SATURDAY 27TH JANUARY 2024

NNPCL Announces N2.52tn Profit, N8.8tn Revenue in 2022 To pay pending $1.76bn equity in Dangote Refinery with $2.5/bbl crude oil, dividend accruals

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) increased its revenue profile by 37.2 per cent, from N6.42 trillion in 2021 to N8.81

trillion in 2022, its latest Audited Financial Statement (AFS) released yesterday revealed.

The document, the fourth in the series to be made public since 1977, when the then NNPC began operations, also showed

that the company recorded Profit After Tax (PAT) of N2.52 trillion, representing about 274 per cent increase when compared to the N674 billion it recorded in 2021.

In all, the audited statement for the year ended December

2022 showed that during the period under review, the NNPC had total non-current assets of N37 trillion and current assets of N21.59 trillion, to give a total of N58.65 trillion in assets.

It also meant an increase by

about 260.47 per cent compared to N16.27 trillion in 2021. But non-current liabilities stood at N19.98 trillion, while current liabilities were N29.3 trillion, to hit N49.35 trillion at the end of 2022 as against N13.46 trillion

in 2021. This was an increase of about 266.6 per cent.

According to the new AFS, deferred tax liabilities was N13.23 trillion during the year, Continued on page 5

CBN Seeks to Replace External MPC Members Ahead of February Meeting...

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Senior Lawyers Push for Elevation of Substantial Justice above Technicalities

Alex Enumah in Abuja

L-R: Governor Ademola Jackson Adeleke of Osun State; former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Abepa of Joga Orile-Yewa, Oba Adeyemi Olanrewaju Adekeye, during the 66th birthday celebration of the monarch and the installation of Governor Adeleke as the Baba Oba of Jogaland…yesterday

With just the Adamawa State Governorship Election Appeal pending at the Supreme Court, Continued on page 5

End Wanton Killings in Nigeria, Peter Obi Tells FG, Security Agencies Chuks Okocha in Abuja The presidential candidate in last year’s election under the Labour Party (LP) and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has called on the federal government and the security agencies to rise up and put an end to the wanton killings in Nigeria.

Obi stressed that for the umpteenth time, Nigerians again woke up to the continued reports of highly condemnable acts of violence reoccurring across the country.

Obi, who stated this via his verified X handle, lamented that: “First was the reported killing of about 30 persons in Plateau State, and secondly, the gruesome killing of husband and wife in Anambra State, whose bodies were left in Continued on page 5

GLO FESTIVAL OF JOY…

L-R: Mr. Arinze Ezeani of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission; Member, House of Representatives, representing Ibeju Lekki, Hon. Bayo Balogun; winner, Mr Abiodun Hundeyin, a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration; Globacom’s Retail Chief, Lagos, Lawrence Odediran, and Chairman, Ibeju Local Government, Engr. Abdulai Sesan Olowa, at the presentation of Business Class return ticket (Lagos-Paris-London-Lagos) won by Hundeyin in the ongoing Globacom Festival of Joy promo in Lagos…yesterday

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FG Urges Mine Explosive Manufacturers to Tighten Logistics, Curb Leakages Folalumi Alaran in Abuja The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Alake, has called on manufacturers of mine explosives to combat alleged leakages from their factories by tightening the security and logistics of their operations.

Speaking at an emergency meeting with the manufacturers in his office in Abuja, yesterday, Alake said there was popular outcry against the role of the

manufacturers in the easy access of unauthorised persons to explosives and indiscriminate storage across the country.

Noting that the government was reviewing the system for tracking the movement of explosives from the manufacturers to end-users, the Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant (Media), Segun Tomori, urged them to look inwards and fish out workers who may be responsible for illicit sales or

manufacturing of explosives.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the three licenced manufacturers of explosives - Solar Nigachem Limited, Intrachem Limited and Dynatrac Limited.

Speaking on behalf of the companies, the Chief Executive Officer of Intrachem Limited and chairman of Association of Commercial Explosives Dealers, Biodun Abu, explained that the manufacturers had complied with the regulations of the

government in terms of security surveillance of their operations by deploying Close Circuit Television in their factories and coding the explosives for easy tracking by the manufacturer and the company that ordered for them.

In addition, Abu said manufacturers and their clients obtain approvals for escorts to transport their goods to the end-users but are unable to verify incidences of possible leakages when it gets to the

clients.

Introducing the manufacturers earlier, the Director, Mines Inspectorate Department in the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Imam Ganiyu, said the explosives manufactured in Nigeria were slurry and needed detonators to explode.

He said although Nigeria banned the use of dynamite for mining operations in 2007, neighbouring countries such as Cameroon and Mali still

use the explosives, adding that such explosives as may find its way illegally into Nigeria through the borders.

Others at the meeting were Maureen Tiamiyu, A.Muibi, Recall Hegen Ali, (Solar Nigachem Limited); Chidi Opara, Ohio Musa, ( Dynatrac Limited), Engineer Yomi Aluko, Intrachem Limited, Engr Babajide Alatise, (Tuntise Investment Limited) and Special Adviser to the Minister, Kehinde Bamigbetan.

SENIOR LAWYERS PUSH FOR ELEVATION OF SUBSTANTIAL JUSTICE ABOVE TECHNICALITIES one can say that the curtain is drawn on litigations concerning the 2023 general elections.

Besides the presidential petitions of mainly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the Labour Party, 21 governorship appeals got to the apex court with 20 already decided, remaining that of Adamawa.

The elections had its highs and lows, especially the sack of Plateau State lawmakers, who suffered irreparable injustice due to the perverse judgements of the Plateau National and State Houses of Assembly Elections.

In nearly all the petitions, issues of irregularities, malpractice, non-compliance and even non-qualification that seemingly pervaded the elections, were said to have been unproven by the Courts.

This was despite the introduction of the BVAS and IREV technologies, as well as the amendment of the Electoral Act, 2022.

The court's position on these issues however deflated the hopes of many electorates who had thought that the 2023 general elections would have been the best.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had made many Nigerians, as well as the international community to believe that issues of rigging, over-voting and other corrupt practices that had characterised the nation's elections over the years would be a thing of the past, with the deployment of latest technologies, especially the transmission of election results real time from the polling units into the INEC Results Viewing (IREV) Portal.

However, speaking on the outcome of the general elections, some senior advocates observed that if the nation must get it right in future elections, the courts must begin to dwell on achieving substantial justice in the petitions brought before it rather than on technicalities.

The tribunals, as well as the apex court had dismissed many of the petitions on grounds of technicalities, such as “testimonies of witnesses were not filed alongside the petition, or witnesses were not called to speak on documents presented before the court.”

Not even Section 137 of the Electoral Act could rescue petitioners who alleged irregularities and corrupt practice.

Suggesting how the laws could be made better to handle these issues, fast becoming insurmountable to the country's quest for quality representation and true democracy, the senior lawyers, besides urging justices to pursue substantial justice, called for further amendment

of the electoral laws.

"What, in my humble view, needs to be the primary focus in our electoral jurisprudence is substantial justice. If there is any area of our laws that substantial justice should occupy a preeminent pride of place and premium, it is in election-related cases," Mr. Dayo Akinlaja, SAN said.

He observed that the usual mantra that election petitions are “sui generis” (of distinct or special class), is the reason why judicial proclivity should tend towards doing substantial justice at the expense of technicalities.

According to him, once this is so, the wishes of the electorate would almost always prevail.

"The current approach, regrettably in my view, ends up celebrating technicalities to the prejudice of substantial justice. I believe that even in the face of the extant provisions of the relevant laws, the focus can conveniently be on doing substantial justice.

"Put differently, the existing legal regime does not necessarily mean that the jurist cannot dispense with technicalities and reach decisions on the crest of substantial justice devoid of technicalities.

"However, if it is otherwise thought that there are areas of the law that need to be tinkered with by the legislature to make it more convenient for the jurists to do substantial justice, the legislature should be called to duty in that respect.

"On the pains of emphasis, it is my candid view that the current dissatisfaction with our electoral jurisprudence is a product of the prevalent technical attitude of our courts rather than the faults in our laws," he added.

On his part, former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Abuja Branch, who pointed out that the extant Electoral Act and its Practice Directions are Respondents friendly, argued that proving issues of irregularities, malpractices and non-compliance are difficult, to say the least.

"The first problem is the requirement of 21 days to file an election petition from the day of declaration of results. I think there's a need to amend this. Why will it take INEC four years to prepare for and conduct an election (which as Nigerians, we know are misconducted) and you then expect a person who perceives he has been robbed to gather evidence within 21 days.

"The second is that the 21 days period should not be of general application for all the elections. How can you have such a number of days for both councilorship election and presidential election for instance.

It is absurd. The number of

wards involved, the volume of documents required to prove the petition and number of witnesses vary.

"Therefore, I think the period for filing a petition should be graduated to reflect these variables," the senior lawyer stated.

Besides, Ebute stated that there is nothing wrong in legislating that all the elections should hold the same day, adding that apart from states where there are offseason elections, all successful candidates are sworn in the same day, especially executive positions.

Meanwhile, the senior lawyer suggested the need for the lawmakers to pass a law creating special courts for election petitions.

"I think the election tribunals which are being manned by regular Judges are overwhelmed and are being overburdened.

"This is more so that they must hear and determine every

petition within 180 days from date of filing instead of from the date of commencement of trial.

In other words, the amendment should be that judgement be delivered within 180 days of commencement of trial (calling of oral evidence).

"Furthermore, there should be an amendment to the time of conducting elections. It could be at least one year before swearing in another government rather than a few months (in three or four months as obtained now) to the end of an administration.

"This would reduce the pressure on the judiciary to deliver within 180 days as it could have an extended time in between, especially if a specialised court is in place.

The apex court in dismissing the appeals of Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party had held that the petitioners failed to prove allegations against the election of President Bola Tinubu.

On the issue of non-

compliance, the apex court, which agreed with the tribunal that the appellants did not present relevant evidence to prove this allegation, pointed out that the appellants abandoned the duty placed on them to prove non-compliance and rely solely on INEC's failure to transmit results real time.

According to Justice John Okoro, “The unavailability of results on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Result Viewing (IReV) cannot be a ground to nullify" the February 25 presidential election which produced Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as President.

In addition he held that failure to transmit results to IReV does not affect the results of the election, because the IREV portal is not a collation center.

"IREV is not a collation center.

Whenever iREV fails, it doesn't stop collation of results because collation never stopped," the apex court held, adding that the

results on the IReV are meant to be compared with the hardcopy results in an event of a dispute.

Besides, Okoro had agreed with the respondents and the tribunal that INEC has the constitutional right to determine how it organises or collates results.

The apex court also held that allowing the statements of witnesses not attached to the petition would amount to amending or bringing additional evidence outside the 21 days permitted by law.

Similarly, the apex court held that the claim of votes suppression and diversion were not proved because the appellants failed to call witnesses from the polling units where such occurred, adding that the statements of the Ward, Local Government, State and National agents were more of hearsay since they could only testify of what they saw in the polling units and not across the country where elections held.

NNPCL ANNOUNCES N2.52TN PROFIT, N8.8TN REVENUE IN 2022 while deferred tax assets were N3.098 trillion. Cost of sales climbed to N6.7 trillion in 2022, that is, a 25.47 per cent increase from N5.34 trillion in 2021.

The NNPCL’s auditors noted that for the 16-month period ending December 2022, they had no doubt that the NNPC could continue as a going concern without fear of going bankrupt.

“The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the going concern principle under the historical cost convention.

“Nothing has come to the attention of the directors to indicate that NNPC will not remain a going concern for at least 12 months from the date of these financial statements. At this time, no significant events after the reporting date that may have an impact on going concern have been noted,” the auditors said in their notes to the 2022 AFS. Signed into law by exPresident Muhammadu Buhari in 2021, under the PIA, NNPC officially ‘transformed’ from a state-run oil corporation to a

commercial venture in July 2022, even though it is still, to a large extent, being controlled by the federal government.

Looking back, in 2018, the NNPCL recorded a loss of N803 billion, while in 2019, it was reduced to N1.7 billion by the company. The NNPCL appeared to have turned the corner in 2020 when it posted a profit of N287 billion for the first time in its history and thereafter disclosed N674.1 billion as profit in 2021.

On the payment plan for its 20 per cent stake in the Dangote refinery, the NNPCL disclosed that once the plant came on stream, which was initially for April 2023, it would begin the discounting of $2.5 for every barrel from the supply of 300,000 barrels per day to offset its remaining equity participation.

“In September 2021, the NNPC acquired 20 per cent interest in Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Free Zone Enterprise (DPRP FZE) worth $2.76 billion. This investment is held by NNPC

Greenfield (a special purpose vehicle that is 100 per cent owned by NNPC) in trust for NNPC. “This acquisition was financed by a $1.036 billion funding of which $1 billion was paid to Dangote Refinery and $36 million accounting for transaction costs.

“The balance of the cost of equity investments made in DPRP FZE, which is $1.76 billion will be paid upon completion of the refinery project starting April 1, 2023 or any other date agreed between the parties, that is the NNPC and Dangote Oil Refining Company Limited. “(This shall be done) via a combination of a $2.5/ bbl discount on the official selling price per barrel on 300,000 barrels per day to DPRP FZE, and 100 per cent of NNPC’s portion of any dividend declared by DPRP FZE throughout the repayment period,” the report added.

However, it stated that it already entered into a forward sale agreement with Lekki

Refinery Funding Limited, to supply 35,000 barrels of crude oil per day for the settlement of the $1.036 billion (N426.2 billion) funding already received for the financing of the investment in Dangote refinery.

“The interest rate for the facility is three-month libor plus 6.125 per cent. The arrangement has been scheduled to commence from August 30, 2023. Project Bison has been transferred to NNPC Limited,” the AFS highlighted.

Aside from the 35,000 forward sale for the repayment of the $1 billion part payment for the Dangote refinery, the NNPC also has a 90,000 bpd oil-for-debt financing deal of $3.3 billion with Afreximbank.

The increase in the overall performance of the NNPC, including the profit which it attributed to “owners of the company” and “non-controlling interest”, may also have been further enhanced by the recent decision to take the liability occasioned by the controversial fuel subsidy off its books after commercialisation.

END WANTON KILLINGS IN NIGERIA, PETER OBI TELLS FG, SECURITY AGENCIES the boot of their vehicle by the roadside, among many other violent crimes that go unreported in our nation.

“While condemning these dastardly and despicable acts in totality, one wonders when we will wake up to the news of this insecurity that has continued to undermine the peace and progress of our country being curtailed.

“This constant loss of precious lives to insecurity demands that more concerted efforts be taken

to end the menace.”

Obi pointed out that he would continue to appeal to everyone, the leaders, especially those in office and the security agencies, to strive harder to unravel and bring the perpetrators of crime to book, and continue to make efforts to rid society of crime and violence.

“I condole with the affected families who have lost their loved ones to the raging insecurity in the country,

while praying to God to grant eternal rest to the dead. These are very difficult times in our country, but we must conquer this monster of insecurity to be able to enjoy the New Nigeria of our dreams,” he added.

Over 30 persons were killed and several houses destroyed, in Kwahaslalek and the surrounding communities in Plateau State during the week, as gunmen defied the 24-hour curfew imposed on Mangu Local Government Area by the

State government, on Tuesday.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang had declared a 24-hour curfew in Mangu, following the deteriorating security situation in the area, stressing that only persons on essential duties were allowed to move within the local government until further notice.

However, despite the curfew, gunmen stormed Kwahaslalek and its environs, killed more man 30 persons and destroyed several houses and worship centres.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

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News Editor: Charles Ajunwa 09157401421 (sms only) Email charles.ajunwa@thisdaylive.com

COURTESY VISIT…

L-R: Members, Civil Explosive Dealers Association of Nigeria (CEDAN), Engr. Ohio Musa; Mr. Chidi Opara; Yomi Aluko; Secretary, Engr. Babatunde Alatise; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake; Chairman, Biodun Abu; Members, Ms. Maureen Tiamiyu; Engr. M. A. Yusuf; Engr. Rex Hegan and Engr. Abdul Ganiyu, during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Solid Minerals Development in Abuja…yesterday

Insurgency Has Created Influx of People into FCT, Council Chairman Laments Wike demands holding of monthly security meetings

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Chairman of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Christopher Maikalangu, has raised the alarm that insurgent activities in the neighbouring states of Niger, Kogi, Kaduna and Nasarawa have led to upsurge of migration of people into Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

He cried out yesterday when the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, engaged AMAC stakeholders at a Town Hall meeting on insecurity in the FCT. According to Maikalangu, the security situation had led to an explosion of criminal activities in the rural areas and the FCT city centre.

He applauded Wike for initiating the FCT Ministerial Taskforce which has led to a reduction in the rate of crime in the territory.

"It will interest you to know that if communities such as Kabusa, Ketti, Gbawu and other communities that have become kidnappers’

hideouts, are accessible by security agencies, the rate of crime would have been adequately addressed," Maikalangu said.

He appealed for the minister's intervention to create access roads to Takushara, Burum, Gidan Kwano, Leka, Kutasa, for the good and safety of the people.

He also appealed for the establishment of a police division within Takushara axis, which he noted will provide security presence in all the surrounding communities.

Meanwhile, Wike has mandated the chairmen of the six Area Councils to hold monthly security meetings. He said any council chairman who defies the directive is a security threat.

“Therefore, I will be calling meetings of all traditional leaders, meeting with all council chairmen and meeting with all security agencies.

“If there is no monthly meeting held in terms of security meeting in the councils, I should be aware, and I will hold that chairman responsible

for any security breach.

“If you do your job, I do my job, traditional leaders do their own job, and security agencies do their own job, we won’t have problems.

“But if you don’t do your own part, I don’t do my own part, he does not do his own part, then we are bound to have security problems,” Wike said.

The minister also assured residents that the government would provide everything that

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday called on consignees to increase their usage of dry ports to clear their cargoes, noting that the move would reduce the level of traffic and port congestions in the country.

According to him, the dry ports across the country are connected to the rail network that would help to facilitate cargo clearance, movement and reduce the turnaround time of cargo delivery.

Oyetola stated this in his keynote address at the International Customs Day 2024 tagged 'Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose' in Lagos over the weekend.

In his words, "We must encourage our consignees to use more of the dry ports to connect with the rail.

We now have the opportunity to connect most of the dry ports in the country via rail. This would go a long way to reduce the number of trucks on the nation's highways.

"We should ensure that we must do more of our cargo clearance through the dry ports that are spread all over the country. We are still building more dry ports and if we are able to do that and ensure that the use of rail most of the time, the congestion on the roads particularly the roads leading to the port would be minimised," he stressed.

He said the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was established by the administration of President Bola

Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Philip Aivoji, was yesterday kidnapped by dare-devil gunmen along the Lagos /Ibadan Expressway while returning from the party's South-West Zonal meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

Already, the kidnappers have contacted the family for N200

million ransom.

As at the time of this report, it was not clear if he is the only one abducted but the Governorship candidate of Lagos PDP in the 2023 general elections, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adediran, has expressed shock over the news of the kidnapping of the party chairman along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway yesterday.

Adediran described the incident

politicians against politicising the situation in the FCT by making provocative statements.

“Please do not politicise the security situation in the FCT. Leave the security challenge out of your politics.

“God forbid, if there is problem here, all of you will run back to your states. We don’t have anywhere to go, so please, don’t create problems for us here,” Mohammed pleaded.

11 Aspirants jostle for party’s ticket, primary holds Feb. 22

Chuks Okocha in Abuja Ahead of the January 29, 2024, screening of all its governorship aspirants for the forthcoming governorship election in Edo State,

Ahmed Tinubu with the goal of enhancing Nigeria's economy by tapping into the vast potential of the maritime domain, valued at over US$24 trillion, supporting 90 per cent of global trade, and generating millions of jobs.

Oyetola pointed out the need for Nigeria to integrate sustainability into policies and strategies, bolster investments in ports, research, and technology, and, most importantly, foster inclusive alliances among its stakeholders and partners, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, transporters, freight forwarders, shippers, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to achieve trade facilitation.

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raked in about N375 million from the sale of Nomination and Expression of Interest (EOI) forms.

While the state’s ruling party pegged the Nomination Forms at N30 million per aspirant and the Expression of Interest (EOI) form at N5 million, it however made the EOI form free for female aspirants as well as those who are physically challenged.

As of Thursday afternoon, available information indicated that 11 aspirants so far purchased and picked up the forms at the Wadata Plaza, which houses the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja.

It was also gathered that among the aspirants were two female contestants, who paid N30 million

each for their nomination forms having been exempted from paying for the EOI forms as directed by the party.

Aspirants who purchased the forms included the embattled Edo State Deputy Governor, Philip Shuaibu; a former Chairman of Sterling Bank, Asue Ighodalo; and Blessing Igbinedion, daughter of Esama of Benin Kingdom, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion.

Others also aspiring to take over at the Osadebe House from incumbent Governor Godwin Obaseki, are Anselm Usiose Ojezua, Omoregie Ihama, Umoru Hadizat, Felix Akhabue, and Martin Uhomoibhi.

Going by the schedule released by the party, Thursday, January 25, 2024, was fixed as the deadline for

the sale of both EOI and nomination forms with the party expected to conduct its primary election on Thursday, February 22, to elect its candidate for the September 21, 2024, Edo State governorship election.

The sale of forms commenced on January 17, 2024, with the party scheduling Tuesday, January 27 as the deadline for aspirants to submit their completed forms.

Meanwhile, reports further indicated that the PDP may have adopted the indirect primary and approved ad-hoc delegates as the method to pick its governorship candidate that would square up with contestants from other political parties come Saturday, September 21, 2024 poll.

Glo Presents Lagos, Abuja, Warri Subscribers Business Class Return Tickets to Europe

It was a triple event and huge boost for subscribers of total telecommunications solutions provider, Globacom, yesterday as winners in its ongoing Festival of Joy promo were presented business class return tickets to Europe (Lagosas a disturbing dimension to the Paris-London-Lagos) in Lagos, growing insecurity in the country, Abuja and Warri. especially in the South-west. He To win, all that Glo subscribers blamed the trend on the failure of were required to do was to recharge government in the area of security, N50,000 in a month to be eligible even as he stressed that this has to be drawn for the Business Class put the lives of the citizens in return tickets, while those angling to grave danger. win choice apartments in the promo He demanded urgent action are required to recharge N100,000 from the security agencies to in a month to qualify. facilitate immediate release of the The presentation of the flight abducted party chairman. tickets to the new set of winners

Lagos PDP Chairman Kidnapped, N200m Ransom Demanded Segun James

if they don't have equipment to work with and if we don't provide them necessary information."

He revealed that, within a week, the FCT Administration would provide security agencies with vehicles, motorcycles and other tools they need to work with.

Earlier, the Chief of Karshi, Alhaji Ismaila Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of traditional leaders at the meeting, warned

Edo Guber: PDP Rakes in N375m from Sale of Expression of Interest, Nomination Forms

Oyetola Seeks Increased Usage of Dry Ports to Checkmate Congestions

Gilbert Ekugbe

security agencies require to help them to perform their duties.

He charged FCT residents to support security agencies in the fight against crimes and insecurity, saying: "Ours is not to carry guns but give necessary information and they will make sure most of these things won't be there again.

"As a government, we will give them all they require to do their job. They can't perform wonders

in Lagos was witnessed by Hon. Bayo Balogun, Member, House of Representatives, from Ibeju Lekki; Engr. Abdulai Sesan Olowa, Chairman, Ibeju Local Government; and Mr. Arinze Ezeani, from the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC).

Guests at the Abuja event included the Chairman, Public Accounts Committee of the House of Representatives, Honourable Bamidele Salam, while in Warri, the Delta State Commissioner for Science and Technology, Dr. Odinigwe Daniel Odigie, Chairman of Isoko North Local Government Area, Hon. Christian Iteire, representative of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Mr. Awhana Innocent,

and Nollywood actors and Glo Influencers, Eriata Ese and Ricardo Agbor were in attendance.

At the Lagos presentation, Mr Abiodun Hundeyin, a retired Deputy Comptroller-General of Immigration was among those presented their tickets. In Abuja, the winners included Shittu Tanko, a 44-year old staff member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and an Abuja-based architect, Mr. Sola Dani while in Warri, the winners were Anambraborn Mrs Elizabeth Chukwujekwu, Mr. Samson Efenudu, a Computer Analyst from Ughelli South in Delta State, and 45-year old Mr. Abimbola Fasoranti, an Electrical Engineer with Anudu Plastics Ltd, Asaba.

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LAUNCH OF LAND ADMINISTRATION E-GIS PORTAL…

R-L: Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; his Special Adviser on E-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat and Commissioner, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Olumide Oluyinka, during the launch of the State’s Land Administration e-GIS portal at Alausa, Ikeja…yesterday

Blackouts: Current Situation Unsustainable, Plans Underway to Pay Gencos, Says FG Blames gas constraints for fall in power supply

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The federal government yesterday acknowledged the drop in Nigeria’s total electricity generation from an average of 4,500mw to just over 3,000 in recent weeks, stressing that it was doing everything to resolve the issues.

A statement in Abuja by Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser, Strategic

Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, quoted him as saying that efforts were being made to offset outstanding payments to the Generation Companies (Gencos).

According to the statement, the blackouts being experienced in the country are attributable to low supply of gas to power

generating companies.

The situation, it said, has adversely affected production leading to blackouts in some parts of the country.

“In the past couple of weeks, there has been a significant downturn in the level of power supply to Nigerians. This is mainly due to a decreased level of gas supply to generation companies.

“This situation has led to a lower level of energy supplied to load centres, which has affected supply of electricity to distribution companies,”the minister stressed.

The statement revealed that the federal government was looking into ensuring that outstanding payments are made to power generation companies to resolve the problem.

“Efforts are on the way by the federal government to ensure outstanding payments are made to generation companies, to ensure improved gas supply and increased power generation. “ This will also enable distribution companies to supply more electricity to Nigerians.

We acknowledge the current unsustainable situation, and we

Kanu: Nigeria Will Achieve Full Reconciliation, Peace, Unity with 'Wholesome Restructuring' Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has reiterated that Nigeria would achieve peace and unity if the nation embraced wholesome restructuring.

In a message he sent through his junior brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, who visited him recently, Kanu also hinted that the agitations for Biafra self determination would end when the right things were done.

The IPOB leader stated that true reconciliation would start with "wholesome restructuring" of the Nigeria nation along

the 1963 Constitution under which the country was a true federation in every ramification.

He also demanded that the South-east zone should be given a genuine sense of belonging by getting its wrongfully denied critical federal government funded infrastructure such as functional seaport and rail networks, including East-West rail line.

Other infrastructure which he said were "deliberately denied" the South-east included international airport with cargo wing, dry port, enhanced electricity generation, export free zone, good road network.

According to Kanu, if the federal government would put

Ibadan Airport Records Another Incident as Private Jet Overshoots Runway on Landing Chinedu Eze

A private jet carrying12 passengers and three crew with call sign, N580KR, yesterday overshot the runway while landing at the Chief Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan..

No casualty was reported.

Source from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) disclosed that the aircraft, which left Abuja at about 9:15a.m. was operated

by Mattini Air and the incident happened at 10:55a.m., Nigerian time.

The aircraft was said to have overshot the runway to the approach path of Runway 04 and stopped about 150 metres, as the aircraft skidded off the runway due to possible brake failure.

Firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) were deployed to the scene of the incident but there was no fear of fire as the aircraft body did not have contact with the

runway or any other part of the airport.

“It was a private plane from Abuja. It landed safely but overshot the runway. There was no casualty,” a spokesperson for the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Carol Adekotujo, reportedly stated.

In November last year a similar incident happened when a private jet, HS25B with call sign, 5NAMM operated by Flint Aero overshot the runway at Ibadan Airport, but nobody on board or on the ground was injured.

There were seven passengers, including a minister and three crew members on the flight who were unhurt but the aircraft sustained substantial damage.

But while the incident on January 26, 2024 could be described as an incident, the Nigeria Safety and Investigation Board (NSIB) described the November 4, 2023 runway overshot as a major incident following severe damage to the body of the aircraft.

in place these basic infrastructure in the South-east it "will help our people feel like being truly part of the country" and spur full reconciliation.

The Biafra activist reminded his critics that he has remained consistent in his demand for early return to true federalism, saying that the present chaos could have been avoided in the South-east if the federal authorities had listened.

"My position has remained unchanged for very many years, regardless of my unjust and

unfair incarceration," he said, adding that he has always stood for peaceful, consensual restructuring of the country.

The IPOB leader pointed out that if the status quo remained, the separatist group would stick to "our demand for a referendum to determine whether our people will choose to remain in the country that has so unkindly treated us for decades."

He said: "We remain committed to our demand for a

referendum as long as those totally opposed to the restructuring of the country along the lines of true federalism and power devolution continue to resist the cry for a new fair, just and equitable constitution along the lines of the 1963 Republican constitution.

"We will be betraying our people and selling away their future, if we continue to wobble along in this unhelpful 1999 unitary constitution designed and written and given by unelected soldiers."

expect a turnaround immediately,” the minister added.

Meanwhile, the minister has called for collaboration between the states and the federal government, especially in the provision of power infrastructure to provide regular electricity supply to businesses and households in the country.

Speaking when the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, visited him in Abuja, Adelabu said that the federal government was embarking on significant expansion projects on the transmission network to increase electricity supply to load centres.

“These grid projects will strengthen the transmission network and create alternative transmission corridors to avoid grid collapse,”he said.

The minister said the provision of regular electricity in the country could be further strengthened with collaboration between states and the ministry.

Edo South LGs Endorse Asue Ighodalo as Sole Aspirant, Imasungbon Joins Guber Race Group picks APC nomination form for Umakhihe

Chuks Okocha in Abuja and Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders and members in Uhumwode, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha local government areas in Edo State have endorsed Dr. Asue Ighodalo as their consensus aspirant for the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

Also yesterday, Kenneth Imasungbon, a governorship aspirant in Edo State on the platform of Labour Party paid N30 million for nomination and expression of interest for the party's nomination form.

This was just as the Edo Unity League Worldwide, a

none partisan socio-cultural organisation from Edo State, with members drawn from all the 18 local government areas of the state, has bought the Expression of Interest Form and Nomination Form for one of its member, Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, to contest for the September 21, 2024 governorship election.

The unanimous endorsement of Ighodalo was disclosed yesterday, during the aspirant’s visits to the areas as part of his ongoing consultations across the 18 council areas in Edo. According to the leaders and members of the party in Uhumwode, Orhionmwon and Ikpoba-Okha, the endorsement was informed by the aspirant's track records of excellence in the

various capacities he has served humanity, hence the need to adopt him to transform Edo State.

The motion for Ighodalo's adoption in Uhumwode was moved and seconded by former Senator Roland Owie and Mr. Charles Egbe amid wide acceptance and jubilations.

Addressing the people, Ighodalo appealed to the people to nominate him as the PDP flag bearer for the September 21 governorship election, maintaining that with his capacity and proven track records, he remains the best aspirant for the election.

He blamed bad governance in Nigeria over the years on the wrong choice and sentimental voting of the people, noting Edo State will have no reason not to

be developed if the right aspirant is chosen as the governor, which he said he represents.

He said: "Edo has no reason not to be developed if the right leaders are chosen to lead the state. I am the leader that will take the state beyond the next level, hence, my appeal for your nomination and support.

"Let us choose who can help us, knows the developmental road to lead Edo State and in doing so, we will have good roads and other basic amenities".

Continuing: "I work hard to stardom and today, God has blessed me as I have created one of the biggest law firms in Africa. God made me chairman, Nigerian Breweries, Sterling Bank and others.

$500,000 Bribe: Former Kano Rep, Farouk Lawan Fails at Supreme Court to Reverse 5 Years Sentence Hope of a former House of Representatives member from Kano State, Hon. Farouk lawan, to get his five years sentencing over bribery conviction quashed, was yesterday dashed as the Supreme Court dismissed his appeal for lacking in merit.

Lawan was convicted by a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on June 22, 2021,

on a three-count charge of soliciting a bribe, agreeing to accept a bribe, and actually accepting the sum of $500,000 bribe from a businessman, and Chairman, Zenon Petroleum and Gas Ltd, Mr. Femi Otedola.

He was said to have committed the offence while serving as the Chairman of the House’s Ad-hoc Committee investigating the fuel

subsidy fraud in 2012.

Justice Angela Otaluka, who tried him found him guilty of accepting the sum of $500,000 from the $3 million demanded in order to remove Otedola’s oil company, Zenon Oil and Gas, from the list of firms indicted for fraud in the fuel subsidy regime.

She subsequently sentenced Lawan to seven years imprison-

ment.

However, the former legislator was fortunate to get two of the counts struck out as well as his jail term reduced from seven to five at the Court of Appeal, two years ago.

Still not satisfied, he had approached the apex court to nullify the remaining one count charge as well as set aside his sentencing.

SATURDAY JANUARY 27, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 27, 2024

NEWS

FACTORY TOUR...

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Saro Group of Companies and Chairman of ESOPP Agro Allied Limited, Mr. Rasheed Sarumi; CEO, Dufil (Agro-Allied Resources and Processing Nigeria Limited), Mudhukar Khetan; Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, and Edo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Monday Osaigbovo, during an inspection of the Dufil Farm, Ethanol Factory and other investments in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state... recently

ICJ Orders Israel to Prevent Genocidal Acts in Gaza, But Not to End War Oluchi Chibuzor with agency report

The United Nations’ top court yesterday, ordered Israel to do all it could do to prevent death, destruction and any acts of genocide in Gaza, but the panel stopped short of ordering Jerusalem to end the military offensive that has laid waste to the Palestinian enclave.

In a ruling that would keep Israel under the legal lens for years to come, the court offered little other comfort to Israel in a genocide case brought by South Africa that goes to the core of one of the world’s most intractable conflicts.

The court’s half-dozen orders will be difficult to achieve without some sort of cease-fire or pause

in the fighting.

“The court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering,” The Associated Press quoted the court President, Joan E. Donoghue, as having said.

Donoghue said a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, triggered a major response by Israel.

The ruling amounted to an overwhelming rebuke of Israel’s wartime conduct and added to mounting international pressure to halt the nearly 4-month-old offensive, which has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, decimated vast swaths of Gaza and driven nearly 85 per cent of its 2.3 million people from their homes.

Allowing the accusations to stand stung the government of Israel, which was founded as a Jewish state after the Nazi slaughter of six million Jews during World War II. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the fact that the

court was willing to discuss the genocide charges was a “mark of shame that will not be erased for generations.” He also vowed to press ahead with the war.

The power of the ruling was magnified by its timing, coming on the eve of International

Says Nigeria must increase local production Declares Edo leading way with investment in cassava, oil palm value chain The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated need to prioritise production for the domestic market to stabilise the nation’s food supply and the fluctuating exchange rate.

Obaseki said this while inspecting the Dufil Farm, Ethanol Factory and other investments in Ovia North East Local Government Area of the state, alongside the Chairman of Edo State Oil Palm Programme

Govern within dictates of constitution, elder statesmen, APC chieftain tell governor Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, yesterday, swore-in the nine returnee commissioners who were recently screened and reconfirmed by the state House of Assembly, led

by Hon. Martins Amaewhule.

This is as the Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum (RELEF) has advised Governor Fubara to govern the state with the fear of God and in the dictates of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyigbo Local Government Area,

communities on October 7, in the attack that set off the war.

The assault killed some 1,200 people and resulted in another 250 being kidnapped.

The court also called on Hamas to release the hostages who are still in captivity.

To Halt Naira Depreciation, Address Food Supply Challenges, Obaseki Tells FG

Fubara Swears-in Nine Returnee Commissioners in Rivers Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt

Holocaust Remembrance Day. “Those truly needing to stand trial are those that murdered and kidnapped children, women and the elderly,” former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz said, referring to Hamas militants who stormed through Israeli

Dr. Gift Okere, who lauded Governor Fubara's victory at the Supreme Court, urged all aggrieved political parties to shield their sword and support the governor who, he said, had in the past shown commitment for peace and purposeful leadership qualities in transforming the state to greater heights.

It would be recalled that the nine commissioners who are known loyalists to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, resigned their various appointments in the heat of the fracas between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Wike.

(ESOPP), Mr. Rasheed Saromi, other stakeholders and top government officials.

He said: “We are working with investors to encourage those farmers already farming cassava on how to expand production, planting varieties for industrial use. Buyers are already waiting to buy the products. Byproducts of cassava are not wasted, as they are used as feedstock for other industries.

“We don’t have the foreign exchange that we used to have; all the food we used to import we don’t have the resources to do so anymore. Even if we do, the price will be too high for us and the only way out is producing for the domestic market. This is the only way to stabilise the food supply and exchange rate for this country.

“Dufil Prima Food Limited got

land from the Edo State Government to farm oil palm. When they started their oil palm business in 2019, they saw the need to diversify into cassava because of the availability of the product. As you can see today, they have invested in excess of N25 billion naira in just the cassava division.

“We are here to see how far they have gone, what they have done, the challenges they have and how collectively as state government and ESOPP investors, we can work to reduce the risk and encourage more investments.”

According to him, “We are benefiting from various investments in the state like this factory of Dufil built four years ago and producing quality cassava flour and other byproducts for the poultry industry. The state is benefiting from the food sufficiency standpoint from this investment.

A' Court Affirms Kenneth Udeze Authentic Judge's Order for IG to Arrest Egbe Congratulates Zamfara, Plateau National Chairman of Action Alliance EFCC Chairman Not Vacated Governors over Supreme Court Victories

Alex Enumah in Abuja

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has declared Chief Kenneth Udeze as the authentic National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA).

Udeze's chairmanship was affirmed by a three-member panel yesterday, after dismissing the appeal filed by Adekunle Omoaje against the judgement of a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The appellate court in the unanimous judgement delivered

by Justice H. A. Barka, held that the appeal of Omoaje was incompetent and lacking in merit, and subsequently dismissed it.

Recall that Justice Eleojo Enenche of the FCT High Court had in a judgement in suit number:FCT/HC/CV/174/2022, on March affirmed Udeze as AA's national chairman on the grounds that the national convention of the AA held on March 14, 2021 that produced him was valid, legal and constitutional.

The order given to the Inspector General of Police

by Justice Abubakar Hussaini Musa of a High Court in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja to effect the arrest of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukoyede, over alleged disobedience of a valid court order is yet to be vacated.

Musa was said to have refused to set aside the contempt proceedings filed against the Chairman of the EFCC, Olukoyede and the Head of the Proceeds of Crime

Unit, Mr. Aliyu Yusuf.

The judge on Thursday listened to Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, who told the court that the EFCC Chairman was very sorry about the disobedience of the order of the court and promised to comply with the court order going further.

Oyedepo said the EFCC Chairman and the Attorney General of the Federation are attending a conference in the United Kingdom, which was the reason for his absence before the court.

The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Company, Ebi Egbe, has congratulated the governors of Zamfara and Plateau states, Dauda Lawal and Caleb Muftwang, respectively on their victories at the Supreme Court.

The apex court affirmed both governors as duly elected in their states.

In his congratulatory message, Egbe stated that the Supreme Court with its decision has rekindled the hope of the common masses in the judiciary.

According to him, both Lawal and Muftwang are not only passionate about developing the states but are also lovers of youths, noting that their victories in the highest court of the land will now enable them to concentrate and give dividends of democracy to their people.

"I'm highly excited with the judgement of the Supreme Court affirming the victory of Lawal and Muftwang. Both men are lovers of youth and sports-friendly.

SATURDAY JANUARY 27, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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JANUARY 27, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

Hidden Jewel Of The Aviation Sector

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The Aviation hub in Uyo can compete with the best anywhere, writes A N I E T I E U S E N

he Minister was visibly surprised by what he saw. His joy was conspicuous and written boldly on his face. Since he became Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on August 21, 2023, Festus Keyamo, a brilliant senior lawyer and politician, had been agonising publicly about the lack of world class aviation facilities in the country.

But after a three-hour working visit to the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Friday morning, January 16, 2024, Keyamo, stood tall and confidently declared that the horizon of the aviation sector in Nigeria is bright. He described the Aviation Hub in Uyo, as the “best kept secret” and “a hidden jewel” of the aviation sector in Nigeria.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State had visited President Bola Tinubu twice and Keyamo once to brief them on what Akwa Ibom has put in place in various sectors, including the aviation sector. At the directives of President Tinubu, the Minister, touched down in Uyo on Friday morning, January 16, 2024, in company of Captain Chris Najomo, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and other top aviation experts. For three hours Governor Eno conducted the Minister and his team around the Aviation Hub, conceived by former Governor Victor Attah and pursued relentlessly by every succeeding government in the State.

It was the immediate past governor, Udom Emmanuel, who took the aviation hub to the zenith, initiating Ibom Air, building a world class Aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), workshop, a Smart International Airport Terminal, a 3.5 kilometre runway, two taxiways and a massive apron.

The first port of call for the Minister and his entourage was of course the Corporate Headquarters of Ibom Air, located within the sprawling parameters of the Victor Attah International Airport. It was wise to begin from the known to the unknown. Together with Governor Eno, they were briefed on the well known strides and new frontiers of Ibom Air. The first of the 10 brand new Airbus A220-300 Series that was recently acquired by Ibom Air was on ground. The Minister and his entourage, guided by the Managing Director of Ibom Air, Captain Mfon Udom boarded and inspected the new aircraft, regarded as the most modern aircraft in the commercial airline industry worldwide. The governor watched from close quarters as Captain Udom in the company of George Uriesi, the Chief Operating Officer of the Ibom Air, proudly escorted the minister inside the brand new aircraft. But that was not the clincher. The Minister had obviously seen and flown a brand new Airbus before.

The successes and impact of Ibom Air is an open secret. It has already made the airline a respected player in the Nigerian aviation industry. But unknown to many, even in the aviation sector, Ibom Air is just the face of the gigantic aviation hub, the first of its kind to emerge, not just in Nigeria but in West and Central Africa.

And when the Minister stepped into the MRO, it was a eureka for him. “This is an incredible facility we have here...What we have here is good for our dear country”, the Minister said.

Keyamo told journalists that one of the first things he identified when he came into office as Aviation Minister was the need for Nigeria to have a world class Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO). “What I have seen here, meets that need. By the time it becomes fully operational, I am very certain it will capture the whole of the markets in West and Central Africa and even up to North Africa and that’s what we have been looking for...With this facility, we can conserve foreign... to meet other international

KEYAMO TOLD JOURNALISTS THAT ONE OF THE FIRST THINGS HE IDENTIFIED WHEN HE CAME INTO OFFICE AS AVIATION MINISTER WAS THE NEED FOR NIGERIA TO HAVE A WORLD CLASS MAINTENANCE REPAIR AND OVERHAUL (MRO). ‘WHAT I HAVE SEEN HERE, MEETS THAT NEED. BY THE TIME IT BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL, I AM VERY CERTAIN IT WILL CAPTURE THE WHOLE OF THE MARKETS IN WEST AND CENTRAL AFRICA AND EVEN UP TO NORTH AFRICA AND THAT’S WHAT WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR....’

obligations”.

With 230 airlines operating in Africa and only three MROowning countries of Egypt, Ethiopia and South Africa, the market size of MRO is estimated at USD 1.49 billion in 2024 alone. The continent is therefore yearning for more MROs. Nigeria, with 23 active domestic airlines and 358 aircraft as at May 2023, spends millions of dollars and months on the queue of foreign MROs, for basic checks, accounting for flight delays, cancellations and airfare increases.

For these reasons, the minister said the facilities at Uyo is not just an Akwa Ibom property but Nigeria’s, pledging the federal government support to quickly complete outstanding works at the MRO and the international terminal. “I just want to thank God for the people of Akwa Ibom State, for blessing Nigeria with a facility such as this. By the time we do all our certifications, I am sure we will be ready for the world. This facility is not just for Akwa Ibom State alone, it is for Nigeria and Africa”, the Minister said.

According to the Minister, the absence of MRO in Nigeria is a major setback for the aviation industry, accounting for the high mortality rate of Nigerian airlines. “One of the problems hampering the operation of the aviation sector in Nigeria has always been the lack of facilities such as this. Our aircraft will go out of the country for maintenance and may be there for months. But with this facility, we can conserve foreign exchange to meet other international obligations…The potential of this place is huge. It’s about 90-95 percent complete and by the time it becomes fully operational, I am very certain it will capture the whole of the markets in West and Central Africa and even up to North Africa…”, he said.

The new MRO in Uyo can take, at a go, two Boeing 747 aircraft series, eight Airbus A-220 300 series and the five CRJs now in the Ibom Air fleet. All the installations were near completion when the Minister visited the airport for inspection. Top aircraft maintenance companies in Europe and America are said to have already submitted offers to manage the MRO. At the same time, Airbus experts from France were brought into Akwa Ibom to train 40 out of the first batch of 100 qualified youths in the first phase of Piloting and Aeronautical Engineering courses. The second and third phases of the training are scheduled to take place at the Airbus facility in France. Said then Governor Emmanuel in the twilight of his Administration, weeks before he handed over power to Governor Eno: “This is a total approach to aviation development…You can imagine the foreign exchange this airport will generate for Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria”.

At the smart International Terminal, Keyamo marvelled at the sophisticated equipment being installed as well as the architectural design of the terminal, noting that it is different from the usual design of terminals elsewhere in Nigeria. “This is so beautiful. I have never seen a subnational that is so dedicated, so committed to a project of this magnitude as much as Akwa Ibom State”.

Experts say the terminal wing of the hub is “the first smart international terminal in Nigeria”. It is equipped with the gamechanging airport automation technology including facial recognition technology, automated vehicle counter that calculates the number of vehicles entering and leaving the airport, cameras that read the vehicle numbers and detect suspicious objects for analysis. The system also detects foot traffic and is equipped with a complete seeing observation system that makes the work of airport security easier. It is complete with two Taxiways, a new 3.5 kilometers runway and new aprons for all categories of aircraft.

Usen is Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Eno

Happy Birthday, Bishop John Ajayi pays tribute to Bishop Peter Odetoyinbo at 60

“Devotion is a certain act of the will by which man gives himself promptly to divine service.”

St Thomas Aquinas

S

t. Thomas Aquinas, the great Dominican priest and scriptural theologian, described one who is devoted as one who “surrenders himself readily to the service of God”. Put simply, devotion is essentially an act because it is something that an individual deliberately chooses to do in total submission to the will of God. Since the beginning of time, God in His mercy has been using several godly men to balance humanity off, free humankind up and open their eyes to the light of what it means to be truly human.

In a selfish and insanely materialistic world where it is increasingly becoming an uphill task to cultivate the virtue of devotion, Bishop Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo is one of the few men who epitomize devotion in all its ramifications.

As his 60th birthday comes up on January 28, 2024, it is a fitting moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of this esteemed clergyman and leader.

Born on January 28, 1964, the feast day of St. Thomas Aquinas, Bishop Odetoyinbo’s life journey commenced as a New Year gift to the

Odetoyinbo family. Under the guidance of his parents, Pa Clement Olarenwaju Odetoyinbo and Madam Catherine Olaitan Odetoyinbo, he laid the foundation for a life devoted to faith and service. His early education at St. Michael Catholic Church School in Ibadan set the stage for a divine calling. Despite initial challenges, gaining admission to the Minor Seminary marked the beginning of a distinguished path towards priesthood.

Bishop Odetoyinbo’s journey continued at the Major Seminary of St. Peter and Paul, Bodija Ibadan, where he deepened his theological knowledge. Completing his studies with distinction, he was ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 1989, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Ikire.

Embarking on his pastoral mission, Fr. Peter served as an Associate Priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church Ikire and later at St. Theresa’s Minor Seminary Oke-Are, his alma mater. His influential role as a teacher in Religious Knowledge left an indelible mark on young minds.

Students affectionately nicknamed him “Man Pito,” reflecting his simple and gentle demeanor.

His commitment extended to various parishes, including St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Bashorun, and St. Ignatius of Loyola Parish. Further studies in Rome and a licentiate in Ecclesiastical History enhanced his expertise, making him a respected figure in the Church.

Recognizing his fervent service, Pope Benedict XVI invested Fr. Odetoyinbo as Prelate of Honor on March 22, 2012. A prayerful theologian and erudite scholar, he contributed significantly to the academic realm with publications such as “The History of the Church in Yoruba Land” and “The Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan 1888 – 2008.” In a significant turn of events, Bishop Odetoyinbo became the Second Bishop of the Abeokuta Diocese on April 19, 2012, succeeding Bishop Alfred Adewale Martins. His episcopal motto, “To Love and Serve,” encapsulates his dedication to shepherding the flock in Abeokuta.

Bishop Odetoyinbo’s multifaceted contributions extend beyond pastoral duties. From serving as Vicar General to holding academic positions, including teaching at SS. Peter and Paul Major Seminary, he has been a guiding force in both spiritual and educational realms. Beyond his ecclesiastical roles, Bishop Odetoyinbo actively participates in social initiatives. He serves as the Chairman of the Oke-Are Old Students Association, Ibadan Branch, and Chancellor of “For His Glory Association.” Proficient in Yoruba, English, and Italian, his linguistic skills reflect his broad engagement.

His 60th birthday celebration holds even more significance as the Bishop reaches this milestone age. It is a testament to his seminal impact, not

only on the bishopric but on humanity as a whole. His legacy will undoubtedly inspire and uplift generations to come, strengthening and leaving an indelible mark on the world.

What’s more, Bishop Odetoyinbo also has his PhD in Church History with a sterling legacy that extends to his extensive publications and lectures. From historical surveys to challenges in evangelization, his intellectual contributions enrich the theological discourse within and beyond the Church. His involvement in conferences, congresses, synods, and retreats underscores his commitment to collaborative efforts within the Church. As a delegate to national and international events, he remains an influential voice in shaping the Church’s direction.

Words will not suffice to pay homage to the amazing devout and devoted man Bishop Odetoyinbo. His everyday life of humility, selfdenial, renunciation of the world, poverty of spirit and heavenly affection manifestly demonstrates this assertion.

In celebrating his 60th birthday, therefore, we honour a life dedicated to faith, scholarship, and service. May his continued journey be blessed with the grace and fulfillment that has characterized his remarkable years in the service of God and humanity.

Ajayi writes from Lagos

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JANUARY 27, 2023 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT 13

SEPTEMBER 25, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Play to win...

What a waste!

W C

In Praise of PresidentChaplains Buhari in Military and Schools Stop Ritual Attacks Need for Non-Religious

hen President Muhammadu Buhari took over the reins of

powerison May 29, 2015, Nigeria sadlyfor a broken stateChapin haplaincy a profession that has was existed centuries. many respects.

As a result of many other factors comfort, including bad lains provide emotional/spiritual care, support, and governance and untold level of corruption,in government could not guidance to individuals facing challenges various situations live up to its financial obligations to citizens and service providers at both the and areas of life and duty. They include patients, prison federal and state levels. inmates, police/military officers, and students in schools, colleges Indeed one of the first official assignments that President Buhari carried and universities.

Unfortunately, has funds been understood out was the approval of billions of chaplaincy Naira in bailout to enable stateor better, been misunderstood as strictly a religious as an governors pay something as basic as workers’ salaries.profession, Granting those bailout exclusive of persons who profess a religion, or whoofbelong funds waspreserve a huge boost to national security because the pressure arrears to religious tradition.

Many people think that must be of aunpaid monthly salaries building dangerously all chaplains over the country was a believers and persons of faith. Well, this is a grave mistake. Indeed, ticking bomb. chaplains to beand exclusively religious leadersyou whoofprovided Ask theused naysayers they would readily remind how long it took President Buhari to services appoint his ministers and how that contributed support and rendered to religious believers in the military,to collapse of the economy as if, without ministers, governance was frozen. in prisons, schools, colleges, and universities.

But the situation has But buying that because narrative the would amount to constituency what a famoushas Nigerian been changing nonreligious been writer, Chimamanda Adichie, termedare “the danger ofincreasingly a single story”.

Yet the whole growing, the non religious becoming visible and story was that many of our citizens did not know how decrepit a state assertive. Nonreligious chaplains are emerging to serve the needs of President Buhari inherited in 2015. nonreligious communities, especially in the Western world, where It was therefore necessary for him to take stock against the background the profession of chaplaincy started. And if one understood what of the fact that the departing government did not, reportedly, cooperate full chaplaincy was about, government it should not be strictly religious.

There well with the incoming in terms of leaving workable handover should be chaplaincy beyond religion, chaplaincy beyond belief,many notes. Although President Goodluck Jonathan was gracious in defeat, and chaplaincy all,still believers and of his appointeesfor were sulking and over nonbelievers. what they saw Religious as their personal nonreligious chaplaincies should be available and accessible all losses and therefore pulled all the stops to make things difficult fortothe in a religiously pluralistic society like Nigeria. At the moment, the Buhari government. chaplaincy inand Nigeria is organized to favour andofonly Even withinstitution the obvious unpatriotic obscurantist behaviour the PDP appointees and supporters stilland in government hell-bent on making serve people oftheir faith.

It excludes discriminates against nonrelithingsNigerians. difficult for Buhari, the President moved on with his methodical repair gious

and Killings

by the EFCC, President Buhari by his action has successfully brought back to

public consciousness the need to And treat public the highest level athe spirit or some supernatural being. failurefunds by thewith military to attend transparency and accountability. toofthe needs of nonreligious officers is a disservice to the nation. keeping treasury on their toesas and at bay through the InAfter the prisons, chaplainslooters support inmates they serve their sentences EFCC, particularly, President Buhari moved to curb unnecessary spending or await trial. Many people in prisons feel hated, hopeless, alienated, habits of the nation on what economists call articles of ostentation. Part and sometimes betrayed. Inmates feel isolated and abandoned by the of the disclosures of the President’s stock taking was how the country society. workintoforeign bring currency comfort by to inmates. pray andcan fritteredChaplains away billions importingThey goods, which fellowship with them. Chaplains encourage to trust in God for be produced at home.

One of such items wasinmates rice, a major staple among their eventual acquittal.

Chaplains organize Nigerians.

By release banningorrice importation into the country,fellowships, the Presidentand on one Bible programs; they billions provideininmates faith-based handstudy had saved the nation foreign with currency annually.counseling sessions nonjudgmental support, and help themdomestic find meaning and And, and on the other hand, the President has boosted production hope. prisonhad inmates arethe persons ofinto faith. all inmates of riceAgain, and innot theall process nudged country selfNot sufficiency in food production. created millions Many of jobsdo fornot young in the rice believe in God or He takealso religion seriously. findpeople meaning and value chain. comfort in religious injunctions and faith-based programs. They draw What and is most admirable about President Buhari andand his government is meaning hope from evidence-based instructions secular counselits sessions. frugal management of scarce nationalshould resources to attain optimum goals. ing The Nigerian government appoint nonreligious Recall thattosince President Buhari saddle, oil revenue dropped chaplains provide support andstepped comfortintothe nonreligious prison inmates. abysmally as if to sabotage him knowing all the big promises he made to Furthermore, chaplains are appointed or volunteer at state hospitals. citizens during his campaigns. But with the little resources that trickle in, the These chaplains care for the patients, including those who are terminally President is achieving what governments that received oil windfalls could ill.

Many people not dream of. who go to the hospital are fearful and anxious about theirToday, life, health, andare recovery. fear for theAbuja futuretoofKaduna. their families the trains up and Patients running daily from And and the coststoofIbadan medicine/treatment. comfort.

They from Lagos a brand new railChaplains track wasprovide started and completed; organize prayer sessions at hospitals.

However, manytwo patients notin the citizens are already commuting daily to and fro these major do cities believe prayers; they do reap not want prayed for while on a And sick with countryinseamlessly as they from to thebedividends of democracy. bed.

Theythis do government not draw meaning, comfort religiouswould worthe way is going,hope, beforeor 2023 whenfrom the President leave,These the entire country wouldneed be linked railchaplain, with all of its aeconomic ships.

Nigerian patients their by own and chaplaincy

advantages. ofWhy a broken The firstwhat thingshould he didbe was to identify all possible sources Ainofenokhai Ojeifo, Abuja do Icountry. think so?

And of income to thethis nation and directed thatusall inflows be done to resolve problem?

First, let paid into singleofaccount in line with the policy of explore theone duties a chaplain.

Associated Single Treasury Account (TSA). with the military, chaplains offer prayers. They T H E SAT DAY EWS R PER T H EUSRAT U RN DAY N PA E WPSEPA The TSA policy, interestingly, was mooted by the EDITOR OBINNA CHIMA provide comfort to officers on and off the EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE PDP government but its penchant for imprudence AHAMEFULA OGBU OGBU DEPUTY EDITOREDITOR AHAMEFULA DEPUTY battlefield.

Chaplains attend to the spiritual MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLAENIOLA BELLOBELLO and lack of accountability denied it the courage of MANAGING DIRECTOR and psychological needs What of officers.

But as literally DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAELISRAEL IWEGBU implementing the policy. the President DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR IWEGBU we today, all notthe every military officer CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARDBOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL OLUSEGUN ADENIYI didknow was toitgather nation’s money into is one box EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN religious or, itprofesses belief in a deity.

Not and locked up with a a big padlock and watched for MANAGINGKAYODE EDITORKOMOLAFE BOLAJI ADEBIYI THE OMBUDSMAN all members of theclose.

Nigerian military pray or any thief to come THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE believe theblame efficacy prayers.forSome military Whoin can the of President almost developing paranoia over the safeguard of or thefreethinkers. national treasury officers are atheists, agnostics, with revelations reports of mind-boggling Many officers areand nonreligious, and do not looting T H I S DAY N E W S PA P E R S L I M I T E D that religion took place in the 16Soyears of the PDP? With take seriously. the Nigerian military 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 such disclosures of how billions meant for fighting EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA needs nonreligious, secular/humanist, chaplains GROUPGROUP EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS ENIOLAENIOLA BELLO,BELLO, KAYODE KOMOLAFE, insurgency in the Northeast ended up in the pockets of EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS KAYODE KOMOLAFE, for nonreligious members of the military. They ISRAEL IWEGBU, EMMANUEL EFENIEMMANUEL EFENI ISRAEL IWEGBU, IJEOMA NWOGWUGWU, a few individuals while our gallant soldiers fought with need humanist chaplains to provide nontheistic DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS SHAKASHAKA MOMODU, PETERPETER IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE DIVISIONAL DIRECTORS MOMODU, IWEGBU, ANTHONY OGEDENGBE bare hands and on empty stomach, President Buhari officers care, hope and meaning, comfort, and DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN VICTORVICTOR DANBOYI DEPUTY DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OJOGUN DANBOYI was duty bound to bring sanity and accountability back SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH SNR. ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR ERIC OJEH support based on reason, and science, not in national spending.

ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR PATRICK EIMIUHI religion and superstition.

The Nigerian military Thus, under President Buhari, the Economic and CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, MOSERI CONTROLLERS ABIMBOLA TAIWO,TAIWO, UCHENNA DIBIAGWU, NDUKANDUKA MOSERI should meet the emotional and spiritual needs Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which had DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION ONWUDINJO DIRECTOR, PRINTING PRODUCTION CHUKSCHUKS ONWUDINJO of nonreligious officers.

Here,was spiritual needs remained comatose for years, woken up to resume TOEMAIL: SEND EMAIL: first name.surname@thisdaylive.com TO SEND first name.surname@thisdaylive.com means needs related searchoffor meaning, its duties.

Apart fromto thethe trillions Naira of looted solace, and property purpose recovered in life, notfrom a reverence for funds and corrupt politicians

based on secular/humanist values.

In addition, our educational institutions employ hehelp Advocacy fornurture Alleged Witches chaplains to students their sense (AfAW) of urges the Nigerian public to stop ritual humanity and spirituality. Chaplains serve as mentors attacks and killings because the notion and counselors, guides on ethical and moral issues. of ritual money and wealth is completely Chaplains with andfollowing insights tothe help baseless.share AfAW is students making ideas this call them navigate personal challenges and achieve holistic reported arrest of suspected ritualists in Oyo State development. religious leaders, chaplains turn sesin southernAsNigeria.

The local media reported sions studentsofinto or prayer sessions. thatwith members thefellowship Western Nigeria Security Students whoAmotekun, are not religious or those who do not Network, arrested suspected ritualists find religious instructions or meaningful, with the body parts ofuseful a 73-year-old man. are left The suspects, who were apprehended in their the out. There are no chaplain mechanisms that serve Boluwaji area in said a Muslim needs.

This culture ofIbadan, chaplaincy hasthat to change. them tofrom procure some human body Leocleric Igweasked is a humanist Nigeria parts for rituals. Ritual attacks are widespread in Nigeria. Irrational conceptions of how to make money or become wealthy and successful undergird these atrocities. Many Nigerians strongly believe in blood money, known in some local languages as Ogun Owo (Yoruba) or Ogwu ego (Igbo). They think that they could become rich, or successful through ritual sacrifice. Unfortunately, this is not the case. he story of ahas young Frenchinboy who was deserted Ritual wealth no basis reason, science, by his mother left alone for two years until or reality.

Home and movies known as Africa magic or Nollywood films up have helped a kind neighbour stepped andnot contacted matters.

Theseis movies continue to reinforce authorities horrible and hopefully very rare, but these mistaken notions and other superstitions. who knows.

Families, mosques, otherhispublic The fact that churches, he was a good studentand allowed institutions dounnoticed not encourage the interrogation circumstances to go by his teachers, something traditional occulthave beliefs.

There are that itofisthese implied teachers should recognised but it’s no robust efforts to criticize or dispel these not that easy. irrational and paranormal claims in schools, Many teachers with large classesSoat millions the primary colleges, and universities. of level and multiple classes at the secondary tend to first Nigerians grow up blindly believing thatknow they the troublesome students they call out their of could make moneybecause through ritual sacrifice names more often the more academic human bodyand parts.

The belief hasindividuals led many as they Nigerians ask more challenging The middle group to commitquestions. crimes and perpetrate can easily be lostMany in theNigerians crowd, sometimes intentionally. atrocities. have been jailed or are court trials due tosocial ritualTeachers areundergoing expected to deal with numerous and related and murder. medical issuesattacks in the classroom so a good pupil often Not too the police arrested some isn’t checked for long livingago, conditions. young Nigerians for stealing How to solve this problem?

I don’t female know, aspants, police to usepeople for ritual sacrifice. havewhich a lot onthey theirintended hands, medical may not ever is asking all Nigerians to desist meetAfAW them, counsellors wouldn’t be called in untilfrom the ritual-related abuses because ritual money situation had already been identified and with a long beliefs are baseless superstitions. Nigerian delaymedia, as thereschools, is a shortage counsellors andhelp police, and of colleges should medical peopleand as well as teachers. educate reorient the public. They should This is a in problem for society and it out is certain he is not assist reasoning Nigerians of this the only one living in difficult circumstances. killer-superstitious absurdity and nonsense.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Austral Leo Igwe directs the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW)

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Home Alone is Not Funny in Real Life

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 27, 2024

NEWS

FARE THEE WELL ...

L-R: Former Editor of the Sunday Times, Mr. Tunde Ipinmisho; Proprietress of the Nike Art Gallery chain, Mrs. Nike Okundaye; wife of the departing Ambassador of Korea, Mrs. Kim Judy; outgoing Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Kim Young-chae; and Alayemore of Ido-Osun, Oba Aderemi Adedapo, at a farewell reception held for the ambassador and his wife in Abuja… recently

CBN Seeks to Replace External MPC Members Ahead of February Meeting James Emejo in Abuja

Ahead of its maiden Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting since last year when its Governor and Deputy Governors were appointed, the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN), plans to replace the five external members of the

12-member MPC. The move came amid ongoing reforms embarked upon by the CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso since assuming office last September.

A CBN source has also confirmed that the appointment of new independent MPC members was underway.

According to Bloomberg, four external members who spoke on condition of anonymity, lamented their alleged exclusion, adding that they had not been paid by the bank since August. The fifth member did not respond to requests for comment.

The aggrieved members fur-

ther alleged communication gap with the central bank, pointing out that they last heard from the apex bank in September and have been apparently excluded from the usual planning ahead of the February 26th and 27th MPC meeting.

The MPC consists of the governor, four deputies and

two bank directors, plus five outsiders appointed by the president and the governor.

The current five external members were picked by former President Muhammadu Buhari, and former CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele.

The committee requires six of the 12 to be present to constitute

a quorum.

So, if no external members of the committee are present, it would leave question marks over the policy process.

The current external members who spoke to Bloomberg said they’ve not been invited to the meeting and don’t anticipate being there.

West Stakeholders Knock Ex-Abia Rape: Court Sentences Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Ukwa Commissioner over 'Incessant Attacks' on Otti Daniels to Life Imprisonment Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

This is Lx another win for sexual, rape survivors, says Taiwo Ojo Funke Olaode Barely 24 hours after the bail granted former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Ifeanyi Emefiele, was varied to allow him trav After three years of standing trial, the axe of law finally fell on the embattled Bishop Oluwafeyiropo Daniels of 'I Reign Christian Ministry', as an Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court yesterday sentenced him to life imprisonment for raping

his 23-year-old assistant.

Daniels, who wore dark green ‘Atiku’ dress looked remorseful as Justice Rahman Oshodi read out the judgement of three years imprisonment for sexually assaulting another member of his church, aged 19 years.

The prosecution had called five witnesses while the defence also called five witnesses during trial through whom various documents were tendered in evidence.

The state prosecution team, led

by Mr. Babajide Boye, submitted that the convict raped his assistant pastor in his home in Ikota Villa Estate, sometimes in June 2020.

He also said that the convict sexually assaulted one of his church members by forcefully sucking and touching her breast without her consent, sometimes in April 2021 at the church office in Ikeja.

The offences contravened Section 260 (2) and 263 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

During cross-examination by state counsel, Mr. Babajide Boye, the defendant reiterated that the alleged survivors conspired against him.

He also denied giving N100,000 to one of the alleged survivors for medical treatment.

Delivering his judgement, Oshodi held that prosecution had established the ingredients of rape and sexual assault (count one and three) against the convict, beyond reasonable doubt.

Stakeholders in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have come hard on a former Commissioner for Information, Chief Don Ubani, for his "incessant attacks" on Governor Alex Otti.

Ubani, who is a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a Deputy Chief of Staff in the immediate past administration of Okezie Ikpeazu, has been relentless in launching verbal attacks on Otti.

But his Asa kinsmen told journalists during a press conference in Umuahia that the attacks on the Abia governor was "needless and embarrassing" to the oil producing

Toyota by CFAO Opens Car Art Contest for Children Create Much Time For Reading, Asije Tells Young Nigerians Beginning from 16th January to 16th February 2024, Toyota by CFAO Nigeria would hold the 'Toyota Dream Car Art Contest', which invites children from all corners of the globe to share ideas about the future of mobility by drawing their dream cars.

A statement yesterday, which disclosed this, noted that every great idea was born in the glimmer of a dream, “and we at Toyota hope that this activity will help nurture the creativity of the next generation of great inventors, thinkers, and dreamers.”

The contest is made up of the National Contest and the World Contest.

The National Contest would be held in each participating country from August 2023 to March 2024.

Winners of the contest would be entered as representatives of their own country into the, ‘World Contest,’ to be held in Japan.

“Since 2004, the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest has been conducted as part of Toyota’s social contribution initiatives. In 2023 alone, there were about 780,000 entries from 90 countries and regions around the globe,” the statement added.

The target applicants are those who are 15 years old and younger and who live in Nigeria.

An implementer of the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in Nigeria, Victor Asije, has called on Nigerian young men and women to create much time for reading.

Asije reminded them that by reading they would become enviably transformed, enhance their talents, skills, businesses, education, and contribute to the political and socioeconomic development of their immediate communities, country, and the world.

In a statement, Asije, who said the only way more young

Nigerians would live purposeful, meaningful and significant lives was to read, and enjoined them to desist from seeking shortcuts, get rich quick syndrome or engaging in national and international criminal acts.

"Dear Nigerian young men and women, I have this unbeatable truth for you all, and that's for you to know that you must urgently go back to reading books for self-development, business successes, social intelligence, and be able to make landmark contributions to the overall development of Nigeria, and become her good ambassadors abroad in the near

future.

"I like you to know also that, without your interest in reading, no matter your acquired pound sterlings, euros and dollars, cars, houses, you will always feel cheated, empty, inadequate, antisocial, low esteemed, not politically aware, and depressed.

"It has been well said that if one can read well, he or she can function more effectively in daily activities, achieve more satisfactorily in school learnings, satisfy emotional and intellectual needs, maintain better personal and social adjustment, appreciate better our cultural heritage, and be a better citizen." he said.

area, which is now having a new lease of life under the Otti administration.

Spokesman of the Asa stakeholders, Mr. Newman Azu, who is the Mayor of Ukwa West, said that Ubani was only speaking for himself and playing destructive politics, adding that he has no locus to speak for Asa land.

SATURDAY JANUARY 27, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 27, 2024

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SHOWBIZFLAIR

Kunle Remi, Tiwi: Celebration of Love, Friendship, Family

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu

rior to his wedding last weekend, Nollywood actor, Kunle Remi had left many of his fans and followers curious about his relationship status. Why?!

He’s one of Nollywood’s most eligible bachelors. On different occasions, the charming and charismatic actor had been romantically linked to a couple of his female colleagues.

Playing love roles with any of these female actresses had opened the ‘Falling’ star to the dating rumours. The rumours kept prompting fans prying to know his actual status. However, as guest once on a popular television programme last year, Kunle Remi finally opened up on his relationship.

The thespian then had revealed that he was in, “a serious relationship”. He had said: “I mean, it is nothing to hide. I have someone. I’m serious.”

Well, that someone appeared to be Boluwatiwi (Tiwi) Oye with whom he tied the knot last weekend in a star-studded traditional and church wedding ceremonies, which took

place in Ibadan.

Pictures and clips from the wedding ceremonies trended. It was a beautiful celebration of love, friendship and family. The events also had in attendance business mogul Mr. Femi Otedola and his family. The fact that the billionaire businessman is Tiwi’s maternal uncle came as surprise to many.

Taking to his instagram page to share pictures from the events, Otedola congratulated the couple and wished them well in their new journey together.

Captioning the pictures, daddy Cuppy wrote, “Yet more good times to be grateful for! Congratulations to my beautiful niece Tiwi on her union with KR! Wish you a wonderful life together… F.Ote” Best known for his roles as Saro in the blockbuster movie ‘Anikulapo’, Kunle Remi had, to the surprise of his fans and colleagues, on New Year’s Day, disclosed on his instagram page that he and his wife, Boluwatiwi, exchanged vows. It further revealed that the couple got engaged in the US sometime in 2023 and had their court wedding there.

Kunle Remi, Tiwi and Femi Otedola at the church wedding

Filmmaker, Moses Inwang Set to Premiere ‘Dead Serious’

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Ferdinand Ekechukwu

rolific filmmaker, Moses Inwang is set to release his latest project, titled ‘Dead Serious’. The award-winning producer-director announced the star-studded movie via a social media post last Monday, alongside a trailer. The clip shows actress Sharon Ooja and Skit maker, Sabinus engaging in a comical yet endearing love tango.

A romantic-comedy, ‘Dead Serious’ is scheduled for cinema premiere nationwide on February 9, 2024, starring Nkem Owoh, Deyemi Okanlawon, Lilian Afegbai, Funky Mallam, among others. Inwang had earlier told Showbiz that the film was crucial and timely to undertake, adding that the story is just one of many in his repertoire.

Cast of ‘Dead Serious’

‘Dead Serious’, according to Inwang, advocates against suicide and suicidal thoughts; “a young man will make several unsuccessful attempts to take his own life after losing the love of his life just a few days to their wedding.” He said, its romantic-comedy; but one that is themed around a serious topic, suicide.

“And no, it’s not a sad film; as a matter of fact, it’s one packed with a lot of laughs and an important message of hope and perseverance,” Inwang revealed. The producer-director has also characterised the upcoming feature film as the wildest romantic comedy series of the year. “We are dead serious about bringing you the most hilariously awkward romantic couple this Valentine!

“Prepare to laugh till your sides hurt and shed a few tears as well,” Inwang wrote. Brace yourself for the mind-blowing movie, ‘Dead Serious,’ the craziest romantic series comedy of the year.”

Nigerian Crochetist Attempts As Tobi Bakre Continues to Guinness World Record Make His Mark in Nollywood

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or the CEO of 6chi crocheting brand, Chidinma Modupe Okafor, bringing Nigeria to limelight through her recently concluded 72-hour marathon in crocheting was purely based on showcasing Africa’s creativity, tenacity to succeed and would ultimately unlock the crocheting industry.

Interestingly, Okafor has been crocheting right from her teenage years, but professionally for two years now. At a press conference, held in Lagos recently, Okafor expressed optimism that having uploaded necessary files and videos, the much anticipated Guinness World Record would be announced soon. According to her, “it is a huge file that we have uploaded.”

“I actually decided to go into Guinness World Record because I want to showcase Africa in the area of crafts, and showcase what Africa has, especially in Nigeria, and showcase the skills. Alexandra Hayden from the US is the last person to do this, which took her four hours and seven minutes,” She added.

“And she made blankets and I felt since then that I can make blankets, shoes and anything else to think of. While trying to showcase what we can do as Nigerians, I also saw it as a means of reaching out to other people who are actually trying to come out to the limelight, who might be feeling I can’t do anything, because, in Africa or less generally, we believe that once there is no money, your dream cannot come true.”

Having overcome several challenges encountered during the marathon process, she said, “While thinking of going for this Guinness

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Tosin Clegg

Chidinma Okafor

World Record, I had challenges with convincing people to actually believe in me. They believe you should have been a celebrity. You should be well-known. You should have a name or a status for you to get the needed support.”

The University of Nigeria (UNN) English Education graduate stated that she also had the challenge of getting a venue. At a point, I met a person and it was looking like I was having headway, but later on, I got a very negative response which would have been a reason for me to give up on the dream, while some were unaffordable.”

ince emerging as a finalist in the Big Brother Naija (Season 3) reality TV show in 2018, Tobi Bakre has evolved to be one of the most commercially emerging actors in Nollywood.

After his time on the show, Tobi has ventured into acting, modeling, TV host and showcasing his talent in the Nigerian entertainment industry. With a charismatic personality and a growing list of acting credits, Tobi continues to make a mark as a versatile and promising figure in Nollywood.

Featured on productions such as ‘Gangs of Lagos’ and ‘Brotherhood,’ his interpretation of roles is a testament to his acting skills bringing depth and authenticity to his character, contributing significantly to the films’ success. His portrayal reflects not only his acting prowess but also his ability to immerse himself in complex roles within the dynamic narrative of urban life.

His presence on screen adds a layer of charisma and skill, making a significant impact on his movies. Tobi’s involvement in several other films, as well, underscores his dedication to exploring different facets of storytelling and contributing to the evolving landscape of Nigerian television.

Recently, Tobi and 11 other African talents were selected as part of the 202 participants of the Berlin Talents which is a talent development programme of the Berlin International Film Festival. The festival is an annual summit and networking platform for outstanding creatives from the fields of film and drama series and will commence in Berlin from February 17-22, 2024.

Getting selected for this only shows a true reward for talent, commitment to cause and a motivation to do more as the emerging actor also ended 2023 with a huge bang winning 2023 Best Actor AMVCA, 2023 Best Actor AMAA Awards, 2023 Best Actor Future Awards, 2023 Special Recognition Awards Afriff, 2023 Sunnewsonline Price for Acting and coupled with a 2022 Highest Grossing Actor.

His rising prominence in the entertainment industry and his commitment to delivering compelling and memorable performances surely have him on the right path, as he continues to unveil the very best he would have to offer in such a viable and inspiring career so far and in time to come.

Tobi

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 27, 2024

Fashion File

Azuka Ogujiuba

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azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Diffusion: Celebration of Industry Disruption his collection was Inspired international audiences and captures the essence by the sophisticated and of the amazing DAY man/woman. unique influence of significant

DAY Creations, the Nigerian brand has gone global

European elements of style, with the opening of a new outlet in the heart of adding the rich cultural Manchester City Centre, United Kingdom. touch of Africa. According

In positioning the brand Internationally the fashion

to Anyanate Kariboye-Igboh, the creative director

house is introducing their new collection ‘Diffusion

into our designs, tailored to meet the demographic

These 24 looks embody functional wear across a

of the brand, “We incorporated these approaches : A celebration of an Industry Disruption.” standards of our new environment.”

wide spectrum of different cosmopolitan creative

This collection resonates with both local and styles that reels out all menswear fashion demands.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

BOOK REVIEW

Review of Kuni Tyessi’s Books: If Only We Knew, Being Twins

Philip Hayab John

An Overview

If Only We Knew is Kuni Tyessi’s collection of 12 twelve short stories which projects an image of a plummeting Nigerian socio-economic, cultural, and everyday life under the following titles: Shay’nyam, Marriage Extremism, Accreditation Palava, And Mum was God, Banana Republic, When God Refuses to Change Genotype, If Only We Knew, In Search of Exclusives, Old Men Do No Wrong, Prophecy of a Lunatic, Beautiful Imperfections, and Irreversible Damage.

All the stories generally explore the lives of commonplace Nigerians who are struggling to survive. What concerns the characters are echoes of ordinary spectacles that are illustrative of the disenchantment in Nigeria and with a reflective message that goes further than what the warlike nature appears to represent.

The Author and Her Work

Kuni Tyessi studied Literature for her first, second and currently third degrees at the Department of English and Drama of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Nasarawa State University, Keffi, where many of the academics are social realists who call for an ethical revolution of the Nigerian society for positive progress to be attained. Besides, while an undergraduate, Tyessi, in her discussion in and outside the class, appeared to have formed the mindset of a socialist realist. As the writer’s former course mate, I am pleased with the work under the title under review, and the content meets the expectations of anyone who knows her closely.

Accordingly, the work exemplifies a pragmatist’s standpoint with a gentle mien expressive of grief that springs from an endless chain of corruption and misplaced priorities that typifies what Achebe describes in The Trouble with Nigeria (1983) as the failure of Nigeria’s leadership to live up to the responsibility of their office. Like Achebe, Tyessi’s work appears to be a call for more patriotism or else, the grief faced by the characters we meet in the stories will continue.

Equally, as it was idealistic to expect a perfect society, the viewpoint the stories project reflects the flawed nature of the human mind with an unrelenting call for a regeneration hoped to transmute the snail pace development in everyday Nigerian life. The implication is that there is a steep degeneration which leads the nation to a cul-de-sac (a road leading nowhere), and a murky path to disaster.

Preview of Some of the Stories

Just like Prof. Alexander Kure, who wrote the preface to the book, I see stories that portray a quest for meaning in a calamitous life fractured by modern reality. Noticeably, the first story, Shay’nyam, is set tangibly in a township which houses mostly the deprived and the vulnerable; and with the major concerns of daily life hinged on safety and security been exemplified by the incident which occurs at the new house built by Laraba, the chief character. Nonetheless, the temporal setting is the Gwong community, in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State- Nigeria.

Analytically, the police and nearly all the characters we find in the story depict how cosmopolitan the emergent Nigerian suburb is apprehensive of the recurring tales of kidnappings, ASUU strikes and suspicions, and also avail a manifest of the uncertainties of the Nigerian life. What the story appears to be calling for is an end to the menace, or else the gloom could lead to a greater tragedy. For instance, the sack of “over four thousand workers, rendering many breadwinners financially incapacitated”, has a connection to Brother Kazzem’s false age declaration, articulating the fluctuations of Nigerian life.

As part of the author’s creation of the, “bizarre cases of man’s injustice to man,” Rasheed’s boss who lives in Asokoro with a small family and decent salary, apart from his wife’s fat pay, takes clothes on credit and fails to pay, given to dishonest excuses, represents the insatiable nature of the average Nigerian. Next, the story laments the futility of education given that after secondary school, one of the jobs available was for the promising young school leavers to work in a saloon since there were no functional institutions to admit them for further their education.

After that, the author’s affirmation of, “life in Abuja, the unofficial capital of social life without boundaries” is embodied by Mama’s sudden death at Laraba’s apartment, a place she barely moved in, after enduring a lot of slanting and chauvinistic contempt as revealed by Daddy Fatai’s description of Laraba being an “Abuja gel wey dey use dem nyash to take quench fire” and “dey folo peson husband too, or dey do dog for one point five million naira.”

However, the twist in Shay’nyam, a word in the Gyong language of the Gwong of Kaduna State, describing therianthropy, otherwise known as shape-shifting, remains a mystery to a reader who has no background knowledge of the mystical reality of the situation. The story portrays the belief in many African societies of the sisterhood of shape-shifting where the devotees could mystically shift from the human world for a temporary life in the animal kingdom. The ending of the first story is a technique which leaves the fate of Laraba, who is accused of being responsible for the death of Mama, who in essence got killed by a hunter when she had shape-shifted to the animal world, to the unpredictable society that Laraba

belongs.

The second story, Marriage Extremism, whose central character is Asabe, depicts the challenges single ladies face, the shards of belief, and portrays how women devoted to the Christian faith could be exploited by some clerics. The story critiques the way society is quick to judge any lady who dresses in a manner that society considers undue fashion.

Accordingly, the story gives us a juxtaposing view of Asabe, on the one hand as one with a “sociable acceptable life that was not wild ... and could easily be described as boring, poor and tasteless,” yet societal misrepresentation of her was to the contrary being observed as “worldly and sinful” because of “piercings, modifications and body arts, like tattoos.”

In the story, Banana Republic, the reader comes face to face with the angst and disillusionment of ordinary Nigerians through the depiction of the putrid stench that attends the practice of political godfatherism in Nigeria and the uneasiness of being unbiased in an unfair society. The statement “everyone seemed desperate to be on the queue leading to the phantom national cake through legal and illegal options” further gives the story away as one which expresses the disaffection of the citizenry with the matter of patriotism. Manifestly, the driving force in “Banana Republic” is to grab whatever piece of the ‘banana’ one can for one’s self, as decency has been thrown to the wind. When the narrative voice tells us that the National Communications Commission had instructed that all mobile phone lines must be registered, the explanation was that the authorities were out to curb and eliminate banditry, insurgency and terrorism that had become a daily happening. But with the mention of “unknown gunmen or unidentified gunmen,” the story blurs the line between fiction and reality and takes on the technique called faction where the dividing lines between facts and fiction become thin and inseparable.

Consequently, the story laments how plying Nigerian highways, especially in the north of Nigeria, had become so dangerous that every trip had become a journey of no return and when one returns, the phenomenon of safety calls for celebration. The question the narrator seems to be asking is how did Nigeria get to the point where there were “hardly any safe hours”?

As a result, the story does not end with banditry, but the air space and rail tracks once thought to be secure have also failed.

So every citizen of Banana Republic “travelled at their own risk.” However, the worst scenario of life in Banana Republic which the writer reflects is when a military aircraft is attacked during a surveillance routine as well as the attack of a train that was on its way to a town in the republic.

But unlike Kole Omotoso’s Just Before Dawn (1988), a novel banned by the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida for daring to cross the lines of fiction, the current writer, like Odia Ofeimun, Niyi Osundare, Tanure OJaide, Festus Iyayi, and the socialist writers from Nigeria, is courageous to declare that the fictionalised Banana Republic is Nigeria, with the mention of the train which leaves Abuja to Kaduna, ending being stopped by bandits who intimidated, maimed and threatened the citizens and the government.

At least, we are witnesses to the disgusting scenario and the writer’s pen reminds us of the failure of our nation leaving abducted train passengers to be held for months with billions of naira paid as ransom, a concept alien to the people and cultures of Nigeria, without the government doing more than media talk.

Style of the Writer

The stories are shaped by the writer’s familiarity with the current Nigerian society and are often embedded in a non-

linear plot, an angle which gives the stories their fictional norm.

The language is simple but bursting with expressions and salient images that tell the reader the direction the stories take. Without a doubt, the stories are subtle, logical, and with devastating viewpoints.

To my mind, If Only We Knew is one of Nigeria’s emergent literature with a socialist bent and real to the lifelike literature which does not seek to dwell on art for arts’ sake, resonating with Achebe’s idea that the African writer who engages in writing for mere aesthetics is like a person whose house is on fire but rather than seek to quench the blaze, runs after a rat that escapes from the fire.

In summary, If Only We Knew is a penetrating depiction of varied voices disillusioned with the Nigerian polity, especially women who are caught up between a domineering patriarchy and a deteriorating socio-economy of a society that was supposed to provide them security and safety.

Being Twins

Being Twins is a collection of poetry with three major sections entitled: Relationships, Being Twins, and Mortality. There are a total of 50 poems with “Mortality” comprising 27 poems, while “Being Twins” is 12, and “Relationships” has 11 poems. From the categorization, the author seems to be more concerned about social and human suffering, touching on patriarchy and the domination of the female gender.

A ready example is the poem centered on male chauvinism“The Widower’s Prayer” which appears to be a celebratory appeal, not a lament. For instance in stanza 6, the persona, apparently a male prays thus: Give me a charming one Younger in age and carriage More beautiful than she who was Will rekindle the fire of Youth passion in me (p. 3) Acursory read of the above lines suggests that the man scarcely mourns the deceased wife, but views her passing as a prospect for a better if you like, sexually active woman. In the title poem “Being Twins,” the persona seems to be mourning for a departed twin, who is missed unendingly. The gender of the twin is uncertain, but the vacuum created by the demise or absence of the ‘twin’ is replete in the poem. Of such instance in the poem is the second stanza; At morn, Face of loneliness I see At noon, Worries and daydreams accompany me As I walk into memory At night, I toss, turn for comfort, Yet no arms to embrace (p.17) In “Mortality,” the poem I choose to focus on is “Who is People?” – Apparently a social critique of the essence of life, especially in today’s Nigeria. True to the troupe, the persona in stanza 5 soliloquizes; Whatever I eat Is people’s business Whatever I wear is people’s business Whenever I walk People want to know where I am going (p.35).

As a literacy critic, my reading of the poem resonates with the concerns of the uncertainties of everyday life, but beyond that, the poem tends to be saying that people appear to want to get into businesses or affairs which in the real sense of the word ought not to be their burden. It is because people dabble too much into people’s personal lives that we build acrimony, jealousy, envy and even hatred.

SATURDAY JANUARY 27, 2024 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

FEATURES

Adura Odun: Legacy of Faith, Thanksgiving, Togetherness Sunday Ehigiator

T

he air was filled with melodic praise and worship songs, a familiar rhythm marking the start of Adura Odun (New Year Prayer) every year.

The 27-year-old annual ecumenical observance at Otunba Olasubomi Balogun’s Tunwase Court, held on January 9, during Ijebuland’s universal week of prayers, brought together all Christian denominations and people of other faiths to express gratitude to God and pray for a blessed New Year.

This year, the Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, the late Otunba Balogun, was absent, considering his exit from the physical realm in May last year. Regardless, his larger-than-life essence was deeply woven into the fabric of the spiritually enriching tradition that Adura Odun has become. It was hosted by his wife, Olori Abimbola Balogun, and his sons Bolaji, Jide, Ladi and Gboyega. They were joined by Otunba Balogun’s sister, their ever-present and supportive Aunty, Chief (Mrs.) Ronke Atere and her son, Tope.

In his lifetime, the beloved patriarch of the Balogun family and a pillar of the Ijebu community understood that faith flourishes best in the fertile soil of shared experience.

It is not a solitary venture. Therefore, he envisioned Adura Odun as a platform that would transcend generations when it comes to expressing faith, offering thanks, and seeking divine blessings. Remarkably so, it became an honoured tradition in his lifetime.

The roots of this tradition run deep, entwined with the history of Christianity in Ijebuland. One hundred and thirtytwo years ago, in 1892, Otunba Balogun’s ancestor, Oba Adesimbo Tunwase I, played a pivotal role in welcoming the Christian faith into his land. His generosity, allowing a corridor in his house for preaching and allowing a few of his children to convert to Christianity as some of the earliest Ijebu converts, paved the way for faith in Christ in Ijebuland.

This legacy of faith flowered in the late Balogun, who nurtured it with dedication. In 1997, during the Annual Christian Prayer held in the Palace of the Awujale, the Bishop of the Anglican Church of Ijebu, on behalf of the Christian denominations in ljebu, presented Otunba Olasubomi Balogun amidst a chorus of praise and thanksgiving to the Awujale and the large congregation as the new Asiwaju of ljebu Christians. That led to the widely accepted Adura Odun at Tunwase Court by Ijebu Christians, which fosters spiritual growth and strengthens community bonds.

So, the 2024 annual prayer gathering unfolds with the opening hymn focused on joint thanksgiving, “Afope F’olorun” (“Now Thank We All Our God”), setting the tone for supplications, praise, worship and thanksgiving by the Baloguns, the Ijebu Christian Association of Nigeria chapter, and laity.

Adura Odun is not just for Christians, but for all people, the late Otunba Balogun had disclosed in a 2023 interview.

“So, the essence is that I have invited all Christians and friends. Some Muslims, too, joined me in thanking God for protecting us, providing us with everything, and giving us good health. We can now expect the same Good Lord to continue to be with us for the New Year, “ he had affirmed.

Olori Abimbola, the family matriarch, expressed gratitude at this year’s event, acknowledging the support

L-R: Chief Executive Officer, Chapel Hill Denham, Mr. Bolaji Balogun; his son Oluwadayo; Group Chief Executive, FCMB Group Plc, Mr. Ladi Balogun; former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Gbenga Daniel; wife of late Otunba Subomi Balogun (Founder, FCMB Group), Abimbola Balogun; sister of late Balogun, Mrs. Aderonke Atere; Chief Executive Officer, Primrose Development Company Limited, Mr. Jide Balogun. and Chief Executive Officer of CSL Capital UK, Mr. Gboyega Balogun, during the Balogun family’s Adura Odun (New Year Prayer) event held at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state…recently received since Otunba Balogun’s passing.

“This is the first Adura Odun after Otunba’s passing,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I want to express my deepest gratitude to the clergy members, the royal fathers, and all the Ijebus who have supported us. I also want to thank the children for doing so much to preserve the worthy legacies of their father.”

Her words weren’t just about expressing gratitude. She affirmed the values and strength of the Balogun family and their commitment to Otunba’s legacy, reminding everyone of the importance of faith, family and community, which were all dear to Otunba Olasubomi Balogun. Olori Abimbola Balogun inspired hope that even in the face of loss, there is always reason for thanksgiving and looking forward to the future.

With the weight of responsibility and a son’s love, Bolaji Balogun stepped forward to speak on behalf of the Balogun children. Though touched by the grief of Otunba Balogun’s passing, his words resonated with gratitude and strength.

“Ijebu, you stood by us,” Bolaji stated, his voice ringing across the gathering. “We feel the love and support of everyone present today and of those who walked beside us last year when we had to grapple with the loss of our father.”

He pledged the family’s commitment to upholding their father ’s values, promising to continue on the path of dedication to the community and faith he had laid before them.

A former Governor of Ogun State and now Senator, Gbenga Daniel, urged the people to hold unto God and believe that this New Year will usher in tremendous and manifold blessings for them.

“I want to thank everyone for the love shown to our late Otunba Balogun. He was a great man. He made an indelible impact on the lives of people. His legacies of

selflessness, steadfastness, dedicated service to God and love for others are worthy of emulation. God will continue to uphold our mother, Olori Abimbola, the children and the entire family,” he said.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Ijebu Anglican Diocese, Rt. Reverend Peter Oludipe paid glowing tribute to Otunba Balogun while thanking his family for upholding his legacy.

He said, “Otunba Subomi Balogun lived a fulfilled life in the service of God and humanity. The Adura Odun provides another opportunity to solidify our relationship with God. I am grateful to the family of Baba for organising this programme. This is part of what we love to witness in Ijebuland.

“Death is not the end of the road for Christians; it is another journey of life. God made salvation available to all of us free through His only beloved son. Death is eternal rest, not separation from God. This annual gathering would undoubtedly give Otunba Balogun joy in heaven, being part of the worthy legacies he left behind. We all missed his jovial nature and dancing steps. As we proceed in this year’s journey, let us gather more to continue to seek the face of God and pray for His grace upon us and our nation”.

Likewise, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ijebu Ode, Folarin Adedipe, referenced Balogun’s absence and commended the family’s dedication to his legacies.

Among the prominent dignitaries that graced the Balogun family’s Adura Odun 2024 were traditional rulers, including the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Razak Adenugba; the Akija of Ikija-Ijebu, Oba Kayode Alakija; the Origbogbo of Imoru-Ijebu, Oba Munirudeen Adeposi and the Oniworo of Iworo-Ijebu, Oba Adebisi Onagoruwa. Clergy members at the event include the Regional Coordinator of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Richard Oladele; the Head of the African Church Ijebu Diocese, Most Reverend Ola Ajayi; and the Head of the Celestial Church of Christ, Ijebuland, Venerable Johnson Olabode.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Ige: Addressing Bureaucratic Bottlenecks Crucial for Conducive Business Environment The Chief Executive Officer of Parkville Corporate Solutions, Fola Ige, in this interview with Sunday Ehigiator, he speaks on how Parkville Ride, a car rental company and also a subsidiary of Parkville Corporate Solutions, is orchestrating transformative solutions in the Nigeria transportation sector.

Take us through your career and work trajectory In 2003, I relocated to Canada for academic pursuits and earned a Bachelor’s in Geophysics from Carleton University.

I subsequently completed a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University and a postgraduate degree in Project Management from the University of Toronto. Over the last 15 years, I have held various technical and management roles within the energy/oil and gas industry, and more recently in the standards and product regulatory sector. This diverse experience has leveraged my expertise in strategic decision-making and drive for business growth, which has catalysed the inception of Parkville Ride.

Despite your vast experience in the oil and gas industry, what informed your decision to divest into the transportation industry?

Upon leaving Nigeria as a teenager 20 years ago, a persistent desire to return and effect a positive change has remained strong. However, it wasn’t until the last five years during my visits, that I discerned gaps and opportunities for improvement in the private transportation sector. This revelation ignited my passion for developing innovative solutions to address the needs of Nigerian citizens, fostering a robust entrepreneurial interest in the transportation business.

How is Parkville Ride reshaping the transportation sector in Nigeria?

Parkville is orchestrating a transformation in Nigeria’s

transportation sector by prioritising reliability, safety, and affordability. We’re putting an end to the practice of utilising poorly maintained vehicles on the road; a shift that might challenge others in the transport business positively. Additionally, we recognise that transportation is a crucial part of the economy, and it is important that it is accessible to the Nigerian citizen and affordable.

Sustainability and environmental responsibility are becoming increasingly important. How does Parkville Ride incorporate eco-friendly practices into its operations?

Parkville Ride is dedicated to environmental responsibility and sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly practices into its operations. While we acknowledge the global success of hybrid vehicles, we are aware of the current challenges in Nigeria, including infrastructure limitations. However, we are exploring the integration of eco-friendly vehicles, understanding the potential positive impact on reducing carbon emissions. Recognising the hazards of high carbon emissions to human health and the associated mortality rates, Parkville Ride aims to gradually implement green alternatives as technology and infrastructure evolve in Nigeria. Our commitment lies not only in providing efficient transportation but also in contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future for our communities.

Can you share insights into your future expansion plans and potential new services or features for Parkville Ride users?

Parkville Ride is barely 6-months old, and I find myself marvelling at its success thus far. Yet, I know the real magic lies in the unwavering hard work of our dedicated team. Our plans involve expanding into new markets, with Parkville Ride fully

Ige embracing the bustling city life in Lagos and other parts of the country. We’re not just stopping there; innovative features are in the works to elevate the user experience, ensuring Parkville Ride is at the forefront of the evolving transportation landscape.

As an investor in Nigeria, what are some of the bottlenecks you are facing in the country and how can this be resolved?

In the human sphere, there’s a common chorus of complaints about a flawed system, I want to clarify that I’m not asserting that our system is flawless, especially when viewed from my background. The essence of my observation is that many individuals lack discipline, integrity, and motivation.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

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polity

Atiku Got It Wrong on NNPCL’s $3.3bn Crude Oil Prepayment Deal Ifeanyi Onuba

In the past few days, there has been a lot of interest from the public and stakeholders regarding the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited $3.3 billion crude oil pre-payment loan, also known as Project Gazelle.

The latest of such interest was from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar through a statement asking President Bola Tinubu to account for the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s $3.3 billion emergency crude repayment loan.

Atiku, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party had on Thursday, insisted that there were questions to be answered on the integrity of this deal, and charged the federal government to talk directly on details behind the deal.

He had asked, “Has the federal government accessed the loan? Is the loan in the government’s borrowing plan as approved by the National Assembly? Who are the parties to the loan, and what specific roles are they expected to play? What are the conditions of the loan, including tenor, repayment terms, the collateral, and the interest rate? And, lastly, why register an SPV in the Bahamas knowing the recent scandal of the country’s notoriety for warehousing unclean assets?”

This piece will attempt to provide answers to some of the issues raised by the former VP. For a start, the financing agreement secured by the NNPCL to prepay future royalties and taxes to the federal government is a crude oil-backed, forward sale structured finance facility sponsored by the National Oil Company, which acts as the seller and sponsor. The facility involves the forward sale of a specific number of barrels of crude oil to a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), which has approached international financial institutions for the required funding.

Under this project, NNPC Limited agrees to sell a predetermined quantity of future barrels of crude oil production in advance while securing upfront payment from a special purpose vehicle (SPV) backed by international financial institutions.

This project provides immediate United States dollar financing for NNPC Limited’s operational needs, including paying its tax and royalty obligations to the Federal Government upfront.

By using the upfront funding, Nigeria can maintain the stability of its currency, the Naira, and increase its foreign exchange reserves. This can also be achieved by increasing oil production and exports, but due to current investment limitations, forward-sale contracts, such as the one used in NNPC Limited’s Project Gazelle, offer a more immediate solution. Forward-sale contracts enable resource-producing companies like NNPC Limited to receive significant upfront

funding for new projects before production and export.

The funding can then be used for investments in existing and future resources, leading to increased oil and gas production and higher exports, resulting in more dollars and foreign currencies entering the country. International banks have a history of providing forward-sale financings, which can bring new foreign direct investments (FDIs) into Nigeria.

Already, an initial disbursement of $2.25 billion has been made, and a second tranche of $1.05 billion is expected to be disbursed subsequently.

The United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) acted as the Local Arranger and Onshore Account Bank for the transaction, which is expected to ease the foreign exchange illiquidity and stabilise the Nigerian currency market.

The transaction is seen as a significant further step in unleashing Nigeria’s economic potential. This landmark financing is Nigeria’s largest crude oil prepayment facility and one of the largest syndicated loans raised in Africa in 2023.

Atiku, in his statement, also made a claim that the facility was secured at a 12 per cent interest rate.He had said, “It is inconceivable that the federal government will lead the country to take a loan of $3.3bn with an interest rate that is not more than 12 percent, but with estimated repayment amounting to $12 billion.”

But the former VP’s claim appears to be wrong because the facility is for a five-year period, and it carries a margin of 6.0 per cent per annum above the 3-month secured overnight financing rate (SOFR).

The transaction structure has an embedded price balance mechanism where 90 per cent of all excess cash from the sale of the committed barrels (after debt service) will be released to the borrower, while the balance of 10 per cent will be used to prepay the facility, effectively shortening the final maturity of the facility and freeing cashflow from future pledged cargoes for use by Nigeria.

The initial participating lenders are Afreximbank, Africa’s multilateral trade finance institution, Gunvor International BV, a Geneva-based multinational energy and commodities trading company and Sahara Energy Resources Limited, an African-owned, leading international energy and infrastructure conglomerate.

Afreximbank’s extensive structuring and technical experience in arranging similar complex oil & gas financing facilities in Angola, Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Chad Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire. Ghana, was brought to bear in the successful closure of the facility, notwithstanding a very challenging market environment.

The Bank acted as Sole Mandated Lead Arranger, Technical and Modelling Bank, Bookrunner, Facility Agent, Offshore Account Bank, Intercreditor Agent and Collateral Agent. It may interest the former VP to note that the NNPCL $3.3 billion crude oil pre-payment loan deal deal has been lauded by foreign institutions like JP Morgan Chase & Co and several Nigerian

L-R: Senior Brand Manager Premium Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Kolawole Akintimehin; CEO Afrozons, Sheila O; Global Artiste, Libianca; and Chairman, Grammys Black Music Collective, Rico Love, at the Heineken X Afrozons Pre-Grammy Party press conference in Lagos… yesterday;

SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: Brother to the late Mr. Omololu Babarinde, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; daughter, Miss Temitope Babarinde; daughter, Miss Temilolu Babarinde; son Master Temitayo Babarinde; brother, Pastor Ibukun Babarinde; wife, Mrs. Adenike Babarinde; brother-in-law, Mr. Oluwole Tunde, at the funeral service of the late Mr. Omololu Babarinde held at Methodist Cathedral of Blessing , Palm-Avenue, Lagos… recently

analysts, who said the $3.3 billion is a quick fix that would alleviate the FX situation.

If the deal was flawed as claimed by Atiku, renowned foreign institution such as JP Morgan would not anticipate that it will boost foreign exchange liquidity into the country and prop up the value of the naira against the dollar.

For the records, JP Morgan had, shortly after the deal was announced by the NNPC in August last year said, “The President’s policy advisory council has recommended the government sell down its stake in the most joint-venture oil and gas assets, a proposal that is estimated to bring in up to $17bn.

In addition, the recently announced $3bn loan to NNPC could help partly improve FX liquidity conditions in the market.

“We expect NNPC to sell the dollars to CBN and remit the naira proceeds to the government as upfront payments for oil revenues and taxes. That being said, the large external financing needs of the private sector will sustain FX pressure.”

For a renowned institution like JP Morgan to have taken this position as regards the NNPCL deal with Afreximbank speaks volume. It is a confirmation of the well-known fact that the NNPC Limited, under the visionary leadership of the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, is getting things right.

Another area where Atiku got it wrong in his statement was his claims that that the federal government will be repaying $12 billion on the $3.3 billion loan based on his simple multiplication of the 2024 crude oil budget benchmark of $77.96 per barrel with 164.25 million barrels for the repayment loan.

Quoting him, “Curiously also, Nigeria’s current Barrels Produced Daily (BPD) is 1.38 million, and according to the Project Gazelle deal, Nigeria is to supply 90,000 Barrels of its daily production, starting from 2024 till it is up to 164.25 million barrels for the repayment of the loan.

“Now, this is where the details get disturbing because Nigeria’s benchmark for the sale of crude per barrel in 2024 is $77.96. A simple multiplication of that figure by 164.25 will give us a whopping $12 billion.

“It is on this note that we are calling on the Federal Government to speak up on this shady deal.

“It is inconceivable that the Federal Government will lead the country to take a loan of $3.3 billion with an interest rate that is not more than 12 percent, but with estimated repayment amounting to $12 billion.

“That is a humongous differential of about $7 billion between what is in the details of the deal on paper and what indeed is the reality.” This claims by the VP is wrong and his analysis is misleading. For the records, Project Gazelle was based on a conservative crude price of $65 per barrel to calculate the allocated crude to be produced and sold in the future. This provides a safety margin for price fluctuations in future.

Onuba, a Chartered Accountant, wrote from Abuja Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: CEO, Crestech Engineering Ltd, Gbola Sobande; Chairman Board of Governors Vocational Training Centre, the Federal Nigeria Society for the Blind (FNSB), Ayopeju Njideaka; Chairman, Executive Council, FNSB, Fusi Akinkugbe; Vice Chairman, Executive Council, Arit Tunde-Imoyo; and CEO, Leading Learning Limited/Former Commissioner for Education Lagos State, Folasade Adefisayo at the federal Nigeria Society for the Blind Countdown to FNSB 70th anniversary press conference held in Lagos... recently

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Benin branch, Mr. Roland Oboh Esq;; Mr. Nosa Francis Edo-Osagie Esq; Commissioner of Police Edo State Command; Mr. Funsho Adegboye; Mr. Festus Osagie Usiobaifo, Esq;; Mr. Douglas Ogbankwa Esq; and Mr. Idemudia Osifo, Esq, during the visit of the Edo State Commissioner of Police to the NBA, Benin branch... recently

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

PERSPECTIVE

Jimoh Ibrahim Holds the Ace in Ondo Idowu Ajakaiye Eyes are on Ondo State where the intra-party battle for governorship tickets is usually tough and inter-party struggle for the Alagbaka House, the seat of government, tougher.

The state is in the news because of the impending battle for nomination in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The picture of the Sunshine State in post-Rotimi Akeredolu period is emerging. Although the former governor who passed on last year after a protracted illness is yet to be buried, gladiators have returned to the drawing board to strategise over the ultimate succession. One of them is the irrepressible federal lawmaker and shrewd businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim.

He is from the South Senatorial Districts, to which the APC governorship may be unofficially zoned. To observers, the primary promises to be an interesting contest, a clash of titans as other aspirant are also from the district.

They are Governor Aiyedatiwa, the eminent accountant and former finance commissioner, Wale Akinterinwa; Chief Olusola Oke (SAN), former Secretary to the Government, Princess Oladunni Odu and Ife Oyedele, an engineer. But the most active and visible is Ibrahim.

Unmoved by whatever other aspirants are doing or may do next, is forging ahead with his ambition, with resolve, focus, clarity and optimism. He is bracing up for a unique popularity test, taking his message of renewed hope to the nooks and crannies of the state.

Ibrahim is no stranger to governorship contest. He is armed with a measure of experience on the slippery field, since 2003 when he was the candidate of the All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP).

Flaunting the arsenal of a formidable and fortified structure, more party members are gravitating towards his direction.

Many people across the three districts are excited that the senator is galvanising support for the party.

Ibrahim, fondly called Araba by his vast admirers, has intensified mobilisation in the state. He is breaking new grounds daily as his message of hope resonates with the people’s aspiration for better life.

Jimoh Ibrahim The aspirant has visited the 18 local governments. In the second leg, he is currently on tour of the 203 wards, starting from Ondo South District, where he hails from. A grassroots politician, he is taking his campaign to the nooks and crannies of the state.

In particular, Ibrahim is effectively mobilising at the grassroots where people reside. It may be in anticipation of the APC direct primary in which all the registered members of the party will vote.

Direct primary ensures a true test of popularity and acceptability of candidates. It negates the option of indirect or delegate system, which is susceptible to manipulation and irregularity.

Ibrahim’s campaign train is electrifying as it rolls into towns, villages and hamlets, with people, big and small, flocking the affable, down- to - earth and generous philanthropist, who has revved up the APC machine in Ondo State.

A statement from his campaign office, said he will embark on

“a whirlwind tour” of the wards to explain that a new, progressive and prosperous Ondo is possible.

His political agenda is around key pillars of education, health, job creation and infrastructure.

His campaign team said “he has plans to extend to the wards, the palliatives he distributed to the APC executive members and additional leaders in each local government. All the 27 executive members of the APC in each ward and an additional 10 leaders from every ward are expected to benefit.

“The ward consultative tours will provide Ibrahim a platform to showcase his achievements in the relatively short time he has been in the Senate, better understand the needs and expectations of Ondo people and outline his vision for the future.”

The empowerment of the 203 wards commenced in Okitipupa local government. Ibrahim visited Igbotako ward 1 and 2, Erekiti/ Ijuodo ward and Ilutuntun ward 1, 2 and 3 this week. To disburse the financial palliatives, ‘Aseyori Leekansi managers, drawn from the localities, are complementing the mobilisation drive.

Charity begins at home. During last year’s presidential poll, President Tinubu recorded the highest number of votes from Ondo South, winning 65 wards out of 66 wards. The result of the last ward in the district was cancelled.

Last year, Ibrahim ploughed back to the zone in appreciation.

No fewer than 600,000 APC leaders and members were feted.

The Secretary of APC in Okitipupa Council, Otekaye, an engineer, said:” As nothing stopped President Tinubu from becoming the president of Nigeria, nothing can stop Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from becoming governor of Ondo State because it is glaring that the people want a leader who can harmonise their resources and bring prosperity. There is no aspirant that possess as that mental magnitude to let the Sunshine State arrive at junction of prosperity than Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.”

April, when the primary will hold, is three months from now but both the governor and Ibrahim are electrifying the state, or as they say in political circles, he has hit the ground running.

Ajakaiye writes from Lagos.

Sylvan Ebigwei: Remembering Life of a Chess Father Olisa Ebigwei

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he late Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei stands as an indomitable figure and a man whose life was a proof of genuine love, wisdom and dedication to his family and community.

His recent passing has left a void not only in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him personally but also in the broader community that benefited from his wisdom, leadership, and untiring commitment to the betterment of humanity.

Sylvan Ebigwei was not merely a man of stature; he was a living embodiment of wisdom and integrity and had a way of making those around him feel valued, cherished and loved. His life was evidence to the enduring power of moral principles and ethical conduct.

He distinguished himself in the domains of academia, business, and community leadership and stood as a steadfast pillar, an inspiration of light guiding others toward the path of virtue and excellence.

His years were filled with experiences that had been distilled into nuggets of insight that he willingly shared with others. His guidance was sought after and cherished by many who sought his counsel, and his words of wisdom continue to resonate in the hearts of those he touched.

Ebigwei, the Iyase of Obodogbo Okpanam and the Diokpa Isi of Umuobi Odogwu Clan hails from Okpanam in Oshimili North local government of Delta State, was born in Jos Plateau State to Sir and Lady Paul Ebigwei.

He finished his first school leaving certificate with distinction at ENDC Primary School Ezza, Abakiliki, in Ebonyi State in 1959, and thereafter he proceeded to St. Patrick’s College Asaba in 1960, on Western Government Scholarship from where he obtained his WAEC Grade 1 certificate in 1964 and HSC in 1966.

He won the Marist Gold Medal as the best graduating HSC student of SPC in the combined fields of zoology, physics, and English.

It was at this college that he was taught the art of chess game by the then American Peace Corp tutors. He later spread to the nation and Africa.

In 1967, Ebigwei was employed as a science and mathematics tutor by the late Premier of Midwest state, Chief Dennis Osadebay in his new school Osadenis High School Asaba.

During the civil war, Ebigwei ended up in Lagos in 1968 where he was employed first as a Custom officer and later as an Immigration Officer and sent to South Police College for training by the Federal Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Between 1969 and 1974, Ebigwei studied dentistry at the College of Medicine University of Lagos under the Federal Government Scholarship. He later enlisted at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, from where he obtained his Fellowship in General Dental Practice. He has also obtained international certificates in dental Implantology, crown and Bridge Prosthesis, Curriculum Development from many institutions abroad including; University of Florida, Gainesville, (CDE), Curriculum Development 1996.

Al Ceramic Studio Panama City, Florida. USA (Certificate in Crown and Bridge Prosthesis) 1998. Academy of General Dentistry/Perio Institute Orlando, Florida. USA (Implantology course).2006 FDI Course on Implants, Stockholm, Sweden.2008 Dentist implant course, FDI Singapore 2009.

Dr. Sylvan Ebigwei is better known in Nigeria and Africa as “Mr. Chess” having spent about two decades of his life to pioneer and promote the intellectual game of chess which had a mass movement of adherents to the attraction of the Federal Ministry of Sports and States Sports Ministries to the extent that as of today Chess has become a multiple medal scoring events in National Sports Festivals, Nigeria University Games and many other national games.

To ensure that every African child play chess, Ebigwei among others enthusiasts from Tunisia, Morocco, Libya pioneered the African Chess Federation of which he presided over as the Africa Chess Federation President for many years leading to the introduction of chess as a scoring medal event in All African Games.

Himself and his friend grandmaster Raymond Keene of England, pioneered the Commonwealth Chess Association, of which he was elected the Vice President in Valetta Malta in 1980. He has also served as the Chairman World Chess Federation commission on Apartheid South Africa 1986-1990 with sole duty of exclusion of South Africa from the world body and divesting all shareholding monies of the world body from South African Companies.

Ebigwei’s chess odyssey started at St. Patrick’s College Asaba, where he was taught the art of chess by American Peace Corps in 1964.

He became the president of the College of Medicine University of Lagos Chess Club in 1973 with Boniface Oye-adeniran as his secretary.

Both of them piloted the formation of the Nigerian Universities Chess Association in 1973, in which he was elected the first president.

NUCA influenced the introduction of chess as a multiple medal event in Nigeria Universities Games Association NUGA. In the year 1975, he collaborated with notable Nigerians such as Dr. Pius Okigbo, Chief Harry Nwanna, John Holmes, and others to form the Nigeria Chess Federation. He was elected the first Organising Secretary with Pius Okigbo as the First President.

In 1977, he was elected the President of the Nigeria Chess Federation. Nigeria was admitted into the FIDE World Chess Federation through the application filed by Dr. Ebigwei.

From 1977 to 1989, during which he led the Nigeria Chess Federation, he accomplished quite a lot for the growth of chess in Nigeria.

He was the first chess player to represent Nigeria in the international chess event. This was the Afro Mediterranean Chess Championship in Carole, Italy, in 1975. It was at this tournament that he was exposed to some realities. Notably, you can’t be a player and organizer at the same time.

Secondly, he noted that Africa is grouped with the Mediterranean countries as a zone of FIDE World Chess Federation.

From then, he initiated the move to separate Africa from the

zone. He accomplished this during the FIDE Congress in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1978, where he moved the motion for the creation of the African Zone of FIDE. His motion carried the day hence, the eleventh zone of FIDE was created for Africa.

He was influential to the emergence, grooming, and mentoring of many notable chess players in Nigeria. From 1975 to 1985, Dr. Ebigwei administered the Chess Federation from his clinic at 43 Ogunlana Drive since the then National Sports Commission refused to admit chess as a sporting game.

This denial came to an end in 1985, when Air Cmdr. Emeka Omeruah, a friend to Ebigwei was appointed the Minister for Sports. Nigeria Chess Federation was instantly recognised as a sporting association under the sports ministry. The minster invited Ebigwei to form the first Board of NCF, of which he was appointed the first Chairman.

Ebigwei leveraged on this status of NCF to expand the scope of chess in Nigeria. Eventually, chess became a multiple medal event in All African Games, National Sports Festival, NUGA Games, etc. he was instrumental to many national and internal chess championships held in Nigeria.

Many African countries such as Libya, Uganda, Kenya, Senegal, etc. became FIDE members via his influence. He equally paid the affiliation fees of some of these African countries.

Internationally, Ebigwei is a well-known figure in FIDE where he served as Chairman of FIDE Commission on Apartheid South Africa, member of Ethics Commission, Member of Computer Chess.

He was the first badge International Arbiter south of Sahara and was also a foundation Vice President of Africa Chess Federation and later the President of Africa Chess Federation from 1986 to 1989 and the foundation vice president of the Commonwealth Chess Association.

Ebigwei also left his patriotic footprint and legacy at National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Ijaninkin, Lagos. As the President of the Nigeria Dental Association, he, among others, resuscitated the moribund Faculty of General Dental Practice for the Fellowship training of postgraduate dental surgeons.

For many years, he served the college as the faculty chairman, leading to the development of a sound training curriculum. He also influenced the establishment of many residency training centers in accredited Teaching Hospitals and Federal and states medical Centers such as UCH Ibadan, UBTH Benin city, UNTH Enugu, FTHA Abakaliki, LASUTH Lagos, Central Hospital Benin among others.

Not done, he left an endowment fund for the best fellowship graduate in Family Dental Dentistry of the College.

Today, many dental centres and hospitals in Nigeria are manned by the consultants groomed by the faculty. He is still a member of the Court of Examiners of the National Postgraduate Medical College.

Olisa Ebigwei, his first son wrote in from Lagos Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 27, 2024

auto World

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

inDrive’s Commitment to Driver Welfare, Safety Highlighted at Lagos Roundtable

Chery Tiggo

Carloha Nigeria Celebrates Chery’s Remarkable Global Achieveents in 2023

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Bennett Oghifo

arloha, the exclusive national partner of Chery Automobile in Nigeria, has said it is proud to announce and celebrate Chery’s exceptional achievements in 2023.

“As a global player, Chery has not only maintained its reputation for innovation and quality but has also set new benchmarks in the global automotive domain. This announcement not only celebrates Chery’s success story but also serves as an inspirational call to greatness, a call that will be further echoed through the continued growth of the Chery brand in the Nigerian automotive market,” Carloha said in a statement.

“Chery’s scorecard in 2023, substantial growth in sales and exports, and the company’s relentless commitment to innovation, sustainability, and

global expansion played a pivotal role in the success stories.

Annual global sales: In 2023, Chery achieved an annual sales figure of 1,881,316 units, representing a geometrical growth of 52.6%, while 937,148 vehicles were exported, recording a 101.1% increase. These outstanding performances surpassed the industry’s growth rate, thus establishing Chery as a critical player in the global automotive market.

Cutting Edge Technological Innovation: In 2023, Chery solidified its position as a pioneer in automotive technology with the introduction of cutting-edge features such as advanced safety systems, smart connectivity, sustainable energy solutions, and artificial intelligence integration to showcase their dedication to providing state-ofthe-art driving experiences.

In 2023, Chery steadfastly pursued technological innovation, achieving an accelerated “Tech Chery” evolution with groundbreaking achievements. At

the Qatar GIMS (Geneva International Motor Show), Chery officially unveiled the QPower architecture under the theme “Evolution for Future”, representing 26 years of accumulated and leapfrogged power technology. It is a comprehensive professional power solution covering mainstream power forms such as ICE, PHEV, BEV, and hydrogen power. QPower boasts energy advantages like “strong and swift”, “efficient and green”, and “high-energy and intelligent”. The introduction of QPower not only brings more innovation to the global automotive industry but also provides power and performance, fast charging, comprehensive safety, and a better driving experience. Additionally, Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro Plug-in Hybrid and the Tiggo 7 Pro Plug-in Hybrid made their debut at the Qatar GIMS, attracting international attention with the Tiggo 8 Pro Max, Tiggo 7 Pro Max, Arrizo 8, and other flagship models.

Hyundai Motor Wins Six 2023 Good Design Awards

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yundai Motor Company has been recognized yet again for its innovative design competitiveness by winning six top honors at the 2023 GOOD DESIGN Awards in the U.S., including four in the Transportation category and two in the Interactive Media category. Notably, Hyundai’s N Vision 74 ‘rolling lab’ achieved a global design awards ‘grand slam’.

“We feel a tremendous sense of honor to receive acknowledgment from the GOOD DESIGN Awards for these significant vehicles and innovations,” said SangYup Lee, Executive Vice President and Head of Hyundai & Genesis Global Design. “This recognition serves as a testament to the exceptional dedication exhibited by our team of visionary designers, who poured their unwavering passion and commitment into this project, alongside our collaborative engineers at the R&D center. It highlights the remarkable competitiveness of Hyundai’s design identity within the global market.”

The GOOD DESIGN Awards are selected through collaboration between The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design in Chicago, Illinois, and The European Centre for Architecture, Art, Design and Urban Studies in Europe. They announce award-winning works in various categories for Fortune 500 and global leading companies every year.

Hyundai Motor achieved the honor of having four products, including N Vision 74, IONIQ 6, Azera and Kona, selected in the Transportation

Hyundai’s N Vision 74 rolling lab achieved a global design awards grand slam category.

In particular, the N Vision 74 high-performance hydrogen hybrid ‘rolling lab’ achieved a grand slam by winning all four major global design awards (iF, IDEA, Red Dot, GOOD DESIGN) with this award.

N Vision 74 is part of Hyundai Motor’s heritage communication efforts that seek to find the vision of the future through the bold spirit

of the first independently developed Korean sports car prototype, the ‘Pony Coupe Concept,’ unveiled in 1974.

IONIQ 6 drew attention with its sleek exterior and stylish interior design. With a smooth streamlined design that minimizes wind resistance, the all-electric vehicle achieved the highest aerodynamic coefficient (Cd) of 0.21 among all Hyundai Motor vehicles, combining sensibility and efficiency.

inDrive, a global mobility and urban services platform, has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to prioritising safety and fair earnings for its drivers in Nigeria. The company, known for its unique ‘name your price’ business model, shared this commitment during a roundtable discussion held in Ikeja, Lagos, on January 18, 2024.

The event brought together top-performing drivers, experts from the industry, and key government figures, including representatives from the Public Transport and Commuter Service and the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria.

This pivotal event marked an important milestone in inDrive’s commitment to enhancing the ride-hailing experience for both its drivers and passengers. It offered a valuable platform for stakeholders to delve into and find solutions for the issues facing Nigeria’s transportation and e-hailing industries.

In his remarks at the roundtable discussion, Business Development Representative at inDrive Nigeria, Timothy Oladimeji, stated that the e-hailing service is very much aware of the challenges confronting users and drivers, and will continue to do more to provide better services. Oladimeji explained that the company has invested heavily in technology and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to guarantee the safety of drivers as well as passengers.

He also stated that the pricing mechanism is informed by different economic indicators that reflect the realities of both passengers and drivers Speaking during the session, Chief Executive Officer, Primero Transportation Limited, Fola Tinubu acknowledged that the ride-hailing industry has contributed a lot in revolutionizing transportation not only in Nigeria but globally.

Tinubu stated that there is a need for ride-hailing platforms such as inDrive to devise further means of ensuring the safety of its drivers or passengers. While admitting that the safety services in Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) scheme were different from those of the e-hailing platform, he urged e-hailing platforms such as inDrive to take their cue from the BRT system by deploying monitoring and emergency communication practices using appropriate technology.

Another speaker, Chairman of the Amalgamated Union of Application-Based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Lagos Chapter, Comrade Jaiyesimi Azeez, stated that while inDrive needs to continue setting the example in their pricing and commission structures, there is still room for drivers to earn better. This would benefit both drivers and passengers amid the difficult economic conditions. Azeez disclosed that plans are underway to engage with all the e-hailing platforms to ensure a win-win situation for all stakeholders.

Engr. Adebayo Olusoji, Director of Public Transport and Commuter Services at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, commended e-hailing platforms for their transformative role in Nigerian transport. He encouraged inDrive to act on driver and user feedback to improve their services.

While acknowledging the challenges faced by drivers on the e-hailing platform, Engr. Adebayo stated the Ministry of Transportation’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, sanity and standard of transport operations in Lagos State. He further stressed the need for drivers on the InDrive Platform to get accredited at the PTCS, have their vehicles inspected by the VIS, and get re-certified by LASDRI, in line with the government’s safety requirements for public transport operators.

At an event with the drivers and various affiliated unions in attendance, 5 topperforming drivers on the platform were recognized and rewarded with an iPhone each. According to Oladimeji, this gesture is in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the platform’s success.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

INTERVIEW

Uwadiale Agenmonmen: Business Owners Should Cut Cost, Employ Strategies to Attract Customers Uwadiale Agenmonmen is a petroleum engineer, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Raedial Holdings Limited, a conglomerate with interest in agriculture, real estate, financial services, hospitality, power and energy. In this interview, he shares his experiences and journey as an entrepreneur. Oluchi Chibuzor provides the excerpts: Can you tell us about your career trajectory and background?

I

am a proud engineer. I had always wanted to work in the oil and gas industry. While my career has mostly been abroad, spanning around ten years, I’ve had the chance to travel to various countries including the US, UK, Ghana, Angola, Senegal, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, and Turkey. I was barely in Nigeria for more than six weeks in a year because I was always moving from one country to another. My experience as an engineer still reflects in most of my interactions.

I studied Engin​​eering. I had first degree from the University of Benin and I had my Masters from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom. I also did a short business course with Lagos Business School (LBS) in Agricultural business. At the early stage, it was always a goal to work in oil and gas. Oil and gas was the industry then as they were paying a good chunk of money at a time. It was not just the money; it was also exciting. I worked in the unit where we drilled the oil which I believe was almost the same concept as creating something from nothing.

Your career has witnessed some interesting Agenmonmen changes, what prompted the switch from engineering to agriculture and real estate? can’t do both. I would still have to attend to bosses and A lot of people wonder why I made a drastic change that will consume my time. from oil and gas to agriculture. Agriculture is something that I actually found interesting. I think there are Have you always been passionate about entreprea lot of similarities between agriculture and real estate neurship and how did it start? when it comes to building something from nothing. It Entrepreneurship has been a thing of mine for a very has always been fascinating to me for a long time and long time. However, there are some basics you must that is why our major businesses at Raedial Holdings have for you to strive regardless of what you want are centred around agribusiness and real estate. It afto achieve as an entrepreneur. Education and experifords us the opportunity to build things from nothing. ence are two very important elements entrepreneurs In the agribusiness for instance, if you’ve ever seen the should have. I gained experience by working with palm-oil seed, it’s so tiny that it grows and yields for 30 other oil and gas sectors and people with different years and it brings very good returns. It’s just from one cultures and perspectives. It is a great deal managseed plant that just keeps growing while you nurture ing other people’s business, so I knew I had to pay it. Real estate also has that same effect as well because my price. I paid my price in the oil and gas industry it involves developing a structure that was initially by working hard. The decision-making process in just a design on paper which is why I like Dubai, the running a business is different, and I learnt from the structure they have there is remarkable, they are differ- employers I worked for. Managing a business of $50 ent and not conventional. So, we are trying to see how million for a company at a time; I was looking out for we can develop affordable housing projects. We want seven countries at a time. I know what targets are. I to see how possible it is for us to build houses that know how to work with different types of customers. people can afford and have the payment spread over If you have never worked in such capacity, you can a long term without interest. We want to give people never know because there is no school that will teach the opportunity to own good homes, not far-fetched you that. I strongly believe that if you can pay your ideals they cannot buy not until they can earn a certain price for your dues, work for employers, gain experiamount of money. That is really how we transitioned ence and when you think you can deal on your own, from oil and gas to real estate. start.

Talking about my experience with entrepreneurship, At what point in your career as an engineer did in the early days of my primary school, I would buy you get to the stage you knew it was time to venture three groundnuts with additional nylons and divide into entrepreneurship? the three groundnuts into four to make a profit. In Although I had grown to the stage where I was my university days, my brother and I set up a lot of earning extremely well for doing not much, it wasn’t cybercafes in Benin during the analogue era. even about the money at all. One major reason for We set computers from scratch, motherboards, deciding to switch to business was my family. I was hard drives and memory cards. everywhere, travelling to different countries, and I was not really at home. On several occasions, I would Why did you decide to venture into oil palm get home, get a work call and I’m on a flight back to production?

Lagos. Also, my job then became repetitive and to One reason why I chose the palm-oil value crown it all, I got stuck in Kuwait during the Covid-19 chain is that I like the stability it offers and pandemic. Kuwait is a very conservative country, we every part of the palm value chain has its use. could only go out between 5 pm and 7 pm every day.

Besides the fact that you just plant once, you I needed to be close to my family, but I also knew if I can maintain and harvest for 25 or 30 years decame back home I couldn’t afford to stay idle. That pending on the species, nutrients of the soil and minor was when I realised I needed to jump into entreprepractices. There is actually no part of it that is a waste neurship. I had to set up and do something about it. from the oil plus the red oil, palm nutshell which can A lot of people advised me to keep on working while make biogas. It is an end-to-end useful by-product and I maintained my personal business on the side. But I we realise there is a huge deficit in the value of palm oil knew if I wanted to make the best out of my business, I in Nigeria.

The name of the company we use for our agrobusiness is Raedial Farms Limited. If you go with some industry focused users value report, I think presently it is by a million metric tonnes deficit for palm oil in Nigeria and we cannot breach the gap. In setting up, you would have to engage with communities and offer a lot of employment to various people.

How many people have Raedial Farms Limited created employment for?

Considering our contractors and labourers, we are looking at about 500 at the farm while the direct labour force is currently around 50.

You also have investments in real estate. What inspired that?

While we are not relenting in our growth in Raedial Farms, we decided to step our foot more into real estate so we can actually provide affordable housing units. We’ve looked at the market personally in Lagos and we’ve realised that we can make better houses.

We have heard of issues with land purchases and unit purchases. We believe we can do better with our team and level of knowledge and experience.

Lagos is the hub for everything and all our partners are in Lagos. We decided that we wanted to be closer to our partners to actually show them that we are not in some remote location. Not just the real estate business but the entire Raedial Holdings is in Lagos. However, the farm is in Benin. It has been a good experience so far and we look forward to providing excellent services to the Lagos market.

What aspect of the real estate industry is your business into?

Our real estate business goes under Magnificent Multiservices Limited but we just call it The Magnificent. We will also go into some building projects. We are trying to see how we can close the gap in Nigeria’s housing deficit by embarking on affordable housing projects. We will also engage in some luxury projects when the economy and the environment permit such projects. We are currently selling June 15, Raedial Paragon and Imole Lagos. These products are unique because we have taken our time to ensure we follow the right processes with documentation.

What is your assessment of the present investment climate in Nigeria?

Houses that were selling for N40 million, just a year ago are now going for N65 million. There’s inflation and businesses in all sectors are feeling the effect of inflation. At this time, a lot of investors are paying attention to the trends while limiting their risks. But one thing with real estate and agriculture is that they are basic human needs. It is true that the market has slowed down drastically, but the market is picking up and we are all accepting our new normal. Consumers are starting to realise that real estate is still one of the most secure investments.

Properties are pretty expensive in the major cities, especially Lagos. A lot of Nigerians feel that real estate developers charge exorbitantly and are driven only by profit. Some Nigerians think this is limiting real estate growth and also denying average Nigerians the opportunity of owning properties. How correct is that?

With my wealth of experience outside the shores of this country, I understand what investors go through and we want to give them real value for their money.

But by being on the other side of the curve, I understand the pressure on developers. Running a business in Nigeria is different. Developers go through a lot, property sourcing, documentations, building materials and operations costs are over the roof.

GLOBAL SOCCER

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THISDAY, The SATURDAY Newspaper • april 24, 2011

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weekly pull-out

27.1.2024

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EAGLES, LIONS RENEWED RIVALRY Page. 25

AFCON 2023

Victor Osimhen Will He Rise against Cameroon?

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

GLOBAL SOCCER AFCON 2023 ... AFCON 2023 ...AFCON 2023 ...AFCON 2023 ...

Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen failed to convert the chances that came his way against Cote d’ivoire

Will He Rise against Cameroon?

With just a goal in 270 minutes in the group stage of the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire,Victor Osimhen has failed to justify the high credentials he brought to the competition.The Napoli striker came to the biennial tourney as last season’s Serie A top scorer with 30 goals, Italian best player of the season,AFCON qualifier top scorer with 10 goals and more interestingly,African Footballer of theYear Award winner.The Super Eagles hot shot has however not justified any of these achivements and has even gone on to miss begging chances in Nigeria’s first three matches.With the three-time African champions set to battle their perennial rival, Cameroon, in the round of 16 of the championship, the big question is whether the former Lille goal poacher will finally light-up the tourney with goals

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fter scoring 10 goals in the qualifiers of the 2023 AFCON, and with the Super Eagles lined up in a group that has Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau and a struggling Cote d’Ivoire side, watchers of the game were hoping that at the end of the group stages of the competition, Victor Osimhen would be in line as one of the strikers to cart away the tournament’s golden boot.

After three matches, the Nigerian striker has just scored a solitary goal in Nigeria’s first match of the tournament against Equatorial Guinea, a match the Napoli forward was wasteful, and that was his lot in Super Eagles other two group matches.

Osimhen’s wastefulness in front of goal was so obvious that former Democratic Republic of Congo captain, Gabriel Zukuani said he could have had a hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau in Super Eagles last group game.

Zakuani however played down Super Eagles’ goalscoring woes amidst fastgrowing concern among fans and pundits alike.

Nigeria finished as runner-up in Group A with seven points but could only score three goals despite creating a good number of chances and their profligacy in front of

the goal has raised concerns.

To corroborate Nigeria’s wastefulness in front of goal, a statistic from Whoscored published before the clash against GuineaBissau on Monday showed that they have missed seven clear-cut chances at AFCON. The three-time African champions didn’t do anything to ease the worries about their wastefulness in front of goal against the Wild Dogs, with Osimhen and Moses Simon missing two big chances apiece.

Reacting to fans’ concern on BBC World Service after the game, Zakuani feels the Super Eagles will be fine despite not being clinical with the chances they have created so far at AFCON. “I don’t think they should worry at all. I think Osimhen today could have had a hattrick. A player of his quality, you expect him to put some of those chances away.

“The header away, I thought, he was 100 percent scoring it but what you worry about I know it sounds cliche but when a striker is not getting into those positions, that is when you worry about it.

“It would come, they should be happy that they are through and they have still got their main starman fit, they would be fine”.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro, also revealed his displeasure

at Nigeria’s poor goal conversion rate at the 2023 AFCON. Osimhen’s header against Equatorial Guinea is Nigeria’s only goal from open play, as the others came from the penalty spot against Cote d’Ivoire and an own-goal against Guinea-Bissau.

Despite his displeasure at the missed chances, Peseiro, however, remains confident that the Super Eagles will rediscover their scoring ways in the knockout stages.

“For the next match, we’re going to score,” Peseiro said.

“It is important for us to score goals, but it’s a difficult tournament. We deserve to reach the first position because against Equatorial Guinea, we created many chances, we didn’t score. Equatorial Guinea did not beat us, they draw us.”

Peseiro also assured Nigerian fans and supporters that Osimhen, will find the back of the net in their upcoming match against Cameroon.

Despite Nigeria attempting 41 shots in the group stage, they managed to score only three goals, leaving many Nigerian football enthusiasts puzzled about the team’s goal-scoring abilities leading up to the clash against Cameroon.

Peseiro expressed confidence that

Osimhen would break the deadlock in the crucial last-16 match, while acknowledging that the former LOSC Lille star missed several scoring chances in the previous two games, Peseiro remains optimistic that the talismanic striker will bring joy to Nigerians in today’s fixture.

“For our next match, Osimhen will score; he’s important for the team. He’s the top scorer, but this is a different tournament and tough competition. He deserves to reach the top position because against Equatorial Guinea, he created so many chances and he scored. Did Equatorial Guinea beat us? No, we shared the point, and I know we will beat them next time because it’s not easy in this competition,” remarked Peseiro.

The Super Eagles star, having been named the Confederation of African Football Best Player for the year 2023, has yet to make a significant impact in this tournament. He will be looking to silence doubters when Nigeria takes on the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon.

Meanwhile, Osimhen has stated that the most important thing for him is to win the African Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles as against an impressive individual performance.

“I don’t feel any pressure at all, I do not care about this title (African Player of The Year) anymore. I have won it, it’s in the past,” Osimhen said in the video posted on X on Thursday.

The 25-year-old added that the most important thing was for the team to win the AFCON. “I think the most important thing is to do well with the team, to make sure the team does well, as well as win the AFCON,” he said.

“For me, I don’t really care about my individual performance, I can be on the bench and the other players are getting the job done, so, the most important thing is to win and try to win the AFCON with this group. So, I’m ready to help.

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THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

GLOBAL SOCCER AFCON 2023 ... AFCON 2023 ...AFCON 2023 ...AFCON 2023 ...

Super Eagles, Indomitable Lions Re-enact 1984 AFCON Final

When Nigeria and Cameroon file out today at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, for the round of 16 2023 Africa Cup of Nations encounter, one thing that will surely come to the minds of the two teams is the 1984 final. For it was at the same venue of today’s encounter that the Indomitable Lions won the first of their five AFCON titles at the expense of the Super Eagles. In fact, three of the titles were won at the expense of Nigeria, the fourth being at the home ground of the three-time African champions. After, a lacklustre start in their opening game, the Jose Peseiro’s men ended Group A with seven points after a lone goal defeat of host Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau respectively to give soccer crazy Nigerians a renewed hope. The hope will however be put to test to as Nigeria and Cameroon reenact old rivalry writes Kunle Adewale ROUND OF 16 Nigeria Angola E’Guinea Egypt C’Verde Senegal Mali Morocco

(Fixtures) v. Cameroon v. Namibia v. Guinea v. DR Congo v. Mauritania v. Cote d’Ivoire v. B’Faso v. S’Africa

(Sat. 27/1) (Sat. 27/1) (Sun. 28/1) (Sun. 28/1) (Mon. 29/1) (Mon. 29/1) (Tues. 30/1) (Tues 30/1)

Head -to -Head

Super Eagles in training ahead of Cameroon’s game

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igeria and Cameroon will renew Africa Cup of Nations hostilities in the round of 16 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium today.

The Super Eagles finished second behind Equatorial Guinea in Group A, while Rigobert Song’s men relied on a late comeback against The Gambia to progress behind a perfect Senegal in Group C. Nigeria were turgid in their final game of Group A against winless GuineaBissau, but Jose Peseiro’s men secured maximum points to finish with seven points and qualify in second position.

The Super Eagles have struggled for goals at AFCON 2023, netting three times despite heading into the knockout stage as the competition’s top creators.

Victor Osimhen’s finishing has been suboptimal in the games against Equatorial Guinea, Cote d’Ivoire and GuineaBissau, and the African Footballer of the Year’s expected goals turnout has been a disappointment.

Nigeria need their talisman back on form as the competition enters the crucial stage, as relying on their defensive performance may prove fatal if chances cannot be converted at the other end.

This is not lost on Peseiro, who warned his side to improve their execution in the knockout rounds to avoid early elimination, and it remains to be seen if anything changes against the Indomitable Lions today.

Both sides have a long-standing rivalry at the Cup of Nations, with Cameroon’s 2000 success in the decider in Lagos at the turn of the millennium still hurtful to many Super Eagles supporters.

The 2017 champions have lost their stranglehold in this conflict, with the Indomitable Lions winless in the last three competitive meetings between the nations, including a 3-2 loss at the 2019 finals in Egypt.

It remains to be seen if Song’s side turns the tide this weekend, but the Lions must improve on group-stage performances to outdo a Super Eagles side

that have given little away defensively.

Cameroon’s reliance on crossing was evident throughout their games with Guinea, Senegal and The Gambia, with their first game against a short-handed Syli National underscoring that approach.

Whether that works against a side displaying greater coherence is questionable, but Song’s side are unlikely to change tack against their age-old rivals today.

Unlike Nigeria, who have been stationed in Abidjan for all three of their group matches, Cameroon traversed stadiums during the group stage.

Two games were played at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, while their final match took place at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké.

For their encounter with Nigeria, the Indomitable Lions moved from their base in Bouaké to the capital, Abidjan, covering a distance of approximately 343.2 km.

Following their triumphant performance against Gambia, the Indomitable Lions resumed training in Bouaké on Wednesday.

Departing early on Thursday morning, they embarked on a flight to Abidjan on the same day, ensuring ample time for preparation.

In a positive turn of events for Cameroon, head coach Rigobert Song has received encouraging news on the injury front.

Star forward Vincent Aboubakar and Clinton Njie, both previously sidelined, have made a full recovery. Aboubakar, injured during training in Yamoussoukro just days before the tournament, is back after a 10-day absence.

A pivotal player in Cameroon’s 2017 AFCON victory and the top scorer in the 2021 edition, Aboubakar’s return adds firepower to the team as they brace for the crucial clash against Nigeria.

Between the two continental giants, Nigeria and Cameroon have eight Africa Cup of Nations titles between them, with the Eagles champions of Africa

in 1980, 1994 and 2013, while the Lions triumphed in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002 and 2017.

Incidentally, Nigeria was the fall-guy for Cameroon’s first three wins, with the first of those coming right inside the same Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan that will host tonight’s Round of 16 duel. The Lions won 3-1, despite Nigeria going in front after 10 minutes through Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal.

In 1988, Nigeria felt cheated when Mauritanian referee Idrissa Sarr disallowed a goal by Henry Nwosu in the first half at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca. Emmanuel Kunde scored from the spot in the second period to win it for the Lions.

In 2000, as co-hosts, Nigeria fell behind 0-2 in a memorable final with goals from Samuel Eto’o and Patrick Mboma, before Raphael Chukwu Ndukwe and Jay-Jay Okocha restored parity. The Lions went ahead to win 4-3 after a penalty shootout at the National Stadium, Lagos.

The Lions successfully defended their title in Mali two years later, defeating Senegal on penalties inside Bamako’s Stade March 26, and then came from behind to edge Egypt 2-1 in Libreville in 2017.

However, Nigerians will remember with a song in their heart the Super Eagles’ triumph over the Lions in the quarter-finals in Tunisia in 2004, and in the Round of 16 in Egypt in 2019, as well as the 4-0 win over the neighbours in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Uyo in 2017 that paved the way for Nigeria’s qualification for Russia 2018.

In Alexandria in 2019, also in the Round of 16, eventual tournament top scorer Odion Ighalo scored two of the goals in a 3-2 win, with midfielder Alex Iwobi netting the winner.

Interestingly, the Super Eagles have vowed to recreate their 2019 AFCON Round of 16 defeat of Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Alexandria, when both teams clash in Abidjan today at the same stage in the ongoing

26/04/60 Nigeria 0-0 Cameroon 08/12/62 Nigeria 3-1 Cameroon 15/04/63 Cameroon 1-3 Nigeria 31/08/67 Nigeria 1-1 Cameroon 07/12/68 Nigeria 1-1 Cameroon 22/12/68 Cameroon 2-3 Nigeria 22/01/75 Nigeria 1-0 Cameroon 17/ 7/78 Nigeria 0-0 Cameroon 02 /2/ 80 Nigeria 0-0 Cameroon 18 Mar 84 Cameroon 3-1 Nigeria 17 Mar 88 Nigeria 1-1 Cameroon 27 Mar 88 Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria 10 Jun 89 Nigeria 2-0 Cameroon 27 Aug 89 Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria 25 Jan 92 Nigeria 2-1 Cameroon 07/08/97 Nigeria 1-0 Cameroon 13/02/00 Nigeria 2-2 Cameroon 01/06/03 Nigeria 3-0 Cameroon 08/02/04 Cameroon 1-2 Nigeria 11/10/15 Nigeria 3-0 Cameroon 01/09/17 Nigeria 4-0 Cameroon 04/08/17 Cameroon 1-1 Nigeria 06/07/19 Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon 04/06/21 Nigeria 0-1 Cameroon 08/06/21 Cameroon 0-0 Nigeria

34th edition of the competition.

“That game was a tough duel and brought out the best in us, especially when we went 1-2 down despite scoring first. In the dressing room, we told ourselves that we could not allow that to happen. We played for one another and we were happy to win at the end.

“Of course, we know the match on Saturday will be even tougher. The Cameroonians will be determined not to lose again, but we will give our very best and go for a win. We can do it again. Our aspiration is to win the trophy and nothing has changed that,” Team’s Captain, Ahmed Musa said yesterday.

NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen, who was on-field captain for the squad that won in Tunisia in 1994, said: “Cameroon will always come with determination and grit.

We have to be even more prepared for them and deploy the greater flair and flexibility that we have.”

Coach José Peseiro may opt for Ola Aina, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi at the rear, and there is the possibility of Kelechi Iheanacho playing some part with Victor Osimhen at the fore.

The match will be aired from 9pm Nigerian time on StarTimes SportsPremium Channel 252 and 246, as well as StarTimes-On app.

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27,

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

Fulham, Newcastle go for broke

Fulham, Newcastle Go for Broke in FA CUP Fourth Round

Reeling from an agonising EFL Cup semi-final exit, Fulham will endeavour to earn a slice of knockout redemption today, when Newcastle United arrive at Craven Cottage for their FA Cup fourth-round affair.

T

he Cottagers required just the one goal to edge past Rotherham United in the third round, whereas Eddie Howe’s troops put three past Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland without reply.

Despite blowing a one-goal lead to comeback kings Liverpool in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final, the writing was not on the wall for Fulham ahead of Wednesday’s second leg, but Luis Diaz’s deflected strike made the Cottagers’ uphill climb that little bit steeper as Harry Wilson set up of Issa Diop for the hosts’ equaliser on the night was not enough.

In the heart of Nigeria, where soccer is more than a sport, it’s a legacy, I carry with me a story of determination, rivalry, and the unyielding spirit of the Super Eagles. As the AFCON 2023 unfolds, I find myself caught between memories of the past and hopes for the future.

I was fortunately a member of that Super Eagles AFCON1984 silver medal winning squad that etched its mark on Nigerian soccer history. Our journey wasn’t just about victories; it was a testament to resilience and skill. Yet, one match changed the course of history—the showdown against Cameroon.

Everyone said we lost because we were inexperienced. That’s not the whole truth, as I reminisce.

The Super Eagles, far from inexperienced, had triumphed over formidable opponents to secure their place in AFCON ‘84. A goalless draw against Morocco in Benin, 1983, set the stage for an epic battle in Rabat two weeks later, where we emerged victorious against all odds and thus qualified for the AFCON 1984. Myself, Isa Shofoluwe and Chibuzor Ehilegbu played in the match, in Rabat, invited straight from the Flying Eagles after returning freshly from the U21 World Cup tournament in Mexico, 1983. Furthermore, playing in the finals of a prestigious and coveted football tournament in the continent of Africa, in this instance, AFCON, requires a team with significant experience and skill.

Hence, the idea of being an inexperienced team doesn’t correspond with reality.

The journey continued, and we faced a powerhouse—Egypt—in the semifinals. Defying expectations, we conquered the mighty Egyptians, earning

Another 15 minutes was not enough for Marco Silva’s team to force an additional 30, though, as they missed out on an all-West London final with Chelsea next month, but the Cottagers - still without a major trophy in their 145-year history remain in contention for FA Cup stardom.

A strong XI made hard work of their thirdround tie with a defence-heavy Rotherham crop, although Bobby Decordova-Reid’s first-half strike sufficed as Fulham reached the fourth round for the fifth year running, but they have only progressed from one of their past four ties at this stage.

That triumph did come in the 2022-23 campaign,

where they were eliminated in a fiery quarter-final with Manchester United after a fourth-round beating of Sunderland, who coincidentally fell to the supremacy of Saturday’s visitors to Craven Cottage in this season’s third phase.

Even though Newcastle possess European aspirations while their Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland compete in the Championship doldrums, animosity remains highly prevalent between the two North-East adversaries, who renewed acquaintances at the Stadium of Light on January 6.

Magpies head coach Howe had overseen four successive losses in all tournaments ahead of the

Resilience Beyond Rivalry between Nigeria, Cameroon in AFCON, 40 years later!

third-round affair, but thanks to a brace from Alexander Isak and an opening own goal from Daniel Ballard, Newcastle earned the bragging rights and a spot in round four without breaking too much of a sweat.

The visitors were on the verge of following up that derby delight with a statement victory over Manchester City, only to fall victim to a mesmerising Kevin De Bruyne cameo in a 3-2 Premier League loss, leaving them in the obscurity of 10th place in the top-flight table.

However, sending Sunderland packing meant that Newcastle snapped a miserable sequence of three successive third-round exits, but they have only advanced past round four once in the last 18 years, ironically bowing to Man City’s superiority in a 2-0 defeat in the 2019-20 quarter-finals.

FA Cup Fourth Round Results Bristol City 0-0 Nott’m Forest Chelsea 0-0 Aston Villa Sheffield Wed 1-1 Coventry Tottenham 0-1 Man City

FA Cup Fourth Round Fixtures Today

Ipswich Town v Maidstone Utd 12:30 Everton v Luton Town 15:00 Leeds Utd v Plymouth Argyle 15:00 Leicester v Birmingham 15:00 Sheffield Utd v Brighton 15:00 Fulham v Newcastle 19:00 Sunday

West Brom v Wolves 11:45 Watford v Southampton 14:00 Liverpool v Norwich City 14:30 Newport County v Man Utd 16:30

G LO B A L SO C C E R Assistant editor kunle adewale

Some members of the Nigerian team that lost to Cameroon at the 1984 edition of the Africa Cup of

a place in the finals. Our performance showcased not just skill but the undying Nigerian spirit.

Fast forward to AFCON 2023, where a new generation of Super Eagles take the stage. I, a proud member of the 1984 AFCON silver medal-winning team, will be watching with anticipation. As the echoes of the past reverberate, I wish the current team success, urging them to play with pride, honor, and the spirit of true Nigerian champions.

I hate to admit it, but our rivalry with Cameroon started with us, the 1984 AFCON team, I am saying this with a wry smile. Let our story be a source of inspiration, not just rivalry. Play with all your heart, and remember, the entire nation is behind

you—100%.

In this instance, as the Super Eagles take to the pitch in AFCON 2023, against Cameroon, they carry the legacy of our great players of the past.

It’s more than a match; it’s a continuation of a story that transcends time—a story of triumph, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that defines Nigerian soccer.

To the Super Eagles of AFCON 2023, I send my best wishes: play well, with pride, and honour the legacy.

Good luck, and bring home the victory for Nigeria!

Paul Okoku, a member of the Nigerian team that lost to Cameroon in 1984 writes from the United States of

Thisday on Saturday Editor Obinna Chima Deputy Editor Ahamifula Ogbu Thisday Newspapers Editor-in-Chief/Chairman Nduka Obaigbena Managing Director Eniola Bello Deputy Managing Director Israel Iwegbu

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper •january 27, 2024

29

GLOBAL SOCCER

Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen

Napoli Chief Reveals Possible Destination of Osimhen

Aurelio De Laurentiis, president of Napoli, has confirmed that Victor Osimhen will be leaving Napoli at the end of the 2023-2024 season.

The Nigeria international recently granted an interview, where he stated that he has already decided what the next step in his career will be, suggesting that he should say goodbye to Napoli at the end of the season.

It is believed that Chelsea are in pole position to sign the African Footballer of the Year, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United in the past.

The center forward has a release clause in the region of 120 million euros, an achievable fee for Chelsea but would leave a big dent in their transfer budget.

The Gunners are looking for a reliable striker but could turn their attention to other available cheaper targets, while Real Madrid are likely to go for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Aurelio De Laurentiis sees Osimhen joining Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain or a top English Premier League club.

In quotes relayed by La Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “I wasn’t surprised by his words. We already knew that he would leave. The probable destinations? Real Madrid, PSG or some top Premier League club”.

Osimhen joined Napoli in 2020 from Lille and has scored 67 goals in 119 matches in all competitions for the Parthenopeans.

Australia Open

Sinner Ends Djokovic’s Australian Open Dominance Novak Djokovic’s bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title was ended with a spectacular 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 defeat to Italian Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open yesterday.

The Serb had been hoping to claim the record for most Grand Slam singles titles outright after sharing it with Australian Margaret Court since winning his 24th major at the US Open last September, but Sinner announced himself as a Grand Slam force in stunning fashion.

Sinner was seen as the most likely rival to stop Djokovic claiming an 11th title in Melbourne ahead of the tournament after beating him twice in two weeks at the end of last season at the ATP Finals and Davis Cup.

But surely no one would have predicted the manner of the first two sets, with an error-strewn Djokovic winning just three games.

He saved a match point in the third-set tie-break to give himself hope but there was no dramatic comeback, with Sinner regrouping impressively and going on to clinch a remarkable victory after three hours and 22 minutes. The 22-year-old Italian said: “It was a very, very tough match. I started off really well, he missed for two sets, I felt like he was not feeling that great on court. I just tried to keep pushing.

“In the third set I had match point, I had the forehand which I missed but that’s tennis. I just tried to be ready for the fourth set.

... Sabalenka, Qinwen Target History Aryna Sabalenka and Zheng Qinwen are both bidding for their own slice of Australian Open history in the women’s singles final today.

Belarusian Sabalenka is aiming to become the first woman since compatriot Victoria Azarenka in 2013 to successfully defend the title in Melbourne.

Zheng, meanwhile, hopes to become the first Chinese player to win a major singles title since Li Na, on the 10-year anniversary of Li’s memorable Australian Open triumph in 2014.

Sabalenka has been in devastating form in Australia, having not dropped a set on her way to the final.

She also has the head-to-head advantage over Zheng, having won their US Open quarter-final

in straight sets in September.

“We actually practised here before the tournament, and she’s playing really great tennis,” Sabalenka, 25, said.

“She’s a really nice girl and playing really great tennis once again. It’s going to be a great battle.”

The final takes place from 08:30 GMT on Rod Laver Arena, with live text and radio commentary on the BBC Sport website and app.

Sabalenka has become one of the most consistent Grand Slam contenders since claiming her first major singles title a year ago.

She has reached three major finals in the past 12 months, having lost out to Coco Gauff in the US Open showpiece four months ago, and has appeared

in six Grand Slam semi-finals in a row.

The transformation in Sabalenka’s game has been remarkable. Always known as a big hitter, she was once notorious for double faulting at crucial moments, and was left in tears more than once on court.

However, work with a psychologist and biomechanics expert helped Sabalenka steady herself in key moments - something that has been key to her success in Melbourne.

She has been able to get herself back on track when she has faltered - such as in the semi-final against Gauff, when she let slip a 5-2 lead and had to save a set point before breaking back to take the set to a tie-break.

Eagles Rekindle AFCON Rivalry with Cameroon, Live on GOtv The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will rekindle their bitter rivalry when both sides take the field, today, in the round of 16 at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.

Today’s clash will be the first competitive meeting between Nigeria and Cameroon since their

encounter at the same stage of this tournament in 2019.

The Super Eagles have lost three AFCON finals to Cameroon, with the most painful defeat coming in front of the Lagos fans, at AFCON 2000 final. Nigeria has since defeated Cameroon twice in the AFCON knockout stages; a 2-1 quarterfinal victory in

2004, and a 3-2 round of 16 win in 2019. Today’s match presents another opportunity to extend the run. Tune in to GO Football (ch 61) at 9pm to watch the action live.

Also, today, the Palancas Negras of Angola, will face Brave Warriors of Namibia, in the first round of 16 matches, live on GO Football (ch 61), at 6pm.

Super Eagles players celebrating

AFCON 2023 ... AFCON 2023

Eagles’ll Employ Same Approach Like in Previous Matches against Cameroon Super Eagles forward Moses Simon has revealed that the team will approach their game against Cameroon the same way they have approached previous games.

Nigeria will lock horns with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon today for a place in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. However, this tie will be watered down because of Cameroon’s poor start to the AFCON. Based on quality, Nigeria

are slight favorites because of their quality. But historically, the tie is always a close one.

Nantes star Simon understands the gravity of the game, but he insists that the Super Eagles will approach the fixture just the same they did with their previous games.

“Actually, we will approach the game the same way used to approach other games. And Cameroon, we all know that they are good and strong

likewise use,” Simon said per Soccernet.ng.

“Of course, I have a teammate there, I know him. I know his weak point. So, we just take the game the way it is, but our goal is to win.”

In Nigeria’s first three games of the competition, coach Jose Peseiro employed a 3-4-3 formation, but there is a low chance that he will switch his system. The game will take place at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on today.

Revenge or Redemption? Cameroon vs Nigeria Live on StarTimes The drums of destiny beat loud in Cote d’Ivoire as Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare to lock horns with their age-old rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, in a Round of 16 clash at the AFCON 2023.

The match will be played at 9 pm today on StarTimes’ Sports Life and Sports Premium channels, dedicated channels for all AFCON 2023 matches.

While their narrow win in the Group Stage may not be the most inspiring form guide, it does little to dampen the electrifying anticipation gripping football fans in Nigeria and Cameroun. This is a battle steeped in history, rivalry, and the unyielding pursuit of continental glory.

Nigeria’s Group Stage performance, marked by a solitary goal victory over Guinea-Bissau and Ivory Coast, and a draw against

Equatorial Guinea, left much to be desired. Critics pointed to a lack of attacking spark, even though defence was strong.

However, the Eagles, spurred by the sting of underwhelming displays, are determined to shed their inconsistent feathers and soar to new heights against Cameroon.

While Cameroon’s path to the Round of 16 was equally bumpy, with a last-gasp win over Gambia securing their place, they cannot be underestimated. The Indomitable Lions, renowned for their fierce competitiveness and tactical nous, are a team that thrives on adversity. They are the wounded buffalo, unpredictable and potentially lethal when cornered.

“It’s going be an intense game. It’s a game between of two brothers, who know each other very well,” said Cameroon legend, Roger Milla, who was

part of the Cameroon squad that defeated Nigeria in the final of the AFCON in 1984 and 1988, adding that it’s difficult to predict the team that will win the game.

The Super Eagles won the last two meetings between both teams in previous AFCON tournaments.

The match on Saturday promises to be another night of unforgettable drama with so much at stake.

The atmosphere in Nigeria and Cameroon, far away from the stadium, is expected to be electric. The passionate Nigeria supporters club will add their unique flavour to the occasion, creating a cauldron of noise and colour. Every tackle, every shot, every near miss will be amplified under the glare of the floodlights, transforming the game into a spectacle of raw emotion and athletic prowess.

Cameroon Manager, Song Denies Rift with Goalkeeper Onana Cameroon coach Rigobert Song denied any new rift with goalkeeper André Onana, who was dropped for their last match at the Africa Cup of Nations finals and could be on the bench again on Saturday for the round-of-16 tie against Nigeria.

Onana had walked out on Cameroon during the World Cup finals in Qatar 14 months ago after a row with Song but returned to the team in September to help them qualify for the tournament in the Ivory Coast.

He was allowed to miss

Cameroon’s first match to play for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur on Jan. 14 but played in the Indomitable Lions’ second Group C game against Senegal, conceding three goals before being dropped for their last group match against Gambia on Tuesday.

“I have no problem with my goalkeepers. They are all competitive and ready to respond when they need to play. There is no controversy.

They get along very well,” Song told a news conference on Friday, without saying whether Onana might be restored to

the starting lineup for the round-of-16 game on Saturday.

Song said defence would be all-important against Nigeria, whose powerful attack is led

by African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.

“We have already conceded six goals and tomorrow we will find the formula to not concede,” added Song.

“We will try to put Nigeria in difficulty and fight to continue in the competition. I know what needs to be done so that we do everything possible tomorrow to obtain a positive result.”

30

THISDAY, The Saturday Newspaper January 27, 2024

Expression

MEDIAGAFFES

Beaming with Smiles?

“I…heartily convey a profound felicitations….”

Why the boyish blunder?

“Among other numerous reasons, the faces of Ebonyi people are beaming with smiles….” A rewrite: Ebonyi people are beaming. You beam with only your face and it is never with a frown!

Check out the meaning of ‘beam’ for elucidation. “…Your Excellency has shown that his administration is people centred (sic)….” Would it have been object-centred? Please avoid mechanistic and trite expressions! “…the soon to be reconstituted (the soonto-be-reconstituted) exco would (will—it is not a probability) still accommodate those who….”

“South East battles with unknown gunmen….”

Worsening insecurity in Nigeria: this fad about ‘unknown gunmen’ must stop! How do you know gunmen? Just say ‘gunmen’—this kindergartner goof should not be found in an Editorial! “…and destroyed properties worth millions of naira in communities in….” ‘Property’ can only be inflected in real estate communication—not household items or other infrastructural elements.

“Government should also consider decentralising (decentralizing, preferably) the police to make it (them) more effective for them (take note of this curious correct entry as opposed to the preceding usage) to apprehend criminals.”

“Our black brothers in (on) other continents….”

You are welcome to stateside English: “Unknown assassins last week pulled the trigger on Imo-born US-based show biz (showbiz) promoter in Owerri.”

How on earth will assassins be known in Owerri of all places? Let it just be ‘assassins’ for reportorial purposes.

“The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement invites you to a 2-day annual power packed (power-packed) crusade” “TUC, private firm partner to build 100,000 house (100,000-house) project” Or, loosely: 100,000 house projects “Benin murder: Cop arraigned, remanded in

prison” The cop would not have been remanded without being arraigned and when remanded it is in prison! So, a rewrite: Benin murder: Cop remanded “Burial rites of (for) Oba of…begin February 10” “Police nabs (nab) 3 robbery suspects in Ondo” “Nigeria-China relations: The issue of oil for infrastructure (oil-for-infrastructure) deals (1)” “Hisbah cops, hoteliers (hoteliers’) association at war in Kano” “Maintain your culture and tradition, Igbos (Igbo) in Zamfara, (needless comma) urged” “If you have seen him or have information on his whereabout (whereabouts), kindly call or contact the nearest police station or any office of the Federal Inland Revenue Service” “IBM to invest $100m on (in) system development” “JOGS 1974/1979 set elects new excos” People & Events: The school elected an executive.

‘Executives’ (excos) here will connote different groups of executives—this is different from the use of ‘officials’. Furthermore, ‘new’ is otiose!

‘Election’ means inauguration of new officials, while re-election means re-endorsement of the existing (old) officials (excos). “...and a sense of purpose in consolidating our 120 year (120-year) heritage as a Bank that puts her (its) customers first.” No feminization of language!

“The people of Offa in Kwara State appeal to banks to re-open (reopen) their branches....”

“Our society has not yet ravenously demanded for justice for those raped.” Yank away the first redundant ‘for’!

“Lagos set to provide homes for first time (first-time) buyers” “Advocating for specialization for estate surveyors and valuers” Just like ‘demand’, ‘advocate’ does not admit ‘for’ when used as a verb or as a gerund.

Again, delete the first ‘for’.

Finally from the Back Page of THE GUARDIAN under focus: “In 2003, our public universities were closed for five months because universities

(university) lecturers employed wildcat’s measure (wildcat strike) to agitate for improved welfare conditions.” “...on this great occasion of his 49th Birthday Anniversary” ‘Birthday’ and ‘anniversary’ cannot co-function!

From the advertorial we move to THE NATION ON SUNDAY of January 21 with five scandalous blunders: “Yet, he emerged from prison without bitterness, extending an olive branch of peace to his erstwhile oppressors and helping to lay a solid foundation for a peaceful multiracial South Africa.” Mandela’s example: ‘Olive branch’ does not require adumbration (‘of peace’)” “This comprises of a house in Johannesburg....”

Take away ‘of’ because of its awkwardness here....

“This speaks volume (volumes) of the sheer compassion and humanity of the man.”

“In doing so, they under-develop their countries, impoverish majority (a majority) of their people....”

“The wealthy among us also have something to emulate in (from) Mandela’s generosity of spirit....”

“Afenifere leader says Yorubas (Yoruba) not opposed to conference” “We celebrate your illustrious life, your inspiring leadership which has culminated into (in) monumental transformation of....”

“Association of Local Government (Governments) of Nigeria (ALGON) Ekiti State Chapter” “Edo: Court remands killer cop in prison” Where else would the cop have been remanded?

“CBN said money is (was) missing from federation account (the federation account).”

Next on the line-up is THISDAY of January 10 with just three flaws: “Hope dims for Nigeria, Cameroun cross border (cross-border) oil wells exploration” “DISCOs blame TCN over (for) power” “Congratulations, (needless comma) Your Excellency and more grease (power) to your elbow.”

Daily Trust of January 10 takes over from THISDAY with a deluge—yes!—of wrongdoings:

Reminiscences: My Journey to Kirikiri Prisons - 4

H

uge disappointment hung around the courtroom - for those who were for us. Soon, we became ‘Special Persons’. From free men to prison-bound; the court’s police orderly, Ken Idehen, ‘cleared’ a bench for us; moved it a step in the front of the rest and declared it a “no-go zone” to all but the three of us.

Our people, now out of the daze, started making moves to see that the week’s production work did not falter.

One look at my wife assured me that a fresh hunger strike had begun. Plans were on between us to change the kids’ school. In fact, we were to see the new school’s proprietress for a short interview, on our way from the court! And many other things I had boasted would be completed that weekend, after weeks of postponement. No bail. No home.

Between us (my partner and I), and our ‘regents’ - the General Editor, Dayo Asaju (aka Clear Leader) and his deputy, Mike Effiong, notes passed repeatedly and silently, giving details and instructions on how to keep the production machine going.

Much later, we all stood, curtsied, so that the judge could make her exit.

Thereafter, open discussion ensued.

The prosecutor, Mrs. I. O. Rotimi, with a head full of wavy curls, was assailed with queries from her professional colleagues. Her explanations did not register in my mind.

Her attitude, comportment and (we were told later) utterances made many to believe that perhaps our two-week cover stories on the (Gov. Ahmed Bola) Tinubu affair (his first term as Lagos governor was rocked by an alleged certificate scandal) must have complicated the bail matter. And

others mentally searched through their brain files if we had ever done any story on the Judge. All sorts of prognoses were raised and bandied about on the real reason we were going to take a momentary residence at Kirikiri Prisons.

However, I could not be bothered.

The only Real issue to me was the certainty of not seeing my kids and wife at home that evening. As the crowd in the courtroom thinned out, we were evacuated to the holding-cell next to the courts’ main gate, opposite the Police College’s football field. Three policemen (one a Yoruba, the second an Akwa Ibomite, and then an Iboman), were in jovial attendance. In a few minutes, the rot and intrigues of our national politics had played itself out before our very presence. Jonathan, the first accused, was initially very uncomfortable in our company (I am not sure if he would ever be unworried). Yet, securing some modicum of fair treatment, and avoiding unnecessary indignities that the Nigerian law enforcers were capable of throwing at you, there was a need to pool resources, and speak in one voice. We had had a very bitter relationship; occasioned by what we considered as his condemnable behaviour: betrayal, blatantly implicating lies, falsification... Well, I’d not be a judge now.

In any case, I had much earlier in the year been instructed, in the spirit, to forgive him for all the troubles he had put me through; and the pains and needless deprivations he had wittingly subjected my family and me to.

I was not cold nor belligerent towards him. And I was not friendly either. One is still a human being, after all. But my partner was a full-fledged human, who, I suspect, would not know how to stand the guy for an hour; except,

of course, he confessed publicly and carried his cross fully.

That, in a nutshell, may crudely describe the tension in the holding-cell - with the three of us in close proximity for the first time after the crisis blew open over two years earlier - in May, 1997.

BLACK MARIA An unhealthy-looking obese police Inspector, who roughly introduced himself as the head of the holding-cell and the driver of the Black Maria (he’s Edo from his tongue), made a dramatic entrance. He instructed his subordinates to get us ready for the trip to Apapa within twenty minutes.

We had been pleading for time to give our colleagues an opportunity to get across to some of our friends in influential quarters - at least to put them on notice. Much earlier, the Judge had promised to hear our “written bail application” as quickly as the following Monday, if the papers on both sides were in her file. She was disposed, we thought she hinted, to grant the bail on that Monday, even when her criminal proceedings were limited to Thursdays. We feared that the prosecutor might play some pranks: and we wanted to forestall that. Or confirm the rumours going around.

About 4:30 pm, the Inspector’s patience grew cold, and we were ushered into the Black Maria. I was excited at the prospect; but I dare not let my wife see the excitement. By the Inspector’s grace, some 20 motley assemblage of

by

Ebere Wabara

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

“Again, Anambra PDP leadership tussle resurrects” The first and last words in the extract cannot function in the same environment.

“6 students remanded in Osun prisons for alleged illegal possession of arms” Where else would they have been remanded? In the shrine!

“Herbalist bags 14 years (years’) jail term for fraud” “Kano to revive young farmers (farmers’) clubs in schools” “Police arrest Zuma’s son over (for) fatal crash” “…where three deaf and dumb bothers (boarders) are students” “Works across all data enabled (data-enabled) feature phones” (Full-page advertisement by MTN) “Investors’ interest shift (shifts)…”

“I won four golds as a nursing mother…” ‘The most widely-read newspaper’: four gold medals “The privilege (privileged) class has taken over virtually everything….” “…power show in the country is choking the common man on the street….” My own view: the man/woman in the street (also the man/woman on the street) ‘Commonness’ is implied! “...and that these have the potential to trigger off crisis (a crisis) the end of which nobody could fathom.”

Next is a special extract from the edition under review: “Reports said no fewer than 44 people were slaughtered penultimate Tuesday night by some unknown gunmen (we can never know the gunmen—so spare readers the ‘unknown’ trite!) at Dumba village on the outskirt (outskirts) of Baga town in the Kukawa Local Government Area of the state.”

“Our members have earned the allowances by working for the money and therefore we are not begging for crump (crumbs) from government.”

“She said the motive is (was) still unknown….”

COUNTERPOINT

femi

Akintunde-Johnson

fajalive1@gmail.com 08033622806- (SMS Only)

okada riders, no-jobbers, and other unfortunate souls arrested for menial offences, were herded into the main section of the Black Maria, while the three of us and two luckless fellows (who had been granted bail, but could not get sureties, and could not afford the services of professional sureties around the court premises), were kept inside the smaller, outer section meant for female suspects. Thank God, there was no female among the motley. Considering that it was less than three feet in width, plenty of air was available on that sunny Lagos day.

I found out that climbing into the Black Maria was not as easy as I saw it on television. Surrounded by friends and family, whose bold faces had receded into gloom, the urge not to fumble was high. But the short ladder at the tail of the lorry was a retractable three-rung piece that dangled as you stretched your hands to hold the sides of the doorway. No iron-handle to aid your ascent; and the ladder tucked in as soon as you stepped on it... Yet, it could easily withstand a 250kg Sumo wrestler.

As I lunged up towards the entrance of the Black Maria, I turned to look at my wife acting brave, she turned aimlessly around looking at some object somewhere. Poor woman… I thought - I had wished she would stay away. But she could not be stopped.

Poor soul. She married a journalist.

(To Continue)

31

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27, 2024 • T H I S D AY, T H E S AT U R D AY N E W S PA P E R

BACKPAGE CONTINUATION CBN ‘RELOCATION’ AND OTHER MATTERS questionable, assumption, namely, that the Tinubu government was executing a well-designed plan to relocate the Federal Capital. Really?

Let us ask a few questions, before delving further into the substance of the political shadowboxing now on display. Is it true that the findings of a committee set up to examine, or review, the known concerns about the CBN facility made recommendations regarding what should be done – especially taking into account some considerations from the angle of structural engineering?

Is it true that all the management did was to simply implement the recommendations of the committee? Can we honestly say that the new CBN Governor simply got a brain wave and decided to move some departments of the bank to wherever it pleased him? Is it fair, or honest, for those protesting to overlook the fact that the memo in question mentioned other facilities in Abuja, as well as “under-staffed branches.”

Now listen to Senator Ndume on this matter, during his interview on Channels Television: “…they do not know how Nigeria works and will not be able to help the President when the repercussions come.”

Pray what repercussions is he talking about?

Is he part of some kind of coup plot? Are there any “boys” working with, or for, the president? If the answer is ‘no’, then who are the ‘Lagos boys’ Ndume believes to be misleading the president?

He also seems to know both the boys in question and their thinking very well, because he goes further thus: “Some of them think that they know better than everybody.

But they don’t know anything. When you don’t know Nigeria, you only know Lagos, then you start doing things as if Nigeria is Lagos. Lagos is in Nigeria”. Hmm, some

lesson in physical geography. Or, is it the political geography about which part of the country should always have its way?

Ndume went on to point out that Tinubu did not become president because of the votes he got from Lagos. “Those misleading the President are not doing him any good because this is going to have some political consequences”, he said. Then the clincher: “If Tinubu was not elected president, the CBN governor would not be there. It was not Lagos votes that put Tinubu there”.

This is way out of line for a Senator of the Federal Republic, if his focus is national cohesion, governance efficiency and much more. Oh, was Ndume here during Buhari’s eight years on mitigated nepotism and arbitrariness? Yes, he must have been. That is probably why he sees in the action of the CBN the imprimatur of Tinubu, who is not a staff of the bank.

“We will not accept it”, Ndume says.

He continues, still: “...they are not doing any favour to Mr. President, because this will have political consequences. Yes, I’m telling you this. And these guys who are just sitting down there trying to hang on to Mr. President will not be there to amend the political mistakes or even to correct it because they don’t know anybody. They only know their offices. And they only know that they have brains.” Wow! Quite some heat.

In addition to Lamido’s comments mentioned earlier, Kingsley Moghalu who was a former Deputy Governor of the bank, has endorsed the move. It would seem, given the reactions to Ndume’s comments from various quarters, that the subject of congestion and other issues did not originate with this government at all. Kingsley has made us aware that the Lagos office of the

bank was inaugurated 12 years ago. He was then a Deputy Governor of the bank.

Now just think about it. This Lagos office under reference has never been fully utilised. The relocation will simultaneously address the twin problems of congestion at the headquarters and the need to pay attention to structural issues and efficient service delivery. It is right and reasonable that the departments to be moved are the ones responsible for the business and financial processes and services needed by enterprises that are predominantly based in Lagos. Hear Kingsley Moghalu on this: “I don’t see any serious basis for such disquiet…

Moreover, the market entities supervised by the departments that will move to Lagos are mostly in Lagos. So, what’s the problem?

Seems a rational decision to me.”

This is what Mohammed Yakasai, a retired Director of the CBN, had to say, in response to the hullabaloo: “With the massive political employments in CBN, the Head Office is over populated. Majority of those young men and women prefer to work only in Abuja and the Head Office. I am of the view that what the current management is doing is corrective and should be supported. The thought has since been that most of the important banks Headquarters are in Lagos.

Those departments that are supervisory in nature should relocate for effectiveness and cost minimization.”

He takes it further, by fingering the elite abuses that keeps populating the CBN headquarters with the pampered and entitled children of the political elite. In obvious satisfaction, Yakasai said: “Those young boys that were untouchable because of their political lineage are beginning to see the rule of law re-emerging. It is not their prerogative to determine where they

should work. After all, everyone signed a declaration that the bank can post you anywhere. We are beginning to see the restoration of discipline in the system. The act of the new management should not be politicized.”

It would have actually been wonderful to relocate some of the branches to nearby Kaduna, Kogi, or Nasarawa states, as Ndume would have it. But are we talking of relocating just for the heck of it? And why his conspicuous preference for only northern states. Assuming that the CBN has existing, underutilised, facilities in the places in question, and would not have to rent a facility if it choses to send some departments to the states mentioned, how about security and the ease of doing business? Will Ndume travel to any of these states without continuous palpitations of the heart, because of fear of bandits and terrorists?

The fact that the South African Supreme Court is not in the same physical location as the country’s Constitutional Court does not undermine the country’s judiciary, or its administration of justice. The fact that the South African President and his ministers are not hugging the same building and lawns with the legislative arm of government has not undermined good governance, national security, or overall national service delivery.

The fact that the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso, and the bank’s Deputy Governors may now be functioning outside the same physical space with some departments that used to be in Abuja does not mean anything, one way or another, in this age of technological efficiency and ICT enabled service delivery.

Relocating the Federal Capital to Lagos?

How? Lets get real, please!

NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT AND NIGERIA’S QUEST FOR EQUAL ACCESS TO CAPITAL Convention Center, Munyonyo, Uganda, some 15 minutes drive from capital Kampala. Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu was represented at the two summits by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

With Vice President Kashim Shettima in Davos, Switzerland attending the World Economic Summit, Senator Bagudu was tapped to lead the Federal Government delegation. In the delegation, among others, were Dr. Lanre Adekanye, a director in the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and this writer. Minister Bagudu is profound, focused and committed to Nigeria’s economic development. He is very strong on issues of global finance and financing mechanisms. This deep understanding of the pressing global economic issues and dynamics of world finance and politics was evident enough in the way and manner he canvassed Nigeria’s position at the two summits, no wonder his presentation at NAM summit was greeted by a thunderous applause.

The highpoint of Nigeria’s presentation at NAM summit is the demand for equitable access to capital for developing countries. President Tinubu said such would provide the much-needed resources for development, adding, however, that the developing world was not seeking sympathy or begging for aid, but fair and equal opportunity.

Quoting President Tinubu, Senator Bagudu said: “The population of the 120 countries that make up the Non-Aligned Movement is 4.63 billion, which is more than half of the world’s population, yet the total financial resources available to all the countries is much less than that of some countries.

The total budgetary resources for the 120 countries are about $3.4 trillion, which is less than the budget of the United States, and aggregate public debt of $6.6 trillion.”

These startling statistics, according to him, are a clear indication that the Non-Aligned countries suffer from a lack of access to capital and resources for development. “More often than not, public debt available to developing countries is far more expensive and not substantial enough to make an impact.”

In consonance with the theme of the summit, which is “Deepening Cooperation

Tinubu

for Shared Global Affluence,” the Nigerian leader called for greater collaboration among member-states of NAM to be able to address the multidimensional challenges facing them including inequality in access to capital.

The theme of the summit, bore relevance with respect to the current trend of wars, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, threat of use of nuclear weapons and the dangerous polarization between developed countries similar to the era of cold war, President Tinubu pointed out.

“In this regard, we must recommit to the foundational principles of Non-Aligned Movement to better assure of global peace and security,” the minister stated on behalf of the Nigerian leader.

In the speech, President Tinubu also lent Nigeria’s voice to NAM’s Member States’ common position, condemning the present wanton destruction of lives and properties in the State of Palestine, which has assumed a critical dimension.

“Nigeria supports and reiterates call for an immediate durable and sustained humanitarian truce in that region. Many lives, including women and children, have been lost since the commencement of the crisis between the States of Israel of Palestine with so many displaced.

“The daily increase of displaced persons and shortage of humanitarian supplies due to impeded access have greatly impacted on the people, exacerbated the humanitarian catastrophe in the region and increased

civilian casualties,” he added.

He urged the parties in the conflict to uphold the fundamental values of international humanitarian law, which places premium on ensuring civilians’ safety and wellbeing.

At the Third South Summit of G77 and China, President Tinubu also put the same vital issue of capital on the front burner, advocating a review of global tax system, saying redressing the imbalance in the international tax regime had become imperative.

“The current international tax systems, largely shaped by the interests of more affluent nations, often leave developing countries at a disadvantage, especially in taxing digital economies. This systemic imbalance has led to significant revenue losses, hampering our efforts towards sustainable development and economic self-reliance,” the Minister of Budget posited, quoting the President.

On the sidelines of the two summits, Senator Bagudu had bilateral talks with leaders of delegation of several countries including those of Singapore and Venezuela during which they canvassed issues of mutual interests and the need to scale up relations between these countries and Nigeria.

In all the interactions, Minister Bagudu made a strong case for the countries to come and invest in the country, saying Nigeria is open and ready for business given the business-friendly policies and actions of President Tinubu.

Nigeria employed the NAM global stage to ventilate and garner global support for the matter of equal access to capital, which is dear to President Tinubu’s heart.

Indeed, for the Nigerian President, the battle to secure equitable finance for the developing world, the Global South, is gradually emerging a major crusade, a global project if you like. It’s something akin to the struggle for reparations for Africa embarked upon then by the late business mogul and winner of the annulled June 12 presidential election in Nigeria, Chief MKO Abiola. Is the struggle for equitable access to capital for all nations a valuable and laudable project? Yes, I think so!

•Rahman is a Senior Presidential Aide

Saturday, January 27, 2024

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Price: N400

MISSILE

Atiku to FG

The curious thing about this transaction is that up till now, the federal government continues to keep mum about it, and the only information available to the public on the mega deal is coming only through unofficial sources from the NNPC” –Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar

OKEYIKECHUKWU CBN ‘Relocation’ and Other Matters EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

C

onsider this: (1) The Executive arm of the government of South Africa is in Pretoria, the capital city, while the Parliament is in Cape Town. (2) There is a physical distance of 1,453.2 kilometres between the two cities. (3) The head of the country’s Judiciary, South Africa’s Supreme Court, is in Bloemfontein, while the country’s Constitutional Court is in Johannesburg.

(4) That is 369.3 kilometres between the two cities. (5) The South African President and his ministers are not anywhere near the physical location of the other two arms of government.

And South Africa is better governed today than Nigeria, where all the apparatus of state, and all its most critical institutions are within a radius of less than two kilometres in Abuja. In summary, contiguity, physical proximity and pretensions about some imaginary direct relationship between “being in the same physical space” and effective service delivery and good governance is a delusion.

A simple administrative matter from the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set many mouths on fire. The logic of the

Cardoso

needed elbow room for staff, considerations about congestion, questions about a healthy working environment, concerns about

underpopulated facilities, health issues and the need for greater institutional efficiency informed the decision. But see what has been made of it? ‘Ethnic bigots will always shout’, said Lamido Sanusi in support of this development. The presidency’s explanation, that Tinubu has no plan to move the federal capital to Lagos is not taken too seriously.

So, what are the real issues?

Let us note, for the record, that the CBN did not hurriedly build some new facilities, with the intention of relocating some of its departments to the new-fangles facilities No! The bank headquarters is operating from a building designed for 2,700 staff. But the building currently plays host to 4,223 workers. That is well over 30% excess human and equipment load. There are subsisting warnings by CBN facility managers, pointing to the danger of exceeding the capacity limits of such a facility and maintaining that excess luggage. That this will also have security implications, besides the question of management of the physical space, is an issue on its own.

As indicated by the bank’s Human Resources department in its memo on the matter: “The action is ... to ensure compliance with safety building standards and hence

TUNDERAHMAN

the efficient utilization of our office space”.

The memo pointed out that the occupancy rate “... significantly exceeds the optimal capacity of 2,700 designed for the Head Office building”.

The foregoing and more give some context to the CBN internal memo notifying staff of management’s plan to move certain departments out of Abuja, specifically to Lagos, and under staffed branches in the country. Forthwith, allegations of bigotry and plans to denude ‘the north’ rented the air and the media. The issue of congestion at the headquarters did not matter to those talking. It was simply this: Those who felt duty-bound to speak for ‘the north’ on the internal fairs of the CBN staggered out in their numbers.

Senator Ndume fired the opening salvo, with all the heat and subtle threats that should ordinarily not be put out in the public domain. He warned of dire consequences. He warned the President to remember that they, the north, had the votes and that they would deal with him, more or less, if he toyed with the north.

And Ndome’s submissions rested on one Continued on page 31

GUEST COLUMNIST

Non-Aligned Movement and Nigeria’s Quest for Equal Access to Capital

I

s the Non-Aligned Movement still around? Is the organisation still in existence? That was the weighty question Professor Ikechukwu Okoro, a visually impaired Nigerian and Iowa State University don, slammed on me the moment I informed him of my mission in Kampala, Uganda.

Professor Okoro and I had met on our way to Addis-Ababa, me en route Kampala and he, Atlanta, in the United States. It wasn’t as if the issue he raised had not previously crossed my mind, but I did not bother much about it since I was headed for the NAM conference anyway until I encountered the sharp and witty Professor Okoro. He then got me thinking about the question of importance and relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement in today’s global power structure and politics. Indeed, only an unwary observer or naive student of global politics would have missed the

seeming emptiness about NAM. Established in 1961, the group of countries in NAM had espoused non-alignment with either the Eastern bloc or Western bloc, opting for a middle ground and avoiding being part of the cold war. It was during the cold war era. The objectives of NAM then were cooperation, neutrality and self-determination. The cold war was an ideological conflict between the Western and Eastern blocs, which began shortly after the end of World War II in 1945.

It was a conflict over which politicaleconomic system, West’s Capitalist system or Communism of the Eastern bloc- was supreme and more beneficial to countries around the world. However, the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked the end of the cold war. With the end of the cold war, where is the relevance of the Non-Aligned Movement? Where is the place of NAM, one may ask, echoing Prof. Okoro.

The answer soon emerged as the 19th summit of Heads of State and Governments of the Non-Aligned Movement officially opened on January 19, 2024 when the leaders began delivering their national statements.

NAM offers the biggest gathering of countries, second only to the United Nations.

Currently, 120 nations are members of the Non-Aligned Movement with another 18 nations as observers. Most African and Asian countries belong to NAM with others from Americas and Caribbean, Pacific and even Europe.

This organisation with such a strong and extensive membership is a veritable platform to be used to galvanize support for any issue or crusade, against the backdrop of the diverse challenges facing the world, including health pandemics, threats to international peace and security, climate change, terrorism and cyberspace attacks,

conflict and wars like those between Russia and Ukraine and the on going wanton killings in Palestine by Israel over Gaza. It is a platform to be engaged for its capacity to galvanise concerted action on major global issues. Such is the significance of NAM that apart from the many heads of state and governments that attended this year’s summit, it had in attendance among other global dignitaries, United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres and President of UN General Assembly, Dennis Francis.

Two summits actually held in Kampala about within same week. NAM summit ended on January 20 while the Third South Summit of the Group of 77 and China was convened from January 21 to 22. It’s a case of two conferences, similar agenda, and one venue - Speke Resort & Continued on page 31

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