SATURDAY 24TH APRIL 2021

Bowing to Chinese Pressure, Buhari Restores 4 Oil Blocks to NNPC/Addax Deji Elumuye and Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday approved the restoration of the permits on Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) 123, 124, 126 and 137 to the Nigerian National Petroleum

Corporation (NNPC) and, by extension, Addax Petroleum.

The Nigerian government, through the national oil company, had been in a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) with Addax Petroleum, a subsidiary of SINOPEC, the national oil company of

People’s Republic of China, on these oil blocks.

PSC is a contractual arrangement for exploration and production of petroleum resources where the contractor undertakes all the financial, technical and operational risks associated with petroleum

operation in return for a share of profit, after production cost, payment of royalty, and taxes.

In this case, the assets are owned by the NNPC which brought in the contractor, Addax.

THISDAY checks last night indicated that the decision to

return the operating permits on the four facilities was taken by the President to avert a major face-off with the Chinese government which is assisting the federal government with huge loans for several infrastructural projects across the country.

A source knowledgeable on how the decision was arrived at stated that the matter was escalated to President Buhari after an analysis of the diplomatic implications, as well as the image problems that the Continued on page 5

Emefiele Tasks Ivory Towers on Agric Productivity… Page 6 Saturday 24 April, 2021 Vol 26. No 9512

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Aishatu, Ahmadu Bello’s Daughter Dies in Dubai at 75 Festus Akanbi Aishatu, the second daughter of the late Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto) has died at the age of 75.

The deceased's son, Hassan Danbaba, who confirmed the death explained that his mother died in the early hours of yesterday at a Dubai hospital after a brief illness.

She was survived by five

children – one son and four daughters - among whom are a prominent business man, Magajin Garin Sokoto, Hassan Danbaba, and Asmau, the wife of Sarkin Sudan, Shehu Malami. She also left behind, a

younger sister, who is the last daughter of the late Premier and wife of late Umaru Aliyu Shinkafi.

Until her death, Aishatu was a widow of Ahmad Danbaba, the late Marafan of Sokoto

Aishatu's father was the first and only premier of northern Nigeria from 1954 to 1966 when he was killed in a military coup.

Continued on page 5

Aishatu

Shock, Anger as Bandits Kill Three Kaduna Greenfield Varsity Students Festus Akanbi, Bennett Oghifo, in Lagos, Chuks Okocha, Abuja and John Shiklam in Kaduna Nigerians yesterday reacted with shock and anger to the killing of three of the students of Greenfield University, Kaduna kidnapped by bandits on Tuesday from the school.

The Kaduna State’s commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, had in a statement yesterday morning, announced that the bandits shot dead three of the abducted students.

As tears flowed, former Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar; leader of the Yoruba pan socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo; the Peoples Democratic Party, two Senior Advocates of Nigeria -Mr, Femi Falana and Mike Ozekhome, and the leadership of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria expressed anger,

sadness and disappointment in government’s failure to rescue the students before being killed by the criminal elements.

Atiku, who described the killing as heart-breaking, said it was time to allow governors to manage security in their states.

He said in his verified tweeter handle: "Heartbreaking to learn of the killing of three of the abducted students of Greenfield University, Kaduna. How long shall we continue to lose precious souls? May their families and friends be comforted. It is time states are granted constitutional roles in the management of security."

Reacting to the murder of the students last night, the leader of Afenifere, Pa Ayo Adebanjo said it was regrettable that security situation could break down so bad in a regime led by a retired army general.

He said, “It shows the extent to which security has broken down under General Continued on page 5

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BRAINSTORMING ON SECURITY CRISIS...

L-R; Deputy National Chairman, Pan Niger Delta Forum, PANDEF, Chief Thompson Okorotie; former President Goodluck Jonathan and the National Chairman, PANDEF, Senator Emmanuel Essien during a visit to Jonathan in Abuja... yesterday

Boko Haram Attacks Geidam…Page 8

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

PAGE FIVE BOWING TO CHINESE PRESSURE, BUHARI RESTORES 4 OIL BLOCKS TO NNPC/ADDAX revocation would have caused.

The conclusion was that it would have portrayed the Nigerian business environment as being operated by the whims of certain individuals, rather than adherence to rules.

While the NNPC, which Addax was directly partnering in the PSC, it was learnt, was not in the know of the processes leading to the cancellation, the president, the source said, also considered the legal implications if the matter eventually ended in court.

“The revocation was not even done with any consultation with the direct party, the NNPC. That was a big blunder which they should have known because if those guys go to court, they would win because in reality, they do not have any contract with the DPR, but with the NNPC. “Ordinarily, it is the NNPC that should have communicated to Addax, as contractor, to say we are terminating this contract, and there are steps to it.

“So, it would have become an embarrassment to Nigeria even both in diplomatic terms, because China will feel slighted that we can’t even follow our own rules and considering the number of projects like the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas project they are assisting us with, they would have just messed things up,” the source said.

If due process was followed, the source added, it would have been the NNPC that should have communicated the decision to Addax on the

prompting of the DPR, the regulator, a step that wasn’t taken. “As far as the guidelines were not followed, there were always going to be problems,” the source noted.

According to the source: “It would have been embarrassing if the Chinese withdrew from all the projects in retaliation because once they find you can’t even obey your own laws, they too can renege on some of the partnerships they have with us.”

Revocation Done Without Any Consultation with NNPC Another source, an insider at Aso Rock said the federal government hinged its decision to restore the assets to the NNPC because it had a PSC agreement with Addax and the revocation was done without any consultation with the national oil company which was the concessionaire.

The source said following the revocation of the assets, Addax wrote the DPR and NNPC, and threatened to utilise all government, diplomatic and legal means to seek redress, describing the exercise as an attempt to expropriate its interests in Nigeria.

The source explains further: “While the revocation of an oil mining lease is indeed within the purview of the Minister of Petroleum Resources but the Act stipulates that the Minister informs the Licensee or Lessee of the infractions and give Lessee time to respond or

rectify the situation prior to such revocation, which it was gathered was never done.

“Also, under the PSC arrangement, the NNPC was the lessee while Addax was merely a PSC Contractor, therefore the regulator couldn’t have revoked a lease from a party who is not the lessee.

Therefore, the NNPC ought to have been informed as the lessee of any infractions in relation to the operation of the leases and afforded adequate time to provide appropriate explanations on the said infractions, as well as reasonable time to remedy the alleged infractions.

“Also, in the case of a PSC, revocation can only be directed to the Lessee and the Lessee will then be obligated to properly communicate the situation to the PSC Contractor and resolve the issues contractually in line with the provisions of the PSC. “Therefore, the ability of the NNPC and the newly appointed Contractor Parties to properly utilise the assets may be severely hampered if Addax goes ahead with its threat to legally challenge the revocation process as regards compliance with the Petroleum Act.” Citing the diplomatic implications of the revocation of Addax’s contract, he noted that China, the parent country of Addax is the largest trading partner of Nigeria representing over 20 per cent of international trade and almost three times the next largest trading partner, saying

Addax diplomatic threat was thus not inconsequential and should be taken seriously.

In addition, he pointed out that China provides financing for key infrastructural projects like the railways, Abuja -Kaduna -Kano Pipeline amongst others, stating that the revocation action could also threaten the realisation of these critical projects “In addition, Addax has over 5TCF of Gas. OML 137 has about 3TCF of NAG, NNPC as a concessionaire has held several engagements on the development of both upstream as well as midstream of the gas development.

Already, engagements are to be progressed with Addax on the development of a Gas Development Agreement (GDA) and an NNPC subsidiary (NGMC) will market the gas on behalf of the PSC,” added the source.

Buhari Reverses Revocation The President, in the press statement yesterday by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, said the leases were being restored to NNPC in line with the current administration’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness and to enable a stable business climate for investment.

"This development reaffirms the commitment of President Buhari to the rule of law and sanctity of contracts," the statement said.

While directing the DPR to retract the letter of revocation of the leases, the president

also instructed the NNPC to take advantage of contractual provisions to resolve issues in line with the extant provisions of the PSC arrangement between NNPC and Addax.

Buhari further stressed that the restoration of the blocks to NNPC would boost the organisation’s portfolio, thereby making the corporation to, on the long run, boost its crude oil production and in turn increase the revenue it generates into the Federation Account.

The statement read, “In line with the current administration’s commitment to the rule of law, fairness and enabling a stable business climate for investment, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the restoration of the leases on OMLs 123, 124, 126 and 137 to the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, which is in production sharing contract with Addax Petroleum, a company wholly owned by Government of the People’s Republic of China on the blocks. The leases belonging to the Federation were revoked on March 30, 2021.

“While directing the Department of Petroleum Resources, DPR to retract the letter of revocation of the leases, the President also directed NNPC to utilise contractual provisions to resolve issues in line with the extant provisions of the Production Sharing Contract arrangement between NNPC and Addax.

“The restoration of the blocks to NNPC will boost the

organisation’s portfolio, thereby making the Corporation to, in the long run, boost its crude oil production and in turn increase the revenue it generates to the Federation Account.”

On April 6, the DPR, the oil and gas industry regulator, publicly announced the revocation of the four oil blocks of Addax Petroleum Exploration Nigeria Limited for, as it said, non-development of the assets by the company.

The Director, DPR, Sarki Auwalu, revealed that the government had awarded the assets to Kaztech/Slavic Consortium, owned by Emeka Offor and chaired by Oye Hassan-Odukale respectively.

The DPR director claimed that the government’s action was prompted by Addax’s failure to operate the facilities and inability to add value to the assets, a development he likened to sabotage.

He said over 50 per cent of the assets under Addax’s control were undeveloped and were not being operated “in a vigorous manner”, stressing that this constituted revenue loss to the government.

On Thursday, the regulator pressed forward with the process of handing over the assets to the new owners by setting up a committee in preparation for the formal ceremony, culminating in the takeover by the new operators.

According to data published by the NNPC, Addax pumped an average of about 30,000 barrels per day in 2019, equivalent to about 1.5 per cent of the country’s output.

According to him, “The way forward to stop these killings is for our government to wake up and stop making noise. Our government is adding salt to injury. Our government is talking too much. Our government is using poor governanace.

“Everywhere in Kaduna is not safe. So, our government must stop insulting people and act responsibly. In Kaduna state, life is no longer useful. If they killed you, you would hear one funny statement from state government telling us that the governor expressed his condolences.

“Kaduna State people are tired of the governor's condolences. They want to see these criminals tormenting them being arrested and brought to justice.”

In announcing the killing of the three students, the Kaduna State government said, “In an act of mindless evil and sheer wickedness, the armed bandits who kidnapped students of Greenfield University have shot dead three of the abducted students.

“The armed bandits on Tuesday night kidnapped an unspecified number of students at the institution located at Kasarami village off Kaduna-Abuja Road in Chikun LGA “The remains of three students were found today

(Friday), in Kwanan Bature village, a location close to the university and have been evacuated to a mortuary by the Commissioner, Internal Security and Home Affairs, and Force Commander, Operation Thunder Strike, Lt.Col. MH Abdullahi.

“Governor Nasir El-Rufai has condemned the killing of three students as sheer wickedness, inhumanity and an outright desecration of human lives by vile entities.”

The statement quoted the governor as saying that, “the armed bandits represent the worst of humankind and must be fought at all cost for the violent wickedness they represent”.

“Evil, the Governor further said, would not triumph over God-given humanity.

He appealed to citizens to come together against the forces of darkness challenging national security and the very existence of the Nigerian State.

“The Governor, on behalf of the Government and people of Kaduna State sent deep condolences and empathy to the students' families and the university community, as he prayed for the repose of their souls.

“The Government will keep citizens informed of further developments”, Aruwan said.

The statement was silent about the number of the students abducted.

SHOCK, ANGER AS BANDITS KILL THREE KADUNA GREENFIELD VARSITY STUDENTS Muhammadu Buhari. It shows his incompetence and how far he is inefficient as a former commander.

“Each time we talk about him, Lai Mohammed will put up a propaganda saying everything is in order and Buhari is the best President that we have ever had.

“It is until they kill all of us that they will now know he should have left the place. Law and order have broken down in the country, there’s no doubt about that.

The earlier people persuade Buhari to get out of the place the better for all of us.”

Adebanjo said the unhealthy security situation was a veritable reason for unending calls for restructuring of the country.

“It all comes down to what I’ve been talking about -restructuring of the country.

All the governors have no authority over the security of their states. They are all lame duck governors; I’ve been saying that all the time.”

He said the 1999 Constitution was forced on the nation by the military and that it must be replaced by a truly federal constitution, stating that with this new constitution, the governors could be held accountable.

“Right now, the governors have no control over the police in their area. Even right now, a man in his cabinet has been proven to be in collaboration and is one of the Imams of Boko Haram.”

PDP: Govt Must Do Everything to Apprehend Assailants The Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) yesterday described as extremely wicked, the murder of the three students by gunmen.

The party asked the federal government to invoke every process permissible within the laws of the nation to apprehend the assailants, as well as secure the release of the remaining abducted students of Greenfield University.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, PDP said, “Our party also demands an intensified action for the rescue of the abducted students of Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Kaduna."

The PDP lamented that the bleeding of the nation was approaching a Class IV haemorrhage and urged Buhari to allow for the rejigging of the security system to guarantee state and community policing in the country.

The PDP also charged Nigerians to remain at alert and provide useful information to security agencies at this critical moment.

Falana: No Sacrifice is too Much to Secure the Abducted Students In his reaction, human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana said it was regretted that the government could not rescue the kidnapped students.

Speaking with one of our correspondents last night, Falana said government owes it a duty to protect the citizens.

He also advised the Kaduna

State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai to do everything possible to rescue the remaining students.

He said, “It was extremely painful and extremely sad to hear the tragic news of the brutal killing of three of the kidnapped students of Greenfield University Kaduna.

“Certainly, the government owes the responsibility to the parents and the society.

This is not the time for the governor of the state to engage in grandstanding if school children and other people are kidnapped by criminal elements.

“The government owes it a duty to rescue them at whatever costs because the security of lives and property of everybody in Nigeria is guaranteed in the constitution.”

Falana said there was an urgent need for government at both the federal and state levels to invest heavily on modern security gadgets as a way of outsmarting the criminals, saying government should be able to learn from the way the United States government was able to rescue one of its citizens kidnapped in Nigeria, recently.

“A serious government would have liaised with the American government to ensure that kidnapping becomes a thing of the past,” the Senior Advocate stated.

Ozekhome: Nigerians Shouldn’t Be Surprised at The Turn Of Events Another senior lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, (SAN) said he wasn’t disappointed at the floppy manner in which

the federal government has been handling the issue of kidnappings in Nigeria, especially in the recent time.

In a short message to one of our correspondents last night, the fiery lawyer said Nigerians ought not to be surprised at the turn of things in the country, given the failure of the government to resolve previous kidnappings.

He asked, “What were Nigerians expecting? Where is Leah Sharibu? Where are the Chibok girls abducted since April 2014?

“Has this government ever walked the talk in its vain glorious posturing against Boko Haram, armed banditry, herdsmen, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the board in Nigeria?

“Has Nigeria not been turned into a sprawling field of crimson and posing blood of innocent Nigerians?

“Can any Nigerian sleep with his two eyes closed? Are we not worse off securitywise today than we were in 2014?”

CAN: Kaduna Government Talks too Much In his reaction, the Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Joseph Hayab said that the way forward to ending banditry, killings and abductions is for government to live up to its responsibility.

Hayab lamented that almost on a daily basis, people were being killed or abducted in Kaduna State, without the government doing much to bring the criminals to justice.

AISHATU, AHMADU BELLO’S DAUGHTER DIES IN DUBAI AT 75 Late Hajiya Aishatu, who died on April 23, was born on October 31, 1945. She had 23 grandchildren. Her mother was late Aminatu Abubakar

(Gwaggon Kano).

According to the family, the deceased will be flown back to Sokoto from Dubai for burial according to Islamic rites.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͼ, 2021

NEWS

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

Emefiele Tasks Ivory Towers on Agric Productivity James Emejo ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, yesterday challenged the university community to rise to the occasion and develop breakthrough solutions especially in seeds production to improve agricultural yields.

He said the CBN would on its part, provide a commercial outlook to research breakthroughs on improved seeds by ensuring a guaranteed market by encouraging farmers to adopt those seeds under the Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP).

Emefiele, while delivering the guest lecture, titled, ‘Jump Starting the Agricultural Revolution: the CBN Experience’, at the combined convocation of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, noted that the seed industry was a multi-billion dollars investment, offering a low hanging fruit in a potential collaborative effort between the CBN and the university community.

He also stated that N608.36 billion had been disbursed to 3,038,899 farmers that cultivated 3,776,228 hectares along 21 commodities through 23 Participating Financial Institutions in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Represented by the CBN Director, Development Finance Department, Mr. Yusuf Yila, the apex bank boss, added that it is prepared to partner with the universities in achieving revolutionary innovations to reposition agriculture.

He pointed out that on assumption as CBN governor in 2014, “I stated that my vision would be to ensure that the Central Bank of Nigeria is more people focused, as its policies and programmes would be geared towards supporting job creation, and deepening our intervention program in the agricultural sector”.

Emefiele, explained that this would help to foster greater inclusive growth as well as address key macroeconomic

concerns including exchange rate stability, financial system stability and maintaining a strong external reserve.

He added that with close to 36 per cent of Nigerians employed in the agricultural sector, the emphasis on supporting greater growth of the sector became vital given the role it could play in supporting employment generation, wealth creation, and in providing domestic sources of staple food items and raw materials for households and businesses.

Emefiele, said: “In the 60’s and the early 70’s, the agricultural sector was the backbone of the Nigerian economy. Our production of cocoa, palm oil and groundnuts amongst other commodities supported the revenue needs of the government in addition to generating sufficient export revenues for the country.

“In addition, Nigeria held a dominant share in the exports of these commodities globally.

Proceeds from the sale of these products were used to build bridges, roads and educational institutions in key parts of the country. More importantly it fostered inclusive growth by creating jobs across the agricultural value chain.”

However, he pointed out that, “The eventual discovery of crude oil along with increased exports of crude oil, led to significant underinvestment in the agricultural sector and an erosion of jobs in the real sector of our economy.

“As a result, products such as palm oil, which could have been produced in Nigeria were now being imported into the country with the improved inflows of petrodollars. Our reliance on crude oil earnings for close to over 80 per cent of our foreign exchange earnings not only led to significant loss of jobs in the agricultural sector, it also subjected our nation to strong economic volatility driven by factors that are exogenous to

the Nigerian economy.

“One critical example which I can share is between 2012 – 2015, US production of shale oil rose from less than 1 million barrels per day to over 5 million barrels per day.

“This rise in production led to a dramatic fall in global crude oil prices between 2015-2016 and a corresponding decline in Nigeria’s government revenue as well as our foreign exchange earnings.

He said: “At one point in 2016, our monthly foreign exchange earnings dropped from over $3 billion a month to close to $500 million a month.

“We are all aware of how Israel which a desert area was formerly, was turned into a lush green fertile area, after researchers discovered how to channel drops of water to the roots of plants through drip irrigation.

“We would like to see how the university community and indeed the graduating students can leverage their knowledge

and research to come up with similar breakthrough solutions that would improve productivity of our agricultural sector.

“Another example that comes to mind could be the set up demonstration farms in farming areas, where farmers can come and obtain knowledge on the right farming practices to adopt in order to increase their yields and output.”

He told the captive audience that in a bid to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy, the CBN as part of its mandate to ensure price and monetary stability, sought to apply targeted interventions, with the agricultural sector at the centre to encourage greater diversification of the economy.

He said the CBN was conscious of the fact that improved support for the sector would help to improve domestic productivity and reduce our imports of items that could be produced in Nigeria.

We Never Conspired, Didn’t Kill Yakowa, Insists JNI Olawale Ajimotokan ÓØ ÌßÔË

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has expressed outrage at the allegations linking it and the embattled Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami with a plot to eliminate the former Governor of Kaduna State, the late Mr. Patrick Yakowa.

In a statement issued yesterday, JNI described the report as disheartening and disgusting.

It’s Secretary-General, Khalid Aliyu, who signed the statement, said the allegations were designed to tarnish its image and that of other Muslim organisations.

It said it was taken aback by the desperation of some disgruntled elements that in their desperate attempt to smear the image of the Pantami were smearing the name of the JNI. The Muslim religious organisation categorically denied that it was part of any meeting in Bauchi where discussions were held to eliminate Yakowa when the ex-governor was alive.

The rebuttal was on the trail of a purported minutes posted on social media, which claimed Pantami was the arrowhead of a JNI meeting where plans were hatched to get rid of Yakowa and stop the spread of Christianity in the North.

The communique, which authenticity has not been verified, was allegedly adopted at the zonal meeting held in Bauchi in 2010, two years before the former

governor died in a helicopter crash in Bayelsa State alongside a former National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi.

The document emerged following persistent calls for Pantami’s resignation amid the controversy generated by his link with Al Qaeda and the Taliban in addition to the extremist views he expressed many years ago in support of terror groups.

“The JNI under the leadership of His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the JNI, was taken aback by the desperation of some disgruntled elements who in their desperate attempt to smear the image of the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy drag the name of the JNI as being part of an alleged plot to assassinate the late Governor Yakowa of Kaduna State.

“To start with, how could Sheikh Pantami chair a JNI meeting while he was not one of its leaders either at the national or state levels? What could have necessitated the combination of Bauchi, Plateau, Niger and Kaduna states from different geo-political zones in the meeting? If Yakowa was vehemently hated by the Muslims and were desperately trying to ‘get rid’ of him, how did he win the 2011 election in a Muslim-dominated state of Kaduna where a Muslim-Muslim ticket recently sailed through?

COVID-19: 45 New Cases Recorded Nigeria recorded 45 new cases of COVID-19 yesterday, taking the number of confirmed cases to 164,633 with 154,643 discharged and 2061 deaths.

PARLIAMENTARY SYNERGY.…

L-R: Deputy Minority Leader, Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Speaker of the House of Representatives. Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji; Deputy Speaker, Hon. Ahmed Wase; and Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, during Abia Speaker’s courtesy visit to the House of Reps Speaker in Abuja...recently

Warri Stool Crisis: Police Question Insecurity: Uzodinma Seeks Deployment of Ayiri Emami for Alleged Burglary More Security Forces to Imo Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City and Sylvester Idowu inWarri

The Zone 5 Headquarters of the Nigeria Police in Benin City, Edo State, yesterday, quizzed the suspended traditional Prime Minister of Warri Kingdom in Delta State, Chief Ayiri Emami, the Ologbotsere of Warri Kingdom, over the alleged invasion of the palace of the Olu of Warri.

Following the demise of the immediate past Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli Atuwatse II, in December 2020, the palace was reportedly invaded and the 400-year-old crown and symbol of the Itsekiri monarchy allegedly removed.

The former Olu’s demise had created a succession tussle which eventually produced Prince Tsola Emiko as the Olu-elect (Omoba) in Warri.

The invitation to Chief Emami, a copy of which is in the possession of THISDAY, was signed by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Polycarp Dibia, Criminal Investigation Department (CID)

Zone “5” Force Headquarters, Benin.

The letter dated April 21st, 2021, addressed to Chief Ayiri Emami read, “This office is investigating a case reported through a written petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone “5” Force Headquarters, Benin.

“You are required to have an interview with Deputy Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Zone 5 Force Headquarters, Benin through the O/C Anti-Vice Section, Zone 5 Force Headquarters, Benin on Monday 26th April, 2021 at 1000hr.

You are also requested to come along with Chief Macgrey Richmond.

“Kindly accept the warm regards of Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone “5” Force Headquarters, Benin City, please.”

Apart from Chief Emami, the police also questioned Chief Macgrey Richmond for over two hours at the zonal headquarters before they were allowed to leave at about 1.45p.m.

Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has appealed to the federal government to increase the security presence as well as give the security agencies necessary logistics support towards addressing the security challenges facing the state.

Uzodinma made this known yesterday while fielding questions from newsmen after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at Aso Rock Villa in Abuja.

The governor said the appeal was coming on the heels of various attacks on police stations in the state, noting that every support he asked for had been approved and granted by the President.

He said, ‘’The situation in Imo State is now relatively calm. Every other support I asked for the President also approved and granted.

You must have heard of the various banditry activities in Imo State and how even at a

time few weeks ago, the Police Headquarters was attacked and a correctional services facility was also attacked, inmates released and since that time, there’ve been couple of breaches here and there.’’

When asked if he subscribes to the claim that the attackers were not from Imo State, Uzodinma said some of those arrested by security agencies were not from Imo State or the South-east, but a combination of those within the state and those from outside the state.

On how many people that have so far been arrested, he said almost 40 to 50 people who had mad e u s e fu l statements and confessed to the crime.

The governor stressed that the issue of banditry was something everyone must rise up to condemn and then support security agencies to be able to provide an enabling environment for people to go about their businesses, without fear of any molestation.

SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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NEWS Okowa: Nigeria in Trouble Due to Dwindling Economy, Worsening Insecurity Davidson Iriekpen

PARTNERING FOR DEVELOPMENT . . .

L-R: Director, European BusinessOrganisation (EBO) Nigeria, Mr. Guillaume Niarfeix; Special Adviser to theGovernor on SDGs & Lagos Global, Mrs. Solape Hammond; EBO President, Mr.Adefolu Majekodunmi; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; EBO Vice President,Mary Ojulare; Commissioner for Commerce, Industry & Cooperatives, Dr. LolaAkande and her counterpart for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Sam Egube,during the EBO courtesy visit to the Governor, at Lagos House, Marina, in Lagos...yesterday

Ensure JUSUN Strike Ends Soon, Buhari Directs Ngige, Gambari Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gave a marching order to both the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige and his Chief of Staff, Prof.

Ibrahim Gambari, to ensure that the strike action embarked upon by members of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN) ends before long.

JUSUN had on April 4, 2021 embarked on an industrial action to protest the non-implementation of financial autonomy for the judicial arm of government in the 36 states of the federation.

The President has therefore directed Ngige, Gambari and other stakeholders to ensure that they resolve the problem with the JUSUN, so that the ongoing strike would be called off.

Speaking with newsmen after meeting with President Buhari at the State House, Abuja, Ngige said he had fruitful discussion with the President on the issue of the financial autonomy for the judiciary and the legislature at the state level.

According to him, “We reviewed what have been done. The Chief of Staff did what we call in labour parlance tripartite plus arrangement by engaging them,

both parties conceded; Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, the heads of courts, State judges, the unions and the Presidential Implementation Committee for Executive Order 10 led by the Attorney General, but standing in for him by the Solicitor General of the Federation and Permanent Secretary.

“So, we reviewed where they are. We had a twist two days ago because the arrangement they had with the Chief of Staff had to be altered when the governors got back to their forum. As the conciliator, when they presented the two papers, one from the Solicitor General and another

one from the Director General (DG) of the NGF, I had to tell them that we have to reconcile those papers, because the areas that they differ are very fundamental areas in terms of the execution of Sections 83 and 162.

“We need the governors to touch this among themselves and come back, because in consultation, I receive documents, issues from the unions, and the NBA, and even the representative of the heads of courts on one side, and then from these government people of NGF, and the Solicitor General of the Federation representing Attorney General.

Ugwuanyi Inaugurates Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Abba-Obollo Etiti Road Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated the newly asphalted 22.443km Neke-Mbu-Ogbodu Abba-Obollo Etiti road which was awarded under the Phase one roads of the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP-2) in the state.

Inaugurating rural road which connects Isi-Uzo and Udenu Local Government Areas of the state, Gov. Ugwuanyi disclosed that the project was in line with his administration’s rural development agenda, stressing that it would ease “the movement of goods and persons while

advancing our administration’s rural connectivity and integrated development strategy”.

The governor revealed that two collapsed Bailey bridges were also reconstructed as part of the road project, adding that “this 22.443km road received asphaltic concrete surfacing along its entire length representing a pioneering instance of asphaltic concreting of RAMP-2 roads since the programme’s inception in Nigeria”.

Gov. Ugwuanyi expressed gratitude to the World Bank and French DevelopmentAgency (AFD) for yielding to his administration’s

persuasion for the novelty in asphalting of RAMP-2 roads in the country.

The governor therefore tasked the beneficiary communities to “take ownership of this critical infrastructure, protect it and optimize its utilitarian value”, stressing that “Our administration is committed to the establishment of Enugu State Rural Road Maintenance Agency for enhancement of the durability and serviceability of rural road infrastructure while we desirably strive to participate in the RAMP-2 successor Project, the Rural Access and Agricultural

Marketing Project (RAAMP), for consolidation of the gains made in RAMP-2”.

Earlier in his speech, the National Coordinator for Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) and Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), Federal Project Management Unit (FPMU), Abuja, Mr. Aminu Bodinga Mohammed, commended Gov. Ugwuanyi for his administration’s performance of Enugu RAMP-2 “that has successfully constructed a total of 417.682km rural roads against the set target of 370km”.

PANDEF Meets Jonathan, Clamours for South-south Security Outfit Deji Elumoye and Udora Orizu ÓØ ÌßÔË The Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) has paid a consultative visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja to discuss the current security situation of the country and South-south matters particularly the need for a regional security arrangement for the South-south as being done by other zones in the country.

The PANDEF delegation led by the National Chairman, Senator Emmanuel Ibok Essien, said they visited the former President because he was a key voice in the country, and the political leader of the Niger Delta Region, and that his vast

knowledge and understanding of the complexities and intricacies of the country, and the region, would be of immense benefit to PANDEF, and other groups in the country in the efforts to resolving the challenges we are confronted with.

The group in a statement yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Ken Robinson, said issues discussed during the visit included the State of the Nation; worsening insecurity, the clamour for restructuring and the various secession agitations.

PANDEF also briefed the former President on the efforts of the group and solicited for his support in rallying the political leadership of the South-south geo-

political zone to work together in the interest of the people.

PANDEF said, ‘’We committed some of our retired top Military and Police Officers to develop a Regional Security Framework, which we handed to the Southsouth Governors during their meeting in Port Harcourt on 16th November 2020. Whatever that is needed should be done to fast track setting up of the regional security arrangement to complement the efforts of the national security agencies, and enhance the safety and security of lives and property, of not only our people but all Nigerians who reside or do business in the Niger Delta region. ‘’The PANDEF delegation

also discussed the continued neglect of the East-West Road and other critical infrastructure in region by the federal government and the 16-Point Agenda. On restructuring, PANDEF said while we agree to a united, indivisible Nigeria, it should be based on equity, fairness and justice. There is no doubt that restructuring is not only a vital necessity but has now become expedient for the survival of Nigeria as a united entity. And that the Report of the 2014 National Conference, which was convoked during the administration of the former President, contains substantial guidelines for the equitable restructuring of Nigeria, to promote stability and sustainability.’’

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has said that Nigeria was in troubled times with dwindling economy occasioned by various factors, including worsening insecurity across the nation.

The governor stated this yesterday at the funeral service of Mrs. Comfort Nwagimeje at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Agbor, and urged Nigerians to pray that God should change the situation.

According to him, many people were hungry and could no longer feed themselves because they can’t farm the way they used to due to growing insecurity.

“Pray for our nation because we are in troubled times; the country is insecure and our state is not left out because whatever affects the country affects the states.

“We are in troubled times because many people are hungry and can’t feed themselves, but we have hope that God will

take control and change things for the better.

“Our economy has dwindled and insecurity is further worsening it; we can no longer farm as we used to but we are hopeful that God is able to turn things around for the nation,” Okowa said.

He condoled with the family of Nwagimeje on the demise of their matriarch, and announced that the state government would construct Okwuijen Street, Agbor, in honour of the departed Comfort Nwagimeje.

“I know we have come here to mourn, but even in mourning of our dear mother, we still have to give thanks to God because that is the teaching of the Holy Scripture.

“I’m glad that I am in your midst today to celebrate the life and times of Ezinne Comfort Nwagimeje, who was dear to all of us.

“She was very dear to all of us because she was the wife of somebody we hold dear to our heart, Pa John Nwagimeje.

ASUP Seeks Agreement on FG’s Offers Before Suspending Strike Onyebuchi Ezigbo ÓØ ÌßÔË The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has said that it would sustain the 17-day-old strike until federal government commences implementation of some of the offers it has made.

Addressing journalists yesterday at the headquarters of the union in Abuja, ASUP President, Anderson Ezeibe, said though a number of offers had been made by the federal government but the union wants to see concrete evidence of its seriousness to implement them.

“For instance, we will like to see that N25 billion offered as revitalisation fund released to the institutions and we will also like to also see action in the payment of our arrears of minimum wage,” he said.

Speaking on the progress made in negotiations with government, Ezeibe said that stalled staff appraisal could now be concluded, principal officers

on the institutions can also be appointed In the same vein, he said government had inaugurated visitation panels while a substantive Executive Secretary had been appointed for the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

Other offers made to ASUP members, pledge to release N15 billion revitalisation fund for development of school infrastructure, payment of 10 months arrears of minimum wage, reconstitution of renegotiation committee of 2010 agreement reached between the union and government, implementation of the approved 65 years retirement age for the sector and the implementation of the approved salary structure for the Polytechnic staff.

Ezeibe said the offers also include the restoration of Rapid Response Committee between the union and Federal Ministry of Education to help monitor and resolve issues of industrial dispute in the sector.

Boko Haram Attacks Geidam, IG Baba’s Town Michael Olugbode in DamaÞßÜß Boko Haram has attacked Geidam in Yobe State, the hometown of present Acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba Alkali.

The insurgent group had attacked Alex Badeh’s town when he was Chief of Air Staff and Tukur Buratai when he was Chief of Army Staff, which they intermittently picked on apparently to spite them.

The attackers invaded the town yesterday evening and laid some parts to waste before the fighter jets emerged to push them back According to a source, they attacked the heart of

the town, burning shops and shooting sporadically in a gun battle with troops.

The residents were forced to either lock themselves indoors or scamper to the bushes.

As at the time of filing this report, details of the attack were still sketchy.

The attack was confirmed by the Yobe Police Public Relation Officer, ASP Dungus Abdulkarim.

He said the attackers were inside the town, causing destruction.

He promised to give details of the attack, which according to him were still sketchy.

The last time the insurgents attacked Geidam was in February when they kidnapped three Customs officers.

SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24 ,2021

NEWS Governor Ikpeazu: Why I Don’t Support IPOB Agenda Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

MEETING OF FAITH… L-R: Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and the Archbishop of Methodist Church Nigeria, Enugu Diocese, Most Rev. Christopher Ede, during the 46th Annual Synod, held at St. John’s Methodist Church, Amechi Awkunanaw, Enugu, yesterday

House Members Bicker over Elumelu’s Motion for Pantami’s Resignation

UdoraOrizuinAbuja

The House of Representatives, yesterday bickered over the motion by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, calling for the resignation or sack of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, for his past comments backing activities of terrorists.

The Minority Caucus of the House, had countered the statement by the House Spokesman, Hon. Benjamin Kalu that the call on the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Pantami by the Minority Leader, Elumelu, to resign was not properly presented at the

floor of the House.

Elumelu had at the plenary on Wednesday, relying on matters of privilege, asked the House to cause a debate on the issue, particularly demanding Pantami’s exit from office. His call was faulted by the Speaker, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who said the motion was not presented according to the rules and proceedings of the House.

The House Spokesman in a statement on Thursday said the lawmakers would hear Elumelu’s call for Pantami’s resignation when it was properly presented before it.

But, the caucus, in a statement yesterday signed by its spokesman

Hon. Francis Ottah Agbo, said the order was properly cited by Elumelu, stressing that the matter was also debatable.

The lawmakers said Kalu’s claim that the Minority Leader did not properly present his motion, under an appropriate rule was completely dumb, frivolous and exposes his poor knowledge of the legislative procedures.

The caucus described the claim as a deliberate scheme to jeopardise the nation’s fight against terrorism.

The caucus while calling on the House Spokesman to apologise to Elumelu, also reiterated its call for the minister’s resignation.

The caucus therefore demands that Hon. Kalu should withdraw his statement and tender an unreserved apology to the Minority Leader and Nigerians for misrepresenting the rules of the House.

The statement reads, ‘’We find it shocking that instead of standing with Nigerians at this critical moment, Hon. Kalu chose to engage in personal attack on the Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, for pointing to the dangers of retaining in office, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, after reports of the minister’s support for terrorists came to the fore.

Businessman Demands N5bn Dangote Cement Increases from EFCC for Defamation Capacity to Meet Demand Surge A businessman, Dr. Andrew Warri Foubiri has demand for N5 billion, retraction and apology from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged defamation and malicious damage for declaring him wanted without due legal process.

Fuobiri who is the Managing Director A.M Projects, A.M Project Consultancy Limited, Medical Director Ranez Medicals and Director of Health and Missions International made the demands through his counsel, Chief Nelson O. Imoh and Kini Inemkpo Marcus, in a letter dated April 14, 2021.

The EFCC had made a publication in a national daily declaring Fuobiri wanted for allegedly obtaining N125 million under pretence and issuing a dud cheque.

According to the EFCC, consequentially and in line with professional best practices, the Commission approached a court of competent jurisdiction for an arrest warrant which was used in declaring the suspect wanted with a view to letting the public know and assist in apprehending him to face the criminal charge against him which he obviously wants to evade.

But Fuobiri in his response said EFCC acted in total and Áagrant disregard to the rule of law as the matter was pending in a court of competent jurisdiction and had been scheduled to be heard.

He said the publication was laced with barefaced distortion of fact and was issued with the intention to damage his hard earned reputation.

Festus Akanbi In a response to the growing demand, Dangote Cement Plc is poised to raise capacity by more than a third to meet the escalating demand as the Nigerian economy recovers.

“We are expanding capacity from about 50,000 tons a day at the beginning of the year to 70,000 tons a day at the end of the year,” Edwin Devakumar, Group Executive Director at Dangote Industries Ltd., told Bloomberg by phone yesterday.

Devakumar explained that already, the company in the past seven months had begun the reactivation of idle capacity at its Gboko plant, in Benue State, because of a 40 per cent increase in demand in Nigeria.

The International Monetary Fund

recently increased its projection for the country’s 2021 economic growth to 2.5% from 1.5%. That would be the fastest expansion since 2015.

The Senate earlier this week urged the government to break the dominance of the country’s three biggest cement makers to encourage more competition and make the market less “susceptible to price-fixing practices.” That may reduce the cost of cement that’s more than three times higher in Nigeria than the global average, a lawmaker said.

Devakumar said there was no price-fixing in the Nigerian market.

“All other producers in the market can sell at their own price,” he said.

Prices have risen because of increased demand, the higher cost of diesel and instability in gas supply used to power manufacturing plants, Devakumar said.

Presidency’s Statement on Pantami Confirms Sympathy for Terrorism, Says PDP Chuks OkochainAbuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday said the statement by the Buhari Presidency showed desperation to provide official cover to a terrorism apologist that further confirmed public and international apprehensions that the Buhari administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were patronising acts of terrorism in the country.

A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan said.

“Nigerians were traumatised that the Presidency could mount a hopeless defence and justification for the actions of the exposed Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, who had already confessed to supporting terrorist groups like al-Qaida and Taliban. “It is instructive to note

that this anti-people stance has heightened public anxiety that the Buhari Presidency is a haven for traitors who are providing support to acts of terrorist activities in our nation.”

The PDP said the party held that it had further exposed why the Buhari Presidency had failed to decisively confront terrorism as well as why terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and insurgents were emboldened to

ravage the nation and massacre our compatriots.

According to PDP, “It is inexcusable that the Buhari Presidency is showing grave insensitivity to the fact that thousands of Nigerians have been massacred, maimed and horrified; that hundreds of communities have been devastated and that our nation has been under siege because of the actions and public comments by individuals like Isa Pantami.

The Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has said he does not support the style and strategy being used by the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu to protest perceived injustice, marginalisation and inequality against the people.

He said that he could neither understand what the group seeks to achieve by prefering to attack institutions of civil rule.

The governor who was guest at a media parley hosted by Osasu Igbenedion in Abuja Thursday night said though some of the issues being raised by the group were valid and required attention, their approach is defeatist and smacks of brigandage.

He said: “I am under their fatwa now and some of my brother governors. They say if you see them kill them.

“They are Àghting in the kitchen, by the time the war in the kitchen ends, Mama’s pot of soup would have spilled, there will be no plate to eat and everybody would be hungry and eventually it would not serve any good purpose. I don’t

understand their strategy,” he said.

Governor Ikpeazu said it was ba΁ing to see the IPOB members attacking civil institutions and security agents who were meant to maintain peace and safeguard lives and properties.

According to the governor what the outlawed group was seeking to create by their activities was anarchy in the land.

“I don’t understand what they want to achieve and I don’t understand why they prefer to attack institutions of civil rule. A lot of people who are apologetic to their strategy do not even know that they are riding the tiger because if the police and the military withdraws and brigands become the enforcers of law and order, if you have a little quarrel with your brother, how do you resolve it?

“So, some of those things which Nnamdi said are valid.

Some of us can see it. We cannot continue to hide behind a Ànger.”

But some of us do not subscribe to his style or strategy.

Because I do not understand where he is going and how he is going and when he plans to pull the break and what he wants to achieve.

INEC issues CertiÀcate of Return to Frank Ibezim for Imo North Chuks Okocha in Abuja

The Independent Electoral Commission yesterday, issued CertiÀcate of Return (CoR) to Frank Ibezim of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Imo North senatorial District.

This was conÀrmed to THISDAY by the INEC National Commissioner in charge of Publicity and Voter Education. Festus Okoye.

He said that he was given the CertiÀcate of Return at exactly 1 pm by INEC Na-

tional Commissioner, Prof.

Okechukwu Ibeanu .

The tussle for who would represent the district at the Red Chamber had taken several twists and turns with over 1 law suits Àled and counter Àled on who was the authentic winner of the bye-election held in December 2020.

A vacuum was created at the senate following the death of Late Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu, who until his death in early 2020, represented the people of Imo North.

NCAC, Republic of Korea Sign MoU to Promote Cultural Exchanges Charles Ajunwa

The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) and the Korean Cultural Centre of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea have signed Memorandum of Understanding to promote cultural exchanges between both countries.

The Director General of NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe, while signing the MoU in Abuja, stated that it marked the beginning of greater things to come between the People’s Republic of Korea and the National Council for Arts and Culture.

Runsewe said the MoU would among other things establish and encourage an enduring partnership relationship for the development of all facets of the creative, mutual, cultural industries.

The MoU will also take care of modalities for cooperation between the Embassy of Korea and the National Council for Arts and Culture which will

facilitate the exchange of participation of artists and arts administrators in organising conferences, seminars and workshops in both countries.

The NCAC boss noted that with the signing of this MoU, special opportunities would be provided for artists that are deemed relevant to present their works through cultural exchange programmes in both countries.

Responding, the Director, Korean Cultural Centre, Mr. Lee Jin Su who was full of excitement with the signing of the MoU, acknowledged the need for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, saying that there is no better time to sign the MoU than now. Mr. Lee Jin Su added that with the cooperation of other members of the Korean Cultural Centre, he will do his best to sustain and improve the relationship between the Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the National Council for Arts and Culture.

SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

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COMMENTARY

CHADIAN REBELS, NOT BOKO HARAM A unified Africa is a task that must be achieved, writes Victor C. Ariole

F

ield Marshal Idriss Deby Itno created semblance of peace in Chad for over 30 years after proving more acceptable to the Chadians in the midst of their warlords – Felix Malloum, Goukouni Wadei, Hissène Habré, Wadel Kamougoué and the Pro-Libyan Chadian forces who are still alive operating from the north and, especially, clinging to the Aouzou strip. Now the regrouped rebels, or, for others, the Chadian Solidarity and Alternative Front – Front Pour l’Alternance et la Concorde du Tchad (FACT) – are insisting on inclusiveness.

The first President of Chad, François Tombalbaye, that seemed to have been completely erased by the Chadian, would still remain an issues when Christians are persecuted, especially from Sudan and Central African Republic axis of South-East of Chad. Areas that still resist the religious fundamentalists, Balaka or anti-Balaka. That president so cowardly ceded Aouzou stirp to Libya that it so much enraged Chadians that his ouster on 13th April 1975 was seen as a great relief and a period to retract and retain Aouzou. General Felix Maloum was also not as territorial minded as expected of Chadians, hence not quite supported by the majority. Idriss Deby had proved a better Chadian than all his peers facing great challenges from Libya, Arabs, the Janjaweed and of recent Boko Haram. Even the fallen Emperor and Presidents of Central African Republic could attest to that as invasions from Chad to dismember Central African Republic (CAR) remain ever hard to accomplish; CAR is still not free from such assaults, even as Russia and China scramble for its soul.

Boko Haram had found safe haven in the border area shared by Chad and Cameroun but not so in areas close to Ndjamena, the capital of Chad, so much attached and close to Nigeria and Niger. In effect, the sustenance of Idriss Deby was his unexpressed pact with whoever claims to be in charge of that area; state actors or non-state actors or the combination of both. He remained very much diplomatic and cunning about it, proving very much in charge than Nigerian government.

Boko Haram is not as acerbic as Chadian rebels who had been contained mostly by France’s intervention in Chad to the extent that a former France’s President, currently sentenced or on suspended sentence in France, Sarkozy, diligently planned the ouster of Khadaffi so as to create semblance of peace in France’s military controlled west and central Africa. Deby greatly found solace in that act. It is also what former France’s indicted President; Giscard D’Estaing got enmeshed in as he preferred tangoing with Emperor Bokassa, and enjoying his largesse, to the detriment of war torned Chad of then, so as to keep Central African Republic (CAR) safe. Deposed President of CAR, Bozize knew what it meant to disregard both Deby and France’s soldiers, as subsequent France’s Presidents feared not to thread the path of Giscard d’Estaing. And even when Bozize claimed to be of the same fraters’ creed with Deby, it failed them .

The current mêlée is between what President Macron of France and the newly imposed ruler – General Mahamat Idriss Deby – will do in the face of the demise of Field Marshal Idriss Deby Itno and the northern Chadian rebels, not necessarily Boko Haram.

Boko Haram is Nigerian creation seeking for territory in Nigeria and Cameroun for a greater assault on both Nigeria and Cameroon, not Chad. Christians are still doused in Chad, hence quite a non-lieu for attack by Boko Haram except on sporadic interventions to stir the hornest nest, and to test Deby’s support of them or not. In effect, he started hanging the pips of Field Marshall after pushing their

ANY LEADER CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROSPERITY OF AFRICA MUST THINK OF AFRICA IN TERMS OF ONE; EITHER BORDERED BY ATLANTIC OCEAN, INDIAN OCEAN, RED SEA/MEDITERRANEAN (OR SAHARA DESERT) AND THE ANTARCTICA OCEAN. HENCE LESS MILITARISM AND MORE OF ECONOMIC PROGRESS

ill conceived assault on his soldiers back to Nigeria, and it was in aberration for some of the Boko Haram fighters that killed some of the Chadian soldiers – it was seen as error by a section of Boko Haram. Some Nigerians, uninformed, saw it as bravery. Boko Haram still has respect for Idriss Deby and could have surrendered if not for the mutual respect that existed between them. However, what his son could make of it could be what Nigerian government should position itself for.

However, the confrontation with the rebels, who are either Arab backed or potpourri of Sudanese’s Janjaweed militias’ and other territory claimers’ backed, is not as fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria. Those rebels are like the kind of people in east Africa claiming that they are fighting for a land to be called Somaliland or a land exclusively owned by Somalians, quite aberrative of the artificial borders created by the European colonisers.

Field Marshal Idriss Deby Itno was very much an African and wanted to remain African, relating very well with sub-Saharan Africans distinct from the Maghreb Africans; knowing very well that the current world led by “land grabbers” see sub-Saharan Africa as the next “Hong Kong” for multi-faceted interests referred as “margoulins de tout acabit” by Houphouet – Boigny and regarded as “gangster capitalist” inducing global war, by Chomsky and Waterstone (2021); akin to when the Irish people were made to abandon their potato farming and give up their lands for the interests of the marauding bourgeois vassals of the Lords and King of England; hence they were rendered hopeless and helpless and they started seeking for migration to the New World – America.

Exploitation of mineral resources in Africa, especially in west, central and east Africa, is making sub-Saharan Africa greatly unsafe; and AU and any best ally of Africa should be engaged now to save sub-Saharan Africa from sinking further into a space of another worse “scramble for Africa” aka Berlin Conference; already, ironically, a stretch so rich in mineral resources is tagged as part of the “Evil Axis”.

Idriss Deby had thought that saving Chad from the multi-faceted assaults of others beyond innocent Africans like Nigerians, ought to be the utmost; and in deed Nigeria had remained very friendly.

However, Deby’s expectation or thoughts are so myopic like that of Nigerian government about what Africa sub-Sahara meant to the gangster capitalists of this world. Even if you create a given space for either any of the ethnic groups at the borders of Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, Africa as a whole still remains vulnerable to the so-called gangster capitalist. Chad is not alone as a grabbable space and Nigeria should learn fast and find way to bring the Boko Haram insurgency to a halt. Note that Maghreb Africa was once entirely a space occupied by the Nubians (Africans) before the Arab invasion in the 12th century.

A strongly unified Africa is a task that must be achieved.

Any leader concerned about the prosperity of Africa must think of Africa in terms of ONE; either bordered by Atlantic Ocean, Indian Ocean, Red Sea/Mediterranean (or Sahara Desert) and the Antarctica Ocean. Hence less militarism and more of economic progress. I still strongly believe that China cannot help us to attain that as it thinks in line of making a “Hong Kong” of Africa. Former colonisers are still better allies in keeping Africa one.

Ariole is Professor of French and Francophone Studies, University of Lagos

A BIGOT AS BORN-AGAIN

Tunde Olusunle argues that Isa Pantami’s appointment as minister calls to question the screening of nominees for public office

I

sa Ali Ibrahim, equally referred to as “Sheikh Pantami” comes to you as what the “soro soke” generation will call a “fresh boy.” From what you see in his most frequently used media photograph, he is fair complexioned, has chubby cheeks, wears a smile and adorns a thin-rimmed pair of glasses. He is a young man as well, having been born in 1972.

His profile would also, most probably impress you. He obtained a university degree in the much sought-after Computer Science course in 2003, before adding a masters in the same institution and capping these with a doctorate from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland. He subsequently attended short courses in a number of universities and institutes in the United States of America, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

Relatively unknown, he stepped on the national political stage, when he was appointed DirectorGeneral and Chief Executive of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), September 26, 2016. Just about three years after cutting his teeth in public service, he was appointed a Member of the Federal Executive Council, FEC, following his call-up as minister in the reconfigured Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

If Pantami was previously anonymous in the crowd of public servants jostling for media attention in Nigeria, however, he has been a more visible subject of public discourse in recent weeks, for the wrong reasons. The fossils of his ideological constitution as a longstanding bigot, an unconscionable religious demagogue, an irredeemable dogmatist, are in the public space for discussion and dilation.

A publication by an online media, associated Pantami with the erstwhile leader of Boko Haram,

Mohammed Yusuf. The terrorist organisation has held Nigeria by the jugular in the last decade, upstaging peace in the North East, precipitating random lethal attacks in the region, engendering civilian and military casualties and causing severe dislocations and refugee crisis in the zone. The online publication under discussion, also insinuated that Pantami had been placed on the terror watch-list of the USA. The allegation by the online medium, opens a pandora box, with allusions to audio reports of Pantami delivering lectures sympathetic to Boko Haram, and archival tapes of the young minister expressing support to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda back in 2004, all thanks to information technology.

Pantami in a 2006 speech, had also mourned the death of the Al-Qaeda leader in Iraq, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. There are indeed, viral videos of his virulent speeches and fiery public engagements.

Pantami has attempted to pour cold water on these allegations. He claims he harbours no hatred for Christians, as evidenced by the fact that some of his staff are of the Christian faith. On April 17, 2021 in what seemed like a recant, Pantami proffered that: “Some of the comments I made years ago that are generating controversies now, were based on my understanding of religious issues at the time and I have changed several positions taken in the past, based on new evidence and maturity.” In a manner of speaking, Pantami wants us to understand and accept that he is “born again.”

Pantami has forgotten, however, that there is blood on his hands. Back in 2004 when he was Chief Imam of the mosque of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Pantami issued a virtual fatwa on 17-year-old Sunday Nache Achi, a leader

of the student ministry of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), in the institution. The young Achi’s father, Prof Samuel Achi in an interview, volunteered that in response to preachments by Pantami during a service in the mosque, his late son was dragged from his room on the campus and taken to the university mosque where Pantami was presiding. He was strangled to death and his body thrown outside the mosque. He was alleged to have distributed religious tracts which content allegedly defamed Prophet Muhammad, a proposition punctured by the older Achi.

Sunday Achi’s parents had to go through the tortuous motions of reaching out to Ahmed Makarfi, governor of Kaduna State at the time, to admonish his counterpart in Bauchi State, Adamu Muazu, to facilitate the release of the body of the young Achi to his family for internment. Pantami has forgotten, time has not. If the young Sunday Achi hadn’t been so wickedly murdered, he would have been 34 years of age this year, contributing his quota to national, nay global development.

Pantami has been sighted elsewhere on the internet, leading prayers and describing the opposition, the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) as an agglomeration of infidels. Should he have the powers, Pantami would most probably subject such “infidels”, most probably to the Sunday Achi treatment.

March 20, 2020, the same Pantami at the commissioning of the annex of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NBC), in Jabi, Abuja, ejected reporters from the African Independent Television (AIT); Raypower radio and Punch newspapers, before the start of the event. He labelled them unfriendly to the administration of President Muhammadu

Buhari who was scheduled to commission the project. That other media houses did not walk out of the ceremony in solidarity with their colleagues who were so humiliated and boycott its coverage, continues to amaze me. They needed to make a serious point and vindicate the saying of the legendary Afrobeat musician, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who sang “Everybody get im power.”

The minister’s spin doctors who initially alleged that their boss was being harangued by those opposed to the ongoing registration of telephone lines against national identification numbers by Pantami’s ministry, have since taken a few steps back in recent days.

That Isa Pantami had such a controversial past, calls to question, the thoroughness, the rigour which characterises the screening of nominees for political appointment. The security services by the way, characteristically, make heavy metal of the process of “checking out” nominees for appointive offices.

So how come an Isa Ali Pantami was not found out for who he is, first when he was appointed DG of NITDA in 2016, and subsequently, when he was nominated Minister in 2019?

We recall for instance that back in 2015, four years before Pantami was appointed into the federal executive council, it was a long waiting game for Nigerians as they eagerly awaited the constitution of government’s apparachik by Buhari. The famous alibi at the time as propounded by defenders of the administration was that the nominees were being subjected to rigorous security search-light. When the cabinet was eventually constituted six months into the life of the regime, however, there were no surprises whatsoever.

Dr Olusunle wrote from Abuja

13

APRIL 24, 2021 • THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Yet another attack...

UNIJOS Impasse: Lest We Forget

W

e don’t need to go into the details of the current imbroglio, which has once again led to the closure of this university just as long-suffering students were writing their equally long overdue exams.

But we must state that, going by the official facts so far reeled out by the constituted bodies of the university’s academic and non-academic staffers and students, there appears to be an underhand plot to truncate a process of selecting the Vice Chancellor, which was proceeding in accordance with extant laws governing the Nigerian university system.

While at this point we will not dispute the position of the government which halted that process, we wish to sincerely point out that this matter must be handled with great caution and with cognisance to the history and state of affairs underpinning the existence of this university, most of which contemporaries have attained great heights in infrastructural development and academic excellence.

Over the years, it has been argued that there has been a deliberate conspiracy to keep UNIJOS subservient due to political, regional and religious considerations.

Be that as it may, we draw the attention of current and past students and staff who may not know the antecedents of UNIJOS in order to clarify some matters which may throw some light on the current state of affairs.

The great and visionary Joseph Gomwalk (of blessed memory) had approached the Ahmadu University, Zaria, to help him set up a college (branch) of ABU in Jos. But they were not forthcoming. Undeterred, he took his case to far away University of Ibadan, which gladly obliged him. That’s how UJ was established as a campus of the University of Ibadan, against the wishes of vested Northern interests.

Since then, those vested interests have struggled and succeeded, to an extent, in dragging UJ down, in comparison with its peers. But even as the current Vice Chancellor has performed excellently in taking this institution to great heights, these same interests have not relented in their historical cause of making this citadel

The Demise of Deby

of learning a non-starter.

This is because there’s a subsisting conspiracy to illegally encroach on the university land by settlers who consider education as ‘Haram’. This has created monumental security problems for students and staff at all of the university’s campuses.

It’s against the above tenuous backdrop that the order of the National Universities Commission came abruptly halting a duly constituted VC selection process from proceeding.

The University of Jos is an academic community which has also experienced its own share of religious violence. The current impasse is creating so much tension in a way that the powers that be must allow the wishes of the lecturers and students prevail, in accordance with extant laws. That way, an escalation will be avoided.

Therefore, there’s an urgent need to exercise caution in handling this matter in the interest of our students, staffers and Nigeria.

Chris Gyang is the Chairman, Journalists Coalition for Citizens’ Rights Initiative

T

he death of Chadian President Idris Deby as a result of wounds sustained in a deadly encounter with rebels has left many very sad. The spokesperson of the army, General Azem Bermandoa narrated how the president breathed his last defending his nation.

In the 30 years he spent in power Deby had pledged his commitment against insurgents ravaging countries like Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, all around the Lake Chad Basin. A year ago Deby led an operation named “Wrath of Bomo” against Boko Haram terrorist in the deadly Sambisa Forest. The attack was a revenge on the rebels who killed about 90 soldiers.

Chad alongside Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon have been faced with rising cases of rebel attacks. But the commitment of the late Chadian President Idris Deby was remarkable, taking into consideration that he was the only one among them who led his country’s army to fight the terrorists.

Boko Haram terrorists recently launched an attack on Damasak killing eight people and forced many people to seek refuge in the neighboring Niger Republic. The atrocities of Boko Haram, ISWAP alongside others have led to the loss of 30,000 lives while about two million people have left their homes seeking refuge in neighboring countries.

Both President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and Bazum Muhammad of Niger have testified to the tremendous commitment of the deceased in addressing the issue of insurgency ravaging the Sahel region. But is commendation alone satisfactory? They should try and emulate the deceased in giving their full support as he did to ensure peace and stability in the region.

Hajara Abdullahi, Dept of Mass Communication, Bayero University, Kano

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

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

Still on Azare Firefighting Truck

W

e have been desperately crying over this issue of Katagum zone basic firefighting equipment, especially water truck, for quite some time now. But the Kaura government seems to ignore our request despite the importance attached to it.

If the primary responsibility of every government is to save the lives and properties of its citizens, one may wonder why the Kaura government is so reluctant in providing such necessary amenity.

Notwithstanding, we would not relent and will keep pushing this request until our demand is met.

This firefighting truck is very significant because it helps in limiting the resultant damage whenever a fire outbreak occurs.

For the umpteenth time let me say this again; the inhabitants of Bauchi North are in dire need of a firefighting truck, and government should please do the needful.

Note that we are in a harmattan-like season, so we are most likely to be experiencing fire outbreaks. A stitch in time saves nine.

Mallam Musbahu Magayaki, Sabon Fegi, Azare, Bauchi State

Looking for the End of the Rainbow

W

hen I did a google search for some personal information a number of sites appeared but so did a related search of “Fun retirement jobs that pay a small fortune”. My name is reasonably common so I wondered how Google knew I was retired, liked fun and could use a small fortune. I know personalised ads and suggestions are a reality on searches and many web pages, but it does make me wonder how much they know about me and why?

When I decided to click the link all I got was “It looks like there aren’t many great matches for your search” and therefore today my life stays the same, a bit of a disappointment but who knows about tomorrow?

There are a few lessons here, don’t click on odd weblinks as they could be dangerous or just disappointing. Google knows a lot about you and this should be a reminder not to put anything on the web you don’t want your grandmother to know or see.

There are no real jobs that pay you a lot for doing little or at least not while I was still working.

Maybe I’ll stay off the internet for a few days to avoid any more disappointments but we all know how addictive it is. Good luck if you try to stay away from social media for any more time than it takes to drink a coffee.

Dennis Fitzgerald, Melbourne, Australia

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ APRIL 24, 2021

SUPER SATURDAY Uzoamaka zoa oamaka ka Aniunoh niuno noh h

I’m Still the Same Girl, Maybe with a Little More Money Uzoamaka Aniunoh came to the limelight g as ‘Cynthia’ y on MTV Shuga g and has since appeared pp in other g great films. Uzor, as she’s fondlyy called, took on daring g roles in 2020, p playing y g the main character in the highlyg y controversial LGBTQ+ film, ‘Ife’. She also p played y the role of Nigeria’ g s first superhero, p ‘The Zipman’ p in the short film, ‘Ananze and The Zipman’ p . The ‘Rumour Has It’ star is one of the rising g acts, who sure knows her onion and has a p place in the acting g firmament if challenged g with bigger gg roles. The writer, p poet, and actor, tells Ferdinand Ekechukwu more about her fascinating life and family in this conversation

Y

ou are best known as an actor and writer, which did you start with first and how?

I started writing g first. I wrote something g at every y small opportunity pp yI got. On Facebook for instance, I shared g my y thoughts g and daily y experiences p that then transformed into a reality y blog g back in 2014. Then I turned in a story y to the Farafina fi Writing g Workshop p taught g by y Chimamanda Adichie, and I g got accepted. p That served as a kind of validation for me. I decided to take writing a little more seriously.

tto figure g out things g before I g get to the end of it. I like knowing k g a story y and already y picturing p g the scenes.

I am inspired p by y life, people, p p and experiences. p I am aan observer, in real life and in online spaces. p I like to watch p w people p be and react and I wonder what it is aabout their life that’s prompted p p this particular p reaction.

Would they W y behave differently y if they y suddenly y came iinto money, y or if they were born into money? Life is ssuch a movie.

What challenges you as an actress? Is there any role you can’t play? y I am constantly y challenged g by y my yp previous work. I want to do better, be better. I watch people w p p I admire in t film industry the y and I know that if I continue doing eexcellent work consistently, y it’ll only y be a matter of p y characters ttime. Yes, there are roles I would not play— tthat exist for no reason in stories that don’t move you.

It seems you are now more engaged acting than writing?

Yes, true. I am an artist, which means that I express p through g different forms of art. I act, I write prose p and poetry, p y I do short form spoken p word, etc. I’m currently focusing g on acting, g perfecting p g my y craft and hoping p g to be the best I can be in it. Focusing g is all it is. My y other loves will get their time in the sun when I’m ready.

What has the experience p been like since venturing g into aacting and to what extent has it aff ffected your lifestyle?

It’s been a learning g field for me. I’ve seen the huge g difference g d getting g comfortable in front of the camera makes in one’s delivery m y and how preparation p p stands you out. Also, how it’s not about y y you, it’s about the sstory, y so unless y you’re doing g a solo p performance, you’re working y g with y your co-actors collaboratively y ffor the success of the story. y I don’t think acting g has aaffected my y lifestyle. y I’m still the same girl, maybe with a little more money. w

Have y you written any y book yet? Is there any book/ novel project in the making?

I did start something g that’s been put p on hold. A memoir. As soon as I finish it, l will do well to scream it to the world.

Tell us a bit of your journey into acting and what attracted you?

I always y knew I was going g g to be an actor. What I didn’t know was when and how. My y first realization was watching g The Sound of Music and seeing g Maria being g free and fantastic. My y second realization was watching g Nollywood y movies and seeing g people p p like Genevieve Nnaji, j Stephanie p Okereke, Dakore Egbuson, g Oge g Okoye y etc. I wanted to be like them. I learned their lines and re-enacted them in front of a mirror.

With Maria in Sound of Music, it was her free spirit p and the way y she held a scene with her smile and voice. I thought g it was powerful. p With the Nollywood y actors, it was their mannerisms, their fashions and their stubbornness, their boldness. I knew I wanted to be in their world.

Were you W y faced with any y challenge g from friends/family in the course of venturing into acting?

Yes. My y father’s idea of work was in an offi f ce. Anyy thing g outside of that he saw as a waste of time. I think though, g that he came around slightly g y when someone sent him Chimamanda Adichie’s words about my y excerpt p that she published. p I think he felt that if Ms. Adichie knows Uzoamaka and says y she’s g good, then Uzoamaka may actually be up to something.

Tell us about y your background, g g growing up as a child and what fond memory do you hold?

I am the first of four children. I grew g up p on the fourth floor of a four storey y building g in Fegge, gg Onitsha. My y strict father owned the building g and so everyone y in the neighborhood g called my y siblings g and I ‘umu landlord’. My y father was a trader and my y mother, a Fine Arts teacher. We weren’t allowed to go downstairs even on errands so we made friends g through g the bars of our burglar g proof p balcony. y I remember once when my y mother helped p me with my y geography g g p y assignment g in p primary y four. She drew the map p of Africa for me and when I g got to school, I was punished to my p y utter surprise p because my y drawing was too perfect. p When I told my y mother that day, y she called my y teacher jealous. I laugh every time I remember it.

Uzoamaka Would you say you have found fulfillment acting?

W If I say y I have found fulfillment in it, it feels like an end to a long g search and now I get g to rest forever. I love acting, g and I love every y art form that I’m called to express p through. g And every y time I work as an artist, I feel a slice of fulfillment that hopefully p y carries me to the next expression, p or work. So, it’s never full.

Sometimes it’s a spoonful, p sometimes it’s a slice, if you’re lucky it’s a plate. It’s like that, in small doses.

What do you keep up with when you are not on set?

I read or write when I’m not on set; sometimes both. Other times, I help p my y friends out with small projects. p j I set small g goals for myself y and see how far I can g go with it. I watch films, listen to new music, try new restaurants, go g to the beach. My y kid sister just j introduced me to water colour painting p g on paper. p p It’s quite interesting. There are tutorials on YouTube.

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

I’m currently y out of the country y but will be on a set doing g some voice acting g for radio once I’m back. The last set I was on was for a short film by a group of young Nigerians. I’m excited about it.

What excites you most as an artist and what inspires you?

I am mostly y excited about the endless p possibilities; the routes a character can take you; y the process p of achieving a vision. I love reading a script and trying

What’s the most expensive p gift g ft item y you have ever r received or let’s say most expensive material possess sion?

It would be my y car. My y father came to Lagos g from tthe east, bought g it for me and went back to the east tthe same day. y A flex I love. It was the last thing he gave me before his passing. g On what do you spend the most?

I think on food. I cook once in a blue moon and I enjoy j y eating g out. And eating g at nice restaurants in Lagos is not cheap... so yes, defi finitely food.

Who is Uzoamaka? Tell us y your likes and dislikes; y your hobbies; turn on, turn offs; p phobia, y your favourite food, favourite colour, and things like that…

My y name is Uzoamaka and I am a human being g who happens pp to be an artist. I love life, I believe in the universe’s love for me, and I don’t think twice before saying y gy yes to things g that make living g much more enjoyable. j y I love music especially p y jazz j and soul. I dance like no one is watching, g I enjoy j y a good g glass g of red wine occasionally, y and I would rarely y turn down ap plate of g garri and oha soup. p I love red and y yellow colours. I love it when people p p stay y true to themselves and exist authentically y in this world, because of what use is it if everyone y behaved and dressed alike owing to the fact we’ve been told that it is how we’re sup pposed to be in order to be accepted or be cool? That’s p boring.

What’s the g goal for y you five, ten years from now moving on as an actor/writer?

The goal g is to be the best I can possibly p y be. Being g in projects p j that I’m p proud of; writing g stories that I g genuinely y want to write. I would like to be more involved in the filmmaking gp process. So I will try y my y hands at everything y g I can, as long g as I can breathe. And if in five years, fi y I have made a film or more, written a book or more, got g paid p well for them, I’d have achieved something. I would be proud of myself.

15

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͼ, 2021

08054699539

Isa Pantami Should Be in Jail

n Law, Ignorance is not an excuse. Confessing to a crime is not immunity against trial.

Again, the fact that an offence was committed years back does not mean the offender will escape justice. The person can be put on trial anytime the facts of the crime emerge.

That was why the American government put former film producer, Harvey Weinstein on trial for sex offences dating back to the late 1970s. Weinstein was arrested, charged with rape in New York in May 2018, convicted and sentenced to 23 years in prison. Nigeria’s Communication and Digital Economy Minister, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, for his past extremist and flammable preaching, is liable for trial for incitement; inciting Muslims against Christians, inciting Muslims against the federal government and the military. In criminal law, incitement is encouraging another person to commit a crime. It is committed when one person counsels, procures or commands another to commit a crime, whether or not that person commits the crime.

Years back, Pantami vocally promoted the vicious Jihadist narrative of the Taliban and al-Qaeda, evidently laced with incitement of Muslims in Nigeria. He took extreme positions in support of the ruthless exploits of Taliban elements and Al Qaeda and on a campaign to destroy the West and conquer other parts of the world. Pantami endorsed the killing of “unbelievers.” The minister, in some of his videos on YouTube, spoke glowingly of Abu Quatada, al Falasimi and other Al-Qaeda leaders he revered. In one of the videos, while responding to a question about bin Laden’s killing of innocent “unbelievers,” Pantami said although he conceded that Osama Bin Laden was liable to err because he was human: “I still consider him as a better Muslim than myself.

We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed, but the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason. This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria (hdh jihd far ‘ayn ‘ala kull muslim wa-khuan f Njriy,” he said.

The speech, which is about twenty minutes long, concludes with the prayer: “Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and to al-Qaeda’ (Allahumma ’nuribn wa-tanm al-Q‘ida).”

This is naked incitement of Muslims against Christians. Speeches like this contributed to several religious riots up North. Bin Laden is the founder of Al-Qaeda and mastermind of the September 11, 2001 attacks in the United States. He was killed on May 2, 2011 by the US Navy SEALs inside a private residential compound in Pakistan. Taliban is a Sunni Islamist movement/military organisation in Afghanistan currently waging jihad within the country.

In another audiotape, Pantami was engaged in a tearful defense of murderous Boko Haram against alleged extra-judicial killings by the

Pantami

Nigerian military and asked for an amnesty for them just like Niger Delta militants: “See what our fellow Muslim brothers’ blood has turned to? Even pig blood has more value than that of a fellow Muslim brother.” This is naked incitement against the Nigerian state and the military.

The minister also made inciting statements during the religious crisis in Shendam, Plateau State in 2004. Pantami in a livid and tearful audio urged Ahlus Sunna, (people who are now called Salafists) to strike back and avoid politicians and religious clerics who preached peace and restraint in Shendam. Subsequently, Pantami volunteered to mobilise the Hisba police and to be appointed as the commander of a militia ready to travel to Yelwa Shendam to join the fight in defence of the Muslims.

This is clear incitement. His speech clearly stoked the fighting in Shendam.

There are many more endorsements of extremism that can be found in three audio recordings of Pantami’s teachings in the 2000s, which are seditious. This man evidently adopted extremist views in the past. He was involved in incitement across the country. I just laughed when he came out to confirm his previous incitements and extremist positions and regrets these. He stated that some of his past views were made out of immaturity, alleging that attacks on him by Nigerians were politically instigated.

Pantami said: “For 15 years, I have moved round the country while educating people about the dangers of terrorism. I have travelled to Katsina, Gombe, Borno and Kano states, and

Difa in the Niger Republic to preach against terrorism. I have engaged those with Boko Haram ideologies in different places. I have been writing pamphlets in Hausa, English and Arabic. I have managed to bring back several young persons who have derailed from the right path.”

The minister also says he has no issue with Christians, adding that his personal driver, secretary and technical assistant are all Christians: “If I did not like Christians or I did not see them as my brothers and sisters, I would not have been working with them for so long. I employed more Christians than Muslims on my staff because I believe in merit and competence over ethnic or tribal sentiments. I have never condoned terrorism and I reject any affiliation to terror groups.

I have long preached peaceful coexistence amongst people of every faith and ethnicity.”

This explanation is all baloney. Regret is not a protection against trial for a crime.

Besides, history has shown that extremists hardly change. Pantami trained under extremist Islamist scholars in Saudi Arabia, including Muhammad Ibn Uthaymin. He is entangled with extremist Salafist ideologies and can never change. Salafists hold that it is the duty of every true Muslim to use force to reestablish a caliphate as it existed in the early years of Islam. Terrorists don’t repent. People with extremist ideologists hardly truly repent.

Pantami is one of them.

Another thing I find repulsive about Pantami is that he is a neurotic fibber. Initially, when flakes of his inciting speeches emerged, he denied it. He thought the videos would never emerge. But when tapes of his satanic preaching in the 2000s were made public, he backtracked and claimed “immaturity.” What does this say about this minister? Very simple: Pantami can’t be trusted with anything.

Pantami has also been silent on his role in the murder of a Christian student (Sunday Achi) at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi State, in 2014. The killing occurred when Pantami was the Chief Imam of the university’s mosque. According to Samuel (father of late Sunday), his son shared some tracts allegedly containing blasphemous content and the Pantami-led Muslim community pronounced a ‘fatwa’ on him. Sunday was killed during a subsequent riot in the university.

It is shocking that a man like Pantami, with such fanatical mentality is a minister in our dear country. I am worried. It is legitimate for Nigerians to be worried because Pantami, a fanatic, is managing a critical ministry that controls the data of citizens. This man can no longer be entrusted with the biometric data of Nigerians. Pantami is too close to power.

Let’s assume he emerged minister with his crimes undetected. Now that his crimes are open secret, he should be fired and put on trial.

Neighbourhood Watch as Amotekun? Haba! Sanwo-Olu! All the South-west governors sat and agreed to set up Amotekun, a regional security outfit over a year ago. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu keyed into that agreement on behalf of Lagosians. But several months down the line, Sanwo-Olu has failed to establish Amotekun in Lagos State. Of the six South-west governors, he is the only one still in the dark. Osun State has not inaugurated Amotekun, but has commenced recruitment.

When recently confronted with this ugly fact, the Lagos governor gave an embarrassing answer, indicating that there will never be Amotekun in the state, at least, as long as they are in power.

The Lagos governor wants us to believe that the state’s 7,000 Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) personnel are doing exactly the same thing as Amotekun operatives. He added that apart from community policing, the LNSC also engage in border patrol.

Sanwo-Olu said: “So it’s just a name change in the case of Lagos. I appreciate what my colleague governors are doing, and they also appreciate the peculiar nature of Lagos. I have

Sanwo-Olu

got over 7,000 neighbourhood watch personnel in Lagos, who are doing exactly the same thing that we have Amotekun doing. They are there at the border post giving us daily report in their localities and feeding it back to the central. They are the ones feeding us with information. But

they cannot carry arms and prosecute people.”

Haba! Sanwo-Olu! Amotekun is meant to fight serious criminals like killer herders, armed robbers and kidnappers, as seen from the concept and practice in other South-west states. LNSC is evidently not doing the same thing as Amotekun. The bicycle-ridding and inept LNSC was not set up to fight serious crimes. The workers recruited can’t transform into a fighting squad. They just go about riding bicycles in few neighbourhoods. Some of them have even sold their bicycles to augment their incomes.

Dear Sanwo-Olu, the refusal of Lagos State to set up Amotekun has political tinge. This is the truth that you know. It would have been better for you to deflect questions related to Amotekun than giving embarrassing answers.

Responses like that on Amotekun are not good for your image. Those with high regards for you are embarrassed. Lagos State needs Amotekun to stem the rising cases of armed robberies, traffic robberies and attacks by cultists across the state.

The sermons Pantami gave in the early to late 2000s amounted to incitement. There is enough evidence to convict him for incitement. This man should be in jail; not running a ministry of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I was not shocked that Buhari endorsed Pantami to continue as minister. Why did he do this? It’s a story for another day. Just watch out. For now, this is the most reckless government in the history of Nigeria. This is why our once beautiful country is now flowing with blood; blood of innocent Nigerians, with boundless killings, kidnappings, banditry, armed robberies. Our unity destroyed; our diversity mismanaged by the coldblooded Buhari government.

Matawalle

Matawalle’s N2.9bn Ramadan Outlay and Endless Killings A massive N2.9 billion! Yes, that’s what Governor Mohammed Bello Matawalle has so far spent on the purchase of essential commodities for distribution to the people of Zamfara State for what he calls Ramadan welfare. The Chairman of the main committee for distribution of the welfare package, Nasiru Magarya, who is also the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, assures that the commodities will reach all beneficiaries.

I don’t have any problem with Matawalle’s N2.9 billion expenditure on welfare. But did he actually release N2.9 billion? Will the goods get to the masses of the people? These are the big questions. More often than not, amount released is usually lower than the figure announced. That’s what happens in most states.

Honestly, I am not convinced that N2.9 billion was released by Matawalle for this purpose.

Also, such commodities purchased hardly get to a large number of people. Those in charge of the distribution pocket a large chunk. I will like to see Matawalle putting cash directly in the pockets of his people, so that they can buy whatever they want. This is the standard for handing out benefits to citizens.

On the flip side, Matawalle should exert more energy on resolving the unending dispute between Fulani militias and Hausa militias (Yan Sakai) in his state. These infinite killings are depressing. Few days back, blood flowed again in Dansadau, Maru LG, with the killing of 20 Fulani traders. It was a reprisal for the death of three people in Ruwan Tofa village, where animals were rustled by bandits, and three people killed, including a member of the Hausa militias (Yan Sakai). As usual, the Fulani militias will soon return to Ruwan Tofa for revenge killings. Hausas in Ruwan Tofa say they are battle ready.

This is why the flow of blood is endless.

Within three days, April 20 to 22, 80 people were killed by Fulani militias and counter killings by Yan Sakai in series of attacks in four villages - Gobirawa, Rini, Gora, and Madoti Dankule - in Bakura and Maradun LGAs. Security agents have abandoned the people. Matawalle has to find a political solution to this crisis. This governor must also stop heaping money on Fulani militias in the name of amnesty.

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SATURDAY APRIL 24, 2021 • T H I S D AY

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24,2021

17

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 08035011394 Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Waje is Crazy in Love Award-winning singer/songwriter,Waje, whose real name is Aituaje Iruobe has a new EP.The 16 minutes EP is loaded with Ballads and R&B tracks. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

I

t is an EP (extended play) dubbed, “Heart Season.” The EP starts with Waje asking her lover to hold her hand as she is blown away, imagining how sweet her lover is walking down the aisle together. She continues to gush about how fantastic her lover is and the bottom line remains that she is so in love with this lover she calls her personal person.

The record is purely Waje singing her heart out with her sonorous voice. It showcases everything that made and has sustained Waje - the vast vocal range - chronicles of enviable love - to the touching communication of sensuality, likewise showing her stance in the music scene.

The EP consists of Àve solo tracks, with production credits to OG, DJ Klem, Magic Beats and Ayo Alli-Akeem. It follows her criticallyacclaimed 2018 album, Red Velvet. On this body of work, Waje’s maturity beautifully reÁects in the conÀdence with which she openly expresses love and her need for it with songs like ‘Call On Me’, ‘Hold My Hands’, and ‘On ‘Bottom Line’, after all it’s all about emotion and sentiment as she croons boldly, “I’m so crazy in love…”

It is the same for the last two tracks on the EP, hoping her lover stays forever in ‘Last Time’ and ‘Naked’ a song about vulnerability.

With a music career of over a decade, three albums and one successful concert under her belt, the talented songstress and The Voice Nigeria Judge, has made a name for herself, developed a large fan base and written her name in the sands of time. Waje represents other genres deserving prominence. “I feel we’re all under the umbrella of Afrobeats but there are other genres also deserving of prominence,” she opined in an interview.

Her music is soulful and electric and she describes her sound as Afro fusion with a blend

Waje

of soulful rhythms, strong percussions, wailing muted trumpets and a distinct traditional guitar interpretation.

Her early days in the music industry were tough. “It was tough because I was still trying

to discover myself and had no knowledge of the business side of music-making. I knew the stage and studio were two places I enjoyed spending more time but made the mistake of prioritizing popularity over being bankable as a brand. I also

didn’t quite understand what sound I should go with. That’s why I can now do reggae, R&B, Highlife, name it. With this, you start wondering what genre I’m up for unlike what obtains with record labels where it’s dictated to you.”

Nollywood Week Film Festival Shortlists Movies Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports that Organisers of the Nollywood Week Film Festival have announced the official selection for this year’s edition scheduled to take place virtually between Thursday, May 6 and Sunday, May 9, 2021

T

he selections for the 2021 Nollywood Week Film Festival is made up of eight short Àlms and 10 feature Àlms, scheduled to screen, like Moses Inwang’s latest Àlm ² Lockdown ² which will have its world premiere and open the 8th edition of the annual festival. Some of the Nigerian movies that have also been selected for this year’s festival include About a Boy by Diji Aderogba; All Na Vibes by Taiwo Egunjobi; For Maria Ebun Pataki by Damilola E. Orimogunje; The Herbert Macaulay AͿair by Imoh Umoren and Lady Buckit & the Motley Mposters by Adebisi Adetayo.

Others are The New Normal by Teniola Olatoni Ojigbede; One Lagos Night by Ekene Som Mekwunye; Ponzi

by Kayode Kasum and The Sessions by Judith Audu. Same goes for the short Àlms which include Heaven Baby by Damilola Orimogunje; Homecoming

by Daniel Uzodinma; Listen by Udoka Onyeka; Pause by Senegalese Nigerian Jammal Ibrahim; Something Special by Precious Asuai; The List by Goga Clay; The Satchel by Nissi Ogulu, and the Train Wreck by Roberta Orioma.

The organisers of the Festival how-

ever noted that the prevalent changes and challenges being experienced necessitated this year’s virtual event.

“Today, as the world is experiencing changes and challenges (BLM movement, COVID-19...) we have decided to expand the scope of the festival in order to amplify voices from all over the black world as today more than ever we believe #blackstoriesmatter.

Traditionally taking place in the heart of Paris, France, the festival will be accessible online to keep our audience safe, follow local safety protocols and to provide accessibility to attendees around the world,” said the orginisers.

The Nollywood Week Film Festival, which is open to Black Àlmmakers from around the world, showcases the best of the Nigerian Àlm industry with the aim of Ànding a larger audience and a more sustainable distribution system for these quality Àlms. The festival is organized by Paris-based association, Okada Media, headed by Serge Noukoué and Nadira Shakur.

Call for entry for this edition was made February 10.

The two co-founders have been promoting African cinema globally for a decade and are now witnessing a shift in attitudes. “France and the rest of the cinema world are now seeing Nigeria

Serge Noukoué, co-founder Nollywood Week Film Festival

as a true contender in Àlmmaking. We see that with the shift in attitudes, the increase in acquisitions of Nigerian content and even the importance

that the French president placed on it during his visit to Nigeria in 2019 for instance” Nadira Shakur, the festival’s Communications Director noted.

18

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24,2021

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Bovi’s Village People Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports that comedian Bovi Ugboma (Bovi) has a new comedy feature film titled, “My Village People”

M

y village People. That’s the new production

by Bovi. According to him, the teaser for the comedy drama drops soon. “This June!!! Don’t let your village people catch you sleeping,” Bovi wrote on his Instagram page shortly after he debuted a Àrst-look of his comedy feature Àlm. “Check out the brand new poster for #MVPTheMovie,” he said. “Teaser drops soon. Stay alert!!!” The actor and scriptwriter, in partnership with FilmOne Entertainment and TMPL Motion Pictures, will

make the Àlm project.

The stand-up comedian will play the lead role in the feature which will be in cinemas nationwide on June 11. My Village People tells the story of Prince,playedbyBovi,whosecarefreelifestyleand weakness for the ladies lands him in the middle of a bizarre love triangle involving the marine world and a coven of witches. This dark comedy explores familiar stories, deeply rooted inAfrican folklore in the Niyi Akinmolayan directed and Bovi scripted story.

Bovi’s last production, ‘It’s Her Day’, had a successful cinema run in 201 and is now enjoying a resurgenceonNetÁix,whereithasacquiredcritical

acclaimandprovedtobeahitwithaglobalaudience.

This, in a way, bodes well for the coming release of ‘My Village People’, with the potential for a much largeraudienceincinemasandeventualstreaming, as Bovi’s popularity continues to grow.

PrincipalphotographyforthefeatureÀlmkicked oͿ in January with a star-studded cast including Nkem Owoh (OsuoÀa), Ada Ameh, Binta Ayo Mogaji, Charles Inojie, Rachael Oniga, Amaechi Muonagor, Mimi Onalaja, Akah Nnani, =ubby Michaels, Sophia Alakija, Theresa Edem, Oge Amuta and Big Brother Naija reality star Venita Akpofure.

Executive Producers Moses Babatope and Kene

Okwuosa of FilmOne and Idris Olorunimbe of Temple Motion Pictures issued a joint statement: “We have high hopes for this Àlm. Bovi is one of the most talented and exciting comedic talents in Nollywood.Hisuniquevoiceandperspectivegive usachancetotellthisstoryinawaythatwillresonate with audiences. This is the Àrst of several projects from this team, so we are excited about the future.”

Theprojectisco-producedbyMatildaSola,Mimi Bartels and Winnie Okpapi for Temple Motion Pictures and FilmOne Entertainment. Bovi last featured in the Tosin Igho directed Nneka The Pretty Serpent remake where he starred as an investigative reporter.

Emmanuella Makes Movie Appearance Nigeria’s child comedian, Emmanuella Samuel (Emmanuella) makes a one-minute appearance in “Survive or Die”, a Walt Disney project, making it her international feature film debut. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

T

he Mark Angel’s comedy sensation Emmanuella is in “Survive or Die”, a multiple-award winning action movie as a guest star alongside its major cast Hawa Barnes, Felino Dolloso and Craig Bourke. Co-written and directed by Daniel Okoduwa and Mike Kang, the 1hour 23 seconds action movie, which earlier premiered on Amazon Prime, is such that has made the 10 year-old star proud with her one minute cameo.

Shot in Australia in 2018, ‘Survive Or Die’ follows the story of Shade, a 1 -year-old refugee whose escape from her war-torn African country lands her in a remote and uninhabited part of Australia. She must reach civilization whilst Àghting for her life in the harsh terrain and from a hunter on a quest for revenge over the death of his son. The young star who has put smiles on

the faces of millions had announced via her Instagram page in February 2018 that she has landed a role in a Walt Disney project, posting a picture of herself on set.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the production, Okoduwa said: “Millions of people are displaced across the globe. Many are trapped in wastelands and dead lands; many more have drowned in the seas while Áeeing conÁict zones. Refugees are crossing borders, making many governments’ nervous, unbalancing internal politics and giving rise to nationalism, racism and xenophobia. As the world becomes more dangerous, doors are shut and walls come up. This movie is based on real life stories and events.

“Many of the scenes in this Àlm are drawn from real life experiences and events. In the 90’s, as a very young boy, by accident or chance, I found myself on a boat in West Africa. We sailed through the Atlantic Ocean

for days an experience I can only describe as hell on water. I eventually got lost in the very heart of Africa and continued my journey through central and Southern Africa picking up languages, experiencing different cultures but above all picking up survival skills.”

On featuring Emmanuella Samuel, the Nigerian Australian director added: “1 million views in just a week!!! The inclusion of Emmanuella Samuel in this movie may be the driving force behind these high views in just a few days (based on the comments).”

The hugely successful character, Emmanuella, made her foray into comedy at the age of Àve. She became well known after the comedy skit “This is Not My Real Face Oh”, in which she was making jokes about a headmistress to her fellow students without knowing one of the students was the child of the headmistress. This short skit was featured on CNN’s Facebook page.

Emmanuella

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24,2021

FAIRGROUND with

AZUKA OGUJIUBA

azuka.ogujiuba@thisdaylive.com

Oba Saheed Elegushi’s 45th Birthday Party

O

ne of Lagos most popular and arguably the most stylish traditional ruler, the Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Ademola Eleguhshi rounded oͿ activities marking his 45th birthday with classy dinner that will be remembered for a long time.

Held at the Monarch Events Centre, and anchored by Gbenga Adeyinka and Ali Baba, the party was a Àtting Ànale to two days of activities to celebrate King of Ikate-Elegushi Land, Lagos State.

Entertainment was oͿ the hook too. Veentage Band, DJ Spinal, Davido, Naira Marley, Patoranking, Fireboy, CDQ and Lil Kesh all thrilled the crowd.

The high light point of the evening was when the amiable King was joined by his sweet mother, Olori Sinat Elegushi and his beautiful wives: Olori Sekinat and Olori Hadiza, and together, they cut his gigantic mulit-tier cake and of course, it was welcome by a wondrous applause from his guests.

Guests at the event included Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, his deputy, Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sani, Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, the State’s Attorney General, Moyo Onigbanjo, Rev. Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi and husband, Dr Taiwo Afolabi (SIFAX), Amina Jambo, Shina Pellar, Ooni of Ife, Enita Adeyeye Oguwusi, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, Oba Gbolahan Lawal, Oba Lateef Adams, Abisoye Fagade, Chief Nike Okundaye (Nike Art Gallery), Austin Okocha and a host of others.

L-R: Celebrant's first wife, Olori Sekinat, celebrant, Oba Saheed Elegushi, wife of former Super Eagles Captain, Nkechi and husband, Jay Jay Okocha

L-R: Celebrant's first wife, Olori Sekinat, celebrant's mother, Olori Sinat, celebrant, Oba Saheed Elegushi and second wife, Olori Hadiza

L-R: Hauwa Yakassai, celebrant, Oba Saheed Elegushi and his second wife, Olori Hadiza

‘Lugard’ Set for Cinemas 3 Knights Film Production in conjunction with B5Films and Monomania Entertainment is finally set to release One of Nollywood’s most anticipated film of the year, Lugard, in cinemas.

The movie tells the intriguing story of an intelligent new entry university student who was initiated into cultism due to his intimidating brain power.

After his first assignment which led to the death of a rival confraternity leader, Lugard’s life is hunted.

The movie which was shot with exception performance featured Nollywood stars like Gabriel Afolayan, Kehinde Bankole, Adeniyi Johnson, Hafiz ‘Saka’ Oyetoro, Debo ‘Mr Macaroni’ Adebayo, Omowunmi Dada, Zack Orji, Norbert Young, Laduba Quadri Qidad, Kalu Ikeagwu, Tunji Adeyemo. The movie was directed by Tunde Olaoye and written by Laduba Quadri Qidad and Segun Akejeje.

The Executive Producer, Hakeem Olageshin said: “When I speak about Lugard the movie, it gives me so much joy to see the beautiful piece of art my team and I put together. Cultism and Confraternity still remain a big issue in this part

Kehinde Bankole

of the world as the original reason why they were created have been completely altered for violence and other humiliating selfish interest that exactly inspired this intriguing story. I would really love everyone to storm the cinemas on the 27th of August because Lugard the movie is a must-see for everyone.”

L-R: Olori Sekinat, Ooni of Ife, Enitan Adeyeye Oguwusi and Oba Saheed

L-R: Member, Lagos State Houser of Assembly, Tobun Abiodun, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa and Lagos State Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola

9ice, Reminisce for Mimi’s Premiere The Ànest of Nigeria’s music superstars will on Thursday, May 13, 2021 converge at the much-talked-about Wave Beach in the heart of Lekki, Lagos for the premiere of one of the most anticipated movies of 2021, “Mimi”, from the stable of 007 Global Limited in conjunction with SBD Global and Aul Media Studios.

The high-octane event which has been themed the ‘’Movie and Music Concert’’ (MMC) would feature a movie premiere for Mimi and a concert rolled into one showpiece event with all the glitz and glamour typical of an event of this magnitude with Nigerian superstars such as 9ice, Reminisce and Celebrity Disc Jockey DJ Neptune on the wheel of steel.

Ali Baba, Yvonne Jegede, Tobi Bakre will be hosting the event alongside Kiekie and Gbenga Adeyinka The movie tells the story of a daughter of a billionaire, Mimi who despises poverty and poor people so much. In a twist of event, she found out her extremely rich parents weren’t her biological parent and her real parent ‘sold’ her oͿ at a young age to raise some funds to train her siblings. However, in a bid to make her more responsible, her rich parents

9ice

made her spend two weeks holiday with her biological parent who lives in abject poverty.

The movie is directed by Samuel ‘’Bigsam’’ Olatunji, the director of Dear AͿy and executive producer of Seven and a Half Dates.

20

˜ ˾ APRIL 24, 2021

JOE/FAJ

THEFRONTLINES

The Isa Pantamis in Our Midst

JOSEPH USHIGIALE

T

he raging controversy involving the outing of Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami as an extremist who is being watched by America’s secret service is an issue that should not be treated with kids gloves such as the government is currently doing.

If not well handled, Nigeria stands to be classified as a terrorist state on account of defending Pantami.

Not only that, the most ludicrous and laughable part of all this tomfoolery is the conclusions that the Information Communicaa tions and Technology companies are behind Pantami’s woes.

How? In spite the damning evidence swelling around Pantami’s extreme religious views, the northern establishment embraced him, courted him and even gifted him choice appointments. Yet, our own security agencies either out of negligence or deliberate inaction, continued clear him for these positions.

Pantami was having a field day, dinning and wining with the high and mighty and taking important decisions for government. But the bubble for him burst when it was revealed that America’s secret service have placed him on a watch list.

This is usually an action taken when an individual is considered extremely dangerous because of his views which have the propensity to cause negative reactions in societies example Pantami’s support for Taliban and Al-qaeda terrorists.

Trouble began for the minister after Peoples Gazette unearthed his past views which were sympathetic to terrorist organisations.

“We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed,” Peoples Gazette quoted Pantami as saying in an audio recordd ing. “But the Sharia does not allow us to kill them without a reason.

“Our zeal (hamasa) should not take precedence over our obedience to the sacred law.” He was quoted to have said shortly after terrorists attacked the World Trade Center in the United States of America where over 3000 reportedly died.

Immediately the story went public, Pantami’s aide tried arm twisting the newspaper, accusing it of bias and attacking the religious views of the minister even if they were extreme.

As the pressure gained momentum, Pantami, who wanted to brush aside the controversy as a storm in a tea cup was forced to make a public statement. In the statement, he blamed his support for Taliban and Al-qaeda terrorists on age and immaturity, adding that although he propagated those views in the past, he has now repented.

“I was young when I made some of the comments; I was in university, some of the comments were made when I was a teenager. I started preaching when I was 13, many scholars and individuals did not understand some of international events

Pantami and therefore took some positions based on their understanding, some have come to change their positions later.

“Some of the comments I made some years ago that are generating controversies now were based on my understanding of religious issues at the time,” Pantami said.

Pantami’s apology and claim to repentance have drawn a lot of anger and negative reactions. It must be a huge joke for him to think Nigerians are so gullible to accept, hook line and sinker his puerile tale that he has repented. At his age, Pantami’s extremist views can never change. The best he can do is to review or refine them. The only plausible argument that would have been somewhat convincing is to renounce his faith.Therefore, if Pantami wants anyone to take him seriously, he should announce publicly that he has renounced his Islamic faith around which those extreme views were built.

This whole Pantami conundrum has thrown up some very pertinent questions. For instance, why is the whole north silent?

There is no single whisper of condemnation against Pantami.

Could it be another way of saying, we ‘we endorse is views’ with this total silence?

Here is the same north that is virtually being obliterated by insecurity rather than condemning Pantami, is this a conspiracy of silence? If it now safe to say that the north itself is complicit in its insecurity, or is it a hoax, self inflicted circumstance prepaa ratory for a jihad? Is insecurity in the north self orchestrated? If it is, what is the motivation and does it benefit the elites?

For years, Pantami has bestrode the corridors of power like a colossus. To many, he was a saint. But it took the meticulous searchlight of the American security agencies to smoke him out

Great Nation, Poor People:Political : Pestilence

T

oday, we deal with the fourth element that we need to tackle before we can reap and sustain the full benefit fi of a great nation. We need to fi fix out Politics. No sophistry, manifesto, propaganda or declaration of ethical reorientation can change the minds of present operators and concessionn aires of our politics, such that they will somehow turn a good leaf, and start oozing goodness.

Only in the movies.

A candid appraisal of the way we practise politics, and conn sequently approach governance, clearly shows that our current pass of poverty, inadequacy and inequalities will only mature, mutate and produce more millions of deviants and desperados.

The lament is real; our politics is farcical and Machiavellian, when you pause to remove the veil of partisanship and other base sentiments. Irrespective of the political party, the state or locality, Nigerian politicians, with few exceptions, often seek different ways and waifs to foist instability and discontent when they are not directly in power; while those clutching the levers of government spend several hours each day fomenting terrors and tortures for their restless opponents, even when it is clear that they are in any position to resist the damnation, nor capable of projecting any spunk of challenge.

Within this mix of moves and counter-moves, it is certain that many lives would have been lost in street and nocturnal confrontations; property and possessions destroyed; the inn nocents - unaware or ill fated by mere association - are usually the collateral appendages for future justification of reprisal, or indemnity for juicy appointments and other patronage.

Politicians may have veins with blood flowing through like ordinary folks, the true politician cannot contextualise things and scenarios like simple folks. They have apparently evolved a mentholated adjustment in their bloodline that enables them to make vicious decisions and hair-raising stratagems that will repulse, and repel normal human beings.

Many of us see the beasts and brutes in politics, and swear never to sit in council with them, so as not to be contaminated by their viruses; yet we are mesmerized, and therefore enticed, by their prodigious affluence and uncountable wealth locked in dungeons impenetrable to weak monetary and fiscal institutions and watchdogs.

Few of us are conditioned to seek a bite of the pie, however rotten, and thus snag a few Ghana-must-go bags of lucre. The price is to kill or be killed; to lie and entrap, or be fall-guys for big principals. We have now designed a system where young

folks with significant investments in the professions, trades, industries, and what have you, stroll away from it all, entranced by the sweet aroma of juicy appointments or selections to political ascendancy, and lucrative power grabs that astound the senses. Few years down the road, with tales of missed or unfulfilled promises and discarded strategies, the former technocrats have become marooned in political prostitution and philandering, so much that though they lament and whine in private denunciations, the journeys have been so swollen and sodden by blood, bullshit and blunders, that resignation or reversal is as dangerous as committing suicide.

Our politics cannot even pretend to uplift and edify the best ethos of complex, diverse but immensely blessed nationalities.

Clearly, our political parties and politicians have different definitions of vision, spirit and power. We chant those words at rallies, in our manifestos and in debates, but the actions and identifiable policies of our political class show they have a scant understanding of the meaning and examples of vision in governance. Twenty two years in the fourth republic, we are still grappling with the philosophies and raison d’être of our major political parties, when you consider their actions, unspoken characteristics and words that are delivered in moments of national sobriety.

Sometimes, you are left with a lingering feeling that apart from the seemingly obvious fact that in many states, and the federal institutions, our best and brightest have been shunted out of prominence, we have now formatted a process that denies and forbids some of our best and brightest minds any hope of sitting at the table of power and influencing the future and the potential prosperity of this country.

When you mention the ridiculous matter of corruption, every politician, irrespective of party affiliation, seems confused about the gripe of the ordinary Nigerians on soaring cases of corruption, in high and low places, despite the so-called anti-corruption activities of this current regime. We are not too amazed though, as we remember that since the 1970s when the phenomenon of armed banditry escalated after the civil war, and multiple coups, we have continued to witness the exploits of our anti-robbery squads even as the spate and madness of armed robbery soared. In fact, up until the dissolution of the Special Anti-robbery Squads last year, amid general protests (#EndSARS), it appeared to many that the law enforcers were becoming more notorious and draconian that the robbers we set them up to curtail.

Now, we notice the shock of the citizens whose acts of

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

of his deceitful demeanor. The ministerial position he occupies today is not his first, who cleared Pantami in previous roles he served government?

What did the security agencies discovered about him? Was it reported, if they did, to who and why was action not taken against him? If the present government was aware of a damnn ing security report against Patami, ignored it and still went ahead to hire him, then the government itself has an agenda.

Given the presidency’s statement standing by Patami and accusing ICT companies of carrying out a smear campaign against the minister. Is Patami indispensable? It appears he is given his closeness to President Muhammadu Buhari. It is being rumoured that Patami was arm twisting some northern governors from whom he was getting N6m monthly to fund Buhari’s political activities?

So why blame the ICT companies here? There are claims that the ICT companies are angry over the ban on new sim registraa tion. What was the rationale behind banning the sale of sims in the first place? How were duly registered new sims impact on security negatively? Is it that Patami suddenly had no faith in a policy his ministry put in place? If so, why not review it rather than coming up with a unilateral ban on the sale of sims which as impacting the revenues of the ICT companies. Nonetheless, while the ban lasted, was government subsidizing the ICT companies who were losing revenue?

In my view, if at all the ICT companies are behind this expose, and if this Buhari government is sincere with fighting terrorism, it should salute rather than hound the companies for doing their job of exposing an extremist lurking within.

With the position the Buhari administration has decided to take on this matter rather than ordering an investigation, the country is not only further polarized, it is also already becoming clear there could be more Pantamis that the Buhari government is incubating and harboring within.

It has also put a question mark as to the sincerity of the Buhari administration to fighting insecurity and terrorism.

For a key suspect like Patami who has attracted the attention of United States of America, causing him to be placed on watch list, a clean bill of health by government for Patami has completely rubbished all its rhetorics of fighting terrorism and insecurity.

At a time global attention is focused on smoking out all suspected terrorists and individuals suspected of sympathizing or holding extreme views, the verdict on Patami by the Buhari government would surely lead to a boomerang effect on Nigeria.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

corruption have now been magnified and metastasized by a diligent and indolent political class to a level where the citizens are frightened that the commonwealth could be wiped so clean that corruption will need a new name. The corollary of this state of the unnatural is that governance has gone missing - defenders and fighters of corruption are so single-minded that only the complexities and intrigues of their unending battles hold their interest. Governance is on auto-pilot. And the governed, desperr ate and desolate, find occasions to mirror the same tendencies in their private spaces... parodying the phrase, ‘like father, like son’... as thus: ‘like government, like the governed’.

The reason the case of politics is endemic, and very difficult to treat, is the abdication of responsibilities by organs created to deflect and redress excesses of the executive arm of government which is largely populated by politicians. The legislative and judiciary arms of government have failed the citizens more often than not. While the case of the legislature is sadly understandd able, as they are filled to the brim with politicians whose veins are throbbing with the baser component of the lamentable virus; that of the judiciary is particularly worrisome. We believe that most members of the bar are not politicians, though sometimes, the pronouncements and ambivalence coming from that arm make us wonder if the same virus has not contaminated our pristine institution.

Add that to a disruptive and defective electoral process, where even professors cannot be trusted to keep their fingers in their pockets, bedeviling what ought to be a sacrosanct duty with the corrosive infestation of the politicians’ viruses. The desperation of the politicians, exemplified by the brigandage of political thugs and compromised electoral umpires, set us up for a macabre drama in circles. Is it now possible to tell hungry and harried voters, who see politicians as vultures sitting over the carrion of the national treasury, not to demand to be paid in consumables and tokenism before they will surrender their votes? It’s a damning circle of poverty: one of mind, the other of stomach… but the end is similar - catastrophe.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ PRIL 24, 2021

POLITY

Ogun Digital Economy: Setting The Pace Femi Ezekiel

I

n driving the growth of any economy in the face of global economic challenges, a focus-driven government harnesses available resources at its disposal to open up value chain opportunities for the prosperity of its people.

While other states are still struggling to diversify their economies, on account of their over-dependence on crude oil for survival, and key into realities of other unlocked potential, the recent launch of the “Ogun State Digital Economy Infrastructure Project (OGDEIP)” is, no doubt, a path to success to the burgeoning economy of the Gateway state and the country’s at large.

The state has taken hold of the future by making digital access available to all the citizens and businesses, and it is the most far-sighted action any government can take in the present time.

Ogun State is blazing the trail of excellence as an investment destination of choice. Thus, its proximity to Lagos State, the fifth largest economy in Africa, is a plus to the novel initiative in response to both the pull and push factors, which are by no means a gradual process to attract direct investments to the state.

The benefits of the digital economy infrastructure are numerous. It is an infrastructure that will bring about great economic development; great access to youths and also attract more investments to drive end-results, among others.

The journey to digitise the Gateway State began in 2019, given the clear vision of the helmsman, Prince Dapo Abiodun, inaddition to his robust background in the a private investor, to turn around the economic fortunes of the state on assumption of office.

Bringing his business acumen in the private sector to bear on the economic planning on the state, the governor has not betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in him by the good people of Ogun State that gave him a popular mandate in 2019 to lead them.

Arguably, Ogun is the first state to catch up with the realities of digitising its economy and in keying into the critical component of President Muhammadu Buhari’s objectives of “broadband connectivity for all by 2023”.

By and large, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, while appraising the benefits underscoring the initiative, noted that digital economy technology is crucial to all aspects of human existence in thefuture, such as business, education, healthcare, governance, security, and the practice of every profession.

Osinbajo said, “Indeed, access to broadband and modern technology tools has become compulsory for any community that seeks meaningful growth, security and prosperity for its people.

So, I would like to commend our futuristic, dynamic, innovative and digitally compliant governor, Dapo Abiodun, for credible and relevant initiative, by bringing broadband to homes, businesses and offices in Ogun State. You are opening up Ogun State residences and businesses digitally, not just across Nigeria, but to the entire universe.

Abiodun

“This project is a critical component of Mr. President’s objectives of broad-band connectivity for all by 2023. This ambition, as you know, is now enshrined in our Economic Sustainability Plan and as part of the national commitment to make broadband connectivity available to all. You will recall that, in 2017, the state governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council agreed to harmonise a right of way charge payable by telecommunication companies and related public utility infrastructure on local governments, states and federal highways to encourage co-location of the companies that fibre the cables.

“In another demonstration of the government’s commitment in this regard, the Federal Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy launched a National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data downloads units across Nigeria with a minimum of 25ABPS in urban areas and 10 MPPS in rural areas with effective coverage available to, at least, 90 per cent of the population by 2025 at affordable prices.”

Governor Abiodun stated that the expected returns on the marriage of commitment and partnership by the administration is to provide good governance, while partnering with the private sector to bring about corporate and individual prosperity for all the citizens.

Abiodun commended the initiative of the National Digital

Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), supervised by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy that has made it possible for Nigerians to continue to take advantage of the opportunities offered to be more creative and highly innovative.

According to him, “We all felt and saw the positive effects of the deployment of ICT towards resolving various challenges that have culminated in creating more employment opportunities and poverty alleviation. This was very obvious during the critical period of COVID-19 when many Nigerians had to work from home; where businesses were transacted virtually and payments made online.

“Virtual online meetings became the in-thing as almost every aspect of the economy and personal life and living depended on ICT and got digitised. No doubt, the federal government’s policy of creating a thriving digital economy will enable the people, especially the youths to take advantage of information superhighway and new technologies to become leading players in our globalised world. In fact, it will serve as a viable platform for strengthening the economic diversification, as well as the attainment of many key national objectives of fighting corruption, improving security, job creation and expanding the economy.”

He said the formal launch of the OGDEIP was to formally deepen the various advantages of information technology advancements into all sectors and to make ICT an indispensable point of the economy. The ICT, he said, has continued to account for more than 21 per cent of the state’s gross domestic product (GDP), and hence, continued to provide countless job opportunities for the growing educated and creative citizenry.

Furthermore, Abiodun underscored the importance of the OGDEIP in providing broadband connectivity to every nook and cranny of the state. The project, which is a joint effort between the administration and its technical partner, 21st Century Technologies Limited (21CTL), is to deliver fibre-optic cables and mechanics across all the 20 local government areas within the next two years. Also, the second phase of the project is the establishment of a world class data centre at the Silicon Alley in Abeokuta that will host a variety of ICT services for the public and private sectors, and cyber security scrubbing centres. And this is a stage that will complement the third phase of the project.

He added: “At this point, let me note that OGDEIP is also a culmination of a significant groundwork already undertaken by our administration towards creating an enduring and sustainable digital economy in Ogun State.

“Our administration is taking practical steps towards integrating technology into its practices and businesses. In this aspect, we have begun deploying electronic document management systems, e-procurement tools and digitised revenue collection platforms towards improving the efficiency and reduce leakages in all our Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

––Ezekiel wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com

In Reflections, A Maestro Goes Down Memory Lane Review of Femi Akintunde-Johnson’s Reflections on Nigeria’s Movie Industry: Salute to Pioneering Creativity & Perseverance by Niran Adedokun

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ven decades after graduating in Performing Arts from the University of Ilorin, it is impossible to forget Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi’s Drama and Theatre in Nigeria: a critical source book. I do not know what they teach in history of theatre in Nigeria classes these days, but this voluminous book was the locus classicus for the subject in my days in school. Now reading Femi Akintunde-Johnson’s Reflections on Nigeria’s Movie Industry: Salute to Pioneering Creativity & Perseverance, takes me down that lane of memory evoking nostalgia.

Unlike Ogunbiyi, the man we admirably call FAJ did not set out to produce a reference document of academic dimension (even though he is more than competent to do that with enviable success), yet his 166- page e-book provides the historical trajectory that Ogunbiyi gives drama for the emergent film industry.

And in doing that, the veteran journalist, media entrepreneur and newspaper columnist, spurns the faulty narrative, which sells Nollywood, Nigeria’s globally recognised film venture as an outright new-born, whose formation has no precursory. His intervention, perhaps for the first time, sets the record straight by building an evolutionary block of personalities on whose back the structure that can now be described as Nollywood was birthed.

Right from the start as on the stage to television, the production of films on celluloid

and the economic happenstance, which necessitated the invention of cheaper options that included the video, Akintunde-Johnson’s Reflections on Nigeria’s Movie Industry boldly tells that there could be no forest now known as Nollywood without the trees grown by people like Hubert Ogunde, Duro Ladipo, Kola Ogunmola, Oyin Adejobi all of whom he described in the first section of the book as “incomparable progenitors.”

These forebears, while still plying their trades, on a variety of platforms, became the inspiration for “the generalissimos of the genesis,” who then dared to explore otherwise uncharted territories and built a pipeline of professionals that emerged as channels of sustenance for the film industry (when economic hardships snuffed prospects out of celluloid production).

The generalissimos, most of whom have currently transited into heavenly planes, include, Olusegun Olusola, widely recognised as black Africa’s first television producer and creator of evergreen Village Headmaster; Moses Olaiya Adejumo, magician, musician, comedian, actor and filmmaker who is believed in certain quarters to have pioneered the “capturing of Nigeria’s dramatic plots on video cassettes (Video Home System) and reasonably so following his battle with piracy; Ola Balogun, arguably the first cinema director on the shores and noted to have influenced the work of most of the early practitioners; Ade Afolayan (Ade love) product of the Moses Olaiya ensemble

who was an actor, producer and director as well as Eddie Ugboma, actor, director producer, film administrator and activist. Even though not expressly, FAJ seems to suggest that the foundation that was laid by this category of persons especially, made Nollywood a reality when its time was come.

For instance, quoting Chris Obi-Rapu, director of Living in Bondage, the film credited to have pioneered the commercial essence of Nollywood, (if not the production of films on VHS), from an article written by veteran Uzor Maxim Uzoatu for The Week in 2018, FAJ offers in: “What made Nigeria’s home video industry take off was the input from Okey Ogunjiofor and my direction. Nobody has wanted to do anything in Igbo and Yoruba amongst television producers then because they felt it was degrading. There had been shootings of Yoruba and Igbo videos. Mike Orihedimma recorded Igbo videos in Onitsha while NEK was recording and marketing Yoruba videos in Lagos. They were poorly produced and hardly ever directed. It is a known fact in filmmaking that it is the director that makes the film. If I had not shot Living in Bondage and Taboo, there could not have been any Nollywood. This film business really took off because Living in Bondage was well shot as at that time. If I had not stood my ground the financier could have influenced the production and direction in a negative way, I resisted him because I knew that he lacked the knowledge of filmmaking…” The question then arises, does

the director make a film or the financier. And in the case of this director with pedigree from the Nigerian Television Authority, which aired Olusola’s 1958 creation, Village Headmaster from 1968, a nexus has been established.

Reflections thereafter focuses on other groups like “the pathfinders, “the impresarios across the ages,” “the masterminds of Nollywood,” “the reigning halcyons” and “distinguished mentions.”

In all of these sections, you have a near avalanche of names that clearly tells that filmmaking has become what it is today by the effort of a colony of committed practitioners.

People like Ojo Ladipo, Adebayo Salami, Lanre Hassan, Pete Edochie, Olu Jacobs, Taiwo Ajai-Lycett, Wale Adenuga, Lola Fani Kayode, Amaka Igwe, Zach Amata, Tunji Bamishigbin, Zeb Ejiro, Rita Dominic, Peter Igho, Tunde Kelani to name a few.

There sure are many ways this book could have been better, but FAJ, unsurprisingly pre-empts us all by frontloading a caveat! He starts with the title of the book, which puts his writings in the sphere of personal reflections that does not have to align with the expectations of others. Doesn’t everyone have a right to their reflections and how they choose to share them?

––Adedokun is a writer, PR practitioner, journalist and author of ‘The Danfo Driver in All of Us’.

Read full article on www.thisdaylive.com

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2021

POLITY

Gov Abiodun Rewards Smart Students, Heroic Teachers Olakunle Somorin

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hey filed into the expansive hall of the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with their heads high and clutched their laurels to the admiration of the audience. The hall was filled to capacity by top political and government functionaries, royal fathers, academic eggheads, proud parents and well-wishers, who had come to witness the public presentation and celebration of the Ogun finest brains and brilliant minds.

The event, tagged Ogun Academic Laureates 2021, was a major milestone in the annals of ‘firsts’ by the State. It was a memorable afternoon on Thursday when Ogun indigenes - students and teachers - who had aced various academic competitions and won trophies for the Gateway State, were honoured by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Leading the pack of the honourees was Oladimeji Sotunde, who emerged the 2020 Overall Best Graduating Student of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. But by far the cynosure of all eyes was the 15-year-old Mathematics genius, Faith Odunsi, a student of the Ambassadors College, Ota. The shining star was equally honoured for her five-star performance and win in the Global Open Mathematics Tournament.

Others were students who had made Ogun proud in JETS and some science competitions. Also, teachers who have excelled in their chosen fields, were recognised and rewarded by the state government.

The teachers included Olalekan Ademola Adeeko of the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, who emerged a winner at the 2020 African Union Continental Teachers Award and his wife, Adeeko Folukemi Asabi who teaches at Patterson Memorial Baptist Grammar School, Idi-Aba who was a runner up at the Maltina Teacher Of The Year 2020. While the husband got a two-bedroom bungalow, the wife went home with N250,000 cash! The Governor also gave a two-bedroom bungalow to Mrs Oluyemisi Oladejo, another teacher at Oronna High School (Snr), Ilaro, who won first position in 2020 African Writer’s Award. ”The year 2020 Global Teacher Prize has gone to Mr. Olasunkanmi Opeifa, we will be giving you a two-bedroom bungalow, the 2020 African Writers Award has gone to Mrs. Oluyemi Oladejo who came first in the 2020 African Writers Award, you will also be getting a two-bedroom bungalow, the year 2020 African Union Continental Teacher Prize which was won by Mr. Olalekan Ademola Adeeko, you won the first position in the African Union Continental Teacher Prize award, you will also be getting a two-bedroom bungalow,” Abiodun reeled out to the excitement of the audience.

“To the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa which has emerged as the most compliant institution when it came to the process of complying with JAMB requirements, we will continue to support the institution; we are motivating you with a sum of one million naira.

L-R: Rector, Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa and winner of the most complaint institution in Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Dr. Olufunke Akinkurolere; Best Graduating Student, Lagos State University, Ojoo, Oladimeji Shotunde; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Winner, Global Open Mathematics Tournament, Faith Odunsi and Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof.

Abayomi Arigbabu, at the celebration if Academic laureates at the Governor’s office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, on Thursday

“To Faith, we have decided we are going to invest in you because we can see that the sky can only be the beginning for you. We are giving you a laptop, a brand new and powerful one at that. But, more importantly, we are going to set up an endowment fund for you and we will put money in that Endowment. We are going to put a seed money of five million naira into that fund.

“We will also call on our private sector partners to put money in that endowment fund. The fund will be managed by a financial institution, the interest alone will be enough to pay your school fees and when you come of age, you can decide to cash it in, I congratulate you,” the governor stated.

According to him, the awardees have further put Ogun on the global pedestal, hence, the need to fete them. He attributed feats recorded by the awardees to his administration’s methodical and calculated interventions aimed at rescuing the education sector from the dwindling fortunes inflicted on it by the indifference of the past.

He pointed out that his administration focused on infrastructural development, human capital development and provision of conducive environment, among many others, to redeem the education sector and restore its lost glory.

Abiodun further said, “We are celebrating awards in Projects, Quiz in Mathematics, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agricultural Science, Physics and Biology.

“We are Best State and we have overall best students for both male and female students in JETS. We are the Champion! The story of the deluge of awards we are witnessing today cannot be completed without the teachers and school administrators who are also champions in their own rights. It is not a flash in the pan to have Award of Excellence in leadership and productivity won by five schools in the State.

“Looking at these young men and women of Ogun State, I find in them not just a reward for our commitment, but indeed, an encouragement to do more. We have continued to dedicate and demonstrate our commitment to the successful implementation of the ‘Building our Future Together’ Agenda.”

He assured that the state, under his watch, would continue to put measures in place towards providing quality education necessary for the development of the state. He charged teachers to continue to discharge their professional duties creditably beyond the new demands of COVID-19.

Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

Fifth Chukker Inaugurates Free School for Orphans Duro Ikhazuagbe

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n an extraordinary gesture of corporate social responsibility, Fifth Chukker Polo and Country Club is set to inaugurate a free 60-classroom primary school for orphans, disadvantaged and needy children inside its exquisite Kaduna resort. The billion Naira project which began two years ago is arguably the biggest primary school in all Africa and incorporates contemporary public space architecture where roomy, flexible and environment-friendly structures are the mode, perfecting a blend of form, function and utility.

The facility not only provides for better learning and teaching but also extends the educational experience beyond the classroom walls to recreational entitlements. A sports centre complete with basketball and tennis courts, a football field and an athletics track will make it one of the very well-appointed public primary schools in the country and represents a major step in mitigating the societal tragedy of the many unschooled children in Northern Nigeria.

This mega campus became inevitable after the nearby Maraban-Jos Primary School which has been a major beneficiary of continuous support from School site Fifth Chukker’s Access Bank UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament ran out of capacity to admit new pupils. The not only believe that all children have the right to go to school, intervention had greatly improved the school’s fortunes giving the true purpose of this project is to show that we must light a it a new computer library, renovated classrooms, conveniences candle and be a part of a bigger solution because we need all with running water and a modern curriculum imparted by of us to make quality education possible for children of every retrained teachers. background.” Atta also thanked some individuals that gave the Unsurprisingly, this triggered a massive influx of kids from project the needed push including Herbert Wigwe and Aigboje neighbouring and even distant communities ballooning enrolAig-Imoukhede, as well as Tunde Folawiyo, Raj Gupta and Mrs. ment to an unmanageable 12,500 pupils. A routine visit by Fifth Rasma Mangharan who each donated a classroom block.

Chukker Founder Adamu Atta and Access Bank Managing Over the years Fifth Chukker’s business model has elevated Director Herbert Wigwe in early 2019 was all it took to get the its corporate social responsibility thrust to a more precise new project off the ground. Now it will alleviate the congestion science of strategic giving and accountable philanthropy. in the old school and allow for more children in the local area to The framework places extensive focus on broad-based value have access to decent primary school education. creation previously anchored on the UN Millennium DevelopAdamu Atta summed up the push for the scaling up: “We ment Goals but now ticking all the boxes of the UN Sustainable

Development Goals. This means incorporating the developmental needs of its operative environment and society - from job creation and skills development opportunities to significant commitment to education, health and welfare - and integrating them into its business vision.

Fifth Chukker also utilizes its unique position, knowledge and influence in world polo and hospitality to build relationships with corporate, institutional and individual partners while leveraging their support and resources to sustainable social action and impact investment opportunities. This new school, rehabilitation of other community schools and scholarship to more than 12,000 children to complete their primary education are some case points.

Fifth Chukker’s collaborative partnership with Access Bank and UNICEF also addresses the needs of children right at home, helping parents and care givers to earn a more secure living though soft finance, skills acquisition and procurement of business machines. Investment in these intermediaries immediately transform the socioeconomic outcomes for the children and local communities. .

No doubt for some of the 12 million out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria, their parents/care givers and communities, the inauguration of the school this Ramadan would consider this endowment from Fifth Chukker and partners the ultimate Sadaqah - the voluntary giving of charity without seeking any return but for the sake of gratifying God.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ PRIL 24, 2021

POLITY CBN’s ‘Money Printing’ Mandate and Obaseki’s Macabre Dance Solomon John

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he jury is still out there, trying to return a verdict on whether Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki’s claim (or was it a disclosure?), that the federal government printed between N50 billion and N60 billion to augment the March allocation shared among the three tiers of government by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), was correct. And if it was correct, whether the manner of declassifying the information was borne out of sheer patriotism or, perhaps, out of mischievous resort to playing the devil’s advocate in order to settle some scores (whether old or new).

And, in case, it was outright falsehood, whether Obaseki has gone full circle in deploying propaganda as an art of governance.

Talking about settlement of scores, that would appear to be a pastime of Obaseki.

Read the crux of Obaseki’s submissions that has ruffled feathers in government and private sectors of the economy: “When we got FAAC for March, the Federal Government printed an additional N50-N60 billion to top-up for us to share. This April, we will go to Abuja and share. By the end of this year, our total borrowing is going to be between N15 (trillion) and N16 trillion. Imagine a family that is just borrowing without any means to pay back and nobody is looking at that, everybody is looking at 2023, everybody is blaming Mr President as if he is a magician.”

Acareful deconstruction of the above statement shows that Obaseki was deliberately measured in causing a collateral damage to the federal government and the Central Bank of Nigeria. He also did so much disservice to the states and local governments, including himself, albeit minimally. He is enjoying the euphoria of one who has blown the lid off the Pandora Box. He appeared to be smart by half by putting up a feeble defence for the President.

Obaseki knows very well, just as many of us do, that magic is not a qualification for the presidency of Nigeria.

Therefore, Nigerians never voted for a magician, and therefore never expected the president to perform magic in the first instance.

But Nigerians, who voted for Buhari, believed that they voted for a president who was capacitated enough to provide disciplined and accountable leadership. And at the subnational level, governors had to brace up to meet the same sets of qualifications or criteria for election by the vast majority of the electorate. Governance at the three tiers converges on the popular pedestal of government for the utilitarian good of all.

Therefore, all responsible governments anywhere must strive to defend and support the economic system. In particular, they do this through the intervention by their Central Banks or Federal or

Reserve Banks as in the case of the United States of America and other climes. Nigeria is not different. And this was the point the CBN governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, made in his riposte to Governor Obaseki’s claim that the federal government printed between N50b and N60b to augment the March federation allocation to the three tiers of government.

I am not an economist. As a layman, my understanding from the mindset of an innocent watcher of the development is that money that is shared is what is earned (what accrues into the Federation Account). Therefore, it is what is earned monthly that is shared. It does not matter whether the amount fluctuates. If that is the case, March 2021 as in all cases, should not be different. If it was N250 billion, for instance, that accrued into the Federation Account, for the month as distributable revenue, that was what the FAAC would share, sancta simplicitas-pure and simple. It would therefore be needless for the federal government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to print money to augment what was not earned.

If the CBN finds ways and means to deal with certain economic exigencies, the Federation Allocation certainly does not fall into the category. Except, we are now told that the federal government diverted part of the monthly accrual for March to meet some pressing issues and had to resort to printing money to settle the indebtedness. Otherwise, as the CBN governor had said and I concur, it did not do what Governor Obaseki claimed the Federal Government did. Emefiele had to do some lecturing in Economics and, perhaps, Banking and Finance to reset the perception of many Nigerians who had already run with Obaseki’s somewhat fictive narrative that was not properly contextually explicated.

Emefiele had, for good reasons, accused Obaseki of giving the issue an inappropriate colouration to create a mischief. Read him: “Printing of money is about lending money; that is our job. It is inappropriate to think that printing of money means printing money to distribute in the streets. It is about lending to the government. It is inappropriate for people to give some colorations to the word ‘printing of money’ as if it is a foreign word coming from the sky.” In 2015/2016, the apex bank gave bailout facility to the states to enable them to survive the turbulent economic hardship that was not even as bad as the current situation.

According to Emefiele, “All the loans remain unpaid till now and we are going to insist on the states paying those loans going forward, since they are accusing us of giving them loans, which is what they are saying.” The state governments should have demonstrated utmost good faith. Interestingly, politics has crept into the sage as the APC governors have risen in strong defence of the CBN on this issue. Rivers governor, Nyesom Wike, has lent his voice in support of Governor Obaseki. Politicisation of this issue is

not the right way to go. CBN is not the country’s apex bank and not a political party for crying out loud. It is open and accessible to all governments. This is why I consider apposite the CBN governor’s position that the bank would support government when it is cash-strapped.

According to Emefiele: “What I keep saying is that, it will be irresponsible for the Central Bank of Nigeria or any central bank, or any Fed to stand idle and refuse to support its government at this time. And what is being done is being done in any clime.” He continued: “It’s important for me to put it this way that in 2015/16, the kind of situation we found ourselves in, we did provide a budget support facility to all the states of this country. That loan is still unpaid up till now.

We are going to insist on them paying back the money since they are accusing us of giving them loans…. Central Bank will call back loans issued to state governments which could perhaps mean deducting the loans from the monthly Federal Allocations shared between the States and the Federal Government.”

The takeaway: Money is printed by the CBN, but not in the context in which Governor Obaseki has put it. It prints money to lend to government and in playing this role, central banks control the volume, value and circulation of money to ensure there is price stability and inflation is brought under control.

He said it was important that money was printed (or minted) in proportion to the value of the central bank reserve. He had further explained that the reserve, on the other hand, was a function of the value of goods and services produced in the country at any given time, called Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Read further Obaseki’s explanations that question the intents and purposes of Governor Obaseki in stirring the hornets’ nest: “As the institutional authority with the traditional responsibility of ensuring that financial markets function smoothly and in a stable manner, printing money goes beyond producing or minting currency notes or coins. This is because the central bank has a responsibility to protect businesses from difficulties that could arise from financial or macroeconomic challenges.

“As the authority that monitors and controls the nation’s reserves, the central bank can print money in the proportion of the value of the reserves. It can also print money above the value of the reserves in anticipation of a near-future boost in the value of goods and services to equal the ‘volume’ of money in circulation. This is why the central bank can take measures to mop up excess money in circulation, or to boost money supply when it is considered inadequate. The aim is to ensure price stability.

––John writes from Jos. Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

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24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ APRIL 24, 2021

FEATURE

Ireoluwade Chigbu’s prosthestic leg

Addressing Discrimination against Persons Living with Disability Ayodeji j Ake writes on efforts by a non-governmental g organisation, g Irede Foundation, to reduce to the barest minimum, stigmatisation and discrimination against persons living with disability

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he joy j y of motherhood knows no bounds. When a child is born into a family, y it’s a symbol y of love and divine gift g as described by y the Holy Books. For the Chigbu g family, y childbearing g was almost not the reflection of joy j y when little Ireoluwade Beulah Chigbu g was born with congenital g limb deformity. y Mr. and Mrs. Chigbu g are career parents p who work tirelessly y to ensure enough g provisions p are made for the family, y most especially p y to ensure the best for the children when they y arrive. On arrival, Irede’s health condition almost derailed them from their career paths as the p p parents have to take care of their child and ensure quality q y healthcare attention especially p when they confirmed little Irede’s leg g will be amputated. p Recallng g the tough g times, she said: “In 2009, I gave g birth to a daughter g with congenital g limb deformity y so they y told us the leg g would be amputated. p Her right g leg g was deformed at birth. We were told it would be amputated p for her to be able to live. Six days y after, we met with a surgeon g to con nfirm if there was any y manipulation p that could be done with the limb, but we con nfirmed amputation p would be the best way y to go. We started g g going g from p place to p place, traveling g from one hospital p to another to see if there was another way y we could get around it but all p g proved abortive. Two y years and three months after she was born, we did the amputation p of the leg. g She started using gp prosthetic leg g (an artifi ificial limb that replaces p a leg g missing g above the knee). But the good g thing after the surgery was that we started living our life.

“Before the surgery, g y my y husband and I took shifts staying y with her and we are both career parents. p We go g out of our way y to manage g our child. Before she was 18 months old, we couldn’t drop p her for anybody. y y After 18 months, we had to look for a school for her. The school took the responsibilities p of carrying y g her since she couldn’t stand because of the deformity.

She went for the surgery g y and we were still carrying y g her because we couldn’t g get the artiificial leg g immediately. y About three months after her surgery, g y she got g the fi first artiificial leg and was able to stand and g go to school.”

Today, y Ireoluwade is 12 y years old, and she is one of the bravest. She is a g good swimmer even with her one leg, g she rides a bicycle, y she is doing g well academically, y and as a matter of fact she is one of the growing g g models Nigerians g should look out for, as she has chosen as a career in modelling. g Also, Seun Ayodeji, y j who is in her 20s, narrated how she lost her leg g in a fatal accident on her way y to work. Ayodeji y j is of average g body y size, tall, fair and p pretty. y Everything y g was working g well for her until the accident. She secured a job j three months after graduation g from the university y and lost her leg g few weeks after she was employed. p y That morning g before the accident, she saw a disabled p person limping p g but didn’t know she would lose her leg g in few minutes. She prayed for death but that didn’t come as it was not her fate.

“I got g amputated p in February y 2017. I was on my y way y to work on Lagos-Ibadan g expressway, p y on the highway. g y I sat beside the driver, The driver lost control, but managed g to stop p the vehicle with the demarcations on the road. Tt affected me

because he swiped p the vehicle to my y side and hit the median. I really y couldn’t understand what happened pp but I discovered I was on the g ground. I was still at alert and tried to fi find an escape p route incase the vehicle caught g fi fire. While on the floor I tried to get my g y balance and at that p point I realised I couldn’t fi find my y leg. g I felt that was all and was wondering why I didn’t just die, I was p pained.

“The good g Samaritans helped. p Someone stopped pp by y to rush me to the emergency g y unit and a woman helped p with her scarf to at least stop p the bleeding g because I was really y losing g blood. I was transferred to Igbobi g and they y requested q for my y leg. g When they y brought g the leg, g after proper p p look, they y said they y couldn’t fix it so opted fi p for surgery g y and they y cut off the destroyed y part. p At some point, p my y second leg g was affected but it wasn’t necessary y to amputate, p but was treated.

“Before the accident, I just j got g a job. j So, it was like starting ga new life. My y life was g going g smoothly y until the accident. The stigma g was there. At that p point I actually y wished I died because I couldn’t imagine g living with one leg. Today, I still thank God for everything y g so far.”

Today, y Ayodeji y j is one of the successful businesswomen Nigeria can boast of.

Interventions through g Irede Foundation

With the focus on empowering p g the African child living g with limb loss to live his or her life to the fullest: having g equal q access to life’s opportunities pp like every y other African child, a nongovernmental organisation, Irede Foundation named after

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPA P PER ˾ PRIL 24, 2021

FEATURE Addressing Discrimination against Persons Living with Disability Ireoluwade Beulah Chigbu, g has g given out over 186 prosthetic p legs g and have engaged g g over 300 families across Nigeria. g According g to the Executive Director, The Irede Foundation, Mrs. Crystal y Chigbu, g the foundation was established when there were lots of questions q on disability, y especially p limb deformity, y appealing pp g for answers and solutions.

“But with what happened pp to me in those few years, y I had lots of questions; q questions about how other parents q p were coping, p g about how to live life, will she be able to survive? And I had a lot of questions. q For every y time I ask these questions, q I tried to ask people p p or ask Google g to check for answers and truly y there were no answers. All I wanted to do at the time was to p provide answers. Not answers from a medical perspective p p but on what I have gone g through g incase someone else needed to search for these answers so they y could read through g and see how I resolved my yp problem. I met a woman who had a son, and she came looking g for me like someone had told her about my y daughter. g She has a son who didn’t have a hand and they y had left him at home two years y plus. p The boy y wasn’t going g g to school and she had shutdown her business as a result of his condition. Another thing g is, there were a lot of rumours in her family y that she used her son for rituals and she was ashamed of herself. I came to a conclusion that, what took me two to three years y to overcome, other people’s p p life is wasting g away. y “What I have been doing g over the years y is that anyone y I see that needs an artifi ificial limb, we try y to raise funds because I don’t want them to go g through g what I went through g with my daughter. g First, I needed information but there was no inforrmation and no education. But here in Irede Foundation, we educate p people p and p provide them with necessary y information needed. Irede foundation is nine years y this year. y We started in 2012. The name came from my y daughter’s g name: Ireoluwade, Irede is a short form of her name. We, as a foundation, educate, engage g g and infl nfluence, and p provide empowerment p through g giving g gp prosthetic limbs so the children can go g back to school.

More importantly, p y what we also do is to inspire p action.

“So far, we have g given over 186 limbs across Nigeria g and we have worked with over 300 families. It’s not all of those that knocked on our door that we g give limbs. Sometimes it’s a mental health issue with the parents p or to the child, the parents or to the child, as a result of the disability p y of their child.

We do p psychotherapy y py ensuring g 100 p per cent wellness for their amputee p at the end of the day. y We have done the p physical y walk and we are doing g it virtually y now. We have reached out to over 10,000 persons. p We educate them about disability y and how to manage g it. We have also been running a lot of social media campaigns.” p g Speaking p g further, Chigbu g explained p the ‘Limb To Care’ concept p initiated during g the COVID-19 pandemic p lockdown last y year, was designed g to engage g g the amputees p on how to practice p p personal hygiene yg through g frequent q handwashing g and wearing g of their nose masks, most especially children with one hand or without hands.

“There is also an initiative ‘Limb To Care’ that we jjust kickstarted. Prior to COVID-19, we had a lot of our amputees p impacted p because we engaged g g them. We have children with one hand and they y need to wash their hands and sanitise regularly g y and we also have children that don’t have hands and they y need to wear their mask. We did some traditional media awareness so that the people p p that really y need us will get g to hear about us. We do schools’ awareness p programmes. g Base on the children that have passed p through g Irede, we discovered that about 70 p per cent of their cases could have been avoided and rather not end up as amputees if they were properly informed,” she said.

Ireoluwade in dancing school

Challenges g

Chigbu g said one of the challenges g is funding. g She explained p that the foundation in its capacity p y source for funds for the children to get g prosthetic p legs, g which are quite q expensive p and their families may y not be able to afford them. And for those who could afford it, they y may y not have the fi financial strength to change g the limb(s) as the child grows. g “When you y check what causes amputation p in general, g congenital g deformity y is about three to four per p cent; diabetes is the highest g ranking g and about 34 per p cent. When you y look at the cases of amputation p in Nigeria, g its diabetes is highest g by y ranking g and next is trauma that could have been avoided.

When an accident occurs, p people p believe they y can arrange g bones and by y the time they yg get to the bone setter, it becomes another story y entirely. y In respect p to funds, the people p p we give g limbs to are p people p that can’t afford it so we actually source for funds to p provide them limbs.

“They y can’t afford it because the least they y can go g for about N1million. Some are more expensive, p depending p g on the amputation. p We have limbs we have done for over N2 million, especially p y for two legs. g Yes, sourcing g for funds is not someething g easy y but we have partners. p We have individuals who are committed to giving g g and we still encourage g more individuals to support pp this course because g getting g funds is not easy. y We also have corporate p partners p who are supporting pp g us really y big.

Truth be told, artiificial limbs are usually y expensive p and it’s something gy you keep p changing g g as y you g grow older. Even when some family y can afford a p prosthetic limb, but changing g g circle of the limb is q quite expensive p and so they y will need support. pp NNPC NIPCO is one of our major j p partners and we are still looking forward to corporate organisation to support us,” she said.

Fighting g g stigmatisation g

She noted that the foundation had in the past eight years

Executive Director,The Irede Foundation, Mrs. Crystal Chigbu E committed to fighting g g stigmatisation g by y engaging g g g in public p enlightenment g p programmes g and increased awareness campaigns p g on ability y in disability. y Chigbu g said there were a lot of disability y cases but their parents tend to make it p p private because of fear of how they would be addressed in p public.

“There were a lot of stigma g and discrimination. Not even for my y child but for me. People p called me ‘Iya y Aro’ (mother of disable) and a lot of unpleasant p names. I felt like educating g the society y would help p to change g that mindset. I needed a lot of support pp and I’m p privileged g that I had it from church, friends and families. I thought g about it that like the family y I visited in Enugu g that didn’t have support. pp Sometimes, y you will realise that the children are adding g weight, g because if a child is not moving g around and is just sitting in one position, they tend to add weight. g “Stigma g is one thing g we are still fighting g g and what we have done in the last eight g years y is public p awareness on disability, y even when some parents p are bold enough g and they y are not given the opportunity g pp y but rather they y are discriminated against. g What we are doing g is creating g awareness and sensitising g to make them know that disability y is not the making g of the person living p g with disability. y Disability y is not a taboo. There are a lot of messages g we are p putting g to the public p space p to make sure discrimination and stigmatisation can get to the barest minimum.

Ireoluwade with her growing legs.

“The g government has made a law for p persons living g with disability y and we are currently y working g on that law to help p the society y understand it. We are organising g g a programme p g with the families of the amputees p and the caregivers g where we will be connecting gp physically y y and virtually y where they y can share their issues. We’re working g on it to ensure the ability y of the children living with disability is developed,” she said.

Technology gy Intervention

Founder of Identity y Pay, y Mr. Lanre Ogungbe, g g revealed his organisation g was working g tirelessly y to ensure persons p living with disability y could enjoy j y the use of technology gy for easy y payment y when they y visit stores without their caregivers. g “It is sometimes very y hard for them to p push the cart themselves, pick p their items and still make payments. p y We believe the processes p are too stressful for them. In developing p biometric technology, gy we also put p them into consideration, because we know we have different kinds of disabilities, but this is developed p for p people p with limb-loss. They y can walk into the stores, pick p their items, they y will not have to struggle gg get g tting g their cards. So, we are designing g g the technology gy that after shopping, pp p g all they y will have to do is to smile to the technology g gy to make p payments. y We will also p partner with banks so it will be easier for them to make transactions on Automated Teller Machine (ATM). But with p partnership p and collaboration with Irede foundation, we will achieve this,” Ogungbe assured.

26

˜ ˾ APRIL 24, 2021

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION/POLITY

BY

Celebrating Aliko Dangote

H

APPY 64th Birthday to Aliko Dangote (GCON): “Your exploits in business and philanthropy has (have) indeed transformed the lives of many in our country and across the world.” “…we wish you many more giant steps and trail blazing (trail-blazing) wins as you celebrate 64 years of incredible impact.”

Wrong: 64th birthday anniversary Right: 64th Birthday “On this day we remember…whose works, values and heart lives (live) on through us.” “…but your values and legacy is (are) what has (have) shaped us and our teams.”

“Lagos rakes in N418bn IGR in 2020 despite COVID-19” (THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER, PAGE FIVE, April 17) Apart from being an informal phrase unfit for a standard medium, ‘rake in’ cannot apply to that humungous amount! There is no way you can make such an amount without working hard—as the faulty headline suggests—except you are into bunkering and money ritual, which even require some measure of dastard diligence!

“Nigeria sitting on precipice of socialeconomic (socioeconomic) disaster, minister warns” (NATIONAL NEWS, April 21) “I, my family and the good people of…Wish (sic) you long life and prosperity.” A rewrite: The good people of…my family and I wish you….” There is sequence in collocation—you cannot put the cart before the horse. Once another person is involved, you come last! “…as your (you) continue to contribute your own quota in (to) the nation building (nationbuilding) of our dear country, Nigeria” “Though we commend the idea behind the establishment of the outfit, we feel it is (was) hastily done.”

“If there are (were) more people like you the

world would have been a better place.”

“Your dedication, determination, and vision inspires (inspire) us to always give in our best in all we do.”

“We appreciate having someone wonderful like you at the helm of affairs.” Get it right: at the helm—no ’of affairs’!

“Today (a comma) I, my family and the…

Progressives, (otiose punctuation) wishes (wish) you the best of….” The main blunder already treated. “Your contributions to our nation and humanity is (are) indeed sublime and commendable.”

“May God continue to crown all your efforts with huge success (successes or a huge success).” “…God will grant you more blissful life and heart (heart’s) desires as you soar higher in your future endeavours.” You cannot ‘soar lower’! This way: as you soar in your….

“Today, we celebrate our flag-bearers, those who go the extra mile to put You First.” Happy Customer Service Week: standard-bearers; not ‘flag-bearers’ which, unfortunately, has been subjected to notoriety by non-ideological Nigerian politicians and popularized by a few unintellectual colleagues of mine!

“Several videos shared on social media showed some of the protesters bolting away from the tear gas….” According to my copious dictionaries and other reference books, ‘bolt’ means “to suddenly run somewhere very quickly, especially in order to escape or because you are frightened.” Therefore, there is no room for ‘away’. Often times, you hear or read: “The armed robbers bolted away before the police arrived.” The bandits simply bolted before…. “…he is unable to do same (the same) in….”

“Kwara Express staff seek governor’s intervention on (in) company’s N36.9m debt” “Did you bought cake for me…?” No comment! “Just imagine a young man that rounded up his apprenticeship as a welder.”

This is an indication of the current malaise in

scholarship: a situation where a lecturer cannot distinguish between phrasal verbs, ‘round up’ and ‘round off’ (which applies here).

“Will anybody please let us know which country became a super-power by allowing its best brains to roam about the world?” ‘Roam’ encompasses ‘about’.

“News from the universities are no longer about innovation.…” News is news (uncountable). “The condition, which is said to be due to an abnormality in either the number or structure of the chromosomes, cuts across every races.” Get it right: every race or all races.

“Janet, a twelve-year-old and the third child of her parents’ four offsprings and the only one with the problem…” ‘Offspring’ is non-count.

“Since 1993, funding of oil exploration have (has) been beset by different levels of problems.”

“In answering this question we classify the outcomes into long term and short term implications.” The greatest problem of journalists: unnecessary embellishment (outcome) of words. “This is clearly a danger signal as the time between discovering an oil field and commercially putting it on stream could be between four to five years.” No analysis: between four and five or from four to five years.

“THISDAY checks reveal that every termination penalties goes from 500,000 US dollars to 2 million US dollars”. Check the discord as already discussed above.

“Lack of funds cripple waste management activities” Another error of attraction: Lack of funds cripples.

“Nevertheless, the donor country is also interested in this decision to ensure that the loan is repaid as at when due with its accrued interest.” Without any periscope: the loan is repaid when due (not as at when due which is pleonastic).

“Government should consider the destructive effect that further delay in the sale of ‘shaky’ banks would mete out on the banking system”.

Stock phrase: mete out to (not on) the banking

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

system. “If the family cannot truely relish at least a decent meat….” Spelling counts: truly.

“A man does not have to be a money bag (sic) before he can dress well and look charming in his own little way.” Brighten up your English usage: A man does not have to be moneybags…. Moneybag is a sac! “…in addition, (sic) to dispensing drugs for immediate relief and giving counsel on the steps necessary to prevent a reoccurrence.”

Good grammar: recurrence. “…it sent the signal that those responsible for the security of lives and properties in Oyo State are working at cross-purposes”. Some caution, please: life and property.

“The arsonists usually escape with their loot as the embattled market lays in ashes, leaving many traders terminally ruined financially.”

There should be no dilemma: ‘lays’ for ‘lies’? “…Nehemiah whose determined efforts to rebuild the tottering walls of Jerusalem was (were) undertaken purely out of love for his country.” “…analyst whose intellectual prowess and deep understanding of social issues knew no bound (bounds).” (NATIONAL NEWS, April 7) “Poly senior staff union gives FG 21-days to address IPPIS complications” (Source: as above).

This way: 3-week or 3 weeks’ ultimatum—not 21-days Corrigendum following last week’s inadvertent misrepresentation here: “The yearnings for the special status for Lagos is (are)….”

Thanks to the 70-year-old elder-statesman who pointed out this mix-up. More constructive and highly-appreciated observations, questions (clarifications/elucidations), interventions and general contributions are welcome from all readers. The essence is to make this column an interactive and all-inclusive platform for the exchange of cerebral perspectives.

POLITY

Lawyers: DSO’s Whitepaper Lacks Force of Law, Invalid

L

awyers have faulted the recent directive by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) on the abolition of self-carriage status by broadcast entities, saying the 2014 Digital Switch Over Whitepaper the commission relied on to issue is an expired document and lacks the force of law.

Ahead of the commencement of the second phase of the DSO programme, which has proceeded in fits and starts, including two unmet deadlines, the NBC recently directed digital terrestrial television operators to reconfigure their transmission set-ups and transfer their carriage to either ITS or Pinnacle Communications Limited, the licensed signal distributors, with immediate effect.

The NBC, in a letter signed by its acting Director-General, Dr Armstrong Idachaba,

said its directive on abolition of self-carriage is Section 10 of the 2014 DSO Whitepaper, which it said prescribes the splitting of broadcasting activities into content distribution and signal distribution. The commission stated that with the split, a single broadcaster can no longer combine the functions of content carriage and signal distribution.

Reacting to the directive, Lagos-based lawyer, Marian Igbi, said the NBC erred by presenting the DSO Whitepaper as a document with the same force as a law. She contended that the Whitepaper, issued in 2014, can no longer be deemed as valid, given that two editions of the National Broadcasting Code, a subsidiary legislation on broadcasting, were issued after it.

“It is important to realise that the 5th and 6th editions of the National Broadcasting Code came into effect after the Whitepaper.

The Whitepaper the NBC relies on as empowering it to issue the directive gave no effect to the document’s recommendations.

As a matter of fact, it could not have given any effect to it in view of the fact that the National Assembly has not yet amended the NBC Act,” she argued.

Speaking in similar vein, another lawyer, Maxwell Ogbeche, noted that a Whitepaper is simply a distillation to supply an analysis of a particular subject, including new policy frameworks, but is not the equivalent of a law.

“Whitepapers are statements of policy directions. They are not laws and their recommendations have to be worked into actual legislations to have any binding legal effect.

In this case, the recommendations of the DSO Whitepaper remain unknown to the NBC Act and the Broadcast Code, both of which are the bodies of laws regulating broadcasting in

Nigeria. There is no other legislation,” he said.

Also speaking, Timothy Shaba, lawyer and former broadcaster, argued that the NBC appears muddled. According to him, the NBC Act and National Broadcast Code are clear on broadcasting functions that require licence issuance, saying DTT operators at which the Commission’s directive is aimed have valid authority to distribute the signals, comprising DTT service.

“The licence issued to DTT service providers isn’t the same as a signal distribution licence because it permits them to carry out their core business of providing subscription television services to Nigerians. Signal distributors’ core business is the provision of signal distribution services to broadcasters licensed by the government. They do not provide that service to the general public,” he explained.

Yusuf Seeks CBN Intervention on Forex for Steel Manufacturers Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

T

he National Chairman, Basic Metal, Iron and Fabricated Manufacturers, a sectoral arm of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Alhaji Kamorudeen Yusuf has called on the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) to, as a matter of urgency, intervene in the recurring crisis of shortage foreign exchange confronting manufacturers of steel industries in the country.

Yusuf ,who is also the Chief Executive Officer, KAM Holdings, Ilorin Kwara State said the urgent intervention of the apex bank would help in stabilising the volatility of the hard currency and its concomitant impact on local manufacturing sector.

Yusuf, who spoke in Ilorin on Friday during the courtesy visit of the Director General of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Farooq Salim, who led his team on the facility tour of KAM Holdings’ factories at Asa-Dam, Ilorin and Jimba-Oja,

Ifelodun Local Government area of the state, lamented the adverse effects of the volatility of foreign exchange on the manufacturing industry.

He noted that a major factory in his firm, which was never shutdown since it began operation several years ago, has been in a critical condition.

Yusuf, who is also a National Council member of MAN, acknowledged the support of the CBN to manufacturers in the country and tasked it to focus more on them rather than trading.

He said the support of the apex bank would go a long way in minimising the impact of job losses in the manufacturing industry. “I know CBN has been doing maximum of what they can do but we want them to focus more on industry rather than trading.

“This is because if they concentrate on industry, giving them all the necessary things that they require, they will not make us to offload our staff to the labour market.

“I want to add that CBN has been doing a lot even during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. But in the area of foreign exchange, they are not doing very well. We are suffering. The

CBN needs to look into that”, Yusuf said.

He appealed to the nation’s leaders to be on the same page and rescue manufacturing sector from the imminent collapse arising from foreign exchange crisis.

The SON Director General, who spoke to journalists shortly after inspecting the facilities, expressed delight over the capacity of the industry and the employment opportunities created for the people.

He said, “I’m overwhelmed at the capacity and the size of the project, and the amount of sophistication that we have in the industry. I can never imagine we have something like this in Nigeria, and even in the North.

“I’m very impressed with the employees. I’m even more impressed with over 250 women in their exclusive factory. So, you can imagine how much empowerment you have for the family and for the society.

“I don’t have words to describe how proud I am. But I’m very happy that we have a Nigerian doing something like this with passion. If we have several of this in the country, we wouldn’t have problem of unemployment”.

3

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

MORE THAN A DERBY

24.04.2021

William Troost-Ekong

Premier League Dream in Sight

PAGE. 29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͼ, 2021

28

GLOBAL SOCCER

William Troost-Ekong Premier League Dream in Sight

Ahmed

Troos-Ekong...his solidity at the backline of Watford is one of the reasons the Hornets will be campaigning in the Premier League next season

His dream has always been to play in the English Premier League and until now the closest he had ever come to achieving that dream was during his time at Tottenham but the Lilly White side never saw him good enough to play in the English elite division and he was eventually shipped to the Netherlands. In desperation of playing in the Premier League, William Troost- Ekong dumped Serie A side, Udinese for Championship team Watford and that move seems to be paying off. With the Hornets needing just one point from the remaining three matches, the Super Eagles defender is just inches away from achieving his longdesired dream

A

ll things being equal, Super Eagles vice-captain, William Troost-Ekong would be slugging it out with the best in the English top-flight as the Hornets are in good stead to gaining promotion to the Premier League.

Troost-Ekong helped Watford move to within a win of securing Premier League promotion as the Hornets sealed an excellent 1-0 victory away to Championship leaders Norwich on Tuesday.

The Canaries hoarded most of the possession at Carrow Road, but Watford’s defence, marshalled by Ekong held firm to carve out another clean sheet and their 25th league win of the season.

The Hornets can still afford to lose their remaining three league matches of the season and yet book their automatic promotion ticket should the trio of Swansea, Brentford and Bournemouth drop any more points before the end of the campaign.

It would be the fulfillment of an age-old dream for Troost-Ekong, who was once on the books of Tottenham Hotspur but never featured for the club in the Premier League before returning to the Netherlands.

But after proving his mettle in the Eredivisie, the Belgian Pro League, the Norwegian top-flight, the Turkish Super League, and the Serie A, the 27-year-old centre-back is closing on a date with Europe’s most glamorous league.

Troost-Ekong was relieved to see Watford bounce back from their defeat against Luton Town to silence Norwich City.

The Hornets bowed to a 1-0 defeat against the Hatters – a result which was a setback to their Premier League ambition.

The Nigerian international described the atmosphere in the dressing room after the hard-fought result, explaining what motivated them against the Canaries.

“There was a lot of shouts and a lot of dancing – general happiness, I think. Everyone was just relieved because it was a massive

game and we tried to keep our heads cool and the pressure we had,” Troost-Ekong said.

“That was the message after penultimate Saturday’s defeat to Luton Town. In that game, we didn’t start well, were on the back foot throughout the whole game really.

“Everyone was upset, and we had to use moments like that to motivate ourselves for the Norwich game. So, we did that.

“We also knew that they were going to be playing under pressure. So, we needed to get at them from the start because we don’t want it to become a showcase game for them.

“From the first whistle, they knew we were here to get something. Yeah! We did that throughout the game.”

Occupying the second position in the English Championship having accrued 85 points from 43 fixtures, they have conceded the least goals too (28) – keeping a clean sheet in 21 games.

When asked what makes the team solid defensively, the former Udinese and Gent man said: “I think it’s a team effort. Since the manager, Xisco Munoz came in, the main

thing that he changed was that he wanted us to play further away from the goal.

“So, we tried to stay higher as much as we can and on Wednesday, we played in Norwich’s half as much as we could.

“And I think if you stay away from your own goal, then it’s really harder for them to try and score. I can’t remember when teams break clear through our backline and get a one-on-one chance, and that’s a credit to the whole team.”

The 27-year-old centre-back began his career with Groningen.

He joined Udinese in 2018 and his move to Watford was the latest in a series of summer deals between the two clubs.

“I believe in the project for Watford to get back into the Premier League,” he told BBC Sport Africa.

“It’s always been my dream to play in the Premier League and Watford has given me the platform now to get there. Looking at the squad, I believe we have the quality to do it.”

Troost-Ekong made 66 appearances for Udinese.

“I’ve always made tactical decisions for my career and this felt like the right step now for me and my family,” he added.

Born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and a Dutch mother, Troost-Ekong played youth football at Tottenham and Fulham in England before starting his professional career with Groningen and Dordrecht in Holland.

He subsequently went on to play top-flight football with Haugesund in Norway, Gent in Belgium, and Bursaspor in Turkey before completing a move to Udinese in the summer of 2018.

Troost-Ekong registered 66 appearances for Udinese in all competitions in over two seasons, establishing himself as a regular starter in the playing XI.

29

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͼ, 2021

GLOBAL SOCCER

London Derby: West Ham, Chelsea in Top-Four Clash As the two Manchester teams-City and United have almost confirmed their places in the Premier League coming first and second respectively and with Leicester City set for third, today’s battle between fourth placed Chelsea and surprised fifth-placed West Ham United is nothing short of a fight of the titans

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

33 32 32 32 32 33 32 32 33 32 31 32 31 32 32 32 32 33 32 32

45 29 21 19 11 18 16 4 7 0 9 -9 -19 -18 -18 -5 -19 -18 -34 -39

77 66 59 55 55 53 53 52 46 46 44 41 38 36 35 34 33 27 24 14

PREMIER LEAGUE TODAY

Liverpool v West Ham v Sheffield Utd v

Newcastle 12: 30 Chelsea 17:30 Brighton 20: 00

SUNDAY

Wolvers Leeds Utd Aston Villa

v v v

Burnley 12:00 Man Utd 14:00 West Brom 19:00

v

Crystal Palace 19:00

v v v v

Levante 13:00 Cádiz 15:15 Alavés 17:30 Real Betis 20:00

v v v v v

Getafe 13:00 Barcelona 15:15 Osasuna 17:30 Granada 17:30 Atlético 20:00

v

Sociedad 20:00

MONDAY

Leicester

Ë ÓÑË TODAY

Elche Valladolid Valencia Madrid SUNDAY

Huesca Villarreal Celta Vigo Sevilla Bilbao MONDAY

Eibar

ÙÞ ÒÙÞ PLAYERS

West Ham striker Michail Antonio headed his side into the lead at Stamford Bridge

W

hen David Moyes took over relegation-bound West Ham United last season, not many would have believed that a year later he would be competing for a top-four Premier League finish.

West Ham United prepare to play host to Chelsea in today’s Premier League clash, and there is much more than just capital bragging rights on the line in this London derby.

The Blues reclaimed their place in the top four of the table with a goalless stalemate against Brighton & Hove Albion on Tuesday, while West Ham are now in fifth but only behind their upcoming opponents on goal difference.

David Moyes’ surprise package remain firmly in contention for a top-four finish, but defeat at St James’ Park gave Chelsea the opportunity to leapfrog them in the table - a chance which they took and the Blues’ superior goal difference means that West Ham sit fifth with six games of the season remaining.

Moyes has now seen his side ship at least two goals in their last four Premier League matches - a statistic that will become all the more worrying now that Craig Dawson is suspended for this game - but home is where the heart is for the Hammers, as they have taken 13 points from the last 15 on offer at the London Stadium.

Only Manchester City can boast a better home record than West Ham in this season’s campaign, and Moyes’s side are also unbeaten in their last five London derbies at home before this pivotal showdown with Chelsea, who will be aiming to end a

tumultuous week in perfect fashion.

Petr Cech becoming embroiled in fan protests outside Stamford Bridge symbolised football’s response to the proposed European Super League - which Chelsea were one of the founding members of - but during their game with Brighton on Tuesday evening, news of the Premier League’s Big Six dropping out one by one slowly filtered through to jubilant supporters.

Affairs on the pitch were much duller, however, as neither Chelsea nor Brighton - reduced to 10 men in the dying minutes after Ben White was sent off - could find a way through at Stamford Bridge, as Thomas Tuchel’s fatigued outfit were unable to build on their recent FA Cup and Champions League successe.

However, that point was enough to see the Blues break back into the top four of the table, and Leicester City - who have a game in hand - are only one point clear of Chelsea in third before they face West Bromwich Albion on Thursday, although the Foxes will certainly be expected to steer clear in that fixture.

That infamous home thrashing at the hands West Brom was an early blot on Tuchel’s notebook, but the former Borussia Dortmund manager is yet to lose away from home since succeeding Frank Lampard and will be aiming to stretch his unbeaten run on the road to 10 matches across all competitions this weekend.

Tuchel could become the first Chelsea manager in history to navigate his first 10 away games unbeaten today, and the Blues eased to a 3-0 triumph over West Ham back in December, during which the forgotten man Tammy Abraham netted twice.

Brighton & Hove Albion travel to already-relegated Sheffield United this evening knowing that they can all but secure Premier League safety with a victory.

The Seagulls held Chelsea last time out and are seven points clear of the dropzone with a game in hand, while United’s fate was sealed with defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Brighton may be three games without a victory, but back-to-back goalless draws against Everton and Chelsea can be considered good results in Albion’s bid to avoid relegation.

Graham Potter’s men have lacked consistency all campaign long, hence their position in 16th, but Fulham’s inability to pick up wins means that the Seagulls should be safe.

That could all change in the space of one weekend of action, of course, as a defeat for Brighton here and a win for Fulham at Chelsea will close the gap to four points.

Albion, who went close to beating Chelsea late on at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, still have Manchester City and top-four chasing West Ham United to face in their final five games.

Nothing can be taken for granted just yet, then, especially when you take Albion’s record against this weekend’s opponents into account.

Brighton have won just one of their last 11 league meetings with the Blades and have not won at Bramall Lane in the league since January 2005.

United, now under the caretaker management of Paul Heckingbottom, may have been relegated last weekend but that can so often lift the weight off the shoulders of teams.

Harry Kane Mohamed Salah Bruno Fernandes Son Heung-min Calvert-Lewin Patrick Bamford Alexandre Lacazette Jamie Vardy Ollie Watkins Ilkay Gundogan Callum Wilson Marcus Rashford Danny Ings Wilfried Zaha Harvey Barnes Emerick Aubameyang Raheem Sterling Riyad Mahrez Jesse Lingard Tomas Soucek Diogo Jota James Maddison Neal Maupay Gabriel Jesus Sadio Mane Jarrod Bowen Kelechi Iheanacho Edinson Cavani Matheus Pereira

CLUB

GOALS

Tottenham 21 Liverpool 19 Man Utd 16 Tottenham 15 Everton 14 Leeds United 14 Arsenal 13 Leicester 13 Aston Villa 12 Man City 12 Newcastle 10 Man Utd 10 Southampton 10 Crystal Palace 9 Leicester 9 Arsenal 9 Man City 9 Man City 9 West Ham 9 West Ham 9 Liverpool 8 Leicester 8 Brighton 8 Man City 8 Liverpool 8 West Ham 8 Leicester 8 Man Utd 8 West Brom 8

The Yorkshire side were relegated in the joint-earliest time ever in terms of games played, and they could still go down with a record number of defeats at this rate.

Scoring goals has been a problem all season long for United, who have lost each of their last five league matches and failed to score in four of them.

Indeed, as well as being the lowest-scoring side in the Premier League this season (17 goals in total), United have failed to score in the most different games (18).

They have also kept only two clean sheets all season - another divisional low - which could be good news for Brighton on the back of two games without finding the net.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (l) and Alex Iwobi in training during the Nigerian’s days at Arsenal (1)

Iwobi’s Everton Progress Delights Aubameyang Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is delighted with the progress Alex Iwobi has made at Premier League rivals Everton.

The Nigeria international could be involved in some capacity when the Gunners face off with the Toffees in a Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium tonight.

Iwobi was on the books of Arsenal for 15 years before leaving for Everton in 2019, signing a five-year deal until the end of the 2023-2024 season.

He joined the Gunners as a schoolboy and went on to make 149 appearances for the club, including 100 in the Premier League, and was an FA Cup winner in 2017 but didn’t play in the final against Chelsea.

Aubameyang is not available for selection against the Toffees as he is still recovering after contracting malaria while on international duty with Gabon.

Speaking to the Arsenal Matchday Programme, Aubameyangsaid:“Itwillbegreatto seeAlexIwobiagain,we had some

goodtimestogetherwhenwewere together here at the club, and he’s someone I’ve kept in contact with sinceheleft.

“We have a few messages on WhatsApp and it’s good to see him doing well with Everton”.

Since leaving the Emirates Stadium two years ago, Iwobi has played three games against Arsenal, winning one, drawing another and losing the other.

Meanwhile, Iwobi has detailed his struggles getting a professional contract during his time with Arsenal.

The Nigeria international, who represented England at youth level, has claimed that he was the only Young Lion not offered a professional contract as part of his scholarship deal.

Iwobi was amazed by the decision of the Arsenal higher-ups as he had belief in his own abilities and had to wait until the end of his scholarship before going professional at the Gunners.

Speaking to Nedum Onuoha Podcast, Iwobi explained : “At U16 I got the call-up from England which was a big ac-

complishment coming from Arsenal, Arsenal they believe that’s the best academy in England so players should be called up.

“There was a couple of us my age that were called up for England which was good.At 17 everyone my school year who played for England got offered a pro contract straightaway barring me.

“I was the only one that got told that you can take your scholar if you want or you can go elsewhere, that was a challenge in itself, thinking I feel like I’m good enough, I’ve played for England, why I am not getting the same deal as all my other teammates that played for England.

“I stuck with Arsenal because it’s where I felt most comfortable and most at home, and where I can make a name for myself.

“I overcame that challenge, played on, played on, did my two-year scholar then eventually got my first-year pro then I broke into the first team a year after which was good.”

Rohr Gives Reason for not Handing Olise AFCON Qualifier Call-up Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has claimed that Reading playmaker Michael Olise was not handed a late call-up for the national team’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches last month due to international travel restrictions in response to the coronavirus crisis.

British-based players such as Everton’s Alex Iwobi, Rangers’ Joe Aribo and Leon Balogun, Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, and Fulham’s Ola Aina all reported for international duty in March.

Former Chelsea schoolboy Olise was among the players on the standby roster and it was logically thought that

he would be added to the main list following the spate of withdrawals that hit the squad.

Spanish-based duo Kenneth Omeruo and Sadiq Umar were prevented from traveling to Africa as a result of coronavirus concerns and the same applied to French Ligue 1 stars Moses Simon, Simon Kalu and Terem Moffi.

Olise has played nonbinding games for France at youth level, and also qualifies to represent Nigeria through his father as well as England.

“Michael Olise is a player we put on the standby list but he could not come because finally there were some

restrictions and he could not travel, like other players,” Rohr said to Elegbete TV Sports.

“You know the French players have not been released, some Spanish players have not been released the last time Omeruo, Sadiq Umar.

“In France we had Kalu, Moffi could not come, that’s why I took in the last moment local players to replace them.”

Olise is having an outstanding season at Reading with a goal involvement of 16 (6 goals, 10 assists) in 41 appearances in the Championship, and continues to be linked with Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

Madrid vs Real Betis, Lazio vs Milan on Supersport Football lovers can look forward to live action from the La Liga and Serie A seasons, with matches showing on DStv and GOtv. SuperSport is the only place to get English commentary from the legendary La Liga, where the pick of matches for this round sees Real Madrid host Real Betis at EstadioAlfredo Di Stefano in the late kick-off today at 8pm on SuperSport La Liga (DStv channel 204) and SuperSport GOtvLaLiga(GOtvchannel32).

The weekend also features a potential thriller between Vil-

larreal and Barcelona at Estadio de la Ceramica on the afternoon of Sunday at 3:15pm.

Title hopefulsAtletico Madrid face a tough trip to the Basque country later the same day to take on Athletic Bilbao at 8pm.

The headline fixture from SerieAfor this round sees Lazio hostMilanatStadioOlimpicoon the evening of Monday 7:45pm on SuperSport Football (DStv channel 205) and SuperSport GOtv Select 1 (GOtv channel 33), with both teams hunting European football for next season.

Elsewherethisweekend,Inter will look to continue their march to the title when they host Hellas Veronaat2pm on SuperSport Variety 3 (DStv channel 208), while Juventus play away to Fiorentina at 2pm on SuperSport Football and SuperSport GOtv Select 1.

Other games include Parma and Crotone today at 5pm, as well as Atalanta hosting Bologna at 7:45pm and Napoli visiting Torino at 5:30pm. All on SuperSport Football and SuperSport GOtv Select 1.

(L-R) Kamaru Usman of Nigeria elbows Jorge Masvidal in their UFC welterweight championship fight during the UFC 251 event at Flash Forum on UFC Fight Island on July 12, 2020 on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

UFC 261: Usman Defends Title against Masvidal

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elterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, was set to put his belt on the line in an eagerly anticipated main event against Gilbert Burns at UFC 251 last July. However, Gilbert Burns tested positive for Covid-19 and was forced to pull out of the bout. Jorge Masvidal stepped in at six days’ notice to lock horns with the champion.

Usman made short work of Masvidal on the sunny confines of Fight Island, showcasing his welterweight supremacy against a battle-hardened Masvidal. It was ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’ that got his hand raised as the champion won via unanimous decision to retain the welterweight strap.

With a long list of challengers queuing up to trade leather with Usman at UFC 261, the welterweight champion cherrypicked his rematch with Masvidal in the hope of a repeat vanquishing. ‘Gamebred’ has not fought since losing to Usman in July 2020 when he took the fight at short notice. Masvidal is armed with a full camp coming into the rematch and is eager to challenge for welterweight glory again.

Masvidal will utilise a partisan home crowd in Florida with the burning desire to secure sweet revenge after his loss on Fight Island. Usman, though, returns having fought as recently as February when he defended his title against a resilient Gilbert Burns in his 13th successive win at 170lbs, chalking up the most wins in the division’s history.

The Floridian fighter has made some waves in the welterweight division over the past few years, dispatching some of the best in the business coupled with a slice of finesse. The Miami native has blossomed into one of the biggest stars in the promotion after grabbing the spotlight with both hands, forcing the world to take notice of his explosive exploits in the cage.

Usman, on the other hand, carries a 17-fight win streak before stepping into the cage again with Masvidal. The Nigerian native has proved countless times why he’s at the top of the food chain in the welterweight division, leaving every challenger with a Loss mark on their fight card.

The pair’s rematch looks to be a blockbuster affair with a plethora of excitement compared to the first instalment. Masvidal will be coming into the rematch armed with a full camp and time to prepare his challenge, while Usman will be fresh off the back of the Gilbert defence. With such a great fight card on offer, why not try your luck on Unikrn’s UFC virtual betting and relive some mouth-watering welterweight matchups.

The UFC announced that it will welcome fans back in a mouth-watering UFC 261 today in Jacksonville, Florida, as Usman puts his welterweight belt on the line against Jorge Masvidal.

Dana White has made it no secret that he has yearned for the return of fans since being strongarmed to put the sport behind closed doors at the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

The president has displayed fierce reserves of tenacity, creativity and determination to stage events this past year. White has carried the torch as the promotion continued staging fight nights long after the vast majority of sports leagues and tournaments were suspended.

The ambitious UFC chief has been constantly criticised throughout the pandemic as he’s voiced controversial remarks surrounding the health pandemic stating “I’ll go anywhere I can sell out the whole arena.” It looks like White has got his wish as UFC 261 will be held in the Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida, before an expected full-crowd of 15,000 fans.

Masvidal was deprived of a training camp before his showdown with Usman at UFC 251 after a six-day warning. Clearly, this was not ideal for the Hispanic fighter and he voiced his concerns before agreeing to the championship bout.

It could be argued that Masvidal is getting the short straw again going into 261. The uniformed approach for a title fight is a month and a half’s notice for the challenger. Albeit this is longer notice than 251, it still is not an ideal timeframe.

The narrative surrounding Masvidal was that he can beat Usman with a full training camp in his arsenal and sufficient time. The first fight provided us with some insight into how the two fighters hone their craft in the octagon. Masvidal did a phenomenal job in the opening round breaking off the early takedowns from Usman.

Masvidal’s striking is far superior to that of Usman and the raw explosive power that ‘Gamebred’ possesses is frightening. Masvidal’s gas tank guzzled away after the opening round of UFC 251, and unfortunately, his striking became ineffective in the later rounds.

DStv Brings Carabao Final Livel to Suscribers SuperSport viewers on DStv can look forward to what could be the first step of a ‘treble’ from Manchester City, as they face Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the 2020-21 Carabao Cup on Sunday at Wembley Stadium in London at 4:30pm on SuperSport Premier League (203).

City find themselves looking to win three trophies this season: the Carabao Cup, Premier League and UEFA Champions League. It could have been four, but they exited the FA Cup at the hands of Chelsea in last weekend’s semi-finals.

Now they have the chance to win the Carabao Cup for a fourth successive season, though manager Pep Guardiola comes into the match defending his team selection from the Wembley defeat to the Blues.

Tottenham, meanwhile, come into the game in disarray after sacking manager Jose Mourinho and his technical team early this week – hardly the best preparation as they look to win the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2008 and a fifth time overall.

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Simy Nwankwo may be bidding Crotone goodbye as Serie A giants beckon (1)

Simy Nwankwo

Cuts Across Serie A Giants Serie A side, Crotone may be relegation bound but the desperate attempt of Nigeria striker, Simeon Nwankwo to take the team off relegation waters with his 17 goals-the fourth in the division was not lost, especially among Serie A trio of AC Milan, Juventus and Inter. It would therefore come as no surprise if the Nigerian robs shoulders among Serie A best next season

I

taly’s big three clubs AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan are said to be mulling over a move for Crotone Nigeria frontman Simeon Nwanwko.

It is all but confirmed that Nwanwko will leave for greener pastures at the end of the season as Crotone are doomed to relegation with a paltry 15 points from 32 games in the top-flight.

The Nigeria international has already put himself in the shop window, scoring 17 goals, making him the fourth highest goalscorer in the division.

The 28-year-old got on the scoresheet in seven consecutive matches prior to Tuesday’s defeat to Sampdoria.

While Inter have earmarked Simy as an alternative to Lautaro Martínez and Romelu Lukaku, Milan see him as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Juventus want him to provide competition for Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala amid uncertainty over the future of Cristiano Ronaldo.

The three teams are targeting the Nigerian because he has Serie A experi-

ence and has emerged as one of the best strikers in the top-flight this season.

He will enter the final 12 months of his contract with Crotone in July meaning they face the prospect of losing him on a free transfer if his contract is not extended.

His father, Ebo Nwankwo indeed wishes for his son to move to another club away from the relegated bound Crotone, “I’m his father quite alright but the issue of possible summer move away from Crotone is not in my hands.

“That role rests on his intermediary and himself. But if he asked for my candid advice as his father, I will ask him to leave Crotone to a much bigger team and essentially where he would enjoy more and regular playing time.”

The five-times capped Super Eagles player said the Italian Serie A remains a competitive league and has been a massive test for him with plenty of world-class players plying their trade in the league.

The Nigerian’s 20 goals which was Serie B’s highest helped Crotone gain

promotion to Serie A this season and had been hoping his present form could be able to earn him a recall to the Super Eagles which he last starred for in 2018.

Nwankwo has five caps and one goal for the Super Eagles since he made his debut against the Democratic Republic of the Congo in May 2018.

The forward was part of Gernot Rohr’s side that was eliminated in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup in Russia, playing as a substitute against Croatia and Argentina.

The striker has, however, not featured for the West Africans since he made a bench role against Seychelles in September 2018 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Nwankwo feels Crotone’s relegation to Serie B before their return to the early division reduced his chances of a regular call-up to the national team and now hopes for more opportunities with the side.

“When I went down, I knew the risks of losing that spot that I worked so hard to get to although I didn’t play more,

which is perfectly understandable,” Nwankwo told ESPN. “I met a team that was already structured with one of the best African strikers at the moment. And it was normal, it was perfect for me to stay calm and learn and then watch how things are done.

And then all of a sudden, I found myself out again, which is understandable.

“No grudges on anyone. I understand every situation because the national team of Nigeria is highly rated. So, if you want to be in the national team, you have to be in the big leagues. That I can understand. “ I just have to focus, like always, on what I will do here. The only way I will get myself into the national team is about what I do here.

“This season, I’ve done well. That puts me in a good window to be looked into by the coaches and everybody that makes the decisions. I hope that in the future I will have my chance back again.”

Nwankwo joined Crotone from Gil Vicente.

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

THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

MANAGING DIRECTOR

DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͻ, 2021

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24,2021

AUTO WORLD

Bennett Oghifo 0 05 0 Email:bennett.oghifo@thisdaylive.com

TIPS OF THE WEEK

Top 16 Car Care Tips for Rainy Season

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Ford Mustang Mach-E Earns Top Safety Pick

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he 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E has earned a TOP SAFETY PICK award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety after acing all six IIHS crashworthiness tests with good ratings – the top possible results in those categories.

The six crashworthiness tests include driver- and passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints, said the automaker in a statement.

Mustang Mach-E also earned the TOP SAFETY PICK rating due to its good-rated LED projector headlights on Premium, GT and First Edition trims.

For front crash prevention, Mustang MachE earned superior ratings for its standard vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian accident avoidance system evaluations.

“This award validates the eͿorts of the Mustang Mach-E team to create an electric vehicle that not only turns heads, but helps keep our customers and their passengers safe,” said Hau Thai-Tang, Ford chief product platform and operations o΀cer.

“We continue to prioritize safety performance for our entire portfolio.”

This award for Mustang Mach-E coincides with a recent IIHS-a΀liated Highway Loss Data Institute study that gives evidence about the safety of electric vehicles overall.

The study looked at collision, property

damage liability and injury claims for conventional and electric vehicle models from 2011-2019 and found that injury claim rates for drivers and passengers of electric vehicles were more than 40 percent lower than for conventional models over that time period.

This recognition is the latest in the long list of awards and accolades earned by Mustang Mach-E – including North American Utility of the Year, Green Car Journal’s Green Car of the Year, Edmunds’ Top-Rated Luxury Electric Vehicle, The Car Connection’s Best Car to Buy 2021 and Best Electric Car to Buy 2021, Green Car Reports’ Best Car to Buy 2021, Car and Driver’s Editor’s Choice and several more.

SHACMAN Delivers Additional 400 Trucks to Dangote

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ollowing the partnership deal and commitments to quality, the biggest customer of SHACMAN brand in Nigeria, Dangote Group, has taken delivery of an additional 400 units of SHACMAN trucks.

The largest buyer of SHACMAN brand in Nigeria, Dangote Group has since the entrance of SHACMAN vehicles into the Nigeria market through Transit Support Services Limited (TSS) as SHACMAN Nigeria six years ago bought over 3,500 units of the brand.

The recognition of SHACMAN as reliable heavy duty vehicles, and the growing need for such vehicles within the continuously expanding conglomerate, inÁuenced its decision to patronise the trucks, Dangote group has absolute trust on the quality of the locally assembled SHACMAN trucks that are backed by warranty that is of global standard and after-sales services.

Since the partnership started in 2016 with an initial order of 500 locally assembled SHACMAN Trucks by Dangote, his commitment to empower local manufacturers and the continuous patronage have created jobs in the South East by reviving ANAMMCO plant in Enugu with an opportunity to produce trucks locally instead of importing them, It has also brought back Onne Port in Rivers State with over 3000 containers since ANAMMCO was resuscitated Speaking to the General Manager, TSS motors, Mr Dave Chukwudulue, he said

“We will continue to create value for users of SHACMAN trucks in Nigeria by supporting them with the best after sales service programme. This has indeed resulted in the increasing demand for our trucks” Shaanxi Heavy Duty Automobile, Manufacturers of SHACMAN Heavy and

SHACMAN trucks

Medium Duty Trucks and Road Tractors is one of the biggest trucks manufacturing company in China. With other customers like BUA Cement, ABC Transport, AA Global logistics, NUSTANZA Motors and many others, over 4,500 SHACMAN trucks are running on Nigerian roads at the moment.

Every car owner has faced a problem during the days of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. While it is important to get your car serviced regularly, it is not possible to turn up to a service centre every day after a heavy shower. For this reason and many more, it is crucial to know a few tips and tricks to keep your car shielded from water and corrosion.

If you live in an area where it rains frequently, make sure you note these pointers down. And if your car is not used to the rainfall, it is even more essential to follow the steps. Let’s have a look at the car care tips for the rainy season.

Windshield Cleaning Starting with the very basic, but often overlooked point; always remember to give your windshield and other mirrors a good clean. If you’re taking out your car after a night of rain, you may have noticed dirt and dust on the glass.

This is because the water dries out in the morning and leaves the mineral deposits behind, which transform into the dirt. Now if you drive with a dirty windshield and mirrors, it would hamper your judgement and give you an unclear view of what is ahead. Moreover, if it rains against, the water droplets will stick to the dirt and dust, giving you even more difficulty while driving.

It is recommended to give the windshield, back mirror, and side mirrors a thorough cleaning to avoid an unfortunate incident. You can additionally use a water-repellant product that will improve the visibility as the raindrops will roll off, rather than smearing the glass. /ights During a heavy downpour, your lights are the one that guides you through the path. They improve visibility not just for you, but also for the incoming traffic. And so, you should always pay extra attention to the lights before driving your car in the rainy season. Make sure your lights are working properly and efficiently.

A good way to check your car lights is to turn them all which includes the fog lights, headlights, hazard light, taillights, indicators, etc. If you notice that the lights are flickering or getting dimmer, this is indicative that some of the bulbs need a change. The issue can also be related to the battery.

To keep things less foggy and more clear, clean your car lights before heading out, and you can use the same water-repellent product on them too.

Windshield Wipers If the climate of your place is alternating between monsoon and summers, chances are you haven’t used the windshield wiper since the last monsoon. During the summer, due to the excessive heat, the rubber of the wiper can crack and become brittle.

You may want to have a look at the windshield wiper before you are entering the monsoon season. It is very easy to replace the windshield wipers and you can do so by buying replacements from a car shop. Additionally, make sure you have the washer fluid topped up as it can evaporate over time and leave behind a sticky residue which hampers the efficient working of the wipers. And you don’t want that when you’re stuck in rainy traffic.

Wash Wax Before we move on to the big things, let’s have a look at the point no 4 of our car care tips for the rainy season.

You’re probably wondering what’s the use of cleaning the car when it’s going to get dirty again in the rain.

Well, there is a point.

Once your car goes through the muddy water and stays like that for a few nights, the easily removable spots become stubborn. This means you will have to go through a cleaning service to get them removed.

Moreover, just like your car glass, your car paint is also vulnerable to the dirt spots A good car and wash will not only remove the dirt and dust but will also protect it from getting dirty and muddy again. The wax acts as a water repellant, so instead of smearing on, the rainwater droplets will easily roll-off.

Tyres During monsoon, the majority of road accidents happen due to bad and unmaintained tyres. When the roads are wet and slippery, it takes extra strength from your brake and tyres to bring the car to an accurate halt. A worn down and the old tyre will do you no good, and it will become increasingly difficult to stop them at the right moment.

Before the clouds start pouring down, it is a smart move to check the tyres. The grooves on your tyre play an important role during the rainy season. They are specially designed to direct the water away from the “contact patch” of rubber that glues your car to the road.

If the car tyres are worn out, it will have difficulty in keeping the water away. If the water comes in contact with the patch for a long time, your car will veer out of control or spin. This is known as “hydroplaning”.

Before you go out, check the tread on the tyres using a coin which can be stuck into the tread to check how deep it is. Moreover, you can also use a tread-wear indicator and change your tyres when needed.

Source: Acton Service Centre

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24,2021

35

AUTO WORLD

Mercedes-Benz Presents new EQB Family Electromobility

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ercedes-Benz has built a new EQB, a family electric car with a lot to thrill the family in variety of modes.

Room for seven As a seven-seater (optional), the new EQB offers space for many family constellations and a wide variety of transport needs. This gives it an exceptional position among electric cars. The two seats in the third row can be used by people up to 1.65 metres tall, and child seats can also be fitted there.

Compact on the outside, spacious on the inside The new EQB (length/width/height: 4684/1834[1]/1667[2] millimetres) offers a generous amount of space and a maximum boot capacity of 1710 litres2 thanks to having the long wheelbase of the GLB (2829 millimetres). The inclination of the backrests in the second row can be adjusted in several stages as standard, and this row features longitudinally adjustment of 140 millimetres as an option.

Third all-electric launch in 2021 While the first EQA 250 (NEDC combined electrical consumption: 15.7 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km)[3] roll into European dealerships and the EQS, the purpose-designed, fully electric member of the new S-Class family, is being presented, the China-specific version of the new EQB will be making its debut in Shanghai.

It will be produced in Beijing and comes to market in China later this year. The European version will also be launched in 2021, and in the USA the EQB will arrive in 2022. The electrical consumption of the EQB 350 4MATIC in Europe, NEDC3: combined electrical consumption: 16.2 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/km, range 478 km; WLTP[4]: combined electrical consumption: 19.2-18.1 kWh/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 0 g/ km, range 419 km.

Mercedes-Benz new EQB, a family 7-seater electric car The compact class becomes increasingly electric The EQB will be the first all-electric production vehicle from the Hungarian plant in Kecskemét. So far, the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake plug-in hybrid models have come off the production line there. The A-Class with plug-in hybrid drive will also be produced in Kecskemét in future – in addition to the German Mercedes-Benz

plant in Rastatt, where the EQA is built.

Customers have the choice The EQB range will include several models with frontwheel and all-wheel drive, various power ratings – some of which will exceed 200 kW – plus batteries with usable capacities starting from 66.5 kWh. A particularly long-range version is also planned.

Electro design aesthetics The EQB interprets Mercedes-EQ’s Progressive Luxury in an edgy and characterful way. It features the typical Mercedes-EQ black panel grille with central star.

A further distinctive design feature of the all-electric world of Mercedes-EQ vehicles is the continuous light strip at front and rear.

Hyundai Motor Sweeps iF Design Award 2021

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yundai Motor Company triumphed at the worldrenowned International Forum (iF) Design Award 2021 this week with 14 awards for design excellence, including iF’s top Gold award for the ‘E-pit ultra-fast charger’ for electric vehicle (EV).

Hyundai Motor has now been honored at seven consecutive iF Design Award events, including three coveted Gold awards, which go to only 75 of the best designs among nearly 10,000 annual entries.

Hyundai triumphs across various disciplines such as product, communication, user interface, architecture, and professional concept. In particular, the company is recognized for its brand communication design with six awards in the communication category for the Àrst time.

“This award is considered to be the part in which Hyundai has been fully recognized by global experts in the Àeld of brand communication beyond product design,” said Thomas Schemera, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing O΀cer at

Hyundai Motor. “In the future, we will strengthen our activities to build an innovative brand image through creative and sustainable customer experiences.”

For the Gold: E-pit ultra-fast charger Taking a rare Gold award, the ‘E-pit ultra-fast charger’ greatly improves user experience by solving several problems that are typically found in EV chargers such as bulky cables, complicated operation and service use, unclear charging status, hygiene (especially important during a pandemic) as well as production and maintenance.

Inspired by the pit stops of Formula One racing, Hyundai Design Center designed E-pit to oͿer fast, easy, convenient and premium services to EV customers. It’s easy to use and provides a simple yet powerful design solution that considers a variety of things from hygiene to maintenance.

“Innovative design comes out when the designer focuses on the user’s experience as the top priority,” said SangYup Lee, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Global Design Center. “The E-pit design is the absolute result of our eͿorts to oͿer a new charging experience to customers.”

2021 Hyundai Elantra interior E-pit’s design considers various charging scenarios based on the Hyundai Motor’s human-centered philosophy. For example, its large roof provides a comfortable charging experience regardless of

Between Car Somersault and Rollover I don’t know if you read my piece on the reasons why cars somersault? How did you feel reading through my wailings and lamentations over the death of my dear friend through an avoidable road tra΀c crash which occurred in the Federal Capital Territory? If you felt pity for me last week, then you must ponder on how you drive within the city or on long distance journey.

That is the only way that you can ensure you do not traumatize your family by your James Bond driving behavior. For those who did not follow me, let me do a recap by stating clearly that I tried to paint the picture of the circumstances that killed my dear friend who died through a road tra΀c crash.

I must again sincerely apologize for my lamentations but I must also state clearly and pray that you or your family won’t go through the same pain and trauma that a distant friend like me has gone through since the tragic incident occurred.

Although the story was about my friend, the real focus was on the reasons for car somersault which he experienced before his death. I took you through the numerous reasons why cars somersault such as the pitch angle of a car which can be negative or positive as well the car design.

I also talked about over speeding reminding you that with proper speed control, other factors can be controlled to avoid the somersault from occurring. Every road, I told you has its recommended speed; learn to obey the various speed

SAFE DRIVING with

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

limits. You must always remember that behind every road tra΀c crash that results in deaths, excessive speed is always a prevalent factor. So if you are pondering on repenting from your bad driving habits, then Àrst focus must be to cut down your speed and live Bad Road was also identiÀed as a reason for car somersault. Any expressway that has dangerous potholes is a trap for cars on high speed. Such trap is a source for car somersaults. Tyre problem is also responsible for car somersault. A car may be moving at high speed without somersaulting, but when the car accidentally hits an obstacle on the road which could make the tyre to either pull oͿ, burst, or get the rim deformed, then it will probably slip oͿ the road and start somersaulting.

With too many substandard tyres being used, this is a big challenge for us.

I also mentioned unseen slope route. Sharp

slope or unknown shortened road will cause a car at high speed that has no such notice to Áy oͿ the road and possibly starts somersaulting.

My rehash on speed and other causative factors is a reminder on the need for us as road users to drive by the approved speed and not allow our instinct or excitement to guide our driving. Driving by the approved speed limit is key and wisdom would further guide you to follow the common sense speed limit rule on major corridors as well as built up area.

As I close the chapter and focus on the incident that claimed my friend’s life, I have chosen to share this material on car rollover which I sourced hoping it will add Àllip to the discourse on car somersault.

Car rollover is also a major road mishap. This is because when one or more vehicle rolls over during an accident, it can result in serious injuries and fatalities. So what is a rollover? A rollover is when vehicle tips over onto its side or roof.

All vehicles are susceptible to rollovers to various extents. Generally, rollover tendency increases with the height of the center of mass, narrowness of the axle track, steering sensitivity, and increased speed.

There are two categories of vehicle rollovers: tripped and untripped. Tripped rollovers are caused by forces from an external object, such as a curb or a collision with another vehicle. Untripped crashes are the result of steering input, speed, and friction with the ground. Untripped rollovers occur when cornering forces destabilize the vehicle. As a vehicle

weather conditions. Moreover, the auto-positioning feature, which automatically moves the charging cable, allows diverse charging positions for diͿerent vehicles.

rounds a corner, the three forces that destabilizes the vehicle are the tyre forces, inertial eͿects and gravity. The most common type of tripped rollover occurs when a vehicle is sliding sideways and the tires strike a curb, dig into soft ground, or a similar event occurs that results in a sudden increase in lateral force. Another type of tripped rollover occurs due to a collision with another vehicle or object.

There are two common reasons why vehicles roll over during a road tra΀c crash. The Àrst reason is that drivers may lose control of their vehicles and drift oͿ the roadway. The second, reason is that drivers may engage in high-speed, risky driving. There are other causes such as collisions with other vehicles or obstructions in the road. A further breakdown is a case where the driver loses control of the vehicle. It could also be as a result of falling asleep on the wheel while distracted driving may also cause a driver to lose focus and control. Striking a curb or other obstruction in the roadway may throw oͿ a vehicle’s center of gravity. The forward momentum may cause the vehicle to roll over onto its side or top. Another common cause of rollovers is aggressive driving, including risky maneuvers like taking turns or swerving at a high rate of speed. This is especially the case for vans, trucks, and heavily loaded vehicles. Most rollovers are single-vehicle accidents while multi-vehicle rollovers are less common. However, if a vehicle is hit side-on and pushed over by the force of the oncoming vehicle, it may roll.

36

˜ ˾ APRIL 24, 2021

TRIBUTE

Isiaka Adeleke’s 4 Years with God Almighty Olumide Lawal

A

s stated in the scripture, p “Tell the righteous, g it will be well with them, for they y will enjoy j y the fruits of their deeds”. On April p 23, 2017, the eagle g flew fl home in a blaze of glory g y and the world, literarily y stood still.

Four y years after his g glorious transition, Senator Isiaka Adetunjij Adeleke’s spirit p continues to enjoy j yp peace of the Almighty g y God, the unfailing and unalloyed loyalty of his well-wishers.

His dreams and aspiration of selfl lfless service to humanity remain undying and blossoming, as people of goodwill, who believe in his dignifi ified personality and political acumen, are holding the front contended and the flag fl fl flying high.

Asia Isiaka Adeleke, lele lo nfe. Each passing day keeps him evergreen in the minds of his teaming admirers across the world. Why not, if not? He worked for such feat, while he was with us.

Senator Adeleke’s well-wishers are daily trying to outdo themselves to make his everlasting legacies endure and sweet memory to linger on.

They are yet to come to terms with the reality of his transition. But the fi first executive governor of Osun State is resting peacefully in the bosom of Allah, his creator.

During his lifetime, he did not surround himself with pessimistic people or those who distrust God’s promises. He did not, when there were times of crises, which were very few and there was cause for worry, yield to the hearing of fear. In such times, Isiaka Adeleke turned to God in prayers, standing on the irrevocable promises of God, that He will never abandon His own.

The late Asiwaju of Edeland believed in the mighty power, that changes every situation for the best. And he in turn gave the best services to humanity. Isiaka Adeleke was one of the ‘limited editions’ of human beings, with solid reputation,

Adeleke

impeccable character and without any scandal in his public and private life.

In the last four years of his glorious transii tion, many people are still testifying to his good personality and how he brought hope unto their lives, even when everything seemed hopeless. Such people are still trusting that his illuminating spirit lives with them at this end.

A top traditional ruler in Osun State, whose domain bestowed a high ranking chieftaincy title on him many years ago, in a recent chat with this writer, described late Adeleke as an achiever in his own right, who was singularly lucky to have enjoyed God’s special grace and mercy in all his endeavours. The foremost monarch also described the late Senator as

a likeable and lovable personality, even at first fi sight. The voice of the people is the voice of God. There is no denying the fact that so many other highly and lowly placed people in the society are daily singing his praise. Late Senator Adeleke did not for once expose the weaknesses of people around him even when he knew they were up to a ‘game’. He tolerated every shortcoming of different people that came across him.

The late federal law maker cherished friendship and comradeship. We will always remember his comforting and soothing words.

His legacy of love, care and commitment to the people around him will always remain engraved in our hearts. The society at large will remember him as a virtuous man, whose greatness imm pacted positively on their lives.

Though he primed himself to come back and serve Osun people as their governor, that dream is not over yet and Senator Isiaka Adeleke will, by God’s grace, soon hear good news to that effect.

His political spirit is fi fighting that cause, in ad ddition to God’s mercy, the unfailing loyalty and unfl nflinching love of the people of Osun State for him as payback time for all his selfl lfless goodness to them when he was alive.

Political activism is reigning supreme among his supporters. His political structure is waxing stronger on a daily basis. Right now across Osun State, the Adeleke Dynasty is busy distributing thousands of bags of rice to members of the public (Muslims and non-Muslims) who are currently observing the Holy Month of Ramaa dan. This rare humanitarian gesture has been the unique practice by the Adeleke Dynasty since your transition four years ago, in keeping with your life of philanthropy.

Senator Adeleke’s clear vision and ideology of others fi first, self-last, should continue to be sustained by all and sundry. Not only in Nigeria is the memory of the fi first Executive Governor of Osun State being celebrated. Not long ago,

his admirers in an Asian Country conferred on him, the title of Supreme Commander of Politics without Bitterness, while another Nigerian Society in Philippines, conferred on the Late Otunba of Ejigbo, the title of Generalisimo of the down trodd den people. That is the man of the people, fondly remembered in far-fl -flung areas of the world, because he rose above petty political squabbles and gave his golden heart to his people.

We all salute your life of simplicity and kindd ness. A life of live and let others live, as a promoter of life more abundant for all. His Excellency, Isiaka Adeleke was an enigma that transited at God’s own appointed time though we would have loved to have him many more years with us. We feel the fragrance of his presence every day. He gave us cause to believe that life without recourse to the upliftment of mankind is a worthless life.

He taught us to give to charity, even if it is only flash of smile to the needy, the oppressed with a fl and the voiceless in the society to uplift their spirit. These are qualities the First Executive Governor of Osun State, amply demonstrated throughout his lifetime. We give glory to God for all the immeasurable good deeds that he put in place. They are simply indelible. We thank God that he lived unblemished life and his good name was untainted. Senator Adeleke was a man with the Midas touch; a legend in life and in death. A statesman par excellence, who was shoulder high above his peers. A true son of Late Balogun Raji Ayoola Adeleke and Mama Esther Adeleke, both of whom impacted positively on his life and their other amiable children. Senator Isiaka Adeleke was a citizen of the world.

In a moving tribute to the loving memory of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, his brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke said the Adeleke Dynasty remains very proud of the responsible leadership roles late Adeleke played within the family while he was alive.

Readers can read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

Onyebuchi at 70: Living for Others Sonnie Ekwowusi

D

r. Michael Kelleher turns 70. For the most part of his 70 years, Dr. Keller had preoccupied himself rendering selfl lfless service to others. Dr. Keller is an American. He came to Nigeria in September 1975. On coming to Nigeria, he adopted the Igbo name Onyebuchi (meaning “who is like God”). It is surprising that Onyebuchi abann doned the comfort of his home in American to come to Nigeria. Already at the tender age of seven Onyebuchi’s main dream was to be a missionary in Africa and render selfl lfless service to Africans. Actually in the summers of 1974 and 1975 before heading for Nigeria, Onyebuchi had the great fortune of learning how to run leadership/sports camps under the tutelage of Bill Hildebrand at the Heights Center in Washington D.C. United States.

After Onyebuchi arrived in Nigeria he fi first went to live in Ibadan. And during the school vacation of that year he organized a two-week Irawo Leadership Camp for young boys between 9 to 12 years at the sports fi field of the University of Ibadan. The Camp centered on character and leadership building through sports. The fields because Onyebuchi had deboys were able to use the sports fi veloped a friendship with the Director of Sports of the University.

A few months before the close of school the University of Ibadan had hosted the Nigerian University Games (NUGA) and Onyebuchi, who was at that time completing his Ph.D at the University, represented the University in javelin throw competition. first six throws were all around 160 feet, but on Onyebuchi’s fi the seventh and last throw he heard the surprising shout from the crowd, “Oyinbo!” (meaning “white man”, literally “yellow man” in Yoruba). As Onyebuchi looked up after throwing the javelin, the javelin was sailing 200 feet through the air enough to earn a silver medal for the university. So Onyebuchi won a silver medal for the University in Javelin throw.

Well, back to the Leadership Camp. Each day of the camp was centered on a key virtue or quality of a leader based on the acronym LEADERSHIP: Loyalty, Excellence, Action, Diligence, Empathy, Responsibility, Service, Honesty, Initiative and Perseverr ance. There was a daily seminar on each virtue and the virtues were developed ‘in situ” during the skills sessions (of soccer and basketball) and the team sports. The yearly Leadership Camp gave birth to a weekly tutorial and character training program at the Irawo center for the boys when they reached secondary school.

From 1987 onwards, Onyebuchi left Ibadan for Nsukka having been offered a teaching job at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

On getting to the University campus, he rented an apartment on Margaret Cartwright Street. He converted the spacious living room of the apartment into a mini-lecture room in order to assist the fresh students of the University with their university academic work. Onyebuchi would organize freshman orientation programs

Michael Kelleher for fi first year students according to their area of studies: pharmacy, civil engineering, electrical engineering , etc. He got some upper classmates to guide the seminars and share their experiences with the younger ones. In addition he would also organize weekly sessions to help the students build virtues and their spiritual lives.

One of the students immensely grateful to Onyebuchi for the quality university education and lofty ideals which he imparted in him, has now become a professor of Pharmaceutical and Analytii cal Chemistry. His name is Professor Chimezie Anyakora. Prof.

Anyakora graduated in Pharmacy from University of Nigeria but today is a Professor of Pharmaceutical and Analytical Chemistry thanks to Onyebuchi When Onyebuchi’s living room was becoming too small for the increasing number of students eager to participate in the educational programs he was offering to the students ex gratis, Onyebuchi started looking for a bigger apartment off campus where an actual small university residence could be set up. This was how the Uhere Study Centre came to be established . It was the brainchild of Onyebuchi. Onyebuchi wanted the center to focus on academic excellence and leadership, and so he invited some of the best students of the University to apply to live in the Centre. A number of them were engineers and they became future Valedictorians of the university. The Centre also offered tutorials in

the more challenging courses especially for the freshman.

In addition periodic seminars for the students and professors were organized at the center. One such seminar was based on the “Brain Drain”, that is, on young Nigerian graduates fl fleeing Nigeria to seek greener pastures abroad. Usually the Vice-Chancellor of the University or some University Professors are invited to deliver the seminars. After the seminars Onyebuchi would escort them to their cars, and they would turn to him and say, “Onyebuchi this center is the hope of Nigeria.” Years later, in the early 90’s when the Uhere Study Center had been fully established, Onyebuchi initiated the Saturday morning football training program for boys ages 9-12. The program had three components: math tutorials, virr tue seminar, and soccer …with the proviso, “No math, No soccer.”

Undergraduate students participated as tutors and counselors.

Why did Dr. Michael Keller choose to be called Onyebuchi?.

First, he has great devotion to the three Archangels-St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael. St. Michael symbolizes the victory of good over evil, and he has been widely represented in art through the ages. St Michael means “Who is like God?”. Small wonder Dr. Kelleher chose the Igbo name Onyebuchi which in Igbo means “Who is like God”. To Onyebuchi, we are in the hands of God: Creator, Sustainer, and Provider. He brought us into existence from nothing(creation). He continues holding us in existence (sustenance); and, while loving everything He has made, tenderly cares for us (providence).

To help in this providential activity He created angels. Each human being has a personal guardian angel and there are myriad angels watching over the created world. Onyebuchi has been aware of the guidance and protection of the angels throughout his life. He recalls that one day while walking along a road near the Nsukka market a madman was approaching him from the opposite direction. Initially he thought the madman could be a bit belligerent, but the man was smiling. Before Onyebuchi knew it, the madman came up to him and exclaimed “Ugochukwu” (God’s eagle). Onyebuchi had never used the word before and realized some time later that the madman must have been greett ing his guardian angel.

Born on April 13, 1951 in Ellensburg, Washington, a small town in the middle of a valley surrounded by ranches, Onyebuchi is the second of nine children, seven boys and two girls. His dad managed a small business and was actively involved in leaderr ship positions in business, education, and politics. His mother attended daily 6:30 Mass. He started following her at the age of six and continued this practice through secondary school and university. At that age of seven his main dream was to be a missionary in China or Africa, but at the same time he loved science and sports. By the age of eight he had a chemistry and physics lab in his bedroom, carrying out experiments, building model electric motors and trying to read up on the theory of the phenomena he was observing.

Readers can read full article online www.thisdaylive.com

37

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER APRIL 24, 2021

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

BudgIT Reviews COVID-19 Fund Management in new Report

L-R: HOD, Electrical Electronics & Computer Engineering Department, UNILAG, Dr. Sunday Adetona; HOD, Mechanical Engineering Department, Associate Prof. Sunday Ojolo; GM, Aftersales, Coscharis Motors, Mr. Cyril Dcruz; Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. Obanishola Sadiq; GM, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; Sub-Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Lawrence OsobA; HOD, Metallurgical & Materials Department, Prof. Samson Adeosun, when the Faculty of Engineering team from the University of Lagos were on facility tour of Coscharis Group… recently

BudgIT has sought for public documentation of COVID-19 spendings and disbursement in a new report that it recently released.

The report titled: “COVID-19 Fund: Fiscal Support, Palliative Analysis & Institutional Response” reviewed Nigeria’s current fiscal support and institutional response to COVID-19.

It analysed data on COVID-19 response in Nigeria, including donations, allocations, disbursements and palliative distribution processes at national and state levels.

The report which had six states as its case study such as: Niger, Lagos, Kano, Ogun, Enugu and Rivers also reviewed the activities of relevant agencies as well as the supports from both private and international institutions.

This also included the $5.6 billion received as donations, grants, and relief support by the Nigerian government It identified shadiness in the management of COVID-19 intervention efforts such as funds and materials, adding that the distribution process

have not been fair and transparent enough.

While dissecting the report to the media during the week, CEO of BudgIT, Gabriel Okeowo, stated that continuous mismanagement of COVID-19 fund and palliatives has widen the gap between the rich and the poor, where the vulnerable and marginalised were being denied access.

Okeowo noted that a report of this nature was necessary to spot out the weakness in government response to COVID-19 as well as offer recommendations for future emergency response.

He added,”the effects of COVID-19 on the economy spotlight depression, sufferings and poverty.”

On his part,Senior Program Officer, BudgIT, Iyanuoluwa Bolarinwa stated that despite the disbursement of N288bn from the N500bn set aside for Covid-19 interventions programme by the federal government, the details of the fund were not published on the Open Treasury Platform.

“This further establishes our

Information technology firm, SystemSpecs, has unveiled judges for the 2021 edition of its Children’s Day essay competition.

The firm also extended deadline for the submission of entries into the competition till April 30th, 2021.

According to the organisation, the extension was in response to requests by schools and students affected by the irregular school terms regime across Nigeria, to enable them participate in the competition.

Themed “Building a more Secure Nigeria using Technology”, the competition was in furtherance of the firm’s commitment to the development of indigenous IT capacity for national prosperity.

It is opened to children that school and live in Nigeria, who would be no less than 9 years and not older than 16 years by May 26, 2021.

Speaking further on the initiative,

Executive Director at SystemSpecs, Deremi Atanda said, “We are convinced that a strong technology foundation is necessary to reposition Nigeria to compete favourably in the comity of nations and thrive in contemporary times. Through our Children’s Day Essay Competition, we seek to stimulate young Nigerians to become more technologically aware and better positioned to creatively apply technology as a natural response to everyday challenges around them.”

He stated that the panel of judges would be responsible for the evaluation and selection of winning entries for the top prizes in the junior and senior categories of the competition.

“They have the responsibility of bringing to national consciousness and recommending implementation options of the bright ideas espoused by participants from across the country.”.

Linkage Assurance Unveils SystemSpecs Unveils Judges new Brand Identity for Children’s Day Contest Linkage Assurance Plc one of Nigeria’s leading insurance company has unveiled its new brand identity. Since its inception in 1991, the company has constantly evolved to meet the ever-changing demand of the industry.

The change in the company’s logo embodies a new blue, red, and orange. The inspiration behind the transformation is to reflect the new core values of the company, and to restate the qualities of trust, innovation, excellence, sincerity, and reliability that the company is recognised for.

Commenting on the new brand identity, Mr. Daniel Braie, CEO of Linkage Assurance Plc

stated that the new logo and recapitalization efforts of the company present our aspiration as “Bigger, Bolder and Better” to offer exceptional insurance protection to individuals and businesses in Nigeria.

He said; “Even though our logo is changing, what is not changing is our purpose and dedication to delivering on our promises to our stakeholders.”

“To us here at Linkage Assurance Plc, this goes beyond a logo change. Our new identity is one of many parts of our transformation process and it helps to strengthen our purpose. It is a reflection of where we are heading, through

our commitment to protect our policyholders, reinforce our legacy of trust while also capturing the spirit of the dynamic future we see ahead of us.

Speaking further, Mr. Braie said that the new logo with its crisp, clean feel, captures Linkage’s dynamism and excellence whilst bringing a sense of rejuvenation and growth in the company.

Linkage Assurance Plc is an insurance company which offers insurance protection for automobiles, homes, retail, commercial businesses in oil and gas, marine, aviation, and agriculture in Nigeria.

African Govts must Digitise to be Innovative It has been said before, but it bears repeating – the Covid-19 pandemic offers Africa the chance to leapfrog development through digitisation, and potentially position itself as a global digital powerhouse.

According to Rijnsburger, Chief Technology Officer, Microsoft 4Afrika, while the private sector has an important role to play in this development, governments across Africa have a critical role to play in enabling digitisation, through infrastructure development, but also in digitising their own systems and processes and by creating an enabling environment using regulatory and legal tools. Developments such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) reinforce the urgent need for governments to digitise to enable not just trade, but positive economic growth across the continent.

In its report Reopening and Reimagining Africa, McKinsey and Partners notes that governments will play a key role in fostering an enabling environment for digitisation, including ensuring that the regulatory and legislative environments support digitisation. Governments can step up the provision of digital services and information, and utilise digital tools to collect, manage and use data to inform decision-making.

Governments have already moved decisively and speedily to respond to the Covid-19 crisis, putting aside ‘red tape’ to break down siloes across agencies and encourage data sharing to coordinate a central response to the pandemic, and this model could feature more prominently in the public sector going forward.

The benefits of the digital economy are significant Digital technologies offer a chance to accelerate the pace of economic and social advancement, unlocking new pathways for rapid economic growth, innovation, job creation and access to services. However, too many people in Africa lack access to the internet, and too few citizens have digital IDs or access to financial services, which in turn denies them access to critical services. The World Bank’s Digital Economy for Africa Initiative notes that few governments are investing strategically and systematically in developing digital infrastructure, services, skills and entrepreneurship. ‘Governments need to find more nimble and effective means of delivering services and interacting with citizens,’ the initiative comments.

To unlock digital transformation, the public sector must be brought into the digital age,

accelerating the rollout of digital IDs, signatures and registries, as well as implementing digital-friendly policies. Here, private-public partnerships could play a significant role in helping to develop the necessary platforms to enable citizens to access digital IDs and services offered by government. In Morocco, our partnership with Algo Consulting has developed Wraqi, an online administration solution using machine learning, IoT and blockchain to improve citizen-government relations.

Powered by the Microsoft cloud, Wraqi allows users to create an account with a signature repository, which government entities can use to identify, authenticate and authorise citizens.

Any government service that used to require the physical presence of a citizen can now be carried out remotely using electronic signatures and multi-factor authentication, which is likely to accelerate, but also facilitate, access to services.

Developments like this help to improve access for citizens and could also be an important step in enabling SMEs to take advantage of the potential benefits of AfCFTA, as digital identification can unlock access to financial services, among others.

Mouka Flags-off Mum in Business Indigenous bedding brand, Mouka has announced the kick-off of its ‘Mums in Business’ Challenge in commemoration of this year’s Mother’s Day in May. The challenge is such that aimed to reward female entrepreneurs with cash grants for their ventures.

According to Mouka, the initiative falls under its CSR pillar of “skills for life” and in line with its mission of adding comfort to life.

In May of 2019, Mouka ran a similar online competition in partnership with AGS Tribe, where Maryam Adebola-Salami, the founder of Mobaby Care Nigeria, emerged the

winner and won for herself $1,000.

This year, the organisation is taking the initiative further by supporting three mum entrepreneurs.

Mouka explained that this year’s programme was put together in conjunction AGS Tribe, it encouraged consumers to visit its social media handles to learn how to participate.

Speaking further, Firm’s Head of Marketing, Tolu Olanipekun, said, “ We are a brand that genuinely cares for our consumers and continuously looking for ways to add comfort to their lives through products and initiatives. We see mums as the pillars that support the homes.

Bremer Good Fellows Assists Highway Victims Global Wissen Launches Digital Skills Platform Bremer good fellows eV has partnered On the Highway Accident Victims in a bid to ensure that financial relief are given to help cushion the pains and agony of people involved in Road Traffic Crashes .

In an inaugural presentation which took place in the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) recently, Julie Chi- Nwaoha, Founder, On the Highway Africa and the Project Director, on the Highway Accident Victims Relief appreciated the Bremer good fellows for the swift response towards partnering the project.

In lieu of the project, She said Road Traffic Crashes are not accidents, they are predicable consequences of actions that are preventable. She added that the global status report on road safety by World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that the number of annual road traffic deaths has reached 1.35 million. That excessive and inappropriate speed are the primary causes of crashes on the roads, that these crashes has

led to injuries and most time untimely death of the victims.

The President of the Club, Bremer Good Fellows eV-( BGF) , Mr. Chukwudi Unachukwu, who spoke via Zoom at the event, , said his Organisation is partnering the project due to their Vision and mission which is to Show love by helping one another in need and to make the world a better place for everyone. He added that “The cost of treatment and hospital bills are very high and most time out of the reach of the common man”, hence the reason for their empathy.

The BGF Charity Organization was founded on October 3rd, 2014 by 12 friends who were working with DB SCHENKER(I PARK) Bremen-Hemelingen, and were led by the passion of unity and the development of the community in order to provide for the less privileged, especially children! eg, (motherless babies) and vulnerable persons from war torn counties (asylum seekers) in the society.

Global Wissen Consult, a social development enterprise, has launched its new platform, designed to bridge the gap in digital learning for youths in Nigeria.

It was founded in 2018 by Nathalie Sundelin and Oscar Nwokeji, to pass the light of digital knowledge through modern ways of learning.

Global Wissen Consult, which recently gathered key stakeholders at the Landmark Event Center for the launch, has metamorphosed with the launch of the universal platform that addresses the diverse needs of a new generation of digital entrepreneurs willing to learn, share, sell, buy and engage.

The Global Wissen Consult platform is designed to provide individuals everything needed to survive in today’s digital space. Co-founder, Oscar Nwokeji said at the launch where he also spoke on the platforms’ oerings stating; “With the Global Wissen Consult platform, we

created 3 products in one; An online university - where users can pick courses relevant to the Nigerian market and its needs. A social media platform where users can share experiences and opportunities as well as network and a developmental center where Global Wissen matches mentors to mentees, provide access and resources for grants as well as provide access to jobs and internships for users.

For us, it was important to put all three products in one to simplify access to knowledge, information and opportunities.” Through these three products in one Global Wissen Consult is encouraging people to learn skills to leverage the digital space in all fields all while building a community that encourages knowledge sharing with access to news and information in a place where you also have access to job opportunities, mentorship, and grants sourced through Global Wissen.

38

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͼ˜ ͰͮͰͯ

NEWSXTRA

Buhari, Mark Felicitate With Governor Ortom at 60 Deji Elumoye ÓØ ÌßÔË ËØÎ George Okoh ÓØ ËÕßÜÎÓ President Muhammadu Buhari and former President of the Senate, Senator David Mark, have felicitated with Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State on his 60th birthday anniversary.

President Buhari, in a release yesterday by his Media Assistant, Garba Shehu, joined family and friends to celebrate the governor while thanking God for a life of service to his state and the nation.

As the former minister

marks the Diamond Jubilee, the President while urging him to rededicate his life to working for the prosperity and well-being of the people of Benue State also wished the governor many more years in good health.

In his congratulatory message to Governor Ortom, the former Senate President urged him to remain steadfast in his avowed commitment to the protection of lives and property of the state no matter the challenges.

For inexplicable reasons, Senator Mark lamented that Benue State had been encumbered by

insecurity ranging from farmers/herders conflict, banditry, militancy, kidnapping amongst others bedeviling the state.

The former Senate helmsman said “these challenges are daunting but not insurmountable."

To address the unabating issues, Senator Mark urged Ortom to “liaise and collaborate with all relevant security agencies in order to halt the trend and free our people from the apron string of the criminals.”

He however told Ortom not to be deterred by the situation but be strengthened by the sup-

port and solidarity of the Benue people to defeat the invaders.

The former Senate President also urged Governor Ortom to sustain the infrastructural development of the state as part of efforts to boost the economic fortunes of the state.

According to Mark, “Ortom’s trajectory in the political terrain of Nigeria from the State Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to National Auditor of the party, Minister of State, Trade and Investment and now Governor of Benue State

bears eloquent testimony of his political brinkmanship.

“Though along the line he jumped ship to a rival political party but he read the political barometer correctly and returned home to the PDP. He is Godfearing, confident and humble."

Afenifere, ACF Urge Defence Minister to Release Identities of Enemies of State Chuks Okocha ÓØ ÌßÔË Nigeria’sregionalgroups,Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and

AfeniferehavecalledonMinister ofDefence,MajorGeneralBashir Magashi (rtd) to immediately release the identities of the enemies of state responsible for the security challenges facing the country.

General Magashi told journalists on Thursday in Abuja at the 7th edition of the Ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team that the federal government had compiled a comprehensive report on the identities of enemies of the Nigerian state and taken a position, which he said he did not want to pre-empt.

According to the minister, “we have made a comprehensive brief as far as the security of this country is concerned and the methods we want to use in ensuring that we strategically and tactically get rid of all enemies of this country, be it political enemy, religious enemy,

ethnic enemies and all the political enemies of this country.

“We have made a comprehensive report or research on that and we have taken our position, which I don’t want to pre-empt here, but certainly, we are coming back with that.”

Reacting, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), through its National Publicity Secretary, Emmanuel Yawe, told General Magashi: “There is no need of wasting time, you know the kind of difficulty Nigeria is in now with all the insecurity. And then, someone knows the identities of those putting us through all these hell and he is keeping it.”

He said the position of the ACF was that anyone who was in possession of information in relation to the identities of those causing Nigeria’s security problems should either release the information or would be viewed as a collaborator.

Omotola, 2 Other Nigerians on African Voices Changemakers HAVING PRESIDENT'S EARS...

Chuks Okocha ÓØ ÌßÔË

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State and the Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari, during the visit of Imo State governor to the Presidential Villa, Abuja...yesterday ÒÙÞÙ˝ ÙÎáÓØ ×ÙÓÑßÓ

Police, Amotekun, Hunters Storm Forests as Gunmen Kidnap Ekiti APC Chieftain Victor Ogunje ÓØ ÎÙ ÕÓÞÓ Suspected gunmen have abducted an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain in Ekiti State,Mr. EbenezerBusuyi.

ThekidnappedAPCstalwart, is the Supervisor forAgriculture, in Ekiti West Local Government Area of the state.

Impeccable sources revealed to journalists that Busuyi was kidnapped on Thursday evening along the desolate Ilawe-

Erinjiyan Ekiti Road.

It gathered that he was kidnaped while driving in his personal car along the route.

After his abduction, Busuyi's car was said to have been abandoned beside the road while he waswhiskedawayintotheforest.

The Police Relations Officer, Ekiti Command, ASP Sunday Abutu, who commented on the kidnap,saidthepoliceoperatives in the Rapid Response Squad, AmotekunCorpsandlocalhunt-

ers had invaded the sprawling Ilawe-Erinjiyan forest in search of the local government official.

He narrated that the man was waylaid by gunmen while drivingalongthatroutearound6p.m. on that day.

Abutu assured the residents that the police won't allow kidnapers to perceive Ekiti as a safe haven or turn it into an epicentre of criminality.

"As I speak with you, our men and officers in partnership with

theAmotekun Corps and local hunters are already in the bush searching for the victim.

"We won't fold our arms and allowcriminalgangstoholdEkiti by jugular, we are determined to redoubleoureffortstomakeEkiti safe from kidnappers.

"But we want our people to be security conscious . Let them reportstrangefacestothenearest police station for prompt action.

This is the time for all of us to be watchful," he said.

Fire Incident: Okowa Visits Delta Police Headquarters

European American University Honours Mba, Igboanugo

Omon-Julius Onabu ÓØ ÝËÌË

The Chief Executive Officer of CDVPropertiesandDevelopment Limited,Chief Charles Mba and theFounder&GroupManaging Director Ziloc Construction Ltd &ZeloHomesLtd,Ugochukwu Harvey Igboanugo will be conferredwithaHonoraryDoctorate DegreebytheEuropeanAmerican University, Commonwealth of Dominican Republic today.

According to statement made available by the Head of West African Operations of the University, Dr. Josephine Egbuta, Charles Mba is to be honoured with an Award of a Doctorate Degree of Science (D.Sc) in Properties Development and Real Estates Management while the Founder & Group Managing

FollowingThursday'sfireincident thatoccurredinthecommunication control engine-room at the state police command headquarters, Asaba, the state Governor, Dr. IfeanyiOkowa,yesterdayvisited theplaceforon-the-spotassessment of the situation.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Ari Muhammed Ali, conducted the governor round the ICT Centre at command headquarters control room where some vital communication gadgets were damaged by the fire, which is suspected to have occurred due to a power and electric spark.

The fire incident, which occurred

at about 2:45p.m. on Thursday, caused pandemonium at the police headquarters and environs, the fire was soon extinguished by firefighters called in to arrest the situation.

Although, the extent of damage to communication equipment in the control room was still to be ascertained, the police public relations officer quickly issued a statement apparently to dispel rumours about the incident, saying that electrical fault might have triggered the fire.

According to Mr. Bright Edafe, a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) who is the state command's spokesman, firemen were immediately called in and they promptly extinguished the fire before it could spread beyond the identified source.

Director Ziloc Construction Ltd & Zelo Homes Ltd, Igboanugo is to be honoured with the award of Doctor of Science (D.Sc.Hons) in Property Management and Estate Development.

Egbuta posited that Chief Mba and Igboanugo’s nomination did not come as a surprise to the school, adding that it was long overdue.

Before now, Mba had been honoured as a recipient of so many awards which include Nigerian Entrepreneurs Award of Excellence; The Dignity of Man Award from the University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Lagos Branch; theAfrica Prize for Leadership Excellence as The Property Development Personality of the year 2017;

Popular actress, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde and two other Nigerians who are raising awareness about malaria through an innovative youthaimed campaign will, this week, grace the studios of African Voices Changemakers.

The 30-minute CNN magazine programme is sponsored

by Globacom. Omotola will be joined by Laolu Senbanjo, a New York-based Nigerian artist, and Meji Alabi, a BritishNigerian Music Video Director.

Born on February 7th, 1978, Omotola, actress, singer and mother of three is one of the pioneers of the video film era of Nigerian cinema as well as one of the most watched actresses in Africa. She was in 2013 named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world alongside Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and Kate Middleton.

A year later, she was honoured by the Nigerian government as a Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) for her contributions to the Nigerian film industry.

Senbanjo, 38, is a former women and children’s rights attorney who saddled himself with the task of travelling round the Northern parts of Nigeria where he campaigned for the education of the girl-child and the inclusion of women in mainstream national life. He later relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where his talents as a visual artist, musician and songwriter came to the fore.

Laolu is reputed for designing global music icon, Beyoncé’s

album, Lemonade.

The third guest, Alabi, is largely influenced by diverse cultures from London, Texas and Lagos where he spent his growing up years. Known for his music videos and works with Beyoncé, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Burna Boy, among others, Alabi is a winner of the Nigeria Entertainment Award for Music Video of the Year (Director) 2019 and nominee of The Headies Award for Best Music Video, 2019, and City People Music Award for Music Video Director of the Year, 2018.

According to a statement

by Globacom, the trio would be discussing the health risk that malaria poses in Africa on CNN on DSTV channel 401 on Saturday at 9.30 a.m., on Sunday at 4.30 a.m., 7.30 a.m., 12. 30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m. and on Monday at 5.30 a.m.

The programme will also be repeated in two installments of 15 minutes each at 6.45 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

CHANGE OF NAME

39

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͼ, 2021

SPORTS XTRA

Again, Rodgers Showers Praises on Iheanacho after Performance against West Brom The Nigerian made life difficult for us, says Alladyce Brendan Rodgers has praised Kelechi Iheanacho for showing his full potential but says there are still some flaws in his game.

Iheanacho has been a man on fire over the last few weeks, with Harry Kane (15) the only Premier League player to have scored more goals in all competitions than the Nigerian international this year.

The former Manchester City has scored 13 goals in all competitions for the Foxes since the turn of the year. His goal against West Brom on Thursday night was his ninth in the league this season- the most he has scored in a single campaign.

Iheanacho has now scored in eight of Leicester’s last nine games, including a hat-trick against Sheffield United and a brace against Manchester United.

However, while Rodgers is happy with the qualities of his striker, the former Celtic manager says the Nigerian makes too many mistakes.

Speaking to BT Sport after the Foxes 3-0 win over the Baggies on Thursday night, Rodgers said: “It was a good win; any win is a big win. Our

intensity was really good in the first half-hour. I wasn’t happy at half time as our passing wasn’t good enough.

“I am not thinking about the other teams; we have to think about ourselves. We can only control ourselves.

“Jamie Vardy has done it throughout his career, and Kelechi Iheanacho is now showing his qualities – he can still improve as he is still making too many mistakes, but he is getting in there.

Leicester City have moved four points clear in third place in the Premier League standings after thrashing relegationthreatened West Brom at the King Power Stadium on Thursday night.

Three goals from Jamie Vardy, Jonny Evans and Kelechi Iheanacho secured victory for the Foxes who put their feet off the pedal in the second half.

In the 36th minute, the Nigeria international set himself before sending a deflected effort past goalkeeper Johnstone for his ninth goal in the top-flight - his best ever Premier League goalscoring season.

Baggies boss Sam Allardyce

has admitted that Iheanacho and his strike partner Vardy made life difficult for his players, especially in the first half.

The Super Eagles star showed his intentions right from the blast of the whistle and

had a big chance to open the scoring inside three minutes.

He raced clear after latching onto a loose ball, however his final touch let him down and Johnstone came out to close his effort down.

“Leicester are a lot better than Southampton and far better than Chelsea - they are as good as the top boys. They are only behind Man City on that performance,” Allardyce said on BBC Sport.

“The front two (Iheanacho

and Vardy) in the first half gave us a hard time. We did have the one chance - it wasn’t even a bad miss, it was horrendous.”

Up next for Leicester City, they have another home game against Eberechi Eze’s Crystal Palace on Monday.

Brendan Rodgers backs Iheanacho for more successes at Leicester City

Eberechi Eze is One of the Best Midfielders I’ve Ever Seen, Says Rohr Giggs Charged with Assaulting Two Women Confirms talks with the player over his international future Super Eagles Manager Gernot Rohr has confirmed that he is in talks with Eberechi Eze over committing his international future to Nigeria and had nothing but praise for the Crystal Palace star, saying he is one of the finest players in his position in the English Premier League.

Eze trained with the Super Eagles before a cancelled friendly against Burkina Faso in March 2017 but since then his status has changed as he is now provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth England and represented the country in the European U21 Championship last month.

Nigerian Federation president Amaju Pinnick has openly courted the former Queens Park Rangers dazzler but he requested to be given some more time to make his decision.

Though Rohr has admitted Eze is a player of interest, the German football

tactician has stressed that the decision to represent Nigeria has to come from the player himself and he won’t be forced to pledge his allegiance to the three-time African champions.

“This is a wonderful player, Ebere Eze is one of the best offensive midfielders I’ve ever seen in England and I would like to have him with us, but you know that he can also play for England and already played for one team in England,” Rohr said to Elegbete TV Sports.

“There is a process to do, at first the boy must accept himself and the decision must come from him, and from his parents.

“We cannot tell him he must come, he must come himself and if he wants to come he has to write a letter.

“In this letter he has to write to FIFA that he wants to switch and to play for Nigeria, this would be wonderful, but I

know that we cannot force his decision and he can only take it himself.

“What we do is to explain to him how we are working, to explain to him what we are doing, and what our objectives are - what we did with players like Alex Iwobi, like Akpoguma, we did with Ola Aina and Tyronne Ebuehi.

“We have already some players like that, if we can have Eze it would be wonderful but it’s not easy”.

Just as Eze told Pinnick, the England U21 star informed Rohr that he needed more time to make a decision on his international future.

“I sent him a message and in this message I showed the interest Nigeria have to get him in this team so he replied and he said he has to think about it, so it is not the moment to speak too much about it,” added Rohr.

Sadiq is Second Most Used Player by Almeria 2016 Rio Olympics bronze medalist Umar Sadiq is the second most used played by Almeria coach José Manuel Gomes in the Spanish Segunda Division this season.

It will be recalled that Sadiq was named in the Nigeria squad for last month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches with the Republic of Benin and Lesotho, but was prevented from linking up with the national team due to coronavirus concerns.

The 24-year-old would have missed up to three LaLiga 2 matches - against Leganes, Malaga and Rayo Vallecano if he had traveled to Africa in March.

Sadiq has logged 2,446 minutes spread across 31 matches in the Spanish secondtier, including 27 starts, and only Iván Balliu (2,463 minutes) was in action more than the Nigerian.

He is Almeria’s leading scorer in the league with 16 goals, has another two in the Copa del Rey and netted six goals

for Partizan Belgrade before his move to Spain in October, taking his tally for the season to 24 goals in all competitions.

Seven matches to the end of the regular season, Almeria’s promotion hopes are very much still alive as they occupy the third position in the standings with 61 points.

La Liga side Sevilla are keeping tabs on Sadiq ahead of a potential swoop when the transfer window reopens for business.

Four Teams Have Equal Chances of Winning in NWFL Super Six The NWFL Premiership Super Six from all indications will end in a photo finish with four of the six teams- Rivers Angels, Delta Queens, Sunshine Queens and FC Robo, having equal chances to emerge champion of the 2021 season and also Nigeria’s representative to the WAFU B qualifiers for the CAF Women Champions League this year.

All the four clubs must win their last games against themselves at the Dipo Dina International Stadium Ijebu-Ode

on Sunday.

At the end of the Match Day 4 games, the teams from Delta and Rivers emerged the top contenders with eight points each from a total four matches.

At the end of matches today, and going into the final games on Sunday, Rivers Angels have eight points, Delta Queens eight points, Sunshine Queens seven points, FC Robo seven points after failing to beat Sunshine Queens. They lost the opportunity to

go into the final day with 10 points, and would have just played for a draw to pick the final winning points, but that was not to be. But they still have a final chance in their last game against Delta Queens on Sunday.

The NWFL Premiership title and the CAF Women Champions League ticket is FC Robo’s own to lose.

The Bayelsa QueensversusEdoQueens game will also be a tough cracker as the two teamswillbeplayingfor pride.

Wales manager and ex-Manchester United player Ryan Giggs has been charged with assaulting two women.

He is accused of causing actual bodily harm to a woman in her 30s and common assault of a woman in her 20s at an address in Salford last November.

Mr Giggs, of Worsley, is also charged with coercive or controlling behaviour.

He has been bailed to appear at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court on 28 April.

Mr Giggs, 47, said in a statement he would plead not guilty to the charges in court.

“I have full respect for the due process of law and understand the seriousness of the allegations,” he said.

“I look forward to clearing my name.”

Greater Manchester Police said officers were called at 22:05 GMT on November 1, to reports of a disturbance at an address in Worsley.

The force said a woman in her 30s was treated for minor injuries at the scene.

Mr Giggs is also accused of coercive or controlling behaviour between December 2017 and November 2020.

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) has confirmed assistant manager Robert Page will take chargeof Wales at this summer’s European Championships.

Nadal Ends Nottie’s Run to Reach Barcelona Open Rafael Nadal stayed on course for his 12th Barcelona Open title after coming through in straight-sets against Britain’s Cam Norrie to reach the semi-finals.

Norrie continued his fine 2021 by reaching the last eight of the event on the Catalan clay but found 11-time champion Nadal too hot to handle on the court named after him, the Spaniard The British No 2 had already reached the semi-finals of the Delray Beach Open and the quarter-finals in Acapulco this year and claimed the scalp of Karen Khachanov en route to the last-eight in Barcelona this week.

Nadal has looked a little shaky on clay so far after not playing since the Australian Open and he again made more errors than he would have liked.

But ultimately he had too much on his shots for Norrie, who fought back from a break down in the second set only for Nadal to forge ahead again in their first career meeting.

He will face countryman Pablo Carreno or Diego Schwartzman on Saturday for a spot in the final.

Norrie, 25, is continuing to climb the rankings and could be rewarded with a place in the top 50 on Monday.

TR

Saturday, April 24, 2021

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Adebanjo to Buhari “If Buhari is patriotic enough, a new constitution and restructuring will silence all those with their secessionist agenda. If you don’t, you will continue to give impetus to them. You are encouraging secession…Those who make peaceful change impossible make violent change inevitable” – Leader of the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, renewing his call for the restructuring of Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

Dr Mike Adenuga: Encounters with the Spirit of Africa

F

ellow Africans, let me assure you that I have met many extraordinary personalities in my personal capacity as well as in my career as a journalist, but none is as enigmatic as Dr Michael Adeniyi Agbolade Isola Adenuga. Just in case you think I’m being hyperbolic, please calm down and come with me on this exciting voyage to discover an embodiment of the true African spirit, the story of a man who in many ways can be likened to a Spirit. It is not by accident therefore that one of his many sobriquets is “Spirit”, which lends to his further moniker as the “Spirit of Africa”!

Let me quickly warn that what I’m doing today is practically tantamount to heresy because Dr Adenuga does not fancy anyone invading his much cherished, closely guarded and jealously protected life and lifestyle. It is not because he has anything to hide like most Nigerian men of affluence and influence nowadays, but because he is truly a private, almost reclusive man, whose main interest is to avail himself to family and friends behind closed doors. He truly does not expect thanks and praise for the silent way in which he affects the lives of many. However, it is merely right that this great icon and patriarchal man is constantly honoured and celebrated with effusive praise and fulsome gratitude. It is therefore befitting that as he turns 68 on Thursday, April 29, 2021, I owe and dedicate to him this one piece, as a man who touches too many lives from behind his private and exclusive circumvallation.

No man is perfect, and every soul is often misunderstood but I am reasonably convinced that Dr Adenuga’s generosity is out of this world, beyond this realm. He is a pre-eminent African that I have studied as a book and I’m sure I can produce a magnum opus on his life history. His is a life that should have spawned countless autobiographies especially form financial, entrepreneurial and philanthropic historians. I cannot do justice to this monumental human being by trying to capture his life within a single paged column, but I can provide a glimpse into a little of what makes him tick form my personal interaction with him.

Therefore, let me just give you some of the amazing snippets of our encounters and my uncommon knowledge of him. Please, ignore some of the concocted stories you read about him from time to time. Most are conceived by fiction writers who know that his name can change your fortunes or misfortunes instantly on a good day.

Some also try their luck via subliminal messages that are tantamount to blackmail. Trouble is Dr Adenuga is too complicated for most people to unravel. His stories have thus become like fables, the stuff of legends.

A few months ago, I saw endless missed phone calls from a close friend and professional colleague.

By the time I called back, I was very anxious because it was quite unlike my friend to call so frantically and desperately. I conjured a million images in my head about what could have been amiss. I soon discovered what the matter was all about. Apparently, my friend had lamented and grumbled to me about how he used to be very close to Dr Adenuga, but it seemed he had fallen out of favour with the stupendously generous man. I tried to reassure my dear friend that Dr Adenuga never forgets a favour and I’m certain his plate is always full with all sorts which is why he hadn’t yet responded to his attempts at contact and entreaties. His business model is such that he likes to be on top of his game by being hands on. While this may appear strange to many, it has worked so well for him. It is not that he micromanages. It is impossible to micromanage a huge conglomerate such as Dr Adenuga oversees.

Indeed, formulating and directing policy, principle

Dele Momodu with Dr Mike Adenuga Jr. and strategy for such a consortium of companies is an arduous task at the best of times. For a man who is fastidious and meticulous in his planning and organisation like Dr Mike Adenuga, it is even more so. Furthermore, I know that Dr Adenuga prefers to deal with people on his own terms and at his own time, probably dictated by his hectic and busy schedule. I therefore advised my friend to be patient knowing that he would be pleasantly surprised.

Anyway, my friend was in a different mood this time around. “Bod Dee, please, I need a big favour from you Sir!” This further heightened the suspense! “What can I do please, you know I’ll gladly do it if I can...”, I confirmed this to my friend. What he then told me was like I had become a prophet! “Haaa, Bob Dee, ore yin ti fowo semi lese. You don’t want to imagine how much he sent to me...” He was clearly over-excited, almost at the point of giddiness. That’s Dr Mike Adenuga for you. It was one of the reasons I added to his usual monikers The Guru, because of his great intellect and natural flair, and The Bull, because of his physical appearance coupled with the manner in which he brainstorms, barnstorms and battles through prosperity and adversity alike, as well as his zodiac sign and symbol. I coined the appellation “The Spirit of Africa” because he is a man you very rarely see but feel his presence around you in an unmistakable, distinctive and remarkable manner.

There are tales and complaints about the fact that he does not pick calls nor reply messages but those peddling these stories are oftentimes frustrated by Dr Adenuga’s seemingly indifferent behaviour. Sadly, they don’t actually know that Dr Adenuga is merely responding to a strict code which he has earmarked and defined for himself without understanding and appreciating what is responsible for such a strict code. Those who know him well understand the fact that Dr Adenuga can be very shy and many take advantage of his benevolence and large-heartedness and his unwillingness and inability to say no to people’s needs and requests. As an exceptionally busy man, he does not engage in frivolity. He can’t afford distractions. He doesn’t believe in making a song and dance about his acts of philanthropy, charity and generosity. He will not string you along or make unfulfilled promises. He would simply not talk or revert to you until he is ready.

However, when he does react and extend his largesse to you, prepare for a mind-blowing experience.

Dr Adenuga’s morals, mores and proclivity are

dictated by his abundant wealth of experience of life. He’s a very intelligent man who is vastly read and widely travelled. As a result, he not only understands the innate cruelty of man to fellow man, he has also on occasions experienced this first-hand to his surprise and chagrin. These experiences have shaped his thoughts and actions.

Aside from this, He has had to navigate his way through the murky waters of Nigerian politics.

Dr Adenuga avoids and shuns politics like the plague. He does not believe that he must be involved with politics in order for his businesses to survive or thrive. All he campaigns for is an avenue to do business on a level playing field because he knows that he can survive and outlast most people. He considers himself one of the fittest and the best, if not the fittest and the best since he is methodical, calculating and highly industrious and energetic. As he says often, he is hiding his head under the parapet as he is non-aligned and does not want this to be mistaken for support for one side or the other.

He knows Nigeria and Nigerians very intimately and does not want to attract unnecessary attention to himself or his business.

So, after making all this money, how does he enjoy it, I once asked him. He smiled heartily and told me: “Bob Dee, how much money can one individual or his family enjoy? You must spread it and touch lives...that is what brings true happiness and joy. What’s the point if your friend is wealthy and it doesn’t show on you his friends...?” I concurred, words of wisdom from a sage, indeed.

Everyman should wake up and pray to meet and become good friends with the Spirit of Africa.

Trust me, it is worth every second of it. Just imagine a man who dashes out the same kind of cars he drives to friends. He buys these expensive cars in multiples. I have been a beneficiary a few times, so I know. I have a friend who got a Range Rover while his wife got another jeep.

How nicer and kinder can one be? No amount of money is too much for Adenuga to shell out on his family and friends. And he really does not expect anything in return. If you have done him a favour then you are truly triply, not doubly blessed, since Dr Adenuga never forgets such favours and offers recompense even beyond your wildest dreams. Dr Adenuga believes that his friends are entitled to the same kind of material things that he wishes for and buys for himself.

He has no jealous or mean streak in him in that respect.

Of course, love must be reciprocal. Dr Adenuga

loves integrity and loyalty. Because he hardly goes out, he is able to monitor people and events quietly from his desk and home. He loves people who work hard and is ever willing to offer his helping hand. Since we first met in 1991, I have gained his confidence because he knows my love and respect for him is total and unconditional. He knows my love for him transcends materialism.

That is not just because he is Dr Mike Adenuga, one of the richest men in the world, but because he is my mentor and friend and for me true friendship must be total and unconditional.

I therefore treat my true friends in the same way, and this just forges our bonds more. Most people fail to understand how truly satisfying and gratifying this approach is. It is an attribute and attitude that Dr Adenuga and I share, and it is why we are content and happy.

I remember that a few years ago, I had just landed in Dubai on a Saturday morning and promptly checked into my hotel when a call came through from Lagos that I was being invited to dinner with Chairman, as I often call Dr Adenuga, the following evening in Lagos. Confusion instantly set in. A dinner with Chairman is always a treat and privilege.

How would I miss such an amazing opportunity?

I called the Emirate Airlines and was told the two flights to Lagos and Accra had already departed and the one to Lagos the day after was already overbooked. Based on the lessons I took from Dr Adenuga and Basorun MKO Abiola, that time wastes for nobody and that you must always think outside the box to be able to achieve what others would consider seemingly impossible, I wasn’t going to give up so easily. I called The Emirate Airline again and asked if any of their flights could get me to London the same day before 8pm. They told me I could get one if I was ready to downgrade.

No worries. I would even sit on a jump seat if necessary. I then called Virgin Atlantic and asked if I could get a seat to Lagos. I was told that this was possible, and I was confirmed.

That was how I landed Lagos in the morning of the following day having travelled back to London from Dubai. Needless to say, I made the dinner in the evening. He loves it when you make the impossible possible. It was the portent of good fortune for me since I was able to seal some important deals that evening. Our relationship is truly spiritual, and this has been tested many times. He always knows the right times to send the goodies, almost miraculously.

His love for the youths of Africa is palpable and they love him too. Nigerians will forever be grateful to him for breaking the seemingly impossible per second billing on telephone services.

His heavy investments in laying submarine cables from Europe to Africa also stretches the imagination. The number of our youths who became GLO Ambassadors and superstars on CNN run into hundreds. He has also really done so much too for African football. He has taken our football to greater heights and African football has suddenly become a global phenomenon that can no longer be held back. It is no wonder that Africa continues to get more slots in the FIFA World Cup competition. Despite his unmatched support for the media, Dr Adenuga often suffer savage attacks from those seeking his attention but he has a solid principle: never indulge a blackmailer!

On a personal note, he has been my mentor and benefactor, brother and friend combined.

He’s been a great teacher and I have been his steadfast student. I thank God always for this uncommon grace.

Please, help a raise a toast and give him a standing ovation.

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