world.

So, the African Kids and Teens Fashion Week is an event created to showcase an intrinsic part of culture both parent and kids need to be more familiar with.

THIRD FACE OF OKIJA PAGEANT SET TO MAKE HISTORY On the 29th of December 2016, the third “Face of Okija” pageant, which promotes humanitarian service and Igbo culture, will hold in the town of Okija in Anambra State.

The Face of Okija is a beauty pageant with a difference. It is a rich cultural event aimed at rejuvenating Igbo culture which has been badly eroded by all manner of external influences. The Face of Okija supports and promotes Igbo language and culture and lays great emphasis on the qualities of the archetypal African woman which include honesty, decency, modesty, humility and service. This is the true definition of beauty.

This is the beauty celebrated at the Face of

Okija pageant.

This year, the contest, which is open to citizens of Igbo land at large and indigenes of Okija in particular, introduces a long-awaited twist with the introduction of a male category.

The Face of Okija pageant winners will be announced; the Queen and the King will become ambassadors of the ObiJackson foundation for the duration of their reign.

Prior to 2016, publicity for the pageant was limited to Okija and its environs. However, the foundation has taken a big step this year by extending the reach of its recruitment messagebyaddingonlineadvertisingtoreach indigenes all over Nigeria and hopefully in

Diaspora. On the reason for these two big decisions, the founder of the Foundation Dr. ErnestAzudialu Obiejesi said: “In all things, males and females are represented, including creation and especially in service to humanity, so the Face of Okija must reflect this duality.”

This year, the King and Queen will be hired by the foundation and will earn a fixed salary of 1.4million for one year, an official vehicle for the duration of reign, a scholarship grant of N1 million and a chance to impact the lives of the indigenes of Okija, Igboland and Nigeria positively through a mix of social welfare programmes that they will be required to champion.

DJ SHEVY

I Have no Mentors

Dj Shevy is a disc jockey of exemplary distinction. With almost 10 years at his craft, he is just getting started. In this chat with Tosin Clegg, he talks about disc jocking and more

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hat inspires your play?

A lot of things contribute to how I play and, all of that. Although I have no mentors, but I love the way top DJs play.

Tell us about your performances so far?

Well, so far, I have performed at so many parties, events and local shows in and out of Lagos. The people love my music play and that’s what matters to me most.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

We all pray for what’s good and can take us to the next level, but as we all know, Allah knows best.

It’s No Big Deal Being an Actress/Farmer

Wini Lazarus can be described as a bundle of talents. Apart from acting, she is also a producer and a farmer. Wini owns a farm in Edo State. She is an employer and she knows what recession means to most Nigerians. This actress is of the opinion that agriculture is one of the ways out of the current problems of Nigeria, hence, she is introducing what she describes as Back to the Land Project

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ow will you describe yourself?

I am an actress, a producer and a farmer

What aspect of farming did you specialize in?

Poultry and piggery. My farm is in Edo State.

Why did you go into acting?

I went into acting for the passion. As a child, each time l talk, I make people laugh. Likewise farming. I set up a farm when I was very young.

Then, it was fun, planting and harvesting crops.

I also love Entertainment; that is why I’m into it.

Whatever will put smiles on the faces of people and make families happy, also makes me happy

How long have you been in the movie industry?

Seven years now.

How will you describe the journey so far?

The first three years were very difficult. I kept going for audition without any possibility of getting a role, but I did not give up. I kept on trying,

believing in God all the way, that with God, all things are possible. I however came into limelight in the movie ‘Fight for Passion’ By Magnetic.

Right now, I’ve acted in over 20 movies; taking lead and sub-lead roles. I became a producer, a year ago. The first movie I produced is Black Cat Angels, and the second is Ziggi Ziggi.

What is your description of the industry?

It’s a nice place, where you meet different people; brilliant and intelligent people, some with great potentials, a place with great and bright future. Above all, it’s a place where things happen, lots of entertainment and fun. We have also made tremendous progress in both the quality of films we produce as can be seen in most of our movies and gaining acceptance. Before now, you can find people who don’t watch Nollywood movies. Right now, people take keen interest anywhere Nigerian movies are shown, Either on African magic or on the internet or where ever. In those days, people don’t acknowledge us when they see us. When you tell people you are an actress, they see us as never-do-well.

Some will even tell us they don’t watch Nigerian films. Right now, the story is different.

How do you combine both careers?

I have people working for me. When I’m not on location, I’m on the farm. Combining both careers for me is very easy. Farming does not prevent anyone from being who they want to be.

It is an added advantage to a career. I encourage more people to go into farming.

Tell us a bit about your background?

I come from Cross River State; from a family of seven and I’m the second child. I lost my father few months ago. I grew up without my folks.

Growing up was hectic, very tough, because I was brought up by my guardian. Those who grew up without their parents will understand what I mean by being tough. Not much love.

It was a life characterized by hardship and struggles. Then, I thought it was a life of hell.

Looking back right now, I’m very grateful to God because those periods had made me who I am today. The challenges have made me a strong

woman. Due to these I’m working very hard to ensure that children facing similar challenges will have a life of their own, all these are some of the birthday packages I’m offering as I add another year in a few days ago.

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PERSPECTIVE

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

Nasir El Rufai and the Bloodfest In Southern Kaduna Femi Fani-Kayode “We will write this for all to read. Anyone, soldier or not, that kills the Fulani takes a loan repayable one day no matter how long it takes” - Mallam Nasir El Rufai, 2012.

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will never forget these words. How I wish that my friend and brother, Governor Nasir El Rufai, expressed the same level of angst, cold rage, chilling resolve and passion for vengeance after the murder of millions of defenceless and innocent non-Fulanis, including women and children, in his own Kaduna State and indeed all over the country since the coming to power of the Buhari regime over 18 months ago.

Given the circumstances, I am constrained to write the following for all to see: the spilling of innocent blood in the name of vengeance, religion, ethnicity or anything else is expensive and it comes with a heavy price.

The Lord will see to it that those who willfully shed it will face the consequences of their actions. They will pay a heavy price from generation to generation both in this world and in the world to come.

Given all the horror stories of murder and butchery that we hear about in Kaduna State today, things have certainly got out of hand and every Nigerian, whether Christian or Muslim, ought to be deeply concerned.

Such is the carnage and wasting of innocent lives that I cannot but support the columnist Sam Omatseye’s call on Christians in southern Kaduna to rise up and use all lawful means to defend themselves from what can, to all intents and purposes, only be described as genocide.

I also support the appeal to the Christian Association of Nigeria to use all lawful means to assist and support them and I commend the gallantry and resilience of the Southern Kaduna’s People Union (SOKAPU) who have consistently spoken out and resisted the evil that the good people of southern Kaduna have been subjected to over the years.

For as Thomas Jefferson, one of the great founding fathers of the United States of America once said, “when injustice becomes law, resistance becomes duty”.

Self-defence, like self-determination, is a fundamental and inalienable human right and those that take pleasure in mass murder and carnage must be resisted and stopped.

Those that kill, maim and destroy their fellow human beings and compatriots in the name of ethnic and religious hegemony and under the guise of cattle-rearing and herding cows must be brought to justice.

When the International Global Index identified a group that they described as the “Fulani militants” and “herdsmen of Nigeria” as the “fourth most deadly terrorist organisation in the world” the international community was shocked and many world leaders expressed their concern and outrage.

It was only in Nigeria that we took it in our stride and that people found it difficult to comprehend the implications or appreciate the dangers and complexity of the challenge that we were faced with.

It was also only in Nigeria that the government brushed the matter under the carpet and refused to disarm the murderous terrorists or even condemn their actions.

It was only in Nigeria that everyone hid under their beds and ran for cover and refused to say it as it is even though they all knew the truth.

It was only in Nigeria that the blood and the lives of the numerous victims of the Janjaweed-style marauders and murderers were regarded as being less precious and less sacred than the blood of their tormentors and killers.

The fact of the matter is that this is a major issue and a collective challenge. This fight is beyond politics: it is an ancient struggle which is being fought in pursuance

El Rufai

of an ancient cause.

Worst still, it has an international and global dimension. Simply put, it is essentially about the suppression and systematic destruction and humiliation of the so-called “lesser peoples” and supposedly “inferior ethnic nationalities” of the hybrid meganation called Nigeria.

It is about the enslavement, the breaking of the will, the total subjugation and the complete annihilation of an entire people and various ethnic nationalities within that mega-nation.

It is about the forced acquisition of the land, culture, destiny and souls of others, ethnic and religious domination and good old-fashioned conquest.

That is the monumental challenge that we are faced with in Nigeria today by those that covertly commissioned and armed the herdsmen and that are using them to do a dirty job.

Yet, few wish to admit, let alone discuss, hear or publish such bitter truths in our country. And those of us that are willing to do so are insulted, attacked, maligned,

The Lord will see to it that those who willfully shed it will face the consequences of their actions.They will pay a heavy price from generation to generation both in this world and in the world to come.

Given all the horror stories of murder and butchery that we hear about in Kaduna State today, things have certainly got out of hand and every Nigerian, whether Christian or Muslim, ought to be deeply concerned

persecuted, threatened, ostracised and labelled as rebels and dissidents simply because we have cultivated the strength and courage to identify the problem, speak the truth and stand up for the weak and the oppressed.

The tyrant forgets that truth and timely counsel is worth its weight in gold. He forgets that it is better to have an honest and vocal opposition than to have a false friend.

He forgets that he either controls those in his inner circle and his numerous courtiers, security chiefs, Ministers and advisors or they will end up controlling him and pushing him to fatal error.

We his subjects try our best to keep quiet and ignore the commission of atrocities that we see in our nation every day by his security forces and his blood-thirsty and blood-curdling kinsmen that have constituted themselves into a well-armed reserve army and a formidable and murderous ethnic militia.

Yet, unabated, the horror show simply goes on and on. The nightmare continues to unfold and the black flag of death, destruction and carnage is hoisted higher every day.

No-one is spared in this bloodfest of terror and butchery. Today it is the defiant Biafrans and the good people of the south-east that are being shot, slaughtered, tormented and “cut to pieces” and tomorrow it is the good people of Agatu and the Middle Belt or the residents and farmers of the south-west and the Niger Delta.

And in all this our response is nothing but fear, trepidation and weakness. Our collective resolve to stand against evil has long been broken. We continue to bite the bullet, take the pain, reign in our rage, maintain our stoic and cowardly silence and encourage those that seek to avenge their loved ones and kinsmen to do nothing, to remain calm and to leave it all to God. Yet, there are some things that are beyond the pale and that cannot be ignored. When those that are charged with the responsibility of protecting us and bringing those that kill our kith and kin to justice are complicit in the barbarous actions of the terrorists, we cannot remain silent. And if we do, God Himself will judge us.

When a sitting Governor like El Rufai can boldly and openly say “tell them (meaning the terrorising Fulani militants and herdsmen) that the governor is a Fulani like them and give them this money” you are encouraging murder and empowering murderers.

When you talk like that, you are provoking the sensitivities and rage of every non-Fulani in your state and in the entire nation.

When you say such a thing, you are rubbing raw salt in a fresh wound and you are plunging a sharp and long butchers knife deep into the hearts of the loved ones of all those that were murdered and mutilated in your state and elsewhere by those barbaric killers that you have described as your kinsmen and friends.

When you speak so callously and with such insensitivity, you are murdering and butchering the murdered and butchered victims all over again, rubbishing their memory, insulting their families and pissing on their graves.

When you say that you have paid your Fulani brothers and kinsmen from Chad, the Niger Republic, Mali, Senegal, the Camerouns and God knows where else, money to stop them from coming to our country and your state to kill our Christian brothers and sisters in southern Kaduna instead of bringing them to justice for shedding innocent blood, it means that you are a murderer as well.

When you talk like that, it means that you are what is known as an “enabler” or as an “accessory after the fact” in law and you are nothing but an accomplice to and

friend, sponsor and sympathiser of mass murderers.

It means that you are not just a murderer but you are also a genocidal maniac. Worse of all, you know very well that the money that you have publicly admitted to giving them will be used to buy more deadly weapons and ammunition which will then be used to slaughter, maim, kidnap and terrorise even more innocent and defenceless people from your constituency and elsewhere in Nigeria.

If it is not Shiite Muslims that are being killed in Kaduna today, it is our brothers and sisters in southern Kaduna. Not only are they massacred but they are also buried in unmarked mass and shallow graves where pigs feed off their carcasses and decaying flesh.

How wicked and heartless can we be to one another? Where is the milk of human kindness? Where is compassion and mercy?

Where is justice, succour and protection for the poor, the deprived, the unconnected and the needy?

For God sake, the killing must stop. I implore you in the name of God to use your powerful office to defend the oppressed and to protect the voiceless in your state and not to encourage or support the predators who feed on human flesh and who take pleasure in the destruction, suffering and misery of others.

Those that bathe in the blood of the innocents and that delight in indulging in cruelty and crushing the bones of the weak may have today but tomorrow belongs to us.

As the leader of the American-based Nation of Islam movement, the respected Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan, once said: “God is on the side of the weak, the oppressed. God is never in favor of the tyrant! And fighting against tyranny really is obedience to God. So God will have His way, no matter what the jury or government does. But if they are wicked enough to deny these families justice, then God will answer- and I fear the terrible nature of His chastisement. Be warned”.

For those that are in power today in Kaduna and Nigeria a word is enough for the wise. Permit me to conclude the first part of this write up with the words of Senator La’ah who represents the people of Southern Kaduna in the Senate.

The Senator asserted that El-Rufai has been able to identify the killers and their locations.

He added: “This will lead to their sponsors in Nigeria and other places. Nigeria should then use its diplomatic relationship and extradite these murderers of its citizens, plunders and arsonists to face justice in Nigeria.

“After El-Rufai’s term in office, it should be possible to prosecute him for being an accessory to mass murder, since he has refused to reveal these findings to the rightful authority for actions to stop the evil that is spreading to many states today.

“This is from the outcome of Newspapers’ and online captions quoting governor El -Rufai as saying that he has had to trace some of the murderous Fulani herdsmen that have been killing defenceless innocent Southern Kaduna natives and destroying their villages, the news sources said that after tracing them, he told them that he was also a Fulani man and paid them sums of money to stop the massacre, burning and tearing down of scores of communities in Southern Kaduna.

“That not done with, the governor also uttered a very bizarre threat that he has compiled for arrest and prosecution, names of persons asking the people of Southern Kaduna to defend themselves against the obvious inability of the Chief Security Officer of the state –El-Rufai – to secure their lives and property and save them the trauma of being under perpetual fear of further unprovoked violence.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

POLITY

In Abia, Ikpeazu Keeps Promise with LG Elections Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has is about to fulfill one of his major campaign promises: conducting local government elections, writes Wale Suleiman

B

ut for the manipulation of the local government system by state governments in Nigeria, governance would not have been a challenge at the grassroots.

This glaring encroachment into the functions of the Local Government Areas, LGAs, as enshrined in the 1999 constitution, has in no small ways, undermined the capacity of that arm of government to perform at an optimum level.

Apart from the tampering of funds of the LGAs through the joint account system, state governments seem to have the condemnable penchant for not conducting elections in the LGAs as required by the law.

Through this negation of the democratic aspect of local administration, LGAs have across the country, become tools in the hands of state governors, who often times, preferred the LGAs to be manned by sole administrators or executive secretaries.

To ensure that Abia State is not viewed in that light, the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has concluded plans to conduct election into the 17 LGAs in the state.

Indeed, the news came a cheering one for Abians, who had long desired such especially on the strength of the failure to conduct the exercise in the last eight years.

Bearing in mind what had eluded the local populace as a result of the failure to have democratically elected leaders at the local level, the decision remains a popular one irrespective of a few knocks by the opposition, which I think was natural.

In this regard, the myopic opposition in Abia should be ashamed that it found nothing good in the governor’s desire to return governance to the grassroots which are its natural abode.

Ikpeazu What manner of opposition would deny the people their right to elect those to govern them?

Maybe I should remind the opposition about where the state is coming from regarding the poll perhaps that would address their jaundiced sense of reasoning.

Since 1999, local government poll had only taken place twice, as the first one was conducted by the administration of ex-governor Orji Kalu while the Ikpeazu’s predecessor, Theodore Orji conducted the last exercise in 2008.

At the expiration of the tenure of those, who emerged in that contest, sole administrators were appointed six years ago to superintend the LGAs.

As far as I am concerned, the decision to conduct the exercise shows the governor as courageous and principled given the historical context of LGA election in Abia since 1999.

What was expected of the opposition was to have suggested measures that would ensure a credible exercise instead of engage in non-constructive criticism which would only show the opposition as misguided.

The Ikpeazu, that we all know, would never embark on anything that would not add value to the life of Abians. Hence the decision to conduct the election, which was a product of a careful study of the pulse of the people he is serving.

Notwithstanding, it is surprising that an initiative that would complement the current efforts at sustaining good governance in the state is being ridiculed by a few for selfish reasons. While it is their right to express themselves as guaranteed by the 1999 constitution, the people of Abia State would not be deceived by their antics, which only seek to put Abia in a bad light.

From Aba to Ibeku, Abriba to Isiukwuato, the mood of the people is ecstatic as the excitingly prepare for the exercise, which would stimulate governance at the local level.

As a believer in democratic processes and acceptable democratic norms, the presents administration in the state needs men, who are chosen by the people to localise the laudable policies of the governor at the grassroots.

That, common sense suggests, can not be properly be done by appointed council leaders, whose mandate hardly come from the people.

Governance globally is about the people given that the inalienable right of leaders to govern was derived from the people. So, any government that fails to prioritize issues

that affect the people, is obliviously toying with its legitimacy and longevity.

The Ikpeazu, who is making Abia a reference point in terms of staying committed to the cardinal principles of governance, is just a spectator in this race since there are institutions that are saddled with the responsibility of conducting the exercise. I am sure, his interest is simple: Democracy must be deepened at the grassroots!

This, he had earlier stated when justifying his decision to conduct the exercise.

Speaking in that light through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Apollos earlier, he said: “Deepening democracy at the local government level is very important in ensuring accelerated even development across the state as well as spread democratic participation and dividends. Also, as the dominant and ruling party in Abia, the interest of aspirants to vie on the PDP platform is not strange. This was exactly what informed the decision of the governor to approve the conduct of local government elections as well as maintain absolute neutrality in the contests to select PDP candidates.

“The governor did not endorse any aspirant, as there was no reason for such.

Therefore, any claim to such endorsement is false. The Governor will only endorse properly nominated party candidates presented by the PDP. He is bent on providing a level-playing ground for all participants in the elections. “The governor wishes to assure all Abians that he will do everything in his power to ensure the conduct of a free and fair local government poll on the 17th of December 2016.”

Therefore, as the date for the exercise draws near, the people of Abia are excited about the prospects of choosing the leaders, who would man their affairs at grassroots.

–Suleiman wrote in from Lagos

TRIBUTE

Tribute to Lady Ngozi Ozumba Lady Chizoba Nwana

L

ady Ngozi Philomena Ozumba was an inspiring soul who was always there for all who came to her with their troubles. She was a Loving, Humble, Compassionate, Understanding and Family orientated woman and one of the most beautiful souls one could ever meet.

She was born as the third child out of twelve Children into the family of Mr. and Mrs. Alex and Cecilia Ayekeson of Ifite Village in Enugwu Agidi in the year 1947 at Abakiliki of present Ebonyi state in the Eastern part of Nigeria.

She began her primary education at St Patrick’s Primary School Abakiliki and greatly excelled in her academics especially mathematics, passing her standard six with distinction. She was always very analytical and detailed, taking time to analyze every situation and proffer solutions to problems as they arose. Her dedication and commitment to Academic excellence was evidenced by the fact that her position in class never fell below third through her years in Patrick’s primary school. Her exceptional brilliance also rubbed off on all her children as they are all graduates of various professional disciplines at both first and second degree level. However circumstances beyond her control prevented her from furthering her education. It is very clear that she would have excelled had she done so.

She got married early to Sir Simon Ozumba of uruekwo village of Enugwu-Ukwu in the year 1966.The marriage was blissful and blessed with 6 children. Her commitment and contribution to the educational pursuits of all her children is evident in the fact that all of them- Mrs Uju Dan Okekearu, Mrs Ebele Okpala, Mr Simon Odili Ozumba (Jnr),

Ozumba Dr. Obioma Ozumba, Mr. Emeka Ozumba and Mr. Iyke Ozumba have excelled in their various disciplines which include medicine, accountancy, engineering, graphic design, languages etc. She was a pillar of support to her husband – Sir Simon Ozumba, and with her husband extended unreserved love, accommodating and empathetic nature to all and sundry. They both shared a fifty year period of blissful marriage together and

were scheduled to mark their Golden jubilee celebration on the 30th of December 2016.

She was very active in all the Organisations and clubs she participated in. In the church, she was a member of Mothers union, Lady of the Knight of St Christopher, a Treasurer of Di-bu-Ugwu women’s Social Club of Nigeria, Chairperson of women wing Umu-bulanaocha Kindred of EnugwuUkwu, Current Vice President of Uruekwo development association, Women’s wing, and Executive Member of St Andrews General Meeting, Women’s wing.

Lady Ngozi was the vice president of St Andrews Church Home & abroad. Her husband’s contributions to the church along with her unwavering support, led to their being knighted by the Bishop of Awka Diocese Anglican Communion. She is committed to prayer and always had prayer points for all her children and loved ones.

She will always be remembered as a woman of Honesty and Compassion, who always stood for the truth at all times. Her strong family values and spirit of togetherness influenced all her pursuits. Her gentle spirit, unassuming nature, cheerfulness and most importantly spirit of togetherness and forgiveness will be missed by all she left behind. She was a very special woman, and lives in Christ.

Ngozi was many things to different people but I believe everyone who knew her well, would agree that she was a very reliable, honest, benevolent friend, sister and mother to all she loved and I feel very fortunate to have been a close friend whom she loved. Adaeze the mathematician yes you were not opportune to further your education but you write and calculate better then masters holders. Ngozi, my own nneoma, shared with me that her chief goal in life was to make heaven. With the way

she lived her life and how she treated people, I have no doubt that she achieved this goal because she is already in heaven with God I am also sure Ngozi, my dear friend, lived a fulfilled life. Why you may ask? For someone that held no grudges against her neighbor; nor bitterness against another; nor hate in her heart; nor anger towards life; nor resentment about her shortcomings, she lived her life without any extra bad baggage weighing her down, a woman who appreciates every little deed. For this reason she was able to just live life for the things that mattered: herself, her husband, her family (nuclear and extended), her children, her hobbies, her passions, her community, and most importantly, her Almighty God. We were supposed to do more after my retirement, but since God called her home earlier than I anticipated, I am still extra joyful for all that we did- I have the memories and pictures to keep me company whenever I would miss my sister, Ngozi.

My final public words to Ngozi are THANK YOU! Thankyou for being a mother, a sister, a friend, a confidant, a destiny helper, an advisor, a companion, a motivator, a Christian advocator, a believer, my God sister, a community developer, a woman leader, an inspirer, a rights activists, a daughter. Thank you for also being someone who was reliable, dependable, trustworthy, fun, exciting, interesting, truthful, honest, loving , lovable, true. I will miss you!

As her remains are committed to mother earth on Thursday Dec. 15, 2016, her family, relations, friends and well wishers pray almighty God to grant her peaceful and enterprising soul eternal rest.

–Lady Chizoba Chiebonam Nwana (Ochiliozuo) is a Director of Mosaf Nigeria Ltd

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T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • DECEMBER 10, 2016

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

INTERVIEW

To Survive, Newspapers Must Be Innovative, Says Ajibola

After 26 years in newspaper publishing business, Isiaq Ajibola, Co-Founder of Media Trust Limited, publishers of Daily Trust newspaper, documents his experience in his forthcoming book, My Newspaper Odyssey. In this interview with Onyebuchi Ezigbo, he speaks on his experiences in the media industry and sundry related issues You have been in journalism and publishing of Newspaper although you read Economics? es, I read Economics at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in Kaduna State. I graduated in 1988 and also have an MBA from the same university. I have in addition done other courses and I have worked in the media all my life, starting from 1990 in Lagos with the Just Politics magazine and the Citizen magazine based in Kaduna. From there I moved on to work at the Sentinel magazine which was set up by the late Shehu Musa Yar’Adua. I worked there till the time I co-founded the Media Trust Publishing Company, publishers of Daily Trust in 1996.

First at Media Trust, I worked as the pioneer General Manager! I later became the Director of Operations and the Managing Director of the company for eight years. So, I have been in the media for about 26 years now.

they are not subject to change, of course they are, but that was the system. Essentially, the difference between a newspaper that is making it and the newspaper that isn’t are two; the people and the system.

Y

What motivated you to venture into media ownership business and co-founding Media Trust?

I was not sure I had the capacity to run the media business alone. I knew my limits in terms of capacity, because it was not just about having the idea but also you needed people with experience and good will and you needed capital. I think a combination of all these were the reasons why we had to join forces. I think it would have been fool- hardy Ajibola for one to just set up a media company at that time alone. One of my senior partners, together with who we eventually started the business, Kabiru Yusuf, and who is the current chairman of Media Trust Limited, had tremendous goodwill and I suggested to him that we should form a media company together, to be based in Kaduna. Looking at what was in existence then, the Lagos axis dominated the media business. So Kaduna was a very perfect choice. Yusuf is a gentleman who had a lot of goodwill and experience in the media and he is an experienced journalist also.

But where did your funding come from at the on-set?

We did not start with a lot of money.

It wasn’t money, but ideas that drove the concept. These ideas propelled and sustained the media company for about two years, up till the time when we wanted to start the newspaper publication and we invited some more people to join us and they invested in it.

So it wasn’t just two of you?

Yes, but we later had more people that invested in the company. We brought in more people with whom we owned the company.

Did you have experience as a journalist before eventually venturing into the business or you just went straight into the business?

You see, I have always loved newspaper business; you would see in the book that I am launching next week, you will see it there that I have always loved newspapers. I had a chance of working in the bank when I graduated in 1988 but I never liked it because I wanted freedom and I wanted the newspaper.

So all my life I have never worked outside publishing and media and of course I saw the business opportunity in it. One thing you would see in my book is setting up a newspaper purely as a means of welding power; political power. Politicians set up newspapers to have political power, government set up media to influence the people, but you see the only way any newspaper can survive is if it is set up for the people; for the people to have input in political and economic discussions in the country. So it is a platform where people can share ideas. So if you set up your newspaper for that reason it will eventually become a business venture because you are carrying everybody along, everybody is talking, it isn’t owned by one big politician or the government that is holding it and giving you money. So once you do you that you are in business. I think one of the experiences I have gained in

You see, I have always loved newspaper business; you would see in the book that I am launching next week, you will see it there that I have always loved newspapers. I had a chance of working in the bank when I graduated in 1988 but I never liked it because I wanted freedom and I wanted the newspaper.

So all my life I have never worked outside publishing and media and of course I saw the business opportunity in it

all the newspapers I have worked is that the reason you set up the newspaper matters a lot and if you look at the evolution of newspaper in Nigeria in those days, the pre-independent newspapers were dominated by the government and they monopolized the business. Daily Times was printing about 500, 000 copies in Lagos, New Nigeria was printing about the same 500, 000 copies in Kaduna, and they were a monopoly. The main reason they were set up was clear, although they were independent in terms of editorial policies but then they were government controlled somehow. In those days, independent newspapers struggled to survive because a lot of things inhabited their growth: the level of the political economy and the general economic and business opportunities inhibited their growth. But our own was different because we came at a time there was democracy and there was economic boom and the experience was different. But

Daily Trust came to fill the gap in media presence in the North. Do you think that really helped Daily Trust?

There was a business of opportunity and Daily Trust took advantage of it. I am not saying Daily Trust was set up purely for business but also it is one of the reasons why it was set up. We found a need and we fulfilled it. There is something we call the anaphase principle in management. There were so many newspapers in the South and none in the North, and people came together and said let us set up one. I think it was a smart move but like I said it was also a time when the country really needed more newspaper. But many people didn’t take up the opportunity. This was during Gen Sani Abacha’s military regime, many people didn’t want to have anything to do with him, and there was a serious clamor for democracy.

Certainly it was a time people needed to talk whether you were from the North or the South. People needed platforms where they could talk and express their views and clamor for democracy. It coincided with that time so it was a big opportunity for the paper to be accepted by majority of the people, not just people of the North but also people of the South. the book tries to look at the evolution of newspapers from around that time, linking it to other businesses and looks at the workings of the newspapers themselves; the relationship among the departments; editorial, business and all sorts of things.

What should be the ideal way of sharing power and the running these different units in the organization. So the book looks at the newspaper business from the industry point of view and relating my experience in all these newspapers that I have worked.

I know from experience that the book would have also talked about what happened to newspaper business over the years which you are part of. What do you think made the difference between Daily Trust and some other newspapers that haven’t been able to catch up with the tides of the business?

I think it is the people and the system that make the different. The circumstances of any two newspapers, in terms of the orientation of the managers and the management style determine whether the paper would succeed or not. The people you have engaged, are they quality people? Will they compromise?

Do they have integrity? Are they people that will compromise your editorial standards and start collecting bribes? I am talking about the journalistic point of view now and of course on the operations side also, you must develop a culture whereby there minimal waste and control of cost. Also, you engage people that can deliver results at all time. The people and system you have set up matters. Right now, Daily Trust is an auto pilot system because you can’t do anything without having a basis for doing it; everything has a rule and policy, there is nothing anybody can do without having a basis for doing it. As a Managing Director I couldn’t collect N10,000 from the account department without a need for it. When we were building this system it was difficult, some of them we did unconsciously, it took almost 10 years before we could actually articulate them to becoming our system.

So, now we have policy on business, we have policy on marketing, we have policy on advertising, we have policy on editorial, manner of account, manner of audit and all that. It took us a long time, we didn’t start with all those things, it took us some time before we got it right and articulated them into a document. Of course I am not saying

Did you benefit from patronages from State governments and politicians?

Of course everyone was our customer; government, individuals essentially from the North and also from the South.

But did such patronages influence the paper’s editorial policy?

No it didn’t! That is another thing about Daily Trust. The editorial policy is such that nobody can influence the decision of the paper, it was impossible. Right from day one, there were times when politicians wanted to influence stories and we didn’t allow that to happen. We had a stiff policy against political influence or any influence whatsoever from any quarter. Editorial independence is one of the cover notes of the company and of course that is one of the reasons that made the newspaper to succeed.

Welfare of journalists in the media industry has been a very touchy issue and one which most media organisations have been found wanting. How has Daily Trust been able to deal with this?

I have talked about that before I don’t want to dwell so much on that. I think we should focus more on my book. I have talked about the situation in the past. I know in the past the newspaper I worked we never had problems with things like this. I wouldn’t know the circumstances of other newspapers because the circumstances might be different and I won’t know why they are not paying but in the case of Daily Trust where I worked we never had problems of paying salaries, we paid on the 25th of the month but the circumstances of others maybe different like I said.

Why did you decide to retire from the company at this stage?

It has been our policy from the beginning that we; the founders at some point are going to have to leave the stage for new set of managers. We did that for 20 years and we thought that those that found the paper should leave the paper today. Just like I am sure you know the story of GT bank. Fola Adeola was the Managing Director and he left at some point probably his age was younger than mine. There is what we call succession planning. For serious organisations, who take succession planning seriously, I think it happens.

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SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016 T H I S D AY

T H I S D AY SATURDAY DECEMBER 10, 2016

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52

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • DECEMBER 10, 2016

POLITY

Niger, Nassarawa Unite to Stop Multi-billion NairaTax Leakage Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

Karu,Masaka, Mararaba,Ado, New Nyanya in Nasarrawa State which are havens of n a bid to shore up their IGR profiles, lower cost housing. However despite the fact The governors of Niger and Nassarawa that the Personal Income Tax – Residency States - Abubakar Sani Bello and Umaru Rule clearly stipulates that taxes are due to Tanko Al-Makura - are set to join forces the state in which a worker resides rather to block loss of tax revenues due to than where they work,, taxes are deducted at their two states. The states claim to have source and automatically paid to FCT. evidence that they lose billions of naira This practice is said to be depriving the annually due to taxes deducted form their border areas of the two states of much residents being paid in error to Federal needed development in the forms of roads, Capital Territory. (FCT). schools and facilities. The clamour of people The two states share borders with the FCT in the affected areas for development is and thousands of Abuja workers actually said to have motivated the two governors’ reside within the two states in areas like decision to embark on a mass sensitisation Suleja, Tafa and Madalla ( Niger State) programme of employers in Abuja as well as

I

residents in the two states.

Speaking on the matter a source said that the governors agreed to work together to save costs and make the process more straightforward for their respective residents.

The project called Abuja Borders Enumeration 2017 is understood to be commencing on Tuesday . It is further understood that a joint press conference is also being planned by the governors as well as radio and television sensitisation.

It is estimated that over 400,000 Abuja workers live within the two states, commuting daily to the FCT. Many work for the Federal Government Ministries, Departments

and Agencies whilst others are employed in the private sector as well as embassies.

The borders with the two states are as close as 15 minutes drive from the Central Area of Abuja which means that many residents are unaware that they live outside the FCT and thus unaware that their taxes are being wrongly remitted.

Residency Rule disputes have become a feature of tax collection between states that share borders. Ogun State in 2011 launched a well publicised Residency Rule campaign to which was said to have resulted in the registration of over 200,000 new tax payers whose taxes had previously been erroneously remitted to Lagos State.

Concentrate on Developing Taraba, Lawyers Tell Ishaku Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

A

group of Lawyers in Taraba State have charged Taraba state governor, Darius Ishaku to concentrate his energy and resources accruing to the state in developing it rather than meddling in chieftaincy and issues and frivolities.

The lawyers, under the auspices of Minute Lawyers Association expressed dissatisfaction with what they referred to as the way and manner the governor has been “dabbling into traditional issues that has no direct correlation with governance instead of dissipating energy on making lives more bearable and meaningful for the teeming masses of the state.”

Addressing a press conference in Jalingo yesterday, President of the Association, Barr Aiden A Anthony Esq. accused governor Ishaku of directing the Pkanti Zing who is the Mumuye monarch, Alhaji Suleiman Ibrahim not to turban Mr Godwin Nyame as Tafida of Zing based on his intention to contest for the governorship of the state in 2019.

Nyame, younger brother of former governor of the state, Rev Jolly Nyame

who has declared his intention to contest the gubernatorial election in 2019 on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed optimism that he would unseat Ishaku.

Anthony berated Ishaku for allegedly putting pressure on the monarch to exclude Nyame from being turbaned along with others on the eve of the coronation ceremony, saying the Kpanti Zing conferred the chieftaincy title on him on merit based his contributions to the development of Mumuye land adding that Nyame does not need the traditional title to be elected governor.

Condemning Ishaku for arbitrarily slashing the salaries of workers in the state particularly Legal Officers and Magistrates whose salaries are enshrined in Magistrates and Law Officers Harmonization Law of 2007 by 50%, Anthony stated: “It is disheartening and worrisome that a sitting governor who had sworn on oath to uphold and preserve the law of the land will act with such impunity and treat our laws with disdain.”

Stressing that the governor has allowed the people of the state to languish in penury and abject poverty, the Association tasked

PHOTO NEWS

the governor to borrow a leaf from his Adamawa State counterpart who is paying salaries and at the same time carrying out massive infrastructural development projects that are visible in every nooks and crannies of Adamawa State.

“Despite the huge resources accruing to Taraba State from the federation account and

internally generated revenue, Ishaku has failed to utilize same in improving the lives and conditions of the citizens of the state.”

Meanwhile, Ishaku has debunked allegations of dabbling into chieftaincy and traditional matters at the expense of providing purposeful leadership for the people of the state.

L-R: Group Managing Director, CFAO Nigeria Plc., Mr. Steve Faderin; his wife, Helen; Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the newly-weds, Mr. and Mrs. Omotosho, during their wedding ceremony...recently

L-R: Deputy Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Usman Mamman Durkwa; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), Dr. Mariam Masha, presenting an award to a student of Fufore IDPs Camp, Adamawa State, Grace Markus, during the presentation of the Federal Government 2016 Protecting Education Advocacy Challenge (PEACH), for school-aged children residing in IDP camps and host communities across the three states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, at the Multi-purpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri…recently

L-R; Guest Speaker, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo; President, Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Deacon Titus Soetan; and the Institute Vice President, Isma’ila Muhammadu, at the 45th Association of Accountant Technicians West Africa induction ceremony in Lagos...recently

L-R: Country Director, Development Africa, Joshua Kempeneer; representative of wife of Governor of Lagos, Mrs. Jumoke Bank-Olemoh and Chief Operating Officer, KPMG Professional Services Limited, Mr. Victor Onyekpa, at the 16 edition of the annual Development Africa Christmas party for special children drawn from orphanages and care homes in Lagos...recently

L-R: CEO, Peace Consult Limited, Mr. Ufot Ufot; presenting the best onlne payment processing company of the award to Social Media Executive, SystemSpecs, Adewale Adetana; and Brand/Events Exceutive, Systemspecs Damilola Ogundipe, during the 2nd edition of Nigeria technology award ceremony in Lagos...recently PHOTO: ETOP UKUTT

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

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NEWS

In Brief

Ekiti CJ Frees 31 Inmates

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola, has ordered the releaseof31inmatesawaitingtrialfromtheFederalPrisoninAdoEkiti.Justice Daramola gave the order yesterday after reviewing the cases of the 295 awaitingtrialinmatesindetentionduringhisvisittotheprison.22oftheinmates werereleased unconditionallywhiletheremainingnine inmateswerefreed based on the advice of the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) that they had no case to answer. One other inmate was however granted bail by theChiefJudge,whocommendedtheauthoritiesoftheAdoEkitiPrisonfor the clean environment and the neat appearance of inmates in the prison, however frowned at the “undue overcrowding” of the prison. “It is clear that thosewhodesignedthisprisondidnottakeintoconsiderationthefactthat someconvictedprisonerswouldservetheirjailtermshere.Orhowdoesone explainthefactthatthemakeshiftConvictedPersonsSectionintheprison ismadeupofasmallbuildingwithonlythreeroomswhichcurrentlyhouses over 130 convicts”, Daramola stated. While stressing that prisons should be correctional facilities where inmates were properly rehabilitated and reformed, he therefore advised the State Comptroller of Prisons, to look atthepossibilityoftransferringsomeoftheconvictedinmatestoservetheir termsinprisonswithlargerfacilitiesinneighboringstates.TheChiefJudge also lauded stakeholders in the judicial sector for their contributions to the dispensation of Justice in the State.

EXECUTIVE DANCE...

L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige and former national chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh at the burial of late Ozioko Paul Abba, father of the former Enugu State PDP chairman, Engr. Vitta Abba, at Ede Oballa, Enugu State yesterday. With them is the former presidential adviser, Prof. Osita Ogbu

Northeast: 1m Out of 1.8m Children are Displaced, Says UNICEF KuniTyessi, in Abuja In north eastern Nigeria, nearly 1.8 million people are displaced and almost one million of them are children.

Also, an estimated 535 million children, nearly one in four, live in countries affected by conflict or disaster, often without access to medical care, quality education, proper nutrition and protection.

This statistic was released yesterday by UNICEF, as it marked 70 years of relentless work in the world’s toughest places to bring life-saving aid, long-term support, and hope to children whose lives

and futures are threatened by conflict, crises, poverty, inequality and discrimination.

UNICEF Executive Director, Anthony Lake said “the impact of conflict, natural disasters and climate change is forcing children to flee their homes, trapping them behind conflict lines, and putting them at risk of disease, violence and exploitation.

"Nearly 50 million children have been uprooted – more than half of them driven from their homes by conflicts. As violence continues to escalate across Syria, the number of children living under siege has

doubled in less than one year.

Nearly 500,000 children now live in 16 besieged areas across the country, almost completely cut off from sustained humanitarian aid and basic services.

"In north-eastern Nigeria, nearly 1.8 million people are displaced, almost 1 million of them are children. In Afghanistan, nearly half of primary-aged children are out of school. In Yemen, nearly 10 million children are affected by the conflict. In South Sudan, 59 per cent of primary-aged children are out of school and one in three schools is closed in conflict affected areas. More

than two months after Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti, more than 90,000 children under five remain in need of assistance."

Lake said despite significant progress, too many children are being left behind because of their gender, race, religion, ethnic group or disability; because they live in poverty or in hard-to-reach communities; or simply because they are children.

“Whether children live in a country in conflict or a country in peace, their development is critical not only to their individual futures but also to the future of their societies,” said Lake.

Kill Our Soldiers, Face Our Wrath, Army Threaten Niger Delta Communities Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa Special security outfit in the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe, OPDS, yesterday warned militants and communities in the Niger Delta, against attacking soldiers, vowing to use all means to hunt down those in the practice of killing soldiers on patrol in the region.

The OPDS leadership also noted that it would not spare anyone that harbour suspected criminals under the radar of the military.

New Commander of the outfit, Rear Admiral Apochi Suleiman, gave the warning at a news conference at the Joint Task Force headquarters in Igbogene, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

A former Flag Officer Command-

ing, Central Naval Command, Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Suleiman, the new Commander took over the headship of the OPDS from Rear Admiral Joseph Okojie a few weeks ago.

The new Commander was reacting to allegations by some communities in the region that the JTF soldiers were invading and intimidating members of their communities.

"Nothing goes for nothing. I believe the presence of the military in a community must have been caused by actions or inactions of criminals in the community.

"So, if a community harbours criminals, by criminal law, such a community has lost its immunity. Let

me give you an instance: I have a petition I inherited in my office that soldiers were killed in a community and the troops went to find out the killers of the soldiers.

"We wish to use this forum to promise any community that kills any of our soldiers that we shall use every means at our disposal to find out the killers. If that is what people call invasion, it is unfortunate.

"We are not invading any community. What we are saying is that any community habouring killers of our soldiers should bring out the killers or we will use all at our disposal to find out the killers”, the Commander said.

He added that the outfit was a complete multi agency operation,

restating that the mandate of the outfit remained to protect oil and gas infrastructure, to deter and prevent militancy, sea robbery, crude oil theft and other forms of illegalities.

Suleiman said within the short time of assumption of duty, he had tried to sustain and improve on the pace which had yielded successes.

He assured Nigerians that the ODS was primarily in the Niger Delta to protect and preserve national oil and gas installations.

He also warned that criminals would not have any hiding place in the region, insisting that a few disgruntled elements would no longer be allowed to hold the nation to ransom.

Gridlock in Jamata Bridge as Soldiers Kill Driver Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja There was gridlock yesterday along Abuja-Lokoja highway following the allegedly killing of an articulated vehicle driver by some Soldiers.

Most vehicles coming from the north and heading to the south were held for almost five hours as a result of the shooting as drivers of the trailers blocked the road in protest.

An eye witness disclosed to THISDAY that the incident occurred before Jamata Bridge, Koton-Karfi

when a trailer carrying cows from Abuja axis was stopped by the Solders at the check point.

The sources further disclosed that there was an argument between one of the Soldiers and the driver which later resulted in physical combat.

The eye witness said one of the Soldiers opened fire on the driver and killed him instantly. The action of the Military men angered other drivers who witnessed the incident as they blocked the road with their trailers. It was further gathered that

the Military men on the check point after the incident took their vehicle and escaped to avoid the anger of the drivers.

Meanwhile the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has described the incident as unfortunate.

His position was contained in Press Statement issued by the Director General Media and Publicity to the Governor, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo.

"The unfortunate incident is being investigated by the relevant authorities.

Let us all wait for the reports of the

investigations. But one thing is clear: "The Kogi State Government will ensure protection of lives and property as every life is important to government.

"We urge the people of the area to remain calm and not take laws into their hands as government will get to the root of the matter.

"Governor Yahaya Bello is committed to protecting the lives and property of all Kogites and commuters passing through the State," the statement said.

Plateau to Pay Backlog of Salaries, Pensions

GovernorSimonLalongofPlateauStatehasdisclosedthatarrangementhad beenconcludedtopayall arrearsofitsworkers'andpensionersinDecember, addingthathavingreceivedapartofitsrefundoftheoverdeductionsfromthe LondonandParisClubsfromtheFederalGovernment,clearingtheoutstanding salaries and pensions won't be a big deal. Lalong announced this during an interdenominationalchurchserviceorganisedbytheChristianAssociation ofNigeria(CAN)inJos,withthetheme:'PlateauUnitesinPrayersandPraise'.

Hesaid,"WhenPresidentMuhammaduBuharipromisedtoensuretherefund of all the over deductions to the states, I made up my mind that we cannot enterJanuary2017withthesearrearsunpaid.Thisresolvewasinlinewithmy commitmenttothewelfareofworkers,whetherretiredorstillserving,aswe don't want to hear that any of them dies due to unpaid wages or pensions."

TheGovernorsaidthathewouldcontinuetogiveworkers'welfaretop-most priority,stressingthathenceforthnocivilservantwouldbeowedamonth's salary during his tenure as governor.

USAID Trains Women on Family Planning

Morethan12,000womenhavebeentrainedintheuseofactiveirreversible contraceptivesinBenuestatebytheUnitedStatesAgencyforInternational Development, USAID.The beneficiaries who are from13 local government areasofthestatewereavailedtheopportunitybytheStrengtheningHealth OutcomeThroughthePrivateSector(SHOPS)SpeakingyesterdayinMakurdi at the SHOPS end of project dissemination, the Chief of Party, Dr. Ayodele Iroko explained that the program which commenced in 2011, focused in six statesofthefederation. Shehoweverregrettedthatdespitetheeffortsof SHOPS,"NigeriaisyettomeettheWorldHealthOrganization,WHOtargetof 36%ofcontraceptivePrevalenceRate,CPR." Sheaddedhoweverthat"we havebeenworkinginBenuesince2013throughPrivate,PublicPartnership by way of building capacity of private health providers in the area of family planning, treatment of diarrhea, maternal and other health related issues.

"She urged women to ensure keyed into the use of long active irreversible contraceptives as the program climaxed.

Buhari Praises Danjuma at 79

PresidentMuhammaduBuhariyesterdaycelebratedwithhislongtimeassociateandseniorprofessionalcolleague,GeneralTheophilusYakubuDanjuma (rtd),ontheoccasionofhis79thbirthday.ThePresidentdescribed Danjuma as“oneofthatrarebreedofNigerianleaders,whohaveconsistentlyproven themselvesableandtrustworthyinthevaryingpositionstheyhadoccupiedin governmentovertime.”HesaidoftheretiredGeneralthat“Eachofthemany times he has been called upon to serve Nigeria, both in the military and as a civilian,hisperformancehasbeenremarkable.” BuhariprayedthatGodwould grantDanjumamanymoreyearsofgoodhealthandactiveservicetoNigeria, particularlyasheoverseestheincipientefforttodeveloptheNorth-eastof the country, which had been ravaged by Boko Haram terrorists.

Group takes Sensitisation to Takwa Bay

FmAdabale Consulting Limited (FmACL) is organising a media tour and sensitisation programme at Takway Bay Lagos State, on 16, December at 11a.m.Theeventispartofthegroup’sendofyearevent.Astatementsignedby thegroupsaidtheywerecommittedinpartneringwithrelevantorganisations andInternationalNon-GovernmentalOrganisations(NGOs)toaddressthe communalhealthissuesinTakwaBay.Thestatementalsoadded:“Wewould have to train and empower the para-medical practitioners, retired medical practitioners,practicingandpharmaceuticaldealers,onFirstAidtreatment, properapplicationofdrugs,andothersthings.WeareongroundontheIsland to create an organised structure for the young and women folks.We would beveryopentoengagemembersofcommunitybasedorganisations(CBO) and members of community religion bodies.”

GOtv Entertainment for Holiday Season

GOtv is giving its subscribers (GOgetters) and their loved ones the gift of unlimited entertainment this holiday season with an exciting range of local andinternationalchannelsavailabletoviewers.Seriesandmovieloverscan catchrivetingmovies,seriesandshowbizprogrammingincludingGuardian oftheThroneon31stDecemberat6:00pmonAfricaMagicEpiconchannel9, weekdayviewingofTinselonAfricaMagicWorldandHotelMajesticonAfrica MagicFamily.M-NetMovieZone(channel3)willdelightviewerswithHollywood blockbusterslikeGoodDeeds,on26Decemberat5:00pmandDeliveryMan, 29thDecemberat5:15pmwhilelittleonesandtheyoungatheartcancatch Albert:TheLittleTreewithBigDreamsonNickelodeon.E!Entertainment(GOtv channel 26) will also add a touch of glamour toTVscreens with MissWorld 2016 on Friday, December 30th at 8pm, the 8-part documentary of Mariah Carey’sMariah’sWorldonSundaysat7pmfrom11DecemberandThe12K’s of Christmas, a binge-watch viewing of Keeping Up With The Kardashians Seasons 1 to 12, all day from December 19th through to 30th!

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

nEws

We're Relentless in Making Recession FG Launches N13bn Mortgage Loan Refinancing Scheme for Civil Servants Temporary Experience, Says Buhari Yinka Kolawole, in Osogbo

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the Federal Government was making relentless efforts to make the hardship caused by economic recession in the country temporary.

The president, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Adamu Rasheed, said this at the 42nd convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, yesterday.

According to him, government had put necessary measures in place but that it also needed the cooperation of Nigerians.

He said, "There is no gainsaying that we live in challenging times.

Nigeria is not exempted from the political, security and economic upheavals going on worldwide.

"We have been making good progress, particularly on security issues, and we are relentless in our efforts to ensure that this economic recession is a very temporary experience in our national life. I am firmly convinced that with the measures being put in place and the cooperation of all Nigerians, it will soon be a thing of the past.

"This administration is committed to ensuring that as a nation, we are self-sufficient in food and thereof no longer dependent on food importation by 2019. Foreign exchange saved in the process will be channeled into reviving our industries, enhancing

the hydrology and ecology of the Lake Chad Basin, improving our power generation and distribution infrastructure and completing all the abandoned rural electrification projects nationwide, among other things."

He expressed concern at the growing rate of unemployment in the country, advising youths to develop entrepreneurial skills.

He said, "In September 2016, our unemployment rate reached a high value of 17.9 per cent as compared to 9.9 per cent the previous year.

I intend to remind you that although this administration is doing its best to provide jobs for the teeming population of Nigerian youths, our efforts still need to be complemented by the private sector.

We have been bringing on board several entrepreneurship initiatives that create an enabling environment for job creators not only to thrive, but also excel.

"Promotion of local products, encouragement of export markets, tapping of indigenous raw materials, etc., are some of the avenues for this to operate. As fresh graduates with multitude of invigorating ideas, you are encouraged to forward your proposals under the appropriate parastatals and agencies."

He explained that government had directed the National Universities Commission to chart a new course for curriculum development and review in the Nigerian University System.

Ndubuisi Francis in Abuja

The federal government has launched a N13 billion Federal Civil Servants Mortgage Refinancing Scheme through the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC).

With the scheme, NMRC will refinance mortgages for 5,635 beneficiaries of the federal government workforce.

At the launch in Abuja yesterday, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun stated that in recognition of the importance of housing, the current administration earmarked N40 billion in the 2016 Budget for the implementation of a comprehensive housing scheme to address the housing challenges facing the country, improve the living conditions and welfare of the workforce and people, and generate gainful employment for the nation's teeming youth.

Civil servants she stated, play an important role in nurturing and developing the nation, noting: "It

is only fair that those who serve the country can be afforded the opportunity of owning their own home by retirement. We have to put in place the right incentives as part out anti-corruption drive to plug leakages."

"This is also in line with our overall objective of providing the necessary stimulus to kick-start growth in the current challenging economic environment.

"Today, we are proud to announce the scheme for the refinancing of mortgages for 5,635 beneficiaries of Federal Civil Service by the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company Plc. "Civil servants play an important role in nurturing and developing our nation so it is only fair that those who serve the country can be afforded the opportunity of owning their own home by retirement. We have to put in place the right incentives as part out anti-corruption drive to plug leakages," the minister added.

Cameo, Flavour, KSA to Perform at Glo-sponsored Ovation Carols

ASSESSING PYTON DANCE..

L-R: Chief of Army Training and Operations Major-General DD Ahmadu; GOC 82 Div Enugu; Major-General I. Attahiru; Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Attahiru- Buratai and Anambra State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Sule Momodu during Buratai's visit to Awka to monitor exercise python dance

CAN Urges NASS to Reject Expansion of Sharia Court to Criminal Matters SenatorIroegbuinAbuja The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) FCT Chapter, have called on the National Assembly (NASS) to reject the ongoing attempt to amend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, by expanding the scope of the powers of the Sharia Court of Appeal to include criminal jurisdiction.

The FCT CAN in a statement issued yesterday under the aegis of Concerned Christians Citizens of Nigeria, urged the Federal House of Representatives to cease from entertaining the Bill tagged “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

[Alteration] Bill 2016” sponsored by Hon. Abdullahi Balarabe Salame (APC Sokoto State), seeking for the amendment of sections 262[1], 262[2] and 277[1] and the deletion of section 277[2] of the 1999 Constitution.

"Our demand, therefore, is that the proposed Bill, which is self-serving and divisive, should outrightly be rejected. Any further attempt by the National Assembly to enact the Bill into law would further polarise the Nigerian nation along religious lines.

This should be avoided by all means.

"We therefore, urge all Nigerians who have the interest of this country at heart to denounce this Bill for the sake of the unity, peace, progress, and

prosperity of our dear country," CAN demanded.

The concerned Christians noted that the Bill went through first reading and second reading in the House of Representatives without any debate before it was referred to the Ad Hoc Committee on Constitution Review.

They also gave a historical perspective in various attempts to smuggle Sharia law into the overall Nigerian legal jurisdiction with damning consequences for the citizens of other faith, particularly Christianity and traditional religions.

The group recalled that before the Second Republic, some Muslim citizens started the agitation for the

full implementation of the Sharia law in Nigeria.

Part of the statement read: "The heated debates in the 1978 Constituent Assembly over the insertion of certain provisions relating to the 1979 Constitution are still fresh in our memories.

As a compromise, Sharia Personal Law, i.e., without the criminal aspects, was allowed to be included in the 1979 Constitution. It is clear from the relevant provisions of the 1979 Constitution that Sharia Personal Law was intended to apply strictly to Muslims in resolving their family and personal matters, such as inheritance, marriages, etc.

Emefiele Urges Banks to Support FG's Economic Strategies NdubuisiFrancisin Abujaand ObinnaChimainLagos The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele yesterday called on Nigerian banks to support government’s effort aimed at returning the economy to normalcy.

The CBN governor made this call in his opening address at the 2016 Bankers’ Committee retreat in Lagos which commenced yesterday.

Emefiele said the role of returning the economy to normalcy had been

placed on banks as their financial intermediation activities cut across all sectors.

He pointed out that beside the development finance objective of the central bank, there is the added role for the financial institutions in evolving innovative approach to the nation’s development agenda.

The central bank governor also noted that at a critical time in the country’s history, the emphasis on diversification and support for its achievement must be accorded priority by bankers.

At the retreat with the theme, “Economic Recovery: The Role of the Banking Sector,” the governor reiterated that banks must come up with innovative solutions that will enable the finance sector to play a key role in driving Nigeria’s growth and development.

The retreat, which is the eighth in the series, is an annual event where members of the Bankers’ Committee engage in strategic reviews of critical developments within the financial system and the economy.

“The focus on economic recovery

by bankers is timely, given the sustained external headwinds we are grappling with, triggered by several factors. Chief of such is the 70 per cent plus decline in the price of crude oil between June 2014 and June 2016.

“With over 90 per cent of our export revenues coming from the sale of crude oil, the drop in its prices along with the end of quantitative easing programme in the United States has led to a huge impact on our economy, particularly in the foreign exchange market,” he said.

Several international and Nigerian music stars have been confirmed as performers in the 2016 Ovation Carols sponsored by the next generation network, Globacom.

Top on the list of artistes for the event scheduled for Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, on Sunday, December 18, is legendary American hip-hop group, Cameo, which sang the global hit, 'Attack me with your love'.

Cameo will be joined by Nigerian entertainment superstars including Juju music genius, King Sunny Ade (KSA),Globacom brand ambassadors, Chinedu Okoli, popularly known as Flavour, Reekado Banks and Korede Bello of ‘Godwin’ fame.

Highly gifted saxophonist, Olu Jazz, will also jazz up the night with his brand of music, while Nollywood veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo, and Ovation TV presenter, Daala Oruwari, will compere the event.

In a press statement released

in Lagos on Thursday, Globacom said it was proud to sponsor the carol for the second year running.

“We are delighted to associate with the Ovation Carols again this year to further our support for African musical culture. We acknowledge the Yuletide as a period of mirth and celebration and a time to employ music as a tool of appreciation to God for preserving mankind. We will therefore be rewarding our loyal subscribers with special invitations to the event to savour the sublime menu of fun, music and laughter in continuation of our culture of appreciating our stakeholders in this season of goodwill,” the company said.

Globacom promised Nigerians a memorable night of praise and entertainment with a rare blend of carols, pop, rock and blues, electro and hip-hop, adding that it would the perfect way to kick off the Christmas celebrations.

IMN: Not even Death of ElZakzaky can Provoke us to Violence Kasim Sumaina inAbuja As the nation draws close to the first anniversary of the bloody clash between members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai, where hundreds were said to have lost their lives, the movement has assured of peace, stressing that not even the death of the leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-Zakzaky was capable of provoking them into violence.

The group, which described as unfortunate the events of 12th and 14th December, 2015, stated that contrary to pictures being painted elsewhere against the reputation of the movement, it remained committed to enthroning peace in the country.

Secretary, Media Forum, IMN, Abdulmumin Giwa, who stated this in an exclusive interview with THISDAY on Wednesday in Abuja, also revealed that the group had regard for the constitution of Nigeria as well as for constituted authorities in the country.

“You can remember in 2014 when the soldiers did everything; it was the leader of the movement that came out in the public to tell the people to calm down. When his sons, three of whom were undergraduate were killed along with 31 members of the movement he told everybody to calm down.

“So you can’t tell me that somebody that has been able to swallow all these difficulties and simply because its leader died will now begin to pick up arms. Violence is never in our ways”, he said.

He claimed the current onslaught against the group was being done for personal reasons due to the fact that the group would never be involved in violence unlike some other groups that the government had been placating with billions of dollars to embrace peace.

While stressing that IMN was a body which stood for Fairness and justice to all irrespective of religion, region and tribe, he disclosed that the movement and its leader had earned various awards in recognition of their contribution to humanity.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •DECEMBER 10, 2016

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nEwsXTRA

Dalong Recants Statement on Nonpayment of Super Falcons' Allowances Tobi Soniyi inAbuja

PARTNERSHIP THAT WORKS..

L-R: Osita Nwajah, Director, Public Affairs, Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) ; Chioma Afe, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank Plc; and Olumide Orojimi, Head Corporate Communications, Nigeria Stock Exchange at the “Creative Youth Initiative Against Corruption” Ceremony where Diamond Bank was recognised with an Award of Excellence for its outstanding contribution to Children and Youth Development in Nigeria.

Dickson Bans Herdsmen from Bayelsa City Centre Emmanuel Addeh in Yenagoa To avert the danger caused by ubiquitous nomads in Bayelsa, the State Government yesterday restricted the activities of herdsmen in the state to specific locations outside the city centre.

Governor of the state, Mr. Seriake Dickson, said the Bayelsa Palm area, would henceforth be used as the new grazing point for the herdsmen to prevent the invasion of farmlands and check any security breach.

In a broadcast in Yenagoa, the governor said the measure had become imperative in view of

the recent upsurge in violence and criminal activities of the cattle herders in some parts of the country.

He warned them against bearing arms in the course of grazing their livestock, threatening that anyone caught with weapons would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The governor said the government had been collaborating with security agencies and leaders of the nomads in the state, with a view to opening up designated ranches for their operations.

He said, “no cattle should be seen roaming the streets of

Yenagoa. It is a dangerous trend and we are working on a system to give them a temporary place at the Bayelsa Palm, which has over one thousand hectares. Non-state actors will not be allowed to go about with weapons because government will not condone it.

“We have been taking a lot of measures to check the activities of herdsmen in the state. We condemn the attitude of herdsmen who come into the state and carry cattle to destroy farmlands.”

Furthermore, the governor noted that meetings were being held with leaders of the different groups to ensure that any breach

S’Court Orders Retrial of Tambuwal's Emergence, Upholds Ayade's Election In a notice of motion for joinder filed at the apex court

by EK Ashiekaa SAN, Wali and PDP contended that having participated in the 2015 governorship election, and having scored the next highest number of votes cast after that of Tambuwal, they have sufficient grounds to be joined in the case.

Supreme Court Upholds Ayade's Election Also yesterday, the Supreme Court upheld the nomination of Governor Ben Ayade by the PDP for the last April 2015 governorship election in Cross River State.

The court, in a unanimous judgment held that Ayade was validly nominated by his party PDP and consequently dismissed the appeal filed by Chief Joe Agi, SAN who was a governorship aspirant in the 2015 election also on the PDP platform.

In the lead judgment delivered by Justice Clara Ogunbiyi, the court held that the allegation of forgery of age declaration levelled against Ayade by the Appellant was not proved beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

The court said that the discrepancy in the two age declarations which bore March 2, 1968 and March 2, 1969 was not intended

to cheat on Section 177 of the 1999 constitution, which put a mandatory age for a governorship candidate at 35.

The court said that from whatever angle, the two age declarations were looked at, the 3rd Respondent (Ayade) was either ten or eleven years over and above the mandatory age of 35 stipulated by section 177 of the 1999 constitution.

Justice Ogunbiyi noted that the appellant wrote to the police on the issue prompting the police to write the authority of the University of Ibadan to demand for the bio-data of the governor in their investigation on the criminal allegation leveled by the appellant.

Justice Ogunbiyi said that the turning round by the appellant that he did not make criminal allegation against the respondent could not hold water in the face of the petition he wrote to the Inspector General of Police.

The court therefore held that the appellant raised criminality against the governor and that he (appellant) failed to discharge the burden of proving the allegation beyond reasonable doubt as required by law because he did not lead any evidence that the age declaration was done to detriment of the 1999 constitution.

“The appellant in this case is saddled with the burden of proving which of the two age declarations allegedly made by the governor was right for forgery or falsification to be sustained. Forgery cannot be established in the absent of the original," Justice Ogunbiyi said.

The court said, that the issue of membership of PDP raised by Agi against governor Ayade and the alleged failure to pay membership fee was an internal affairs of a political party which no court of law would enquire into.

Justice Ogundiyi said that it was a settled law that when the National Working Committee (NWC) of a party cleared an aspirant for a primary election, it was not the duty of a court to begin to enquire into that since it was a domestic affair of such a party.

Besides, the court also said that payment of party membership dues was not one of the conditions for nomination of a candidate as erroneously claimed by the appellant.

The court also said that the appellant having sworn on oath to abide with the decision of the PDP NWC on the nomination of candidate by the party could not turn around against the party with court action to jettison his earlier oath to abide with the party

of peace is avoided.

“We have been working with the security agencies and leaders of some of these elements. I am aware of these instances. People should not take laws into their hands, but we will not allow anybody intimidate Bayelsa people. Any herdsman found with arms will be dealt with according to the law.

“Meanwhile, we will open up places where people can learn animal husbandry. They have been told , but we never wanted to sensationalise this issue. The agriculture ministry and security operatives are on top of the issue”, he said.

Cont’d from Pg.6

supremacy.

Says Sacking Council Chairmen, Councillors By Fayemi Was Illegal Also yesterday the apex court, declared, as illegal the sacking of council chairmen and councillors by the then governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi and ordered the the state government to pay the sum of N3.3 billion to the chairmen and councillors who were wrongfully relieved of their duties.

The former governor, now the Minister of Solid Minerals, had in 2010 during his assumption into office as governor relieved the appellants of their duties 15 months into the end of their tenures.

Fayemi then appointed caretaker committee into his government to carry out most of the functions that the local government chairmen and councillors would have done.

In a lead judgment read

by Justice Chima Nweze, the Supreme Court held that the sacking the council chairmen was illegal and unconstitutional.

Justice Nweze ordered that the chairmen, who were unlawfully removed by the governor, be paid their salaries and other allowances for the period they were unlawfully removed from office.

Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalongyesterday in Abuja said he was quoted out of context when he reportedly said that the federal government never anticipated the victory of the Super Falcons in the just concluded African Woman Cup of Nations and so did not prepare to pay them.

Dalung made the clarification on Friday when President Muhammadu Buhari received the organisers of the National Planning and Implementation Committee of the first National Youth Open Water Swimming Competition tagged Youth Unity Cup 2016 led by Senator Kabir Gaya at the presidential Villa, Abuja. He said that government would pay.

Dalong came under criticisms on account of the statement.

He said: "Meanwhile, I conclude by trying to put into proper perspective an impression that has made national headlines to the effect that the Federal Government was not anticipating the victory of the Falcons and so could not have planned for it. This statement was attributed to myself. I want to categorically state that this is a statement taken out of context. And I cannot imagine or reconcile how.

"The commitment of the federal government to the support of the Falcons is indeed overwhelming.

That explains why the Vice President himself had to abandon his tight schedule to visit the players in camp, that is evidence of preparations for victory.

Amobode’s Wife Makes Case for Less Privileged Wife of Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has harped on the need for Nigerians to show care, love and share goodwill with special children beyond the yuletide season even as he disclosed that the Lagos State Government was committed to providing facilities for children, especially special children due to their peculiarities.

Mrs. Ambode stated this in her remarks as special guest of honour at the 16th edition of the annual DevelopmentAfrica organised Christmas Party hosted for special children drawn from different orphanages and care homes in Lagos state.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as KOFOWOROLA FALILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as SANNI KUKU FALILAT KOFOWOROLA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as UDEJI PERPETUAL, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUCHI CHRISTY JONATHAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SIMEON CHUKWUEMEKA NJOKU now wish to be known and addressed as SONY JONATHAN NJOKU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLANIYAN BISI ABIGAIL now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AYODELE BISI ABIGAIL. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as LONGE IGHODALO JULIET now wish to be known and addressed as IGHODALO JULIET. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH ONYEMA ELUEMUNOR NWAOKOLO now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY JOE IJEH. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SAMUEL EDWIN SULE, now wish to be known and addressed as UJAH FRIDAY EDWIN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

In her address at the event, Mrs. Ambode, who was represented by Mrs. Jumoke Bank-Olemoh, noted that the essence of the yuletide was “to show care, share love and put smiles on people’s faces, especially the less privileged ones. This is exactly what we’re doing here for these children.

“The administration of His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State, is committed to providing for all our children, in particular our special children. “A lesson for us all to learn is that for as long as we live, we must continually glorify God for his infinite mercies upon us and our loved ones. If not for God, what would our story be?

“I therefore commend Development Africa (DA), especially Mr. Joshua Kempeneer, Country Director, and his staff, for ensuring the success of this annual event over the years, God will always strengthen you” she stated.

The party was organised by an international non-Governmental Organisation and sponsored by KPMG professional services limited, Dredging International Services among other corporate sponsors.

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MICHAEL GLORIA OMOZE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKHANI GLORIA OMOZE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to notify the public that OGUOMA DANIEL OJO of Umungaonyeche Umuihua Umuodu in Owerri Municipal Council, Imo State is getting married traditionally to MISS MARY LOUSIE NDIDI UKACHI of No. 22 Elgar grove Brownswoot Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK7 8dy, England on Dec. 29, 2016 at Umuonyeche village in Owerri Municipal Council.

General public please note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLADIMEJI PAUL OLADIMEJI SULAIMON, now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIMEJI PAUL SULAIMON. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EUNICE ONUWABHAGBE ENAHOLO, now wish to be known and addressed as EUNICE ONUWABHAGBE AKIRIJAN. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS AKAROLO CHIMAZURU TAMUNOBIOBELE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS WANOGHO CHIMAZURU TAMUNOBIOBELE IGBEAKU. All formal documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

TR

Saturday, December 10, 2016

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Price: N250

MISSILE Junaid Mohammed to Buhari

“Some of us thought APC will make a difference, but President Buhari has shown he is a nepotic leader who deceived the North that he has the interest of the North at heart, being a Muslim but in real sense, he has not done anything for the North.

In fact, the North has been backward under him.”

–A member of the House of Representatives in the 2nd Republic, Dr. Junaid Mohammed chastising President Muhammadu Buhari.

PENDULUM Dele Momodu

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Like Nigeria, Like Ghana

F

ellow Africans, something great happened in Ghana last night. Before the Ghana Electoral Commission had concluded collating and releasing the results of the Presidential elections, President John Dramani Mahama made the right move when he called his arch-rival, Nana Akufo-Addo, to concede defeat and congratulate him on a battle well-fought. With that act, President Mahama instantly joined the limited but hallowed chambers of African statesmen who have behaved like all decent leaders around the globe faced with their situation do. It is gratifying to see that Africa is gradually moving away from the bad habit of sit-tight leaders.

This singular decision of President Mahama has not only doused the uneasy tension that had suddenly crept upon the country but most definitely also averted unnecessary bloodletting.

To God be the glory.

It was a clean campaign while it lasted. Both leaders, and their other co-contestants, were committed to peace. Indeed, they all jointly signed a peace accord where they reiterated for a peaceful turnout, peaceful voting and peaceful outcome. It was a mantra that resonated with the good people of Ghana who treated their elections as pure entertainment even as it appeared the most critical that they had seen in a long time. An average Ghanaian treasures the tranquillity he enjoys and would do nothing to jeopardise it. They were thus happy to see that their leaders had embraced this penchant for peace and tranquillity by signing the peace accord and that President Mahama has kept faith with that accord by gallantly conceding defeat.

At the same time, it is also necessary to commend the President-elect Nana Akuffo -Addo who has been gracious and magnanimous in victory. He immediately made the noble gesture by President Mahama known to the whole world by tweeting that the President had called to concede defeat and congratulate him.

Nigeria seems to have a lot in common with Ghana. We are like Siamese twins. Whatever happens in Nigeria is likely to happen in Ghana and vice versa. Whenever it rains in Lagos, it is almost certain, rain would fall soon in Accra.

This similarity in our trajectory started from the colonial days when effectively there were two main protectorates in both countries. Both countries were colonised by the British who then amalgamated the Protectorates. Thereafter both countries had national who launched independence struggles about the same time with iconic leaders including the great Osagyefo, Kwame Nkrumah, in Ghana and Nnamdi “Zik” Azikwe and Obafemi Awolowo in Nigeria.

This culminated in independence for Ghana in 1957 and shortly thereafter independence came to Nigeria in 1960 although this could have been as early as 1958.

During the era of coup-plotting in Africa, Ghana and Nigeria experienced their fair share at about the same time. As seemed to be the case in the early years of the existence of both countries the coup which overthrew democratically elected governments followed each other very closely. The Nigerian coup originally led by Major Nzeogwu which deposed the civilian government of Tafawa Balewa which overthrew Kwame Nkrumah was in January 1966 and the Ghana coup led

by Emmanuel Kotoka was in February 1966.

When Nigerians were sacked from Ghana, Nigeria wasted no time in retaliating.

Despite the cat and mouse relationship that existed between both countries, they’ve become

Akufo-Addo the closest on the continent. Many Nigerians and Ghanaians are married. Our students currently litter many Ghanaian campuses in search of quality education. Ghanaian students have attended the major Nigerian Universities in times past just as Nigerian students also attended the Ghanaian ones at that time. Many Nigerian banks proudly dot the beautiful landscapes of Ghana and represent the best traditions of our great country both in terms of personnel, economic, work and cultural ethics and values. There are as yet no Ghanaian banks in Nigeria but it is clearly only a matter of time.

The trajectory of President Mahama is uncannily similar to what we had witnessed in Nigeria in recent memory and it is almost surreal. President Mahama was born in 1958, only a year younger than President Goodluck Jonathan. He had come into politics quietly and with minimal ambition. He was a member of Parliament and became a Minister of State.

He would later be invited by Professor John Evans Atta-Mills to act as Vice President of The Republic of Ghana, a job he accepted with complete sobriety and determination to succeed. The story of how President Jonathan came from relative obscurity to occupy the position of President of Africa’s largest nation does not need to be retold other than to reflect on the comparisons with the Mahama story.

Alongside his visionary boss, Maham charted a new course for Ghana. They decided to invest

heavily in infrastructure development, the sort not seen in a long time in most African countries. Together they started the journey of rejuvenating and modernising their beloved country but somewhere along the line, death snatched Professor Atta-Mills away and a huge responsibility fell on Mahama’s shoulders.

It was very similar to the fate of Goodluck Jonathan who inherited the mantle of Dr Umaru Musa Yar’Adua in such similar and spectacular manner. Who says destiny plays no role in human affairs?

Mahama had to complete the last few months of Atta-Mills’ tenure before contesting his full-fledged election as President. Jonathan had done the same in Nigeria shortly before this. In contesting those elections Mahama would soon confront one of Ghana’s most iconic politicians Nana Akufo-Addo. It was such a fierce contest which he managed to win by a narrow margin. And he became the President of Ghana but had to endure a long-drawn battle in the courts but eventually emerged victorious. Interestingly, his main challenger, Nana Akufo-Addo was contesting the Presidency for the second time having contested against Mahama’s predecessor Atta-Mills when Mahama had been his Vice-President. Jonathan in Nigeria had faced General Muhammadu Buhari and won the elections against him. Buhari had earlier contested elections against President YarÁdua who was Jonathan’s predecessor

when Jonathan had been his Vice-President.

After the victory at the courts, President Mahama started a blistering and aggressive infrastructural development all over Ghana and everything he built was world-class. The more he tried to modernise his country and lay a solid future for generations unborn the more he was haunted by the spectre of mass unemployment and economic stagnation which had been the bane of the society before he became President. It was his belief that the infrastructural development would lead to better conditions for the people including employment, greater standard of living and financial stability and independence. Though his strategy was unique, it was not a quick-fix solution that the masses apparently yearned for and Mahama soon realised that most people wanted cash in their pockets and food in their belly rather than promises of a brighter future. Stomach infrastructure had engaged te psyche of the nation because of the great recession that had preceded the election of Mahama. That was the beginning of the end.

Mahama would be challenged once more by Nana Akufo-Addo who seized on the popular change slogan that had driven President Buahari to power in Nigeria and the anti-corruption sentiments that had also helped in propelling Buhari. Whilst there was very little evidence of such corruption in Mahama’s government this was still an issue that resonated because of the effect it had on the Nigerian elections.

Akufo-Addo was on his third attempt, just like our President Muhammadu Buhari had tried the same number of times before eventually getting elected.

President Mahama relied heavily on his good works which his most vociferous critics would admit are quite humbling. As it turned out, it was not going to be an easy fight at the polls. He criss-crossed the length and breadth of Ghana spreading his message of development and peace. I was honoured to travel to every part of Ghana by road, day and night, on his campaign trail. I was deeply touched by his simplicity and humility. I was also inspired by his pan-Africanist philosophy.

He is totally at home with everyone, one of the few African leaders I know today without any prejudice towards anyone, foreign or local.

The insight I gained into the nature of power would remain invaluable forever and ever.

As reports reached me last night that President John Dramani Mahama has conceded victory to Nana Akufo-Addo, I called to speak to him. He had promised his campaign team from the beginning that he was not desperate for anything in life. The election was not a do or die for him. He wanted to continue in office to finish the gargantuan and monumental work that he had begun and which he knew was necessary to create a worthwhile future for the citizens of his country. He was absolutely fired up by the enduring spirit of Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah and he ran a race against time. It was as if he knew history has a way of repeating itself.

He was a student of history who worked assiduously to build a legacy. There is no doubt that he has done extremely well and would always be remembered as the face of new Africa. Through his example and that of others, Africa would no longer be treated with disdain or seen as being synonymous with wars, famine and diseases.

May God almighty continue to order his ways and future endeavours.

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