SATURDAY 13TH MAY 2023

Presidency: Buhari's Relocation to Glass House, Standard Routine for Out-going Presidents

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

The Presidency yesterday described as routine the movement of President Muhammadu Buhari

from the official Presidential residence to the Glass House, both within the State House in Abuja.

This, it explained, is with a view

to allowing the official residence to be prepared in readiness for its next occupier, the President-elect, Bola Tinubu. Explaining the significance

of the change of residence for the President, Special Assistant to the President on Digital Communication, Bashir Ahmad, said it was a routine of

the transitional process that an out-going President vacates the official residence ahead of the inauguration, to give space for the preparation of the building

for the in-coming President. Ahmad, who spoke on telephone in Abuja, said he was

Continued on page 5

Shettima Meets Elected APC Lawmakers over Zoning, Warns Against Rancour...

25 Percent Votes: 5 FCT Residents Ask Court to Stop Tinubu’s Installation, Extend Buhari’s Tenure

Alex Enumah in Abuja

Five residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have filed a suit

at the Federal High Court, Abuja, demanding an order to stop the swearing-in of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29, for failing

to secure at least 25 percent of votes cast in the FCT.

Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was declared

winner of the February 25 presidential poll with 8,794,726 votes. The plaintiffs - Anyaegbunam

Okoye, David Adzer, Jeffrey Ucheh, Osang Paul and Chibuike Nwanchukwu - sued for themselves and on behalf of other residents

and registered voters in the FCT. The Originating Summons marked

Continued on page 5

Peter Obi: I Must Become President of Nigeria, If Not Today, Tomorrow

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Labour Party’s candidate in the February 25 presidential election, Peter Obi declared yesterday that he must become Nigeria’s president, notwithstanding the declaration of Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress as President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

After Tinubu was declared winner of the poll with 8,794,726 votes, Obi and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) filed petitions at the Presidential Election Tribunal, challenging the declaration and asking to be declared winners.

Speaking during the unveiling of a book, ‘Peter Obi: many voices, one perspective’ in Awka, Anambra State, Obi expressed optimism about still becoming President and declared that he was not in a hurry to achieve the dream.

Continued on page 5

GOODNIGHT MAMA VICTORIA CHIDOKA…

L-R: Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo; former president Olusegun Obasanjo; former aviation minister, Osita Chidoka and Mrs Adaora Chidoka-Egbon, during the burial of Mama Victoria Chidoka, in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State… yesterday.

Anyone who thinks I’m in transit is wasting his time… I am not in a hurry to become the president, but I know it must happen

UBTH CLOCKS 50…

Seplat Energy Asks Appeal Court to Set Aside Ex Parte Order Suspending Nine of

Its Officials

Says lower court lacks jurisdiction; order contradicts CAMA process for removing directors

Bennett Oghifo

Indigenous energy company, Seplat Energy Plc, has asked the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, to set aside the judgement of Justice I. E. Ekwo of the Federal High

Court Abuja which on Thursday granted an ex parte interim order suspending nine of its officials, pending the determination of a motion on notice.

The suspended officials are Roger Brown, Chief Executive

Officer (CEO), Seplat Energy; Basil Omiyi, Board Chairman; Emma Fitzgerald, Charles Okeahalam, Fabian Ajogwu, Rabiu Bello, Bashirat Odenewu, independent non-executive directors; Edith Onwuchekwa, Company Secretary;

and Samuel Ezeugwuorie, Chief Operating Officer. Justice Ekwo had in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2023 instituted by Juliet Gbaka and two others against Seplat Energy Plc and 13 others granted ex parte Interim

25 PERCENT VOTES: 5 FCT RESIDENTS ASK COURT TO STOP TINUBU’S INSTALLATION, EXTEND BUHARI’S TENURE

FHC/ABJ/CS/578/2023 was filed on April 28.

The complainants, through their lawyer, Chuks Nwachukwu urged the court to stop the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, any other judicial officer and/or any other authority or person from swearing in any candidate in the February 25 presidential election as President or Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

They added that this should remain until it is judicially determined with finality or in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution that such candidate has fulfilled the requirement of Section 134(2)(b) of the Constitution.

The plaintiffs aver that Tinubu

failed to secure at least 25 percent of votes cast in the FCT.

They are asking the court to determine “whether or not the person who is to be elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and consequently administrator of the FCT through the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, on the first ballot is required by section 134(2)(b) of the Constitution to obtain at least 25 percent of the votes cast in the FCT.

“Whether the plaintiffs and other residents and registered voters in the FCT Abuja would not be discriminated against if any state within the Federal Republic of Nigeria were substituted for

the FCT.”

Should the questions for determination be answered in the affirmative, the plaintiffs are praying for a declaration that “no candidate in the February 25th presidential election may validly be sworn in as President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without such candidate having obtained 25% of the votes cast in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”

The plaintiffs also want a declaration extending President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure pending when a successor is determined in accordance with the constitution.

The suit which cited the

Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami as first respondent and the CJN as second respondent in the matter also demanded “an order setting aside or suspending any declaration and/or issuance of a Certificate of a Return to any candidate in the February 25 presidential election. THISDAY learnt that the matter has been fixed for Monday May 15, for mention.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had said a candidate need not secure 25 percent of the votes in the FCT to be declared winner because the FCT was not accorded any special status in the constitution as being “erroneously” portrayed.

PETER OBI: I MUST BECOME PRESIDENT OF NIGERIA, IF NOT TODAY, TOMORROW

The LP Presidential candidate declared: “Anyone who thinks I am on a transit is wasting his time. Let me tell you, I must be the president of this country. I am sure of that. If it is not today, it must be tomorrow.

“Other people who want to be, should come and tell us what they want to do, and how to do it. This is my country, I don’t have dual citizenship. If anyone thinks I am going to run away from Nigeria, they are lying.

“I have three engagements in Anambra and Lagos today (yesterday). I will be speaking in Lagos tonight. We will not leave Nigeria. I am not in a hurry to become the president, but I know it must happen.”

The former Anambra State governor said he was more concerned about the process that brings leaders to office, and not who the leader is.

Obi added that he was not struggling to free Nigeria from bad leadership for the elites alone, but for every Nigerian.

He said, “For three years I was in court in Anambra to reclaim my mandate, just to challenge the process. Many people tried to

discourage me, but I said even if the entire four-year tenure elapsed for us to prove a point and correct the process, I will be fulfilled.

“My argument is that, let’s do what is right. I always tell everyone that I will not give people money to do the wrong thing. I have been the chairman of a committee; TETFUND committee, and Prof. Yakubu Mahmud was my member. We know ourselves, but when he became INEC chairman, I have never met him. I told him, you are an umpire, just do what is right.

“If you have the chance to do the right thing, and you insist on perpetuating anarchy, then, it will consume everybody one day. I insist that we must do the right thing.

“I was at an event yesterday (Thursday) in Abuja, and it was for the World Food Organisation. I listened to a report that stated that Nigeria will face intense hunger in years to come. It is Nigeria that will face hunger, not Peter Obi.

“The report listed Borno, Adamawa and Yobe as the states that will be worse hit, but those three states put together are five times larger in land mass than Israel that exports food, but Nigeria

cannot feed itself.”

Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion and traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, in his speech expressed hope that Obi will reclaim his presidential mandate.

Achebe said, “I was still a new traditional ruler many years ago, when I was invited to a meeting where some monarchs were trying to settle a matter between the then Anambra governor Chris Ngige and Obi over the governorship tussle.

“I was a new traditional ruler, so I was just listening to the conversations. Obi did not attend the meeting, but his representative said Obi sent a message that he is more interested in knowing the truth, and ensuring that the process is credible next time, and that he was not willing to back down, even if it meant remaining in court even after the tenure.

“It took him three years, but he was later restored. His representative then said, Obi only wants the truth to be known, and even if it happened after the expiration of his tenure. Also, when he was impeached, he told everyone that he would return, and he returned.

“Later, there was an election,

and Andy Uba replaced Obi. He called me again and said that these people want to spoil our country. I had also heard that the judgement was to be delivered the next day, and that it may be against Peter. He (Obi) called me and he said he was confident that he would return as governor. I am saying this because this is a man I know very well. Someone called him man of the moment, but I choose to say that he is a man of destiny.”

Earlier, one of the editors of the book, Prof Chinyere Okunna said the launching was geared towards raising funds for the financing of the matter before the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal (PEPT).

"We believe in Obi. He is not a saint, but among all the people who contested to become president, none comes close to him in humility, education, love of the people, experience and knowledge.

"Litigation is a very capitalintensive project and we want to support him through this launching. It was very clear that Obi won the election, but we want to call on the judiciary to be upright in their judgement and do the right thing."

orders which restrained the Board Chairman, the named Independent Non-Executive Directors, the Chief Operating Officer and the Company Secretary from operating or functioning as officers of Seplat Energy in any capacity or otherwise conducting the affairs of the company.

However, Seplat in its Notice of Appeal filed at the registry of the Federal High Court is praying the Appellate Court to allow the appeal and set aside the decision of the lower court made on May 11, 2023.

The Appellant stated that the Lower Court erred in law and occasioned grave injustice against the Appellant when it made an Order on the 11 May, 2023 that affects the Appellant adversely despite the fact that the Court lacks jurisdiction and that the suit was an abuse of court process and there was a pending motion to that effect before the orders were granted.

Seplat stated that an earlier filed petition with suit No-FHC/ABJ/ PET/8/2023 is pending before the same Judge and his Lordship had already refused to grant the same ex parte order in that suit which has now been subsequently granted in suit number FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/2023. The facts of suit number FHC/ABJ/PET/8/2023 had been brought to the attention of the court.

The Appellant stated that in a Motion on Notice dated 10th May 2023, it challenged the jurisdiction of the court, and that the lower court had a duty to first determine the motion challenging the jurisdiction of the court in one way or the other.

According to Seplat’s external Counsel, Mr. Bode Olanipekun SAN, the interim orders were obtained by three shareholders who cumulatively have about 161 shares (about 0.00027%) out of over 500 million issued shares of the company.

He stated that before the interim orders were obtained, there was a pending motion on notice by which Seplat challenged the court’s jurisdiction.

Subsequent to the grant of the interim orders, Seplat filed an appeal. Its directors have also filed appeals and motions for stay of execution at the Federal High Court.

Olanipekun noted that there are special procedures for the removal of directors of a company under CAMA and that it was not the basis for the removal of Seplat’s directors in this instance.

He asked all parties to allow the judicial process to take its course.

Three aggrieved stakeholdersJuliet Gbaka, Margaret Funmilayo, and Clement Akaeme - filed the motion, in suit number FHC/ABJ/ CS/626/23.

PRESIDENCY: BUHARI'S RELOCATION TO GLASS HOUSE, STANDARD ROUTINE FOR OUT-GOING PRESIDENTS

aware of the development and was not surprised because it was part of the transition process.

He said: "Yes, I'm aware of that, but it is just following the laid down procedure. The standard rule is that in the run-up to the inauguration, the President will have to move into the Glass House, while the in-coming President stays at the Defense House. All of this is to prepare the State House for the new President.

"After the inauguration, the new President is expected to resume at the State House to start his tenure. It's not strange, that is the order of transition", he said.

The First Lady, Aisha Buhari, had Thursday disclosed in a video that she and her husband, President Buhari, had moved out of the official residence into the Glass House, after taking the in-coming First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, round

the residence for familiarisation.

While guiding Mrs Tinubu round the residence in the video, the First Lady had also described the Glass House as a transitional home for the First Family, traditionally and called for the sustenance of the culture.

She said: "Today, I've taken the in-coming First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, round, she has seen the main house, we're now at the popular Glass House. Glass House is a transition home for the out-going President, I'm advising that the Glass House should maintain its tradition of being a transitional home for the out-going President.

"As I'm talking to you now, we're residing here with my husband, only two of us here. I think it has to remain so, as a norm of the institution and of the house."

L-R: Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Mrs. Victoria Gowon; former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, and his Deputy, Philip Shaibu, at the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH)...yesterday.

UBTH at 50: Gowon Calls for Improved Training of Healthcare Professionals

Adibe Emenyonu in Benin City

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has called for improved training of healthcare professionals as well as affordable and sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure so that Nigerians can have unfettered access to quality medical care.

Gowon made the call yesterday at the 50th anniversary of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital,(UBTH), with the theme:

‘Advancing The Legacy of Quality Healthcare’, in Benin

City, the state capital.

Gowon, who was chairman of the occasion, said it was during his regime as Head of State, UBTH was established in 1973, saying that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, hence, the need to adapt and innovate ways to meet the challenging needs of patients.

He, therefore, urged healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders to renew their commitment to providing quality healthcare to all Nigerians as well as collaborating to build a healthcare system that is acces-

Obasanjo, Soludo in Obosi, Console Chidoka as Mother is Buried

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

Former president Olusegun Obasanjo and Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, were among dignitaries who converged on Obosi yesterday to bid farewell to late Mrs. Victoria Nneka Chidoka.

The deceased is the mother of the former Aviation Minister, and former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Osita Chidoka.

The dignitaries eulogised the deceased, saying that her forthright lifestyle can be seen in the lives of her children, and their attainments in life.

Late Nneka died on April 3 in her Obosi home at the age of 75 years after a protracted battle with cancer and was laid to rest yesterday in Obosi, Idemili Local Government Area of the state.

Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, Primate of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion in his Homily lifted from Rev. 21: 1-8, said the bereaved family should take solace in the fact that their matriarch lived a good life

and she gone to be with her maker.

Ndukuba, who was represented by Most Rev. Ali Lamido, Dean Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion who celebrated the funeral service at St. Andrew’s Church, Obosi, said death was an inevitable end as man would not live forever.

“Any life that was not lived with service to God, church and humanity is a wasted life.

“Mama served God, served the church, this is the kind of death people should strive to die: dying in the Lord Jesus Christ,” he said.

Consoling the family, Governor Soludo explained that their mother’s death was a loss for all of Anambra, but that they should rejoice because her death is a glorious one.

“We celebrate her life today because, according to the testimonies we have heard, Mama Victoria lived a victorious and impactful life.

“We honour Chief Osita and all of the children Mama Victoria left behind. They are a metaphor for what we should strive to be,” Soludo stated.

Telcos Move to Disconnect Banks over N120bn USSD Debt

Emma Okonji

Telecom Operators, under the platform of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), yesterday warned that they have endured beyond limits the lingering Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) debt owed them by banks and that they were prepared to disconnect all bank customers currently using the platform anytime soon.

According to ALTON, the debt has over the years risen to N120 billion.

ALTON, in a statement released and signed by its chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the telecoms industry regulator, has granted an approval for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to disconnect Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) if they fail to pay the debt owed to operators for the USSD debt which amounts to over N120 billion.

According to the statement, “The approval was granted because despite multiparty stakeholder efforts to resolve the situation and prevent any

sible, affordable and equitable to all.

According to him, “Let us continue to invest in our healthcare infrastructure, train more healthcare professionals and provide the necessary resources to ensure Nigerians have access to the best medical care possible.”

He commended the founding fathers, management and staff of UBTH for their unwavering commitments towards the growth of the tertiary hospital, assuring that the hospital will continue to thrive and serve the people of Nigeria for many more years to come.

“This is a significant milestone not only for the hospital but

for the old Midwest, Edo and Delta. This is not only for Edo State but for the entire nation as UBTH has been a cornerstone of healthcare delivery in Nigeria since its inception.

“As we look back over the past five decades, we can stride in the tremendous progress that has been made on healthcare in Nigeria, and UBTH has been in the forefront of this progress providing world class medical care to Nigerians and training the next generation of healthcare professionals.

“I made a contribution to the building of this hospital and my wife was privileged to officially commission this great institution

on the 12th of May1973, when I was Head of State. I am proud that UBTH has exceeded our expectations and has become a beacon of hope for those sick and suffering,” Gowon said.

Speaking also, the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said UBTH is the public health sector’s oldest and arguably best asset in the South-south zone of Nigeria and has been a cradle of quality education for medical doctors and nurses as well as a regional referral and treatment centre for other health facilities from inception.\He said the strategic location about half way between East and West and as the gateway to the Niger Delta

region, gives it a central role in the national strategy to build a resilient health system by ensuring availability of critical services within reasonable travel distance.

Ehanire added that a strong, resilient health system is the first and best line of defence against pandemics and public health challenges.

In his remarks, Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, called for a more dynamic and functional model for financing educational and healthcare institutions in Nigeria through robust partnership and collaboration with the private sector.

GOOD TO SEE YOU...

L-R: Delta Governor and Vice Presidential Candidtae of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa , Chief Great Ogboru and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, and Governor-elect, Sheriff Oborevwori, at the funeral service of His Royal Majesty, Ovie Dr. Richard Ogbon, the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area ...yesterday.

HURIWA Queries EFCC Over Unconcluded Probe of Akpabio

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

impact on services, led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami and including the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, along with MNOs and DMBs, the DMBs have continued to incur greater and greater debt, without making the commensurate payments. Every time some progress is made, the DMBs come up with reasons to take stakeholders several steps back, in this matter.

“Members of the public will recall that MNOs and DMBs have had protracted disagreements concerning the appropriate USSD pricing model for financial transactions, transparency of charges, mode of collection and liability for payment of the outstanding and continuous service fees due to the MNOs, which currently stands at over N120 billion.”

The statement added: “Due to the inability of MNOs and DMBs to reach an agreement on the issues, MNOs in 2021 sought to disconnect DMBs due to the unpaid debts which stood at N42 billion as at that time.

Civil rights advocacy group, Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, (HURIWA), has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to come clear and tell Nigerians the outcome of its corruption investigation involving former Minister of Niger Delta Affairs and ex-governor of oil-rich Akwa Ibom, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, expressed disappointment that despite the multiple allegations of

heists of public money hanging around Akpabio, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) found him fit as its preferred choice for the number three position of Senate President ahead of the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly in June.

The group recalled that weeks ago, the EFCC asked Akpabio to turn himself in over corruption investigation but has suddenly gone mute since the politicking for the national positions of the 10th Assembly began.

The EFCC asked Akpabio to “personally report” to the anti-graft agency on May 9. This

was after the Senator shunned previous summons by the antigraft agency in March and April.

The EFCC had detained Akpabio over the alleged fraud but later freed him. However, the anti-graft commission reopened Akpabio’s file as governor and minister weeks ago, invited him but kept mum despite that the Senate President hopeful did not honour the invitation by the anti-graft commission.

Similarly, Senate President Ahmed Lawan on Wednesday set up a seven-member ad hoc committee to probe the Niger Delta Development Commission (NNDC) under

Akpabio for embarking on expenditure amounting to N1.4 trillion without appropriation, a blatant constitutional breach by the NDDC.

Lawan said the term of reference of the ad hoc committee was to investigate the financial activities of NDDC on the 2021 and 2022 budget estimates.

The committee, chaired by Senator Yusuf A. Yusuf (APC, Taraba), is to submit its report to the plenary in one week.

Other members of the committee include: Seriake Dickson, Uche Ekwunife, Abdullahi Yahaya, Saidu Alkali, Adetunmbi Olubumi and Sadiq Sulaiman.

Okowa, Oborevwori, Oritsejafor, Amuka Pay Tribute to Oldest Monarch in Nigeria

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor as well as the Archbishop of Bendel Province/Bishop of Anglican Diocese of Ughelli, Most Rev. Cyril Odutemu, yesterday, paid glowing tributes to the Ohworode of Olomu Kingdom,His Royal

Majesty, Richard Layeguen, Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro I, who joined his ancestors recently at the age of 106 years.

Until he joined his ancestors on February 19th this year, the monarch was the oldest royal father in the country who had the rare combination of longevity in health, body and mind. He read without using eye glasses and dentition was intact

until he left the world.

The trio spoke at an Open Air Interdenominational Service held in honour of the departed monarch at Ogoni-Olomu Community in Ughelli South Local Government Area.

Governor Okowa said, “I give glory to God and not to mourn over the death of our father”, noting that there were a lot of

lessons to be learnt from the departure of the revered monarch.

“He was a man who was a special breed from God. At 101-105 years, he was still strong enough to attend our state functions. He can only be by the blessings of God,” he said. Okowa described the departed Olomu monarch as a man of wisdom, stressing that he was always prayerful.

Airtel Africa Records Double Digit Revenue Growth, Rakes in $750m Profit

Emma Okonji

Airtel Africa, which operates in 14 African countries, including Nigeria, yesterday, released its financial results for the year ended March 31, 2023, where it recorded double digit revenue to the value of $750 million profit after tax.

According to the financial results, the customer base grew by 9.0 per cent to 140.0 million, as the penetration of mobile data and mobile money services continued to rise, driving a 16.9 per cent increase in data customers to 54.6 million and a 20.4 per cent increase

in mobile money customers to 31.5 million.

Its mobile money transaction value increased by 41.3 per cent with Q4 2023 annualised transaction value exceeding $102 billion in constant currency.

Its revenue in constant currency grew by17.6 per cent, with revenues growing by 11.5 per cent to $5,255million in reported currency. While each segment’s reported currency revenue growth was impacted by currency devaluation, they all delivered double-digit constant currency revenue growth.

Across the Group’s mobile service, revenue grew by 16.2 per cent

Shettima Meets Elected APC Lawmakers over Zoning, Warns Against Rancour

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima, has warned against the consequences of having a rancorous National Assembly as it will stain the relationship between the legislature and executive, denying the people dividends of democracy.

Shettima gave the warning when Tajudeen Abbas (Kaduna) and Benjamin Kalu (Abia), endorsed by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the position of the House of Representatives speaker and deputy met with him in Abuja yesterday evening.

The meeting was at the instance of the joint task group of the 10th House, comprising members of all the political parties with members-elect into the green chamber at the February 25 general election.

Addressing the lawmakers numbering over 150, Shetimma said former President Goodluck Jonathan lost the 2015 election as a result of rancour follow-

ing the emergence of Aminu Tambuwal as speaker of the House against his party’s wish.

Since APC gave a nod to the endorsement of Abass and Kalu for the position of House speaker and deputy as well as Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom) and Barau Jibrin (Kano) for Senate president and deputy by Bola Tinubu, the presidentelect, there has been protest by some aspirants.

The aspirants for the speaker who have protested endorsement at the APC National Secretariat include the deputy speaker, Idris-Wase; the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Muktar Betara, Yusuf Gagdi (Plateau), Miriam Onuoha (Imo), Sada Soli (Katsina) and Sani Jaji (Zamfara).

Those for the Senate were Abdullaziz Yari (Zamfara), Orji Kalu (Abia), Sani Musa (Niger) and Osita Izunaso (Imo) who was unavoidably absent.

MD SNEPCo: NNPC Has Given Us All We Need to Grow Oil & Gas

The Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Company (SNEPCo)

Mrs Elohor Aiboni has expressed her appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd and the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) for the level of collaboration geared towards maximizing the potential of the deepwater assets and delivering key projects to unlock value for stakeholders.

She said this at the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS) 2023 Annual Value Assurance Review (AVAR) holding in Lagos.

Received by the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Mr Bala Wunti, Aiboni was full of praise and appreciation for the NUIMS leadership for creating an enabling environment that fosters collaboration amongst partners.

Citing the recent lease renewal, the MD restated SNEPCo’s commitment to growing their assets,

in constant currency, driven by voice revenue growth of 11.8 per cent and data revenue growth of 23.8 per cent. Mobile money revenue grew by 29.6 per cent in constant currency.

Underlying Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation (EBITDA) increased by 17.3 per cent in constant currency, and 11.4 per cent in reported currency to $2,575 million, with an underlying EBITDA margin of 49.0 per cent, reflecting

the resilience of our operating model despite inflationary cost pressures.

Profit after tax was $750 million, a decrease of only $5 million, after including a higher foreign exchange and derivative losses of $245 million, the report stated.

Analysing the financial report, and giving its trading update, the Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa, Olusegun Ogunsanya, said: “Over the last year, the operating environment has been

SOLIDIFYING SERVICES. . .

challenging in many ways, yet our strategic focus on providing reliable, affordable and accessible services across our markets has enabled us to sustain our top-line growth momentum. The resilience ofourunderlyingEBITDAmarginshas shown the effectiveness of our operating model, despite significant inflationary and foreign exchange pressures. Strong customer andARPU growth over the yeardemonstrates that demand for our services remains very strong and gives us the confidence to

continue investing to support our future growth potential. Over the year, we invested $500m on additional spectrum, including 5G, across many of our OpCos which, combined with our capex, will underpin our growth ambitions.

“I am pleased with this year’s performance and wish to thank all our customers, business partners, governments and regulators for their support and our employees for their consistent contribution to the business’ success.”

willingness to deliver big-ticket projects and exploit near-term opportunities to continually grow output volumes by working closely with NUIMS.

SNEPCo recently surpassed the one billion barrels of crude oil production milestone and is currently outperforming its production target for 2023 raising daily production output from approximately 90,000 BPD to 131,000 BPD.

Improvements were recorded from the onshore and swamp assets following the launch of the industry-wide security architecture.

Also, activities in the deepwater space have also picked up contributing to the overall improvement in production output. Aiboni stated further that there is no reason Nigeria cannot grow its crude oil production output to four million barrels per day, leveraging on the vast array of prolific assets, especially in the deep water space.

L-R: Group Managing Director, JustMedia, Oladapo Ojo; Executive Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Interswitch, Cherry Eromosele; Group Head, Growth Marketing, Merchants and Ecosystem, Interswitch, Olawale Akanbi; Brands and Communications Manager, Yemisi Owonubi; and Group Head, Brands and Communications, Interswitch, Tomijogun Ogunlesi at the press conference announcing the commencement of InterswitchSPAK 5.0 held in Lagos….yesterday SUNDAY ADIGUN

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) yesterday said it may appeal the judgement barring it from imposing fines on broadcast stations that breach Broadcasting Code.

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High, Abuja, had last Wednesday in a judgement

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON) has concluded arrangements to celebrate some notable leaders in the broadcast industry.

This was disclosed in a release issued by BON yesterday. The release, which was signed by Dr. Yemisi Bangbose, BON’s Executive Secretary, stated that the decision to institute annual awards to recognise industry titans was approved at the 76th General Assembly of BON.

given an order of perpetual injunction restraining NBC from imposing fines henceforth on broadcast stations in the country.

In a statement yesterday, the NBC said it had applied for a certified copy of the judgement.

The Director General of NBC, Balarabe Shehu Ilelah, said this decision was predicated

Among those to be celebrated with Life Achievement Awards in Broadcasting are: Dr. Christopher Kolade, former Managing Director, National Broadcasting Corporation; Mr. Vincent Maduka, former Director-General, Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Mallam Mohammed Ibrahim, former Director General of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and NTA.

Also, to be celebrated for their contributions to the growth of

on global best practice and the ethics of the legal profession where the commission as party to a suit could not freely comment on a judgement it has neither seen nor read.

However, he vowed the NBC will appeal against the court ruling when found to be in conflict with previous judgements of the court which

broadcasting in Nigeria with awards for Contribution to Broadcasting are High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder DAAR Communications; and Mr. Michael Ajeigbo, founder, Minaj Broadcasting, Obosi.

In addition, The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards will recognise, through posthumous awards, the meritorious contributions of the Ambassador Segun Olusola, Mr. Mike Enahoro, Alhaji Dahiru Modibbo and Mr. Kunle Olasope,

empowers the commission to regulate broadcasting in the country.

Justice Omotosho held that the NBC, not being a court of law, had no power to impose sanctions as punishment on broadcast stations. He also set aside the N500,000 fines imposed on March 1, 2019, on each of the 45 broadcast stations.

NBC to Appeal Judgement Barring it from Imposing Fines BON to Honour Kolade, Maduka, Dokpesi, Ajeigbo, Others

all icons of Nigerian broadcasting. The celebration of these notable leaders, the release added, will take place at the maiden edition of The Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA) on 17 May at Eko Hotels and Suites.

According to the release, the Steering Committee of the awards has invited broadcast media houses in the country as well as those who have been shortlisted in various categories to attend the event as scheduled.

Ugwumba Hails School of Medical, Health Sciences Establishment in Delta

A Canadian-based Professor of Medicine and Family Health and Chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta State, Prof. Rukevwe Ugwumba, has hailed the establishment of the Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences, Kwale, in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State.

Prof. Ugwumba specially appreciated the doggedness and resilience of the Deputy

Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, for achieving the feat for the people of Delta State, particularly those of Ndokwa ethnic extraction and Delta North as a whole.

Ugwumba in a statement made available to journalists via text, said “DSP Omo-Agege has achieved so much as a Senator in the National Assembly,” saying that his success stories cut across the three senatorial districts of

Delta State.

“Health is wealth, hence any effort in that regard must receive my accolades as a medical practitioner. My principal, His Excellency, DSP Omo-Agege is a record breaker. He has done it again, and this time to the joy of the people of Ndokwa nation, Delta North and the state in general.

“I congratulate him for these laudable achievements, even as

I use the opportunity to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and the Honourable Minister of Education for the approval. Establishment of a Federal University of Medical and Health Sciences in Delta State is indeed a great feat considering the numerous bottlenecks in governance. DSP Omo-Agege has gotten it for the benefit of mankind and to the glory of God,” Ugwumba stated.

on the edge...

NDE: Living in the Stone Age

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in Nigeria recently directed unemployed youth to register their names for possible employment at their local government areas. However, this approach is outdated and ineffective in the 21st century. It’s time for Nigeria to modernize through digital transformation and adopt a more efficient and effective approach to tackle the country’s unemployment challenges.

One way Nigeria can modernize is through the development of a digital platform or application that will collate data on unemployed youth in the country. This approach has several advantages over the traditional method of registering names at local government areas. First, it saves time and cost. Unemployed youth can easily access the platform from the comfort of their homes and submit their information with just a few clicks.

Second, the digital platform will ensure the accuracy of data. With a centralized database, there will be no duplication of entries or errors in the data submitted. This will make it easier for the government to match unemployed youth with job opportunities based on their skills and qualifications.

Third, a digital platform provides a more efficient and effective way of matching unemployed youth with job opportunities. The platform can automatically match job seekers with available job openings based on their skills and qualifications. This will eliminate the need for manual screening of applications and reduce the time it takes to fill vacant positions.

Fourth, a digital platform ensures transparency and accountability in the recruitment process. The platform can provide real-time updates on job openings, application status, and feedback on the recruitment process. This will create trust and confidence in the recruitment process among job seekers and other stakeholders.

Finally, a digital platform enhances the government’s capacity to monitor and evaluate the impact of its policies and programs aimed at reducing unemployment. The platform can provide valuable insights into the demographics, skills, and qualifications of the unemployed youth population in Nigeria. This information can help the government to design targeted policies and programs to address the root causes of unemployment in the country.

Of course, modernizing through digital transformation will require significant investment in infrastructure and resources. However, the benefits of adopting a digital approach far outweigh the costs. The government can partner with private organizations and international development partners to finance the development of the platform and other necessary infrastructure. This will not only reduce the burden on the government but also ensure the sustainability of the project.

It’s also essential to ensure that the platform is designed with the end-user in mind. The platform should be user-friendly, accessible, and available in local languages. The government should also provide training and support to unemployed youth on how to use the platform effectively.

Furthermore, the government should ensure that the platform is secure and protected against cyber threats. The platform should be designed to comply with data protection regulations and guidelines to protect the personal information of users.

In conclusion, Nigeria needs to modernize through digital transformation by developing a platform to collate data on unemployed youth in the country. This approach will save time and cost, ensure the accuracy of data, provide a more efficient and effective way of matching unemployed youth with job opportunities, ensure transparency and accountability in the recruitment process, and enhance the government’s capacity to monitor and evaluate the impact of its policies and programs aimed at reducing unemployment. The government can partner with private organizations and international development partners to finance the project, and the platform should be designed with the end-user in mind, be secure, and compliant with data protection regulations

Amb.

Language is not a Friend

Language is considered the principal method of human communication, consisting of words used in a structured and conventional way and conveyed by speech, writing, or gesture. It is a tool that establishes commonness between the sender and the receiver.

For the commonness to be established, the encoder must be well-grounded in the language he chooses to use and arrange his words systematically. He must also consider meanings such as denotative, connotative, reflected, and social, among others.

The receiver must also do his part as interference is likely to occur from him, the environment, channel, or encoder. However, language sometimes becomes a betrayer by betraying even the native speakers due to its rigid nature. The fact is that, even if you are familiar with the rules, language may decide to disgrace you abruptly.

In this piece, Hausa, Fulfulde and English languages will be used in explaining my points. In Hausa, it is a rule that most of the words that end with the letter “A” are feminine and those ending with E, I, O, and U are masculine. But there are exceptions, for instance, words like kotu (court), gwamnati (government), and kwallo (ball) end with masculine vowels but they are feminine. On one part, ruwa (water), zama (sitting), and kira (call) are masculine despite having feminine endings.

Hausa also demands that wherever possessives “Na” and “Ne” are used for masculine words, they should be substituted with “Ta” and “Ce” for feminines. For example, Jirgi na ne (It is my plane), mota ta ce (It is my car).

Many Hausa speakers, including some of the natives in northwest Nigeria, are struggling to adhere to the rules.

To get primary data on this, choose any state in Nigeria and listen to their radio stations or have physical interactions. In Fulfulde, the law states that a word’s ending determines its demonstrative adjective. For instance, it is okay to say this horse, this room, this pen in English but the case is different in Fulfulde. Wamnde nde, sudu ndu, bindirgol ngol. To learn more, get a Fulani friend or wife. This rule is giving headaches even to the “LI” in Yola as it requires alertness and quickness of thought. It is normal to hear a typical Fulani man saying “ Mi laari mo,” instead of “Mi laari ngal,” when he is referring to “I saw the hen”. Another blunder is the introduction of letter “V” in Fulfulde. In a standard Fulfulde setting, there is nothing like the consonant sound /v/. Hausa too does not have it. That is why some Hausa say bery good instead of very good. Just like the way some Hausa misplace V for B in English, some Fulfulde speakers misplace W for V in their first language.

Bilyaminu Gambo Kong-kol, Bayero University, Kano

Still

Betara: Our Coalition Will Determine Next Speaker

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

One of the frontline contenders for the position of Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Muktar Betara Aliyu, has said that his group holds the ace on who emerges as the next Speaker of the lower legislative chamber.

Speaking during the unveiling ceremony of the Speakership bid by a member of the coalition, Mr Ahmed Wase, he expressed optimism that their group would arrive at a consensus on who is best suited to preside over the proceedings of the House.

Betara, a fourth termer who

chairs the House Committee on Appropriation, described Wase as a brother and a comrade that is equally qualified to preside over the House.

Reiterating his opposition to the move to impose a Speaker on the House of Representatives, he noted: “For us, we formed this group because we are opposed to the zoning arrangement of the party. We are not fighting and we would not fight. We are in support of a consensus candidate.

“We can pick the candidate from among ourselves if we all sit down and decide on it. I assure all of you it is only one person that

FOR PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE…

God would choose to be Speaker. I assure you we are not going to have any issue. We are going to agree to support one of us as the Speaker.”

For Sada Soli, there is need for fairness, inclusivity and respect for diversity in arriving at the choice of the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

The Katsina born lawmaker called on members-elect to strive to protect the sanctity and freedom of the institution of the legislature.

“Anything short of that, the consequences would be dire. We must drop all personal interest geared towards producing a Speaker

Police Parade CMD for Raping Nurse in Kwara

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin

Embattled LP National Chairman, Abure, Accuses FCT Court of Bias, Moves to Appeal Charges Against Him

The embattled National Chairman of Labour Party, Julius Abure, has expressed displeasure over the continued delay by Justice Hamza Muazu’s FCT High Court to act on the matter brought before it by the Apapa’s-led faction of the party.

The embattled National Chairman, Abure, has however declared that he was moving the case to the Court of Appeal after the court yesterday assumed jurisdiction.

Abure spoke yesterday at the party’s national headquarters when he received supporters of Labour Party and civil society groups who paid him a solidarity visit after his appearance at the court.

The LP National Chairman, who was among others restrained by an FCT High Court from acting as national chairman party over allegations brought to it by the Lamidi Apapa-led National Working Committee (NWC), lamented that despite obeying the restraining order of the court, he believed he would get justice at the Appeal Court.

He said: “We have obeyed the court restraining order and by today, the court gave a ruling, assuming jurisdiction. I need to make it abundantly clear that the substantive matter has not started. There was a preliminary objection to the jurisdiction of the court and the court today assumed jurisdiction. And for me, I am ready to go for an appeal.

who would not take directive for some personal aggrandisement, a speaker who would tell you as it is. Lawmaking is a very serious business. It is beyond personal interests.”

Gagdi, who spoke in the same vein, warned against a rubber stamp Assembly that would take directive from forces outside the hallowed chamber of the National Assembly.

“We are determined to protect democracy. The House of Representatives is the House of the Nigerian people. By the time we are working, no leadership of the party would be there. “

Kwara State Police Command yesterday paraded a Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Ayodele Hospital, Ilorin, Dr. Ayodele Joseph, for allegedly raping a nurse who came to his hospital for medical treatment.

Parading the suspect before journalists in Ilorin, the state Police Commissioner, Mr. Paul Odama, stated that the suspect sedated the victim which led her to become unconscious.

He said, “Before the sedation, fearing any mishap, the patient activated her telephone and placed in a vantage position to record the surgery unknown to the doctor, before the expected surgery.

“She woke up from sleep after the surgery to find herself fully naked, and when viewing the

Abias Handover Note Delays Might Constitute Stumbling Block for Otti, Says Team Leader

Emmanuel Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

The possibility that the Abia State Governor-elect, Mr. Alex Otti, would hit the ground running as he promised is now hanging in the balance following alleged lack of cooperation by the outgoing government.

Leader of the Otti transition team working with the government appointed Handover Committee, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru raised the alarm over the government’s delay tactics, journalists.

“It is expected that the outgoing administration ought to avail the governor-elect with the handover documents early enough to enable him to study

the content before May 29,” he said.

“The administration has only now the handover documents, covering the government’s activities from 2015 to April 2023, ought to have been ready.”

According to him, “Otti needs to receive the handover documents from the Okezie Ikpeazu administration in good time and attune himself with the contents in order to hit the ground running immediately after inauguration on May 29.”

However, Anokwuru regretted that “the government committee appears to be more preoccupied with preparations for the swearing-in ceremony rather than the (handover) documents.

Glo Encourages Girls to Pursue Careers in ICT Fields

Nigeria’s t integrated telecommunications solutions company, Globacom, has highlighted focus and persistence as critical success factors for girls who seek to pursue careers in the information and communications technology industry as a way of bridging the wide gender disparity in the industry.

The company, which partnered with e-Business Life Communication Limited on this year’s Girls In ICT Day 2023

sensitisation and mentorship workshop for girls and students from select schools across Lagos and Ogun states, enjoined girls who seek a future in the ICT space and sciences in general to keep up the drive for perfection and success.

The programme was held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, to mark this year’s edition of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) Day for ‘Girls in ICT’, a day set

aside to sensitise girls to take up Information and Communication Technology. The theme of this year’s event is: ‘Digital Skills For Life’.

Globacom, a strong supporter of equal opportunity for all, sponsored the event as a way of encouraging female students to take up the challenge of acquiring the necessary skills in ICT in order to contribute to the growth of the country.

Speaking to the girls at the event, Mrs. Adeniji Adeboye, Head of HNI, Enterprise Business Group at Globacom, encouraged them to be focused on their education so as to make a huge impact in an industry that has consistently seen less female representation. She called on school girls not to be discouraged in the pursuit of their dreams as “persistence drives success” in all human endeavours.

recorded video, she discovered that the said Dr. Ayodele Joseph had an unlawful sexual intercourse with her while under sedation.

“Investigation led to the recovery of the video recording of the sexual action of the said doctor on the victim which was also corroborated by the medical examinations conducted on the victim.”

Odama added that, “This same suspect (Dr. Ayodele Joseph) had of recent been arraigned in court by the police for the offences of criminal conspiracy, negligent conduct, causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others and culpable homicide arising from his unprofessional conduct resulting in the death of one Nneka Akanike ‘F’ in his hospital under a questionable circumstances which led to him being charged to court.”

PSN Urges Sanwo-Olu to Restate Consultant Cadre for Pharmacists without Delay

Pharmacists under the aegis of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos State branch have called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to without further delay lift the suspension on the consultant cadre for pharmacists in the state.

Chairman of the Lagos State branch of PSN, Mr. Oyekunle Babayemi, who expressed disappointment that the decision of the Governor Sanwo-Olu to suspend the approved cadre by the regime of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode in May, 2028, following a fruitful negotiation between the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) Lagos State; and the state government, said the policy is desirable in the

value chain of healthcare delivery.

“In 2018, the Executive Council of LASG approved Consultancy Cadre for Pharmacists in Public Sector but suspended same benefit package on the promptings of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA). That is the way it still stands till today under the SanwoOlu administration.

“It is imperative to impress it on the progressive Sanwo-Oluled government that healthcare is driven by international best practices and therefore cannot be restricted to the humongous as well as insatiable appetite to regulate through slowing down the growth and development of other professions by Nigerian physicians.’’

Praise Overflow 2.0 Set to Take Lagos, Nigeria by Storm

Praise Overflow 2.0, a musical event aimed at creating an atmosphere of intense worship and praise, is set to take Lagos by storm.

The event, which is scheduled to hold at 1p.m. on May 13th, 2023, promises to be an unforgettable experience, with some of Nigeria’s finest gospel music ministers slated to perform.

Last year’s Praise Overflow featured gospel music icons such as Dunsin Oyekan, Mike Abdul, Frank Edwards, Dasola, Femi Okunuga and Bukola Bekes.

The event was a huge success, with thousands of people in attendance and many more tuning in online to participate in the worship experience.

Building on the success of last year’s event, Praise Overflow 2.0 promises to be even more electrifying. With an impressive line-up of gospel music ministers such as Nathaniel Bassey, Eben, Joe Praize, Simply Grace, Mobolaji Adekunle, The Lively Stones Choir, and The Sound of Many Waters, attendees can expect an unforgettable experience of worship and praise.

Microsoft Celebrates Game Creators in Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, S/Africa

Bennett Oghifo

Microsoft, through its Africa

Transformation Office (ATO), has announced its planned Xbox Game Studios Game Camp Africa, a twoday conference to recognise and celebrate all game creators across more than 50 diverse countries and regions, including Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya and South Africa.

A statement by ATO said the conference will run from July 15th – 16th, 2023, and is open for applications, stating that “With soaring interest from African youth, the gaming industry is set to grow exponentially across the continent, as more people get connected to

the internet.”

According to the 2021 GSMA mobile economy report, 303 million people, about 28% of the population in sub-Saharan Africa, are connected to mobile internet, a number that is set to grow to 474 million by 2025, offering many more opportunities for gaming and local creators to grow and develop in the market.

A report commissioned by Newzoo shows that the number of Sub-Saharan gamers has more than doubled in the last five years and the region is projected to be the fastest-growing globally for both mobile gamers and people who pay for games.

Emameh Gabriel in Abuja

Akwa Ibom State Deputy Governor, Mr. Moses Ekpo, (middle and leaning); HRM Edidem Dr. Ime Udousoro Inyang, (seated left); HRM Edidem Etim Itang,(seated right), Paramount Rulers of Ibiono Ibom and Ikono local government areas and other community leaders, during the signing of an MoU on peace between Ikot lyere in Ikono and Ibiaku Itu Udo in Ibiono Ibom… recently.

Akpabio Must Be Stopped

It was so depressing watching the National Publicity Secretary of the ruling

All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka on Monday announcing the decision of its National Working Committee on the zoning of the four principal offices in the Senate and the House of Representatives. Aside three other comical endorsements, the APC shamelessly proclaimed its support for the uncommon cunning Senator Godswill Akpabio as its consensus candidate for the position of Senate president in the 10th National Assembly.

The party did not even deem it fit to zone anything to an entire geo-political zone, the North-west. I was not surprised but disappointed. The APC cares less about credibility/ equity and persistently shows this with so much impunity. A few days before this APC NWC’s tragic endorsement of candidates for the top four National Assembly positions, there were clear signs that Akpabio was going to be backed for the office of Senate President. The first was the declaration by Governor Abdulahi Ganduje of Kano State in Calabar that Akpabio would be the next President of the Senate.

He said, “The Senate President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria will come from the South-south and it is no other person than the former governor of Akwa Ibom State. The uncommon governor, the uncommon minister, who is going to be the uncommon President of the Senate. So, we have resolved that. I am giving you assurances; we are waiting for the D-Day that he will be the Senate President of Nigeria.”

It was followed by the sidesplitting withdrawal of three of the senators eyeing the position. The trio that jettisoned their ambitions on that day were Jubrin Barau, Ali Ndume and Dave Umahi.

Ndume said, “We have all deferred to our brother to fly the flag of the APC as Senate President of the 10th National Assembly. We know he has the capacity to lead the Red Chamber of the federal legislature.” Akpabio has capacity? Haba! How did highly distinguished Ndume become part of this charade?

I have reservations about all the endorsements by APC’s NWC for the top four National Assembly positions but I’m more concerned about the office of President of the Senate because he will be the Chairman of the National Assembly. I’m not comfortable with Akpabio as the leading candidate for this office. The thought of this man (with huge unanswered corruption questions) emerging as President is frightening. It is pertinent to rebrand the red chamber. It needs massive transformation and urgently desires a President that will lead it to fulfill the yearnings of Nigerians for a better country. The Senate needs a crusader to pilot their activities from next June. The era of cash-guzzling and rubber-stamp National Assembly must end. Akpabio lacks the capacity to lead this crusade.

Federal lawmakers have become a burden on this country for too long. In the 2023 budget alone, the National Assembly will gulp N228 billion. In traumatised mother

Nigeria, the National Assembly is one of the places for amassing megabucks. The lawmakers feed fat while the masses of the people they represent wallow in abject poverty. A reformist leader must end this ugly pattern in the 10th Assembly. Akpabio is visibly not the man for this type of job.

The 10th National Assembly needs reformist leaders who will end spending incongruity in the chambers by cutting down its expenditure in the interest of Nigerians; new leaders courageous enough to end cold-blooded payments to lawmakers; reformists that will ensure that all outflows to the legislators are transparent. Our dear legislators must be subjected to greater austerity measures in an era of economic depression in Nigeria. Akpabio has no capacity for these. He does not fit into the reformist leader I have been talking about all along.

In electing the President of the Senate, competence, character and integrity are vital. Nigerians need to start having trust in the National Assembly. Akpabio does not stand out with a proven record of integrity and ability. His candidacy is repulsive.

Akpabio’s tenure as Minister of Niger Delta Affairs exposed his true character. I have no regret regularly referring to him as a jester following the manner he messed up as a governor, a senator and then as minister. He confirmed this with his volte-face in the House of Representatives’ probe in 2022 over his earlier allegation that the lawmakers got 60 per cent of the contracts awarded by the Niger Delta Development Commission.

Akpabio, who made the claim on national television, turned around to deny it a few days after he was told to provide the list of the profiting lawmakers. Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila scornfully read Akpabio’s response, which came after he threatened to sue the minister for failing to prove that NDDC awarded contracts to them. He went back crawling to the lawmakers, saying he referred to old contracts awarded by the NDDC which had not been paid for, and some of which are part of the constituency projects of the lawmakers.

Waiting for EFCC to Recover Jumbo Pensions from Ex-Govs

It has been almost four years since Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of the Federal High Court, Lagos ordered the federal government to recover life pensions collected by former governors serving as ministers and members of the National Assembly. The judge, who retired from the bench last month, expressed regret during a valedictory court session held in her honour that the judgment had not been implemented.

At least 22 states starting with Lagos State have passed life pensions laws for former governors and other ex-public officials. Aside from the huge monthly pension, some of the affected former governors got houses in Lagos and Abuja.

Some others are entitled to six new cars every three years, 100 per cent of the basic salary of the serving governor (N7.7 million per annum), free health care for himself and members of his family as well as furniture allowance, which is 300 per cent of their annual basic salary (N23.3 million). It was a clear case of corruption as declared by the court (for those who went on to become ministers and senators) and the EFCC ought to have moved in to recover the looted funds. It did

not happen. It can only happen in Nigeria.

It is heartwarming that the NGO that obtained the judgement, i.e., Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a contempt suit against the federal government for failing to recover over N40 billion double pay and life pensions paid to former governors serving as lawmakers and ministers.

SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare stated: “It’s unacceptable to take the court, which is the guardian of justice in this country, for a ride. A democratic state based on the rule of law cannot exist or function, if the government routinely ignores and/or fails to abide by court orders.

“Despite the service of the certified true copy of the judgment on the Attorney General of the Federation, the Buhari administration has failed and/or refused to obey it. While many Nigerian workers and pensioners have not been paid by state governors for several months and struggle to make ends meet, former governors continue to collect double emoluments and enjoy opulent lifestyles.”

The second aspect of Justice Oguntoyinbo’s judgement was the directives to the Attorney-

General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami to challenge the legality of states’ life pension laws, permitting former governors to collect such pensions.

The judge stated: “The question that comes to mind is: who should approach the court where a particular law is not in the best interest of Nigeria as a country or national interest? Who should approach the court where a particular law is detrimental to the interest of the country? Who should institute actions in court for the purpose of recovering public funds collected?”

In answering the questions, Justice Oguntoyinbo said: “In my humble view, the Attorney General should be interested in the legality or validity of any law in Nigeria and how such laws affect or will affect Nigerians, being the Chief Law Officer of the Federation.”

Malami has so far refused to obey this order. This is the tragedy of this country called Nigeria. The good news is that some states have on their own revoked the pension laws for governors. Unfortunately, those that had drawn from it have refused to make refunds. For now, I challenge the EFCC to act appropriately.

Can you imagine Akpabio denying something that was recorded? This is a remark we all heard clearly. Well, this is the true character of Akpabio. It tells you how warped he is and can’t be trusted with anything, right from his days as commissioner in Akwa Ibom State. Akpabio is believed to be one of the biggest beneficiaries of NDDC contracts. With a man like this, Nigeria will continue to lag behind.

Many will also not forget Akpabio’s escapade with the former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh when this Senator was the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs. Nunieh’s claim that she slapped Akpabio for sexually harassing her has not been debunked till date.

Nunieh, during an interview on Arise News said she was the only Nigerian woman who had slapped the then Nigeria’s Niger Delta Affairs minister. The incident, she said, happened at his guest house in Abuja: “Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me.

“He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment.”

Nunieh’s expose on Akpabio on Arise News came days after she accused the minister of fraud. She said during her brief tenure at the commission, Akpabio repeatedly pressured her to take “an oath of secrecy” that was meant to keep her from exposing fraud at the commission. She claimed she would have been jailed if she had succumbed to Akpabio’s “oath of secrecy”.

The man Nunieh was talking about is Akpabio, the same Akpabio the APC leadership wants to make President of Nigeria’s Senate. Clearly, virtually everything about this country is broken. We can’t continue putting forward rickety characters as leaders. Today, I challenge the forces of good in the Senate to truncate Akpabio’s moves to become President of the Senate. Legislators must look out for genuine reformists and vote them in as principal officers. The actual voting will be on the floor of the Senate and it will be secret. So, the Senators should go for the interest of all Nigerians by voting for a man with integrity and capacity; a reformist leader. I would like to see lawmakers in the two chambers voting along these lines. These lawmakers must ensure the independence of the National Assembly. They must rise and defend this institution.

The outgoing Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, was apt when on Wednesday, he urged members not to allow the parliament to be disgraced by ignoring the absurd endorsements by APC’s NWC. Wase added: “We will not allow this parliament to be hijacked. We will not allow this parliament to be made a lame duck. I believe we are loyal to our country first, loyal to our party, loyal to our people. This place is very sacred. It is honourable and that is why we are called honourable members. We must be honourable in our dealings, actions, and activities in defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.” Integrity, capacity and ability to reform the National Assembly should be vital in filling key positions in the National Assembly. This is the only way forward for Nigeria.

Akpabio

Zainab Bagudu, CEO of Medicaid Cancer Foundation Receives Award in US

The Chief Executive Officer of Medicaid Cancer Foundation, and First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, recently attended the 2023 Global Health Catalyst (GHC) Summit, held from May 4th to May 6th, 2023, at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.

The GHC Summit brought together healthcare experts, policymakers, and global leaders to discuss innovative strategies for improving global health outcomes.

With the theme ‘Cancer Moonshot 2.0: Win-win Collaborations to Advance Global Health and Development’.

DEEPENING CULTURE…

Irabor: Reuters Reports Against Military Spurious

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

(CDS), General Lucky Irabor, has declared as spurious, the human rights violations allegations levelled against the Nigerian military by news agency, Reuters. Reuters in a series of reports had alleged the military in its counter-insurgency operations in the North-east over the decade of human rights violations including forcefully abortion of over 10,000 pregnancies of women believed to be linked with the Boko Haram terrorist group and several killings

of children who were fathered by alleged terrorists.

Irabor, who appeared in Abuja yesterday before the National Human Rights Commission investigative panel on rights violation in counter-insurgency operations by the military in the North-east, said the allegation was “not only shocking but also spurious.”

The CDS, who held various posts in the theatre of war in the North-east, including Theatre Commander of Operation

Multinational Joint Task Force

Masari: I Never Had Bad Intentions for Katsina People

Francis Sardauna in Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has said he has never had bad intentions for the people of the state since inception of his administration to date.

The governor, who revealed this while bidding farewell to members of the Katsina Elders Forum at the Government House, said he has never and will never do that in his life.

While admitting that as an individual he had shortcomings, Masari said: “I am not Mr. Perfect or even close to that, I am not. The best consolation I have in my mind is I have never.

“And God willing, I will

never have bad intentions either for the state or its people or for individuals; I don’t. If I do that, then I would have become an ingrate. I hope I will never be an ingrate.”

Masari, whose second tenure will end on May 29, 2023, however, appealed to the state senior citizens to support the incoming government of Dr. Dikko Umar Radda in order to enable him succeed.

He said the governor-elect and pedigree to govern the over seven million citizens of the state, but added that he cannot succeed without the support and cooperation of the statesmen.

Oba Agbede Commends NCAC Boss, Runsewe, on His Achievements in Culture, Tourism Sectors

His Royal Majesty Alayeluwa Oba Francis Adefaranmi Agbede (OFR) the Ilufemiloye, Ogidi III, has commended the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, on his developmental strides in the culture and tourism sectors.

The highly revered paramount ruler of Okowa of Igbara Oke Kingdom in Ondo State, described Runsewe as a Nigerian that is proudly Nigerian and who is very passionate about this country.

He added that Runsewe right from the day he was appointed as the Director General of NCAC has shown seriousness in handling everything that has to do with the culture of Nigeria.

He commended Runsewe in his efforts to combat the ills and social vices that are bedeviling our society.

The royal father also praised his collaboration efforts with other governmental organisations to develop the culture sector of our country.

(MNJTF), told the panel that having been involved, there was no time he saw any abortion being carried out on women and girls to prevent regeneration of Boko Haram insurgents.

He said: “I have been involved in the operation. I never saw any of sort (abortions). It was a surprise to me for someone to orchestrate such report (Reuters’ report).

“I am glad that this panel was constituted to investigate the allegations. It was a rude shock that such allegations could be attributed to the armed forces

of Nigeria.” He described the Reuters’ allegation as unfounded, insisting that the report that over 10,000 abortions were enforced by the military in the North-East through a deliberate policy as a strange allusion, declaring that if such policy was in place, it was not the responsibility of the armed forces to execute such.

He said: “These are strange allusion. The Armed Force of Nigeria engages in internal security to defend the people and elements.

Rotary will Promote Peace in Nigeria, Says Governor

The District Governor of Rotary International for District 9125, Rotn Dr. Goddy Nnadi, yesterday said the organization will do its best to promote peace in the country.

Dr Nnadi said this at the 14th District Conference by Rotary District 9125 and Rotaract District 9125 in Abuja.

Nnadi, who said they were in the process of building a peace centre in Nigeria described the initiative as very important.

He said land has already been acquired for the project in Plateau State, which would make it the second one in Africa.

He said so far, only Uganda has a peace centre on the continent.

Nnadi said when ready, the

centre would carry out training that would engender peace in the country and across the world.

“You know the Rotary has a resolution is a major focus of rotary events. We are going to develop a peace centre where people would be trained. We would train people to make sure we maintain peace in our neighbourhoods, communities and country,” he said.

The DG also said despite the Rotary Foundation not meeting its $1million target, it made progress in the areas of membership and projects that improved the lives of the people. He said $570, 000 was raised by the Foundation.

NANTAP Begs President-elect, Tinubu, to Create Ministry of Culture and Tourism

National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) has called on President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to create a separate Ministry of Culture and Tourism as he takes over the mantle of leadership in Nigeria, come May 29, 2023.

The association in a letter signed by its National President, Israel Eboh, sent to the President-elect titled: ‘Positioning The Creative Industry

Bagudu, who was one of the participants said, “I am honoured to have had the opportunity to attend the Global Health Catalyst summit and to collaborate with so many talented individuals and organisations working towards a common goal.”

“Through partnerships and

Translation of Visions to Reality

Hallmark of A Leader, Says Okowa

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has expressed appreciation to the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA), for organising a Valedictory Lecture in his honour, saying a good leader should have a clear vision and the ability to translate the vision into reality.

Okowa made the appreciation yesterday in his remarks at the event held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

He said, “How great it is that we have been able to bind together all these years and remaining strong just as our alma mater has been blazing the trail in the tertiary education sector. I sincerely hope and pray that we shall all continue to bind together.”

The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, said “the outcome of the vision is what makes one a leader,” pointing out that a leader should aim at having outcomes that would set him out from the crowd.

He noted that one of the greatest tasks before a leader was the readiness to create the conviction, sincerity, passion in the followers and the will to carry on after leaving the scene.

Okowa said that the theme of the 2023 lecture, ‘The Burden of Leadership’, was particularly relevant, considering the timing of the lecture, adding that the burdens of leadership were many and could not be completely dealt with in just one lecture.

NISER Gives Support to Govt Policy, Says Chairman, Governing Council

Kolawole in Osogbo

innovation, we can accelerate progress towards better cancer treatment options and outcomes for patients everywhere.”

She emphasised the importance of partnerships and collaborations in addressing the challenges facing cancer patients in Nigeria and other low- and middle-income countries.

“We need to work together to increase awareness about cancer, improve access to cancer screening and treatment, and support cancer patients and their families,” she said.

The GHC Summit concluded with the adoption of several new strategies and initiatives aimed at improving global health outcomes. These include the establishment of a global health innovation network, the creation of new partnerships between academic institutions and healthcare providers, and the development of new training programmes for healthcare workers in underserved communities.

As An Economic Mainstay In Nigeria – The Need For A Stand-Alone Ministry For Culture And Tourism, said the President-elect is going to face enormous challenges which he said, “requires a leader who will be bold, daring, and innovative, with ideas and actions planned and built on the desire to develop and grow alternative industries and sectors that will grow the economy, create employment and reduce youth restiveness.”

The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) yesterday pledged to always give necessary support to government policy and decision making in an effort to boost socio-economic development of the country.

The Chairman of the governing council of the Institute, Dr. Emmanuel Imafidon also noted that accountability would be the watchword for the council members, and enjoined management members to follow this same route.

L-R: Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe, with the paramount ruler of Okowa of Igbara Oke Kingdom, Alayeluwa Oba Francis Adefarakanmi Agede III (OFR), when the latter paid him a courtesy visit at his office in Abuja...recently

Yinka

Athanasius Achonu

I’m an Ideas Distillery, Passionate About Development, Integrity, Nation-Building

Athanasius Achonu, businessman, philanthropist and politician is consistently driven by an intrepid aggressive mindset to succeed and excel all the time. Beneath his seeming outer calm is a volcanic restless energy constantly in search of new problems to solve, thus capturing and conquering new frontiers. Scarred by vestiges of war, the onearmed General is not showing signs of slowing down. In a chat with Adedayo Adejobi, Achonu, a Senator in the 8th Senate speaks on how he made his money, the big issues facing his beloved Imo State, why he is running for the office of the governor under the Labour Party in the forthcoming election, his long-drawn battle with Okorocha and Uzodinma and why Nigeria needs to restructure

Who is Athanasius Achonu?

I am a Nigerian, an ideas distillery who is very passionate about development, integrity, young entrepreneurs, and nation-building. Some say I‘m a successful businessman. I simply say I thrive on ideas that create solutions. I work hard for my money. I like the good things in life. All the money I have made all my life are a result of struggle, sweat, and dint of hard work.

At the time fraudsters were pumping counterfeit notes into Nigerian banks and taking good notes out, I fought the racket by selling counterfeit money-detecting machines. My first million was made selling counterfeit-detecting machines, and the late Chimezie Ekeazor played a very big role in it. He brought in some damaged pieces of equipment which his first son and I repaired, sold, and made some good money off. The first Military governor of Rivers State and His Royal Majesty, Alfred Diete-Spiff, also helped me by asking Pan-African bank to buy from me. That business got me on a good footing in life, and since then, my life has been real activism in business.

You were a staunch member of the PDP, why are you in the gubernatorial race on the platform of the Labour Party?

I quickly left the PDP at the time, because it was mainly my colleagues in the PDP that sabotaged my election. I’m not going into details because that’s a matter for another day. It’ll be in my memoirs. It was indeed a sad thing, as I was demoralised by the level of treachery within the party. The PDP never gave me any support. I was crying out all alone and felt abandoned by the party.

Over the years, I have championed local government autonomy, and, so, last year when President Buhari assured Nigerians that money meant for the local government system would be going to them directly, I was happy because that is the only way you can secure the country and have an efficient local government system. Because I am building health centres all over the country, I then joined the APC so that they would give me the support to complete the health centres. Not too long, there was a clamour for me to run for Senate since I was in the APC and the Senatorial seat was vacant. Because the person who took the seat from me died, there was a bye-election and I offered myself. The late Senator’s sister came out to contest. At first, I was disqualified, but I did not challenge it. How can you challenge a Senator who hasn’t committed any crime before and since he left the Senate? It was funny, but we all ran again and I won with a landslide and they declared someone else the winner. I didn’t challenge it, because, by then, I had become tired of the system. I immediately resigned from the APC and partisan politics to focus on my family and business.

Years down the line, Peter Obi and Datti happened. Obi is my kind of leader and someone I would like to associate myself with politically. I started and got back into politics. That was how I joined the LP

Whatdoyouseeasthebiggestissuefacing Imo State today?

Everything is not right in Imo. Bloodshed in Imo since Hope Uzodinma assumed power is unprecedented. The only infrastructural development taking place in Imo today are the responsibility of the federal government. Instead of building state roads, the governor has abandoned all state roads, and he is busy doing federal roads because he will get refunded. If he is really close to the president as he claims, he should be able to attract the Ministry of Works to do those roads while he concentrates on the state’s road networks.

For over 20 years, I have been championing ‘Aku ruo ulo’, meaning Igbos should go home

to invest in, and develop their place. We are the ones developing Kano, Abuja, Lagos and Nigeria for Nigerians, to the detriment of our homeland. Since the war ended, there has been a deliberate policy to choke the Southeast. If you come to the Southeast, there is a Customs checkpoint every kilometre. We are being treated as a conquered territory and our governors are not doing anything about it. So, that has been stifling trade and development.

When Ohakim came, he tried to redirect the vision of the state toward tourism. And I remember when he was a commissioner, I made a proposal to him that the state should be a major tourist destination. The moment he came, I keyed into his vision. I invested in it by buying the Progress Bank building in Owerri. I started eyeing 60% owned by Nze Maduako of blessed memory because the government was divesting. I was lucky. I was afraid of approaching a fellow hotelier with the news of acquiring his property to match my own with a view to having a bigger investment.

So, I went to pay a condolence visit to the Late Vincent Ogbulafor, when his father died. He asked me to come to his bedroom. I carried cartons of

champagne I came with to the bedroom, and to my surprise, I met Nze Maduako. I have been looking forward to meeting him. I have been hesitant because I didn’t know how to broach the conversation with him to sell his investment to me. I also did not know his plans for the place. After the introduction, he broached the conversation with me on acquiring the Progress Bank building and asked about my plans. I gave him my vision and tourism potential in Imo State. I made him see reasons that without partnering with him over Imo Hotels or selling to me, it will not become a reality. He said, ‘My son, I have been watching you. Many people have requested to buy the place from me, but I have refused.’

He said, any day I was ready, I should come and he would sell to me. I almost peed in my pants because I was unprepared for that shock. And the day I got to his house to close the sale, he and his lawyer brought out a file, calculated every penny spent on the facility and only added legal fees of the transaction between us, and told me to refund him. He went ahead to tell me not to give up on my dream. I don’t know how I left the place without breaking down and crying like a baby.

When Rochas Okorocha came at the time we were building the hotel, my Lebanese engineers would always call me to ask why the governor was interested in this hotel, because every day he takes a seat and would be looking at the building from Imo Hotels. I thought, perhaps, he wanted to approach me to buy it from me because he’s property-crazy. Not too long, an anonymous caller phoned me to say Rochas had set up an eight-man committee to find reasons to bring down my hotel. I told the man who refused to give me his name that there was no reason to bring down my hotel. The man said he believed in what I was doing and I should go ahead.

Suddenly, Rochas put a ‘stop work’ order on the building and the reason he gave was a 1977 law that says that any floor above a certain height is not a basement. Because we have two basement floors and eight floors, he said the two basement floors exceeded by about half an inch and, by so, we contravened the approval and built 10 floors. Funny enough, it was the state government that built it for Progress Bank and we just acquired it from Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and submitted the specifications as it was and they approved it. Because it was an open plan, all we did was partition into rooms, restaurants, lobby, etc.

So, we went to court and he made sure the case wasn’t heard at the State High Court. Because he wanted to commercialise Imo Hotel, I went to court and got a judgement against him on the grounds that I own 60% and he can’t do anything there without my consent, and I won.

The female judge who gave the judgement was under a lot of pressure, but she did what was right. She was supposed to be the next Chief Judge. They threw her into a village and made somebody else the Chief Judge. That case was never heard until he left office. Immediately Emeka Ihedioha became governor, I petitioned him. He couldn’t believe it and quickly wrote a letter of apology that we should complete the hotel. The jobs the hotel would have created for countless indigenes over the years are immeasurable.

Iheadioha wrote a letter of apology, and I told him it was not enough. Since we were in court, we must have an out-of-court settlement so that nobody comes to disturb me again. He agreed. In fact, the State Attorney General came to Abuja with the agreement for us to sign. On that day, the Supreme Court removed Ihedioha from office.

Immediately Hope Uzodinma took over, and in the company of his associate, Chief Tony Chukwu, he said to me he wanted me to come and finish the hotel during his tenure. I was happy, but very suspicious and didn’t believe him. He said I should do an integrity test. The last integrity test was done during Ihedioha’s few months in office, and they said it would last another 100 years because it was concrete cast from the floor to the basement with supporting pillars. The only thing left to do was to check blocks damaged because of rain and sun, change them, roof and complete the structure. He insisted I do another integrity test. I spent money, did another one, and submitted the plan and reports. Till today, that document is being archived. I now approached the court because Imo Hotels was supposed to settle with Ihedioha, and we didn’t settle it. We were holding meetings with the Ministry of Justice to share the property because since the Secretary to Government had taken the other side as an office, it will not be wise to commercialise it. All we needed to do was share the property with me taking 60% and Imo State taking 40%. There is a subsisting judgement that Rochas should set up a board so that we can determine the relationship. The relationship gives me 60%

Achonu

I’m Looking Forward to Taking Over Douglas House and Turning Imo State Around

and them 40% of the profit. To date, he hasn’t set up a board for him to give the account and for us to share proceeds from the venture. Neither has he obeyed the court judgement mandating him to pay me N100 million in damages. To make matters worse, the dual carriage road Rochas divided has given the state more properties- well above its 40% threshold. For peace to reign, I’m willing to just take what is left, get it over with, and build my hotel. But he will not have any of it. Hope Uzodinmma is now clearing that space to build another structure in spite of the court judgement.

I even went ahead to accuse Imo elders of being mean to me, because they didn’t ask why the place hasn’t been developed over the years. Instead, they were whispering behind my back that, ‘how can only a one-armed General own all these things?’ That’s envy!

I have never worked in government before, and neither did I steal any public funds. It is my sweat. The elders called and said Hope Uzodinma has asked them to meet with me so we can resolve the matter. I laughed because he wouldn’t resolve anything. He wants to keep me engaged so that I would not run the 2023 governorship race in the forthcoming elections. I initially didn’t want to run, but support a strong candidate who can remove him. But the clamour by indigenes that I am the only person who can run, and take him out, further gave me the resolve to run.

He wanted to pretend to be in my good books, pretending to settle the Hotel issue. The G-Plaza that I don’t own with the government, only to sign an out-of-court settlement has taken him three years. Is it the one I co-own with the government he will resolve? So, immediately I had a meeting with Ohakim and Ilomuanya, I met with his emissaries and told them he was not serious and trying to hoodwink us. The deal is off the table and I will take my chances with the court. They had told him my response, and so he started demolishing the International Conference Centre. At first, I thought they were trying to clear the place because it was really an eyesore, the next thing I heard, he has awarded a contract. I don’t know what they are trying to build. So, I’m returning to court to enforce my rights.

Withsuchatoughoppositionandmany attacks, are you still going ahead?

Imo State needs a government that is development-oriented and that’s what I have done over the years. I had a license to operate a refinery. I bought 47 hectares of land from

Ohaji Egbema. We were looking for about 100-200 hectares so that when we build the refinery we can have an industrial park beside it, such that the same power firing the refinery can power the industrial park. With lots of gas deposits in that area, we can have 24-hour electricity. The idea went into the cooler because Rochas was attacking me over the hotel, so my partners pulled out.

When I go to convince people to invest in the Southeast, they ask me what of the ‘Aku ruo ulo’ I took to the Southeast 20 years ago, and ask where I am with it. Truly, how can I ask them to come and invest when I have not realised my investment? So they said, if I am serious with this ‘Aku ruo ulo’ mantra, I should go and contest governorship because they know I am development-oriented. They trust and can vouch for my integrity. So that when I become governor, they know there is an enabling environment to bring their money, and their investments are safe.

Luckily for me, Alex Otti has emerged in Abia and I know him to be a man of vision, integrity, and love for Igbo land and Nigeria. I know he will bring development into his state. With men like that, we can bring development. I’m looking forward to taking over Douglas House and turning Imo State and Igbo land around. We’re all dreaming of a great Southeast.

Consideringthatyourpartyisrelatively new and has gathered momentum in the last general elections,how do you plan to clinchtheseatwiththequalityofopposition in your state?

That is the mistake people make. It is because of the people we have in the political class, that is why they have had the notion. There is no difference between the PDP and the APC. They are the same people. The only party that thinks differently, and has moved away from the traditional mode of doing things, is the Labour Party. And it is so because the youths who have suffered and are tired are now involved. By the way, I have supported the youth movement over the years, so much so that the Youth Council of Nigeria (YCN) made me their patron. I have been a quiet activist supporting the Nigeria Labour Congress over the years. If you look at the businesses I have involved myself in, they are all development-oriented.

TherearerumoursthatGovernorHope Uzodinma is behind your campaign,how true is that?

When I heard that, I wanted to laugh my head

off. Even though the man whose voice was in that tape had denied it, he is now saying they used artificial intelligence to clone his voice. Ohakim was very angry and the boy refuted it. It’s a shame people can go to that extent. Is it Hope who couldn’t pay me N100 million in damages, is now ready to give me a credit of $1m? In fact, he should offer me up to $10 million, so I can add it to what I have to throw him out of Douglas House.

What would you say has been your role in nation-building over the years?

When I found out that the killings in Zamfara were a result of the mineral resources, I spent N7.5 million to investigate what was happening there as a Senator. I introduced a bill that no mineral resources should be exported out of the country without processing first. We must process them to a certain degree because it will add value. We acquire the technology for processing, we create jobs and more wealth. Everything I think about is how to add value, more progress and stop waste. And that is what I will bring to bear in Imo, that is why they are clamouring for me to take over. I can’t judge myself, but those who know me personally, know I have integrity.

What do you think your chances are in the November elections?

I don’t think I’m competing against anybody in the November elections. The Imo people are the ones deciding who will govern them. And the brazen rigging in the last elections will not be allowed any longer. Everybody believed in the BVAS because it worked in the legislative elections, so they felt it would work in the House of Assembly elections. Nobody knew that the governors would do what they did in all the states. But all of them are going to lose all the seats because it was so brazen. Whatever they talk about in the judiciary, no judge can give such judgement in their favour. My expectation is that Hope Uzodinma should start making arrangements on how to wind up his administration, vacate Douglas House, and go home to his village. He should prepare to hand over so that the Imo people will take back their government so that sanity and peace will reign.

Will you adopt a targeted employment strategyforphysically-challengedpersons?

I want to encourage physically-challenged people like myself to believe that they are better than those who are not physically challenged. There will be no special preference. But I will encourage them massively, personally and

privately. There will be no barrier to their development and progress. Every public building in the state will be accessible to everybody. There will be inclusion of women and the physically challenged in the employment of government workers. I have plans, but I wouldn’t reveal them so they would not copy them before the elections.

What do you consider your biggest accomplishment?

I can’t call myself a businessman but I look at where governments are making mistakes, I bring ideas on how to correct them and then I make money. That is how I made my money. The only business I would say I have heavily invested in is tourism and hotels and I have not really made money from it. I own a microfinance bank. In fact, I don’t make money from it. The loans I gave the rural women, from my place, have not been paid back. Now, I’m a farmer. I own a farm in Kuje with 50 greenhouses, a cattle stockade, artificial flowing river with the capacity to produce 150,000 catfishes monthly and export to the international market.

I also have another farm in Imo State. The farm has 260 greenhouses, a hatchery, a feed mill, cattle stockade that can accommodate 5,000 cattle, and we can produce over 1 million catfish monthly. We are accessing other funding opportunities with a view to building a poultry, piggery, and slaughterhouse so we can have a full cattle processing value chain for the local market.

Whatdoyouthinksetsyouapartinthisrace?

I have a track record of having created jobs across major sectors of the economy. I will open up the rural areas and turn them into cities, by setting up factories and housing, schools, and hospitals for workers. This will engender reverse migration. We will build power plants that will support all the industries and factories.

Nigeriaisatthemomentpolarisedacross ethnic and religious lines. What is your advice to the President-elect on unifying the country?

Unless they unite Nigeria. I granted an interview when at the Senate where I said it’s either Nigeria restructures or we go our separate ways. And it’s leading up to that. Any incoming government that does not unite this country immediately, will run into a lot of trouble. I have hope for this country if we restructure. Restructuring is the only way forward to having a stable country. I believe we should have a government that is competent and has integrity. That is why I supported Peter Obi and Datti Baba Ahmed. I also believe it’s the turn of the Southeast to be given a chance to show what we can do.

Senator Achonu, Wife, Children and grandchildren

I can’t call myself a businessman but I look at where governments are making mistakes, I bring ideas on how to correct them and then I make money. That is how I made my money. The only business I would say I have heavily invested in is tourism and hotels and I have not really made money from it. I own a microfinance bank. In fact, I don’t make money from it. The loans I gave the rural women, from my place, have not been paid back

TIPS OF THE WEEK

How to Stop Your Car’s Interior from Overheating

Why Do Cars Heat Up?

The simple answer is that your car acts like a greenhouse. The short waves of the sunshine can easily pass through the windows, which is in turn absorbed by the car’s surfaces, such as the seats, the dash and carpet. These materials harbour the heat energy and slowly radiate it back into the car. Because this heat energy is longer wave forms, this can’t penetrate the glass of the car and gets trapped inside the cabin, seriously warming it up. And the darker the colour of your interior, the better it is at storing the heat.

How to Stop Your Car from Getting Hot

One of the best ways to stop your car from getting hot is to prevent those short heat waves from the sun ever getting into your cabin. There are several ways you can block these rays, with some of the most popular including the following…

Use a Sun Visor, Windscreen Shade or Window Curtains

CFAO Motors Unveiled as Official Distributor of Toyota Vehicles in Nigeria

CFAO Motors, a leading distributor of mobility products and services in Nigeria, has been appointed Toyota vehicles in Nigeria by the automaker, Toyota Motor Corporation.

This development is contained in a statement of the distributorship on Wednesday night. The unveiling was attended by the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, and the Consule General of France in Lagos, Laurence Monmayrant.

Thus, CFAO “has been appointed as an

“This appointment positions CFAO Motors as in the country, and reinforces the company’s

commitment to providing high-quality mobility solutions to its customers,” the statement said.

Toyota is a globally recognised brand, known for its durable, reliable, and high-performance appointed as a distributor of Toyota vehicles in Nigeria, customers can expect to have access to a wide range of Toyota cars, pick-up, and SUVs that will cater to their transportation needs and after sales service.

The appointment of CFAO Motors as an testament to the company’s long-standing reputation for excellence and commitment to customer satisfaction, according to the statement.

CFAO Motors expressed its excitement over the partnership and its readiness to provide Nigerians with access to Toyota vehicles that meet their expectations in terms of quality,

The Business Head of Toyota by CFAO Nigeria, Boye Ajayi said, “We are proud to vehicles in Nigeria. This partnership with Toyota is a testament to our commitment to providing Nigerians with world-class mobility solutions that meet their needs and expectations.”

The CFAO Group boasts the largest automotive distribution network on the continent and is a key distributor of Toyota in 37 countries. As a subsidiary of Toyota Tsusho Corporation, CFAO is the corporation’s African division and platform for business development on the continent. Together, CFAO and TTC leverage their synergistic culture and long-term outlook to tackle new challenges in Africa.

After 120 years of operation in Nigeria, CFAO Nigeria is thrilled to introduce Toyota by CFAO. This new appointment is sure to bring excitement and opportunities for growth to the automobile industry in Nigeria.

Mercedes pay+ Turns Car into Payment Device

Since March, Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany are able to authenticate payments via an in-car fingerprint sensor.

According to the automaker, with the new digital payment service Mercedes pay+, Mercedes-Benz introduces native in-car payments. With native in-car payments, the vehicle itself now enables biometric two-factor authentication[3] in conjunction with the fingerprint sensor. It is no longer necessary to type in a PIN on the MBUX infotainment system or to use an additional mobile device such as a smartphone to verify a payment in the car. Instead, the car itself turns into a payment device. The first Mercedes-Benz models available with fingerprint sensors are the EQS and EQE series, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and C-Class, and the new GLC. Mercedes-Benz is the first car manufacturer worldwide to integrate Visa’s Delegated Authentication and Cloud Token Framework technology to enable native in-car payments. Visa Cloud Tokens provide an additional layer of security as they help to protect and encrypt sensitive payment information by converting data and storing it securely.

Upgrade of digital services and on-demand functions with one touch

Customers can use native in-car payment to pay for digital services that allow a more convenient and entertaining driving experience. They can activate and subscribe to these digital services from the car’s MBUX infotainment system and authorise the payment transaction with their fingerprint. Examples of these digital services are connectivity apps that control comfort functions of the car, such as pre-air conditioning of the vehicle via a mobile

Mercedes-Benz new digital payment service Mercedes pay+ device. Upgrades to the vehicle software can easily be activated and paid for via fingerprint, like, for example, advanced navigation services that provide information on the weather or available parking spaces at customer’s destination.

In addition, the Mercedes me Store offers the ability to unlock pre-installed hardware components easily on-demand by fingerprint in the car. For example, a vehicle owner can subscribe to the Remote Parking Assist, a service to park the vehicle remotely with a smartphone, or activate and pay for the Adaptive Highbeam Assist or the Rear Axle Steering with larger steering angle with only one touch.

The portfolio of digital services and on-demand features in the Mercedes me Store is constantly expanding, offering customers the opportunity to personalise their vehicles further even after the purchase. This is of interest, for example, to the second or third owners of a vehicle as it gives them the opportunity to adapt pre-owned vehicles to personal needs and desires.

Cardholders with an eligible[4] Visa credit or debit card can use native in-car payment by linking their card with their Mercedes me user account and activating Mercedes pay+ in the vehicle via MBUX. Subsequently, more card systems will be added and enabled for Mercedes pay+.

One of the classic ways of blocking out the sun is by using a barrier in front of the window glass. Popular methods include large foil reflectors that can be placed behind the windscreen, which is great for keeping your steering wheel, gear stick and seats from becoming painfully hot Additionally you can keep your car even cooler by placing a similar guard on the rear windscreen whilst pulling the side curtains into place. Want to know where to get these accessories? You should find them at most motoring shops and stores.

Parking in the Shade

This is one of the easiest ways to keep your car cool and works wonders during the warmest part of the day. In the city it might be hard to find parking that’s got a good level of cover, but it can be worth the walk if you value a well-chilled interior. Look for space under a tree or canopy and if you can’t get the whole car under shade, at least try to get the driver’s seat so the darkness protects it from the warmth of the sun. Best of all is to hire a garage, which will have the added benefit of keeping your car clean as well as cool. And if you can’t find anything first thing in the morning, then don’t worry, you can always get out later and find an alternative shady spot.

Leave Your Windows Open Slightly

Even the smallest opening between your car’s body and the glass can allow air to circulate, giving you that vital ventilation to keep the vehicle cool. We’re talking about a small gap that’s not enough to allow access by hand, but will allow the air to get around. You can do the same with the sunroof if you have one and of course, don’t forget to activate the car alarm.

Cover Your Vehicle’s Interior Parts

Help keep the inside of your car cool by using an upholstered dash cover, which stops surfaces from getting too hot, which also has the added benefit of preventing interior plastics from cracking and fading. One cheaper option is to place a towel over the dash, steering wheel and other exposed areas to stop the heat getting through. Leather seats can get particularly hot, but you can keep them cool with fabric seat covers or use towels again.

Check Your Air Con

Regular checks on your air con will ensure it is in working order, helping it stay well maintained. The refrigerant gas usually depletes over time and the belts will periodically need tightening or replacing. When dealing with this system it is always best to check the car handbook and stick to the prescribed service schedule.

Cooling Down an Overheated Vehicle Cabin

Of course, it’s not always possible to stop a car from getting too hot. However, there are plenty of steps you can take to restore a nice lower temperature in your interior if the heat does get too much. Try some of the following actions:

(Source:BreakerLink)

The official unveiling of Toyota by CFAO Motors in Lagos… recently

AUTO WORLD

Coscharis Motors Delivers Enhanced Aftersales Service to Ford Customers

These are exciting times for owners and users of Ford brand of vehicles in Nigeria as Coscharis Motors Plc, foremost automobile dealer and sole authorised dealer of Ford Motor Company in Nigeria announces the roll out of new and enhanced service packs geared towards mitigating the rising maintenance cost of automobiles in Nigeria. The announced service packages are part of the bouquet called Ford Protect. The packages include the Premium Maintenance Plan (PMP), for brand new cars; Premium Maintenance Plan Upgrade (PMPU), for the extension of a yet to expire PMP; PremiumCare (PC) also known as Extended Warranty; and Used PremiumCare (UPSA), which is a fresh warranty for vehicles that are already out of warranty, up to 2013 model.

According to Abiona Babarinde, General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications at Coscharis Group, “For us at Coscharis Motors, we constantly look beyond just selling the brand new Ford vehicles to our customers but we go further by providing the ‘peace of mind’ in maintaining the vehicles at an affordable rate at all times. To continually deliver this aftersales service is what

brought up this special robust bouquet package to delight both new and existing customers alike. Taking into consideration the reality of the present high cost of living generally in the country which of course affects the vehicle maintenance cost; with this package, Coscharis is proving once again to deliver value for money in all ramifications of our service delivery. Coscharis and Ford have therefore come up with these service packages, to mitigate the impact of spiraling inflation on parts and labour costs and help customers keep their Ford cars on the road for as long as they desire, without worries about increasing maintenance cost.”

The service packages cover Ford vehicles at various stages in their life cycle. There are packages for brand new Ford vehicles like the ones that are almost running out of warranty and those that are completely out of warranty. Ford vehicles that are as old as 2013 models can also be covered under these special Ford Protect packages.

Shedding more light on the new and enhanced service packages, Mr. Cyril D’Cruz, General Manager, Aftersales at Coscharis Motors Plc said, “We have considered all the stages of the vehicles’ lifespan and crafted a suitable package for each of them. So whether the car is brand

new, about to run out of warranty or has already run out of warranty, we have a suitable service package to help fix its maintenance cost and insulate our customer against inflation of parts and labour costs.

This ultimately increases the lifespan of their vehicles through the use of original parts and equipments deployed by OEM trained technicians and enable a better re-sale value, by making the packages transferable to a new owner. Also, once a service package is purchased, the vehicle can be serviced at any of our service centers nationwide whenever the need arises, to access the benefits of the package, at no extra cost.”

The Premium Maintenance Plan (PMP)

This plan covers a car for 4 years or 120,000KM, whichever comes first. It is available for only brand new cars as the coverage starts at the same time as the manufacturer warranty. It covers the cost of parts and for service of wear and tear components plus labour. This includes the following maintenance components if they fail due to normal wear anytime within the plan coverage: Shock absorbers/struts; Engine belts; Wiper blades; Clutch discs; Engine coolant hoses; Brake pads and lining, front and rear.

Taming Novice Drivers

Who is a novice driver? In a clime like the United Kingdom, a novice driver is a person holding a driver’s licence for at least two (2) years or periods adding up to two (2) years. This may include a first time learner’s permit holder, the holder of a provisional driver’s licence, a driver from overseas who has not held a driver’s licence for at least two years or the holder of an extraordinary driver’s licence.

The UK classifies these into type 1 and 2; type 1 refers to a person from the time they are first issued with a learner’s permit. Once they are granted a provisional driver’s licence, they will continue to be novice driver type 1 for a period of at least one year or periods adding up to one year. Type 2 is a person who has held a driver’s licence for more than one (1) year but less than two (2) years.

GDL was introduced as a scheme which places restrictions on new drivers. These restrictions include not being able to drive at night, or not driving with passengers under a certain age in the car. Its introduction has long been debated by the Government – most recently in 2020, following an inquiry by the Transport Committee. At the time, the Government said it was not progressing work on GDL.

After some hiccups, the Government is again re-considering the introduction of graduated driver licencing, two-and-a-half years after last distancing itself from the system. Recent report in The Sunday reveals that transport minister Richard Holden will consider GDL with road safety campaigners at a meeting on 16 May.

The scheme according to the report could be implemented via the Road Traffic (New Drivers) Act. The Act imposes a probation period on new drivers who get their licence revoked if they get six penalty points within two years of passing.

Under the plan, drivers would not be allowed to carry passengers under 25 years-old in the first year or six months after passing their test. This is part of measures to checkmate deaths or serious injury on the roads and to improve road safety for all users. The broad approach to improving safety for new and novice drivers is through new technology and improving education, while reinforcing vital road safety messages

In most climes, Graduated license is in place to reduce the number of collisions, death and injuries among learner and novice drivers, particularly among the high risk 17 to 24 year olds, during the learning to drive period and period immediately after they pass their test. Research tells us that novice drivers are most likely to be killed on our roads in the first two years after passing their test due to their inexperience.

Therefore, these measures are designed to protect most vulnerable road-users so that they can become safe, competent and confident drivers, helping to ensure fewer collisions, fatalities and injuries are recorded. Harmful drinking among teens is a major concern in most countries. It reduces self-control and increases risky behaviours such as risky driving. It is a primary cause of injuries especially those due to road crashes.

Graduated driving license guards against these risky

SAFE DRIVING with

driving behaviour by setting minimum guidelines aimed at reducing drink/drugs driving behaviour among teens, especially ages 15 to 19 years old. Meanwhile, unintentional injuries according to the World Health Organisation, are a leading cause of death and disability among adolescents.

Young drivers therefore need counsel on safe and responsible driving while laws that prohibit driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs need to be strictly enforced. Blood alcohol levels for teenage drivers needs to be set lower which is why Graduated driving licence for novice drivers have zero tolerance for drink-driving behaviour.

Let me throw light on the Graduated drivers licence introduced by the Federal Road Safety Corps in 2007 as part of measures to restore the integrity of the driver licence. Before this novelty, the relevant traffic regulations such as the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2004, Section 22, sub 3-7 and section 23, 24, 25 and 26 provided for an applicant for the driver’s licence to meet the some conditions.

The first is that applicants must be 18 years and above, be physically and mentally fit, pass a driving test and pay the prescribed fee. After these, such an applicant will then qualify for a drivers licence valid for three years. However, in the face of the spate of road crashes in the country and the need to conceptualise new ideas in keeping within global best practice, the Corps through the driving school standardisation programme made it mandatory for fresh applicants to attend certified and approved driving school.

The three stage Graduated driver’s licence is the first in the country and an improvement from what had existed before now. It is broken into three parts; the first part is the pre adult (18-25) years category. Those within this group after complying with the relevant tests and other procedures as stated in the quoted sections, if found suitable, are issued with a class B driver’s licence that is renewed after every year.

The second is the adult (26-64) years category which is renewed every three (3) or five (5) years. Only applicants within this category are qualified to apply for a commercial driver’s licence.

However, for such applicants who already possess a class B (private) to qualify for a commercial driver’s licence, they must belong to a transport union, attend a driving school and pass a medical test at a government hospital.

The last category is the post adult meant for people

between the age of 65 years and above. Like the pre adult category, this group’s driver’s licence is renewed every year after proof of medical fitness. So what is the standard in other climes.

In Canada, Motor Vehicles provincial regulations vary by province. In British Columbia, following the instructional phase and after passing a road test, new drivers are required to show a green N (novice) plate until they have passed an additional road test usually after 24 months.

In British Columbia a red L (for learner) plate is required for 12 months before the N can be issued, and new drivers with this marking are not permitted to drive without a licensed driver over the age of 25 present in the vehicle.

In the case of France, after passing their driving test, learners must display on plate (for apprentice) for three years, two years for those who learned with their parents.

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

Coscharis’ enhanced service station

Hero Lager Supports Creative Sector

Hero Lager, a product of International Breweries Plc. has stepped-up its commitment to the Nigerian creative sector with the launch of the ‘People’s Hero Initiative’ in Lagos, recently.

According to the company, the initiative is an to support Nigerian creatives on their journey to relevance through reward, mentorship, funding and platform for recognition and rising.

The Nigerian creative industry is presently positioned as the country’s second-largest employer, with a potential to create 2.7 million jobs by 2025.

Marketing Director of International Breweries

Plc., Bamise Oyegbami stated that the new initiative would further drive growth and investment in the burgeoning industry.

He said it would foster the development of an ecosystem that artistes can leverage to receive support in form of funding, airplay and distribution of their works.

Oyegbami said, “The term ‘ Uru Dia’ alludes to recognising the worth within which forms the basis of what we hope to achieve with the campaign by challenging society not to judge a book by its cover, but to look beyond

Terra Seasoning Cubes, a Masterpiece

When it comes to cooking, seasoning cubes are a real delight, they are an integral part of any cuisine. Not only do they add taste and aroma to your variety of meals, but also create a a staple in any kitchen.

Amongst the array of seasoning cubes in the market, very few have stood apart like Terra Seasoning Cube. It gained a reputation for its superior quality and unique taste with its combinaversatility. It is the perfect seasoning to elevate the taste of your dishes and transform your meal

Terra Seasoning Cubes commitment to quality and taste has earned it a loyal customer base in Nigeria. Most caterers and homemakers have committed to using Terra seasoning Cubes due to its unique blend of spices and herbs that allows The brand’s dedication to quality has earned it several awards, including winning the Outstanding Seasoning Cube Brand of the Year in 2022.

A retailer in Mushin market, Amos Store expressed her delight with the brand.

According to her “Terra has taken over from other seasoning cubes, most of my customers use they combine to achieve their desired taste. But since the introduction of Terra Seasoning Cubes, my customers no longer combine seasonings.

The rate at which they buy Terra is amazing and the feedback has been great. I dare not run out of stock”. She said smiling.

Deepanjan Roy, Group Executive Director - TGI says the success of the products is a result of the company’s resolve to put the interests of its excite them with products that add value to their lives.

“At TGI Group, we understand the importance of superior value to our customers. That is why we have continued to invest in research and innovation to create a seasoning cube that stands like Terra Seasoning Cubes,” he said

Simba TVS bags African Brand of the Year

Indigenous mobility solutions provider, Simba TVS has bagged the ‘African Brand of the Year’ award in recognition of its support and empowerment of Nigerian women through its ‘Queen Riders’ Programme.

The company was awarded at the Future Women Conference 2023, organised by the Women in Africa for Transformation Initiative held at the University of Lagos, recently.

The Queen Riders programme is an initiative that aimed to empower underrepresented women in the commercial transportation industry.

Present at the event, Queen of Ile Ife, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi commended Simba TVS on the Queen Rider initiative, affirming that it had impacted positively on the lives of women.

Business Head, Simba TVS, Mr. Mahendra Pratap explained that the Queen Riders programme was

built on four pillars of opportunity, development, empowerment, and independence, adding that be gesture had successfully enriched lives and livelihoods of hundreds of women across different parts of the country.

Pratap said, “Through this programme, we have provided training for women on vehicle riding and repairs, mentorship, and access to financing. The programme has seen women who were once marginalized and excluded from the formal economy become entrepreneurs and leaders in their communities.”

He revealed that the organisation’s stance on women empowerment has also led it to set up a dedicated motorcycle conveyor line for female assemblers in their Lagos factory to provide women with employment opportunities, adding that the line is manned exclusively by women.

Stransact Caution FG against Outsourcing Tax Responsibilities to Consultant

As Nigeria moves to transit to a new government on May 29, the RSM network in Nigeria has advised the incoming administration against the act of outsourcing tax collection to consultant. act as an anti- business that will do more harm than good to the economy.

General Partner at Stransact, press on the company’s economic expectations for next administration urged new government to devote time and resources to develop

He said, “Investors have relate better with Federal Inland Revenue Service FIRs than with individual. Using independent tax

consultants to harass tax payers is counterproductive. Many at times, investors refrain from divulging to these individuals because of lack of trust”.

Joels also commended FIRs for coming up with an innovation like the Taxpro Max solution which is tailored for Nigerian environment.

He tasked the authority to ensure that the technology is deployed in favour of tax payers and not to exploit or tax excessively.

He further advised government to invest more in technologies that will drive and improve voluntary tax compliance

On his part, Partner, People and Regulatory at Stransact, Yomi Salawu cautioned coming government against increasing tax rate or introducing new taxes.

and the work we all do. We often focus on the results and only show support to those who are already established.

behind creatives who are still on their journey to earning the acknowledgement and recognition they deserve.”

Speaking further, Marketing Manager of the company, Dubem Orji explained that the Uru Dia campaign was yet another expression of the company’s belief that every hard-working Nigerian deserves to be recognised and rewarded

Expert Urge Concerted Effort to Fast -track SDGs

Experts have highlighted the need for all stakeholders to drive actions for the speedy realisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which will lapse in less than 10 years.

The experts declared this at the 2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Management & Social Sciences (FM&SS), Lead City University, Ibadan, where they also pointed out factors threatening the goals in the country.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2030: Approaching Possibilities through Socio-Political, Economic and Management Dimensions”, convener of the conference and Dean, FM&SS, Prof. Omolara Campbell called on all hands to be on deck for timely achieve-

ment of SDGs.

She explained that the conference had deliberately drawn participants from all works of life to encourage contributions that would ensure that gains of SDGs pre-pandemic were not lost to future crisis.

She said, “Multidisciplinary related contributions of participants will also prevent the distortion of national progress by the political, environmental, economic and security challenges experienced in the post-pandemic era.”

Also, The Dean, Faculty of Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Olawale Albert described the 17 SDGS as an article of faith between the United Nations and the poor people of the earth, adding that the agenda of SDGs was to leave no one behind.

He said, “In the past, we have lent support to Igbo apprentices through the ‘Igba Boi’ initiative sectors through The People’s Hero Talent Hunt. This time around, we are focusing on the music industry which is currently the biggest creative expression in Nigeria because we see many artistes struggle to get ahead even though they possess undeniable talent.

“We see the worth in these budding talents, hence, we are going to great lengths to support them with strategic partnerships and collaborations aside from funding and mentoring.”

NIMC Urges Improved Internet Connectivity to Drive Financial Inclusion

The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), has stressed the need for expansion in broadband connectivity to the country.

The commission also called for synergy between e-identity,sion to engender sustainable growth and development in a digital economy.

Director-General/Chief

Aliyu Aziz while speaking at (CIO) Club Africa Summit,sion was expedient for digital economy growth, adding that the place of internet and secured e-identity system was non-negotiable in all.

Addressing the theme of the summit, “Digital Economy and

the Nexus Between e-Identity, Connectivity and Financial Inclusion”, Aziz maintained that a synergy between e-identity,sion was vital to sustainability.

He said, “The nexus between e-identity, connectivity, and force for driving sustainable growth and development in the digital age. It has the potential to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians by providing them with access to essential services, promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, and driving economic growth.

“This is part of the reason why ICT has become the mainstay of the National economy with over 18% contribution to the GDP in the Q2 of 2022 compared to the contribution of the oil sector at 6. 33% during the same period.”

L-R: Manager, Lynda Ugochinyere Ezike; The Privacy; Chairman, The Privacy Academy, Uche Val Obi; Director, The Privacy Academy; Olumide Babalola; Senior Manager, The Privacy Academy, Blessing Ajunwo Choko; and Manager, The Privacy Academy, Samuel Ngwu at the press briefing announcing the launch of the academy and programme in Lagos...recently

Conference Chairman, Prof. Godwin Oyedokun; Dean/Convener, Prof. Omolara Campbell; HOD Management and Accounting, Dr. Tina Akinbo; Conference participant, Dr. Modupeola Adeolu-Akande and conference participant, Dr. Aikins Suleiman at the just concluded 2nd International Conference of the Faculty of Management and Social Sciences, Lead City University m, Ibadan...recently

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

‘Merry Men 3, The Final Mission’ Loading

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

After shooting in several undisclosed locations, comedian and actor, Ayo Makun announced he has wrapped filming on ‘Merry Men 3’, his upcoming comedy film and is now set for the post-production stage. This followed a recent teaser released by the comic actor popularly known as AY.

This week, the movie producer shared a series of photos from the yet-to-be-released film via his Instagram page. The photos captured scenes from the movie where Nadia Buari, the Ghanaian actress, tied the knot with Ramsey Nouah. The plush wedding ceremony was officiated by ace actor Sam Dede.

“We are coming back with Merry Men 3….” AY wrote. Apart from a love affair and wedding with Ramsey Nouah and Nadia Buari as seen in the stills, not much details were given out except for the first-look images which shows faces like Ramsey Nouah, Williams Uchemba, Rosy Meurer and AY.

With additional cast like Buari and Dede, ‘Merry Men 3’ is expected to be another

blockbuster. ‘Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons’ was first produced in 2018, starring Ramsey Nouah, AY, Damilola Adegbite, Folarin Falana, Jim Iyke, Uchemba Williams, and Richard Mofe-Damijo.

The film tells the story of four Abuja’s most eligible and notorious bachelors. Their lives are wrapped in flamboyancy with their network and thriving businesses, fast cars, luxury homes, and the women in their lives in excess.

With a mix of love, family and friendships, the ‘Merry Men’ struggle to keep it all together. However, ‘Merry Men 3’ is expected to continue the original story started in ‘Merry Men: The Real Yoruba Demons’ (2018) and ‘Merry Men 2: Another Mission’ (2020).

The sequel reintroduced the merry men pitted against a gang of assassins who must help an indicted government official escape justice in exchange for their kidnapped loved ones.

In the same year, ‘Merry Men’ was among the top five highest-earning cinema movies, grossing N230 million. ‘Merry Men 2’, the first sequel, was released later in 2020 and streamed on Netflix after the US streaming platform acquired rights to the movie.

‘Merry Men 3’ is expected to make a cinema hit based on AY’s track record at the Box Office.

PSquare Tours 100 Cities, Causes Buzz…

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

It is sometimes not surprising what fans of music celebrities could get from their favourite artistes and vice versa. But a recent act by a popular Nigerian artiste has stirred reactions and got many observers talking.

A moment that drew attention was when the married singer came down from the stage to kiss a female fan, causing an uproar and criticism from many who questioned his actions as a married man with children.

The singer who is currently on a world tour with his twin brother, aiming to perform in 100 cities globally, recently performed in Amsterdam and received high praise for his performance.

Peter Okoye, along with his twin brother, Paul, performed at the Psquare AFAS concert in Amsterdam. During the event, the stage, moving towards the audience, and kissing an excited female fan.

After leaving the stage, the music

Approaching the ladies, Peter tried to kiss one of them, and she turned her cheek to him. However, he also made sure to plant another kiss on her mouth

despite her seemingly reserved posture.

The camera later showed the lady in hysteria. The video of Peter’s contact with the lady soon caused a major buzz on social media after it went viral. While some were left wondering others condemned his actions as a married man.

The video raised a series of mixed reactions, with many condemning the act as disgusting. Some asked how the wife would feel seeing her husband willing kissing another lady in public.

His action caused excitement at the concert and many who were at the event roared in ecstasy but social media users thought the action was uncalled for. Despite the backlash, Peter remained unfazed, adding that he was only performing his duties.

He claimed that a lot of ladies at the event actually got kissed as he advised others not to be jealous. “But a lot of my female fans collect correct kisses last night for Amsterdam. Pls dont be jealous! #JustDoingMyJob…” he posted.

The concert was stormed by many of the singer’s fans, followers who vibed with them as they rendered some of their hit songs.

Tiwa Savage’s Performance at Coronation Concert

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

hen Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records released Beyonce’s Lion King: The Gift album in July 2019 with stellar features from artistes around the globe, no one foresaw any of the 27 songs becoming one to feature at a king’s coronation.

‘Keys to the Kingdom’, a song originated from the Beyoncé’s award-winning album where the American pop star collaborated with the duo of Nigerian Tiwa Savage and Mr. Eazi.

Tiwa Savage was a scene in shimmering green while performing “Keys to the Kingdom” at the coronation concert in London last Sunday at Windsor Castle in England. The coronation concert was part of the celebrations of the coronation of King Charles III and his wife, Camilla, as King and Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the other Commonwealth realms that took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The concert

Walso featured performances from global music icons like Lionel Richie, Nicole Scherzinger, Katy Perry, Olly Murs, Paloma Faith, Freya Ridings, Alexis Ffrench, Andrea Bocelli, and Sir Bryn Terfel. Tiwa Savage’s performance showcased her exceptional vocal abilities and celebrated Nigerian artistry. Her performance had some fans torn. Naturally, mixture of opinions. Despite the mixed reactions, the mother of one seemed pleased with her performance and shared her performance, tweeting, “One day I will tell my son that this is ‘Tiwa Savage.’” Introduced as the “Queen of Afrobeats” as she took to the stage to deliver a peerless piece that roused the audience, its one indelible moment for the singer.

While some have argued for or against the suitability of the song, it however remained that the ‘Kelekele Love’ crooner did give a good account of her performance of the song. A critic noted this thought-provoking performance not only reignited discussions about the British monarchy’s historical association with imperialism but also raised questions about the suitability of her song choice - a song dedicated to Black ancestry and African pride.

L-R: Ramsey Nouah; Williams Uchemba; and Ayo Makun

PSquare

the direction of the female fan and other ladies who happened to be standing in the front row and were excited to see him.

POLITY

Araraume’s Case: Concerns Over NNPCL/Gas Operations

Sani Yusuf

Those who appear to be benefiting from the illegality may not admit the current crisis enveloping the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). But both foreign and local contractors and investors - who have entered into businesses –running into billions of dollars with the company in the last few months, are apprehensive over the faith of the businesses.

The investors’ apprehension may be predicated on the recent profound judgement by Justice Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja, who declared the removal of Senator Ifeanyi Araraume as the Non-Executive Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) as illegal.

The court had when further to nullify and set aside all decisions and resolutions of the board of the NNPCL made in the absence of Araraume, from January 17 till date. And awarded Araraume the sum of N5 billion being damages for his wrong removal, disruption and interruption of the term of his office – as the non-executive chairman of the NNPCL. The judgement has been served to all the defendants.

The huge implication is that every business entered into by NNPCL, which insider put at ‘’billions of dollars’’ in the past seven months, is illegal. So, one may understand the increasing concerns by stakeholders in the oil/ gas sector, especially from the international community. Even though we have been told that Mrs Margret Okadigbo, whose tenure was recently declared illegal, has stopped presiding over the board meeting since the verdict of the Federal High Court, the board has not been able to meet due to the inaction – the seemingly refusal of the federal government and the management of the NNPCL to give effect to the judgement that restored Araraume as the legally recognized Chairman of the Board. Crucial decisions that the board ought to have taken in the past few weeks are at a standstill.

Of a great concern, according to insiders, is the Korean construction company Daewoo Engineering & Construction, which recently secured a $741 million contract with the NNPCL to rehabilitate the 110,000 barrel per day (bpd) Kaduna Refinery.

In line with agreement - the terms of the quick-fix repair contract, Daewoo was expected to be responsible for restoring production at the facility to 60% of its total capacity by 2024, thereby significantly improving fuel security in the West African nation. The project was expected to be executed in three work packages as a maintenance services contract by Daewoo E&C Nigeria Limited, at an estimated maximum cost ceiling with a duration of 21 months.

The award of the huge contract followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Okadigbo-led board of NNPCL that has been declared illegal, and the foreign contractor late last year.

Experts had welcomed the contract, stating that restoring the refinery back to operation would guarantee energy security for the country, reduce dependence on imported petroleum products in view of near total dependence on supply of imported petroleum products and the impact the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war is having on global supply. However, the refusal or failure by President Muhammadu Buhari, who created the mess in the first place, to resolve the issue is sending a wrong signal to the company. The outgoing President was quoted as saying recently that ‘’due judicial process’’ would be followed in resolving the problem; But almost three weeks after that statement, there seems not to be concrete step taking to give effect to the judgement.

There were media reports recently that the NNPCL had received ‘’hundreds of telephone calls’’, especially from the international community, wanting to know how the company intended to resolve the matter. The near consensus among the stakeholders, according to the report, ‘’is the stability and solidity of the NNPCL at this time of uncertainty in the oil global market.’’

Justice Ekwo in a judgment recently held that Araraume’s removal by Buhari flouted provisions of the NNPC Ltd laws; as well as the Company’s and Allied Matters Act. Justice Ekwo had declared that the office and position of Araraume

Araraume

as chairman of the NNPCL are exclusively governed and regulated by the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 and the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NNPCL.

In the judgement described by many senior lawyers as ‘’thorough and profound’’, the judge also declared that by the provision of section 63 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, Buhari cannot lawfully remove Araraume as the chairman of NNPCL for any reason whatsoever - outside the conditions specifically listed in the said Section 63 (3) of the PIA, 2021.

He therefore, nullified and set aside all decisions and resolutions of the board of the NNPCL made in the absence of Araraume, from January 17 till date; and Araraume the sum of N5billion damages for his wrong removal.

Apparently worried about the ‘’unpredicted impunity’’ by the presidency and the likely effect on his image, Ararume had last year dragged Buhari and the NNPCL to court over his illegal removal as the Chairman of the Board of the NNPC Ltd. He had demanded enormous sum of N100 billion as damages caused him due to the unlawful manner he was removed as Board Chairman after his name was used to incorporate the entity.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, acting on the instruction of the President, had withdrawn Araraume’s appointment without any reason whatsoever. The suit marked FHC/ ABJ/CS/691/2022 was instituted on his behalf by a group of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) comprising Chief Chris Uche, Ahmed Raji, Mahmud Magaji, Ogwu James Onoja, K.C Nwufor and Gordy Uche.

Delivering judgement in the suit after dismissing a total of seven-application against its hearing, Justice Ekwo held that the case of the plaintiff had merit and subsequently ruled in his favour.

Ekwo also dismissed the claim of the NNPC Ltd that Araraume was removed because he was not qualified, involved in alleged contract fraud, amongst others, noting that no evidence of such was contained in the January 17 letter, for his withdrawal. According to the judge the defence by the NNPCL was an exercise in futility at manufacturing reasons for Araraume’s removal.

The judge held that the removal of Araraume without fair hearing by the president was, “wrong and cannot be tolerated by a court of law.’’ Justice Ekwo also held that the plaintiff having proved his case was entitled to damages.

The court also ruled that the president’s letter of January 17, without complying with the NNPCL’s and CAMA laws, “is wrongful, illegal, null and void and of no consequence and is hereby set aside.’’

Araraume had in his suit, articulated four issues for determination by the court: which was whether in view of the provisions of the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the NNPC, Companies and Allied Matters Act 2010 and the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the office of the non-Executive Chairman is not governed and regulated by the stated provisions of the law.

He had also asked the court to determine whether by the interpretation of Section 63 (3) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, the president could lawfully remove him as non-Executive Chairman of the NNPC for any reason outside the provisions of the law.

Yusuf, a journalist, wrote from Asokoro, Abuja

POLITY

Isiaka Adeleke, You Are Simply Unforgettable

Olumide Lawal

This is to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the glorious transition of a citizen of the world, His Excellency, Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, a man of many firsts. The first executive governor of Osun State, the first Asiwaju of Edeland, the first Chancellor Adeleke University Ede. A true and purposeful leader of men. A fantastic boss who abhors malice, grudge and hatred for fellow human beings. You gave me unfettered opportunities to serve you and I delivered on your briefs.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke has no room for sycophants, hypocrites, bootlickers and backbiters. He had them around him during his lifetime but he related you them at arm’s length for their nuisance values. A statesman with very large heart and beautiful souls that is readily forgiven. My dear boss of all times, you thought us your foundation disciples, to serve humanity with all we have, expecting nothing in return.

Your elegance, doctrine of politics without bitterness remains the pillar of our strength as your first set of political followers. You showed humanity love and compassion. Senator Isiaka Adeleke was always ready to learn from the lowest of human. He did not tolerate gossips, but rather would open up people with small minds to state their case before whoever was their targets of misgivings. That is my boss for you.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke, you deepened democracy

Adeleke

in Osun nay Nigeria whilst you were at this divide. A philanthropist of highest order you were. You gave so much asking for nothing in return. I am working on a book to chronicle your unparalleled political life journey. It is titled: The Isiaka Adeleke I Knew. It will be a compendium of your landmark speeches, lectures, interviews and publications. I still have treasured documents about you in my library.

This much I should be able to avail the reading public. We shared glorious times together. We agreed to disagree. And disagreed to agree all with a cause to give you selfless

and dedicated professional services, which you always appreciated very fully. Humanity will forever remember your patriotic contributions to their upliftment. Senator Isiaka Adeleke, I will forever adore and respect your knack to tolerate people of different persuasions without hurting their feelings.

Osun will forever remember you as the great governor, who gave it solid footing. Your brother Governor Ademola Adeleke is contributing tremendously to make life more abundant for the people of the state. It is God’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes. Senator Isiaka Adeleke was a true friend in need, who was a friend indeed. I will forever cherish your kind heartedness.

You were a study in tolerance, endurance, humility and true love, for whoever passed through your hands. I will forever cherish your fond memories. I hope a time will come for your family or associates to put in place a Isiaka Adeleke Political Museum to serve as haven for your works and personal effects for generation yet unborn. Your intellectual properties with me in my library would also serve a good purpose for the Museum.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke, you are simply unforgettable. Your memory is evergreen. Your laudable achievements unperishable. Live on peacefully in the bosom of your Creator, whom you served with reverence. May Aljanat Fridaus be your home. Good morning and goodnight sir, my boss forever. Olumide Lawal was special adviser, media and publicity to late Senator Isiaka Adeleke

Foundation Empowers Children of Migrants/Refugees

Topgoodness School students in the Addo, Ajah neighbourhood of Lagos have benefited from a distribution of back-toschool educational supplies made possible by the non-profit Caring Hands Foundation.

The Foundation’s director, Jasmine Asekome, made the announcement during a community event in Lagos. Asekome explained that she made an effort to have an effect on the school so that the students could see that their current circumstances do not determine who they will become.

“We have supported over 300 children between Monday and today from an initial plan for 147

children. The school has branches in Addo, Badore, Ikorodu and Jakande.

“We supported 127 children in Ikorodu already with writing materials; we paid for the school fees of 20 children there as well. Then, we provided school shoes for 74 children and donated two laptops to the sc hool to launch a new class for Computer Studies.

“In Addo, we paid for the school fees of 15 of them, gave 44 of them school shoes and writing materials for all 72 pupils. We also donated one laptop to the Addo school branch to launch the Computer Studies class,” she stated.

She explained that the Addo community is a coastal

settlement primarily engaged in fishing activities, with its location adjacent to the shoreline. The community’s forebears are reported to have migrated from the Republic of Benin.

“The truth is that I have actually been a product of a community like this while growing up, knowing that I went to 10 different primary schools in my lifetime, from one village and one community to another.

”And for me, looking at where I am now and what I have been through, the environment and circumstances of my upbringing did not define me and did not stop me from achieving what I have achieved today,” Asekome said. She saw the school’s outreach as a message from a survivor to a student.

L-R: Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Wasiu Adeshina; Beneficiary Mrs. Felicia Otuya; Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ms. Abisola Olusanya; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, HRM Oba Kabiru Shotobi; and Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Agriculture, Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashola, during Official flag off of Lagos State Agricultural Value Chains Enterprise Support Programme held in Ikorodu, Lagos…yesterday

L-R: Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, The Guardian, Martins Oloja; Managing Director/CEO Transworld Security, Dr. Victoria Ekhomu;

Front- row: Chairman,GreenLife Pharmaceuticals Limited and Aare Baasegun of Ikireland, Dr. Obiora Chukwuka; (back row L-R:) National Sales Manager, GreenLife Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr. Alex Akinseye; Human Resources Manager, GreenLife Pharmaceuticals Limited, Ms. Kema Ezeasor; Personal Assistant to the Chairman, Mr. Samuel Agada and General Manager, Sales, GreenLife Pharmaceuticals Limited, Mr.. Derrick Osondu; during a reception held at their corporate office in honour of their Chairman who was just being conferred with the chieftaincy title of “Aare Baasegun of Ikireland” by his Oba of Ikireland held in Lagos recently

L-R: Mr. Jide Moss, Mrs. Yetunde Awe, Celebrant - Mrs Enitan Moss, Mrs. Jumoke Fowowe, Mrs Funlola Abijo and Mrs. Deola Popoola during the 80th birthday celebration of their mother at the Bishop Adelakun Howells Memorial (BAHM) Events Centre, Horgan Bassey Crescent, Surulere, Lagos

British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ben Llewellyn-Jones; Regional Director Afrocet Montgomery, George Pearson; Representative of Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Assistant Commandant General Zone A, Olasupo Adebayo; and Chief Executive Officer, Bulwark Intelligence, Tanwa Ashiru during the Opening Ceremony, of the Securex 2023 Exhibition on security held in Lagos…. yesterday.

Maxim Uzoatu

50 Hearty Cheers to Eberechukwu Oji

The MD/CEO of ND Western, an independent Nigerian oil and gas exploration and production company, Engineer Eberechukwu Oji turned 50 last week. His brother Dr. Boris Oji, a US based physician and International President of the Climate Change Organisation and NGO- Zespronet, writes a birthday tribute in his honour

TThe best way to craft a befitting birthday tribute, an intro of a future Odyssey of Eberechukwu Oji is to pick some lines from C.P. Cavafy’s epic poem Ithaka and trace this wonderful journey of a wonderful son along the path of how we were brought up as children of highly disciplined and ambitious parents and the impact left in our total world view. Says Cavafy on the Promised Land called Ithaka: Keep Ithaka always in your mind.

Arriving there is what you are destined for. But do not hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years, so you’re old by the time you reach the island, wealthy with all you have gained on the way, not expecting Ithaka to make you rich.

Ithaka gave you the marvelous journey. Without her you would not have set out. She has nothing left to give you now. And if you find her poor, Ithaka will not have fooled you.

Wise as you will have become, so full of experience, you’ll have understood by then what these Ithakas mean.

Our backgrounds as human beings determine what we do, what drives us on a regular basis. For the children of Rev. Prince Joshua Kanu Oji and Dr. Mrs. Doris Oji, our background was defined by strict Christian principles and exemplary lifestyles. We had the upbringing that fired us to a life of great achievements, and that sense of adventure defined by C.P. Cavafy’s Ithaka. They did not disappoint as fifty years in the life of Eberechukwu Oji have proven.

A little bit about the background of my parents, beginning with my mother, will tell better the story of Eberechukwu Mrs. Oji went to Ibiaku, Union Girls High School, that has over the years produced prominent old girls. She started at the University of Ibadan (UI), then the war broke out and she transferred to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, graduating with an Honour’s degree in Biology; she later became a principal at 27 or thereabout. She went ahead to acquire a Master’s degree, and a PhD in Education. She was a principal of many schools across the entire Igbo land. She was at Ovim Girls from 1979 to 1985. Then she went to Saint Catherine’s Nkwere and to Aba, retiring as a Permanent Secretary. In between she had eight of us, four boys and four girls.

My father Prince Joshua Kanu Oji is the third son of a former Eze (King) Aro, Eze Kanu Oji. He retired from Lever Brothers as a manager and went back to school and became a Presbyterian minister. Even though my father’s family tends to be prominent in Arochukwu, because of the Eze Aro dynasty, for me, I tend to relate more with the history of my mother’s family.

My mum’s father, Emmanuel Oti was the first or second set of students of the Hope Waddell Training Institution Calabar founded in 1895. He was the first Nigerian or African Superintendent of Schools in the old Calabar Province. Everything for him, like Eberechukwu, was first. He was the first headmaster in that part of the country, and first Superintendent of Schools in the same part of the country. He and his wife could be described as early Christians, which must have influenced my father’s choice of getting betrothed to his sweetheart because members of my father’s family were not Christians at a point. History records my mother’s family to have brought Christianity to Arochukwu.

This recount relates to aspirational achievement which is part of the driving force behind my brother Eberechukwu’s accomplishments till date; that is also important to me and my other siblings. My mother here is an inspiration looking at her pursuit of academics. Her numerous successes and achievements as a teacher followed that trajectory. My mum’s elder sister Dr. Grace Shilds with ex-Second Republic Minister Mrs. Keziah Asinobi were the first set of girls given scholarships in Eastern Nigeria. Thus, my grandfather’s first daughter, my auntie, Dr. Shilds, was already in the U.S in 1945 on scholarship and was to later work in the World Bank, retiring as its representative in East Africa. This alchemical mix of strong Christian principles, a strong character embedded in royalty which demands the best always, and looking for the best that academics could offer, runs through

the spiritual and physical blood vessel of Eberechukwu. Although he is my junior, he remains my mentor and role model for who he is in terms of his leadership and creative afflatus; he is the second child and son of my parents. What is interesting is how he has imbibed the spirit of service to God and humanity, of royalty and academic excellence between father and mother.

Eberechukwu’s track record in the corporate world especially in the oil and gas sector deserves a handclap and applause.

Engr Pastor Eberechukwu Oji was born on May 6th, 1973, in Onitsha Olona Iselukwu in Delta State; we moved around a lot. Among his siblings, he was an early learner, the first person to come first in his class; I remember those days vividly when he took the common entrance examination from Elementary Five and the West African School Certificate (WASC) examination in Class Four coming out with excellent scores in both exams. He started at Methodist College Uzuakoli an institution that has so much in common with Hope Waddell but completed his secondary school education at Emmanuel College Owerri whose track record of academic excellence is top of the bill. He gained admission into the Federal University of Technology Owerri at the amazing age of 14 years and graduated with a Second Class Upper degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

Growing up Eby as we call him knew he would be an engineer. He was always building and designing things-cars, playhouses and lighting them up with torch batteries which was very cool thinking about it now. He was always tinkering with one thing or the other, especially with one friend called Chinedu who had similar interests. While growing up: we always shared a room together. While I was interested in making the beds, Eby was not interested in that and always told me that it was not important when I tried to make a fuss about it.

Looking back now I know I learned a life lesson from that episode which was to focus on the more important things in life, to focus on the big picture. Eby thanks for this and other subtle life lessons you taught each of us your siblings. Though he is my younger brother he has always inspired me and is my hero. I had the tendency of pushing the boundaries of what is acceptable by constituted authorities and getting nearly into trouble in those days, but he was my northern star as in my despondency I will ask myself: “what will Eby do given this type of situation?”

He went on to work with the National Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO), a joint venture engineering company with NNPC for youth service and from there got a job at Shell Oil Company. rising through the ranks rapidly as an international staff for over 23 years and was subsequently seconded to the LNG in Bonny, Rivers State before leaving shell to ND Western as the current managing director and chief executive officer. He obtained multiple advance degrees and multiple master’s s degrees from some of the best universities outside Nigeria. With all these hectic job schedules he is also an ordained pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), in charge of multiple churches.

What is interesting about Eberechukwu is that the humanitarian activities for which the family is known, have become very much a part of ND Western’s active corporate social responsibility programme. In my Zespronet CSR involvement, my brother and my extended family including my dad and mum helped to raise the new residential post graduate block of my Alma Mater, the Abia State University. In 2021, ND Western unveiled its E-Library-the Mosobalaje Oyawoye e-Library for Geology students at the University of Ibadan. According to the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Eberechukwu Oji, the Professor Oyawoye e-Library, is one among the many ND Western CSR activities. He said: “For us this e-Library is much more than a building with world class facilities. It is our contribution to assisting our students and the academic community with resources that would enable them to compete on some level of competitive footing with their counterparts in the advanced economies.”

I was equally elated by his response to the online Energy Year publication, which asked him how committed ND Western was to the development of host communities. You could see the family value in him being demonstrated in reaching out to all with the same zeal the missionaries of old carried out their work among heathens and the Christian community. There was always a sense of urgency and commitment. His response: “We have an excellent relationship with our host communities. In 10 years, we have not had one community related shutdown. Our sister company Niger Delta Petroleum Resources pioneered a host community relationship programme where a certain percentage of our profit is designated for helping the local community.”

Eberechukwu is married to beautiful Nneoma, and they are blessed with two adorable and exceptionally intelligent children Esther and Isaac and to say his world revolves around his family is an understatement. Eby, last week May 6th, 2023, was your milestone celebration of 50 years, we are happy and proud of all your accomplishments. We are blessed to have you in our lives and privileged to call you our sibling. We celebrate you because you are worthy of our celebration, and pray for many more years of a happy, long healthy life.

May this new age open a new vista in your accomplished and exciting existence. Congratulations sir and May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family Happy birthday sir from all of us your siblings with wives and children. Your parents Doris E Oji PhD and Rev Prince Joshua Oji JP join me to wish you a happy birthday and many more years of greater accomplishments.

Ithaka, the Promised Land bequeathed to us by our parents has been full of many beautiful summer mornings and ornaments of value.

Eberechukwu Oji

Last week May 6th, 2023, was your milestone celebration of 50 years, we are happy and proud of all your accomplishments. We are blessed to have you in our lives and privileged to call you our sibling. We celebrate you because you are worthy of our celebration, and pray for many more years of a happy, long healthy life. May this new age open a new vista in your accomplished and exciting existence

Kelechi Iheanacho Lifeline from San Siro on the Horizon

With Leicester City’s chances of retaining their Premier League status getting dimmer by the week and Super Eagles Striker, Kelechi Iheanacho’s contract with the Foxes just a year left and the egg heads at the King Power Stadium not talking about a renewal, solace however seems to be coming the way of the Nigerian as Italian giants, Inter Milan are moving for a transfer for the former Manchester City man to the San Siro

Should Leicester City fail to keep their Premier League status, Kelechi Iheanacho is one of the players said not to be ready to go down with Dean Smith’s team to the English Championship and with Italian power house, Inter Milan willing to sell their jewel - Lautaro Martinez this summer in order to raise funds for the summer transfer window, the Super Eagles striker may be heading to the San Siro Stadium in the summer.

Leicester City could be set to give the “green light” for Iheanacho to leave the club this summer, according to reports in Italy.

Iheanacho has proved to be a key part of the Foxes squad since arriving from Manchester City in 2017, despite fellow forward Jamie Vardy often taking centre stage. Even throughout Leicester City’s struggles this term, Iheanacho has contributed 12-goal in all competitions, with only 11 of his 33 appearances coming as part of the starting XI.

A number of players are set to reach the end of their contracts, while Iheanacho has a year remaining on his deal and reports in Italy have suggested the striker may be on the move in the upcoming transfer window.

It has been reported by Sport Witness , via Inter Live, that “vultures begin to circle” Iheanacho, with Inter Milan among them. Inter Live suggests that

the Leicester City forward has been “identified” by the Italian giant as a possible option, with the club in the market for attacking reinforcements.

In terms of Iheanacho’s future with Leicester, Sport Witness claims that a “divorce” will be on the cards if Dean Smith’s side fail to retain their Premier League status.

However, Inter Live does not rule out that the Nigeria international could still bid farewell even if the Foxes stay in the top-flight as he enters the final year of his contract.

It is reported that Internationale have “set their eyes” on Iheanacho, who has clocked up an impressive 87 goal involvements for the Foxes, making 100 starts in 204 appearances. It is said that Inter are considering an offer of around €10m (£8.8m), with the summer being Leicester City’s final chance to cash in, unless Iheanacho signs a fresh contract.

Iheanacho has made 204 appearances for Leicester City since moving there from Manchester City, scoring 55 goals and creating 32 assists

The Nigerian talent, who has been instrumental in Leicester City’s offensive threats this season, has caught the attention of the Italian side

Following this, the Super Eagles striker is therefore said to be a potential possibility for acquisition for the San Siro outfit when the summer transfer

market opens, according to a report by Inter Live.

Inter Milan, according to Football Insider, is willing to sell Lautaro Martinez this summer in order to raise funds for the summer transfer window.

However, they are in a hot chase for a perfect replacement for the Argentine striker if they eventually sell off the forward in the coming transfer window.

Meanwhile, Leicester City manager has given an update on Iheanacho’s injury.

The Super Eagles star missed Leicester’s 2-2 draw with Everton and 5-3 loss to Fulham owing to an injury he sustained in the Foxes’ away game against Leeds United.

Following this, the Nigerian is expected to be back in action in less than two weeks, according to the British manager, who provided a positive update on Iheanacho’s progress.

Iheanacho, who currently ranks third on the team in goals scored with eight, one behind James Maddison (9) and two behind Harvey Barnes (10), has been instrumental in the East Midlands’ knack to survive this season’s relegation.

His absence would be felt again this weekend, but the former Norwich City manager has revealed that the Nigerian is responding to treat-

ment and will be available for their last two games.

“Kel has responded to treatment. Obviously he won’t be back this weekend, but we may get him back for the last two games. We weren’t hopeful of that when he first sustained the injury. Everyone else has come through the game okay.” He stated during a press conference prior to their visit to Craven Cottage.

Leicester still have three games to play and are currently 18th in the English Premier League standings. After drawing with Everton, Leicester faced a bigger challenge against Fulham culminating to a 5-3 loss.

Meanwhile, Iheanacho is still doubtful for their crucial game against Liverpool, but he is predicted to return to action against Newcastle.

With the exception of the v isit to Everton to the King Power Stadium, Iheanacho has been named in all of Leicester City’s m atchday squad in the Premier League, starting nine games, coming on as a substitute 17 times and was an unused substitute seven times.

The Nigerian international is entering the last year of his contract and the possibility that he would leave even if the Foxes remain in the Premier League is not been completely rule out.

Iheanacho celebrating one of his goals with teammates

Mobolaji Johnson Arena Warms up for Super Six

With the six teams that will participate in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) SuperSix now shaping up, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, is warming up for the showdown.

The Super Six tournament will produce the 2023 champions and Confederation African representatives for next season.

Super Six is a competition where top three NPFL clubs from group A and group B will clash to determine the eventual winner of the 2022/23 NPFL season.

The Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, was initially pencilled for the Super-six before Lagos was given the nod.

“We are keeping the issue of venue very close to our chest. We will look at several factors before announcing it. First and foremost,

we would want to be fair to the teams in terms of neutrality. We have to consider marketing, TV friendly nature of the venue and all that,” Owumi had said then.

According to the Chairman of Interim Management Committee, Gbenga Elegbeleye, a lot of factors were put into consideration before making the final decision on the venue for the super six. He added that for fairness the venue must not be home to any team that will be participating in the tournament.

Meanwhile, towards harmonising fixtures in the two Groups of the ongoing NPFL season, the IMC has directed that all MatchDay 18 games would now be played on Sunday, May 21.

In a letter informing the NPFL Clubs of the fixture rearrangement, the IMC also noted that Federation Cup games of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have

Top Scorers

also impacted the commencement of the Super six start date.

While regretting the disruption to the schedule of the clubs, the IMC said it has however afforded the league a window to harmonise the fixtures of the regular season end matches.

Elegbeleye clarified that the decision was to ensure that the regular season is concluded on the same date before the commencement of the Super 6.

“The MatchDay 18 fixtures in both Groups will have to be played on the same date and that would be after Rivers United have completed their outstanding matches by Thursday, May 18”, Elegbeleye told IMC Media early Thursday.

Outstanding matches involving Rivers United are MatchDay 12, 15 and 16 which have been scheduled for May 11,

May 15 and May 18.

The defending Champions whose fixtures were affected by their CAF Confederation Cup campaign will play Sunshine Stars on Monday, May 15 in a rescheduled MatchDay 12 tie and Doma United on Thursday, May 18. Both games are in Port Harcourt.

Elegbeleye said “the season ending Super 6 will hold in Lagos and we don’t want any Group to enjoy the advantage of extended rest period after playing their last group games”.

Rangers Shift Attention from Playoffs to Challenge Cup

With Nigeria Premier League Football, (NPFL) playoff now out of reach, Enugu Rangers are turning attention to winning the National Challenge Cup.

A first-half brace from Godwin Obaje ensured that six-time National Challenge Cup champions, Rangers International eased past Kano Pillars F.C in the round of 32 of Federation Cup 2023 encounter decided at the Practice pitch of FIFA Goal Project, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Wednesday.

Attacking sensation, Obaje, who netted twice in the 5-1 demolition

of Ingas F.C in the Enugu state F.A Cup final match, was quick off the block to calmly control an Innocent Gabriel’s delicate cross before blasting past a helpless Joshua Enaholo on four minutes to send supporters and admirers of the ‘Flying Antelopes’ into wild jubilations.

To their credit, the ‘Sai Masu Gida’ side did not lay back to be consumed but came out firing from all cylinders led by the legendary, Rabiu Ali, in search of a quick leveler which failed to materialise due primarily to neat defending and splendid goalkeeping from Detan

Ogundare.

Obaje got his second of the day when he was fed by Shedrack Asiegbu who had brought in an intelligent pass from Chidiebere Nwobodo that had outwitted his marker in a counterattack move on 42 minutes.

Efforts by both sides to score more goals in the second stanza proved abortive even when decent opportunities were created.

An elated coach Abdul Maikaba, Technical Adviser of Rangers said after the match, “It was a great game against a difficult side but we are

happy we got the job done. We take other matches in the Federation Cup as they come as we hope to go as far as emerging champions. Our strategy worked as I know a little of our opponent which we put to good use and got the required result.”

Goalkeeper, Detan Ogundare in his chat, said, “We thank God for the victory as we prepared very hard for this victory and Kano Pillars gave us a good fight. We shall continue to work hard until our target of becoming champions of the Federation Cup is achieved.”

Kenneth Igboke of Rangers challenges Rabiu Ali of Kano Pillars.

Premier League Table

Arsenal Seek to Keep Title Hopes Alive against Tricky Brighton

After a convincing 2-0 away win to Newcastle at St James’Park last weekend, Arsenal will be seeking to keep their hope of a first Premier League title in 19 years alive as they host a tricky Brighton side at the Emirate Stadium tomorrow.The Gunners would be craving to make it three wins in a row against an equally ambitious Seagulls in what is expected to be a scintillating fixture

St ill alive in the two-horse Premier League title race, Arsenal return to the Emirates Stadium to tackle Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

The Gunners made it backto-back wins with a gritty 2-0 triumph at Newcastle United last weekend, allowed Mikel Arteta’s men to cut the gap to Manchester City in the table down to one point, but the champions hold a game in hand and meet Everton a couple of hours before the Gunners and the Seagulls kick off.

On the back of contrasting results in the extraordinary Bank Holiday gameweek, title challengers Arsenal welcome European contenders Brighton to the Emirates tomorrow afternoon in the Premier League.

Arteta’s side assured themselves of a top-two finish by seeing off Newcastle United 2-0 last weekend, while the Seagulls suffered a sensational 5-1 beating at the hands of Everton.

In his own words, Arsenal manager Arteta had hoped to invoke a fire within his players’ bellies by showing them clips from their Amazon documentary of last year’s humbling 2-0 loss to Newcastle, which all but ended their dreams of a Champions League comeback.

A similarly meek display at St James’ Park last weekend could have also had major implications on the Gunners’ end-of-season aspirations, but Arteta’s side unexpectedly nullified the Magpies’ threat and made the long journey home in high spirits thanks to a sweetly-struck Martin Odegaard opener and Fabian Schar’s own goal.

While the Manchester City juggernaut is showing no signs of waning anytime soon, Arsenal are at least forcing Pep Guardiola’s men to look over their shoulder in second

PREMIER LEAGUE

Bilbao 17:30

Madrid v Getafe 20:00

SUNDAY

Celta Vigo v Valencia 13:00

Elche v Atlético 15:15

Valladolid v Sevilla 17:30

Espanyol v Barcelona 20:00

MONDAY

Real Betis v Vallecano 20:00

Hot Shot

place - one point behind the reigning champions, who have a game in hand and take on Everton a couple of hours before kickoff at the Emirates.

Sunday’s contest is not the be-all and endall for Arsenal’s Premier League title chances, but it is arguably the biggest remaining test of the Gunners’ mettle ahead of their final two fixtures with Nottingham Forest and Wolverhampton Wanderers, so a first clean sheet in eight games at St James’ Park would have been welcomed with open arms.

Arteta’s side also enter the weekend on a 17-game scoring streak in all competitions - racking up a staggering 14 goals in their last four Emirates showdowns, but their lack of resilience at home is well-documented and Roberto De Zerbi has warned Arsenal to expect “the true Brighton” after last week’s unexpected mauling.

The weather on the South Coast was as miserable as Brighton’s mood on the recent Bank Holiday Monday, where Everton astonishingly tore the Seagulls to shreds to give their survival hopes a major boost and leave De Zerbi lost for words.

The Seagulls’ humiliation on a day of goal-laden extravaganzas came in the wake of their 6-0 demolition job over Wolverhampton Wanderers and successful revenge mission over Manchester United, both of which served to keep De Zerbi’s men in the continental conversation, sitting seventh.

The Seagulls also have the benefit of games in hand on the teams around them, although Newcastle and Man City are both lying in wait between now and the end of the season, and consistency on the road is hard to come by for Brighton, who have just two wins to show from their last seven away matches in

the top flight.

De Zerbi’s side have at least found the back of the net in 11 successive away games - albeit while keeping just two clean sheets on rival turf all season long and the Seagulls have remarkably prevailed in three of their last four trips to Arsenal, although the Gunners ended a turbulent 2022 in style with a 4-2 Amex success on New Year’s Eve.

Meanwhile, seeking to somehow replicate their mauling of Brighton, Everton return to a buoyant Goodison Park to host Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

Sean Dyche’s side stunned the footballing landscape by crushing Brighton 5-1 earlier this week, before the visitors drew 1-1 with Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final.

More than a few eyebrows would have been raised when Abdoulaye Doucoure took just 34 seconds to propel Everton into the lead against Brighton, and those raised eyebrows had soon turned into gobsmacked facial expressions when the Toffees continued to carve the Seagulls open for fun.

Doucoure and Dwight McNeil both ended that South Coast spectacular with braces to their name - either side of a Jason Steele own goaland not even a consolation goal for Alexis Mac Allister could wipe the smiles off the faces of the travelling faithful, especially with some perhaps travelling in hope rather than expectation.

Having ended a seven-game winless run in the Premier League in emphatic fashion, Everton will enter the gameweek hovering just above danger in 17th place before the first ball is kicked, although they could be demoted back into the bottom three today if Leeds United pull off their own surprise win over Newcastle United.

Not since the beginning of October have the Toffees managed to prevail in back-

10 to-back Premier League contests, but the morale of Sean Dyche’s men ought to be through the roof right now.

Furthermore, the Toffees have only failed to make the net ripple in two of their last 10 contests, although they have just one clean sheet to show from their last eight in the Premier League and have gone winless in three successive home matches, but Man City have had bigger European fish to fry.

It was a vintage Champions League display from Real Madrid in the opening 45 minutes of their Bernabeu battle with Man City, who dominated proceedings in the Spanish capital but were hit with a Vinicius Junior-sized sucker punch, as the Brazilian picked out the top corner with a sumptuous strike.

However, the individual excellence in Pep Guardiola’s ranks shone through too, as Kevin De Bruyne drilled home a sizzling low shot to restore parity and allow the Premier League champions to travel back to the Etihad satisfied with their night’s work ahead of Wednesday’s winner-tak es-all second leg.

Arsenal forward, Bukayo Saka was on song when Brighton hosted the Gunners at the Amex Stadium

Emmanuel Dennis Out in Forest’s Relegation Battle to Chelsea

Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Dennis, has been ruled out of Nottingham Forest’s squad to face Chelsea today, as the Tricky Tree travel to London hoping to build on their recent triumph against Southampton.

In an effort to continue their Monday victory against Southampton, the Tricky Trees will make the trip from West Bridgford to London to take on the Blues.

Due to an injury, the former Watford striker Dennis, who could only watch Taiwo Awoniyi and his teammates play at the City Ground, won’t be able to join up with Steve

Cooper’s team to face Frank Lampard’s men.

According to Forest’s manager, the Nigerian picked up an injury during their training ahead of their 4-3 clash against the Saints, and he is yet to return to the squad.

“Dennis has been injured. He picked up a knock in training before Southampton, and he is still not available.” the Welsh manager said in a Nottingham’s pre-match press conference ahead of the Chelsea clash.

Since being acquired by Nottingham for $14.80 million in the summer 2022 transfer

AFD, NBA Africa Host Training for PE School Teachers, Coaches

window, Emmanuel Dennis has lost favour on Cooper’s team.

He has only started six of the Reds’ 18 domestic league games this season while scoring two goals and providing two assists.

The former Club Brugge attacker was beginning to get his footing after demonstrating his worth during training and producing several opportunities during Nottingham’s build-up plays.

But, with three games remaining in the season, the 25-year-old’s injury setback may prevent fans from seeing much of his face on the field.

Dessers Set to Miss Cremonese Clash against Juventus

Super Eagles striker Cyriel

Dessers is set to miss Cremonese’s crucial Serie A clash at Juventus on Sunday.

Dessers has been an important part of Cremonese’s campaign in Serie A, scoring six goals in the league. He is only behind Daniel Ciofani and compatriot David Okereke

on Cremonese’s goalscorers’ chart.

Unfortunately, he has missed the Grigiorossi’s previous two games against Spezia and AC Milan.

Ahead of the club’s trip to Turin to take on Juventus, Fanta Calcio reports that Dessers is yet to return to full fitness. He has

started personalised training, but he is yet to join the full training sessions.

Cremonese are in a difficult situation, as they could get relegated from the Serie A if they fail to win their next two games. Asides from Juventus, they play Lazio, Bologna, and Salernitana.

Usyk, Fury Unification Bout Back on Track

Efforts to make the undisputed heavyweight title fight between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk later this year could restart.

But Usyk’s team are currently focused on securing his next fight against another Briton, Daniel Dubois.

Dubois is the mandatory challenger for the WBA heavyweight title, one of the three major championships that Usyk holds.

The Ukrainian’s promoter Alex Krassyuk told Sky Sports: “We are now concentrated on Dubois as the next step.”

But responding to reports that Bob Arum, the co-promoter of WBC heavyweight champion Fury, was in talks to stage the heavyweight championship fight in Saudi Arabia, Krassyuk said: “He is saying that he had talks with Saudi people on Fury vs Usyk. Not us.”

Former International, Okoku Lifts Alma Mater

The Greater Tomorrow Children Fund (GTCF), has continued to drive the wheel of change and progress in the country as the foundation run by 1984 AFCON silver-medal winner, Paul Okoku donated chairs and tables to St. Paul’s Nursery and Primary School, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

At the colourful presentation ceremony of the 25 chairs and five giants desks to the school, which he attended many years back, Paul Okoku, who resides in the United States of America, was represented by the GTCF coordinator, Mrs Grace Jalekun,

who said the donation was Okoku’s contribution towards the 120th year anniversary of the elementary school.

While recalling Okoku’s kind gestures towards the school in the past, Mrs Jalekun said, ”we have seen the impact of Okoku’s philanthropy.

“His generosity has provided our pupils with sporting accessories, trophies, a generator set, computers and printers.

“This donation of chairs and tables will help our pupils to learn in a conducive environment”, said Mrs Jalekun, a

former head teacher and head mistress of St. Paul Primary School.

Speaking from his US base, Okoku said, “I will like to thank the CEO and Founder of the African Children’s Fund (ACF) Mr. Victor Mbaba for his partnership in the project”

The tape cutting of the remoulded beautiful classroom, where the new chairs and tables are to be used by Nursery One and Two pupils, was done by Tajudeen Tijani, Education Secretary in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Education Board.

French Open Announces Prize Money Increase for 2023

The prize money for this year’s French Open will total 49.6 million euros (£43.14m), up 12.3 per cent on 2022, organisers of the clay court Grand Slam announced on Friday.

The amount offered for the Roland Garros singles draws will be raised by 9.1 per cent on 2022, with organisers saying in a statement they had “significantly increased” the prize pot to ensure

a more even distribution between players.

Losing players in the opening three rounds of the singles draw stand to receive between 11 per cent and 13 per cent more this year, with organisers also increasing prize money for the three rounds of the qualifying competition by an average of 11.8 per cent.

The men’s and women’s

Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and NBA Africa on Tuesday tipped off a three-day training programme for physical education (PE) school teachers and basketball coaches at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos as part of Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience.

The training, taking place from 9-11 May, will equip 150 teachers and 20 coaches with necessary skills and knowledge to use the transformative power of the game of basketball to educate boys and girls participating in Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience about physical and mental wellbeing, life skills, healthy living, and more.

The teachers and coaches will explore the role of basketball in the school sports curriculum, learn about various basketball and coaching methodologies, and discover best ways of identifying and nurturing basketball talent in the programme. NBA Academy Africa Associate Technical Director Joe Tououmou will facilitate the basketball sessions.

The opening ceremony was attended by General Consul of France in Lagos, Mrs. Laurence Monmayrant, AFD Director Nigeria Xavier Muron, NBA Academy Africa Associate Technical Director Joe Touomou and Dream Sports Africa Country Director Michael Anejo. Jr. NBA

& AFD Basketball Experience is part of AFD and NBA Africa’s larger collaboration to support basketball infrastructure in youth development across the continent and builds on the inaugural Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience launched in Zenata, Morocco in 2019. In November 2021, AFD and NBA Africa initiated a pilot phase in Lagos implemented by international non-governmental organisation Dream Sports Africa. To date, the programme has reached more than 21,000 boys and girls ages 12-17 from 55 public and private schools in Lagos State.

According to AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier Muron: “AFD strongly supports initiatives which use sports as a tool for education, social awareness and inclusion. We see the Basketball Experience Programme as a way to achieve the sustainable development goals. It empowers and builds the capacity of the physical education teachers with basketball global practice while promoting physical well-being, mental health, lifestyles and all necessary skills needed to impact the students to become future citizens.”

For the General Consul of France in Lagos, Mrs. Laurence Monmayrant: “As the French Consul General in Lagos, I am particularly proud to see

the work that has been done between the French Development Agency, the NBA and their local partner Dream Sports Africa. The training which is taking place is a tangible result of the announcement made by President Macron on his visit to Nigeria in 2018: France strongly believes in the youth empowerment through sports and especially through basketball as it helps them acquire core values like respect, self-confidence, and solidarity. In doing so, we aim at having a positive impact on their wellbeing and their future.”

In her reaction, NBA Africa VP and Country Head of NBA Nigeria, Gbemisola Abudu said: “We are thrilled to host the coaches and educators’ training in Lagos this week as part of our longstanding collaboration with AFD to support basketball infrastructure and youth development. We remain committed to using the game as a vehicle for youth empowerment in Nigeria and have a great teacher in Joe Touomou with us this week. Equipping more coaches and educators with the necessary skills to teach and train our boys and girls the right way is paramount, and we look forward to continuing to expand our footprint throughout this collaboration.”

Danjuma Picks Ajakaye, Onyenezide, Sebastine for WAFU B Tourney

Head Coach, Chris Danjuma has selected midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Esther Onyenezide, and forwards Flourish Sebastine and Opeyemi Ajakaye in Nigeria’s 20-woman squad for the forthcoming WAFU B U20 Women Tournament taking place in Kumasi, Ghana.

Danjuma, who steered the Nigerian girls to the last eight of last year’s World Cup in Costa Rica, has also picked goalkeeper Inyene Etim, defenders Comfort Folorunsho and Jumoke Alani, midfielders

Chioma Olise and Blessing

Emmanuel, and forwards Omowunmi Bello and Goodness Osigwe.

Afolabi, Folorunsho, Ajakaye and Emmanuel were in the Nigeria U17 girls’ team that won the bronze medals at last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in India.

This year’s tournament, scheduled for 20 May – 4 June, pits the Falconets in Group B against the U20 girls of Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Togo.

Hosts Ghana will confront the

U20 girls of Benin Republic and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A. Ghana and Benin Republic will lift the curtain on the tournament at the Baba Yara Stadium on Saturday, 20 May before FIFA World Cup quarterfinalists Nigeria take on Niger Republic and Burkina Faso tango with Togo on Sunday, 21 May.

The Falconets will then play Togo on 24 May, also at the Baba Yara Stadium, before trading tackles

Arsenal Battle to Keep Nigeria-eligible, Nwaneri, Amidst Man City’s Interest

champions will receive €2.3m each.

The prize money for the men’s and women’s doubles events have also gone up by four per cent, organisers added.

The allocation for the wheelchair and quad competition is €810,000, equating to a 40 per cent increase on 2022.

The French Open takes place from May 28 to June 11.

Arsenal are desperate to retain the services of youngster, Ethan Nwaneri amid reports that Manchester City are in pole position to sign the 16-year-old in the summer. It has been reported by Football Insider that Arsenal are ready to do all they can to prevent him from leaving the club.

Nwaneri became the youngest player in Premier League history aged 15 years and 181 days when he came off the bench to replace Fabio Vieira in Arsenal’s 3-0 road win over Brentford on

September, last year. The Anglo-Nigerian midfielder, who turned 16 in March, tallied eight goals in all competitions for Arsenal youth teams this season, including four in the U18 Premier League, two in the U18 Premier League Cup and two in the FA Youth Cup. Due to his exceptional talent, his growth has been fast-tracked and that is why he has featured for the Arsenal first team. However, he is yet to sign a scholarship contract with Arsenal and that explains why he is

heavily linked with a move to Manchester City.

The Citizens have identified Nwaneri as a player who can fortify their youth sides and go on to establish himself as a first-team player.

Should Arsenal lose Nwaneri, they would only be entitled to a compensation package for his training and education as he is yet to pen his first professional contract.

The Flying Eagles-eligible midfielder has also been linked with Chelsea.

with Burkina Faso at Paa Joe Stadium on Sunday, 28 May.

Dennis

L-R: Country Director, Dream Sports Africa, Michael Anejo; Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku; General Consul of France in Lagos, Laurence Monmayrant; AFD Director for Nigeria, Xavier Muron; Director/HOD Co-curricular Services, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Olubunmi Sosanya; NBA Academy Africa Associate Technical Director, Joe Touomou; and NBA Nigeria Marketing and Communications Lead, Tobi Akinkunmi at the Jr. NBA & AFD Basketball Experience Training for Physical Education School Teachers and Coaches in Lagos

Wase to APC Leadership

OKEY ANUEYIAGU

GUEST COLUMNIST

Race and Tribe, the Albatross of Man

As a young boy growing up in a household filled with books, journals and newspapers, I questioned many of life’s contradictions and anomalies, and pondered about the evilness and hate of our divisive world.

My father, who was an avid writer, writing for, and editing many radical and revolutionary newspapers, provided me with a platform and an environment of information on various issues, stemming from racism, tribalism, colonialism; all sins pointing to the injustices that pervaded and ruled our world.

Growing up, the major issues that agitated and disturbed my mind, were those of racism, tribalism, and particularly, the prejudices against the black race, and the festering squabbles between various tribes and nationalities within countries. Also of worry to me, were the rancors and wranglings between various religious sects and denominations. I was bothered by how insidiously, the problems of race, tribe, colour and religion all interconnect with a range of words and images, to the extent that black becomes associated with; blackmail, blackmarket, the dark, the evil, the shadowy, the despondent, the destructive, the hopeless, and with sadness, sorrow and corruption, while white is associated with light, hopeful, bright, cheerful, clean, elegance, and purity. These same mischievous mischaracterizations are also deployed in the polarization of our tribes.

As an impressionable child, I began to ask my father questions surrounding these anomalies. I asked him the real meaning of being black and of being Igbo. I wanted to know how these systemic despairs and inconsistencies about the black race and our tribes have become so endemic, so entrenched and widely prevalent. My father was very patient with his child’s prodding and nagging inquisition. He took his time and explained certain things to me. He explained the complexities and the lugubrious nature of our world and of its people. My father would often point me in the direction of his writings; to his ploy to get the whiteman (the colonialist) to realize his racist follies, and to bring him to a psychological point, where he feels a certain sense of compassion and becomes self-conscious of his sins against the black race. He allowed me ample time to read, and discover by myself, the genesis of the problems of colonialism and the impact on our race and our country.

As a child, my early susceptibility to the fears and anomalies of oppression and discrimination, be it from within or from outside, was palpable and perspicacious. I felt a certain gravity, and an unusual painful strain, mixed with deep anger and confusion whenever I came across the evil vices of these scourges. I constantly brooded over these incidents and occurrences, wondering if the problems of colour and those of where someone comes from, and their complications were real or imagined. I was further bewildered when I picked the Holy Book to behold God’s own words to the effect that all humans beings are created equal, and also the Constitutions proclaiming the same virtues and adding that all humans are endowed with inalienable rights to freedom, equality and happiness; that though tribes and tongues may differ, we all are the same, and must thrive together.

It did not take me long to realize that racism was, and may still be, in part, the exploitative motives and actions of the white race against the black and brown peoples of the world. For the white man, the realization that the black and the brown skin is all that is required to keep him and members of his race in money, prosperity, affluence, comfort and in power, became the motivation and impetus for slavery and racism.

As I began to mature and grow out of childhood, I started reading and studying the many elements of race issues. My father pointed me in the direction of American greats; Martin Luther King, jnr, Malcolm X, Mohammed Ali, who with others, had begun to demonstrate and shape Black American thought, and the history of racism in their society. The liberation

movements in America fascinated me, as they began to give voice to the marginalized, and making the oppressor uncomfortable by compelling them to feel their racism in ways that were genuinely disturbing. My interest intensified as it became clear of how deeply racism, white supremacy and segregation cut through the American Society; “the land of the free”. This hypocrisy jolted me, as I encountered the deliberate and unrelenting emphasis on black and brown people as victims of slavery, oppression and racism. I was gravely saddened with the burden of white oppression, and the treatment of blacks as though they had no civilization, no existence beyond their connection with the whites as their beast of burden.

Throughout my academic life and beyond, I have become quite aware of my blackness without any iota of doubt or ambivalence. I have never seen my colour as a category to transcend, or a limitation to overcome, instead, I have been deeply inspired to constantly make a conscious and passionate effort to affirm my blackness with pride.

Today, as I reflect the lessons of my father’s writings on racism and colonialism; his talks and admonitions on our black identity, and all the poignant complications with which the subjects were surrounded, I feel confident that I may have learnt a thing or two. My feelings deeply represent a pilgrimage to the soil of our fathers and their ancestors, as I strongly believe that every black person, no matter what planet he or she is from, must undertake a rebirth; a spiritual journey and an understanding of the meaning of being black. We must know and accept that there is an excruciating pain that is associated with the colour black, and also a gleaning beauty too. We must also recognize that, the pain and the power to surmount it, and transform it into strength in endurance and perseverance is the essence and beauty of being black With a touch reminiscent of my father’s lessons on racism and tribalism, I began my inquisitive journey into the vileness of these phenomena. With the publication of my book; Biafra, The Horrors of War, The Story of a Child Soldier, I began to explore the issues of tribal conflicts in our land, and the pains and agonies they have brought upon us.

There is a preponderance of evidence through various scientific studies that all humans are prone to these vices of racism and tribalism, and that we all have discriminatory tendencies inborn in us that cause humans to have polarization traits resulting in hate and prejudices. Historically, I have always thought that there was nothing wrong with one having tribal instincts, because we all do. I have also always known that humans are tribal animals, and that we bond socially and even politically with like-minded people, cultivating

an instinctive desire to belong to races and tribes. There are obviously tremendous benefits to belonging to a race or tribe, in the sense that it creates unity and security against external threat, and ensures communal sharing of resources, goods and services. The instructive lesson here, is that we all from birth, form and forge our racial and tribal instincts, roots, influences and preferences. As much as I must admit the inevitability of these tendencies, and see nothing amiss with them, because they are ingrained into our DNA, I will caution that for those who in our country that have turned their tribal instincts into persecutory and pharaonic instruments against other tribes, spreading prejudices and even death, they have become an albatross to humanity and to God.

In my aforementioned book, I had written about the crisis in the North and how the members of the Igbo tribe and other tribes from the then Eastern Nigeria suffered horrible fate in the hands of their hosts that resulted in the death of thousands of innocent citizens. I was an eyewitness to the ugliness of that era, and never thought that it could happen again. As a boy, born and bred in the beautiful ancient city of Kano, I did not know much about any other cities or towns, or even other ways of life, except those of the then peaceful and welcoming people and the city of Kano. Most of my friends were Hausa, Fulani and Yoruba. We schooled and played together. We were all Nigerians who at Independence waved that flag with such pride, pomp and pageantry.

As a young lad, I recall my father admonishing me to see myself, first, as a Nigerian, before I called myself Igbo. But, it didn’t take long before my boyhood friend, Tijani, during a childish spat, reminded me that I was a nyamiri, a derogatory and insulting word for the Igbo. That inflection kept me in check growing up, and resurrected several years later, when a rude white man, without any provocation, called me a nigger on a train in New York City. These two incidents made me aware of my tribe and my race, and the continuous afflictions that come with them.

Only recently, these proclivity of tribal killings have returned to our country. These dastardly acts occurred mainly in Lagos and some other parts of the country where it was reported that the Igbo or anyone that looked like them, were attacked and deprived of voting in the elections. Some said that it was because they were perceived to prefer candidates that were unfavourable to the attackers and killers, and, others said that some unknown Igbo had referred to Lagos as a “no man’s land.”

Without wading into the causes of these rancors, because no one can win in the arguments, I am shocked at the ambiguity and senselessness of the violence associated with these tribal tensions around our country, right before independence to today. The impulses behind these hideous acts of aggression towards tribes, mostly women, children and non-combatant Igbo, and the resultant violence and deaths are gross and appalling. And the absence of accountability, empathy and altruism in these matters, is to me, the scariest part.

For those who mistake my writings as an apologia for the Igbo, I call on them to carefully think of those whose lives were wasted on the altar of tribal politics, or whatever name one chooses for this misnomer, and discover that I write and speak for a renewed and peaceful Nigeria where justice, equity and fairness for all must prevail. It seems clear to me, that for our country to grow and prosper, its constituent ethnicities must recount the horrible histories of our wicked past, embrace them with sincerity, confess them truthfully and reconcile ourselves with respect and profound love for one another.

What happened in Lagos during the last elections where the Igbo and others that looked like them were singled out, pursued, dehumanized, maimed and killed, and their properties and means of livelihood destroyed, was abominable, disgraceful and a blot on the image of those who perpetrated these criminal acts. For those who planned and sponsored this pogrom, and for those who kept silent while this went on, I find their actions to be rather inescapable and irreconcilable to common sense and reality. These virulent levels of violence, and

minatory ethnic baitings, have continued to leave deep and festering scars on our generations. And for the very few who layed their voices down in condemnation of his carnage, I applaud them for upholding some things that mattered; things that once drew us together as humans without an introduction to hesitation, and to tribal and communal idealism.

The amorphous rhetoric and daft reasons advanced by the perpetrators of racism and tribalism, would never provide sufficient answers and reasonings to these crimes against humanity. When a long time cherished Yoruba friend called me from Washington, DC, where he has lived for decades, longing for a convincing explanation for why the Igbo deserved what they got in Lagos, I instantly knew that we were simply damned by fate or doomed by our unworthiness of being friends and coming from the same country. My friend admonished the Igbo for daring to call Lagos “a no man’s land”, and for not behaving like strangers. I listened carefully as my friend lamented that the Igbo have bought up the entire Lagos and must allow the Yoruba to determine who rules them. I was startled, because I had regarded my friend to be more cosmopolitan, more reasonable and more informative. I was deeply disturbed, as I quickly reminded my friend of how he openly campaigned and canvassed for Barrack Obama’s presidency. How he wore Obama t-shirts and pasted Obama stickers on his cars and luxurious home in the midst of white Republicans in the DC neighborhood. I asked him if any white supporters of McCain the Republican candidate in whose domain he lives stoned him, burnt his car, or home, or even killed any members of his household? My friend of course had no answer. I reminded my friend that those like him who are carrying on with these tribal issues are not even from Lagos, and are only inflaming tribal tensions for stupid reasons.

I further informed my friend from Washington that the same rights he inherited when he acquired his multimillion dollar home in another man’s land in America, without molestation, is the same, if not more, that any Nigerian has to buy land and build in Lagos and any other part of Nigeria. I impressed upon him the fact that the dangerous and pernicious position taken by people like him, asking the Igbo and others to leave Lagos, is like upholding the Nigerian ideals of a corrupt, decadent and putrefying society where pogrom, racial and tribal profiling, and genocide are appropriate answers to any discord or dissension of opinion.

I am gravely troubled by the tribal animosity prevalent in our country today. It has become apparent how inextricably this is rooted deeply, not only in our psyche, but also in our practice. The anger, the bitterness and the desperation of those who cause this mayhem in our land are intricately sewn into the fabric of these tribal bigots who hate only for the sake of hate, and for the sake of covering their inadequacies as humans before God, their creator. These are the shameful tendrils of the old and new tribal compacts designed to stiffle and suffocate the aspirations, growth and development of our country and its people.

To be clear, I do not claim to be right on any of these issues on race and tribe. We must all be allowed to be “right” in our own ways by defending the positions we perceive to be right, as it is inertly difficult to change most people who will stick with the goals and ideas of their race or tribe through thick and thin. However, we must also be self-critical of things that our race or tribe does, even when they appear right or rational. We must realize when we make the wrong choices by looking outside our race and tribe for answers to opinions that differ with ours. Even though we all belong to one or more races or tribes, our ultimate aspirations, goals and ambition are the same. We all desire a good and happy life, a decent and proper, safe and secure living.

We are all one and the same. We must never allow the prejudices of Race and Tribe to divide and ruin us.

•Anueyiagu is author of “Biafra, The Horrors of War.”

“We will not allow this parliament to be disgraced. We will not allow this parliament to be hijacked. We will not allow this parliament to be made a lame duck” –Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase rejecting the Zoning of National Assembly to positions by the All Progressives Congress.