SATURDAY 6TH ARCH 2021 by THISDAY Newspapers Ltd

COVID-19: Health Workers Take First Shots as Vaccination Begins Boss Mustapha: Nobody is safe until everyone is vaccinated Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja COVID-19 vaccination commenced in Nigeria yesterday with frontline healthcare workers in Abuja taking the first shots from the

first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines that arrived in the country last Tuesday. The elaborate ceremony was held at the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja. The Secretary to the

Government of the Federation and Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha kicked off the exercise on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari. The vaccination ceremony

was graced by the Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, FCT Minister Mohammed Musa Bello, Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire and representatives of donor agencies. The President

of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, was represented by Senator Ibrahim Oloriegbe. Dr. Ehanire disclosed that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) had

certified the vaccine safe for use in Nigeria. He said the certification came in the early hours of yesterday, ahead of the Continued on page 5

Stop Demanding Amnesty for Bandits, Query Them for Killings, Masari Tells Gumi… Page 5 Saturday 6 March, 2021 Vol 26. No 9463

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Secure Nigeria in 5 Weeks, Buhari Charges New Service Chiefs Irabor: We will experience peace again Deji Elumoye in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor and the three

service chiefs in very plain terms that they have just few weeks to adequately secure the nation. This is just as the CDS promised to overhaul the

nation's security apparatus with a view to ensuring peace and tranquility across the country. The President who spoke at the State House, Abuja after

decorating the CDS with his new rank as four-star General and the service chiefs as three-star generals, charged the newly appointed service chiefs to speed up their actions

in freeing the country from the current state of insecurity. He said: “During our four-hour security meeting, on Tuesday, I had taken the responsibility as Commander-

in-Chief for you to go out into the field and secure the country. You have got a few weeks to do that because by Continued on page 5

2023: Jonathan Fails to Rule Himself Out, Says Reported Interest Mere Speculation Declares Buhari not sleeping over insecurity Charles Ajunwa in Lagos and Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba Though, former president Goodluck Jonathan yesterday debunked media speculations about his rumoured interest in the 2023 presidential election, he failed to emphatically rule himself out of the race. The former president described media reports linking him to the 2023 presidential election as merely speculative, saying his preoccupation was "to continue to serve God, humanity, Africa and the world" to the best of his ability and with sincere commitment. Jonathan gave the clarifications when he led a delegation of politicians from Bayelsa State on a condolence visit to the Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, at Government House Asaba, on the death of his father, Sir Arthur Okorie Okowa. Analysts said Jonathan only declared media reports about his interest as speculative and Continued on page 5

ENTERS GENERAL IRABOR... L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor; his wife Victoria and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, during the decoration of the CDS with his new rank of General by President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja... yesterday godwin omoigui

SATURDAY MARCH 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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͹

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Stop Demanding Amnesty for Bandits, Query Them for Killings, Masari Tells Gumi Says majority of herders living in forest today are bandits Francis Sardauna ÓØ ËÞÝÓØË Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has lampooned the renowned Islamic Scholar Sheikh Abubakar Ahmad Gumi over his call on the federal government to grant amnesty to bandits terrorising communities in the North-west, saying the cleric should preach the implications of killing people to the outlaws and not amnesty. The governor, who spoke to THISDAY yesterday in Katsina, was visibly disturbed by the nefarious activities of the brigands in his state, explaining that majority of herders living in adjoining forests in Katsina and other neighbouring states in the region were bandits and that government should treat them as criminals. Masari, in the interview with THISDAY, also said Gumi should focus on educating the marauding bandits on the importance and value of their own religion rather than trying to persuade government to grant amnesty to

the thieves, whom he said had killed many innocent Nigerians and destroyed properties across the region. Sheikh Gumi, who in recent time met with different groups of bandits in their enclaves in Niger, Zamfara and Kaduna States, had called on the federal government to grant amnesty to the terror-bandits who have for long created tension and climate of fear in the North. According to the Islamic cleric, dialogue and compensation of the bandits remained the only option that could end the spate of banditry, insurgency and other heinous crimes orchestrated by Fulani militias and insurgents in the country. But Masari, during the interview said: "Amnesty for who? Look Gumi is doing it in 2021, we did it in 2016. At least there is something to learn from us. When we started the dialogue in 2016, 95 per cent of the herders living in the forest were not criminals but what is the situation today? Majority of

the herders living in the forest today are bandits. "Gumi should have been preaching to them on the fear of God; to understand the implications of killing somebody but certainly not amnesty because even animals are not allowed to be killed unjustly let alone human beings. He should also let the bandits know the value of their own religion." Masari lamented that some bandits who accepted amnesty betrayed his government and became enemies of the state, and that were among those fuelling insecurity in Katsina and other states within the North-west zone. Consequently, he vowed not to grant amnesty to bandits again, adding that his government was betrayed on two occasions after they were granted pardon in 2016 and 2019. He added: "For me, I am not surprised because I did it before, twice, so what they (bandits) are telling Gumi is not new to me. They said it and they will continue to say it but

concretely they are not promoting any ideology. "Are we all happy in Nigeria? Does it mean those who are unhappy would take arms against other people? They (bandits) kept on saying they are being marginalised, how many people are marginalised and neglected in Nigeria today? Look my friend, a thief is a thief and a criminal is a criminal. They are criminally- minded and can't justify killing innocent souls." Masari also debunked insinuations that residents had deserted over 20 villages and communities in Faskari and Sabuwa local government areas following persistent attacks, saying only those living in the fringes of the forests relocated to safer towns. He noted that few villages in the two local governments were facing frequent invasions by the bandits but their nasty act would not deter his government from restoring peace and normalcy in the affected areas. He said: "It is not true. Yes,

some villages are affected but not 20. Faskari in particular and to some extent Sabuwa local governments have been under persistent attacks by bandits but I don't think the number of villages or communities affected are up to 20. "We are working daily to restore normalcy in villages and communities affected by the activities of bandits. The residents of those communities were just forced out of their places; their farms and natural abodes are there so they cannot have meaningful life living outside those areas." Masari added: "Any village that is attacked, we normally send our officials to make assessment and offer immediate relief. We have distributed relief materials to victims in Faskari, Safana, Danmusa and we also provide financial supports for the displaced families." The governor said his government would adopt workable security measures for immediate reopening of all

boarding schools across the state, stressing that government would not be defeated by bandits. This, he said, was borne out of his administration's resolve to ensure the safety of children everywhere, especially within the school environment, from incessant attacks by bandits and kidnappers. Masari said: "We are working on the physical security of the school hostels across the state and we have not completed that. We are fully securing the dormitories with all what you can think of. It is after the completion of securing the dormitories that we can say we have taken what is humanly possible to provide the security and return the students to boarding schools. "We cannot allow ourselves to be defeated and our children must go back to school as soon as possible. In fact, all the security arrangements will be completed in two weeks." Read full interview on page 23

2023: JONATHAN FAILS TO RULE HIMSELF OUT, SAYS REPORTED INTEREST MERE SPECULATION failed to unequivocally rule himself out of the 2023 race. One analyst who pleaded for anonymity remarked: “Jonathan did not declare that he would never run again for Nigeria’s highest office. That was what he would have said if he was not interested. That did not happen. He only addressed media report and did not rule himself out. He is being tactical. So, Jonathan is still in the race.” There were speculations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was considering fielding Jonathan in the next general election to serve a single term, having served one term as president on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The rumour was fuelled by the visit of some APC governors to the ex-president in Abuja during his birthday last year. Jonathan, who took over power as the President of

Nigeria in May 2010 after the death of then President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, contested the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the PDP and won, but lost the 2015 presidential election to the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the APC. The former president, however, took the opportunity of the visit to Okowa to solicit for a new spirit of synergy among stakeholders in Nigeria in order to douse the worrisome level of insecurity in the country. It is obvious that the insecurity challenge is giving Mr. President, the governors and all wellmeaning Nigerians sleepless nights, he noted, saying that such concerns should motivate the stakeholders to act decisively in order to get over this phase in our national life. Specifically, the ex-president called on President Muhammadu Buhari, state governors, the

armed forces and other security chiefs, traditional rulers, as well as other stakeholders, to synergise and de-escalate tension created by the prevailing atmosphere of insecurity across the country. He decried the situation where innocent school children and numerous citizens were being kidnapped and used as bargaining tools by ransomseeking crminals under different guises. Jonathan said, "I believe that with the commitment of the governors and the federal government, we will be able to address the issue of insecurity in the country. "I believe that the President himself is not sleeping and that the governors are not sleeping as well over the insecurity challenge in the country. "As long as the governors, the president and all the security agencies can work together, Nigeria will be able to cross

over this very ugly phase of societal evolution." Nevertheless, Jonathan said he was impressed by the efforts of President Buhari in halting the spate of insecurity in the country, calling on Nigerians to join hands in making the country safe for all. He commended Governor Okowa for his giant strides in human capital and infrastructural development, saying that he was impressed with the visible landmark achievements so far recorded by the Okowa administration in Delta State. On the demise of his father, Jonathan urged Okowa and his siblings to continue to promote their father's enviable records and legacies as an honour to his memory of a life well spent. Responding, Okowa thanked the former president for identifying with the family on the passage of their patriarch, saying that they were consoled

by the fact that their father died in Christ. He said that a thanksgiving service for late Pa Okowa had been fixed for August 21, 2021, saying that the ceremony would be a platform to appreciate God for giving them a good father. Okowa said, "My father was truly a school teacher and impacted a lot in our various communities and eventually he became a church leader and was very effective in the Anglican Communion. "He was also a politician; people don't actually know that but he actually groomed me in my early days in politics and he was always there to offer me advice on what best to do. He was truly a strong pillar behind me in my early political days." Okowa used the opportunity to appreciate the former president for being a good ambassador of the nation to the world and urged him to continue to be a

father to the people of Niger Delta, Nigeria and Africa. He equally lauded Jonathan for his role in the establishment of Maritime University in Okerenkoko, Warri South West Local Government Area of the state which, according to him, has engendered peace in the Niger Delta. "We must thank you for the various roles you have played and for being a good ambassador of Nigeria outside office and we pray that God will continue to be supportive of the roles that you will play for the betterment of our nation, West Africa and African Union. "We appreciate your fatherly role even within our own South-South region; and, I must actually use this opportunity to thank you for the establishment of the Maritime University in Okerenkoko because that actually did bring peace to us as a state," Okowa said.

the end, endanger their lives. He stated that the vaccines were very sensitive life-saving commodity and that the only authorsed source was the federal government that had signed indemnity with the manufacturers. A family physician at the National Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Cyprian Ngong, became the first health worker to receive the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria. Dr Ngong was administered the historic jab by the Executive Director, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib. Other health workers, who were touted for saving more than 10,549 lives at the COVID-19

isolation centre at Gwagwalada, were also given the historic AstraZeneca vaccine jabs. They included a family physician, Dr. Nuhu Sambodeen, Chief Nursing Officer, National Hospital, Mrs Faith Eragbai and Dr. Tahir Yunusa. Dr. Ngong, who incidentally lost his father to an apparent COVID-19 complication, spoke on behalf of the other recipients. He demystified the conspiracy theories about COVID-19 as uninformed, while urging the public to avail themselves for vaccination. He also declared that his father would not have died from the exposure to the virus if a vaccine had arrived much earlier than now.

he said. Answering questions after the decoration exercise, General Irabor promised to deliver on the few weeks the President gave them to secure the nation saying, "that is a matching order that Mr. President has given to us and we will work assiduously to achieve that." He also assured that security fears will soon become a thing of the past among Nigerians: "We can't

live in fear and we will ensure that whatever brings fear to Nigerians before now will be a thing of the past." Asked what he and the service chiefs would be doing differently from what their predecessors did, the Defence Chief said they would follow their instructions to the subordinates with action.

COVID-19: HEALTH WORKERS TAKE FIRST SHOTS AS VACCINATION BEGINS vaccine’s launch in Abuja. Ehanire who disclosed that the launch would have been cancelled if the agency did not give the final go-ahead, added that the vaccine underwent a 48-hour test after arriving the country on Tuesday March 2. He said: “The long-awaited day is here in which Nigerians can now join the global community to be vaccinated against the dreaded COVID-19 virus." The health minister warned against any foul play from the people tasked with the vaccination exercise, stressing that any infraction that embarrassed Nigeria would attract heavy sanctions. Ehanire also stated that the vaccination exercise must be done

in accordance with the guidelines as clearly stipulated by Ministry of Health. The minister said pregnant women and persons under the age of 18 “are ineligible to take the vaccine except where it is medically advised otherwise as a result of underlining ailment.” Mustapha saluted the professionalism and heroic nature of the healthcare workers, for being in the frontline and the last line of defence against the virus by laying down their lives in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and treatment centres for the cause of the people who contracted the virus. “The human activities that culminated in the arrival, authorisation and distribution

of vaccines have shown that humanity, when working for a common goal and unity of purpose, possess the capacity to achieve a lot. This is more so because the virus spread around all countries and territories of the world with alarming speed, recorded millions of infections and fatalities, without discrimination on the basis of sex, creed, tribe, language and even status. “For us in Nigeria and indeed, nations of the world, the lessons to be drawn from this lack of discrimination by the virus, are numerous,” Mustapha said. The SGF urged Nigerians to approach the vaccines phase with unity of purpose and understand that nobody is safe until everyone

is vaccinated. He also asked them to recognise that vaccine hesitancy would impact negatively on their lives and those of loved ones, if allowed to fester. He said they must demonstrate at all times that this is war of Non Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) and vaccines for the survival of everyone. He described the ceremony as the beginning of a well-detailed vaccination plan that will reach every eligible Nigerian over 2021 and 2022, when government is hoping to have covered over 70 per cent of Nigerians and achieve herd immunity. The SGF urged Nigerians not to patronise fraudsters who are out to defraud, get rich and in

SECURE NIGERIA IN 5 WEEKS, BUHARI CHARGES NEW SERVICE CHIEFS the rainy season, we expect people to develop confidence and go back to the land, so that we don’t get into trouble by being away from the field and therefore unable to produce enough food for the nation.” President Buhari told the service chiefs to see their appointments, clearance and decoration as a vote of confidence on them: “For those of you that

have been confirmed by this ceremony, the decoration, in front of your spouses, is a further confidence loudly expressed on you on behalf of the nation, to respond to the insecurity the country is in, and the nation looks up to you for rapid relief.” He assured them of his firm support as they deliver on their responsibilities saying, “I have accepted responsibility for your

actions in the field; it’s up to you to identify your competent officers irrespective of seniority and paper qualification and deploy them to make sure that we secure this country. “We all look forward to you to perform and I, as the Commander-in- Chief, I am backing you hundred per cent, and I expect you to effectively deploy your officers and men

to secure the country.” Responding on behalf of the service chiefs, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor assured the President that they will not fail in their responsibilities as the mandate is clear. “Nigeria will have peace again. Based on the mandate, we will address all issues, working with all other security organisations,”

Continued on page 16

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

NEWS Obasanjo Celebrates at 84, Narrates His COVID: 19 Story

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

CDS promises Nigerians lasting peace Kayode Fasua ÓØ ÌÏÙÕßÞË

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday marked his 84th birthday with a colloquium at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State. Also for the first time, the former President disclosed that he once tested positive to the dreaded Coronavirus and survived. He said he was relieved 72 hours later when subsequent tests came out negative. The colloquium, which took place simultaneously both online and offline had as its topic, ‘Reflection on Governance and Changes for Post-pandemic Leadership in Africa’, with hundreds of people in Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Singapore and Nigeria participating virtually. On his COVID-19 scare, Obasanjo said: “It will surprise you that I was tested positive for COVID-19. I called them to come and test me, they came on a Saturday, I didn’t get the result until Wednesday and it came out positive but I didn’t see any symptoms.“They came three days after they tested me and said I am negative – that is three days after I tested positive.” He said he was a bit concerned about it and had to call his daughter, Dr. Iyabo Obasanjo-Bello, that he was not having any symptom but had COVID-19 test from sample extracted from him reading positive. The elder statesman said Iyabo’s verdict was that the result might be faulty and required further tests. According to him, subsequent tests 72 hours later, all certified him negative to the Coronavirus. “Since then, I have tested three times negative; so, if you want to come near me, you can come near me. It is nothing to worry about, when I was tested positive, my household was running from me, I told them to stay in their place while I stay in mine.” Obasanjo therefore, advised people not to be afraid to come quite close to felicitating with him on his birthday because of the dread of COVID-19 infection, saying he had tested negative three times. “God has continued to be compassionate and merciful to Nigeria and the rest of Africa; if the Coronavirus had come in the manner of Ebola in Africa with its devastation, no amount of social or physical distanc-

ing would have saved the continent. “I wondered how much social distancing requirement would have been able to accomplish in Mushin, Lagos, where eight people live in one room or Ajegunle, also in Lagos, where no fewer than 10 people occupy 12 by 12 room,” he said. On why the pandemic did not wreak havoc in Africa like it did in America, Europe and Asia, Obasanjo said many had attributed Africa’s luck to genetics, heat and peculiar food in the environment, but stressed that “for whatever might be the plausible explanation, God’s finger cannot be ruled out.” He also lamented that the Coronavirus spread to many nations of the world was because the United States under the administration of former President Donald Trump was passive in addressing the public challenge. “Trump spent all his time dismissing the danger as Chinese virus until it became a global problem,” he recalled. Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has felicitated with Obasanjo on the occasion of his 84th birthday. Dr. Jonathan described Chief Obasanjo as a sincere patriot and thanked God for his life and all the great things he has achieved. In a goodwill message he personally signed, former President Jonathan said: “As you mark this occasion of your 84th birthday, I join your family, friends and well-wishers to thank Almighty God for a fulfilling and highly eventful life. “You are a sincere patriot who has sacrificed so much for the growth and development of our dear country. Your leadership both as a military Head of State and President at different periods produced landmark achievements in uniting and deepening the bond that holds together our diverse country.” Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State also sent a warm birthday greetings to the former President, describing him as “Nigeria’s most authentic living statesman.” The Abia governor extolled the leadership quality of a man “whose life’s oddysey has become an invaluable source of history.” He stated that the former president has lived for Nigeria and given the best of

COVID-19: 371 New Cases Recorded

Nigeria recorded 371 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 158,042 with 137,025 discharged and 1954 deaths.

his years to the sustenance of the unity and democratic development of our country with the very exceptional privilege of serving as both a military and democratically

elected leader The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also saluted Obasanjo at 84. The PDP in a statement by the National Publicity

Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan described President Obasanjo as a patriotic leader, global figure and exceptionally energetic administrator, who has made immeasur-

able contributions, both as a military leader and as democratically elected President, for the survival, unity, stability and development of the nation.

OBASANJO AT 84… L-R Chief Doja Adewolu; Mrs Bisi Kolapo; wife of Olowu of Owu, Olori Bosun Dosunmu; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo and Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburee Babajide Bakre, during Obasanjo’s 84th birthday celebration held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta …yesterday.

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Falana Dismisses Renewed Allegation of Buying Seized Property Festus Akanbi

Lagos lawyer and former President of the West Africa Bar Association (WABA), Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), yesterday dismissed what he described as repackaged allegation that he bought an Abuja property allegedly recovered by the Pension Reform Taskforce for N1 billion in 2015. The fiery lawyer, who insisted the allegation was merely being renewed after past attempts could not be substantiated, said in a statement that he had never bought any property from the federal government including the controversial property in Maitama, Abuja. In the statement made available to THISDAY, Falana said, “My attention has just been drawn to the renewed version of the lie to the effect that the same

property lying and being at 42, Gana Street, Maitama District, Abuja, allegedly recovered by the Pension Reform Task Force was valued at N6,000,000,000.00 (Six Billion Naira) but sold to me for N1,000,000,000.00 (One Billion Naira) sometime in 2015.” Explaining that the property was never recovered by the Pension taskforce, the senior advocate, who challenged the federal government to forfeit the alleged N1 billion purportedly paid by his law firm if it was discovered that he truly paid for the property stated: “I wish to say, without any fear of contradiction, that the property in question was never recovered by the Presidential Pension Task Force. “It is on record that the property was used as collateral by the owner, A. Group Properties

Limited a loan from Bank PHB in 2008. When the owner of the property defaulted in the payment of the loan it was taken over by the Asset Management of Nigeria (AMCON) via an order of interim forfeiture. “However, in an attempt to liquidate the loan, the owner of the property wanted to sell it. My law firm agreed to buy the property for N250,000,000 (Two hundred and Fifty Million Naira). But we withdrew from the transaction due to the delay in resolving the case. Up till now, the case is still pending at the Federal High Court. A copy of the order of interim forfeiture of the property granted in favour of AMCON is hereby attached. “In the light of the foregoing, I challenged the Federal Government to proceed to forfeit the alleged N1 billion purportedly

paid by me and recover the property if it established that it was recovered by the Pension Task Force.” Falana also recalled that damaging stories on him were sponsored in online and in traditional news medium, especially in April 2017. According to him, none of the allegations could be proved.He said, “Sometime in April, 2017 an online medium, sponsored by the Federal Government, claimed falsely that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had handed over a property confiscated from a former governor of Bayelsa State, the Late Chief D.S.P Alamieyesigha to me. The malicious publication was dismissed when it was revealed that all confiscated properties from the ex-governor had been handed over to the Bayelsa State Government by the EFCC.”

Fight against Corruption Will be Intelligence-driven, Says Bawa, New EFCC Chair Kingsley Nwezeh ÓØ ÌßÔË

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, yesterday officially assumed duties with a pledge to steer the organisation towards proactive and intelligence-led investigation. Bawa, who took over the reins of office at the headquarters of the commission in Abuja, said he would create a full-fledged directorate of intelligence that would spearhead intelligence gathering which would ensure proactive response in the fight against corruption. According to him, “we are going to digitalise our processes and we are going to create a new full-pledged directorate of intelligence to enable us gather intelligence so that we will be

proactive in our fight against economic and financial crimes and by so doing we will also provide the government with necessary quality advice that will lead to good governance.” The new EFCC boss promised a paradigm shift in the agency’s approach to anti-graft war from fighting corrupt persons to fighting corruption. “There is difference between fighting corruption and fighting corrupt people and going forward, we are going to be proactive in our approach in the fight against economic and financial crimes. “For our strategic partners across the shores of this country, we will continue to work together with you. We will continue to share intelligence to see that the stolen wealth of this country is returned for the

betterment of us all,” he said. Bawa affirmed that the antigraft agency would adhere to the rule of law. “But all of these, we will be doing it the way the EFCC is known to be doing its things. The provisions of the constitution of the country have always been and will always be our guide,” he said. The chairman also pledged to prioritise staff welfare, stressing that he would work on it and seek government’s support. “We know the problems and God willing, we are going to solve these problems,” he assured. Earlier in his handing over remarks, the out-going Acting Chairman of the Commission, Mohammed Umar Abba, congratulated the new chairman for a well-deserved appointment

and wished him well in his new assignment. “I am particularly delighted to be handing over the affairs of the commission to Bawa. He is an officer with whom I have enjoyed close working relationship and who contributed immensely to our collective efforts in the war against economic and financial crimes. “I have no doubt that he will do well. I enjoin all staff to accord him the same support that I have received over the last seven months,” he said. Umar, who also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for giving him the opportunity to lead the commission, albeit in acting capacity, disclosed that under his watch, the commission prosecuted 804 cases and obtained a total of 583 convictions.

SATURDAY MARCH 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ˾ ;, 2021

08054699539

The Agony in Sokoto and Buhari’s Misnomer

or years, Sokoto State was the most peaceful up North. It was immune from religious riot, kidnapping, banditry and all sorts of terrorism associated with most states in this region. I often remember my NYSC days in this once beautiful state with so much nostalgia. Back then, we frequently roved from one end of the state to the other, visiting co-NYSC members, from Ilela to Tangaza, to Gudu, Tureta, Sabon Birni and further. All these are now history. My beloved Sokoto is now one of the states under the servitude of Fulani militias, with unending stories of innocent people being killed and maimed. The last three years have been horrendous. The story of how the militias invaded Amarawa village, in Ilela Local Government Area, last Monday, killing and maiming, left me disconsolate. By the time the bastards departed the village, 10 persons had been killed, with scores injured. A wealthy Amarawa businessman was kidnapped during the operation. As at press time, his relatives were still battling to pay the ransom demanded by the militias. The guerrillas earlier visited Gwadabawa Local Government Area and whisked away the PDP local government chairman, Alhaji Nasiru Isah, whose whereabouts is yet to be ascertained. Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has to wake up, else Sokoto will join the inglorious club of states where Fulani militias carry out attacks on a daily basis. The situation in Ilela, Tangaza and Gudu is worrisome and calls for a proactive response. Fulani militias have established cells around these areas. That was why in May last year, the terrorists killed 60 people during attacks in Sabon Birni, Garki, Dan Aduwa, Kuzari, Katuma and Masawa. In September 2020, there was another bloody attack by the militias in Tangaza town and in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with a DPO and an Inspector killed in a police station in Tangaza. Scores of people were abducted in these LGAs. In June 2019, many people were killed by the militias in three communities in Rabah Local Government Area. The militias, over a hundred, raided Kalhu, Tsage and Geeri villages near Gandi and killed 25 persons. An Internally Displaced Persons camp emerged in Gandi after the June 2019 attacks. Back then, Tambuwal pledged that the government would take more measures to end the killings. Unfortunately, there has been no result in this direction. Tambuwal knows this. Sabon Birni, Rabah, Goronyo, Gwadabawa, Wurno and Illela LGAs are sporadically attacked. Some may argue that since Tambuwal does not control the security agencies, there is little he can do in terms of securing his people and ensuring that the state does not join the ugly club that has Katsina, Zamfara, Niger and Kaduna; that it would be difficult to hold him responsible for the security failings in the state. This is not totally correct. Constitutionally, Tambuwal is the Chief Security Officer of the state. As the CSO of

Tambuwal

this state, there is a lot he should be doing to ensure that the state does not join the club of militia-ravaged states. Before the security crisis in Sokoto State degenerates, Tambuwal must creatively perform his role as the CSO to protect his people by using his security vote wisely. Yes, security agents have performed poorly across the country in terms of taming terrorists, but Tambuwal can get them to perform some magic in his state, by properly motivating them with his security vote. He should work on the military bases in the state. This governor should also explore using hunters in the troubled local government areas to tackle the militias. Sokoto State must not be allowed to degenerate to the level of Zamfara, Katsina, Niger, and Kaduna states. On the flip side, the verbal responses of President Buhari to the spate of terrorism in the country are a bundle of contradictions. On the one hand, he pledges to protect Nigerians while on the other hand, we see statements asking people to protect themselves. While the Kagara boys were still in captivity, Buhari advised states and local governments to be more proactive by improving security around schools and their surroundings. After the release of the Kagari boys, our President reiterated his earlier advice to school owners, particularly the state and local governments, as well as religious organisations, to scale up security around their schools in line with the standards laid down by the UN-backed Safe School Programme of the administration. Is our President unaware of the enormity of the security challenge posed by the well-armed militias? What kind of security will school owners provide that will ward off a band of 200 AK-47-wielding terrorists? To what extent has his government implemented its so-called Safe School Programme? Instead of these languid statements, I will like to see our President issuing real performance targets with specific deadlines to heads of security agencies to end all forms

of terrorism in the country. The one issued yesterday was feeble. Again, Buhari should stop sending out “strong warning to the bandits and their sponsors”. He should stop directing security and intelligence agencies (on paper) in the country “to hunt down the culprits and bring them to justice.” How many Fulani militias, bandits and kidnappers have they brought to justice in almost six years? Nigerians are tired of press statements threatening militias. Many want to see the terrorists and their sponsors dealt practical solid blows; not blows with press statements. Claims by the Buhari government that security agents have hesitated in going for the jugular of kidnappers because of the fear of casualties of the abductees is preposterous. After the abduction of the Jangebe schoolgirls, the Buhari government remarked: “No criminal group can be too strong to be defeated by the government. The only thing standing between our security forces and the bandits are the rules of engagement. We have the capacity to deploy massive force against the bandits in the villages where they operate, but our limitation is the fear of heavy casualties of innocent villagers and hostages who might be used as human shields by the bandits.” This is a lame excuse. It is obviously not the reason for the failings of our security agents. If our special forces lack the capacity to rescue hostages with limited casualties, then Nigeria should seek help abroad. Recently, the Americans came into this country and neatly rescued one of their nationals in Sokoto State. However, I am convinced that our security agents have the capacity to burst the kidnappers but are being held back by Buhari’s ethnic considerations. This government has a lot of questions to answer in this direction. A lot of dark things will manifest after May 2023. Presidential statements on kidnappings issued in the last nine days have also tacitly confirmed ransom to kidnappers. Buhari appealed to state governments “to review their policy of rewarding bandits with money and vehicles,” warning that the policy might boomerang disastrously. He adds that “ransom will continue to prosper kidnapping.” It is an open secret that all levels of government, the federal government inclusive, pay ransom. So, what is our President talking about? The Dapchi girls and Kankara boys’ experiences are still fresh in our memories. The issue of rewarding militias who kidnap for ransom takes me again to Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle. It was the turn of Fulani militia, Zakoa Buhari, the son of dreaded kingpin, Tsoho Buhari, notoriously known as “Buharin Daji”, to be rewarded by Matawalle. It took place 10 days ago at the Zamfara State Government House. Zakoa Buhari and some of his men “repented” and surrendered some rickety weapons to Matawalle. After taking an oath with the Holy Quran in the presence of top Zamfara government officials, security operatives, and

New EFCC Boss as Malami’s Errand Boy

Malami

I just laughed when Buhari’s anticorruption adviser, Itse Sagay, said he was worried about the influence the AttorneyGeneral of the Federation/Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, may have on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission under the leadership of its new chair, Abdulrasheed Bawa. Sagay, who is the chair of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption is uncomfortable with the fact that Malami and Bawa share the same state of origin, a development which he said would not augur well for the smooth operations of the nation’s flagship anti-corruption agency. Sagay said his fear was further based on Malami’s antecedents of attempting to control the EFCC: “This issue is a very big question because I noticed that they both come from the same state of Kebbi and they may even be related. For me, that is not a very healthy thing because the chairman of

the EFCC and the EFCC are supposed to be independent.” I believe Bawa and Malami coming from the same state is not the main problem with this appointment. It is about our attorney general finally enthroning his stooge as EFCC Chairman. Unlike Sagay, I am not worried one bit, because I am not expecting anything special from Bawa. With his appointment, Malami has now taken full and direct charge of the EFCC. This attorney general of our country influenced the sack of Ibrahim Magu and single-handedly brought in Bawa. This is an open secret. Bawa is Malami’s boy and would report to him on a day to day basis. What we now have in the EFCC is a paddy paddy arrangement with an eaglet chairman. Malami is now running the show. Buhari’s broken vessel called war against corruption has now been cremated.

traditional rulers, the militias laid down their arms, vowing never to return to banditry. Of course, this was in exchange for good cash. Auwal Daudawa, who masterminded the abduction of over 300 students at Government Science Secondary School, Kankara, Katsina State, and five of his lieutenants, also surrendered some weapons to Matawalle about two weeks ago in exchange for cash. That is the charade that has been on in Zamfara State for almost two years; yet killings and abductions by Fulani militias persist. Just last Thursday, the militias abducted 60 women and children at Gidan Baushe village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. While leaving the village, they set many shops and foodstuffs on fire. So, what has Zamfara gained from Matawalle’s useless amnesty? The Zamfara State governor is evidently one of those rewarding militias with money and vehicles. It can only happen in Nigeria. This governor has made kidnapping lucrative. Somebody has to stop Matawalle. This is where Zamfara elders must come in. Nonstate actors become so powerful in a country when the government flops. This is what has been happening in Nigeria for almost six years now. This country has never been this mismanaged.

Arrest of Salihu Tanko Yakasai

Yakasai

The recent arrest and detention of Salihu Tanko Yakasai, the erstwhile media adviser to Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, by the Department of State Security was absolutely unnecessary. Arresting Salihu, because of his critical views on the raging insecurity in our country, shows lack of respect for our Constitution and the rule of law by the Buhari government. The DSS could not have carried out the sordid action without the express permission of powerful guys in the Villa. The culture of not tolerating contrasting views has to end in Nigeria. Freedom of expression is entrenched in our Constitution and anybody that feels aggrieved by another person’s comments should go to court. Salihu’s remarks that the ruling All Progressives Congress has failed Nigerians in the area of security is a fact. The activist, who was miffed by the abduction of the Jangebe girls, says the worsening insecurity situation in the country showed the APC-led government has failed in its primary responsibility of protecting the lives and property of the citizens. Salihu, one of the sons of elder statesman, Tanko Yakasai, added: “Clearly, we as the APC government, at all levels, have failed Nigerians in the number one duty we were elected to do which is to secure lives and property. Not a single day goes by without some sort of insecurity in this land. This is a shame! Deal with terrorists decisively or resign. Each time another tragedy happens, we lament, condemn, create hashtag, the government pretends to do something, no concrete steps to prevent reoccurrence, and then we repeat the process. To what end? Where are those saddled with the responsibility?” Salihu spoke the truth. Harassing him further reflects the failing of the Buhari government.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ MARCH 6, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY

Davido

Mya

Davido’s New Girl S Ferdinand Ekechukwu

even days y ago, g a video surfaced online showing g Nigerian g music superstar p David Adeleke aka Davido holding g hands with American model and actress, Mya y Yafai, as they stepped pp out together g for an event in Sint Maarten, a small Island in the Caribbean, which is p part of the Kingdom g of Netherlands. Shortly y after the video went viral, it was revealed that the new girl, g who previously p y dated American rapper, pp Katorah Hortense Marrero, professionally p y known as Young g MA, (Mya y is apparently pp y a bisexual) visited Davido in Nigeria g last December and also spent some time with him in Ghana in January. y During g that time, Ghanaian music star Stonebwoy y shot the video of his song, g “Activate” with Davido. Mya y testified that she enjoyed j y herself as she wrote on Instagram: g “I Love you y Africa”. A video on her Instagram g page p g froze some of her experiences, p including g a boat cruise on the Lagoon g and a drive round the upscale locale on Lagos

Island. In the video shared on Instagram g by y Mya, y she was spotted p having g fun with Davido and his crew, flew in his p private jjet and also had his song g “Holy y Ground”, in which he featured Nicki Minaj, playing y g in the background. g It is believed that ‘Holy y Ground’ was written for Mya y because it defined all about her p physique y and her tattoos. Mya y Yafai is of a mixed-race background g - Trinidad & Tobago g and Yemen. She is a radio p presenter and model based in Atlanta Georgia, g where she was born in 1998. Davido was born in Atlanta and owns a house there. She currently y has over 200,000 Instagram g followers and more than 4,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel. Mya’s y Instagram g is filled with p photos of her vacationing g in different parts p of the world, from Puerto Rico to Dubai, to Jamaica and many other places. p Few months back, Young g MA and Mya y were spotted getting up-close and personal on Instagram Live once. During g g an Instagram g Live session last Monday y night, g Young g MA was asked by y an overzealous fan about the video of her ex and Davido. The New York rapper, pp 28, who appeared pp unbothered, responded by saying she doesn’t care

“about that” and won’t blame her ex-girlfriend g over her decision, but advised her to get the ‘bag’ (money). y Davido is having g countless relationships p with other women aside his current fiancé, Chioma Rowland. To many, y it appears pp Davido has turned Chioma into another baby y mama, after being g spotted p since December with Mya. y Davido and Chioma, after a family y introduction in September p 2019, were expected p to get g married last year, y but the plan p was upended p by y the COVID-19 pandem p ic. The singer g in an interview said the wedding g would happen pp this y year. But various reports said the ceremony y may y not happen pp again. g Since the Davido/Mya y video made it to the internet, social media was agog, g g especially p y Twitter, as many y wondered if Davido is still engaged g g to his partner p Chioma. Davido and Chioma have long g been a ‘goals’ g relationship p for many y on Twitter, but fans aren’t so sure anymore. y Rumours of a split p between the p pair have been around for months now, after Chioma reportedly p y stopped pp wearing g her engagement g g ring. g Neither parties p spoke p on the rumours, leaving fans unsure of their relationship status.

SATURDAY MARCH 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

MARCH 6, 2020 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

MAGNIFICENT MANSIONS OF MELANCHOLY O. Jason Osai canvasses the need to build modest homes

wo decades ago, I visited an elder statesman in his magnificent mansion that can acquit itself even besides Ta Mahal. Set in sprawling surroundings that scream splendor, the edifice and its ambience speak volubly of life in public service in Nigeria where amoral familism is the norm; the setting certainly defies the legitimate means of income of a public servant no matter how high up in the bureaucratic hierarchy. Ushered into the interior, I was enthralled by the exquisite furniture of foreign fabrique, the finishing and fittings. The walls were adorned with portraits that are memorabilia; eloquent and voluble telltales of his social status and circuit. At the dining, I was taken in by the set of crockery that can stand up to the standards at House of Windsor. A guided tour of the house ended downstairs to which the couple relocated due to the strain of climbing upstairs. Naturally, rodents, wall gecko and lizards had taken residence up there; nature abhors vacuum. The scenario was serene, devoid of human presence other than his spouse and the Man Friday whose children made faint sounds from the gate house at a great distance. I could hear the haunting sound of silence, which was only punctuated by the chirpings of birds. Sinking into the comfort of a robust and cozy settee with a glass of vintage red wine in hand, we commenced conversation that almost lasted for eternity as one topic was consistently followed by another in quick succession in an obvious attempt to keep me as long as they could. When I took a sneak peek at my watch, my host pitifully confessed that they rarely get visitors any more and appealed that I should tarry a while; I acquiesced, naturally. Fast forward to 2020, the Man Friday and his family were the only human occupants of the compound. My host

IF PEOPLE WOULD LEARN FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS, THEY WILL BUILD MODEST HOMES AND APPLY THE REST OF THE STUPENDOUS RESOURCES PUT INTO THESE COMMERCIALLY UNVIABLE HOUSES TO BUILD FACTORIES THAT WOULD ENHANCE THE NATIONAL GDP

had transited a decade earlier and his wife is endlessly journeying and sojourning in the home of one daughter after another in and outside Nigeria. The house had become an albatross on the fragile neck of his children none of whom can afford to live in it. A purpose-built mansion that made a superlative statement of social status in a glorious past, the building does not have commercial value and it would be beneath the haughty image of the family to put a “For Sale” sign at the high gates or walls of the compound or to discretely advertise it in the “opendential” media. Even if they did, who will buy it? Who? The house became a magnificent mansion of melancholy. Now, hear this. Teleport into the near future, the landscape of the Nigerian rich will be generously littered with similar trophy houses at various stages of disuse. If people would learn from the experience of others, they will build modest homes and apply the rest of the stupendous resources put into these commercially unviable houses to build factories that would enhance the national GDP, generate muchneeded employment and leave behind a viable enterprise for enhanced financial stability of their successors. So I ask: What will happen if this state of consciousness is imbibed by the elite and rich of Nigeria? And if I may venture an answer: there will be numerous employment opportunities for the teeming population of unemployed youth thereby increasing the national GDP and reining in the excesses of insecurity. As we demand restructuring, we should endeavor to restructure our mindset. Is anyone listening? Anyone at all? “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Osai is Associate Professor, Rivers State University

CAN WE AFFORD BICAMERAL LEGISLATURE? It is expensive to operate, argues Eric Teniola

ovid-19 is ravaging our land and destroying the economy. In the mean time, the economy is under performing. The country has gradually continued to slip back. There is a shortfall on our oil revenue. Nigeria’s foreign capital inﬂow has sunk to 9.68 billion dollars, the lowest in four years. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says Nigeria’s economy is at “critical juncture” and has urged for VAT hike. The central government has hinted to fund the budget from other means apart from oil which is the country’s economic main stay. There is even a discussion by the government to commence the sale of assets in ten state owned corporations, a move that will generate about $800milion dollars. There is the urgent need for us to cut our coat to our cloth. If you cut your coat according to your situation, you limit what you do to the account of your resources. Action should suit circumstances or resources. Is there any need for us to sustain the bicameral system of legislature we are operating now? Bicameralism is the practice of having a legislature divided into two separate assemblies, chambers, or houses, known as a bicameral legislature. Bicameralism is distinguished from unicameralism, in which all members deliberate and vote as a single group. As of 2015, about 40% of world’s national legislatures are bicameral, and about 60% are unicameral. Bicameral system of legislature means running the Senate and House of Representative pari passu. Experts have listed the advantages and disadvantages of bicameral legislature. Bicameral legislatures make it possible for better laws to be made in the country, since bills are somewhat properly debated in bicameral legislature. It is difficult for the executive arm to dominate the two chambers, the second chamber of bicameral legislature reduces the work load of the upper house, Bicameral legislature makes room for equal and adequate representation of the people in a federal state. The second chamber of bicameral legislature checks and prevents hasty and ill-considered passage of bills unlike in the case of a unicameral legislature. The second chamber of a bicameral legislature corrects any faulty legislation coming from the first chamber. Bicameral legislatures protect the interests of minority groups. A bicameral legislature makes it possible for public opinion to be properly expressed on the issues concerned before bills are passed by delaying the bills in the two chambers. Bicameral legislatures result in division of labour in certain aspects of the functions performed by the legislature between the two legislative chambers. Bicameral legislatures create room for more politically and administratively

experienced people to be useful in the art of law making. The second chamber of bicameral legislature checks the excesses and guides against the tyranny or dictatorship of a one chamber. But the second chamber of bicameral legislature may be used as a dumping ground for political rejects at the polls if its membership is by nomination or appointment. A bicameral legislature encourages duplication of functions, since they perform the same function; bicameral legislatures waste a lot of public fund because the government will try to maintain the two legislative chambers and the paraphernalia that go with it; a bicameral legislature is not good for passing bills in times of emergency because of delays that result from having two chambers. Many legislators have to go through the bills before they are passed or carried out, bicameral legislatures lead to unnecessary rivalry as to which of the two houses is superior to the other; in a bicameral legislature, most of the members assigned in the second chamber are advanced in age and are mostly inactive, appointment rather than election of members of the upper house as it is done in Britain is undemocratic. Bicameral legislatures cause serious delay in the act of law making. In spite of all these advantages and disadvantages, can our economy sustain the Presidential system of government we are running now? Countries with unicameral governments include Armenia, Bulgaria, Denmark, Hungary, Monaco, Ukraine, Serbia, Turkey, and Sweden. Unicameral systems became more popular during the 20th century and some countries, including Greece, New Zealand, and Peru, switched from a bicameral to a unicameral. Ghana, our neighbour practices unicameral. That does not make these countries less democratic than we are. We are not discussing about the demerits of democracy for democracy has come to stay. What we are discussing is the reduction in the cost of governance. The Presidential System of government we are running is too expensive and it will lead us to know where. Look at our roads, hospitals, schools, etc., and all the infrastructural facilities we have, they are decaying because of the high cost of governance. Something has to be done in terms of reducing cost. Apart from bicameralism or unicameralism, there is also the need to address whether or not we can continue the Presidential System of government. The Presidential System of government has given wide powers to the centre. We are not discussing about the perpetual Constitution amendment

that has given opportunity to the deputy Senate President and the deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and members of their committees since 1999 to make some gains. We are discussing whether or not this Presidential System suits us. We adopted this system of government in haste. It was faulty. And that is why it is not working and it cannot work no matter how long we practice it. Certainly the Presidential System of government is not the major cause of our problems but it has worsened our crisis. No consultation with the people on the new adventure, no mandate of the people. The House has fallen but we can pretend that it has not. But we can still do something about it if we are determined. For example, since 1978, all countries in Latin America have either changed or replaced their constitutions. Why should our own be different? On March 19, 2011, a constitution referendum was held in Egypt. In April 1993, a referendum was held in Eritrea. Even Kenya has held three referendums on their constitution. There have been several referendums in Morocco, most of which were related to the Moroccan constitution. A constitution referendum was held in Bangladesh on September 15, 1991. The current constitution of Iraq was approved by referendum on October 15, 2005. The present constitution of the Philippines was approved via a plebiscite in 1987. We can quote many countries where there have been many constitutional referendums. Let’s take Chile as an example. There were jubilant scenes in Chile on October 26 last year according to a BBC report, after an overwhelming majority voted in support of rewriting Chile’s constitution, which dates to the military rule of Gen Augusto Pinochet. With almost all the ballots counted, 78% had voted “yes” in a referendum that was called after mass protests against inequality. President Sebastián Piñera praised the peaceful vote. He said it was “the beginning of a path that we must all walk together”. Right-wing President Piñera agreed in November 2019 to hold the referendum after a month of huge and almost daily protests across Chile which saw more than a million people take to the streets in the capital, Santiago. The protests, which had originally been triggered by a fare hike on the Santiago metro, drew a wide variety of Chileans who shared an anger about the high levels of inequality in Chile onto the streets. One of their key demands was to reform the old dictatorship-era constitution, which they argued entrenched inequalities by putting the private sector in control of health, education, housing and

pensions. The referendum, which was originally due to be held in April, was postponed to October due to the corona virus pandemic. The referendum asked Chileans two questions: firstly, if they wanted a new constitution, and secondly, what kind of body they would want to draw it up. With almost all the votes counted, more than 78% voted in favour of a new constitution. An overwhelming majority of 79% also voted in favour of the new constitution being drawn up by a body which will be 100% elected by a popular vote rather than one which would have been made up by 50% of members of Congress. President Piñera acknowledged that the current constitution had been “divisive” and urged Chileans to “work together so that the new constitution is the great framework of unity, stability and the future”. He also praised the democratic nature of the vote: “Today citizens and democracy have triumphed; today unity has prevailed over division and peace over violence. And this is a triumph for all Chileans who love democracy, unity and peace, without a doubt.” As the results came in, the word REBIRTH was projected onto a building in downtown Santiago. The new constitution will then be put to the Chilean people in another referendum in 2022. Let’s go back to how we adopted the Presidential system of government. After overthrowing General Yakubu Gowon in a Military coup, the then Head of State, Brigadier Murtala Mohammed, on July 30, 1975, announced that his government will come out with a political programme. On October 1, 1975, Brigadier Murtala Mohammed in a broadcast to the nation declared “One important subject before us is, of course, the question of a Political Programme. I promised in my last address to announce a programme, and the government has since then given considerable thought to this matter. The ultimate aim is to forge a viable political system, which will be stable and responsive enough to needs and realities of this country. This is not an exercise that begins and ends in the mere drafting of a constitution. Viable political institutions only emerge from hard experience and practice and the corporate experience of all is what matters. It is, therefore, my belief that our immediate task is to set the stage for this corporate effort to work on a new constitution. Whatever the outcome, the decision has to be made democratically, openly and by all. With this in mind, the Supreme Military Council has approved five programmes designed to ensure a smooth transition to civil rule by those elected by the people of the country”.

MARCH 6, 2020 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

At last...

President Yahaya Bello?

t seems Governor Yahaya Bello is serious about his rumored interest to contest in the 2023 presidential elections. On March 3, 2021, he convinced the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) and Northern Consensus Movement with their chairman from all the 36 states of Nigeria including the FCT to reach an agreement to end the food blockade to the south. On February 28, the governor met former President Olusegun Obasanjo. On February 26, he bagged the “Business Day Good Governance Award 2020” as Best Governor in Women and Youth Empowerment. On February 23, he received clergy men and women. On February 17, he received an award from the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN). On February 8, he made a daring attempt to bring back to the APC, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode. The big question is, does Bello have the capacity to be president in 2023? Has he done enough as governor of Kogi State to convince other Nigerians to vote for him? How about the quest to return power to the south, considering Bello is a northerner? Would he use his youthful advantage to win over Nigerians? If Yahaya wants to be president in 2023, he must use four factors as starting points. Firstly, he needs to showcase to Nigerians what he has achieved as governor of Kogi State. Secondly, he must convince southern politicians, why it should be him and not them, after eight years of a fellow northerner - Muhammdu Buhari. Thirdly, and the most difficult – convince the APC as party to give him its presidential ticket via support from the critical stakeholders and the ‘owners’ of the party. Governor Yahaya has done well in mobilization for the ongoing membership revalidation of the APC. Fourthly, and the last, he must convince his primary constituency, the north, to rally behind him. Some six years ago, Governor Yahaya, one of the youngest governors in Nigeria found himself in the saddle of responsibilities at a period when Nigerians’ quest for change was strong and people had high expectations from the leaders. It was a period most states, including Bello’s Kogi were witnessing near breakdown of most systems, high level of poverty, corruption, energy crisis, insecurity and the pitiable misrule. The Yahaya Bello I know during my short stay at the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), was not the Yahaya Bello as Governor of Kogi State. At RMAFC, he was at the Allocation Department, while I was at Planning, Research and Statistics. Well, we expect his return to the real him- a great thinker, a siliconvalley-thinker- a man who can move the government with the speed of the imagination of most Kogites. Bello still has ample time. He has a golden opportunity to redeem and relaunch his political career. Bello can as well choose to assert full authority and put a strong personal stamp on his government and go to sleep. Many young Nigerians had hope that, Yahaya as Governor would serve as a fulcrum for youths to prove that they

can lead in creative and innovative ways during a period of uncommon challenges. Has Yahaya proven that? Governor Yahaya has done well in his on rights, especially in the area of security. But his opponents said his non-payment of workers’ salaries as when due, which is a matter of life and death has rubbished all the areas where he has excelled. His opponents said he is controversial, thus Nigeria is complex and too big for him. They further said some factors brought Yahaya Bello back to Lugard House, Lokoja- Kogites’ unique historic way of voting, incumbency; power, resources and federal might that scared any political opponent. During his re-election campaign, the APC supported Governor Yahaya massively – the party didn’t look at Yahaya Bello as person, rather they ‘pre-gauged’ 2023- losing Kogi would be politically disastrous for the APC in 2023. Nigeria’s politics for presidency is exceptionally unpredictable. Governor Yahaya may surprise us since he has started early - he may get some support from some southern politicians, since it is a matter of politics. The northern oligarchy may be too-hard for him to knock, but he may scoop some of their support including that the youth may rally around him. Getting APC’s presidential ticket is big game depending on where the support of President Buhari and his lieutenants tilts. Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja

The Assassination of Terkula Suswam

his is not going to be the ﬁrst time I write on the activities of the used and abandoned thugs in Benue State, and the killings of Tiv by fellow Tiv to help make the work easier for Fulani herdsmen and other enemies of the state. The assassination of the Terkula Suswam is indeed painful, especially to his benefactors who cannot see him again to solicit for assistance. Aside the herdsmen killings in Benue, the Tiv are equally killing themselves but unfortunately their own and those in leadership positions have not been given adequate attention. What they do is to go to media and condemn the killings with words of mouth without taking the needed action that would address the problem once and for all. Now that a brother to the former governor and the serving Senator is a victim, something serious may be done to curtail the act. The killings in Benue are not even the problems, but those who recruit thugs, train them, equip them, use them and later abandon them. The Tiv guys that are killing up and down in the state are undeniably the same boys the politicians in the state recruited and used for their own political interests. Awunah Pius Terwase, Mpape, Abuja

BEDC’S Corporate Extortion

T H E SAT U R DAY N E W S PA P E R EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN MANAGING EDITOR JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA GROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLA BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, EMMANUEL EFENI DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS BOLAJI ADEBIYI, PETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTOR DANBOYI SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS PATRICK EIMIUHI, SAHEED ADEYEMO CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKA MOSERI DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKS ONWUDINJO HEAD, COMPUTER DEPARTMENT PATRICIA UBAKA-ADEKOYA TO SEND EMAIL: ﬁrst name.surname@thisdaylive.com

he continuous exploitation of the residence of Umuolu/Ogbe-Ofu Area of OgwashiUkwu community in Aniocha South Local Govt Area of Delta State is no longer acceptable because it is fraud to be asking people to pay for services not rendered. These areas barely see power supply to use for two days in a week yet Benin Electricity Distribution Company keeps bringing estimated bill for power supply that residents of this area never use. All efforts made to them to fix the faulty transformers fell on deaf ears because the company is expecting us the consumers to raise the money for them to fix the faults and replace the transformer. We are even beginning to believe that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is working in cahoots with them to exploit us as all our petitions to both their Asaba and Abuja branches did not yield any positive results. We call on the consumer protection agency, Senator Peter Nwaoboshi, Hon.Ndudi Elumelu and Hon Chikezie to please come to our rescue as we are tired of the exploitation of our people. Comrade Feyi Akeeb Kareem, President, Change Makers Forum, Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

NEWS

NERC: Discos Responsible for Replacement of Obsolete, Faulty Emmanuel Addeh ÓØ ÌßÔË The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ( NERC) has issued a new order to Distribution Companies (Discos), directing them, to among others, ensure that customers with faulty or obsolete devices were replaced, without placing them on estimated billing. In the order marked NERC/246/2021 signed by its Chairman, Mr. Sanusi Garba, the commission stated that part 1 section 1 .2.2 of the Metering Code (MC) provides that only modern accurate meters systems with reliable communication L-R: Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; National Leader, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy facilities shall be deployed across the industry. Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs. Aramide Adeyoye, during the inauguration of Agege Pen Cinema Dual Carriage Flyover with adjoining roads...Yesterday. The commission noted that over 7 million customers were currently unmetered as indicated by customer enumeration data, noting that an additional 3 Bayelsa State Governor, has no reason to disintegrate. He said his government had Nigerians to collectively tackle million meters were currently Senator Douye Diri, has said “What we need is equity and achieved a lot working with the the issue of insecurity in the obsolete and due for replacement. only justice and equity for every justice. As long as we practice state labour union and assured country. NERC posited that the Meter section of Nigeria would bring injustice, inequitable distribution that its secretariat would be built The NLC president praised Asset Provider (MAP) regulations an end to the clamour for self- of resources and if we create and the new minimum wage Senator Diri for his workers came into force on 3 April 2018 determination in the country. second class citizens, then there implemented for workers in friendly posture and urged to encourage the development of Senator Diri stated this yes- would be that call for disintegra- the local government councils him not to relent. independent and competitive meterday when members of the tion of the country.” as soon as it was practicable. He said they were in the ter services, eliminate estimated Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Senator Diri noted that The governor commended state to condole with one billing practices, attract private led by its President, Comrade his administration had been Comrade Wabba for his purpose- of their members, Comrade investment for the provision of Ayuba Wabba, paid him a labour-friendly from inception ful leadership of the NLC and Biobelemoye, on the demise metering services and close the courtesy visit in Government and it prioritised the welfare of for ensuring industrial harmony of his mother. metering gap through accelerated House, Yenagoa. workers in the state, particularly between government and the High point of the visit was the meter rollout. A statement by his Chief Press in the area of prompt payment workforce. However, it noted that the presentation of an Outstanding Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, of salaries and gratuities for He also commiserated with Leadership Award to Senator commission started receiving said the governor expressed con- pensioners. the National President of the Diri in recognition of his com- complaints from metered end-use cern over the level of insecurity According to him, despite the Medical and Health Work- mitment to the welfare of health customers in the fourth quarter of in some parts of the country, COVID-19 pandemic coupled ers Union, Comrade Josiah workers in the state and overall 2020, that they had been served describing it as alarming. with the challenge of dwindling Biobelemoye, over the death development of the state by the meter replacement notices by He said: “The current spate revenues from the federation of his mother. Joint Health Sector Unions and Discos. of insecurity in the country is account, payment of salaries In the order to the Discos, In his remarks, Comrade Assembly of Healthcare Profesalarming. And, of course, Nigeria was made a frontline charge. the regulator maintained that Wabba called for unity among sional Associations. customers also complained that meters were not inspected by the Discos prior to the issuance of the meter replacement notices. Ndubuisi Francis ÓØ ÌßÔË Approach to Addressing Vac- to take a whole-of-Africa-led ap- secured both locally and possibly cine Access, Delivery and Uptake,’ proach to financing access, delivery internationally.” Ahmed noted that against the The Minister of Finance, she raised issues bordering on the and uptake for COVID-19 vaccines backdrop of real time challenges for the continent. Budget and National Plan- modalities. Ahmed said: “What exactly in preparing for the receipt of It was the first Africa-led summit ning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed, has expressed concern over the modalities to be held in the COVID-19 era, are the existing mechanisms for COVID-19 vaccines, roll out, in addressing access of COVID-19 whereAfrican organisations featured countries to access? We have had and the real time information and key world players to strategise and bits and pieces of information, funding gaps, access to vaccine Sunday Ehigiator vaccines in Africa. She observed that the process had shape solutions withAfrican leaders. but to date, this has not been financing should be simplified, while an act of global solidarity The meeting was convened by as coordinated as hoped. been difficult to navigate in view of Students of the Federal Col“Understanding the ur- should be to support finance lege of Education (FCE), Akoka, the financing of vaccines for Africa CONVINCE Africa and Wilton andtheapproachtoaddressingaccess, Park and brought together African gency of the moment, there ministries with the necessary Lagos State, have staged a protest delivery and uptake on the continent. ministers of finance and health needs to be greater inclusion capacity required to complete against the management of the Speaking at a virtual high-level with leaders of key multilateral and involvement of finance what could often be a complex school for allegedly installing dialogueon‘FinancingC-19 Vaccines institutions and senior representa- ministers, as budgetary allocations and laborious bureaucratic CCTV cameras around the for Africa: A Whole of Africa tives from the donor community need to be made and financing process. female hostels within the school premises. The protest broke out in the early hours of yesterday, after the School’s Dean of Students, Wahab Azeez, was alleged to have entered the hostel at midnight, Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ “For most Nigerians and to chase students out, over some The United States Consulate in blood and raised the alarm General in Lagos has unveiled U.S. citizens in Nigeria, their behaviour he couldn’t condone to other neighbours. “The people who commit- its newly expanded and reno- main interaction with the which he saw via the cameras. People suspected to be gunAccording to some of the men have killed a 45-year-old ted the offence seized the vated consular pavilion that U.S. Consulate is through woman, Mrs. Motunrayo Olajide opportunity that the woman seeks to improve the experi- our consular section. The students, the CCTV camera was inside her home in Ado Ekiti, was always at home to strike ence that visa applicants and consular customer experience installed almost everywhere in American citizens in Nigeria. is something we continuously the female hostel thereby denying and kill her. Ekiti State capital. Speaking during the ribbon- improve on. This new pa- them of personal privacy. “It was the daughter who The mother of three, was Some female students said to have been killed at her returned from school around cutting ceremony, United vilion is an example of that residence located on 2nd Avenue 5.30p.m. that raised the alarm States Consul General, Claire effort. From the pavilion to also revealed that the school , Aseye Street, Nova, Adebayo and when we rushed there, we Pierangelo, noted that the the interview, we want our management and lecturers had saw her in the pool of blood renovated consular pavilion customers to have a positive been watching their nakedness area of Ado Ekiti metropolis. would provide a new safe experience,” Consul General since after the installation of the The deceased, according with deep cut on her neck. “It was the landlords of space for visa applicants to Pierangelo said. cameras, as they claim their to a neighbour, who pleaded In her remarks, Consular lecturers had said it to their anonymity, was stabbed in the the area that quickly ran to socially distance while waiting Chief, Liliane Hudspeth, faces before. neck and died in the pool of the police station to incident for their appointment. She said the Consulate was explained that the new the matter.” A female student and an Exco her blood. Also confirming the incident, working hard to reschedule consular pavilion offers visi- of the Student Union GovernThe source said the incident happened around 4.50p.m. on the Police Public Relations the visa applicants that were tors a larger, more comfortable ment (SUG), Latifat Abiodun, Thursday, when the deceased’s Officer, Ekiti Command, ASP affected by the pandemic, covered waiting area, protection explained to THISDAY that, “The 11-year-old daughter returned Sunday Abutu, said the police adding that the new consular from sun, rain, and inclement Dean sent some students out from school and met her have not arrested anyone, in pavilion will go a long way in weather as well as a great view of the hostel because he saw them on CCTV camera and he mother’s lifeless body drenched connection with the incident. helping to achieve this goal. of the Lagos lagoon.

FREED OF TRAFFIC…

Diri: Only Justice, Equity Can End Clamour for Self Determination

COVID-19 Vaccines: Finance Minister Worried over Logistics, Access

Added to that, NERC explained that the meter replacement notices did not specify the fault which required the meter to be replaced, saying that the Discos removed meters and placed customers on estimated billing. As a result, NERC insisted that some customers had not been able to vend on the new meters as activation tokens were not issued and had failed or refused to transfer units from the old meter to the new meter. It also accused power distributors of billing consumers for loss of revenue that is transferred to the new meter as an outstanding debt without establishing meter tampering or unauthorised access. “The commission hereby orders as follows: Discos shall grant priority to the metering of unmetered customers under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP). “Discos may replace faulty or obsolete meters under the National Mass Metering Programme but these replacements must be done in strict compliance with the Metering Code (MC) and other regulatory instruments of the commission. “Discos shall inspect meters of metered end-use customers and the replacement notice shall contain the date of inspection, name, designation and signature of the officer that inspected the meter, the fault identified in the meter and the date for the installation of the replacement meter,” it stated. NERC demanded that it shall be copied on all replacement notices issued to end-use customers for the purpose of conducting random reviews of the replacement exercise.

Female Students Protest Installation of CCTV Cameras in Hostels

Unknown Assailants Stab Woman to Death Inside Home in Ekiti

US Pledges Improvements in Visa Applicants’ Experience

came around 12a.m. to chase the students out of the hostel,” she said. Also speaking, the Electoral Chairman of the SUG, Morakinyo Oluwafemi said, the Dean of the school improperly invaded the female hostels at night. “We are in a school that if students agitate, the lecturers will threaten the students with failure in exams. The Dean invaded the female hostel at midnight and we can’t even say what he is going there to do at that time. “Here in Federal College of Education, Akoka, we lack a good environment to study, the sewage pipes are all broken, and there is no compliance with the federal government rule of social distancing in the school amid COVID-19. “The hostels houses over 7,000 students which is far beyond the capacity of the facility,” he said The Secretary General of the SUG, Ibrahim Olubade, described the school management decision to install CCTV cameras in female hostels, while the school lacks other basic facilities important for learning. “We don’t have a school portal in the institute to check student’s information, yet the management installed a CCTV camera in the female student’s hotel. There are so many things to be done to help the students.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

NEWS We’re Confronting Water Supply in Enugu, Says Govt

COVID JAB… The Director General, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, administering AstraZeneca vaccine to Dr. Cyprian Ngong, Family Physician, of National Hospital, at the ﬂag-oﬀ of COVID-19 vaccination, National Hospital, Abuja...yesterday

Relief as Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Pen Cinema Flyover Segun James Lagosians have waved an exciting bye to the age-long vehicular gridlock in and around Agege, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu opening the Pen Cinema Bridge and Àve roads that are expected to make motoring a better experience. The inauguration yesterday marked the fulÀlment of another campaign promise made by Sanwo-Olu to residents, who daily endured pains in commuting within the axis in the last four years.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, inaugurated the projects, which he described as “needed catalyst” for the resuscitation of economic activities on the axis. The construction of the 1.4-kilometre long Áyover was recommended during the Lagos Economic Summit (Ehingbeti) under ex-Governor Babatunde Fashola’s administration, as a strategic intervention to achieving signiÀcant tra΀c improvement in the densely populated area. The Akinwunmi

Ambode administration created the right-of-way and set up the structural beams; Sanwo-Olu substantially completed civil works on the bridge. The imposing overpass ascends from Oba Ogunji Road and drops at Oke Koto, Agege. The bridge also opens to the old Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway through Abule-Egba. Tumultuous crowds of excited residents joined Sanwo-Olu and members of the State’s Executive Council at the ceremony. The Governor described the delivery of the project as

a “landmark progress” in his administration’s drive towards eliminating bottlenecks causing suͿocating gridlocks to relieve residents of the stress associated with commuting. Sanwo-Olu said the two-pronged approach, which his administration deployed in delivering critical infrastructure, gave priority to continuation and completion of strategic projects, regular maintenance and construction of new ones in line with the State’s Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP).

EmeÀele Charges 0ultinationals, Others on Domestic Production Obinna Chima The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin EmeÀele, yesterday called on multinationals and other manufacturing companies operating in the country to work towards the production of their goods in Nigeria. EmeÀele, who said this in Lagos, during the signing of an agreement between Procter & Gamble (P&G), a consumer goods manufacturer and Colori Cosmetics, for the local production of Oral B products in Nigeria, reiterated the CBN’s support towards domestic manufacturing.

The parties to the agreement explained that the partnership represents a new investment of $35 million with additional direct jobs of over 200 expected to be created. The deal is expected to further promote localisation, technology advancement in Nigeria, support the government’s economic diversiÀcation drive as well as create an export hub of manufactured goods in Nigeria. In his remarks, EmeÀele urged other multinationals to follow suit and collaborate with partners to strengthen industrialisation in Nigeria. He revealed that about two years ago, Unilever established its margarine plant in Ogun, also

with the support of the central bank. He added: “I encourage other multinational Àrms to consider the opportunities that Nigeria oͿers and begin to set up their manufacturing lines in Nigeria. I also encourage indigenous corporations by saying rather than import goods that can be produced in Nigeria, they should begin to produce those goods here in Nigeria. “We believe this will help to enable the build out of a more resilient economy that creates jobs and supports skills transfers for our growing and youthful population.” The CBN Governor pointed

out that the manufacturing industry had been a key focus of the eͿorts by the monetary and Àscal authorities towards driving recovery of the Nigerian economy, following the downturn in the Àrst half of last year, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. He disclosed that the central bank would set up a N1 trillion facility in April, geared towards support growth and expansion of manufacturing Àrms in Nigeria. So far, close to N300 billion has been disbursed to 76 manufacturing Àrms, which would boost local manufacturing across critical sectors over the next few years, EmeÀele said.

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State on Water Resources, Hon. Anthony Dubem Onyia, has reassured residents of the state that the issue of inadequate water supply, one of the key challenges the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi inherited, will soon be history. In a statement, Onyia maintained that the present administration was doing a lot, with the lean resources at its disposal, to address the issue of water in Enugu metropolis. Noting that some areas in Enugu metropolis, such as, Iva Valley, GRA, New Haven, Ogui/Asata, Uwani, parts of Achara Layout, Abakpa Nike, Trans Ekulu, Independence Layout and Thinkers Corner, enjoy adequate potable water supply, Onyia reassured residents in other areas that they would soon enjoy sufficient water supply. The Special Adviser disclosed that the state government had commenced comprehensive rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme, with solar powered boreholes to ensure adequate supply of potable water from Oji River, Ajali and Iva Water schemes to Enugu metropolis. Onyia revealed that a contract of N600 million was recently awarded to FordMarx Nigeria Limited, for the rehabilitation of the 9th Mile Crash Programme, adding that the company had mobilised to site. The Special Adviser explained that the contract which would

be solar powered, to address the peculiar challenges of power failure, will boost the volume of water being reticulated from the ageing water schemes to Enugu metropolis. He revealed that the state government had commenced the bid opening and evaluation meeting for new Okwojo Ngwo boreholes augmentation to Enugu metropolis. Onyia said that the Okwojo Ngwo boreholes augmentation to Enugu metropolis, which is a network of 10 solar powered boreholes, was a newly conceived design which would help boost water production for the newly awarded 9th Mile Crash Programme. “It will equally augment the existing water schemes in order to effectively manage and meet the demand of the growing population of Enugu metropolis,” he said. At the managerial level, Onyia pointed out that Governor Ugwuanyi’s administration, in its determination to address the issue of water in the state, recently constituted the Board of Enugu State Water Corporation, headed by a foremost consultant in the water industry and the first Managing Director of the corporation, Engr. Innocent O. Diyoke, to vigorously drive the state government’s sustained programmes towards ensuring adequate supply of potable water in the state.

Nigerians Should not Play Politics with Covid-19 Vaccines, Gbajabiamila Warns Chuks Okocha and Udora Orizu in Abuja Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that only a collective effort devoid of politics and conspiracy theories could guarantee a successful war against the COVID-19 pandemic. This is as he urged Nigerians to rally behind the Federal Government to fight the Covid-19 pandemic, describing it as “an unseen enemy” causing havoc around the world. Gbajabiamila, who was speaking in Abuja yesterday during the National Flag-off of Covid-19 vaccination in Nigeria, appealed to the media to pass accurate information about the virus and the vaccines to the public. He added that the vaccination was an “epical” moment in the history of the country, as Nigeria finally began the journey of fighting a pandemic that ravaged it and changed lifestyles in the last one year. The Speaker further said;

“This is the time for us to rally behind the government. Like the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has said, the virus knows no creed, knows no religion, knows no ethnicity, knows no sex and knows no age. “So, it is important for all of us to come together as a country to fight the pandemic. As I have often said, we are actually in a war, but in a war with an unseen enemy. “Therefore, when a country goes to war, you go as one. I want to implore the journalists and implore all Nigerians, therefore, not to give in to conspiracy theories because we will hear them,” he said. Gbajabiamila also said; “We must not play politics with vaccines; we must not play politics with the health of our neighbour; we must be on the same page whilst we also correct and do what you need to do in terms of your role in checking the government and holding their feet to the fire”.

British to Slash Aid to Nigeria, Others Emir Appeals for Calm over Bennett Oghifo Others are: Sahel, 93 per and reducing assistance to the O;a Erinle Communal Clash cent; Syria, 67 per cent; Libya, Western Balkans by 50 . The British government has plans to slash aid to Nigeria and seven other countries in conÁict ]ones around the world, according to a report yesterday by openDemocracy, an independent global media organisation. The report said the UK government proposed cuts to Overseas Development Aid budget for year 2020/21-21/22 broken down by country shows that Nigeria’s aid would be cut by 58 per cent.

63 per cent; Somalia, 60 per cent; Democratic Republic of Congo, 60 per cent; South Sudan, 59 per cent; and West Balkans, 50 per cent. These Àgures were discussed by senior o΀cials at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development O΀ce (FCDO) last month according to email correspondence openDemocracy said it saw, “included cutting British aid to Nigeria for the next Ànancial year by 58 ,

“In recent weeks, senior British civil servants have discussed cutting aid to Syria by twothirds, from £137m pledged last year to just over £45m this year, despite this week’s pledge by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab to provide humanitarian assistance to the war-torn Middle Eastern state. The Àgures seen by openDemocracy reveal for the Àrst time the scale of British aid cuts, the report said.

Hammed Shittuin Ilorin

The Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, yesterday appealed to the people of Offa and Erin-Ile communities to sheathe their swords and continue to live together in peace and harmony. The two communities on Thursday engaged themselves in a war over the alleged move by the members of Road Trans-

port Employers Association of Nigeria(RTEAN) from Offa to construct a motorpark at the buffer ]one demarcated by the government to maintain peace and harmony . The development however snowballed into crisis which led to the death of five persons. The state government has imposed curfew in the two warring communities while security agencies have been deployed there to maintain law and order.

However, in a statement issued by the Spokesman to the Emir of Ilorin, Mallam Abdula]ee] Arowona yesterday and made available to journalists stated that “Kwara is known nationwide as the gateway between the northern and southern regions which makes it to be very important to Nigeria’s national unity and cohesion.” According to the statement, “I received the news of the renewed feud between Offa and Erin-Ile with disappointment and sadness.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;˜ ͺͮͰͯ

NEWS

I Won’t Take Covid-19 Vaccine, Insists Bello Festus Akanbi Amidst the cocktail of plans being put in place by federal and state governments to vaccinate Nigerians against COVID-19 pandemic, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello has said he wouldn’t receive the vaccine. Speaking on a live television programme yesterday, Bello said there was nothing medically wrong with him and he won’t allow the people of his state to be used as “guinea pigs,” even as his colleagues in other states are expected to receive shots of the AstraZeneca/ Oxford COVID-19 vaccines as from next week. Nigeria had on Tuesday received about four million doses of AstraZeneca/Oxford COVID-19 vaccine shipped

into the country through the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja. Some health workers including the first Nigerian to receive the vaccine on the country’s soil, Dr. Cyprian Ngong of the National Hospital, Abuja, received shots of the vaccines when the exercise was flagged off by the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, yesterday in Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo as well as some governors are also expected to receive shots of the vaccines today to dissipate vaccine hesitancy amongst Nigerians. In his reaction to the preparation from the federal and state levels, the Kogi governor said, “COVID-19 is not our business

in Kogi State. We have more pertinent issues and more pertinent matters that we are attending to in Kogi State. Insecurity we met, we’ve tackled it and several others. Disunity we met on ground and we have united Kogi State today not COVID-19. “COVID-19 is just a minute aspect of what we are treating or handling in Kogi State; there have been outbreaks of Lassa Fever and Yellow Fever and those were handled without making noise about it. “The last Yellow Fever (outbreak), we vaccinated out people against Yellow Fever, we encouraged them, we educated them and they felt the impact… If the Federal Government is gracious enough and give us COVID-19 vaccines, we will

equally sensitise our people, people who wish to come and take can come and take but I am not going to subject the people of Kogi State to vaccines or vaccination and I will not make them the guinea pigs.

He said: "I will rather say what we will not do. What we will not do is to give instructions to our subordinates and not do the same. By extension, we will command the troops based on the expectations that we have of them and they will do it according to the expectations that we have of them too." On the possibility of chang-

L-R: Abdul Samad Dasuki, Commissioner of Finance, Sokoto State; Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed and Alhaji Aliyu Ahmed, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, when Tambuwal visited the Minister at her oﬃce ...yesterday.

ITF Tackles MURIC Over Allegation of Nepotism, Religious Sentiment The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has described as “baseless and sadly untrue” the grave allegation of nepotism and religion sentiment leveled against its Director General, Sir JosephAribytheMuslimRights Concern (MURIC) warning the group to always crosscheck its facts before dishing them out to the public. In a statement by its Director of Public Relations, Suleyol Fred-Chagu, the Fund took exception to “orchestrated

efforts to malign, impugn and whip up negative sentiments against it and its functionaries through outright lies and calculated misinformation as containedintheMURICrelease.” The Fund said, “The DirectorGeneral is a devoted Christian, whose lineage, including his direct siblings is populated by both religions. As a result of this, he does not believe in nepotismandtribalismanddoes not indulge in religious bigotry. Indeed, the DG is a detribalised Nigerian who has formed long

Obi Felicitates with Obasanjo on 84th Birthday The Vice Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2019 elections, Mr. Peter Obi,hasfelicitatedwithNigeria's former president and an elder statesman, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as he marks his 84th birthday. In his birthday message, Obi described Obasanjo as one whose commitment to Nigeria's developmentremainscommendable and outstanding. Obi said that Obasanjo had contributed greatly to the development of the country in particular and

the African continent at large. "Dear Baba, on behalf of my family, I join Nigerians from all walks of life to celebrate you today.Yourcourageousleadership style and democratic footprints in our nation, and indeed other African countries, is worth celebrating," Obi said. He prayed God to continue to bless Obasanjo with the health of mind and body. "Asyoumarkyour84thbirthday today, may you continually enjoy abundant health of mind and body," Obi concluded.

lasting and enduring relationshipscuttingacrossallfaithsand tribes in Nigeria. “With regards to what the group alleged to be ‘Christianisation’ and ‘Plateaurisation’ agenda of the DG in the ITF, we want to place on record that this is far from the truth and a product of the imagination of the writer as the recruitment exercise conducted in February, 2019 that they hinged their allegations on, followed all due processes and was coordinated by the Federal Character Com-

mission, which even issued a letter of compliance to the Fund after the exercise. “It must equally be noted that the DG recused himself from the examination\ interview sessions that were conducted by a panel that comprised officials of our parent ministry- the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Federal Character Commission and the ITF Governing Council, which is headed byAlhaji Musa Gwadabe, OFR- a detribalised Nigerian among others.

ing strategies in tackling the security challenges facing the nation, Irabor did not rule that out, adding that strategies are not sacrosanct. "Of course, there are dynamics that we need to begin to look at, what needs to be reviewed, and that is precisely what we are doing currently. And we review various strategies and, of course, come up with new ones to be able to meet the demands of the current realities." The CDS told Nigerians to expect peace and adequate security within the next 100 days, saying "as members of the Armed Forces working in concert with the rest of the security agencies, we will bring Mr. President's expectations to bear in terms of our task. “But let me also let you know that the inevitable is that Nigerians will indeed experience peace and security across the land." Ibrahim Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff, was decorated with the rank of LieutenantGeneral after his promotion from Major General. Awwal Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff, is now a Vice Admiral, up from Rear Admiral. Isiaka Amao, Chief of Air Staff, was decorated with the rank of Air Marshal, a step above Air Vice Marshal. The ceremony was witnessed by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Bashir Magashi, Defense Minister, and Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to the President. The new service chiefs were also accompanied to the ceremony by their wives and some senior officers of the Nigerian armed forces. Army Nabs Supplier of Ammunitions to Bandits The Zamfara State Government yesterday disclosed that an officer of the Nigerian Army, allegedly supplying ammunition and uniforms to bandits, has been arrested in the state.

Advert Managers’ Forum Elects Officers A New Executive Committee of the Advert Managers Forum, AMF, a professional group of managers of advertising in the print media industry, has been inaugurated. The occasion, which took place during the February monthly meeting of the forum, at the secretariat of the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria, NPAN, in Ikeja, Lagos, saw the emergence of Evelyn Onyibe of The SUN Newspapers as the new chairperson of the group. Other members of the newly elected executive are

a welcome development. “As far as I am concerned, I as a person, I don’t need to take vaccines. There is nothing wrong with me, I am hale and hearty. I am 100 per cent healthy…I won’t take any vaccine.'

Secure Nigeria in 5 Weeks, Buhari Charges New Service Chiefs

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Seriki Adinoyi ÓØ ÙÝ

Continuing, Bello said, “Mr. President is the leader of this country. I respect him so high; all of us respect him so much. We love him and he is leading by example. If he needs to take the vaccines and he takes it, it is

Ojo Patrick of VANGUARD Newspapers, as Vice chairman, while Angela Iji retained her position as Secretary. Mathew Kwentua of BLUEPRINT Newspapers emerged as Assistant Secretary, Charles Mere as Financial Secretary, Jenniepher Ogbole of THE GUARDIAN Newspapers as Treasurer, while Vera Chidi-Maha of BLUEPRINT and Ogochukwu Eseka of THISDAY Newspapers were elected public Relations Officers. Handing over to the new exco, outgoing Chairman of

the forum, Robinson Osirike of THE NATION Newspaper, urged the team to work hard to protect the integrity of the body that has been built over time, in order to safeguard the interests of its members and of the print media industry. In his own valedictory remarks, Dr. Monday Evawomaha, outgoing Vice Chairman, thanked the Members of AMF for the support and commitment over the years as this will be reciprocated by the ex-officials through sustainable solidarity as Stakeholders in the Advertising Industry.

The bandits terrorising the state are often seen in military fatigues. At a press conference, Bashir Maru, deputy chief of staff to Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle, said the military arrested the officer alongside his girlfriend, following community drivenintelligence. Maru said. “The military recently arrested an army officer and his girlfriend who were engaged in assisting bandits with military uniforms and ammunition in active connivance with other saboteurs. This arrest was only made possible through communitydriven intelligence. “While the state government awaits the action the military will take on this matter and make an official statement, the development has further proved the position of Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle that unless the fight against banditry is cleansed of bad eggs and saboteurs, we may not record the desired success in the fight. “Let me use this medium to salute the courage and patriotism of the individual who came forward with information that led to the arrest of these traitors. Our gratitude knows no bounds.” Mohammed Yerima, army spokesperson, was not immediately available to comment on the arrest. In February, hundreds of schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe in Talatu-Mafara LGA by bandits. The girls were released about 10 days after their abduction.

CHANGE OF NAME

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

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Adekunle Gold Delights with Pretty Girl’s Video ChinneyLove Unveils ‘Devil in Agbada’

pg. 19

Nissi Ogulu I Want to Break Limitations of African Women pg. 21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

18 Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

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Adekunle Gold

Adekunle Gold Delights with Pretty Girl’s Video To start the year, Adekunle Gold furthers his relevance with the video for the song, Pretty Girl, which is oﬀ his recent 10-track Afro-pop Vol.1 album. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

fro-pop star, Adekunle Gold has released the o΀cial music video for “Pretty Girl”. The song features another reggae star, Patoranking. The track is oͿ his 10-track Afro Pop, Vol.1 album which dropped last year. The new music video, directed by Olu The Wave, is a fun and vibrant conceptualisation of the song’s energy and central message about a pretty girl who admittedly put them under a spell. The music video opens in a colourful bar complete with vinyl hanging on the wall, beer crates stacked on top of one another and old posters. The setting is very much retro with patrons dressed in vintage-style pieces and accessories. The scenes that follow are set in the hallway of a rundown building and the courtyard outside. Surrounded by a number of “pretty girls” and coupled with energetic choreographed sequences, the music video is certainly another Adekunle Gold showstopper. Patoranking’s distinct oͿering creates a seamless synergy between the two artistes and brings the entire

production together. The music video comes just after Adekunle Gold featured on British singer, Nao’s “Antidote” which dropped in -anuary of this year. Driven by the likes of standouts including Okay, Something DiͿerent, Sabina, and Pretty Girl among others,Adekunle Gold’s new project remains rooted in the list of albums that ruled 2020. To start the year, he furthers its relevance with the video for Pretty Girl. In a mail sent to some of his fans shortly after the album release, the singer said “The idea of Afro pop had existed since Nov 2017. “I felt like I had stepped into other people’s ideas of me and was really looking for an avenue for me to express myself limitlessly. “So, Niyi (his manager) and I came up with this idea to create a small EP of 4-6 songs which she geniusly named Afro Pop. OͿ I went with the charge to create this experimental body of work which turned out to be so much fun. I went from 4 songs to 6 songs, to 12 songs to uncountable« I should say this, even before you heard “About 30,” my next 2 albums were already in the works. Currently, my 5th album is in ideation. The 29-minutes album

was released under EMI with licensing from Universal Music Operations Limited. The song generally speaks about a man and woman dancing erotically and afterwards having sex all. -oined by Patoranking whose Rastafarian inÁections, brings the video to a jarring start. The song actually focuses on the girl being a spoilt girl. As a line on the song includes, ¶tell your mama say you don spoil’. Patoranking could be heard telling the girl that he would steal her heart and run away with, which means he’s ready to make her fall in deep love with him. The song is commendable and one fans are certainly loving. Within days of it release, it has garnered thousands of streams and download on music Sharing platforms. People always love good songs you’d have to admit. In -uly 2016, Adekunle Gold had just released his debut album, ¶Gold’ when he reali]ed that he needed to switch his sound. ¶Gold’ was rooted in African folk music and highlife, but Adekunle Gold felt the need to make pop music. His greatest fear has always been a pigeonhole and his awareness of that reality makes him willing to evolve as necessary.

His sophomore album, About 30, got mixed reactions from critics. While About 30 was still rooted in Folk and Highlife, Adekunle Gold intentionally infused the album with pop music and it got critics conÁicted. Still, Adekunle Gold didn’t stop - he kept releasing pop music with Afro rhythms. By mid-2019, he had fully transformed his sonic and stylistic brand. His fashion was more avant-garde and androgynous while he sang in more English on Afro-pop beats. Some of his 2019 singles like, ¶<oung Love,’ ¶Kelegbe Megbe’ and ¶Before <ou Wake’ up were the sacriÀcial lambs on the way to how Adekunle Gold wants to be perceived. -ust after COVID-19 tensions began to douse, Adekunle Gold returned with, ¶Something Different’ and ¶AG Baby.’ What happened next was an acceptance of his new being. With that acceptance came praise for his commendable, ¶rebrand.’After a 12-month delay, he released his third studio album, Afro-Pop Vol. 1 on August 21, 2020. The blend of Patoranking reggae lyrics with Adekunle rich voice and lyrics just makes it something fans will surely put on replay from morning to night.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

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ChinneyLove Unveils ‘Devil in Agbada’ Upcoming Nollywood drama, ‘Devil in Agbada’ by ChinneyLove Eze is all about three young strangers teaming up to bring down a very ruthless politician. How far did these girls go in their mission? Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

ce Àlmmaker ChinneyLove E]e has released the o΀cial posters for her movie “Devil in Agbada“, and it features some of the Ànest Nollywood actors like BBNaija reality star Erica Nlewedim, alongside Linda Osifo and Efe Irele as the lead cast. Devil in Agbada also stars Uche -ombo, Desmond Elliot, U]or Arukwe, Soso Sobrekan and Nosa Rex join the Àlm’s cast in supporting roles. While a release date is yet to be conÀrmed, the action drama will premiere later in the year. Unveiling the forthcoming movie, the producer ChinneyLove wrote: “Our unveiling was nice abi" We try small" Nobody got two of my cast names complete so I will keep my money and add to the one I have for the movie Happy people. Happy faces.Thank <ou For All The Love Shown So Far I Feel Very Happy We Still Have A Lot Of MED Pictures We Haven’t Released... Shoot Starts This Month And Devil in Agbada will be out in summer ” The story follows three young strangers team up to bring down a very ruthless politician in a mission that involves inÀltrating his heavily guarded and impenetrable mansion. In a post shared

by all three lead cast and the producer via their Instagram handles goes with the following caption: “Something exciting is coming to a cinema near you this 2021 courtesy Chinneylove E]e Productions Synopsis: Three young strangers team up to bring down a very ruthless politician in a mission that involves inÀltrating his heavily guarded and impenetrable mansion. Meet the three leading women in Devil in Agbada ² #ericanlewedim #efeirele and #lindaosifo who will be taking you on this roller coaster journey that will leave you screaming, giggling and clamping your feet’s all at the same time . . .” This movie is produced by #chinneyloveo΀cial who also brought you ¶Hire a man’ and ¶Hire a woman’”. For one of the lead cast Erica, this will be her Àrst feature after the Big Brother Naija show. But not her Àrst time working with the producer, ChinneyLove. She had featured in ¶Hire A Woman’ by Chinneylove E]e. The producer, Chinney, made box o΀ce name at 28 when her Àrst movie registered as one of Nollywood sold out movies at N45 million gross earning with impressive runs in 2017. Formerly an actress, who has been cast in over 12 movies, Chinneylove delved into movie production with her debut movie The Cartel (2012).The

L-R: Erica Nlewedim, Efe Irele and Linda Osifo on the set of ‘Devil In Agbada’

movie got massive bu]] and bagged Àve nominations at =AFAA awards as well as four nominations at the Best of Nollywood Awards. Credited as one of the youngest producer to grace the Nigerian Àlm industry, ChinneyLove E]e as she

is fondly known is also the producer of Maduka’s Daughters which marked the beginning of her journey in 2013. She is inspired by producers like Emem Isong and Kunle Afolayan. In 2018, she released a romantic comedy called -une.

Ayomiposi Omogbotemi

R&B Has Taken Back Seat in Nigeria Ayomiposi Omogbotemi is a banker with 13 years’ experience. In this encounter with Festus Akanbi, the Ode-Irele, Ondo State-born Rhythm &Blues crooner speaks on why he chooses to focus on R&B in spite of the low appeal in Nigeria, and how he is able to maintain the balance between the seriousness of banking and music

ow long have you been into music? As long as I can remember; I can’t really put a timeline to it but I took it seriously when my former R&B group took it to the booth to record a demo in the studio back in 2006. Don’t you think focusing on R&B will be detrimental to your popularity in view of the diversity in the Nigerian music industry? It’s not only R&B I’m into. I also do other genres. But I can’t hide from the fact that R&B sits most with me and this is heavily inÁuenced by my music background and orientation. Of course, I grew up listening to hiphop, rock, blues, pop, juju and fuji to say the least, but R&B is the most creative and the most balanced in lyrical content, composition, expression, instrumentation and appeal. And also, there’s no doubt that it’s the richest in music talent and ability. <ou see, everyone can claim to sing but not everyone who sings can do R&B. It requires and demands a lot for an artiste to be in R&B. Frankly speaking, artistes in this genre are the most gifted musically. Who are your role models in the Nigerian music scene? I cannot remember if I had any. I don’t really have one. In terms of appeal, R&B is in the same league

with hip-hop genre of music in Nigeria. Are you worried that R&B might be going into extinction? It’s a shame that R&B has lost some of its appeal not just in Nigeria alone but across the world. It didn’t just start yesterday or last year, this started over a decade ago. Be that as it may, an artiste should be able to adapt in terms of creativity and shift in time. There was a period people really listened to ja]]. Disco had its days too. But it would be very wrong to say R&B would go into extinction. That is not possible. Look at rock. It will always stand the test of time. Notwithstanding, like I said, an artiste must be Áexible with his creativity and not conÀrm to one genre alone. He needs be sensitive to his environment and musically relate to the needs of that environment. How will you rate the performances of artistes in this genre of music? There are a number of established talents in Nigeria. I think Darey Art Alade and Banky W have been consistent over the years and that’s commendable. Timi Dakolo is also up there, among others. You are a banker and musician. How do you maintain the balance? It depends on one’s love, sacriÀce and dedication. When you’re in pursuit of something you’re committed to achieve, there’s no way you won’t Ànd a way to make it happen no matter how long it takes.

can be constructive or destructive. I intend to better the world around me through my music, not add to social vices that harm the society. Is there any pressure to resign your banking in order to face music? I feel no such pressure at this time; I’m just taking it all in as they come. Time will decide what happens. So, for now, there’s no pressure to choose.

Are there pressures from the opposite sex? Is there any Baby mama? I’m a father and a Christian. I am happily married to the most beautiful woman in the world with lovely children. I don’t think there’s anything out there for me to be looking for. I have it all at home. I’m blessed. How many albums have your released? -ust two singles. No album for now. The Àrst single was released during the lockdown last year inApril. The video was on TV for a while. It’s titled ¶SOS’. ¶Ife’ is my second oͿering released last month February. Ayomiposi Omogbotemi

What di;erence would you like to bring to bear in your musical o;ering? By educating the listeners; there has to be accountability. We are all accountable for the message we push out there. Music is a powerful tool for transformation, be it good or bad. It

What is your target for the next Àve years? To reach more people within and outside the country; but most importantly, to touch and impact lives positively. I also want to become a household name on your TV screens; on your radio; in your phone. In the next couple of years, I want my body of work to be appreciated as worthy material and my brand appreciated in the entertainment industry.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

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Tosin Clegg

07062816737 e-mail: tosinclegg@hotmail.com

Korede Bello

Real Men Know How to Treat Women Right After signing for Marvins Records, Korede Bello’s hit song, Godwin, gave him the needed recognition. A number of amazing songs and records followed. Korede talks to Tosin Clegg about his new song, the Korede Bello Initiative, thriving in the pandemic and lots more

hat’s up with Korede Bello? I have been well; minding the business that pays me; making music for my fans and pretty much staying positive. The world has been in the middle of a pandemic for over one year now and that has taken a toll on everything and everyone including musicians, but through it all, we’ve all been able to improvise, and navigate our way through it all while keeping safe.

Korede Bello

What’s your new song all about? My new song is an inspiration and more. I wanted to make a song that reÁects what women want and need from a man or partner. A man that’s responsible and can provide, emotionally and materially. It should be a total package of wholesomeness. Like I mentioned earlier, to me, a real man is a provider. A solution provider. A real man knows how to treat a woman right. It goes beyond lip service, violence and all shades of irresponsibility.

What’s the Korede Bello initiative about? The Korede Bello initiative is a youth-led NGO for the all-round development and wellness of young people with some emphasis on some of the key components of the sustainable development goals. I realised that it doesn’t matter how much money or fame you acquire, you need good health to enjoy it; especially Mental Health. So that’s why I advocate for mental wellness as priority. Nothing really works if our mental health is not in good shape. You can get any form of education or even make meaningful relationship or contribution if there’s conÁict going on up there. The mind is just like a garden, you pick out the unwanted and water the wanted for proper growth. This is why mental health for me is Key. Since we redirected our focus to Àrst advocate for the mental wellness before social and physical development of young people, we’ve reached over a thousand young individuals in Africa in the space of one year through online and o΁ine mental health advocacy. What I see is a safe community where everyone is accountable to one another; a safe space for anyone to hold hands and know that all will be well. We are looking

forward to having one of the biggest and safest communities of young People living their truths without any form of discrimination or prejudice in Africa.

How did 2020 impact on your career? Indeed it was a di΀cult period for entertainers and still is. We’re in the people’s business, so the industry was hit by a diͿerent type of pandemic. Fortunately for me, I have a good Ànancial habit before the pandemic so it was easier for me to survive on other sources of income without having to depend on shows. I’ve been beneÀting from the streaming side of the industry before 2020 so I wasn’t surprised that artistes would gravitate towards virtual means of earning more income. The future of music business is online. I’m optimistic and positive that we will begin our recovery this year. Hopefully the vaccines get to the populace in good timing. Do people really take shine o; others in this industry? We shine diͿerently. The sun takes care of the day and the moon does its thing in the night. We all have our roles to play and the most important thing is to play it well individually and collectively.

Falana Delivers Smashing Audio, Visuals for New Single Victoria Falana has earned some recognition for her self-produced EP ‘Chapter One’. The singer-songwriter subsequently travelled round the world to work on new material. It was a process of self-discovery, which revealed new layers to her songwriting. She now shares the Àrst taste of those sessions with the release of the single ‘Joy’. A spirited fusion of vibrant Afrobeats, elegant R&B and island Áavour, ‘Joy’ is a song that speaks to this moment in time. Falana’s impassioned delivery leaves you in no doubt that she means every word she sings. And by the time she’s put her heart and soul into its hypnotic hook (“No stress, I’ve got pure intentions… I count my blessings one day at a time”), it’s impossible not to feel its spell sparking a new wave of positivity in your mind.

‘Joy’ marks the Àrst release in a series of singles from various global artistes on Red Bull Records. Dedicated to discovering and showcasing talent on an international scale, Falana is the latest ground-breaking artiste to partner with the label. The track was written with fellow singer-songwriter, Omolara Ayodele and producer KINGBNJMN (Future, DJ Snake) at the legendary Geejam Studios in Port Antonio, Jamaica. “It’s crazy that the song was written two weeks before the world went into lockdown,” says Falana. “Over the last ten months, the song’s sentiment surfaces all the time, whether it’s in everyday conversation, on the news or at social media. It feels like the song was birthed right at the time that the world needed it.” Falana returned to Jamaica to Àlm the song’s video with director Mykal

Cushnie, whose culture-centric narrative storytelling has resulted in collaborations with Popcaan, Sean Paul and Damian Marley. As well as capturing some of Port Antonio’s striking natural beauty, the video also shows how her style and signature braid pom-poms are an extension of her artistry. She adds, “I think the video is such a beautiful visual representation of ‘Joy’, the song and the feeling. The energy on set matched the song, and I was so grateful for that.” Falling between so many of the genres that have inÁuenced her own journey, Falana often felt like an outsider, working on the periphery of multiple music scenes but struggles to Àt in. With her new work, she’s Ànally been able to hit the balance she’s been searching for her whole life. It’s the start of a bright future.

Falana

Segun Klux Wins Enterprising Youth Award

Segun Klux

Segun Klux is the Creative Director of Klux Prints and Brand Solutions. The firm provides the branding needs of celebrities, corporate organizations and a host of others. Klux recently bagged the Enterprising Youth of the Year award which came at a time of self-appraisal and evaluation of his works. Speaking on winning the award, Klux said: “It’s actually hard to put the feeling into words. Nonetheless, it is a huge honour for me to be recognised as an enterprising youth. Winning the award is a

motivation for me to do more and it makes me feel that I am doing something right.” For 2021, the company has been working on developing brands, giving them identities, and solving their printing and publishing needs. Klux said: “We have been working on improving our services and also expanding across Nigeria and beyond. I will be launching my media and event platform soon and I am presently working on two Ecommerce websites to be launched before the middle of the year.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

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Nissi Ogulu

I Want to Break Limitations of African Women In the male-dominated Nigerian music scene, Nissi Ogulu (Burnaboy’s sister) is not afraid to take up space, making room for the celebration of Black women’s natural beauty in all its shades and textures as the dynamite of a singer is all about female empowerment as seen in this perfectly sculpted visual for Move x2. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

issi Ogulu, simply known as Nissi, is gradually gaining public consciousness mainstream with her artistry. Her music encompasses a “nice spectrum of sound” as she blends both African and European inÁuences. The cross-cultural inÁuences of her sound trace the path she’s taken in life: Nissi was born into a highly creative family in Port Harcourt, Nigeria; her older brother is Burna Boy, real name Damini Ogulu and her maternal grandfather is Benson Idonije, a one-time manger to Afrobeat legend, Fela Kuti. According to her, they are just three children in their family, and growing up was very entertaining. Noting that she and the singer were the mischievous ones in the family, Nissi said that her elder sister Ronami was considered the more responsible child. “Growing up in my family was just about me and Burna Boy doing our thing. Being mischievous and spontaneous,” she said. Revealing more things people don’t know about her brother, she said: “Burna Boy has a sweet tooth. The guy likes sweet things. He’s also extremely protective especially of myself and my sister. He’s goofy.” When asked why certain people did not know about her for a long time, she simply replied, “In many ways I have always kept my artistry separate from his but a true Burnaboy fan ought to have known me before now. My siblings and I are very close.” Her other sibling sister, Ronami Ogulu manages her brother, Burna Boy’s wardrobe for public appearances, performances and tour dates. Their mum is Bose ‘Mama Burna’ Ogulu who manages her children and presumably manages their business interests as well. As a teenager, Nissi attended Corona Secondary School, Lagos, and then The Royal High School, Bath, UK. She’s lived in England since 2011, Àrst in Bath, then Warwick where she studied Mechanical Engineering before eventually settling in East London. Like her brother, she rejects the label of afrobeats artiste, not out of criticism for the growing genre, but simply because she isn’t a fan of boxes in general and given her family ties, it only feels natural getting into the music business. Nissi, Spaceship Records’ Àrst signing and only female artiste/songwriter yet, joined the list of artistes to kick-oͿ 2021 with the visuals to her newest song ‘Move x 2’. The Kizz Ernie produced sound is a catchy upbeat single that Ànds the London-based singer encouraging her fans to look past the hard times and Ànd reasons to keep moving and rejoicing. “Kasala Everywhere, I No Fit To Comprehend/Why Must All The Good Things Come To An End/Kilode Kilode” she sings against groovy production, coming to the realisation that problems hardly Ànish. The new single and video for “Move x2”, is a the follow up to her last year’s

debut album ‘Ignite’ and her 3-D animated movie ‘The Satchel’. The video brings the song’s empowering message to life. Directed by the Alien and shot in Lagos, Move x2 shows beautiful scenes of Nissi and a host of female dancers living it up at every given chance. The video is drenched in cultural references to Nissi’s heritage from the traditional sculptures that grace each scene to the beautiful adornments she and the dancers wear. Known for her groovy sound and her love for cultural expression, Nissi draws on a wealth of deep traditional folklore to deftly serve up a threecourse meal with this well-choreographed visual. The visual opens with an array of all things African as we see Nissi in her true goofy self, walk the line amongst beautiful African women who join her in a colourful celebration of dance, making the art direction for this, Áawless. With every line from the song, comes a synchronized body movement. In the male-dominated Nigerian music scene, Nissi is not afraid to take up space, making room for the celebration of Black women’s natural beauty in all its shades and textures. The dynamite of a singer is all about female empowerment as seen in this perfectly sculpted visual. Flanked on both sides by exotic beautiful African women exuding melanin, Nissi is a sight for sore eyes. Nissi says “I want to break a lot of boxes and the limitations that African women have and I deÀnitely want to do it for as long as humanly possible”. Perfectly curated and crafted in tandem with her sound as the hook stays with you when she belts the line ‘Fun won ni overload’, swaying her audiences with a smooth delivery of the Yoruba language and splatters of pidgin English in between. Nissi’s remarkable talent as a musician, her gift for storytelling and her uncanny ability to break musical boundaries has set this Spaceship Collective’s Àrst lady in a class of her own. Describing her kind of music in an interview as a blend of highlife and jazz, presently described as Afro-jazz or Afro-funk Nissi said: “I would deÀnitely say that my music, in general, is Afro rooted. But contemporarily driven and globally positioned in that it is a blend of my foundation, stemming from the highlife days of Fela Kuti and my granddad, having to learn jazz and blues from him (granddad) as well and then experimenting with all kinds of music, from reggae to funk to RnB. I think it is generally described these days as Afro-jazz or Afro-funk.” Nissi’s Àrst o΀cial single called ‘Pay Attention’ dropped in 2016. It preceded the track titled ‘Criminal’ same year. After that, she released ‘Favourite List’ in 2017. Between 2018 and 2019, she put out ‘Little Trouble.’ With an A-list brother, and an award-winning music critic as a grandfather, the 26-year-old Nigerian singer is out to carve a name for herself as an artiste.

Nissi

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 6, 2021

INTERVIEW Toby Okechukwu: Amnesty for Bandits? Don’t Play with Fire The Deputy Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu during a recent appearance on Arise TV’s Thisdaylive Sunday show with Rueben Abati, spoke on a variety of issues including why amnesty shouldn’t be granted to bandits and how the report of 2014 National Conference can be used to address challenges faced in the country. Udora Orizu presents excerpts from the session

ith the recent trend of kidnapping of school pupils, the President has gone ahead to say, school owners, state governments should take extra effort to secure their schools and provide security in the environment and that will be in line with the administration safe school initiative. Is it really something that the schools have to do on their own? And what are your thoughts with this special focus on schools by bandits? We thank God that some of the students have been released and we commiserate with people who have lost lives along the line. As a matter of fact, it is the responsibility of government to provide security for its citizens. The primary purpose of government is security and welfare for its citizens. It is there in Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution. So, it might be good on the side of Mr President to say that people or states should ensure the security for schools. By the provisions of our constitution, the government is the only organ that is equipped with the power of coercion and to enforce security. But if the states are to provide security, are they equipped to do so? That brings us to the question: we might have the right thoughts, but are we working the thoughts? It is one thing to ask the states to provide security, but yet another to create an enabling environment for states to provide security for people in their respective jurisdictions. We have in the past few years, debated state police. I think the President’s message goes to that effect. The next step is to make it operational. They will surely want to secure their domains and people, but they don’t have the capacity and there is no statutory flavour to that effect. So, I do not think they are equipped. It is the right call, but it is not backed by capacity. But I think right now the states should fight for state police. Governor Nasir El-Rufai has moved for it. States in the South West have done so. The same with states in the South East. So, I do not think there is anything that is against state police anymore because it has become so evident that what we have is not serving us. What is lacking is the political will. As someone in the leadership of the National Assembly, what role do you think that the National Assembly should play at this point, as its own contribution to help address the security challenges in the country? First and foremost is the issue of amending the constitution and to create an enabling legislative framework for suitable security architecture for a federal state like Nigeria. I believe we need to amend the constitution to allow the states to have state police. As a matter of fact, if you look at the various vigilantes, you will find out that each of the states are already operating little security outfits, but the issue is that in reality they are not very functional. What we can do is to get focused. The 2014 National Conference recommends that, and the APC report regarding true federalism supports that. So, what we need to reflect the views of our people in the constitution amendment that’s coming up. On security, there have been talks in some quarters about payment of ransom blanket amnesty for bandits. Do you think that’s a good idea? And also negotiations and ransoms for persons who have been kidnapped? What such things do, whether it is payment of ransom or granting amnesty or dialogue with criminals, is to put a question mark on the integrity and capacity of the state to be the only organ that’s legitimately authorised to exercise legitimate violence if need be in terms of carrying weapon of coercion. It means that the state is operating from a compromised state. It is not expected within the context of a country or a nation state to begin to operate that way. But, by the way, if you want to negotiate, whom do you want to negotiate with? Is there a central command with regard to bandits or criminals? It will be an invitation to various groups to spring up and begin to undertake such criminal enterprises. Yes, it’s an organised criminal network, but they are also operating in pockets and cells. So there’s a lot of question mark, in regards to such approach. They have tried it in Zamfara. The question then is, who now kidnapped the

ment or its organs are being nepotic, it doesn’t help anybody. The level of force that was applied in Orlu was very evident. Then you begin to wonder what happens when there is this perpetual and serial killing and abduction of citizens in the North. I don’t see how it is possible that bandits will kidnap about 300 girls and there is no single arrest. And some people will even be claiming that it is God’s will. Come on. Anybody perpetrating all these is offending God and our constitution and must be dealt with as prescribed as the laws of the land. Unfortunately, it is the body language of the government that creates that impression you talked about and every step must be taken to make sure it is corrected. I don’t see how we can be appeasing people, who are killing our citizens. Niger state has become a theatre. Zamfara is the same; Katsina and Kaduna, the same. We should take the same elements, the same force we apply for people who are perceived criminals elsewhere to meet the people in these states. But from what we are seeing, it will appear that there is a carrot and stick approach that is applied in different jurisdictions. For the state to recapture its capacity, for the state to be seen to be even with its citizens, the government, has to be very equal in dishing out measures.

Okechukwu

about 300 Jangebe students? What is important is that the state should improve its standing and capacity to enforce laws. There are views by certain people that bandits are not criminals, rather they are aggrieved members of the society. As a lawyer and lawmaker, is it true that it’s possible for us to say that bandits are not criminals? The definition of who is a criminal or not is not a matter of opinion. It’s a matter of law. The Criminal Code and Penal Code clearly define what a crime is and who a criminal is. You are a crook, a criminal if you do things that offend the state. If banditry is not crime, then I don’t know what is. There isn’t any way you can give it a baptismal name; banditry is a crime - in capital letters. In fact, we should do a proper analysis and have a proper understanding of what is ailing us. There is no point wishing it away because there isn’t any means you can take away criminality from the savagery as have been witnessed by our people, from Kagara to Jangebe to Katsina, to Ondo State, to the South East and all over country. I also understand that there are crimes that happen because the state has not provided sufficiently for the people or enabled them to be economically engaged. Those are issues to be addressed by he government. But to say that a crime is not a crime, then you’re playing with fire. There are persons, who in the last two weeks have agitated that when there is a security challenge in the southern part of the country, there is an attempt to deploy military might as we saw recently in Orlu, Imo State or to demonise persons in the South, who agitate. But when it comes to the North, there is an attempt to defend even bandits and apply a policy of appeasement. Do you share the same views? I don’t have to share the views. But you see, public analysis presupposes that people deal with what they see. If for any reason it is perceived by Nigerians that the govern-

On Igbo Presidency 2023, there are persons who say that their fear is that stakeholders in Igbo land may not be united enough to be able to present an acceptable candidate or achieve that objective. Then the issue of IPOB I think what we need is a person from the South East who’s going to be Nigeria’s President. The Igbo are not going to pick a President for Nigeria. When they need an Ohanaeze President, Igbo will come together and elect one. But whenever Nigerians need a President, they have always come together to undertake that. Look at the elections over the years: Chief Olu Falae and Obsanjo, Yar’Adua and President Buhari, and even Atiku and Buhari in the 2019 general elections. Also look at the presidential primaries. So, Nigerians did it with the South West and Obasanjo. The Yoruba didn’t come together to nominate him. They did it with Shehu Shagari. They also got together and elected Buhari. The same should happen for the people of the South East. So, nobody should expect the Igbo to get together first. Also, in the North East where insurgents are carving out territories and waging war against Nigerian state or other places where bandits are running riot, it did not prevent people from those parts of the country from aspiring for the presidency of Nigeria. The existence of OPC didn’t prevent Obasanjo from emerging President. In any case, all these are things we have to fix as a country, not to change the standard and convention when it comes to the South East. Recently, you presented a motion requesting the House of Representatives to ask the presidency to ofﬁcially forward the reports of 2014 National Conference and the Nasir El-Rufai committee on true federalism to the parliament. What informed your motion and why was it shot down summarily? I do not think it was shot down. I completed my motion. I moved it. And the reason for the motion was that by Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, the National Assembly could procure evidence or material that it requires for its work. The motion was moved in line with that because we needed to make the 2014 confab report an document official of the parliament so that the content could officially be discussed. I don’t think it’s useful, having invested resources in such a conference and they don’t deal with it legislatively to address issues like security, devolution of powers, security, finances, fiscal federalism, and the rest of them bedevilling the country. And that was why we said let us have it as we are on the verge of amending the constitution. It will enrich our debate. It was stepped down, not because there was no merit in the motion, but because the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, the Deputy Speaker, said the document could be obtained by operation of the secretariat of the Committee, which means memoranda will be sent to various organs of government and to individuals to bring whatever they have. Since the Chairman of the Committee volunteered on that, the motion was no longer necessary to be voted upon. It is now up to him to ensure that the documents are made available to the parliament.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ARCH 6, 2021

INTERVIEW

Masari: Gumi Should Preach Implications of Killing People to Bandits not Amnesty The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari recently spoke to select journalists on the security challenges in the state and North-west, as well as how to tackle the predicaments. Francis Sardauna was there

hat’s your view on Sheikh Ahmad Gumi’s call on the Federal Government to grant amnesty to bandits? Amnesty for who? Look, Gumi is doing it in 2021, we did it in 2016. At least, there is something to learn from us. When we started the dialogue in 2016, 95 per cent of the herders living in the forest were not criminals, but what is the situation today? Majority of the herders living in the forest today are bandits. The general perception now is that every Fulani man living in the forest is a bandit. Once they come out to villages and communities, people kill them; when their women come to markets to sell milk, they will kill them. So, some of them have been forced into the forest and again forced to take arms to protect their own cattle and this is the situation now in the forest. Gumi should have been preaching to them on the fear of God; to understand the implications of killing somebody but certainly not amnesty because even animals are not allowed to be killed unjustly let alone human beings. He should also let the bandits know the value of their own religion. When we started the dialogue, we were dealing with people that were being arrested and not being prosecuted. There was no established concrete case against them because of killing, because then it was cattle rustling associated with murder but today the situation has been different. I haven’t had time to discuss with Gumi. I was in a meeting where he was and he made his presentation about what he met. For me, I am not surprised because I did it before, twice, so what they (bandits) are telling him is not new to me. They said it and they will continue to say it but concretely they are not promoting any ideology. Are we all happy in Nigeria? Does it mean those who are unhappy would take arms against other people? They kept on saying we are been marginalised. How many people are being marginalised and neglected in Nigeria today? Look my friend, a thief is a thief and a criminal is a criminal. They are criminally minded and can’t justify killing innocent souls. There are speculations that residents of Faskari have ﬂed 20 villages following frequent attacks by bandits. How true is this? It is not true. Yes, some villages are affected but not 20. Yes, Faskari in particular and, to some extent, Sabuwa Local Government Area have being under persistent attacks by bandits but I don’t think the number of villages or communities that have deserted their areas are up to 20. We discussed a particular village; Yar Mallamai which is under Ruwangodiya ward. The villagers recently have terrible encounter with bandits but the military moved in and saved the situation. But in those fringes of the forest, definitely some communities have moved into their local government headquarters or to a much bigger place than their own. You know, because of the population within the communities, it is easier for bandits coming from Zamfara to overrun those communities. Any village that is attacked, we normally send our officials to make assessment and offer immediate relief. We have distributed relief materials to victims in Faskari, Safana, Danmusa and we also provide financial support for the displaced families. We are working daily to restore normalcy in villages and communities affected by the activities of bandits. The residents of those communities were just forced out of their places; their farms and natural abodes are there so they can not have meaningful life living outside those areas. So, it is a must and necessity for us to make sure that normalcy is restored in those areas so that people can go back. We, as a government, are working through the religious and traditional leaders and political leaders within the communities, while the military and other security agencies are doing what they are supposed to do in order to bring normalcy. But if you look at the spate of villages and the population of the military and police, it is not possible for them to be everywhere that is why we are working to restore community living. It is key to providing security in the local communities because the military and the police would come and establish formations but after sometime they will leave. So, if we fail to bring community living, then the bandits can come back. So, restoring community living is what we have been doing and even today we met with some kingmakers here in Katsina and part of what we have discussed is about the plans we have for restoring community living. We tasked and mobilised them on the new local government law—what it has provided for them and what is expected of them and how to work towards bringing about communities living in peace. Some few years back communities were living harmoniously but today the story is totally different. What do you think is responsible for endless bandits’ attacks on villages in the North-west zone despite efforts by governors and security agencies to restore peace? First of all, let us accept there wouldn’t be crime-free society. It has never been before and it will never be. But what we have today are bandits and some few elements of insurgency among them that we must work as governors in the North-west and in the Northern part of this country to bring them under control. You cannot eliminate criminality but it should be at a level that

Masari cannot disturb ways and means of people let alone lead to losing their lives. So, I think there is need for synergy between state governments and even traditional institutions across the zones because these bandits travel through the forest from one zone to another. When we met last week during the northern governors and traditional rulers’ meeting, these were the issues discussed. We synergised and have a common approach in dealing with bandits. So, a criminal in Sokoto is a criminal in Kaduna, Taraba and is also a criminal in Gombe State vice-versa. We are going to have a systematic approach so that everywhere they (bandits) go they can be unplugged and taken care of. President Muhammadu Buhari has warned governors against negotiating with the bandits, but some of you are still negotiating with the brigands, why? Who is negotiating with the bandits? As for us, we are not negotiating with them. We did it before and it failed. You cannot negotiate with a thief because they don’t have any association and they don’t have an agenda rather than to steal. They are not people fighting based on any ideology so we cannot negotiate peace with them again. There are some herders in the forest that are not criminals or bandits. They should come out and surrender all they have so that we can know. Whoever inhabits the forest is a criminal and also herders living by the fringes of the forests should make peace with their communities and neighbours, we don’t have to come in. For me, we will not sit on the same table because if to say they are fighting based on ideology, then there is basis for negotiation but they are fighting to steal. How can you stop anybody stealing? It can only be done by force or by bringing him under control by force—that is how you can deal with a thief. They don’t have associations, they are bunch of criminals. When banditry started, people thought it would be restricted to Katsina, Zamfara or Kaduna until they started finding themselves in places like Ogun, Ondo, Imo and other places. One of our problems is that we don’t look at this country as one body. If for example, your ear is sick and your leg says well it is not my business, it is the ear that is sick, the ear sickness would develop to the point that will affect the leg. Therefore, if there is any problem in any part of the country, we should look at it as our problem. We should have learnt lessons from Boko Haram. When it started in Borno, some people thought these are Muslim extremists, so is not their business, but gradually many states, including FCT were affected and then it became a national problem. Likewise, when banditry started, it was a North-western affair before it has now become a national affair. So, we should learn to help each other. When there is a problem in a particular place, let all of us fight the problem and stop it because if we don’t, it will grow and affect all parts of the country. We should also look at all criminals as criminals irrespective of where they come from. It is not about looking at a certain community and say they are like this and that. In any group of people, either their tribe, ethnicity or religion, there must be good and bad ones among them. So, the idea of generalising or segmenting a particular group simply because bad people come from them is totally bad and unacceptable.

What is the fate of female boarding students in the state who are currently at home over the closure of their schools due to insecurity? We are working on the physical security of the female hostels across the state and we have not completed the process. We are fully securing the dormitories with all what you can think of. It is after the completion of securing the dormitories that we can say we have taken what is humanly possible to provide the security and return the girls. Look, we must return our people to school. We shouldn’t look as if we are being defeated. We cannot allow ourselves to be defeated and our children must go to school. If all of us in the affected states are united and say okay let’s go back to school. Everybody is in the school, how many people will they kidnap? Would they have the capacity or infrastructures to hold them? We shouldn’t surrender. I said the boarding schools being managed and owned by federal government, especially the ones managed by the security agencies, if they are satisfied with their security arrangements to reopen, they should be reopened for academic activities because they are federal government’s institutions being managed by military and police. All the security arrangements would be completed within two weeks to enable our female students resume academic activities. We are more concerned because it is easy for the boys’ boarding schools to go to day schools closer to them, but for the girls’ boarding schools, the girls come from far places. If you open the schools and say for day, some of the boarding schools will hardly get up to 20 students. Take for an example, Government Girls Science Secondary School Ajiwa, if you open it for day, maybe only well-to-do individuals who are in Katsina can afford to transport their children to the school and you will hardly find students for even two classes, but this is a school that has thousands of students. So, we have to do what we can to secure the area and return the girls to the school and we must not give up. Katsina State depends largely on federal allocations for survival, what are you doing to revamp the revenue status of the state? Diversification: we have changed the leadership in the revenue collection agencies and we have started seeing some improvements. We also have a committee which has already visited eight local governments holding town hall meetings. The committee would reintroduce community tax and cattle tax. Before middle of March this year, they would’ve completed collecting views and opinions of people. The 21-man committee has the traditional leaders, civil society organisations, government itself and leadership of all political parties, because we want to give it a non-partisanship approach and we believed that at the end of the day, based on the recommendations we receive, we will reintroduce community and cattle taxes and so many other taxes that are not being collected. I believed before the middle of this year, you will see real activities of restoring Katsina State to its lost glory. Like I said earlier, Katsina was depending on agriculture and livestock taxes, but the state was surviving. If we work hard, we will generate substantial amount of money that can assist us in carrying out some of the developmental projects.

˜ ˾ MARCH 6, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

EBERE WABARA

Recur, Not ‘Reoccur’

ET us begin on a celebratory note today: “The management and staff of Aiteo, (needless comma) felicitates (felicitate) with one of its (their) own….” According to Henry Ward Beecher, newspapers are the schoolmasters of the common people. And, may I add, the nobility, too. THE NATION ON SUNDAY of February 28 circulated three blunders: “We said that in order to diffuse (defuse) tension and remove unnecessary controversy.” “…seems all set to break new boundarr ies (ground) as she continues to….” “Igbo re-open (reopen) businesses” BUSINESSDAY of March 1 committed two howlers: “By 2022, the harvest time, groups will (would) have known their agreed domains.” “Katsina steps-up (steps up) economic outlook with 2021 budget” Vanguard of March 2 displayed sloppiness: “Vice President Yemi Osinbajo laying a wreath as he pays last respect (respects) during the….” The next shibboleth is from THE NATION of March 2: “Nigeria is one of the few countries where such a man with such a sordid past could have aspired to and indeed clinch (clinched) the prized post of….” “Minister warns U-17 coaches against over-aged players” (THE GUARDIAN, March 2) Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: overage players “Defunct NITEL workers lay siege on ministry” As the first register (offender), I will not lay siege to the Kirikiri Canal offi f ce of the medium which is working towards a better life for the people. THE GUARDIAN of February 10 carried two infelicities: “…Nwodo spoke to journalists in Enugu on his role in

the controversial dissolution of the state executive of the state chapter of the PDP, which has pit (pitted) him against the state government.” “He recently visited Nigeria and had a chat with THE GUARDIAN…where he bares (bared) his mind….” “…we had to be praying we should not meet ourselves (one another) at the war front.” (THE NATION Life, February 10) “They both died in Abuja in a ghastly (fatal) motor accident.” ((THE PUNCH, February 10) Once a vehicular mishap results in death, it is fatal. But, if there is no loss of life, it is ghastly. There is a clear finality and distinction between fatalistic fi ghastliness. “The minister at (on) the occasion remarked that his administration was determined to make a difference by opening new frontiers inspite (in spite) of….” (Nigerian Tribune, February 10) “I would have advised that the wishes of the people is (sic) the most paramount….” (DAILY INDEPENDENT Politics, February 10) “Less than 20 of them had just taken their seats when suddenly, (needless comma) there was a big bang and the steel pillars carrying the big tank situated between two classroom blocks….” (SATURDAY TRIBUNE, February 27) ‘Big bang’ reminds me of ‘heavy downpour’ and ‘mass exodus’! Dear reader, flee from unnecessary embellishments (big, heavy and mass). Why not ‘between classroom blocks’? “She speaks (is it a continuous process?) on her mission and what she has in stock for the rural woman in Africa.” (Source: as above) What do Nigerian newspapers have in store for readers? Wrong: beseiged; right: besieged “What to know about beddings” (Nigerian Tribune, February 5) Uncountt

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

able: heyday, yesteryear, bedding, cutlery, harassment, stationery, et al. “…Osun APC receives PDP decampees” Simply, defectors. ‘Decampees’ is a Nigerian creation. “50 persons arrested over obaship crisis in Ogun community” Next time, I will arrest THE NATION for (not over) lexical laxity. “Complaint galore over boxing weigh-in scales” This way: complaints galore. “Peak warms up to consumers” Grammar is not a shopping affair: just worm up. “CBN boss absorbs Bank MD of fraud” Dear reader, who will absolve this medium of linguistic fraud? “Between the strenght of the naira and inflation risk” The spelling and grammar icon of any computer detects this kind of juvenile error: strength, straight please! “The cash-for-vote scandal curr rently rocking world football governing (a hyphen) body….” (The Guardian, February 26) ‘Currently’ and ‘rocking’ cannot co-function because of the latter’s inherr ent currency: The cash-for-vote scandal rocking…. “…on the ground (grounds) of massive irregularities….” (Source: as above) “It is unfortunate that politics has degenerated into this mindless bubble and reducing (reduced) leaders to mere liars (a liar is a liar!) in the face of opportunism.” (The Guardian Opinion Page, February 26) THISDAY of February 10 committed five unpardonable lapses: “…before the fi advent of the Europeans in Nigeria, most societies or kingdoms have thriving and stable political system…” This way: most societies or kingdoms had (not have) thriving and stable political systems (not system). “The result was that what was supposed to be a consensus agreement willingly entered into by….” Is ‘consensus agreement’ a new morphological combina-

tion? Next time, just deploy either. “Knowing fully well that Abacha was a key factor in the Babangida regime…” Intelligent commentary: knowing full well or knowing fully. “What is good for the goose should be good for the gander.” Fixed expression: What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander. “Intermittently, the question of reviving productivity and our slumbering work ethics resurfaces in public discourse.” Answer: work ethic. “Lovers, friends, neighbours and relatives all joined the bandwagon, raising the tension to a feverish pitch.” No moronic expression: climb/jump on/aboard the bandwagon (not join). “Strike actions are lawful but inexpedient” (The Guardian, February 10) We certainly do not need ‘action’ here. All strikes are action-based. The same applies to ‘fire outbreak’ and ‘fire incident’. “…we can draw some conclusions from the above statements of Mr. President with regards to his disposition to the strike.” In order to avoid this kind of shibboleth from the DAILY INDEPENDENT of February 10, either use ‘with regard to’ or ‘as regards his….’ “The two-day event kicks off today and rounds up (off) tomorrow” (Source: as above) Correct word is bracketed in the extract. “…government would commence investigation (an investigation or investigations) into the immediate and remote (sounds like a cliché!) causes of the incident to prevent future occurrence.” (THE NATION ON SUNDAY, February 28) A rewrite: …to forestall/prevent recurr rence. Elegance, creativity and simplicity confirm class.

Ezenagu: Cre Creating rea eat ati tiing Value Valu Va lue ue iin n Nig Nigeria’ ige geria’ ge eria’ iaa’’s Real Rea Re eal al Estate Est Es sta tate tat tee Segun Adebowale

igeria’s g real estate sector is evolving g at a tremendous p pace with but still beset by y several challenges g which have hampered p it from reallizing g its true p potentials. Real estate companies p and p professional real estate developers p have also been on the rise in a bid to fill the housing deficit g gap. p However, integrity, y professionalp l ism, sincerity, y transparency p y and g gratitude to business clients, employees, p y g government, and community y are jjust few of the q qualities that have and will continually separate the chaff from the grain on the real estate terrain. One company that holds immense promise to stride that sphere with the audacity of a colossus is Esso Properties Limited, a trusted, reliable, innovative and creative property company delivering first-rate, affordable and secure property ownership for both the top and low income earners in the society. With its ingenious and pragmatic approach, the company has been steadily growing both in size and value, gaining the confidence of Nigerians as the real estate provider of choice. With a lofty goal of delivering 2,500 properties by the end of 2021, Esso, through a combination of entrepreneurial spirit, professional excellence, and in-depth understanding of the demand-supply dynamics in the real estate industry, has so far been able to deliver projects in Lagos and Awka, while expanding its reach to Enugu, Owerri, Asaba and Abuja. Founded by Smith Sosochukwuma Ezenagu, Esso is focused on carving a niche for itself as a trusted, reliable, and friendly real estate entity, having sufficient general property investment and real estate market experience as well as the requisite knowledge required to undertake property development, with sights on breaking new frontiers in the industry providing optimum services at affordable rates and flexible payment option. The fundamental creed guiding Esso’s operations is hinged on excellent service delivery aimed at positioning the company as an emerging force in the industry. This is amply buttressed by Esso’s bold initiative of establishing the Esso Academy, where journall ists on the real estate beat will be trained in the art of real estate reporting; the very first of its kind, titled ‘The Esso Properties Champions Orientation Program,’ (ECHO), with the inaugural class scheduled to take place between April and May, this year. With Esso’s range of services, including land acquisition, residential property sales, commercial property sale, house devell opment, structured buildings, real estate consultation and Esso realtor academy, it is crystal clear that the company is advancing

Ezenagu

further from the conventional norm in real estate business, taking cognizance of sustainable development by investing in young real estate managers through its Properties Academy, which will be the Season 2 of the Academy series and it is to enable them build individual dreams. One of the things that stands Esso properties out in the pack is its resolve and ability to rise up to some of the challenges that have bedevilled the real estate sector for a long time now, some of which are the issues of validity and integrity of land document, how authentic the claims of land speculators and sellers are, given the fact that there are so many cases of land disputes as well as cases of fraudulent and multiple land sales by individuals and families. With a vision of spreading its estates across the breath of the country, some of Esso’s estates are; Berry Prime Estate in Lagos intended for high net worth individuals; Esso’s other properties in different choice locations in Lagos are Summer View Estate; a unique property located in Epe, and a model intended for affordd able, low-cost development, while Sunray Estate located in Eleko is a model intended for middle income individuals. Others are located in Ibeju and Abijo. The company also has three properties in Awka, located at Wonderland, Amansea, and Agu Awka. Two of the estates, Berry Prime Estate in Agu-Awka and Sunray

Estate in Amansea Awka were launched last month in pomp in, Awka, Anambra state and apart from the special appearances by the Esso brand Ambassadors, Nollywood veteran Pete Edochie and Charles Okocha, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Uchenna Okafor also graced the occasion. The saying that an apple does not fall far from its tree, is an apt analogy to describe the man Smith Sosochukwuma Ezenagu, who apparently inherited his real estate genes from his father who happened to have been a property merchant of repute, with many categories of clients on his list across different African countries including Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Cote d’ivoire. Atrusted and diligent man, Ezenagu’s father always ensured the property of any of his clients who passed away was handed duly to such a deceased next of kin or right family member; a trait Ezenagu inherited and one that is endearing him to the hearts of anyone who comes across him. The personal traits and characteristics of Ezenagu have made him an outstanding, successful, respected real estate developer and a household name. Philanthropist, realtor, and founder of Esso Properties Limited, Ezenagu is a man with an enviable track record of excellence in his personal and entrepreneurial preoccupations, a virtue that has not only given him wide reckoning but respect and honour. These exploits have not gone unnoticed, to which extent the business tycoon has been widely honoured with awards in appreciation. Early this year, the League of African Development Students (LEADS) Africa inducted Ezenagu into its hall of fame. He has also been awarded the Corporate Endorsement Merit Award as well as Africa’s Patriotic Personality of the Year award. Alover of youths who has been charting pathways for their development as productive agents of society, Ezenagu wants youths to stay dedicated and focused to excel in their undertakk ings. The excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills of Ezenagu has served to build relationships and with his diplomatic skills he has in a short while been able to build strong ties and get the most out of these relationships. As a real estate developer who steps outside the box, Ezenagu is gifted with the ability to spot a good opportunity and do a quick feasibility to determine its potential, always keeping up with real estate market trends; qualities that speak of the excellent service delivery that Esso is known for. He also understands creativity is an important trait for successful developers of real estate properr ties, which informs why he comes up with exciting designs and cutting-edge construction methods. –––Segun Adebowale, a Media Consultant wrote in from Lagos.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ARCH 6, 2021

POLITY

Senator Abiru Promises Financial Support to 1,200 Lagosians Segun James

n fulfilment of his pledge to

further support indigent Lagos State residents, Senator Adetokunbo Abiru has fulfilled his promise of financial support to the second batch of 1,200 vulnerable residents of the Lagos East Senatorial District. This is coming barely four weeks after about 1,000 beneficiaries of his COVID-19 Financial support received their payments. Abiru who represents Lagos East in the National Assembly,

during the electioneering campaigns had promised to provide succour to indigent residents who were adversely impacted by the pandemic. On Monday, 8th February, 2021, Abiru credited the bank accounts of 1,000 residents, including widows, the physically challenged, the aged, women and unemployed youths drawn from the 98 wards across 16 local government areas in the district. The second batch is also to all the wards and council areas in the district. According to him, the selected

beneficiaries will be getting the assistance bi-monthly and all through the year by way of direct credit to their bank accounts. “Like I assured during the pilot disbursements to about 1,000 beneficiaries on Monday 8th February, 2021, TACT(Tokunbo Abiru Constituency Team) will never abandon the vulnerable in our district. “We shall continuously look out and champion policies and legislative agenda that will be of benefit to the greatest number of our people”, the Senator

assured. Meanwhile, members of the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, (LASUBEB) paid a courtesy visit to Senator Abiru at his Constituency office in Ikorodu to seek his support and interventions for public schools in the district. Following the request for Covid 19 equipment support, a truck-load of 150,000 facemasks was moved to the agency’s headquarters in Maryland, Lagos for onward distribution to pupils and teachers in the Lagos East Senatorial District.

L-R: The State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Priscila Ngozi Emehelu; Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo; Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State; National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ibrahim Tsauri and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Edward Ubosi during the L-R: Deputy Governor of Delta State, Kingsley Otuaro; former President Goodluck Jonathan and state burial of the late Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Rt. Hon. Mathias Jnr. Ekweremadu, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, during a condolence visit by Jonathan to Okowa at Government House, Asaba, over the death of the governor’s father…yesterday held at Mpu, Aninri Local Government Area of the state, yesterday

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Public Relation Manager, Tolaram Group, Mrs. Omotayo Abiodun; Dentist Doctor, Dr. Ayo Bamgbose; Beneficiary, Mrs. Bolanle Kilani; and National Coordinator, Colgate Dental Clinic, Anthony Amadin, during the Colgate Dental Clinic market outreach at Dosunmu Market, Lagos Island…recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Public Relations and CSR Specialist, 9mobile, Joshua Oluranti; winner of Outstanding Health Worker

in the fight against COVID-19; Dr. Ayodeji Anthony Falana; and Corporate Communications Lead, 9mobile Chineze Amanfo, during an event by 9mobile to recognise health workers at the frontline of the current COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos…recently

L-R: Book Presenter, Professor Taiwo Osipitan; Secretary to the Government of Abia State (SSG), Barrister Chris Ezem, the first female Dean Faculty of Law UNILAG, Prof. Chioma Agomo; and Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, during the presentation of book written by Professor Chioma Agomo on her 70th Birthday ‘My Story , My Song ‘ held at University of Lagos …recently

L-R: Human Resources Executive/Wheat Development Programme Manager, Crown Flour Mill; Rauda Musa Umar; Corporate Affairs Manager, Olam Nigeria, Damilola Adeniyi; Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono; Head, Human Resources, Crown Flour Mill, Moshood Quadri; and General Manager/Head Marketing (Business to Customer), Crown Flour Mill, Bola Adeniji, when the company paid a courtesy visit to the Agriculture Minister in Abuja ... recently

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ MARCH 6, 2021

POLITY

Buhari, Bawa and the Malami Anti-Corruption Triangle Sunny Amadi

t no doubt took time in coming, but like good food which takes time and resources to cook, the meal is ready and everyone who knows has shouted that a Daniel has come to judgment in what arguably has been the Achilles heels of this nation. Even antagonists of President Muhammadu Buhari cannot deny his commitment to getting things right and stemming corruption which has stultified growth in all sectors of development as well as tarred the country with a bad brush that has rubbed off negatively on the its image. The reason it was so easy for Nigerians to root for him as leader was based on his antecedents as Mr. Integrity though the war had appeared slow and not as effective and quick as his traducers expected, people still felt the vibes that it is no longer business as usual. What many never envisaged was that though some people he relied on to execute some aspects of his vision were not as clear sighted, committed with drive as he would want, Buhari never blinked from his focus. He took time enthroning what would be irreversible by strengthening the institutions that would entrench anti-corruption as a way of life in a society that had for long, been on the path of unenvious perfidy with a resounding global notoriety that made Nigeria a byword as one of the most corrupt countries. Many lost hope while others in the usual chameleonic acrobatics, had started pillorying the President as having abandoned or lost focus in his personally sworn agenda; but those who know him well could still vouch that retired reticent General had some aces up his sleeves as an unbridled tactician which made him known and feared. Though there had been some silent reformations leading to the anti-corruption fight being on auto-pilot, there were still gaps seen by those outside the kitchen cabinet which with latest trends, are becoming very evident with results though drowned by other factors currently on the front burner of nationhood However, the process of enthroning requisite policies and institutionalise things had never for a second and any reason, taken a back seat which culminated in burnished hands-on moves which fruits are now obvious. Before now, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) had worked out policies and programmes for the anti-corruption agencies with a clear vision that led to trainings and retraining, creation of committees and subcommittees, collaborations with sister agencies at home and abroad in a manner that drew international attention and respect for Nigeria. The yield became clear in information sharing, cooperation and better rating on the ease of doing business index.

Unlike in the past where effectiveness of anti-graft agencies were being measured in publicity, mostly sponsored, agencies, now the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) is taking bold steps to investigate, apprehend and prosecute successfully unlike in the past where shoddy handling of cases let people off the hook; the effect of such planned out approach are obvious and very effective. Convictions in cases of graft have gained traction while recoveries are legion so that what used to be like bar-scene allegations of graft against civil servants and politicians have now started having concrete proofs due to programmes Malami worked out that plugged gaping holes in agencies under him. Of course the beneficiaries fought back and are still fighting, but like flood which seeks no one’s approval to create its course, they soon realised that there is very little or nothing they can do about it. Like infections in the body that feel threatened by the presence of antibiotics, they come out to fight it and in the process are destroyed; that is the stage where Nigeria and its anti-corruption fight presently is. Complaints that Nigeria could not make much progress with the once feared Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on the way it was constituted led to Nigerians and senior lawyers openly castigating the processes and procedures of the agency with some pointing out that they were merely bringing up cases to be settled. Their approach then was more like trial by the press and conviction in the court of public opinion instead of court of law. There were even allegations that they merely leaked cases being investigated so that people would move to stem it. There were also those that alleged they were heavily and separately extorted even when they were innocent of any wrongdoing. Bold ones contested theirs in court and won while some bore the brunt with philosophical calmness but the agency had assumed the toga of a toothless bulldog with officials coming up once in a while to reel out figures of seizures and convictions which turned out to be those of smaller fries while high profile cases were either shoddily investigated and prosecuted in a way to secure conviction was a near impossibility. Soon, things became so bad that anti-graft officials openly drove cars which values are far above their legitimate means, owned properties in excess of their explainable incomes to the extent that a senior lawyer once said there was no need to look far to see that all was not well. He pointed out that the bevy of exotic cars parked and driven by EFCC officials was a pointer that more water was flowing under the bridge or that the war was being compromised. Things came to a head when the former EFCC boss, Ibrahim Magu was more than once, refused clearance by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) which gave a damning report on him

Malami

living and possessing assets above his means. They were so thorough that they pointed out that he was living in a house above the cost of his approved limit while others alleged that some people who ought to be under investigation paid for the accommodation which amounted to a custodian preying on exhibits. If the head of the agency had such baggage, the rest is then left to imagination of those under him though there are still officials who professionally executer their given duties. While some argued that the bug that bit the police had found its way into EFCC since the officials that started the Commission were poached from the police, others posited that the Commission simply morphed into the exact image of the Nigerian society, sometimes being used by those who have access and connection to even hound innocent citizens while corruption ran riot. They soon appropriated, though unofficially, the duty of collecting debts for people who they charged a certain percentage and their image sagged. ––Engineer Amadi, a public commentator wrote in from Port Harcourt. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Gains of Kwara State Revenue Agency Hammed Shittu

ederal government’s monthly financial allocation to various states is becoming inadequate, considering the huge amount of funds they require for developmental projects. On account of this, most states are compelled to do all that is necessary to increase their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). It is paramount for states to generate more funds to do more projects, and fulfil financial commitment to workers, as well as to political aides. To achieve this, the Kwara State Government, six years ago, initiated a bill to the state house of assembly to set up an agency that would be solely responsible for revenue generation to enable it meet the needs of the people and other challenges that may emerge in the course of governance. After deliberations on the floor of the house then, the state house of assembly members passed the bill into law and within a twinkle of an eye, the immediate past administration of Abdulfatah Ahmed constituted the board of the state internal revenue service, headed by Professor Murtala Awodun. The immediate past board did their best to effectively generate revenue and this really assisted that administration to fulfil its electoral mandates to the people of the state. The rest is history. However, upon assumption of office of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on May 29, 2019, the government also took steps to consolidate on the past gains of the state in internal revenue generation so as to serve a pivotal role in the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people. The former chairman of the state internal revenue service, Prof. Awodun worked with the present administration till September 2019 when a new chairman, Mrs. Shade Omoniyi assumed duties on October 1, 2020. Speaking on the journey so far, in a recent interview with journalists in Ilorin, Mrs. Omoniyi disclosed that over N4 billion was generated as revenue for the third quarter of the year 2020. She said the total revenue generated in the third quarter of the year was N6 billion, more than the amount targeted for that quarter. Omoniyi said the success was due to the introduction of harmonised tax payers’ structure relevant to respective tax payers, where various revenue items accruable to the MDAs across the state are consolidated and served. She said, “The harmonised bills avail taxpayers their total revenue and tax obligations to the state. This streamlined interaction of revenue authorities with taxpayers in the state gives room for adequate data capturing, payment narration

Omoniyi

and receipting of all payments made. “The collectibles on the harmonised bill include Registration and Renewal Fees on Business Premises, Signage and Advertisement fee, Fire Prevention/Inspection of Establishment Fee, Earning from Gaseous Emission, Environmental Health and Safety Permit fees, Street Set back. Also consolidated on the harmonised bills are Registration and Renewal of License such as hospital, clinics and laboratories, drug stores, cold rooms, agro dealers, slaughter slab, veterinary drug store, feed mills centers, livestock farm, schools, car dealers and private garages, hotel, event centres, eateries and restaurants.” Omoniyi added that, “The Q3 revenue achievement is an increase of about 87%, compared with figures recorded in Q2 of the year and this is as a result of the ease of lockdown and resumption of business activities across the spheres of the economy of the State. “In its bid to ease tax payment and ensure continued blockage of all forms of revenue leakages, the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) provided seamless online payment platforms as opposed to direct cash lodgements into the IGR accounts of the State. The links to the online payment platforms are available on the KWIRS official website and on all its social media platforms. “The Service remains focused in the drive of its sole responsibility

of Mobilising Revenue for the Strategic Development of Kwara State, with all efforts geared towards consolidating its performance in the last quarter of the year, as schools and other major economic activities in the state resume fully. “This is as the government continues to do its best to stopping all forms of criminalities and unrest in the state capital caused by hoodlums who hid under the #EndSARS protests to perpetrate crimes all across the nation.” Without mincing words, this current giant stride of the agency would assist the present administration to meet most of the needs of the people. The continued dependence of the state on federal allocation every month to fulfil the electoral promises would be less, as the internal revenue generation by the agency would support effort to carry out all the challenges that may add value to the socio-economic growth of the state. Mrs. Ominiyi, a financial guru was born in Kano, on March 26 1968. She attended St Clare’s Girls Grammar School in Offa in Offa Local Government Area, Kwara State. She also has a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from the University of Ilorin and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2001. She also attended executive education programmes at Michigan Ross, London Business School and Lagos Business School. Omoniyi started her career as an engineer in the telecoms industry from 1990 to 1997 before she joined African International Bank where she was the head, IT and systems administration. In 2001, she joined the First Bank of Nigeria where she started as the head networks and communication management and then branched out of IT into business development. She rose from assistant general manager to deputy general manager, taking several roles, from business development to retail marketing, public sector and then to branch banking services. Upon reaching the peak of her banking career, she was appointed as the Managing Director/CEO of First Bank of Nigeria subsidiary FBN Mortgages Limited in 2016 after 15 years with the bank. She held this position for three years and then left to continue consulting in IT and communications, until her appointment as the executive chairman of KWIRS on October 1, 2019 by Governor AbdulRazaq. It would be noted that since her assumption of office, almost one year ago, Mrs. Omoniyi has introduced many initiatives in the area of internal revenue generation and this effort has continued to yield positive results in the agency.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

6.03.2021

NEWS

CITY, UNITED DIVIDES MANCHESTER

Simi Nwankwo

His Goals Not Enough to Save Crotone

PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Simi Nwankwo celebrating one of his goals

Simi Nwankwo His Goals Not Enough to Save Crotone His influence with Serie A side, Crotone this season has been unprecedented, contributing 12 goals so far- scoring eight and assisting four; yet his efforts might still not be enough to save Crotone from relegation as they sit rock-bottom of the Serie A table. With 13 matches to go, is there anything Nwankwo could do to salvage the fortunes of his team?

hen Simi Nwankwo scored the equaliser for Crotone against Atalanta midweek, observers felt it’s the beginning of the club’s fortune turnaround which the fans have been craving for season-long. It however was not to be as Crotone capitulated and got pummeled 5-1 eventually to remain rock-bottom of the Serie A log. Nwankwo, however, remains confident his struggling Crotone side can shock the bookmakers in the Italian Serie A by staying in the league despite a difficult campaign, saying the hard work put in by the rest of the squad shows their determination and focus in their quest for survival.

“Our chances are very bright; we just have to continue believing in the good work we are doing as we’ve been playing good football not minding our limitations we keep faith in our games. So, I am very positive we will finish the season well,” Simy as he is fondly called by admirers, reiterated. The five-times capped Super Eagles player said the Italian Serie A remains a competitive league and has been a massive test for him with plenty of world-class players plying their trade in the league. The Nigerian’s 20 goals which was Serie B’s highest helped Crotone gain promotion to Serie A this season and had been hoping his present form could be able to earn him a recall to the Super Eagles which he last starred for in 2018.

Nwankwo has five caps and one goal for the Super Eagles since he made his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2018. The forward was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that was eliminated in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, playing as a substitute against Croatia and Argentina. The striker has, however, not featured for the West Africans since he made a bench role against Seychelles in September 2018 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. Nwankwo feels Crotone’s relegation to Serie B before their return to the early division reduced his chances of a regular call-up to the national team and now hopes for more opportunities

with the side. “When I went down, I knew the risks of losing that spot that I worked so hard to get to although I didn’t play more, which is perfectly understandable,” Nwankwo told ESPN. “I met a team that was already structured with one of the best African strikers at the moment. And it was normal, it was perfect for me to stay calm and learn and then watch how things are done. And then all of a sudden, I found myself out again, which is understandable. “No grudges on anyone. I understand every situation because the national team of Nigeria is highly rated. So, if you want to be in the national team, you have to be in the big leagues. That I can understand. “So now we are back up. I just have to focus, like always, on what I will do here. The only way I will get myself into the national team is about what I do here. “This season, I’ve done well. That puts me in a good window to be looked into by the coaches and everybody that makes the decisions. I hope that in the future I will have my chance back again.” Meanwhile, the 28-year-old has expressed his delight with the transfer of his compatriot Victor Osimhen to the Italian top-flight, Napoli and believes the switch to the Serie A would further aid the forward’s development. Nwankwo, who has been with the Pythagoreans since 2016, is looked forward to a healthy rivalry with his compatriot for goals in the Italian top-flight. “We will score more goals, united we stand. He will do it for Napoli and I will do it for Crotone,” he said. “Personally, I don’t set goals. The only thing I set out for myself at the start of the season every year is just to do better than I did last time.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER Premiership Table Man City 25 Man City 27 39 65 Man Utd 27 21 51 Leicester 27 15 50 Chelsea 27 17 47 Everton 26 6 46 West Ham 26 9 45 Liverpool 27 12 43 Tottenham 26 15 42 Aston Villa 25 11 39 Arsenal 26 7 37 Leeds 26 -1 35 Wolves 27 -9 34 Crystal Palace 27 -14 34 Southampton 26 -13 30 Burnley 27 -16 29 Brighton 26 -7 26 Newcastle 26 -17 26 Fulham27-1223 West Brom 27 -36 17 Sheﬀ Utd 27 -27 14

Head to Head

Manchester City left winger, Riyad Mahrez walzes through Manchester United quartet of Fred, Antony Martial, Nemanja Mtic and Angel Gomes during the semiﬁnal of the Carabao Cup at Old Traﬀord

Can Man Utd Halt City’s 21-Match Winning Steak? Though Pep Guardiola has insisted that Manchester City’s immediate focus is about the next opponent and not about setting new records, but his ambition of beating Bayern Munich’s 23-match winning streak is not lost on people and that ambition will face a big test as the Citizens welcome bitter rivals tomorrow. The Red Devils are 14 points adrift of the Citizens and a win by Ole Gunnar Solskjear side would not only reduce the gap between the two sides but keep United in the race for the title with 11 matches remaining. However, with the form of the Guardiola’s tutored side, a win for the Devils will deﬁnitely be a huge mountain to climb for the Devils while a loss would ﬁnally nail their title hopes

anchester City head into tomorrow’s derby against Manchester United boasting a 14-point lead over their rivals at the top of the Premier League table. Man City’s imperious 21-game winning streak across all competitions has seen them take full control of whatever remains of the title race, with United falling off the pace as goals have dried up for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils. United drew a blank at Chelsea and Crystal Palace to remain second, but are now looking over their shoulder at other top-four hopefuls rather than up towards City at a potential title challenge. While a win for United would realistically do little to alter the destination of the League trophy, Solskjaer’s men need to start winning again to avoid being surprise casualties in the race for Champions League qualification. As for City, Pep Guardiola will have more records in his sights, and there would be no better way to extend the streak than with a victory over their neighbours. Meanwhile, Guardiola insists beating United on Sunday is his only focus despite his side closing in on the Premier League title as well as a record winning streak in Europe’s major leagues. “Manchester United is the only care about now,” Guardiola said on BT Sport. “We are going to talk about the records and everything we have done in the league when it will be over, so now it is all about Manchester United. “The champions are Liverpool. The crown belongs to them. We are in the best position right now to take them out, and we are going to try. We want to win it and then defend it for the whole of next season. Now it is about rest for everyone, especially mentally, because we do not have much time and next it is Man United at home.”

Indeed, Man City’s wing-back, Joao Cancelo says City are ready for Sunday’s vital Manchester Derby, a game he feels carries added significance. He says he understands the magnitude of the fixture and believes City will play on the front foot and take the game to United. “A derby is always important,” he said. “There is a big history behind the game and a big history around the city of Manchester. But we are City and, as always, we are going to try and win the game. We will do everything to win it and I believe our group is ready for what is coming.” Cancelo admits he didn’t expect City to be in such a dominant position in the Premier League heading into Sunday’s game at the Etihad. Our run of 15-consecutive Premier League wins has seen us move into a commanding position at the top of the table, 14 points ahead of second-placed United, having been as low as 11th at the end of November. Indeed, it’s now 28 matches unbeaten in all competitions, which equals the Club record set under Pep Guardiola in 2017. Cancelo says our dominance is the result of collective hard work across our first-team setup, which has resulted in a squad of platers unified in their desire to be successful. “Honestly, I did not expect to arrive at the derby with the gap we have, but I believe it is from our hard work,” he said. “All the credit to our players, staff, everyone who analyses the videos, the chefs who prepare our meals - everyone had a contribution towards our consecutive wins and our good form. “The way we train, it is not a surprise. Anyone who sees our daily training sessions can see that this is normal. “We are a very unified group of players, dedicated and always ready to help each other. “This year we are showing what a great

team we are, and we want to continue this way, is important for the competitions we are playing, to fight for each one of them. City have scored 670 goals in 273 games under Pep Guardiola and we are very often defined by our remarkable goalscoring prowess. But increasingly, our hard work off the ball is being recognised by people across the game. Cancelo says our diligence out of possession is our secret weapon - and believes against teams like United, who are superb on the counter, it becomes an even more important aspect. “The moment we lose the ball, we react very fast,” he said. “Sometimes when I watch our videos, I can see the moment one of us loses possession, within seconds we have lots of players behind the ball. “I believe that is the secret for a team’s success. We are a very integrated team and that has been visible on the pitch. “United is a team that likes to counterattack. They have very talented and fast players upfront and it is vital that we stop their attacks, which is their strength. “By doing that, we know we are closer to winning this game. In fact, not only this game but against every team. “I believe this is the route we must follow, that we can continue this approach and we can bring a lot of success to our home this season.” Meanwhile, Arsenal travel to Turf Moor to face Burnley today looking to make it back-to-back Premier League wins and three victories in a row across all competitions. The Gunners slumped to a 1-0 defeat in the reverse fixture at the Emirates Stadium, though, and Burnley could now complete a league double over Arsenal for the first time since 1962-63.

20-12-12 Man Utd 0-0 Man City 20-03-08 Man Utd 2-0 Man City 19-12-07 Man City 1-2 Man Utd 19-04-24 Man Utd 0-2 Man City 18-11-11 Man City 3-1 Man Utd 18-04-07 Man City 2-3 Man Utd 17-12-10 Man Utd 1-2 Man City 17-04-27 Man City 0-0 Man Utd 16-09-10 Man Utd 1-2 Man City 16-03-20 Man City 0-1 Man Utd 15-10-25 Man Utd 0-0 Man City 15-04-12 Man Utd 4-2 Man City 14-11-02 Man City 1-0 Man Utd 14-03-25 Man Utd 0-3 Man City 13-09-22 Man City 4-1 Man Utd 13-04-08 Man Utd 1-2 Man City 12-12-09 Man City 2-3 Man Utd 12-04-30 Man City 1-0 Man Utd 11-10-23 Man Utd 1-6 Man City 11-02-12 Man Utd 2-1 Man City 10-11-10 Man City 0-0 Man Utd 10-04-17 Man City 0-1 Man Utd PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Burnley v Arsenal Sheffield Utd v Southampton Aston Villa v Wolves Brighton v Leicester City

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

SUNDAY

West Brom Liverpool Man City Tottenham

v Newcastle v Fulham v Man Utd v Crystal Palace

12:00 14:00 16:30 19:15

v v

18:00 20:00

MONDAY

Chelsea West Ham

La Liga TODAY

Valladolid Elche Cádiz Osasuna SUNDAY

Huesca Atlético Sociedad Bilbao MONDAY

Real Betis

Everton Leeds Utd

v Getafe v Sevilla v Eibar v Barcelona

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

v Celta Vigo v Madrid v Levante v Granada

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

v Alavés

20:00

ÙÞ ÒÙÞ PLAYERS

Mohamed Salah Mohamed Salah Bruno Fernandes Harry Kane Calvert-Lewin Son Heung-min Patrick Bamford Jamie Vardy Ilkay Gundogan Callum Wilson Ollie Watkins Wilfried Zaha Harvey Barnes Raheem Sterling Marcus Rashford Alexandre Lacazette Tomas Soucek Danny Ings Pierre Aubameyang James Maddison Sadio Mane

CLUB

GOALS

Liverpool 17 Liverpool 17 Man Utd 15 Tottenham 14 Everton 13 Tottenham 13 United 13 Leicester 12 Man City 11 Newcastle 10 Aston Villa 10 Crystal Palace 9 Leicester 9 Man City 9 Man Utd 9 Arsenal 9 West Ham 8 Southampton 8 Arsenal 8 Leicester 8 Liverpool 7

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

Blachowicz and Adesanya

Ahmed Musa and Odion Ighalo

Musa Convinced me to Join Al-Shabab, Says Ighalo Odion Ighalo has disclosed that Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, played a key role in his decision to move to Saudi Professional Football League table-toppers Al-Shabab following his departure from Manchester United in the January transfer window. Musa swapped the English Premier League for Saudi Arabia after putting himself in the shop window at the 2018 World Cup and the winger enjoyed success in his first season, helping Al-Nassr

win the league title. Ighalo contacted his ex-international teammate and the former Leicester City man had nice thingstosayabouttheSaudi Pro League. In an interview with Sada Al Malaeb, Ighalo said: “Musa praised the strength of the league, and by virtue of my friendship withhim,Iwaswatchinghismatches,and the Saudi League is an important and strong league, and I’m happy to be here aseveryoneintheclubworksprofessionally

andprovidesallmeansofsuccess. “InfactIjoinedAl-Shababtogivemybest,make thedifferenceandhelpthemwintheleagueand delightthefans. “Al-Shababisatthetopofthestandingsbutthe five-pointdifferencedoesnotmeananything,so wehavetocontinuethegoodworkandcontinue winning.” Ighalo, 31, has endeared himself totheAl-Shababfanswith his impressive performances since joining the club, scoring three goals and providing an assist in five games.

Snub Celtic Advances, Onuachu Told Denmark international center back Erik Sviatchenko is urging Racing Genk striker Paul Onuachu to snub Scottish Premiership giants Glasgow Celtic if they make a move for his services in the summer transfer window. Sviatchenko was teammates with Onuachu for

several seasons, with both playing together at FC Midtjylland, before the Nigeria national teamer moved to Belgium in the summer of 2019. The FC Ebedei product has seen his stock rise in 20202021, scoring an impressive 25 goals in all competitions - his

best-ever goal tally in a single campaign. For someone with those numbers of goals, Onuachu is expected to move to a more glamorous league in the summer transfer window. Asked about the possibility of Onuachu joining Celtic,

Sviatchenko told Celt Are Here: “I really don’t think Paul would move to Celtic at this point in his career. “His next step is likely the Premier League or a Bundesliga club”. Onuachu has a contract with Racing Genk until the end of the 2023-2024 season.

Euro 2020 Countdown Begins on StarTimes Wednesday will mark 100 days to the scheduled start of UEFA Euro 2020. While the exact location of the top European football tournament remains uncertain. Leading digital TV operator StarTimes is set to broadcast the event in Sub-Saharan Africa. The opening match of Euro 2020 between Turkey and Italy is due to be played in Rome on June 11, while seven

matches are set to go ahead at Wembley in London, including both semifinals and the final. European football’s governing body UEFA has so far stuck to its original plan to host the event in 12 different cities. However, it has given all host cities until early April to say if they will be in a position to accommodate spectators inside stadiums and at what percentage of

capacity. “Fans are such a big part of what makes football special,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in his most recent public address on the matter in January. “We must allow ourselves the maximum space to allow their return to the stadiums.” What is certain at this time is that Euro 2020 will take place between June 11 and July 11. There

will be 24 national teams competing against each other in a total of 51 matches. Portugal are the defending champions, having won the 2016 competition, and favorites are England, Belgium and World Champions France. UEFA Euro 2020 official broadcaster StarTimes will air all the 51 matches live and in HD across its sports channels.

Verdant Zeal Wins 1st AAAN President Cup FIFA Tournament Top advertising agency, Verdant Zeal, has won the maiden edition of the Association of Advertising Agencies Nigeria (AAAN) President Cup FIFA Tournament. The tournament, which held from February 1 6 t o F ebruar y 26 took p lace at the AAAN Secretariat a n d w a s s t re a m e d l i v e on the association’s social media platforms. Chairman of the Events Planning Comm i t t e e , M r. D o y i n A d -

ewumi, said the tournament featured 15 agencies, with Verdant Zeal’s VD Team defeating Tequila 5-2 to become the first ever winners and win the grand prize of N200,000. At the ceremony held to present the trophy, AAAN President, Mr. Steve Babaeko, explained that the purpose of the tournament was to bring young practitioners together through a healthy competition as well as foster a healthy rivalry and relationship among them.

From left: Doyin Adewumi, Chairman, Events Planning Committee, Adebisi Seun, Second runner up, (Verdant Zeal), Igbinedion Ilegbinosa, Winner, (Verdant Zeal), Steve Babaeko, AAAN President and Henry Nsoedo, First runner up, (Tequila Nigeria).

Adesanya Goes for Broke against Blachowicz at UFC 259

he stage appears set for Israel Adesanya to become the double champion. He is the new poster boy of the UFC and the striking phenom is expected to simply walk up a division and take Jan Blachowicz’s belt, but the closer you look at this match-up the more intriguing it is. Adesanya’s range has been his greatest ally with flawless technique to accentuate his striking to the fullest but he will only have a two-inch arm and minimal half-inch leg reach advantage. Blachowicz has proven so many people wrong in his last fights and he has always known for being a super durable grappler, but his recent knockouts prove he is a threat here. He does not just have a powerful left hand, he is a diverse and technical southpaw with polished kicks. Ideally, Blachowicz will want to utilise his weight, power and grappling advantage but he will have to be very strategic and use his striking to close the distance. Adesanya is so illusive and if you shoot in, he will be waiting to clip the chin with one of his eight limbs so Blachowicz needs to threaten with his kicks and hope he can corner him against the fence and tie him up in the clinch. Adesanya is still young in the game and his takedown defence is still improving and as we saw in his fight with Derek Brunson, he slipped out of the takedown attempts effortlessly and countered like a sniper. Blachowicz is not an out-and-out wrestler like Brunson but his underrated striking is crucial to setting up takedowns or catching Adesanya off guard by striking out of the clinch like he did to Rockhold. However, Adesanya will be prepared for this and his composure will be key to sliding out of trouble and controlling the range. Blachowicz’s striking is great but nowhere near Adesanya’s level and unless the Pole can stun him with body kicks or his left hand, Adesanya will have all the space he needs to avoid any takedowns and play with his food. Jan Blachowicz (27-8) has been awarded the glamourous superfight for his first light heavyweight title defence. A nice story and good timing for the Pole who’s only loss in his last nine fights was a knockout to Thiago Santos back in 2019. That loss has broken up a sensational streak and he has won his last four with not only quality names but beautiful knockouts. He bounced back from the loss with that glorious left hook to floor Luke Rockhold, followed it up with a split decision over Jacare Souza and is now coming off two more knockouts. He folded Corey Anderson like laundry and then walked down the striker Dominick Reyes and finished him off with that sharp left hand to claim the vacant title. Israel Adesanya (20-0) had a lot to prove entering the UFC. The kickboxer was 11-0 and completely unproven at the elite level of MMA but in the space of just three years he has risen through a tank of middleweight sharks and has already made two defences of his middleweight title. He took the torch from Anderson Silva two years ago and then earned the interim title against Kelvin Gastelum proving he can win a five-round war. He has not looked back since then and made shockingly easy work of the worthy champion Robert Whittaker with a knockout and then eased past Yoel Romero in an uneventful decision. He is now coming of his most impressive performance where many believed Paulo Costa would give him his hardest test but as we predicted, he schooled the Brazilian on the feet and frankly embarrassed him finishing him off in the second round.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

Abiodun Adegoke

GLOBAL SOCCER

The Nigerian Basketball Enigma Abiodun Adegoke is 7-9 and pure mystery.The Nigerian center is blowing up around the world right now after a viral video showed off his insane basketball frame illusion next to a teammate, claimed to measure 5-6. The teammate looks like an infant compared to the height of Adegoke. He is pure cheat code. The video of Adegoke in the gym has attracted even more interest across American news websites. However, the interest has come hand in hand with skepticism and intrigue about the NBA prospect’s background. He remains a prospective college basketball talent, according to some reports, but is also reported to be a 21-year-old according to some unclear reports from his early teenage dates. Adegoke has repeatedlyjokedaboutthe interestinhisage,buthasneverbeenabletoprove inpublicheis18-years-oldashas been claimed. In 2016 a report from Nigeria claimed Adegoke was already 17-years-old and was 2.18m tall at the time. The report claims he was a student of a sports high school academy in Lagos and needed help to fund his tuition after leaving school for a brief period. However,Adegoke has reportedly continued to claim he is still a teenager, having played in the MPAC Elite Youth League in Dubai this year. He is still training with the MPAC Sports UAE system ad his next career move remains unclear. If he does make it to play professional basketball in the United States he will become thejoint-recordholderwithChina’s Sun Mingming, who ended up playing for the Harlem Globetrotters. While he has been overlooked by American scouts thus far, Adegoke would create a new record as the tallest player to ever play in the NBA should he prove the doubters wrong and end up in the biggest basketball league on the planet. Yao Ming and Manute Bol currently share the record for the tallest players ever seen in the NBA at 7-6. Adegoke would shatter that. In 2016 a report from Nigeria claimed Adegoke was already 17-years-old and was 2.18m tall at the time. The report claims he was a student of a sports high school academy in Lagos and needed help to fund his tuition after leaving school for a brief period. However, Adegoke has reportedly continued to claim he is still a teenager, having played in the MPAC Elite Youth League in Dubai this year. He is still training with the MPAC Sports UAE system ad his next career move remains unclear.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

Adegoke

biodun Adegoke is already nearly three inches taller than the tallest players to ever play in the NBA. He is also a teenager — but that’s where the mystery begins. The prodigy became an instant online star when video of him working out in the gym

with coaches during a youth talent development camp in Dubai left jaws dropping all over the world. The video shows Adegoke, who even refers to himself as “Big Naija”, moving with surprising agility for someone who can dunk with both feet on the ground. The video was shared by NBA legend

Shaquille O’Neal recently and it means Adegoke’s life will never be the same again. Not surprisingly, his hoop skills have been completely overshadowed by the sheer terror of his hight. He shared a video to Instagram recently showing him dunking easily with both feet on the ground, looking like an optical

MANAGING DIRECTOR DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

SATURDAY MARCH 6, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 07052343083 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK Why Your Driving Posture Matters

Interior of Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC SUV

Mercedes-Benz EQC More Attractive with new Base Model, Sports Version

ercedes-E4 is expanding the model range of its successful electric SUV: the E4C 400 4MATIC (combined power consumption: 21.5 kWh/100 km, combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km is now available as a base model which is identically configured throughout Europe and therefore especially attractively priced from И66,068.80>2@. The new E4C 400 4MATIC AMG Line already reveals the dynamism of its electric power unit at first glance. It rounds the model range off at the top end. As standard, this extensively equipped sports version features e.g. AMG Line Exterior and Interior, and is therefore recognisable by the AMG-specific Black Panel front grille in a twin-blade design. Highlights in the interior include the sports seats with an

AMG-specific pattern layout and upholstery in ARTICO man-made leather/DINAMICA microfibre with medium grey topstitching. Prices for the E4C 400 4MATIC AMG Line start at И73,208.802. Both models can be ordered now, and will be in dealer showrooms in May. Like all E4C variants, the new models have an 11 kW charger as standard. Officials of the automaker said in a statement that “Mercedes-Benz and the federal government are supporting the changeover to electric mobility in Germany: thanks to the list price of under И65,000 excl. VAT for the E4C, an environmental bonus of И5000 from the federal government and a И2500 subsidy from Mercedes-Benz are possible>3@. In this case the E4C 400 4MATIC costs И63,093.80 incl. VAT in Germany. If the government’s share of the environmental bonus is deducted, the effective price is И58,093.80.”

For maximum flexibility, both model variants are also available by E4C subscription in various markets. In this case the regular rental contract is for 24 months, and it can be ended beforehand with a 3-month notice period. AMG Line Exterior for the E4C 400 4MATIC AMG Line includes the AMG-specific Black Panel front grille in a twin-blade design with a surround in high-gloss black, an AMG-specific front apron in a jet-wing design with air inlets featuring trim elements in chrome and inserts in high-gloss black plus visible and functional AIR CURTAINS, 48.3 cm (19-inch) aerodynamically optimised AMG 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in tantalum grey with a high-sheen finish, a wider, AMG-specific rear apron with visible, non-functional air outlets and a diffuser insert in black with chrome trim, and exterior mirrors in the vehicle colour.

Toyota Yaris Wins Car of the Year 2021 in Europe

he all-new Toyota Yaris has been named the Car of the Year 2021 in Europe The award is hosted by nine automotive magazines from nine countries in Europe, in which the jury chooses a car of the year from new models launched in the past year. In the 58th award this year, seven new models among 29 candidates were named in the shortlist, and on March 1, the winner was announced: the Yaris was named the 2021 car of the year. The majority in the shortlist were BEVs and PHEVs by European automakers. The automaker said in a statement that the jury considered Yaris as, “A very good all-rounder in its segment that offers top of class safety features. “An important car for an important segment. Toyota continues their work to lower the emissions without compromising the car, with this 3-cylinder hybrid.” “Not happy enough for having the best fullhybrid system in the segment, Toyota made it even better. More efficient, easier to use and it is fun to drive now.” “A major qualitative leap in hybridization and efficiency that allows for almost unbelievable fuel economy figures.” “Something has happened. Toyota Yaris used to be a reliable, fuel efficient but quite boring little car. The new Yaris is fun to drive, nice to ride in and still fuel efficient and reliable.” “The hybrid system suits a small car. City owners mostly don’t have access to home charging. But the Yaris still gives excellent economy and frequent electric silence in urban driving.” “Yaris is the best all-rounder in this competition. Hybrid is the way to reduce CO2 if customers

An achy back, stiͿ neck, sore shoulders: The everyday shakes, rattles and rolls of daily commuting can take a toll on your body. The vehicles we drive are part of the problem. Some car seats do not adequately accommodate the curve of the lower back, putting additional strain on the spine. And compact cars may lack legroom and head space, forcing some drivers to contort their bodies into unhealthy positions just to operate the vehicle. But it’s not always the car’s fault, says Dr. Ginger Edgecombe Dorsey, Ph.D., Ergonomics Program Manager for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Sometimes the problem is simply how we sit. In her ongoing poll of USDA employees, she Ànds that poor driving posture can lead to an increased risk of discomfort in the neck, back, shoulders, arms, wrists, Àngers, legs and feet. Over time, she says, bad posture could result in chronic pain, making you vulnerable to more injuries. And sore limbs may be the least of it: One study found that poorly positioned drivers also have an increased risk of serious injury if they get into an accident. Fortunately, you can alleviate many posturerelated discomforts with proper adjustment of the driver’s seat and mirrors. Here’s what Dorsey recommends. Support Your Back Slide your tailbone as close to the seat back as possible. Aim for a two- to three-Ànger gap between the back of your knees and the front of your seat. If your vehicle doesn’t allow for the proper position, a lumbar or back cushion may help. Lift Your Hips If you can, adjust your “seat pan” (the part you sit on) so that your thighs are supported along their entire length and your knees are slightly lower than your hips. This will increase circulation to your back while opening up your hips. Don’t Sit Too Close You should be able to comfortably reach the pedals and press them through their full range with your entire foot. Safety is also a consideration here; this study suggested that drivers whose chests were closer to the wheel were signiÀcantly more likely to suͿer severe injuries to the head, neck and chest in front- and rear-end collisions. Get The Right Height Make sure your seat raises your eye level at least three inches above the steering wheel while allowing su΀cient clearance between your head and the roof. Lean Back (A Little) The angle of your seat back should be a little greater than a perpendicular 90 degrees. At 100 to 110 degrees, the seat will put the least pressure on your back. Leaning too far back forces you to push your head and neck forward, which can cause neck and shoulder pain and tingling in the Àngers. Set Your Headrest Set the top of the headrest between the top of your ears and the top of your head; it should just touch the back of your head when you’re sitting comfortably. The headrest is also important in reducing whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision, says NHTSA³so important, in fact, that standards were developed for it.

The all-new Toyota Yaris miss charging infrastructure where they live.” “The Yaris has been redesigned from the ground into a good-looking small hatch with also interesting riding, thanks to its new platform.” As reported in a recent Toyota Times article, during its development stage in 2015, the launch of the Yaris was delayed one year from the original target of 2019. The delay in the launch may have affected the business conditions of Toyota stakeholders such as dealers, but the decision was made to ensure that Toyota builds cars that would put smiles on the faces of customers. As a result, the delayed all-new Yaris was equipped with a new hybrid system on a much

lighter body - 50 kilograms less from the previous generation model, to be specific. The decision made back in 2015 has contributed to the model achieving very good reviews in this award in Europe. Some of the jury’s comments also talk about how hybrids are an option to reduce CO2 emissions for city dwellers and for households that don’t have charging facilities. In Europe, too, there are many people who live in apartments in urban areas (as is the case of Japan and other markets). For such people, it is not easy to secure individual charging facilities. The Car of the Year in Europe has made it clear that vehicle electrification is being promoted

Use Lumbar Support If your car has adjustable lumbar support, set it (using both the front-back and up-down controls) so you feel an even pressure from your hips to your shoulders. If your car doesn’t have automatic support, a lumbar pillow or even a rolled-up towel can help. Adjust Your Mirrors Prevent neck strain by making sure your rearview and side mirrors are properly adjusted; you should be able to see the tra΀c behind you without having to crane your neck. Take Breaks Even when you’re perfectly situated in the driver’s seat, fatigue will inevitably set in, especially when you’re driving for long periods. Listen to your body. And take periodic breaks: Park safely at a rest stop or other designated stopping area to get out of the car and stretch.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

AUTO WORLD

Range Rover Sport Hits Millionth Sale Milestone

and Rover is celebrating the one millionth sale of the Range Rover Sport. Sold in December 2020, the occasion is being marked with a commemorative Àlm highlighting just some of the famous landmarks this ultimate luxury performance SUV has encountered over its 15 years in production. According to the automaker, the Range Rover Sport made its debut in 2005, with the current secondgeneration making a spectacular entrance in New York City in 2013 with the assistance of actor Daniel Craig. Its dynamic breadth of capability has been showcased across the globe, setting a new record in its launch year on the Pikes Peak Hill Climb course in the USA and then setting the fastest recorded crossing of the Empty Quarter desert in Saudi Arabia. In 2018, the Range Rover Sport completed a world-Àrst for a vehicle driving up the 999 steps to renowned landmark Heaven’s Gate in China. In 2020, the Range Rover Sport oͿering was enhanced with new Ingenium six-cylinder diesel engines, new special edition models, as well as the previously launched P400e PHEV powertrain, providing customers with greater choice than ever.

Range Rover Sport

BMW Group to Power Electric Cars Plant with Hydroelectricity The BMW Group will power production of the new electric BMW iX and BMW i4 at Plants Dingolfing and Munich entirely with regional green hydroelectricity. The automaker said in a statement that contracts have been signed with Stadtwerke München and RWE Supply & Trading for energy to be supplied by hydroelectricity from rivers Isar and Lech. Board Member for Production Milan Nedeljkoviþ: “We take a holistic view of sustainability. So rather than just minimising emissions from driving, we are working to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of our production processes.” The BMW Group already powers its production facilities worldwide entirely with green electricity today. “What’s new is the fact that in the future, we will source our renewable electricity directly from regional providers based close to our plants,” Nedeljkoviþ explains. The green electricity needed for BMW iX* production will come from the Isar hydroelectric power stations Uppenborn between Moosburg and Landshut while production of the BMW i4 will be powered by the Lech hydroelectric power stations in Gersthofen and Rain. The energy

they supply is also used to manufacture a wide range of components for the two electric models, at BMW Group Plants Landshut, Dingolfing and Berlin. “Our direct supply contracts add another major boost to the eco-credentials of the green electricity we use in production,” Nedeljkoviþ emphasises. But as well as implementing more and more such contracts, the BMW Group is increasing the share of the renewable or carbon-neutral electricity it generates itself. Since 2013, for instance, the four wind turbines at Plant Leipzig have provided all the electricity needed to manufacture the BMW i3*. Another of several examples from the BMW Group production network is the newest plant, in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, where production is largely powered using energy from large solar arrays. The energy goals the BMW Group has set itself are designed for the longer term. Between 2006 and 2019, emissions from production fell by more than 70 percent per car. Going forward Nedeljkoviþ explains: “We want to cut CO2 emissions by another 80 percent by 2030, to less than 10 percent of what they were in 2006.”

The new electric BMW iX

The Barber’s Shop Jaw-Jaw on Driving and Phoning Are you among the educated and knowledgeable road users? Are you among the few deviants who believe that you can multitask by driving and phoning at the same time despite the inherent risks involved. Do you drive and make phone calls, text or read your mails on the go? Are you guilty of using talk-to-text or other features? If you fit into any of these categories, my plea is for you to desist from such driving habits. I am being deliberate today because the friend who carpeted last week at my barbers is also educated, knowledgeable and exposed. He is also a regular traveler whose family resides in one of the developed climes. Yet he displayed what he knows he would not dare display outside the shores of Nigeria. As a regular traveler, his problem is not ignorance but gross attitude which is common among Nigerian road users when they drive along Nigerian roads. But I do not know if he is aware that since last July, 2020, the State of Indiana which is the 38th largest by area and 17th most populous of the 50 United State joined the more than 18 States that banned using or holding cellphones while operating a motor vehicle unless drivers use hands-free technology such as Bluetooth or a cradle, or need to call 911 in an emergency situation. For the benefit of my readers, Part xix, section 166, sub section 1 of the National Road Traffic Regulations 2021 cited earlier, states ‘’that no driver of a vehicle shall while the vehicle is in motion receive or make a telephone call in any form.’’ The Nigerian law

SAFE DRIVING with Jonas Agwu amnipr, mcipr,mprsa,arpa Assistant Corps Marshal Zonal Commanding Officer Federal Road Safety Corps.

follows best practices on how to cut down on the growing incidences of distracted driving which is a global pandemic. As a road user, I know the temptation to multitask while driving. But as a Nigerian and a privileged road safety officer, I also know the risk involved in indulging in this dangerous pastime which has sent many to their early grave. Like my uncle, Eng. Tony would always advice, shutting down your smart phone – or even placing it out of reach – may feel like an UBER driver operating without a map. This is because the mobile phone has become nearly a constant companion, and for good reason. That was how I felt on the same Saturday when shortly after my early morning walk, I couldn’t access any of the features in my phone until the technicians at SLOT came to my rescue at the cost of five thousand naira. However, despite the usefulness of the pocket sized mobile phone, there is a dark, ugly and risky

side to cell phone use, too. According to available data from the United States of America, one in four car accidents occur because a driver was using a cell phone. The reasons for this are very simple- Anything that causes you to take your eyes off the road, even for a split second, is a dangerous distraction. Cell phone use, in particular, ranks as a top problem. Using a cell phone while driving, whether hands-free or not, makes it four times more likely you will have a collision. When you send or read a text message, it takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. Going 88.5km per hour while texting is like driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed! Young drivers are particularly susceptible to distractions. They know they should not text or email from behind the wheel, but many of them feel invincible and do it anyway. That is why the Federal Road Safety Corps like other enforcement agencies the world over are concerned over the growing incidences of road traffic crashes caused by driving and phoning. I wouldn’t bore you with cases of crashes, injuries and deaths caused by use of phone while driving. Anyone describing the law as draconian needs a proper tutoring on what the global statistics of crashes and deaths is. For the records, 1.35million deaths and over 50 million severe injuries occur annually. Africa, including Nigeria account for a bigger chunk of the crash trend. As a driver, you need to be conversant with the provisions of the law which bars you from using your phone while driving for your safety and the safety of others.

These include receiving or making calls, reading or sending messages from emails or WhatsApp. To stay safe while driving, kindly follow these common sense guidelines to stay focused on the road: Let those calls go unanswered while driving and pull over to make emergency phone calls. You should make check-in texts or calls after arriving at a destination and lastly get directions or look at a map before starting the car. The last tip is crucial for the numerous people who quickly take me to the cleaners when the discussion is on use of google map. Like I said earlier, there are consequences for driving and using your phonegetting a citation is all about paying fines. The real consequences are ending up in the morgue or the hospital bed. In the last two months in 2021, Zone 7 comprising the Federal Capital Territory which is under my watch has made over 658 arrest for use of phone while driving infractions. The figure for July and December 2020 dwarfs the 2021 record as a total of 2630 arrest were made. Meanwhile there have been crashes, injuries and fatalities involving some of these diehard phone users. Despite the innovations introduced by the Corps to curb this through psychological/emotional evaluation has not impacted as anticipated. You may want to conclude by saying that it is typical Nigerian but I do hope such unrepentant know that every infraction committed gets inputted into their driving records and driving history through the penalty point system. My sincere counsel to all the die-hards is for them to desist from risk driving behavior.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ MARCH 6, 2021

TRIBUTE

MathiasEkweremadu,YouCame,YouSaw,YouConquered Ike Ekweremadu

cloudy sky foretells the rain. But the sons of men are caught unawares, and confusion reigns in the market square when it rains cats and dogs on a sunny day. It is like the hooting of the night bird in broad daylight. Yet such is life. Indeed it rained on us, unannounced, in the afternoon of February 4, 2021; nothing foreboding an earth-shaking tragedy, the fall of

an Iroko. Growing up, my younger brother, Hon. Matthias Ekwerr emadu Jr., left no one in doubt of his determination to reach for the skies, making success out of life. He readily embraced the family’s target and footsteps of success through a dint of hard work and he achieved success in all his endeavours. He was business-minded as a child, such that he was already making money while in primary school. He eventually jourr neyed to Plateau State early in life in search of greener pasture. Along his business life, he got into several enterprises, including pharmaceutical, oil and gas, and farming. At Dengi, he became Ezeigbo Dengi, an indication of his inclination to service. Therefore, it was not surprising that he veered into the terrain of politics and public service after he made success of the businesses. Here, he brought his private sector experience and culture to bear. As the Chairman of Aninri Local Government Council, he towered above his peers, with a testament of infrastructural development within the length and breadth of the Local Government Area. He ensured that all the communities benefitted fi equitably in both infrastructural devellopment and other opportunities; and thoughtfully pioneered an annual thanksgiving service for the people of Aninri, which has endured till date. In the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Mathias

Mathias Ekweremadu Jr.

Ekwerermadu Jr. distinguished himself, rising to the principal position of Chief Whip. By now, he had earned the confi n dence of the Enugu political class; and his hard work and commitment to service ultimately earned him the position of the Commissioner for Transport in the Enugu State Executive Council. As Commissioner for Transport, he elevated performance and accomplishments to enviable levels. He would not defer till tomorr row what could be done today. He eventually died in active service. He died with his jacket and shoes on in the service of Enugu State. The Holy Scriptures says that there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother. But there is also a brother that sticks closer than others; and Ezeigbo was truly one. Growing up, we shared great moments of brotherhood and we stood by each other at very critical moment of our lives. He was not just my brother; he was my partner, my friend, and my ally. I also believe we will ultimately meet in heaven to renew our brotherhood, friendship, and partnerr ship. Ezeigbo, may we never be cut down in our prime again. Yet, your life underscores, once again, the fact that life is like a folktale; it is not how long that really matters more, but how well, interesting, and impactful. Indeed, as one of America’s greatest statesmen, the ever-philosophical Benjamin Franklin, aptly put it, a long life may not be good, but a good life is long enough. Yours was a good and remarkable life. Like Julius Caesar, you ride home in torrents of tributes, and you can always beat your chest to say, “Veni, vidi, vici”, for you truly came, you saw, and you conquered. On behalf of my dear wife, Lady Nwanneka, as well as Ike Jr., Chinonso, Kenechukwu, and Chidimma, I say goodnight. My dear brother, Chikeluba, Ezeigbo, OON, Before the War, as we all fondly called you, see you in the New Jerusalem someday, and may the chariots of angels ride you to your eternal rest. ––Ekweremadu, – a former Deputy President of the Senate, represents Enugu West

Leap Africa Mourns Board Member, Seyi Bickersteth Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli

he Board, staff and beneficiaries of LEAP Africa mourn the sudden death of our distinn guished and devoted Board member – Mr. Seyi Bickersteth, who passed away on March 3rd 2021. A legend in the African finance, accounting, tax, governance and compliance landscape, LEAP Africa was honoured to welcome Mr. Bickersteth to our Board of Directors in 2017, soon after his retirement as the Chairman of KPMG West Africa. Over the past three years, Mr. Seyi Bickersteth served as a committed and devoted Board member. He was extremely passionate about mentoring young Nigerians and fully embraced LEAP’s commitment to raising the next generaa tion of dynamic, innovative and principled young leaders who will transform Africa. Early in his tenure, the entire LEAP family was struck by his humility, kind and gentle demeanor, which endeared him to the organisation as a whole, especially the young team in our finance fi and accounts department. Mr. Bickersteth applied his brilliance and wealth of experiences in guiding the Board and staff of the organisation. A few months into his tenure on the Board, Mr. Bickersteth was appointed to serve as the chairman of our Finance Committee. He applied

Bickersteth his razor-sharp lens to guide the organisation through its budgeting and auditing process. He coached the team on the appropriate systems and controls for ensuring compliance, transparr

ency and accountability. He infused worldclass standards of fi financial excellence as the organisation effectively deployed funds from international partners such as the Mastercard Foundation and the Ford Foundation and expanded its work to six African countries. On March 2nd 2021, he chaired yet another Finance Committee Meeting, reviewing the financials, giving feedback and organisation’s fi coaching the team. He patiently guided the team, providing thoughtful corrections on the appropriate assumptions for rates of infl n ation and exchange rates as they fi finalized their budgets. Who could have imagined that this would be the last interaction? According to LEAP Africa’s chairman – Mr. Udeme Ufot – “Seyi Bickersteth was an accomplished professional whose unassuming personality was in great contrast to the heights he had attained in his professional calling. Very professional, calm and objective in his approach to all issues. A very committed LEAP board member. He was the fi first on Tuesday afternoon to confi nfirm attendance at Thursday’s board meeting. On Wednesday morning, he was dead. May God Almighty grant him eternal rest.” LEAP Africa has lost a great gem! Nigeria has lost a brilliant man who loved this country deeply and gave his time, talents and treasure to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian leaders. LEAP Africa’s Board is committed to

sustaining Mr. Bickersteth’s legacy through our work across Africa and a special award in his honour – The Seyi Bickersteth Prize for Financial Excellence, Compliance and Goverr nance. This award will be presented annually to an outstanding young social entrepreneur who embodies Mr. Bickersteth’s values of excellence, transparency and accountability during the LEAP Africa’s Social Innovators Awards. On a more personal note, we extend our prayers to Mrs. Catherine Bickersteth and the entire family. Over the years, we have observed the epic love story of Mr. Seyi and Mrs. Cathh erine Bickersteth! Their deep love for each other was legendary. They supported and celebrated their individual and collective impact and succ cesses and raised two exceptional daughters. They embraced a healthy lifestyle, travelled the world together and served as a great source of inspiration for so many younger couples who benefitted fi from the radiance of their love. We are comforted by the fact that Mr. Bickersteth lived a very purposeful life and is at rest! His legacy lives on in his children, the generations of fi financial professionals that he groomed, the lives he touched, the youth he inspired and the organisations in which he served! May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen! Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli is the Founder, LEAP Africa

Ayo Ajisebutu: Good Fulanis Must Act Now Olaoluwakitan Babatunde

nited States-based Nigerian peace-activist, Prince Ayo Manuel Ajisebutu says the current herders/farmers tension in the different parts of Nigeria is heightened by the inaction of a few innocent Fulani herders who have kept mute while their kinsmen wreak havoc on host communities. Ajisebutu likens the situation to the one described by the legendary Martin Luther King which says: “The ultimate tragedy is not the oppression and cruelty by the bad people but the silence over that by the good people.” According to the musician and social comm mentator, “I am pained by the ugly development that continues to threaten the peace and unity of Nigeria. And it is just time we told ourselves the bitter truth and safeguard our peaceful

coexistence. “I am challenging the good Fulanis to confront the Fulanis that are bent on carrying out the purported agenda of their fore father, Usman Dan Fodio,” he said. “These good ones among them must come out in one voice and condemn Miyetti Allah’s declaration that Nigeria belongs to the Fulanis - a very divisive statement that warrants the association to be proscribed as a terrorist group. These good ones, as I choose to call them, must expose the Fulanis that are arming poor herders with AK-47 and brainwashing them to kill nonFulanis for the purpose of taking over Nigeria.” Ajisebutu berates a situation whereby “several undocumented Fulanis are migrating to the Southern parts of the country at odd hours,” saying “there must be an investigation into these mass of people suspected to be non-Nigerians.” He charges well-meaning Fulanis to stand for restructuring. “The good Fulanis must see that key positions in government represent federal

characters, unlike what we have under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari. It is ominous that Nigeria will go up in flames if the Fulanis choose to continue their systemic oppression of other tribes.” On the agitations for self-determination by some parts of the country, he opines that Nigeria should remain one country, only if the different ethnic nationalities are willing to come to a table of brotherhood to negotiate their coexistence. He recalls that the civil war in Central Afrii can Republic started because of an overbearing attitude of the Fulanis to governance. He therefore warned the leadership of Nigeria to see reasons to eschew all appearances of another civil war in the country before it is too late. Recall that U.S. Congresswoman, Barbara Lee had joined Ajisebutu’s organisation, Blendforward.org to observe a candlelight vigil for victims of the #EndSARS protest, where

she declared that the United States Congress is paying attention and have urged the United States and the United States Department of State to support the efforts of the Nigerian people to demand justice, accountability, and an end to police brutality in the country. Continuing, he said: “My personal appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari is to come out and speak to the nation as a loving father would, who is troubled over the divisions among his children and wants lasting peace in his home. The president must create communii ties of love where we will never witness again, the kind of violent events that happened in Ibadan between Hausa and Yoruba people.” Ajisebutu is the Founder and President of MansMark Records, an entertainment outfi tfit and A.Y.ZERO clothing brand in Los Angeles, California. In 1995 he organised several rallies to save the Nigerian human rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni 9 from being killed by General Abacha.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER MARCH 6,2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

JIK Raises the Bar in Hygiene Practice Indigenous hygiene and household brand, JIK has bagged an endorsement deal with the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) to promote sound hygiene practices in Nigeria. NANNM is a professional-cum trade union organisation of all professional nurses and midwives who are trained, registered, and licensed to practice the nursing profession at all the levels of the healthcare delivery system. The new deal places more expectations on the brand in the fulfilling its objective to realise a world where families are safe from illnesscausing germs and viruses. Speaking on the endorsement, Country Manager, Reckitt Benckiser Hygiene West Africa, Asif Hashimi, stated that the endorsement was a perfect fit as both the company and NANNM share a common objective to promote good hygiene practices. “Nurses are most times the first point of call when individuals get ill, with this endorsement, we can collaborate to drive high standards in hygiene practices. Our Fight is to empower individuals to keep their families safe from illness-causing germs and viruses. “It is a critical time globally, Thus, our partnership with the NANNM will help to further amplify our message of good hygiene practices. Over the years, Nigerians have come to trust the brand to keep their homes in a good sanitary state and help curb the spread of infectious diseases in their families, this endorsement will further help to entrench trust.

Members of Rotary Club of Akowonjo celebrating 35 years of service

Smoov Excites Customers with Creativity Challenge Beverage Smoov Chapman from the stable of The La Casera Company Plc, has declared open a ‘In-Harmony Challenge’ while calling on talents to enter for the competitive exercise. According to the organisation, the In-Harmony Challenge is a nationwide online singing competition, where a group of singers of at least 4 members get to perform a unique arrangement of select Afro Pop Hits. The company informed further that the challenge which will run for 12 weeks has 4 stages namely ,” The call-for-entry which

is currently ongoing; the knockout stage; round of 10 and the clash of 4.” It hinted that the entries for the ‘call-forentry stage’ would close by March 8, 2021. It stated further in a statement that the online singing competition was in line with the need to constantly evolve with growing demands and realities of present time. “This is for the singers - the talented ones who love to sing chords, minors and harmonies. And most deÀnitely for all of us who want to be entertained while carting home mouthwatering prizes. “ The winning group will take home a

cash prize of N2.5 million ; Àrst runner up N1,25 million while the second runner up will get N1 million. There’s also a chance to record a single, complete with a music video with an award-winning artiste. In entering for the competition, the organisation clariÀed thus, “ Each group will be required to perform to either “I Dey There” by @jujuboystar , “Again” by @ wandecoal or “Gentleman “ by @richassani, secondly, they are to post entry video on their Instagram page using speciÀed hashtag and then tag us @inharmonychallenge @Smoovchapman and @lifeataristokrat.”

Microsoft Adds Ways for Customers on AI with Azure Elevators that respond to voice commands, cameras that notify store managers when to restock shelves and video streams that keep tabs on everything from cash register lines to parking space availability. These are a few of the millions of scenarios becoming possible thanks to a combination of artiÀcial intelligence and computing on the edge. Standalone edge devices can take advantage of AI tools for things like translating text or recognizing images without having to constantly access cloud computing capabilities, according to John Roach, Executive Architect, Digital Transformation Services, Microsoft.

At its Ignite digital conference, Microsoft unveiled the public preview of Azure Percept, a platform of hardware and services that aims to simplify the ways in which customers can use Azure AI technologies on the edge – including taking advantage of Azure cloud oͿerings such as device management, AI model development and analytics. Roanne Sones, corporate vice president of Microsoft’s edge and platform group, said the goal of the new oͿering is to give customers a single, end-to-end system, from the hardware to the AI capabilities, that “just works” without requiring a lot of technical

know-how. The Azure Percept platform includes a development kit with an intelligent camera, Azure Percept Vision. There’s also a “getting started” experience called Azure Percept Studio that guides customers with or without a lot of coding expertise or experience through the entire AI lifecycle, including developing, training and deploying proof-of-concept ideas. For example, a company may want to set up a system to automatically identify irregular produce on a production line so workers can pull those items oͿ before shipping.

Five Continents Opens Lounge in Ibadan Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

In an effort to grease the wheel of business in Oyo State, Five Continents has unveiled a new lounge in Ibadan, the state capital. The move is further expected to bring out some hidden treasures in the state that would attract tourists, travellers and business visitors. The venture, located in Golden Tulip, Ibadan parades an entertainment centre with a mix of luxurious bars, grills and restaurants. Commenting, one of the customers, who got a sneak early peek at Vibe, Femi Tunji, said, “Vibe is simply beautiful, the environment is lovely, it truly is the most exclusive lounge in Ibadan.” The company also expressed its commitment to adhere to COVID-19 safety precautions in its activities, reiterating safety as its utmost priority.

Future Female Invest Partners Old Mutual, Marks Women’s Day Future Female Invest (FFI) and Old Mutual (a multinational Life and General Insurance company) have entered into an exciting partnership to economically empower women by providing education and how to take control during uncertain times. Aysha Tegally, Co-Founder and CEO of FFI disclosed that “it is clear that Old Mutual understand women, how to communicate, and to enable behavior change. This partnership is not just about selling insurance, but it’s about building trust with women and enabling them to understand how insurance lessen the risks of future losses in their business” Tori Abiola, Co- Founder, FFI disclosed that “ both FFI and Old Mutual Insurance Nigeria Plc to commemorate the International Women’s Day are jointly organizing a press conference on Tuesday, March 9th, 2021 between 10am to 2pm at Capital Club, 6 Elsie Femi Pearce Street, off Adeola Odeku Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Tori Abiola noted that “IWD 2021 has the theme, “ #Choose to Challenge” and is aimed to celebrate women’s achievements, increase visibility, while calling out inequality, “She added that “ IWD applaud equality for women in Innovation, applaud equality for women in Sport, educate women on health choice and decisions “

Rotary Club of Akowonjo Clocks 35 Lush Hair Partners Make-me, Unveils Academy As Rotary International marks its 116 years this week, one of its affiliate clubs, Rotary Club of Akowonjo rolled out the drums on Monday to celebrate her 35 years in the service of humanity. The well-attended celebration which held at the Lagos Airport Hotel, venue of the club’s weekly fellowship, saw many of the club’s past presidents being honoured and decorated for keeping the club’s flag flying for over three decades. Speaking passionately at the event, a Charter member, Rotary Past Assistant Governor (Dr.) Olukayode Akinlade, went memory lane and espoused the various sacrifices members have made in ensuring that the club continued to remain relevant in the comity of Rotary clubs worldwide. In his welcome speech, the visibly elated Club President, Rotarian Olamide Abegunde, congratulated all members of the club and appreciated them for their continued membership and support for the club and Rotary in spite of the Covid-19 Pandemic and economic downturn

in the world. According to him, Rotarians dedicate their howbeit scares resources for the good of others and this he said has been so for the past 116 years since the humanitarian organisation was founded by Rotarian Paul Harris in the United States of America. The President, Rotarian Abegunde paid glowing tributes to the Charter President of Rotary Club of Akowonjo, Late Past District Governor, Rotarian Matins Itoitoi whose legacy he noted will continue to be lived as long as the club existed. The anniversary event was rounded off with a colourful cake-cutting anchored by Rotary District 9110 Secretary, Rotarian Muftau Adelotan. Picture shows District leaders and club leaders among whom were the club’s President, Rotarian Olamide Abegunde, the District Governor, Rotarian Bola Oyebade, Past District Governor, Otunba Bola Onabadejo, Past Assistant Governor (Dr.) Kayode Akinlade, Past President Celine Opara, amongst others.

As part of efforts to fulfil its social commitment to the society, premium hair extension brand, Lush Hair has unveiled a Hair Academy that will help spread knowledge in the field of hair making, while empowering young Nigerians. The academy, which was launched in partnership with MAKE-ME professional institute in Lagos, will render its services at zero cost to existing stylists and aspiring Nigerian youths who have picked up interest in professional hair making and styling. According to Lush Hair, the academy is open to Nigerian youths who want to learn ways to develop and enhance their skills in professional hair making and styling from experts who already have made remarkable impact in the industry. The initiative would also keep potential students updated on the latest hair styles, trends, products, equipment use, and styling techniques etc., the organisation stated.

In her remark, Brand Manager of Lush Hair, Ritambhara Kakkar said that the initiative was borne out of the realisation that lots of unemployed Nigerian youths have the zeal to become entrepreneurs but lacked the wherewithal to start. “In view of this, we decided to encourage youths who we recognize as the future of the nation, with a vocational training opportunity to start up a profitable business. On the other hand, existing stylists who may want to sharpen their skills to build on previous knowledge are equally welcome to participate at no cost. “Another advantage of this training is that several renown instructors have been brought on board to coach through different aspects of hair styling throughout the year, such as; braiding, natural hair styling, crotchet styling, bridal hair styling, Ghana weaving etc. The opportunity to learn from industry professionals will provide deep insight as to what it takes to be successful on the job.

˜ ˾ MARCH 6, 2021

JOE/FAJ

THEFRONTLINES

Foodstuff Blockade: Is Buhari Backing Northern Interest against South?

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

magine a scenario where Nigeria would perhaps on the basis of a diplomatic spat decide not to deal with its major crude oil trading partners like India, China, United States by boycotting the sale of crude oil to any of them. What do you think could be the likely outcome of such a foolish self serving decision? In a world where it is the buyers’ turf, where their purchasing power gives them the latitude to choose and in the face of countless opportunities the buyer is King and the seller is virtually left eating from his palms, who blinks first? It was therefore surprising to hear that the a faceless group which was hurriedly put together as the Amalgamated Union of Foodstuff and Cattle Dealers of Nigeria (AUFCDN) directed its members to commence an indefinite strike and stop the movee ment of food items from the North to the South. The reason for this decision, according to the group, was to protest what it said was government’s failure to address the alleged killings of its members in parts of the country. As a punitive measure, the union announced that was also stopping its members from moving cattle and foodstuffs to the country’s southern part. This was in line with the threat of the national body of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to stop its members from supplying and selling cattle to the South if some governors affected the alleged eviction of Fulani herdsmen. As the enforcement team of the group swung into action, Many trailers transporting cows, tomatoes, onions, pepper, grains and other commodities were prevented from leaving a border town in Niger State to the southern part of the country. The trucks, reportedly conveying agricultural goods owned by Fulani cattle merchants, were reportedly stopped from entering the Jebba town, Kwara State border town with Niger State on their way to the South-West on Thursday. It was gathered that the stoppage might have to do with the threat of the national body of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria to stop its members from supplying and selling cattle to the South if some southern governors went ahead with their threat to evict Fulani herdsmen. Before commencing the strike action, they had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government asking for N450m compensation to the union for the death of over 250 members and the destruction of their property or face a strike action. The union alleged that 151 of its members were killed

during the Shasha crisis in Oyo State while over 100 members were killed during the ENDSARS protest across the country. But the government failed to succumb to this blackmail initially. However, as the blockade persisted sending the cost of foodstuff heading north, most southern states dismissed the blockade as a storm in a tea cup with no significant impact. Almost all southern states see the blockade as an affront and a call for them to look inwards and plan for the inevitable. From Ondo, home of the fireworks, the Senior Special Assistant, Agriculture and Agric Business, Mr Akin Olotu, the Senior Special Assistant to the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, on Agriculture and Agric Business, dismissed the blockade and describing it as a good development and an eye-opener to utilise opportunities the South had in agriculture. “We won’t appeal to them to bring the food to the South. If they want to bring it, let them bring it. If they don’t want to bring, let them take it away, but nobody will beg them. It is a welcome development, it would spur our people to embrace agriculture the more, particularly at the family level. “We are not relenting here. It is a matter of months, our tomatoes and pepper would start coming out for harvest. We are working on onions too . Very soon, we will begin to grow our own onions. The only appeal we can make to them is for them to leave our forests and stop destroying our farms.” He announced. His Cross River State counterpart and Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Asu Okang, said there was no use appealing to those blocking food coming from the north to the south as the blockade would not last long; because according to him, “They can’t block foodstuffs from coming to the South for too long because if you say you are protesting and you won’t go to the market with your food, who suffers? “Nigeria has come to stay as one country and we must understand that no ethnic group is superior to the other. If they decide to hoard what they produce, and the Niger Delta decides to go into that kind of boycott, what will happen? Will there be fuel in the North?” He asked rhetorically. The action undertaken by this group to wage an unwarranted blockade against the south on such a flimsy excuse poses a question mark on the unity of this country and the perception that one part of the country can perpetually cripple the other part if it were possible. It has become clear to the northern traders after this botched exercise now that they and their goods are not entirely indispenss

The Women Are Coming

his piece was inspired by my mother...a woman whose mastery of the English Language was no more than adequate to communicate with her diverse customers at her petty-trading shop in Iponri, Lagos. My mother was tough, hardworking, thrifty and distrustful of haughty, loudmouthed smooth talkers. She would not condone my truancy or flippancy, and was not afraid to tell any of her children off if they were in the wrong - even in their individual matrimonial homes. Aged and weakened by geriatric issues, my mother would nonetheless stun her grand children with tales of their parents’ misadventures as youngsters with cracking admonitions on why they should be better representations of their uncomfortable parents. No stares or frowns would stop her in her ‘missionary’ crusade to mould the next generation on the path of correctness and good behaviour. This article is inspired by my wife...in fact, it was her initial suggestion to salute the recent incredible accomplishment of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as a signpost of women’s capacity to overcome, anywhere, despite atrocious obstacles strewn their path...by the society (unsubtle euphemism for men!) Though wracked by triple challenges of succeeding in her career, managing the home-front and nurturing her children in the image that she believes would give them the best chance at surviving and excelling in a gruesomely demanding world, she has shown outstanding strength and commitment where brawn and masculinity would have withered. Her remarkable aptitude to run against raging inferno of multifarious obstacles, and her calmness at the vortex of disparaging circumstances make her a formidable pillar at your corner in moments when power fails or confidence wanes. This write-up is inspired by my children who, before my very own eyes, have transformed from tiddly-diddly tots of the 90s to well-adjusted, professional, high-level women with immensely exciting and confident projections. My girls, firm, funny and firstrate, will never submit to the obnoxious excuse of “it’s a man’s world”. With ardent vigour and admirable tenacity, they will make it clear to any doubters of feminine capacity or adequacy, that you are on a shallow path. Respectful and reserved, their body language

reveals a thunderous acrimony with any male-induced complex which their society, wrongly or inadvertently, has erected against the girl-child’s opportunity to excel in her environment, and express her God-given talents as best as she can possibly do. These statements are inspired by Ngozi OkonjoIweala, and South Korea’s Trade Minister, Yoo MyungHee, her last-gasp competitor for the position of the Director General of World Trade Organization, WTO, a global financial octopus. Both women stunned the jaded furrowed chambers of bumbling men who must have worked hard to frustrate them, simply because they are women, however educated and accomplished, who want to strive beyond imitating men in the ratified ambience of muscular exertion - international finance! However, in spite of the intransigence of the USA, then led by President Donald Trump, the heroic woman of immeasurable substance stepped into the WTO building on March 1, 2021 as the first woman, nay the first African, to lead that global entity. Beyond her inspirational ascendancy into that exalted position, the icing for many Africans, particularly Nigerians, is her unrelenting affection and deliberate promotion of the African fabric, and the jaunty slant of her local headgear - in a position that we call “who-cares-?-justmind-your-own-business” in street parlance. On Monday, March 8, 2021 the United Nations is likely to roll the drums to celebrate the International Women’s Day, with a special vehicle doing most of the heavy shifting - in order to train the sight and focus of the world on persistent blatant gender inequalities and poor representations of women in several countries’ power structures. The fertile and fervent vehicle is the UN Women, an entity created in July, 2010 by the United Nations General Assembly. The UN Women is formally known as the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, which became operational in January 2011. Former two-term president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet (the only woman to rule Chile) was the inaugural Executive Director, and South-African born Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka is the current Executive Director. It is perhaps vital at this point to shift space for the full throttle of what the women have in store for the future of the world...starting in a couple of days:

jushigiale@yahoo.co.uk, joseph.ushigiale@thisdaylive.com 08023422660 (sms only)

able. Indeed, the South can do without the foodstuff from the north for as long as it pleases if they north is now resorting to such blackmail and arm twisting antics to force its northernization policy down south. The truth be told, if the north that has very difficult climate conditions, no adequate rains, threatened by desert encroachment can grow food in commercial quantity enough to sell to the south, what is the south waiting for? After all, the south has comparative advantage in cattle, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, beans, rice and name it. The south has adequate rainfall and sunshine enough to cultivate every agriculture item it ever wants without resorting to the north. But why is the north so audacious to the point of threatening the south with a blockade? Is it not tantamount to surreptitiously decreeing hunger for southerners? Assuming the south relied entirely on the north for food supply what would have happened in the days that the strike or blockade lasted? How many children and families would have perished in this thoughtless madness? In the last six years since the present administration took office, some northerners have carried on in a manner depicting that they own this country. President Muhammadu Buhari has not helped matters either with his inaction. The result has been the proliferaa tion of once unknown groups like Miyetti Allah, the AUFCDN and several others jostling for patronage. Under his watch, Fulani militias are holding the country in vice grip, kidnapping, rapping, killing and appropriating farmlands of land owners. Miyetti Allah is busy challenging the authorities of states that have outlawed open grazing. In all this, apart from the preponderance of kidnapping for ransom, the Buhari regime has commissioned Sheik Gumi to negotiate with the Fulani criminal elements so as to grant them amnesty. This is apart from an earlier plan to pay off these mercenaries that were imported from neighboring countries for the 2015 elections with a whopping N100b brokered by the same Miyetti Allah. They were also to get a radio station that would broadcast in fulfulde in addition to the pay off. Now that the traders have bitten the dust following the woeful failure of the blockade and are looking for how to save their faces, it would be a grave injustice and the height of insensitivity for Buhari to succumb to their usual resort to blackmail him into paying them N4.75b to cover losses for their products. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

“This year, the theme for International Women’s Day (8 March), “Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world,” celebrates the tremendous efforts by women and girls around the world in shaping a more equal future and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and highlights the gaps that remain. Women’s full and effective participation and leadership in all areas of life drives progress for everyone. Yet, women are still underrepresented in public life and decision-making, as revealed in the UN SecretaryGeneral’s recent report. Women are Heads of State or Government in 22 countries, and only 24.9 per cent of national parliamentarians are women. At the current rate of progress, gender equality among Heads of Government will take another 130 years. Women are also at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, as front-line and health sector workers, as scientists, doctors and caregivers, yet they get paid 11 per cent less globally than their male counterparts. An analysis of COVID-19 task teams from 87 countries found only 3.5 per cent of them had gender parity. When women lead, we see positive results. Some of the most effi f cient and exemplary responses to the COVID-19 pandemic were led by women. And women, especially young women, are at the forefront of diverse and inclusive movements online and on the streets for social justice, climate change and equality in all parts of the world. Yet, women under 30 are less than 1 per cent of parliamentarians worldwide. This is why, this year’s International Women’s Day is a rallying cry for Generation Equality, to act for an equal future for all. The Generation Equality Forum, the most important convening for gender equality investment and actions, kicks off in Mexico City from 29 - 31 March, and culminates in Paris in June 2021. It will draw leaders, visionaries, and activists from around the world, safely on a virtual platform, to push for transformative and lasting change for generations to come.”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ;, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Leicester Manager Guarantees Ndidi, Iheanacho for Nigeria’s AFCON Qualiﬁers Says former Eaglet crucial to Foxes Premier League top-four ﬁnish Against the initial fears that Nigeria’s Super Eagles legion plying their trade in the English Premier League due to United Kingdom entry ban on some African countries Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has hinted that the club would be permitting their Nigeria internationalsWilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho for international duties later this month.

The Leicester Boss said this at a press conference before his side’s Premier League meeting with Brighton & HoveAlbion today. It was claimed in the local media that the Super Eagles could be without Premier League quartet Iheanacho, Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Republic of Benin and

Lesotho because Nigeria was included in the list of countries from which entry to the United Kingdom is banned. However, according to the UK Government official website, Nigeria and Republic of Benin are not among the 17 African countries included in the banned - ‘red list’ countries, meaning there’s a high possibility of Iheanacho and Ndidi linking up with the

Super Eagles as from March 22. When asked about the players going away on internationals, Rodgers told reporters: “We are awaiting more information on it. As we sit here today, we would certainly not want any of our players to be going into any country that is a red-list country that would mean they don’t play when they come back here.

“But as I said we are waiting for more information over the next week or so and then we can be clearer and make a judgement from there.” Iheanacho was involved in Nigeria’s last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches vs Sierra Leone but Ndidi was absent due to an injury. Meanwhile, Rodgers has revealed that Iheanacho will be important for Leicester City in their last 11 games in the Premier League. The Nigeria international has a tendency to come up and score crucial goals for Leicester City this season. The Leicester City number 14 broke the deadlock in the win against Fulham, scored a brilliant equaliser in the recent draw against Burnley and netted a last-gasp winner against Brighton & Hove to help the Foxes book their place in the quarterfinals of the Emirates FA Cup. Rodgers said: “He is very important, it was a brilliant goal, the technique in that goal last night (Wednesday night) was outstanding. “Kelechi always gives everything to the game when he plays and he works so, so hard.

“He’s scored some very important goals particularly of late, his goal and his importance is clearly there.” Indeed, Ndidi has stated he was happy to assist Iheanacho score a sensational goal in their 1-1 draw with Burnley in a Premier League match at Turf Moor on Wednesday evening. Eleven minutes before halftime, Iheanacho put the Foxes back on level terms with a fine finish, sending a superb firsttime volley into the net after Ndidi lofted a ball over the Burnley defence. It was the first time Ndidi set up a goal scored by Iheanacho in the Premier League and he noted the importance of the goal, saying it helped them walk away with a share of the spoils. Speaking to Leicester City’s official website, Ndidi said: “It was a really fantastic goal. I’m happy for him. “I’mgladImadetheassist,but he finished it and it was good for the team, keeping the 1-1.” Ndidi was initially deployed as a central defender in his last match against Burnley and has insisted that his preferred position is midfield.

Aruna Bows Out WTT Contender Series

The trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi will be available for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nation qualiﬁer this month

Boost for Eagles, Napoli as Osimhen Gets Clean Bill of Health Victor Osimhen has received medical clearance to return to action, two days before Napoli’s Serie A clash against Bologna. The Nigeria international was able to join histeammatesinfulltrainingyesterday,taking part in passing drills and technical work, before playing a mini-match. Thisnewdevelopmentwillbesweetmusic to the ears of Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr who is planning to include the former Lillegoalpoacherinhissquadlistforthe2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

Osimhen missed Napoli’s last three matches as a result of the head injury he suffered in the closing minutes against Atalanta on February 21. NeurosurgeonAlfredoBucciero,whowas with Osimhen at the Pineta Grande hospital in Castel Volturno this morning, revealed that it is up to the coaching staff to decide if he is in the team to face Bologna. “Osimhen is well and can be enlisted. Gattuso will decide whether to play him againstBologna,fromaclinicalpointofview

there are no problems,” Bucciero said. “The magnetic resonance confirmed that there is nothing, as at the first exam last week. “As for the encephalogram there was some small anomaly, as normal in trauma, but it returned. A header? I wished him that. I asked him to give me a goal.” This season, Osimhen, who wears the number 9 jersey for Napoli and the Super Eagles, has scored three goals combined in 17 appearances for club and country.

Musiala Signs First Professional Contract with Bayern European champions Bayern Munich have confirmed that German-AngloNigerian attacking midfielder Jamal Musiala has signed his first professional contract with the club. Musiala, who was on the books of Chelsea for eight years before switching to Bayern in 2019, is now tied to the Bundesliga powerhouse until at least 2026. The 18-year-old has made rapid progress since joining the Bavarians, he was invited to the first team by manager Hansi Flick at the start of the season, and hasn’t disappointed, scoring four goals

in 26 games. Born in Stuttgart, he recently committed his international future to his country of birth and would no longer be eligible to represent England and Nigeria if he is involved in all the three matches to be played by Germany later this month. Upon signing the contract, Musiala said: “I’m really pleased to have signed my first professional contract at FC Bayern. “I just feel very good at the club and in the team, I’m playing with the best players in the world and I can learn from them every day in training.

“Hansi Flick, Hasan Salihamidzic and Marco Neppe along with the whole club have believed in me and given me the chance very early on. “I just want to repay that faith with good performances, keep getting better and win a lot more titles with FC Bayern. My aim is to become an important player for this club.” Musiala is listed as the youngest player to score for Bayern Munich in the Champions League and is the youngestever player to debut for the club in the Bundesliga after making his senior bow against SC Freiburg last June.

The only surviving African in the men’s singles of the World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender Series, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna bowed out gallantly in Doha, Qatar yesterday, after losing 3-1 to Chinese Taipei’s Yun-Ju Lin. Aruna who is ranked 21 in the world was set up against world number seven in the quarterfinal after his triumph over Joao Geraldo of Portugal in the round of 16 and from the outcome of the tie against the Asian star, it was clear that the Nigerian did not concede defeat easily without giving a fight. From the start of the encounter, Aruna did not allow his opponent to dictate the tie and he ensured he fought for every point. Aruna’s powerful forehand most times confused his opponent but his inaccuracy in backhand became his undoing and this earned the Asian star some points in the first game which ended 8 - 11 i n f a v o u r o f L i n . Just like the first game, the second game was full of rallies and both players matched themselves shots for shots with the Asian star having an upper hand with 9-11 win. However, in the third game, Aruna wanted to halt the run of his opponent that even when the match was at 10-8 in favour of the Asian star, Aruna fought back to level the game at 10-10 with both players winning point by point but the Nigerian prevailed at 17-15 to put the match at 2-1.

D’Tigress Eye Podium Finish in Tokyo Olypics D’Tigress point-guard, Ezinne Kalu believes the team can go all the way to win a medal at the Summer Olympic Games. In a chat with NBBF media from her base in France, the 2019 FIBA Afrobasket Most Valuable Player said with the right personnel and positive attitude from her team mates, a podium finish in Tokyo is possible. Fresh out of the 10 days intensive training camp in Atlanta, she revealed that expectations are high for the number one team in Africa. “What do I expect from the girls? They need to show up, come to the training camp locked in, be focused, give 100 percent and really buy in because the Olympics is a huge platform and I feel like we can really do something special”, Ezinne said. She acknowledged that getting a medal amongst the top 12 teams in the world will not come easy, hence the need to put in the works. “For us to do something special, we have to do the work. We have to do the necessary things to really succeed just like how we do for the world cup and Afrobasket”. “Every camp that we have, we know that this is the time for us to get serious, this is time for us to really put the work in. I don’t expect anything less from my girls”, the Landerneau of France player said. Known for her high work rate on the court, in 2020, she was voted Guard of the Year France (1st Division), 1st Team All-Imports France League, 1st Team All-French Player as well as a member of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament All-Star starting 5 in Serbia.

Saturday, March 6, 2021

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ACF to Matawalle

“People in positions of authority that will help us out of this mess like Governor Mutawalle must stop embarrassing the north and country with careless statements on a serious issue like the kidnappings of school children.” – The Arewa Consultative Forum chiding Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State for failing to name those behind the kidnap of Jangebe schoolgirls.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Buhari and the Failure of Style and Strategy “God forbid. A P what? I am with Sunday Igboho, any Southern politician contesting without an amendment of the Constitution is a traitor and should be dealt with as one! Thank goodness Tinubu is already facing his own judgement... God willing, we shall first fix the faulty foundation...”

ellow Nigerians, the above quotation was a response I got from my Sister-in-Law, a die-hard Buharist, once upon a time. Let me assure you that she’s not a frivolous person. Sister T had read Law and won laurels both in University and at the Law School over 30 years ago. Prior to the 2019 general elections, she was so fanatical about President Muhammadu Buhari to the point that I stopped discussing politics with her since, by then, I had lost confidence and faith in the President’s ability and capability to steer the ship of the Nigerian State. It therefore came as a rude shock when I taunted her yesterday about her political party, APC, causing so much trouble in Nigeria and she responded with the above bazooka and I was momentarily stunned. I had no idea when she stopped seeing Buhari as an infallible leader who can do no wrong and what triggered it. Knowing her as a woman of impeccable pedigree (her Dad was a State Attorney General) and such a deep thinker, I concluded Buhari must have really crossed the red line for her to have responded in such a manner. And for this woman, and many more like her, to even choose Sunday Igboho Adeyemo over and above Buhari should be a source of worry for the Presidency. Believe it or not, I know of many distinguished Yoruba people who are pledging allegiance to this man from Oyo State who was practically unknown to most of them until the cold indifference of the Buhari Government threw him up as a child of circumstance! I have always opined that Buhari’s ceremonial, monarchical style can no longer work in this time and age. Not even a military leader in his full majesty can enjoy the lifestyle of an Emperor again. The world has shifted base since those days of military dictatorships in the 80s and 90s. The youths of today are ready to do almost anything to liberate themselves from oppressive regimes. A good example is how our beloved First Lady, Mrs Aisha Buhari, openly spoke up and rebuked the government of her own husband, and even lashed out at some of its most powerful operatives. Such would have been unthinkable in the past. I wish Buhari truly knows the extent of disappointment he has inflicted on many of his supporters and devotees, of which I was one in 2015. I’m still hoping that what’s going on is a bad dream and that I will suddenly wake up and see Buhari fulfilling all the promises he made to Nigerians in 2015 and 2019. I understand the trepidation with which most of those working for the President treat him, so it is obvious that they will never tell him the truth. It is even more dangerous when everyone around you decides to edit every statement they want to make to you, out of fear. The ruling party today cannot rein in its Party leader. Its own internal crisis is a topic for another day. More than two years away to the 2023 Presidential election, most of the Party’s apparatchiks are busy positioning themselves in a game of thrones. So, none of them has the time and temerity to approach Buhari and tell, or remind, him of the unaccomplished gargantuan promises he made before attaining power. For example, I was very certain of the following. One. Buhari, as a retired army Major General and no-nonsense personality will waste no time in

Buhari sacking and completely obliterating the army of bandits operating like the Janjaweeds of Somalia. Our misplaced expectation was so high that I almost imagined that he would even adorn his combat camouflage fatigues and military gears in a symbolic gesture to serve as inspiration to our soldiers from their Commander-in-Chief, even if for mere photo-ops! Just picture how much of a morale-booster this would have been. Instead, our military got more entangled in the ethnic politics of Nigeria due to no fault of theirs. It has even been alleged by a respected Muslim cleric that the Christian soldiers have been responsible for the summary killings and harassment of bandits. Nothing could be more dangerous than dividing our armed forces along ethno-religious lines. Unfortunately, our President has remained funereally silent. This coming from a man who travelled energetically and crisscrossed the whole of Nigeria from 2003 to 2019, desperately searching for power which he now possesses, but is clearly clueless as to how to use or deploy it. He spoke at rallies to a beehive of rambunctious fans and Party members. How can the same man become so tongue-tied as his country continues to haemorrhage to death? Nigeria is possibly far worse today than Iraq in terms of insecurity. The Pope just landed yesterday in Iraq. I’m not sure he would consider coming to Nigeria any time soon. Is Nigeria more Islamic than Iraq? Nothing is more annoying than the head of a nation switching off like NEPA/PHCN in its time of tribulations! Let’s digress a bit. Is it that President Buhari does not watch international news? He and President Joe Biden of America are age mates. Is he not seeing how Biden has been going about his job meticulously and methodically, selecting some of the best brains it has pleased God to bless America with? Just yesterday, another Nigerian, Mrs Adesuwa Ogiamien-Adesotoye, originally from Benin City, Nigeria, took her oath of office in Washington DC, after being picked by President Biden. I doubt he can even properly pronounce her name, but what matters is her meritorious services in the Department of Health and Human Services. Let’s go back to the issue of insecurity. One would have expected President Buhari to continue to reassure Nigerians directly. He was employed to serve Nigerians and not vice versa. But what it seems now is like Nigerians employed a Lord and Master over themselves. Hordes of visitors daily troop to the Aso Rock Presidential villa and these include Governors who should be too busy attending to a myriad of challenges in their States (and please consider the cost implications

in a very depressed economy); Royal fathers who should be the ones inviting Buhari to their palaces (May God bless the souls of some old departed Oonis, Alaafins, Obas of Bini), Sultans, Emirs, Obis who knew about their spiritual superiority over temporal powers; Corporate titans (Joe Biden had to visit Pfizer to physically examine how well the fight against Covid-19 was going on with the production of vaccines)... Not so in our own country. Presidents are treated as Emperors who must be worshipped, and billions of cash are wasted on unnecessary visits to Abuja! The President who came to power on the promise of frugality and accountability has inadvertently and unwittingly encouraged jamborees and profligacy. That is the hallmark of this administration. Everything including the good, the bad and the ugly is happenstance. It is wrong and offensive to every sense of decorum and decency for a leader not to personally empathize and sympathize with victims of violence and their families. The habit of issuing Press releases in reaction to monumental disasters should stop forthwith. The impression is that these alleged missives from the President are simply penned by the authors with or without his authority. If the President is unable to cope with the rigors of his job on account of any unknown incapacitation or debilitating ailments, he should be humble enough to assign his Vice President on such important missions. He needs to endear his government more to the people of Nigeria. The general impression out here is that he is too standoffish to care about us. This is so unfortunate. Two. We expected the President to fight corruption in a more serious and professional manner devoid of the obvious witch-hunt that has become the biggest existential threat to EFCC, ICPC, SFU, and all our other anti-corruption and anti-crime agencies. Before our very eyes, we have seen the body language of this government, in its attitude to protecting members of its own clique while bullying and intimidating others. What we expected was a standardization of the operations of crime investigators and the offices of the prosecutors. A situation where dusty files of a leader are whimsically resurrected because he wants to be stopped from contesting Presidential elections is utterly reckless, deplorable and reprehensible. Those citizens who applaud such rascality and display indifference towards such apparent intimidation of former benefactors will soon have their own day in similar circumstances. The way to go is for the President himself, and his Vice President, to make their assets declarations public and compel all public office holders to do same. This should be the starting point and there should be no sacred cows. When that foundation has been laid, it would be much easier to build on it. Three. Many had warned us against supporting Buhari for two reasons, that he’s too tribalistic and over religious and may not be tolerant of other ethnic and religious groups. Many of us argued that after 30 years out of office, he would have learnt his lessons and calmed down. But if truth must be told, Buhari seems to have confirmed the worst fears of his traducers and they are now reminding us that “didn’t we tell you a leopard can never change its spots.” The way and manner Buhari made certain appointments could not have been more provocative. The infractions are too many but let but let me just pick a few samples. How could any leader have selected most of his military service chiefs from a particular ethnic group as if no other parts of Nigerian are represented in the armed forces. Worse still, even when these guys displayed abject incompetence, the President ignored all calls and kept them in situ. And when he eventually removed them, he compensated them with diplomatic jobs abroad. How could a leader have removed a Southerner from an

appointment and replace him with a Northerner but retain a Northerner for much longer in office or replace him with another Northerner. A sad example is how Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman was retained as the Managing Director of the extremely powerful Nigerian Ports Authority but Dr Dakuku Peterside was removed as Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency and was immediately replaced with a Northerner, despite the general acclaim that he added much value. 4. Many of my Northern friends have expressed dismay at the ethnic profiling of bandits as Fulani but they have failed to place the blame where it really belongs, at Buhari’s doorstep. Till this day, the President has never directly and openly spoken against or about the herdsmen who happen to be his kinsmen. He has not proscribed them or the infamous Boko Haram sect. However, he was quick to proscribe IPOB that has not engaged in mayhem compared to the Northern groups. They have certainly not been involved in any kidnapping, raping, despoliation of farmlands and all that. Where they have been militant, it has been clearly for a cause and any bloodshed has come only from their being attacked by the Nigerian military. He has never called or labelled the Northern elements or foreign Fulani mercenaries and insurgents as terrorists. He has seen how some Northern leaders have been strolling in and out of the forests of the North without as much as casting a glance their way, yet the military is quick to crush supposed rebellions in the South even before they erupt. What’s my advice and solution? The President should know that his present style is faulty, and his strategy has failed. That is if he is really in control of such strategy or policy. He should admit that he has not been fair to a large chunk of Nigerians and he should reach out very quickly to all people in all parts of the country. He and his Vice President should urgently begin some goodwill trips to different parts of the country, alternately. They should visit campuses, palaces, leaders of faiths, civil society groups, cultural leaders, captains of industry, the media, host town hall meetings and warm up to the people of Nigeria instead of this unproductive aloofness. This idea of sitting in one place and expecting people to come and pay homage is outdated. Leaders must be visible to the generality of the populace and proactive in meeting and dealing with them. The President must look inwards and do things that would develop Nigeria first, before thinking of developing Niger Republic. I have no problem with whatever ties he has to Niger Republic but, for God’s sake, Nigeria is bleeding and crying for help in all areas of human existence. The President has two years to redress the wrongs of six years. He should set up a Federal Character task force to ensure power and positions are equitably distributed. This will help bring down the tension in the land. The current system of government cannot be sustained. The country must be restructured. The President is in possession of many documents containing useful recommendations. He should act on them urgently. Many fantastic bills were also passed in the recent National Assembly headed by Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, they should not be wasted. Finally, I’m worried about the shoot at sight order given to security forces against hoodlums. While a crazy situation deserves a crazy reaction, the President should ensure that this won’t become an excuse to get rid of some Southern agitators while the Northern ones are being over-pampered in the forests. I believe in miracles and this can still be achieved... I just woke up from my dream...

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