SATURDAY 27TH JUNE 2020

Ajimobi Died of Multiple Organs’ Failure, Burial Now Tomorrow Jonathan, Lawan, Gbajabiamila mourn Deji Elumoye, Chuks Okocha, Udora Orizu in Abuja and Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan The Lagos State Government has confirmed that the death of the former Governor of

Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi on Thursday, was due to multiple organs’ failure.

However, sympathisers who gathered at the late Senator’s Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan yesterday,

in anticipation of his burial, were disappointed, as his body did not arrive in Ibadan.

Nevertheless, a statement issued last night by his Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Tunji, said Ajimobi would be buried

at the mosque he built in Oke Ado area of Ibadan tomorrow.

Giving details of the exgovernor’s death yesterday, Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, explained that the multiple

organs’ failure was caused by complications from COVID-19 he earlier contracted.

Abayomi said the immediate past governor of Oyo State later tested negative for COVID-19 but that the illness

had caused his health to deteriorate.

He was on life support machine before succumbing to death on Thursday at age 70.

Continued on page 5

Amnesty International Accuses SARS of 82 Extra-judicial Executions in 3 Years… Page 15 Saturday 27 June, 2020 Vol 25. No 9210

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Restructure Now or Risk Nigeria’s Collapse, OBJ Tells Buhari Again Kayode Fasua in Abeokuta Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday warned again of a possible collapse of Nigeria, if the Buhari administration looked on while the country lapses into various insurrections

and criminalities.

Obasanjo stated that the Buhari government should restructure the country to assuage ill-feelings from contending interests, expressing worry that the federal government appeared overwhelmed by the state of

insecurity in the country.

The former president restated his position while delivering a lecture on "COVID-19 Pandemic and Nigeria Security Issues", at the 2020 Sobo Sowemimo Annual Lecture, organised by Abeokuta Club in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo said the growing incidence of insurgent attacks, cattle rustling, kidnapping, robberies and the like, were clear indication that all was not well with Nigerian.

“Let me lay more emphasis on the issue of security, which, in itself, is serious enough to

make restructuring imperative.

“The South-West governors cried out and devised 'Amotekun' as a solution or part-solution. We are yet to see how successfully that will be operated.

“Other zones are clamouring for a solution because in no

state and in no geopolitical zone is life and property safe and secure.

“Criminality is the order of the day. And it cuts across the entire nation. Insecurity is one issue of commonality Continued on page 15

President, APC Governors Meet over Next Step for Party Reach out to Oshiomhole, NWC Bagudu: President happy to end distraction Omololu Ogunmade in Abuja Twenty-four hours after the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dissolved its National Working Committee (NWC), President Muhammadu Buhari and some APC governors reviewed the commentaries that followed, and moved to heel the party in the aftermath of the sack.

They have also reached out to aggrieved former chairman, Adams Oshiomhole and other members of NWC in a bid to re-unite the party behind the new Caretaker committee led

by Governor of Yobe State, Alhaji Mai Mala Buni and end the internal crisis within it, THISDAY has learnt.

Leading Mai Mala Buni and three other APC governors to a meeting with the President in the State House yesterday, Chairman of the Progressive Continued on page 5

THANK YOU MR. PRESIDENT...

L-R: Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum/Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Chairman, All Progressives Congress’ Governors Forum/Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Bagudu; Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello; Chairman, APC Caretaker Committee/Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni and Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, after a thank you visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House Abuja, over the resolution of the party’s crisis...yesterday godwin omoigui

COVID-19: Okowa, Family Go into Isolation as Daughter Tests Positive… Page 5

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COVID-19: Okowa, Family Go into Isolation as Daughter Tests Positive Cases hit 23,298, with 8,253 discharged and 554 death In bid to ramp up testing, Lagos accredits 7 private labs Omon-Julius Onabu Ă“Ă˜ Ă?Ă‹ĂŒĂ‹ Ă‹Ă˜ĂŽ Bennett Oghifo Ă“Ă˜ Ă‹Ă‘Ă™Ă?

Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, his wife, children and other members of the household, yesterday, went into self-isolation, because one of the governor's daughters had tested positive for the COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the 684 new cases of COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria yesterday have taken the tally to 23,298, with 8,253 discharged and 554 deaths.

On the same day, the Lagos State Government authorised seven private laboratories as COVID-19 testing centres.

THISDAY gathered that

Governor Okowa personally broke the news via his Twitter handle yesterday morning.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chiedu Ebie and the Commissioner for Information, Charles Aniagwu had tested positive to COVID-19 and are now at a management centre.

This is also coming at a time the government said it had intensified efforts at containing the COVID-19 pandemic in the state with increased community testing capacity, as well as an increase in the number of isolation and management centres across the state.

A statement, yesterday, by the Chief Press Secretary

to the Governor, Mr Olisa Ifeajika said, “The governor and his family members will immediately commence selfisolation for 14 days.�

The statement further said, “It is again pertinent to stress that COVID-19 is real, and citizens are advised to be disciplined and comply with the protocols of wearing facemasks and maintaining physical distancing while in public places, as well as basic hygiene of hand-washing with soap and running water and use of alcohol-based sanitisers as NCDC regulation demands.�

In Bid to Ramp up

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has authorised seven private laboratories as Covid-19 testing centres.

The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi Abayomi, who spoke at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, said the decision was taken to ramp up Covid-19 testing in the state.

He noted that seven local government areas - Eti-Osa, Alimosho, Kosofe, Ikeja, Oshodi, Surulere and Lagos Mainland - have the highest number of infections in the

state.

The commissioner said, “As Lagos continuously attempts to open up various aspects of its economy, it is imperative that COVID-19 tests are widely available to members of the public. “In a bid to ramp up its testing capacity, Lagos State Government has taken a strategic decision to include private laboratories in the testing of COVID-19.� “The testing facilities as we’ve established at the moment, are the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, the Lagos State Biobank, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, and the Central Public Health Laboratory in

Yaba. “We’ve also included some private facilities. They are Total Medical Services, SynLab, 54 Gene, Medbury Medical Services, Biologix Medical Services, O2 Medical Services, and Clina Lancert Laboratories. They’ve all passed their validations, they have been accredited. “We are in the middle of the outbreak and, therefore, we still expect to see a lot more cases in the next few months.�

Abayomi advised Lagosians to observe all preventive protocols, including the use of face masks, social distancing and regular washing of hands.

to formally introduce the chairman of the caretaker committee to the President and to equally thank him for appointing two of their colleagues, Niger State Governor and the his Osun State counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola, into the committee. “At the same time, it's to introduce, yet again, the Chairman of our Caretaker and Extraordinary National Convention Planning Committee, who is a very seasoned administrator and politician, the Governor of Yobe State, His Excellency, Mai Mala Buni, and to thank him on behalf of the Progressive Governors' Forum for deeming it, so fit to include three governors in the committee: the Chairman, governor of Niger State and the governor of Osun State;

Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola,� he said.

Bagudu said the NEC of the party did no wrong by dissolving its NWC and putting in place a caretaker committee.

The Kebbi State Governor said President Buhari, who is the leader of the party, would never do anything that is contrary to the provisions of the party’s constitution.

Asked to react to the threat by members of the dissolved NWC to challenge the dissolution in court, Bagudu insinuated that such information was only coming from the media, claiming that before the President embarked on the move, he had taken into consideration the legal implications.

According to him, the President would not have

been part of the process if he was not convinced that it did not violate any constitutional provision.

He said: "Media says a lot of things, but Mr. President is very clear that he received due legal advice and remember, before the 2019 primaries, Mr. President demonstrated to everyone in this country that he will never sacrifice due process for expediency.

"Even when it was convenient to extend tenure of the then executive so that we don't have a convention and primary at the same time, Mr. President said 'no, no matter how tough it is, we are going to do the correct legal thing.' So Mr. President will never do anything which the constitutional provisions of party, talk less of the country, does not allow him to do."

on deck to steady its sail.

Also, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila described the demise of Ajimobi, as a painful loss.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said Ajimobi lived a fulfilled life and had served the people of Oyo State diligently and patriotically.

Gbajabiamila said he was personally touched and deeply saddened by Ajimobi's death, saying Ajimobi was the architect of modern Oyo whose legacy would last long in the hearts of many Nigerians.

He said, “Ajimobi was a peace-loving man that promoted same among his people and beyond, Oyo State and Nigeria have lost a patriotic leader. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, the people and government of Oyo State and the country as a whole, especially the larger APC family. “Late Ajimobi was a strong pillar in the APC fold. Not only that, he was a dedicated leader that left his footprints in the sand of time in Oyo State when he served as governor for eight years, making him the longest serving governor of the state to date. I pray that God Almighty will grant him a peaceful resting place and

give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.�

Testing, Lagos Accredits 7 Private Labs

PRESIDENT, APC GOVERNORS MEET OVER NEXT STEP FOR PARTY Governors' Forum and the Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu, said NEC’s decision to do away with the NWC brought joy to many.

The party had been enmeshed in leadership crisis following a Court of Appeal order which upheld the earlier ruling of an Abuja High Court which had earlier upheld the suspension of Oshiomhole by his ward in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The situation got messier as three members of the NWC laid claim to the chairmanship of the party, thus resulting in a NEC meeting in the State House on Thursday, which eventually dissolved the Oshiomhole-led NWC and replaced it with a Caretaker/ Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee.

The three other governors in the meeting with Buhari yesterday were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors' Forum (NGF)/Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; Governor of Niger State/ member of the caretaker committee, Abubakar SaniBello and the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello.

Bagudu, while answering questions from journalists after the meeting, described their mission to the State House as “a thank you visit.�

He said: “This is a thank you visit to Mr. President.

We thanked Mr. President for all he has been doing for the progressive family, which culminated in the visionary and momentous resolution of party disputes that took place yesterday. Testimonials, news, commentaries, media

from across the country are all happy for what had been done yesterday.�

Bagudu said following the relief brought to the polity by the dissolution of the NWC, the President was happy that one distraction had been put behind and would now be able to face the task of governance. “He is happy that at last we have one less distraction because Mr. President is conscious of the mandate given to him by Nigerians and even though he bothers a lot about his party, but what dominates his daily action are economy, security, transparency and the progress of Nigeria. So, he's very happy.�

The governor also disclosed that one other reason they were in the State House was

AJIMOBI DIED OF MULTIPLE ORGANS’ FAILURE, BURIAL NOW TOMORROW The commissioner tweeted: “We regret the death of immediate past Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajumobi who passed on today, June 25, 2020 at First Cardiologist Consultant; a private COVID-19 approved care facility in Lagos State. “The former Governor died from multiple organs’ failure, following complications from COVID-19 infection.�

Abayomi also commiserated with the family of the former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress: “On behalf of COVID-19 Lagos Incident Commander, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the entire #COVID19Lagos response team, we convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of the former governor and the people of Oyo state.�

The former governor was hospitalised at First Cardiologist and Cardiovascular Consultants Hospital, Lagos on June 2, 2020.

Burial Postponed Loyalists of late Ajimobi, friends, and some family members arrived at his Oluyole Estate residence in Ibadan early yesterday morning in anticipation of his burial.

However, they were disappointed as his body

did not arrive in Ibadan. It was later gathered that the burial arrangement had not been concluded.

A statement was later issued by the Ajimobi family, without addressing the precise burial date: “With great sadness and deep regret, but with total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, we announce the death of our husband, father, and grandfather, His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, after a brief illness.

Accordingly, funeral details will be announced in due course.�

To Be Buried Tomorrow Another statement released last night revealed that the remains of Ajimobi would be buried tomorrow in Ibadan.

The statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Bolaji Tunji, said he would be buried at the mosque he built in Oke Ado area of the ancient city.

The statement read: "In close consultation with the governments of Lagos and Oyo states, the date for the burial ceremony has been announced.

Barring any changes, his body will be interred at the Senator Ishaq Abiola Ajimobi Central Mosque at Oke Ado, Ibadan at 12 noon on Sunday the 28th of June 2020 after the traditional Muslim prayers.

“In light of the current circumstances of our national health challenges, the family appeals to the public to observe strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols in their participation. “Furthermore, details of the live media coverage of the funeral ceremony will be made public. “In the near future, details of a larger funeral gathering will be announced where a lot more of his well-wwishers will have the opportunity to pay him their respect.�

Jonathan, Lawan, Gbajabiamila Mourn Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the death of Ajimobi, describing his passage as a great loss to the nation.

In a condolence message to the Ajimobi family and the government and people of Oyo State, Jonathan noted that the late Ajimobi was a public-spirited leader who inspired many to be sincere and forthright in service.

Jonathan said further: “He was a seasoned technocrat, a successful businessman and a skillful politician whose legacies will continue to endure.�

The former President also highlighted the innovative records of Ajimobi who became Oyo's first two-time

governor, adding that he was “a notable achiever who left a legacy of progress, peace and security in Oyo State.�

Jonathan further described Ajimobi as a determined leader and committed patriot, noting that “he indeed achieved his dream of leaving Oyo state better than he met it.�

The former President prayed for God to comfort Ajimobi’s family and well-wishers and to grant his soul eternal rest.

In his own message, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan condoled with the family, friends and political associates of the departed former governor and prayed for Allah to comfort them.

The Senate President said the deceased, who once represented Oyo South Senatorial District in the Senate before he was elected to two consecutive terms as governor, would be missed by the people of Oyo State and the progressives’ political family throughout Nigeria.

Lawan said Oyo State would always remember him for his numerous achievements over which the people rewarded him as the first governor to be re-elected in the history of the politically sophisticated state.

Lawan said his death would also be felt by the ruling All Progressives Congress, especially at a time the party is calling on all hands to be

Progressive Governors Forum Grieves The Progressive Governors Forum yesterday joined the government and people of Oyo State to mourn the death of the Deputy National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Abubakar Bagudu, on behalf of his colleagues, the PGF said it received the news of his demise with heavy heart and gratitude to God. The PGF is the umbrella body of all governors elected on the platform of the APC. Bagudu said, “We received the death of His Excellency, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi with heavy heart and gratitude to Allah (SWT) for a life well blessed. “We, the Progressive Governors Forum, join the family, people and government of Oyo State and the nation to pray for the repose of the soul of our dear and beloved Sen. Abiola Ajimobi. “His death is a loss to the nation and the Nigerian progressive community. “We pray to God Almighty to grant the family the fortitude to bear this heavy loss. May Allah reward all the good work of Sen. Ajimobi, forgive his limitations and bless what he left behind.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 27, 2020

NEWS

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

Obaseki: I Survived Epic Political Battles in the Last One Year Bennett Oghifo Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has said he was “dragged and forced into epic political battles” in the last one year, running up to his seeking the mandate of his former All Progressives Congress Party to return as governor on their platform.

Obaseki, who was disqualified

by the APC from contesting the party’s primary, defected to the Peoples Democratic Party that gave him a nod to represent the party during the September governorship election.

In a statement yesterday, the governor thanked Edo people, particularly the leaders of PDP and delegates for voting him as the flag bearer of the party.

FG Describes Attack on Nigerian Embassy in Indonesia As Disgraceful Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, has described the attack on Nigerian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia as disgraceful.

The minister in a tweet on Thursday said that efforts were being made to bring the suspects to book.

In video clips that surfaced online, perpetrators were citizens of Nigeria who were protesting the alleged discriminatory practices and infringement on their fundamental human rights by Indonesian immigration officials.

The placard-carrying protesters were heard chanting in the video, “Nigeria is not helping us in this country. We don’t have an

Embassy. We no go ‘gree.”

Some of the protesters were seen vandalising a white bus on the premises of the Embassy building while others broke the windows and doors of the building.

The attack came barely a week after some persons vandalised a building on the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, Ghana.

Onyeama in a tweet described the attack as, “Absolutely deplorable and disgraceful criminal behaviour by Nigerian hooligans who without justification attacked the Nigerian Embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia today.

“Every effort will be made to identify them and see they are severely punished. Totally unacceptable behaviour.”

WAMCO Reports N161.8b Turnover Dairy company, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, producers of Peak and Three Crowns milk has announced a turnover of N161.8 billion at the 47th Annual General Meeting held at the FC Academy in the Company’s Head Office, Ikeja, Lagos.

The meeting was held in adherence to government-approved COVID-19 protocols, including social distancing and restrictions on the maximum number of persons at a gathering.

As a result, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) was streamed live for shareholders and other relevant stakeholders to participate in the proceedings. Shareholders were earlier invited to give their proxy to representatives published on the Proxy Form contained in the Company’s 2019 Annual Report, to act on their behalf.

At the meeting, FrieslandCampina WAMCO reported a turnover of N161.8 billion representing an 8.5% increase over 2018 and a Profit Before Tax (PBT) of N18.8billion, a 15% increase over previous year.

The shareholders unanimously approved a total dividend payout of N9.49 per N0.50, having paid an interim dividend of N2.68 per N0.50 share in November 2019; and a final dividend payout of N6.81 per N0.50 share.

According to the Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat, “In the year under review, the business environment remained challenging. In spite of the headwinds, FrieslandCampina WAMCO played a leading role in Nigeria’s backward integration initiative led by the Central Bank of Nigeria in the dairy sector.“

He said, “How could I have survived the epic political battles that I was dragged and forced into, in the last one year, without you, my people, solidly behind me? I thank my party delegates, who stood all through the day and night, to vote me as the party’s candidate.

“This victory is our collective victory and I urge our people to remain vigilant as we kick-start our campaigns for the main election. I appeal to you to remain steadfast in your convictions to enable us to win the war ahead just as we have won several battles together.

“My dear people of Edo State,

leaders and members of our great party, the PDP, I thank you all for your support and for electing me as the flagbearer of our party in the September governorship election.

“I salute leaders of the party who set aside their ambitions in the interest of party unity and

the progress of our state.

“I thank every Edo man, woman, our resilient youth, home and abroad for making the fight for my emergence, their own. You invested your resources and raised your voices to support my aspiration even in the face of threats and intimidation.”

FG Approves Third Evacuation Flights For Stranded Nigerians in US Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja The federal government has approved the evacuation of the third batch of stranded Nigerians from the United States.

The Consulate General of Nigeria in New York revealed this in a statement yesterday.

The statement revealed that Ethiopian Airlines, Flight No. ET509 is scheduled to depart Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey on Friday, July 17, by 21:15hrs and arrive Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, by 13:25hrs on Saturday, July 18, 2020.

The Consulate General said that all prospective evacuees, duly registered with any of the three Nigerian Missions in the USA, should purchase their one-way tickets through www.ethiopianairlines.com at the cost of $1,250, 00

(N575,000) for Economy class and $2,800.00 (N1,288,000) for Business Class for adult/ child fare, including all taxes, with the usual percentage reduction for infants under 2yrs.

The Consulate General however advised all prospective evacuees who purchased tickets, to forward their name, phone number and contact address of their Next of Kin in Nigeria to cgnny@nigeriahouse.com for confirmation, which will be done on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

The statement said in accordance with the Nigerian Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Covid-19, all prospective evacuees must present an original Covid-19 negative test result (not older than 14 days) at the Airport of Departure and undergo a Temperature check 4hrs before departure.

The statement added: “Any intending evacuees without the stipulated test result, or a body temperature above 38 degrees centigrade, or any symptoms suggestive of Covid-19, would not be allowed to check in.

“While on board, all prospective evacuees are required to be in possession of a hand sanitizer for intermittent use throughout the journey and wear face masks. Furthermore, all returnees are enjoined to adhere strictly to all instructions of Port Health Services (PHS) officials and observe other entry screening protocols on arrival.”

Also, the Nigeria High Commission, London, has said that following the conclusion of arrangements for the 28th June, 2020 flight, it has commence arrangements with Air Peace Airlines for another flight to Abuja and Lagos on 13th July, 2020.

In a statement Friday said that in the light of the foregoing, Business Class ticket would cost $1,400 (N644,000), while Economy Class would cost $700 (N322,000), adding that Child fare is same as adult fare and infant u der 2yrs would cost 10% of adult fare.

It added all prospective evacuees who could not be on the flight scheduled for 28th June, 2020, now have the opportunity to make payment for their interested ticket class to provided accounts.

The statement stated: “Payment in Naira is also acceptable at the going market rate of N460/USD. If payment is made by proxy, full names of the passenger and the payee must be reflected and forwarded to the WhatsApp number and email addresses above.

“Prospective evacuees are to note that the issuance of tickets shall be on a first come first served basis.”

FACTS BEHIND THE FIGURE… L-R: Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria PLC, Mrs. Ore Famurewa; Managing Director, Mr. Ben Langat; Chairman, Board of Directors, Mr. Moyo Ajekigbe; and Non-Executive Director, Mr. Peter Eshikena at the 47th Annual General Meeting of the company held virtually online with shareholders in Lagos... yesterday

Presidency Pledges Support to Solution17 Climate Action Project Vanessa Obioha

At the virtual event that saw the finalists of Solution17 Climate Action in Covenant University pitch their ideas and enterprises to the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Sustainable Development Goals, the presidency pledged unwavering support to the initiative.

Representing Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, BalaYunusa while congratulating the finalists and the organisers for the initiative, pointed out that the youths play a critical role in the attainment of the SDGs in Nigeria. “The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development envisions a present and a future that is economically sustainable, socially inclusiveand environmentally resilient.And that is expressed through the framing of the 17 Sustainable Development

Goals, 169 targets and 230 key performance indicators. Within the context of Nigeria, with the number of youths that are quite resourceful and the innovative solutions that we’ve seen in the presentations by the finalists, you will agree with us, that the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be achieved without the active participation of youth. And in this context in the world, the design and implementation of sustainable, as well as innovative solutions that will help us advance the agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria.”

He added that the office was dedicated to supporting the design and implementation of policies and programmes in the Federal Ministry of Environment, that specifically address all the issues embedded in the three to five

specific targets of the climate action, and that involve the strengthening of adaptive capacities to address climate related hazards, as well as natural disasters in Nigeria, and by extension, involvement by countries.

“We support the implementation of all internationally agreed development goals, specifically the Paris Agreement. In all of this, the role of youths, their creativity, and in terms of the competitive advantage they bring to the 2030 agenda, cannot be overemphasised.

And so, we are here to support innovative and global solutions to attainment, in the desire to fast track the attainment of SDGs as we commence the decade of actions for the SDGs.” Orelope-Adefulire who later joined the webinar concluded that more support was needed

to attain the SDGs. “We will need more support, participation and collaboration, because this is a big community.

If we can have maximum support, we won’t be far from getting to our destination because young people need to know about the SDGs. The basic communities needs to know more about what they can contribute and how it can be embedded in the curriculum.

And if Covenant University can be the lead university to galvanise other universities in Nigeria, that will be fine. I’m sure they have the capacity and capability to do that.

So we would be looking forward to more collaborations.”

The 17 ideas and enterprises presented by the finalists who are mostly students of Covenant University and are aged 18-35, highlight the different environmental hazards

faced in the country. From waste management to building innovative games that would change the mindset of Nigerians, particularly children and youths on climate change, the students displayed dedication and excellence in achieving their targeted projects.

Also featured at the event were the founder of Creative Youth Community Development Initiative (CYCDI), Foluke Michael, who is championing the cause in collaboration with THISDAY Group and Covenant University. In an interactive session with Editor at Large, THISDAY Newspaper and Executive Director, THISDAY CONFERENCES, Ayo Arowolo, the role of the media in giving ample coverage to climate change was discussed.

Mr. Arowolo pointed out that the media will always be attracted to great stories that easily attract attention.

“This project is one that doesn’t need any persuasion. It is a seller, a knockout. These youths, what they have just done is just the beginning. If they can create this then there are other more outstanding students that we have not yet discovered, and that’s where the media comes in. We have to expose them, and that informs what we at THISDAY and ARISE TV have been doing to ensure that we take it from different angles. And I can assure you that behind the scenes we are getting encouraged from the international press. We will collaborate, use our media power to expose and promote such innovations.”

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾JUNE 27 , 2020

NEWS FG to Conduct Integrity Test on Kara Bridge Today, Tomorrow Bennett Oghifo The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has said it would conduct integrity test on Kara Bridge on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway today and tomorrow to determine the extent of damage, if any, following the recent fire incident caused by multiple accidents on the bridge.

The fire was caused by multiple collisions involving a petrol tanker, a gas truck and a cement transport truck at the Kara-end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday, June 21 at about 2:00a.m.

The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Engr. Olukayode Popoola, said in a statement yesterday that the test would take place between today, Saturday 27th June, 2020 and tomorrow, Sunday 28th June, 2020

COVID AMBASSADOR...

L-R: Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen; DG, NCAC, Otunba Segun Runsewe; and Coordinator, SOCOCOVID, Dr. Kenneth Ibe Kalu, at the signing of the National COVID-19 Support Register, a signature of Care and Hope, held in Abuja…recently

Marginal Operators, DPR Disagree over Mining Licences Davidson Iriekpen Nine oil firms have opposed an application by the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) seeking approval to sell or accept bids for eight Oil Mining Licences, (OMLs).

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke had on June 3 restrained the federal government from tampering with the OMLs pending determination of a suit challenging their status.

He granted an order of interim injunction against the Minister of State for Petroleum, his ministry and Auwalu Sarki following a May 20 ex parte application filed by nine oil firms.But the DPR,

through its counsel, Adetunji Oyeyipo ,SAN, brought an application seeking to set aside the injunction.

He contended that the plaintiffs served the injunctive order electronically, rather than the usual physical service, without first obtaining an order of court to do so. He then prayed the judge to, on this ground, among others, set aside the order.

But the plaintiffs through their counsel Tayo Oyetibo, SAN and Uche Nwokedi SAN, prayed the court to dismiss the government’s application.

They told Justice Aneke that there was evidence of service which was done electronically in

line with the COVID-19 practice direction of the Federal High Court 2020.

Oyetibo noted that the defendants had said that they stopped accepting physical service since the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the plaintiffs to invoke COVID-19 practice direction on electronic service.

He prayed the court to dismiss the application to set aside the order and set the substantive case for hearing.

Justice Aneke adjourned till July 10, for ruling and continuation hearing.

The firms and ‘their’ Marginal Oil Fields include: Independent

Energy Ltd - Ofa OML 30; Associated Oil and Gas Ltd/Dansaki Petroleum Unlimited - Tom Shot Bank OML 14; Bayelsa Oil Company Ltd - Atala MFOG-2C and Bicta Energy and Management System Ltd - Ogedeh OML 90 MFOG-2D. Others are: Del Sigma Petroleum Ltd - Ke OML 90 MFOG-2E; Goland Petroleum Ltd -Oriri OML 88 MFOG-2F; Sahara Energy Ltd/African Oil and Gas Ltd - Tsekelewu OML 40 MFOG-2G and Sogenal Ltd Akepo - OML 90 MFOG-2H. The federal government in April 2020 purportedly revoked 11 firms’ oil licences to operate marginal fields.

PDP Berates Buhari for Holding Party Function in Council Chambers Chuks Okocha in Abuja The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday condemned President Muhammadu Buhari for allegedly violating his oath of office by using the Federal Executive Council (FEC) Chambers and government resources to conduct the affairs of his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

They lampooned the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami for being part of the

use of public resources and property for party occasion and therefore had become ethically challenged to continue in office as the Chief Law Officer of the nation.

“Our party therefore demands that the Attorney General should immediately resign from office and surrender himself for prosecution,” PDP demanded.

According to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, “Our party describes this ac-

There’s Need to Demystify COVID-19, Says Borno Dep. Governor Michael Olugbode in Maiduguri Borno State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Kadafur has said there was need to demystify COVID-19 and de-stigmatise those affected by the pandemic in order to win the battle against the disease.

The Deputy Governor, while explaining the reason for the recent collaboration of the Borno State Government with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to launch a campaign tagged “COVID-19 Heroes Campaign” aimed at demystification of COVID-19 and putting a stop to the stigmatisation by the public of those affected by the pandemic, said those that suffered the disease should be celebrated rather than stigmatised by all.

Speaking yesterday on the programme, Kadafur said it was launched on May 29, 2019 in Borno to recognise and designate survivors of COVID-19 as heroes and heroines .

Kadafur, who is also the Chairman of the State Task Force on COVID-19 Response, said that the campaign aimed to demystify and de-stigmatise COVID-19 survivors by declaring them heroes and heroines of a disease that has claimed 25 lives as at the time of the launching of COVID-19 Heroes Campaign in Borno.

He said: “In Borno State, where insurgency has caused enormous internal displacements for many people, loss of jobs and lives for others, it is only heroes and heroines that can survive a combination of these life-threatening conditions coupled with COVID-19 infection. This is the reason why the government recognizes the COVID-19 survivors as heroes and heroines.”

Of the survivors, Kadafur said: “You have become the beacon of truth that COVID-19 is real. You have become the symbol of hope that COVID-19 can be survived even as the preventive vaccine is underway.

tion of Mr. President, in using public facilities and resources for APC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, as the height of corruption as well as a desecration of the sanctity of the seat of power and our national values.”

The PDP said that never in the history of Nigeria had governance been so devalued to the extent of using the hallowed chamber of the highest executive body in the country, where high-level executive decisions were taken,

for an illegal, wrongly constituted and Nicodemus meeting of a political party.

According to the main opposition party, “This shameful development is a further manifestation of the level of impunity, recklessness, disrespect for rules and disdain for our laws by the APC administration, whose latest action exposes a move towards instituting the art of running processes and programmes through illegality, illicitness, illegitimate and unlawful means driven by crude force and naked power.”

Nigeria Sliding into Danger under your Leadership, Agoro Tells Buhari Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan Former Presidential candidate of the National Action Council (NAC), Dr. Olapade Agoro, yesterday called on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign as the country is sliding into danger zone of anarchy under his administration.

Agoro while speaking with journalists at the Oyo State National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, stressed that the body language of President Buhari is posing threat to the national security and the national unity.

He said, “The awry, terrifying and ugly developing political situations all over the nationhood of Nigeria are clear signals of dangers ahead,” adding, “the saddening part of the whole issue will be found in the evidencing fact of leadership absence.”

We’re Improving Training, Certification of Seafarers, Says Jamoh Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, has assured of policies to improve the quality of training and certification and remuneration for the country’s seafarers.

Jamoh stated this in Lagos during a webinar hosted by NIMASA to mark the Day of the Seafarer.

The Director-General stated, “Policies are in the pipeline to improve the quality of training and certificates we give to the seafarers. We are taking steps to standardise the curriculum of our training institutions in line with international standards.

“We are also working on increasing the remuneration of our seafarers. These policies would be announced as soon as we complete work on them.”

He said seafarers were among the most courageous people in the world, stressing that the theme for this year’s Day of the Seafarer, ‘Seafarers are Key Workers’, is a “testament to the fact that the world cannot do without seafarers. Seafarers hold the key to humanity’s survival on a day-to-day basis.

“They hold the key to

our well-being in this time of COVID-19 period.”

Jamoh praised seafarers for sustaining the global supply chain, distributing urgently needed medical supplies with enormous risk to their lives and families.

“The seafarers are unsung heroes, they are also our invisible heroes. We see their handwork every day and everywhere in agricultural machinery, the food we eat, and the unbroken run of the manufacturing base, despite the global lockdown.”

The Director-General spoke on the challenges faced by seafarers amid the Coronavirus pandemic, including stringent work conditions in some countries, movement restrictions, lockdowns, crew change difficulties, fatigue and seasickness, and disruption of contracts.

But he said, “As a regular, we have taken steps to alleviate the suffering of the seafarers.

NIMASA was among the first government agencies to declare seafarers as being on essential duty, and we published this in a marine notice. We also issued COVID-19 guidelines to incoming ships towards ensuring that there is no importation of the virus by sea.

14,089 Nigerians Diagnosed of Cancer Every Year, Says FG Onyebuchi Ezigbo In Abuja

The former national chairman of NAC, who expressed displeasure on the recent attack on the personality of the wife of the president, Aisha as worrisome and disturbing, insisted that the First Lady deserved respect and honour from all Nigerians irrespective of their position.

According to him, “The only wife that was sworn-in with the president, Aisha Buhari was almost killed and nothing happens. Why will Mr. President equate his wife with a relation of his?

Buhari opens his eyes and allowed his wife to be rubbished. There was a gun shot at the Villa which tells us that somebody was after the life of Mr. President. It should be a thing of concern to us.

“After that subsided, bandits unleashed terror on the state of Mr. President to the extent that he cannot visit his home town. Buhari is not alive to his responsibilities. This is

on the Ibadan-bound carriageway.

“The test operations will necessitate the narrowing of the Ibadan bound carriageway to two lanes only,” said Popoola, adding “For avoidance of doubt, the integrity test on the Kara Bridge will not require the total closure of the bridge.”

He said the Federal Road Safety Corps and the other traffic control agencies would be on ground to ensure compliance to all traffic regulations.

He, however, urged the monitoring public to exercise caution at the diversion point and maintain the appropriate speed limit, and appealed to those who must use the road at this time to bear with the government as it takes proactive steps to avoid any disaster on the road.

Federal government has said that about 14,089 Nigerians were usually diagnosed of cancer yearly with 25 per cent fatality.

Also, available data showed that 33 out of every 100,000 persons in the country were down with cancer.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire revealed this in his address at the stakeholders’ forum on the elimination of cervical cancer in Nigeria yesterday.

According to Ehanire, cancer of the cervix was the second commonest cancer in women globally and it was the leading cause of cancer mortality in Nigeria.

“With a total population of about 200 million people, Nigeria has about 40 million women aged

15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer.

Available data indicates that the incidence of cervical cancer in Nigeria is about 33/100,000 and an estimated 14,089 are diagnosed every year, with eight out of every 10 of them presenting at an advance stage resulting in a mortality rate of about 25%,” he said.

The minister said that in order to reverse this trend, government had made efforts to increase national capacity for prevention, early detection, diagnosis and treatment of precancerous and cancerous lesions of the cervix in Nigeria.

He also said that the federal ministry of health is engaging several partners towards successful cancer prevention efforts in Nigeria.

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺͿ 2020

08054699539

Buhari’s Puzzling Power, Social Intervention Expenses

A

whopping N1.7 trillion! Yes, that is the amount of tax payers’ money injected into the power sector in the last five years as intervention fund by the Buhari government; yet, there is no corresponding improvement in electricity supply. This figure was unveiled during a recent public hearing on “the power sector recovery plan and impact of COVID-19 pandemic,� organised by the Senate Committee on Power. I thought, perhaps, there was a mistake somewhere and that the Executive would come out to debunk the statistic. But over two weeks after, this has not happened; meaning we can go with this figure.

The contribution of Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, during the inquiry was instructive. He said: “Government cannot afford to just spend money that you hardly understand why it is given... We want to be very critical on how funds are given to privatised enterprises. We expect that by now, our level of generation, transmission and distribution would have been far better.�

It’s so depressing that Nigeria still wallows in darkness. There is nothing for this government to defend on this N1.7 trillion expenditure on power, even if it makes public who got what, when, why and how. This spending is unjustifiable because there is no result, while huge funds flow to a sector already privatised. Did the businessmen who own 60% of these power firms put in this much money into them? Many feel there is fraud somewhere in this Nigerian power business. I also feel the same way. The details of this government’s power outlay will only come into the open when it completes its tenure in 2023. Surely, it will be more than this N1.7 trillion disclosed.

Let’s flip over to expenses on the provocative School Feeding Programme of the Buhari govern-

Sadia Umar-Farouq

ment. Our children have been fed with N196.6 billion since the inception of the programme in 2016, so says the federal government. Even with COVID-19 lockdown and schools shut, our blessed children are still being fed at home. These kids are indeed lucky; nine million of them in all.

Giving a breakdown of the expenditure recently, the Special Adviser to the President on the School Feeding Programme, Dr. Dotun Adebayo, said the total sum committed to the programme from 2016 to 2018 was N186.1 billion. He said N10.4 billion was released for the programme in 2020, “while the total spent in feeding our kids stood at N196.6 billion in five years.�

The House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts was not impressed with Dr.

Lagos Speaker Has to Go It was heart-warming seeing members of the Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CISNAC) protesting at the Lagos office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa. They eventually submitted a compelling petition on Tuesday, and demanded that the EFCC should dig into the corruption allegations against Obasa and his cronies.

The Coordinator of CISNAC, Shina Odugbemi, told the Head of the anti-graft agency in Lagos, Mohammed Rabo: “Our mission here this morning is to present you a letter about an issue in Lagos State. Everywhere is awash with the accusation that the Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly is squandering money. We pick issues and we ensure that we follow issues to logical conclusions. This is one of the steps. We have come here today to present to you our petition that contains a catalogue of allegations‌ What we are against is that in the Lagos State House of Assembly, there is a conspiracy to sweep these things under the carpet.â€?

I challenge other civil society groups to join the campaign to force Obasa out of office. The profligacy, mismanagement and corruption in the Lagos House are frightening. Here, we have lawmakers junketing abroad for all sorts of seminars, wasting huge resources on frivolous things; abuse of office, spending N61 million on its inauguration, hosting the Conference of Nigerian Speakers with N350 million, dipping hands into public purse and issuing N80 million to their wives for an absurd trip to Dubai, financial misappropriation, using pseudo companies to get inflated contracts and all sorts of garbage. This is happening in a state with so much poverty and Obasa is the man coordinating these misdemeanors.

This coldblooded Speaker often echoes that money is meant to be spent because he has N550 million to squander monthly. Obasa has to step aside to end these tomfooleries.

The opinion of Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Head of Transparency International in Nigeria on the “Lagos House of Corruption� is useful.

Obasa

He said: “It is saddening that N80 million would be spent on such an event (trip to Dubai for their wives) when the health and education

Adebayo’s presentation and resolved to summon the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele and the Director General of the National Bureau of Statistics, Yemi Kale, to appear and tender records of payments/details of the nine million children and 84,000 schools across the country benefiting from the school feeding programme.

The Chairman of the Committee, Wole Oke, frowned at the breach of the Public Procurement Act during the implementation of the programme and demanded for relevant authorisations from the Bureau of Public Procurement. He also demanded for budgetary approvals for the scheme from inception, as well as the lists of schools, locations, cooks and full details of expenditure.

The budget per child is N70. No wonder the kids I saw in Osun State “enjoying� the feeding were given portions incapable of satisfying birds.

Just N70 per child and the scheme has gulped N196.6 billion in five years. It is curious; our kids are evidently not getting any result. Nigerian lawmakers must probe deeper to fish out guys that have been feeding themselves with our children’s school feeding money.

Spending on the N-Power Scheme, another arm of FG’s Social Investment Programme, has also been puzzling. N-Power is a youth empowerment scheme that provides a platform for young Nigerians to acquire skills. There is also the N-Power Volunteer Corps, a post-tertiary engagement initiative for youths with two-year duration. Participants in the schemes are entitled to a monthly stipend. This scheme has gulped N421 billion from 2016 to 2020, so says the federal government; but complaints of unpaid stipends pour daily. Over 11,000 N-Power beneficiaries have not been paid since January 2020. The statistics of participants is also contentious.

That was why the House of Representatives’

sectors in the state are in shambles. An act could still be deemed as corrupt even if it is approved officially. If this is not corruption, what would you call this? “The truth is that there is something called official stealing, looting and diversion of funds and it is happening across Nigeria and what the Lagos Assembly has done is just to tell you what is going on in other states. It is also a reflection of what is happening at the federal level because states usually emulate the federal. Nigeria’s democracy has been hijacked by those stealing the funds meant for development. Imagine how many communities in Lagos would have clean water if that money was spent on development?

Imagine if the money was used in equipping a primary health centre? Why spend it on legislators’ wives?�

The Chairman of Coalition against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Debo Adeniran, adds: “For me, it is not really the N80 million that matters but the fact that the state is not supposed to spend a dime on the wives of lawmakers who are not even elected officials. These legislators are already receiving outrageous allowances which ought to cater for their families. They need to explain to us why it was important for the wives of lawmakers, women who were not elected, to be trained in Dubai.�

Federal Character and Ministry of Interior’s Agencies Today, I am focusing on the agencies under the Federal Ministry of Interior, as I continue my expose on the unending lack of respect for our federal character law by the Buhari government. All the agencies under the Ministry of Internal Affairs are headed by people from a section of the country. This has never happened in all our years as a country. Here we go: Comptroller General, Nigeria Correction Services, Jaafar Ahmed; Comptroller General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Moham-

med Babandede; Controller General, Federal Fire Service, Liman Ibrahim and Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp, Abdullahi Muhammadu.

These are the facts and figures.

At the Ministry of Interior, it is four out of four for just a section of the country. Buhari’s appointments are evidently skewed. We must all insist on respect for our federal character law in the interest of this beautiful country. The story continues next week.

Committee on Public Accounts queried the expenses on N-Power when its managers recently appeared before it. There were also discrepancies in the figures declared. When asked to give account of the amount expended so far, against what they have on paper that the agency had expended N474 billion on the scheme since its inception, N-Power’s Assistant Director (Administration), stated that N421 billion was what they actually expended so far. Okon pointed to a typographic error on the last page of his submission, resulting in the amended figure of N421 billion.

Worried by the inconsistency in the documents presented to the House of Representatives’ Committee on Public Accounts, its Chairman, Oluwole Oke argued that N-Power was out to “ambush the Parliament�. Oke declared: “Can we see your total for 2017 financial year? Can we see your total expenditure for 2018 financial year, vis-a-vis 2019 financial year and for the period of January to May 2020? Can we see your exposure from this your submission?� He also demanded for details of the salaries of the N-Power officials.

Well, the lawmakers are still waiting for answers.

Oke has since directed all the lawmakers to go to their various constituencies and verify the details of all the beneficiaries of N-Power listed, with a view to ensuring accountability.

Aside from the fact that expenditures on electricity, N-Power, and school feeding are ludicrous, many will agree with me that this country has not been getting the desired result.

I sincerely hope that those in charge of these spending will amend their ways and re-direct the funds towards productive ventures. We have had enough of this hogwash school feeding programme and unending expenses on privatised power companies.

Ndume

Ali Ndume is Making Sense The man who represents Borno South in the Senate, Ali Ndume speaks the truth no matter whose ox is gored. Ndume has been impactful in the last five years in the National Assembly.

A former Senate Leader, who is at present the Chairman, Senate Committee on Army, declared last Sunday that federal lawmakers and other highly placed public officers “are earning luxury wages� to the detriment of Nigerian masses and must amend their ways.

Ndume preaches that the high cost of running a presidential democracy is no longer realistic.

He said: “We have a budget of N10 trillion and only 30 per cent is going to the majority, whereas 70 per cent is spent on the minority.

The system we are practising now is not fair either morally or socially. In the current system, workers are not being paid living wages, whereas a privileged few are earning luxury wages. The National Assembly members, including me, for instance, are paid luxury wages. “How can we live comfortably when only a few of us are living a life of luxury while the majority is living in abject poverty? The N30,000 minimum wage is too small; it can make workers engage in corruption in order to survive.�

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž JUNE 27, 2020

SUPER SATURDAY Chris Ndukwe and Olamide Alli

Gruesome End of a Weird Relationship A man ties his lover in his room, butchers her and commits suicide afterwards. That was what happened at one of those posh estates in Lekki, Lagos last Sunday. What could have pushed the man to this extreme? Well, Nigerians are still waiting for the police to unravel the mystery.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu captures all the stories around the murder/suicide

Chris Ndukwe and Olamide Alli

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 27, 2020

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SUPER SATURDAY Gruesome End of a Weird Relationship

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f only the dead could speak, the real cause of the murder/ suicide that occurred in Lekki, Lagos, days back would have been a close call. But unfortunately, and eternally so, neither the alleged killer nor the victim are alive to give accounts of the real issues that led to the incident which happened on Sunday June 21, 2020. So, the police in Lagos are still struggling to unravel why 39-year-old Chris Ndukwe, committed suicide after killing his 25-year- old girlfriend, Olamide Alli.

Ndukwe and Alli were found dead at the former’s residence. The woman was found lying in a pool of blood, with deep cuts on her head, while the man’s mouth was frothing with whitish substance. It was alleged that the man stabbed the woman to death with a kitchen knife and thereafter drank some poisonous substances suspected to be insecticides. “Two blood-stained kitchen knives, two empty bottles of the poisonous substances, three empty cans of Red Bull energy drink and a plier were recovered from the scene,” the police reported.

Family members of the two deceased revealed that they were not married but had been in a relationship for over seven years, resulting in two boys, age seven and three. Their relationship was complicated, as the couple were on and off over the years. While the man lives at Victory Point Estate Ilasan, the woman lives at Ogba.

One account has it that Olamide visited his lover, with her sister, a night before the incident, on his invitation. Police said Olamide’s sister was the first to have noticed that they were both dead and raised alarm.

The police added: “In her statement, she (Olamide’s sister) said she was woken up by loud music from the room where the corpses were found, as she and the kids slept in a different room. It is not yet clear what might have triggered the murder.”

While the circumstance surrounding the misunderstanding that led to the man’s action is yet to be known, there have been unsubstantiated claims and reports flying in the media, especially on social media. A report credited to a friend of Chris has it that Chris and Olamide were scheduled to get married in August, amid paternity issue.

Both were said to have been dating late Olamide and her sons on and off for over 7 years. They have a seven-year-old son and then had a second son, three by the COVID-19 socio-economic destabilisation. Why her family is still reeling in shock for a beautiful and years ago. promising life cut short in a brutal manner, I think The friend of Chris, who spoke on condition of people should stop the lies about paternity issue being anonymity added: “There has been an issue that involved. Not only is there no justification for murder, has been coming up about the second child. Chris the rumour is a big fat lie and another source of planned to get married to her in August. He had told aggravated pain for her family. Yes, I know because I friends about it. This is the most confusing for everyhappen to know. one. He had called a comedian earlier to tell him he “You can take this to the bank; those fabricating was going to be the MC at the occasion. He had told and spreading this nonsense know neither the couple our older friends that are doctors that they would nor have information around their issues. It is just accompany him to go do the normal legal rites.’’ like the lies around the equally gruesome murder of The friend said Chris and Olamide were never 23-year old Uwa Omozuwa, the undergraduate of living together. He said Olamide often takes the boys the University of Benin, allegedly ‘killed because she to the house to see Chris. And that on Saturday, they was pregnant for a certain pastor who demanded an went for jogging and when they returned, she offered abortion’ etc. All of that have been debunked by the to give him dinner. “Later that night, she went to his Edo State Government following an autopsy. There are room to spend some time with him while her sister so many others being spread mostly on social media, was in the room with the boys, and that was when he then feasted upon and ‘analysed’ by idle minds. committed the murder-suicide,” added the friend.

“To set the records straight, the late Olamide didn’t However, another account emerged during the have a child outside her relationship. The so-called week. The source claimed to know Ms Olamide Alli Femi whose real name is Chris Ndukwe, a serial and her family. She further alleged that Chris, “who some reports called Femi,” was a serial killer who had killer that kills his lovers escaped from Port Harcourt where he tried to kill his ex who he threw down a attempted to kill his ex-girlfriend in Port Harcourt. two storey building some years back but fortunately According to the source who goes by the name the babe survived and has been relocated to Canada Adaeze, the late Olamide, a young entrepreneur and by her family. He happened to lie to Olamide when graduate of the University of Lagos, was the daughter she met him and fell in love in her second year, had a of the late iconic broadcaster, Olufunke Alli (ex-GM child for him then when she finished school a second Raypower FM), one of her six children, and her most one came. Her parents were like ‘you guys are in love striking look-alike. why not tie the knot’ and wedding was fixed for next “She is yet another statistic of the rampaging month. gender-based violence’s virus, especially worsened

“Olamide lives with her parents. The so called Femi asked her to come and visit with the kids. Olamide went with her nanny not her sister like the blogs reported. On Sunday, he sent his security man around 10pm to get him tape which the guy did. In the evening, he asked Olamide to come join him in the room. He was almost drowning a bottle of Hennessy.

He put on the music very loud and tied her to the chair and taped her mouth, used a plier to remove her braids one after the other, then he plucked her eyes, stabbed her 11 times before she died, he then drank two bottles of sniper and killed himself.

“The nanny came knocking on the door and no response. She went to call their neighbours who called the estate security. They came in and called with no response. They then called the mobile police in the estate to come. They broke the door and saw the horrible sight. Now, this so called Femi moved into that house three weeks ago as he was planning to settle down with her.

“So, this guy is mentally sick and this is not the first time he has attempted to kill his lover. He isn’t alive to testify, that’s quite unfortunate. This guy is a serial killer. We need to be alert now; the days are evil. A lot of danger lies ahead for so many; so many people are bipolar and mentally sick. Always investigate people before delving into a relationship.

Times have changed seriously now. Let’s all trade cautiously.”

For now, the Lagos police are still working to unravel the mystery of the Lekki murder/suicide.

Will they be able to untie it? Only time will tell.

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ͺͿ Ëœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

COMMENTARY

TIME TO END THE LOCKDOWN The Covid-19 induced lockdown is no longer sustainable, argues Soyombo Opeyemi

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overnments across the country should end COVID-19 lockdown today, not tomorrow. Owing to the sudden halt in commercial activities, which has exacerbated the economic downturn in Nigeria, private organisations are laying off their workers. Some companies are paying their staffs 50 per cent or 25 per cent of their salaries. Some ďŹ rms are not paying at all - they are not making money; they are no longer in business!

If private primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions are to remain closed, then governments across the federation must bail them out financially, as they do not depend on government subvention or grants in order to pay their workers. They generate their own income through the services they offer to the public.

For now, the only Nigerians whose jobs and emoluments are secure are public sector workers, who are not up to five per cent of the country’s population.

The present situation, occasioned by COVID-19 lockdown, can degenerate to a social anomie. Worst hit are the private educational institutions. They can only pay salaries from school fees. For months now, the children are not in school across the federation as a result of COVID-19 lockdown. In the absence of bailouts from the central and state governments, the private academies are in dire financial straits.

Any further delay in removing completely the lockdown may spell doom for the country.

At the moment, unemployment situation has skyrocketed. Prices of goods have shot up astronomically as a result of economic paralysis occasioned by the lockdown. An economy already on life support is now in the throes of complete annihilation as inter-state movements are still banned.

In my earlier piece, “Of Lockdowns and Social Inequalities�, I pointed out the injustice of using the resources that belonged to all to cater for a few: “There are 10 hungry and famished homes in a street as a result of the lockdown. Because of limited resources, you give to one home while nine other homes watch with dismay... You have one million vulnerable citizens but governments are only able to provide food palliatives to 20,000! But how do the remaining 980,000 citizens react to this intervention, when it is very clear that the resources that went to only 20,000 people belong to all? This situation rankles. It breeds indignation and social resentment. The present condition has led to the inescapable conclusion that Nigeria still appears to operate within Thomas Hobbes’ state of nature, the state of self-preservation, the survival of the fittest! Under this condition, law and justice are absent. Crimes are inevitable. The life of man is ‘solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short!’�

The article addressed the lot of the people in the informal sector, who constitute 80 per cent of the working population in Nigeria.

Economically, they’ve been rendered hors de combat by the lockdown across the country since their existence depends on daily wages.

While these 80 per cent of the working population still reel under the yoke of the intolerable conditions imposed by the lockdown, the continued lockdown has further threatened the livelihoods of a substantial number of the workers in the formal sector - who work for

AN ECONOMY ALREADY ON LIFE SUPPORT IS NOW IN THE THROES OF COMPLETE ANNIHILATION AS INTERSTATE MOVEMENTS ARE STILL BANNED

private organisations.

Currently, there is a dangerous surge in crime. States are battling with rise in teenage pregnancies, cases of rape with murder as a result of closure of schools. Idle hands work for the devil! As livelihoods of citizens are wiped off, the rate of suicide as a result of frustrations will increase. We appreciate the efforts of governments across the federation to protect Nigerians from the infectious disease. Now is the time to end the lockdown and restriction of movement of citizens across the country. We cannot kill a million in order to protect a 10. Currently, more Nigerians are dying from other diseases than COVID-19. We sympathize with those who lost their loved ones to the pandemic. Our hearts are with them.

In one state alone, the infant mortality in this year is higher than the number of citizens the nation has lost to COVID-19. In another state, the maternal mortality is higher than the total number of compatriots that have succumbed to the pandemic. Malaria still continues to exact more toll on the lives of compatriots than corona virus. Chances are more Nigerians have lost their lives as a result of fear of COVID-19 than the number that actually succumbed to the dreaded contagion.

There are lamentable tales of preventable deaths of citizens just because the health workers in the hospitals refused to attend to them for fear of COVID-19 infection. These people did not fall sick because of an attack of corona virus. Nigerians had been falling sick before the advent of COVID-19, how can we then conclude that all those that have health issues during the lockdown must have been infected with corona virus? The families of those Nigerians that lost their lives as a result of being neglected by health officials for fear of corona virus infection have not died nor tested positive to the disease months after their loved ones had been buried! We cannot continue to waste lives in this manner. Nonetheless, we have to admit that the fear of health providers equally has a foundation.

As experts have predicted, corona virus is not about to disappear even if we lock down Nigeria for the rest of the year. A degeneration of the social anomie is inevitable if the lockdown with the inter-state travel restrictions is not totally removed. It’s time to end the hysteria about corona virus.

With the high rate of disregard of Nigerians for safety regulations such as social distancing and use of face masks, especially in markets, bus stops and bank premises, millions of Nigerians should have succumbed to the deadly disease! Could it be that the survival instincts of Nigerians are underrated?

This is not to suggest the infectious disease is not as deadly as assumed. The efforts of governments across the country are appreciated.

But now is the time for the nation to move on with life. The lockdown is not sustainable. Normal life should return. Schools should reopen while managements should ensure compliance with social distancing and use of face masks. Worship centres should reopen with adherence to safety regulations. It’s time the lockdown is terminated in Nigeria.

Soyombo, media practitioner and public affairs commentator, wrote via densityshow@yahoo.com

EXCELLING THROUGH THE STORMS Dare Dairo writes that the Lagos State government could do more for persons with disabilities

“

When written in Chinese, the word crisis is composed of two characters - one represents danger, and the other represents opportunity.�That insight was contained in a speech by one of the greatest presidents in American history –John F. Kennedy. More than half a century of history and human advancements has not changed the truth in that statement.

This past one year has been one of the most turbulent in the history of democracy in Lagos State, more so for a party that contained internal tensions to face one of the worst cases of voters’ apathy in a keenly contested general election. But like a phoenix from the ashes, the man at the center of the storm has consistently proven himself worthy as leader of Africa’s 5th largest economy.

Sanwo-Olu’s emergence as governor of Lagos State is a strong vindication of two critical requirements of democratic leadership –pedigree and character. Like a Yoruba adage has it that when you are born well (pedigree); you should endeavor to “re-birth� yourself (character). It is not surprising that these two qualities have stood him out as he had unarguably contended with more crises in one year than most governors in a whole term in office. From an inheritance of dilapidated and deteriorating road network, further defaced by horrifying mounds of smelly refuse everywhere, traffic gridlocks holding the transport system by the jugular and a largely dispirited civil service, Sanwo-Olu had quite a full plate on a table set well before formidable “enemies�. His character showed up as he owned up to

the situation by renouncing the title of His Excellency, choosing to be referred to instead as Mr.Governor, until he is convinced to have earned the accolade. He remained articulate, firm and focused as he eschewed controversy with clarity of purpose and a single-minded focus on delivering good governance to Lagosians. And then the big one struck –the COVID-19 Pandemic. Again, as in moments of crisis of this magnitude, what really matters, more than anything else, is leadership. It is good enough that Lagos State has been steadily consolidating on transformational visions of Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his political dynasty. Hence, Sanwo-Olu was gifted with a structure that fields a pedigree of some of the best eggheads and technocrats in his administration –from a young, dynamic and perceptive Head of Service, to a celebrated Professor of Medicine as Minister of Health, among others no less qualified and decorated. Perhaps what proves the greater challenge to governance in the face of the global pandemic in Lagos State was not so much about our moribund healthcare infrastructure, but the underbellies of years of sustained inequality, poverty and a lack of social protection safety nets that would have provided a pathway for addressing the socio-economic dimensions of managing a public health crisis of a global dimension like COVID-19 presented.

The scary security situations that reared a monstrous head seemed to momentarily stun years of steady investment in the state’s security infrastructure. Then again, leadership came to bear as the situation was swiftly and

decisively brought under control and peace returned to Lagos State. However, Lagos State might be missing out on a unique opportunity embedded in the COVID-19 crisis. In tackling the serious socio-economic dimensions of what appears primarily as a health challenge, an inclusively robust system of policy and practice in governance has been identified as a critical prerequisite to bridging gaps in service delivery to all citizens, with particular attention to vulnerable groups like people living with disabilities, the elderly and children. This has been a dangerous blind spot in the current administration. On May 6, 2020, the UN Secretary General launched a report calling the world’s attention to the silent dangers of the COVID-19 pandemic as it intensifies inequalities experienced by the world’s one billion people with disabilities. In calling for a disability-inclusive recovery and response framework to the crisis, AntĂłnio Guterres called governments’ attention to the fact that even under normal circumstances; people with disabilities are less likely to access education, healthcare and income opportunities, or to participate in their communities. They are also more likely to live in poverty, and to suffer higher rates of violence, neglect and abuse. “The pandemic is intensifying these inequalities —and producing new threats,â€? he revealed. It’s no gainsaying that Sanwo-Olu’sadministration has been able to harness the opportunities in the dangers of a global pandemic to revamp the health sector through various infrastructural and human resource investments. The security apparatus has witnessed a significant

overhaul; even as normal governance and service delivery to Lagosians has not taken a back seat on account of Covid-19. The disappearing gridlocks and cleared refuse are sterling testimonies to this effect.

In all fairness, even people living with disabilities have not been totally ignored.

The various palliatives at mitigating the hardships of the lockdown have been systemically focused on people living with disabilities and the elderly. The lapses are understandable in light of pre-existing challenges of data gaps and absence of articulated policies and practice of inclusion.

Even some of the previous gains are being lost to the perceived silence of the governor to disability issues. What Lagos State needs urgently is an articulated response aimed at integrating disability and inclusion in the THEMES agenda with the sole aim of evolving an economy around disability in ways that will sustainably generate wealth, employment and bridge the inequality gaps recognized in the report by the UN Secretary General. Inclusion is not about charity, and persons with disability should not be seen as a liability to governance and government.

Sanwo-Olu has excelled through a turbulent year in office to make a mark for himself as a leader of mettle, character and purpose. He has even more to offer Lagosians as he has definitely not forgotten anybody included in his mandate –including people living with disabilities.

Dairo is Lagos State Chairman of the National Association of Persons with Physical Disabilities

13

ÍşÍżËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸ Ëž THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER

INSIGHT

Farewell...

Edo Shirt-Tearing Politics and 2023

T

he year 2023 is here. Those with a ready discerning heart will not join issues. Typical of the political class, the play has begun in earnest, even without the stage yet constructed. Predictably, Edo is taking the ďŹ rst bite.

The events in Edo are not accidental.

Just over a decade ago, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole waded through the judicial process, to retrieve the mandate that was purportedly handed him by the people. In a moment of triumphalism, the khaki-wearing comrade declared that as Governor, he would make sure he retired all political kingmakers in the state’s political landscape. Over a period of time, he said a lot of beautiful things about democracy and its tantalising prospects. Eight years down the road, he plucked a certain Godwin Obaseki from the private sector and railroaded him down the throat of the political actors in the state. In the course of his Obaseki must win ambition, Mr. Oshiomhole practically arm-twisted everyone around him and vandalised the ambition of his then deputy, Mr. Pius Odubu, whose face he bruised against the earth. Consumed with the plot to make Obaseki governor come what may, he explored every microphone opportunity to speak of how dangerous a man called Ize-Iyamu is, saying several unprintable things about him. The election came, went, and Obaseki eventually found himself in power. And in a rather bizarre metamorphosis, Mr. Oshiomhole became all that he once accused the likes of Tony Anenih of, except that, just like others before him, Mr. Oshiomhole displayed naivety, failing to come to terms with what Obaseki himself may in fact become.

So as an infant governor, not only did Obaseki abscond with the office that was gifted him, he took possession of the usual cash cows, causing pandemonium to break out. Since the snowballing hostilities, Oshiomhole and Obaseki, under the instruction of their political contractors, have been taking their turn in the proxy war towards 2023. At the time of penning this piece, Oshiomhole has been suspended, Obaseki has relocated to the PDP, while the polity shapes itself for the combustion ahead.

Biafra: 53 Years After

No one knows who the next Governorelect of Edo would be, however some outcomes are already determined. The election will be heavily militarised; actors in the two leading parties will practically empty the treasury to buy every available vote; and at the end, whoever emerges victorious in this election, is set to be a surrogate of some new set of kingmakers. The Edo shirt-tearing saga and the unfolding shenanigans, is a first step in a long-distance race, that is certain to alter Nigeria’s political future quite significantly. As tackles are traded, the people must ensure that the deliverables are debated. The votes that are often bought, are votes of those who have resigned to their state, because they conclude that their voices cannot be heard. You won’t sell your vote and you have a voice. So, use both on the road to 2023. Importantly, be alert not to be kicked out of the conversation room.

Olusola Adegbite, Lecturer in the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife

M

ay 30th, 1967 as a response to the pogrom being carried out against Igbo people in northern Nigeria and Gowon’s refusal to abide by the Aburi accord, Lt col Emeka Ojukwu declared the republic of Biafra. Yakubu Gowon ďŹ red the ďŹ rst shot and Nigeria was aame.

Some 53 years later, the spectre of that war is still hovering around, rebuffing all entreaties for pacification. I still see the relics of the ruins of that war. The vestigial remains of the embankment of my grandfather’s old house that caved in to the serial strafing of the federal troops still speaks and stands beside our country home at Nawfia to this day. Its silent eloquence as loud as ever!

My father did not tell me much about the war.

He is not to blame. He was a boy of about 12 years when the war broke out. But whether you were told or not, the war itself marked two major epochs in the annals of our history. One always heard before and after the war denoting two distinct eras.

People still bore bodily scars of that war. Each time I travelled from Enugu to Onitsha some years back, I saw war vets litter the landscape of Oji town. Each of them bearing the scar of loss of one limb or the other.

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

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

Though in one burst of energy, the Igbos made quick recovery but that recovery is not whole yet.

Many families are still on their ways up.

They are still climbing the rungs of the economic ladder, pausing at every point to ponder the reversals they suffered during the war which may have resulted in their present economic and social woes.

But we are not writing to curry sympathy with the hollow world but to celebrate the great sacrifices made by about two to three million Biafran lives.

Their monumental sacrifices like that of Martin Luther King Jnr, Malcolm X, Steve Biko, George Floyd and other martyrs speak volumes. The voices of their blood continue to cry out to God from the ground.

Tochukwu Onwuzuligbo, tocksmartins4eva@

Where is Mubarak Bala?

M

ubarak Bala, President of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was reportedly apprehended by police at his Kaduna residence in April 28, 2020. The arrest followed the petition by a group of lawyers to the Kano State Police Commissioner which demanded Bala’s prosecution for blasphemy.

The Kaduna State Police Command subsequently confirmed Bala’s arrest but his whereabouts remains unsubstantiated. There was unconfirmed report that Bala is currently in the custody of the Kano State Police Command. His torture at the solidarity confinement was also rumored.

Religious concepts are controversial. Whether Mubarak Bala is guilty of the allegation levelled against him would remain an endless public discourse until the court determines the subject matter. But the police are yet to arraign him.

Both Kano and Kaduna State governments have approved the reopening of markets, worship and football viewing centres. Yet it was reported that the courts have not been sitting due to Covid - 19 restrictions. The excuse accredited to the justification of Bala continuous detention is unconvincing. He should be released on administrative bail pending his arraignment if truly the courts are inoperative.

Mubarak Bala whereabouts remains uncertain. Dadiyata disappearance after the initial police arrest report still lingers. The current manner Nigeria Police Force operates has made kidnapping and arrest cumbersome to distinguish. Lastly, Nigeria remains a secular state, everyone is implored to practice their beliefs responsibly.

Binzak Azeez, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife

14

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ ͺ͸ͺ͸

NEWS

NATION MOURNS AJIMOBI‌ NATION MOURNS AJIMOBI‌ NATION MOURNS AJIMOBI‌

Omo-Agege, Ekweremadu, Mourn Deji Elumoye inAbuja

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege and his predecessor, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, have described the late former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi as a bridge builder and patriot.

In separate condolence messages, the duo eulogised the immediate past governor of Oyo State who was also a Senator during the Fifth National Assembly.

Omo-Agege noted that the late Ajimobi would be remembered for his patriotism and passionate commitment to delivering dividends of democracy to the people.

I Admired Him for not Being a Pretender, Says Fayose Victor Ogunje Ă“Ă˜ ĂŽĂ™ ÕÓÞÓ

While expressing shock and sadness over the unfortunate incident, the Deputy Senate President said the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain left at a time his experience as an astute administrator would be needed most. “As a senator in 2003 and governor of Oyo State between 2011 and 2019, his immense contributions to the development of the state and country will remain evergreen in our hearts,� he noted.

While extending his condolences to the government and people of the state and praying to the Almighty God to grant his soul eternal rest, Omo-Agege called on Nigerians to remember

his family in their prayers at these trying moments.

In his reaction, Ekweremadu, described the late Ajimobi, as a bridge builder The former Deputy Senate President eulogised the late former Senator as an accomplished public administrator, legislator per excellent, pan Nigerian, and bridge builder.

He expressed sadness over his demise describing it as a grave loss to the nation.

The Chairman of the Senate committee on Environment said: “I received with a deep sense of loss the passing on of my friend, brother, and colleague in the 5th Senate, Distinguished Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.

“As a grandson of the a former chief in the revered Ibadan royal court and scion of former member of the defunct Western Region House of Assembly, Ajimobi brought his rich political background to bear in his service to his people and the nation as a whole. “He no doubt excelled in political engineering and mobilisation and will forever be remembered as a jinx breaker, being the first to be reelected for a second term in office as Governor of Oyo State. “Even in death, he is not diminished. Although he lost the protracted battle for his life, it will always be said of him that he came, he saw, and he conquered.�

The former Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose, has said he would personally miss the late former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi for being frank and down to earth.

Fayose in a condolence message yesterday, said: “With the death of Senator Abiola Ajimobi, we have lost a complete gentleman, who lived a fulfilled life both in the business world and politics. “He was down to earth, never a pretender. Senator Ajimobi demonstrated leadership and loyalty to worthy causes and above all, he was patriotic

to the collective good of the country. “He was a leader who affected lives beyond party lines and he will be remembered for all his good works. He will be sorely missed by his admirers.�

Also, the All Progressives Congress,(APC) in Ekiti State had commiserated with the people of Oyo State on the death of immediate former governor.

The party, in a statement in Ado Ekiti by the director of publicity of the party, Elder Sam Oluwalana noted that the contributions of the late former governor of Oyo State was indelible and remarkable.

Nigeria has Lost a Progressive We’ve Lost a Focused Administrator, Oshiomhole Mourns, Recalls Last Politician, Says Ngige

Say Ahmed, Atunwa

Moments Together

Hammed Shittu inIlorin

Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has expressed shock over the demise of Senator Abiola Ajimobi whom he described as a rare politician.

He said it was with great shock he received the news of the passing of his dear friend and brother, adding that it was very hard for him to accept that a true friend and a loyal brother was gone. “I recall that our last moments together was at the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), just few weeks ago. He flew into Abuja that day for the meeting. “As usual, he brought his deep insights, candor and infectious humour to bear in his contributions as the National Vice Chairman to our discussion that day. You couldn’t fault his forensic logic, nor resist his disarming jokes. “He appeared robust and

Immediate past governor of Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has mourned the death of the immediate past governor of Oyo State, Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, who he described as a focused administrator.

Also, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state during the last general elections, Hon. Razak Atunwa has joined other Nigerians to commiserate with the people of Oyo State over the death of former Governor Ajimobi.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday by former Governor Ahmed, he condoled Senator Ajimobi’s family, the government and the people of Oyo State.

The statement which was signed by the former Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Dr. Femi Akorede said “Senator Isiaka Ajimobi, former Oyo State Governor’s death came as an immense shock to my family and me.

“He was a devoted family man, accomplished technocrat, and a wellloved politician whose deep affection for Oyo State was not in doubt. I remember him as a principled colleague, focused administrator and candid politician. “ For me, Oyo State will celebrate Senator Ajimobi’s impact as a lawmaker and Governor for a long time. “I offer sincere condolences to Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and the children, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, and the good people of Oyo State. May Allah forgive Senator Ajimobi, grant him Aljanah, and uphold the loving family he left behind.�

Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the PDP in the state during the last general elections, Hon. Atunwa has described the death of former Governor Ajimobi as a national loss.

In a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday said that the deceased was a humble personality of note

healthy. “Against this backdrop, nothing could therefore have prepared me to entertain the suspicion - much less, the thoughts - that that would be our last interaction. “A family man who treasured the company of his wife and children more than anything, he was in a hurry to return to his Ibadan home as soon as the meeting ended. “Alas, the news came few days later that he had taken ill. It will therefore not be incorrect to say that Senator Ajimobi met his death serving our great party, APC. “Indeed, my relationship with Senator Ajimobi transcended partisan politics. As fellow governors, we struck an uncommon rapport. We spoke often on anything - personal, politics and public interest. We drew even closer after we both served out our terms as governors of Oyo and Edo States,� he noted.

Dickson: Death Shocking, Great Loss Former Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Henry Seriake Dickson, has commiserated with Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde and the Ajimobi family over the death of the former governor.

The former governor who described Ajimobi’s death in a Lagos hospital on Thursday, as a shock said that he lived a life of service and commitment to humanity during his eventful

70-year mission on earth.

He said in a statement by his Media Advisor, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, yesterday, that Ajimobi would be remembered for his indelible contributions to national development.

He said Ajimobi was a key player in the nation’s oil sector where he served as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Oil and Chemical

Marketing Company, Senator of the Federal Republic, the first two-term Governor of Oyo State and Acting National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The former governor prayed for the eternal repose of the soul of the late Ajimobi who he described as a nationalist whose standards were clearly above ethnic and religious differences.

He described Ajimobi as an

elder brother and friend who related freely and whose family was indeed close to his.

Chief Dickson urged the wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, the family and the Government and people of Oyo State to be consoled by the legacies of the former governor and quality of life he lived.

He prayed to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the pains of this irreparable loss.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has said that the South-west and Nigerian politics will miss former Oyo State Governor, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi and his progressive style of politics.

Ngige, who described the late Ajimobi as a close ally, described his death as sad and shocking.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Emmanuel Nzomiwu, the minister recalled that in very tense occasions in political meetings, Ajimobi’s jokes and humour came handy, adding that he exhibited so much wittiness in his interaction with people.

Abiodun Mourns, Recalls Ex-Gov’s Political Exploits Kayode Fasua inAbeokuta The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, yesterday described as end of an era, the death of the former governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

Abiodun said the former governor died when his services were most needed and at a time his sagacity would have made a critical difference in statecraft and political engineering.

While saying the loss was not only a loss to his immediate family and Oyo State that he governed for two unprecedented terms, Governor Abiodun noted, “It marked the end of an era for Nigeria because of the circumstances of the present time.

We Lost Another Gem, Laments Aregbesola Yinka Kolawole inOsogbo

Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has described the death of former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as devastating in its impact on him personally.

Aregbesola said that the nation was going through a dark period, lamenting that in less than 45 days, a number of well-meaning political allies and intimate companions had suddenly died in a dramatic, but painful manners.

In a statement made available

to the media, the minister said the late Ajimobi was the only ally in the South-west, who stood steadfast to the cause of All Progressives Congress (APC) and stood by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying he was unflinching in his commitment to core Yoruba values and the defence of the party’s leadership.

The former governor of Osun State stated that Ajimobi’s loyalty cost him a lot electorally and personally, thereby losing to the opposition in the 2019 general elections but as a sign of maturity,

he bore all conspiracies against him with an uncommon valour, rare comportment and maturity.

Aregbesola noted that Ajimobi’s death was a loss to all nationalists, federalists, genuine democrats and the progressives.

He advised the late Ajimobi’s family and political associates to take solace in the enduring legacy of good governance, impactful administration and beautiful relationships he cultivated while on this side of the divide.

He said Ajimobi’s death was a necessity as human beings,

since death marks the end of all mortals, saying as distressing as the deceased’s passage was, ‘we are consoled by the fact that Egbon was exemplary in many ways.

From his character of accommodation, loyalty, generosity, resilience and love, to courage of conviction and full constitutional tenure of eight years as the governor of Oyo, he towered shoulder-high above most.’ The statement said in part: “This is a strange and sad time.

In less than 45 days, a number of our political allies and intimate

According to the labour minister, such politicians who spice up politics with humour were rare and uncommon to find in Nigeria.

Ngige said, “Ajimobi was a bundle of jokes and humour. In very tense occasions in political meetings, his jokes and humour came handy. His jokes were embedded in humour. It is rare to find such politicians who spice up politics with humour in Nigeria. His jokes and humour will be missed in the entire political landscape of Nigeria. The politics of South-west, especially Ibadan, the hotbed of the region’s political maneuverings will definitely take a new colour.

companions have departed from our sphere to “Iwale asa� as our people will say. Among the lost gems was my dear Egbon Isiaka Abiola Akanji Ajimobi, the immediate past governor of Oyo State. “His death has been very devastating in its impact on me.

Egbon was the only ally in the West to our cause and standing

by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He was steadfast and unflinching in his commitment to core Yoruba values and the defence of our leadership.

“Senator Ajimobi was a phenomenal public servant and business entrepreneur. He broke the second term jinx in the governance of his state and had served at the Senate as a principal officer and Deputy Minority Whip creditably before attaining that height. “He impacted on both the lawmaking and executive arms in a matter that history cannot forget, “Abiodun remarked.

He particularly recalled that at the twilight of Senator Ajimobi’s sojourn on earth, he had been touted as a possible Acting Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), because many believed in his ability to restore the party to its path of honour. “He had always creditably acquitted himself as a crisis manager and was a respected brands’ manager in the private sector. “Don’t forget that the late Ajimobi proved his mettle by getting to the peak of his career in the oil and gas sector. He was profound, diligent, resourceful and enthusiastic, and would be sorely missed. “Posterity will accord him his due recognition for his legacies of service and forthrightness. His unwavering support for causes he believed in was legendary and on a personal level, he was a confidant who threw his weight behind my bumpy journey to the office and in my previous efforts at seeking office as well as in business concerns,�

Abiodun reminisced.

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15

NEWS

Amnesty International Accuses SARS of 82 Extra-judicial Executions in 3 Years Kingsley Nwezeh Ă“Ă˜ ĂŒĂ&#x;ÔË Amnesty International (AI) yesterday accused Nigerian Police of conducting 82 extrajudicial killings in three years and failure to prosecute members of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) over its involvement in torture of crime suspects.

The group said that the SARS had continued to use torture and other forms of ill-treatment to execute, punish, and extract information from suspects.

The international human rights group said it conducted investigations and documented 82 cases of ill-treatment, torture and extra-judicial executions by SARS. The investigation spanned

January 2017 and May 2020.

In its latest report entitled 'Time to end Impunity' Amnesty International said the victims were predominantly males between 18 and 35 years from low-income background.

A statement issued by the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, said “the complete failure of Nigerian authorities to bring an end to the gross human rights violations perpetrated by the Special AntiRobbery Squad or to bring any SARS officer to justice is shocking and unacceptable.�

She said “Nigerians are outraged by the systemic human rights violations perpetrated by the SARS with impunity. "The systemic use of torture and other

ill-treatment by SARS officers for police investigations and the continued existence of torture chambers within the Nigerian Police Force points to an absolute disregard for international human rights laws and standards.�

Amnesty International’s investigation reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse of detainees in SARS custody despite the 2017 Anti-Torture Act. In many cases, AI bore witness to the scars, bruises, and dried blood on victims’ bodies. Many of them were subjected to beatings with sticks and machetes and denied medical care.

The findings of the report also showed that these horrific violations were carried out under the supervision of high-ranking

police officers.

It said the torture and ill treatment remained routine practice during SARS’ daily operations and at its detention centres.

It stated that in March 2017, 23-year-old Miracle was arrested and detained by SARS officers in

Neni, Anambra State, South-east Nigeria, accused of the theft of a laptop. He was tortured and given hardly any food during the 40 days he was in detention before he was charged and brought before a court.

"Their leader directed them to go and hang me. They took me to the back of the hall and tied me with ropes. Then they started using all manner of items to beat me, including machetes, sticks, inflicting me with all kinds of injuries.

Runsewe Signs COVID-19 Register, Decorated as Sococovid Ambassador Charles Ajunwa The Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture,OtunbaSegunRunsewe, hassignedtheNationalCOVID-19 Support Register, a signature of Care and Hope.

He was also decorated as SOCOCOVID Ambassador by the National Coordinator, Society Committee Against COVID-19, Dr. Kenneth Ibe Kalu, in Abuja.

Dr. Kalu in his speech said that the Society Committee Against COVID-19 (SOCOCOVID) had recognised the role, kind contribution and immense support that Otunba Segun Runsewe has played in propagating the efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, National Centre for Disease Control and the combined efforts of both Non-Governmental Organisations and the private sector during this period of Coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the whole world.

He said by signing the National COVID-19 Support Register and being decorated as SOCOCOVID

Ambassador, Runsewe was telling his own story of the role he played towards winning the war against Coronavirus and posterity will never forget him. “Our organisation is not ignorant of the informed programmes you have created to educate Nigerians on the various dangers COVID-19 poses to our existence which has formed a major rallying point of eradicating Coronavirus out of Nigeria,� Kalu said.

He added that Runsewe had demonstrated the love that could only prove that humanity exists to help each other, recalling that Sococovid was a non-governmental organisation that was pulling resources together to join in the critical response to flatten the curve of the spread of the deadly pandemic.

Gunmen Kidnap 9 Passengers, Demand N100m Ransom James Sowole Ă“Ă˜ Ă•Ă&#x;ĂœĂ?

Gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen yesterday abducted about nine passengers aboard a Toyota Sienna space car at Isua Akiko area of Ondo State.

BUILDING LOANS...

L-R: Loans & Credit OďŹƒcer, Tunji Ogunwola; Internal Control & Audit, Alfred Sewanu; Loans & Credit OďŹƒcer, Ezekiel Ogundiwin; Supervisor, Loans & Credit OďŹƒcer, Henry Onyemah; Loans & Credit OďŹƒcer, Theophillus Olawuwo; Head of Business & Credit, Emmanuel Ukpebor; Group, Human Resource & Shared Services; Tolu Oke; and Group Managing Director, Idris Ibrahim, during the celebration of the second anniversary of Assets MicroďŹ nance Bank Limited since going into full operations, in Lagos‌ recently

Restructure Now or Risk Nigeria’s Collapse, OBJ Tells Buhari Again Continued from Page 5 issue of commonality among Nigerians, no matter their tribe, language, religion, geographical location, gender, age or social position. “If we are all held hostage by criminality of Boko Haram, terrorists, herdsmen/farmers, bandits, kidnappers, militants, armed robbers, then we all have common ground to seek common solution by putting aside governance collapse, incompetence, failure, insincerity and insensitivity and chart a new stable, enduring and generally sustainable basis and platform for the Nigeria federation. “My personal conviction is that, with the experience we have had operating the current Constitution where we have seen some important aspects of the Constitution being breached willfully and wantonly, and with the centre seemingly being overwhelmed by the issue of security, with crying need from different quarters for reform of the basic structure of Nigeria’s federating units, there is need for the repositioning of our country for the purpose of unity, equity, competence, good governance, security, stability, healthy competition, justice, fast socio-economic development and making Nigeria undisputed

regional leader.� Obasanjo particularly pointed out to President Buhari that even in the latter's northern domain, there is growing disquiet over persistent insecurity. “The Northern Elders Forum, through its spokesperson, Akeem Baba Ahmed, had declared President Buhari a failure on account of persistent insecurity within the nation. “I leave out economy, which is in the doldrums, and fighting corruption where you see more heat than light and which is festering like a bad sore. “Leaders in politics, private sector, religion, traditional institutions and civil society have cried out against pervasive insecurity in our land. “Salihu Garba, in his open letter to Arewa governors and legislators, has a lot to say.

"But he begins with, 'Only insane people can sit and watch their people being killed, women and young girls raped, and sons abducted by some ragtag bandits, kidnappers or insurgent group, whose motivations have been built on demonic ideology, easy access to firearms and our collective failure in providing the desired communitybased shepherd leadership and a fit-for-purpose security system'.�

He said Garba cautioned the

North on excessive dependence on the Federal handouts and security agents, and that he raised a number of issues and made suggestions that are in the domain of devolution and restructuring with collaboration, cooperation and solidarity.

Obasanjo said: “No one in his or her right senses will go against most of the points Salihu raised in his letter to strengthen Nigerian unity and oneness and enhance performance through devolution and restructuring.�

Warning also that bleak future awaits the country, owing to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the former President counseled that six areas needed quick attention. “The first is food availability and security. The second is employment and job security. The third is change in the pattern and style of living, including travelling. “The fourth is innovation, science, technology, digitalisation and artificial intelligence. The fifth is local content, raw materials and substitutes. The sixth is diversification of the economy and enhancement of export commodities. “It is up to us to take these six areas very seriously. With good leadership and right policy and with the public and private sectors working together, and the civil

society joining hand, all the six areas can be taken care of and we can safely put the pandemic behind and move the country forward,� the former president said.

According to him, “For us in Nigeria, we have no alternative but to get it right, otherwise, the future will be worse than the present that is uncertain and bleak with economic downturn and pervasive insecurity.�

Speaking, the President of Abeokuta Club, Mr. Tokunbo Odebunmi remarked that the Coronavirus disease was a global concern and that grim figures were presented daily, stating that this demands the input of all stakeholders.

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Prof Adewale MusaOlomu, lamented that owing to the disruption in academic activities by the COVID-19 pandemic, no medical student would be graduating this year.

He said this did not augur well for a country in need of more medical personnel.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. (Mrs) Toye Coker; the Agura of Gbagura, Oba Saburee Bakre and Chief Sofela Sowemimo.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and addressed as CHIMEZIE IWUEKE NNEOMA JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as NNEOMA JOY BRUNO-CHIKWE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

It was gathered that the passengers were Lagos bound from Abuja before the gun wielding men accosted the vehicle in which they were travelling.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Info State Command, Mr. Tee-Leo Ikoro, however said one of the victims had been rescued.

A family member of one of the victim, Bamidele Ojo, confirmed that the kidnappers had demanded N100m ransom.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as JAMES LUCY OCHELE, now wish to be known and addressed as AGBAMA LUCY OCHELE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OBIWOLE BUSIRATU OMOLOLA AND OBIWOLE BUSIRATU ABIDEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS RIDWANULAH BUSORATU OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS AGUWA KELECHI GERALDINE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EBENUWA KELECHI GERALDINE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OMENOGOR LEONARD CHUKWUDI, now wish to be known and addressed as ODAGWE LEONARD CHUKWUDI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EDITH CHINEZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EDITH CHINEZIE OKEKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OSUAGWU FAVOUR CHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as CHUKWU FAVOUR EGO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OKONA MARY NNENNE, now wish to be known and addressed as OPARA MARY NNENNE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL PLEASANT, now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL NAOMI. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ 2020

16

MARKET PLACE with Omolabake Fasogbon... 08155131874

FoodCo Donates Items to Support COVID-19 Fight in Oyo FoodCo Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of FoodCo Nigeria Limited, has supported COVID-19 fight in Oyo State by donating Personal Protective Equipment.

Commenting on the gesture, a member of FoodCo Foundation board, Ade SunBasorun, stated that the donation was in line with the company’s resolve to continually support government, frontline workers and other vulnerable groups in the fight against COVID-19 disease.

Sun-Basorun commended the health workers at the frontline, particularly for the patience and hardwork they have exhibited in a trying period. He expressed optimism that the country will defeat the challenges introduced by the pandemic and also sought for active intervention of stakeholders in tackling the scourge.

He said: “We are appreciative of the efforts that government institutions at both the Federal, State and Local Government levels are putting in to combat COVID 19 challenge. We are confident that the efforts, complemented with private sector intervention, will lead us on the path to emerging stronger and better from present circumstances. “We also appreciate the sacrifice and tenacity of front-line workers who have had to endure not only the disruptions to their lives but continue to put themselves as well as their families at risk. We salute their courage and thank them for the commendable commitment that they have shown till date.�

Speaking further, he said. “As a business, we have had to adapt several of our practices to ensure the safety of our staff and customers.

In addition to adhering to health and

safety guidelines mandated by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) such as enforcing social distancing within all FoodCo facilities, restricting customer traffic, monitoring temperature levels of visitors, instituting a No Mask, No Entry policy, and maintaining an hourly deep cleaning procedure across our

outlets, we also recently launched an online supermarket and complementary delivery service as alternative shopping channels for people who would rather stay home.�

The Items donated were: face hoods, PPE guards, N45 respirators as well as a UV sterilizing chamber.

L-R: Assistant Head of Sales, Amber drinks Ltd, Mr. Korede Omole General manager of the Company, Ms. Lola Adedeji with Head of Sales, Mrs. Temitope Adetiba during the launch of Amber Energy Drinks at a trade parley in Lagos... yesterday

FG Targets Mining Sector to Boost Economy The Federal Government has disclosed plans to improve the mining sector in order to attract more investment.

The Minister of Mines and Steel, Arch.

Olamilekan Adegbite made this known during a Webinar organised by Nigerian Global Business Forum in collaboration with the Nigerian British Business Forum.

The Webinar themed: “Invest Nigeria: Opportunities, Guidelines and Incentives�, explored different options of protecting the economy during and post COVID-19.

According to Adegbite, the federal government is putting resources together to revive the mining sector, which, he said had been neglected by previous administrations.

He noted that the present government aimed to increase the sector’s contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product by at least three per cent.

He disclosed that the government was in talks with United Kingdom and other advanced

countries to harness investment opportunities in the sector. “Nigeria is endowed with 44 mineral resources, including: “Coal, iron ore, gold, bitumen and lime stone, amongst others which if well-managed, will bring rapid development to the country. “The mining sector boasts of opportunities that would bring multiple jobs and increase government revenues through earnings. We are seriously targeting the sector to contribute as much as 5.6% to the national GDP.�

Also a participant at the Webinar, Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Olusegun Awolowo, wants Nigeria to simplify access to its visa so as to facilitate trade service.

He said, “NEPC has devised the Nigeria Diaspora export programme (NDEX) to increase non-oil exports. NDEX has three components which include: Nigeria heritage city, Nigeria cuisine beyond border and Diaspora export of non-oil products.

“Several Nigeria processional services are patterned after the U.K. This means that there are similarities for the two countries to engage in mutual recognition agreement for certain professional service.

The Chief Executive Officer/Executive Secretary of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Ms Yewande Sadiku, reiterated the objectives of the commission to promote Nigeria as one of the top five investment destination.

She added that NIPC is pulling all stops to promoting information on investment opportunities and capital source.

The moderator of the session and publisher of FIN Magazine, Mrs Yinka Fayomi, thanked the federal government for making business environment attractive to investors by providing opportunities and incentives.

She, however, added that government could do better to attract profitable investment into the country.

Five Cowries Supports 1800 Children with Learning Kits As a way of filling the gap in the education system, occasioned by ravaging COVID-19, Five Cowries Initiative, FCI, has developed a ‘Home Learning Kits’ for children in order to keep them continuously engaged during this period.

FCI stated that it would be distributing worksheets to children across the country.

It informed that the worksheets require no electricity or data and are part of a fuller alternative education plan, keen on exploring the use of arts in nurturing creativity in education.

Founder of FCI, Polly Alakija, clarified further that the worksheets would be used in conjunction with other supporting activities. This included a weekly thirty-minute radio show incorporating lessons, storytelling, current affairs, and call-ins led teachers.

Alakija revealed that not less than 1800 children in Kaduna and Ogun State have received “My Story of Water� worksheets so far.

She said that the 1,800 children who receive initial worksheets would continue to receive subsequent worksheets–in line with the learning schedule, every two weeks over four months.

She added that the initiative is presently developing creative programmes with Lagos State Ministry of Education to extend gesture to Lagos based children. “With the distribution of 1500 worksheets set to commence across SOS villages this week, Five Cowries Initiative aims to replicate its current successes nationwide. “To achieve this, we are working closely with technical and implementing partners including Teach For Nigeria and SOS Children in developing educational contents.

NGIJ Dissolves Committee, Sets to Reposition Group The Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists (NGIJ), has dissolved members of its executive committee in a bid to reposition the group.

The committee, which served in acting capacity for over a year, was dissolved during a virtual congress attended by over 40 members nationwide.

The congress was chaired by Mr Israel Bolaji who nominated a 5-member electoral committee to conduct guild’s fresh elections to fill positions as provided for in its newly amended constitution.

Members of the electoral committee are: Abiodun Abdulkareem of Focus TV, Rowland Olonishuwa of Herald Newspaper and Nkem Ifeoma. Other members are: Tope Sunday and Solanke Taiwo.

The congress mandated the committee to work out modalities to ensure smooth conduct of guild’s election within a month.

NGIJ is a registered association of journalists in Nigeria with special interest in Investigative Journalism.

Amber Energy Drink Arrives Amidst Fanfare Mouka Supports COVID-19 Fight in Oyo

Amidst pomp and pageantry, Amber Drinks Ltd., recently injected a new lease of life into the age-old in-store retail marketing tradition in Nigeria with the introduction of its unique energy drink product into the competitive Nigerian energy drinks market.

The introduction of the product, Amber energy drink, a premium brand on the company’s stable, hall-marked by glitz, glamour and panache at most of the high-brow shopping malls, chain-stores and top of the league super markets in the Lagos State metropolis and suburbs, excited target consumers. Amber energy drink is enhanced with potent herbal blend of Guara, Amino acids and Vitamins.

Guarana is natural Caffeine used in beverages. It was said to have been added to Amber to ensure that along-side all the vitamins and nutrients packed in the can, consumer stays alert, energized and healthy.

The new energy drink is formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for

those who lead active and exhausting life styles, top of which is sports, entertainment and games.

Speaking on the launch of Amber into the market, General Manager of Amber Drinks Ltd, Ms. Lola Adedeji said her company introduced the new product with a view to offering Nigerian consumers an additional quality option in their energy drinks list and scale of preference.

Specifically, the Amber Drinks boss said “the new product has been formulated with the best energy-giving ingredients and unrivalled quality consideration in line with global best standards of products formulation for discerning Nigerian energy drinks consumers�.

She said, “We are introducing Amber energy drink into the Nigerian energy drinks segment with the best of intentions to give Nigerians another quality option in their energy drinks choice listâ€? â€œĂ mber is scientifically formulated to provide an incredible energy boost for those who lead active and exhausting lifestyles

ranging from sports to entertainment� she said “Amber is a non-discriminatory unisex energy drink, the first of its kind� she added. Ms. Adedeji disclosed that Amber energy drink “provides a healthy way to stay active and energized all through the day�, pointing out that consumers would surely enjoy the nourishing and fulfilling taste of the slim, sleek and admirable trendy look of the brand in attractive package and affordable price.

Earlier in her interaction with the sales team, Head of sales of Amber Drinks Ltd Mrs. Temitope Adetiba stated that the company has put all measures in place to ensure that the new product is available in every nooks and crannies of Nigeria, with Lagos state and the Sub-urbs as a starting point.

The drink, she further hinted is unique in packaging, innovative, healthy and nourishing for optimal energy release to keep consumers going for hours without end.

Indigenous mattresses and bedding brand, Mouka, has donated items to Oyo State Government to support COVID-19 fight in the state.

Items donated included:100 Klinic hospital mattresses and 30 cartons of its insect repellents.

The items were delivered through the firm’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dimeji Osingunwa at the Oyo State’s Secretariat recently.

Speaking on the gesture, Osingunwa reiterated that the firm is committed to the well being of Nigerians especially at this period of national crisis.

He said, “the Klinic hospital mattress is specifically designed for medical use with a waterproof cover to protect mattress from contamination and a firm foam core to keep

patients comfortable. “Mouka has in the past remained committed to worthy initiatives. This prompted the recent donation of 700 mattresses to both Lagos and Ogun States for the improvement of their COVID-19 isolation centres.

This is part of firm’s contribution to the containment of the coronavirus pandemic.�

Commenting on the donation, Commissioner for Finance, Oyo State, Akinola Ojo, thanked the company on the gesture.

He said that the donation would help to boost the facilities at the isolation centres.

He added that the state government is taking giant stride at ensuring quick recovery of COVID-19 infected persons.

SATURDAY JUNE 27, 2020 • T H I S D AY

17

18

˜ ˞ JUNE 27, 2020

MEDIAGAFFES

EXPRESSION

BY

This Time Round or Around?

T

HE NATION ON SUNDAY of June 21 goofed: “Between the 60s to 80s‌.â€? Either between the 60s and 80s or from the 60s to 80s‌.

This format cannot be changed. It is one of the copious fixed/stock expressions in Standard English. “CPC to clampdown on illegal microfinance banks� (Daily Trust, March 30) Phrasal verb: clamp down (two words)—Noun: clampdown “This time around� (THE NATION, March 30) Not my own opinion: this time round (British English, while the extract is American version). “An acknowledged scholar, a distinguished statesman and a team leader per excellence� (THISDAY, March 25) Get it right: leader par excellence. “New trends in electioneering campaigns for 2023� (THISDAY, May 31) Politics Today: just electioneering or political campaigns. ‘Electioneering campaign’ is sheer verbosity! ‘Electioneering’ encompasses ‘campaign’ and other related electoral issues. “INEC asks SSS to crackdown on violent politicians� (Daily Independent, March 25) Noun: crackdown; phrasal verb: crack down (which applies here).

Still on Daily Trust of March 30: “Some countries have taken tobacco manufacturers to court for the damages their products cause.â€? The will to die: ‘damage‘is uncountable, except in reparative applications for indemnity. “With the launching (launch) of the poverty alleviation (a hyphen) programme by the Federal Government, not a few Nigerians desire to see it effectively in place. “ (THE GUARDIAN, March 30) â€œâ€Śwhat happened was that somebody filed a writ of summon.â€? (Daily Independent, March 24) This way (singular): a writ of summons; plural: (writs of) summonses.

“It is the Federal Board that is always guilty of that, because it is them who take riff-raffs as welfare officers.â€? (Nigerian Tribune, March 30) ‘Riff-raff’, just like ‘stuff’, is uncountable. “Modern technology has reduced the world into (to) a hamlet where the inhabitants are their brothers’ keepers.â€? This way: brother’s keeper (fixed/stock expression), irrespective of the number of people involved. “The coincidence in the timing of all those sleazy gossips in soft-sell magazines and the beginning of his fashion parade‌.â€? ‘Gossip’, in this context, is uncountable. Unlike this: There are too many gossips (wrongly and widely known as ‘gossipers’) in workplaces. “More overaged players for youth soccer‌. “ (Nigerian Tribune, March 27) Get it right: overage players. “Residents of some of the troubled spots in Northern Nigeria in disarrayâ€? (Daily Champion, March 26) Witness to lexical mayhem: trouble spots â€œâ€Śrummaging all the bags and ransacking every nook and corner.â€? (Source: as above) Stock expression: nook and cranny.

Vanguard of March 29 disseminated seven improprieties: “The police requires (require) a redeemer who can uplift the Force from the battering it (they) suffered during the long years of militarization.� “I inquired from those that appear to know and they said that the president is (was) roaming the world in the name of getting investors.� “There is (are) no electricity, no security, no water, no roads, and no health facilities in Nigeria.� “Foreign companies will be falling over themselves (one another) to come and invest here if we get the 2023 elections right.� “...given the lame-duck posture of the opposition parties, the APC simply held sway

from the onset (outset) of the current democratic dispensation.â€? “Reactions on (to) the Pope’s visit, however successful, were mixed in Egypt, a country inhabited by a predominantly Muslim population.â€? “Prior to the Pope’s visit, Egyptian Catholics have (had) opted out of the‌.â€? “The first part was published last week Friday.â€?

(THE GUARDIAN, March 30): either last Friday or Friday, last week. “Vigilante (Vigilance) groups, committed to the enforcement of the by-law, are being set up.�

(Source: as above) “Some of these areas include producing enough food to feed our teaming (teeming) population.� “Rather, the money, including the N200 million per state released for special purposes, was diverted to other uses.� We certainly do not need the last three words in the extract, having been taken care of by ‘diversion’. Do you subscribe to commonsense?

The next three blunders are from DAILY TRUST of March 30: “Unless the detonating mechanism of extremist religious chauvinism is diffused.� Get it right: defused (not diffused). “They have decided to sheath their machetes and seek vengeance no more. “ Noun: sheath; verb: sheathe.

THISDAY of March 30 requires reformation of four lines: “The sources of revenue in a city like Lagos is very important.â€? Still on errors of attraction (more below): sources‌ are. â€œâ€Śbusiness downturn resulting to (in) drive-wandering.â€? â€œâ€Śthe rapaciousness of project contractors increase (increases) the country’s debt burden.â€? “Senior civil servants’ union berate junior counterpartsâ€? Inside business: union berates.

THE GUARDIAN of March 30 questioned

How Many Deaths Will Make Us Act?

A

Yoruba truism says: life’s passage is littered with goodness and evil - you can’t live a life of splendour and tranquility all the days of your life without some splatters of sorrows and disappointment, now and again. It is the nature of humanity that clearly highlights our frailty in spite of confident and boisterous externalities.

We said all that to say this: were it not for the scourge and scare of the Coronavirus disease, our nation would never fully appreciate how successive so-called leaders have toyed and trifled with the two most pivotal elements of our development, and the index of a meaningful lifestyle - which is public health care and qualitative education.

Today, the prayers of the poor and marginalised are ironically being answered, though in a manner that takes no prisoners, nor provides a refuge for any one. The ranks of the oppressed are somewhat thankful that the spoilt class and over-indulgent elites are being force-fed with a giant pie of justified comeuppance - that is their inability to run out of the country to avoid contracting COVID-19, or high-tailing to sophisticated medical facilities in some remote parts of the world to receive expensive treatment.

Of course, we are aware that if the disease and its attendant complexities were restricted to the African continent, and thus life and circumstance were normal overseas, no lockdown fiat, no curfew blanket, no flight ban nor whatever restrictions would have stopped our “stinkingly� rich compatriots from breaking laws, compromising enforcers and sabotaging whatsoever policy any clay-footed government could have erected...simply to ferry themselves and their families, friends, and even concubines, to safety.

The novel catastrophe is the simple fact that COVID-19 is a pandemic with fangs in the arteries of all nations and extraordinary strains on their healthcare and other medical infrastructures.

No country is spared. It is so terrifying that there are not enough bed spaces for their own citizens...not enough test kits to go round their own suspects, and have therefore decided to shut their borders, to prevent “excess baggage� from “poor� countries from choking their meagre breathing space. No way... they are in dare need of oxygen to breathe easier, and are making plans for some kind of vaccines or attitudinal reshuffling to arrest and control the indiscriminate spread of the pandemic.

Back home, we have witnessed rising daily number of positive cases...with Lagos in clear lead (almost half of national percentage), and the FCT, Kano, Oyo, Rivers swapping the top five positions. This frightening statistics have been oscillating between the north of 400 and 700 daily positive cases since the relaxation of the lockdown, a decision largely informed by government’s realistic acceptance of its abysmal inability to provide any sustainable safety net for its millions of youth, artisans and the informal workforce.

Unlike the hairbrained panacea of the US president to deal with the surging infectious rate in the American society (over 2.3m cases as I write) by radically reducing the volume of testing, and consequently eliminating the frightening soaring figures... if Nigeria were to jack up the number, means and locations of testing, the daily figure would be even more astonishing than we currently have. Surely, this will be more evident in states where their governors have been playing�ludo� with cautionary and preemptive measures in combating the pandemic.

Lately, and sadly, the nation has been fed, almost daily, on a menu of Nigerians dying of complications associated with COVID-19. Many are well known, some even well-regarded.

Governors, legislators, legal luminaries, a totem of eduction (Nigeria’s first professor of medicine), religious leaders, media operatives, celebrities, socialites, and all facets of humanity, have either died from, or contracted the yet incurable disease in the past few weeks.

Our people, because of the lousy and irresponsible attitudes and utterances of our political and civil leaders, have built some veneer of solemn indignation and carefree-ness in their minds.

Many Nigerians don’t wear nose masks, most don’t observe social distancing; some of those who bother to strap face masks clasp them under their chins, or use them as face caps! Our roads are now clogged with cars, and the throng of commuters... traffic logjams are back in our cities; hustle and bustle at bus stops have resumed with the usual frenzy and tugging to squeezing I to available space, without regard to government’s instructions on spacing and capacity. Yet, some states have announced plans to open more public spaces for measured or full scale human transactions to scale up the economy to near normal. This is in a country where the Coronavirus has not given any hint of abating...in fact, the only clear and dangerous sign we see around us is that community transmission is in full bloom...and our healthcare and front-liners are panting and gasping for air...hoping their leaders will “borrow brains� somewhere and make the tough decisions that will prevent needless deaths, and avoidable infections.

As we can’t stop iterating: if all that we can get from this Coronavirus is the sense of urgency; the political, fiscal and emotional will to methodically reform and massively upgrade our entire healthcare system...and appreciate the need to take education as the twin-element that must be revamped, re-invested and adapted for greater access and contemporary relevance in the post-Covid-19 era.

Let us not wait for more Nigerians to die - big or small, rich or poor, male or female. Let us lead and follow with a huge dose of responsibility, commitment and wisdom.

God bless Nigeria...in spite of her leaders!

So, What Happens After Masari’s Confession About two weeks ago, the governor of Katsina State, Aminu

EBERE WABARA

ewabara@yahoo.com, 08055001948

linguistic rules twice: “It’s the poet feared most, knowing fully (full) well that one of the‌.â€? “The agitated crowd, who had been whipped to hysteria, demanded for his head.‌â€? To avoid mayhem, delete ‘for’ from the extract. â€?‌and which provides a noble and humanistic framework for relations between the state and citizens in (on) our continent.â€? “But in the welter of these realignment of forces‌.â€? Re-thinking development: this realignment of forces.

VANGUARD of March 30 circulated three goofs: “The fear along the room and corridor (corridors) of power of a sovereign national conference.‌â€? “It is not in doubt that most of the commuters in the luxurious (luxury) buses that ply in the night.‌â€? â€œâ€ŚAba traders constitute a large proportion of the passengers on commercial aircrafts (aircraft) that fly....â€? “Major reorganization of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which may lead to mass retirement and sack of its men and officers, now looms.â€? Get it right: a major reorganization or major reorganizations, as context demands. “One of the most outrageous abuses occured.‌â€? Spelling in the lurch: occur, occurrence, occurred. “I do not buy the argument that the advent of electronic mails and network computers have rendered postal services absolute.â€? Not yet time for structural proximity: the advent of electronic mails and network computers has (not have). “In doing this, however, he must be faithful to the mandate of the ECOWAS Heads of Government under whose platform he operates.â€?

Agenda: on (not under) whose platform he operates.

COUNTERPOINT

FEMI

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

Masari, made an unstartling confession. Casting shame and arrogance aside, he admitted publicly that he has failed in protecting the people of Katsina from bandits who, for several months, have held the state by the jugular: killing, abducting, raping, maiming; burning houses and rustling cattle.

In a reaction to the spate of violent banditry (about 70 people were killed in separate attacks within the previous two weeks), Masari explained to a corps of reporters the reason he had not gone to commiserate with the bereaved: “I don’t know what to tell them. I cannot look at them in the face because we have failed to protect them, contrary to our pledge to ensure the security of lives and property throughout the state...�

You will recall this column, along with others, had warned northern governors cavorting with brigands, and pushing some amnesty arrangements with criminals; thus opening their flanks for these miscreants to feed their limitless greed and psychopathic tendencies. Well, the falcons no longer listen to the fowler, and Masari thought a confession is enough restitution for this blatant dereliction of duty...for this criminal incompetence and negligence. The people of Katsina roused in anger less than 24 hours after Masari’s confession, not only to underline his confirmed incompetence, but to extend their ire towards the presidency for standing aloof, watching the devastation of lives and property in Katsina, interestingly the home state of the president, and the entire North. The big protest must have shaken some feathers between Katsina and Abuja, leading to the arrest of the alleged leader of the protesters, Nastura Sharif. It is gladdening that commonsense prevailed, and he was released about 48 hours later.

That was good...but not enough. If the governor could publicly admit failing abysmally in his principal duty of protection and welfare of his people, it follows logically, that he should thereafter excuse himself from complicating an already terrible matter...he should not stay a day longer on the governor’s seat. Let him seek complete restitution, after his confession, by resigning, and allowing his deputy to “try his luck�. That should be the commonsensical thing to do...after the courageous act of confessing, shouldn’t it?

The well-worn constitutional excuse that security, being on the exclusive list, is the sole responsibility of the federal government would not suffice. Some forward-thinking states have been known to make creative and complimentary security arrangements that have plugged enforcement holes, and heightened intelligence gathering.

19

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 27, 2020

POLITY

COVID-19: An Urgent Call for a Different Approach in Nigeria Uko Ndukwe Nkole

T

he Global Coronavirus pandemic blindsided the whole world with the nature of its arrival and spread. The fact that the most advanced civilisations were not able to prevent its spread to their countries nor manage its effects bears testimony to just how unpredictable a scourge this is.

Till date, all efforts geared towards the virus have at best been crisis management and in worst instances, flailing without direction.

Nigeria, being a member of the global committee of nations, was also caught in the milieu of the effects of the pandemic.

Inevitably, we registered our index COVID-19 case on the 27th of February, 2020, when an Italian national tested positive to the virus in Lagos after arrival from abroad aboard an international flight.

From February 27 till date (June 22, 2020), Nigeria has recorded a total of 20,244 cases of the Coronavirus, discharged 6,879 and lost 518 souls to the virus. A grim statistic by every ramification. It is also important to note that by June 18, 2020, Nigeria had tested 115,760 citizens placing our prevalence percentage at 17.5% of the population. Considering the population of Nigeria, this is a scary concept.

Another factor worthy of note is the high recovery rate and low death rate of the virus prevalence in Nigeria. Our numbers, though still grim, are still fair compared to what is happening in some Western countries where they are dying in the thousands everyday from Coronavirus.

At the onset of the virus, the Federal Government of Nigeria stepped in to manage the situation. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) took centre stage as the agency responsible for management of diseases in Nigeria. In addition, the Federal Ministry of Health also stepped in to direct proceedings while the President set up a Presidential Task Force chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, to provide highest-level coordination on the management of the pandemic.

State Governments, with Lagos State playing a critical role as the epicenter, have also taken different steps to manage the pandemic.

The coordinating agencies and Task Force have since been providing guidelines on responses to the pandemic.

The NCDC prioritised testing of contacts of infected persons and isolation of all positive persons. While there is yet no known certified cure for COVID-19, a combination of drugs has since been used on positive patients and we have recorded a high

recovery and discharge rate in the country.

However, there has been an avoidable downside to the management of the pandemic. A lot of attention and publicity is given to the positive cases and isolation efforts but little is being done to humanise the recovery process. I posit that we have not taken full advantage of our high recovery rate from COVID-19.

What the concentration on contraction messaging over recovery messaging has done is that a lot of fear and myth has been built around the disease and inevitably, a stigma has been attached to it. The over-dramatisation of the isolation and quarantine process has scared people away from accepting when they have the disease and submitting to early testing and treatment.

A video is currently going viral where a young man is being bundled into a bus ostensibly by officials of the NCDC enroute an isolation facility in Ebonyi State. Reports abound of NCDC officials storming, Gestapo-style, the abode of those who test positive to whisk them to isolation centres. In Gombe State, those in isolation centres have been reported to take to the streets to protest their ‘detention’ under inhuman conditions.

It is my humble posit that the time has come for a different approach to the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria. We have established and we are all in agreement that the virus exists and is among us. We have taken steps to create awareness about preventive measures and ways to protect ourselves from catching it. Due to our astronomical infection rate, the time has come for more emphasis to be laid on recovering from COVID-19 rather than how not to catch it.

We have to accept the fact that the more people we test for COVID-19, the more positive results are going to come in. It is therefore surprising that after over 100 days of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria, we are yet to have a test-centre in at least all the states of the federation.

I am proposing a situation where we have a test centre in every Federal Constituency in Nigeria at the very minimum so that test results can return faster to enable treatment and other necessary protocols to be commenced. We currently have a situation where it takes weeks and in some instances, months for Coronavirus test samples to return with a result after being transported to other states for analysis. This is both procedurally problematic and logistically unsafe.

We are also aware of the news making the rounds about a new strain of malaria which a lot of people are suffering from causing them to lose sense of taste and smell but without the other symptoms of COVID-19. Every indication points to the fact that these ailments are symptomatic of COVID-19 but because we

are not testing people enough and we are not confirming results fast enough, people walk around with diverse ailments without proper diagnosis and treatment.

Added to all of this like I mentioned above, is the stigmatisation of the COVID-19 situation. This is baffling and makes no sense. Health workers are treating all patients who present at hospitals as COVID-19 suspects and keeping them at arm’s length. There is also a palpable excitement and rush to label patients who present at hospitals as COVID-19 patients. Deaths within this period have attracted instant and undiagnosed labeling as COVID-19 deaths. This is shameful and unacceptable.

Before COVID-19, people were falling sick and dying. Why then is every ailment and death suddenly COVID-19 related? A young asthmatic patient was refused treatment at all hospitals she was rushed to when she came down with an asthma attack at night because it was assumed she had COVID-19. She died before help could be found. Occurrences like this abound nationwide.

I am therefore imploring the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, CACOVID, etc to begin to concentrate effort on disease management and recovery rather than the overemphasis on prevention and education.

We need to ramp up our testing capacity. We need to deemphasise the isolation centre method of case-management which leads to stigmatisation and ostracisation and begin to make public, the drugs that are currently being used to treat positive people so that people can access them on their own.

There may as yet be no certified cure for COVID-19 but those taken to isolation centres are given drugs to take for 14 days after which a series of tests are run until they are certified negative. We do not need to flood our isolation centres with people. Let people be aware of these drugs that are used at the isolation centres so that they can purchase them and manage the outcomes.

We need to activate all the PHC /Private health facilities in the 774 LGAs in Nigeria by urgently training and providing medical personnel to all the centres for the purpose of handling and treating ALL ill health cases as COVID-19 case while further evaluation can follow in a secondary facility on case basis.

–––Nkole, a Town Planner, is the Member Representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives Read full article online - www.thisdaylive.com

PHOTO NEWS

L-R: Head of Personal Care, PZ Cussons, Charity-Ilevbare-Adeniji; and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, at the presentation of products by PZ Cussons Foundation to Lagos State Government in support of the fight against the spread of COVID-19 in Lagos... recently SUNDAYADIGUN

L-R: Past President, Rotary Club of Lagos, Kehinde Ayo-Kasumu; outgoing President, Abiodun Osiyemi; incoming President for the 2020-2021 Rotary Year, Rtn Dare Adeyeri holding the Club’s charter certificate and Past President, Ehi Braimah, during the Club’s handover ceremony in Lagos...recently

L-R: Divisional Chief Executive Officer, Interswitch Financial Inclusion Services Limited (IFIS), Titilola Shogaolu; Commissioner for Transport, Lagos State, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde; and Director, Legal, Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Yejide Kolawole ,during Interswitch Group’s donation of Personal Protection Equipments (PPEs) and Rapid Diagnostic Test Kits (RDTs), as part of its COVID-19 intervention efforts to the Lagos State Government held at the Ministry of Transport, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos...recently SUNDAY ADIGUN

L-R: CEO, Mediatek, Dotun Solanke; Marketing Director,Xiaomi Nigeria, Habeeb Somoye; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimat Salako-Oyedele; SSA to Ogun State governor on Trade and Investments, Ms.Sola Arobieke; Senior Secretary Xiaomi Nigeria, Gaya Samir; and Group Accountant,Xiaomi Nigeria, Abdulquadri Umar, at the donation of first-batch of tens of thousands of surgical masks from Xiaomi Nigeria to Ogun State Government in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic ...recently

20

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˞ ͺͿ 2020

AUTO Stallion Group Launches Africar Multi-brand Auto Sales Portal

Range Rover Evoque

Land Rover Turns Fantasy into Reality with ClearSight Technology Stories by Bennett Oghifo

I

magine being able to see through the bonnet of your vehicle as you drive so that any obstructions, such as rocks when driving off-road or kerb in challenging urban situations, are made easy to see and you can manoeuvre around them. World first ClearSight Ground View – the realisation of Land Rover’s transparent bonnet concept previewed on the Discovery Vision concept six years ago, makes this fantasy a reality.

Available now on the new Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, ClearSight Ground View displays a camera view of the front underside of the vehicle onto the large central Touchscreen – in normal circumstances this area would be invisible to the driver, but Ground View allows drivers to virtually ‘see through’ the bonnet.

Cameras in the front grille and on the door mirrors project a feed onto the central touchscreen to show what is ahead of and underneath the front of the vehicle with a virtual 180-degree view.

Helping the driver maintain visibility when negotiating extreme terrains as well

as high city-centre kerbs, this is yet another technological evolution that makes the new Discovery Sport and Evoque ideal for traversing the urban jungle, the actual jungle and everything in between.

ClearSight Ground View is offered in conjunction with the optional 360° Surround Camera and makes driving the Discovery Sport or Evoque on or off-road even more satisfying.

The system uses four digital cameras around the vehicle to provide a bird’s eye view of the exterior, almost as if a drone was hovering a few metres above. It also has the capacity to display multiple views of the exterior at the same time to help get in and out of tight parking spaces and make negotiating tricky situations much easier.

ClearSight interior rear view Land Rover’s ClearSight technology also extends to the interior rear view mirror in new Discovery Sports and Evoques. The new smart rear-view mirror transforms into an HD video screen at the touch of a button.

Featuring an additional camera placed in the antenna roof pod at the rear of the vehicle,

a video feed is displayed on an embedded digital display in the mirror, providing a much wider 50-degree and therefore improved field of view.

Designed with a protective lip to prevent mud and water soiling the lens, there is also a hydrophobic coating that repels water spray.

In the unlikely occurrence that the camera is ever obscured, drivers can change back to a traditional rear view mirror at the flick of a switch under the mirror unit.

By displaying a rear-facing camera feed onto the mirror, the driver’s view remains unrestricted by passengers or large items in the back, while also delivering clearer visibility in low light conditions.

The ClearSight interior rear view mirror is included as standard equipment on HSE variants of both vehicles and on the First Edition version of the Evoque, and is available as an option on all other models.

These latest visibility-enhancing features ensure the new Land Rover Discovery Sport, Range Rover Evoque and soon-tobe-introduced New Defender meet the digital demands of the entire family, delivering greater convenience, confidence and safety.

Stallion Group Nigeria has launched an online portal, known as Stallion Africar, to help meet customer-expectation during the COVID era.

Astatement by the group said StallionAfricar would also provide the customers tools to take an informed decision on the choice of car in their budget and link them with a virtual relationship manager to guide them through the chat functionality.

The portal, the statement said, offers an opportunity to do cross-selling and upselling and it reduces their dependence on driving or walking in traffic to the point of sale.

The simple design of Stallion Africar enables the consumer to take a decision on buying a new car and servicing their existing car.

It is expected to add the feature of buying a pre-owned car, where the consumer can get their old car evaluated and uploaded to get the best deal and exchange it for a new one.

The portal navigates through each of the top selling auto brands of Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Porsche and Changan. “Each brand’s highlight model is displayed on the home page with the portal navigating to a detailed page containing specification, price and the consumer’s ability to book a test drive for their favorite car just at the push of a button. “The car is brought in to your home or work place keeping the safety and hygiene measures in mind for the test drive to conform with social distancing guidelines to the maximum. The portal allows you an access to compare features, aesthetics and price across major brands and models to arrive at what’s best for you and your family,� according to the statement.

The relationship does not end at buying the ideal car, as Stallion Africar has a servicing tool that is designed to provide information on each brand’s service centers, indicating locations across Nigeria with details pertaining to the right contact personnel for each of the locations along with their emails and phone numbers for those who desire to book service appointment and get the best quality of care for their car. “The service personnel are trained on sanitization and handling of the car affirming to the safety from COVID 19 guidelines.

At grounds daily practical workshops and training are being conducted to adhere to stringent guidelines for health and safety of the customer. “Stallion Group marks this launch as its journey to the e-commerce bubble that is emerging with the current economical shift.

It is an encouragement to the Nigerian community to experience acquiring their dream car in this new era and see the amalgamation of the digital age with the physical joy of buying,� the statement said.

Coscharis Reopens Auto Sales, Service Facilities, Prioritises Customer Safety

T

he respected auto dealer, Coscharis Motors Plc, a subsidiary of Coscharis Group is set to reopen its auto sales outlets and service workshops in accordance with the government’s recent directive.

A statement by the group said the opening cuts across her Quicklane services, major service centres and auto care business in Lagos and Abuja.

According to the Coscharis Group Managing Director, Josiah Samuel, “Coscharis Motors is set to commence operations but with the health and safety of its staff and customers as priority.

Hence, we have delayed our reopening in order to open under strict conditions with a number of precautionary measures in place to sanitise and safeguard staff and customers�.

These health and safety measures are now in place across all our business outlets with strict compliance to the directives of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Federal Government’s recommendations on working hours. We are prepared to mitigate the risk of spreading contagious illnesses during service and sales transactions by reducing physical contacts to the barest minimum while ensuring social distancing where it is inevitable.�

Samuel said, “The steps we are taking represent the highest standards possible and are in line with Government regulations to keep our staff and customers safe during the approved business hours.�

Vehicle hand overs and collections for services will be managed with specifically allocated time

slots and staggered booking times to ensure social distancing. For all direct customer interaction areas such as the premise entrance, reception desks and parts and service counters, sanitizers have been provided with a social distancing notice of at least, 2 meters away.

Cash will not be permitted for any transaction, and touchpads on card machines (POS) will be disinfected after every use.

Strict protocols will see all staff and visitors undergo mandatory temperature checks upon entry to our premises. Furniture will be strategically arranged to maintain set distancing rules at the service and payments areas.

Inside the dealership, customers are directed to the washing bay where all the vehicle touch points are disinfected and the key handed over to the service advisor, after it has been disinfected. Vehicles leaving the dealership after services, repairs or purchases will be put through an intensive cleaning process using specially-approved products for various surfaces. All tools and service-based machinery will also be regularly disinfected.

All Coscharis staff will wear face masks at all times, and uniforms will be washed daily. As per government guidelines our work facilities will be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected daily with heavy traffic areas such as bathrooms, refreshment areas and service desks getting increased attention.

While Coscharis equally assures customers that showrooms are as safe as possible, it is also possible to receive e-brochures on available new Ford, BMW, Jaguar Land Rover or Renault via

2020 BMW X6

the www.coscharisgroup.net from the comfort of their homes.

Anyone who needs to visit our dealership for any reason, whether for scheduled services, maintenance, vehicle parts sales and quick fix at our Quicklane centres is urged to please phone

ahead for bookings.

Coscharis Motors is one of the subsidiaries of the Coscharis Group representing exclusively iconic auto brands like Rolls-Royce, BMW, Jaguar LandRover, Ford and Renault for both Sales and Aftersales offerings in Nigeria.

21

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ ͺͿ˜ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Joke Silva Kicks in ‘Sin City’ Mr Eazy Thrills with Four-track EP pg. 23

D’banj Rattled as Seyitan Spills the Beans pg. 25

22

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Joke Silva Kicks in ‘Sin City’ Veteran actress, Joke Silva, is the star attraction in the movie, Sin City, which follows a story based on the effects of narcotics abuse among young people.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

I

conic actress, Joke Silva, is as good and famous as the many movie roles she plays in Nollywood.

Joke gives her best when it comes to character interpretation; and that overtime has won her huge followers. It is therefore not surprising that budding actress and filmmaker, Oyinlola Lazizi (Oyin Laz) plays the legendary actress in a lead role in the upcoming movie named Sin City. The movie tells the effect of substance abuse on young people.

However, in the first teaser recently released, Joke Silva takes up the role of a character in a wheelchair with shocking demands that one can only imagine.

She wants a six foot male neurophysiologist, broad shouldered, six pack with comforting lower body structure! But that sounds ridiculous to her daughter (played by Oyin Laz) who had thought of getting her a female chiropractor. “Mother that last guy is one of the best chiropractors in town.

He is a certified neurophysiologist. Okay ma, I’m going to call the agency. I will tell them to send us a female chiropractor then.�

Set in Lagos, Nigeria, Sin City follows the story of a drug supplier who is pushed by his mother to take over his father ’s drug business. The supplier is however married to a law enforcement agent who is saddled with the responsibility of keeping the state clean from narcotic users. She is therefore put in a tight spot to choose between protecting family and being professional. Directed

by Muyiwa Ademola, the movie also features Segun Arinze, Tope Tedela, Toyin Abraham, Lateef Adedimeji, Sanni Danja, Lizzy Jay, Taiwo Adeyemi, among others.

In an interview, the producer, and writer Oyinlola Lazizi says she holds advocacy movies dear to her heart. “Each time I look around, all I see are troubled minds and it reflects on our day to day activities and interactions with one another.�

The celebrity counselor, who played the role of Fareda, a detective in the movie, said everything about shooting the movie was quite challenging, and then the pandemic showed up. “I was frightened and disturbed; I was scared because I thought about everything we have put into it, but also what could happen if I didn’t break the production. “Eventually, I stopped the production after the 18th day when COVID-19 cases started increasing. I wouldn’t risk people’s lives for that. We resumed production after lockdown, but we still couldn’t fly to Kano for the completion of it, we are presently working to improvise, and Sin City will be done with.�

The producer noted that young people are dying of narcotics and psychotropic substances every

Joke Silva, Tope Tedela, Oyin Laz and Taiwo Adeyemi on set of Sin City

day. Hence, the major thing is to trace the etymology of how the substances get across to the youths (usually through traffickers), the impact of it and what the government should do or can do

to help.

Having played the role of a detective, who is after a strong opioid cartel leader, Oyinlola says although it is totally different from the roles she is used to,

“the fact that I am trying to pass a message gives me the strength to better interpret my role.�

The movie is expected to hit the cinemas in the last quarter of this year.

23

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Mr Eazy Thrills with Four-track EP Ferdinand Ekechukwu

M

r Eazi’s new EP ‘One Day You Will Understand’ was released exactly 17 days ago.

On this project, the ‘Skin Tight’ crooner in 10 minutes, plays into his pop instincts, pairing colourful production with his trademark writing style, to suit the beat, slowly infectious melodies and guest vocals from Ghanaian artiste, King Promise and Nigerian wonder kid, C Natty on different tracks. Both talents are discoveries from his emPawa Africa mentorship programme.

The new body of work comes shortly after he dropped the first track “I No Go Give Up On You� in the run-up to the release of the EP. The gifted Nigerian singer, born Oluwatosin Ajibade, took to his social media page on June 10, 2020 to announce the release of the project to his numerous fans. “Just dropped Something Light, hope it gives you some Light,� he wrote.

The 4-track EP features other songs such as â€œĂ’gĂłgĂłro No Sweet Pass Pami,â€? ‘Baby This Your Body Na Gòbe Fine Fine Sweet Ă’kpĂŠke,’ and ‘Baby, I’m Jealous’, a mid-tempo love song, where the artiste sings sweetly to his lover about his unwavering feelings for her.

The EP is speculated to be one of the two EP’s up his sleeves this year. His first project since his 2018 acclaimed “Life is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos To London� album. Released through Mr Eazi’s company emPawa Africa, the EP is seen as a good way for the artiste, already well known internationally, to put the spotlight on the emPawa Africa collective, his music distribution company specialising in emerging African artistes. It’s not surprising that these days, Mr Eazi doubles as a music mogul and musician, a dual persona, which contrary to public opinion, is a symbiotic relationship between the not so far off responsibilities since he became a platform for African underdogs through his emPawa initiative.

In 2018, the ‘Banku music’ exponent founded emPawa Africa, an initiative geared towards uplifting emerging artistes by sponsoring their videos and music projects. The EP, produced in close collaboration with numerous producers such as Blaq Jerzee, Nonso Amadi, Legendury Beatz and Guiltybeatz, is streaming on all platforms.

The “One Day You Will Understand� EP may be brief but each track is a testament to Mr Eazi’s mastery.

The short and sweet project is perceived as an amazing experience for Mr Eazi’s now refined Afropop flavour that has afforded him a wealth of opportunities including a seat at the table of Africa’s biggest pop stars which was marked last month by Billboard (American entertainment media brand).

Billboard announced Mr Eazi as one of the top 5 most streamed Nigerian musician in 2020.

The singer, songwriter was on the cover of an issue of Billboard Africa Now magazine dedicated to the African continent and its place in the music industry at the moment, alongside Davido, Tiwa Savage. With several awards and recognitions to his name, Eazi has continued to blaze the trail in the Nigerian music industry with strings of beautiful projects. In less than five years since garnering widespread popularity between Nigeria and Ghana, Mr Eazi has established himself as one of the forerunners of African pop music, not just in the drive for further global recognition, but also playing a major role in fostering a proper network on a pan-African level.

Since the beginning of last year, Mr Eazi has performed at Coachella, snagged multiple cross-Atlantic features with J Balvin, Four of Diamonds and more, The incubator programme/record label and distribution services arm he founded, emPawa Africa, has been integral in spreading the reach of many new artistes across the continent. With all of these successes and obligations, the artiste has remained consistent with his own solo releases.

Mr Eazy

24

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Big Leaguers’ Next Big Talent The Chief Operating Officer of Big Leaguers Entertainment, Usman Kayode is on a mission to find the next big artiste in Nigeria, writes Ferdinand Ekechukwu

C

oronavirus may have upended many activities in the entertainment industry both locally and globally, but it has however not halted the mission of Big Leaguers, an entertainment company based in Spain to groom artistes in Nigeria. Recently, the Chief Operating Officer of the label, Usman Kayode unveiled its plans to search for the next big talent in Nigeria. It includes organising a nationwide audition for young talents to showcase their skills. “We are in the business of discovering and promoting young talents who will unleash their artistic skills in the ever expanding entertainment sector. This is the central mission of Big Leaguers: to create an inclusive platform for artistic talent,� said Kayode in a recent interview.

The audition is scheduled for July 11 at Yaba area of Lagos. Kayode disclosed that they aim to sign at least three artistes to the company’s record label. Interested participants are advised to bring their A-game to the audition. “We want talents who know their onions very well and are passionate about music. There are a lot of undiscovered talents in Nigeria. We

hope to make their dreams come true.� The graduate of Human Anatomy from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, explained that they decided to carry out a talent scout because that way, they can be assured of getting the best. “So many times, people recommend artistes to us but at the end of the day, we find out that they don’t really meet our expectations.

We thought it best to meet the artistes personally, give them an opportunity to sell their skills, and if we are convinced, we will sign them to the label.�

Addressing some of the issues that are prevalent in the music industry, such as the lack of trust between artistes and their record labels, Kayode said that such issues will continue to abound as long as both parties are not sincere. “The artiste and the record labels need to put their cards on the table so they can have a mutual understanding.

It’s true that most record labels have ripped off their artistes. This is why it’s important for artistes to read the contact thoroughly before putting their signature on the piece of paper. In Big Leaguers, we are very transparent. We see no need in dealing unfairly with our artistes because they are part of the reason we are in business. So, no hankypanky.�

Kayode

Prince OJ Music World Set to Release Visuals of ‘ConďŹ rmation’

P

rince OJ Music World has rolled out plans to drop the video to smash hit, Confirmation

by Ayobishii, its latest signee.

The visual was shot by multipleaward winning Cinematographer Matt Max. According to OJ Music, “the picture quality is top notch and we would be looking forward to getting positive reviews and comments as its set to drop in the next few days. This is just the beginning as POMW promises to raise the bar with numerous top notch projects in the pipeline�.

Home to music sensation Ayobishii, the brain behind the viral masterpiece ‘Confirmation’, the entertainment company is a 360 solutions arena, with business focus areas ranging from record labels,

talent management, to consultancy.

The company is led by a team of experienced executives in media, music and events production, with loads of successful projects to its credit.

The management future mentions plans of championing high-tech movie and comedy contents that would flatten the curve and showcase the black race in its beauty and cultural richness.

POMW has in recent times been keeping social media users engaged with their Confirmation video giveaway with loads of winners emerging daily on their social media platforms on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

The giveaway is a way of showing appreciation to the fans for making Confirmation by Ayobishii a huge success and also promotes the new video.

Ayobishii

25

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ 2020

SHOWBIZFLAIR

D’banj

Seyitan

D’banj Rattled as Seyitan Spills the Beans Seyitan Babatayo, the lady who accused D’banj (Oladapo Oyebanjo) of rape, released a formal statement on Tuesday, detailing how she was “violated and raped� by the musician after he allegedly gained access into her hotel room on December 30, 2018. Ferdinand Ekechukwu reports

W

hen Seyitan Babatayo on June 3, 2020 made public, via her tweeter handle, that pop superstar D’banj raped her in 2018, she only asked for an apology through her lawyers afterwards. She wasn’t expecting she could be sued for defamation of character; neither did she expect to be arrested by the police who she claimed intimidated her.

The singer came under fire from many Nigerians, including celebrities, over the arrest and bullying of the accuser. Following an outpouring of support and outrage from Nigeria’s civil society groups and social media users, Seytan regained her freedom.

On Tuesday, Seyitan released a formal statement claiming four police officers, pretending to be delivery men, arrested her in her home without a warrant on June 16. She was then taken to the IGP IRT office in Harold Shodipo, Ikeja where she was detained alongside criminals and her phone seized. She said while in detention, she had little access to a lawyer.

After 48 hours in detention, D’banj’s team allegedly took her to an undisclosed location, where they made her sign a gag order. ‘’I spent almost 48 hours at the police station, without being charged for a single crime. When I asked the reason for the detention, the police refused to answer but continued to treat me like a criminal,� she wrote.

She also clarified that her mother was not arrested following earlier reports. Seyitan

insisted that she was “violated and raped�

by D’banj after he allegedly gained access into her hotel room on December 30, 2018.

She said she was forced to come out with her story on June 3, 2020, to call D’banj out in his “hypocrisy� after he went online to make a post about “saying no to rape�. “I was isolated from my family, coerced, pressured and intimidated in person by D’banj and his team to retract all statements and to announce that my testimony was a publicity stunt,� she alleged in her statement. Seyitan added that she was not seeking financial compensation from the singer but an apology. She insists that the apology is all she’s still asking for.

She also alleges D’banj, through his team, has continued to harass her via phone calls and boasted he can “buy off anyone within the justice system in Lagos.â€? An Instagram post published the day earlier on D’banj’s page showed him dancing and alluding to the police probe into the rape allegation in song. The video’s caption read, “Innocent until proven guilty‌ Stop social media trial. Say no to rape and human rights violations.â€?

D’banj is currently under investigation on the orders of the Inspector General of Police over the alleged rape. The case has also caught the interest of the Attorney General of Lagos State who wrote the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to investigate the matter amid widespread criticism that followed poor handling of the case by some men of the police force.

The allegation against D’banj is coming on the heels of a series of several high profile rape

cases which have shocked Nigerians. Following the rape allegations against the singer and entertainer, a new generation bank has reportedly suspended its N45 million endorsement with him till further notice. The suspended deal came after a petition asking the United Nations to end deal with the embattled singer as its ambassador.

Recall that the singer on his 40th birthday announced that he signed a mouth-watering deal with a bank. This was days after he was accused by Seyitan Babatayo of rape in 2018.

Here is Seyitan’s rape story as earlier narrated by her: “I was invited for an all-white party at Eko Atlantic (splash off) which was an all-night party on the 30th of December 2018, by Franklin, Dbanj’s manager at that time, and I went with my friend, Laide. When I got to the party, I met a girl named Oyin, who was with a guy who happens to be Dbanj’s friend. She asked who I came with I told her the person I came with already left. When I was leaving, Oyin and I exchanged number and she asked where I was lodged. I told her Glee hotel in VI, and she said it was the same hotel she was lodged and I asked if she could drop me. She said it wasn’t a problem. “On getting to the hotel, Oyin called me when I got to my room and told me D’banj saw me at the party and he wanted to be with me for the night and I was offered a sum of money, but I bluntly refused because I wasn’t interested. So, I slept off. Between 5 and 6 am (and pls note that I’m a naked sleeper) I woke up and found Dbanj in my room already, and I asked him what he was doing in my room

he didn’t say a word and asked if I was a baby and started fingering me. I went ahead to threaten him that I was going to shout he said if I shout I’ll leave the hotel naked. Dbanj raped me. When he left, I got to see he came in with an extra key (card) and I later found out that Dbanj lodged all his staffs in the hotel.

Then, I called my supposed friend Oyin who I saw at the party if she planned it with D’banj and she said No. “She came downstairs to meet me where I was crying. She asked us to go upstairs to meet her guy who was Dbanj’s friend. When I got there, the guy was disappointed and begged me to keep quiet. He promised Dbanj would call me and apologize. And he gave my friend $100 to give me for medication.

I’m so livid and mad seeing a rapist being an advocate for rape. This is my story and I know there are lots of girls who can’t come out to narrate their stories. Don’t be ashamed to narrate your story. It took me two years to write my rape story.�

As at press time, D’Banj had been grilled by an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adaku Anya, at the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Garki, Abuja. “D’Banj has been questioned twice at the FCID, Abuja. He was questioned last week and also this week. We will leave no stone unturned as we investigate the matter,� said a police source.

It was learnt that Seyitan was also invited to write a statement but she stated that she had no means of travelling to Abuja and opted to visit a police unit in Lagos.

26

SHOWBIZFLAIR

Its Your Girl, Genevieve Nollywood star, Genevieve Nnaji spent most of the week dishing out promotional photographs. The talented actress/film director kept updating fans with candid Instagram shots/red carpet appearances photos and her fans are excited. The likes on her Instagram page are already over 400,000 with more than 10,000 comments. It’s the first time in almost five years that Genevieve would be doing.

It means something is cooking.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER Ëž ÍşÍżËœ 2020

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ APRIL 24, 2011

GLOBAL SOCCER A

WEEKLY PULL-OUT

NEWS

BATTLE OF ST JAMES’ PARK

27.06.2020

Kelechi Nwakali

Moving Huesca to Elite Division?

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 27 2020

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GLOBAL SOCCER

Kelechi Nwakali Moving Huesca to Elite Division?

After a miserable three years at Arsenal where he failed to don the Gunners colours, but rather spent time with MVVMaastricht (twice), VVVVenlo and FC Porto B. Kelechi Nwakali, however, has cause to smile after starring for his new club SD Huesca which was delayed by Visa issues and Coronavirus pandemic.The Nigerian international has promised to help take the Segunda Division side to the elite division of the Spanish League-La Liga

K

elechi Nwakali is a happy man again. The Nigerian international is delighted to return to action and has set a target of helping his side secure a place in the Spanish topflight League-La Liga.

Nwakali has stated he was committed to helping Segunda Division side Huesca secure promotion to La Liga at the end of this season.

The midfielder joined the Oscenses last summer from Premier League side Arsenal, where he failed to play a single game for the Emirates Stadium outfit.

The midfielder featured for MVV Maastricht, VVV-Venlo, MVV Maastricht and Porto B on loan during his three-year stay with the Gunners.

The Nigerian international could only make his debut for the Spanish division side on June 18 against Mirandes owing to visa issues and the outbreak of Coronavirus across the globe.

Huesca are already in the playoff spot after securing 54 points from 34 games, following 16 wins, six draws and 12 losses.

The 22-year-old, who has made two appearances for the Oscenses, has promised to give his best to ensure his side secures promotion to the Spanish top-flight.

“I’m excited to be playing competitive football again. I have waited so long for this moment and I’m fully committed to helping the club achieve promotion,” Nwakali told AOI. “The aim is to pick one of the automatic promotion tickets; we have a big game tomorrow against league leaders Cadiz.

“It won’t be an easy match but the entire squad is very committed to ensuring we get back to winning ways.”

Nwakali was an unused substitute in Huesca 1-1 draw against Segunda Division leaders Cadiz on Wednesday.

Nwakali put up an impressive performance in his side’s 1-2 home loss penultimate Thursday at the Estadio El Alcoraz after he was introduced in the 83rd minute of the game to replace Sergio Gomez and the player recorded a commanding performance with his stats clearly distinguishing the former U-23 Eagles star.

He completed five out of his seven passes with 83.3 per cent pass accuracy, three successful dribbles, 11 touches and overall 6.2 ratings.

Nwakali asserted confidence in the few minutes he held the ball, leaving questions why he was not introduced earlier.

The midfielder burst into the limelight in the 2015 U-17 World Cup where helped he Nigeria win the title,

scooping the Golden Ball award of the tournament in the process.

Besides representing Nigeria at the U-17 level, he has also played for the U-20 side and currently has one cap for the Super Eagles.

Nwakali will hope to play more prominently for his club in order to boost his chances with the three-time African champions.

It would be recalled that when Spanish news outfit, Dairo AS broke the story last year that Arsenal have sent Nwakali to Spanish Segunda División club SD Huesca, the brother to the Arsenal midfielder was quick to say Nwakali was not closing in on an Arsenal exit despite media speculation and was not on the verge of joining SD Huesca contrary to reports.

The once-capped Nigerian international never played a senior game for the Gunners, but tasted some first-team action during loan spells away from the club.

In his short career, Nwakali spent time with MVV Maastricht (twice), VVV Venlo and FC Porto B. He has racked up a total of 80 career appearances so far. But his future at Arsenal looks bleak.

Born on June 5, 1998, Nwakali started his areer at the Diamond Football Academy and after his performances at 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, in which he won

the Golden Ball Award, he signed with English Premier League side, Arsenal.

On September 2016 it was announced that Nwakali had signed for Eerste Divisie side, MVV Maastrcht on loan for the season. He then made his professional debut for the side the same day against Jong Ajax when he came on as a 92nd-minute substitute for Thomas Verheijdt as MVV won 1–0.

In August 2017, Nwakali joined Dutch side, VVV-Venlo on loan for the first six months of the season. After the initial six-month loan deal expired, he elected to leave Venlo and return to MVV Maastricht for the second half of the season.

Nwakali returned to Maastricht on loan for the second half of the 2017-18 Eerste Divisie season, having played just 380 minutes of Eredivisie football with Venlo.

He was named to the provisional squad for the Nigeria U-17 side before the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup but did not make the final squad. However, coming into the 2015 edition of the tournament he was named captain as he led his country to the title, winning the Golden Ball Award along the way. The Gunners paid more than three million euros to sign Nwakali from Diamond Academy in the summer of 2016.

However, the midfielder has not played competitively for their teams because of a work permit obstacle.

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Man City Turn Attention to St. James’ Park for FA Cup Title Defence Liverpool having won the Premier League and Manchester City having earlier carted the Carabao Cup, Pep Guardiola will be focusing on the only remaining domestic trophy in England for grab -the FA Cup. The Citizens’ tomorrow’s trip to St James’ Park for a quarter final match against Newcastle United would therefore be mouth watering

Pep Guardiola... mapping out strategy against Newcastle at St James’ Park on Sunday

N

ewcastle United take on Man City at St James’ Park for a place in the semifinals tomorrow The Magpies have never reached the last four since 2005 but face a wounded City side who are desperate to make amends in some way for failing to hold on to their top flight title.

City drew 2-2 at St James’ earlier in the season and the 2019 defeat on Tyneside is also still fresh in the minds of fans.

City played an energy and moralesapping encounter at Stamford Bridge only on Thursday night and have a quick turnaround for this tie.

Fernandinho is suspended after his red card in the 2-1 defeat at Chelsea while Sergio Aguero is injured.

Those are the straws we have to clutch on going into the game.

The reality is Newstle need to improve their performance levels by about 80 per ent after the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Had Villa been able to finish in the first half it could have been a disappointing home defeat.

If Newcastle present City with similar chances they will be punished. They need to find their A-game and City will have to be out of sorts for Geordie fans to be celebrating a place in the semi-finals.

However, Newcastle United were on Thursday night given every encourage-

ment by Manchester City in advance of Sunday’s match.

It was a huge game and eventual result for Chelsea, winning 2-1 and now five points clear of fifth.

Goals from Pulisic and Willian, either side of a brilliant Kevin de Bruyne free-kick, gave them the three points.

Newcastle already had the advantage of an extra day’s recovery, Manchester City having less than 72 hours before the game at St James Park.

However, there were numerous other positives for Newcastle fans as they watched Man City ensure Liverpool won the title.

Ahead of the game, Pep Guardiola at his pre-Chelsea press conference had indicated his team selection for the league match would be weakened with Newcastle in mind: ‘We cannot deny we have one eye on Newcastle.

Chelsea is a prestigious game for us, but Newcastle is a final.’

In the event though, it was a full strength Manchester City team, with Ederson, Walker, Fernandinho, Laporte, Mendy, De Bruyne, Rodri, Gündogan, Mahrez, Bernardo Silva, Sterling the starting eleven.

With the result so important to Chelsea, it also ensured that this was a tough match, played at a high tempo and some tasty challenges flying in.

A big moment in the game and potentially for Sunday, saw Fernandinho give away a penalty for the match winning goal and it now means he is suspended for Sunday.

Newcastle United will have also been heartened by Manchester City having one of those games where they control much of the ball (65per cent possession) but struggle to turn that into clear chances, whilst at the same time their defensive frailties exposed on the break.

Manchester City particularly had trouble with any direct running as Chelsea hit them on the break, even though not particularly quick, Pulisic ran alone at the last two Chelsea defenders on a break and by simple determination took advantage, went past them and scored the opening goal.

Manchester City are still a brilliant team but on Thursday night pointed to Sunday being anything but a lost cause.

A disciplined defence and if creating decent situations on the break, Newcastle could be in business.

Add in Aguero now out for the rest of the season and room for NUFC hope, if not expectation.

Pep Guardiola said after Manchester City defeat to Chelsea: “Congratulations to Liverpool, their fans, the manager, the players. Well deserved. They are good champions.

Now. we have five or six weeks to play.

The FA Cup on Sunday is important and we need to achieve qualification for UEFA Champions League and after that we need to prepare for Madrid.

“I’ve never thought as a manager that you can always win. Liverpool, after winning the Champions League and not winning the Premier League for 30

years, played with incredible focus as if it was the last chance they had.

“We cannot forget that we won two titles this season and we have two more to play for.”

Earlier today, Norwich City welcome Manchester United to Carrow Road for the first FA Cup quarter finals game.

Both of these teams have plenty left to fight for over the remainder of the Premier League season, but they will need to put that on hold for this match as the last remaining chance of domestic silverware resumes.

United are looking to lift the FA Cup for a record-equalling 13th time this term, whereas Norwich have never even reached the final of the competition.

The disparity in FA Cup pedigree of the two clubs mirrors their form and fortunes heading into the match, then, with United now 13 games without defeat and Norwich having lost all three of their outings since booking their place in this quarter-final on March 4.

Champions League qualification will certainly still be United’s priority for the rest of the campaign, and they will have one eye on how Wolverhampton Wanderers get on in their Premier League clash with Aston Villa earlier today, but the Red Devils have always been about winning silverware and so cup competitions still carry great importance.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaerould dearly love to pick up his first major trophy as a manager too, particularly after a season in which his future has once again come under intense scrutiny at times Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over fellow Champions League hopefuls Sheffield United means that the Norwegian is now enjoying his longest unbeaten streak since taking over as interim boss, and with their next five games including this one all coming against teams currently in the bottom seven of the Premier League they will be confident of extending that further still.

Not since January’s visit to Anfield, eight matches ago, have Man United been beaten away from home, including FA Cup triumphs over Tranmere Rovers and Derby in that time.

Norwich have also been drawn away from home in all three of their FA Cup matches in this season’s competition, but that has not hampered their progress with wins over Preston North End, Burnley and a The Canaries’ Premier League survival hopes look increasingly bleak following back-to-back home defeats at the hands of Southampton and Everton.

That was their 20th league loss of the season, and only once before in their history have they been beaten more often in the opening 31 games of a campaign, when they were a Third Division South team in 1946-47.

Today’s match will at least give them the chance to focus on something other than a likely-forlorn survival bid, and having reached the FA Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1992 they will be desperate to make the most of it.

That season was one of only three previous occasions in their entire history that Norwich have reached the last four of this competition, so victory on Saturday would be a significant achievement even if Premier League relegation may follow not long afterwards.

FA CUP TODAY

Norwich v Man Utd 17:30 SUNDAY

Sheffield v Arsenal 13:00 Leicester v Chelsea 16:00 Newcastle v Man City 18:30

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THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 27 2020

GLOBAL SOCCER

A cross section of the teams and FC Bulmaro technical crew during the free football clinic at Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School’,Idimu, Lagos.

Liverpool fans celebrating

Lille Prepare Private Jet to Return Osimhen Sports a Catalyst for Excellence, to France, Striker Still Stranded in Nigeria Performance, Leadership, Says Okakuro The June 24 resumption date for Nigeria international and Lille of France striker, Victor Osimhen to return to his French club could not materialise as the player is still stranded in Nigeria.

The French club is therefore making arrangements to send down a private jet to airlift Osimhen back to France as he is yet to resume pre-season preparations with French Ligue 1 club Lille.

The Nigeria international was granted compassionate leave to attend the burial of his father and was expected to return to France this week but he’s stranded in Nigeria because the borders are closed to curb the spread of coronavirus.

In a chat with reporter yesterday, Lille coach Christophe Galtier explained why his top scorer last season has been absent from training.

The 53-year-old said: “No, he did not come back from Nigeria. He had to arrive today. But he is blocked by the health crisis because the borders are closed “.

Sport Business Magazine has informed that Lille are prepared to send a private jet to bring back Osimhen but the player and his entourage are yet to receive the green light from the Nigerian authorities.

Lille have lined up friendlies in Mouscron and Bruges as part of their preparations for the new season, and are also in talks with Kortrijk and Anderlecht for two other meetings on July 31 and August 1 respectively.

However, Galtier has admitted that Osimhen is certain to leave the French

Ligue 1 club in the summer transfer window after Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur are said to be in a strong position to sign Osimhen though face competition from Napoli. he was granted compassionate leave to attend the funeral of his father.

“Regarding Victor and Gabriel, yes I integrated it, for a long time, that they are leaving, and we are working on players, who are currently here .and who will arrive, likely to replace them,” Galtier stated.

Osimhen ended the 2019-2020 campaign as Lille’s top scorer in all competitions with 18 goals to his name in 38 games.

Osimhen last summer joined Lille in a €12m move from Sporting Charleroi in a five-year contract at the club until 2024.

Rohr Admits Difficulty in Zirkzee Shifting Nigeria senior team manager Gernot Rohr has reiterated that he wants Bayern Munich wonderkid Joshua Zirkzee to play for the Super Eagles but admitted that it won’t be easy for the striker to switch his international allegiance from Netherlands to Nigeria.

Born in Schiedam 19 years ago, Zirkzee qualifies to represent Nigeria through his mother but is provisionally cap-tied to the Netherlands after playing competitively for the European giants at U17 level.

Rohr observed the former Feyenoord youth-teamer at close quarters back in February when he scored on his full

Bundesliga debut against Hoffenheim.

Apart from Zirkzee, the Nigeria Football Federation are hoping to secure the allegiances of dual-eligible central defenders Kevin Akpoguma, Felix Uduokhai and Jordan Torunarigha, who all have Bundesliga experience, before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

In an interview with German regional newspaper Mannheimer Morgen, Rohr wasaskedifZirkzeewouldbeacandidate for the Super Eagles and he responded: “A preferred candidate, but it’s not that simple. We cannot and will not poach him that must come from the player himself.

Reading in Talks with Liverpool over Extending Ejaria’s Loan Deal English Championship side Reading are in talks with Premier League champions Liverpool over the extension of Ovie Ejaria’s loan deal, the official website of the Royals has reported.

The central midfielder joined Reading on a seasonlong loan in August 2019 and was due to return to his parent club at the end of this month but the season has been extended due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Reading are looking into the possibility of Ejaria remaining at the club until July 31st, so he can be available for selection when they face Luton Town, Huddersfield Town, Charlton Athletic, Middlesbrough, Blackburn Rovers and Swansea City in their last six games of the

season.

If an agreement is not reached with the European champions, Ejaria will remain available for Reading’s next two fixtures against Derby County and Brentford.

The 2017 England U20 World Cup-winning midfielder has made 33 starts for Reading since returning for a second spell, scoring three goals.

Meanwhile, young Nigerian center back Gabriel Osho has signed a contract extension with Reading until the end of July.

The 21-year-old Osho, who captains Reading U23s, has played three first-team games this season and was on the bench against Stoke City last weekend.

“There are a few others in the Bundesliga that apply: Kevin Akpoguma in Hoffenheim, Jordan Torunarigha at Hertha BSC and Felix Uduokhai inAugsburg.

But we can’t get them so easily.”

A former Bayern Munich defender, Rohr was delighted to see his good friend Hansi Flick win the Bundesliga title with the Bavarians for the 2019-2020 season.

“It is admirable what he did and how he steered the cart in the right direction.

“His playing style is very pragmatic, he has strengthened the defense, rehabilitated Müller and gives the boys chances.

Premier League Title not Liverpool’s Final Destination Says Klopp Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool’s trophy-laden past is no longer a “burden” for his players following their Premier League title win.

After he was appointed manager in 2015, Klopp told his squad they must create their own history.

They have done just that, their first league crown in 30 years capping an incredible 12 months where they also won the Champions League, Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup. Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports News on Friday, Klopp said Liverpool have got rid of the “heavy backpack”.

“The history is no burden anymore,” he said.

“The history is now our

wonderful background, it’s the basis for what we are doing.

“When I came in we had to say, don’t compare us anymore with the fantastic people who played for this club and won everything in the past. We needed to get the opportunity from our supporters to find our own way.

“This was only possible because nobody lost patience with us in any moment.

“Football management is a nice job but a difficult one as well, we cannot really ask for time. We have to deliver immediately.

People have to see the steps we make; Liverpool fans saw them because they wanted to see them. This story was possible then.”

The free football clinic held at Saint Francis Catholic Secondary School, Idimu, Lagos, in February, by the technical team of FC Bulmaro, in partnership with Okakuro Group International Nigeria, is yielding fruits. Akakabota Simeon, a striker, who played for the Wazobia team against the World Side scoring 352 points in this year’s examination has emerged one of the top-10 in 2020 JAMB examination.

In a letter sent to Okakuro Group International Nigeria, a delighted Rev. Fr. Maduabuchi Leo Muoneme, the school administrator expressed the school’s joy and gratitude to Okakuro Group who is advocating and sponsoring sportsmanship and academic excellence in academic institutions across the country. A sports project meant for all secondary schools across the nation, whose vision aligns with the ideals of the performance wear manufacturing company.

He stated that the Wazobia striker’s excellent academic performance was a clear representation of the expression of “a sound mind in a sound body.”

“This is against the conception of many parents that participating in any form of sports is a distraction, and will affect the child’s performance. The child is a great striker in the school. He is clearly an all-rounded student, an excellent leader, and he has broken the record against that stereotype that thinks sports and academics are mutually exclusive. Imagine among 1.9 million candidates he is among the top 10. He wants to study Mechanical Engineering and you and I know that it is not a cheap course by any means,” Fr. Muoneme stressed. He further explained that looking around our country today, a few members of the national team that won the African Cup of Nation in 1980, for the first time, who were still very relevant and doing well were the ones who had good education likeAdokieAmesiemeka and Segun Odegbami.

“Excellent leaders are great sportsmen and women, this experience gives them edge above their peers when it comes to performance be it academic or otherwise,” he emphasised.

In her response, the overwhelmed Okakuro Group International Nigeria representative, Ms Idemabasi Mkpokporo, vowed that her organisation would not rest on its oars until it conquers the mindset that children participation in sports is an inhibition to high academic performance and excellent leadership.

FA Cup Rumbles on StarTimes Live this Weekend Soccer fans will be treated to live sporting actions on StarTimes this weekend as the Emirates FA Cup returns with four ties today and Sunday.

The quarter-final ties of the 2019-20 FACup have already been decided prior to the competition being halted in mid-March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Norwich City are due to face ManchesterUnitedtodayat5:30pm.

On Sunday, Sheffield United will playArsenal at 1pm; Leicester City face Chelsea at 4pm; and Newcastle United will play holders Manchester City at 6:30pm. All matches will air live on StarTimes World Football Channels 244 and 245.

The semi-finals will take place across the weekend of 11-12 July, with the final scheduled forAugust 1. There is no competition throughout the world that has the same

allure as the FA Cup. Not only is it the oldest domestic football competition in the world, filled with a tradition of excitement, goals and giant-killing heroics, it is also a pathway for English clubs to the prestigious Europa League which airs exclusively on StarTimes.

The English FA meanwhile, have announced that the final this year will be renamed the Heads Up FA Cup final to raise mental health awareness.

Prince William, who is the president of the FA, said that it was an important step. “The final can be a moment to promote good, positive mental health for everyone.”

Another tasty football clash includes Bundesliga cracker between Wolfsburg versus winner’s elect, FC Bayern Munich today by 1:30pm.

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER ˾ JUNE 27, 2020

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Cyriel Dessers

Set to Light up Belgium League But for coronavirus pandemic which paralysed sporting activities around the globe, one name that might probably have been on the lips of many Nigeria soccer fans now would have been Cyriel Dessers.

After lighting up the Dutch Eredivisie with goals and emerged as the league joint top scorer, Super Eagles-bound Dessers is set to reenact his striking prowess in the Belgian First Division A after reaching agreement with Racing Genk.

C

yriel Dessers is on his way to Racing Genk after the Belgian First Division A side reached an agreement with Heracles Almelo to sign the striker on a four-year deal.

With 15 goals from 26 games, Dessers finished the 2019-2020 campaign as the joint top scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie and was guaranteed to move onto pastures new in the summer transfer window, having put himself in the shop window.

Two coaches Peter Maes and Stijn Vreven who previously managed Dessers have highlighted the qualities of the Super Eagles hopeful and reckon that he could be a special player for Genk.

Ex-Sporting Lokeren gaffer Maes told Het Laatste Nieuws via voetbalprimeur. be: “A good head, eager to learn and very self-aware of his qualities, a huge asset as a deep striker.

“Such a boy, face to the goal, war in the sixteen: we don’t have many in Belgium like that. If I bring in a player somewhere, certainly a young guest, that is with the feeling that he has potential in mind”.

Dessers flourished under the management of Stijn Vreven in the 2016-2017 season at NAC Breda and contributed to an incredible 42 goals in 40 appearances

in the league, including the playoffs.

“Strong, fast, good footballing, decent head game. He had no weaknesses, but you felt that he could still make progress in all areas.

“He did that, you don’t just become top scorer in the Netherlands. Dessers has everything to become the chouchou of Racing Genk,” said Vreven.

Dessers previously represented Belgian clubs FC De Zwaluw Vechmaal, Union FC Rutten, SK Tongeren, St-Truiden, SK Tongeren, Oud-Heverlee Leuven and Lokeren prior to his move to the Netherlands in 2016.

With Belgium national team almost a mirage, Dessers has turned to the Super Eagles for succour and has only been hindered by the postponement of sporting activities caused by the dreaded coronavirus pandemic.

“After a series of discussions with the NFF President Amaju Pinnick, I have decided to fully commit myself to Nigeria and the Super Eagles and I’m going to work to be part of the team and fight for more success for the country. I am a proud Nigerian and I can’t wait to fulfil my dream of wearing the green-whitegreen,” Cyril Dessers had said.

Born to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother, the striker has been in domineering form for his club-side, Heracles Almelo, scoring 17 goals across all

competitions thus far.

He declared his intention to play for Nigeria ahead Belgium last year, prompting the country’s football governing body to file his application to the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA).

He had however been cleared to represent Nigeria at international level and was expected to make his debut against the Leone Stars at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba in March but for coronavirus pandemic.

“Dessers is sure for Sierra Leone, what a squad that will be once he joins the rest of the squad, a deadly attack,” an optimistic NFF President, Amaju Pinnick Dessers Pinnick had said.

“I’m working hard every day at my club and I hope to be in the squad but I understand it’s hard and there’s a lot of competition, “Dessers had admitted.

“I will be ready and eligible to represent the Super Eagles. It will be a great honour of course for my family and friends. I made my choice two years ago even before I contacted the Nigeria Football Federation.”

The 25-year-old also revealed his biggest asset which would bring more quality to the team.

“My physicality is one of my strong points and I’m sure I will need to adapt, but I think it won’t be a problem to get

used to it. I like hard and fair duels.”

The Heracles Almelo hotshot has confessed that he never considered playing for Belgium as it would have been impossible to break into Roberto Martinez’s squad.

Dessers having earlier revealed his desire to play for Nigeria – his mother’s place of birth – at international level rather than his country of birth Belgium, the NFF last year December, responded by declaring the 25-year-old available for selection anytime the Super Eagles handlers deem fit.

That public declaration by the country’s top football body ignited the patriotic pride in the Dutch Eredivisie’s top goalscorer, a player who was named the league’s November Player of the Month after scoring six goals and producing three assists.

“I think it is a huge honour that they (NFF) have contacted me and communicated to the outside world,” Dessers was quoted to have said.

“Belgium has never been a serious option, that’s why I don’t skip between the two countries. The Belgian team has the best generation ever, with top strikers like Lukaku, Batshuayi and Mertens.

Boys my own age, who will play as long as I do. I have no illusions. ” “I’ve never been to Nigeria. My grandfather and grandmother are from Nigeria, my mother was born in Europe. When I look in the mirror, I see half a Nigerian every day. I also have characteristics of an African.”

The 25-year-old who has never played for Belgium at any level has now chosen to play for Nigeria.

Dessers described himself as a ‘proud Nigerian’ and says he wants to fulfil his dream of wearing the green-white-green colours.

Dessers began his career at OH Leuven in his neighbourhood but made a solitary senior appearance. City rivals Lokeren gave him a fresh start in 2014. There he enjoyed regular football, hitting seven goals in 40 appearances across two seasons.

Dessers’ real poachers qualities came to the fore after crossing the border to the Netherlands in 2016. At second-tier Breda, he buried 29 goals in 40 matches, helping them secure promotion. He, however, elected to have his first feel of Eredivisie elsewhere – Utrecht. Two seasons at Stadion Galgenwaard yielded 19 goals.

Despite finishing sixth last season, Dessers ditched Utrecht for Almelo. He must be glad he did. With 12 goals, the 25-year-old is the division’s top marksman. An additional five assists mean the soon-to-be capped Super Eagle is involved in over 55 per cent of Heracles’ 29 strikes. He was named the league’s November Player of the Month after scoring six goals and producing three assists.

Dessers bears all the hallmarks of the archetypal goal-getter. Headers, scrappy follow-ups, 20-yard drives straight out of the top drawer, he notches them all.

While not blessed with abundant pace like the 19-year-old, he doesn’t relinquish possession without a fight.

G LO B A L S O C C E R ASSISTANT EDITOR KUNLE ADEWALE THISDAY ON SATURDAY EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR CHIKA AMANZE-NWACHUKWU THISDAY NEWSPAPERS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN NDUKA OBAIGBENA MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR KAYODE KOMOLAFE

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Saturday, June 27, 2020

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MISSILE

Lawan to Service Chiefs “Those heading these security agencies, especially the service chiefs, must sit up. In fact, we must have milestones and timelines on how we are going to deal with this.”

– President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, telling service chiefs to sit up or get sacked over unending insecurity in Nigeria.

PENDULUM DELE MOMODU

dele.momodu@thisdaylive.com

My Kobo Advice for Adams Oshiomhole and Others “Before you go on a journey of revenge, dig two graves” - Confucius

F

ellow Nigerians, please, let me start this epistle with a tale I’m not sure I have ever told. On Sunday, November 9, 2008, I was at the Lagos Marina with some friends when my phone rang. And who was on the line? No other than the one and only Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a man I call Uncle Adams for various reasons. He is about eight years older than me. We both come from the same Afenmai tribe of Edo State, though I’m much more affiliated and associated with the Yoruba people because of my birth in Ile-Ife, the cradle of civilisation, and the fact that my Mum is from Gbongan, a dozy town just a few kilometres from Ile-Ife. I have told the story of my Dad’s migration from Ihievbe, now in Owan East Local GovGovernment of Edo State, to finally settle in Ile-Ife, Osun State, possibly around 1944, like many restless men of his time. His decision to make his sojourn in Ile-Ife permanent, probably en route the greener pastures of alluring Lagos, was because he met the naturally beautiful, slim and elegant Gladys who swept him off his feet and they married after a period of courtship. I am the only child of their union.

Comrade Adams had risen to become one of the more prominent sons of Afenmailand and I had tremendous respect for him as a scion of the society and a big Brother. I had followed his amazing trajectory, especially as a Labour leader, with very keen interest. I believe he had a meteoric rise to become Labour leader based on his fantastic managerial, organisational and persuasive skills. I always admire, and appreciate, those with humble beginnings, who struggle hard and manage to break free from the shackles of oppression and manacles of poverty. Comrade is a veritable example of such a person. He has done so with agilagility and tenacity. I must add that he also possesses not only nerves of steel but a steely and unbending resolve which for me has lately been harmful and injurious to him. More on this later.

I think we first met physically on a flight to South Africa about 16 years ago, when he had already become head of the Nigerian Labour Congress. We both recognised each other and exchanged pleasantries and contacts. We struck an instant acquaintance and friendship which has since blossomed into Brotherliness.

He became an avuncular figure to me, and he had my blessings when he threw his hat in the ring of politics. His pedigree as President of the Nigeria Labour Congress clearly, and readily, endeared him to many people. Theoretically, he was expected to be a friend of the masses, and the workers of Edo State were considered lucky to have such a man coming to liberate them from capitalists and oppressors.

Anyway, back to the call, prior to which, both of us had met in Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s home where we had lunch with the former Governor of Lagos State. I knew Chief Tinubu was supporting him heavily and staked a lot on Comrade Oshiomole becoming the Governor of Edo State which has always been considered one of the crown jewels of the Yoruba nation and was indeed a part of Western Nigeria before it became Mid-Western Region of Nigeria in 1963

Dele Momodu with Adams Oshiomhole

following a vote by the people of the region.

Mid-Western Region became Mid-West State in 1967, Bendel State in 1976 and finally Edo State in 1991 when Bendel State was divided into Edo and Delta States.

During this auspicious call in November 2008, Comrade sounded worried and I asked what the matter was. He said he was anxious about the Court of Appeal judgment regarding his governorship election, which was slated for November 11, 2008, in two days time. I told him not to panic, that all shall be well, and I prayed for him.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008, came, in a jiffy, and Comrade was declared winner of the Edo State Gubernatorial elections. Prayer answered and I was greatly elated. He was sworn in as Governor immediately afterwards on 12 November 2008 and would later govern the State for two terms of eight years in total. As usual with me, I never visited the Edo State Government House during that period, although Comrade and I remained close and regularly called each other and met at various functions. I watched his inimitable style of governance from afar and prayed fervently for his success. He would call me sometimes, usually on Saturdays, after reading my column. On one such occasions, I recall, I was in Orlando, Florida, and he said he would want me to come to commission some projects in Edo State as a true son of the State. I said no problem. He promised to send me the dates, but he probably forgot or was too busy, whatever the reason, the call never came, the trip to Edo State as guest of the Governor never happened and the planned commissioning of projects by me never occurred. On another occasion, we met at The World Afenmai Congress in America and had a good tie together catching up on various issues. The truth is that we always bonded well.

I must confess that there were times I was troubled by the many controversies that trailed him during his governance of Edo State. Those who knew him as my big Brother would call me to complain about his garrulousness and dictatorial proclivity. He also did not seem to be grateful on occasions. For example, I recall that he constantly attacked and insulted the Igbinedions who I knew had supported him and I felt that this was not proper or right. Some of his media attacks

went overboard. However, I premised some of his intractable opposition to major Edo chieftains to his promise to dismantle all the vestiges of godfatherism in Edo State and end the rent seeking system that it engenders. I felt that if he could achieve this, he would have done the State and the country a great favour by creating a super example for others to emulate.

Please, fast forward again. Close to the end of Comrade’s final tenure as Governor, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, his good friend, invited some of us to the launch of his $1 Billion investment in Okpella, Edo State. It was at that launch that I noticed the ubiquitous presence of Mr Godwin Obaseki who was extremely busy running around to make the ceremony a huge success. Obaseki informed me of his gubernatorial ambition for the first time that day. He and Comrade were like Siamese twins and their camaraderie was palpable. It was apparent that he had the support of the Comrade and he intimated me as much.

I was therefore not surprised when Obaseki announced his aspiration and the rest, as the cliché goes, is history. Obaseki became Governor with the unalloyed support of Comrade who placed all the appurtenances of Government at his disposal to ensure his famous victory. Comrade and Obaseki were inseparable and were seen regularly together at public functions from the inception of the new Government. One was the Governor Emeritus while the other was the tyro Baby Governor. I witnessed their cordiality, firsthand, at a Tinubu Colloquium about two years ago at the Eko Convention Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos. It was there Comrade “instructed” Obaseki to hold me tight. “Dele is one of our icons stolen by the Yoruba people. Please, you must bring him back home. I failed in achieving that in eight years, but you must not fail.” Obaseki gave me his direct line instantly. We chatted a few times and that was it really. The plan was to invite me to a reception and celebrate me amongst my father’s people. Perhaps, he got distracted, but I understand perfectly given where we are today. Interestingly, this was what then Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola did, as Governor of Osun State, when he invited me to Osogbo and gave me a special recognition award as a distinguished son of Osun State.

Given the genesis of their relationship, Obaseki had been brought by Comrade into the politics, from the relative obscurity of investment banking, to head the Edo State Economic and Strategy Team. The way they had carried on for seven years whilst Comrade was Governor, and for a while after Obaseki became Governor, I never thought for a moment that Comrade and Obaseki would ever quarrel like other godfathers and their godchildren have been wont to do in this peculiar Nigerian clime. However, the ways of Nigerian politicians can never be understood by mere mortals like us, and things unravelled very quickly indeed once both men decided to part ways. Amidst allegations of betrayal, subterfuge and unbecoming insults, I am not in a position to determine who betrayed the other. For me it doesn’t really matter. The important thing is that this should never have happened to two seemingly good people who were

practically in a tight relationship with each other. I have had the opportunity of speaking at different times to both of them, especially Comrade who I met at breakfast in Eko Hotel Signature in Lagos last yea. Comrade never said anything concrete enough to warrant the war of attrition that is now likely to consume at least one, or indeed both of them, if care is not taken. My own plea that day was for Comrade to forgive whatever iniquity or sin Obaseki might have committed. I’m one Christian who holds the Biblical injunction on forgiveness very close to my heart. There is nothing too big to forgive even if I can’t forget, and I do desperately try to forget as well. I have learnt that life is too short and there are always regrets all round afterwards.

In short, I continue to believe that Comrade should have treated Obaseki like a recalcitrant baby and leave him to his conscience because he is the older man and the benefactor. By playing dirty and wrestling in the mud with Obaseki, Comrade has diminished his status and importance in the eyes of onlookers nationally and internationally. In fact, Comrade has provided some lethal ammunition for his many vociferous critics and rabid enemies who have now, apparently, finally, gunned him down. How fatally he has been dealt with remains to be seen. I do hope that he heals quickly and bounces back His firebrand style of politics is still something that I look forward to. Exactly two Sundays ago, I predicted what has happened to some mutual friends, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Hon. Oye Ojo when we discussed the raging imbroglio. As I also said to them that evening, what shall it profit a man who kills his own child in a pique and fit of anger? Especially when in the process the man himself appears to have sung his own nunc dimitis! I believe that if Oshiomole had left Obaseki alone, he would not have been suspended by his ward and there would therefore have been no basis for his removal as Chairman. Instead he went further to disqualify Obaseki as APC Governorship aspirant APC Party Chairman.

Comrade would have done well to listen to Confucius who wrote, “Before you go on a journey of revenge, dig two graves”!

It seems now virtually late to make amends. Comrade and Obaseki have stripped themselves naked in the marketplace. Their underbelly and nudity have been harshly exposed. It is such a monumental tragedy.

The battle is no longer a localized affair but a national struggle for the control of the ruling party ahead of the 2023 Presidential election.

Beyond Obaseki, I feel that Comrade was fighting, like a poor General, on too many fronts. He should have read the handwriting correctly to see that Obaseki was now a pawn in the game but he didn’t. This is unlike a man with his maturity in politics. I thought he was a master tactician and strategist but his performance as Chairman of APC totally belied this. The APC he presided over had become nothing but a “Fuji House of Commotion”, a place where, apologies to Chinua Achebe, the falcon could no longer hear the falconer. And so, things fell apart, and the centre could no longer hold.

For Comrade, that is not a sign of political craftsmanship but brinkmanship. It is called political harakiri!

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