SATURDAY 2ND January

Zulum Begs for Food for 800,000 Borno IDPs in Critical State Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum is pleading for food for the over 800,000 internally displaced persons in critical need across 11 towns in the troubled state,

where rampaging Boko Haram terrorists have chased thousands of inhabitants out of their homes.

The governor made the appeal at the headquarters of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA in Abuja during a visit on

Thursday.

Zulum, who presented a letter to the Director General, NEMA, Air Vice Marshal Muhammadu Alhaji Mohammed (rtd) said IDPs in Monguno, Bama, Damboa, Gwoza, Dikwa, Gamboru, Ngala, Damasak, Banki, Pulka

and Gajiram currently need urgent access to food supplies despite sustained efforts by Borno State Government, which has been struggling with humanitarian challenges and provision of other basic needs across the state.

The governor did not fail

to acknowledge interventions made by NEMA, the Northeast Development Commission and far reaching efforts by the Nigerian Customs Service following Presidential directive two years ago, that food seizures be used for humanitarian support in

crises areas.

He noted that food interventions must be sustained because whereas majority of IDPs rely on agriculture as means of livelihood, substantial portions Continued on page 5

Oba Akiolu Returns to Palace Triumphantly… Page 6 Saturday 2 January, 2021 Vol 26. No 9400

www.thisdaylive.com TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N250

N

ALL SET FOR LULU-BRIGGS’ BURIAL...

Chiefs of Oruwari Briggs House of Abonnema, Rivers State, at a meeting held yesterday, after which they announced the funeral obsequies of High Chief O.B. Lulu-Briggs, founder and chairman of Moni Pulo Limited, for which Saturday March 13, 2021 was picked.

Buhari: Insecurity Setting Nigeria Back at Critical Points Says his government won’t shirk responsibility of protecting lives, property Atiku blames ‘lazy leadership’ for Nigeria’s woes Festus Akanbi, Nseobong Okon-ekong and Dike Onwuamaeze in Lagos, Chuks Okocha and Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja, Laleye Dipo in Minna President Muhammadu Buhari

yesterday in his New Year broadcast decried the level of violence in the country, saying insecurity is setting Nigeria back at “critical points” through the destruction of public and private investments.

According to him, the raging

insecurity is having an adverse effect on the economic growth of Nigeria, but the nation is on a difficult journey to nationhood and greatness.

On the same day, former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, said aside the

effect of the COVID-19 last year, Nigeria suffered greatly in 2020 because of “lazy and uninspiring leadership, especially from the government at the centre.”

The President said: “The persistence of various forms

of violence has meant that in the most affected parts of the country, the fabric of intercommunal harmony woven through years of investment of effort at building trust, mutual respect, and harmony has been threatened.

“Insecurity as a challenge has direct repercussions on our national economic stability, growth, and development, setting us back at critical points through the destruction of

After Months of Delays, AfCFTA Begins Operation... Page 6

Continued on page 5

2

SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2021 •T H I S D AY

SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

3

4

SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2021 •T H I S D AY

5

T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R ˾ ˜ ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹

PAGE FIVE ZULUM BEGS FOR FOOD FOR 800,000 BORNO IDPs IN CRITICAL STATE of them cannot access their farmlands due to the activities of insurgents.

The Commandant General of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu, had earlier commended Zulum as one of the first governors to domesticate the use of armed NSCDC personnel as agro rangers, for protection of farming activities in parts of Borno State.

Even though the partnership gave birth to increase in farming

activities by IDPs in farmlands in some outskirt towns, the recent acceleration of attacks by Boko Haram had reversed the fortunes of the farmers, forcing thousands of displaced farmers to rely on food aid.

In his response, the NEMA’s DG, said Zulum is every state’s “dream governor” because of his commitment, hard work and dedication.

He said: “If you go into Maiduguri, you will be shocked; you wouldn't believe you are in Maiduguri. I have

been to Maiduguri with a special assistant to Mr. President from a particular state; he looked at me and said, can you please borrow this Zulum of a man to us?

“I am sure every state will like to have this gentleman Professor as a governor. If there is one gentleman everybody envies, whether they are able to do what he does or not, it is Professor Zulum. And the simple fact is that we all know what is right. What is wrong is wrong and what is right

can only be achieved with the fear of God.” He assured the governor of the agency's support to Borno State, particularly in the actualisation of Borno’s 25 year development plan unveiled recently.

The NEMA DG added: “Your Excellency, every staff of NEMA is willing at all time to give you 100% support in everything you need. You have been very hard. I assure you that the President, Commander In Chief of the Armed Forces

has given us the mandate, he has given us the resources and has said it many times that we should do everything possible to support what you do, and key into the Borno State 25 year development plan.”

There are currently 33 formal IDP camps in Borno State, where close to a million people struggle for a meal a day. Majority of the camps are within Maiduguri, the state’s capital.

A number of international and local aide agencies are

struggling with the feeding of the IDPs. There are also scores of other unofficial IDP camps, also with thousands of people struggling for food. The IDPs can’t return home because their towns and villages are dominated

by Boko Haram. The few that returned had to scamper back to the IDP camps. Even some educational and health infrastructure rebuilt in the troubled Borno communities had been destroyed by the terrorists.

the party, Chief Victor Ike Oye who spoke THISDAY yesterday said: "The President's new year speech was quite reassuring. But my only worry is the diligent implementation of the outlined programmes.

"2020 was a challenging year to all Nigerians, especially the downtrodden. I expect the President to redouble his efforts on tackling insecurity, lawlessness, unemployment, hunger and corruption that are ravaging our nation.”

On the economy, the PDP said "Mr. President failed to articulate a definite economic recovery blueprint. He had no clear strategies to shore up the value of our naira, repay and end our foreign borrowings, revamp our external reserves, give hope to foreign investors, move promises of job creation from the perpetual drawing board and guarantee food security, health care among others.

"Mr. President had the opportunity to redeem his administration by taking steps that will address high costs of food, education and housing deficit; address the high price of fuel, multiple taxes and tariffs that bear pressure on businesses and families as well as how to enhance national productivity and grow our Gross Domestic Produce (GDP)."

In the same vein, it said that the PDP finds it lamentable that President Buhari, in his reference to the demonstration by the youths, did not make any decisive pronouncement to end the on-going persecution of EndSARS protesters or order a Presidential inquest into the reported Lekki killing.

Moreover, it said that the failure by the President to make direct commitment on budgetary provisions exposes a lack of will and direction, and shows that the next two years under the Buhari-led APC administration would leave the nation with forlorn hope.

"Nevertheless our party urges Nigerians not to despair but use the New Year to reinforce their bond of unity and continue to work together in their collective resolve to use opportunities offered by democracy to rescue our nation from misrule," the PDP said.

BUHARI: INSECURITY SETTING NIGERIA BACK AT CRITICAL POINTS public and private investments.

“In parts of the country where chronic poverty, social exclusion, and disillusionment among sections of the youth were already a problem, the cycles of violence that have been unleashed by mindless groups like Boko Haram and others have thwarted the efforts of government to undertake the social policy and associated investments that could make a huge difference in the quality of life of our citizens.”

He said his government would re-energise and reorganise the security apparatus and personnel of the armed forces and the police with a view to enhancing their capacity to dismantle the operations of both internal and external extremists and criminal groups waging war against our communities in some parts of the country.

He continued: “In the midst of all these challenges, I had initially pledged that as your elected President and Commander-in-Chief, I would ensure that these ongoing challenges will be faced head-on with renewed determination and with all the appropriateness and urgency required. Your voices have been heard and we would continue to listen to you, and all the key stakeholders who are committed to the unity of Nigeria to ensure that every region of this nation is safe for us all, while guaranteeing that the future is also secure for the coming generation.”

“In line with the current security challenges, we are facing as a nation, I would like to reiterate the promise I made recently when over 300 of our boys abducted from Government Science Secondary School, Kankara were successfully rescued by our security operatives.

“However, we recognise that we rapidly have to move to a more proactive and preemptive posture to ensure that these sorts of traumatic incidents do not become a norm. Our administration is fully aware of the responsibility we have to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians, and we will not relent in learning and adapting to changing threats to our national security and civic wellbeing.”

Speaking on his agenda for the economy, the President said “Our focus is on revamping the economy through the national economic diversification agenda that supports the primary goal of national food self-sufficiency. This has helped reduce the growing food related inflationary figures and have in considerable measure positively impacted our food security status during the long months of the pandemic lock down.

“We are also currently rebuilding our national infrastructure base and, in the process, introducing transformation through the rehabilitation, modernisation, and expansion of the railway system, national roads and bridges both in rural and urban centres, alongside the airports and seaports.

“The reforms we have put in place in the power sector would guarantee increased efficiency in our drive to significantly expand the generation and distribution of electricity for use in homes and factories.

“As an administration we are currently undertaking a series of special interventions designed to boost job creation and support the entrepreneurial drive of our youths.

“With the recent opening of our borders, we expect that the pent-up demand of legitimate cross-border and international trade will boost the fortunes of the many small businesses and agricultural enterprises that depend on Nigeria’s trade and commerce.

“The message to our West African neighbours is that Nigeria is once again fully open for those willing to conduct business in a fair and equitable way.”

President Buhari also unveiled a robust plan to fight corruption to a standstill, raising the need for cooperation between the executive, legislature and the judiciary arms of government.

“On the anti-corruption drive of our administration, we have recorded substantial gains so far and this year, we are committed to continuing along the path of eradicating corruption, through collaboration with all the arms of Government to effectively prosecute this fight.

“While we would be working with the Legislature to enact laws that would strengthen this fight, we would also be looking at reviewing some of our laws which would ensure that this fight is more effective. On the part of the executive, we would ensure the diligent and timely prosecution of corruption cases, while appealing to the judiciary to ensure that corruption cases are dispensed with expeditiously.”

“I call upon all Nigerians to carefully recall the circumstances of our coming to office, the facts on the ground and the resources at our disposal since 2015 with the accomplishments of this administration.

“Keeping our country on a forward march is a duty which we all have and share.

In this regard, keeping our country safe from a resurgent cycle of COVID-19 as this administration finalizes its plans to procure and efficiently and effectively distribute the

COVID-19 vaccines, I urge you all fellow citizens to observe strict COVID-19 prevention protocols.”

Promising to be fair in his dealings, President Buhari stated, “As your elected President, my pledge to you is the same as it has always been; I will play my part fully and without fear or favour.

I invite all of us to do the same. It is what we owe to the founding generation of our beloved country and also to the coming generation. It is what we desire for national prosperity for all demands.”

Meanwhile, the New Year broadcast by the President is eliciting mixed reactions from politicians and the organised private sector.

One of the organisations that described the President’s speech as a veritable blueprint for Nigeria’s development is the Buhari Media Organisation which maintained that the speech indeed captures the essence of the Nigerian state’s history and developmental essence.

Speaking with one of our correspondents yesterday, the chairman of the organisation, Mr. Niyi Akinsiju said the speech appropriately distilled the nation’s challenges while highlighting government efforts to resolve those challenges.

“For the first time in a presidential speech, the essential nature of the youthful characteristics of the Nigerian nation is acknowledged ànd the determination by government to unleash the energy of the youthful population of the country strongly captured in the President's submission to ‘turn the passion of the Nigerian youths to ideas and opportunities.’

Babangida Aliyu says the president has done well but…

The former governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu says he is happy that Buhari is reassuring Nigerians that he is ready to tackle the sociopolitical problems currently facing the nation.

"That is what is expected of him, that is what we want to hear from him, but he should do more than giving assurances," the former governor said in reaction to the New year message of President Buhari.

On Security, Aliyu also expressed happiness that the President promised to rejig the nation's security architecture saying that insecurity has made many businesses to collapse.

"We need to create confidence in the people" he declared.

“Agriculture has closed down; businesses are not

functioning; people cannot move about freely; there is no likelihood that oil will rebound to the pre-Covid 19 era, all these the president should address to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians,” the former governor said.

Princewill: Buhari Ready to Open New Page for Youths A chieftain of the All Peoples Congress in Rivers State, Tonye Princewill believes the President’s broadcast is full of hopes for Nigerians.

He said, “For me, I like to dwell on the hope offered

by President Buhari in his 2021 New Year address to the nation. Nigeria is not the only country that is facing serious economic challenges at this time. However, we must commend Mr. President's willingness to address the issue. In the coming days, He explained that many of the investment in infrastructure like railways, roads and bridges and the power sector, which the President mentioned in his speech had not yet produced the kind of impact that can bring major transformation, “which is the focus of this government.”

The good news, according to him, is that the government has started and it can only get better. “It may be a struggle to pull off a magical recovery of the economy, but the administration has shown capacity for the task,” he stated.

Expressing similar optimism about the President’s agenda in his broadcast, a chieftain of the APC in Imo State, Chief Longers Anyanwu says he is pleased with the President’s concern for the youths.

Anyanwu said: “My take from Mr. President's New Year speech is about his concern for the youths of the country. The fact that he describes Nigerian youths as the country's greatest natural resources and went on to acknowledge their verifiable successes in different fields in Nigeria and abroad shows that this administration is ready to open a new page in its engagement with the youths.

APGA Tasks Buhari on Effective Delivery of Programmes In its reaction, the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) described the President’s speech as reassuring.

The party, however, expressed worry that the federal government might not be able to fully implement most of the pronouncements of the President in his Friday broadcast.

National Chairman of

The Broadcast is Empty, Directionless –PDP The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) party described the President’s speech as empty, directionless and that it merely confirmed that the nation has become leaderless.

The party, in its reaction to the President’s broadcast, underscores the urgent need for compatriots to come together and salvage the nation, which it claims is fast heading to a failed state.

A statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan lamented that it is appalling that on New Year Day, all that President Buhari could offer a troubled and frustrated nation was a regurgitated script full of lame excuses and empty promises that address nothing.

According to the PDP, "As a President, President Buhari has not demonstrated the capacity to play his own part, as he claimed, having failed to find solution for the security and economic challenges that pervade our nation under his incompetent and lethargic watch.

"The myriads of lame excuses in Mr. President’s address again underline our national misfortune of a weak leadership that is unable to resolutely confront and vanquish bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and vandals who are now holding our nation hostage, ravaging our communities, kidnapping and beheading our compatriots without restrain.

"The least Nigerians expected from Mr. President, in the New Year, was a decisive will to tackle our security challenges by reviewing his parade and heeding the demands by Nigerians to rejig our nation’s security architecture", the PDP lamented.

The main opposition party said that the situation at hand requires more than an armchair commander in chief who only dwells on excuses for manifest failures.

“President Buhari’s New Year address only points to the fact that our nation is in dire need of a leadership that is willing, able and ready to engage from the fronts."

LCCI Urges Buhari to Match Words with Actions The PDP’s repudiation of the President’s reform agenda in his broadcast came on a day the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) expressed veiled doubt about the seriousness of the President to meet his promise with action. The LCCI said it would fold its arms until the President is able to actualise his pledge with action based on previous experiences where similar promises ended up as mere political talks.

For instance, it said it would adopt a wait and see attitude to the claims made

by President Buhari’s that his administration’s focus on revamping the economy through the national economic diversification agenda has helped to moderate food inflation in the country.

Continued on page 8

6

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

Oba Akiolu Returns to Palace Two Months After ENDSARS Riots ÏáÝ ÎÓÞÙÜ Ahamefula Ogbu 08116759810 (Ý×Ý ÙØÖã̚ ×ËÓÖ ahamefula.ogbu@thisdaylive.com

Bennett Oghifo

Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu yesterday re-entered his palace, about two months after a mob forced him to evacuate, during the ENDSARS protests The royal father, whose palace, Iga Idungaran, in Lagos Island was looted and vandalised by rioters, danced into the renovated facility, amid drumming, singing and chant of welcome in Yoruba, as captured in a tweeted video that has gone viral on the

internet.

The Oba, who wore a nose mask, was obviously performing a traditional rite, as he was guided by some palace chiefs and priests, who were bare-chested, wearing only white skirts..

In the heat of the ENDSARS riots, the oba’s palace was ransacked and even his symbol of authority was stolen, but was later returned, according to reports.

The desecration of Oba of Lagos Palace was inevitable, a

Obiano Lifts Suspension

Lagos Royal, Her Royal Highness Abiola Dosunmu, the Erelu Kuti IV of Lagos told ARISE News.

“It was inevitable,” she said, adding that the palace was attacked because the rulers had failed in their responsibilities to the people.

“They didn’t touch any other building in Lagos Island, only the Oba’s palace. That’s a direct message,” HRH Dosunmu said.

“Something was bound to happen. I could see the anger.

We, the parents and leaders, have failed. We have neglected our children. A lot of them are jobless and hungry. Now we

have to do all we can about their depravation.

“All of us must quickly set up vocational places to help the depraved.”

Dosunmu blamed the political leadership in the state for the anarchy Nigeria’s commercial capital has faced in the past week.

“The kind of politics being played in Lagos is part of the problem facing the state, the politicians in the state are also part of the problems in the state.

“Protesters in the state are still angry and it’s visible.

It only shows that we have

failed, the parents and leaders in the country have all failed.

Take a look around you, see lots of children out of school.

Their parents have no money to send them to schools and they see affluence everywhere around them, definitely the crisis is bound to happen.

“A lot of people are jobless and hundreds of children are out of school and the system isn’t favourable to them because there are hikes in prices of fuel which affects everything. It simply shows that we’ve failed,” she added.

“I am asking the government

to ensure that within three months they should be setting up vocational centres where these children can have a vocation, if not it will get worse before it gets better,” she said.

The Oba’s staff of office, which was taken in the invasion, is the symbol of authority of the monarch. HRH Dosunmu was assured that the staff would be returned.

“I have appealed to the people who took the Oba’s staff, and I know, without any threat, that the person is going to come back and bring the staff back and beg for forgiveness, willingly.”

of 3 Anambra Monarchs David-Chyddy Eleke ÓØ áÕË Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano has lifted the suspension of three traditional rulers in the state.

The three traditional rulers were among the 12 suspended in September last year for allegedly traveling out of their domain to Abuja, without permission from the governor.

The monarchs had joined billionaire oil mogul, Arthur Eze on a trip to Abuja to visit President Muhammadu Buhari.

Obiano who was then at feud with Eze for accusing him of shortchanging monarchs in the state brought the hammer down on the monarchs for alleged insubordination to him by the monarchs.

But in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr. Greg Obi, the governor lifted the one year suspension slammed on three of the traditional rulers involved.

Commissioner Obi said, “His

Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano in a new year act of magnanimity has decided to lift the suspension of three traditional rulers.

“The affected Igwes are: Igwe NN. Kelly Nkeli - Igbariam, Igwe Dr. Emeka Ilouno - Ifitedunu, Igwe Peter Uyanwa - Ukwulu.”

The statement further directs that the lifting of the suspension takes effect immediately.

The state government had previously announced the removal of some of the traditional rulers who embarked on the trip, including Igwe Chijioke Nwankwo of Nawfia Community, who has also gone to court to challenge his removal.

Nwankwo in a recent interview with THISDAY said the governor had no powers to remove him as he has neither offended culture nor the people, two reasons he said were stipulated in the traditional rulers Act as reason any monarch could be removed.

Nwankwo urged the state government to immediately reinstate him.

Allege Police Brutalisation of Sowore Sparks Protest Festus Akanbi Following yesterday’s reported arrest of human rights activist and publisher of SaharaReporters, Omoyele Sowore, along other activists allegedly by the police in Abuja, some Nigerians, including his colleagues, have shifted the battle to Twitter, alleging brutalisation of the arrested activists.

SaharaReporters reported that Sowore and other activists were arrested while carrying out a peaceful procession to mark the New Year. The activists were almost done with their crossover procession when about seven loaded vans of the Nigerian security forces swooped on them, brutalising everyone at sight.

The publication adds that eyewitnesses said police officers suspected to be the Rapid Response Squad stormed Gudu junction in Abuja, wounding Sowore before whisking him

away with other activists from the location.

They were taken to Abattoir police station of the allegedly disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) unit in Abuja, where they are allegedly being tortured and detained.

Journalist/activist Oluwatosin Adeniji tweeted: “UPDATE: It has been confirmed that @PoliceNG abducted @YeleSowore and a few others. They were mortally injured and are currently at a police station called Abattoir in Abuja. #FreeSowore #Jan1st.”

She added: “@YeleSowore complained of nose bleeding when I spoke with him. He wasn’t sounding great. @PoliceNG nothing must happen to him and the others #FreeSowore.”

Another Nigerian, UsmanJamiuOpeyemi tweeted, “Buhari’s first gift to us this year is arresting Sowore alongside other activists.

We will never be tired as we will soon overcome.”

CONGRATULATIONS… L-R: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun (left) decorating his Chief Security Officer, Isaiah Adeniji with his new rank as Chief Superintendent of Police, while the State Police Commissioner, Awolowo Shogun (right) assists… recently

After Months of Delays, AfCFTA Begins Operation African countries began officially trading under a new continent-wide free trade area yesterday, after months of delays caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.

But experts view the New Year’s Day launch as largely symbolic with full implementation of the deal expected to take years.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to bring together 1.3 billion people in a $3.4 trillion economic bloc that will be the largest free trade area since the establishment of the World Trade Organization.

Backers say it will boost trade among African neighbours while allowing the continent to develop its own value chains. The World Bank estimates it could lift tens of millions out of poverty by 2035.

“There is a new Africa emerging with a sense of urgency and purpose and an aspiration to become self-reliant,” Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said during an online launch ceremony.

But obstacles – ranging from ubiquitous red tape and poor

infrastructure to the entrenched protectionism of some of its members – must be overcome if the bloc is to reach its full potential.

Trade under the AfCFTA was meant to be launched on July 1, 2020, but was pushed back after COVID-19 made in-person negotiations impossible.

However, the pandemic also gave the process added impetus, said Wamkele Mene, secretary-general of the AfCFTA secretariat.

“COVID-19 has demonstrated that Africa is overly reliant on the export of primary commodities, overly reliant on global supply chains. When the global supply chains are disrupted, we know that Africa suffers,” Mene said.

Every African country except Eritrea has signed on to the AfCFTA framework agreement, and 34 have ratified it. But observers such as W Gyude Moore – a former Liberian minister who is now a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development – say the real work begins no “I would be surprised if they can have everything set

up within 24 months,” Mene told Reuters news agency. “For long-term success, I think we’ll need to look at how long it took Europe. This is a multi-decade process.”

Historic challenges including Africa’s poor road and rail links, political unrest, excessive border bureaucracy and petty corruption will not disappear overnight.

And an annexe to the deal outlining the rules of origin – an essential step for determining which products can be subject to tariffs and duties – has not been completed yet.

Meanwhile, 41 of the zone’s 54 member states have submitted tariff reduction schedules.

Members must phase out 90 percent of tariff lines – over

five years for more advanced economies or 10 years for less developed nations. Another 7 percent considered sensitive will get more time, while 3 percent will be allowed to be placed on an exclusion list.

Finalising those schedules and communicating them to businesses must be done quickly, said Ziad Hamoui of Borderless Alliance, a group that campaigns for easier cross-border trade.

But efforts to implement the deal will also likely face resistance from countries’ domestic interest groups. Fears of losing out to more competitive neighbours initially made some countries, including West African giant Nigeria, sceptical of the panAfrican project.

COVID-19: 1074 New Cases Recorded

Nigeria recorded 1074 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 88,587 with 74,373 discharged and 1294 deaths.

SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

7

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

8

NEWS Reinstate Sacked Teachers, Kwara Professionals Urge AbdulRazaq Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE ...

L-R: Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal (R); and the state’s Commissioner for Finance Abdussamad Dasuki, displaying a replica of the cheque for the World Bank grant to the state for its commitment to the implementation of Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme...recently

Sokoto Gets World Bank’s $22m Grant for Financial Propriety Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto The World Bank has granted Sokoto State Government $22 million for its commitment to the implementation of the State’s Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme.

A breakdown of the grant shows that the state got $5 million in November for approving COVID-19 budget while it got the balance of $17.4 million for its 2019 fiscal performance two weeks ago.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Governor, Muhammad Bello, the state government clinched the grant

after its astronomical score in the SFTAS ranking from 2/5 in 2019 to 14/15 in 2020, which puts it among the top three states in the country to achieve such ranking.

The grant it garnered from the World Bank last year was $2.5 million.

Also in the period under review, the state government doubled its share of the federally collected PAYE tax and undertook a forensic audit of its pension benefits, thus establishing “a liability of over N500 million which is under verification and validation by the Pension Transition Arrangement Directorate (PTAD),” the report of the SFTAS Committee presented

to Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated.

Gov. Tambuwal while receiving the report on Thursday expressed delight with the feat and directed that members of the committee should be given automatic promotion in appreciation of their efforts.

Describing their work as “tedious, tasking and painstaking,” the governor said when it was first initiated many people thought it was deliberately started to punish them.

But, according to him, the “intention is to bequeath the state with strong institutions for good governance.

“I don’t believe in business as

usual. I believe in Sokoto State being the frontline state in good governance. These are the reasons behind all the reforms. In the long run, the state will be the one to benefit.”

He commended the Commissioner for Finance, Hon. AbdusSamad Dasuki and the SFTAS team; his predecessor,, who is the current Secretary to the State Government, Mal.Saidu Umar, that worked conscientiously to make the state attain the World Bank ranking, just as he gave kudos to the Sokoto State House of Assembly (SOHA) for making enabling laws that propelled the SFTAS Committee to success.

A group of professionals based in Ilorin, Kwara Emerging Leaders (KEL), yesterday urged the state government to reabsorb 1,658 teachers that were recently sacked despite the fact that they were audited and deemed qualified by the government. =About 2,414 teachers employed at the twilight of the immediate past administration in the state were sacked by the present administration last week.

Since then, tongues have continued to wag over the sack of the affected teachers.

However, KEL, in a statement by its Head of Media Relations, Mr..Adekunle Oyedepo, said the government’s decision to sack the teachers, especially those already adjudged qualified, was nothing but insincerity on the part of the government and obvious lack of empathy.

The statement read, “We consider the government insincere and dishonest to have gone ahead to order the dismissal of the teachers after it declared1,658 of them as duly employed. “ Is the government aware of the implication of such mass termination? The present economic situation has been bad enough for several families, particularly the sacked teachers. Did the government even consider that the teachers whose appointments were summarily terminated were a source of financial security for many families and dependents?

“The government disengaged

them and ordered for a fresh employment without assuring them of the right of first refusal”.

The statement added, “Since government is a continuum, we consider such action as a bad politics and unfair victimisation considering that they were all employed under a contractual agreement and are now being targeted for no fault of theirs”.

The statement further noted that “aside the fact that there was no known NEEDS assessment that was conducted to arrive at the planned recruitment of 4,701 teachers, it is certain that employing that number at a time government’s revenue has dropped is nothing but posturing and showmanship.

“We recall that in 2008/2009 that the last known state-wide school census and Needs Assessment was conducted, it was estimated that the total number of students in public primary and secondary schools was about 285,000, while teachers at the time were estimated at about 21,000.

“At the time, Kwara had a student to teacher ratio of about 15 students to 1 teacher which was far within the UNESCO estimate of 40 students to one teacher.

“We are all aware that because of the decline in the quality of instruction in government owned schools, enrolment in public primary and secondary schools has dropped, a situation that is nothing but a failure of previous governments in this regard.

Buhari: Insecurity Setting Nigeria Back at Critical Points Cont’d from Pg. 5 The Director General of the LCCI, Dr. Muda Yusuf, told THISDAY that although “the President’s message focused on key concerns of business and the citizens, the challenge is often the gap between what is said and the actual outcomes.

We need to match the message with corresponding actions and results. The president’s message covered the key areas of infrastructure, security and the COVID -19 pandemic and the energy sector reform. We wait to see how quickly these promises would be translated into concrete outcomes.”

Fayose: President is a speech reader Among Nigerians who took a swipe at the President for his speech was former Governor of Ekiti State, Peter Ayodele Fayose, who dismissed the speech as lacking in passion, commitment and action.

Fayose said it was obvious that Buhari merely read a prepared speech to Nigerians, as the President’s speech was devoid of passion, commitment and action.

Describing the President’s speech as lifeless, Fayose said it was easier to coach the President to read speeches than to teach him how to do his work. “That is why the President continues to fumble anytime he goes for international engagements; that is why his responses are not coherent, they ask him one thing, he says something else.

The President should stop

making himself a laughing stock,” he said.

“Buhari prefers to read to Nigerians than to address them.

There is a difference between talking to your people and reading speeches to them. Nigerians are still waiting to hear their President talk to them; they are tired of hearing speeches. It is easy to see that the President is merely a speech reader. He reads the speech they give him, that is why this government has not been able to meet the expectations of Nigerians.

“Nigerians want to hear that service chiefs have been relieved of their positions. They are tired of listening to a president that celebrates the release of abducted school children, they want to know why the nation should allow the abduction to take place in the first place.

“Nigerians want to hear concrete statements that address their pains. This is a President that cannot reshuffle the cabinet; he cannot replace his service chiefs. As it is, the President is not only clueless, he is caught up with a challenge of old age,” he said.

Abaribe: Enough of excuses

by President Speaking on the President’s broadcast, the Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, who pledged the readiness of the National Assembly to support the current administration to tackle insecurity in the country, however criticised the President’s alleged penchant for excuses

for his failures.

He said, “The legislature, particularly the minority caucus is ready to cooperate with the presidency in any sincere and genuine effort to tackle insecurity in our country and keep our people safe.

“Nonetheless, President Muhammadu Buhari must as a fact face governance and stop making excuses at every turn, especially his penchant at making references to 2015 as reasons why he fails to perform. It does not end at making broadcast, but in exhibiting genuine seriousness in governance for all Nigerians.

“He is elected to provide governance, by so doing he must be ready to proffer solutions, right wrongs where it exists and solve problems besetting the country in every facet and not always relapse to advancing excuses to explain away palpable failures. As for us in the minority caucus, we are willing as always to cooperate with the presidency in any sincere and genuine effort to provide good governance to Nigerians.”

OPC: We must talk about our co-existence Presenting his group’s position on the President’s broadcast, President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Prince Dele Osibote, commended President Buhari “for saluting the resilience of Nigerians and the willingness to live together as one, the question is to live together under what conditions?

“I hope the President can

have the courage to allow Nigerians discuss the terms of their relationship.

“We must talk about our common existence as a people. One section of the country cannot continue to dominate others.

True, Nigerian desire to live as one in a country, where no ethnic feels inferior and another superior,” he stated.

Atiku Blames ‘Lazy Leadership’ for Nigeria’s Woes Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has said that aside the effect of the COVID-19 last year, Nigeria suffered greatly in 2020 because of the lazy and uninspiring leadership, especially from the government at the centre.

Atiku, who was the 2019 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, in his New Year message, thus advised Nigerians to put their differences aside, saying “we are exposed to a common threat of terrorism, kidnapping and sundry criminalities; the threat of economic meltdown, unemployment and poverty.”

He called for the same kind of cooperation displayed in the fight against COVID-19 to be deployed in finding solutions to the other problems in the world.

Atiku wrote: “It is with a glad heart that I welcome everyone to the New Year, 2021. The out-gone year was quite dramatic and it is only by the grace of the Almighty God that we survived to witness the succeeding year.

“It is cheering that we are entering the New Year with refreshing news of a handful of certified vaccines against the dreaded COVID-19 virus.

And better still is news of commencement of vaccination in some parts of the world. I am expectant that the vaccine(s) would soon be available for vaccination in Nigeria. It is also hoped that very soon life would return to normal.

“As a country, we have taken our share of the blow that COVID-19 dealt to the globe.

And worst still, we suffered a multi-facet downcast on account of lazy and uninspiring leadership from the government at the centre – most especially.

“But just as I often do, I pray that God should heal the hearts of families who have lost loved ones to the disease, as well as those who died on account of insecurity and ringing poverty occasioned by poor management of our national economy.”

The former vice president said damage that the pandemic had done to the lives of many would take some time to overcome, but “the fundamental lesson that the scourge reinforces is our bond as one species of homo sapiens, in which an attack on one is an attack on all.”

He continued: “Moving forward, we would require the same kind of cooperation that it takes to develop an antidote to COVID-19, to come up with solutions to many of the other ills that confront our world.

Perhaps, that is the lesson to

be taken from the pandemic, and it should be our pathway into the New Year.

“Just like it was with the deadly virus, we are exposed to a common threat of terrorism, kidnapping and sundry criminalities; the threat of economic meltdown, unemployment and poverty; and, even our solution to the problem of climate change must be within the focus of conserving the planet we call home. We cannot wholly defeat any of these threats if we refuse to cooperate and work together irrespective of our intangible differences.

“As Nigerians, we are all aware of the challenges that bedevil the country. We need not begin to enumerate them. But what we must not let happen is allowing our weakness to wall our strength.”

Atiku said Nigeria’s diversity offers a rare opportunity of plural perspectives to finding a solution to the country’s problems, and that if Nigerians fail to take that advantage, “we would be weaker while the problems keep growing bigger and the blame will be on us.”

He added: “As we embrace this New Year with brighter hopes of restoration, let us do so with even a stronger commitment to unity, cooperation and mutual love. Let us work as one people, under one God with one country to call home.

“I wish every Nigerian a prosperous Year 2021 and I do pray that every family shall find renewal in the New Year.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

9

08054699539

The ‘Infractions’ of Bishop Kukah

sman Dan Fodio, the great Islamic preacher and founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, proclaims that a society can live with unbelief, but that no society can survive with injustice.

This applies to virtually all conflicts in the world; the exceptions will be the few ones triggered by religion extremism and greed. It is this injustice that the Bishop of Sokoto Catholic Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah has spent his entire life fighting. I was not expecting him to keep quiet under a Buhari government, legendary for nepotism, and clannishness; a derelict government incapable of protecting Nigerians. Kukah has not disappointed by persistently telling the truth to the Buhari government. It is heart-wrenching that Muhammadu Buhari, a man elected President of the whole country, turned himself into the President of a section of the country within days of assuming power and runs a government that has shown unparalleled ineptitude and callousness. These are the transgressions Kukah has been fighting.

Our President has been stoking our fault lines for almost six years now, with his skewed appointments. This is the truth that must be told to free Nigerians from shackles. Plum positions in federal departments and agencies are reserved for his section of the country. I often weep for my beloved Nigeria whenever I flip through the list of people heading key agencies and see that they are just from a section of the country; agencies like NPA, DPR, NNPC, PENCOM, NIMASA, UBEC, NSC, TETFund, FIRS, NCC, NBC, SEC, CAC, Customs, REA, TCN, AMCON and the rest.

The crooked appointments of heads of military and para-military sectors of his government have been most infuriating. It has never happened in the 60 years post-independent history of this country. I will like our dear President to retire into his study and spend quality time reading a list I have compiled for him. Mr. President, here we go: Director-General, Department of State Security Services, Yusuf Bichi; National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno; Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burutai; Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar; Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Retired Colonel Hameed Ali; Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Muhammad Abdallah; Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Mohammed Babandede; Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Abdullahi Muhammadu; Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu; Director General, National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufai; Minister of Defence, Bashir Magashi, and Controller General, Nigeria Correctional Service, Ja’afaru Ahmed.

Mr. President, how does this list smell? PanNigeria? It is bad enough that these military and

Kukah para-military heads are all from the north. It is even worse that they are all Muslims. In a country where religion remains an issue, concentrating the security apparatus in the hands of one tribe and one religious group is a betrayal of trust of those Christians and southerners who voted for you and an affront on our constitution. My dear President, those around you, i.e. your legion of sycophants, won’t tell you this. They are largely bread and butter politicians.

I remember you once promised Nigerian Catholic Bishops that you would take a second look at these skewed security appointments and make amends.

You did not keep to this promise. These tilted security appointments are largely responsible for the raging insecurity in Nigeria. Even the North that these security chiefs come from has not benefitted from their power.

Our President has persistently breached this country’s Constitution with his nepotism. Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution emphatically states that the composition of the government of the federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect federal character and the need to promote national loyalty. This constitutional provision is to ensure that there shall be no predominance of a few states or a few ethnic groups or other factional divisions in government or any of its agencies. Unfortunately, Buhari cares less about this crucial section of the constitution.

Mr. President should quietly retire into his room

and spend quality time reading Kukah’s Christmas Day Epistle if he truly loves this country as he still claims. There are three key takeaways from the Epistle I want our President to deeply meditate on. Kukah, in his piece titled, A Nation in Search of Vindication, expressed worries about Nigeria’s misery under Buhari: “Against the backdrop of our endless woes, ours has become a nation wrapped in desolation. The prospects of a failed state stare us in the face: endless bloodletting, a collapsing economy, social anomie, domestic and community violence, kidnappings, armed robberies etc. Ours has become a house of horror with fear stalking our homes, highways, cities, hamlets and entire communities. The middle grounds of optimism have continued to shift and many genuinely ask; what have we done to the gods? Does Nigeria have a future? Where can we find hope?”

On the unprecedented killings by Boko Haram and bandits and unending abductions under the Buhari government, Kukah asserts: “This government owes the nation an explanation as to where it is headed as we seem to journey into darkness. The spilling of this blood must be related to a more sinister plot that is beyond our comprehension. Are we going to remain hogtied by these evil men or are they gradually becoming part of a larger plot to seal the fate of our country?”

On Buhari’s frightening nepotism and clannishness, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto avows: “President Buhari deliberately sacrificed the dreams of those who voted for him to what seemed like a programme to stratify and institutionalise northern hegemony by reducing others in public life to second class status. He has pursued this self-defeating and alienating policy at the expense of greater national cohesion. Every honest Nigerian knows that there is no way any non-Northern Muslim President could have done a fraction of what President Buhari has done by his nepotism and gotten away with it. There would have been a military coup a long time ago or we would have been at war.

“It is curious that President Buhari’s partisanship and commitment to reinforcing the foundations of northern hegemony have had the opposite consequences. For a long time, beyond the pall of politics, very prominent northerners with a conscience have raised the red flag, pointing out the consequences of President Buhari’s nepotism on national cohesion and trust. With time, as hunger, poverty, insecurity engulfed the north, the President’s own supporters began to despair and lament about the state of their collective degradation. Was this not supposed to be their song? The north that the President sought to privilege has become a cauldron of pain and a valley of dry bones. Today, the north itself is crying the most and why not?

No one has suffered as much as they have and

continue to. The helplessness is palpable and the logic is incomprehensible.”

This is not the first time Kukah would draw attention to Buhari’s bias. During his sermon at the burial of Michael Nnadi, a seminarian killed by kidnappers, the cleric remarked that Buhari was running the “most nepotistic and narcissistic government in known history,” and concluded that the President had not only relegated the national interest to the background, but had also introduced nepotism into the military.

Kukah added: “No one could have imagined that in winning the Presidency, Buhari would bring nepotism and clannishness into the military and the ancillary security agencies; that his government would be marked by supremacist and divisive policies that would push our country to the brink. This President has displayed the greatest degree of insensitivity in managing our country’s rich diversity. He has subordinated the larger interests of the country to the hegemonic interests of his co-religionists and clansmen and women. The impression created now is that, to hold a key and strategic position in Nigeria today, it is more important to be a northern Muslim than a Nigerian.”

Can Buhari honestly say that he has delivered on his promises of building a new and united Nigeria in the last five years? Evidently not! The biggest sin Buhari has committed against this country is the division created with his nepotism, clannishness and religious bigotry. These largely invigorated the clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria. I doubt if Buhari can ever amend his ways. However, I will continue to remind him that he was elected President of the whole country, not of a section of the country, and must start acting as father to all Nigerians. This is the way forward for our beloved country.

The masses of the people must also interrogate Buhari as Kukah has been doing. The biggest factor responsible for Nigeria’s continuing poverty, hunger, disease and underdevelopment is the refusal of most of its citizens to interrogate their leaders. Many are too fearful to challenge these leaders, most of whom are crooked. I also find it frightening that some even make excuses for the failings of these warped leaders instead of interrogating them. Many are always economical with the truth, when it comes to tackling leaders.

Tribalism and religion extremism have also compounded the unwillingness of our people to interrogate kinked leaders. Failure to do this often throws up touts in top political positions in our dear nation. We will persistently have inept and morally-bankrupt leadership, if we don’t change this mentality. If we don’t change this attitude, Nigeria will remain in the inglorious club of underdeveloped country for many more years to come.

Obiano Should Pay Anambra Pensioners Isa Pantami’s Fabrications Anambra State Government’s retirees are going through hell under Governor Willie Obiano because of unpaid gratuities in the last four years.

This governor’s years have brought pain on senior citizens of this state.

Few weeks back, the hapless retirees threatened to embark on hunger strike to press for their gratuities. The state chairman of the pensioners, Anthony Ugozor, captures the pain thus: “We don’t know what to do on this again.

We are no longer in active service, so government is treating our matter with levity because it knows we can no longer embark on industrial dispute.

We may consider hunger strike after our meeting. The only problem we may have about hunger strike is whether it will not be detrimental to our health at our age. But members will decide that in our meeting. We are dying in piecemeal; the governor should pay us our gratuities.”

It is a big shame that the last time Obiano paid gratuities was 2017. Today, I challenge him to clear all arrears of gratuities. Treating our senior citizens

Obiano

with disdain is ungodly and a crime against humanity.

The story the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, told the nation was that 173 private companies and 30 government agencies had been hired to handle enrolment and data capturing in order to ensure seamless registration of Nigerians for the National Identity Number. That was why he ordered mobile phone companies to block subscribers who fail to link their NINs to their telephone lines within two weeks. It was later extended to six weeks. As at the time of going to press, not even one of the hired companies and government agencies had commenced NIN registration. Pantami’s declaration is a ruse. The truth is that the 173 private companies and 30 government agencies are still struggling to set up structures for NIN enrolment and data capturing. So, why tell Nigerians lies about their readiness for the job? This man called Pantami is a tragedy. In sane societies, he would have been sacked.

For now, only the incompetent National Identity Management Company, NIMC, is offering NIN registration services. This is why its offices nationwide are thronged by thousands of exasperated Nigerians. Of course, the useless NIMC cannot register over 160 million telecom subscribers within six weeks. No such magic can be done. So, telling subscribers to add

valid NINs to SIM records within six weeks is ludicrous. For how long must this coldblooded and disgusting government continue to inflict pains on Nigerians? Linking NINs to phone numbers is unnecessary duplication. The same finger prints/personal details already exist in the SIM registration we did with the telecoms providers.

Isa Pantami

10

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 2, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Idia Aisien

I’m Aiming to Become One of the Biggest Actresses Out of Africa She is a television news anchor, model, philanthropist, fashion and lifestyle host.That’s Idia Aisien. She is passionate about giving back to the society, not only in Nigeria, but also across Africa. Born in Lagos to a Nigerian father and a Cameroonian mother, Idia landed her first modelling job at the tender age of 15. A graduate of Journalism and Business Administration from the American University of Washington DC, she went on to get a Master degree in International Public Relations and global Corporate Communications from the New York University, while working with the United Nations. She has shot and modelled for huge brands, both home and abroad. Idia shares her new journey into Nollywood, playing Nneka Agu in the blockbuster “Nneka the Pretty Serpent” with Azuka Ogujiuba

H

ow has the level of education attained impacted on your work ethics?

I think my education has had a huge impact on the way I work and the number of things I am able to do at once. The universities we attended gave us the opportunity to use the world as our classroom and we would always learn from working with real companies under real circumstances. However, I think my parents have impacted my work ethic the most. I saw them work extremely hard, no matter how much or how little they had.

Working hard, and working clean was the standard that they taught me.

Have you always wanted to be a journalist?

Ever since I was 12years old and I learned about the late Dele Giwa in high school, I admired the nobility of professions like journalism. Also, the idea that journalists can control and influence narratives have always excited me. I would watch CNN all the time with my dad and pray to grow up to be a successful journalist.

You had also worked with top media establishments in New York such as Discovery Communications and Fox 5 News amongst others, at what point did you decide to move back to Nigeria and why?

I secured a position with a private equity firm in New York and that job brought me to Nigeria. I had never planned to move back at the time, but after being offered a TV hosting job in media (which was my first love), I decided to stay.

Having worked in Nigeria for almost half a decade now, what do you think about journalism in Nigeria using television broadcasting as a focal point, in terms of content creation and how we tell our own stories?

I honestly think that we can do better. Though it’s not easy, we are too dependent on the foreign media and Nigeria has everything it takes to effectively create, disseminate and influence its own narrative.

We have shown this countless times and though the powers that be will sometimes try to limit the media; it is really the strongest tool we have in Nigeria.

Technological advances across the world have given people access to ‘create’ information. Basically, we are all journalists, but we need to use these platforms the right way. Rather than spreading misinformation, we need to tell more stories of Nigerians who are changing the African narrative for the better; bright minds who prove that progress is possible.

Idia

You started the International Development Initiative in Africa, which is a platform dedicated to showcasing Africa from a more positive perspective, as well as tackling issues around poverty, education and empowerment. How has this journey been so far?

Launching the initiative in Africa was a long-term goal that I had not planned to start until I was ready to focus solely on African development and community building. However, I was already so involved with a few educational, charity and empowerment projects that I realised I was already laying the foundation. Due to the unpredictability of year 2020, things have been slow; but hopefully in the New Year, we can finish our pending programme and announce them.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 2, 2021

11

SUPER SATURDAY My Parents Impacted My Work Ethic the Most You starred in your first movie as the lead actress in the remake of Nneka the Pretty Serpent. How were you casted for the lead role?

I got a phone call at 2am, telling me there was a photo I posted on Instagram that a casting crew liked, and that they wanted me to audition at 8am that day for Nneka the Pretty Serpent. I watched both part 1 and 2 of NTPS that morning, then I attended the audition. I was also asked to send in three audition videos, and come for three more auditions and the rest is history.

How were you able to manage the Igbo part of the script? You spoke the language fluently despite not being an Igbo person?

Learning to speak Igbo for the movie was the most challenging and special thing about my role as ‘Nneka Agu’. It definitely wasn’t easy but I had a dedicated coach that helped me for months prior to shooting.

What was your experience like, being your first film? More so, acting alongside the Ndidi Obi, who took on same role 28 years ago as well as other renowned actors such as Ramsey Noah, Zack Orji etc?

I had a few months of training prior to shooting Nneka the Pretty Serpent, but it was definitely very challenging acting alongside people that are renowned in the industry. I went in with a mindset to listen and learn as much as I could. It was also very important to have a great relationship with the other actors and I thank God that amazing people whom I look up to like Ndidi Obi, Jennifer Awazie, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Chioma Akpotha, Bovi, waje and more, were more than willing to share their knowledge and cheer me on.

How did you meet Charles Okpaleke and how did you get signed into his Play Network management?

I met Charles Okpaleke four years ago, as he had run a business with my sister since 2014. Last year, I called asking if he would be my manager and he said yes.

When your family saw this scary role you took, how did they react?

My family honestly didn’t find out I was Nneka until a few days before I was revealed. We are all generally scared of snakes but they always support me and were very proud. My mother has been praying ever since. Lol Has this experience changed any notion you had about actors or acting generally?

I have a new found respect for actors. Acting is not easy. It really takes a lot of time, focus and serious mindedness. I never understood how hard it was; you definitely need to have talent to pull it off successfully!

Tell us about your formative years?

I have 11 siblings and I am the last child in my family. Growing up, we had a full house and there was always so much playing and laughter. I think when I was born my parents were older, and hence, more lenient so I got everything I wanted from them and my siblings.

Give us more insight into your educational background and career?

I went to Atlantic Hall secondary school and graduated at 15 in 2006. At 16 I moved to the states for my first degree in Journalism and international business from American University in Washington DC. While in school, I concurrently worked with Discovery Communications and also at Fox 5 News.

At age 20, I moved to New York City for my Masters in International Public Relations and Corporate Communications, and I worked for the Peace-building Commission in the UN, which focuses on counties coming out of conflict. After graduating in May 2014, I landed a job as a research associate for a Private Equity firm in NYC until I moved to Nigeria in 2015 and started working with Spice TV shortly after. After three years at spice TV, I became the Business anchor for The Global Business Report on Arise News and in the same year of 2018, I launched the International Development Initiative in Africa (The IDIA Project).

Can we say you were born with a silver spoon?

Yes How did your background shape your life?

I learned a lot about friendship from my seven sisters growing up. We are very close and I don’t keep too many friends. My mum always told me that education was the most important thing, so I’m one of those people that really loved being in school and I still want to go back for my PhD. Also, I admire

Idia my family so much, because they always worked hard, and were never loud about what they have; I am exactly the same. My dad was very prudent and taught me a lot about how to save money. One of my sisters always told me to “never be desperate for anything, because when people are desperate they make mistakes.” This is one of my biggest mantras.

What was the best gift you remember receiving as a child?

My older siblings lived in London when I was growing up, so in the Christmas of 1996, my first born sister and my eldest brother came home to Nigeria.

That December, they got me a doll with a bicycle (and I was scared of bicycles in real life) and I took that doll everywhere because after they left, I still felt like I had them with me.

What was the most difficult thing that has ever happened to you in all your years and how did you overcome it?

I lost my dad in February last year and my whole world came crashing down. He was my biggest supporter and cheerleader. He was my number one in everything. I am finally able to drown myself with work and with focusing on my goals, but I don’t think I could ever get over it.

What do you consider the biggest mistake you have ever made?

None. I have a friend in her mid-30s who taught me that “there is no right or wrong decision in life. You have to intelligently take a decision and make it right.”

Are there things you still desire?

Absolutely! I really want to travel more, learn new languages, settle down, be the best in my career, buy a ranch or vineyard in Europe and much more!

What are some of the lessons life has taught you?

I think the greatest lesson I’ve learned is never take anything or anyone for granted. Things change very fast and a person you once looked down on can quickly become your superior. Also, a person you never paid attention to, could in the next moment pass on, so we need to be kinder and more present.

What are your future plans?

My immediate future plan is to become one of the biggest actresses out of Africa (by God’s Grace), and I hope to use that influence to showcase the amazing progress taking place around Africa through the IDIAProject.

What’s your biggest fear in life?

None. I only fear God.

12

ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

FAREWELL ISA MOHAMMED

Yusuf Lawal pays tribute to Mohammed, former chairman, JAMB Governing Board, who passed at 78

T

he Chairman of the JAMB 5th and 6th Governing Boards, Professor Isa Baba Mohammed, Galadiman Ningi, died and was buried the same day in his hometown, Ningi, Bauchi State, on Monday, 28th December, 2020. He was 78 years old.

I first met Prof. Mohammed when he was appointed the Chairman of the JAMB 5th Governing Board in 1990. I was the Personal Assistant to the then Registrar of the Board, Dr. M.S Abdulrahman. The management worked harmoniously with the Governing Board, courtesy of the intimate relationship between Professor Mohammed and Dr Abdulrahman which started since their secondary school days in Barewa College (Professor Mohammed was in Form 4 when Dr. Abdulrahman entered Form 1), through their working days in Ahmadu Bello University. I naturally latched and keyed into the already well nurtured relationship which gave me a deep insight into the leadership traits of the extraordinary professor.

Following a successful first tenure as Chairman, Professor Mohammed was re-appointed chairman of the 6th governing board in 1993. He remained the only one till date to serve as chairman of two governing boards in JAMB. Professor Mohammed was Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar when he was announced as the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the then newly established University of Abuja.

He was also the Chairman of the Committee of Vice Chancellors. As a multi-tasks leader, he effectively carried out these critical schedules without any of them suffering any neglect because of the other. He was a wonderful gentleman with excellent leadership qualities. I always admire the charisma and perfect carriage of Professor Mohammed, especially at meetings. He was always in charge of any meeting he presided. He was principled and disciplined. He could be a hard nut to crack at times.

Professor Mohammed had always been part of JAMB since inception as he was the representative of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, on the first governing board in 1977.

Professor Mohammed became the chairman of the JAMB Board after the expansion of its mandate to cover the responsibility of the conduct of matriculation examination and admissions to all Polytechnics and Colleges of Education in Nigeria, in addition to its original purview on Universities Matriculation Examination and Admissions. He also superintended the construction of the JAMB headquarters in Abuja. Professor Mohammed was single-handedly responsible for helping the board acquire the present site of its headquarters at Bwari, Abuja. The original structures which served as the headquarters of the Bwari Area Council

PROFESSOR MOHAMMED ALSO TRIED TO SERVE HIS PEOPLE AND STATE BY ASPIRING TO BE THE GOVERNOR OF BAUCHI STATE, BUT POLITICS IS QUITE DIFFERENT FROM MATHEMATICS WHERE TWO PLUS TWO IS ALWAYS EQUAL TO FOUR

were re-structured and expanded to serve as the current national headquarters of the board. Mohammed also got approval from the then FCT Minister, General Gado Nasko, for the allocation of many quarters in Bwari for quite a number of staff. The quarters have since become permanent homes for the staff through the federal government monetisation policy.

Professor Mohammed equally supported the expansion of the board’s facilities in Kaduna to accommodate the Test Development Department, the then Research, Monitoring and Evaluation (now Quality Assurance) Department and the Zonal Office thereby upscaling the status of the Office to a National Headquarters Annex, sequel to the expansion of the board’s responsibilities, with the attendant increase in processing of data and materials. Professor Mohammed’s led board also presided over the choice, acquisition and integration of new Information Technology systems to meet the additional demands.

Professor Isa Mohammed was a first generation professor of Mathematics of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and he was Chairman of the National Mathematical Centre.

Professor Mohammed also tried to serve his people and state by aspiring to be the Governor of Bauchi State but politics is quite different from mathematics (his primary constituency) where two plus two is always equal to four in the latter, while in the former, the answer can be dependent on many variables and invariable.

With the demise of Professor Mohammed, JAMB has lost one of the major actors of its history, just as the nation will miss the invaluable contributions of the erudite scholar, leader per excellence and a consummate public officer of high repute and international standing.

Professor Isa Mohammed will be fondly remembered as a detribalised Nigerian, a nationalist and for his demonstration of unparalleled passion for nation-building through his visionary and exemplary leadership as well as his quest for excellence which contributed significantly to the development of the institutions and agencies he led during his lifetime.

Professor Mohammed was deservedly honoured by JAMB with an award of exemplary leadership during the 30th anniversary of the board.

Just like Dr. M.S. Abdulrahman, I feel a personal loss with the death of Professor Isa Baba Mohammed. My deepest condolence to the family of this intellectual icon as I pray that the Almighty Allah grant him Aljanatul fridaus, Ameen. r%S -BXBM JT UIF %JSFDUPS 5FTU "ENJOJTUSBUJPO JO +".#

UNDERSTANDING UBA SANI’S LEGISLATIVE ACTIVISM The is an urgent need to groom a new generation of well-trained teachers in northern Nigeria, writes Muhammed Abubakar

T

hese are trying times for northern Nigeria. Buffeted by insecurity – ranging from terrorism, banditry, ethno-religious crisis to cattle rustling, the region appears to be gasping. Worse still, the seemingly intractable security challenges, according to several indicators, are devastating the region’s legendary edge in agriculture, even as the number of out-of-school children in the region is rising. However, for Uba Sani, the Senator representing Kaduna Central in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, help is on the way for the region even when he insists that leaders in the north must now think out of the box to surmount present challenges. The senator is advocating concerted and intellectually-driven efforts by the leaders of the region that must be designed and driven in such a way to return the north to its prime spot as Nigeria’s beautiful bride, especially at a time when the nation now depends more on agriculture and solid minerals to grow its Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The senator is preaching quiet intellectual activism as a panacea for peace, safety and sustainable development in the North. In particular, Uba Sani is leading a fierce effort to use first class and people-centric legislations in the National Assembly to strategically begin solving the litany of security and developmental problems of northern Nigeria.

To this end, in less than two years in the Senate, Senator Uba Sani has furiously pursued and achieved the passage or near-passage of series of carefully intentioned bills into law.

Indeed, Uba Sani is currently ranked among the three senators with the most progressive bills in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly.

Senator Uba Sani makes no pretentions at all about the targets or intendments of the bills he has so far sponsored in the Senate.

They are largely bills that would aid the growth of education, financial inclusiveness, healthcare, enhance security, improve child right/care and constitutional amendment, with a view to achieving power devolution, especially regarding the control and deployment of internal security forces in the country. In particular, the senator wants state governments to be empowered to establish and control their own Police. A brief analysis of a number of bills sponsored by Senator

Uba Sani in the Senate so far, gives an incline into his current crusade.

In July 2020, the Federal College of Education, Giwa Kaduna State (Est, Etc) Bill 2019 (SB. 121) sponsored by Senator Sani was, after a rigorous legislative journey, read for the third time and passed into law on the floor of the Senate. Uba Sani believes the north must begin retracing its steps and that the quickest pathway can only be through enhanced education for all in the region especially in his home state of Kaduna. To this end, the Federal College of Education, Giwa Kaduna State (Est, Etc) Bill 2019 was sponsored as a direct response to the quest to speedily train a new generation of teachers that would lead an educational renaissance of sorts in northern Nigeria. “People appear to be forgetting that one of the biggest legacies the great Sardauna, Sir Ahmadu Bello bequeathed to northern Nigeria was qualitative education.

He achieved this by first facilitating the grooming of very sound teachers. We lost this edge at some point. It is not time for finger pointing. We momentarily lost our way. The crusade is to get us back on cause. I initiated and sponsored this bill given the urgency of grooming a new generation of well-trained teachers in not just Kaduna State but the entire northern Nigeria,” Uba Sani said of the bill which was read for the first time in the House of Representatives on 3rd December 2020. The bill now awaits the concurrence of the House of Representatives before it will be transmitted to the President for assent.

Still on education, Senator Uba Sani’s bill for the establishment of the Federal College of Forestry, Technology and Research, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State (Est, Etc) Bill 2019 (SB201), is moving steadily in the Senate. The bill was sponsored to tap into the potential of forestry-related education in Nigeria.

When established, the institution will increase federal presence in remote but vast areas of Kaduna State, thereby providing jobs, curbing insecurity and by extension alleviating poverty. It will also make significant contributions to economic diversification through expanding the frontier of agro-forestry especially now that cashew, shea butter, mango, guava, among others, are becoming prominent in the nation’s export list and also in high demand in local processing industries.

The bill has since passed first and second

readings in the Senate.

Senator Uba Sani’s University of Technology Kaduna (Est, Etc) Bill 2019 seeks to convert Kaduna State Polytechnic to a university. Again, the senator insist that the inspiration for this bill is the overarching need to completely rework and reposition the institution to contribute effectively and maximally in the production of skilled manpower that is needed for industrialization not just in northern Nigeria but the country at large. The bill has also passed the first reading stage in the Senate.

The senator from Kaduna State is also pursuing the bill seeking to establish the Institute of Information and Communication Technology Kaduna South (Est., Etc.) Bill 2020 (SB.407). The bill has passed the First Reading stage on the floor of the Senate.

In the same regard, Senator Uba Sani believes that the north is heavily challenged in the critical area of healthcare. He reckons that his bill seeking to set up the Federal Medical Centre Rigassa, Kaduna State (Est., Etc.) Bill 2019 (SB.169), would go a long way in mitigating this huge gap. While conversing for the passage of the bill into law, on the floor of the Senate, the senator cited the rather touchy example of persons in densely populated areas of Kaduna Central, especially women and children, who die daily due to lack of well-equipped healthcare centres. “The institution (Federal Medical Centre Rigassa, Kaduna State) will provide services in specialized areas like Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Urology, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Radiotherapy, Ear, Nose and Throat Treatment (ENT), Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Nuclear Medicine and other fields of medicine that may be required by not just persons in Kaduna State but by other Nigerians,” Uba Sani averred. On the 18th of February 2019, constituents and key stakeholders from Rigasa joined Senator Uba Sani at the public hearing on the bill, which was organized by the Senate Committee on Health. The bill passed through the crucial third reading phase on the floor of the Senate on 3rd December 2020 and now awaits the concurrence of the House of Representatives before it will be transmitted to the President for assent.

Uba Sani, who also heads the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and

other Financial Institutions, has repeatedly held that obsolete and opaque laws in the nation’s financial sector have for years robbed the not-so privileged persons in the society of the benefits of financial inclusion.

To redress this fiscal anomaly, Senator Sani pursued and sponsored the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2004 (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill 2019 (SB.178). The bill was assented to by President Buhari and as such became a law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on 13th November 2020. The new act updates the existing act and brings it in line with global best practices. It will enhance the efficiency in the process of obtaining/ granting banking licences. It incorporates the laws for enacting, licensing and regulation of Microfinance Banks in the country.

It clarifies and delineates the regulatory functions of the Central Bank of Nigeria in the financial services industry. It regulates the activities of Financial Technology Companies (FINTECHs), and imposes stiffer penalties for regulatory breaches in the financial services sector. As President Buhari noted in his remarks while assenting to the bill, the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act 2020 is a historic and significant achievement that will enhance the soundness and resilience of Nigeria’s financial system.

It is a notorious fact that one of the biggest problems that currently beset northern Nigeria is the plight of the girl-child. It is a crisis some persons say is insurmountable given that it is rather too entrenched and tend to be interpreted to be rooted in the culture of the people. But Senator Uba Sani disagrees. The senator is even of the view that the north must educate and empower every girl-child in order to achieve the development the region craves. With his bill: Care and Protection of Child Parents Bill 2019 (SB198), Senator Uba Sani intends to tackle this hydraheaded monster of the plight of the northern girl-child frontally.

“If passed into law, the bill, which would become an act, would create a legal basis to provide succour to child parents and create a platform that would enable their reintegration into society after child birth and still fulfil their dreams,” the senator said. The bill has passed the first reading phase in the Senate. r"CVCBLBS B MBXZFS XSPUF GSPN ,BEVOB

13

ͺ˜ ͺ͸ͺ͹ ˾ THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Happy New Year...

TO OUR READERS /HWWHUV LQ UHVSRQVH WR VSHFL¿F SXEOLFDWLRQV LQ 7+,6'$< VKRXOG EH EULHI ZRUGV DQG VWUDLJKW WR WKH SRLQW ,QWHUHVWHG UHDGHUV PD\ VHQG VXFK OHWWHUV DORQJ ZLWK WKHLU FRQWDFW GHWDLOV WR saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com :H DOVR ZHOFRPH FRPPHQWV DQG RSLQLRQV RQ WRSLFDO ORFDO QDWLRQDO DQG LQWHUQDWLRQDO LVVXHV SURYLGHG WKH\ DUH ZHOO ZULWWHQ DQG VKRXOG DOVR QRW EH ORQJHU WKDW ZRUGV 7KH\ VKRXOG EH VHQW WR saturdayeditor@thisdaylive.com DORQJ ZLWK WKH HPDLO DGGUHVV DQG SKRQH QXPEHUV RI WKH ZULWHU

2020: Year of Mixed Fortunes

V

irtually every century, humanity is faced with one infectious disease or more. It might be an epidemic with a limited influence or a pandemic with a global influence. The 14th Century Pandemic popularly known as the Black Death or The Plague still holds the record of the highest infectious disease deaths in human history. The 15th to 19th centuries had their own outbreaks, then, the popular 20th century pandemic known as the 1918 Influenza (Spanish Flu). This was another outbreak that defied man’s immediate efforts and mocked his science and technology breakthroughs in medicine.

Just like the 20th century, the 21st century has hardly reached its first quarter, we already recorded a pandemic. The Coronavirus was an epidemic that started in Wuhan, China in 2019. It has become a pandemic that touches every country of the world.

The Chinese government and the World Health Organisation (WHO) owe humanity explanations on how they failed to manage and contain the virus as an epidemic. A deadlier infectious disease, the Ebola Virus Epidemic occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2015. It was contained and reduced to an epidemic.

The knowledge of the epidemic was timely made available to all countries of the world with precautions taken to prevent a global outbreak. Why did the Wuhan epidemic become a pandemic?

The last quarter of year 2020 gave us a sigh of relief. Normalcy was gradually returning after over six months of total shutdown of socio-political and economic activities. Our euphoria was short-lived as the dying virus resurfaced with a renewed vigour.

It becomes deadlier. So far, over 80 million people have been infected while almost two million deaths have been recorded globally. Unfortunately, the closing weeks of year 2020 compelled us to maintain the new order the pandemic has brought upon us.

The pandemic met the world unprepared. Existing vaccines and other pharmaceutical products are not enough to subdue it. It will be fair to say that year 2020 was a year of mixed fortunes. It is a year that will never be forgotten in the history of mankind.

Unlike the previous experiences of pandemic, the COVID-19 happens in a century when man has grown in record keeping. Also, it exposes why man is not God. It tells us that with our sophistication in medicine, there are still things that are beyond our prowess.

On the other hand, it has expanded scholarship and added credit to our problem- solving skill. Man remains the master of his environment. Vaccines have been produced with high efficacy percentage.

Researches are ongoing on how to tackle subsequent occurrence of this or any other virus. Countries are redefining their health care system. The developing countries, particularly African countries, though with a better resistance immune system, are putting in place, health care facilities where they were not available.

More so, the developing countries are worst hit economically. These are economies that were struggling before the outbreak of the pandemic. They

are largely mono economies that depend mainly on primary economies. National revenues are dwindling, investments are folding up, jobs are lost and citizens purchasing power is low. Consequently, many African countries’ economies are in recession.

Are lessons learnt from year 2020? Is the world prepared for any renewed recurrence in 2021 and beyond? Will anyone be held responsible for the global outbreak? Will there be reparations? Is there more to this than what we know literarily? These are salient questions that need to be answered by those who are directly involved in this.

As individuals and as governments, year 2020 has rekindled our knowledge on saving for rainy days.

It teaches us to spend more on the things we need.

It compels countries to improve on their health care system at home as no country is ready to open her doors for visitors. It encourages giving to the less privileged and those in need at this trying time. It promotes cleanliness. It has taught us to keep and maintain a hygienic environment. Washing of our hands frequently should not die with COVID-19 as this should be made a habit.

This pandemic has also encouraged improved virtual meetings. This has reduced the costs of traveling and the need for physical presence. This is another rekindled world order that should be sustained. Its effects on job loses should be checked.

At this point, government supports are needed more. Developed countries, international organisations, non governmental organisations and wealthy individuals have big roles to play in this new world order.

A Christmas of Reflection

T

his past Christmas was a time of deep and sober reflection for me. As I age gracefully, I am buffeted by nostalgia but I must now be especially concerned about what the future holds for my daughter and her nearcousins (my nephews and nieces impacted so heavily by the untimely deaths of my younger siblings). I must speak the truth to these young ones. Thus, this Christmas of 2020 was one of reflection on the truth, albeit a great truth.

Veritas! The great truth is all around us but mankind is so squishy that it refuses to see the truth for what it is. The Bible recounts the Annunciation. Nine months after the Annunciation, it is 25th December. The feast of Christmas lasts a full week into a new year of our Lord. Annus chronologia continua. It is 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday the 30th of December 2020 and I have just finished a session of light banter with some of my ex-students who are now my lecturer-colleagues after we left the ASUU meeting called to announce the suspension of our strike action at our local branch. What, indeed, is “I p.m. of 30/12/2020?” It means the 13th hour of the thirtieth day of the twelfth month of the two thousandth and twentieth year since Jesus Christ was born. So? Every day is indeed Christmas! We live out our daily lives on the consciousness that Jesus Christ’s birth was a great significance for mankind. Why has this simple fact not occurred to Nigeria’s grand “general overseers” and “daddy-pastors” who are putting lots of monkey wrenches into Christmas? These “pastor-overseers” view the Bible as a book that dropped down from the sky whereas the early Church Fathers saw the Bible as a painstaking compendium of holy writ with a fine progression and harmony, inspired of God, that has the potential to transform mankind to a godly being. In the beginning Christianity was Roman Catholicism, and now, the anti-Christmas attitudes of the likes of Pastor William Kumuyi and Bishop Olukoya make me wonder if being outside the Roman Catholic fold is not an ecclesiastical intellectual handicap. Why couldn’t other “anti-Christmas Christians” figure out the Annunciation and its date from the Gospels? I must commend the Catholic Church for ensuring that Christianity has survived to this day. The forces against Christmas in our times are plentiful; Farouk Abdulmuttalab planned to bring down a jetliner on a Christmas Day, scores of countries have just recently banned Christmas, churches have been attacked on Christmas Day, terrorists have ploughed trucks into Charismas r2VEVT "EFXBMF -BXBM -BHPT market shoppers in Europe, the Nigerian Police Force have poured cold water on Christmas by banning fireworks at Christmastime, etc. The more painful are the anti-Christmas pastors and general overseers who have so recently provided ammunition to T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R the establishment designed to dismember Christmas. Let EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE us consider some truths about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ DEPUTY EDITOR FESTUS AKANBI was no bandit and he did not rob traders’ caravans during MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO his time on earth and this is the reason armed pillaging DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI cannot be justified in Christianity. Jesus Christ did not EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN steal maidens and he did not rape women and this is the reason kidnapping and rape are crimes punishable by MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE heavy deterrent measures in climes with strong Christian influences and where Christian-leaning leadership is the norm. Jesus Christ did not do battle to gain worldly terT H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D ritories or to force hapless and defenceless folks to change EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA their ways; thus, anyone who seeks a just world does not GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, do terrorism. This is a reason Christian-leaning world leadISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI ers (Vladimir Putin of Russia, for instance) strongly abhors DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE terrorism and the intellectual vehicle that powers this DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI warped and primordial human concept. These are obvious SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH facts about Jesus Christ that mankind is too uncomfortable ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO to discuss in the public domain. Until we boldly speak the CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI truth to ourselves, we will continue to grope in the dark DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO whilst spilling blood in our trails of deceit and destruction.

HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com

r4VOEBZ "EPMF +POBI %FQBSUNFOU PG 1IZTJDT 'FEFSBM 6OJWFSTJUZ PG 5FDIOPMPHZ .JOOB /JHFS 4UBUF

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

14

NEWS NEW YEAR MESSAGES…NEW YEAR MESSAGES…NEW YEAR MESSAGES…

Osun Heralds New Year with Massive Fireworks, Fanfare Yinka Kolawole, in Osogbo The Osun State Government heralded Year 2021 with massive pyrotechnics and fireworks across the state as part of efforts to rekindle the people’s hope in the New Year.

The choice of fireworks display by the government was aimed at sending a message of hope to the citizens and residents of the state who experience the challenges and adverse effects of the Coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the world.

This is just as government ensured it was done in strict observance of COVID-19 protocols, as less than 20 persons participated in the exercise.

Speaking during the fireworks

display at Government House, Osogbo, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, who reiterated the administration’s commitment to people’s welfare and general well-being, said no stone would be left unturned to rekindle the citizens’ hope in Year 2021.

He noted that the display was necessary as part of efforts to further demonstrate the love and commitment of the government to people’s welfare and wellbeing.

Oyetola maintained that despite the socioeconomic challenges occasioned by the dreaded Coronavirus pandemic in the out-gone year, the pyrotechnics display was deliberately put together to instill confidence and hope in the residents that they have better days ahead not only

in the New Year but also in the subsequent years ahead.

The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner of Youth and Sports, Yemi Lawal, said the initiative would go a long way to strengthen the bond of cooperation and support which the government has been receiving from the residents.

Oyetola, who described people as the central nerve of the administration’s development agenda, noted that the administration would not relent in its effort to further anchor its programmes on the critical needs and aspirations of the citizenry.

He attributed government’s resolve to allow the crossover and herald the New Year with fanfare as a necessity to identify

with the people of the State and build prosperous and destinyfulfilled years together.

While disclosing the strategy employed to ensure the simultaneous display of the exercise across the nooks and crannies of the State, the Governor revealed that the fireworks display had taken place in 11 different locations across the state.

Accordingly to him, similar exercise had been replicated in other 10 towns which are Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Ikirun, Ila, Ijebu-Jesha, Ede, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ikire and Iragbiji.

“We are doing this as part of efforts to rekindle our people’s hope and celebrate the New Year in a way that will engender more hope, love, unity, harmony, cohesion and peaceful coexistence.

Bagudu Felicitates with Nigerians, calls for more Patience, Prayers Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu yesterday felicitated with the people of the state and Nigerians to mark the dawn of the New Year 2021.

The governor, who is also the Chairman Progressive Governor’s Forum, however, solemnly recalled that the outgone year, 2020, was regrettably too turbulent and intricate.

This, Bagudu noted, was sequel to the myriad of unpalatable events and occurrences, with devastating socioeconomic and health impacts.

These, included the raging global Coronavirus disease pandemic and the wanton destructions caused by the unprecedented flood disasters, among others.

These unforeseen phenomena, Bagudu averred had far reaching consequences on the globe, without exception to Nigeria or Kebbi State.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yahaya Sarki quoted the governor as saying that the past year was an extremely difficult one for all those involved in governance.

“These unforeseen dastardly developments had significantly withered the resources of nations, including Nigeria.

“We should never despair, just as we are really very optimistic that the brand new year 2021 promises a lot of fortunes and good news for the citizens,” Bagudu added.

The governor also appealed to Nigerians to continue to be patient, persevering and fervently prayerful.

He also urged the people of the state to sustain their subsisting tempo of support and cooperation to the three tiers of government.

The governor further urged the people of the state to sustain the observance of the prescribed COVID-19 prevention protocols.

COVID-19 Won’t Hinder Developmental Stride in Kogi, Says Bello

Ibrahim OyewaleinLokoja

FURTHERING GOD’S WORK ...

L-R: National Director, Legal and Public Affairs, CAN, Barr. Comfort Otera Chigbue, General Secretary, CAN, Barr. Joseph Bade Daramola, newly elected Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN Lagos State, Bishop Stephen Adegbite and National Director, Planning, Research and Strategy, CAN, Bishop Dr. Raphael Benjamin Nwankwo during the election of new Executive members of Lagos State CAN recently at Hoares Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Sabo-Yaba, Lagos

Otti Calls forVigilance inYuletide Business Group Feeds 50,000 Families in 36 States Festivities as COVID-19 Persists KuniTyessi inAbuja A business group known as La Buena Vida project has in its 2020 social responsibility plan given different food items to 50,000 families across the country, which it tags “Feed the family project.”

The group clearly states that it is not an NGO, but has different sections which include humanitarian and mentorship. It reiterated that government cannot solve the entire problems associated with poverty and hunger, hence its decision to step in.

One of the principal masterminds, Mr. Nefo Esimai, during the distribution of food items in Abuja, said the humanitarian act of the organisers serves as clarion call to everyone, especially entrepreneurs who have been blessed to assist society in their own capacity, adding that those who are financially down today, may have their breakthrough tomorrow.

He said at this point all over the world, there is economic and health crisis which has affected many people in different business sectors, both macro and micro and “since

we are blessed, we are grateful to be a blessing for others.”

According to him, “For now, we do the event once in a year, but we need to step up. In 2018, when we started, we fed just 100 families, in 2019, we stepped up to 5,000 and in 2020 we are feeding 50,000 families across Nigeria, our hope is by 2021, this may be a quarterly event to put smiles on many Nigerian faces.

“The programme is running concurrently in the entire 36 states of the federation at different locations.

For example in Abuja, we have about seven centres; the Gudu centre is distributing food stuff to 10,000 households, the other centres in AP Plaza, Mpape, Gwagwalada and the rest are feeding the other populations for Abuja. Put together, the Abuja centres are feeding 18,000 households.

“We then asked ourselves, how do we help? If God has blessed us in our little way why don’t we just come together and give?

And that is our way of saying yes, we understand the problem that the government is going through economically.

Emmanuel Ugwu in Umuahia

A frontline politician and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Alex Otti has called for vigilance among Nigerians in this season of festivities, following the resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic.

He made the call in his message to Abians, titled “Saved by the creator to celebrate the birth of Christ,” saying that he remained grateful to God for protecting Nigerians in the midst of the turbulence that characterised 2020.

Otti stated that the festive season should not be an occasion for people to drop their guards, adding that all COVID-19 protocols should be observed so that lives would be preserved in the New Year after celebration.

In the yuletide message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti specifically recalled “the fear, sorrow and death unleashed by the Coronavirus pandemic which

gravely threatened and continues to threaten humanity.”

However, the renowned economist and financial expert acknowledged that God did not allow the pandemic to wreak the kind of havoc earlier predicted for Nigeria. He said that surviving the pandemic, the socio-political and economic challenges of 2020 that faced mankind was of divine making.

“We have had a 2020 that was full of frightening turbulence, trials and tribulations that challenged the faith of many Christians, but we must remain strong in faith, knowing that God does not abandon his children, hence He saved us to celebrate,” Otti said.

Otti also advised his fellow Abians “not to lose focus on the essence of Christmas which is the celebration of the birth of the son of God whose exemplary life of love, peace, selflessness and sacrifice has remained unmatched throughout human existence.”

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has assured citizens that the ongoing developmental strides across the state will be sustained by his administration notwithstanding the much talked about second wave of COVID-19.

Bello disclosed this yesterday in his New Year broadcast to people of the state, maintained that his administration has never and will never allow COVID-19 to be the “soul definer” of affairs in the state.

“As before, we remain determined as a Government not to respond to the highly controversial second wave with mass hysteria.

While reiterating that our primary objective is keeping Kogi State coronavirus-free as it is at today, we will continue to respond to developments with reason informed by knowledge.

“Of course, it would be irresponsible as a government to allow COVID-19 be the sole

definer of our 2020. In fact, in many aspects, it proved to be an opportunity for us in many sectors.

“In the education sector, despite the challenge of Federal Government mandated shutdown of academic institutions, we worked hard to make sure that students of our tertiary institutions make as much progress as they can within the windows available. We are looking forward to graduating a set of students early this year.

This is why we are currently studying new restrictions from Abuja over the purported Second Wave and considering all our options. This also relates to the formal opening of the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) which we founded last month to beef our capacity to produce and scale both manpower and investments in STEM (Sciences, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines, especially Infotech and Artificial Intelligence,” he said.

AbdulRazaq,Yakubu, PDP Harp on Peace Hammed Shittu in Ilorin Kwara State Governor, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said that his administration would push harder efforts to reposition the state for sustainable and inclusive growth.

AbdulRazaq, in a New Year statement issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr..Rafiu Ajakaye, said that, “Our administration calls for every stakeholder to agree to a common agenda for growth and commit to rebuilding Kwara and make it work for all.”

The governor also said that, “We will continue to pay special attention to the vulnerable and the poor, which has stood us out, while our investments in basic amenities will continue within available resources.

“We will invest more in the legitimate dreams and aspirations

of our youths. We will continue to respect the rights of every individual while hoping that differences will be kept within decent limits without anyone resorting to activities that could threaten public peace.

“Fake news wrought heavy damage on the country in the outgoing year. Kwara State Government calls for everyone to avoid a repeat in the interest of all”.

Also, the speaker of the state house of assembly, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi-Salihu has said that the current 9th assembly would not renege on its people oriented legislation so as to move the state forward.

Danladi-Salihu in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday as his new year message to the people of the state stated that the new year would witness a new dawn in the socio-economic development of the state through more quantitative legislation.

SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2021 • T H I S D AY

15

16 A DV E RTO R I A L

SATURDAY JANUARY 2, 2021 •T H I S D AY

17

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Rita Dominic

A Refreshing Change ‘Day of Destiny’ Berths pg. 19

Gbubemi Ejeye I was a Stubborn Child with Lots of Stories pg. 20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

18

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Rita Dominic

A Refreshing Change Famous actress Rita Dominic is enjoying a breath of fresh air following self-leak of her lover man, Fidelis Anosike. For many, this is the real deal as this is the first time the creative would ever flaunt her ‘yori yori’ on social media, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

W

hen super star actress Rita Dominic, for the first time last Saturday revealed the identity of her partner, it took many by surprise.

Soon after, the blogosphere went agog with comments and congratulatory messages. In fact, her post as at the time of this report had generated over 10,000 comments, which by far the highest she has ever recorded on any of her social media platforms. Dominic, who took to her Instagram page to show off her man, Fidelis Anosike, is enjoying a new lease of life and eagerly waiting for the wedding day. Her fans that have waited for her for years to pick a man are also celebrating.

The 45-year-old Nigerian star actress has managed to keep her love life away from the public but finally comes out in the open. She posted some lovely photos with Anosike while wishing her fans a Merry Christmas. Dominic, who wore same casual outfit as her partner, captioned the photos “Merry Christmas” with love emojis. The post set her 6.8 million followers on the platform and friends into some frenzy.

Both lovebirds are believed to be engaged and are planning to wed in 2021. Anosike was quoted to have said the wedding may be around April, 2021. He said: “I have been married to my work for the past ten years.”

Rita and Anosike met in Lagos during the 2017 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) session on film business which had government representatives, business leaders and development agencies as well as media entrepreneurs and top executives.

Although Riri as she’s fondly called has been linked in romantic relationship in the past with popular ‘Nollywood bad boy’, Jim Iyke, she has never been married before, and has over the years successfully kept her relationship private. However, once speaking during a television interview in November 2018 on her experience regarding relationship and how society perceives a woman’s success incomplete without marriage, she admitted that she almost got married at some point in her life but was glad it didn’t work out. She added that she was happy the relationship did not work due to the red flags. During the television interview, Rita insisted she would not marry because society wants her to, but because she wants to: “At the end of the day, if I’m going to do it, I’m doing it for myself not because society wants me to do it. And I always will still say; I will marry the man of my dreams and not the man society dreams for me. Society feels there’s something wrong with you if you’re at a certain age and you’re not married.

“What if it’s the society that something is wrong with for thinking that way; for forcing someone to do what they don’t want to do or forcing them to do what they want to do but in their society’s own time and not at the person’s time?

“I almost married someone. We were there.

We were at that point. It didn’t work out and I’m happy it didn’t work out because I saw the signs. You know how you see the signs and you just ignore it hoping the person will change.

“Look, a grown man and a grown woman cannot change. They can find a way to live with each other and respect each other’s feelings, but to change a grown person is difficult.”

Now for many, Rita’s revelation of Anosike as her ‘yori yori’ has got to be the real deal as this is the first time the light skin actress would ever flaunt her lover man or give hints of his identity on social media.

Anosike is founder of Folio Media Group, a

Rita Dominic and Fidelis Anosike

multimedia conglomerate which runs Daily Times Nigeria.

Dominic is multiple award-winning actress, producer and co-founder of The Audrey Silva Company. She is one of Africa’s biggest movie stars. She started performing when she was a child, appearing in school plays and children television shows in Imo State. A graduate of the University of Port Harcourt with a BA in Theatre Arts, Dominic joined the Nigerian film industry in 1998, starring in her first movie, A Time to Kill. Since then, she has become known for her ability to thoroughly embody characters and continues to receive critical acclaim for her portrayal of iconic roles. The youngest of four children, Rita Dominic was born into the Royal Nwaturuocha family of Aboh-Mbaise, in Imo State.

Dominic is best known for her roles in the groundbreaking films ‘76’, ‘The Meeting’ and ‘Shattered’ for which she won several prestigious awards, including the Africa Movie Academy Awards and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for Best Actress in both the Drama and Comedy categories.

Dominic persistently reinvents herself in terms of her craft and she is not adept to a particular role. One of her latest movies, ‘La Femme Anjola’, a psychological thriller which has the classic elements of film noir but with an African twist, saw the screen diva play in a lead role as a femme fatale. In contrast however, Dominic is not a femme fatale.

She doesn’t look it. She’s as attractive as she appears a good woman. You can only tell if having met her one on one. Over the years,

she has achieved the consistency of character and performance that have eluded many in the movie industry. Flawless in delivery, gorgeous in countenance, she has remained one of Nigeria’s iconic and versatile actresses.

An array of roles in different characters over the years have somewhat affected the Rita Dominic brand in the real world. Perhaps, leaving her as a superhuman to her followers, but then she reckons that she tries as much as possible to be herself regardless of the name Rita Dominic, or her being an actress, that she’s just an ordinary person. That much, her strong social media presence has helped grown and maintain her fan base by direct conversation with her followers, so many of who go overboard sometimes to appreciate her craft whenever they see her.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

19

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Norbert Young

Ireti Doyle

‘Day of Destiny’ Berths Movie buffs are in for a big treat as ‘Day of Destiny’ (DOD) is set to debut in cinemas.

This flick, regarded as the biggest family movie of the year, involves three heavy weight production companies - Anthill Studios, Inkblot Productions and Anakle Films. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

here’s been an indication of a paradigm shift with Nollywood remakes in the last 18 months, with movies like Rattlesnake, Living in Bondage, and the success of Up North, King of Boys, and most recently, Citation. Upcoming Nollywood thriller ‘Day of Destiny’ (DOD) will sit in the adventure genre and most likely also thick the success box as these other flicks mentioned going by a recent trailer released to announce the cinematic production.

The two minutes twenty seconds trailer opens in a lavish party scene…in what seems like a flashback. One of the

characters played by the ever popular Norbert Young then tells his household how he met his wife (played by Ireti Doyle) as they share some memorable moment together. “First time I met your mother it was democracy day 2000. We were destined to be together.” With flashes of comic reliefs comes a further scene which shows the party was upended.

This pissed the celebrant, senator Adediran played by Deyemi Okanlawon. The official trailer comes months after the film’s first teaser debuted ahead of an October release but was later pushed back due to the #EndSARS protests. On the heels of its historic partnership with Netflix, two months

ago, Inkblot Productions teamed up with Anthill Studios and Anakle Films for their latest theatrical piece.

Inkblot had partnered Anakle in the past to make Nollywood movies such as The Set-Up and Up North.

While on its part, Anthill had taken credit for Elevator Baby, so it’s safe to say that ‘Day Of Destiny’ will also be a hit. Interestingly, the film will show the stark difference between what Nigeria was in 2000 and what it is now, especially in the wake of technological advancements, social media, and mass disillusionment.

Day of Destiny (DOD) follows the thrilling adventures of Chidi (Olumide Oworu) and Rotimi (Denola Grey), a

pair of teenage brothers who are unhappy with their family’s fate. The boys in an attempt to change the financial fortune of their family eventually meet with a witch doctor that helps them travel 20 years into the past. Unfortunately for them, time travel is not a joke.

In the turn of events, their actions in the past would have drastic consequences for their future. And as they get a magical chance traveling back in time to change their broke parents’ past they are told by Toyin Abraham’s character that “By the year 2020 Nigeria go be like America” which reeks of hilarious response from Chidi and Rotimi. “But why una dey laugh? Una no believe in vision 2020?”

Giving Fuji Music a Brighter Future WAPTV Acquires Fresh Tosin Clegg

Aseries of events focused on revitalising the Fuji musical genre for a new audience, captured the imagination of Nigerians in Lagos from 14th to 19th December 2020. Fuji is one of the most authentic home-grown music genres to have emerged from Nigeria, arguably from the streets of Lagos Island asAjiwere - folk music for Islamic worshippers at Ramadan. The genre has since undergone significant transformation, becoming reference soundforcontemporaryNigerianpop.

The 6-day Fuji music showcase organised by 3101 Media in partnership with The Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria, Alliance Francaise de Lagos, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, The Wheatbaker Lagos, and Bombay Sapphire, had over 2,000 people walk through its gates in honour of “Fuji: A Opera.”

The week was declared open on

by the oldest living Fuji pioneer and performer – General Ayinla Kollington. In attendance at the official week launch were industry practitioners, culture custodians and music fans.

General Kollington was led on a tour of the exhibition by the Creator of “Fuji: AOpera,” Mr. Adeoye ‘Bobo’ Omotayo, who took the 74-year old crooner through a state-of-the-art multi-media installation that explored in great depth the rich Fuji sub-culture through archival recordings, a historical timeline, costumes, and never-seenbefore merchandise.

NextwasaVIPpreviewoftheexhibition, which doubled as a celebration of the life of Fuji Music’s creator, the late Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. The date coincided with the 10th year remembrance of Barrister. A Wall Mural was unveiled in honour of his legacy. A special ‘Creator Award’ was presented to the family of the late

hero and received by his eldest son, Mr. Rasak Balogun and his two wives and children.

Then, in a 90-minute talk series tagged “An Audience with K1 De Ultimate” moderated by Yemi Shodimu and Lehle Bedle and in partnership with Universal Music Nigeria, journalists, industry practitioners, investors had a chance to hear K1, as he unmasked the genre’s obscure past, threw light on the present and insights on its future.

The grand finale of this landmark event on December 19 ended with a live music showcase which featured icons of the genre including Sule Matute, The SK Sensation Band, KS1 Malaika, Saheed Osupa and the headliner act, K1 De Ultimate. The evening ended with K1 De Ultimate ushering the Creator and Executive Producers onto the stage for a final sing along to his iconic crowd pleaser, “Omo Naija”.

Nigerian Movies

The management of WAPTV, Nigeria’s foremost Family Entertainment TV Channel has completed a ground-breaking acquisition of the Broadcast Rights of over 500 hours of English, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba movies produced by prominent Nigerian film-makers. This new batch of movies, which would commence airing from 1st January 2021, feature top-notch performances by some of the biggest stars across Nigeria, including Genevieve Nnaji, Ali Nuhu, Sola Sobowale, Chinwetalu Agu, Mercy Johnson, Richard Mofe Damijo, Regina Daniels, Femi Adebayo, Ini Edo, Ramsey Nouah, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Yul Edochie,

Nadia Buari, Aki & Pawpaw, Funke Akindele, Sani Danja, Patience Ozokwor, Desmond Elliot, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Nkem Owoh, Mercy Aigbe, Jide Kosoko, Tonto Dikeh, and many others.

The Managing Director of WAPTV, Wole Adenuga, said: “Since we launched in 2012, WAPTV has stayed true with our promise to provide our viewers with the very best indigenous content, suitable for the whole family. These hundreds of fresh movies are proudly-made-in-Nigeria content which is preferred by our viewers because it is more relatable, relevant, and ultimately more enjoyable”.

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR Gbubemi Ejeye

I Was a Stubborn Child with Lots of Stories You could imagine Gbubemi Ejeye’s smile flashed against the ebony of her skin. This young and beautiful actress is positive- minded. A peace-loving human, a big dreamer and a hard worker. The fast rising star has just had her big days in recent movies like Quam’s Money and Citation. Gbubemi in this chat with Ferdinand Ekechukwu shares some interesting aspects of her career, life and background

H

asthegoalalways been acting and entertainment?

Did your decision to be an actress meet with criticism from friends and family?

I was in Primary school when I joined drama club and I played a mischievous child who was different from my real self. I felt great being someone else and ever since, my goal has always been acting despite the fact I studied law in the university...I did that for my father.

Tell us a about your background and growing up as a child?

I grew up in a lovely family; I’m the second out of four kids. Lived in Lagos for most of my life, my parents were the strict but also loving kind and I was this stubborn child, so lots of stories there. My parents always tried to make sure we get what we want when they can. I’ve always been the social but reserved person. I’m a Law Graduate from Houdegbe North American University, Benin Republic.

How long have you been in the industry, and so far how many films would you say you’ve featured in?

I have been in the industry for about three years now and I would say I’ve done rounds from movies, web series, and short films to stage.

How did your Nollywood journey begin?

From auditions, did a lot of that...well still auditioning but I also did some work behind the scenes which I also very much enjoyed.

What was your challenge coming into the industry…was there any #Metoo experience?

The challenges I had when I started were availability of opportunities… I attended lots of auditions just to get a role. I really wanted opportunities that can show I have something valuable to offer. I’ve never had a #MeToo experience. I don’t know how and why but I’ve never had it.

Which is your biggest movie role and what was the experience like?

The movie hasn’t been released yet...I played a character that had a lot of emotions which was beautiful and somewhat challenging which I love.

Which was your last movie and which set are you on at the moment?

My last released movies are ‘Citation’ and ‘Quam’s Money’. I can’t talk about the set I’m currently on.

How do you feel having, within a short space of time in the industry, shared set with some of the big names in theatre and cinema?

It feels awesome meeting people I’ve respected and loved from a distance and more so working with them. I’m

constantly trying to learn something from them.

Aside acting, what else are you into?

I’m also into investments, little bit of fashion and a lot of cooking/baking.

What’s your favorite kind of role?

What challenges you as an actor and is there any role you can’t play?

My favourite roles are the ones that are really different from me because it’s a new exciting thing to be. Talking about roles, I can’t play, being an actor for me is to bring live to different characters and be truthful about it...so roles I’m somewhat convinced I might not be able to do right are roles I might not be able to play.

What’s the craziest thing a fan or critic has ever done or say to you?

I wouldn’t say crazy but getting messages about roles I play and how relatable they are to them, their lives.

Social Media is the melting pot for all sorts of issues and discussions these days have you ever gotten embroiled in one of such controversies?

How did you handle it?

I have never gotten into that more, so I try my best never to. I’m just a sweet quiet awesome person...

Many believe actors and entertainers court controversies to stay relevant. Do you agree, and is it something you can do?

I think the world now feels controversies are needed to be relevant but I know good works create space for longevity.

I’m quite a peace loving person.

What’s the most expensive gift item you have ever received or let’s say most expensive material possession?

Nothing as expensive as the love from my family and friends.

We know you just as an actress.

What more do you think we should know about you regarding your likes and dislikes, your turn off and turn on, your hobbies, favourite food, and favourite colours?

First thing other than being an actress that people should know is I’m such a peaceful person. I love good energy so much that once I sense bad energy, I’m out.

I love God so much, my family, friends, having a good time, food. I’m not one to pretend or judge anyone. I love meat a lot and my favourite colour is Black. I can be daring sometimes.

I love to try new things well when I’m comfortable to try. I’m all about just not being an ass to anyone but to spread love and peace.

What’s the goal five, ten years from now moving forward as an actor?

The goal is to be that actor that can deliver any role I take and do it well which opens a lot of doors and also be able to make mind-blowing films and also be financially secured. I might start businesses and companies by God’s grace.

Gbubemi Ejeye

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

21

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Tunde Kelani

Kelani Brings Ayinla Omowura Back to Life Legendary Nigerian filmmaker, Tunde Kelani, is currently shooting an eponymous film based on the life and times of the late Àpàlà musician, Ayinla Yusuf, popularly known as Ayinla Omowura. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

F

ilming of ‘Ayinla’, a musical film on the life and times of the late Àpàlà music legend, Ayinla Yusuf, popularly known as Ayinla Omowura, has started in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Announcing the forthcoming biopic, ace filmmaker Tunde Kelani confirmed principal photography has kicked off for ‘Ayinla’ via his official Instagram page.

The cinematographer known for his love of adaptation of literary materials and exploring cultural phenomenon said this is an important but unusual film by many standards. The biopic will star Nollywood actor, Lateef Adedimeji as the lead character, Bimbo Manuel, Kunle Afolayan, Omowunmi Dada, Ade Laoye, and many others.

The ideation or obsession which gave birth to the movie, according to the veteran Tunde Kelani, lasted more than three years and refused to die despite twists and turns including the COVID-19 pandemic. The movie answers questions like, ‘‘Who is Ayinla Omowura? Why is his music still relevant after his tragic death forty years ago? What is the root that nurtured his craft

and music?

Incidentally, Kelani grew up in the beautiful town of Abeokuta, economic and cultural power in the western region of Nigeria.

Adding that, the shoot coincided with two related events that were held namely the anniversary of Tawakalitu Omowura, Ayinla’s favourite wife who passed on six years ago, and the 97th birthday celebration of Adewoke Onilu-Ola, Ayinla Omowura’s master drummer.

Born in 1933, Ayinla Omowura born Ayinla Waheed Yusuf, who grew to fame in the 70s with his genre of music known as Apala, is considered one of the most original Yoruba musicians of post-colonial Nigeria.

His music was popular in South-West Nigeria in the 70s. Sadly, the controversial music prodigy died during a brawl in a bar with his estranged manager, Bayewu in Abeokuta on May 6, 1980.

The enigma fondly called Egunmogaji or Anigilaje was at the peak of his meteoric rise to stardom when he met his untimely death. He was 47. Forty years after, his musical legacy lives on in ‘Ayinla’ which is currently being shot.

Although a book “Ayinla Omowura: Life

and Times of an Apala Legend” recently debuted. The film is set in the 1970s and early 1980s been the time of the occurrence.

A former Nigeria football international, Segun Odegbami, who is a brother/friend of TK, as Mr Kelani, is fondly called, is on set of the production and has been documenting the progress of the shoot via his social media handles.

In a post shared by TK, with the caption “My Diary – an Eagle in Nollywood!” Odegbami said: “For the next week or so, I intend to document and publish my experiences as a close part of the filming of Tunde Kelani’s latest flick-in-the-making, Ayinla. For those that enjoy coffee-table-style literature, this is for your reading pleasure, away from the depressive news everywhere one turns to in the country. . . In the almost half a Century of our relationship, I have not seen Tunde Kelani, TK, in his present mood. It is, probably, because I have, also, never been a close part of his film community on the eve of any of his major productions. This time, we have been ‘5 and 6’, tied in a knot.

“TK has been ‘close marking’ me, the way Claudio Gentile marked out Zico at the 1982 World Cup.

No breathing space. Everywhere Zico went on the field of play Gentile followed him like his shadow. That was the strategy Italy adopted to stop Zico. In my case with TK, he may have adopted a similar ‘strategy’ to forestall any possible ‘escape’ by me.

He obviously remembers my versatility as an actor, that’s why he is investing a lot of time on me this time.

“Pls tell him to relax and I am all set for my expanded part in the movie. To fill up my time after playing my part, I am going to keep a diary of the highlights, telling it all, tiworo tiworo, particularly what this faded football star thinks of the experience and how well he does in Planet Nollywood. The past two weeks have been intense, exciting and a blast.

“Working with TK and seeing how a movie is being put together have been a unique experience. The details in producing an epic film like ‘Ayinla’ are mind boggling. The only subject anyone can get TK to discuss these days is the film. Every conversation starts and ends with ‘Ayinla’. I am in his ‘prison’. The good news is that, at last, the filming started a few days ago in Abeokuta.

That has taken over his life.”

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 2, 2021

POLITY

Dapo Abiodun’s Governance Style Funmi Branco

S

ince the return to civil rule in 1999, Nigerians have had to contend with the ugly spectre of ill-prepared, ideologically vacuous, morally bankrupt and intellectually challenged leaders across the political spectrum. For many years, the office of governor, in particular, has featured tenants that never should have come anywhere close to authority. We have seen governors engaging in monumental rape of the resources of the state they were meant to steer to prosperity, using vile and uncouth language that even motor park touts would shudder at, turning a state into a battlefield between the three arms of government, giving workers a raw deal while gorging on state resources, spending ecological funds on political campaigns, among other atrocities. But wherever a departure from the norm is spotted, such departure deserves a place under the spotlight, in part because they offer hope to a beleaguered populace. Against this backdrop, there is a compelling reason to place the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun’s governance style under the critical radar and see what lessons it offers on leadership, especially in perilous times.

To be sure, I do not celebrate a saint and quite frankly, I know of none. Still, it seems sufficiently clear that not even the bitterest critics of the Ogun State helmsman would fail to acknowledge that he is a gentleman, a man of his word; a modest, prudent, and honest leader. A year old in office, the governor reportedly did not even have official cars, either as main vehicle or backup.

Neither did his commissioners, special assistants and other appointees. This is striking because Ogun is one of Nigeria’s most naturally, intellectually and economically endowed, even shunning the fact that it shares pivotal contiguity with Lagos, Nigeria’s economic capital. The Ogun economy could certainly support official vehicles for its helmsman, but Abiodun, it appears, aimed to ensure that available funds were conserved and channeled to the priority needs of the populace.

The point cannot be overlooked that since inception, he has been able to disappoint the prophets of doom who laid encumbrances on his path even before he had started his ultimately successful campaign. Today, Abiodun runs one of the states paying the highest minimum wage in the country, regularly and promptly, despite the financial constraints imposed by the coronavirus pandemic, a second wave of which has just struck the country. There is harmony between the executive and the legislature, and between the judiciary and the executive, yet the turbulent circumstances in which Abiodun took power is, to quote the Nobel Laureate Thomas Eliot, not worth forgetting.

Taking on the formidable political machinery of the then state government, Abiodun fought a titanic battle to win both the APC governorship primary and the election proper. But then the opposition within would not relent: he had no committee to hand over power to him, and did not get the handing over

Abiodun

notes until a few hours to the inauguration when the deputy governor received them on his behalf. The open-roof pick-up used during his inauguration was borrowed from another state, and thugs piled wood on the inauguration pathway. This was followed by the failed legal challenges to his educational qualifications and candidature.

Symbolically, Abiodun ensured the full absorption of workers recruited through the back door by the Amosun administration in the twilight of its tenure. He ratified the appointment of Permanent Secretaries and directed the mainstreaming and regularisation of the appointment of over 1000 graduates recruited into the state civil service. His message: “The appointments and recruitments were fraught with non-adherence to the principles and laid-down traditions of the public service.

But in line with our administration’s commitment to equity, fairness, justice and inclusiveness, we will not engage in any action or policy that may be viewed as vendetta. Rather, we will call on all to continue to put in their best for the service delivery to the people of Ogun State.” This is, in my view, a worthy template for governance in all the 36 states. Who does bickering help?

To say the least, Governor Abiodun has managed the Covid-19 crisis excellently well. Apart from building isolation

centres and testing labs in record time, he doubled the newly ratified allowances of health workers in the state. He also demonstrated the full Omoluabi qualities that the Yoruba of the South-West pride themselves in when he chose to forgive Idowu Adekoya, a young lady who had purveyed false and malicious information about the foodstuff distributed in the state to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the populace, after appeals by her relatives and elders in the community. A lady who tried such malignity in Osun State was promptly thrown into jail, but the symbolism of Governor Abiodun’s forgiveness of a penitent young lady could not have been lost on Nigerians.

Only in November, medical doctors under the auspices of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) and Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), OOOUTH, Sagamu, applauded him for their new pay package. The doctors, while on a thank-you visit to his office at Oke-Imosan, Abeokuta, also commended him for the steps taken to reposition the health sector for efficient healthcare delivery. According to the President of ARD, OOUTH chapter, Dr. Mutiu Popoola, the recruitment of doctors and other medical personnel and provision of medical equipment was a clear demonstration of the government’s determination to return the health institution back to its former state. Similarly, civil servants came out en-masse to the Arcade Square at the state secretariat to celebrate the governor whom they described as a “talk and do governor” for keeping his word on the payment of the new minimum wage.

Besides, the harmonious working relationship between the governor and the state House of Assembly paid off with the approval of the N250bn debt insurance programme under the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework to revamp the economy of the state in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Before granting the bond, the lawmakers engaged government agencies with a view to determining the desirability of the facility. The three-year facility to stimulate and grow the Ogun economy is to be accessed in tranches of N100bn annually, based on measurable performance indicators. Instructively, the governor deplored the same visionary strategy to managing the subsequent #EndSARS crisis. Despite the contiguity of Lagos to the state, the crisis did not snowball into massive destruction in Ogun, in large part because of the governor’s humility and widespread consultations with stakeholders, including the protesting youth, with whom he fully identified, traditional rulers and community rules. Said Omolara Adeyemi, an Abeokuta resident, “We didn’t know he could do so well. He’s so humble, he’s working hard. He has not been hurling abuses at people, and he has brought a lot of stability into the state.”

–––Branco sent this piece from funmibranco@aol.com.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Ajibola Basiru

Giving Back to Constituents with Empowerment Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

W

hen the people of Osun Central Senatorial District trooped out to elect Suraju Ajibola Basiru in the last general elections, little did they know that he would perform beyond expectations. His election caused a shift in the old order, putting the youth in position to provide qualitative leadership in the nation’s political arena. Basiru, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, was elected under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Basiru, a former Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, has leadership zeal that has earned him great respect among the political leaders of his senatorial district and those in the entire state to the extent that he is one of the party’s strategists. The Osogbo-born politician has been going about providing economic prosperity for his people and ensuring that the needed dividends of democracy were delivered at their doorsteps.

He has been living up to the expectations of the people that elected him, especially in the area of empowerment, so as to reduce poverty among them and to enhance the socio economic growth of the area.

No wonder, recently, the senator rolled out drums at his senatorial headquarters in Osogbo to offer support and to give back to the people.

Early that morning, people from the eight local government councils that make up the senatorial district - Osogbo, Olorunda, Orolu, Irepodun, Ifelodun, Odo-Otin, Ila and Ifedayo local government areas- converged on St James Secondary School,Aiyetoro junction of Osogbo to be part of the empowerment designed to add value to their lives.Among other things distributed were hair driers, generators, motorbikes tricycles, grinding machines, deep freezers.

About 400 people benefited from these materials, aimed at supporting them in their daily business activities.

Also, the empowerment witnessed cash support of over N8 million to various interest groups, including youths, women, and farmers. The event was also well-attended by royal fathers, youths and women groups,APC and opinion leaders in the senatorial

district.

In his welcome speech, Basiru said, “This event is not a jamboree.

It is not even about distributing empowerment tools to our people alone, it is more of an avenue to render my account of stewardship to the good people of Osun State Central.

“During my electioneering campaign tours, I made several promises, but amongst the several promises, I stated and asserted that human capital development is my core priority. This is so much that Osun central is unique in several respects which include being the seat of government and the fact that it has the highest concentration of businesses and therefore must benefit from human capital development.

“True to that promise, aside participation in legislative assignments at both plenary and committee levels, majority of my activities were scheduled to facilitate a wide range of social services and public amenities and encourage the cooperation and participation of the Osun central inhabitants in joint endeavors towards the improvement of their conditions of living from empowering through capacity building and knowledge, building a world of business opportunities to the basic needs in water, roads, employment opportunities, electrification, agriculture, and other forms of social intervention so as to improve the welfare of the senatorial.

“The aim of empowering our people is borne out of the dire state of the economy and the attendant strain and the need for the people to be able to fend for themselves without recourse to begging or waiting on the government and political office holders for handouts.

“It is also to make our people to be self-reliant and encourage productivity which will contribute to the growth of the National Gross Domestic Products (NGDP) while the effort will also allow for rural development both in capital and human resources and also complement the efforts of the Osun State government under the leadership of GovernorAdegboyega Oyetola at achieving good standards of living for the people and, most importantly, to safeguard and ensure human dignity by engaging in productive activities. My philosophy right from early childhood is that everybody should be afforded the legitimate opportunity to be able to fend for themselves and sustain their economic wellbeing.”

Also speaking at the event, the chairman of the occasion, the

Basiru former governor of Osun State/Minister of Interior, RaufAregbesola described Basiru as a good representative of the people of Osun Central.

The minister said he was not surprised by the good representation the lawmaker provides, adding, “SenatorAjibiola is a great progressive that has used his political experience to better the lot of the common people since he joined politics.”

Also, the state governor, Gboyega Oyetola lauded the lawmaker for being a true representative of the people that elected him to the senate. Oyetola, who was represented by the Commissioner for Inter-partyAffairs, TaiwoAkeju said, “The true representation of Senator Basiru is not a surprise because he is from progressive family and he has been living up to the expectation of the people that voted him into the Senate.”

The state Secretary ofAPC, Rasak Salinsile lauded the humanitarian gesture of the lawmaker all the time. He advised other elected political office holders to emulate him in order to move the society forward.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ANUARY 2, 2021

POLITY

Tackling Housing Deficit in Ogun State Razaq Elegbede

O

gun State is Nigeria’s industrial hub and this is partly because of its proximity to Lagos, the fifth largest economy in Africa. It is by no means the destination for potential investors to open their businesses, courtesy of the current administration in the state that has provided improved security network, as well as ongoing construction of both rural and urban roads,

among others.

While cashing in on the availability of the four cardinal principles of the business initiatives denoting, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT), in its proximity to Lagos, till date, Ogun State has been largely rated for what is called the “push factor” of the Centre of Excellence (Lagos). Thus, it has translated into an influx of companies coming to invest in Ogun and network to Lagos, leveraging on the dearth of land resource in Lagos.

Indeed, Ogun has shown the willingness in its commitment to change the “push factor” to a “pull factor”. The strategy is to endear the investors to the state, where already an enabling environment has been created for them. Besides, the administration has bridged the infrastructure gap towards accelerating the socio-economic development vision, which is the state’s top priority.

While envisaging the growing influx of people into the state daily, one striking challenge of the current dispensation is the ongoing revolution in the provision of housing projects at adequate, affordable and sustainable rates in all the three senatorial districts, in order to take care of the threat of deficit in the nearest future.

It is, therefore, in a bid to address the challenge that the Dapo Abiodun administration evolved a model that would meet the housing needs of the residents of the state. The governor, with his private sector background and purposeful governance anchored on a robust developmental blueprint, summarised as “Building Our Future Together”, has opened up all the nooks and crannies of the state through capital investments in infrastructure. By and large, to him, housing is one of the pillars and enablers of the administration.

Having successfully completed the study, the government has devised strategies to frontally address the housing deficit among the state’s workforce and others, at affordable rates. One of such was a resolve that none of the inherited housing projects from preceding administrations were abandoned. The rationale is to build on their achievements and to guarantee that the investments in these projects were not wasted.

Some of these projects include the 400-unit workers’ housing in Kemta, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta delivered at a discounted rate, while there is a downward review of the 160-unit AAK Degun Estate situated at Laderin Estate, Abeokuta from the initial selling price of N7 million to N5 million. There are also 92 units of three-bedroom semi-detached flats and 68 units of two-bedroom apartments which price were slashed.

The government has also refunded payments to allottees of the AAK Degun Estate Laderin, Abeokuta, who had earlier made full payment. And this translates to the refund of N1.5 million each to some of the allottees of the three-bedroom apartments, just as the government has also relaxed its terms and conditions in the sale of the units, including the reduction of interest rate from 18 per cent to six per cent.

However, the government is not only making provision for affordable housing to the residents to bridge the deficit, but it is also committed to providing affordable and crisis-free land schemes to the people of the state who are willing to build on their own under the “Site and Service Land Scheme” at different locations, on a flexible payment plan.

So far, in the first phase of Prince Court Estate Kemta, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, 130 units has been fully completed with the state-ofthe-art infrastructural facilities. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that this laudable intervention project, by the state government, is already replicated in the Government Reserved Areas (GRAs) and Resettlement, such as: Kemta, Idi-Aba 2, Abeokuta (Abeokuta South LGA), Ijebu-Ode (Ijebu-Ode LGA), Otta (Ado-Odo/ Ota LGA), Ilaro (Yewa South LGA), Sagamu WAPCO (Sagamu LGA), Lagos/Ibadan Expressway, Sagamu (Sagamu LGA), Kobape (Obafemi-Owode) and Iperu (Remo North).

As part of the government’s resolve to be up to its game in this sector, the state government has also renovated and engaged in the construction of comfortable quarters of the 20 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) spread across the state for its health workers. Other provisions include the fixing of modern household equipment to these quarters.

Also, apart from choosing Ogun State as a first beneficiary of the 10,000 housing units to be constructed by the federal government under the Social Housing Scheme, the state government has equally come up with the provision of additional 2,500 units before the end of the first term in office of the present administration, in order to meet the targeted 12,500 units.

At a recent event to commemorate the “2020 World Habitat Day with the theme; “Housing For All: A Better Urban Future”, Governor Abiodun remarked that, in line with the theme and Agenda 2030 of the United Nations (UN), his administration had embarked on the construction of affordable mass housing scheme

across the state, He said the development signposted the state government’s commitment towards the delivery of the housing scheme that would not be limited to the state capital (Abeokuta) alone.

According to him, “The right to adequate shelter has been recognised and enshrined in numerous International Instruments and Conventions, supported by most governments around the world, and Nigeria is no exception. Consequently, programmes of assistance in the area of finance and provision of infrastructure have been designed by the government to enhance delivery.

Aside solving the housing deficit, the cheering development about these projects is that it has job creation component for the teeming unemployed youths with the use of local contractors to handle the construction. Besides, the main and sub-contractors, numerous artisans, labourers, suppliers and food vendors are also effectively engaged to earn a living from these projects.

The second strategy evolved by the government to tackle the state’s housing deficit through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism, include the interest shown by both the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) and Family Home Funds (FHF) to partner the state government in the provision of housing projects.

The PPP option involves the state government providing land for private investors at subsidised rate, while the investors construct affordable housing units. Parts of the waivers were the recent 30 per cent reduction of the cost of land and amenity charges granted to business enterprises as a form of COVID-19 palliative. Through this gesture, the government decided to support investors with the land resources of the state in view of the toll the pandemic outbreak has taken on the businesses.

It should be noted that in the past, preceding administrations did not exploit the opportunities that are abound in the involvement of the PPP in the provision of housing projects in the state.

This was partly due to lack of transparency and inability to deliver.

In order to encourage more residents of the state to embrace the mortgage finance option, the Governor recently at the 3rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Gateway Mortgage Bank, urged the bank’s management to provide unique and excellent mortgage finance services to its customers by bringing to bear their managerial acumen. He also charged the management to collaborate and make the aspirations a win-win situation for their investors and customers. To this end, the bank has built structures to provide support for the housing programme of the government, as well as widening the mortgage market in the state.

––Elegbede wrote from Igan-Alade,Yewa North LGA, Ogun state.

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: The Marketing and Communications Manager, Ultimus Holdings, Colette Amaeshi; the President/CEO, Ultimus Holdings, Dr. Ifeanyi Odii; Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning, Dr. Idris Salako; the Vice President/CEO, Ultimus Holdings, David Ewemie and the Assistant General Manager, The Classroom, Nnamdi Azike during the launch of The Classroom by Ultimus in Lagos SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Marketing Manager, MAX.ng, Fadekemi Adefemi, Chief Matron, Dorcas Adunola Oyediji Home for Abandoned Children, Mrs. Modupe Adeyemi, and the Internal Control and Compliance Manager, MAX.ng, Gboyega Adeyemi donating some food items and safety materials on Christmas day to the Dorcas Adunola Oyediji Home for Abandoned Children in Ibadan as part of MAX. ng’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives….recently

L-R: Member, Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/South Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Sam Onuigbo; Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi; Chief Whip of the Senate,Senator Orji Uzor Kalu; Executive Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma; and Senate President,Senator Ahmed Lawan, at the 10th year-anniversary of late Chief Johnson Uzor Nesiegbe Kalu held at Camp Neya Igbere, Abia State .... recently

R-L: Enugu State Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; member House of Representatives, Hon. Pat Asadu; and some of the beneficiaries of Pat Asadu Empowerment Outreach for Nsukka/Igbo-Etiti communities in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State… recently

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JANUARY 2, 2021

POLITY Theodore Orji

Promoting Education Through Scholarships Charles Ajunwa

T

he Senator representing Abia Central at the National Assembly, Theodore Ahamefula Orji on December 23, 2020, presented scholarship of N100,000 each to 100 university undergraduates selected from different universities across the country. The presentation (fourth edition) of the Scholarship Scheme took place at the constituency office of the two-term Senator in Umuahia.

The annual scholarship award which was inaugurated during the 2015/2016 academic session, initially was intended to accommodate 60 indigent and intelligent undergraduate students from the six local government areas in the senatorial zone whose academic pursuits were endangered as a result of financial difficulties. But the scholarship scheme had since expanded to accommodate more students due to magnanimity of Senator Orji, who during his eventful eight years as governor of Abia State, revamped the educational system of the state.

The scholarships are awarded to students who are accepted to an accredited College/University and have completed one academic session in their chosen course of study. The successful candidates are based on character, leadership, potential for academic success, the importance of the scholarship to academic pursuit and financial need. There is a selection committee which consists of men and women of character drawn from six constituent local government areas of the senatorial zone who screened all applicants and they ensured the process was non-discriminatory. The committee members’ immediate family is not eligible to apply and not considered.

This years’ event, just like the past editions, was well attended by important personalities from all walks of life.

Speaking during the colourful event. Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who was represented by his deputy, Ude Oko Chukwu, commended Senator Orji for the scholarship scheme, which the state government has continued to support since its inception because of its benefits to Abia in particular and Nigeria in general.

Governor Ikpeazu as a revered scholar who understands the importance of education to the society, implored the recipients of the scholarship to maximise the opportunity given to them by making sure they take their education to greater heights.

Ikpeazu who despite his tight schedules as governor, makes out time to teach in the classroom, called on the beneficiaries “to be law abiding, studious and of good behaviour; as that is the only way to show appreciation to their benefactor.”

Orj who was accompanied by his wife, Mercy Odochi Orji (Osinulo), charged beneficiaries of the scholarship scheme to take their education seriously, adding that education is key to one’s success in life. He thanked the beneficiaries for keying into the scholarship, promising to do more in the future.

An elated Orji who is a product of quality education, in an interview with me disclosed what motivated him to give out

Orji and wife with the beneficiaries of his scholarships scholarships: “Was that, I saw there were a lot of intelligent people in my constituency who couldn’t raise the funds to pursue their dreams. You have those whose parents cannot afford their school fees, those who are intelligent but have no money and those are intelligent also but are not being encouraged to read. I reasoned that the best thing to do for these youths was to give the university training because university education is important. Don’t worry about the jobs; the jobs will come eventually if you acquire the university education.

“Education does a lot of things, it disciplines you, it makes you a better citizen of the society. That is why I said let us do this to produce good citizens from my constituency who will eventually be good citizens for the whole of Nigeria, excel in life, be useful to themselves and be useful to society.

“If you look at those who got the scholarship, they are those who major in Engineering, Architecture, Medicine, Computer Science, Agriculture, etc., the manpower that is needed by Nigeria now. The turnout was unprecedented. Earlier, people were having doubts; but when eventually they saw the reality, they rushed in, but by then we had closed the application. Entry for the scholarship was advertised on the internet and some

newspapers. People filled their forms and returned because we gave a deadline and at the expiration of the deadline we started the interview.

After the interview, out of the lot that applied, we chose the successful ones. I feel very happy about it.”

Former governor Orji who was nicknamed the ‘Legacy Governor’, achieved a lot of laurels in the educational sector. “I want people to be educated to be governors and all. And when I was governor, I did very well in terms of education.

You realised that in WASSCE, we maintained the second position for two consecutive years; we won trophies in educational competitions that we attended. We won a lot of laurels. We built and renovated a lot of schools just to maintain the tempo because education is vital.”

It was also during Orji’s tenure as governor that 19 mission schools which had been run by the state for 40 years were returned to their original owners, because he appreciates their effective moral stronghold in the building of the ideal citizen.

Truly, Senator Orji’s love for education is so deep that he will commit his time, energy and resources to ensure that Abia children at all levels acquire quality education.

Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and the Challenge of Postmodernism Olumuyiwa Jimoh

A

t this time in our history and the trajectory which various forces are pulling and shaping our nation; lucidity and clarity of thoughts are required to be brought on the factors that we believe are necessary to turn the fortunes of this nation around. Making sense of the complex occurrences and events concurrently pervading our land has become very crucial for the survival and progress of our nation.

It is also important that within the context of the massive, extended and deepening cleavages creating newer challenges and exacerbating the various divides within the nation that the need to search for urgent but workable solutions to exit our nation from tohe developmental morass which it has found itself.

Time to reasonably and objectively confront these hydra-headed challenges confronting our nation is now and it can only be done by men and women who would not allow the emotive forces of primordiality distort their understanding of the issues and the proffered solution choices.

Leadership and leadership recruitment processes remains the key to driving the nation out of underdevelopment. Many other nations of the world do have natural disasters and other negative natural occurrences as major obstacles to national development but what we have in Nigeria is the leadership conundrum. This has had a vice like stranglehold upon our nation suppressing its potentials and holding down most of its levers from achieving the critical mass needed to kick start national development.

Our major inability as a nation and as a people to throw off these shackles can only be explained by the fact that we have not been very objective in allowing our leadership recruitment processes the transparency that it needs to produce leaders that are selfless and with the necessary patriotic zeal to lead our nation to achieve its full potentials. We have allowed our

Tinubu emotions driven by ethnicity, religion and clannishness to drive our processes which eventually have all continued producing less than optimal outcomes for our nation.

The development of our nation is therefore a function of the nature and character of its prevailing leadership. Once we are able to get the leadership question and its various processes right, we would largely be in position as a nation to make progress. How can we get it right when almost all of the time, we have kept on throwing up our second eleven instead of producing our best to lead us? How can we peoduce our best when we allow primordial sentiments to drive our choices of leadership so, we kept on putting men and women who do not possess the right capacities and capabilities to lead us out of the woods?

Nigeria since independence has not been able to produce the best kind of leadership that it has the potentials for and this has been its major bane of development. Our choices are mainly ethnic in character and behaviour. This most of the time has produced nepotistic results such as policies and programmes that are inefficient thus incapable in the long run of crystallising development. We cannot continue doing the same thing over

and over and expect to get a different result – the saying is that it is only a madman that has such warped expectations.

Leadership at the federal level is very critical for progress and sustainability in a nation like ours. Nigeria runs if not the most but one of the most centralised federal structure of governance in the world currently. It is also important to contextualise this within the understanding of our diverse and multi-ethnic nature with nearly 400 different language groups. We therefore need leaders who understand the implications of this for national cohesion and growth. The challenge then is how do we throw up such individuals within this diversity since politicians would likely negotiate political powers through its prisms?

This explains why some people believe that the character of leadership prevailing in any nation is largely a reflection of the society. It is a indeed a reflection of the choices that we make and truly a reflection of our collective failures or successes in our different persuasions. There is an urgency for us as a nation to build better understanding of how these things work, how nations grow and how nations die. Leadership is capable of causing a nation to go either way – retrogress or develop.

Mao Tse Tsung transformed China! Lee Kwan Yu changed Singapore! Nelson Mandela stabilised his nation – South Africa!

Very close to us here in West Africa was the example of Jerry Rawlings in Ghana who ought not to be celebrated because he ran a military government but he changed his nation! They had the right vision and the commensurate energy to drive their pictures of their nation. They also had the capacity to paint these pictures for the citizens to see clearly and be able to follow creating a seamless interface between the leadership and the followers. This created the necessary critical mass internally activating and unleashing citizen’s power for the development of their nation.

–– Jimoh is a member Lagos State House of Assembly Representing Apapa Constituency II. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

EBERE WABARA

‘Incidence’ or ‘Incident’?

H

appy New Year! Please note that the first alphabets of the three-word salutation must be in capital letters. Best wishes in 2021.

“GOvs vow never to give up in (on) fight against criminals” “Hereafter advice to Nigerian leaders— Babangida in (on) focus” “There will be what I call enriched mobile communication experience come 2021 through mobile money….” ICT development: experience in 2021.

One of the national newspapers under review darkened the English language copiously: “PDP in make or mar primary” Get it right: make-or-mar primary. The hyphenation confers class. No standard publication dispenses with it. The same tragedy trailed the accompanying rider, too: “State by state analysis (sic) of how delegates may vote” As above: State-by-state analyses…. “…today’s presidential primary may be riddled with so much (many) underhand deals and sharp practices.” What is the difference between ‘underhand deals’ and ‘sharp practices’? The latter should subsume the former! An aside: ‘much’ instead of ‘many’?

“In doing so (a coma) some of the government’s supporters may certainly have overstepped the bound of propriety….”

From the other side: the bounds of propriety.

“Reactions to this position have been pouring in, and it’s highly elating that most share same position.” This way: most share the same position.

“Majority of Nigerians are of the opinion that a country roundly blessed has no business tottering at the brink of disintegration and collapse.” A/the majority of Nigerians….

“Soldiers take over troubled spots” Let peace reign: trouble spots.

“Post election violence spreads” Towards a better life for the people: Post-election violence…. “…lost his life in a ghastly auto crash in Greece.” It was a fatal (not ghastly) accident.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, expressed sadness over the sporadic violent protest (protests)….”

The next headline blunder is from last week’s edition of this medium: “Police arrest four over Maiduguri explosion” Do we arrest the entire editorial team for (not over) lexical recklessness?

“Bribery enthrones mediocrity and crucify merit.” The Tabernacle of bribery crucifies merit.

“Gang up against Buhari will fail” Phrasal verb: gang up; noun: gang-up (which applies here).

“We were treated to another similar incidence.…” All newspapers should know the difference between ‘incidence’ and ‘incident’ (which applies here).

“Although the governor’s last minute romance with the main opposition party is held against him.…” Saturday People: lastminute (take note of the hyphen) romance “Thus, a core investor…with regards to optimal use of the machinery.…” (THE GUARDIAN, October 12) Either: as regards or with regard to….

“In the heydays of the goggled General when fuel was often unavailable…” (THE GUARDIAN, October 20) Stranglehold of oil workers: heyday (uncountable).

“Last year, many houses of the Igbo in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos, were razed down.…” No word abuse: simply razed (not razed down). Discard the contrary views by some registers!

Yet another headline gaffe: “Restrictions on inter-bank foreign exchange trading is (are) killing the market.”

“Armed robbers now have good company–street thugs and unofficial vigilante groups.” (Source: as above) Democracy as a disincentive: vigilance group.

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“PDP points accusing fingers at INEC….”

People in the news: Buhari points the finger.

No obtuse addition.

“Nigeria is at a crossroad” (VANGUARD, September 20) Fixed expression: at a/the crossroads.

“Stationeries badly needed by.…” (DAILY INDEPENDENT, October 20) ‘Stationery’ is non-count.

“But what appears criminal is the desire of these off-springs of.…” ‘Offspring’ does not take any inflection.

The next three goofs are from VANGUARD of October 20: ”…the process of economic integration from which will emerge an economic block (bloc).…”

“There is a tussle going on between these two (would it have been three?) arms of government.”

“Nigerian leaders and politicians have continued to adopt and acquiesce to (in).…”

“Globacom sets (set) to rule domestic market” (Nigerian Tribune, October 20) “I have been briefed that the wrangling among the leaders of PDP are (is) over.”

(SUNDAY VANGUARD, November 29) BusinessDay of November 4 disseminated an embarrassing impropriety: “Now that the Police has (have) taken over the supervision of the….” “…and ensure it does not reoccur again.”

(THE GUARDIAN, November 5) ‘Reoccur again’? Run for cover, my dear reader! Just recur. Recur, recurrence, recurrent. Occur, occurred, occurrence.

“Lack of incentives anger (angers) local manufacturers” (Source: as above) “They provide temporary relief.” (Source: as above) ‘Temporary relief’? I strongly object to that clumsy expression because there is no permanence in ‘relief’. If the ‘relief’ becomes efficacious, the expression should the change!

THE PUNCH of August 20 circulated three solecisms: “The patients pay for each act of ‘healing’ through their noses.” Get it right: they pay through the nose.

“At the launching programme (launch) in Abuja.…”

“A cursory look at the figures show (shows) that.…”

“The end point is that people wait for between three to five hours to pay in their drafts.” English without tears: between three and five.

“With the attainment of the highest office at any strata of government….” Singular: stratum; plural: strata.

“It may be difficult for Alhaji Nuhu Ribadu to resurrect again politically after his disastrous outing in the presidential elections.” Please, delete ‘again’ in the interest of lexical sanity and our democracy.

“They better not rely on INEC.” This way: They had better not rely on INEC. “Like (As) we had said at various forums. …”

“So, the government cannot ask the Supreme Court to interprete the law.”

Spell-check: interpret. “…the reduction in the number of road accidents and causalities.” This way: casualties. “...to that extent, we shall congratulate its authors for (on) hearing the deafening cry of Nigerians for an effective legislature.”

(Nigerian Tribune, October 20) “…were simultaneously a continuation of the power-bloc struggle in Nigeria and unanticipated fallouts from that struggle.”

‘Fallout’ is uncountable.

“Out-of-control trailer crushes 15 persons to death” When people are crushed by a trailer, they cannot be alive except there is divine intervention. So, ‘crushed to death’ smacks of lexical insensitivity.

LAST LINE: Thanks to Dr. Stanley Nduagu (from Aba, Abia State/08062925996) for this week’s headline intervention. More contributions are welcome in the New Year for an enriched-cum-interactive platform.

2020: The Year That Shocked Men of God

COUNTERPOINT

A

FEMI

lmost 10 years ago, in a moment like these (of course, unmatched by today’s pestilential atmosphere) I sought to poke the delicate fabrics of our religious totem trees... especially now that our religiosity is being challenged frantically on different fronts - from epileptic governmental reactions and restrictions in finding ways to deal with Covid-19; to hapless preachers and miracle”workers” confounded and speechless with the destructive vehemence of an invisible virus; to jostling on the cyberspace with vendors of all sorts of irreligious solicitations and blasphemies, even on “holy” Fridays and Sundays! As we reflect at the passing of a weirdly wondrous year 2020, ticking the innumerable absurdities and calamities that whipped our national heartstrings, it has become therapeutic for me to re-visit what once tickled or rankled me about the mannerisms and perceived influence of few “men of God” whom we have had the grace to observe fairly closely. Here we go...

One of the reasons I like the Bible so much is the fact that a good student will not be disappointed in relying on the O scriptures in the pursuit of doing what he or she considers God’s will - you can find passages or precepts to back-up your mission. At the same time, one major headache I have with the Bible is the capacity of an evil mind to find support and biblical bulldozers to “convince” the world about his counterfeit mission. After all, the father of them all “found” copious scriptures to intimidate Jesus Christ. Of course, he failed. This is just to illustrate that everyone has a good side, and a bad one. Except, of course, Satan.

Thank God; he is not a person I will likely meet on Nigerian roads. However, few people have claimed to have seen the dark one sometime, somehow. Well, that is not our focus here.

If we know our shortcomings, it then means we know our “long-comings” (good attributes). The problem is that those of us who are immature pray that God should reduce drastically our negative tendencies, if they cannot be completely eradicated. However, I assume, mature people and some of those title-loving messengers of God (I wonder why all the titles if you will still be called “messenger”) have a higher level of

communication routine with God. I guess they pray that God should hyperventilate their positive attributes such that through natural means of systemic elimination by volubility, the bad genes are choked out.

That is why good-natured people are genuinely surprised when we hear or read that one man of God has committed one act of indignity or the other. To protect their blood-soaked, heaven-bound, hoping-tobe-holy heart from cardiac seizure, Nigerian Christians have learnt to dismiss or strongly ignore any negative reports against any man of God. “Whose report shall you believe?” They ask their minds. And the response is quick and straightforward: “I shall believe the report of the Lord!” Oh, they may also be quick to shout: “Touch not my anointed and do my prophets no harm…”

As for me, mainly because my profession has trained me to be cynical of impressions and scenarios, until they become facts or otherwise, I do not succumb to religious numbness or sacrilegious saber rattling… because a man, possibly of like passions (that is like me), is accused of one moral failing or the other. Yes, I have also learnt that not all exposé, published in newspapers or along church corridors, are true or even sensible. Which is why in almost all situations, I use my head to look around the aprons of whichever pastor is feeding me the current spiritual meal. I recommend it to any one who seeks after maturity. Or else you will follow your man of God unthinking, and zombie-like, until both of you meet in hell!

That is why I have two “eyes” whenever I take a good look at some famous men of God. Few of them I will be treating here I have met one-on-one, in the line of work; and others only through keen observation.

And like any ordinary man with little or no spiritual gift beyond sleeping and having all kinds of dreams, I may be wrong in some of my conclusions, or even baseless in my logic. Who cares? I’m entitled to my opinion; and so do the pastors, and their followers.

My focus will be on Pastors Enoch Adeboye, David Oyedepo, Tunde Bakare, Chris Okotie and Chris Oyakhilome.

Let me expand my position on the issue of “Good” and “Bad” a little, before we go too far. All emotions, I believe, are subjective; but to every virtue (a positive

AKINTUNDE-JOHNSON fajalive1@gmail.com 08182223348 - (SMS Only)

enduring attribute), there is a potential for its negative twin, a vice. Only God has the capacity to polish us to such a shine that we can unconsciously express only the virtues embedded in us. A meek, humble man may come across as a cog in the wheel of progress, an irritant that is easily flustered by change. With God, he can become the mainframe of stability and great achievements; he can overwhelm every negative potential of his virtue. He can get the job done, sustaining the flow, because of his listening ears and cautious lips.

On the other hand, a boisterous man with great motivational gifts can end up being indignant of dissenting views; growing aggressively irascible and dictatorial, if the world around him does not ‘see’ issues that appear clear to only him. However, with God, he will become a champion of the youth and the voiceless... a leveler of inhibitions and discriminations... a surefire inspiration to his generation.

One more: a liberal-minded person may inadvertently give off fumes that drive majority of people away. People of low self-esteem will gravitate towards him as their anchor to create a deluge of morally bankrupt activities, which can easily drown any iota of goodness in the man. But with God’s molding, he will turn out like a mighty David, the warrior-king who turned a rag-tag team of disgruntled elements into what became a great army (illuminating, inspiring and encouraging the entrenchment of godly values).

In all these, only God can fully declare a human being ‘bad’ - and there will not be any further conjectures (remember Job and his three miserable friends who ended up pilling dirt on the poor man’s misery when their intention was to console him). In that fashion, I will avoid the misadventure of Job’s friends, and simply confine myself to WHAT i really LIKE about these big guys of a Great God? Next time. Happy New Year!

26

˜ ˾ JANUARY 2, 2021

TRAVEL

Kangiwa: I’ll Make NIHOTOUR Irresistible Not much is known about the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), the nation’s ‘sleepy’ tourism school established to provide training for hotel workers, travel and tour companies as well as tourismreliant organisations. Travel and Tourism stakeholders had praised the Federal Government when a technocrat was appointed recently to manage the school which has existed for over 26 years. The new Director General, NIHOTOUR, Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, who is already doing things differently with partnerships/collaboration, says there’s light on the horizon. In this interview with Justina Uzo, the Polo player and tourism administrator, said NIHOTOUR’s focus is on building a better institute to bring back confidence. He shares his views on training, food and beverage strategy, technology among other things

R

ecently, we saw your efforts at sportstourism segment of the tourism industry especially during Argungu International Fishing Festival.Tell us about the 2020 edition (Argungu International Fishing Festival).

The 2020 Argungu International Fishing and Cultural Festival was epochal for many reasons, including the infusion of Polo tournament, which is sports tourism. Recall that prior to 2020, the fishing festival hadn’t been held for 10 years. So, it was a Herculean task breaking the jinx to host the fishing festival and to include other tourism features.

We were also able to make the fishing festival truly international by ensuring the cultural participation of five neighbouring West African countries.

What has been your experience as the new helmsman at NIHOTOUR? It has been quite revealing. Yes, there are some challenges but they are not insurmountable.

What prepared you for the job?

A number of past professional assignments, both in the public and private sectors. You know, I had previously been a civil servant working in the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism, which saw me involved in diverse projects. For example, I was the Head of Marketing and Public Relations of Abuja Carnival 2005/2006/2007 during which Abuja Carnival won ‘Best Tourism Innovation’ in 2006 by the Commonwealth Secretariat.

I was also Secretary, Exhibition Sub- Committee, Nigeria at 50 2009/2010; Secretary, Publicity Sub-Committee, United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Commission for Africa Meeting in Abuja – 2002; Secretary, Media and Publicity SubCommittee- 2nd Commonwealth Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Abuja – 2005 and Secretary, Publicity Sub- Committee UNWTO Regional Conference on Tourism Communications (TOURCOM), Lagos- 2005.

My activities in private sector as a tourism promoter led to my election as the Vice-President of FTAN North West zone in 2017.

I was also the Senior Special Assistant on ‘Tourism Matters’ to the Governor of Kebbi State from 2016 to 2018. All the experience garnered in some of these assignments prepared me for multiple, diverse challenges I might face in the industry.

What is your agenda for NIHOTOUR? I want my tenure at the NIHOTOUR to be a watershed in the development of Nigerian tourism sector; especially in the training and retraining of manpower for the industry. It is my belief that no amount of investments in either infrastructure or in expanding tourism capacity in Nigeria that will ever be successful unless the necessary manpower in the required numbers and at the required levels of knowledge and skills are provided to manage the sector.

My commitment to seeing NIHOTOUR achieve its mandate in this respect remains unshakable.

The founding fathers established NIHOTOUR to provide skills proficiency, technical upgrading programmes and professional knowledge-based education in the hospitality and tourism industry in Nigeria and West Africa; in the like of Utalii College Kenya, which caters for East Africa. I will not rest on my oars until Iam able to achieve this for the Institute.

What are you doing now?

We are working to upgrade the capacity of NIHOTOUR to deliver on its mandate. We are working to overhaul the training facilities in all our training campuses to make NIHOTOUR vibrant and responsive to new challenges. We are also working on programmes as well as modalities for the training and empowerment of rural women and youths on tourist host community participation and self-employment. We believe that until Nigeria tourism host communities buy into, and actively participate in domestic and inbound tourism value chain, there will be little or no economic multipliers-effect of tourism in the lives of Nigerians.

I am also working on making NIHOTOUR visible. Not much is known about NIHOTOUR despite the fact that it had existed for over 26 years. This, perhaps, is why we do not have enough enrolment in our various courses. By the time I finish my tenure, NIHOTOUR would have become a household name.

NIHOTOUR is promoting Nigerian food and beverages.

How do you assess the service industry? Does our food have a comparative advantage as Chinese cuisine, for example?

Food sampling is a special interest segment of tourism called

Kangiwa

gastronomy tourism. It has its own appeal and pulls tourists accordingly like the French and Chinese gastronomy. Nevertheless, Nigerian foods are intrinsic part of our cultural tourism assets.

Mind you, Nigeria’s tourism comparative advantage is our uniquely diverse culture, derived from the over 300 ethnic groups that currently make up this geographic space called Nigeria. So, yes, under my leadership, NIHOTOUR as the frontline training institute in Nigeria will continue to invest in hospitality craftsmanship and specialisations geared towards establishing Nigeria as a leading gastronomic tourism destination in Africa.

What is the importance of training to workers?

Training can never be over emphasised especially in the hospitality and tourism industry as it is the bedrock of sustainable tourism development and economic transformation. Indeed, one of the pre-requisites for tourism to develop and play the desired role in the socio-economic life of a nation is the availability of well-trained personnel. Like I said earlier, knowledge is power!

One cannot give what he or she doesn’t have, and that only comes from continuous quality training, especially in globally competitive sectors like travel, hospitality and tourism.

Do you hope to get along with hotels in the country?

Absolutely. NIHOTOUR cannot fulfil its mandate without getting along with hotels and other tourist service operators. Truth is NIHOTOUR is meant for the industry and not the other way round. NIHOTOUR is now the coordinator of the hospitality and tourism sector skills council. The council is meant, among other functions, to aggregate the skills-gap and needs of operators in the tourism industry and accordingly, provide training for workers in the organisations.

How would one leverage Internet applications for business growth and sustainability? How do we leverage technology, develop and grow our business?

Technology, in today’s world, is mankind’s solutions to life challenges. Internet technology is especially so, even before the Covid-19 pandemic which has largely changed the way most

businesses and human endeavours will be run. For the hospitality and tourism sectors, Internet technology has long been largely deployed for marketing, service bookings and customer relationship management. Now, going forward in a post-Covid-19 world, the use of Internet technology will be expanded into disease prevention in tourist facilities, security systems, vendor services, and so on. The trends are still emerging with respect to the application of Internet technology in the tourism industry.

Who is Nura Sani Kangiwa?

Nura Sani Kangiwa is simply a professional tourism administrator and a consummate tourism management technocrat.

You seem to demonstrate discipline, simplicity and elegance, where did you get that from? What is your philosophy? Who are your role models? What gives you joy?

Life has taught me in all these years to be grateful to Allah.

Wherever I find myself, my desire is to make things better irrespective of the challenges life pushed at me. There cannot be champions without challenges.

Are you a fashionista, a style conscious-executive?

Fashionista or style conscious-executive? No. However, I want to look good on every occasion; from the way I combine the colours to the way I appear.

What are your favourite colours?

White colour appeals to me a lot. For me, it stands for freshness and simplicity.

What things must you carry with you at any time My smartphone. And perhaps my reading glasses.

One thing you cannot live without My daily prayers. I am a devout Muslim.

How do you relax?

I am an avid Polo player. I play both to recreate and to relax.

GLOBAL SOCCER

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

02.01.2021

NEWS

CHALLENGING FOR TOP SPOT PAGE. 29

Ike Ugbo Waiting to Cement His Place on The Bridge

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Ike Ugbo Waiting to Cement His Place on The Bridge From France to Belgium and Russia, he has never been short of suitors. However, playing for his parent club-Chelsea, at the senior level is Ike Ugbo’s ultimate ambition

S

uper Eagles hopeful Ike Ugbo, is attracting huge interest from clubs in the Belgian First Division A and French Ligue 1 after stellar performances for Cercle Brugge, where he is on loan from Chelsea until season’s end.

The 22-year-old English star of Nigerian descent’s outstanding performance has not gone unnoticed, scoring 10 goals in 16 appearances in the division.

Racing Genk have identified the Chelsea-owned striker as a potential replacement for Nigerian international Paul Onuachu, who is on the radar of big five European League clubs following the banner season he’s having.

Ugbo is also a key target for Belgian champions Club Brugge and there is also interest from Marseille in France.

Interested clubs have been speaking directly with Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia to enquire about the availability of the former England U-17 international.

Ugbo is planning to finish the season at Cercle Brugge before making a decision on his next career step.

The 22-year-old extended his contract with the Blues until at least June 30, 2022 before heading to Cercle Brugge on loan.

Meanwhile, Chelsea face a battle to hang on to the rising star after rejecting a £3 million offer for their emerging striker.

Ugbo’s impressing form has also triggered a bid from Russian topflight club FC Rostov - which has already been turned down by the Blues. FC Rostov had a £3 million bid for Ugbo rejected by Chelsea.

But Ugbo’s progression on loan is causing rival clubs to take notice of the Chelsea academy kid, who has been with them since Under-10 level.

Ugbo won the FA Youth Cup under then Chelsea U-18 coach Jody Morris, who is now assistant to first team head coach Frank Lampard.

He has also represented England at youth level and is under contract at Chelsea until 2022 after extending his contract last season.

Ugbo has also been on loan at Barnsley, Scunthorpe and in Holland with FC Roda and is a highlyrated product of Chelsea’s youth academy.

He is eager to follow in the footsteps of fellow academy graduates Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Reece James by breaking into the first team at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m a true Londoner and, in my eyes, Chelsea will always be the biggest club in the capital.

“Chelsea would be the ultimate dream. As a kid, I admired Didier Drogba and John Terry.

“It’s up to me to prove that I’m ready for an eventual return,” Ugbo said.

A number of youngsters have found success in recent years after quitting Chelsea on a permanent basis in search of first-team action.

Nathan Ake impressed in three seasons at Bournemouth to earn a £41m switch to Manchester City, while Tariq Lamptey has earned rave reviews at Brighton.

On the continent, Jeremie Boga has established himself in Serie A with Sassuolo, scoring 11 league goals last term.

Cercle have an option to sign him for €5m, but the London-born striker is determined to make a name for himself at the Bridge.

Ugbo’s spell in Belgium is his fifth loan spell away from the Bridge. The youngster also gave a good account of himself in the 2019/20 season at JC Roda in the Dutch second division.

Ugbo keen on forcing his way into Chelsea first-team setup, speaking to Sport/Foot, claimed that he wants to force his way into the Blues’ first-team.

In 15 games for the Chelsea U-18 side, Ugbo scored 10 goals, while he has 15 strikes to his name in 34 games for the U-23s.

However, he has never made a first-team appearance for the Blues and instead, has been farmed out on loan constantly. Ugbo, till date, has had temporary stints at Barnsley, MK Dons, Scunthorpe United and Roda JC before signing for Cercle Brugge this past summer.

With Olivier Giroud not getting any younger, Chelsea could be in the market for a replacement once the Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer.

Ugbo is well placed to show he has what it takes to replace the veteran striker next season. He has his heart at Chelsea, now it has to be seen if he can back it up with his skills.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table

Chelsea, Man City in Top Spot Challenge at Stamford Bridge Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante and Mnchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne battling for possession

Manchester City visit Stamford Bridge for a date with Chelsea as both teams will be battling for the three points at stake in an attempt to challenge Liverpool for the top spot after both sides lost grounds due to postponement and defeats respectively

T

he match, cast into question when COVID-19 forced City to close facilities and postpone Monday’s game at Everton, is set to go ahead after the visitors returned to training on Wednesday.

Surging infections in London and the postponement on Wednesday of Tottenham Hotspur’s match at Fulham, Chelsea’s West London neighbours, raised doubts but the Premier League is confident fixtures can go ahead.

“Safety remains our number one priority, and the club will continue to proceed with great caution,” City said in a statement.

“The bubble will undergo further testing in the coming days, the results of which will inform and dictate the next steps.”

On the pitch, eighth-placed City will be chasing a third successive league win while Chelsea need to turn around a run of poor form that includes three defeats and a draw in their last five games.

“At the moment, they are a crisis club because they are underperforming,” former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton told BBC radio after the West Londoners drew 1-1 with Aston Villa and slipped to sixth.

“They are flat and that’s why Manager Frank Lampard needs to get a few wins under his belt and extremely quickly because it can, as we know, turn ugly at Chelsea.”

Meanwhile, Manchester City number one choice goalkeeper, Ederson is a major doubt for the match as he is self-isolating after the club’s raft of positive Covid-19 tests.

The Brazilian has confirmed on social media that he is undergoing his mandatory time alone, days after it was announced at least five City players had the virus.

It is likely to rule him out of the matches against Chelsea tomorrow and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

USA goalkeeper Zack Steffen is

expected to deputise for Ederson in his absence.

However, Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech appears to be winning his race to be fit for the side’s heavyweight clash with Manchester City after being pictured with the rest of his team-mates in training on Thursday.

Ziyech missed the start of the campaign after suffering a knee injury in pre-season following his summer move from Ajax and the 27-year-old’s frustrations continued earlier this month as he was forced off with a thigh problem in Chelsea’s win over Leeds.

However, speaking after the Blues’ draw with Aston Villa, Lampard said he was confident Ziyech would be available to take on City, should the much-anticipated Premier League encounter get the go-ahead this weekend. ‘I don’t think it’s a coincidence,’ Lampard said when asked whether there was a strong correlation between Ziyech’s absence and Chelsea’s poor form. ‘You can’t rely completely on it. But with Hakim, the way he was playing, he was very effective in terms of assists, chance creation, and we were very fluid at the time when he got injured against Leeds.

Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to kick off the New Year on the right foot when they welcome Leeds United to North London for today’s Premier League encounter.

The visitors trounced West Bromwich Albion 5-0 in midweek, whereas Tottenham’s clash with Fulham was postponed due to a coronavirus outbreak in the Cottagers’ camp.

The visit of Fulham would have represented the perfect opportunity for Tottenham to return to winning ways and end the year on a high note, but as was the case with numerous fixtures in midweek, that London derby had to be called off after Fulham reported several coronavirus cases.

On the other hand, Jose Mourinho’s men would have been

thankful for a few more days of rest after a gruelling encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers, in which the Spurs manager set his team up to defend and did not reap the rewards.

Spurs have since slipped out of the title race amid an underwhelming spell of form, and that draw with Wolves stretched their winless run in the top flight to four matches since a 2-0 North London derby win over Arsenal earlier this month.

Having been neck-and-neck with Liverpool for the majority of the campaign so far, Mourinho’s side now find themselves seven points adrift of the champions, although a place in the top four was still within their reach before Manchester United, Aston Villa and Everton took to the pitch yesterday.

Meanwhile, West Bromwich Albion’s rear guard produced a stellar performance to restrict Liverpool to a solitary goal last weekend, but the Baggies defence was breached all too easily by Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.

Aside from their narrow 1-0 over Burnley last weekend, Leeds simply do not do low-scoring affairs, and Bielsa’s talented attacking contingent are sure to fancy their chances against a Spurs side who have become renowned for sitting back.

However, Leeds’ defensive frailties are very much still there - West Brom are the only team to have shipped more goals than the Whites this season - but the 30 strikes that Bielsa’s men have chalked up at the correct end of the field can only be bettered by Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Leeds have risen to 11th in the table after taking nine points from their last four matches, and should West Ham suffer defeat at Everton last Friday, the Whites would leapfrog the capital outfit if they can at least hold Spurs to a draw today.

Liverpool Man U Leicester Everton Chelsea Aston Villa Wolves Aston Villa Tottenham Man City Southampton West Ham Leeds Wolves Arsenal Newcastle Crystal Palace Burnley Brighton Fulham West Brom Sheff Utd

16 16 16 16 16 15 13 11 15 14 16 17 16 16 16 15 16 15 16 15 16 16

Hot Shot PLAYERS

17 9 9 6 13 13 -4 8 11 9 6 3 0 -6 -3 -7 -9 -11 -7 -10 -24 -19

CLUB

Mo Salah Son Heung-min Jamie Vardy Calvert-Lewin Bruno Fernandes Patrick Bamford Harry Kane Wilfried Zaha Callum Wilson Marcus Rashford Danny Ings Sadio Mane Ollie Watkins Tammy Abraham

33 33 29 29 26 26 20 19 26 26 26 26 23 21 20 19 19 16 13 11 8 2 GOALS

Liverpool 13 Tottenham 11 Leicester 11 Everton 11 Man Utd 11 Leeds Utd 10 Tottenham 9 Palace 8 Newcastle 8 Man Utd 7 Southampton 6 Liverpool 6 Villa 6 Chelsea 6

Head to Head 20/ 25/06 Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City 19/23/11 Man City2 - 1Chelsea 19/10/02 Man City6 - 0 Chelsea 18 /08/12 Chelsea 2 - 0 Man City 18/04/04 Man City 1 - 0 Chelsea 17/03/09 Chelsea 0 - 1 Man City 17/05 /04 Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City 16/0 3 12 Man City 1 - 3 Chelsea 16/16/04 Chelsea 0 - 3 Man City 15/16/08 Man City 3 - 0 Chelsea 15/31/01 Chelsea 1 - 1 Man City 14/21/09 Man City 1 - 1 Chelsea 14/03/02 Man City 0 - 1 Chelsea 13/27/10 Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City 13/24/02 Man City 2 - 0 Chelsea 12/25/11 Chelsea 0 - 0 Man City 12/21/03 Man City 2 - 1 Chelsea 11/12/12 Chelsea 2 - 1 Man City 11/20/03 Chelsea 2 - 0Man City PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Tottenham v Leeds Crystal Palace v Sheffield Utd Brighton v Wolves West Brom v Arsenal

12:30 15:15 17:30 20:00

SUNDAY

Burnley v Fulham 12:00 Newcastle v Leicester City 14:15 Chelsea v Man City 16:30 MONDAY

Southampton v Liverpool 20:00

La Liga TODAY

Villarreal Real Betis Getafe Madrid

v v v v

Levante Sevilla Valladolid Celta Vigo

13:00 15:15 17:30 20:00

v v v v v

Elche Atlético Granada Osasuna Barcelona

13:00 15:15 17:30 17:30 20:00

SUNDAY

Bilbao Alavés Eibar Sociedad Huesca MONDAY

Valencia v Cádiz 20:00

30

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Rasheedat Ajibade at her unvieling

Victor Moses and Mikel Obi.....the vacuum the left in the Super Eagles have since been filled

Rohr Hails Super Eagles Young Players Delta LG Sports Festival for Stepping into Moses, Mikel’s Shoes Excites Sports Icons Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr has praised the young players in the Super Eagles squad for stepping into the shoes of Victor Moses and Stoke City’s John Obi Mikel.

While Moses ended his international career a month after the 2018 World Cup, his former teammate at the Blues, Mikel followed suit a year later after captaining the Super Eagles at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

In addition, Manchester United’s Odion Ighalo is no longer available for selection after quitting the team last year.

Rohr highlighted that his young team are on the brink of qualifying for the 2021AFCON, needing two points from their remaining two fixtures.

“We have the youngest team inAfrica at the moment, some experienced players like Victor Moses or John Obi Mikel have ended their careers,” Rohr said to Mannheimer Morgen.

“As a result, the upheaval is in full swing, but it’s going well: our young players have great qualities.

“In qualifying for the Africa Cup, we are at the top of our group ahead

of Benin and need one point from two games. We’d have to do that.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most successful World Cup team in terms of points accumulated, are aiming to qualify for their fourth consecutive tournament, Qatar 2022.

“Before the tournament in Cameroon, the World Cup qualification against Liberia, Cape Verde and the Central African Republic will start in May. “We have to be group winners to qualify for the World Cup play-offs,” concluded Rohr.

Nigeria Striker, Ajibade Joins Atletico Madrid The Spanish giants secured the services of the Super Falcons forward from her Norwegian Toppserien outfit Rasheedat Ajibade has joined former Spanish champions Atletico Madrid on a two-year deal from Norwegian outfit Avaldsnes.

Ajibade arrived at the Spanish club – her second move in Europe after her contract with Avaldsnes ran out in December 2020.

The Nigeria international joined Avaldsnes Idrettssenter on a two-year deal from Nigerian side Robo Queens in December 2018, helping them to a fifth-place finish, scoring five goals in 2019.

The 21-year-old went on to establish herself in Thomas Dahle’s ladies side with eight goals from 18 games and made the Toppserien Team of the Week eight times as they bagged bronze.

OncompletingLasRojiblancas switch, the striker expressed joy over the move to Spain and is eager to hit the ground running in the coming days with the Madrid-based outfit.

“It is a great privilege and an opportunity to be here,”Ajibade told the club website.

“I am excited to be a part of this team and I hope that together we achieve success. It is a great step in my career and a great challenge for me and I am ready to give it my all.

“I am a versatile, energetic

and hard-working player. I tell the Atléticos that I’m going to do my best so that they and the team can feel proud.”

It is a great privilege and joy for me to be joiningAtletico Madrid Feminino.

It is an opportunity I will never take for granted, and I am ready to give my all to push this great club to even greater heights.

Her move to Atletico will see her become the second Nigeria to play for the Spanish giants after Francisca Ordega’s loan spell in 2017.

Japan’s PM Says Olympics’ll go ahead Amid Rising Infections The delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will go ahead this summer despite concern over rising coronavirus cases, says Japan’s prime minister, oshihide Suga .

TheOlympicsareduetobegin on 23 July with the Paralympics following a month later from 24 August.

CaseshavesurgedinJapanin recentdayswithTokyoreporting over1,000dailyinfectionsforthe

first time.

But the Prime Minister said the“Gameswillbeheldthissummer” and be “safe and secure”.

Japanisrespondingtocasesof the new variant of coronavirus firstfoundintheUK,withTokyo GovernorYurikoKoikewarning the number of infections could “explode”.

Therewerearecord1,337cases in Tokyo on 31 December with 783 new infections announced

on Friday.

Japan has recorded 239,041 coronavirus cases and 3,337 deaths during the pandemic, according to Johns Hopkins University.

Costs for the Games have increased by $2.8bn (£2.1bn) because of measures needed to preventthespreadofcoronavirus but organisers have ruled out a delay.

TheGamescouldbethemost

expensivesummerOlympicsin history.

A poll by national broadcaster NHK showed that the majority of the Japanese general public oppose holding the Games in 2021, favouring a further delay or outright cancellation of the event.

Suga said the Games going ahead could serve as a “symbol of global solidarity”.

FA Cup, Copa Del Rey, Coppa Italian Live on StarTimes The New Year will start on a strong note for football enthusiasts as StarTimes brings live actions of the Emirates FA Cup, Copa Del Rey, Supercopa de España, PS5 Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia from January.

This is even as football fans will continue to catch the spectacle of UEFAEuropa League and La Liga while Dutch Erdivisen and Turkish Super League matches will be going on ESPN. The Emirates FA Cup 3rd round starts January 8.

Liverpool will open the year

against Aston Villa live and in HD. Defending champion Arsenal will face Newcastle on January 9, among other matches live on StarTimes.

Coppa Italia round of 16 beginsTuesday,January12.AC Milanwillopentheyearagainst Torino.Thenextday,Florentina will meet Inter Milan while Juventus face Genoa, among other matches.

From January 16, fans will get more Spanish excitement as Copa del Rey returns on StarTimes.

The semi-finals and final of the 37th edition of the

Supercopa de España will hold from January 13 to 17.

The competition includes the 2019–20 La Liga champions Real Madrid, the 2019–20 La Liga runners-up Barcelona, and the 2019–20 Copa del Rey finalists Athletic Bilbao and Real Sociedad.

The 33rd edition of the Italian football super cup, SupercoppaItaliana,brandedasthe PS5 Supercup will be played on 20 January 2021 between Juventus, the winners of the 2019–20SerieAchampionship, andNapoli,thewinnersofthe 2019–20 Coppa Italia.

“Non-StarTimes subscriberscanalsostreamthematches live on StarTimes-on mobile app at N400 weekly, with an optiontosubscribewithMTN airtime.

“ActiveStarTimessubscriberscanalsostreamthematches liveontheirmobilephonesvia the StarTimes-on streaming app at no extra cost by linking their smartcard numbers to StarTimes-on apps on up-to three mobile devices. Thus, access can be shared with loved ones to watch their favourite content simultaneously.

T

he Delta State Local Government Sports Festival has received the endorsement of top sports icons, who described it as meaningful grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

The programme scheduled for January 14 to 20 at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, and the Ozoro Polyphonic Stadium, Ozoro, to feature only non-contact athletic events is conceived by the Delta State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), to support the state in the discovery of young talents as well as stimulation of mass participation in sports for public health, unity and friendship across communities.

Ace sports broadcaster and Africa Zone President of the International Association of the Sporting Press, AIPS, Mitchel Obi, was all praises for Delta ALGON for the initiative.

“When the United Nations came up on planning the benchmarks of development goals which countries need to attain, they identified sports as a catalyst, as a veritable enabler to meet and match the sustainable development goals. So if you have the umbrella body of local governments identifying with sports at the grassroots level within an environment which overtime has proven to be hunting ground for talents for the country, then it is a direction that should be well celebrated. It should be saluted that their vision is right, that they are thinking with their caps fully on.

“And that gives us a lift that the time has come for local governments to begin to understand that they can use sports to meet the demands of development within their area, that we can use sports as an engine for fast tracking not only our development but for also bringing together our people, understanding our cultural differences and using the strength of those differences to forge ahead as a nation. The impact is not only intact, it is enduring. It is something that we must cherish. That is why I find the Delta State Local Government Sports Festival something to behold.”

Welcoming the idea, former President of the Nigerian Olympians Association and silver medalist in 400m hurdles at the 1988 African Athletics Championships and the Barcelona 1989 Athletics World Cup, Henry Amike, said it will mean so much in the life of young persons and for social harmony.

“This programme is a very strategic social investment. It will impact greatly on the younger generation and help in curbing crime, in bringing government closer to the people and bringing the people closer to themselves, and once a people are close to themselves it creates social harmony.

“The purpose of sports, to me, is for interaction and exchange of ideas. Apart from running, jumping throwing or playing football, you meet new people, exchange pleasantries, make friends, get information and information is power.

“The young ones will be the biggest beneficiaries. This is the age when they are trying to plan their future, thinking about what to do and the more people you meet, the more ideas you get that can create an impression for your life.

For those of us who have gone though this process when we were youngsters, it helped us to get to where we are today. I pray that they sustain it because with two age categories for men and women I know it will be huge financial demand.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

31

GLOBAL SOCCER

Semi Ajayi

From Crazy Path to Premier League Goal The Baggies centre back is gratified about how his game against the Reds went, where he broke his duck in the English top flight. Semi Ajayi is pleased to have scored his first English Premier League goal in West Bromwich Albion draw against Liverpool

Semi Ajayi rose the highest to equalise against Liverpool for his first Premier League goal

S

emi Ajayi’s effort ranks him behind only Liverpool’s Vigil van Dijk and Aaron Pierre as defenders who have scored the most headed goals in England’ top four tiers since the commencement of the 2018-2019 campaign.

Ajayi, who scored a late equaliser at Liverpool, has impressed the fans with his displays despite the club’s struggles this season. An elated Ajayi wrote on Instagram, “First Premier League goal! God is great.”

But his path to the top has been far from straightforward, taking him from Dartford and Arsenal to trials at Ajax.

“My journey has been a bit crazy,” the 27-year-old told BBC Sport.

“It just makes it even sweeter now that I’m finally in the biggest league.”

Ajayi played 44 times for the Baggies last season after joining from Rotherham in the summer of 2019, helping the club finish second in the Championship and earn promotion to the top flight.

He has made a further 14 appear-

ances so far this campaign, scoring his first Premier League goal at Anfield having seen his deflected strike away at Manchester City a fortnight ago credited as a Ruben Dias own goal - his interventions winning the Baggies two valuable points.

It means the Nigerian international has now played in the top five divisions in England during his career, which also includes spells at Cardiff, AFC Wimbledon and Crewe.

Ajayi joined Charlton as a youth player in 2012 and spent a month on loan at Dartford of the National League, before he signed for Arsenal in 2013 under then boss Arsene Wenger.

“It was someone I’d only seen on TV up until that point,” Ajayi said of the Frenchman. “Just being able to pick his brains, learn from him, listen to him, study the information he was giving me in training was amazing. It brought my game on a lot.

“Training with the players is probably what brought me on even more. It showed me where you need to be at to play at the highest level.

The quality you come up against every day in training was second to none.

“I’d probably say the person who had the biggest influence on me was Per Mertesacker. He took a lot of time out to teach me about the art of defending. He would just give me pointers here and there.”

He left Arsenal in 2015 having only featured for the under-23s, despite being named on the first-team bench on a number of occasions.

Ajayi says he had been “pushed down the pecking order” among the defenders and was told by Wenger that he could not guarantee first-team football.

“He said to me if I had an option of another team that would take me and provide that to me he wouldn’t stand in my way,” Ajayi said.

That led to him training at other clubs, including Dutch giants Ajax.

“You can see why they produce so many players when you enter their facilities and see how they do things,” he added. “They were interested. They wanted a young, athletic centre-back to be groomed for the first-team and I fitted their criteria, so they invited me for a

trial.

“It went really well but I was looking for first-team football and the route that they wanted me to go would have been to initially play for the B team and then maybe work my way up into the first team.

“I just thought if I was going to leave home and then move all the way over there it would be for first team only.”

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

32

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

JANUARY Ͱ˜ ͰͮͰͯ ˾ THISDAY,THE SUNDAY NEWSPAPER

33

34

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Car Parts Basic: the Serpentine Belt Exactly how your car runs can be a mystery. Petrol goes in the tank, the engine fires, and off you go, right?

Well, yes and no. One of the key components of your vehicle’s engine is the serpentine belt, which helps many of your car’s systems work, like the air conditioning and power steering.

Auto maintenance and repair specialist The Humble Mechanic explains the important role your car’s serpentine plays and some common ways it may break down.

Hey everybody, it’s Charles from HumbleMechanic.com and today we are talking serpentine belts.

PAN Nigeria’s Higer H5C 16-seater bus

PAN Nigeria Launches Virtual Auto Showroom

P

AN Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s foremost multi-brand automobile manufacturer and assembler, has launched one of the country’s first virtual auto showrooms.

PAN Nigeria assembles a diversified range of vehicles, ranging from family sedans, SUVs, to utility Pick-ups and Light Commercial Vehicles, including the Higer buses.

The virtual showroom was introduced to help customers gain insight on the company’s newest products, the Higer H5C 16-seater bus, Higer H6C 19-seater bus, and the Higer Ambulance, from the comfort of their homes, the automaker said in a statement.

The company said the platform would

provide a responsive opportunity to customers to discover the unique features of the Higer bus range while remaining safe in their homes in these COVID-19 times.

Explaining that the virtual showroom can be accessed by simply visiting www. pannigeria.com through smartphones, tablets laptops, and desktop computers, the Acting Managing Director of PAN, Taiwo Oluleye added that customers can explore the design, features, capabilities, and technical details of each variant of the Higer bus.

“Through the virtual showroom, we are bringing the experience of a real PAN showroom by way of virtual reality to our customers,” Oluleye said. “That way, they can explore all the unique features, capabilities, and technical details of all

the Higer buses without stepping out of their homes,” she added.

The Higer buses and Higer Ambulance can be optimally used for mass transit, and ambulance services. In addition to having spacious legs and head room, the buses are equipped with USB charging ports for all passengers/occupants. All the vehicles also have park-assist feature, rear camera, and DVD/15’ LCD Display.

Additionally, the Higer Ambulance is fitted with state-of-the-art medical equipment such as suction catheters, stretcher belts and anatomical mattress, silicone resuscitators with mask, pulse oximeter, digital thermometer, 2kg fire extinguisher, automatic loading stretcher, scoop stretcher, AC/DC electronic suction machine, oxygen regulator, and other features.

Mikano Test-Drives Geely Assembled in Nigeria Mikano Motors, a subsidiary of Mikano International Limited recently undertook a test-drive of Geely Emigrand 7 (Sedan) and Geely X7 Sports (SUV) assembled in Nigeria.

With Nigerian motoring journalists on board, the event was held at the company’s new state-of-the-art assembly plant located at karameh city, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Addressing newsmen at the event, Mikano Motors’ Sales Manager, Everistus Eze described local assembly of Geely automobile brand as part of his company’s efforts towards boosting the nation’s economy via job creation.

He said: “Although Mikano has always been known as service provider in many aspects, including Power, Steel and Medical, our decision to invest in the automotive sector was motivated by our belief that Nigeria deserves a better transportation experience, rather than being a dumping area for second hand cars with no history, no warranty and no spare parts.

“Therefore, we chose to assemble and ultimately manufacture a top quality automotive brand to create jobs for the youths, help stimulate the nation’s economy and further support Nigerian families with most comfortable and affordable means of transportation.”

Aside being a Chinese automotive brand that recorded top scores in European Car Assessment Programme (EuroNcap), Geely vehicles, via its acquisition of top European brands, including Volvo and Lotus , are produced in line with European standard.

According to him, the current Geely auto brand is entirely different from the former

Locally assembled Geely Emgrand 7 Sedan Geely Cars Nigerians used to know.

“This current Geely auto brand,” he pointed out, “is a meeting point for the latest automobile technology and modern science. “ Mikano’s plan for locally assembled Geely automobiles started over two years ago. To ensure that its auto buying customers run their cars with peace of mind, the company has covered the entire landscape of Nigeria with various after sales service centres.

“Already,” he explained, “we have 3s (Showroom, service centre and Spare parts) and

2s(Showroom and service Centre) locations all over Nigeria. The centres are equipped with modern tools to ensure effective after-sales services to our customers.

“Through our appointed dealership across the country, Geely automobile brand’s spare parts are now available nationwide. While we are still appointing more dealers to ensure that our parts are available to every location in Nigeria, we are making servicing parts available via various accredited channels to avoid the incident of fake parts.”

The serpentine belt is a vital component on most vehicles and it has the incredibly important task of driving engine accessories. The most common accessories driven by the serpentine belt are going to be the alternator, the power steering pump and the AC compressor. Some engines may also drive other accessories like the water pump. On most vehicles, a pulley on the end of the crankshaft is what turns the belt and drives the accessories. The system also consists of a tensioner to keep the belt tight and maybe even additional rollers to help guide the belt.

These are commonly referred to as idler pulleys.

Maintenance intervals vary depending on the belt and the vehicle but typically range anywhere from 60 to 100,000 miles. It’s really important to perform periodic inspections on your serpentine belt.

Let’s start with a visual inspection.

What you’ll be looking for is: cracks across the ribs of the belt; if the belt has a non-ribbed side; perhaps any glazing or really shiny spots; or any other signs of belt damage including the edges of the belt frame. Another way to inspect the belt is to use a serpentine belt rib tool. This is actually the best way to check for belt wear. As the belt wears into a pulley, the depth of the ribs become even deeper. This is a normal condition, but it may be really hard to see.

Using a tool like this, that can be purchased at most auto parts stores, is really the best way to inspect the belt.

When you set this tool on the ribbed portion of the belt, it can show how much wear the belt has on it. Also, any oil or coolant saturation on the belt means it’s time to replace it and fix those leaks.

In addition to normal wear and tear, we also want to be aware of some types of failures. A complete failure of a serpentine belt is when the belt breaks or comes off the rollers. This means the accessories are not being driven and may result in no charging voltage, no AC or no power steering, and in certain cases can lead to vehicles overheating.

We also may encounter some noise, like a squeak noise, when a serpentine belt’s worn out. Not only is it common when the belt wears but this can also be the sign of a failing tensioner or a failing bearing in any one of the pulleys.

When it comes to replacement of a serpentine belt, it’s usually pretty straightforward and requires very simple, basic hand tools. Most of the time, the biggest challenge is actually getting to the belt itself. When you’re doing the belt, draw out the pattern of the belt on a piece of paper or take a picture with your phone to help remind you of the routing of the belt.

If you guys have any serpentine belt questions or comments, feel free to leave them down below.

(Source: theAllstateBlog)

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

35

AUTO WORLD

Mercedes-Benz Unveils MBUX Hyperscreen to Start 2021

F

or Mercedes-Benz, 2021 marks the beginning of the next chapter in interaction between vehicle and user: the MBUX Hyperscreen takes the operation and display of infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions to a new level thanks to artificial intelligence (AI).

The large, curved screen unit lends the interior a unique aesthetic and extends along the entire width of the vehicle in front of the driver and front passenger – for whom the digital experience is as emotional as it is intuitive and effortless. The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) Hyperscreen, which is for the first time optionally available in the fully electric luxury saloon EQS, is representative of the emotional intelligence of the entire vehicle and is highly capable of learning.

The world premiere of the MBUX Hyperscreen grants insights into the MBUX Hyperscreen’s role as the digital core of Mercedes-EQ’s top model, the progressive luxury saloon EQS. The digital communication format addresses journalists and multipliers and can be joined live on Mercedes me media. The world premiere will be broadcast on Thursday, January 7th at 2:00 p.m. (CET) in a media special at https://media. mercedes-benz.com/MBUXhyperscreen and will be available afterwards as an

on-demand video.

In addition, Mercedes-Benz will showcase the MBUX Hyperscreen at the first-ever digital 2021 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), which takes place from January 11th to 14th. The Mercedes-Benz Press Conference starts on January 11th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. (CET)/8:00 a.m. (PST, local Las Vegas time). Media representatives can register on the CES Website to watch the Mercedes-Benz Press Conference.

The link is also available in the media special.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Vera Schmidt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Advanced Digital Design, and Sajjad Khan, CTO and Member of the Board of Management Mercedes-Benz AG, will together present the MBUX Hyperscreen and its numerous facets. From control over functionality to material and design to technical details – the viewers gain interesting insights into the system, its unique features and its development.

Next to the world premiere, MercedesBenz will also provide additional information in form of videos, graphics, press releases and images for download on Mercedes me media. The opportunity to engage in a digital dialogue with the Mercedes-Benz press team is also offered.

Interior of 2021 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

TN L Continues to Lead in Automobile Industry

T

oyota (Nigeria) Limited (TNL) shone like a million stars when it recently won the Automobile Brand of The Year Award at the prestigious Nigeria Business Leadership Awards organised by Business Day Newspaper.

TNL came tops in the Autobrand Category, after a rigorous assessment by a carefully selected panel of judges, in the keenly contested category.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo dedicated the award to the teeming customers of Toyota, assuring them that the company will continue to offer the

best in sales and aftersales.

He added that the company will continue to put in place structures that will add value to the company’s service delivery to ensure that our customers remain happy and committed to the brand.

In the company’s tradition of making their customers happy, a budget vehicle will be launched in the first quarter of 2021. Expectedly, the vehicle is imbued with the superior quality and beauty of Toyota and worth looking forward to its introduction into the Nigerian market.

He thanked all customers of the brand for their patronage and promised that the company will not relent on its mission of making happy customers.

L-R: Managing Director, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited, Mr. Kunle Ade-Ojo; Managing Director, Businessday media, Dr. Ogho Okiti; and G.M Corporate Services (TNL), Mr. Bunmi Onafowokan at the presentation of Automobile Brand of The Year Award to TNL… recently

Managing Excessive Speed in 2021

I

know I am not a Prophet. I also know I am not called as a Minister of God but I have my market place which is saving precious lives on the road. However, I sometimes operate prophetically in my market place like I did in December 3, 2020 which I raised alarm on excessive speeding. But before I continue, I must start this piece by first expressing my profound gratitude to the Almighty God for his mercies that kept us all through 2020.The year 2020 was loaded with challenges but in all of these challenges, we are still standing strong and thankful for the gift of life. I must thank God also, for my readers and my editors as well as my critics who spare me the blade whenever they attempt to hit me below the belt for not meeting up to their expectations. Lastly, I must also express gratitude to God for those ignored the wise counsel of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 against travelling during 2020 yuletide.

Now that we have crossed over to 2021, the year that holds greater promises from above, it is time to pause and attempt a postmortem on how we fared in 2020.I am sure you heard the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps when he lamented on the spate of road crashes caused majorly by excessive speed and loss of control. The statement identified route violation, dangerous driving and light signs violations as possible infraction built expressed worry that speed was the underlying causative factor. I was therefore not surprised when a tweet submitted that

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

a number of crashes in the Abuja roads are birthed from over speeding and driving under the influence.

Another tweet concurred but added poor driving skills. There were several others who shared the same with a handful submitting that no regards for other road users as well as basic driving etiquette were also responsible.

The development has prompted a renewed enforcement on speed limiting devices which is compulsory for commercial vehicles. However the sampled views make it imperative for the FRSC to focus on private car owners who also constitute a cross section of bad and irresponsible drivers in Abuja and other parts of the country. That is why I am prompted today to publish for the second time in a space of just two weeks a piece I thought would deter speed freaks from committing driving hara-kiri. Last week, I focused on excessive speeding and the attendant risks involved.

I do hope you read the first part which included

some tragic examples of what happens when we fail to drive by the approved speed limit as contained in our traffic laws. Statistics available to the Federal Road Safety Corps indicates that excessive speed ranks as the highest causative factor, accounting for over 38.87percent of crashes on our roads. Dangerous driving is the second highest. This is despite the provisions of the National Road Traffic Regulations which spells out the speed limits for various categories of vehicles on our roads. While the law specifies 100km/h for private cars for private cars on the expressway, the same law specifies a speed limit of 90km/h for taxis and buses. Trailers and Tankers have a maximum speed of 60km/h and 45km/h for towing vehicles while in a build-up area, the speed limit could be between 20-30km/h to 50km/h.

Despite this prohibition on speed, excessive speeding remains on the increase even though research findings indicate that at a speed of a 1000km/h, your vehicle does 28metres per hour. This development prompted the Corps to midwife the installation of speed limiters in vehicles. It held nationwide stakeholders’ fora on speed limiting devices and called on relevant stakeholders such as the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) on the need for speed calming devices to be installed along strategic corridors. Across the country, various stakeholders threw their weight behind the new initiatives, stressing the significance of speed limiters in the campaign to check excessive speeding in the country. They noted that the issue of speed had been on the front burner of the World

Health Organization (WHO) advocacy as a key factor in road traffic injuries, influencing both the risk of crash and the severity of the injuries that result from crashes. They added that the WHO and Global Road Safety Partnership, in a publication, ‘’Speed Management on road safety Manual for decision makers and practitioners’’ recommends that speed limits be introduced in every country a part of the global strategy to cut down road fatalities.

So, what really is speed? Speed according to Adewale Akande, in a paper. ‘’Excessive Speed as a vital Human Factor in Road Traffic Accidents,’’ is defined as exceeding the posted limit or driving too fast under stipulated or normal conditions. Speeding is deemed to have occurred when an individual is travelling above the accepted legal speed limit on any road. Speed limit varies between roads as was cited earlier. For emphasis, the maximum speed limit is 100%km/h and 50km/h in built up areas. It is the obligation of the traffic law to signify any change in speed between routes. Speed limits are introduced to promote greater road safety and prevent environmental pollution such as noise and smoke.

In a safety research conducted by the Centre for Automotive Safety Research at Adelaide University in South Australia a few years ago, it was found that for every 5 kilometer per hour, increase in vehicle speed over the limit in a 60km/h zone, the risk of crashing doubles. The research explains further that a driver travelling at 70km/h faces four times the risk of a driver traveling at the speed limit. Further research on excessive speed states that, when the stopping distance increases, other maneuvers to avoid crashes become more difficult and complicated.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜2021

36

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

Epe Maiden Heritage Festival Raises Hope

L-R: Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos State Chapter, Segun Mcmedel; General Secretary, NIPR, Lagos State Chapter, Thelma Okoh; Legal & Corporate Affairs Director, International Breweries Plc, Temitope Oguntokun; and Company Secretary & General Counsel, International Breweries Plc, Muyiwa Ayojimi receiving the award for “Best Company in Infrastructure Development won by International Breweries Plc at the SERA Awards ceremony in Lagos.....recently

Chivita Relaunches Juice up this Season with Chivita Campaign To further deepen its bond with consumers across Nigeria this festive season, leading juice brand, Chivita, is activating the second edition of its “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign.

The aim of the campaign is to brighten the mood of the season and reinforce the Chivita brand as the perfect fruit juice complement for the holidays.

The festive season brings with it lots of love, laughter, and family time. However, even at such a time, you cannot ignore your health.

Chivita Juices are a great way to help maintain healthy habits during the sometimes indulgent holiday season.

In a year that has witnessed unprecedented health challenges as a result of the COVID-19

pandemic, Chivita Juices provide essential vitamins and minerals to support immune system function necessary to fight diseases. It is important for consumers to make smarter choices during this season and beyond by developing a healthy active lifestyle.

Brand Manager, Chivita, Ademola Mafikuyomi, stated that while the festive season this year might be a bit different, it is hopeful that the excitement it brings will remain the same. Chivita Juices will be there in moments of relaxation, indulgence and merriment to brighten the experiences.

“The festive season is more than a time for gift giving. It is a chance to reconnect with those you love most and create memories that

will last throughout the New Year. The “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign is a reminder to consumers to enjoy these special moments with their favourite Chivita juice brand,” he said.

This year’s “Juice Up this Season with Chivita” campaign will be executed across Radio, TV, Digital Platforms and Out of Home channels.

Chivita range of juices – Chivita 100%, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Happy Hour by Chivita and Chivita Ice Tea – are the number one choice for consumers. Chivita juices are not only great tasting drinks, but are also a daily source of nourishment, rejuvenation and refreshment, to individuals and the whole family.

Ronix Consult to Launch Book on Mining Investment Ronix Consult, a foremost consultancy firm with roots in Nigeria and the United Kingdom has concluded arrangements to launch its first book captioned: Mining Exploration in Nigeria: How to Invest in the Mining Sector in Nigeria.

The Chief Executive Officer/CEO of Ronix Consult, Mrs. Roni Akins made this disclosure in a press statement released to journalists. According to her, the book is a compendium of everything about mining in Nigeria.

“Mining Exploration in Nigeria: How to Invest in the Mining Sector in Nigeria features 10 packed chapters and comes with a range of resources that can help investors seize the opportunities inherent in the Nigerian mining sector.

“Given the vast nature of mining and the myriad of information available with regards to mining in Nigeria, one will write a tome in volumes to exhaust every given

data in mining. The book gives an overview of what an investor should know to be well informed on how to begin.

“The book is compiled in such a way that when a reader picks it up he or she can easily navigate to the topic or section that interests them without feeling they have lost or missed something.

“The book distilled the research the author has conducted over the years as well as draw from the experience the firm has garnered for more than 3 decades and formed it into an organised knowledge for the good of all, especially investors seeking first-hand information regarding mining exploration in Nigeria,” She said.

The book provides a new take on mining investment in Nigeria from the perspective of an investor.

It provides a comprehensive view of the vast array of mineral resources available in Nigeria, where they are located and

how interested stakeholders can go about it. The book will be available for purchase from 10th January 2012. It is available on Amazon and at designated bookstores in Nigeria.

Ronix Consult is a subsidiary of Pevron Estate Ltd which specialises in providing business owners, investors and its array of clients the peace of mind needed to do business in Nigeria.

The firm has spent over a decade in the field, has a good understanding of the Nigerian business climate and boasts of a robust network of professionals, policymakers and other stakeholders in Nigeria.

The new book is available at Jed Mega Store, Palms Lekki Phase1; Okozikoworldwide Bookshop, Local and International Airport; Kenbod Venture, Local and International; Eagle Venture; Bossy Bookshop; P N C Bookshop Arrival Local Airport; Frances Venture, Local Airport, and others.

MFI to Address Food Fortification Challenge An International Nonprofit Organization, TechnoServe, has reinstated it commitment to tackling malnutrition through the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI).

MFI is a self- regulatory system designed to incentivize food processors to meet government standards for fortifying products with essential vitamins and minerals.

The innovation is designed through Strengthening African Processors of Fortified Foods (SAPFF) programme.

Since SAPFF began three years ago, Nigeria supply of fortified wheat flour and sugar has increased by 68% and 200%, respectively, enabling over 90% of the country’s population to access the products. Technoserve assured that MFI will sustain and improve the positive trends.

According to Technoserve, The process to

develop the MFI was triggered by an industry request made during the inaugural Nigerian Food Processing and Nutrition Leadership Forum in June 2018 to conceptualize a cost-effective strategy.

“Participating in the MFI contributes to efforts aimed at establishing a level playing field for compliant and non-compliant processors. The index’s ultimate objective is to provide a quality mark for an increasingly discerning consumer base.”

At the recently concluded Third Annual Food Processing and Nutritional Leadership Forum, convened virtually by Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Mr. Bill Gates, keynote speaker Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said, “The Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI) is an interesting innovation that will motivate industries to self-regulate in meeting government standards

for food fortification.

“The use of this tool should be adopted by all companies involved in fortification and I believe it should be made available to stakeholders and shareholders alike. We should be able to hold them accountable as they strive to meet industry benchmarks, including compliance with Nigerian Fortification Standards. Government regulatory agencies will definitely find the tool useful in support of industry regulation efforts and consumer expectations.”

So far, 12 processors, including Flour Mills of Nigeria plc, PZ Wilmar Limited, Olam (which now encompasses Dangote Flour Mills) and Honeywell Flour Mills Plc., have signed up to the index, with keen interest from other participants to join the process in 2021, when the index will scale up to capture other players.

The just concluded Epe Heritage Festival has further raised hope for the over $5 billion Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

The event which held at Epe stadium drew enthusiasts and investors from across the world, who hailed the rare creativity displayed at the event.

Speaking at the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of 10Dollar Entertainment, Muyiwa Otedola, stated that the huge prospects in the supernatural sector of the entertainment have not been fully harnessed.

He maintained that the situation was fuelled by the limited number of magical entertainers in the country.

He added that the event was thought of to drive innovation to the under explored sector.

He said, “I am using this platform to showcase talented magical entertainers to the world and bring new innovations into the industry.

“This is the first of its kind and is designed to be a national concert, that would hold across the country in due course.

“Today, we have been able to register over 100,000 entertainment and culture lovers from far and near to grace the occasion.”

The event was livened by scores of supernatural artistes comprising magicians, illusionists, contortionists and others with extraordinary talents who thrilled audience to an unforgettable experience at the one-day event.

Guests were also treated to live magical shows, supernatural displays and traditional/cultural phenomenon, among others.

IFC Partners Kobo 360, Unveils TemperatureControlled Logistics Programme IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, in partnership with Kobo360, has launched a Temperature-Controlled Logistics, TCL, solutions programme to assist Nigeria in overcoming challenges in the food and health sector.

To this end, IFC has announced an open call to innovators from around the world to come forward with climate-smart and TCL cooling solutions that will see to Nigeria’s food waste challenges, support its health sector, and reduce energy consumption level.

According to IFC, The techEmerge TCL Nigeria programme aims to offer market access and a pool of up to $1 million in funding to top innovators.

The innovators will be matched with leading Nigerian companies, to jointly pilot sustainable solutions that reduce losses in cold chains, strengthen access to TCL-dependent products and markets, and build commercial partnerships.

The programme is being implemented by IFC in partnership with the UK Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Kobo360, an African e-logistics platform and IFC client.

TCL is essential for economic development, human health, and food security. It delivers perishable goods to shops and shipping ports and keeps medicines and vaccines from spoiling as they are transported to clinics, pharmacies, and hospitals.

Providing more explanation on the programme, IFC’s Senior Director of Disruptive Technologies and Funds, William Sonneborn said, “Sustainable cooling technologies represent a fast-growing business opportunity with particular importance to emerging markets. We are excited to support cutting-edge entrepreneurs to pilot and scale their TCL solutions in Nigeria, and Africa more broadly.”

He added that applications for the programme are open till January 31, 2021. Kobo360’s Founding Partner and Head of KoboCare, Ike Abiakam, said, “Africa’s cold chain capacity faces a lack of investment in equipment for maintaining a specific temperature range throughout the supply chain. We’ve seen a gap in the market for shipping solutions, specifically concerning moving deep-frozen, cold and ambient goods in a safe and temperature-controlled environment.

Soroptimist Restates Commitment to Women Empowerment A group, Soroptimist International Nigeria Association, SINA, has reiterated its commitment to the development of women across the country, just as it launched the Lekki charter of the association.

Speaking at the launch of the new charter, renowned chartered Accountant, Bashorun J. K. Randle, commended the group on its interventionary roles in improving the condition of women and children in the country.

According to him, the group’s role became more glaring and better appreciated at a time when countries of the world, including Nigeria, are experiencing hard times, occasioned by COVID-19.

Randle particularly commended women leaders across the globe for how they have effectively managed and curtailed the negative impacts of COVID-19 on their subjects.

He worried however that the inactions of the Nigerian government have frustrated some of the efforts of the group to fully accomplish its mission.

“We cannot thank Soroptimist enough for the tremendous amount of works and good it has accomplished in Nigeria.

However, much of its excellent achievements have been subverted by the sheer scale of abandoned projects all over the country,” he said.

Also speaking, Business mogul, Erelu Abiola Dosunmu encouraged women to be supportive of each other and do away with unhealthy rivalry and competition to enable them reach their goals.

Earlier, newly inducted President of Lekki Charter of SINA, Adewunmi Adekemi, promised to harness all resources in moving the club to the next level and to do more in realising the club’s objectives in promoting women’s cause.

She emphasised that the objective of SINA was to increase access to formal and non-formal learning opportunities for the girl child.

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

˹

Mummy Veronica Oragui, an Exceptional Intercessor Chimezie Oragui

M

rs. Veronica Obiageliaku Oragui was born into a Christian home on the 15th day of January, 1951 to the family of Mr. Lawrence NwobiUmechukwu and Mrs. Josephine OkenuUmechukwu in Calabar, Cross River State. She hailed from Nkolofia village, Awka – Etiti in Idemili South Local Government area of Anambra State.

Veronica was the first born in the family of six children.

Young Veronica started her early education at Calabar, Cross River State. She completed her primary school and proceeded to Our Ladies Girls’ Secondary School, Ughelli, Delta State in furtherance of her Secondary Education, which she completed in 1962. She went on to obtain a certificate from Teachers’ Training College, Aba. In addition she acquired a B.Sc degree in Education at AlvanIkoku College of Education, Owerri.

She was got married to the late Mr. Raphael NnabuikeOragui at Awka – Etiti in Anambra State while running an errand for her mother. It was a case of love at first sight. Her late husband was then a manager at Barclay’s Bank, Orlu, Imo State. The meeting resulted in a traditional marriage and a church wedding which took place in the middle of the Civil war in 1968 at Orlu, Imo State.

The marriage was blessed with seven children - four girls and three boys.

These also include 15 grandchildren of which the oldest is 27 years old. We the children have been beneficiaries of the strict and balanced Christian discipline and upbringing and we are all graduates in our various disciplines.

Mrs. Veronica Obiageli Oragui was a Christian to the core and a teacher of the Bible. She was a true lover of God’s word.

Though born into a strict Catholic home, she ended up becoming a staunch member of Christian Pentecostal Mission (CPM), Eziukwu Branch, Aba, Abia State where she was fully committed to God’s work.

She was also a very active member of Prayer Project, Aba in which she took up the responsibility of going to preach the word and lead so many traditional rulers across the Country to Christ.

Oragui

She made it a point of duty to go and preach to the downtrodden and destitute every other day in order to draw them closer to the throne of grace, thereby giving them hope for a better and more fulfilled future in Christ.

She was also fledged counselor with an exceptional gift to counsel even the toughest of persons and make them see reason even in dire circumstances. She was generous, caring, cheerful and reliable. Everyone who came around her benefitted spiritually, physically, mentally and financially.

Mummy Veronica was an exceptional intercessor with a heart of compassion. She could attend 21 days of vigil with Prayer and

Fasting unflinching in her resolve to pray it all out to the end. She was a spiritual role model and an icon, definitely worth celebrating. She was a woman of great faith in the Lord and a gallant soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ who believed in settling scores on her kneels.

When Veronica’s husband died in 1996, she had to raise her children all by herself at such a young age doing menial jobs in addition to her teaching job just to make ends meet. This came up after she had taken care of her husband relentlessly who was handicapped for about nine years. It was a tough time for her but God helped her through it all.

Mrs. Oragui was a good, caring and loving mother to both her biological and non-biological children, following up on both their academic and life process. She was an embodiment of wisdom and encouragement to all those who came across her and a dangerous giver especially in the things of God. Veronica was an effervescent listener, unassuming, a great mentor to many, an adviser and one of the most sincere and altruistic persons we have ever known.

Indeed, Mummy Veronica was truly immeasurable by all standards and her life, influence and energy are extremely linked to many that have crossed paths with her. She was a hero and one of the most resourceful women we have ever known. She was a gift to the body of Christ and humanity as a whole. Her selfless and countless acts of kindness are inspirational and she has left a void that will never be filled.

Today, she is not here with us as she has transcended into the heavenly.

Her earthly journey was impactful and inspirational, never to be forgotten. Missing her is an understatement.

We pray that God shall grant us, the family and friends and loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss.

Funeral Program indicates that they would be Christian wake for her at her residence in Nnaba village, Awka-Etiti, Idemmili South LGA, Anambra state; on 6th January 2021; Her remains will be laid in state at her residence in the morning of Thursday, January 7th 2021, while funeral service will hold at same venue at 10:00 am, after which internment follows.

Adieu Mama!!! Adieu Great Woman of Grace!!!

Till Dawn Comes with A Song Title: Author: Publisher: Pages: Reviewer:

T

ÓÖÖ ËáØ Ù×ÏÝ áÓÞÒ ÙØÑ ÒÏÙÚÒÓÖßÝ ÔÙÜÒ ÏÞÒßÝÏÖËÒ ÜÏÝݘ ßÌÖÓØ ͺ͹΁ ÏÞÏÜ ØØã̋ äÏÕáßÏ

heophilus Ejorh’s Till Dawn Comes with ASong is a political novel. I use the term political in a Sartrean sense. In his magisterial work, “What is Literature,” the French philosopher and literary critic Jean-Paul Sartre holds the idea that the aesthetic imperative of prose is to be committed, and by commitment, he means that the purpose of a good novel is to reveal the human condition to change it. So, a reader who wants to experience the charm and beauty of Till Dawn Comes with ASong must engage the novel as committed literature.

Set in the 1990s Niger Delta Nigeria, the book explores the concept of power and its use and abuse, and paints a portrait of humans in chains, bound by poverty, ecological injustice, and “environmental genocide.” In its negotiation of power and the explication of the socio-political and economic concerns, the novel distinguishes what we have classified as Political Power and Egbesu Power. Political Power is the power of authority, backed by the military might of the State. General Lulu Gee, the military head of state and his government are symbols of this power.

Political Power is anti-people. It dehumanises, tortures, maims, rapes, and kills the people.

In contrast to Political Power, Egbesu Power is for the people. In the custom of the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta region, Egbesu is the god of warfare. It defends the people and attempts to correct the injustice against them. However, in the aesthetic context of the novel, Egbesu represents something more than the supernatural.

It is the philosophy of the human will, the force that drives a people whose back is pressed to the wall and are left with no other remedial option but to fight back. Nothing else but just the willpower that compels Ebiye, the founder and editor-in-chief of The Stallion Magazine and Ndukari Peterside, energy reporter at The Stallion, to confront the mighty sword with the fragile force of the journalistic pen. Nothing else also but just the human will that motivates Olotu and his Niger Delta Red Army to bear arms against the superior force of General Gee’s army.

In negotiating these contesting powers, Ejorh reveals to the reader the horror that the people are up against: the inhuman treatment of the Niger Delta people, the ecological damage perpetrated by foreign oil companies such as Avatar Corporation PLC, and the deeply corrupt practises going on in the inner circle of Gee’s government such as drug trafficking and money laundering. Ejorh also presents to us a determined people who, against all odds, counter this rampant terror of authority and power with

“journalism of commitment” that exposes “corruption and oppression, and all sorts of corporate misconduct and crimes against the land” and a determined Niger Delta Red Army that is blowing up flow stations in protest against the oil companies exploiting them. Gee is somewhat rattled by this show of people’s might, but he remains resolute and in full control. Eventually, he succeeds in assassinating Ebiye and Olotu after several unsuccessful attempts and sets Ndukari on the run. “Gov’ment power pass Egbesu power!” a talkative man working for the government mocks the people. “Egbesu power, powerless power.”

General Gee is a vicious killer.

He does not only kill for sport, but also as a ritual. The dead body of the fisherman pulled out of the Forcados River is missing the head. And Ebiye’s bullet-ridden body is pulled from the swampy field with no tongue, eyes, and genitals. It is this ritual motif that echoes in the anguish of the fisherman’s wife: “They killed him and took his head! The murderers killed my John for their wicked ritual.” African dictators are usually wired that way: Jean-Bédel Bokassa of the Central African Republic; Idi Amin Dada of Uganda; Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea; and Charles Taylor of Liberia. It is alleged that these tyrants fed on human body parts and innards to enhance their sexual powers and to add more years to their lives.

The book is a roman à clef, “novel with a key.” Ejorh makes it clear in the “Observations” page of the book that “large parts of the narrative are real events that occurred in Nigeria between the years 1984 and the 1990s,” and he weaves them into his engaging fictional narrative. Ejorh drops the key in the Afterword to encourage the reader to unlock the real identities of the characters and events he has disguised as fiction. And in being able to decode these figures and events, the reader can apprehend the novel in its full political force as committed prose and can see how past atrocities are being played out in our present condition.

Here are the facts that Ejorh blends with his fiction, as distilled from the narrative plot: Gee’s Decree Number 4, was crafted on 29 March 1984 by the repressive military government of General Muhammadu Buhari to target press freedom. The Stallion with The Lion that is born when the former was proscribed is Tell Magazine, Tempo, The News, and many other titles in Nigeria that were overly critical of military governments of General Ibrahim Babangida and General Abacha and they paid dearly for it: their Editors and staffers were jailed, harassed, and eventually driven underground. And they resorted to “guerrilla

journalism.” Ejorh’s profile shows that he was a reporter for Vanguard newspaper and African Guardian Magazine. This also gives us a clue to how he has borrowed from his journalistic life and experience in his portrayal of Ndukari and Ebiye and the incidents around The Stallion. And finally, the dastardly execution by firing squad of the five militants, alleged masterminds of the destruction of two flow stations owned by the American oil giant, Avatar, harks back to the murder by hanging of Ken Saro-Wiwa by General Abacha’s government on 10 November 1995 for leading a non-violent campaign against the degradation of land and water in Ogoniland.

The novel speaks of Nigeria’s past atrocities, but it also paints a vivid picture of her present predicaments. And that is the nature of roman à clef; it is often a thinly veiled criticism of a present condition.

In this sense, the novel is very critical of the fact that Nigerians still wallow in squalor and abject poverty, the Niger Delta oil communities are still experiencing ecological injustice, and corruption continues to hold sway at both Federal and State governments. It is telling that the novel was published at this period of upheaval in Nigeria, notably the #EndSARS movement in which the Nigerian youth took to the streets to demand an end to police brutality, financial mismanagement, executive recklessness, inept leadership, and wanton corruption. Tellingly also, it is the same “infamous Decree 4” Buhari, now in civilian garb, that is presiding over this landscape of socio-political and economic malaise.

What this book is a timeless piece of committed literature, artistically engaged in finding solutions to the socio-political problems in Nigeria. However, how the novel ends may raise some critical questions that border on whether the novel, as a committed work of art, fulfils its full potential. Questions such as why is Ndukari, the only survivor of the three principal actors in the struggle, on the run, abandoning the struggle? And why is it a military coup d’état, something anti-democratic to a free society, rather than a people’s revolution that is conjured up to bring General Gee and his regime to a gruesome end?

The book is Ejorh’s first novel. Its ending raises the possibility of a sequel. The second novel, whenever it comes, can possibly install a democratic system in a free society. Perhaps, this is the reason Ejorh allows Ndukari to survive three assassination attempts and the bite of a poisonous snake, and to successfully escape the vagaries of life in Warri to the haven of peace and tranquillity of Lagos. Ndukari is on the run, but he runs to fight another day. Surely, not with a pen, but with arms. “It is not enough to defend ... with a pen,” writes Sartre.

“A day comes when the pen is forced to stop, and the writer must then take up arms.” In this singular act of Ndukari’s survival, the novel ends with a song that speaks of a new dawn of hope for Nigeria and for Africa!

––Dr Anny-Nzekwue is a Dublin-based scholar and literary critic.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWS

God, not Vaccines Will Eradicate Coronavirus, Says Pastor Adeboye Bennett Oghifo The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye has said it would take the intervention of God to free the world of the Coronavirus and its variants.

Pastor Adeboye, who stated this in his “Proph-

ecies for 2021” released after the church’s virtual crossover service, said for every COVID-19 vaccine discovered, a new variant of the virus will emerge until the high and mighty admit that safety is of God. Scientists are presently contending with the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines on all the variants of the virus,

and according to Adeboye, “This will continue until the high and mighty admit that safety is of the Lord.”

He said, “Some of the things that happened in 2020 will spill over into 2021.

“The world as a whole can only come out of the wounds when they admit

the following; “That it is the Most High that rules in the affairs of men not science. Daniel 4:25.

“That it is God that gives wisdom to the wise. Daniel 2:20-21. That God can reduce the so called wisdom of man to foolishness. 1 Corinthians 1:19-20. 4). “That for every

vaccine discovered, there is already a variant in the making. This will continue until the high and mighty admit that safety is of the Lord. Proverbs 21:31.

“God says He will begin to deal with nations on individual basis so that in any nation, if God’s people

will humble themselves and pray, He will heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14.”

He said, “God wants us in Nigeria to know that only God can lift a siege. 2 Kings 7:1-end. The humble who put their trust in God will see the end of the siege. James 4:6.”

2021: Improved Security, Workers’ Welfare Top Fayemi’s Priorities Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ As part of efforts to make Ekiti safe for investment and living in 2021, the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi is to launch a safety City Project to tackle kidnapping, banditry, robbery and other social menaces in the state.

Tobolsterharmoniousgovernment, workers’ relationships, Fayemi said he would fulfill promises to recruit over 1,500 newemployeesintotheteaching, healthcare and various cadres of the civil service, as well as pay all outstanding salaries, promotion andpensionarrearsduetoactive and retired civil servants.

Fayemi spoke in Ado Ekiti in a statewide broadcast to Ekiti residents commemorating the celebration of the New Year.

Besides the establishment of a Security Network, codenamed “Amotekun”, created to strengthen security, Fayemi said he had continued to support the police,military,SSS,CivilDefence, RoadSafetyCorps,NDLEAand immigration with logistics and

coordination to secure Ekiti.

“Thenewyearwillwitnessthe launch of our Safe City project as well as other initiatives aimed at boosting security and safety in the state.”

On ways to put smiles on the facesofEkitiworkers,Fayemisaid thegovernmenthascommenced negotiationsontheimplementationofconsequentialadjustment for officers from Levels seven, whichhestated hadbeen stalled bytheoutbreakofthepandemic.

“Thosenegotiationsresumed lastmonthforeventualresolution.

Ionceagain,assureouresteemed workers and retirees that all the inherited salaries, pensions and gratuities are not bad debts. All the inherited arrears will be cleared one after the other as thingsimproveforourdearState.”

Fayemi said in government’s deliberate effort to bring government closer to the grassroots, we revisitedtheissueofLocalCouncil DevelopmentAreas(LCDAs)that were created from the existing Local Government Areas in the State, on Thursday June 26, 2014.

Niger to Complete All Projects Before Handover in 2023 Laleye Dipo ÓØ ÓØØË Niger Sate Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has assured that all ongoing capital projects embarked upon by the administration will be completed before May 2023.

Bello gave the assurance in a New Year message to the people of the state in which he also pledged to restore peace law and order to all parts the state presently facing banditry attacks and other forms of insecurity.

The governor said both the State and Federal Governments “are working hard and evolving fresh strategies toward bringing insecurity to an end,” adding that government “is displeased at the way banditry and kidnap-

ping has made life unbearable for the people.” Governor Bello noted that government’s proactiveness in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic was effective in containing the spread of the virus in the state and therefore urged the people to do more by observing the Protocols, because “the intensity of the second wave looks more scary”.

In a similar message the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters Alhaji Nma Kolo urged politicians to strive to maintain the relative political peace being enjoyed in the state.

Kolo said that politicians should ply their trade by taking the peace of the state into account, saying that nothing tangible can be achieved in an atmosphere of chaos.

LERSA Donates Patrol Van to Police The Lekki Estate Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA) has donated patrol van to the Ajah Division of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The gesture is to show support to the police division and strengthen its capability for curbing violent crimes and other social vices in the area.

The association made the

donation on Thursday at the premises of the burnt Ajah Divisional Police Headquarters The Ajah Division was one of the numerous police stations burned by hoodlums during the #EndSARS protests in Lagos. Police vehicles, as well as other properties, were set ablaze during the attacks.

WE’RE BEHIND YOU...

L-R: President, Lekki Estate Residents and Stakeholders Association (LERSA), Olorogun James Emadoye; Lekki Area Commander, ACP Gbolahan Olugbemi; and Chairman, LERSA Security Committee Mr. John Ifoto, at the presentation of Patrol Van to the Police at the Ajah Division of the Nigerian Police... recently

PDP Chieftain Lauds Ango Abdullahi’s Restructure Campaign Sylvester Idowu ÓØ ËÜÜÓ A Chieftain of the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State,ChiefSunnyOnuesokehas describedthestatementcredited to the leader of the Northern Elder’s Forum, Professor Ango AbdullahithattheNorthisready for restructuring as brave and a welcome development.

Onuesoke, also an advocate of restructuring of the country, laudedthenewpositionofProfessor Abdullahi while speaking to newsmenyesterdayathiscountry homeinAgbarha-OtorinUghelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.

Professor Abdullahi, a former Vice-ChancellorofAhmaduBello University(ABU)ZariaandConvenerofNorthernEldersForum (NEF) had in an interview with a national newspaper recently disclosed that the North is ready for restructuring of the country to make it more viable.

Reacting to Professor Abdullahi’s position, Onuesoke said that the position of the North to embrace the clamour for restructuring will now allay the fears of other zones and hasten the development of the country.

“EveryrightthinkingNigerian wouldagreetothesimplefactthat the current political, social and

economicstructurehasfailedthe nationandcanno longersustain our current political cleavages, hence him coming out to say the north is ready for restructuring is such a brave statement and welcome development going forward being mouthpiece of the Northern Elders Forum.

“The debate about restructuring is a stark reality staring us in thefaceandtryingtoshiftdiscussionfromitislikepostponingthe evildays,judgingfromthecurrent social-economic uncertainty which has befallen our nation today,” he said.

Theformergovernorshipaspirant in Delta State noted that the

reality on ground today should be a serious cause for concern to everypatrioticNigerianhencethe continuous clamour for restructuring from every corners of the country.

“Theclamourforrestructuring hasgonebeyondjustonetribeor region, it has become a national agitation because a restructured Nigeriawouldmeanaparadigm shift where every state, zone or regionwouldbeablelookinward and explore it’s competitive advantagewithaviewofdeveloping avirile,stableandself-sustaining social economic framework for the betterment of their people,” he stated.

Amotekun to Begin in Ogun State January Poised to tackle insecurity and enhance community policing, the Ogun State government says that the Southwest Security Network, Amotekun, will begin in the state this January.

Apart from Amotekun, the state government will also commence the implementation of Residents Identification Cards, to provide a reliable database of the people living in the state.

Thestategovernor,DapoAbiodun, who made these known in his New Year broadcast, added that the State Health Insurance Scheme, which had been pro-

vided with N100m seed fund, will take off in the first quarter of2021.AccordingtoAbiodun,the Amotekunsecurityoutfit,which would complement the efforts of existing security agencies, would be headed by a Retired Commissioner of Police, as its Commandant ongoing”.

“Our Amotekun Security Network will also take off this month to complement the efforts of other security agencies including the community policing of the Nigeria Police. An experiencedandreputableretired CommissionerofPolicehasbeen

appointed as the Commandant, andtherecruitmentofpersonnel is ongoing”, he noted.

While reiterating the desire of his administration to deepen itsfocusonInfrastructure,Social welfare and well-being, Education, Youth empowerment and job creation and Agriculture (ISEYAAgenda)inthenewyear, thegovernorsaidthatthesecond phase of 150 units of houses at the Prince Court Estate, Kemta, Abeokuta and other housing projects at Kobape, Sagamu, Ilaro, Ota, Ijebu-Ode and Iperu, would be completed this year.

He pointed out that the year 2021 Budget named “Budget of Recovery and Sustainability” with a size of N338.6b he just signed, will aid his government in ensuring strategic allocation of resources to different sectors of the economy.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as HOPE SAMUEL IMEH, now wish to be known and addressed as HOPE DENIS ESSIEN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should take note.

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ 2, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Super Eagles Striker Osimhen Tests Positive for Coronavirus Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has returned positive for coronavirus yesterday, having been away for the yuletide break his Italian club confirmed yesterday.

The Nigeria international returnedtoNaplesonThursday having been away to Lagos for the yuletide break.

On arrival, the former Lille and Royal Charleroi star was subjected to the compulsory Covid-19 PCR test and his Serie Aoutfit disclosed that Osimhen posted a positive result.

Fortunately, he had not met with any member of Gennaro Gattuso’s squad, and the goal machine is now set to remain in quarantine for some days.

“Napoli report that footballer Victor Osimhen tested positive for the molecular naso-pharyngeum swab on his return from abroadyesterdayafternoon.The player is asymptomatic and has not met the team group,” the club posted on Twitter.

Since dislocating his shoulder in November 2020 while in action for Nigeria in anAfrica Cup

of Nations qualifying fixture against Sierra Leone, the most expensive African footballer ever has been on the sidelines.

In the process, he has missed action againstAC Milan, Rijeka, AS Roma, AZ Alkmaar, Crotone, Real Sociedad, Sampdoria, Inter Milan, Lazio and Torino.

Since his big money from the French elite division to Italy in August, the Super Eagle has made eight appearances for Gattuso’s side and he has two goals to his name in Serie A. In his absence, the Blues have

won just four of their 10 matches in all competitions, and they are ranked fifth on the Serie Atable with 25 points from 13 matches.

Osimhen will be unavailable when the Stadio San Paolo giants travel to Stadio Is Arenas for Sunday’s fixture versus Cagliari and looks set to miss the entire fixtures in January as he bids to clear himself of the virus before getting back to his rehabilitation programme.

The fleet-footed striker rose to fame while featuring for Nigeria at the 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup

staged in Chile.

There, he propelled Emmanuel Amuneke’s side to a record fifth world title, while his dazzling performances earned

himtheSilverBallawardbehind compatriot Kelechi Nwakali.

He also walked home with the Golden Boot prize after finding the net on ten occasions.

Carlo Ancelotti Gives Reason for Iwobi’s Snub against West Ham Alex Iwobi did not make his 15th Premier League appearance of the season in yesterday’s clash between Everton and West Ham at Goodison Park.

Iwobi, who started the previous seven matches in the top-flight, was not included in the Toffees matchday 20, with Richarlison coming in for the Nigeria international.

The formerArsenal winger has put in some strong performances in recent weeks, playing in multiple positions.

Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti explained that Iwobi picked up a knock in training before yesterday’s clash.

The Italian football tactician said: “A little problem during the training, he (Iwobi) was a little bit tired.

“I didn’t want to take a risk like Michael Keane that is on the bench, but he played a lot of games, maybe a rest for him could be good.”

With the exception of the opening day win at Tottenham Hotspur, Iwobi has been involved in every single game played by the Toffees in the Premier League this term.

Everton are on a decent run of form, winning their last four matches in the division, and a win against the Hammers will see them move to second in the provisional standings.

Three Nigeria-Eligible Teenagers Set for Premier League Debut with Arsenal Wilfred Ndidi tries to dispossess Everton striker, Richarlison

NFF’s Target, Olise Urged to Snub Liverpool, Chelsea Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) target Michael Olise has been urged to snub big clubs and stay put at Reading FC by English legend Kevin Phillips.

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder was born in the French city of SaintLaurent-du-Maroni and he is also eligible to represent France, England and Nigeria at the international level.

Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr is reportedly a big fan of Olise, who has been one of the best players in the EFL Championship, having recorded the most assists in the competition (seven).

Ex-Southampton, Aston Villa and Leicester City striker Kevin Phillips has

advised Olise to stay put at Reading, amid reported interest from English Premier League clubs Leeds United, Liverpool FC and Chelsea, as well as Italian giants AC Milan.

Phillips, who is also a former England international, fears Olise would struggle for game time at a bigger club, with the teenager reportedly having an £8million release clause in his contract.

“He should stay at Reading for the rest of the season. Stay and help get your club promoted,” said Phillips to Football Insider.

“Why would you leave? He is playing week in, week out. Is he going to play

at Leeds? Probably not. He may come off the bench and start the odd game but it would disrupt his development.

“The other option is he signs for Leeds and then returns to Reading on loan for the second half of the season. I would not have issues with that. You could get him signed up and then send him back. That could be an option.”

Olise, who spent some time with the academies of English giants Manchester City and Chelsea, has also found the back of the net four times from 21 matches in the Championship this term.

He has played for France’s under-18 team.

CONCACAF Champions, Tigres Woe Ahmed Musa CONCACAF Champions League 2020 winners O Tigres FC are the latest club showing interest in free agent Ahmed Musa.

According to Multimedios Deportes, Tigres are hoping to sign a big player, as they will be participating in February’s Club World Cup organized by FIFA and Musa is the number one candidate.

Tigres have to part with a foreigner

to free up a roster spot for the Nigeria captain as they currently have eleven players not born in Mexico on their roster.

Musa has been on the lookout for a new employer after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr.

West Brom are mulling over a move for the Golden Boot Soccer Academy product in January after a loan transfer

to the Premier League side fell through in the summer transfer window.

Galatasaray and CSKA Moscow have also been mentioned as possible destinations for Musa whose priority is to return to Europe ahead of next year’s FIFA World Cup. Former Nigeria international Ikechukwu Uche played for Tigres in 2015 and scored on his debut in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Osayi Drawing Interest from West Ham, Crystal Palace Nigerian-born winger Bright OsayiSamuel is reportedly drawing interest from Premier League and Championship clubs.

Teamtalk says Crystal Palace and West Ham are looking at signing the versatile attacker in the January transfer window but face competition.

Aside from the Eagles and Hammers, Osayi-Samuel is also inter-

esting Championship promotion hopefuls Swansea City and Stoke City.

The 23-year-old has not hidden his desire to play for a club higher up the football pyramid, having spent three years in the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.

He has entered the final six months of his contract and the Hoops are prepared to sell him this month or

risk losing him for little compensation in July.

Since joining Queens Park Rangers from Blackpool, Osayi-Samuel has had thirteen goals and thirteen assists in 113 matches.

Last season, Osayi-Samuel won QPR’s Goal of the Season for his brilliant strike against Birmingham City and Daphne Biggs Supporters’ Young Player of the Year award.

Three Nigeria-eligible teenagers are seemingly in contention to make their Premier League debuts in Arsenal’s meeting with West Brom today.

Not for the first time in recent weeks, manager Mikel Arteta monitored at close quarters 19-year-old striker Folarin Balogun and 18-year-olds Miguel Azeez and Ryan Alebiosu on New Year’s Day. WhileAzeez is a central midfielder,Alebiosu is predominantly a right back and is also comfortable playing as a winger.

The three Anglo-Nigerian starlets were spotted wearing white bibs during the final workout, while the likes of Bukayo Saka, Granit Xhaka, Emile Smith Rowe, Rob Holding, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Pablo Mari, who were involved in some capacity in the last game at Brighton & Hove, all wore dark peach bibs.

Should the aforementioned Nigeria-eligible teenagers make their Premier League debuts against the Baggies, Alebiosu will wear the number 36, Balogun number 38 and Azeez number 66.

Thirteenth in the table, Arsenal are nine points from the danger zone and are aiming to win three consecutive Premier League matches for the first time this season in tomorrow’s game in the West Midlands.

Mourinho Called Tottenham-Fulham Postponement as Unprofessional Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho says the way Wednesday’s match against Fulham was called off was “unprofessional”.

The Premier League game was postponed fewer than three hours before the 18:00 GMT kick-off after Fulham reported a number of positive Covid-19 cases.

Cottagers boss Scott Parker has said he is “not sure” if Fulham’s trip to Burnley on Sunday will go ahead either.

“I don’t want to speak too much about it. I felt unprofessional, but that is the way it was,” said Mourinho.

“We were preparing ourselves for that match and that is disruptive of what is a week of work.”

Mourinho posted a video on Instagram on Wednesday afternoon, showing his players and staff at the club’s training ground waiting for a decision on whether the match would proceed.

He captioned the video with a comment saying “best league in the world”.

Fulham manager Parker said the Cottagers were in “exactly the same position as Tottenham” in the lead-up to the cancellation.

“We were in a hotel, we didn’t know until late on as well,” said Parker, who missed Fulham’s draw with Southampton on 26 December while self-isolating after a member of his household tested positive.

Saturday, January 2, 2021

TR

UT H

& RE A S O

N

Price: N250

MISSILE

ECWA to Buhari

“There is no denying the fact that Nigeria under Buhari is now a centre of bloodshed. Killings, banditry, kidnappings and all forms of insecurities are now the order of the day. The president should face the job for which he swore to do and fulfill his campaign promises, secure the country and make life better for all Nigerians” – The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) telling the federal government to address concerns raised by Bishop Hassan Kukah, rather than intimidating him.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

2020: The Year We Should Delete If Possible

F

ellow Nigerians, the year 2020 started for most people on an upbeat note. It was the same for me. True, we had heard late in December 2019 into early January 2020 of the corona virus that was plaguing and affecting a small part of China, but we all paid virtually little or no heed to it.

Little did we know that it would soon grow into a monstrously terrible scourge that would terrorise and terrify the entire planet and change the world we live in forever. I digress though from events that heralded the New Year, 2020, for me as for most of us. I vividly remember getting so many phone calls and text messages wishing me “Happy New Year”, a familiar refrain by now for this period in any year. It is always difficult knowing what would happen generally in the new year, especially in a country as complex and complicated as Nigeria. Nonetheless, as usual, it was a matter of hoping against hope.

We were particularly optimistic because it was the double double year, twenty twenty after the miraculous four by four election of 2019! Surely Nigeria was entitled to dream of double good news and double miracles after the woeful years that had been the last decade.

The first three months were fast paced for me.

Some trips crisscrossing Lagos, Accra, Istanbul, London, Lagos, Abuja, Lagos, Accra, Istanbul, London and Lagos, essentially on business. The next quarter was designed for trips to England, Nigeria, Portugal and Turkey. I started out from London to Lagos to attend the nuptials involving our niece, Dr Abisola Seriki, and Mr Abiodun Awojobi. Bisola is the daughter of Toyin Seriki, my wife Bolaji’s older sister.

The first leg was the traditional engagement ceremony in Lagos and the climax was to be the glamorous white wedding in Vilamoura, Algarve, Portugal. Everything seemed set. My Friend and usual travel companion on trips like this, Damola Aderemi and I were booked to return to London after Bisola and Biodun’s wedding in the Algarve and then head to Istanbul for the 50th birthday ceremony of our younger friend and brother, Mr Ayo Animashaun, the Chairman of Hip TV. All flights and hotels were dutifully confirmed. In between, I had gone to Oxford to register for my Fellowship. I had dropped my luggage at the hotel where I stay whenever in Oxford. I must say that I live more in my suitcases than in my respective homes in Lagos, London and Accra as I hop around the world from one destination to another.

Anyway, like a thief in the night, although we had been forewarned by now, COVID-19 struck in all its might, glory and splendour.

Powerful countries, government and Emperors were caught napping and not just made to bow before this superior unseen, invisible but deadly adversary and foe. They were left cowed, on their knees and, for the most times, supine in supplication as they scurried about searching for deliverance. Everyone had been visionless, blind and blind-sided to this ravaging, rampaging virus that was taking no prisoners. The seers had seen naught, nothing! The Prophets had not prophesied or predicted this pandemic, not even in uninterpretable tongues. It was all so sudden. Governments reacted in knee jerk uncoordinated and hurried fashion. They imposed lockdowns, shut down air spaces and the era of the palliatives began as the people began to feel the brunt and effect of the drastic measures various governments were putting in place to protect them from this faceless menace.

Nigeria was no exception. First it shut down its international airspace and then it halted even its domestic flights. The lockdown was complete, and all travel plans were abandoned. The target was to ensure that one stayed safe. The prayer

Atiku became simply that God should keep us alive. All my travel plans were aborted by the awesome ferocity of the corona virus pandemic. I had no choice in the matter. The joke now is that Dele Momodu, the erstwhile “Ajala Travel” has since March 2020 when I left England, been practically stranded in Nigeria by the force and might of COVID-19, apart from a few recent trips to Accra. I find it difficult to believe that I have not travelled beyond Ghana in almost ten months. But that is the gospel truth.

It has been a classic example of “man proposes, God disposes!” I find it hard to recollect when last I stayed one month at a stretch, talk less of ten months, and still counting in any one place. As I write this, new reports are coming in from different parts of the world about the resurgence of the pandemic which seems to be coming back with a renewed vigour and vengeance in new strains. Simply put, it seems I’m in Africa for the foreseeable future and until further notice. So be it.

I was seriously looking forward to my 60th

birthday on May 16, 2020. I had booked a beautiful venue for the fantastic fun-filled celebration I had planned on Victoria Island. Turning 60 is a big deal in this part of the world. My friends and I were ready to boogie down and celebrate the extraordinary life that God has chosen to bless me with. Many had booked their flights to Lagos from all continents. Please, don’t forget that I’m in the entertainment business specialising in making people happy and so others had also planned to make my day so fantastic and special.

So, we planned and expected it to be. But it wasn’t meant to be. A mean tiny invisible virus was going to change all that and ruin the rest of the year for mankind.

Thus, I stayed put in Lagos, stupefied by tale after tale of premature and sudden deaths. On a regular day, we lack good medical facilities in Nigeria. Now our shortcomings, incompetence and inexperience in dealing with disasters and disaster management were brought into the fore.

Imagine that in the days of great tribulations, Nigerians had the least number of beds and ventilators in any country of our size and population. Emergency isolation centres were hurriedly built, a result of our short-sightedness and lack of planning. Since the new sickness in town was likely to affect the rich and famous faster than the poor, billions of Naira poured in like flood water. How I wished we had spent such on building world class hospitals instead of makeshift sheds! But anyway, many good people responded pronto to the clarion call.

How Government utilised, by mismanagement, ineptitude and grand larceny, the funds provided in good faith, in a cavalier, shoddy and dastardly manner, so that the entire benefit was lost, is a story for another day.

The lockdown was devastating. It got so bad many people grumbled aloud that hunger was likely to kill faster than the demonic virus. Many lost their jobs, or salaries, or both. We had to learn new ways and tricks of doing business and staying relevant. We embraced body and soul the virtual meeting revolution. Everything became a matter of being done or achieved remotely.

My 60th birthday celebration was an eye opener. We had a one of its kind virtual party

and it was a big bang. In retrospect, I’m happy the original party did not hold as planned. My very dear friends and Brothers, Ayo Animashaun, Iyiola Ayoade, Wale Oluwaleimu, Mike Effiong, Ben Osei, Adeyemi Asheperi and the crew from Hip TV and Ovation Media Group put in their collective wealth of expertise and experience and achieved a monumental success. The job was made easier by Pastor Ituah Ighodalo and his team who packaged a super service of praise and worship. They showed uncommon class.

And the event was live for hours in over 40 countries, courtesy of Hip TV’s Ayo Animashaun and the giant broadcasting company DSTV. How can I ever forget the Spirit of Africa who does not like to be thanked but I read somewhere that ingratitude is a sin. I’m eternally grateful.

Oh my God! We lost many friends. Others survived but with scars of the deadly scourge etched on their souls. One of the biggest tragedies struck when my own adopted Sister, Mrs Ibidunni Ighodalo, died suddenly barely weeks after my birthday. The loss of a young person is always sad and devastating. When one is as ubiquitous, vibrant, generous of spirit and as faithful as Ibidun, then the sense of that loss is greatly multiplied. Her passing was one of my most unhappy and despondent moments this year.

For months, we remained at home. I was fortunate to put on my thinking cap and decided to join the new rave, the Instagram live sessions.

My extensive contacts came in handy and my sessions were much sought after. This kept me going and we must be thankful to technology and my ability to adjust myself to situations and challenges.

I also buried myself in my library and read voraciously. As they often say, “every disappointment is a blessing” and I was determined to beg God to let me go through this unfortunate saga as smoothly as possible and with no pain or sadness.

What a year it has been for us all... That horrific year has passed, eventually. We pray never to experience anything as nearly bad ever again.

If possible, we should just delete it and pretend it never existed. Happy new year.

Ghana and Its Post-Election Troubles I have tried to refrain from commenting directly on the recent general elections in Ghana for one major reason, my well-known friendship with the Leader of the Opposition, and Presidential candidate of the NDC, former President John Dramani Mahama. After nearly four weeks of keeping mute, I’m now ready to say a few things about one of my favourite countries on earth.

I first encountered Ghana in 1995, on my way to exile in England. Since then, I have been in endless love with the old Gold Coast. My love for Ghana can be explained as being primarily due to the general peace and tranquillity it offers residents and visitors alike.

That peace is now being threatened, and almost shattered, because of a voting exercise that was perfectly conducted, but a collation that seemed hurriedly and pathetically muddled up in order to satisfy nefarious ends. I won’t engage in the argument of who won or lost. I will simply limit myself to a few of the very obvious reasons the Opposition has refused to accept the final results as packaged and released by the Electoral Commission of Ghana, and now in court to seek justice.

The errors admitted to by the electoral

body itself are incredibly pathetic, horrendous and disgraceful. They are schoolboy errors in this age of modernity and technology. The errors have been corrected several times, but it seems like the Electoral Commission has lost its senses of Arithmetic, not to mention Mathematics. The figures are simply refusing to add up and they are sinking deeper and deeper into the cesspit of ridiculousness and downright ignominy.

The problems now are these: how can you admit to your own mistakes and insist the victim of your poor judgment should go to court to rectify your own gross error and misdeeds? Is it not easier for you to sit down and iron out the grey areas and correctly fill in the gaps instead of sending the victims on wild goose chases? Why was the Electoral Commission in such a mad rush to declare and gazette some majorly flawed and loudly rejected results? Is the electoral body a victim of hypnotism and executive pressure that it prefers to ruin its own reputation after conducting a generally peaceful voting exercise? Why could it not add up the results of what was a good exercise until collation without resorting to

the monumental errors that it now appears to admit but will do nothing about? Why are they refusing to meet with the opposition party to properly engage and deal with this matter? And why are the security forces being used to intimidate the opposition members in a country which guarantees free speech and peaceful protests? Where is democracy in Ghana headed?

There are far too many unanswered questions. The media has also been accused of gross complicity in the grand conspiracy to deny many Ghanaians of the dividends of their hard-earned Democracy. The Fourth Estate of the Realm which should defend the rights of the people, particularly their democratic freedoms have become partisan and caught up in political manoeuvring and machinations. What a pity!

It is distressing that barely four years after Ghana enjoyed a smooth transition and was hailed by the entire world as a beacon of hope for the solidification of democratic institutions, principles and norms in Africa, the same country is now embroiled in election brouhaha! Let us pray for peace because Ghana deserves our prayers at this sad moment...

Printed and Published in Lagos by THISDAY Newspapers Limited. Lagos: 35 Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos. Abuja: Plot 1, Sector Centre B, Jabi Business District, Solomon Lar Way, Jabi North East, Abuja .

All Correspondence to POBox 54749, Ikoyi, Lagos. EMAIL: editor@thisdaylive.com, info@thisdaylive.com. TELEPHONE Lagos: 0802 2924721-2, 08022924485. Abuja: Tel: 08155555292, 08155555929 24/7 ADVERTISING HOT LINES: 0811 181 3085, 0811 181 3086, 0811 181 3087, 0811 181 3088, 0811 181 3089, 0811 181 3090. ENQUIRIES & BOOKING: adsbooking@thisdaylive.com