Saturday 29th April 2017 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

Soyinka: Herdsmen Exhibiting Conqueror Mentality, Movement to Enslave Nigerians Calls for the boycott of beef to make government act Warns of possibility of herders using cows for suicide bombing

Ahamefula Ogbu Literary Icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka yesterday raised the alarm that herdsmen in the country were going about with conqueror

mentality, suggesting that there is a movement to enslave the entire nation. According to him, he returned from a trip outside the country to see that his sanctuary in Abeokuta, Ogun State had

been violated and this time, the herders not only went through his abode but took their cows to his door step. Soyinka who spoke at Freedom Square, Lagos yesterday expressed worry that the govern-

ment had left the citizenry to protect themselves, and called for a summit of all stakeholders involving herders, cattle owners, farmers and tourists “to chart a way forward in stopping the threat to lives and rapes that

the herders spread,” pointing out that the mentality of the herdsmen had changed from the peaceful posture they used to adopt. The Laureate said the fact that Boko Haram could use

Chibok girls as suicide bombers underscored the danger and possibility of the herders using cows for suicide bombing, insisting that the society had to Continued on page 14

Dealers Pick $85.69m Out of $100m Offered by CBN... Page 53 Saturday 29 April, 2017 Vol 22. No 8045. Price: N250

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IPOB Leader, Kanu Finally Released on Bail after Almost Two Years Alex Enumah in Abuja

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu was yesterday evening finally released from Kuje Prison, Abuja, where he had

spent most of the last two years. Kanu, who was brought to the Federal High Court in Abuja, regained his freedom after perfecting fully his bail condition imposed on him by Justice Binta Nyako on April 25.

Accompanied by family members, lawyers and sureties, Kanu signed his own portion on the bail paper around 6.35pm to pave way for his release from Kuje Prison. Beaming with smiles and

taking photographs with wellwishers, the IPOB leader left the court premises around 6.45pm when he was driven away in a Mercedes Benz 4matic GL500 with registration number ABC 46 MU.

Recall that Justice Nyako last Tuesday granted Kanu bail in the sum of N100 million. According to the judge, the bail was granted to the defendant to enable him attend to his ailing health condition.

The judge in addition ordered that the defendant produces three sureties with N100 million each. The court however noted that

much-talked about pledge to spend only one time in office. In the same book, Jonathan disagreed, saying that he was

misquoted. He said that his pledge to stand election for

Continued on page 14

Babangida Aliyu: North Refused to Back Jonathan for Reneging on One Term Promise Abubakar challenges journalists to chronicle events

Tobi Soniyi and Segun James A former governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu has said that the North opposed former president Goodluck Jonathan's re-election bid in 2015 because he reneged on his promise to govern for only one term of four years. The former governor, who was then the chairman of the Northern Governors Forum made the revelation in the new book by the Chairman of the THISDAY Editorial Board, Mr. Segun Adeniyi titled: “Against The Run of Play.” Also yesterday, during the formal presentation of the book in Lagos, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar challenged Nigerian journalists to chronicle events of recent history in books for posterity, adding that he still has faith in the Nigerian Project. In the book, Aliyu said: "If Jonathan had been clever enough to say he would not run and had stuck with the Peoples Democratic Party's

zoning formula by supporting a young northern candidate, I am almost certain Buhari would have shed his ambition

to contest in 2015 knowing there was no way he would win." The author of the book had noted that one major issue of

contention that rocked the PDP leading up to the election was that by seeking a second term, Jonathan was reneging on his

Continued on page 14

TRACING CHANGE?...

L-R: Former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Minister of Communications, Chief Cornelius Adebayo; the author of 'Against the Run of Play', Segun Adeniyi; Chairman of the occasion/former Head of State, General Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd); and wife of the former Governor of Cross River ETOP UKUTT State, Mrs. Onari Donald Duke, at Adeniyi's book launch in Lagos ...yesterday

Lai Mohammed in 'Best Jollof Rice' Controversy ...Page 14

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2017

APRIL 29, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

RingTrue

Yemi

Adebowale Killing Nigeria with Binge Borrowing 07013940521 yemi.adebowale@thisdaylive.com

The burden on our starcrossed generation and indeed future generation is weighty. Already, a huge part of the revenue that the federal government ought to be using for poverty alleviation and infrastructural development has been going into debt servicing, yet, we are sustaining the binge borrowing

Just recently, the International Monetary Fund estimated that Nigeria spends 66 per cent of its tax revenues on servicing debts. The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II was right when he urged the federal government to slow down on its borrowing because it is spending such a huge part of its revenues to pay interests on debts. The Emir remarked: “The Federal Government of Nigeria is spending 66 per cent of its revenues on interests on debts, which means only 34 per cent of revenues is available for capital and recurrent expenditures. That model cannot work. If you look at the 2017 budget of the Federal Government, I sometimes wonder what Nigerian economists are doing? In the 2017 budget, the amount earmarked for debt servicing is in excess of the entire non-oil revenue of the Federal Government, but that is not the problem. The problem is that it is a budget that is even going for more debts. “Borrowing has reached its limit and government should therefore look for ways to attract investments. Growth The burden on our star-crossed can only come from investments. It cangeneration and indeed future generation not come from consumption. It cannot is weighty. Already, a huge part of the come from government balance sheet. revenue that the federal government It cannot come from borrowing because ought to be using for poverty alleviation you cannot borrow unsustainably.” and infrastructural development has The states are also into binge borrowbeen going into debt servicing, yet, we are ing. Many of them have accumulated sustaining the binge borrowing. foreign and domestic loans far beyond their repayment capacities. This is why states like Osun, Kogi, Imo, Kwara, Oyo and Benue can no longer meet basic obligations to their citizens; civil servants inclusive. It is preposterous that Osun State is struggling with N147 him feel isolated from other parts of the Former president of the Nigerian country and causing him apprehension about billion domestic debts as at December Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba has last year. Juxtapose this with a welldisaster on crossing the existing bridge. He taken what I consider a landmark step managed state like Anambra with just is also seeking an order directing the federal towards addressing the neglect of the N3.9 billion domestic debt during the government to forthwith, put all its machinSouth-east. This week, he filed an apsame period under review. The poverty plication before a Federal High Court in ery, including, but not limited to legal and in Osun State is frightening despite political apparatus, in motion, with a view to Enugu, challenging what he called the taking so many loans. So, what did urgently creating two additional states in the total neglect of the South-east zone. He Aregbesola’s Osun State do with the South-east geopolitical zone. This, according is also asking for N1 trillion as reparato the former NBA President, will bring to an tions to the states in the South-east. The massive N147 billion domestic loans? end the discriminatory practices against the fundamental rights class action before This is a story for another day. Back to area, in terms of parliamentary representaJustice A. R. Mohammed is on behalf the binge borrowing, Lagos State had tion, political and judicial appointments and of himself and the South-east on the a local debt stock of N311.7 billion as federal allocation. grounds of discrimination, “pursuant at December 31, 2016; Delta followed Some are cynical about Agbakoba’s case to Section 42 of the 1999 Constitution Lagos with N241.3 billion in local debts. and the chances of getting result for the (as amended)”. Agbakoba is asking for Akwa Ibom came third with N155.4 South-east in court. In fact, somebody told me compensation on the grounds of total last week that the Lagos lawyer was simply neglect of the geo-political zone by the wasting his time in court on this. I don’t think federal government, in terms of infraso. I think all forces of good should stand by structure and general federal presence. him and use the opportunity to draw greater This former NBA president argues global attention to the neglect of the Souththat the federal government has left east. The governors of the region must also the Niger Bridge to collapse and failed rise up in support of this laudable project. to build the 2nd Niger Bridge, making The fanatical Chief Security Officer (CSO) to President Buhari, Bashir Abubakar clearly needs special training on the principles of democracy, freedom and free press. A man who still thinks we are in a military era is deserving of bail. It should, therefore, It was soothing seeing the former obey courts’ decisions and release Dasuki should not be seen working this close military governor of Kaduna State, to a democratic President. I am still without any further delay. His unlawful Abubakar Umar, joining the voice detention, campaign of calumny and pre- struggling with the fact that Abubakar clamouring for the release of the former ordered the expulsion of a Punch trial publicity make it impossible for him National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo to receive a fair trial. The only explanation reporter from the Presidential Villa Dasuki on bail as granted by the courts on Monday. It was reported that he one can find for Dasuki’s lengthy detenof our land. For this retired Colonel, the tion without trial is that he belongs to the had earlier summoned and grilled continued detention of the former NSA the reporter for about three hours wrong camp. He also has the misfortune is beyond anti-graft war, stressing that and thereafter forced him to write a Dasuki was only being punished because of having served as National Security detailed statement of his knowledge Adviser to the much-vilified Nigerian of his loyalty to Jonathan. “It is over one about the content of the published president of Ijaw extraction.” year since three law courts, including stories before his accreditation tag Umar’s intervention is a good one. ECOWAS Court granted bail to Dasuki. was seized. Prior to the action on I have written severally for an end to The Federal Government has however Monday, I learnt that this CSO had impunity in our dear nation. The federal refused to release him citing the untenbeen constantly harassing State House government has been holding Dasuki able excuse of the grievous nature of his Correspondents. Who the hell is Bashir illegally since November 2015 despite offence. Our extant constitution is quite Abubakar? He obviously went beyond court rulings that granted him bail. This clear on this issue. “The federal government does not have must not continue in an era of democracy. his brief. I am glad the Presidency swiftly ordered the reversal of the He must be allowed to enjoy his bail in the power to determine which offence is expulsion and distanced itself from conformity with the Rule of Law. bailable or whether an accused person the action of this clown. His Principal

he latest in the string of borrowing being celebrated by the Buhari administration is the $150 million loan approved by the World Bank for the country’s mining sector. The Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi announced it with fanfare about two weeks ago after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari. The government is also negotiating $1.25 billion in budget support from the World Bank. This is aside the $575 million already approved by the same bank for the rehabilitation of the North-east. The list of foreign borrowing by the federal government is growing by the day. There is $1 billion African Development Bank loan. Of this amount, $600 million had been drawn. There is $1 billion Eurobond, with an additional $500 million expected from the Global Medium Term Note Programme. The China Exim bank is expected to provide $5.8 billion in the next few months, once all outstanding issues connected with securing the loan are addressed. It is on record that over 30% of the 2017 budget will be funded with foreign loans. With the way things are going, the federal government may end up with close to $10 billion foreign loans by the end of this year. Perhaps, this would have been higher if the National Assembly had not truncated plans to borrow another $30 billion.

Olisa Agbakoba’s Landmark Suit

billion; Rivers with N142.4 billion and Bayelsa with N140.1 billion. By the time the latest statistics of the foreign debts of these states are added and released, many will be stunned. Statistics from the Debt Management Office show that the country’s total debt liability had risen to N16.29 trillion by June 30, 2016. As at June 2015, Nigeria’s total debt stood at N12.12 trillion. This means that within one year (July 2015 to June 2016), Nigeria’s total debt rose by N4.17 trillion, or 34.41 per cent. A breakdown shows that external debt by the federal and state governments stood at $11.26 billion or N3.19 trillion as at June 30, 2016. The domestic debt of the federal government alone stood at N10.61 trillion as at June 2016, up from N8.4 trillion in 2015. This indicates that within 12 months, federal government’s domestic debt profile rose by N2.21 trillion or 26.31 per cent. The domestic debt of the states stood at N2.5 trillion at the end of June 2016, whereas it was N1.69 trillion in July 2015. This shows that within a period of one year, the domestic debt of the states rose by N810 billion, an increase of 47.93 per cent. So, what has the masses of this country gained from this massive borrowing in terms of infrastructure and poverty alleviation? Honestly, I don’t think we have gained that much; not with the hunger, disease, poverty, unemployment and decay ravaging the country. Just look around you and you will see the level of decay in virtually all sectors of our economy – health, education, water, roads, power, security and the rest of them. The way our governments at all levels celebrate these loans often leave me dejected. They create the impression that it would be a quick fix for all our problems. Unfortunately, it does not often turn out that way. Just imagine the completed $1 billion Eurobond sale being turned into an achievement. The oversubscription to the tune of $ 7.8 billion at an interest rate of 7.88% was celebrated as if we are getting free money. For those who don’t know, by the time this country exits this bond, we would have conservatively paid an additional $1 billion as interest. This bond was issued in dollars; therefore Nigeria must pay back in dollars. The interest could go higher as the Naira plummets. So, they have simply pushed Nigeria to continue wallowing in more debts.

The Overzealous Security Man Called Bashir Abubakar

Still on Sambo Dasuki’s Illegal Detention

Abubakar

has to go beyond reversing the expulsion. Abubakar has no business staying a day longer in Aso Rock. He should be substituted immediately. We must all rise up against this new anti-democracy force.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

SUPER SATURDAY

CLARA OKORO

A Woman’s Essence is Not Falling Apart in All She Goes Through She is creative, imaginative and inquisitive. The brand specialist and CEO of Brand World Media. Clara Okoro, is also into fashion. In this interview, Okoro tells Adedayo Adejobi that the most influential person in her life is herself

‘The most influential person in my life is me’ n one word, describe yourself. Myself? Well, I would say extremely adaptable. What were you like in high school? I was very adventurous and inquisitive and had a very high octane, hormone-driven teenage years.

What is the most important lesson your mother taught? To take responsibilities for my actions, and that life can be tough but you have to face it squarely. How do you juggle brand journalism and fashion business? Both are wired in my DNA and I have acquired training for both careers and still developing myself with new skills in both fields. What skills are important for a successful career in fashion design? An eye for colours, creativity, practical sewing and cutting skills, and the ability to live mainly with your imaginative faculties. In what general area of design do you work? I am trained in sewing and cutting of fabrics. I also design minimally and I am currently working on understanding fashion photography. How do you stay up-to-date? I virtually live online. I go to a lot of fashion sites, and I also read a lot of magazines. I sometimes watch fashion shows online and on TV. Describe your creative process. I have different ways of activating my creative process, but the pattern mostly comes in this form: Illumination, incubation, preparation and implementation. How do you get unstuck creatively? The whole process of beach, music and watching movies. What is the essence of a woman? A woman is actually a very complex being. I would say her essence is her ability to hold all that she is going through together without falling apart. What constitutes true beauty? I would say a combination of different factors: grace, empathy, intelligence, tenacity, physical attributes and temperance. What is your favourite body part? My eyes. Who do you think is the sexiest man alive today? My man.

Okoro

Tell us about the goals of the My Beautiful Project and the thought process behind your solution. MY BEAUTIFUL AFRICA is designed as a lifestyle brand for Africa, with a fusion of fashion, tourism, art and technology. The aim is to celebrate all the beauty reflective of the African continent. Our strategy is to partner airlines, travel and tours companies, artists, culture enthusiasts, brands with a bias for the African cultural evolution and to use these platforms to bring us all together to celebrate all that is positive and beautiful about Africa. The singular most striking of our brands asset is the art

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

SATURDAY ‘I’M AN EXTREMELY ADAPTABLE PERSON’…

Well the fashion industry is a huge sector and fashion shows are part of it. Women benefit from such shows by being aware of the trends in the world of fashion, updating their information about what’s in vogue and some are also in the picture as designers who exhibit on the runway in those shows

behind each piece; it is the signature of the brand, like a piece of Africa and all the beauty it encapsulates. In today’s competitive market place, an emerging brand is not only challenged by the imperatives of the daily crises caused by customers and a competitive market place.This necessitates the strategy the brand wants to adopt in entering the market place and the niche it wants to carve for itself. Tell us about a time when a client didn’t like your work. We are very particular about our clients’ satisfaction and therefore would go the extra mile to remedy any unsatisfactory situation. A certain time, a client placed an order from Port Harcourt and the size we sent wasn’t the correct size, we had to resend the item twice at no cost of delivery to the client.

To have been more trusting of people; it cost me quite a lot in life. If you have a magic wand, what is the one thing you would ask for, and why? To go back to my university years those were the best years of my life.

How do you stay organised when you are provided with multiple design assets, files, and ideas? I maintain a very difficult but workable disciplined schedule. I compartmentalise my assignments and tackle them, then tick them off. Sometimes, this strategy is repetitive but it gets me results. Can you talk about a time when you had to balance multiple competing priorities? Unfortunately, that’s always been very tricky as at some point one suffers for the other. I normally delegate, even though sometimes you don’t get the results you so desire from that. What project you’ve completed that made you proud The ICEBERG Season 3 party. It was one I was very proud to complete. In what ways do fashion shows help women? Well the fashion industry is a huge sector and fashion shows are part of it. Women benefit from such shows by being aware of the trends in the world of fashion, updating their information about what’s in vogue and some are

If God would grant you one wish, what would it be? To share eternal life with my maker after this journey on earth. What is your philosophy or value that you hold dearest in life? Just because you haven’t experienced it, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Clara also in the picture as designers who exhibit on the runway in those shows. Who is the most influential person in your life? Myself. Who is that one influential person you want to meet and what do you want to learn from him/her? Unfortunately, he is late. It’s the Persian poet, Khalil Gibran. I would

have loved to learn from his source of inspiration for the sublime works he created. If you have to live again, what part of life would you change? My stubbornness. I am a Taurean, so I guess it comes with the territory. If you were given the chance to change a thing from the past, what would it be?

What is the funniest thing that has happened to you recently? It was a rainy afternoon and I had fallen asleep in my bed while reading. When I woke up and looked out of the window it was daylight. I panicked as I thought I had slept throughout the night and wondered why my alarm didn’t ring. When I checked the time, it was 5pm. It was so funny! What are you, really, outside work? Just my normal introverted self. What do you work toward in your free time? Relaxing as much as possible and lazing around so I can always find my balance.

Brand Journalism and Fashion Business are Wired in My DNA

THISDAY, THe SATurDAY NewSpAper • APRIL 29, 2017

COMMENTARY

SOUTHERN KADUNA ON MY MIND

“A

The authorities could do more to stem the killings, writes Sufuyan Ojeifo

ny man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and, therefore, never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.” John Donne Southern Kaduna is a microcosm of Nigeria. It is, by any stretch of the imagination, emblematic of our collectivity. The people who are marooned in their troublous ancestral Kaduna locale share a common civilisation with us who are, somewhat, liberated in the ambiance of the expansive Nigerian-nation. Therefore, the killings of southern Kaduna indigenes by Fulani herdsmen, for whatever reasons, are nothing but fatal assaults on the humanity in all of us. The south of Kaduna has, historically, become a minefield of mindless killings that has left the people immersed in eternal fear. Scores of indigenes have been killed in instalments. Unfortunately, many more will be victims of Fulani herdsmen’s fatal rampages as there are yet no verifiable fool-proof measures in place to avert the incessant cold-blooded massacres that have been the tragic narrative of the hapless people. One is continuously diminished by the killing of a man or woman, youth or child in southern Kaduna, an enclave that is predominantly occupied by Christian population. “One life taken in cold blood,” according to the late inimitable journalist, Dele Giwa, “is as gruesome as millions lost in a pogrom.” Every life wasted in southern Kaduna is humanity wasted; and, too many lives have been lost. Those alive are living on the tenterhooks; and, to live on the tenterhooks in one’s ancestral home is not the best way to live. But that has, essentially, been the lot of the southern Kaduna people. Morbid fear has gripped the minds and defined the atmospherics of their homeland. Their sense of longing for and belonging to the homeland is violently attacked. Their foes have consistently taken advantage of their non-violent nature to inflict substantial damage on their lives, positions and livelihoods. There is understandable agony in the hearts of the people over brazen attempts by belligerent aliens to subjugate them in their land. The governor of the state, Malam Nasir el-Rufai has been blamed for waging an unrelenting media campaign against southern Kaduna people. He is said to have failed in his responsibility to maintain the peace and order in the area as the state’s chief security officer. Fearless Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan Diocese, Reverend Father Joseph Danlami Bagobiri was on point when, recently, he accused el-Rufai of taking sides with the armed herdsmen, thus failing in his responsibility as a true statesman; and becoming, therefore, a biased umpire who, according to the priest, “blames and criminalises southern Kaduna victims as the cause of the mayhem.” Perhaps, if the governor had shown sincere empathy, he would have acted proactively to avert the latest attack of April 15, 2017 in Asso Village in Jema’a Local Government Area, in which no fewer than 13 people, including a parish priest, Reverend Father Alexander Yayock, were killed. He should

ALLTHEATTACKSTHATHADTAKENPLACEIN SOUTHERNKADUNAHAVEBEENEXECUTED WITH PRECISION, LEAVING DEVASTATIONS IN THEIR TRAILS

have deployed the paraphernalia of security apparatuses and his security votes to mobilise thorough surveillance based on credible intelligence report of potential flashpoints. Close watchers of developments in southern Kaduna are inclined to conclude that the state government may have decided, for reasons best known to it, not to care about the entire population facing real threat of annihilation. This must have, perhaps, prompted the alarm raised by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Samson Ayokunle, over the inability of the federal government to stop the killings in southern Kaduna. All the attacks that had taken place in southern Kaduna have been executed with precision, leaving devastations in their trails. Both domestic and international observers have been shell-shocked at the persistent ease with which these harbingers of death stealthily make their ways into the communities and villages in southern Kaduna, unleash mayhem therein and egress to celebrate the slaughter of the so-called infidels. Paradoxically, while the Fulani herdsmen and sympathisers of their religion loathe the infidels who populate southern Kaduna, they love their heritage, their grazing land, and would gleefully take their cattle through their farmlands to graze. They do not only graze, they also kill the owners of the land. The Kaduna State Government has not done much to stop the killings. To be sure, Ayokunle’s indictment of the federal government at a press conference held Friday, April 21, 2017 in Abuja ahead of the 104th annual session of the Nigerian Baptist Convention came on the heels of the launch of Harbin Kunama II (Scorpion Sting) at a forest between Kagoro and Kafanchan, southern part of Kaduna State by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusuf Buratai. The operation which, according to the Army, would last for a month is aimed at addressing the issue of insecurity in southern part of Kaduna and parts of Kano, Plateau and Bauchi States. Ayokunle must have, in the meantime, been circumspect about the sincerity and success of the operation. The extent to which the operation will go to put a stop to the massacres in southern Kaduna is yet unknown, given its ad-hoc nature, which targets a one-month period. Fulani herdsmen should be credited with some strategic intelligence. They can suspend their surprise attacks for that long, wait for the military to pull out before launching fresh hostilities. The operation should be sustained until the chances of further attacks by the armed herdsmen are either rendered very slim or completely eliminated. As the army plans to lockdown some forests of Kano, Plateau and Bauchi States in the operation, more attention should be invested on southern Kaduna given the peculiarity and the nature of the constant tragic attacks by armed herdsmen. The area should be the launch-pad to drive the operation to the other identified states. And, as positive results are yielded, the operation may well renew the people’s hope and confidence in government’s ability to protect them. ––Ojeifo wrote from Abuja

MONEY, MONEY EVERYWHERE BUT NONE TO SPEND Bob MajiriOghene Etemiku argues that it is ironical that the country could not care for its citizenry

ome years ago, I was in a European country on one of those scholarships. It was an intensive training programme which allowed you little or no time to hop around or do your shopping. So, what we used to do then was an adlib kind of thing. As we walked along the streets to the training centre, we would look around for any item that may possibly catch our fancy. If we found any, we’d make a purchase and just toss the item in our wardrobes. Doing this everyday meant that I eventually bought just the items I needed. On one of those days, I had budgeted 50 Euros for my shopping. I loved the 50 euro best, and I think that this was especially because of its resemblance with our own N50 note. If some of us are familiar with the euro, you’d ordinarily know that what difference there is with the 50 euro and our own N50 note is in power and dignity. But I didn’t know this at that time. So, I walked that day along the Potsdamer Platz Arcades with Marco Hamacher our coordinator, my 50 euro note at the ready. But something in the way Hamacher looked, first at me, and at the 50 euro dancing between my fingers again and again stopped me in my tracks. I looked at him. ‘What’s the matter Marco?’ I asked him. He looked forlorn, and at me before saying, ‘Bob, that’s a lot of money you have there!’ Incredulity took me over. I found out eventually that that 50 euro which I was fiddling with could get an average German family by in two weeks. Where I come from in the goodest and badest times, a N50 note has some ambivalence. In the goodest of times, it is money

used for church offerings, tossed at beggars and you leave it as tip to that little boy who runs your errands. All anyone can buy with it are toffee sweets, tom-tom and groundnuts. In those good old days, even those who sprayed those notes at funeral and at outlandish parties do not get as low as spraying N50 notes. The disrespect in spraying either N20 or N50 notes can be better avoided if you swallow your pride and break your one thousand naira notes into clear crisp notes. For those who brave the odds to spray notes above N50 notes at parties and funerals, they have a way of either reducing their spray to the merest decimal or have their people hang around to ensure that what has been sprayed is collected back pronto. But today however, things are at their badest. Most Nigerians can fight to the death to secure and extend the spending life-span of their N50. In Benin, Edo State, (and I guess in many cities in Nigeria), if a commuter has N50 and the fare from point A to point B is N40, commuters and transporters insult each other’s grandfathers and spit in one another’s face just because of the change. Yet it is at these very precarious and uncertain times that we hear of unbelievable sums of stolen money either being hidden in villages, stored in cemeteries or high-brow edifices. The first most of us heard about was in February this year. A former boss at the NNPC reportedly hid $9.7million and 74 euros in liquid cash in a village in Kaduna. It was said that that village had no roads, no hospitals, no good schools and no water. A rough estimate/calculation of that sum of money in our currency would translate in some of

the cool billions which would easily take care of those amenities lacking in that village. While we thought that nothing worser than that could ever happen, various sums of money in cool billions began to be dug up from Bureau De Changes all over Nigeria. This month alone, more than N449millions were found ‘abandoned’ in a shop in Lagos. But it was the Ikoyi haul which dwarfed all our expectations of the kinds of monies which are still in existence at this critical epoch of recession, suffering and hunger. In an EFCC bust-up which threw up conspiracy theories aplenty, Nigerians were left gasping at the sight of those crisp dollar, euros and pound notes. They say the love of money is the root of all evils. In Nigeria, money has become the root of poverty. Nobody yet has been able to sum up the damage which these monies being dug up from villages and abandoned shops and high-brow buildings have wreaked on us. But while these monies being recovered, a 2016 United Nations Development Programme, UNDP, Report positioned Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, on the same low rank, while ‘smaller’ and lesser endowed countries like Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Zambia and Ghana fared better on the HDI statistics. People in countries like the Sudan, Kenya, South Africa Egypt, Morocco and Libya have a life expectancy of 64 and above. Nigeria is among Lesotho, Cote d’Ivoire, Chad, the Central African Republic and Lesotho as countries where the people will most likely die by their 45th birthday. ––Etemiku is ANEEJ Communications manager

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

INSIGHT

What went wrong? TO OUR READERS

Letters in response to specific publications in THISDAY should be brief (150-200 words) and straight to the point. Interested readers may send such letters along with their contact details to opinion@thisdaylive.com. We also welcome comments and opinions on topical local, national and international issues provided they are well-written and should also not be longer than (950- 1000 words). They should be sent to saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com along with the email address and phone numbers of the writer.

ThePoliceandCriminalElementsinIkorodu

ecently, Ikorodu area of Lagos was thrown into confusion as suspected militants struck at Woodland Estate area, Ishawo in Ikorodu. At the end of it all, two soldiers and five policemen were reportedly killed by the criminals. According to reports, the gallant security operatives were killed after effectively rescuing kidnapped victims kept in the creeks of Ikorodu by the criminal elements. While commiserating with families of the fallen officers, the Lagos State Government, in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, reassured members of the public that every effort would be made to ensure their killers are nabbed and made to face the full wrath of the law. Ayorinde further affirmed that rather than unnerve the state government, the Ishawo incident would further reinforce government’s resolve to go after criminal elements and their collaborators who are using coastal areas and illegal waterfront settlements as hideouts to perpetrate their nefarious activities. Barely a few days after making that declaration, the Nigerian Police revealed that the mastermind of the Ikorodu killings, Endurance Ominisan, aka Mighty has been killed in a gun battle with the police. According to reports, Ominisan, a native of Arogbo in Ondo State, was arrested by men of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IGP IRT) during a battle with the police in Lagos. He eventually died as a result of severe wounds he sustained. Before his death, Ominisan reportedly confessed that he led the gang that killed the two soldiers and five policemen at Ishawo. He equally allegedly confessed to being the mastermind of the kidnap of Oniba of Iba, kidnap of Turkish school girls among numerous others. Ominisan was said to have met his waterloo after he purportedly came out from his hideout in the Ikorodu creeks to hang out with his girlfriend. It was his rendezvous with the supposed girlfriend that ultimately gave

him out to men of the IGP IRT team who unknown to him had been on his trail for quite some time. He was trailed to the apartment he purportedly rented for his girlfriend at Ibeshe area of Ikorodu. To forestall any hope of Ominisan’s escape, the IRT team reportedly cordoned off the house and its entire environs. In an attempt to escape being caught, Ominisan took refuge at the roof of the building where, using his pistol, he began to fire several shots at the IRT team. ––Tayo Ogunbiyi, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alausa, Lagos

Aisha Buhari and Our Teenage Girls

he cases of child sexual abuse and defilement of underage/teenage girls at schools, at home and in between are many. The story of the 16-yearold JSS111 student of Day Secondary School Tunga Minna, who was allegedly impregnated by a vice-principal generated public outcry from different quarters. Wife of the president, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, took personal interest in the matter. She called on relevant authorities to ensure that justice is done. Hajiya Aisha contacted the wife of Niger State Governor, Dr. Amina Sani Bello to take

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR SHAKA MOMODU DEPUTY EDITORS 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, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR OLUFEMI ABOROWA DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS PETER IWEGBU, FIDELIS ELEMA, 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

interest in the case before Fati Auna magistrate court. Chief press secretary to the governor’s wife, Aisha Wakaso, hinted that the Child Rights Agency was also monitoring to ensure that due diligence was done. The accused was said to have had sex with the girl three times in his office, thereby contravening sections 19 and 25 of the state Child Rights Act. Just recently, the Emir of Bauchi, Alhaji Rilwanu Suleman Adamu called on the state government to separate boys and girls in schools to ensure morality and preserve the future of children. I must assert that this is just one in hundreds of thousand cases of rape against underage female citizens. Villages, towns and cities are not different in the records of this social menace. Many little girls die from such wicked acts unnoticed. Unwanted pregnancies and abandoned new born babies from these heinous and inhuman activities are many. Sexual abuse, researchers say, is the misuse or wrong use of sexuality whether in action, touching of breast or buttocks, very intimate body contact or actual sexual intercourse with a child. It also alludes to use of words suggestive of intention to engage in any form of sexual activity or practice. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that at least one in five of world’s female population has been physically or sexually abused. The threat is increasing among girls who often have faced problems of gender inequality in addition to the usual problems of unguarded childhood and adolescence manifested in child labour and street hawking. Street hawking is a common form of child labour in developing countries, Nigeria inclusive, and the female children are mostly victims. According to research, the child on the street is exposed to malnutrition, respiratory tract infection, mental illness and violence including sexual exploitation by men. It is widely believed that the men prefer young girls as sexual partners because they assume they are sexually inexperienced hence are less likely to be infected with sexually transmitted disease (STD). ––Muhammad Ajah, Abuja

SATURDAY, april 29, 2017 • T H I S D AY

PAGE FOURTEEN

Lai Mohammed in 'Best Jollof Rice' Controversy Obinna Chima Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stunned CNN audience yesterday when he said the best Jollof rice is prepared in Senegal. A claim that seriously weakened the 'Nigeria First' mantra meant to encourage patronage Nigerian goods and drive the nation's economic recovery on a special edition of Quest Means Business anchored in Lagos. Although Mr Richard Quest was later to clarify that the Minister misunderstood his question to mean which country

jollof rice originated from. "That was why he answered Senegal." However, the damage was already done, as social media would not let Lai Mohammed off the hook over his faux pas. Responding to a question about which country makes the best Jollof rice, the minister said: "I want to say probably Senegal." Jollof rice is a delicacy that is common among most countries in West Africa and in recent time there have been debate on the social media platforms about the country in the region that makes the best Jollof rice.

Quest may have been prompted to ask the question because of the raging debate. Quest who had earlier expressed surprise at the minister's response, however clarified that the minister misunderstood his question to mean "where did Jollof rice originate from," which according to him was why he answered, Senegal. However, the minister's gaffe was clearly apparent and drew the ire of the social media, as the video went viral, with many lambasting the minister. On what the government was doing to diversify the economy,

Lai Mohammed had earlier said the government would tap from the potential of the creative industry, especially Nollywood, in its quest to diversify the economy. "We must look at Nollywood as another platform where we can really, not only generate revenue, but to create jobs and also fire the imagination of the creative artistes in Nigeria. As at today, we produce more than 50 films a week, which is more than what Hollywood does. "Nollywood is seen not just in Nigeria, but the whole of

Africa and even the diaspora. So, we are actually producing for the entire world. We intend to leverage on the comparative advantage we have in the film industry because we believe that is one area where we are strong. "And what we need to do is to protect the industry and promote it. We know the challenges we have today, notably, our inability to adequately protect the intellectual property of these films, lack of infrastructure and lack of access to funds. That is why even though we produce more movies than Hollywood,

we admit that the quality of these films can be better. "This is a country of over 500 languages and its diversity of culture. If we are able to allow our people to tell our story from our own perspective, we would be able to drive tourism. This government is focused on the Ease of Doing Business," he added. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, reiterated government efforts to diversify the economy, through its recently launched Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

SOYINKA: HERDSMEN EXHIBITING CONQUEROR MENTALITY, MOVEMENT TO daughter during our days at NADECO. He was like a son to ENSLAVE NIGERIANS

BABANGIDA ALIYU: NORTH REFUSED TO BACK JONATHAN FOR RENEGING ON ONE TERM PROMISE only one time was based on the suggestion that if the constitution was amended to make for president to spend seven years in office. However, the former president did also not see any wrong in reneging on this pledge. He was quoted in the book as saying: "In any case, you can make a political promise and change your mind so long as it is within the law." The former Niger State governor said that with suspicion mounting that Jonathan was contemplating changing his mind on the one-term deal, PDP governors held meetings with him individually and as a group. He said: "As chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, I recalled having to remind him of the commitment he made to us in 2010 before we supported his bid to contest. I know that other governors were also meeting him while a few were seeing themselves as potential candidates. "In one of my meetings with him, I suggested he could even choose any credible PDP man he wanted from the North and such a person did not have to be among the governors. One day, he would agree to the idea, on another day he would say something else." ‘Chronicle of History of Our Recent Past’ Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd) during the unveiling of the book, said that he would rather a Nigerian author write the book than a foreigner, “who might not understand intricacies behind the events.” He therefore urged Nigerian journalist to start chronicling events of our recent history. He said it was the duty

of the Nigerian journalist to stimulate a robust discourse of contemporary Nigerian history which would be of great benefit for the future, while also urging journalists to dig deeper to unfold issues surrounding the kidnap of the Chibok girls and the Boko Haram. He stated that the book, since it was unveiled, had generated a lot of discourse both on the internet and the general public; and also on the political stage, adding that such is necessary to put contemporary Nigerian history on the front burner. “Segun chose an important subject in Nigerian history. The events around the 2015 election are a defining moment in the history of Nigeria; it is worth the time spent on it.” The former Head of State enjoined journalists not to limit themselves to just writing reports, but to write books that will tell the Nigerian story. Earlier, the author had confessed that he didn’t set out to generate controversy or anticipated that this book would generate the kind of excitement seen in recent days. “For instance, I woke up yesterday morning to discover that people were already buying the book, having announced in my column that it would only be on sale from today. And it has been trending ever since. But let me also use the opportunity to answer a question. “The idea for this book germinated when, in the course of my Fellow’s programme at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs, Harvard University (during the 2010/2011 academic session) I decided to research into why it is difficult for incumbent presidents to lose elections in Africa. In the process, I

discovered that competitive presidential elections held in sub-Saharan Africa in the preceding two decades resulted only in 4 per cent defeat and 96 percent victory for the incumbents. “As it would happen, when I applied the same principle to the rest of the world, I found out that it is a global trend as incumbents were defeated at the polls only 7 per cent of the time, winning 93 per cent of the time. “The conclusion I could draw from that was that there was not much difference between Africa and the rest of the world with respect to “incumbency factor”. Having eliminated that as the main factor why elections are usually skewed against the opposition whenever incumbents were on the ballot, I tried other variables. Eventually, I was able to locate fractionalised opposition as the main factor. Also speaking at the presentation, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said that the nation was indebted to Adeniyi for his painstaking effort to write on recent issues in the nation’s polity. “He is thorough, one of the few Nigerians blazing the trail about events of our contemporary history.” Chief Cornelius Adebayo, who was like a father to Segun Adeniyi, said that he was not surprised by the achievements of Adeniyi while recalling that he started as writer during the second republic when he (Adebayo) was a governor of Kwara State. “He started his career too early and that is why he has achieved so much. He was with me during the second republic from 1979 to 1983 and was in fact arrested along with my

me; gentle with mild rascality.” The Managing Director of THISDAY, Eniola Bello commended Adeniyi who was editor of THISDAY after him for having the time to write books given the state of the environment of the country. Though the book was devoted majorly to activities surrounding the event leading to the last general election and former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, his presidential spokesman, Reuben Abati would not be drawn to not making comments on the book. He however took exception to the very many indicting words of the book reviewer Okey Okechukwu whom he said was on the media team of the former president and should have taken responsibility along with others for the misstatement of the past administration instead of castigating it in his review. The book launch was attended by who is who in Nigerian politics and the media including Chief Cornelius Adebayo, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Mrs. Onari Duke who represented her husband, Donald, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, Eniola Bello, Managing Director THISDAY Newspapers; Kayode Komolafe, Deputy Managing Director, THISDAY; Ms. Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Editor, THISDAY; Tunde Rahman, Special Adviser to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on Communication; Yinka Odumakin, spokesman, Afenifere; Dr. Chidi Amute; Ayo Arowolo; Keem Belo-Osagie; Dan Agbese; Soji Omotunde; Kunle Ajibade, Senator Tokunboh Afikunyomi; Dele Momodu and Dr. Reuben Abati among others.

IPOB LEADER, KANU FINALLY RELEASED ON BAIL AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS IN PRISON the sureties to be provided by Kanu should include a highly respected Jewish leader, since according to her, the defendant claimed Judaism as his religion. Another of the sureties according to the judge should be a senior and highly placed individual of Igbo extraction and in the ranking of a senator, while the last is expected to be a respected individual resident in Abuja with proof of ownership of landed property. In addition Justice Nyako said Kanu must never be seen in a crowd of more than 10 people. "No interviews and no rallies," said Nyako. Also Kanu was ordered to deposit his international

passport including his British passport with the court, adding that the court should on a monthly basis be furnished with a progress report on the health of the defendant. Kanu co-accused were however unfortunate as the court denied them bail on grounds that the charges against them were grievous. The judge also refused to grant their second motion which prayed the court to review its earlier ruling on protection of witnesses. Kanu, Onwudiwe Chidiebere, Banjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi were arraigned by the federal government on an 11 count charge bordering

on terrorism, treasonable felony and illegal possession of firearms amongst others. But, Justice Nyako had struck out six out of the 11 count amended charge filed against the defendants on grounds that the charges lack competence. Role of South East Senators in Kanu’s Release In a related development, it has emerged that the South East caucus of the Senate met on Thursday and agreed to lead the quest to get Kanu out on bail. The emergency meeting, which held at the Apo Quarters residence of the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, according to reliable sources privy to

the meeting, was essentially to discuss the stringent bail conditions granted Kanu by the court on Tuesday. “First, the caucus agreed to work as a team to secure Kanu’s release. It was agreed that the leader of the caucus and Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe or the Senator representing the IPOB leader’s Abia Central Senatorial District, Senator Theodore Orji, should take him on bail. The source said that the South East Senate caucus also made contact with Nnamdi’s lawyers on the decision to ensure that his bail is perfected.

take actions that would force the government to act consciously in checking the menace of armed herdsmen. “I see no other interpretation concerning these events, I have reported to the police and they have records. They are camping all over the place and they are not camping as peaceful neighbours but as conquerors, that is what is happening here and that is why I use the word enslavement. “It seems to me that there is a movement to enslave the citizens of this nation wherever they happen to be, they show they are the masters of the land. There is an aggression, that aggression use to be in the forest. I told you before that there are certain parts of the forest that when we go hunting we no longer venture because of what we have seen unless we go enmasse and equipped more than for killing sparrows. “But when cattle come right into your door step, I think we are in a very different territory. I think one has the right to assume that any cow that comes to one’s door step is a potential suicide bomber and to take preemptive action to ensure that our homes are not turned into Maiduguri. The leadership of this nation is taking this menace far too lightly. “It is a year ago since I read that speech when the President promised that cattle assault will soon be a thing of the past. Is it going to happen in the next six months? Will the police still be busy chasing kidnappers, soldiers trying to preempt the remnants of the degraded Boko Haram? Is that pledge going to be fulfilled in the next six months since that speech was read?, He queried. Stating further, “I am not going to dramatise the situation. What matters is that my home is being invaded as are the farms of my neighbours. Some are erecting barriers, things we have never seen in that area in the past since I began living there. “There have been clashes by the way; there have been clashes between the farmers and the herdsmen. The police have had to intervene couples of time, chase them out, they returned, this time they beat a path to my doorstep. Let us not exaggerate but let us be sanguine about intrusions like this. These people have no respect for human beings and who use human beings including some of our Chibok girls as suicide bombers, why

shouldn’t they decide to use cattle as suicide bombers? “It is not an exaggerated way of thinking, it is accumulation of many things which we have been undergoing in this country not just in my area, in Anambra, Edo, Benue, where herdsmen are being appeased not to kill, not to destroy and what I am looking at in our neighbourhood are tentative polls to see how far these people can go." He said the type of dialogue he was advocating wasn’t for the creation of grazing route as it would cause more problems in the country but one where the security agencies would be about their duties while the leadership of the country would make it clear that no herdsman would commit crime and escape punishment. “In any case, should we wait for another six months that no more Ogun State farmers are killed, Edo farmers are killed, their children raped, beheaded for going to their farms? Will the next meeting be like the one which was held in Benue over a year ago when the herdsmen actually arrived with AK 47 and were not disarmed and were allowed to leave with them? “This is what is known as impunity, it is actually enslavement, poking a finger at the citizens of this nation. The crisis is very real; it is futile and suicidal to pretend otherwise. “Some action is required to call leadership to order; maybe we should have a day of beef boycott, find other means of satisfying our protein and I know that vegetarians will be very happy.” Reminded the issue was not a local one he said: “The threat is not a local one, it is not even a national one. If you remember a meeting I spoke of which followed some massacres in the north, the delegates admitted that they came from outside, all the way from Senegal or somewhere and said they had come and killed to avenge the death of one of their own people who had been killed so they mobilised across the West African region to come and avenge the death of one person. He also condemned the hoarding of information on President Muhammadu Buhari’s health status which he likened to the way President Donald Trump of America hoarded his tax returns, insisting that as a public officer and leader, he had the obligation to let people know reality of his health to avoid speculations.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •APRIL 29, 2017

NEWS

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

EFCC: N17bn Recovered Through Whistle-blowing Policy From Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja The Acting Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu said the commission has recovered about N17billion for the Federal Government through the whistle-blowing policy introduced in December last year. Magu made this revelation Thursday night while presenting the Anniversary Lecture to commemorate the 62nd Founders' of the Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ). Magu, who was represented by Dr. Akeem Bello, said in the lecture titled : "Before Corruption Kills Nigeria” that the money recovered was in naira and other foreign denominations. He reeled out the recovered loot to include: N521,815,000, $53,272,747, £122,890, and €547,730 respectively. Magu also said the anticorruption agency had recorded 62 convictions in the first quarter of the year, including the former Governor of Adamawa, James Ngilari, who was prosecuted and jailed for corrupt practice. He appealed to the media to support the whistle-blower policy and join hands with government in subduing corruption which has hampered the economic growth of the country and is endemic in many facets of public. He cited the $2billion arms deal scandal that indicted the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki and several former and serving senior military officers as one of the efforts of EFCC to battle corruption. "There is corruption in many ways and forms in the country and the ways by which the battle can

FOR STABLE POWER... L-R: DGM, Consumer Affairs, NERC, Chijioke Obi, Executive Director, Commercial, Benin Electricity Distribution Plc, Mr. Abu Ejoor, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Commissioner, Dr Moses Arigu, Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Mr. Newworld Safugha, representative of the Asagba of Asaba, HRH, Prof Chike Edozien and the representative of the Commandant, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Delta State, Mr. Iyobosa Oshodi at the commissioning of the NERC Forum Office in Asaba, Delta state.. Wednesday

be won is if the media and wellmeaning Nigerians support the crusade. The EFCC is committed to pursuing its statutory mandate and to rescue the Nigerian state and its people from being killed by corruption. With the government and people of Nigeria behind

the EFCC, we shall surely be victorious", Magu said.. Former NUJ President, Sani Zoro Mohammed, who represents Gumel/Maigatari/ Sule Tankarkar/Gagarawa at National Assembly, lauded Magu for his anti-corruption crusade

saying that his searchlight on corruption in the arms scandal has also exposed the media as collaborators. NUJ President, Abdulwaheed Odusile, said the media existed to monitor the other arms of government and to hold government

accountable. "Federal government's fight against corruption is beginning to gain roots, but regrettably, we have not seen similar commitment on the part of the other tiers of government. The state and local governments have

shown lukewarm attitude against corruption, whereas a whole lot of corruption is going on at their levels, especially in local government administration, such that some are even calling for the scrapping of the third -tier of government," Odusile said.

Lagos Seals Collapsed NIWA Commences River N’Assembly Concludes Building at Nicon Estate Niger Maintenance Dredging Constitutional Amendment 2018 Lagos State Government on Friday sealed off the building that partially collapsed at Nicon Town Estate on Admiralty Way in Lekki on Thursday killing two persons and left one other severely injured. The State Government further ordered integrity test to be conducted on the structure. Speaking to reporters after carrying out on-the-spot assessment of the incident, the State’s Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowose, said the building would remain sealed till the completion of investigation by relevant government agencies, while the report of the investigation would be made public in due course. He said officials of the Ministry immediately moved to site after being alerted of the incident, while the workers at the scene were evacuated. He said: “Yesterday, I was in my office when I had a call that there was a partial building collapse in Lekki and I immediately mobilised my officers to site. They have given me their report and the onus is on me to ascertain the situation of things and that is why I am here.

“Based on our preliminary investigation, we discovered that it was the roof gutter of the building under construction that fell off the main house and a vibrator was also used. “At the moment, the State Government has taken the necessary steps; we have evacuated all the people that worked on the building and the property has been sealed off. It will remain sealed until we conclude our investigation,” Anifowose said. He, however, faulted the owner of the building for not displaying the Project Board on the site of the construction as required, but said the ongoing investigation would reveal actual state of things. “The Project Board usually contains information such as the name of the architect, name of the engineer, the name of builder and the approved building plan. There is nothing of such here but like I said, we will go back to the office and check the file. There are two levels of approvals for this type of construction and that is approval from the management of the Estate and then approval of the State Government.

Yekini Jimoh in Lokoja

National Inland waterways Authority (NIWA) yesterday commenced maintenance dredging of Ajaokuta-Onitsha Channel on River Niger. The Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi while flagging off the maintenance dredging at Julius Berger Jetty in Ajaokuta said NIWA was making progress by maintaining the channel in-house , thereby saving the country some millions of naira in the area of skill utilisation and empowering its staff. The Minister commend the managing director of NIWA for his initiative in putting to use the dredgers acquired some years ago and now decided to make use of them through the Staff thereby updating themselves professionally. He stressed that he hoped to see the full Concession of the Onitsha River Port before the end of the year, completion of the Lokoja River port and supply of cargo handling equipment at Baro River Port. "These I believe will comple-

ment activities at the Lokoja River Port and crest multiple benefits with attendant multiplier effects on the economy, particularly in promoting multi-modal transport and cheaper coastal services across 28 States of the federation. "With this, National Inland Waterways Authority is now poised to improve the navigability of the waterways, increase the value of water fronts and generate economic activities along the River banks as well as the riverine communities" he said. He promised that the National Inland Waterways Authority would make their efforts and other Waterway users seamless as possible by further deepening the channels and ensuring that the Ajaokuta-Onitsha route was navigable all the year round. Earlier, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello in his speech during the flag off said the dredging covered a distance of 162km from Ajaokuta to Onitsha adding that it was intended to keep the waterways between the two locations navigable all year round.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Lasun has said that work on Bills seeking to amend the 1999 constitution will not be through until February or March next year. Speaking at the opening of a one-day retreat for members of the House Committee on constitutional amendment organised in collaboration with the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) in Abuja, Lasun assured that that they were going to conclude action on the Bill within the third year of this administration because of its political implication. "Because at that point, the most important thing for the two chambers will be Ad Hoc Committees on Constitutional Review. So if we are able to do that within the two, three months and that will be getting to November; by the time we passed those things to State House of Assemblies and we give them another three months, so it can be earlier than February/ March next year," he said. The retreat is specifically meant

to consider report of the consultants hired by the National Assembly on Bills on constitutional review. He said that so far the House Committee on amendment to the constitution had considered more than 50 bills. Explaining further, the Deputy Speaker said: "Constitution amendment was quite different from bills formation, adding, “Like whatever we do here today, will now finally go to the floor of the House, we send them as bills, then discuss them, vote on them, and those we voted on and passed the two third requirement will now be sent to the State House of Assemblies and the State House of Assemblies will now vote on them. "And at that point, we require at least two third number of the State Assemblies to concur on each particular bill before they can come back and we finally work on it before it becomes an amended part. So it is still a long process and if we follow our programme very diligently, I think it cannot be earlier than February/March next year," he added.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2017

Plus

LOUD WHISPERS POLSCOPE TRAVEL AUTO GLOBAL SOCCER FASHION FILE

Frank Giwa-Osagie I Feel Like a 55-Year-Old Though I Am 70

pg. 20 pg. 22 pg. 24 pg. 26 pg. 29 pg. 41

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 29, 2017

PLUS

I Have an 84-Year-Old Tortoise in My House

He pioneered In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), a medical miracle in collaboration with Professor Oladapo Ashiru and Dr. Abisogun, the first in Nigeria, the whole of East, West and Central Africa with pregnancies as from 1984 and a live-birth from their efforts in 1989. The professor of obstetrics and gynaecology, in medical school, enjoyed a lot of admiration and respect from his students. The internationally acclaimed fertility expert is widely published with over 86 publications in books, articles, monogrammes in local and international journals. If you’re looking for an old, life-wearied septuagenarian, don’t look in his direction. Agile, cerebral and humorous, he is determined to live life to the fullest. A prince from the famous Osagie family, the erudite scholar is passionate and proud of his heritage and holds a 300-year-old title, the Obarisiagbon of Benin Kingdom. Meet Professor Osato Ona Frank Giwa-Osagie, fondly called Osato, founder of OMNI Medical Clinic. In this interview with Omolola Itayemi, Prof. Giwa-Osagie talks about his childhood, his burst of energy and intellect, and his more than 40 years of romance with his Jamaican wife

ow does it feel to clock 70? I am clocking 70 years but I feel more like a 55-year-old, partly because I associate more with younger people. I used to tease my nephews that every pair of jeans they buy, I can buy it as well. Sometimes, some of them find it obviously difficult to associate with somebody who is much older than them, but majority don’t mind at all. They think it is great fun because they get to learn a lot of things because I have been through life for a longer time. I am definitely not one of those older people that you can put on an armchair to keep them out of the way. I’ll be bored to death if I didn’t have something that will keep me busy. I retired at 65, exactly six weeks before the government increased the retirement age for professors to 70. Many times, my wife say I am too restless because I can just be at home and at 8pm I’ll say I’m going out; that I am tired of watching television and so on. I ascribe my athletic and intellectual nature to devotion to sports and reading books as a younger person. What sports did you do? I played hockey quite well. I played first 11 hockeys for King’s College Lagos in the mid-60s. When I got to England, I played cricket and I have been the chairman of Hauzad foundation for cricket, to encourage cricket in Nigeria for the last 20 years. I was also quite successful in athletics. I was a triple jumper at King’s College and in Cambridge University. I also did sprint; 100 yards like they used to call it; now they say it is 100 meters. I did the relay too. I used to run a very good second leg for King’s College. I am the sort of person that can watch any sport and not get bored. I also watch the news or Animal Channel. I’m constantly fascinated by snakes and lions. But not those only, I have chickens, goats, guinea fowls, dogs and a big 84-yearold tortoise called Max. How did you come about speaking four languages fluently? When I was younger, my father worked for the Nigerian Prisons Service; he became the first Nigerian

head of prisons service. We were constantly on the move, thanks to frequent transfers. I schooled in five states: Port Harcourt (Rivers); Abeokuta (Ogun); Kaduna (Kaduna); Warri (Delta); and then Christ the King Cathedral before going over to King’s College (Lagos) for seven years where I completed O’ levels and A’ levels, then I went to England. I think that life of travelling around gave me a very broad and tolerant attitude. So I had that kind of background and it has made me mentally active and inquisitive. I speak about four languages; Igbo, Yoruba, Itsekiri, and Bini, including French. I don’t speak Hausa because we were in Kaduna for only three months. My mother was Itsekiri and my father Bini –so, I understand Itsekiri more than I speak it. Did you study medicine because it was the popular thing at that time? When I was growing up, the ambition at that time was to study medicine, law or engineering. Accountancy was new; we didn’t understand what it meant. I got into medicine because my father had some friends who were doctors, who used to visit us. The likes of Dr. B. J. Ikpeme of Calabar and Dr. G. O. Garrick of Benin; my father’s friends and classmates from King’s College, Dr. Ofili, who was in Benin and Asaba, my father’s first cousin, Professor T. Bello-Osagie. These are the doctors that I grew up knowing as a child. I used to admire them when they came, flinging their stethoscopes; their cars always smelled of medicine. I was always saying I wanted to be a doctor; I just followed it up from there. I excelled in science and French, so it was easy for me to go towards medicine. I passed the entrance examination into Cambridge University to study medicine. It was my first time in England in 1966. I studied medicine at Claire College, Cambridge University, and from there went to King’s College Hospital in London to do the clinical and to specialise. I was in England for 12 years, doing medicine and specialising before I came back to Nigeria. You returned to Nigeria to pick up a job with LUTH. Why? In our time, you were deemed to be a failure if you went to England and

Giwa-Osagie

APRIL 29, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

PLUS I Go to Club Or Friends’ Homes to Relax didn’t come back. No Nigerian parent prayed for their child to stay back in England or America, unlike now. It was a big disaster for a family if a child got qualified and decided to stay back. That is why many of us – my age – do not have British citizenship. We were offered but we said we didn’t want. When I came back, I was a lecturer at King’s College Hospital. It was true that the facilities at that time were better but we were still close to facilities in Britain. When I came to LUTH, it was functioning and my salary, when converted, it wasn’t much lower than my salary in England because it was N1.2k to a pound sterling. I was coming home where there was a lot of work to do. LUTH interviewed me in London. I got the appointment and they gave me a Nigerian Airways ticket for my entire family to come back. Within three months of returning I was given a three-bedroomed flat in LUTH. That is how efficient Nigeria was even as recently as 1978. That was the atmosphere I grew up in. Of course, now you can choose whether or not to come back. Before I came back, I already had a master’s degree in endocrinology and was already working at the WHO research centre at King’s College Hospital, where we were doing trials on contraceptives and infertility. So, I was already in the infertility field. I came back to Nigeria, as a gynaecologist who already had a bias for fertility matters, family planning and the likes. I was lucky. When did the first IVF pregnancy occurred in Nigeria? When I came back in 1978, I was lucky that the head of department of Gynaecology at LUTH was a man called, Professor Akinla, who is still alive at 94 years old. He was an examiner when I did my specialist final in England and he was very impressed by my performance and said to himself I must get this doctor to come and work with me at LUTH. I got the job and I came back, he put me in his department. But he was already working on fertility matters; he was working with population council on contraception rings and so on. I basically walked into what I was doing in London. I had that advantage over other people who had to start afresh. I just kept working and publishing papers, being invited to give lectures and I quickly became a full professor by the age of 40 which is very unusual in obstetrics and gynaecology in Nigeria. Most people become professors between 48 and 50 years. I moved from lecturer 1 to full professor in seven years which is record-breaking. It was all due to the publications I was doing in the field of contraception and infertility. At that same time, Prof Oladapo Ashiru was rising meteorically in anatomy department; he was also interested in fertility. He became a professor at the age of 33 or 34. We had similar interests. He was working on animals and I on humans. We came together and that’s how our IVF team was formed. I went off to Australia to learn about human IVF in Melbourne, he to Nebraska, USA. We came back and continued to work and by 1984 we had our first pregnancy from IVF and that was it. By the time we had the first time delivery from IVF, it was clear to us that unless the government put in place a scheme for making sure that the money came in for buying reagents and other things, we could not continue because we could not be using our personal money for funding treatment in a personal hospital. So they said, IVF was not priority, diarrhoea and vomiting was more important. Fair enough, that time Prof Ransome-Kuti was the minister of health and primary care

Giwa-Osagie

was his area. They did not put fertility treatment among the things the World Bank should fund, rather than go to Saudi Arabia as most doctors were doing I decided to start an IVF practice. I was able to do this with funding from friends and assistance from members of my family including my cousin, Hakeem Bello-Osagie and Ebitimi Banigo, the banker who is now a king in Bayelsa State. They don’t have fertility problems but they saw my interest and the funding to Melbourne to attend an IVF workshop was by Kings College Old boys association. The late Gbenga Oshifekun, an accountant, gave me a business class ticket to Australia. Dapo Ashiru went to America for about 10 years but I was here. I had made up my mind I wasn’t going to live in a foreign land again after spending more than 12 years in England. That’s how Ashiru and I got together. You named your clinic OMNI. What does it mean and how long has it been in existence? OMNI stands for the power of God; omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. It has been in existence since December 1999 and officially opened by Chief Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu. I had previously had a medical practice at Osagie Medical Centre (OMC) at Surulere, Lagos, from 1987 to 1999. Then I moved here and adopted the name. OMC belongs to Professor T. Bello Osagie who was my father’s first

cousin. How do you relax? After work, I’ll go home, eat and maybe go to the club or go visit some friends in Ikoyi and Victoria Island. I like to travel. I got into that habit because I was secretary general of the West African College of Surgeons which consists of 18 countries. I used to go along to visit them while we train surgeons. I have also been quite busy academically, writing papers which I present all over the place: Japan, Thailand, Australia, India, America, Britain, France, and South Africa. Let’s talk about your heritage and your traditional title. I am very proud to be a Bini man. I am proud without demeaning other cultures. I am proud of my culture because my culture is hundreds of years old. The Oba of Benin sent his eldest son to Portugal by boat, some 500 years ago. The crown prince lived in Portugal for about four years, now that takes some doing. I am the Obarisiagbon of Benin Kingdom; my title is about 300 years old. With a title that old and obaship that is even longer than that you still find that the system is bearing its substance – you have to be proud of it. The Obas during their tenures, tried to modify things without destroying them. The last Oba modernised a lot of shrines and appointed people to look after them. The present Oba has said that he is going

In our time, you were deemed to be a failure if you went to England and didn’t come back. No Nigerian parent prayed for their child to stay back in England or America, unlike now. It was a big disaster for a family if a child got qualified and decided to stay back. That is why many of us – my age – do not have British citizenship. We were offered but we said we didn’t want. When I came back, I was a lecturer at King’s College Hospital. It was true that the facilities at that time were better but we were still close to facilities in Britain. to review the administration to make sure things are done properly; to cut off too much wayo in settling cases in the palace. People are always quarrelling over titles, inheritance, land, and so on. It is an opportunity for those who are bent on exploiting the situation to make money for themselves. He said he is going to try and correct that. When you have a kingdom that has straight rules before the British came in, they had street lights and straight roads; all of these are documented, you have to respect the system. But you have people who threatened that structure. In Benin culture, the eldest son is the head of the family. It doesn’t matter if he is 15 years old and the sister is 60 years old. This is the very anti-thesis of the Yoruba land and the Kalabari custom, where the first child is first; it doesn’t matter whether it is male or female. Was meeting your wife love at first sight? My wife is not Nigerian. My wife is from Jamaica. We met in England where we were both students. I was studying medicine while she was studying dentistry. She moved into my hostel in 1970. I had moved in a year earlier, and I met her there. So, I have known her for over 40 years. We did our 40th wedding anniversary last year September. This is our 41st year in marriage.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017 with JOSEPH EDGAR (09095325791)

LOUD WHISPERS

Kanu

Nnamdi Kanu : Please Don’t do a Mandela When I read of the bail and its conditions, I was kind of relieved. You see, I like this Kanu guy not because I like his politics or what he stands for but for his sartorial style. I look forward to his court appearances just to see his attire and of recent he has started putting a white shawl over his well-sewn clothes and his gray, well-trimmed beard gives him an aristocratic mien. But that is where it ends for me. His senseless agitation for the balkanisation of the country is so childish that if not for the seriousness of the matter one could laugh so much. He and his cohorts have failed to realise that over 30 years since the civil war, the social fabric of the country has undergone some very strong intermingling such that a vacuous political declaration like the one he is championing will do nothing to unravel it. As a student of political science, yes o, I read Political Science at the University of Ibadan. Small, I for get third class, but I try small and unlike our singing senator, stayed only four years in looking at the Nigerian construct. I have seen that politically and socially, this country is a natural construct and that our amalgamation in 1914 was just a physical manifestation of a societal process that was already evolving over decades. So for one well-dressed and almost good-looking young man, to now want to deconstruct that for whatever reasons will at least annoy strong patriots like myself. My brother, you see the issue is leadership and not separation. When our leaders fail at the power-sharing table, they fall on ethnicity to cry foul. Ohh, it’s because we are Igbo. It is because, we are Ibibio, it is because we are not northerners. But when power falls on their laps, what do they do for the people? Nothing, except stealing and pillaging public funds. So my brother, look at the conditions of bail very carefully, the one you will beg for waiver especially the one that says you cannot stay in a group of more than 10 people, you beg to amend or how will you be watching premiership, if you are not with your fans. So Eyinna, Biko collect your bail and quietly go home for a comprehensive medical check-up, make sure everything is ok and quietly go into the sunset so that we can concentrate on rebuilding a stronger and virile Nigeria for our children. You have tried. You are a good man but your politics is wrong. I really do like you. If you don’t mind can you send your tailor’s numbers? That Osinbajo Panel: My Advice to Ayo Oke I hope this my egbon has not already faced the Osinbajo panel set up by the federal government to look critically at the issues surrounding and relating to the huge pile of dollars found in Ikoyi. If he has already faced it, then my

Osinbajo

Kukah

Isiaka Adeleke : A Sad Homily You know news of a death is devastating and this one is one of the most devastating. Although I never had the fortune of meeting this colorful personality physically, I followed his politics with a keen eye. What first caught my attention were his unique dress style and his several attempts at coming back to the number one seat in Osun. I watched closely as he did everything within his powers to achieve what he perceived was his rightful position in the state. Sadly, until his untimely demise, he never really achieved that dream. His death has however shown that despite not regaining power in Osun, he was truly very

advice would have been belated but you know how these things are, I am sure he would be invited over again so I can still send my advice to him. Baba, do not be afraid, Osinbajo is only a man, he can only ask questions and will not flog you. I have his firm assurances on that. Just stand in front of him and make sure you put your hands behind you at all times, so that you do not annoy him. Another thing you will have to do, is to try and stand on one foot, preferably your left foot with the right one hanging in the air. With this, he would have no choice but to believe everything you say. Do not wear any undies both boxers and singlets. This

well loved by his people. His death has thrown the state into a serious tension with his people showing different levels of love as they mourn his death. I also mourn his death and wish his family and his teeming supporters my wholesome sympathy at this time. His death is really painful especially if you consider the fact that he has left us in his prime and at the point of his reemergence. He it was who ran around with the moniker ‘serubawon’. I remember very perfectly. Kai, so sad. My brother all I can say for now is for you to sleep well. Pele. God will keep you in his bosom. It is over.

is to allow you to breath easily. We do not want you to faint during proceedings. Read Psalm 21, I really cannot remember what it says but that was what my mother told me to read when I was headed towards my Oga Chuka when I wanted salary increase. It did not work as the great Igbo son looked at me with one eye and said in Igbo ‘mba’. It may work for you, you never can tell or what do we lose? Do not cry, do not panic and when talking, talk towards Osinbajo’s left eye, he is kinder from that perspective. Please and please do not wear a dark suit or any dark clothing. Come in full white, that is the colour of purity, it screams I am

innocent. Let the white be complete up to the stocks and shoes. You must stand in front of the panel like the Maharaji. Also try to lose the tummy, it shows that just maybe you have been working for yourself and not the people. Do not worry, the most important thing is that at least the money was found and not how it got there. We are all very grateful and happy as you can see the naira is gaining control at the markets and this would stand in your favour so do not worry, everything will be OK. The Vice President is a kind man, I know that personally so you really have nothing to fear. Lastly, make sure you recite the pledge before and after you answer any question, this would make you look very patriotic and if you do not remember the pledge like I suspect, quickly ask your maiguard. God will protect you . It is well my egbon. Rev. Matthew Kukah : Leave Him Alone o My favourite Catholic priest has come under severe fire recently especially on his position regarding the anti-corruption battle. Some have even said that he is now the poster boy as corruption fights back. The Archbishop of Sokoto has in the news, spewing all sorts of fire each time the EFCC discovered loads of cash. I was in a group discussion recently where almost all of the speakers unleashed on him invectives that I began to pity him. I think we should not take him too seriously or send harsh missives to him on his positions on national issues. The kind Reverend is kind of bored in far away Sokoto or how else would you expect such a gentleman to carry out his duties in the very seat of the caliphate? The work there is not too hectic and allows for time to do other things like talking about issues you really do not know anything about. So I use this opportunity to beg the boys, Ejiro, Dapo and Etim to cool down for the Reverend Father otherwise your next confessions would be taped and sent to your wives. Chikena. Shout Out to the Presido and MyNew Friends It all started like a funny dream. But it was a reality and before you realised it, the comedy of errors was a real life thriller. Anyway, the whole thing afforded me an opportunity to meet and make new friends who are now my brothers. Presido Yusuf, Gozie, Uduak, The Doc, Emeka all great guys. I really love these guys, spent about 48 hours with them and their love and sincerity weakened me. Never knew that there could be so much love in this country. You guys have shown me what only a birth mother could show. Hold on, keep hope alive and we will remain strong. Great guys. I remain with you in spirit. Thank you for everything and God bless you all.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

SPY GLASS

with Bayo Adeoye ....08054680651 Christian but a prophet of God.

Okoya Plans Big for Wife’s Birthday

Isiaka Adeleke’s Unfulfilled Dream

The death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the first civilian governor of Osun State, on April 23, was most shocking to his family, political associates and fans alike. Until the tragic occurrence, the late Adeleke was nursing the ambition of becoming the next governor of the state. Indeed, the flamboyant politician had launched powerful consultations in the state for his ambition before death laid its cold hands on him. It was gathered that Adeleke, famously called Serubawon, had already predicted that nobody could stop him from returning to the Bola Ige House, as the Osun State Government House is called. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he brought flamboyancy to the politics of Osun State when he contested for governor in the state in 1992 under the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP. He had then beaten a more experienced politician, Oladipo Oladosu in the primary, which was described as one of the most keenly contested pall in the history of governorship election in the country that year. It will be recalled that his administration was nearly marred by impeachment as lawmakers loyal to his opponents in the SDP reportedly waged war against him and made the state ungovernable. It was so terrible that a lawmaker from his home town, and who was also loyal to him, Adewolu, allegedly lost his life in the process. While the impeachment was being hatched, the military led by Gen. Sani Abacha seized power, thereby ending the Third Republic in November 1993. His father, Ayoola Adeleke, was also a senator and was a member of the late Obafemi Awolowo-led Unity Party of Nigeria, UPN, in the Second Republic. His father was a detribalised Nigerian, as he married his mother, Esther Adeleke, from Enugu State, the woman was not only a

Tomorrow, the founder and Chairman of Eleganza Industries, Aare Razak Okoya, will play host to eminent personalities at his imposing Oluwanisola Estate in Lagos, as his beautiful wife, Shade, turns 40. Spyglass reliably gathered that the selected few who have received the simple but classy invitation cards have already confirmed their attendance at the much-talked about event. The special invite reads: ‘’ I, Aare (Dr) Rasaki Akanni Okoya, CON (Chairman, Eleganza Group of Companies/RAO Investment Property Co. Ltd) request the pleasure of your presence at the 40th birthday celebration of his jewel of inestimable Value, Chief (Dr.) Folashade Noimat Okoya at the Oluwanisola Estate. “ While men are advised to adorn black ties, ladies are to come in beautiful dinner dresses. The 44 year-old Folashade is a dazzling beauty. She is one of the few women whose beauty would make any full-blooded man drool. With four kids, she still has what many models will spend fortunes to possess. Her fine qualities, in addition to her commanding dress sense, usually make the stunning beauty the cynosure of all eyes at any public event. When Sade got married to her billionaire husband, not many gave the marriage any chance of survival, given the age difference between them. But 18 years after, the couple has shamed their critics.

Between Ogunwusi and Sanusi

Both the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade and the late Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, were first-class royal fathers. They were educated and cosmopolitan. But mostly important, the late royal fathers, who were loved and respected by their subjects, were best of friends. They travelled and did many things together, even in their old age. Interestingly, it seems history is about to repeat itself. How? Both the incumbent Ooni, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Emir of Kano, Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, are about to continue from where the late Ado Bayero and Sijuade stopped. It is a fact that Oba Ogunwusi has been toeing the line of peace and friendship since he ascended the throne. He has visited Emir Sanusi in Kano while the later too had reciprocated the gesture, especially when the Ooni celebrated his first year on

the throne. This development, no doubt, is a pointer to the beginning of an enduring bond between the two traditional rulers. Since then, they have become great allies, exchanging ideas and giving each other advice while also doing things in common. Also, the two colourful monarchs were recently together in the United Kingdom for the Commonwealth Day celebrations, where they reportedly rubbed minds on how to find a lasting solution to the Ife Yoruba/ Hausa feud.

Ndoma Egba’s Love for God

Before Senator Victor Ndoma- Egba left the Red Chambers of the National Assembly in 2015, he was a formidable force of sorts. As the Senate Leader, he developed a strong legislative brand name that made him a reference point. Two years after, his outstanding contributions are still unforgettable. A man of the people, the lawyer and politician demonstrated a commitment to the plight of his people. What many do not know about him is the fact that he never jokes with God and prayers. In fact, he is fond of saying that God and prayer are actually the secret behind his success. Ndoma-Egba, last week, returned from Rome, where he went on a holy pilgrimage to offer prayers for his state, his families and the entire nation. According to a source, Ndoma-Egba, who is said to live a disciplined lifestyle, doesn’t make any move or take any step without seeking divine guidance. He is said to have absolute trust in God and in the efficacy of prayers. The Chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is described as a pacesetter. This is no mean feat, if you consider his wealth of experience and responsive representation.

Tunde Afolabi’s Success Secrets

If you are seeking authentic information in the oil exploration business in Nigeria, you will be doing yourself a lot of good by consulting Tunde Afolabi, who many regard as an encyclopaedia of sorts in the sector. It is no exaggeration that the CEO of Amni Petroleum Company, one of the most successful indigenous oil production companies in Nigeria, knows his onions, having been in business since 2006. In spite of the vagaries of the business, his company has remained afloat with a lot of success stories. His company was awarded the Okoro Field and Setu Field located in OML 112 in shallow waters, offshore Nigeria, as part of the Nigerian government’s indigenous licensing

programme. The total gross production at the Okoro field in 2013 was 6.5 million barrels of oil, representing a gross average daily rate of 18,041 barrels per day. Interestingly, in a society where many successful men have reportedly allowed fame, success and sometimes stardom to turn their heads, Afolabi recognises that only God is the unseen hand behind his success story; and he submits absolutely to His will. Of course, he also recognises that hard work pays, so he loathes laziness. In spite of his very engaging daily schedule, he worships God as would be expected of a grateful soul. A devout Christian, he spends his spare time in total worship of God. According to sources, His armour against failure is ceaseless prayers. Afolabi, who has been in the oil sector for 40 years never stops sharing the testimony of how the Almighty God pulled his firm through what would have been a financial crisis in his business, particularly when Afren Plc., his foreign partners in the Okoro field, experienced a major crisis in their operations. Desperate not to go under, Afolabi ran to God in prayers; and by divine intervention, his own firm was protected from the fallout and things ended on an upbeat note for him and Amni. Prior to that incident, God’s almightiness had manifested in his business when he was awarded all the three oil and gas assets he bidded for during the last round of bids for oil blocks. Many are amazed at his humility and total dependence on God in taking the most critical decisions of his life. Afolabi, a silent billionaire, has lifted a number of less privileged members of the society; his philanthropy beggars description. He is also known as an ardent supporter of churches within the Anglican denomination. The professional geologist with over 40 years of oil and gas exploration and production started his career with Texaco Inc, New Orleans Louisiana in 1974 after he received his a B.A Geology in 1973 from Franklin & Marshall College, Lancaster Pennsylvania USA, and an M.Sc. in Geology in 1975 from Tulane University, New Orleans, Louisiana, US. He later joined Mobil Inc in Dallas, Texas in 1979.

T H I S D AY SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2017

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

POLSCOPE

with Eddy Odivwri eddy.odivwri@thisdaylive.com 08053069356

What is the Prayer Emir Sanusi Vs Northern Political Elite Point on Buhari?

uring the week, what looked like a fight back from the northern political elite against the Emir of Kano, HRM Mohammadu Sanusi II, was registered when the news was released by the Kano Emirate Council that it had spent N3.4 Billion in the last three years. The state government had claimed that the Emirate council had spent N6 billion within the same period. The same state government had claimed that Emir Sanusi inherited N4 billion from his predecessor, and not the N2.9 billion the Emirate Council said it inherited. It is surely a cruel response to the punches thrown at the political elite by Emir Sanusi during the recently-held Kaduna Investment summit. As he often does, his speech ruffled many feathers. And this unsettled the northern political elite. The brickbats had started with the vitriolic letter the Zamfara State governor, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari wrote to Sanusi calling him a hypocrite and one who was a threat to Islam, admonishing him to literally respect himself. Sanusi’s offence was debunking as “unIslamic” the theory of Gov Yari which says fornication breeds meningitis. Yari had blamed the outbreak of meningitis on the tons of sins of his people. The death toll on the meningitis as at last Thursday had hit 813. The governor just didn’t have vaccines and rather than admit so, he blamed it on the fornication of the people. It was as unIslamic as it was unscientific. We have long found out that in Zamfara State, for instance, there are 21 medical doctors in the 24 state-owned hospitals. That means that at least three state hospitals do not have medical doctors. Is this the result of the people’s sin too? Need we say more on how decrepit Yari’s theory is? Emir Sanusi dared to speak truth to the people, saying what everybody has always known but hardly expressed openly. The feudal system which still operates in the north mixed with the high level of illiteracy helps to promote mass ignorance and blind adherence to religious dogma. Many of the big men in the north are just pedophiles, in the name of the religious permit to marry many wives. We see men of over 60 years of age squaring up in marriage with teenagers and even minors. That explains why the Emir’s comment on the girl child education rankles the political elite in the north, most of whom are the worst perpetrators of the act especially as they can easily intimidate the poor rural folks with their money. But if they discriminate against the education of the girl child, how well do they do with the boy child? Is it not the same boy child that constitutes the despicable practice of Almajiri? How can they be encouraging poor people to keep marrying more wives and procreating without caution or adequate financial backing, all in the name of religion and culture? Is it not true that the northern political elite nurture and protect the almajiri system because it helps them to feather their political nest during elections? It had to take the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan to build special schools for the almajiris. Jonathan it was, who also established nine universities in the country, six of which were located in the north. Are these not the same people that academic standards are often lowered during admissions into federal institutions—be it secondary or universities? How well do the northern elites care about education? In this time and age, we still have schools where teaching and learning take place under the trees in the north. And any day it rains, such a school is on holiday. How many of the children of the northern elite attend such schools? How many scholarships do they award per year? Is it untrue that the highest numbers of uneducated folks in the country are in the north? What is the average budget on education in the north and what is the annual budget on pilgrimage and religious activities/projects like building of mega mosques? Is it not true that the more uneducated the people are, the less critical they will be and the more vulnerable they will be for political manipulation? But these same governors who refuse to build and equip classrooms make heavy annual budgets to sponsor people on pilgrimage as a matter of priority. These same governors who would not build schools, build big mosques. How does that impact on development? Why should that be the concern of a responsible

have been looking for General Yakubu Gowon. What for? Is he your mate? Is it only my mate I should look for? Don’t you know he is premium elder statesman? So?

Look, we need to rework that his NGO NGO? Gen Gowon has an NGO? Don’t you know Nigeria Prays is his NGO? So why do you want it reworked?

Need you ask? Can’t you see the nation’s shepherd is weak and the flock might be floundering and scattering? You have come again with your archaic parables. What exactly are you saying?

Sanusi government? Why should government money be used to pursue and sponsor such religious programmes while we claim we operate a policy of secularity in government? This is simply because those sponsored to such pilgrimages—be it Christians or Muslims, will often pay back with their support to the governor during elections. The north has held on to political power longer than any other part of the country. What has that translated to in terms of the socio-metrics of development? Is it not clear that without education, there can be no development? Does that not explain why despite everything the north, the core north, that is, is yet wearing a rustic and pristine look? Indeed, Emir Sanusi was right when he said if Yobe and Borno States were to be countries, they would be poorer than Niger and Chad. How true! Why are the northern elites angry with Emir Sanusi for daring to tell them what the rest of the nation have always known and talked about? Even on health care, the north is still tottering behind. There are several diseases in the north which are largely caused by poverty and malnutrition. I once visited a hospital in Sokoto township where all the patients—young and old, have terrible ugly infections that eat up their upper or lower lips thus exposing their dentition. I cannot remember the technical name of the disease. Doctors say it is mainly caused by malnutrition. Just last Sunday, a doctor was speaking on 92.3 FM radio in Lagos and was relating an experience of medical practice in the north. He recalled a particular case where an illiterate mother who had just lost her set of twins to poor medical attention was almost losing another child within one week all because the husband (who has three other wives and dozens of children) did not give the permission for the sick child to be taken to hospital, all because there was no money even for the most basic medical procedure. The doctor said they had to task themselves to donate some money to enable the woman’s child to be treated and saved. Is that not why infant and maternal mortality is still very high in the north? But the governors of such states would have the presence of mind to sponsor people on pilgrimage. Imagine the plight of the 21 medical doctors in the 23 hospitals in Zamfara State, where the governor literally governs the state from his cosy Abuja castle. There are times the doctors in such hospitals will helplessly watch patients die because of no drugs and equipment. Truth hurts the heart of the wicked, hence the northern political elite are ganging up against Emir Sanusi. Reports have even said there are plots by the same northern elite to dethrone him, as if that is what will change the ill-narrative of the north. To kick-start the plot, the Kano State government has set up a plan to probe the finances and operations of the Kano Emirate Council, as if it is a government parastatal. What has the government got to do with the running of a traditional institution? How many times does the Osun State Government probe the budget and finances of the Ooni of Ife? Or the Edo State government probing the Oba of Benin’s financial books? How come this financial efficiency of the Kano State government is coming just after the Emir’s keynote address at the Kaduna summit?

Look, Mr President, our dear Muhammadu Buhari is still ill. He is weak. He has not been coming to office. He has been absent from the all-important Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on two consecutive occasions now. He has not been seen in public for a long time, except the weekly Jumat prayers in the Villa mosque, on Fridays. They even say he can no longer come to office. That he is now almost like a resident monarch. That he has opted to work from home. Files and official documents have to be carried home everyday for the president to treat. Do you now see why we need the prayers? So why do you think Gen Gowon should be the anchor of this? Is he a prayer warrior? Don’t you know he founded Nigeria Prays? How successful was that ministry as to want him preside over the all-important prayer for the full and perfect recovery of President Buhari? And in any case, why the resort to prayers? Was he not supposed to go back to London for a medical check-up? Why has he not gone? Is he scared he might lose his office? This is not a subject of debate! Somebody is sick. And I am saying we should all gather and take a prayer point and intercede for him. And it is callous for you to suggest he is scared he might lose his office if he goes back to London. Look, if it is the will of Allah, Buhari will serve out his full term(s) unhindered. So what is the prayer point? I ask because Buhari there are some people who will not participate in the prayer if they don’t like the prayer point. What else can the prayer point be but for God to effect total healing and the renewal of his health so he can bounce back in shape and form and really take this country to the Promised Land. (in hushed voice) But do you know that some people are praying that the president will not recover enough so he does not get back to office? That way, he will not stand in their way in 2019? Some are even saying he should just…. (cuts in, with raised spread palm) Chai! Enough of that sacrilege! Anybody, man or woman, young or old, who does not want the president to fully recover and regain his office in full blast, should, fall down and… (cuts in) Don’t curse anybody. I am only telling you the wish of some people. But I know that the good Lord who has been guarding Nigeria will terminate their wish. But do you know that those who don’t wish the president well believe he is the cause of the hardship in the land and that if we are to regain our economic gait as a country, Buhari should be out of the way? That is gratuitous nonsense! What kind of dump talk is that? Do those people know the rudiments of fiscal and monetary policies? Do they know the ever contending forces of micro and macro-economic indicatives? Do they know what is called the Balance of Trade? If Nigeria is not exporting anything but oil, how does she intend to earn foreign exchange? If Nigerians have a bottomless appetite for imported goods, how can she earn or conserve foreign exchange? Is it Buhari that said the price of crude should fall in the international oil market? Let me tell you, many of those people wishing the president dead are those sweating uncomfortably from the anti-corruption war. They don’t want their stolen billions to be recovered. Look, tell those people arguing upside down to think aright and pray for Buhari because he means well for the nation. Whatever it is, I am not sure those who don’t wish Mr President full recovery are any number to worry about. And I don’t think the concern should be about 2019. It should be for a total recovery. However, when he recovers, he has to double-pace his speed to catch up in pursuing people-oriented programmes. You have spoken well. So where is Gowon, so we can call a national prayer conference with a singular prayer point: Pray full and unfailing strength into Mr President. Nothing else matters for now. If you don’t see him in the Plateau, check the Abuja Hills, you will see the ebullient statesman.

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R • APRIL 29, 2017

EVENTS

ll roads led to The Everlasting Arms Parish (TEAP) of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Garki, Abuja, last Saturday as Pastor Evaristus Azodoh and his wife, Ngozi, both medical doctors, gave out their daughter, Ijeoma, also a medical doctor, in holy matrimony to Ifeanyichukwu Ezeliorah, a medical doctor too. Below are a few of the personalities in attendance. Photos: Godwin Omoigui

L-R: The new couple, Ifeanyichukwu and Ijeoma Ezeliorah

R-L: Wedding reception chairman and Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and the Bride’s Parents, Pastor and Mrs Azodoh

L-R: The groom’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Emmanuel Ezeliorah and former Health Minister, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu

L-R: Mrs. Cecilia Umeh-Ujubuonu and son-in-law, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili

R-L: Former Minister of state, Foreign Affairs, Dr. Idi Hong and Mrs. Elizabeth Emoren

L-R: Former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mrs. Fatima Bamidele (R) and Hajia Idayat Raji

Dr. Emmanuel Nwokorie and wife, Rosemary

L-R: Olusegun Adeniyi and wife, Oluwatosin

L-R: Mr. Sunday Momoh and wife, Raliat

MD/CEO of Top Oil & Gas Dev. Co. Ltd, Mr. Sunny Effiong and wife, Aniema

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

EXPRESSION

MEDIAGAFFES BY

Diamond Bank Bungles Copy

“A

ll other exchange control (exchange-control) documents within 60 days of remittance” (Full-page advertisement by Diamond Bank, THISDAY,April 22) “Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State John Mayaki said the first 100 days of theAll Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state has (had) been very rewarding.” (DAILY SUN,April 7, 2917. “2019: Election stakeholders pass vote of confidence on (in) INEC” (THISDAY Headline, April 22) “…the need to raise a high powered (highpowered) delegation comprising of former leaders….” Delete ‘of’. “Court ofAppeal upholds FRSC powers on new plate number” Not news: number-plate “Ondo oil producing (oil-producing) firms tasked on CSR in host communities” “In these reports, our correspondents have pieced together compelling analysis (analyses) of the politics, issues and events that….” “…revealing a scary statistics (statistic) that experts say may be worse than all the major killer diseases put together.” “…creating awareness in the scourge amongst (among) others” “The show has, overtime, gathered massive and ardent listenership/followership.” Why not followers? “Any actor who passes through the rudiment (rudiments) of theatre will know that….” “As the nation prepares for the next election come (in) 2019….” “Assemblies of God ex-communicates ex-leader, sets (set) for legal battles” “In what appears an image laundry (image-

laundry) exercise….” “…to allay the concerns (concern) of the general public.” Comment: the fear of the public “Ekiti: Fayose,Arise clash over delegates (delegates’) list” “…series (a series) of strategic meetings have been held by….” “Ekiti workers read riot act to Fayose, warn against debts” The most widely (most-widely) read newspaper: the riot act. I know that the article ‘the’ is avoided in headline casting as much as possible, but there are exceptional (fixed/stock expressions) cases where it is inevitable. “Submit nominations for the 2017 Integrity Award (no punctuation?) you may be introducing someone to a destiny changing (destinychanging) experience” “Vacancy for area manager for all state (states)” (Full-page advertorial by Viju Industries Nigeria Ltd) “Redeeming pledges to victims (victims’) support fund” “Brazil: Rousseff (Rousseff’s) victory rattles markets” “My grouse against (about) Buhari” “Fresh terrorists (terrorist or terrorists’) attacks in Borno,Adamawa” “My clientele includes (include) celebrities, governors” “Does regular masturbation leads (lead) to weak erection?” (THISDAY,April 16) “Residents of Greenfield Estate appeal to Lagos govt to compliment (complement) their self-help efforts” “Murder ofAlamieyeseigha’s son: Keyamo accuses FG of double standards (standard)” (Source: as above) “Anambra House pass (passes) vote of confidence on (in) Governor Obiano” “Oni condoles (condoles with) OgunAPC Chairman over wife’s death”

“According to him, within the past four years each of the three labour unions within the system, NASU, SSA,ASUU, have engaged in strikes….” ‘Each’ takes ‘has’ (not have). “But on the contrary, propaganda are always employed in peace times.…” ‘Propaganda’ is uncountable. “Algerian President visits troubled spots” Simply trouble spots! “There is no doubt that he who pays the piper must dictate the tune.” He who pays the piper calls (not dictates) the tune. “These agencies have been working in the nooks and corners.” Nooks and crannies (not corners)…. “Then came this fateful 72-hour period between Wednesday, February 8 (a comma, please) to Friday, February 10, during which….” ‘Between… and’ or ‘From…to’. “Bauchi NUT threaten (threatens) to down tools” “As a journalist, how did he manage to round up (off) the discussions for the business?” Did he arrest the discussions? “Delay in announcement of Hajj fares worry Bayero” ‘Delay…worries’. “It has reduced families into nothingness.” ‘Reduce’ goes with ‘to’; not into. “Because such cars are not, manufactured in the country, servicing them or fixing mechanical problems have forced them…” Servicing them or fixing… has (not have). “Their prowess were tested in the ability to play…” Their prowess was (not were). “School fees, shoes, books, uniform and stationeries of course.” Plural of ‘stationery’ remains the same. “Students leaving with their luggages after the bomb attack.” Time; 9 p. m. ‘Luggage’ is non-count. “Can the CBN defend the naira” Economic

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

renaissance: this headline needs a question mark. “15 passengers drown as vehicle plunges into river” The victims could not have drowned inside the bush! Therefore, delete ‘into river’. “Rivers: Developing economic potentials (potential or potentialities” “Your eminence, as you mark your eight (eighth) anniversary on the throne….” “Lagosians raise alarm (the alarm)” “We also seize (take/use) this opportunity to congratulate you and your entire (all your) family for (on/upon) your humanitarian contributions….” Please note that ‘seize an opportunity’ is a piece ofAmericanism. “Vandalisation, major threat to regular power supply” Vandalism of the English language must stop!

FEEDBACK

‘CHAIRMEN’and ‘chairwomen’are used for both men and women. Also, board and company chairman and chairman of the board or company. Alady chairman or woman may be addressed as madam chairman. Also chairman of the joint chiefs of staffs is correct. The joint chief or the chief is acceptable. But do not use ‘chairlady’, ‘chairwoman or chairperson unless it is an organization formal title for an official. (BAYO OGUNTUASE, 08056180046) MOST times n your column, you blame editors and others for the atrocious grammar and mistakes you help to put right. Now, what do you say when even the eggheads who by virtue of their learning ought to do better proceed to write atrocities like ‘rest in perfect peace’. I ask, like you, is there ‘imperfect peace’? (ONUORA NWABUFO, Abuja, 08036487027) I know of money or image laundering but image laundry (laundering) exercise sounds strange to me. (KOLADANISA, 07068074257) BLESSED WEEK AHEAD

INSIGHT

Upholding Chinua Achebe’s Legacy Ferdinand Ekechukwu

“Y

ou are welcome to the Institute of African Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” Professor Emeka Nwabueze said, as he prepares to brief persons who had converged in his office. The effusiveness with which the director of the institute received the gathering, made up of journalists from leading media houses, was very impressive. “Why we are very, very happy to see you is that you are the first positive response, apart from people sending abstracts and we have received over a hundred in different categories of thinking on different areas of Chinua Achebe’s scholarship.” The briefing unveiled plans by the school, in partnership with Publikonnekt, a public relations firm, to hold a four day international conference on the life and creativity of the eminent literary genius. The essence of the event, however, is to commemorate the anniversary of the death of the writer and critic. This will formerly commence with the first night of eerie sounds of the spirits and masquerades, coinciding with four years of his interment. The major reason for the event is that, apart from academics that locates Chinua Achebe as a world class writer with largely unforgettable antecedents in literary scholarship, Achebe, from the institute’s perspective, was not accorded a befitting burial. He was not given one that is deserving of the place he worked for as a world-class author who used his literary works to promote African tradition and culture. Professor Achebe, he noted, was one of the most important African writers. More so, he was also considered by many to be one of the most original literary artists writing in English during his lifetime. Achebe was the

Nwabueze head of English Department, UNN which he ran very effectively and later as Senior Research Fellow in the Institute of African Studies. According to Nwabueze, “By May 22, 2017, it will be four years since the interment of Prof. Chinua Achebe. As part of the commemoration of the life and creativity of this colossus, the Institute of African studies, UNN is organising an International Conference to celebrate Chinua Achebe in all ramifications. This world-class author was a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute of African Studies.” With the theme, “Chinua Achebe and the Convolution of Immortality: Reassessing the Writer in Relation to new Reality,” the event appears to have a two-prong approach including the traditional and the intellectual celebration. The highlight of the event will witness the reopening of his office which has remained locked since he celebrated his sixtieth birthday in 1990, following which he left for the

Achebe United States of America. “His office is still there unopened,” located on the second floor of Hansbery Building which houses the institute. “It was in this office that the great writer hibernated, ruminated, poured his ideas on paper, took snacks, received visitors, and generated his personal and official correspondence,” professor Nwabueze said. “There was a Vice Chancellor that had wanted to reassign it and we said no. The opening would be done with some funfair. And that is why it has not been opened.” The office would however be renamed the Chinua Achebe Centre for Creative Writing and Critical Thinking. He promised to invite journalists to witness the reopening, saying, considering his contribution to the growth and development of the institute, and the ideals he propagated, “we felt that the right thing to do was to give the natural ‘Igbo’ phenomenon four years, which in Achebe’s novel

represents four market days, ‘Eke, Afor, Nkwo and Orie’. We count each year on behalf of one market day,” he explained. “And we have seen four market days. And then we said it is time. That is the magic of the four years. So we are in the ‘Eke’ of Chinua Achebe’s death and we are determined to correct the ills during his burial four years ago. We are determined, for instance, on the night of the ‘Ogbazuluobodo’, we are going to tell his spirit that we know his contributions whether it works or not. “This time, we have decided to re-enact that very important incident that Achebe’s death symbolises because of its ability to crystalise our culture. “We are mindful that in Arrow of God, he used the death of Ezeulu’s son in the process of helping a family friend as a rallying or turning point in the novel and his concentration for our unity and togetherness also shows him as a grassroots man. We have plans to film the Arrow of God, entitled When The Arrow Rebounds, which Publikonnekt agency is also handling”, he said. On the academic/intellectual aspect of the conference, there will be presentations that will feature the matter and manner of Achebe’s work in diverse and comprehensive dimensions, including the use of language and clarity of expression. According to the director, Alhaji Balarabe Musa and Maj. General Ike Nwachukwu Rtd, have been considered to co-chair the event. Other Nigerians expected to attend the event include; former Minister of Health, Prof. Ikechukwu Madubuike, former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, Dr. Adetokunbo Pearse of English Dept, University of Lagos. Others include; Governors Willie Obiano of Anambra State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •April 29, 2017

Auto ESSENTIAL SKILLS with STEPHEN DIESERUVWE (Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA)

Essential Skills of Driving: Hand Controls

Group General Manager, Projects, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Limited, Mr. Hikmat Thapa (m) showing journalists around the plant in Lagos... recently

Sinotruk Gets Dangote Nameplate, Plant Targets Assembly of 10k Trucks Annually Stories by Bennett Oghifo

The Dangote Group is not known to do things in small measure. This is the reason the group floated a joint venture company, Dangote Sinotruk WestAfrica Limited with Sinotruk China with its 65% stake against the 35% of the Chinese company, to assemble its nameplate, Dangote Sinotruk in Nigeria. The sprawling assembly plant on Oba Akran Road, Ikeja, Lagos, when it goes into full operation, will have capacity to produce 10,000 Dangote Sinotruks annually both for local consumption and for export to other West African countries. The whole plant, according to the Group General Manager, Projects, Mr. Hikmat Thapa, is valued at $100 million. Briefing journalists at a tour of the plant, recently, Mr. Thapa said the plant would have capacity to satisfy the truck needs of the country.

He said, “We have started manufacturing and our capacity is 10,000 trucks per annum, we can produce 10 trucks per month. Next month we plan for full shift.” The total project is in three phases, he said “We have completed the first phase, the second phase has started and the third phase will be the production of trailers, tankers and dumpsters.” Dangote Sinotruk West Africa LTD will produce full range of commercial vehicles covering heavy duty truck, medium truck, light truck and other semi-trailers and etc. “It aims to meet an expected increased demand for logistics, construction and other industries in the country as the government focuses on boosting the economic development across the vast country. The company will assemble and produce 10,000 trucks annually. The truck assembly plant will create 3000 job vacancies for Nigeria. The company had the capacity to assemble and produce 16 trucks a day and would export to West Africa. On the company’s objective, he said they intend

to “play our respective advantages to develop heavy-duty truck industry in Nigeria; Provide new employment opportunities, improve local automobile technology, equipment and technology level, promote the economic development in Nigeria; form a production base for heavy-duty trucks and commercial vehicles in WestAfrica. With the formation of the production base, not only the market demands in Nigeria can be met, but also the requirements of covering the neighboring countries will be gradually met. Make contributions to build friendly relationships between China and Nigeria. “Through years of efforts, Dangote Sinotruk West Africa Ltd. will develop prominent advantages in market network, product, technology and quality, and established a distinctive cultural concept. Shareholders are; Dangote Industries Limited, the Largest Manufacturing Conglomerate in WestAfrica established in May, 1981 with the products covering cement, fertilizer, sugar, flour, salt, pasta and drinks, while it also provides services in petroleum, natural gas, communications and steel and iron.

Arthouse Contemporary S’art Art Exhibition Takes Center Stage at Kia Showroom in Lagos

ia partnersArthouse Contemporary to bring yet again one of the best creative exhibitions of the works of art of the celebrated painter and mixed media artist, Diseye Tantua in the on-going S’Art solo exhibition. The solo exhibition brings together the works of both Tantua and master artist and architect Demas Nwoko as it sets to attract the teeming enthusiasts of creativity and ingenuity from all works of life to the Kia Showroom in Victoria Island Lagos. The exhibition titled S’Art was coined from the past tense of the word ‘sit’ chronicling the influence of Nwoko’s chairs on the Tantua, as well as celebrating the life and works of Demas Nwoko at 81. Best known for his iconic style of “Afro Pop Art,” Tantua’s combination of

graphic symbols, bold colours and expressive text is adjudged one of the most creative works of art in this part of the world. His drawings are based on traditional proverbs that are made popular by headboards and bumper stickers on buses, taxis, tricycles and street signs. Tantua focuses on social groups in urban spaces around the city, often depicting forms of transit and movement. It will be recalled that Kia has over the years partnered Arthouse to present a meld of beautifully designed cars and astonishingly curated works of art that make its showroom a destination for collectors and enthusiasts of not just cars, but also modern art and design. In this exhibition, Tantua is showcasing his recent three-dimensional objects, forming the subject matter of his paintings in the

round. Using vintage cars, among them his father’s classic cars, Tantua has created chairs, couches, and tables that have been welded and painted to breathe new life into the salvaged car parts. ‘’This exhibition charts a new chapter in the artist’s practice as he extends his work in painting and experiments with furniture and functional sculpture’’ stated by Kavita Hathiramani, the CEO of Arthouse Contemporary. Commenting on the synergy between Tantua and Nwoko, Kavita said “the powerful collaboration brings together two generations of artists in dialogue with each other, reflecting how contemporary art is shaped by its modern predecessors and its continuing relevance today.”

CFAO Group in Nigeria Walks against Malaria Today

s part of its Corporate Social Responsibility, the CFAO group in Nigeria is organising a walkathon to associate with the World Malaria campaign themed: End Malaria for good. Employees and family members will embark on a 10 kilometre walk in and around Victoria Island, Lagos to commemorate the World Malaria Day which was marked on April 25, 2017. The walk scheduled for today Saturday, April

29. 2017, will kick off from the Massilia Motors (Mitsubishi) showroom on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, cutting across Ahmadu Bello Way, Adetokunbo Ademola, Sanusi Fafunwa and Akin Adesola roads. CFAO group is set to raise awareness on Malaria and educate its employees and members of the public on ways to prevent the disease. The CFAO group will use the event to offer free malaria tests to all participants and that mosquito nets will be given to the first 120

participants to complete the walk. In Nigeria the CFAO group is made up of subsidiaries such as NIPEN (manufacturing plastic crates, BIC pens and shavers); GID (distributing fast moving consumer goods); Assene Laborex (pharmaceuticals); Eurocare (multispecialist hospital); CFAO Yamaha (motorcycles, marine outboard engines, power products); Massilia Motors (Mitsubishi Motors vehicles) and CFAO Motors (FUSO trucks, JCB construction equipment, OTIS elevators).

Hand Controls hehandcontrolsofavehiclearesplitbetween thosethatareessentialforthebasicoperation andmovementofthevehicle(handbrake, gear lever, and steering wheel) and those which help the driver to communicate with others, see clearly and maintain a comfortable environment (signals, lights, demisters, heaters,entertainment,etc.). Steering Wheel Thesteeringwheelcontrolsthedirectioninwhichyou want the vehicle to travel – to turn the car to the left or right,andtokeepitinastraightline.Thesteeringwheel shouldnormallybecontrolledwithbothhands. One of the best ways to remember where to position your hands on the steering wheel is to imagine a clock face. For best steering control, hold the steering wheel withalight,positivegripplacingyourhandinthe‘tento-two’or‘quarter-to-three’position.Yourhandsshould be horizontally opposite, with your left hand at 9 or 10 andyourrighthandat2or3.Holdingthesteeringwheel like this will usually give you maximum control over thevehicle,especiallyinanemergencysituation.When steering, apply pressure with your palm and thumbs, ratherthangrippingwithyourfingers.Mostcontrolis gainedwhenthe‘pullandpush’methodisusedtoturn thesteeringwheel. Gear Lever Most modern vehicles have five or six forward gears and one reverse gear. The gear lever is used with the clutchtoenableyoutochangefromonegeartoanother. Betweenthegearsthereisacentralpositioncalled‘neutral’. Whentheleverisinthisposition,nogearisselected. In most vehicles the first 4 gears form an ‘H’ appearance on the gear lever. Neutral is the middle position in the ‘H’formationonthegearlever.Toengagereversegear yousometimeshavetoeitherpushthegearleverdown orliftituptowardsyou.Differentvehicleshavedifferent setups.Soalwayscheckwherereverseisinyourvehicle. Byusingthepalmingmethodofgearchanging,selecting thecorrectgeariseasywithoutlookingatthegearlever. Whenchanginggears,avoidgrippingthegearlevertightly. The gears are used to drive at different speeds and can beselectedbypressingtheclutchpedaldownandthen movingthegearlevertotheappropriateposition.The gearsallowyoutomakesufficientuseoftheenginepower. Handbrake or Parking Brake Theparkingbrake,sometimesreferredtoasthehandbrakeshouldbeusedtosecureyourvehicleafterithas stopped or when waiting for a while for a safe gap in traffic,forexampleatjunctions,trafficlights,pedestrian crossings etc. The parking brake lever is usually floor mounted,betweenthefrontseats,justbehindthegear lever. Because the handbrake is only connected to the two rear wheels it should not be used when the car is moving.Toapplythehandbrake,presstheratchetbutton ontopoftheparkingbrakewithyourthumbandpull the lever upwards as far as it will go and then release the button. The parking brake will engage in the ‘on’ position.Bypressingtheratchetbuttonwhenapplying thehandbrakeyouwillpreventunnecessarywearand tear to the mechanism and minimise stretching of the brakecables.Toreleasethehandbrakeorparkingbrake, pulltheleverupslightly,andpressthebuttonintorelease theratchet,whilekeepingthebuttonin,movethelever tothe‘off’position. Indicator Switch Theindicatorstalkorswitchisusuallymountedbehind the steering wheel and designed for ‘fingertip control’ and it activates the flashing indicators to the front, rear andsidesofthecar.Tosignalsimplymovethestalkinthe samedirectionasthesteeringwheelasthesteeringwheel movesforyourintendeddirectionoftravel.Byusingthe indicators before you change direction, you can show other road users which way you intend to go. In next week’sarticleweshallbediscussingthedrivingmirrors andblindspots.Forfurtherexplanationsorclarification onthearticlesintheEssentialSkillsofDrivingcolumn, consulttheauthor. Stephen K. Dieseruvwe

Director General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority(DESTMA) **DriverTrainerandRoadSafetyConsultant **Email:sdieseruvwe@gmail.com **Tel:+2348167814928

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER •April 29, 2017

Auto Winners Emerge at 11th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest

2008 Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang Most Popular Sports Car in 2016 – Report Stories by Bennett Oghifo

iscontent with being the top-selling sports car in the U.S. for the last halfcentury, the Ford Mustang became the most bought sports car across the globe in 2016. For years the Mustang was an exclusively North American affair, with international enthusiasts forced to shell out significantly to get their hands-on Ford’s affordable coupe. With the

car’s ground-up redesign during 2014, Ford decided the Mustang would go global, expanding its reach to include 140 countries. Dearborn’s decision was vindicated after registration data from IHS Automotive indicated 110,000 Mustang Coupes had found new homes during 2015 — plus a further 30,000 convertible sales — making it the globe’s best-selling sports coupe by a significant margin. The success continued into 2016 as the Mustang upped the ante and took over the crown as world’s best-selling sports car thanks to a 6-percent increase

in global sales, for a worldwide tally of 150,431 cars. Mustang sales in the United States actually trailed off by 13 percent last year, but big gains in both China and Germany fuelled the car’s 101-percent international growth and accounting for almost 45,000 cars sold beyond North America. “The legacy of Mustang continues to grow, and in places it never reached before,” said Mark Schaller, Ford Mustang marketing manager. “We continue to make it available in new markets, and drivers in those markets continue to respond with resounding approval.”

he winner’s parents, teachers and well-wishers were entertained and winners went home with Laptops, other corporate gifts and most importantly, winner’s certificate. In attendance on the high table were the Managing Director of Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Head of Marketing Department, Mr. Andrew Ajuyah, Marketing Manager, Mr. Bayo Olawoyin and the Public Relations Manager, Mrs. Bukunola Ogunnusi. Mrs. Ogunnusi briefly introduced the winners before the audience. The Managing Director gave a welcoming speech, thanking everyone for attending the event and congratulated the winners. He added that one of the winners in the 2018 contest would be sponsored by Toyota (Nigeria) Limited to visit Japan. The winners gave presentation of their drawings, which explains the concept of their drawings respectively, they also urged Toyota to manufacture their dream car in the future. One of the winners Ifunanya Nwankwo gave vote of thanks on behalf of the others and expressed appreciation for the occasion and thanked the Managing Director and Toyota (Nigeria) Limited for the opportunity given to them to demonstrate their talents. This was later followed by three other parents of the winners who also expressed their gratitude towards the event and Toyota Management.

Chinese Automaker to Change Name Because of Trump

ACMotorisworriedthe“Trumpchi” name won’t sit well withAmericans. Trumpchi is the name of GAC Motor’s flagship brand, which the Chinese automaker hopes to introduce to the U.S. market in the future. Speaking to Reuters, GAC Motor design director Zhang Fan confirmed the automaker is considering a name change now that Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States. “We saw people were laughing at this and took pictures looking only at this detail, and also put on Facebook or other websites,” said Zhang. “When we read all that feedback, we realized

it might not be very positive promotion for the brand.” The name Trumpchi is meant to sound like its Chinese name, Chuanqi. The Chinese name comes from a play on the word “legendary” and means passing good fortune. Zhang added that any similarity between the brand name and the U.S. president was unintentional. With plans to enter the U.S. market in 2019, there’s a strong possibility now the name will be changed before it’s introduced. “At first I’d never thought of it, why change the name? It’s the president Americans selected, it’s similar to the president’s name, this has to be good right?” he added.

Gac-motors-trumpchi

What is The Condition of Your Tyres

ast week, I pleaded with my editor to run one of my old piece on tyre titled, buying tyres. Since the debut of this column, tyre care has remained my strongest area of focus .Other areas include distracted driving, seat belt usage with emphasis on child restraint which is yet to catch the fancy of most parents not because they cannot afford it but simply because of attitude. After last week’s piece, I was to do a follow up piece with another in the series but was compelled to do this week piece which is influenced by a recent survey by my senior colleague, Assistant Corps Marshal Kayode Olagunju on the conditions of tyres on Nigerian road. My senior colleague for all those who know him very well, heads the research department at our national headquarters inAbuja. His assignment therefore includes dishing out materials and data that I always find intriguing. He was the same one who provided the material on FLYING VEHICLCES which was used on this column some time ago. I must thank him and his team for providing yet another rich material which is the basis for this piece. Like I said earlier, this piece is fallout from the national survey on the conditions of tyres on Nigerian roads conducted in all the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital. According to my oga, the aim of the survey was to assess the conditions of tyres on Nigerian roads for informed decision on road safety. Truth is that most road

SAFE DRIVING with

JONAS AGWU

amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa (Corps Commander) Corps Public Education Officer Federal Road Safety Corps. + 2348033026491

users raraly make correct assessment in relation to the tyre condition in order to achieve a high level of safety. Within this context, the tyre condition is considered in relation to technical elements (tyre inflation pressure, tyre tread depth, tyre damage, tyre age, weather and other influences which was central to the survey whose objectives were to ascertain the level of awareness on tyre usage, identify the condition of tyres being used , evaluate the level of correct tyre usage and assess the use of new and expired tyres. If you know my senior well, he is a mr data and as such I will not bug you with all the turrenchi in his study except you insist because as a the head of his department, his work covered brief history of tyre , the two tyre types : solid and pneumatic.and others which we will consider later. The focus of this piece is on the condition of your tyres. I am sure most of us don’t really care or know much about the conditions of our tyres.Even though

we are licenced to drive,we brag about the kind of cars that we drive yet we know next to nothing about tyres; We just jump into the car and zoom off until the day we notice a flat. This reminds me of a friend of mine who was recently stopped by FRSC Marshals on patrol and after series of enlightenment on the need to use standard tyres and other information on tyre care, he called me to express his disappointment at the conduct of my operatives. He said he could not understand why my operatives would stop a brand new vehicle (tear rubber in our parlance) that has everything as new. He even went ahead to mock me saying,’’ old boy,I no dey use tokunbo like your men’’. Of course I sharply corrected him by saying that he will be shocked at the classes of vehicles we drive boasting that these cars may not be as clean as his cha cha,but like my Warri brothers would say, we no dey carry last Let me take you back to the work by my senior. Although some people call him figgy, I am careful not to call him Figaro because he is my senior. To avoid beingpunishedbyhim,Idon’tcallhimFigaro,instead I call him Olufiggy with his permission. During his survey, a total of 30,124 vehicles drivers were stopped and tyres checked; 124,510 tyres were checked from randomlystoppedvehicles:55percentofthesurveyed tyres were from private vehicles, 42percent from commercial vehicles, while3 percent were from Government vehicles. One of our major challenges is the use of sub-standard tyres by road users and the ignorance on how to identify standard/expired tyres

which has been the focus of this column severally and which has become a priority to the Federal Road Safety Corps. In his analysis of expired and non expired tyres, he notes that -a total of 124,235 tyres were surveyed from various categories of vehicles: 55% percent of the surveyed tyres were from private vehicles, 42percent from commercial vehicles, while 3percent were from Government vehicles-,Afurtherbreakdownshowsthat60percent of the total tyres surveyed from vehicles had not expired while 40percent of the tyres had expired. The analysis also revealed high percentage of good tyres among government vehicles as only 23percent of their tyres were recorded expired. Idonotknowifyourtyreisnew,goodandstandard? I however know the reaction of a handful of road users shortly after we commenced the nationwide campaignontyres.Whilesomethoughtthecampaign was a welcome one, others rubbished us as being unserious. A particular road user who had my official contact even called to advice me to tell my superiors to repair the roads, which according to him, was in a bad shape instead of wasting precious time in the name of tyre campaign. There was one road user who complained about the activities of people who retread tyres by presenting them as new when indeed they are expired. So what really is the state of your tyre? How do you inflate your tyres? This question is crucial because his study shows that inflation irregularities account for 78percent of tyre maintenance problems, only 2percent of tyres get worn to the grooves, 7percent due to other abnormal wear, 6percent due to injury by obstacles and 7percent are due to other reasons.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

FAMILY HEALTH

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection

t is not unusual for you to experience a burning pain and uneasiness in you lower abdomen and urinary tract. This could at times be frequent and with drops of urine at a time. This occurrence is commonly called urinary tract infection. UTI. This presentation is not limited to these symptoms and could vary depending on the cause. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract — the bladder and the urethra. Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than men are. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys. Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. But you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place. Lower UTIs are common and aren’t usually a cause for major concern. Upper UTIs can be serious if left untreated, as they could damage the kidneys or spread to the bloodstream. Common symptoms include Urinary tract infections don’t always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do they may include: • A strong, persistent urge to urinate • A burning sensation when urinating • Passing frequent, small amounts of urine • Urine that appears cloudy • Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored — a sign of blood in the urine • Strong-smelling urine • Pelvic pain, in women — especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults. Types of UTI There are various types of UTI, depending on the site of the infection . These include: Each type of UTI may result in more-specific signs and symptoms, depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected. Part of urinary tract affected / Signs and symptoms • Kidneys (acute pyelonephritis) : Upper back and side (flank) pain . High fever .Shaking and chills Nausea .Vomiting • Bladder (cystitis) : Pelvic pressure ,Lower abdomen discomfort ,Frequent, painful urination ,Blood in urine . • Urethra (urethritis) : Burning with urination ,Discharge. Possible causes Urinary tract infections typically occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply in the bladder. Although the urinary system is designed to keep out such microscopic invaders, these defenses sometimes fail. When that happens, bacteria may take hold and grow into a full-blown infection in the urinary tract. The most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. • Infection of the bladder (cystitis). This type of UTI is usually caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria commonly found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. However, sometimes other bacteria are responsible. Sexual intercourse may lead to cystitis, but you don’t have to be sexually active to develop it. All women are at risk of cystitis because of their anatomy — specifically, the short distance from the urethra to the anus and the urethral opening to the bladder. Infection of the urethra (urethritis). This type • of UTI can occur when GI bacteria spread from the anus to the urethra. Also, because the female urethra is close to the vagina, sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia and mycoplasma, can cause urethritis. Risk factors Urinary tract infections are common in women, and many women experience more than one infection during their lifetimes. Risk factors specific to women for UTIs include: • Female anatomy. A woman has a shorter urethra than a man does, which shortens the distance that bacteria must travel to reach the bladder. • Sexual activity. Sexually active women tend to have more UTIs than do women who aren’t sexually active. Having a new sexual partner also increases your risk. • Certain types of birth control. Women who use diaphragms for birth control may be at higher risk, as well as women who use spermicidal agents. • Menopause. After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract that make you more vulnerable to infection. • Urinary tract abnormalities. Babies born with urinary tract abnormalities that don’t allow urine to leave the body normally or cause urine to back up in the urethra have an increased risk of UTIs.

with

BOBO BODE -KAYODE

lifeissuesfromwithin@yahoo.com, .Cel, 08053372356

inserted in your urethra and passed through to your bladder. What are the drugs and treatment used? Antibiotics usually are the first line treatment for urinary tract infections. Which drugs are prescribed and for how long depend on your health condition and the type of bacteria found in your urine.

• Blockages in the urinary tract. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can trap urine in the bladder and increase the risk of UTIs. • A suppressed immune system. Diabetes and other diseases that impair the immune system — the body’s defense against germs — can increase the risk of UTIs. • Catheter use. People who can’t urinate on their own and use a tube (catheter) to urinate have an increased risk of UTIs. This may include people who are hospitalized, people with neurological problems that make it difficult to control their ability to urinate and people who are paralyzed. • A recent urinary procedure. Urinary surgery or an exam of your urinary tract that involves medical instruments can both increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection. There could be complications When treated promptly and properly, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, a urinary tract infection can have serious consequences. • Recurrent infections, especially in women who experience three or more UTIs. • Permanent kidney damage from an acute or chronic kidney infection (pyelonephritis) due to an untreated UTI. • Increased risk in pregnant women of delivering low birth weight or premature infants. • Urethral narrowing (stricture) in men from recurrent urethritis, previously seen with gonococcal urethritis. • Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of an infection, especially if the infection works its way up your urinary tract to your kidneys. Common tests employed Tests and procedures used to diagnose urinary tract infections include: • Analyzing a urine sample. Your doctor may ask for a urine sample for lab analysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. To avoid potential contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to first wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad and to collect the urine midstream. • Growing urinary tract bacteria in a lab. Lab analysis of the urine is sometimes followed by a urine culture. This test tells your doctor what bacteria are causing your infection and which medications will be most effective. • Creating images of your urinary tract. If you are having frequent infections that your doctor thinks may be caused by an abnormality in your urinary tract, you may have an ultrasound, a computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor may also use a contrast dye to highlight structures in your urinary tract. • Using a scope to see inside your bladder. If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may perform a cystoscopy, using a long, thin tube with a lens (cystoscope) to see inside your urethra and bladder. The cystoscope is

Analyzing a urine sample. Your doctor may ask for a urine sample for lab analysis to look for white blood cells, red blood cells or bacteria. To avoid potential contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to first wipe your genital area with an antiseptic pad and to collect the urine midstream

Simple infection UTIs are normally treated with a short course of antibiotics. Most women are given a three-day course of antibiotic capsules or tablets. Men, pregnant women and people with more serious symptoms may need a slightly longer course. Your symptoms will normally pass within three to five days of starting treatment. But make sure you complete the whole course of antibiotics that you’ve been prescribed, even if you’re feeling better. Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help with any pain. Drinking plenty of fluids may also help you feel better. Often, symptoms clear up within a few days of treatment. But you may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more. Take the entire course of antibiotics as prescribed. For an uncomplicated UTI that occurs when you’re otherwise healthy, your doctor may recommend a shorter course of treatment, such as taking an antibiotic for one to three days. But whether this short course of treatment is enough to treat your infection depends on your particular symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also prescribe a pain medication (analgesic) that numbs your bladder and urethra to relieve burning while urinating, but pain usually is relieved soon after starting an antibiotic. One common side effect of urinary tract analgesics is discolored urine — orange or red. Frequent infections If you have frequent UTIs, your doctor may make certain treatment recommendations, such as: Low dose antibiotics, initially for six months but sometimes longer Self-diagnosis and treatment, if you stay in touch with your doctor A single dose of antibiotic after sexual intercourse if your infections are related to sexual activity Vaginal estrogen therapy if you’re postmenopausal Severe infection For a severe UTI, you may need treatment with intravenous antibiotics in a hospital. Lifestyle and home remedies Urinary tract infections can be painful, but you can take steps to ease your discomfort until antibiotics treat the infection. Follow these tips: • Drink plenty of water. Water helps to dilute your urine and flush out bacteria. • Avoid drinks that may irritate your bladder. Avoid coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks containing citrus juices or caffeine until your infection has cleared. They can irritate your bladder and tend to aggravate your frequent or urgent need to urinate. • Use a heating pad. Apply a warm, but not hot, heating pad to your abdomen to minimize bladder pressure or discomfort. Also, you can use alternative methods . Many people drink cranberry juice to prevent UTIs, but there’s no proven evidence that cranberry juice works to treat or prevent infection. Researchers continue to study the ability of cranberry juice or tablets to prevent UTIs, but results aren’t conclusive. If you enjoy drinking cranberry juice and feel it helps you, there’s little harm in it. Just watch the calories. For most people, drinking cranberry juice is safe, but some people report an upset stomach or diarrhea. However, don’t drink cranberry juice if you’re taking blood-thinning medication, such as warfarin medications that affect the liver; or aspirin. How to prevent UT You can take these steps to reduce your risk of urinary tract infections: • avoiding perfumed bubble bath, soap or talcum powder around your genitals – use plain, unperfumed varieties, and have a shower rather than a bath • going to the toilet as soon as you need to pee and always emptying your bladder fully • staying well hydrated • wiping your bottom from front to back when you go to the toilet • emptying your bladder as soon as possible after having sex • not using a contraceptive diaphragm or condoms with spermicidal lubricant on them – you may wish to use another method of contraception instead • wearing underwear made from cotton, rather than synthetic material such as nylon, and avoiding tight jeans and trousers.

GLOBAL SOCCER

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER â&#x20AC;¢ JUNE 16, 2011

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

29.04.2017

NORTH LONDON DERBY PAGE. 29

Dele Alli

Eyeing a Move to Madrid?

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

Alli

DELE ALLI

SET FOR BIG MOVE TO REAL MADRID?

Two seasons ago, Dele Alli was struggling with lowly division club - MK Dons, but his talent was not lost on the scouts of Premier League top club, Tottenham Hotspurs, and the British-born Nigerian did not disappoint. With 10 goals and nine assists in his debut season, 16 goals so far in his second season, it came as no surprise that Alli was last week crowned the PFA Young Player of the Year for the second time running. Already, European super power, Real Madrid are said to be on his trail. Is Alli ripe enough to be a Galatico? Kunle Adewale reports

Alli

sincerely believe in years to come, he will be a top prospect.” These were the words of John Fashanu concerning Dele Alli, but the 21-year-old did not have to wait long before taking the Premier League by storm since signing from League One, MK Dons in 2015, scoring 17 goals and providing nine assists in 32 league appearances for Spurs in his first season and 20 goals in all competitions in his second season. Alli is only the fourth player to win the award consecutively, and joins Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Robbie Fowler in that exclusive club. Little wonder England legend, David Beckham said: "We’re lucky as a nation to have young talented players coming through, and he is without doubt one of the shining lights of these young players. He plays the game with certain arrogance, and it's good to have that arrogance, because a lot of top players have that. He's a joy to watch. "He's a player that hopefully, if he works hard like he has been doing, and continues to play for the manager - Mauricio Pochettino, that he's played for because I think he's a special manager, and he's looking after him in the right way. He's a special player.

I hope he continues to get better week after week, because as an England fan, we want to see these players perform the way he's performing.” Alli’s remarkable ascent had invited comparisons with some of the greats of the modern English game. With 30 goals in 90 appearances for Tottenham, he even has a superior record at his age than players like Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney. But he isn’t a similar player to any of those names. In fact, he really defies categorisation. Beckham said: “He plays as a No. 10 but he doesn’t really get that many assists. He has five so far this season in the Premier League and it’s not really his game. He is all about popping up in the final third; he’s not a player who is going to be looking to drop deep, or play onetwos on the edge of the box. “He’s almost a nine-and-a-half, between a No. 10 and a traditional centreforward. He isn’t like other players who take up positions between the lines: he isn’t a goal creator or an intricate player like Mesut Ozil or David Silva. He wants to gallop onto the ball and score. “He has arrogance about him

APRIL 29, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

GLOBAL SOCCER

Succour to Nigeria National Teams as Aiteo Comes to the Rescue For years, the Nigeria Football Federation’s inability to pay its coaches’ salaries, players’ bonuses and allowances had been the lot of Nigeria national teams. As recent as last year, the country’s team to the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio was stranded at their training camp in the United States due to lack of funds. With Aiteo Group partnering the NFF to the tune of N2.5bn, Kunle Adewale asks if this would bring to an end the salary brouhaha that has been hunting the country’s national teams for years.

and he is genuinely unique. You can’t compare him with anyone in the modern game. We haven’t seen this before. What allows Alli to play in this new way is the structure Tottenham have built around him. Pochettino is also key to everything, of course. He has trusted in a young player plucked from the third tier and has thrown him into the first team, refusing to farm him out on loan. It has given him the exposure he needed to shine.” Alli signed for Tottenham in January 2015 and was loaned back to MK Dons for the second half of the previous campaign, but he immediately caught the eye in pre-season when he outplayed Luka Modric in a preseason friendly against Real Madrid. The youngster was not expected to immediately break into Spurs first-team but he has been a regular since his first start in Tottenham's fourth Premier League game of the season - an away win at Sunderland. It took Alli just two games to score his first Premier League goal, coming in Spurs' 1-1 draw away to Leicester City in August. He then became one of the youngest men to be called-up to the England squad. Against France at Wembley, Alli scored his first senior international goal on his first start - a sweet right-foot strike into the far corner from outside the box. With Real Madrid said to be interested, what would be the future of Alli at Tottenham? “You can always trust Real Madrid to go for any player that has a big future. Alli has a lot of potentials to be a big star in future. If he could achieve all these with just a season in the Premier League, that means he has a big future. But I think he should not be in a hurry to move to a big club like Madrid so as not to be consumed, considering the number of big boys in the fold of the Santiago Bernabeu side. “In spite of what Alli has achieved in his two seasons at Spurs, there are still a number of areas he still needs to improve upon. He is a raw talent and young. My candid opinion is that he should just play for two or more seasons for Tottenham and be properly molded before considering a big move,” former Nigerian international, Waidi Akani told THISDAY. Some football analysts have also argued that Alli’s joining Madrid is not logical as the team is overbooked in the number 10 position and are finding it difficult to fit James Rodriguez, Isco and Marco Asensio into the team as it is. That’s not to mention the fact when everyone is fit, a no.10 position simply doesn’t exist in Madrid’s 4-3-3 system. Would they sell James and/or Isco and replace them with a mega money player

who’d equally demand regular first team football? Last year, Alli was offered a new contract that would keep him at the North London club until 2021 due to his splendid performance. "When I signed, I knew wanted to play for Spurs. I've played a few games and showed people what I can do. I'm 19, have a lot to learn and can't think of a better place to do that," he told the club website. It however remain to be seen if Alli would remain at White Hart Lane or would want to tow the line of notable Tottenham player earlier before him, Luca Modric and Gareth Bale, who could not resist the move to Santiago Bernabeu when the Galaticos came knocking. Born on April 11, 1996, to a Nigeria father, in Milton Keynes, Bamidele Jermaine Alli joined the youth system at Milton Keyness Don at aged 11 and broke into the first team five years later. Over the next two-and-a-half years, he made 74 league appearances for MK Dons, scoring 22 goals. On February 2, 2015, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur in the last hours of the mid-season transfer window on a fiveand-a-half-year deal for an initial fee of £5 million, staying on loan at MK Dons for the remainder of the season. He however made his Tottenham debut against on August 8, 2015 against Manchester United in the Premier League as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat away at Old Trafford, playing the last 13 minutesTwo weeks later, he scored his first goal for the club after coming on in the 1–1 draw against Leicester City. Alli has made several appearances at U17 and U18 levels for England. On August 27, 2014, He was called up to the England U19 squad following an impressive start to the campaign. He made his debut for England U19 in the 1–1 draw against Germany U19. In the game and assisted the opening goal for England. On October of last year, which ironically was Nigeria’s independence, he was included in Roy Hodgson's squad for the final UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying matches against Estonia and Lithuania. His debut against the former on October 9, he came in as a late substitute in a 2–0 win. OnNovember 17, Alli made his first start for the England senior team, scoring a terrific opening goal from a long range shot to beat Spurs team-mate, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris in a 2–0 win against France at Wembly Stadium. Alli was a Liverpool fan growing up, and Steven Gerrard was his childhood hero.

he issue of coaches’ salaries and players’ bonuses is almost certain to take the centre stage anytime Nigeria is participating in a competition. Many a time, players had threatened not to take to the field unless their match bonuses and allowances owed them were paid. A situation had arisen whereby coaches had gone cap in hand sourcing for funds and even pleading with players to play. It came to a head that a Japanese billionaire had to come to the rescue of the team to the Rio Olympics. However, succour came the way of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, on Wednesday as Nigeria’s foremost energy solutions company, Aiteo Group sealed a five-year partnership deal worth N2.5bn with the country’s football governing body. According to the details of the contract signed at Eko Hotels and Suites, it confers on Aiteo Group, the title of the Official Optimum Partner of the NFF. The yearly value is put at N500 million in support of the national team coaches and activation of the partnership agreement and the marketing agency, Mediterranean. The partnership, which is the first in the country’s sports sponsorship for the energy giant, will start on May 1, 2017, with an initial option of a one-year extension. Deputy Managing Director of Aiteo, Mr. Francis Peters, who signed on behalf of the CEO of the Group, said that the partnership represents a new dawn in Nigerian football. “When Amaju (Pinnick) was contesting to head the federation in 2014, I said then that because of what he has done with Delta State football, he was capable of taking Nigeria to the finals of the World Cup. Even if we don’t win the Mundial during his tenure at the Glass House, the world will appreciate he indeed made an impact. This partnership will take away the distraction of looking for money to pay coaches and help the federation on its training programmes,” the deputy managing director said. Throwing more light on the deal, Aiteo’s Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Ndiana-Abasi Matthew said: “Aiteo Group’s overarching social responsibility objectives are to encourage a positive impact, through our activities on the society-at-large and has successfully done so for several years. “Football brings joy to the lives of Nigerians and each moment celebrated by families in their living rooms over a goal scored or friends catching up on highlights of a well-taken free kick by their local heroes leaves an indelible

impression on memories for a life time.” As at last month, the NFF was still in dire financial straits as it was battling to secure a regular source of income for Rohr’s $4,700- a-month salary from the beginning of this year as the German manager’s employers had yet to pay him his January and February salaries. And to avoid the embarrassment of failing to pay Rohr, the federation entered into discussions with three companies to take over the payment of the former Burkina Faso coach’s salary and the bonuses and allowances of the players during the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. It was therefore a relief when Aiteo came to the rescue. A relieved Pinnick said: “This is a heart-warming landmark in the history of football sponsorship in Nigeria. I am very happy that a critical area of our expenditure is being taken care of by this agreement.” “Aiteo has a clear vision for the future, with the experience and assets necessary to provide oil and gas products on a regional and global scale,” noted the NFF chief. For former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai, “Football is not about players and coaches alone. It is a collective thing to make the country succeed. With this partnership, we are beginning to see the right people in charge of the country’s football. We are beginning to see genuine attempts to right the wrongs done to the country’s football,” concludes the former goalkeeper. NFF Vice-President Shehu Dikko, has indeed stated that the accounts of the association are open to Aiteo and their auditors for scrutiny. This is in a bid to encourage transparency, and in a way, assuage any lingering suspicion. There have been issues in the past with sponsors pulling out, citing breaches of contracts or being dissatisfied with what they are getting as return on their investments. It would do no good if, having received this massive boost, the agreement is then terminated after a year or two. Whatever terms of engagement are present in the deal signed, it behoves the NFF to ensure it stays on the straight and narrow path, and protect the interest of its sponsor. It would be recalled that even in death, former national team coaches, Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu were both owed salaries. It remains to be seen therefore if the coming of Aiteo Group would bring succour to Nigerian coaches as far as salaries are concerned. Aiteo Group is one of Africa’s fastest–growing energy leaders. It operates through her subsidiaries of which Aiteo Eastern E&P Co. Ltd is one.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER • APRIL 29, 2017

GLOBAL SOCCER

North London Derby

More than a Champions League Ticket is at Stake Matches involving Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspurs are always very explosive due to the bitter rivalry between the two teams. Sunday’s North London Derby will probably be most significant because of the Gunners desperate attempt at booking UEFA Champions League ticket. More significantly is the fact that it is expected to be the last time White Hart Lane would be hosting games involving the two north London rivals

ottenham host Arsenal on Sunday as White Hart Lane hosts what is expected to be the final north London derby at the famous ground. Spurs' temporary move to Wembley is expected to be confirmed in the days leading up the kick-off in what is the biggest meeting between the two sides in recent memory, perhaps longer. Spurs look to finish above their fierce rivals for the first time since Arsene Wenger's appointment 21 years ago, boasting a team arguably superior in most positions for the first time in decades. A n FA Cup semi-final win over Manchester City last weekend has made slight amends for Arsenal's dire league form this season; they go into the game in fifth place and 14 points behind Spurs. It's therefore more than pride at stake on Sunday. Meanwhile, Arsenal legend, Thierry Henry is of the opinion that

striker Alexis Sanchez is the only player in the Gunners' team that would get into Tottenham's starting 11. Sanchez currently sits third in the topflight's goalscoring charts with 19 Premier League goals and nine assists to his name. Despite his fine return in front of goal the Gunners still languish in sixth place in the standings - four points off fourth-placed Manchester City and 14 off their fierce north London rivals, Tottenham. In contrast to Arsenal's battle to secure a top-four spot this season, Spurs look set to play in the Champions League next term and will also hope to take the bragging rights when they host Arsenal at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. Ahead of the north London derby, Henry has given an assessment about his former side but believes only Sanchez was playing well enough to warrant a place in Spurs' XI. "It’s difficult for me as an Arsenal man at the minute but you have to be honest. I can only see right now Alexis Sanchez getting into that team without anyone saying ‘how come he’s in the team?’ All the others, I think people will argue with that… but that doesn't mean Tottenham are going to win

easily," he told Sky Sports. "If I was going to the Lane the way it is at the minute and people were thinking 'we cannot win any big games away from home' and we can stop them winning the title, I would wake up that day thinking 'this is my day today'." Henry's views echo those of Harry Redknapp who wrote in his column for Standard Sport earlier this month that Sanchez is the only player who could justify being included in Mauricio Pochettino's side based on his current form. "Alexis Sanchez is the only Arsenal player who would get into Tottenham’s starting line-up," he said. "Spurs look like they are in a different league and that’s how far the balance of power has swung after more than 20 years of the Gunners dominating north London. "The main reason is Arsenal have wasted millions on average players over the past few years. It was easy to see how good Sanchez was during his time at Barcelona and Wenger deserves credit for pulling that deal off but the rest of the players he has brought in over the past

two or three years haven’t been good enough." However, Wenger has said his side know exactly what they must do in the Champions League qualification race after watching them gain a 1-0 win over Leicester City. "We have to win our games, so that's why we cannot be happy with a 0-0. We absolutely have to take a gamble to try and win the game at any cost. " Interestingly, Tottenham's eighth successive league win midweek against Crystal Palace was the perfect response after Chelsea had opened up a seven-point lead with a victory against Southampton 24 hours earlier. Keen to keep his players from getting ahead of themselves, Pochettino has told them to forget what Chelsea do and focus on their own performances. "When we are playing we are not thinking about what happened with Chelsea or what will happen in the future. We closed the gap again. It's not important to send a message to Chelsea. The most important is the victory builds confidence, that's the only way to catch

APRIL 29, 2017 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

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them," he said. Tottenham will be guaranteed to finish above Arsenal for the first time in 22 years if they beat their bitter rivals on Sunday. That will be a sweet moment for Tottenham fans after so long in Arsenal's shadow. Pochettino isn't concerned with the squabble for local bragging rights because he has his sights set on the far more significant target of bringing the title to White Hart Lane. The Argentine knows emotions run high when it comes to the derby,

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

especially in what may well be the last north London clash at White Hart Lane before the stadium is rebuilt. Asked if the chance to ensure supremacy over Arsenal might fire up his players too much, Pochettino called for calm. "It's Arsenal, we know what that game means, but we are not thinking of being above them, we want to think of bigger things than that," he said. "It maybe the last derby at White Hart Lane, but now is important to be calm. We have to get ready for what should be a very tough match We want to close the gap on Chelsea again. We want to win big trophies achieve big things, the mentality must be thinking bigger. We can speak about finishing above Arsenal at the end of the season." Meanwhile, Arsenal could be without defensive kingpin, Laurent Koscielny for Sunday's trip to North London rivals after the centre-back injured his knee in Wednesday's 1-0 win over defending champions Leicester City. Koscielny, who has already been sidelined with thigh and Achilles injuries this season, jarred his knee in the closing stages of the game but played on till the end after receiving treatment. "Koscielny has a knee problem but I don't know how bad yet. I have to check," manager Arsene Wenger told reporters after the match. With defender Shkodran Mustafi also doubtful due to a thigh injury, an extended absence for Koscielny would hurt Arsenal's chances of finishing in the Champions League places for the 20th successive season.

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