SATURDAY 15TH APRIL 2023

With Concerns over Global Banking Crisis, Emefiele Pledges Improved Supervision, Monitoring of Banks

IMF’s support for tight monetary policy excites CBN governor

Nume Ekeghe, Funke Olaode and Ugo Aliogo in Washington DC

Following recent collapse of Silicon

Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the United States that heightened concerns of a likely global banking crisis, the Governor of the Central

Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday said regulators in Nigeria would continue to keep their eyes on banking system

stability, through monitoring and supervision of financial institutions.

Emefiele said this during an interview with journalists on

the sidelines of the ongoing International Monetary Fund/ World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC.

In addition, he pointed out that the support of CBN’s tight monetary

Continued on page 5

Nine Years After Abduction, 98 Chibok Girls Still with Boko Haram, Says Amnesty International... Page 5

Fintiri, Binani Renew Battle as INEC Holds Supplementary Polls

Nasir Idris tackles Mohammed Bande for Kebbi State governorship Elections also holding in 5 senatorial districts, 31 federal and 58 state assembly constituencies

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), will today hold supplementary elections in a number of polling units in 24 states across Nigeria to conclude all outstanding governorship, national and state assembly polls.

In earlier elections held on February 25 and March 18, INEC declared winners for the Presidency, 26 governorship, 104 senatorial, 329 House of Reps membership and 935 state assembly seats.

However, the election umpire declared several polls inconclusive, while it cancelled others due to irregularities and violence in the affected states.

At the top of the supplementary polls today will be the governorship elections in Adamawa and Kebbi states. There will also be supplementary polls in five senatorial districts, 31 federal and 58 state assembly constituencies.

In the Adamawa State governorship election result declared on March 11, incumbent governor Ahmadu Fintiri of the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) polled 421,524 votes, while his main rival, Aishatu ‘Binani’ Dahiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) scored 390,275.

Fintiri defeated Binani with a margin of over 30,000 votes. The governor also won the election in 13 of Adamawa’s 21 local government areas while Binani won in the remaining eight.

But the state’s Collation Officer, Prof. Mohammed Mele announced the cancellation of elections in 69 polling units in Fufore Local Government Area, which affected

no fewer than 37,016 potential voters with PVCs in those units.

Although final results showed that Fintiri scored the highest votes, INEC said the cancelled votes were more than the margin of victory between him and the runner-up, Binani.

It, therefore, declared the governorship election in Adamawa State inconclusive.

Today, the 37,016 potential voters in Fufore will determine the fate of Fintiri and Binani as they renew their rivalry.

Idris Vs Bande in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Governorship election results announced after the March 11 polls showed that the candidate of the ruling APC, Dr. Nasir Idris scored 388,358, while Mohammed Bande of the PDP scored 342,980.

There was cancellation of results in a number of local government areas of Kebbi State, cutting across a number of Registration Areas in different polling units.

The cancelled votes were more than the margin of victory between Idris and Bande.

As a result, the Collation and Returning Officer of the election, Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, declared the Kebbi governorship election inconclusive.

Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu said: “We aggregated the total number of collected PVCs in polling units where elections were cancelled and it came to a total of 91,829.

“And when we checked the results, the two leading political parties in this contest, APC and

Continued on page 5

Fintiri

Idris

Binani

Bande

Bennett Oghifo, Chuks Okocha and Adedayo Akinwale

Nine Years After Abduction, 98 Chibok Girls Still with Boko Haram, Says Amnesty International

Amnesty International (AI) has revealed that nine years after Boko Haram terrorists abducted 276 students from a girls’ secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, 98 are still being held captive by the sect. Chibok schoolgirls were abducted from their school on April 14, 2014.

In a statement in Abuja yesterday

on the remembrance day, the Acting Director, Amnesty International, Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the Nigerian authorities had not carried out a single credible investigation into the security failures that left children vulnerable to the atrocities committed by Boko Haram and gunmen. Sanusi said: “Parents of the 98 Chibok schoolgirls who are still being held by Boko Haram— as

well as other children abducted by gunmen— are living in anguish, knowing that their children are in the hands of ruthless individuals who subject their loved ones to chilling brutalities.

“It is beyond time that the Nigerian authorities took meaningful action to counter armed groups like Boko Haram and gunmen. Nigeria has an obligation to implement safeguards to protect all children, and

the lack of accountability for these callous crimes is fueling impunity. The missing Chibok school girls should be returned home to their families, and all those responsible for committing grave violations must face justice.”

He said between December 2020 and March 2021, there had been at least five reported cases of abductions in northern Nigeria, including from schools, at Kankara,

WITH CONCERNS OVER GLOBAL BANKING CRISIS, EMEFIELE PLEDGES IMPROVED SUPERVISION, MONITORING OF BANKS

policy by the IMF was a testament to the fact that the central bank was doing the right thing.

“So, the focus remains that monetary policy and monetary authorities must continue to focus on inflation so as to continue to bring it down. While monetary authorities are doing their work, to bring down inflation, they must also keep their eyes on banking systems' stability, through monitoring, supervision, and regulatory frameworks and the rest of them,” Emefiele stated.

He said: “We are delighted that even in sub-Saharan Africa, the growth levels in Nigeria, even though by our assessment is still sub-optimal, that the IMF would among all the countries in Africa, say that growth in Nigeria should be retained at 3.2 percent, gladdens our heart.

“It means we are doing certain things that are correct and we'll continue to do those things that

are right. But it also means that we are not going to remove our eyes on monetary policy, which is to focus extensively on how to moderate inflation, but at the same time, ensure that banking system stability remains resilient and then strong, as it is right now.”

Commenting on the general overview of the spring meetings which ends today, Emefiele noted that the focus of the gathering of policymakers across the globe, was to proffer solutions to food crisis, rising poverty, and global inflation, as well as other pertinent issues.

He added: “The forecast at the meeting remains that yes, a lot of work has been done in 2022, and growth is gradually returning again, but it is still at the suboptimal level. Inflationary pressures continue and even though inflation is coming down as a result of measures being taken by monetary authorities to bring down the inflation rate, it still remains at

very high levels globally to the extent that even as global inflation is projected at seven percent, it remains very high.

“And the high point of all the consequences of what we've seen in 2022 is that poverty, which was very well discussed here, has risen quite astronomically globally and over 700 million people are being struck by poverty.

“Food insecurity has also risen quite tremendously to the extent that over 350 million people globally are hit by extreme food crises all over the world.”

Furthermore, he noted that the rise in global debt was causing a funding squeeze, adding that multilateral organisations were becoming reluctant to lend to countries in need of loans.

The CBN governor adds: “Even the IMF themselves also talked about the fact that even the debt portfolios and lending portfolios have reached all-time highs. In two

decades, this is the highest level of debt portfolio that the IMF has seen in its books, and unfortunately warning that they may not be in a position to do much for countries that really require more debt to be able to restructure the balance sheet and then keep going.

“For the fiscal of course, because of the limited fiscal space, the IMF insists that countries need to reduce their spending but, in my case, I will say well, if you want to spend, then raise revenue to be able to spend.

“I think it's important that you must raise revenue and not get yourself constrained in an environment where there is no debt, where financial market conditions are very tight and very limited, and where interest rates are high and could create a lot of burden for economies and the only option for fiscal in this case is to expand the revenue base so as to be able to spend.”

FINTIRI, BINANI RENEW BATTLE AS INEC HOLDS SUPPLEMENTARY POLLS

PDP polled 388,258 and 342,980 votes respectively. When we look at the difference, it stands at 45,278.

“By virtue of electoral provisions and the powers vested in me as the collation and returning officer of 2023 gubernatorial election in Kebbi State, I, Prof. Yusuf Sa’idu of the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, hereby declare the governorship election in Kebbi State inconclusive.”

Senatorial Elections

There will be supplementary senatorial elections in Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states.

In Sokoto, elections will be conducted in Sokoto-North, Sokoto-East and Sokoto-South senatorial districts.

In Sokoto-South, elections will hold in 133 polling units where a total number of 73,471 PVCs were collected.

In Sokoto-North, elections will take place in 166 polling units with a total of 106,207 PVCs.

In Sokoto-East, elections will be held in 90 polling units with a total of 48,075 PVCs.

In Kebbi and Zamfara states, the election will be conducted in

one senatorial district each – KebbiNorth and Zamfara-Central.

While the election will be held in 23 polling units in the Kebbi-North, electorates in 83 polling units will be voting in the Zamfara-Central senatorial election. They have 13,243 and 47,277 eligible voters, respectively.

House of Representatives

Supplementary elections for House of Representatives will be held in 31 constituencies in 15 states.

They are Akwa Ibom (2), Anambra (1), Bayelsa (1), Edo (1), Imo (1), Kano (2), Kebbi (2), Kogi (1), Oyo (2), Rivers (2), Sokoto (11), Taraba (1), Zamfara (2), Jigawa (1) and Ebonyi State (1).

Sokoto State

There will be House of Representatives supplementary elections in Rabah/Wurno, Yabo/Shiyari, Sokoto-North, Sokoto-South, Kware/Wamakko, Kebbe/Tambuwal, Isa/Sabon Birni, Gwadabawa/Illela, Gudu/Tangaza, Gada-Goronyo, Bodinga-Dange Shuni Tureta and Binji-Silame.

Zamfara State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will hold in Gusau/Tsafe, Gummi/ Bukkuyum

Taraba State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will be held in Takum/Ussa/Donga.

Oyo State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will take place in two units in Oluyole and Ibadan North-east/Ibadan South-east.

Kogi State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will hold in 44 units of Dekinna/Bassa.

Kebbi State

In Kebbi State, elections will hold in seven units of Arewa/ Dandi federal Constituency while in Koko Bese/MayanmaMayanma federal Constituency, elections will be held in six units.

Kagara, Jangebe, Damishi Kaduna, Tegina and Yawuri while the threat of further attacks had led to the closure of over 600 schools in the north of the country.

At the end of March, Amnesty International said it interviewed five Chibok schoolgirls who had escaped from Boko Haram and their parents.

In the interview, they said they had lost almost all hope that the other 98 girls would ever be rescued.

One of the returnees told Amnesty International, “The Nigerian government should not forget about the remaining 98 girls. They should be rescued. Every morning I wake up and recall the condition I left them in. I cry, I feel sorry for them. Nine years is too long to be in such a deplorable condition. The government must fulfill its promise of rescuing all the girls.”

One of the parents told the international human rights body that, “Our pain is endless because 14 of the girls came back with 24 children. We have with us grandchildren whose fathers are unknown to us. Our burden has now multiplied as we do not have the money to bear the additional burden of feeding, educating, and providing healthcare for our returnee children and grandchildren.

“This is in addition to the societal rejection and stigma that we are all facing. We are just hopeless!"

Sanusi said: “Rescuing the remaining Chibok girls is of paramount importance; the task of finding them should not become yet another failed project of the government. It is absolutely crucial that the outgoing government of Nigeria does all in its power to bring these girls — as well as all other children being held by various armed groups— home to their families.”

The Chibok abduction sparked local and international outrage with political leaders, activists, feminists and advocates, putting pressure on the Nigerian government under President Goodluck Jonathan to rescue the girls while offering intelligence and support.

UNICEF: Thousands of Children Continue to Experience Killings, Kidnapping

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) yesterday said urgent actions are needed to protect the children suffering from the impacts of the conflicts in North-east Nigeria.

In a statement, UNICEF gave

Kano State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will take place in 13 units of Tundun Wada and in Fagge.

Jigawa State

There will be supplementary elections in six units of Gumel Federal Constituency.

Imo State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will take place in 58 units in Mbaitoli/ Ikeduru.

Edo State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will be held in 48 units of Orhionmwon Uhunmode.

Ebonyi State

There will be supplementary elections in 35 units in Ezza-North Federal Constituency.

Bayelsa State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will

96 as the number of Chibok girls still in captivity nine years after the abduction.

Speaking on the impact of the conflict on children, Cristian Munduate, UNICEF representative in Nigeria, said thousands of children continue to experience killings and kidnapping including forced recruitment into armed groups.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering of Nigeria’s children. We must do everything in our power to ensure they grow up in safety, with access to education and the opportunity to fulfill their potential.

“Since 2014, there have been over 2,400 incidents of grave violations verified, affecting over 6,800 children in the North-east. The most common violations are recruitment or use of children by armed groups with 700 verified cases, followed by abductions of children, with 693 incidents, and killing and maiming, with 675 incidents.

“The impact of the conflict on education is alarming, with repercussions that will likely affect generations. The Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TCN) reports that, between 2009 and 2022, around 2,295 teachers were reportedly killed in attacks, over 19,000 teachers were displaced, more than 1,500 schools closed because of insecurity, and 910 schools were destroyed.

“The statistics are disturbing; the reality is devastating. It has been nine years since the horrendous abduction of the Chibok girls, yet the nightmare continues as children are still being kidnapped, forcibly recruited, killed, and injured– their futures torn away,” the statement reads.

Munduate commended the government for signing the UNICEF-supported handover protocol and investing N144.8 billion ($314.5 Million) toward the safe schools financing plan in 2022.

She said the organisation would continue to support the government in ensuring that children encountered in the course of armed conflict or released from armed groups are immediately reunited and engaged in reintegration programmes.

Munduate added: “UNICEF Nigeria calls on all parties to the conflict to respect international humanitarian law and human rights law and protect the rights and well-being of children.

“UNICEF Nigeria stands committed to working with the government and partners to ensure that every child in Nigeria can enjoy their rights and live in a peaceful and prosperous society.”

hold in 32 units in Southern Ijaw.

Anambra State

There will be supplementary elections in 45 units of Ogbaru Federal Constituency.

Akwa Ibom State

House of Representatives supplementary elections will take place in 17 units of Ikono/ Ini and in 25 units in Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika.

Rivers State

There will be supplementary elections in Port Harcourt II and Khana/Gokana federal constituencies.

In Port Port Harcourt II, the election will be held in 377 polling units within Wards 05, 10 and 28, respectively.

In Khana/Gokana, the election will be held in Khana Wards 04 and 07, across 42 polling units.

Houses of Assembly

For the state Houses of Assembly, elections will be held in 58 constituencies across 17 states.

Tinubu

Sues for Peace

President-elect Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians in the areas slated for supplementary elections to conduct themselves peacefully and eschew violence and any act prejudicial to orderly electoral processes.

Tinubu in a statement he personally signed said as the last leg of the 2023 general election, everyone must ensure that the electoral processes are brought to a final, peaceful conclusion.

He noted that it was only when there is a country that aspirants to political offices could have seats to contest for and the electorate have people seeking their votes.

The president -elect stressed that like the INEC officers, the candidates and the electorate, therefore, have a solemn responsibility in this election, adding that they must ensure that the additional polls are conducted not only freely and fairly, but also devoid of tension, acrimony and violence that will threaten the very fabric that holds the country together.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina and Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Abiodun Extols Virtues of Late Oladipo Ogunlesi

James

Sowole in Abeokuta

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the late Emeritus Professor of Medicine in Nigeria; Oladipo Ogunlesi, as a deep intellectual and an astute administrator who lived a good and faithful Christian life.

Abiodun stated this during the funeral service of late Ogunlesi held at the Cathedral Church

of St. Paul, Sagamu, yesterday.

He noted that the late Professor of Medicine was also a caregiver and a community man.

The governor, who also disclosed the late professor was the first Nigerian to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Physicians, London, added that late Ogunlesi was a mentor of men who was also passionate about community medicine.

“He was the first Nigerian

Two Terrorists Killed As Police Repel Attack on Katsina Community

Two terrorists operating in Katsina State have been killed by police operatives while repelling the hoodlums’ attack on Dagwarma Village in Kurfi Local Government Area of the state.

The marauding terrorists, who launched the onslaught on the residence of Sarkin Fulani Danmarke in the wee hours of yesterday, were successfully repelled by the police operatives.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Gambo Isah, who disclosed this yesterday in a statement in Katsina, said many of the terrorists escaped the hitherto gun battle ground with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.

Isah, in the statement, said: “Today, Friday, 14/04/2023 at about 0130hrs, a distress call was received that terrorists in their numbers,

shooting sporadically with AK 47 rifles, attacked the residence of one Sarkin Fulani, Danmarke village, Dagwarwa district, Kurfi LGA of Katsina State.

“Consequently, DPO Kurfi Division led police patrol teams to the area, engaged the hoodlums in a fierce gun duel and successfully repelled them. In the course of scanning the scene, two bandits were neutralised and all the rustled cows recovered.

“Many of the terrorists were reasonably believed to have been neutralised and/or escaped the scene with gunshot wounds. Search parties are combing the nearest bushes with a view of arresting them and/or recovering their dead bodies.

“The Command is appealing to members of the communities around the area to report to the nearest police station any person found or seen with a suspected injury.”

to be elected a fellow of the Royal Academy of Physicians, London, he was the first Nigerian Professor of Medicine, Baba was a teacher of men, he was a mentor of men and was very passionate about community medicine.

“Baba was a deep intellectual, he was an administrator, he was a caregiver, he was a community man, he was a good and faithful Christian,” he said.

In his remarks, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, charged the younger generation in the country to learn from

the life and time of Professor Ogunlesi and live up to the high values necessary to build institutions.

He added that the late first Professor of Medicine in the country lived a life dedicated to public service.

“Professor Ogunlesi lived a life completely dedicated to public service that has strong values like hard work, selfless service, transparency and propriety.

“The likes of Professor Ogunlesi and those of his ilks challenged this generation to live

CELEBRATION OF LIFE…

up to the high values necessary to build institutions and our society,” he said.

Earlier in his sermon entitled ‘In Jesus Christ, Life is Restored Back to Man’, the Diocesan Bishop of Remo; The Most Rev’d Olushina Fape, who read from the Book of John, Chapter 3, Verse 36, disclosed that there were no coincidences in the plan of God.

Bishop Fape, while noting that Professor Ogunlesi despite his tight schedule as a medical person, created time to serve

God through the numerous activities he participated in during his lifetime, urged the congregation to ensure they find time to serve God while they are still alive.

Fape urged the privileged in the society not to allow their education, wealth and position to lie to them, pointing out that at death, all positions, fame, wealth and honours would become vanity.

Professor Oladipo Ogunlesi was born on the 12th of July, 1923 and died on the 19th of January, 2023 at the age of 99.

Abia Guber Poll: Ikpeazu Challenges Returning Officer to Name Those Who Attempted Bribing Her Bennett Oghifo

the state considering her utterances after the election.

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has handed over two of its uncompleted bridge projects in Bayelsa to the state government.

The critical bridges are located at Akenfa and Polaku in Yenagoa Local Government Area of the state.

The Polaku Bridge connects communities in Yenagoa with Sabagreia in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas as well as provides an alternative route from the East-West Road into the state capital.

It was started in 1982 by the late Melford Okilo government in Rivers State and taken over by the NDDC in 2000. But the project had been stalled for many years.

Similarly, the Akenfa Bridge project, which is across the Epie Creek, had been uncompleted for many years.

On assumption of office, the Governor Douye Diri administration approached the NDDC to take over construction of the projects due to their strategic importance to the state.

Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, while handing over documents on the projects to Governor Diri during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday, said the commission had paid off the contractors for work done.

Ogbuku noted that the state government now had the responsibility of ensuring their completion.

“We are handing over the Akenfa and Polaku Bridge projects to the Bayelsa State Government for completion and for the benefit of the people. There are no encumbrances as we are not owing the contractors. So the government is free to handle the two projects,” Ogbuku said.

The commission’s boss said the delegation, which included the Bayelsa representative, Senator Denyabofa Dimaro, was in the state to formally introduce the new board to the governor and to inaugurate some projects

While seeking collaboration with the state government to deliver impactful projects to Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states, Ogbuku said the commission is also “willing to synergise with other partners such as the World Bank, Africa Development Bank and the European Union to develop the region.”

While commending Senator Diri on his developmental strides in the state, he hinted that the NDDC was in the process of offsetting the N2 billion owed Setraco for the Ogbia-Nembe Road and that President Muhammadu Buhari was expected to inaugurate it in the second week of May.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has challenged the returning officer for the March 18 governorship election in the state, Professor Nnenna Oti, to name those who bullied and attempted to bribe her during the collation of election results in Umuahia.

He stated that the returning officer betrayed his confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) through her actions during and after the election.

Oti, who is the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), Imo State, has been telling stories of how she was bullied but refused to be intimidated before and during the collation of results in Umuahia.

The governor, who threw the challenge in a chat with journalists in Umuahia yesterday, alleged that Oti clearly came to execute a ‘hatchet job’ against the PDP in

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Chief Judge of Niger State, Justice Halima Abdulkhadir, has ordered the arrest of a Police Prosecutor for allegedly detaining for two months at the Suleja Correctional Centre an accused with forged police First Information Report (FIR).

Justice Abdulkhadir also barred the prosecutor from the courts in the state with immediate effect.

The CJ took the action during

He also accused Oti of participating in the victory dance of the governorship candidate of the Labour Party, Dr. Alex Otti, through her actions after the election in contradiction of the expected neutrality of INEC officials.

Ikpeazu disclosed that he had expressed some fears about the returning officer to the INEC authorities but was assured that they have confidence in her.

The governor also denied meeting or having contacts with the returning officer and accused her of making too much noise out of nothing.

He said, “I wish I knew those who bullied her. I think she has been making too much noise out of nothing. The returning officer’s duty is essentially to tally results already collated from the wards through the local government and declare them. She can’t change results

a visit to the correctional centre on Thursday where she found the accused Sulaiman Musa was detained with the FIR not signed by the Chief Magistrate of the court in Izom in the Gurara Local Government Area of the state.

When confronted with the document, the Magistrate said he never approved the detention of the accused person, adding, “This man has never appeared in my court.”

because she has no right to do that unless she went ahead and did something like that.

“But her reactions have betrayed the fact that she was overly excited about something. When you come to that kind of position dispassionately, whatever the outcome should not excite you. But the victory dance she participated in and her statements which are akin to confessions have betrayed the fact that she came for a hatchet job. It could be to reject or accept some results.

“I want the world to know that she is celebrating what she has no right to do. I have never met her before; I don’t have her telephone number but I’m aware that if she came to do the right thing, she has no right to change anything. In fact, she has no right to even reject results because those results were generated from the polling units and wards. Her celebration is unfortunate and unbecoming of somebody who was given

NDDC Hands Over Polaku, Akenfa Bridge Projects to Bayelsa Govt Illegal Detention, Niger CJ Orders Arrest of Police Prosecutor

The Police Prosecutor on his part could also not explain how the Magistrate’s signature got into the document.

Justice Abdulkhadir expressed serious concern at the use of the apparent fake First Information Report by the police to incarcerate an innocent person, describing the action as an “infringement on the fundamental rights of individuals which is unacceptable.”

She directed the police Legal De-

that kind of responsibility at that level.”

Ikpeazu further dismissed allegations that the collation of results was disrupted in Obingwa LGA. He stated that his investigations revealed that there was a plot to cancel all results from Obingwa LGA which was resisted by youths of the area.

The governor alleged that the refusal to collate results at the ward level and attempt to move the collation centre to Umuahia angered the youths of the area.

“I’m not aware of the hostage taking of any electoral officer in Obingwa LGA. I visited the area, but before I got there, the Commissioner of Police in charge of election in Abia South was there, the Police Area Commander for Aba was there. The DSS was there. And when these high-ranking officers of these agencies go to such places, they do so with a retinue of their men.

partment to ensure the concerned policeman was withdrawn from all court activities apart from ordering his arrest and prosecution.

The accused, Suleiman Musa, said he was arrested by the police along with others some two months ago and was dumped at the correctional centre without being charged to court.

Musa claimed those arrested along with him have been charged to court and granted bail.

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

L-R: Son of the deceased and owner of Gatwick Airport, London, Adebayo Ogunlesi; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Governor Dapo Abiodun; Shade Ogunlesi and Leke Ogunlesi at the burial of Nigeria First Professor of Medicine, Emeritus Professor Theophilus Oladipo Ogunlesi at Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Sagamu...yesterday.

Onaiyekan: Supreme Court Should Determine Election Petitions Before May 29

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

The Prelate of the Catholic Church in Nigeria, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has tasked the Supreme Court to determine the election petitions arising from the last general election before May 29th to prevent those wrongfully declared as winners from being sworn-in.

Onaiyekan stated this in Wukari on Thursday while fielding questions from journalists during the consecration of Wukari Diocese and ordination of Msgr. Mark Maigida Nzukwein as the first Bishop of the Diocese.

The occasion witnessed a large turnout of Catholics from across the world including the Pope who was represented by Most Rev. Antonio Guido

Fillipazzi who was the Principal Consecrator and Homilist while Most Rev. Ignatius Ayua Kaigama and Most Rev. Charles Michael Hammawa were consecrators.

Onaiyekan noted that the prevailing situation where wrongfully elected candidates are sworn into office only to be removed later by the courts has always been problematic and does not augur well for the development of the country.

He maintained it is wrong for someone to be sworn into office and later removed after holding office for a year or two saying the entire country suffers from such scenarios and not just the political class.

According to him, “Since it is part of the provision of our constitution and electoral

laws that the declaration of INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission) is not the conclusion of an election and that the Supreme Court must give judgement in the petitions brought before it before elections are said to be concluded, it is imperative for the Supreme Court to determine the cases before candidates are sworn-in.

“It is not right for somebody to be sworn-in and later removed from office after one or two years as was the case in Imo State when Emeka Ihedioha was sworn-in and later removed from office to pave way for Hope Uzodinma.”

He however dismissed a recent declaration by the Department of State Services

Body Recovered at Site of Banana Island Collapsed Building

Bennett Oghifo

One body was recovered last night from the rubble of the collapsed seven-storey building under construction at 1st Avenue, Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday, this week.

According to a statement issued yesterday by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) workers’ search and recovery efforts unearthed the remains of the adult male hitherto unaccounted for by site supervisors.

the statement said, adding that “The site has been divided into quadrants for a painstaking search and rescue operation. Quadrants 2 and 3 have been levelled to ground zero, with the search operation completed. Quadrant 4 is ongoing.

“Twenty-five people were rescued from the site when the building went down on Wednesday. They are all doing fine.

“When a roll call was done by the site supervisors, everyone was accounted for. Nobody could ascertain whether the victim whose body was found this morning was on the site – as of the time the roll call was taken.”

Government ordered the stoppage of all building projects in the area until a comprehensive audit was done by the Lagos State Building Control Agency.

“The Lagos State Government has launched a probe into the collapse of a seven-storey building under construction on Banana Island, Ikoyi, following a directive by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,” the statement said.

(DSS) that some people are planning for the installation of an interim government saying such postulation is not realistic and urged Nigerians not to

allow themselves to be bothered by such pronouncements.

In his words: “Interim government is not like a military coup. It is not something

GOOD TO SEE YOU…

that people can wake up in the morning and foist on the country. The political class has to come together and agree to it and I don’t see that happening.”

REA, Rotary Club Provide Solar Power to 100-year-old Community

The excavation of the site, using the architectural designs, continues,

Omotoso, had in a statement on Thursday, said the Lagos State Otti Inaugurates 100-member Transition Committee to Lay Foundation for His Incoming Govt

Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The governor-elect of Abia State, Mr. Alex Otti, yesterday, inaugurated a 100-member transition committee to lay “a solid foundation” preparatory to the take-off of his administration come May 29.

Speaking at the event held in the commercial city of Aba, Otti specifically saddled the committee with the responsibility of articulating a policy document which would chart the direction and developmental agenda for Abia.

The committee headed by Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Partner and COO, KPMG, would evolve a policy direction in tandem with the vision the governor-elect has for Abia State as contained in

his manifesto and campaign promises.

Otti explained the significance of his choice of Aba for the inauguration ceremony instead of Umuahia, the capital city, saying that Enyimba City would be the centrepiece of the economic and infrastructural development plan of his administration.

He said: “We have chosen Aba for this inauguration today because Aba is the heart beat of Abia economy despite the fact that it has been abandoned for many years by successive administrations.

“We want to build an industrial hub with steady power supply, renewable energy and other solid infrastructures for the economy of the state to grow.”

LP Reinstates Ogun State Executive Council

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Labour Party (LP) has reinstated the Michael Ashade-led Executive Council of the party in Ogun State.

The reinstatement of the Ogun Stste Executive Councli was sequel to the dissolution of the Caretaker Committee, being led by Jagun Abiodun.

The reinstatement of the State Executive was contained in a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) and signed by the LP Acting National Chairman Alhaji Bashiru Apapa and the Acting Nationam Secretary, Alhaji Saleh Lawal.

The statement reads, “Following the dissolution pf the illegal Engr. Jagun Lookman Abiodun led caretaker committee in Ogun State, the National Working Committee (NWC), has reinstated the Comrade Michael Ashade led Executive to reposition the party for effective service in Ogun State.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama yesterday inaugurated solar power for Galuwyi 1 community in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

It was the first time in 100 years that the community and two others will experience power supply.

But only 30 homes, including Galuwyi Health Centre, have benefitted from the first phase of the solar power project.

The ceremony included the inauguration of the renovated Galuwyi Health Centre and the laying of the foundation of a maternity wing

Speaking at the ceremony yesterday, the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo, said the solar project was in partnership with the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama because it is poor people-centred.

He said the project was part of

the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) which is currently being executed by the Office of the Vice President.

He said: “I am happy that the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama has brought the REA to its adopted village. We are happy that for the first time in 100 years, they have power supply. This solar power project has multiplier effects and it is cost effective.

“It is one of the priority

areas of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy (NPRGS) of the Federal Government being coordinated by the Office of the Vice President through the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning

“The 30 solar panels are capable of generating 40 watts of electricity for basic needs. The government will continue to provide access to reliable electric power supply for rural dwellers irrespective of where they live.

NDDC Hands Over Polaku, Akenfa Bridge Projects to Bayelsa Govt

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has handed over two of its uncompleted bridge projects in Bayelsa to the state government.

The critical bridges are located at Akenfa and Polaku in Yenagoa local government area of the state.

The Polaku bridge connects communities in Yenagoa with Sabagreia in Kolokuma/Opokuma local government areas as well as provides an alternative route from the East-West road into the state capital.

It was started in 1982 by the late Melford Okilo government

in Rivers State and taken over by the NDDC in year 2000. But the project had been stalled for many years.

Similarly, the Akenfa bridge project, which is across the Epie Creek, had been uncompleted for many years.

On assumption of office, the Governor Douye Diri administration approached the NDDC to take over construction of the projects due to their strategic importance to the state.

Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, while handing over documents on the projects to

Governor Diri during a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa, yesterday, said the commission had paid off the contractors for work done.

Ogbuku noted that the state government now had the responsibility of ensuring their completion.

“We are handing over the Akenfa and Polaku bridge projects to the Bayelsa State government for completion and for the benefit of the people. There are no encumbrances as we are not owing the contractors. So the government is free to handle the two projects,” Ogbuku said.

The commission’s boss said the delegation, which included the Bayelsa representative, Senator Denyabofa Dimaro, was in the state to formally introduce the new board to the governor and to inaugurate some projects.

While seeking collaboration with the state government to deliver impactful projects to Bayelsa and other Niger Delta states, Ogbuku said the commission is also “willing to synergise with other partners such as the World Bank, Africa Development Bank and the European Union to develop the region.”

University of Ilesa Has Come to Stay, Says Governor Adeleke

Yinka Kolawole in Osogbo

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has described the recent appointments of principal officers for the University of Ilesa as part of the fulfillment of his promise to nurture a sustainable tertiary institution for Ijeshaland.

In a statement issued yesterday by spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed

his commitment to building a sound footed university which he said informed his approval of a leading academic of international repute, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Commending the applause, the new appointments elicited from Ijesha society, the governor assured that the many laudable ideas recommended by the erstwhile Asaolu committee are now billed for implementation under the same man who chaired

the review panel.

“I am elated that we are keeping faith with the Ijesha people. We are upholding due process, avoiding politicisation of the academic environment, correcting errors of the past and fulfilling the decades old dream of Ijesha people.

“I commend the leaders, sons and daughters of Ijeshaland for their patience and acceptance of ongoing decisions of our government. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the new Vice Chancellor as he

settles down to the urgent task of sustainable take off of the university”, the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the sacking of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilesa, Prof. Kayode Ijaduola; the Registrar, Mr. Oluwole Dada and the Liberian, Dr. Adedokun Ojelabi, as reckless, saying the action has further portrayed Adeleke’s administration as one that lacks governance basics.

Emmanuel

L-R: Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri and Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Sam Ogbuku, during the latter’s courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa... yesterday.

James Sowole in Abeokuta

SIDELINES OF THE ON-GOING IMF AND WORLD BANK SPRING MEETINGS IN WASHINGTON DC...

Umar-Sadiq: NSIA Has Attracted Substantial Capital into Economy

Says assets grew by

The Managing Director/Chief Executive, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr. Aminu Umar-Sadiq, yesterday said the operations of the fund had attracted a substantial amount of capital and value-addition into the country.

He said notwithstanding macroeconomic challenges which had impacted negatively on its transaction, the NSIA had returned a profit over the last 10 years of its existence.

Addressing journalists at the 2022 Performance and Earnings briefing in Abuja, he also explained that the fund’s positive performance over time had endeared it to state governments and the National Assembly – both of whom initially raised objections about the administration of the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF).

Umar-Sadiq said through a well-diversified investment portfolio and costs control measures, the institution had been developed currently to a N1 trillion-asset company.

However, he said the current monetary tightening regime characterised by high-interest rate continued to impact asset valuation.

10.5% in 2022

He said despite the numerous challenges posed by the global economic environment, the NSIA delivered a respectable financial performance, underscoring of its asset allocation and investment strategy.

According to him, in the review period, for the 10th year in a row, the fund has remained profitable, closing the 2022 financial year with net asset of N1.02 trillion in 2022, representing 10.5 per cent growth compared to N919.73 billion in 2021.

However, total revenue earned from its core assets within the three funds and its fiduciary activities in relation to its third-party managed assets, amounted to N11.4 billion, representing a decline of 27.2 per cent from the preceding year.

Essentially, earnings from interest income, infrastructure business revenue, and fiduciary activities' management fees increased by 34.5 per cent amounting to N15.7 billion year-on-year growth.

Also, total comprehensive income closed at N96.96 billion for 2022, a decline of 34 per cent relative to N147. 98 billion in 2021.

The NSIA boss said, “The Authority efficiently managed all its controllable earnings streams, resulting in growth in its non-volatile revenue streams.

“The decline in performance year on year can be attributed solely to fair-value losses on financial assets from externally-managed investments.”

The performance further indicated a continuity of the performance trajectory from the pioneer team to the current one led by Umar-Sadiq, who also assured of continued highquality and steady leadership for the authority.

He said despite the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) nature of the markets in 2022, the fund continued to post positive earnings through effective management of the resources entrusted in its care coupled with the deft and harmonious working relationship of the board, executive management, and partner institutions.

Umar-Sadiq said, “We are in a fiduciary role for the people of Nigeria, current and future. We are guided by this every day as we recognize the urgent need to leverage the institution’s mandate and fund to support the country’s growth agenda.

“The results that we are presenting today are a continuation of the sterling foundation laid at the NSIA since inception. It is a legacy of achievement that we are

sustaining and improving upon.”

He said, “We are committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s Sovereign Wealth Fund consistently ranks highly in the league of state-owned funds in terms of transparency, governance, and performance.

“Our foray into some new terrains underscores our resolve to ensure that optimal returns are generated through responsible investing. For emphasis, we have on behalf of the present and future generations expanded our focus sectors to include climate finance, renewable energy, innovation, and technology.

“This is in addition to the priority sectors we had maintained over the years namely agriculture, motorways, power, healthcare, and gas industralisation. He also said the NSIA would support the government’s efforts at improving the availability of fertilisers in the country.

Further commenting on the outlook for 2023, the NSIA boss expressed optimism that the returns would be robust despite the local and global headwinds. He said the fund would seek to attract local capital and strengthen institutional capacity to deliver more value going forward.

Umar-Sadiq said, “Nevertheless,

UNAIDS Predicts Significant Reduction in New Cases of HIV in Africa by 2030

Say countries need $29bn annual investments

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS has predicted the lowering of new cases of HIV infection in Africa by 40 to 90 per cent if countries fully finance intervention programmes.

UNAIDS estimated that low and middle-income countries would need investments of $29 billion annually to meet it target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

It also projected more than seven million AIDS-related deaths by 2030, adding that half of the number could be averted if HIV response was fully financed with right policy orientation.

The research and analysis by Economist Impact, conducted across 13 African countries, said findings showed that fully financing the HIV response would save millions of lives and would produce substantial health, social and economic gains.

It said that by fully financing the HIV response, African countries could get things back on track and be able to achieve the 2030 goals and would produce substantial health, social and economic gains in African countries.

The orgsnisition said that its projections were based on the findings of report titled: 'A triple Dividend: The health, social and economic gains from financing the

HIV response in Africa”

A statement by the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, on the findings as highlighted in the new report, showed that investing in the HIV epidemic would also enhance educational outcomes, especially for young women and girl

It added: “Not only would there be between 40 per cent and 90 per cent fewer new HIV infections, depending on the country, but investing in the HIV epidemic would also enhance educational outcomes, especially for young women and girls, reduce gender inequalities and boost economic growth.”

It further noted that: “This report comes at a critical time with evidence that should act as a catalyst for political decisions to ensure full HIV funding, that will have substantial social and economic outcomes.

"It will put African countries on a path towards building more resilient healthcare systems and be better prepared for future pandemics.

"If the targets for fully financing the HIV response are met in South Africa for example, women aged 15-19 would account for almost 15 per cent of the reduction in new HIV infections by 2030, despite making up less than five per cent of the total population.”

we anticipate that these losses will be minimised, if not fully recovered by 2023 as the global economy starts to recover.”

He said the authority’s 2023 strategy will focus on driving growth through platforms, assessing exit opportunities from existing investments, attracting local currency capital, increasing third-party asset management portfolio as well as leveraging ESG as an asset class. According to him, the 2022 fiscal year was marked by unprecedented shocks, such as the COVID-19 lockdown in China, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, food and energy crises, supply-chain disruptions, soaring inflation, and monetary policy tightening, which precipitously impacted the global

financial markets.

He noted that like other emerging and frontier markets, the Nigerian economy faced multi-dimensional challenges during the year - surging inflation primarily driven by high cost of petroleum products and food prices to declining oil output and weakening currency, thus the prospect for growth diminished as the year wound down.

The NSIA chief executive explained that the reduction in the group earnings in 2022 was primarily attributable to the decline in the performance of the Future Generations and Stabilization funds invested in emerging and developed financial market instruments and exposed to volatility issues within the global markets.

Sahara Foundation Rebrands, to Promote Energy Access, Sustainable Environments

Peter Uzoho

Sahara Group Foundation, the social sustainability vehicle of energy and infrastructure conglomerate, Sahara Group, has unveiled its refreshed brand identity to reinforce its commitment to promoting access to energy and sustainable environments.

The new brand identity unveiled in Lagos, yesterday, included the introduction of the Foundation’s refreshed logo, impact focus, and website to frontline brand, energy, sustainability, and lifestyle journalists.

In a statement issued yesterday and signed by the Head, Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, Mr. Bethel Obioma, the event also served as a formal introduction of Sahara Group Foundation's new Director, Ejiro Gray, who in December 2022 assumed the new role in addition to her role as Director, Sustainability and Governance, Sahara Group.

According to the statement, the duo of the Sahara Group's Executive Director and Trustee of the Foundation, Ade Odunsi and the Executive Director, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka expressed their delight at the transformation of the Foundation since it was established.

“We are privileged to have been given the platform to serve and Sahara Group Foundation has always been the rallying point for

all employees and our businesses to touch lives responsibly.

“We are delighted that we can now move our impact further as we pursue the overarching aspiration of building sustainable societies,” Odunsi said.

Speaking on the Foundation’s refreshed brand identity, Gray said, “The Sahara Group has undergone some significant business expansion over the years, and in the same vein has repositioned to better serve and create commensurate impact through our corporate Foundation.

“As such, this refresh allows us to reinforce our mission clearly and enhance the impact of our projects and interventions.”

She said Sahara Group Foundation which has positively impacted over two million beneficiaries since inception, had streamlined its activities to foster greater impact and more sustainable outcomes.

“Sahara Group Foundation epitomises everything Sahara Group stands for, serving and making a difference responsibly. We are looking to scale our impact and reach to benefit more individuals, communities, social innovators, and small businesses.

“This brand identity refresh is a perfect springboard for giving wings to our corporate and shared aspirations across our locations,” she said.

James Emejo in Abuja

L-R: Director, Monetary Policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Hassan Mahmud; Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Financial Markets, Mr. Emmanuel Ukeje, and Chief Economic Adviser to the President, Prof. Doyin Salami, on the sideline of the on-going International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington DC…yesterday

CELEBRATING VIRTUE AND CHARACTER AT 70

Evening Wednesday March 22, 2023, the Abuja home of Onyema Ugochukwu, the iconic economist, journalist, administrator, publicist and statesman hosted the landmark birthday celebration of the mother of the family and Ugochukwu’s wife, Joyce. Events commemorating the milestone began in the earlier hours of the evening with a thanksgiving service at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Abuja, where the Ugochukwu family has regularly worshipped for the better part of the past three decades. If the programme at the cathedral was presumably capacity-stretched in honour of a woman who has done so very well for the Church of God, more was coming thereafter. The Americans will tell you “you ain’t seen nothing yet!”

Back home on the well-manicured lawns of the Ugochukwu family abode, friends, associates, admirers and members of the Ugochukwu extended family, congregated in streaming numbers. They came to honour the amiable, archetypal woman of the purest virtues, of depth and substance, of startling inner strength and of unmatchable multitasking capabilities. They did so as she joined the treasured league of septuagenarians. Yes, rolled into this unassuming epitome of grit and goodness, is a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, mentor, counsellor, and more. Her husband’s patented style of addressing her, confers an additional *e* to her first name, representing it as *Joycee.*

Ever recurring and recognisable names in the nation’s sociopolitics who graced the occasion, included: Ahmadu Ali, GCON, former chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, (PDP) and his wife, Marian; Enyinnaya Abaribe, former minority leader of the Senate and ABC Nwosu, Emeritus professor and former Health minister. Austin Akobundu, immediate past national organising secretary of the PDP; Ochi Achinivu retired permanent secretary and former special adviser to the president and his wife, Chinyere who is younger sister to Onyema Ugochukwu, as well as the director-general of the national council for arts and culture, Segun Runsewe, OON, and his wife, Wumi, honoured the event.

Johnny Chukwu, former permanent secretary of the ministry of federal capital territory, (MFCT) and Uba Agadaga, a former member of the national assembly service commission, (NASC), were present. Tivlumun Nyitse, chief of staff to the governor of Benue State, added colour to the programme, as did Eboh Ihekwereme Okorie, two-time commissioner in Abia and his wife, Lizzy. Benson Ezem, Chairman, Cosmo Base Consortium graced the event with his family, in the same way as Julius Rone, an Onyema Ugochukwu protege, and Chairman, UTM Oil and Gas Ltd. For a social event hosted at the heart of a new week, this was very impressive.

The extended Ugochukwu clan came from as many destinations as imaginable. Matriarch of the family, Eleonu Ugochukwu, 84, widow of Onyema Ugochukwu’s elder brother, Ndubuisi; and Ngozi Ugochukwu, wife of Ugochukwu’s younger brother, Ude (of blessed memory), were in attendance. Anosike and Ndubueze Ugochukwu, accompanied their mother to the function. Oluchi Nwosu, cousin to Onyema Ugochukwu; Obi Ugochukwu, nephew of chief host Ugochukwu, and his family, as well as Chukwuemeka Ugochukwu, (we call him “General”), son of Onyema and Joyce Ugochukwu, attended the event with his family. Chuks (as we abbreviate his name) simultaneously represented his siblings who are mostly in diaspora, even as information technology facilitated real-time joiners from across the world. Chidozie Ugochukwu and his sister Uzor, both children of the Ugochukwus, as well as Okechukwu Iroamachi, Onyema Ugochukwu’s nephew, all joined

HER MATERNAL, HUMANIST INSTINCTS CULMINATED IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE *EJE FOUNDATION* SO CHRISTENED IN MEMORY OF HER MOTHER-IN-LAW. THE FOUNDATION WHICH BECAME OPERATIONAL IN 2003, WAS CONCEIVED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF THE UNDERPRIVILEGED IN OUR RURAL COUNTRYSIDE

via zoom from the United States.

The “Grant” family of Warri, birthplace of the celebrant, was represented by Olude, Bernie and Tumi Grant, brother and nephews of Mrs Ugochukwu. Such is the strikingly rich pan-Nigerian sociocultural interconnectedness of the Ugochukwu family. Attendance at the event was as diverse, colourful, sombre and dignifying. The event planner did a good job of the decoration of the event arena, even as good music from a one-man band and a savvy deejay, competent catering and a rich and responsive bar, answered to the desires of attendees. Glowing tributes and expletives flowed from speaker after speaker. It was a most fitting testimonial to the life and endeavours of a lady who has impacted many in her journey through life.

Veteran medic and entrepreneur, volunteer public servant, activist in the vineyard of God, exceptional wife, ever doting mother, unblinking grandmother, Joyce Ugochukwu was born March 22, 1953, to the “Egbejule” family of Warri in the primordial Western Region. Warri has severally fallen under the jurisdictions of the Midwestern; Bendel, and (post-1999), Delta States. Between 1967 and 1971, she attended the Anglican Girls Grammar School, Benin City, where she wrote the West African School Certificate Examination, (WASCE), ordinary level. She proceeded to Edo College, also in Benin City, from 1972 to 1974 for her Higher School Certificate Examination, (HSC), advanced level. She thereafter attended the medical school of the University of Lagos, where she earned the MBBS in 1979. She would subsequently be wedded to her husband, Onyema, on September 8 of the same year.

She served as an intern at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, (LUTH), from 1979 to 1980, and underwent the mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC), at the Federal Housing Authority, (FHA) Clinic, Lagos, between 1980 and 1981. Between 1981 and 1983, she was a medical officer at the Nigerian Ports Authority, (NPA), Lagos, and thereafter studied at the Royal College of Hygiene and Public Health, where she obtained a diploma in public health in 1987. She joined the services of the Holy Trinity Hospital, Ikeja, where she worked from 1987 to 1990. With the bouquet of experiences she garnered in her years of service in various medical concerns, she established the *Hugo Medical Centre* in Lagos in 1990, and remains the Chief Medical Director. Dr Ugochukwu was one of the earliest physicians earnestly sought by the National Programme on Immunisation, (NPI), in 1999. She served as coordinator of the programme in Abia, Benue, Imo, Kano and Nasarawa States. She remained on this brief until 2001, while also offering medical consultancy to the World Health Organisation, (WHO). Her maternal, humanist instincts culminated in the establishment of the *Eje Foundation* so christened in memory of her mother-in-law. The foundation which became operational in 2003, was conceived to cater for the needs of the underprivileged in our rural countryside. The foundation has served thousands of people in Abia, Bayelsa, Rivers and Lagos States, with specific focus on the poor, motherless and widowed. Mrs Ugochukwu’s passion and commitment to her profession and authentic humanitarianism caught the eyes of former First Lady, Stella Obasanjo, (of blessed memory). She was appointed “Home Committee Member of the Child Care Trust,” a nongovernmental organisation, (NGO), established by the erstwhile First Lady.

Olusunle, PhD, poet, journalist, scholar and author, is a Member of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, (NGE)

LECTURERS, SUPERSTITIONS, AND ACADEMIC DECAY ON CAMPUSES

Many lecturers are deeply superstitious and cannot deliver the robust intellectual culture that Nigeria needs, argues Leo Igwe

Nigerian universities are dying. Schools are slowly and steadily becoming hotbeds of superstition and unreason. Irrational beliefs, scorched earth mindsets, and stone age ideas are taking over the campuses. The intellectual climate is moribund, a disconnect from the 21st-century zeitgeist. The culture of critical examination of issues is dying and disappearing with speed. And lecturers are partly to be blamed for this unsavory development. The academics are largely responsible for the deteriorating situation, and educational decay. Why do I say so? I have been trying to rally and mobilize a critical mass of university teachers against witchcraft accusations and witch persecution. Unfortunately, the effort has yielded limited results. The response has been discouraging and demoralizing due to obvious reluctance, and unwillingness by some lecturers to think aloud and address this dark and vicious phenomenon. Many university lecturers are uninterested, disinterested, and, in some cases, opposed to ending witch-hunting.

First, many university teachers are very superstitious and take pride in promoting and defending assorted occult witchcraft beliefs and practices as a part of African religions and philosophies. These academics are disinclined to challenge, and interrogate beliefs, ideas, and claims that they profess, or designate as personal. Many lecturers are intolerant to a critical examination of African traditional and non-traditional Christian and Islamic supersti-

tions. In line with an adage that says one cannot give what one does not have, these lecturers cannot deliver the robust intellectual culture that Nigeria needs at this time, and age. I will use a few examples to illustrate this point. I belong to some social media, WhatsApp and Facebook, platforms along with some Nigerian intellectuals and university lecturers.

Many are working at our local universities. Some of them are lecturing overseas. I am outraged at their propensity to peddle and defend village folktales, myths, and superstitions as historical facts. I am shocked at their penchant for nonsense and absurdity, especially when discussing issues that relate to religion and supernaturalism. I have had heated exchanges with many in the past months. And it has been a draining experience. One of them, who lectures at a university in Europe, claimed that a dead person spoke to him. A dead person? I was numbed when he said this. I tried to engage him, and draw his attention to the fact that such could not have happened because a dead person cannot speak. And if a dead person speaks, the person is not dead. He told me it was his subjective experience, and I could not contest or invalidate it.

Another university lecturer recounted how a man who passed away relocated to live, marry and have a family in a city in southern Nigeria. I thought he was making a joke, but he was not. He invited me to come and verify it if I wanted

to do so. According to him, the man later disappeared. That was as soon as he met someone who knew that he had died. He also recounted how a dead person disclosed to the wife those who were owing him, and based on that postmortem disclosure the wife recovered the debts. Some lecturers, and master’s and doctoral degree holders have alluded to other counterintuitive experiences and encounters without some doubt. One claimed that a woman turned into a tuber of yam. Another said a woman turned into a bird. A philosophy lecturer at a federal university told me that he left another university because his rivals wanted to kill him through occult means. That one day, he came for lectures and saw a dead lizard on his table. Many believe that people have potent witchcraft and occult powers, which they use to harm and destroy others. They overwhelmingly think that witchcraft is real, undoubtedly real. One of them stated that while Westerners used their witchcraft to produce and do good, Africans deployed theirs to damage and injure others and their estate.

Recently, a friend told me a disheartening experience. His university lecturer told students how he maltreated an alleged witch. He claimed that a woman from the same clan flew ‘spiritually’ to Makurdi and had an accident. This woman came to him for some financial help. He met her at his gate while driving out. He didn’t even allow her to talk before asking her to leave the compound. According to the lecturer,

the woman was looking unkempt. He mocked this woman, enjoining her to fly back and not ask him for money which she would use for diabolical purposes. The poor woman went away. When the lecturer recounted this incident, the students hailed him.

Now imagine this. What kind of students would this lecturer produce? His students would likely end up believing in witchcraft and abusing suspected witches and wizards. Meanwhile, there is no evidence that witches exist and harm others as popularly believed. Witchcraft is a form of superstition. Now, how would witch-hunting end when witch-believing lecturers like this man populate our campuses? How would superstition-based abuses stop when lecturers brainwash students with harmful imaginaries and sanction cruel acts?

Nobody should be surprised that Christian students protested the organization of a conference on witchcraft beliefs and practices in Nsukka in 2019. That was the dividend of pervasive superstition and religious extremism on campuses. Such an embarrassing episode could not have happened without the tacit support and endorsement of pious pentecostal lecturers. That shameful incident took place because of the superstitious and anti-intellectual foundations many lecturers have dug, laid, watered, and maintained in the universities over the years.

Igwe is a human rights activist

Tunde Olusunle pays tribute to Joyce Ugochukwu, a woman of substance

Irabor: The Soldier Who Humbled Boko Haram

The appointment of General Leo Irabor as the Chief of Defence Staff marked the crystallization of a brilliant career in the Nigerian Army. He was the nemesis of the once dreaded Boko Haram insurgent group in North East Nigeria.

General Irabor displayed courage as Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, the Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency outfit in the group’s heydays. The Boko Haram group controlled scores of local government areas, and the task to liberate these councils fell on the shoulders of the Irabor, who didn’t disappoint in the mission.

The story of Irabor in the Theatre of Operations in North East Nigeria was that of courage and determination. He led in an exemplary manner that saw the dissemination of the Boko Haram group in their enclaves. The Nigerian Army, under the operational command of Irabor, took the battle to the trenches. It ransacked the Boko Haram sect in their various hideouts, including its operational headquarters in Camp Zairo in Sambisa Forest. That act of bravery indeed began the ascendency of the Nigerian Army over the Boko Haram sect. It defined the outcome of the insurgency in North East Nigeria to date.

Those in the know of the operations of the Nigerian Army in the fight against Boko Haram would attest that General Irabor, as Theatre Commander raised the curtain in military strategies in counter-insurgency operations. But this was not on a platter of gold. It was a function of hard work, passion, dedication and patriotism.

This was coupled with having to deal with a fighting force that was highly demoralized and was on the brink of defeat. It has been stated that General Irabor, upon assumption of office, initiated operational plans and policies that revived the efforts at addressing the threats posed by the Boko Haram group. And it paid off with multiple gains recorded in the fight against Boko Haram.

It can be said that the era of General Leo Irabor in Operation Laifya Dole has remained one of the best in terms of operational effectiveness. I recall that the Nigerian Army took control of hitherto occupied territories under the control of the Boko Haram group, with scores of Boko Haram commanders killed in the process.

He was responsible for capturing Alargano Forest – the acclaimed spiritual base of Boko Haram. He also planned and executed the conduct of Operations CRACKDOWN 1 and 2, RESCUE FINALE and DEEP PUNCH, which led to the clearance of Sambisa Forest, the destruction of BHT camps and enclaves, the capture of several weapons, vehicles and equipment belonging to BHT as well as rescued well over 20,000 civilians abducted by BHT.

General Irabor was nicknamed the Boko Haram nemesis at some point because he showed no mercy. He prosecuted the battle with finesse, so much so that he received accolades from the then-governor of Borno State, Kashim

Shetimma, for acts of bravery and dedication to duty.

Little wonder that as Chief of Defence Staff, General Irabor brought his magic wand to bear in coordinating the operations of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His exploits didn’t come of us as a surprise because of his track record of selfless service to the country. This much he has demonstrated in the cause of an illustrious career that has seen him excel in command and operations positions, culminating in his appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff.

The story of General Irabor is a lesson in patriotism and dedication to a noble cause. Nigeria is in need of such selfless individuals that are passionate about the peace and unity of the country. This much he has exemplified as Chief of Defence Staff. It is on record that as Chief of Defence Staff, he has ensured a seamless collaboration amongst the security agencies in the country. This was a departure from when the various security agencies were operating at different frequencies.

Undoubtedly, he is a team player who understands the art of war, which is mainly responsible for the numerous gains recorded by the Nigerian Military in its operations across the country since he assumed office.

The country is blessed with an exemplary, passionate officer dedicated to the Nigerian cause. He deserves all the commendation he can get. His exploits as Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole and Chief of Defence Staff explain the phenomena called General Leo Irabor. Ibrahim Dauda,

Butt Out

E-cigarettes or vapes should be banned, as should normal cigarettes, since they have no positive benefits and can be dangerous but, in this case, they appeal to children or are being marketed to appeal to children. Although the local sites Google found included a requirement to be over 18 it is unlikely that brands like “Strawberry, Candy King, Mango Banana and Fat Rabbit” are named to appeal to the hardened smoking addict. The notion that they are an alternative to smoking is challenged by the fact that some of the available vapes contain nicotine despite this being illegal without a prescription.

One positive step has been the $462m (£372m) fine that E-cigarette manufacturer, Juul Labs, is paying after claims by six US states that they were targeting teenagers. They had denied targeting children for their products.

With so many active initiatives to solve the world’s problems why hasn’t banning smoking been attempted or is it the same as the problems with reducing the weapons in American households, the lobby groups and the profits being made by these companies. If so, they should be ashamed. Take the cigarettes out of children’s mouths and their lives. NOW!

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

9 Years After, Army Yet to Respond to House of Reps Public Hearing over Wrongful Dismissal of Ex-Army Staff Sergeant

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

Nine years after attending a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives where it made a pledge to look into the case of wrongful dismissal

Agbogun and get back to the Lower Chamber of the National Assembly, the Nigerian Army Headquarters is yet to act on the matter.

YOU’RE WELCOME…

Supplementary Polls: IG Orders Restriction of Movement in 24 States

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

In a bid to ensure a secured atmosphere in today’s supplementary polls in 24 states, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, yesterday ordered the restriction of all forms of vehicular movement on roads, waterways and other forms of transportation from 12a.m. to the exception of those on essential Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), electoral observers, accredited media and

observers as well as ambulances responding to medical emergen-

The IG also approved the posting of the recently promoted Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Olukayode Egbetokun, the supervising DIG for the South-west geo-political zone.

He is to man the Force Criminal Investigations Department (FCID) Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Similarly, the IG approved the posting and redeployment of 36 Commissioners of Police to various Commands and

Nigeria-British

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce is set to embark on an outward 2023 trade mission to the United Kingdom to market the ease of doing business in Nigeria and attract foreign direct investments into the country.

This was announced on Thursday by the Vice President and Chairman, Trade and Investment, NBCC, Mr. Akin Osuntoki, who stated that the trade mission “is aimed at attracting foreign

Formations.

The supplementary elections scheduled to hold today in 24 states of the federation covering National Assembly, gubernatorial, and state Houses of Assembly elections in areas where elections were not concluded during the last general election.

Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Edo, Imo, Kano, Kogi, Oyo, Rivers, Taraba, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe, Katsina, and Enugu states.

Similarly, the IG reiterated the ban on all security aides to VIPs and escorts from accompanying their principals and politicians to polling booths and collation centres during the election.

A statement issued by the and the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), Olumuyiwa organisations, quasi-security units, and privately-owned guard and governments are also barred from participating in election security management.

The Army Headquarters, had, in 2014, sent two senior hearing organised by the House of Representatives to ascertain the circumstances that led to his dismissal, his earlier exoneration from the alleged he served in Rivers State and

his appeal to army authorities entitlements.

But despite several reminders by Agbogun’s lawyers in 2022, the army high command is yet to act on the matter.

But in a swift response, the Spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said he was yet to receive any brief on the matter and required more details on the facts of the matter.

“I have not received any brief on this matter, hence I cannot ascertain the veracity of the soldier’s claims for now. More details on the soldier and the case would be required to the matter. Thanks,” he said.

Delta Restates Commitment to Curbing Maternal Mortality

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment at curbing maternal mortality in the process of childbirth.

In this regard, the state government assured that it would continue to ensure that children and mothers have unhindered access to free and quality healthcare services across the state.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, gave the assurance in Asaba, the state capital, during the One Day Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the strategies and reforms to improve maternal

health capacity.

It is also aimed at ending preventable maternal and child mortality – the Delta State context organised as part of activities to mark Safe Motherhood Day in the state.

Dr. Ononye, who was represented by Dr. Philomena Okeowo, Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, said that Safe Motherhood Day is a day set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to remind all of the need for every woman to have access to regular antenatal care, family planning services skilled birth attendants during delivery.

Chamber Set to Attract FDIs from UK Again Okotie Seeks Restructuring, Insists on New Constitution

investment to Nigeria with a multi-sector focus particularly on non-oil products and services in furtherance of the NBCC’s commitment to building and expanding business opportunities for members and prospects.”

He further stated that the trade mission would “change new face of the Nigerian private sector by presenting a high-level delegation of business leaders from Nigeria.”

The 2023 Trade Mission that is

scheduled to commence on May 21 and end on May 27 in London and Birmingham, according to him, is in partnership with the Department of International Trade (DIT), Institute of Directors (IoD), British Airways, and partner.

Other objectives of the 2023 trade mission include developing partnerships between the UK and Nigerian businesses, promoting the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria to attract

foreign investors, as well as engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora, business leaders in the UK trade related government of commerce.

Osuntoki also stated that the trade mission would “provide a platform for business-to-business (B2B) networking” as well as “access to British companies and businessmen wishing to invest in Nigeria and those with interests partners in Nigeria.”

Former presidential candidate and restructuring exponent, Rev. Chris Okotie, has again reiterated his previous call for the restructuring of the country insisting that only a new constitution would make that possible.

Breaking his silence after a brief hiatus following the general election, Okotie who spoke through his media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji in Lagos yesterday saidtions between politicians before, during and after the polls, justify his call for a new constitution.

TOKO (The Okotie Option) as a template that could bring about the Nigerian reformation. The reformation is anchored on four major components: reconciliation, reconstruction, solidarity and a new foundation for development.

He explained this proposition in greater detail in a tweet: ‘It is time for reconciliation; it is time for reconstruction, it is time to join hands in solidarity, it is time to lay the foundation for posterity, it is time for TOKO.

The Reformation of Nigeria is now!’

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Court Sentences 2 to Prison over Defamation Gov Emmanuel Says He is Committed to Project Completion Initiated By His Govt

A Magistrate Court, sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State, has sentenced two persons, Gidado Shuaib and Olufemi Alfred to three months imprisonment or pay a fine of N100,000.00 each, over a case of criminal conspiracy and defamation levelled against them.

The convicts were arraigned in court on a First Information Report dated November 2019 for offences of criminal conspiracy and defamation contrary to sections 97 and 392 of the penal law.

Their arraignment recently followed a petition written against them by Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Limited located at Kilometre 4, Ajase-Ipo road, Amberi village, Kwara State over a published article in News Digest titled “Inside

Kwara Factory where Indian hemp is legalised”.

The article, according to the petitioner, portrayed the company, which is into rice production as a place where Indian hemp is being smoked freely by workers.

The company (Hillcrest AgroAllied Industries Limited) had told the court that the article in the online publication had caused the company and the petitioner huge financial and reputational damages.

The petitioner had told the court that as a result of the article published in the online publication (News Digest) in June 2018, the company was denied a loan facility to the tune of $10,000,000.000 by a funding partner in the United Arab Emirates called Arab Group and that it equally lost a deposit sum of $250,000.00

Okon Bassey in Uyo

In line with the commitment to complete the projects initiated during his administration, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel, yesterday inaugurated the 6.64km Ring Road 2 and drains to control and Aka roads in Uyo, the state capital.

Governor Emmanuel said the inauguration heralds another phase of project inauguration before he exits government on May 29.

Emmanuel, who renamed the Ring Road, Chief Udoidiong Drive, said all the roads to be inaugurated would be

named after people who have worked for the growth of the state.

“This commissioning today, we have taken into consideration the drainage system. every other state capital, we were spared because of a lot of investments we’ve done underground.

“If you check underground it can take a whole big car underground, everything around this area has been channelled underground to Aka Road. We are still in this Shelter Afrique trying to tar and I hope we will be able to commission it.

He is canvassing what he calls

SU Nigeria Loses Council Secretary

Former National Council Secretary of the Scripture Union (SU) Nigeria, Rev. Iheuwadinachi Maduako, is dead. He died after a brief illness in Lagos at the age of 66.

The late Maduako, who was also a pastor in the Foursquare Gospel Church, Magboro, Ogun State is survived by a wife, three children and many relatives.

According to a statement signed by the cleric’s son, Chika Maduako, the late SU scribe who died recently was a man who devoted his life to the service of God and humanity.

A seasoned journalist, who worked in various media houses, Dachi Maduako, as he was popularly known was Property and Environment Editor at the Champion Newspapers, Lagos, and also former Chairman of Property and Environment Writers Association of Nigeria (PEWAN).

He will be honoured with a Service of Songs on April 28, 2023 at the Foursquare Gospel Church, Alamo Zonal Headquarters, Magboro, Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State by 5 p.m.

His remains will be laid to rest on May 5, 2023 at Maduako’s compound, Umuda Isingwu, Umuahia North LGA, Abia State. Maduako

L-R: The Ambassador-Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Bulgaria in Abuja, Yanko V Yordanov and Comptroller General of Immigration, Alhaji Isah Jere Idris, when the Ambassador visited him in his office... yesterday.

RingTrue

The Benue State Killing Field

Several communities in Guma and Otukpo local government areas of Benue State are still mourning, days after spiteful attacks by terrorists. No fewer than 87 people were killed in the separate attacks by Fulani militias within 48 hours in these LGAs. Kids and pregnant women were not spared by the rampaging terrorists. Clearly, the tears of many of the affected families may never dry.

The terrorists were not in a hurry to leave during that attack in Umogidi Entekpa, Otukpo LG. They spent hours ransacking, killing and maiming. Security agencies refused to respond to distress calls. At the end of the day, 51 innocent souls were sent to the graves by the extremists. Natives of several communities in Guma LG who were forced out of their villages by the Fulani militias, to live in refugee camps at Mgban were also not spared. The IDPs were brutally attacked. At the end of the operation, no fewer than 36 of these hapless people were killed.

For years, Fulani herders in Benue State lived peacefully with the natives in different host communities. They also inter-marry. There were few quarrels and usually quickly resolved. So, what changed eight years ago that turned these brothers to enemies? It was the emergence of Buhari as President who started talking about RUGA, grazing reserves and grazing routes for herders. A large number of herders from other countries also relocated to Benue State. Then, they started demanding unfettered access to farmlands and laying claims to land, resulting in conflicts with the natives. The herders were emboldened by the emergence of their “father” as President. The heavily armed Fulani militias in Benue State move around defending the herders.

Notwithstanding the Special Military Task Force in Benue State charged with dealing with militants, 20 of the LGAs are under the siege of Fulani militias. They enter towns and villages with so much ease, killing and injuring people. The likes of Gwer East, Agatu, Gwer West, Otukpo, Guma, Makurdi, Logo, Ukum, Apa and Katsina Ala are brashly attacked. You wonder where men of the Benue Operation Whirl Stroke are operating from. Buhari calls for an end to extreme violence in Benue! That was the headline of our President’s response to the latest killings in Benue. His usual rhetoric: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered. The entire

nation stands united in the fight against the forces of terror and evil. I urge aggrieved parties to embrace efforts to end this extreme violence.” Thereafter, Buhari condemned the use of terrorism as a tool in inter-communal conflicts, directing that the attackers be found and dealt with swiftly under the law.

That was where Buhari ended his showboating. All motion, no movement. Just as Governor Samuel Ortom rightly pointed out, Buhari has to go beyond offering condolences and ordering security agencies to fish out the killers. The perpetrators of the attacks are known and must be fished out. Regrettably, security agencies are not getting clear instructions to take out these terrorists.

Not even one of the terrorists that killed scores of people in Guma and Otukpo LGAs has been arrested. The main duty of the State is protection of lives. Nigeria has failed the people of Benue State because of crooked and compromised leadership. This is the tragedy of the country called Nigeria. The killings in Guma and Otukpo will not be the last. Terrorists in Nigeria are emboldened because they are hardly made to pay for their atrocities. So, they confidently continue with their carnages.

It is a shame that our compromised President simply took off to Saudi Arabia despite the news of the Benue killings. I thought our President would direct the IG of police and Army Chief to relocate to Benue State and smoke out all those responsible for the odious crime against humanity. It did not happen. Buhari, for obvious reasons, did not give firm instruction to security agents to take drastic actions against the terrorists in Benue State. They are emboldened by this. The responsibility of the government is to immediately ensure that those who commit dreadful crimes are identified, detained and quickly prosecuted. Unfortunately, a compromised leadership makes it difficult for security agents to act appropriately.

Fulani herders in Benue are persisting with open grazing despite laws passed against it by the state’s government. They are emboldened by Buhari’s support for open grazing. I can clearly remember Buhari in 2021 saying he had approved the recommendations of a committee “to review with dispatch, 368 grazing sites across 25 states in the country and to determine the levels of encroachment.” This prickly move is simply part of Buhari’s contentious pledge to revive strange old-fashioned grazing routes for herders. He is unmoved that legally, there is nothing like grazing sites or routes in Nigeria again.

Today, the document that governs this country called Nigeria is the 1999 Constitution. The law on land matters is the Land Use Act and it is entrenched in the 1999 Constitution. The rule vests all powers on land issues, all over the country, in governors and not the federal government. Governors remain the custodians of land. The President’s power is limited to land in Abuja. Buhari knows this but has chosen to snub this fact for selfish reasons. Grazing sites and grazing routes are now invalid. The Grazing Reserves Law of 1964 has been supplanted by the Land Use Act. Whatever law establishing grazing routes is now obsolete and completely nullified by the operational Land Use Act.

Anybody genuinely interested in ending the brutal clashes between farmers and migrant herders must not be talking about RUGA, grazing sites and routes. Emphasis should be on promoting peace in our lovely country, not fueling our lines of division. Ranching should be on the front burner. Nomadic cattle rearing

Pa Adebanjo, Last of the Original Awoists at 95

The last time I met Pa Ayo Adebanjo was five years ago in his house in Lekki, Lagos State. He was about 90 years old then, but he did not look one bit like a 90-year-old man. When I arrived, he was already seated. He doesn’t joke with time. He quickly ordered soft drinks and biscuits for me. On that day, Baba was a bit unhappy that I was not visiting as frequently as he would have loved. Well, he accepted my apology and we got down to an interview. Throughout, he was alert, eloquent, down-to-earth, honest and forthright. Pa Adebanjo demonstrates a rare ability of always telling the truth no matter whose ox is gored.

As he clocks 95 this week, Pa Adebanjo, Afenifere leader, lawyer, politician, elder statesman, patriot, nationalist and rights activist

remains his good old self. I always describe him as “the last of the original Awoists.” Baba is one of the few remaining disciples of late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. His success lies in his constancy, firm commitment to ideas rather than opportunism, courage in the face of intimidation and his life of sacrifice and simplicity. Nobody can take these away from Pa Adebanjo. Not even the trash Bisi Akande published about him some time ago. That attempt to tarnish his image backfired. Baba Adebanjo’s integrity is intact.

Pa Adebanjo, one of the most remarkable politicians of his generation and a voice of reason in the Nigerian politics of the 20th century and early 21st century, remains a thorough and progressive politician. His contributions to progressive politics and decent governance in the country is

legendary. He has been consistent in fighting for respectable governance and social justice in this country. Nigerians will never forget his leading role in the fight against military dictatorship, his pro-democracy struggles in NADECO and remarkable leadership within the Afenifere fold.

Baba Adebanjo believes in one Nigeria. He loves this country dearly, and is committed to its progress and unity. He has spent years working for a strong, united and prosperous country. Papa’s dream is for a restructured Nigeria that will ensure justice and equity for all the components.

At 95, Pa Adebanjo still has a lot to offer this country. My prayer is that our father in heaven will continue to strengthen him with good health and renewed strength. I have no doubt that Baba shall continue enjoying the grace of God.

is an aberration in modern societies. Nigeria can’t be an exception. Buhari should be interested in ranching in the interest of everybody, not advocating the continuation of a Stone Age idea. His support for open grazing is largely responsible for killings in this country. Fulani militias are enjoying a free rein with the tacit support of the powerful leadership in Abuja that controls all the security agencies.

Buhari wants herders to continue moving cattle from Sokoto to Lagos, and beyond, unhindered. This is why huge swathes of this country have become killing fields, as killer herders, claiming a right to unencumbered feeding are cruelly destroying lives and farms. Herders must return to their bases and cuddle ranching.

Open grazing is no longer practicable. Not with the killings, rape, crop destruction, kidnapping, and geographical hegemony that comes with it. The culture of nomadism can be eliminated. Lee Kuan Yew proved this in Singapore. Late Muammar Gaddafi proved this in Libya.

For those disheartened by Buhari’s incongruity, I have good news for you today: Nigeria will survive Buhari and return to that path of a peaceful, brotherly and loving country. We have less than two months to go.

The Steel of Bishop Kukah

Ialways look forward to the Easter message of the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah. He never disappoints. As usual, his 2023 Easter message was punchy. Of all the issues he touched, I was most impressed with his message to president-elect, Bola Tinubu to tackle insecurity and reunite our badly divided country.

Kukah declared: “I am hopeful that you will appreciate that the most urgent task facing our nation is not infrastructure or the usual cheap talk about the dividends of democracy. These are important but first, keep us alive because only the living can enjoy infrastructure.

“For now, the most urgent mission is to start a psychological journey of making Nigerians feel whole again, of creating a large tent of opportunity and hope for us all, of expanding the frontiers of our collective freedom, of cutting off the chains of ethnicity and religious bigotry, of helping us recover from the feeling of collective rape by those who imported the men of darkness that destroyed our country, of recovering our country and placing us on the path to our greatness, of exorcising the ghost of nepotism and religious bigotry.”

Lamenting the unending pain in beloved Nigeria, Kukah wrote: “Nigerians are so collectively frustrated that it is almost impossible to convince them that they can find justice. Everywhere you turn today, Nigerians look forlorn, disconsolate, lugubrious, and despondent. Our swagger is gone. We look like men and women returning from a funeral, murmuring discontentment in hushed tones. It is therefore not surprising that even the victors are blowing a muted trumpet.”

Bishop Kukah dropped a fair blow on calamity President Buhari who has been deceiving himself with his warped achievements: “As you prepare to return to Daura or Kaduna, I do not know if you feel fulfilled or that you met the tall dreams and goals you set for yourself such as: ending banditry, defeating corruption, bringing back our girls, belonging to everybody and belonging to nobody, selling off our presidential fleet and travelling with us etc.”

Kukah remains as one of the few leaders with conscience still speaking truth to power. My dear Bishop, God will continue to bless you.

Ortom

IN REMEMBRANCE…

CSO Urges APC to Zone Position of Speaker to Southeast

Udora Orizu in Abuja

A Civil Society Group for Good Governance (CSGGG) has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to zone the speakership of the House of Representatives in the 10th National Assembly to South-East geopolitical zone of the country.

Speaking during a presstional Convener, Chief Dominic Ogakwu tipped the incumbent Chairman, House Committee Hon. Benjamin Kalu as the next

Speaker of the 10th Assembly. He said Kalu has the capacity to lead the Green Chamber in the next democratic dispensation, capacity as Spokesman for the past four years.

While urging the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) on the need to uphold the tents of Federal character principle, Ogakwu observed that South East should be given a fair share in the country’s leadership positions.

He said, “At present, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is on the cusp of history to demonstrate that equity,

inclusivity, and justice are the principles on which the party is built as it reaches a decision for the 10th National Assembly, especially for the House of Representatives. As members of civil society, we hold the view without equivocation that equity and fairness demand that the South East should produce the next Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“It is for this reason that we call on the APC as the majority party in the National Assembly the House of Reps to the South

ASATU Prime Minister Commends Gov Soludo on Water Transport

The Prime Minister of Anambra State Association of Town Unions (ASATU), Chief John Chukwudi Metchie, has commended Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo and the state Commissioner for transportation, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike, for the ongoing sensitisation to safety requirements, which he said was preparatory to the commencement of water transportation in the state.

Metchie, who is also the African Director, International Association of World Peace Advocates commended Soludo and the Transportation Commissioner for the commencement of the Otu-Ocha Marine Project in Anambra East Local Government which he said would bring huge relief to the communities in the coastal areas of the state.

In a statement by his media team, Metchie, who doubles as the President-General of Umueri Community, used the opportunity to call on Governor Soludo to come to the rescue of Umueri, which he said is being ravaged and devastated by massive erosion on roads is threatening According to him, the people of Umueri and the entire Anambra East Local Government would remain eternally grateful to the state government under the leadership of Governor Soludo for the special attention given to the area, in terms of infrastructural provision, citing the installation of 50 CCTV cameras to communities in the local government for security surveillance and other purposes.

Daystar Hosts Sinach, Joe-Ezigbo at Women of Destiny Conference

character and support a balanced power-sharing formula in the country, but because the South East Zone has the potential and is a sense of alienation and marginalisation amongst the people of the Zone by the APC, which though we do not share, but agree as legitimate concern. As a country that just emerged from an electoral process that is benighted by divisive tendencies, history beckons on the ruling party to demonstrate that is inclusive, equitable and responsive to all parts of the country, particularly the South East.

Nigeria’s Laboratory Centre Attains International Accreditation

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Laboratory Equipment Calibration Centre (NaLECC) with the assistance of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) and funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has attained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation.

A statement from the United States Embassy yesterday said that Nigeria’s National Laboratory Equipment Calibration Centre, in its efforts to align with international standards and with support from the U.S. Centers for Disease

Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC) and funding from the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), has attained ISO 17025:2017 accreditation from the Kenya Accreditation Service. ISO 17025:2017 provides requirements for the competence, impartiality, and consistent operations of laboratories.

NaLECC, a standard laboratory equipment calibration centre, was established in 2020 through US CDC funding to strengthen laboratory service delivery in Nigeria.

Hosted and administered by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN),

Uzodimma Wins APC Guber Ticket

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, yesterday polled 63, 618 votes from 64,667 accredited delegates drawn from 305 Electoral Wards and 27 local government areas of the state to sweep the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries held in Owerri that produced him as the party’s candidate for the November 11, 2023 governorship election.

The APC direct primaries which took place at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square Owerri, also has in attendance APC stalwarts from Imo State and representatives of the National Working Committee (NWC).

In his acceptance speech, Uzodimma dedicated his victory to

God Almighty for making the day possible and for touching the hearts of APC leaders and its members to unanimously choose him as their Governorship candidate for second tenure.

He thanked the delegates from the 305 wards in the state and the 27 LGAs and all party members who came out to vote and for following the laid down regulations.

Uzodimma who was excited over the victory and trust by his party promised not to betray the confidence reposed on him.p

He expressed gratitude to the party members and reminded all to see Imo State as their own, noting that “we have no other State we can call our own.”

NaLECC is the first of its kind in the country. Technical assistance for the establishment and accreditation of the centre was provided by U.S. CDC partners, the Africa Society for Laboratory Medicine, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute, and the Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria.

The statement said at the event to formally present the accreditation certificate, the Minister of State for Health Mr. Joseph Ekumankama commended MLSCN and its partners for the significant milestone.

The accreditation certifies that the centre provides services that

meet ISO 17025:2017 quality standards, a first for a PEPFARsupported laboratory in Nigeria. It also allows internationally accredited laboratories in Nigeria and across West Africa to have their equipment calibrated in Nigeria rather than outside of the region.

U.S. CDC Country Director that with continued support to NaLECC, the accreditation would be sustained. She also emphasised the U.S. government’s commitment to prioritising and sustaining support for quality laboratory services in Nigeria.

Lagos SUBEB Inaugurates ‘Situation Room’ to Monitor Pupils Learning Outcomes, Attendance

Funmi Ogundare

Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board ( LASUBEB), yesterday, inaugurated the ‘Situation Room’, the state’s EkoExcel’s education control centre, located within the board to provide realtime monitoring and feedback on pupil’s learning deliveries, attendance, learning outcomes and other key indicators.

In his presentation, Chairman EkoExcel, Hon Bayo Adefuye stated that the situation room is data-driven which creates real-time digital transparency throughout EkoExcel system through a bank of computers and

Daystar Christian Centre has announced the return of the Women of Destiny Conference (WoDC) after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The conference, themed ‘Light’ will be held between April 14-16.

This year’s conference commences at the church’s main auditorium, A3C, Ikosi Road, Oregun, Lagos, at all the church worship centres in Oregun, Lekki, Ikorodu, Alimosho, and Badagry areas of Lagos, Nigeria.

The two-day conference will be live-streamed on the church’s website and social media platforms.

The convener and host of the WoDC, Pastor Nike Adeyemi, expressed excitement about the conference’s return. She added that the Women of Destiny Conference had been a part of Daystar Christian Centre’s history from

its inception, bringing positive change to the church and nation.

Pastor Nike would be speaking today alongside Mrs. Audrey Joe-Ezigbo. Mrs. Joe-Ezigbo, the Co-Founder and Deputy Managing Director of Falcon Corporation Limited, will share insights on being a bright shining light wherever God places you from her wealth of experience. Pastor Nike will also speak on Sunday together with renowned music minister, Sinach. This will Christian Centre, and she is excited to join the conference this year.

Mrs. Funke Oyeyiola, the coordinator of the WOD fellowship, noted that every woman in Daystar has a place in the Women of Destiny fellowship. The fellowship caters to women

Jombo Commiserates with Sen. Orji Kalu over Wife’s Death

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sublime Industries Ltd & Sublime Hotels & Suites, Chief Kelvin Jombo, has commiserated with Senator Orji Uzor Kalu over the death of his wife, Mrs. Ifeoma Kalu. Jombo in statement made available to journalists yesterday expressed shock and deep sadness over the demise of the wife of the former Abia State governor.

Late Ifeoma Kalu who died on Monday at the age of 61, according to Jombo, lived a virtuous life and will always be remembered.

wide screens using a computer programme called ‘spotlight’. According to him,” this room can remotely access digital insights on exactly what is happening in schools, including lesson delivery, attendance and learning outcomes on a micro and macro level.”

With the technology platform, he noted that the board can digitally track attendance, the percentage of lessons delivered on a daily basis, pupil assessment data , quality assurance data and more via a real-time dashboard, adding that there will also be going out for assessment.

According to him, the former Abia First Lady was indeed a woman of virtue who was committed to the service of God and humanity just as the husband.

L-R: Cathedral Minister, Rev. Isaiah Opayemi; Cathedral Senior Steward, Bro. Babafemi Fasanya; Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Akande; Bishops’ wife, Sis. Yetunde Akande; Palm - Avenue Senior Circuit Steward, Bro. Abiona Babarinde, all of Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Lagos West at the Easter church service held at Methodist Church Nigeria, Cathedral of Blessing, Palm - Avenue, Lagos… recently

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Junior Pope, Nancy Isime and Timini Egbuson

TYul

Rita Dominic, Ego Boyo and Joke-Silva

Lawrence Udeigwe

It’s Difficult to Describe Why I Do Music

He introduces himself as Lawrence Udeigwe, a musician. Interestingly, he is also a mathematician! For over a decade and a half, the ‘musician-mathematician’, who simply assumed his last name as his stage name, Udeigwe, has courted foreign audience with his first three albums. Off his forthcoming album is a song ‘Today’ which he recently dropped. This Manhattan College professor of Mathematics speaks to Ferdinand Ekechukwu, among a select number of journalists, from his base in the US, talking about his brand of music which is jazz flavoured with elements of African sounds, his love for music, life as a mathematician and musician which he both describes as his wife and girlfriend…

Yousaidforthepurposeofthis interviewyouareamusician and not a mathematician. Butthere’snowaywewill talkaboutyouwithoutthe otheraspectofyouwhichis mathematics.Canyoutake usthroughabitofthatactually?

Alright, I’m going to be a little biographical about that. I studied… got my bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. But while in school, I actually wanted to play music. My and do music. But after that, I went to grad school. I thought I will do a Master’s degree. decided I want to be a college professor. So I went on and did a PhD in applied Math. And then I got a job, teaching mathematics and doing research in Math. But then the music bug was still in me throughout this period; throughout the period of my education I was performing in 2008 and had been performing. And I released at least three albums along the way. So I’m now. So that’s it.

I understand you are working or have justreleasedasingle.Canyoutellusabout that?Andwhileyouaretellingusaboutthat maybe it will be nice for us to go through yourdiscography;someofthesongsyouhave donethatreallycameoutthere,howtheydid andeverythingaboutyoumusically?

‘Highlife, Soul and Ecstasy’ yeah. I was a baby came out in 2007 with my friend in his bedroom studio. And we got it done. It came out in CD format. It was only on i-tune then. And it

I did another album it’s called ‘My House’.

I was on piano and I got a bass player and a drummer. And then a sax player and a guitarist and we did the album. So, it wasn’t digitally produced; it was done in the studio and I But it wasn’t too successful. I had a single that

Udeigwe

songs in the last album I did and I rejigged it and introduced more saxophones to it, maybe And it’s getting good reception so far. And I’m happy about the reception so far.

Soessentially,whydoyoudomusic?You justsaidyourmusichasnotreallybeencommercially viable, and you are not actually reallybotheredaboutthecommercialaspect ofit.Nowdoyoudomusictomakemoney, forfameorsomethingbeyondthat? Why I do music? Well I do music…let me

these children and they realize it’s actually hard my going to pursue a PhD was actually one way of running away from music because I

it into where your heart is. But I’m actually hope you guys are going to remember me in your prayers (lol…).

Idiscoveredfromexperiencethatmathematics isnotfunnyhowdoyoucombinemathematics andmusic;howhasitbeen?

youhaveanyparticularinterestinmathematics? -

good in. when I came to the US to study I wanted to study computer science. And after two years, I switched to mathematics. And I wanted something that I’m good at in order to be doing it and doing music. Mathematics has always been something I’m good at.

How really would you describe yourself as a musician?

Hmmm interesting… I’m a singer, I’m a composer. I write my music and the lyrics. My writing process usually starts with a melody; I get the melody in my head and then I play with it on the piano. And then I try to harmonise

me a partial producer because when I want to done so far, I just go to the studio and I play and

digital aspects of production also. So I will say I’m a singer, I’m a songwriter, I’m a producer, and I’m an entertainer on stage. So I guess I try to do it all. There are certain things I’m not good at. I’m not good at promoting myself; once you put me out there to perform, I can the performance.

Whatactuallyisyourgenreofmusic?You know we have so many genres of music now.Andwehavesomanyfusions.Going bywhatyouhavebeensayingyouseemto have a background of jazz. So how would youencapsulateyourgenreofmusic?

album on the streaming platforms now. And the album actually did really well. It leaned more towards jazz. And the jazz community in high. They rated it 4 out of 5 which is high for a jazz foundational composition, it introduces them to some elements of African music not necessarily the afrobeats, the pop/afropop that to Haruna Ishola (laughs). So you could hear a well in terms of rating. Commercially, I didn’t is ushering in my next album which should it’s called ‘Today’. It was actually one of the

I still wanted to do music. So to answer your question, it’s something that chose me. It’s not something that I chose. It’s something that has -

ful from music I’m not hiding that. I used to man who is married to a wife but still has a girlfriend. And what do I mean? My wife is which is music; and musically chops all the same time where your heart is. And you are

both of them in practicing. I do music separately and I do mathematics separately. But I do both attention. They need you to pay a lot of attention a lot of time management. What I usually do

You can say its afro-jazz fusion right of the to go with one…if you want me to coin one

Whatinspiresyourmusic?Whatinspires you to do particularly the kind of music you do?

it will go. That’s in terms of the music, in terms of the composition. But in terms of lyrics I just stories about them. And that’s how I write now. The new album that is going to come

Eventhoughwearetalkingaboutentertainment,youarestilldoingbothofthem(music andmathematics)inaway.Whymathematics? Thereseemtobenorelationshipwithboth.Do

to write songs about it.

Bisola Aiyeola, Adjetey Anang to Host AMVCA Nominees’

The 9th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) which was announced earlier in March, will be airing its nominees’ announcement this Sunday the 16th of April. The much anticipated announcement will be hosted by award-winning actors, Bisola Aiyeola and Adjetey Anang alongside the talented kid actors, Jasmine Olarotimi and Nifemi Lawal from the popular Africa Magic original telenovelas, The Johnsons, and Ajoche.

The nominees’ announcement will be broadcasted live at 7:00 pm on the 16th of April 2023 on all Africa Magic channels on DStv and GOtv.

Executive Head, Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola

Tejumola expressed her excitement about the upcoming announcement, stating that the unveiling of the nomination list is a crucial step in the lead-up to the award ceremony, which will showcase the best of African talent and creativity.

“We are excited to unveil the nominees for the upcoming edition of the AMVCA. The caliber of talent and creativity displayed in the African we are proud to recognize and celebrate these achievements.”

The nominees for the various award categories will be selected by a panel of esteemed judges, with the voting process being opened to the public shortly after. 14 categories will be open to public voting, while 21 categories will be decided director, producer, and writer, Femi Odugbemi.

The 9th edition will feature the return of the Best Online Social Content Creator category, the Best Africa Magic Original Drama Series, and the Best Africa Magic Original Comedy Series. Making a debut would be two new categories which are the Best Original Telenovela and Best Unscripted Original.

As with last year’s edition, the Best Dressed Male and Female will take place live on the awards night on the 20th of May.

Viewers can join the conversation using the hashtag #AMVCA9 and follow @africamagictv for live tweets. The full list of nominees will be published on the Africa Magic website, following the announcement. The 9th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is proudly brought to you by Africa Magic in Association with Multichoice and is sponsored by Amstel Malta and Zagg Energy Drink.

Eko Hotels’ Director, Gbadebo, Nominated for Entrepreneurial Skills Award

The Director of Sales and Marketing, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadebo, has been nominated for entrepreneurial skills award, barely five months after winning the ultimate annual honour of Akwaaba African Travel Awards.

Gbadebo was among the few entrepreneurs and hospitality directors in Africa to receive the prestigious continental award, raising Eko Hotels’ profile high.

Gbadebo’s latest nomination for award by The Lekki Post Newspaper, stated: “Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadebo, amongst four other entrepreneurs, are nominated for the ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award. Her nomination was due to her impeccable entrepreneurial skills, the spontaneous growth of her businesses and her unmatched marketing skills.”

Gbadebo, who keeps a low profile, said on the recognition. “I’m delighted to have been

honoured. I’m truly humbled.”

While thanking God for the recognition, Gbadebo said the credit also goes to the ever innovating Eko Hotels & Suites which is truly a leader in the hospitality industry.

According to her usual statement, “Eko Hotels is highly rated for its genuinely personal attention, international standards and service details.”

People who know Iyadunni are hopeful she will emerge the winner of the “Entrepreneur of the Year” award. One of them said, “You remember Iyadunni was one of the winners of the 2022 edition of Africa 100 Travel Women Awards. I’m delighted to know she is being recognised again. Another, a banker who is a guest at Eko Hotels said: “I’m exceedingly happy for Iyadunni. The nomination is well-deserved.”

Gbadebo’s personality and bearing may have shaped the sales department of Eko Hotels in the past decade. No wonder, she quickly rose from her position of Head, Sales & Marketing to Director, Sales & Marketing, becoming a part of the Eko Hotels’ success story, being a leading hotel in West Africa.

AFRIMMA Founder Anderson Obiagwu Celebrates 50th in Grand Style

All roads led to the Civic Centre in Victoria Island Lagos on Saturday, the 8th of April, as entertainment mogul and founder of AFRIMMA Awards (African Muzik Magazine Awards), Anderson Obiagwu, popularly known as Big A Entertainment, celebrated his 50th birthday with friends and well-wishers.

“Big A”, as he is known by many, is considered in African diaspora entertainment and has worked with some of Africa’s most prominent entertainment exports. Accompanied by his beautiful and elegant wife, Ifeoma Obiagwu into a well-planned golden jubilee celebration to the choruses of friends and family.

The birthday party had notable personalities and celebrities like Flavour, 2face, Ebuka Obi Uchendu, E-Money, Kcee, Chima Anyaso, Obi Cubana, Phyno, Timaya, and Bovi, amongst others celebrating with Anderson and family.

Anderson Obiagwu commented, “I am bringing my 50th party to Nigeria because my journey began here, and home is where the heart is. I feel great, more youthful, and generally thankful to be here. I will always be grateful to everyone who has supported me and showed up to celebrate with me tonight. It is indeed a milestone worth celebrating.”.

Described as a brilliant personality, Andersontors in the music industry who has created a platform that has propelled many African artists on a global stage, allowing them to gain more recognition outside the continent. The celebrant is also a humanitarian of note who

has done much in philanthropy through his foundation and annual Christmas parties for children.

Describing her husband, Ifeoma Obiagwu commented, “We are lucky to have him. He is an amazing husband, father, and friend to all. It’s been more than two decades of bliss, laughter, and love. God has been faithful to us”.

Family, friends and colleagues in the industry gave the celebrant accolades and celebrated his achievement in life and career. “When you look around and see the number of musicians here to celebrate ‘Big A’ is a testament to who he is and his contribution to the industry and personal lives”, said 2face Idibia

Guests were served three-course meals and delicious desserts, and a toast to the celebrant led by his son, IK Obiagwu. At midnight on the 9th of April, it was time to celebrate his beautiful wife and partner of more than two decades, Ifeoma Obiagwu, as she also turned a year older. They also enjoyed performances by Flavour, Iyanya, Goya Menor, Bracket and Phyno. It was indeed a weekend of double celebration.

Publisher of ATQ News, the organisers of the ‘Top 100 Africa Travel Women’ awards, Mr. Ikechi Uko was elated. He said most of the women listed in the “Top 100 Africa Travel Women” are doing very well. Commenting further, he said Iyadunni Gbadebo is also great. “She is most deserving of the award with her experience and achievements in sales and marketing of travel products in Nigeria.”

Indeed, it was a double celebration for the she joined the African stars of aviation, tourism, and hospitality at the red-carpet reception in Lagos to receive the Top 100 Africa Travel Women award on October 31, 2022.

Interestingly, Gbadebo’s Eko Hotels, Victoria Island was the venue of the awards. The prestigious and coveted Africa Travel and Tourism 100 Award that recognises exceptional women in the industry, involved African women from 20 African countries who have excelled in areas such as tourism leadership, travel and tours, aviation, hospitality, conservation, and media.

Amachree Urges Nigerians to Embrace Tourism, Leisure

Aleading tourism practitioner and former President of Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Chief Mike Amachree has advised leisure and adventure seekers to visit interesting places scattered across the country.

Amachree, who is regarded as the father of Nigeria tourism, called on citizens to participate actively in tourism and leisure activities, saying that by doing so “they will live long, improve on their health and be happy.”

Amachree, who is also Managing Director of Brooklyn Group of Hotels and Brooklyn Tourist Centres, gave the advice while speaking with pressmen in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, recently.

He said tourism goes beyond indoor leisure activities and also involves lots of outdoor activities that are beneficial to health.

Amachree wants citizens to do away with the misconception that tourism is an elitist activity enjoyed by the rich only. “Nigerians should take relaxation and going on holiday and vacations very seriously,” he said. According to him, Many researches have shown that when you engage in tourism and leisure activities, such as mountain climbing, dancing, singing, safari, boat regatta, boat cruise, domestic fishing, horse riding, water sports and so on, it promotes wellness and prolongs people’s lives.

Those who engage in such outdoor tourism activities enjoy both mental and physical wellness. In today’s world, tourism activities like going on vacation are no longer just leisure, it has become a necessity to maintain a balanced and healthy life.”

He said Nigeria is blessed with so many tourist

attractions that people could visit to improve and maintain their health, live long and also enjoy their vacations.

“In Jos, Plateau State, one of the favourite tourism activities there is rock and mountain climbing. The serenity of the Obudu Mountain area is also there for our enjoyment. Tourists could also explore the coastline of Lagos, Port Harcourt and other riverine communities to enjoy the natural, healthy air and serenity. We need to learn to enjoy all these for our health and well being,” he noted. “Apart from me there are other people who are actively engaged in tourism, there are other tourism promoters like the Managing Director of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, Ikegun, Lagos State, Dr. Wanle Akinboboye, and Chief Tarzan Balogun of Tarzan Jetty. They could also visit places such as Whispering Palms Resort, Iworo, Badagry, Lagos; Emir’s Palace, Kano; Argungu Fishing Festival ground, Kebbi State; Brooklyn Tourist Centre, Rumuosi, Port Harcourt; Oguta Lake Resort, Imo State, and Ogbunike Cave, Anambra State.”

Justina Uzo

Justina Uzo

Bisola Aiyeola

Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf presenting the ‘African 100 Travel Women’ award to Iyadunni Gbadebo, with Mrs. Maiden Alex-Ibru,...recently.

Amachree

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Anderson Obiagwu and wife, Ifeoma, (two of them in the middle) with guests at the party

What is a Cold Start and Why is it Important?

This is a necessary process to get the vehicle’s engine up to its optimum operating temperature.

If you have started a vehicle that hasn’t been used for a while, you will notice that its engine will idle at a higher RPM (revolutions per minute) than normal. This is what is known as a cold start, it means that the engine isn’t yet at its optimum temperature and therefore is “cold.” While some may worry that something is wrong, a cold start is completely normal and is part of getting your car’s engine up to temperature. This is part of an important process to ensure that everything in your engine is well lubricated so it can function properly.

Why is a cold start important?

All-new 2024 Ford Mustang GT Ready to Hit Track as Pace Car

The all-new 2024 Mustang GT is set to make its NASCAR pace car debut this weekend when all three of NASCAR’s top touring series compete at Martinsville Speedway in Martinsville, VA. races that the seventh-generation Mustang GT is scheduled to pace in 2023, the automaker said in a statement.

The other NASCAR races include: Talladega (April 21-23), Dover (April 29-30), Darlington (May 12-14), Nashville (June 23-25), Chicago (June 30-July 2) and the annual Labor Day Weekend at Darlington (Sept. 1-3).

“We’ve had great success racing Mustang globally, including winning last year’s NAS- CAR championship,” said Mark Rushbrook, global director, Ford Performance Motorsports. “Racing leads to better-informed development of products, and seeing the all-new Mustang GT setting the pace at NASCAR make this connection even stronger with our customers and fans.”

The Grabber Blue Mustang GT pace car is stock other than pace car visibility items that include the light bar and custom Ford Performance and Mustang exterior graphics.

Most Powerful Mustang GT 5.0-liter V8

At the core of making the all-new Mustang

the most exhilarating and visceral Mustang yet is a new fourth-generation Coyote V8 engine. The available active-valve performance exhaust system enables the Mustang GT coupe and convertible to deliver 486 horsepower and 418 ft.-lb. of torque**. Beyond the boost in power, custom-V8 sound with the ability to close the valves to restrict the amount of noise made by the Thosecar.opting for the standard Mustang GT still enjoy 480 horsepower* -- the most standard power in a naturally aspirated V8-powered Mustang ever. In addition, the engine delivers 415 ft.-lb. of torque for the most standard torque ever.

The fourth-generation Coyote V8 features body induction system that’s matched with structural improvements and upgraded oil pan. This helps minimize induction loss by

For Mustang GT and Mustang Dark Horse, horsepower and torque ratings are the same for automatic and manual transmissions. Behind the 2024 Mustang’s chiseled exterior lies the most technologically advanced, driver- centric cockpit of any Mustang to date.

Design That Matches Power

Its low, horizontal brow across the front emphasizes overall frontal width, while the

original Mustang’s 1960s design. The Tri-Bar LED headlamps continue the Mustang’s classic sprinting stance and shortened rear overhang are also true to the authentic proportions of haunches point to the power over the wheels in true Mustang style. and exit without removing their helmet on the track, and an extended rear deck houses a new crisp signature tri-bar lighting and redesigned in the rear.

cockpit, and under its hood are a choice of two advanced engines – 2.3-liter EcoBoost or 5.0-liter V8.

Mustang and NASCAR

When it comes to racing Mustang in NASCAR, Brad Keselowski leads all active Ford drivers with two NASCAR Cup Series wins at Martinsville while defending champion Overall, Ford has registered 30 all-time victories at the half-mile paperclip-shaped oval, which began hosting NASCAR races in 1949.

*Horsepower and torque ratings based on premium fuel per SAE J1349® standard.

Kia EV6 GT crowned 2023 World Performance Car

Kia has achieved an outstanding result in this year’s World Car Awards, with the Kia EV6 GT being crowned the 2023 World Performance Car. Announced at an awards ceremony during the New York International Auto Show, the recognition came from a jury of 100 distinguished international automotive journalists representing 32 countries, a statement by the automaker said.

Having evaluated a broad range of vehicles from around the world, the judges’ recognition of Kia’s vehicles serves as further validation of the brand’s dedication to producing innovative with its ‘Movement That Inspires’ mindset.

Speaking of the award, President and CEO of Kia Corporation Ho Sung Song said: “To be recognized in this way by the World Car Awards’ judges is a tremendous honor. As Kia transforms to become a world-leading sustainable solutions provider, we are leaving no stone unturned to create vehicles which deliver exceptional practicality while also inspiring customers through their ingenuity, technology, and design. This latest prestigious success of our strategy.”

Getting into the technical side of things, a cold start not only lets your engine get up to temperature, but will also let the oil within get warmed up. Oil is a all the moving parts well lubricated and functioning optimally. If an engine hasn’t been used for a long while, let’s say from when you park your car at night to when you start it in the morning, most of the oil settles at the bottom of your engine. While there will still be residual oil at the top of the engine, it isn’t enough protection especially if you run your engine hard from its start-up. This is why it is important to give your engine a few seconds to get that oil pumping and up to temperature.

Getting your oil up to temperature will depend on its viscosity or its ability to be easily poured at a certain temperature. Its viscosity might be thicker at colder and limiting its capabilities in creating a thin layer of protection for the moving parts. If you let your engine warm-up via its cold start function, this will allow time for your oil to get up to temperature

What’s the proper RPM range for a cold start?

This will depend on your vehicle, however, a typical cold start will hover above 1,000rpm and may even initially exceed the 1,500rpm range. Do not worry, as the engine warms up the RPMs will slowly start to decrease and your motor will return to its normal idle range. Only worry if even after reaching its optimum temperature, the engine still does not go back to its normal idle, this could be a sign that something is broken within the motor itself and will require immediate attention.

Does this mean I should let my engine

With a combined power output of 430 kW (585 PS), enabling a 3.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration time and a top speed of 260 km/h, the all-electric EV6 GT’s long-range capability, spacious interior, and sophisticated design saw petrol-powered sports cars.

For older model vehicles it is recomto vehicles that still run on carburetors. However, if you have a modern engine with tighter tolerances and that uses electronic fuel injection, then you can choose not to warm up your engine. This will allow you to drive the vehicle to where you need to go, but keep in mind that the oil will need time to get up to the correct temperature as well. It is highly advised that you drive slowly and at lower revs so that you don’t strain the engine until it reaches its operating temperature. Once it reaches its operating temperature or the cold temperature light on your vehicle it normally.

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The all-new 2024 Mustang GT

Kia EV6 GT

Winning the coveted 2023 World Performance Car, the Kia EV6 GT builds on the exceptional been awarded the 2022 Car of the Year and the 2023 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year titles, in addition to other distinguished accolades.

BMW XM Label Red, Flagship Version of High-Performance Car, Electrified System

More powerful, more exclusive, more extravagant: Just a few months after production got underway of the new BMW XM (petrol consumption combined: 1.7 – 1.6 l/100 km [166.2 – 176.6 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 34.5 – 33.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 39 – 35 g/km in the WLTP cycle; figures for the NEDC cycle: – ), BMW M GmbH presents the flagship version of its first-ever high-performance car with an electrified drive system. The BMW XM Label Red (petrol consumption combined: 1.7 – 1.6 l/100 km [166.2 – 176.6 mpg imp]; electric power consumption combined: 34.5 – 33.0 kWh/100 km; CO2 emissions combined: 39 – 35 g/km in the WLTP cycle; provisional values; figures for the NEDC cycle: – ) brings together an M HYBRID system with extra power and bespoke design accents that showcase its standout performance attributes to unmistakable effect. With a system output of 550 kW/748 hp (generated by the combination of a V8 combustion engine with up to 430 kW/585 hp and an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed M Steptronic transmission producing up to 145 kW/197 hp), the BMW XM Label Red is the most powerful BMW M model ever made. It also tops the power rankings in the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupé segments.

The BMW XM Label Red responds to the needs

and desires of a global target group of individualists – customers with a taste for extrovert lifestyle and a passion for ultimate performance in a car reaching beyond traditional conventions. Production will begin in August 2023 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA. Scheduled for the same timeframe is an exclusive edition of the range-topping model limited to 500 examples and featuring an exterior paint finish in BMW Individual Frozen Carbon Black metallic.

The BMW XM Label Red will celebrate its world premiere at the Auto Shanghai international motor show in April 2023. China is one of the most important sales regions for the BMW XM Label Red, alongside the USA and the Middle East. It can be ordered from dealers from 28 April 2023.

M HYBRID system with top-level and precisely judged performance.

The M HYBRID system in the BMW XM Label Red demonstrates the intoxicating effect of drive system electrification in high-performance models from BMW M GmbH in impressive style. The precisely honed interplay of the electric motor and V8 engine ensures an instantaneous delivery of power that then builds emphatically and continues unabated into the highest reaches of the rev range. This combination of combustion engine and electric motor matches the drive concept of the new BMW M Hybrid V8 endurance racing car, which made a successful debut in the 24 Hours of Daytona race in the North American IMSA series this year and

is set to line up in events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.

With a system output increased to 550 kW/748 hp, the new top-of-the-line model outperforms the standard BMW XM produced since December 2022 by 70 kW/95 hp. System torque is up by 200

Nm (147 lb-ft) and now peaks at 1,000 Nm (737 lb-ft). Power is channelled to the road by the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. In conjunction with a model-specific composition of chassis technology and fast-acting, high-precision powertrain and chassis control, this creates a unique performance experience with dynamism and agility at a whole new level.

Lexus Supports Harris Reed’s Show at London Fashion Week

Lexus supported Harris Reed, the acclaimed fashion designer known for challenging expectations, as a sponsor of his London Fashion Week show held in London last week (16 February). An all-new RX 500h F Sport hybrid electric luxury SUV was provided to transport Harris to the show in comfort and style. The car was also used to take VIPs to and from the event.

The performative, transformative nature of dress has always been at the heart of the Harris Reed brand. Clothing can amplify the character of the wearer, or communicate the role, or even gender they wish to portray. This sense of life lived as a dramatic performance is reflected in the

collection title, All The World’s A Stage, and in the theatrical theme that ran throughout the show, from upcycled theatre drapes repurposed as gold lamé fabric, to the harlequin motif, and the pure enjoyment of dressing up that Reed’s looks celebrate.

The London Fashion Week partnership follows the recent collaboration between Lexus and Harris Reed in the US, where Reed designed Ruby Red Rims for the all-new RX at W Magazine’s 50th anniversary party in New York in October 2022, taking inspiration from two signature hats in his Spring 2023 ready-to-wear collection.

Lexus and Reed share a love of eyecatching, mould-breaking design. Reed commented: “Lexus design is extremely forward-thinking, really disruptive in the best way possible, and is daring and bold,

just like my new collection, so I was keen to continue working with the brand as we share so many common values.”

Fighting for the beauty of fluidity, halfAmerican, half-British Harris Reed designs to create conversation. Growing up with a strong sense of self, Reed was able to quickly understand the transformative power of clothing and its correlation with identity and liberation. Reed’s design process takes inspiration from the current social and political issues that he feels most connected to. His work is built from assessing the responsibility that fashion has to spark conversation in relation to the injustices that are happening within society today, while staying true to the brand’s ethos that strives for a vision of gender fluidity and inclusivity.

Is Your Eyesight Roadworthy

Let me start with a personal confession. This confession might sound a bit funny but it calls for the necessary precaution before it is too late. What you are about to read is being shared with you only because I sought the counsel of a professional who thoroughly took me through the rudiments of an eye check and test to save my eyesight.

My story all began sometime in 2019 when I embarked on my annual leave. During the leave, I promised to give myself a treat by getting a new frame for my reading glass. On the said day, I walked into a specialist shop to prize one. The smart attendant I approached informed me there were procedures for that. She insisted that a professional must first conduct a free eye test/check before I could be guided on the right frame. The moment I heard awoof, I quickly obliged.

The test was so thorough that when I finally was told I needed an improved reading glass, I chuckled, convinced that I was still good to go. My choice for a fancy reading glass similar to what the former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi was using was turned down by this ever smiling Optometrists. With the aid of technology, they determined my facial structure and recommended it based on that.

But before this test in 2019, I had routinely gone through a check as a prerequisite for a training programme as well as career growth. During one of such routines, I was merely shown different specs to choose from back home in our clime. Now my other confession. Before this test in 2019, I recall several times when I took on my secretary. Each time she did a draft copy or presented me with the computer draft for me to read, I recall always screaming at her for using very tiny fronts which were not readable. Little did I realise that the problem was not the fronts, but my eyesight.

At my age, I still prided myself on having a sound eyesight, forgetting that despite God’s divine promises regarding my health as contained in the

SAFE DRIVING with

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

Holy book, age which is also a divine blessing comes with some body changes. This changes includes failing eyesight especially if we were not fortunate to have enjoyed healthy lifestyles among others. Today, I have come to terms with the realities of my eyesight and can be seen with my designer frames whenever I am reading or even watching television, especially when the lighting is poor.

I do not know if like me, you also delude yourself that your eyesight is perfect, ignoring seeking help from a professional. Like I asked last week, I don’t know the last time you did an eye test or check. If you are a driver and you haven’t done so especially in the last ten years, you should do as experts insist this is necessary.

In my introductory piece on the same topic last week, I took you through the guidance of an expert who insist drivers like you should have a sight test every 10 years to prove their vision still meets driving standards. To drive home the imperative for this, he recalled an incident in March 2017 when a three year old poppy named Arabella Clarke was killed by a motorist just weeks after the driver was warned his vision was too poor to drive.

I know that data on road traffic crashes and deaths in Nigeria caused by poor vision are scanty but in the United Kingdom, records show that almost 3000 injuries on the roads are caused by drivers with

poor vision. Despite this, it is ironic he posited that if a driver in the UK can read a number plate at 20 metres during their driving test, they may continue driving for a lifetime with no further checks which is why he is championing a law review.

Although I could not trace this provision in our traffic regulations, however, the procedure or current law in the United Kingdom provides for drivers to report problems with their eyesight to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency. As usual, some don’t while others fall below required standards without realising it because their vision has changed since they passed their driving test.

The case in Nigeria with regards to ascertaining eyesight for drivers is captured in the National Road Traffic Regulations. Section 45 of the Regulations spells out the requirement for applicants seeking a fresh driver’s license. They include providing evidence of training at an approved driving school and a learner’s permit.

The key requirement which forms the core of our focus is that a certificate of visual acuity and general medical fitness test be provided as prescribed in regulations 52(1) of the Regulations. The section says an applicant shall not be issued a driver’s license unless he furnishes the Authority with certificates of vision acuity test and general fitness from any government hospital.

As I told you last week, this expert posited that the consensus among 1000 practitioners surveyed is that more than one in three of those surveyed reported they had seen a patient in the past month with vision below the driving standard, yet continuing to drive. Many of these experts agree that there was a need for more stringent rules.

Leonard further noted that nine in 10 practitioners observe that the current sight requirements for a driving licence are insufficient. They call for regular sight tests for all drivers. Based on poll conducted, two-thirds, representing 62 percent of people, are currently “putting off” a sight test while 36 percent

are relying on an out-of-date spectacle prescription. I also uphold that we need to review the requirements in tandem with the need to upscale the vital imperatives of road safety.

Optometrists recommend that everyone has a regular sight test at least once every two years, and more frequently in some cases. This means I am due for another sight check. A sight test is much more than simply a check of whether you need glasses or contact lenses; it is also an eye health check, and can even pick up some general health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and raised cholesterol.

In his opinion, some eye conditions, such as glaucoma, come on gradually over many years, noting that without a regular sight test, you might not know there is anything wrong until it is too late to treat effectively. Studies show people can lose up to 40 percent of their peripheral vision to glaucoma before they realise anything is wrong, but if it is picked up early as part of a routine sight test, it is usually readily treatable with laser treatment or eye drops.

He therefore recommends that we need to change the law; in much the same way that we check cars to remain roadworthy through a regular MOT, we should check that drivers’ vision remains clear enough to drive safely at regular intervals.

Ideally, experts recommend that everyone should have a sight test at least once every two years. However,in the worst case scenario, to prove that drivers vision meet driving standards, they should be required to do a test when they renew their driving licence every 10 years.it would still be a big step forward in terms of road safety. This change is required in our laws to recognise the importance of vision to road safety, as is obtainable in many climes in Europe. Meanwhile, having a regular sight test every two years, and getting the right vision correction is the plank needed to promote safe driving.

All-new RX 500h F Sport hybrid electric luxury SUV

The new BMW XM Label Red

Access Bank, 9ijakids Intensify Financial Literacy Campaign

literacy to economic growth.

literacy to children across African countries.

According to the organisation, the initiative aims at equipping youngpropriate time.

across four countries, including Nigeria, to the distribution of more than 2,000ing students.

Adewusi said it was inspired by a need to catch the children young and

Sahara Foundation Rebrands, Vows to Bridge Energy Gap

Corporate sustainability vehicle of the Sahara Group, Sahara Group Foundation has unveiled a new logo as part of its expansion moves and drive for impact. furtherance of its commitment to promoting access to energy and sustainable environments.

At the unveiling of the new logo at Sahara Director of Sahara Group and a Trustee of the Foundation, Ade Odunsi stressed that the new logo comes with more responsibilities to increase the foundation’s impacts on the community in such that commensurate with the growth of the parent company.

“We are privileged to have been given the platform to serve and the Foundation has always been the rallying point for all employees and our businesses to touch lives responsibly. We are delighted that we can now move our impact further as we pursue the overarching aspiration of

building sustainable societies.

“The Sahara Group has undergone some and in the same vein, has repositioned to better serve and create commensurate impact through our corporate Foundation. As such, this refreshed logo allows us to reinforce our mission clearly and enhance the impact of our projects and interventions”.

Gray disclosed that the foundation has so far has streamlined its activities to foster greater impacts and more sustainable outcomes.

“We epitomize everything the Group communities, social innovators and small businesses. This brand identity refresh is a perfect springboard for giving wings to our corporate and shared aspirations across our locations,” she said.

Firm Unveils New Savings, Investment App

-

nologies has established its footprint in the According to the organisation, the new app and literacy amongst Nigerians, while also powering wealth creation.

let, which boasts advanced security features would enable users to easily tie their savings or goal, while they earn interest rates in the short and long term.

He maintained that subscribers are privileged to several electronic payment

their wallets and activate on choice savings and investments available on the platform. users have a distinctive experience while saving and investing. The mobile application interface is built to encourage a smooth and hassle-free procedure in setting up various product plans that are in line with user’s providing an avenue for educating and planning and wealth management strategies.

“We aim to ensure that users get real value improve wealth.’’

He said users can download the application on their smartphones to begin their savings and investment journey with as low as N2,000 minimum start amount.

habits from their early days. She said, “Studies have shown adults. This is why we are passionate literacy using fun and interactive methods.”

“We believe by equipping children are not only helping them become reducing the inequality gap in our societies,” she said.

now, thus demonstrating its commitand economic growth in Africa.

Firm Plans Longest Cooking Marathon to

Break World Record

Premium restaurant and delivery service, FoodbyHilda has anmarathon.

event is aimed at showcasing her putting the country on the global map.According to her, the four-day recipes, which will be live-streamed on multi-social media channels for viewers globally.

opportunity to tell some of the positive stories that come from Africa through the meals that we of the strength young people can exhibit with the right platform anding support from people across the world to achieve this feat.’’

The current record for the world’s empowers young Nigerians through her online culinary classes.

Transcorp Enhances Customers’ Experience with New Service

Hospitality brand, Transcorp Hotels

Plc. has announced the inauguration of Apples and Oranges Spa in its subsidiary, Transcorp Hilton Abuja.

According to the organisation, the Spa which contains a steam room, a Vichy shower, and a salon, amongst others would provide guests with a complete wellness experience.

Olusola stated that the move was inspired by a need to upgrade its delivery in hospitality space globally. She said, “The new leisure segment is a sweet spot where we have played and set the pace since 2020, growing “As we present our activities for

the past year to our shareholders and discuss plans for the future at our Annual important to also tell the world about our growing leisure business and the facilities available to them.”

dition to the new spa, the company has also been able to upgrade some satisfaction.

the ultimate relaxation experience at Apples and Oranges spa which will

“We aim to create an oasis of tranquility and indulgence for our guests to escape the stresses of everyday life and leave feeling refreshed and renewed.”

Head, Corporate Affairs and Communications, Sahara Group Ltd, Bethel Obioma; Executive Director; Sahara Group Ltd, Ade Odunsi; Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Ejiro Gray; Executive Director, Sahara Group Ltd, Moroti Adedoyin-Adeyinka and Company Secretary Executive, Sahara Group, Ifeanyi Madubuike at a media parley to unveil the Foundation’s new brand identity in Lagos...recently

L-R: Vice Principal, Girl’s Senior Secondary Grammar School (GSSGS), Ikoyi, Ola Isibor; Student of GSSGS, Miss. Salami Aminat; Head, Strategy and Transformation, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Funke Shobanjo; Principal, GSSGS, Mrs Omotoye Omotoye; Chief Financial Officer, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, Olamide Adeosun; and Student of GSSGS, Miss. Mary Omezi, at the Bank’s CSR outreach to commemorate Financial Literacy Day held in Ikoyi ,Lagos... recently

Auwal Rafsanjani

Africa Must Block Extractive Industry Leakages to Enjoy Economic Growth

No doubt, the place of extractive industry in Africa is not in question as 40 per cent of world natural resources reside in the continent. But this has not translated to development due to lack of transparency, accountability, corruption, theft etc. These and more dominated the discourse at a Forum organised by the African Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) themed, “Political Economy Reforms in the Extractive Sector: A Catalyst for Sustainable Development in Africa” at the ongoing World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings in Washington, DC, United States of America. At the end of a robust discourse, Funke Olaode engaged one of the participants and Executive Director of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani on how the extractive industry can impact on the continent’s development

Kindly shed more light on the theme of this forum? What prompted such topic?

This meeting came up as a result of the challenges we have in many of the African countries - Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Sudan - where natural resources have not been properly utilised and managed to address the developmental challenges on the continent. And this is also as a result of what we have seen, especially in West Africa where resources have actually not been utilised for the development and for the benefit of the people. That is why we have decided to use this forum at ongoing annual IMF/World Bank meetings, to come together as Africans to discuss the concern that we have in Africa and the best way forward for our policy makers, for our legislators, to introduce policies and legal framework that will ensure compliance of those legal frameworks to deal with the issues of leakages in our economy, that will alleviate poverty, that will also help to diversify the economy. If government is sincere, right policies will help revamp the economy.

Thirty percent of global natural resources reside in Africa and surprisingly, this has not translated to development of the continent due to corruption and leakages. How do you think this can be changed to ensure that everyone enjoys the commonwealth?

There are a number of problems associated with this problem. One has to do with the lack of the enabling capacity to ensure effective utilization and management of our extractive revenue. Secondly, it also has to do with mismanagement of the resources itself and misplacement of priority. Thirdly, it also has to do with the fact that there is a deliberate and conscious effort to undermine the existing legal framework and policy that we have. For example, we have Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) that is not being strictly complied with. We have the EITI, NIETI that is not also complied with by the companies, as they continue to refuse to pay the required revenue to the government. And then of course, on top of everything, you have corruption that is undermining all these legal framework and implementation. And then lastly, you have a legislator that is incapacitated in their oversight functions. This in a way has served as an impediment in the implementation of all these legal frameworks. This is the reason why we think that there must be a rethink on how we can deal with issues of extractive and revenue arising from the extractive. So that they can be used for development such as eradication of poverty among the masses and provision of infrastructure and basic social factors like health, education and so on.

In the course of the interactions, several problems were identified such lack of fiscal policy, illiteracy, revenue mismanagement etc. How do you think CSOs can help in straightening things up to make the sector more profitable?

It is necessary that civil society organisations continue with their efforts in terms of awareness creation, in terms of public education, in terms of sensitization. And with that, communities will have

better understanding. And even when extractive activities are happening in their communities, they will be able to have a measure that can protect them and means of livelihood. So, civil society will have to continue to engage the community, provide them with the necessary support, in terms of understanding whatever provision that any legal framework or any legal company is coming with. Not only had that, to ensure that government is constantly alerted where there are perceived leakages, tax evasion and revenue mismanagement. Mind you, some of the governments in Africa are committed to open government partnership. And under open government partnership, it is expected that contract transparency should be one of the major issues that government should prioritize. So, we are hoping that with the commitment made by some African governments, particularly in Nigeria, the ODT and the enactment of EITI law and even public procurement should enable the communities to know the contract without hindrance.

So, it is important that government is very transparent and makes the information available, so that people can check even through the website to know if a contract has been given and what is the duration of the contract and how much is the contract, so that there will be a follow up and citizens can really follow through. This is the only way to also reduce corruption in the procurement and contract processing.

Women and children are at the receiving ends in terms of hard labour particularly in gold mining. What do you think can be done to change this human right violation?

This is another very terrible practice that is going on especially to children and women. In Nigeria

for example, a lot of children and women have died as a result of illegal mining activities due to labour exploitation by those mining corporations and groups. Because of the poor regulatory policy, a lot of children and women die in Zamfara and so many other places where mining activities are happening. So far, nobody has been sanctioned, no legal framework is being put into practice to ensure that such kind of incidence do not continue to occur. Up till now we are having a lot of women and children doing exploration or doing mining with some powerful individuals and companies are hiring them, instead of sending them to school.

So, the government must act promptly by being responsive and responsible by protecting the right of the women and children, instead of exposing them to danger by extractive activities, mining activities. They should actually allow girl-child and children be in school rather than putting them in the risk of mining activities and exploration of extractive.

Civil Society Organisations often abandon their responsibilities by hobnobbing with powers that be. What is your take on this accusation?

Civil society organisations to the best of my knowledge in many areas, are doing their best to educate, enlighten and provide credible research-based evidence to dialogue with the government. Civil societies do not have the power to sanction or make laws. Ours is to ensure that we educate, mobilize and provide some suggestions on how to improve governance generally. So therefore, I think there is so much expectations of what civil society should do, as a result of the failure of government at local,

state and local level. CSOs are non-for-profit organisations which can only complement the efforts of the government and cannot influence the government because they don’t have that power, they don’t have the power to legislate, they don’t have the power to implement, they don’t have the power to impose and they don’t have the power to sanction. So, it is important that we understand the civil society and appreciate the little effort that they do.

80 billion dollars I learnt is flying out of Africa yearly through illicit financial flow. Aren’t you worried? And what are the CSOs effort to address this?

It is very scandalous that we are losing over 80 billion US dollars annually to illicit financial flow and money laundering. It is important that the financial institutions that enable these illicit financial flows to happen, must be checked and must be stopped. Nigeria is facing serious economic challenges and losing huge money laundering or illicit financial flow. It is definitely going to continue to affect the development and the growth of Nigeria and of course Africa at large. So, it is absolutely necessary that we do everything possible to block the leakages.

We need to strengthen our laws, we need an operational corporation because this must be done with collaboration with other countries, with other international organizations to make sure that we block the leakages and make it difficult for anybody or group of people to continue to siphon the taxpayer’s money. And this they do by tax evasion to outright stealing, canalization of pipelines and so many things. Nigeria cannot afford to continue to lose these revenues in the midst of so much economic devastation.

L-R: Executive Director, African Centre for Democracy and Human Right Studies, Mr. Hannah Foster; Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani; National Coordinator, National Advocacy Coalition on Extractives, Mrs. Cecelia Mattia; Programme Manager, Extractives Global Programmatic Support, World Bank Group, Sven Ulrich Renner; Executive Director, Women in Mining Nigeria, Engr. Janet Adeyemi; and Executive Director, Africa Centre for Energy Policy, Benjamin Boakye at the forum in Washington, DC.

POLITY

DENNIS AIKORIOGIE

Labour Party Template will Turn Around Edo’s Fortunes

Dr. Dennis Osahon Aikoriogie is a leading aspirant for Edo State Governor in 2024 under the platform of the Labour Party (LP). His wide experience in the management of men and materials and exposure to several associations at home and abroad, come as his strongest weapons as he seeks for Edo State’s top job. He talks to Nduka Nwosu on his plans for the state if he emerges governor

Dennis Aikoriogie, or Dennis Peter Obi as supporters love to call him, is passionate about embracing the ideals of the Labour Party, its leader and Presidential candidate Peter Obi. He is like the members of the Obidient Movement who dominate the Twitter space to make a case for a new Nigeria where due process, law and order must take centre stage. There is no doubt an interaction with the Labour Party leader must have further galvanised the Edo governorship hopeful into some turbo charged mood raring to go.

Says Aikoriogie: “I have been part of the Obidient Movement from day one. The leader has shown what it takes to lead. I believe PDP and APC have failed Nigerians. They have failed to meet the expectations of the average Nigerian.”

On why he wants to be the next person occupying Government House Benin City, he explains that governance is all about leadership and that for a long while, there has been a leadership vacuum in the state, which is why development has been slow. Aikoriogie believes nothing is more important now than action, taking the bull by the horn, which is to translate his ideas of re-building Edo to fit into a 21st century modern state where things work. His experience in the Diaspora and being a home boy would combine to get the best results, he further argues.

The current governor Godwin Obaseki and past governors of the state, he insists, have done their best to bring Edo State to where it is currently. However, the time has come to make Edo a signature state, a reference point among the other states of the federation. “I have what it takes to execute that assignment in eight years,” he assures.

Edo State, which is a hub connecting the west, north and east of the country, he says, should be a masterpiece in infrastructure development. Sadly, this is not the case. The roads are dilapidated, flood and erosion are still a part of the problem ravaging the state after many years where these issues have been debated in the public space with the aim of taking it to the next level. He says not much has been done to dredge the Ikpoba River where all the waste in the city is emptied.

Unfortunately, the LP governorship hopeful is not impressed that not much has happened to turn around the fortunes of the state. He believes the Peter Obi model of governance in Anambra State would take Edo State to the next level. He has detailed how he intends to do that which can be found on his website: www.dennis.aikoriogie. com. “We can do better. A Labour Party government driven by my administration will address these needs,” he insists. On transparency, Aikoriogie says he wants to plug the loopholes that create room for non-transparency and non-performance. “We have a poor infrastructure network. These issues will be addressed through my masterplan and my seven-point agenda which is infrastructure developmentoriented stretching to roads, health, education, youth unemployment et al.”

Health facilities, he observes, are still not upgraded in tune with the state-of-the-art demands for modern hospitals. The Stella Obasanjo Specialist Hospital (for women and children) built by Governor Lucky Igbinedion is under-performing. The distance between the x-ray centre and the admission ward of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) is long and not ideal for a sick patient. Besides, the admission process is complex. In Edo North, the Auchi General Hospital, which was upgraded to a teaching hospital, is still not meeting the health needs of the people from that part of the state, both tertiary and primary. Admission requirements of these hospitals make them inaccessible. Our hospitals are a shadow of what ought to be, Governor Oshiomhole built an arm of the specialist hospital in Benin run by consultants and the cost of treatment is beyond the reach of the common man.”

Edo Central, he promises, will have good hospitals and he would ensure there would be primary health centres in every local government area of the state.

Aikoriogie is worried about the general state of insecurity but more worrisome is the rising state of kidnapping and wanton killing of farmers by herders who masquerade as Fulani herders in the state. Farmers hardly go to their farms, and this has brought about famine and untold hardship to many homes in Edo State.

Aikoriogie

The chief executive officer of Global Hobnob LLC of New York and Hobnob Media Consultancy Nigeria Limited, has a good message to the farmers and the people of Edo State regarding creating a safe and secure space where Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is given top priority in Edo State: “Weep not my people; the ravening clouds shall not be long victorious; they shall not long possess the sky; they devour the stars only in apparition. Hope is coming,” borrowing from Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s adaptation of Wohipart A. James’ On the Beach at Night poem.

Will his American experience come to play here? He answers in the affirmative adding that whatever experiences garnered would be replicated in Edo State and that there would be partnerships for pro bono services in many departments of governance.

Without the contributions from the likes of Aikoriogie and his Diaspora support groups in Europe and America, the tremendous success of the Obi-dient movement and the LP have enjoyed and still enjoying in the last 9-months would not have been recorded in so swift a short period of time. The Labour Party should be dispassionate enough to mirror the quality of individuals seeking nominations for the governorship on its platform, if it is seriously interested in a better Edo State, post APC/ PDP collateral failure in the last 24-year, since debut of the

Fourth Republic.

The Governorship hopeful is aware of the need to generate other sources of revenue beyond funds from federal allocation. In his website he had this to say on his plans for internally generated revenue (IGR): “A recurring challenge that the nation has is the dwindling importance of crude oil in the global market which is our economic mainstay. Dr Osahon as Edo State Governor has the roadmap to diversify the State’s economy from waiting for monthly allocations which prepares him adequately for a post oil economy, where states go cap-in-hand for monthly subvention.”

The University of Benin Alumni Association Board Member for North America is asked to weigh in on his perception of home and the growth of democracy. His response: “there were the usual irregularities, and many believe contrary to the promises of Mr. President that he would leave behind a legacy of true democracy, INEC failed to deliver on its promises.”

The governorship hopeful points to Rivers State where incumbency played a strong role. “Labour did not do well in Edo against the expectations of many. The incumbent governor went round appealing to the emotions of Edolites to vote for members of his party the PDP into the State House of Assembly to save him from being impeached by an assembly that is dominated by the APC members under the control of former Governor Oshiomhole.

Ethnic profiling and voter suppression as well as violence were recorded in Lagos State. Many Labour members were killed in various parts of the country such as Kaduna where a female LP activist was murdered as well as in Enugu where an LP Senatorial candidate was assassinated.

“There was a shocking reverberation on the stellar performance of Labour Party during the Presidential election and what this did to the other parties was a recalibration of their game plan, re-introducing the jungle justice approach of ballot snatching, rewriting of election results, maiming, and killing where necessary with a compromised INEC, and police looking the other way. Expectedly, the users were the opposition.”

Aikoriogie is optimistic that whatever the outcome of the court cases at the Appeal and Supreme Court levels, the Labour Party, which he says took the country by storm, has a bright future ahead.

What the LP needs now, he stresses, is a strong party leadership, which will emerge after the current party leadership tussle. “The LP must maintain the momentum after taking the country by storm. Agreed we were robbed of victory in many states like Rivers, Lagos, Enugu, Imo, and many parts of the north, we have a state governor in Abia and many members of the House, Senate, and State Houses of Assembly. We will build on these gains to strengthen the party,” he adds.

He also weighs in on the issue of subsidy noting that the $800 million loan should not be tampered with by the outgoing administration, not to talk of sharing out part of the money as handouts to registered families in the national register of 10 million under-privileged Nigerians, “because it would amount to a wasted, fraudulent exercise based on what happened during the Covid 19 pandemic. In any case Nigeria has over 120 million below average families who are not registered. Besides, this government has less than two months to go, so why the hurry to disburse the funds?”

Aikoriogie says if the Jonathan Administration with its economic team led by Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had been allowed to remove fuel subsidy at the time it wanted to in 2011, it would have afforded private companies the opportunity to come in and build refineries because they would have been operating at a regime where the price would have been competitive. “A government subsidised fuel regime is a disincentive to private sector investment because pump price will not be viable or competitive. Sadly now, the very people who opposed it would not be tackling this hydra-headed monster at this time.

“Nigeria holds a great promise for the future,” he asserts. “Once the cabal appropriating the resources of the nation are contained by pulling the rug off their feet, there will be hope for the nation as we move from a nation of consumers to one of producers, which is the key mantra of the LP.”

Aikoriogie has a roadmap for diversifying the state’s economy from dependence on monthly allocations (where states go cap-in-hand to the central government) to a self-sustaining one

POLITY

Ogun Guber: Oppositions’ Post-Election Trauma

Femi Ogbonnikan

After the 2023 general elections, it’s time for Nigeria to forge ahead while those already elected and issued with the certificates of return begin to face the onerous task of good governance. Unlike the previous experience, the expectation was understandably high that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would surpass the old threshold of performance, especially with the introduction of BVAS and electronic transmission of results directly from the polling unit as promised by Professor Yakub Mahmood. People had expected the new technology to perform beyond the ordinary by curbing all forms of electoral manipulations.

However, there were some technical hitches here and there which some subversive elements have been complaining about, threatening to bring the roof down because they did not win. Whether or not the perceived infractions they complain about are substantial enough to accede to the agitation for the cancellation of the entire process is a matter for the judiciary to decide in the months ahead.

The wheel of justice may be slow; it will surely grind to a halt one day and the aggrieved individuals will get appropriate redress. That is the way things are done in civilized democracies. In a democracy, there is no room for self-help, arbitrary or irrational behaviour that can torpedo the whole process. Yes, the election is not perfect, and, of course, there is nowhere an election can be perfect because human errors will always manifest in one way or the other. All the same, the electoral umpire did not perform too badly in this election, it performed remarkably very well, well enough to deserve the applause of all and sundry. But then, this is Nigeria, where the acceptance of the outcome of an election is determined by who wins and who loses.

By no means, this election is not the best but certainly not the worst. Some naysayers are merely trying to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it. They want the government to throw away the baby with the bathwater. It is impossible. No responsible government will do that. Doing so will amount to a waste of taxpayers’ money and also erode public confidence. We all must learn to play the game by the rules. In a way, INEC has its own share of the blame for some of the technical hitches during the conduct of the polls. Those lapses place higher responsibility on the Commission to improve its performance in future elections.

But beyond that, we must move away from the mental-

ity of judging the credibility of the electoral process only by our own worldview or how fared we have performed in a contest. Without a change of such mentality, even if the performance of the INEC is improved upon, those who will not accept the outcome will still raise an eyebrow because, in our judgment, an election is free, fair, and credible only when our candidates as a party or individual win. Not surprising why some sore losers have dismissed the entire process as hogwash.

As it has been observed, many unfounded allegations of rigging and other forms of electoral malfeasances have continued to flood the media space since the announcement of the results of the presidential and governorship elections. Most of these claims are based on the prejudices of the individuals concerned. As a matter of fact, some of the petitions already filed before the election petition tribunals at different levels are as worthless as the paper on which they were written. In Ogun State, the political atmosphere has been so much polluted by the unguided utterances and actions of a few irredentist state actors that it would take a great deal of efforts to restore sanity back to the system. We can only appeal to those fanning the ember of disunity and disaffection to desist forthwith in the overall interest of the state and its good people. No personal ambition of any individual is bigger than the collective aspiration of the citizens.

Already, there is a deluge of petitions challenging the victory of Governor Dapo Abiodun as well as the state legislators elected on the platform ruling APC before the governorship and State House of Assembly Election Petition Tribunal. Apart from the pending litigation battle between Oladipupo Adebutu, the governorship candidate of the PDP and Governor Abiodun, no fewer than 16 aggrieved House of Assembly candidates in the March 11 elections are also contesting the validity of the results declared by the INEC.

These are normal parts of the transition process that can guarantee the legitimacy of those elected to positions of authority. While there is nothing wrong in seeking redress through the appropriate legal means, everything is wrong with incisive statements as well as the seeming intimidation of INEC and judiciary that has become a regular pastime of Adebutu and his co-travelers. That is not the right path to follow if the aim of contesting public office is to render service. Sometimes, defeat carries honour, respect, and dignity when the loser recognises that losing in a contest is not the end of a journey in life but corrective feedback to put you back on track.

This is what the PDP and its supporters in the last elections failed to realise before they took to the streets to protest the outcome of the governorship poll, while also threatening to bring down the roof because their candidates did not win. It is a sad development in our political history. One is even more saddened by the despicable act of violence brought to bear on the political atmosphere in Ogun State during the last elections. The recent sad incident of Emmanuel Adeniran, a staff of INEC, who was killed during the March 18 gubernatorial election, and a police corporal identified as Sunday Idoko who was shot dead by unknown gunmen while escorting election results from Ipokia to the Ilaro collation centre on February 24, 2019, brings to memory the alien culture of election violence that is unknown to the good people of Ogun State.

Intriguingly, Adebutu threw caution into the wind while on a condolence visit to the family of Adeniran, accusing supporters of APC of perpetrating the dastardly act, claiming that he was murdered for refusing to rig during the governorship election. You cannot approbate and reprobate at the same time. As a candidate in the contest, he should have exercised restraint in making such an inflammatory statement which is capable of arousing genuine suspicion from the members of the public. For justice to be done, he should have allowed the police to conduct their investigation and make their report public before jumping to such a conclusion.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

L-R: Immediate Past President, NIOB, Kunle Awobodu; Head, Corporate Communications, Lafarge Africa Plc, Ginika Frank-Durugbor; Chairman, NIOB Lagos State Chapter, Lucky Isename; and Vice Chairman, NIOB Lagos State Chapter, Thomas Adeoye at the Lafarge Africa Plc Stakeholder Engagement and Sensitization visit to the Nigerian Institute of Building, Lagos State Chapter ...recently

L-R: Business Head, Simba Planet, Akshay Talwar; Executive director, Sohan Sharma; and Human Resource Director, Pradeep Bala Krishnan at the launch of Nike shoes held at the Simba Planet stores, in Lagos … recently

L-R: Lagos State Commissioner for Local Government Service Commission, Hakeem Bamgbola; former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, AIG Hakeem Odumosu (rtd); the representative of the Ooni of Ife, HRM, Oba Olalekan Anthony Fasesin; Executive Secretary, Lagos State Security Trust Fund, Dr. Abdurrazaq Balogun; Director Iyaloja General Initiative Network/ representative Iyaloja General, Folashade Ogungboye; and Board Member, (LSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan at the book launch “ The Iconic” held in Lagos…. yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: President, Outdoor Advertising Agency of Nigeria, Emmanuel Ajufo; Brand Manager Pasta, Flour Mills of Nig. Plc; Rachel Ekeh and former president, Association of Advertising Agency of Nigeria, Mrs. Bunmi Oke during the presentation of Pasta of The Year award at the Industry Summit and Awards 4.0 with the theme: How Marketer Should Handle 2023 held in Lagos ….. recently

Abiodun

Ogbonnikan wrote fromAbeokuta,Ogun State.

Fixed: Forewarned is Forearmed

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and other components of the April 4 edition offered readers copious solecisms: “Our home grown (home-grown) terrorists are hitting very hard at us….”

“…when in the past we as- sisted in restoring peace in (to) neighbouring countries torn apart by internal strife.”

“Paradoxically, the call for amnesty for Boko Haram is coming on the heel (heels) of the upsurge in its nefarious activities.”

Next is Vanguard of April 4: “…the ex-president alerted the nation on (to) the dangers of an army of….”

“…while others have drift (drifted) into all manner of….”

“…the harsh effects of unemployment failed woefully (abysmally) and was thrown out by the lawmakers….”

Lastly from Vanguard: “To be forewarned is to be forearmed.” All the sides: Forewarned is forearmed. There is no need for ‘to be…is to be’!

The Back Page of BUSINESSDAY circulated some infelicities before the weekend: “But fresh evidence emerged yesterday that it was the dramatic (sic) personae (dramatis persona) himself….”

“How should corporate managers react in (to) turbulent economic times, when the burden of crisis (crises) appears too heavy to bear?”

“How many persons would they need to deploy to (in) each university for the proposed period of two weeks….”

“There is corruption in the award of contracts, especially by the universities governing councils.” Education as I see it: universities’ governing councils

Wrong: I cannot remember

Right: I do not remember or I cannot recall/ recollect

Please note that while ‘obituary announcement’

is wrong, ‘obituary notice’ or just ‘obituary’ is acceptable. (Thanks to Kenneth Ugbechie, the publisher of Nigerian Economist, for this contribution)

Another word that suffers abuse is ‘arguably’! Once more, Longman to the rescue: ‘arguably’ (adverb—sentence adverb) used when giving your opinion to say that there are good reasons why something might be true. Example: The Nation is arguably the best newspaper in Nigeria. Now, how do you explain this kind of cloudy thinking: ‘Lionel Messi is arguably the best footballer in the world?’ Obviously, the writer does not know the meaning of ‘arguably’ because Messi is incontrovertibly the best footballer in the world today closely followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who, by the way, made me to fall in love with Manchester United before his record-breaking movement to Real Madrid.

“As at press time, there has not been any frenzy of activities at INEC headquarters.” Matters arising: yank away ‘has’ for ‘had’.

“The NUJ press centre in Benin City is just a stone throw from her home.” Pedantic view: a stone’s throw.

“Relatively new on the Nigerian scene, the company has joined the bandwagon….” My diary: climb or jump on/aboard (not join the bandwagon).

“Today, however, that social buffer hardly exists any more, as a number of the offsprings are themselves either unemployed or financially prostrate.” Travails of language: ’offspring’ is non-count.

“…the brouhaha of Jonathan’s political future vis-à-vis 2027 has elevated what was once considered a past time of clowns and scoundrels to a new pedestal.” No dilemma: pastime.

My own misapprehension last week: “It has to be one of this: last/this/next Thursday.” How did this slip by: ‘this’ instead of ‘these’? I tender my unreserved apologies—excuse the cliché!

“...they will not dare do that if he becomes a

civilian head of state, under a party platform.” Succession rules: on (not under) a platform.

“Recently (a coma) some traditional rulers from the Igbo speaking (a hyphen) areas of the East have (sic) pledged their support for Tinubu....” No further comment.

“Cultism in schools are growing in leaps and bounds.” Error of attraction: Cultism in schools is….

“If so, why is it rather difficult for many people especially those outside the corridor of power…?” Grammatical landscape: corridors of power.

“In order words, if Goodluck Jonathan were to run….” In other words, there is consensus on ‘order’ and ‘other.’

“And if from this cacophonies….” Indeed, a cacophony from This Life….

“...Nigeria emerged a nation with a defective system of government fashioned out from series of compromises by our political leaders.” Our right foot forward: a series of compromises.

“There is now a manifest agenda in totally negating the idea of a truely federal territory.” Spell-check: truly.

“Such dislocation may even be dictated (detected) early enough but no one wants to stand out from the crowd.”

“Thus, the issue of maintaining peace in crisis-ridden parts of the world have for decades become an important aspect of our foreign policy.” Error of attraction: the issue…has (not have).

“The feeling is that many don’t want to be seen to take a position which would be interpreted as confrontational and as such they have resulted (resorted) to lobbying prominent figures outside government to….”

“The actual name of the person expected to chairman (chair/preside over) this occasion is….”

Wrong: atimes; right: at times (two words)

“Those who have the power to release the suspect but are passing the bulk (buck) to the courts should be informed that it is against the national interest to refuse to release….”

2023 Elections Overflow: Lest We Forget

Even the most cynical critics of the process and conduct of the 2023 elections delivered by Prof. Mahmud Yakubuled Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would grudgingly admit that some aspects of the exercise were novel and promised some level of quantifiable improvement. Of course, the remarkable introduction of BVAS, and INEC’s insistence to abide strictly by its usage was somewhat diluted by the unsuccessful attempts to immediately transmit the collated results of presidential election from the polling units to the INEC Result Viewing portal (IReV) as earlier planned. We shall leave the gravity and impact of that partial failure on the legitimate outcome of the disputed election to the judiciary to sort out.

Our focus this week is on other positive outcomes and redeeming features of the staggered elections. For the first time, arguably, the space between voting and declaration of results of the presidential election, as against that of the state elections, was filled with trepidation, confusion and unusually uncontrollable frenzy. That was new. In past election cycles, certain states and governorship candidates were “sure bankers” to be elected or reelected on the whirlwind momentum provoked by the all-conquering political party of the returned president-elect. Not this time. Candidate-governors suddenly realised that there was no landslide apron string to cling on, and sail unto power. They had to dig in, and, helped by the one week postponement, work their socks off to post any positive result from the 18th of March, 2023 election. Some even resorted to desperate antics - invoking ancestral spirits to shore up their support, and create an atmosphere of primordial fear that led to what some described as voter intimidation and suppression.

Take for instance, a state like Abia where

a particular local government area, Obingwa was noted for producing incredible voter turnout for the ever-present ruling party. The “wicked” BVAS knocked back the usual bloated figures, in excess of 80,000 votes, to a mere 30,000 which caused so much ruckus that collation and declaration of results had to be stopped - even after 16 out of 17 LGAs had been declared. However the star performer of the Abia spectacle was the state’s Returning Officer and Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), Prof. Nnenna Oti.

Apparently, the power brokers did not do their homework well on the professor of soil science who redefined the meaning of stoic patriotism, and showed uncommon courage in the face of fire and brimstone unleashed by partisan warlords. Alex Otti of the Labour Party was in a clear lead as the heated collation centre in Umuahia tethered on the brink of malevolence and theatrics. Okey Ahiwe of PDP was struggling behind Otti by close to 80,000 votes. Suddenly, unknown henchmen stormed Obingwa collation centre to perform their usual magic. Their scheme was vigorously rebuffed. Then INEC ordered a stoppage of the entire state collation process. Two days after, at the resumption of collation, Prof. Oti, the Returning Officer (unrelated to Alex Otti as she hails from Ebonyi State, contrary to tales by her traducers) drew some kind of battle line: “I shall stand squarely and unapologetically on these principles. The people’s votes and mandate shall stand... The pastor and the mother in me will not permit me to do anything that will adversely affect the future of our children,” she affirmed on live TV.

Well, Otti won handsomely (175,467 votes, while PDP’s Ahiwe and Enyinnaya Nwafor of the Young People’s Party (YPP) polled 88,529 and 28,972 respectively).

The shellacking was so profound that the outgoing governor, Okezie Ikpeazu

conceded and urged Otti’s rivals to forget about going to court to challenge the victory.

But that is not the end of the inspiring story. Prof. Oti returned from Abuja, to a heroine’s welcome at her FUTO enclave. There is something special about an academic just back from a tour in a non-academic environment, and satisfying the usually demanding nature of Nigerian undergraduates to such an extent that they formed a mobile guard of honour from the campus gate, all the way to the administrative offices of the university, while singing her praise, and oozing around her in frenzied admiration, with a tinge of hero worship. In the melee of reveries, there was a statement banner which read thus: “Welcome back Nnenna Oti, Heroine of Nigeria Democracy”. Do you blame a generation so shamelessly starved of quality heroes and genuine exemplars?

As it is now expected of the first class graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Oti delivered another well-aimed speech that should be apropos for generations. Her words: “As an electoral officer, I have never in my life participated in any election, but duty came calling. I made my enquiries from Abuja and I said if I perish, I perish… They came with their threats, they came with their money, they came with their intimidation… I didn’t start today; I stand here before God, I have never defrauded anyone. I declared the riot act as follows: Under me, votes must count. Under me, the people’s mandate will be upheld because I, Professor Nnnena Oti, can never do evil.” Selah!

Another remarkable post-election incident worthy of condemnation by all is the viral video that surged a few weeks after the elections. If the visual would be believed, there was a group of supposed Nigerians who massed in front of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja. Their mission was clearly dictated by

“The former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, explained that it was not the first time that banks would be liquidated and that the history of bank failure in the country dated (dates) back to 1958 or 1959.” Note: dates back to or dates back from is a stock expression.

“In reaction to the leaflets being circulated, the Kano State Commissioner of Police…made a radio and television broadcast telling the people to ignore the leaflets which he described as the handiwork of mischieve (mischief) makers.” Special note: make-believe (not make-belief).

“When the storm rages, men can do nothing about the storm, but when the storm has seized (ceased), its destruction can be redressed.”

Theoretical linguists, curriculum experts and “educationalists” (educationists or educators), working together or separately, have been busy putting forward suggestions for language educa- tion reform. Note especially: “educationalist”, like “unwieldy” or “invitee” or “indisciplined”, is not in any respected dictionary. These comic words were invented by Nigerians.

“Armed robbers again jolted the commercial city of Lagos last week Friday (last Friday/Last Friday week or on Friday, last week).”

“Students write exams half naked (half-dressed/ half clothed/half covered or half clad, or naked/ bare to the waist).”

“I stood up, took another coin out of my pocket and put it near my half–empty (half–full) beer glass.” Special note: in editorial English, we say or write: half clothed/half covered/half-dressed/ half clad (‘clad’ is obsolete as a participle) naked or bare to the waist or clothed from the waist down or naked/bare, or fully dressed: half-full (not half-empty); semi-literate/half or sub-literate/ half lettered (not semi illiterate); half sighted (not half blind); half alive (not half dead); employment problem or unemployment (not unemployment problem).

the placards they bore - lamenting the conduct of the elections…expressing their disbelief in its outcome, and suspicion of its process… ostensibly begging the occupants of that federal building (i.e. soldiers) to save Nigeria’s democracy from going to the dogs!

Now, what is that nonsense all about? What is the wisdom in asking people you pay to serve you at your borders, and protect you from external aggression, to turn inwards and ‘help’ your democracy from going ‘crazy’ Who are those folks? If they are too young to have lived through our military past, do they not have access to books or documentaries detailing the abject foolishness of going back to the ‘Egypt’ of military interventions, in whatever guise, under whatsoever political impasse?

Let us tell the young folks incensed about their loss of immediate power to effect political change that politics is a never-ending process… you win today or lose tomorrow. You don’t throw away the kitchen sink because the dishes you didn’t use have mounted. Those who were adults in the 80s and 90s know that the military are not better than any other Nigerian in the political space, in fact they are much worse on account of their training and orientation which brooks no democratic attitude.

Let our disappointed youth know that democratic institutions may fail or stutter, your best bet for a strong and progressive nation is to put all your efforts in strengthening and deepening those democratic emblems by sundry legitimate means - not destroying them, nor threatening their promises with illogical or illegal fulminations. It is well.

Samuel Chukwueze

Is It Goodbye to El Madrigal?

With 13 goals and 11 assists, Samuel Chukueze is having his best season ever since joining Villarreal in 2018 and his performance has not gone unnoticed with a number of Premier League clubs having made enquiries about the Nigerian.

Indeed, it was his performance last weekend against Real Madrid that has sent tongues really wagging about the quality of the U17 World Cup winner’s real quality, which has even attracted the attention of Spanish giants, Madrid.

Chukwueze has impressed this season and could be set to leave Villarreal if a tempting offer arrives from Los Blancos, after he scored twice for Villarreal in a 3-2 win at the Santiago Bernabeu last Saturday in a performance that could end up helping him secure a move to the Spanish capital.

Spanish tabloid, Marca, reports that Los Blancos have been impressed by the forward, with president Florentino Perez dreaming of having Chukwueze on one flank and Vinicius Junior on the other.

Real Madrid could be in the market to strengthen their attack in the summer. Marco Asensio is out of contract and Carlo Ancelotti has said he “doesn’t care” if the forward signs a new deal. Eden Hazard’s future is also uncertain, with the Belgian struggling for minutes once again at the Bernabeu.

Chukwueze became the first player to complete seven dribbles in a LaLiga match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu (seven out of eight) since Lionel Messi in

April 2017 (seven out of 11).

La Liga champion, Real Madrid, are keeping a careful eye on Chukwueze owing to his recent strong play for Villarreal.

The Vikings are reportedly aiming to bolster their team, and club president Florentino Pérez has shown interest in the Super Eagles forward.

The actions of the Nigerian star enabled the Yellow Submarines to close the gap in the contest for next season’s right to compete in Europe, which was essential to their stunning triumph against Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

The Super Eagles winger tied the score at the Santiago Bernabéu following a teammate’s own goal, and he added another goal to give Quique Setién’s squad the win.

Following this, sources indicated that Fiorentina was interested in the Nigerian talent and spoke with Spanish billionaire Fernando Roig about the prospect of signing him to pair with Brazilian Vinicius Junior.

According to Peter Paul Parrado, “Florentino liked it and in the box they (Fiorentina Perez and Fernando Roig) discussed the possibility of having Vinicius in one band and Chukwueze in the other, two daggers.”

The 23-year-old has previously attracted interest from Premier League teams like Aston Villa and Arsenal, but he wouldn’t turn down a chance to play for Real Madrid due to their big stature.

The contract of the Nigerian star at the Estadio de la Cerámica is set to expire in June 2024; for a fee of around 50 million euros, the Nigerian international may decide to

swap teams, and the club aiming to make a big profit on him during the next summer transfer window.

Chukwueze’s impressive performance for Villarreal this season has sparked interest from some top clubs who are willing to secure his signature.

However, Villarreal’s €80 Million buyout clause on the Super Eagles star, could dent his move to Real Madrid after President Pérez reportedly expressed interest in signing the talented Nigerian winger to team up with Brazilian superstar Vinícius Júnior, but the attacker’s desired transfer may be thwarted by an €80 million release clause.

The Nigerian star began his career with the Yellow Submarine in 2018 for a sum of €500k, and since then, he has shown much more value in the Spanish league than he was signed for.

But, the Groguet, who have the intention of selling the Nigerian for a fee in the range of €80 million and €75 million and making a profit, could dash Chukwueze’s dream of following the footstep of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo, in Madrid.

Meanwhile, Villarreal have vowed never to forget Chukwueze‘s performance after he scored twice to help the club record their second-ever win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.

The 23-year-old Nigerian winger had gone seven times without finding the target against Los Blancos in the Spanish topflight, but he finally broke his La Liga scoring drought against them

in the match last Saturday.

Chukwueze’s brace was crucial as Villarreal came from behind twice to secure 3-2 comeback victory over Ancelotti’s team.

The Super Eagles winger brought his La Liga tally to 21 goals with the strike, a mark he has reached in just 145 games. With 13 goals in the 2022-23 league season alone, he has been one of the main reasons Villarreal is eyeing a place in the Champions League next season.

Chukwueze’s first goal was magical as he turned Nacho inside out before sending goalkeeper Courtois the wrong way.

The Nigeria international completed his double 10 minutes from time when he curled Villarreal’s winner into the top corner of Courtois’ goal from 25 yards.

In the process, the African became only the second Villarreal player to score a brace in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Madrid, after Diego Forlan in May 2006.

And Villarreal’s official Twitter account summed up Chukwueze’s exceptional performance, saying: “We won’t ever forget his performance today.”

With 13 goals and 11 assists, Chukwueze has the second-highest goal haul and the most assist on Quique Setién’s squad, highlighting his brilliance and status as one of Villarreal’s key players.

Chukwueze began his European career in 2018 when he joined Villarreal and in 217 games for Villarreal, he has tallied 41 goals and 33 assists.

After five years at the Estadio de la Cerámica, Super Eagles winger, Samuel Chukwueze may be biddingVillarreal goodbye, with several European giants, including his latest victim - Real Madrid scrambling for his signature

Samuel Chukwueze celebrates his second goal against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu last Saturday

MATCH 15 FIXTURES

Despite Loss to Lobi, Rivers Utd Insist Title Defence Not Negotiable

Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Wednesday at the New Jos Stadium, came from a goal down to beat Rivers United 3-2 in the rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL.

The encounter between the two top teams in Group B lived up to the hype with the fans at the edge of their seats for the entire duration of the game.

Ghana midfielder, Farouk Mohammed gave Rivers United the lead from a superb free-kick three minutes after the break.

The hosts levelled four minutes later courtesy of a wonder strike from Umar Abba.

The game looked to be heading for a stalemate before Wasiu Alalade put Lobi Stars in front

from a John Lazarus’ cross four minutes from time.

Rivers United responded with Chiamaka Madu slotting home Ebube Duru’s cross on the stroke of 90 minutes.

There was, however, a late twist as former Rangers forward, Elijah Ani won it for Lobi Stars with a wonderful header deep into stoppage time.

Lobi Stars extended their lead at the top of the log to six points following the win, with Rivers United remaining in second position.

In spite of the setback in Makurdi, the league’s defending champions are however optimistic of defending the league title they won last

Top Scorers

season despite the f act that this season’s edition is abridge and the team still have to navigate through the play offs before it emerges winner.

Rivers United goalkeeper, Victor Sochima has revealed that the team’s main aim is to successfully defend their Nigeria Premier Football League title.

The Pride of Rivers won the NPFL title for the first time last season, fending off a strong challenge from Plateau United.

Stanley Eguma’s side are still in contention to win a back-toback title after another strong showing this season. Rivers United currently occupy the second position on the Group B table and are among the favou-

Rangers Boost Players’ Morale with On-the-spot Match Bonuses Payment

As a measure to bring out the very best in its players ahead of the remaining fixtures of the 2022/2023 NPFL Abridge season, the management of Rangers International F.C is taking the motivation of the players to the next level by approving and facilitating payment of match bonuses immediately after a game.

Administrative Secretary of Rangers, Ferdinand Ugwuarua, made this revelation midweek while taking a look into the match day 14 fixture against visiting Niger Tornadoes in Awka.

“We are not leaving anything to chance in getting our players properly motivated for the remaining matches of the season. On management’s part, it was agreed to make available to the players, their match

bonuses at the venue of the matches which started with the game we played in Akure just as there are individual awards while bonuses for wins on the road have also been raised,” stated the youthful club administrator.

He further said that the management was working in tandem with the technical crew to fashion out more motivational packages that will help the team achieve its set target of picking a ticket to the season-ending Super-Six playoff from where it will achieve the ultimate of playing continental football next season. Meanwhile, Rangers left-back, Kenneth Igboke, has scooped the club’s Player-ofthe-month award that comes with some financial attachments and recognition.

Technical Adviser of the ‘Flying Antelopes’, Abdul Maikaba, Tuesday, made the announcement after a training session stressing that the young defender, who is one of the players promoted from its Feeder team at the start of the season, has been superlative in all the matches he has played.

In a very brief ceremony, coach Maikaba said of the award, “The award is to keep the team motivated as we hit the home stretch of the season and Kenneth Igboke was the overwhelming favorite amongst his teammates and coaches. It is my belief that this will spur him to do more in coming matches.”

The club’s Administrative Secretary

rites to secure a Super Six spot. “We are aiming to defend the Nigeria Premier Football League title,” Sochima told an online newspaper.

“We have a perfect plan to achieve this dream, as we are not taking any team for granted.”

who has been doing much to motivate the players, individually and collectively, said at the event, “I believe that we can deliver the required goods in the remaining games of the season with this award system. Congratulations, Kenneth, as I urge you to keep the flag flying while I charge other players to up their game to get the recognition.”

The club’s head of medicals, Dr. Wen Udorji, in his contribution, said, “Kenneth has never ceased to amaze the team since his promotion and it is an award well deserved. I urge him to keep up the good work.”

The award winner, overtaken by emotions at the recognition, said, “I thank all members of the team that saw my little contributions in the team to pick me for the award. This is just a call for more dedication and determination in coming matches until we achieve our collective target of being amongst the top finishers of the season. I am really humbled.”

Enugu Rangers

Premier League Table

Man City Mount Pressure on Arsenal with Leicester Visit

After squandering a two-goal lead against Liverpool last weekend and their lead against Manchester City reduced to six points with the Citizens still having a game at hand, pressure is already mounting on Arsenal in their quest to win a Premier League title for the first time in 19 years. Pep Guardiola’s side will be hoping to increase the pressure on the Gunners with a victory over relegation-threatened Leicester City today, before Mikel Arteta and his men take the short trip to West Ham in a London derby on Sunday

Manchester City will endeavour to claim their 10th successive victory in all competitions when they welcome Leicester City to the Etihad Stadium for a Premier League clash today.

While the Citizens are seeking to close in on top-flight leaders, Arsenal, the Foxes have brought in manager Dean Smith to pull them away from the hotly-contested relegation dogfight. Man City have boosted their hopes of winning the treble this season following a successful week in both the Premier League and Champions League, with back-to-back victories over Southampton and Bayern Munich.

Their latest triumph took place at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday, with goals from Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Erling Braut Haaland securing a commanding 3-0 quarter-final first-leg win over their Bavarian counterparts to put them on the brink of reaching their third successive Champions League semi-final.

Haaland also scored twice for the Citizens three days earlier in a 4-1 victory at St Mary’s, and that result coupled with Arsenal dropping points in a 2-2 draw at Liverpool has seen Pep Guardiola’s men move to within six points of the Premier League leaders,

who have played a game more.

Man City have put together a strong run of form at the right time and have particularly found their groove in attack, as they have scored 24 goals in their last five games across all competitions, netting at least three times on each occasion.

The Citizens head into today’s clash having won 10 of their last 12 Premier League encounters with Leicester and were involved in a nine-goal thriller in their last home meeting with the Foxes, winning 6-3 in December 2021.

Another victory for Man City would help maintain their impressive momentum heading into an important period in their season, with a Champions League secondleg tie in Germany and a trip to Wembley for an FA Cup semi-final with Sheffield United to come next week.

Eight days after the departure of Brendan Rodgers, Leicester announced on Tuesday the appointment of Dean Smith as the club’s new manager on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

The former Aston Villa and Norwich City boss – who was

sacked by the latter in December has added former Foxes coach Craig Shakespeare and John Terry to his backroom staff and has eight games to steer the 2015-16 Premier League champions away from the relegation zone.

A miserable run of seven defeats and one draw in their last eight matches, including a 1-0 home loss to relegation rivals Bournemouth last weekend, has seen Leicester slip to 19th in the Premier League table, two points adrift of safety.

Smith begins his reign with one of the toughest challenges in English football against an in-form Man City outfit, and the 52-year-old is fully aware of the daunting test that he and his new side are set to face having lost all of his previous six meetings against the Citizens as a manager, with his teams conceding 19 goals in the process.

Leicester have lost each of their last four Premier League matches against Man City, although they frustrated the reigning champions at times in their most recent meeting, only for a stunning Kevin De Bruyne free kick to condemn the Foxes to a narrow 1-0 home defeat in October.

PREMIER LEAGUE

LA LIGA

Hot Shot

A spirited and resilient display is required today if they wish to avoid a 20th league defeat of the campaign. Arsenal are on the road once again as they visit the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon to take on West Ham.

The Gunners missed a massive opportunity to take full control of the title race last weekend when they raced into a 2-0 lead at Anfield before getting pegged back by a resurgent Liverpool. In the end, Mikel Arteta’s side were fortunate to escape with a point, but a draw on the Reds’ home patch shouldn’t be scoffed at.

Nevertheless, their lead at the top was trimmed to six points after Man City’s win over Southampton, and the Citizens’ current form suggests Arsenal can ill-afford to drop many, if any, points before the end of the season.

This is an absolute must-win for the visitors, and they’ll be expected to do so against a side that currently sits 14th in the Premier League table.

Kevin De Bruyne freekick was what sepraated Leicester and Man City when both sides met at the King Power Stadium in October last year

Ndidi Backs New Manager, Smith to Take Leicester Out of Drop Zone

Super Eagles midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, has shared his thoughts on life under new manager, Dean Smith after Brendan Rodgers’ replacement. Smith was named Leicester City’s interim manager after Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal and will serve in that capacity till the conclusion of the 2022–2023 campaign.

The Nigerian star, however, revealed that since the takeover of the 52-year-old, he had made a positive impression on the players in training.

Rodgers led the Foxes to a dismal season-long campaign that resulted in a tough battle against relegation. The Foxes are

now sitting in 18th place on the standings after losing 17 of their last 28 games.

However, this resulted in his dismissal, and a former Norwich manager was hired to lead the squad through the remainder of the season.

Speaking to LCFC TV before the trip to Manchester City, Ndidi discussed the impact which the manager has already had on the entire team.

“It’s been intensive. The intensity is really high. Training has been really good. We’ve been trying to get our confidence back and to put things together because we know we are players with great qualities, so it’s just

about sticking together,

“Confidence is massive for us at this moment. It can bring out your qualities on the pitch as a team, so this is what we need now. Confidence has been low, but it’s not something we have to dwell and keep looking back on. We have to move forward.

“When we’re in games and the way we’re playing, you can see things are not going well for us at the moment. It’s difficult to take in, because we know, looking around, the players we have. Something was off somewhere and coupled with the fact that we’re not in a good position, there’s lots of pressure also.” he said.

Moffi’s Goal Named UEFA Europa Conference League GOTW

Super Eagles striker, Terem Moffi’s goal for Nice against Basel has been named the UEFA Europa Conference League Goal of The Week.

Moffi was tasked with leading Nice’s assault on Basel on Thursday, and he carried out his duties remarkably.

The Super Eagles striker has been in consistent form this season despite his switch from Lorient to Nice in January. And he just seems to be unstoppable at the moment.

Nice picked up a decent 2-2 draw from Basel, with Moffi netting a brace for Les Aiglons and Zeki Amdouni also scoring

two goals for the hosts. However, Moffi stole the show with a stupendous overhead kick in the 45th minute.

The Super Eagles striker has been in consistent form this season despite his switch from Lorient to Nice in January. And he just seems to be unstoppable at the moment.

Nice picked up a decent 2-2 draw from Basel, with Moffi netting a brace for Les Aiglons and Zeki Amdouni also scoring two goals for the hosts.

However, Moffi stole the show with a stupendous overhead kick in the 45th

Osimhen Back to Full Training Ahead of Champions League Return Leg

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen has returned to full training at Napoli after missing the last two weeks because of an adductor problem.

Osimhen has arguably been the best player at Napoli this season. He has been the major lynchpin for the Partenopeans this season scoring 25 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions.

lacked the cutting edge in the box, and they paid for it, as they succumbed 1-0 to the Rossoneri.

Napoli return to action this weekend against Hellas Verona, and ahead of the fixture, the club has confirmed that Osimhen has returned to full training.

for Osimhen even without the allure of Champions League football next season.

minute. The Super Eagles striker was out of position when Gaetan Laborde sent a cross into the area, but he quickly improvised and struck the ball with an overhead bicycle kick to get his second goal of the game. His goal was unarguably the best of the night, and it has been named the goal of the week per Europa Conference League. Because of Moffi’s goals, Nice are favourites to advance to the semifinal of the Europa Conference League for the first time. He would look to replicate that performance when Nice welcome Basel to Allianz Riviera next Thursday.

Chelsea Confirm S’Eagles-eligible, Chukwuemeka Knocked out of Brighton Match

Through their official website, Chelsea have revealed that it is uncertain whether Super Eagles-eligible player Carney Chukwuemeka will be named in the matchday squad against Brighton & Hove this afternoon.

The England U20 international has not been involved in the last three matches played by Chelsea, against Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers, and the Champions League clash at Real Madrid earlier this week.

He has not figured for the Blues since his return from international duty with the Young Lions at the end of last month.

Senegal central defender

Kalidou Koulibaly is out of contention to face the Seagulls due to injury and N’Golo Kante’s fitness is being monitored having returned from a long term injury.

Manager Frank Lampard hinted at the pre-match press conference that some players

that were not given game time against Real Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers could come into the side to face Brighton & Hove as he needs fresh energy.

If Chukwuemeka receives the medical green light, he could be offered an opportunity to impress Lampard.

Since transferring from Aston Villa last August, the 19-yearold has played 11 games for Chelsea, but only one from the start.

Maiden Shuttle Time Nigeria Badminton Clinic Closes

The maiden Shuttle Time Nigeria Clinic roundedoff last weekend at Ilisan Community Town Hall, Ilisan-Remo, Ogun State, with more Secondary Schools joining the fray.

Abeokuta Girls Grammar School, Christ the Redeemers College (Sagamu), and Simawa High School joined 13 others that participated on the opening day of the clinic which took place from April 5.

Thirteen Secondary Schools participated on the first day of the clinic.

Aunty Fola Group of School

(Ilisan), Al-Lateef Muslim College (Ilisan), Christ Apostolic Grammar School (Iperu), Regal New Heights (Sagamu), Isanbi Model College (Ilisan), Highbrow College (Ilisan), Mayflower Schools (Ikenne), Dee Unique College (Ilisan), Ilisan High School (Ilisan), Methodist Comprehensive College (Sagamu), Community Grammar School (Lemo), and Isanbi Comprehensive High School (Ilisan) are the schools in attendance for the opening day of the clinic.

April 6 celebrated as the “International Day of Sports

for Development and Peace” is specifically picked by the organiser, the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) for the clinic to mark the day.

Shuttle Time Nigeria Coordinator, trained Physical Education (PE) teachers in attendance in fitness exercises and basic skills of the game of badminton so as to use the same skills to train their students.

The clinic which was powered by Community Sports and Educational Development (CSED), offered equipment including rackets, nets, and shuttlecocks to participating schools.

However, he sustained an injury while on international duty with Nigeria in March. Because of this, he has missed Napoli’s previous three games, and the results were unconvincing. The Partenopeans were crushed by AC Milan in Serie A, but they got back on track with a 2-1 win against Lecce.

The last game that Osimhen missed was their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against AC Milan, and his absence was duly felt. Napoli

He was part of the squad as they practiced tactical work and dead ball exercises. However, coach Luciano Spalletti may be looking to keep him fresh and reduce his minutes against Verona.

The bigger picture is the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash against AC Milan next Tuesday.

Osimhen has never scored against AC Milan since he moved to Italy, but he would look to change that next week.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are confident they can win the race

As revealed in February, Chelsea have made Osimhen their top striker target for 2023 after months of scouting the Nigeria international, and club officials are preparing what will likely be a club-record bid to take the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen, who has 21 goals in 23 games for Serie A leaders Napoli this season, is also on the radars of Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United, who are all understood to have made contact with the striker’s representatives.

However, sources have confirmed to 90min that Chelsea believe they can outbid their rivals and convince Osimhen to move to London even without the promise of Champions League football next season.

PSG Target Olise Amidst Messi, Neymar Exit from Prince de Parc

According to Calciomercato, via French weekly sports newspaper Le 10 Sport, Crystal Palace winger, Michael Olise is wanted by Paris Saint-Germain as a potential replacement for either Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Messi’s future at PSG is uncertain as he has yet to put pen to paper on a new deal, while the club is planning to get rid of Neymar in the summer even though he still has a contract until June 30, 2027.

PSG football advisor Luis Campos has identified Olise as a candidate to fill the void that would be created by the possible departures of Messi and Neymar.

The France U21 international of Nigerian descent is under contract at the Eagles until June 2027 and has a release clause of 50 million euros in his contract.

Olise recently made Premier League history by becoming the youngest player to assist

three goals in single game from open play as Palace came from behind to thrash Leeds United last weekend.

Only Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka (17) has managed more assists than Olise (12) in the Premier League since the start of last season.

The 2021 Super Eagles invitee was a youth player at Chelsea for seven years before joining Reading on schoolboy terms.

GOtv Boxing Night 28: Kadima

Vows to Flatten Ambrose

Rising cruiserweight boxer, Steven “Freeman” Kadima, has boasted that Godwin Ambrose will be knocked out when they face each other in a national challenge duel at the GOtv Boxing Night 28. The boxing showpiece, scheduled to hold at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, on May 1 will also feature six other national and international bouts across different weight categories.

In a telephone interview from his training base in Lagos, Kadima vowed that Ambrose will fall flat. “I am ready for Ambrose. I’m a hard puncher with no mercy. Ambrose will fall ‘yakata’,” Kadima said.

It will be recalled that the hard-punching Kadima won the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy for the best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 25.

The big fight of the night will be between the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Intercontinental featherweight champion, Taiwo “Esepor” Agbaje, and Tanzania’s Twalib Tuwa.

Also billed for the night is a lightweight challenge fight between Emmanuel Abimbola and Prince Lion Nwoye, while Dimeji Salami and Samuel Elegbede will slug it out in a six-round national super middleweight challenge.

PwC/NCF U17 Championship: South West Record Massive Wins

The matches played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja, saw the South West male team secure 111 runs against North Central and won by 9 wickets against North East in the women’s game.

The team came up strong in their second game on Friday, after their defeat to South South male and female teams on Thursday.

In the men’s game, North Central won the toss and opted

to field.

The decision relatively, didn’t work in their favour as the South West batters took the shine off the bowlers with a couple of half centuries from the side.

Wale Odukoya 52(34) scored the first half century of this year’s edition as well as the first ever for the South West team in the tournament. Odukoya was supported by teammates Daniel Joseph52(50) and Femi Oresanwo 25(24) as their efforts was able to see the South West team score

186/7 in 25 overs.

The second innings saw the side limit North Central to 75 all out in 22 overs. They had Player of the Match, Kareem Gafar, do the work for the side with four wickets, 3 maidens, 4 runs in 5 overs.

The women’s game saw a more easier victory for the South West team who needed just 6.2 overs to send the North Central batters back to the dugout in the first innings.

Ndidi

Osimhen

Kukah to Buhari

“As you prepare to return to Daura or Kaduna, I do not know if you feel fulfilled or that you met the tall dreams and goals you set for yourself such as ending banditry, defeating corruption, bringing back our girls” –The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah nudging President Buhari’s eight years reign.

OKEY IKECHUKWU

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Tinubu’s Isi Nkita and Oti’s Isi Odum Outfits

Remember President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to Imo State last year? Now, be careful! Don’t entertain, or try to entertain, any mischievous thoughts about the length and general configuration of the pair of trousers Mr. President wore on that occasion. It was certainly a distressing sight, but that is not our concern here today. The presumed Igbo garment he wore on top, which the state governor the then Ohaneze President-General and the “Igbo leaders and dignitaries” present also wore, is the issue here.

To all Nigerians, and the world at large, the Igbo leadership elite turned up in Imo State, decked out in the traditional Igbo outfit of Efe Isi Agu, to receive Buhari on behalf of Ndigbo. But were they really dressed in the right attire? I think not. And the reason is simple: The clothes they wore had the head of a lion (Odum) and not the head of a leopard (Agu) emblazoned on them. Thus, they saw themselves as wearing the traditional Igbo outfit for the highest possible occasion in the land on that occasion, when they were not. They would not have dressed the way they did if they knew better.

The point to note, and which is being made here, is that anyone parading the material that is routinely paraded everywhere today as the Igbo traditional attire, especially for men, should be told that Agu is not Odum, and Odum is not Agu. It is as simple as that. With the nascent, and even possibly pubescent, Igbo elite totally unaware of what they have walked themselves into, we now have about two generations of the young and old who do not know that Agu is not lion. Poor cultural education and the emergence of upstarts as cultural and leadership icons in Igboland are to blame for this.

That is why, everywhere today, the predominantly red background of this unduly thick material, within and around which is embedded the head of a lion, is the major defining motif for Isi Agu dress. But then, you also now find the head of a horse, or a dog with a hairy head area, donning the red material. And these still get passed off as traditional Isi Agu dress. Who knows, we may yet find one with the head of a snake, a drowning fish, or a wounded porcupine, as Efe Isi Agu.

Go on the internet and you will see images of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu donning what you will easily assume is the Igbo traditional attire. But look more closely. See the long snout of the animal on the dress? Well, that is the head of a lovely, well-manicured, hairy-headed dog and not a lion or a leopard. This spectacle, as presented to the public with intense feelings of solidarity with Ndigbo, is

not really Asiwaju donning the Igbo traditional outfit.

It is Asiwaju donning Efe Isi Nkita (cloth bearing the head of a dog). The dog is one of the least rated animals in Igboland, so Asiwaju’s Igbo handlers should please take note. The man should be wary of the counsel of those who do not know the true Isi Agu and Isi Odum. He should also not go around parading an animal that is known as 404 in some part of the South-South as Efe Isi Agu.

As I said on this page, late January, “Umahi wiped the subsisting shame of Igbo cultural bigwigs, intelligentsia, and political elite when he and his people wore the correct Isi Agu (leopard head) outfit to a rally of the APC held in his state. Igbo leadership, including Ohaneze chieftains, received Buhari in Owerri dressed in the wrong outfit of “Isi Odum” (Lion Head), which over 90% of the Igbo population actually assume is Isi Agu”.

Look wherever you may, the story is the same. This goes for Ndigbo in the Diaspora, where the situation is much worse. Our dear brother and friend, Alex Oti, the man whom I believe will bring Abia State to its long overdue glory, has an official picture where he is seen donning the same material, with the head of a lion (Isi Odum). Oti is a double-rated lion in the business and intellectual circles in his own right. So, he may wish to substitute the Isi Odum with Isi Agu, to send out a signal that will guide his ailing and failing political and elite peers – as well as the youths.

But, wait a minute! Where, how and why did all this confusion spring up?

If the word “isi” means head in Igbo language, does “Agu” mean the head of any and whatever animal you can print on a piece of cloth with red background? Certainly not!

And that raises a simple and straightforward question: “Which animal’s head should be on the red background material for it to be rightly called Isi Agu dress; which would thus make it the authentic Igbo attire it is claimed to be? The confusion in this regard is further compounded by the fact that some men whose traditional title is “Ogbu Agu” (Leopard Killer) introduce themselves in public as “Lion Killer”, when translating the meaning of their title into the English language. Back then, what you found hanging on the wall of any man who bore the revered, and partly dreaded, title of Ogbu Agu was the skin of the leopard he killed.

I say nothing about the fact that Igboland now has many Ogbu Agus (leopard killers) who cannot kill a limping rat in their backyards. You also have many with the title of “Ochi Agha” (War leader, or General) who can neither defeat a sick man in a wrestling march, nor fire a catapult at a stationary object with anything but appalling inaccuracy.

In three particular instances, I saw the title “Agu Nze” (literally “Man of Heroic Integrity”) translated as “Royal Lion”. And this by people to whom the younger generation of Ndigbo are looking up for guidance. Therein lies a deep and serious problem that says more than is apparent at face value. So, let us place it on record that Agu is Leopard and not Lion. But, let us also still take this conversation further.

Every part of the world has its giant cat. The biggest of all cats is the Tiger (Panthera Tigris) of which the Siberian Tiger is said to be the largest, at 660 pounds and measuring ten feet from head to tail. We call the Lion “King of the Forest”. That cannot be true for every forest. Even for the forest in which the lion resides, it is not king of every part, like the rivers within the forest. In the latter, the crocodile is often the king – and a king dreaded by lions, hyenas, antelopes, buffalos and even elephants in the area.

The lion thrives best in semi-open plains, unlike the leopard; which is a climber and stealth hunter. Even in its favorite habitat, the lion cannot hold the title of king if the tiger turns up. Thus, the lion is not the king of any forest where you have even one full-grown Asian Tiger.

Lions are only known for their exploits, extravagant show of dominance and frolicsome independence in the plains of Africa, parts of the Savannah, the Serengeti and other places. They do not thrive in marshlands and wet zones, which is what we have in the more southerly parts of the country, or our Rain Forest

belt. Thus, the giant cat of the Rain Forest, belt, also extending a little into the Savannah, is mostly the Leopard.

Lions were not common sights in the South East, but they were known and were seen when they strayed from the middle belt Savannah into the outskirts of the Rain Forest area from time to time. The Igbo saying “Odum na-egbu agu” (The lion is more powerful, and can demolish the leopard) is intended to induce caution in people who overrate themselves in one way or another. To further see the denotative and connotative nuances of the concept of Agu, among others, in Igbo thinking let us examine a few things.

The crocodile is called Agu Iyi; which literally means “leopard of the river”; or the largest and most dangerous predator you can find in any body of water. Then there another Agu, apart from the crocodile. That is the cunning Agu Owulu, or fox, the dreaded sneaky hunter with a lot of hair around the head area, which will snatch up your chicken in the dead of night with incredible stealth.

But you also find people who call the Wall Gecko “Agu Uno” (leopard of the house), while others call it “Aghu Uno” (alligator of the house) and “Ari uno”, (rainbow Lizard of the house) respectively. Agu is leopard, Aghu is alligator, and Arigha Omi is the rainbow (not Agama) lizard. Aghu, which is a member of the lizard family, is reputed to be hard of hearing. The small and “chumperic’’ domestic relative of aghu, like its bigger brother, is not easily stirred by the sounds of life around it. The slithering “Arigha Omi”, with its quick and short dashes in movement, is also a possible root of the gecko’s other Igbo name of Ari Uno. Maybe.

Let us look at another Igbo word and how it is sometimes used as a qualifier, the way agu is used as qualifier in an environment. The word “Ugbo Ala”, is translated as “car” in English. Air plane is translated as Ugbo Elu. Ugbo nmiri is boat, ship or water going vessel. Then you have Ugbo Aja (the trough, or receptacle, with which you carry the offering, or sacrifice). So, what is the meaning of the word “Ugbo” itself? A receptacle, perhaps? A means of conveyance? That in which something is carried from one place to another?

Just as there is the ugbo for carrying people on land, on water and in the air, you also have the Agu, as the representation of daring, heroic courage and dominance in any environment. That is the basis of the Igbo saying “Ebube agu n-eche agu”, (the very aura, strength and agility of the leopard serves as its shield and protection).

So, enough of the misrepresentations of Isi Agu, before we end up with Efe Isi Okuko or even Efe Isi Agbusi!