SATURDAY 1ST JULY 2023

Eight States Get New Police Commissioners

IG summons officers who ran over handcuffed man

(PSC) yesterday approved the appointment and deployment of eight Commissioners of Police to state police commands in the country.

On the same day, the acting Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbedokun, summoned to Abuja the policemen involved in the

trending video in which a handcuffed middle-aged man in Ekpoma, Edo State, was run over with a police vehicle. The newly appointed State

Commissioners of Police are Godwin Aghaulor, CP Borno State Command; Adelesi Oluwarotimi, CP Kwara State Command; Adebola

Ayinde Hamzat, CP Oyo State Command; Augustina Ogbodo, CP Ebonyi State Command

Irabor: I’m Leaving Military Stronger Than I Met it

Says armed forces under his watch curbed terrorism, oil theft; warns against playing politics with army

The immediate past Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor (retd), was yesterday pulled out of the Armed Forces of Nigeria amid encomiums.

During the ceremony held at Mogadishu Cantonment, Asokoro, Abuja, and attended by Chief of Defence Staff, Maj Gen Christopher Musa; Chief of Army Staff, Major General

Taoreed Lagbaja; Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ikechukwu Ogalla and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Hassan Abubakar; an elated Irabor declared that

he was leaving the Nigerian military stronger and more capable of tackling adversaries than he met it. He also admitted that the task wasn’t easy due to the

large and diverse nature of the country.

The former CDS said, “National security for a large and diverse country like Nigeria is not an easy task, but it is also

not an impossible one. In 2021, the security situation of the nation was admittedly in a state of dynamic plus. Efforts made

Continued on page 5

Support Tinubu to Tackle Insecurity, Poverty, Shettima Pleads with Sultan, N’West Leaders

Sultan: We will do whatever it takes to maintain peace, stability in our country; pledges backing for FG’s programmes, policies

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on leaders in the North-west region of Nigeria to unite and support the present administration’s efforts at addressing insecurity and other mounting challenges confronting the country.

Shettima, who made the call yesterday while paying Sallah homage to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Saád Abubakar III in his palace stressed: "I am here to represent Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who asked me to convey his Sallah greetings and well wishes to the Sultan.

"President Tinubu is aware of the challenges facing our people - the insecurity that

SHETTIMA IN SOKOTO…

L-R: Vice President Kashim Shettima; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III; and Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu; during the vice president’s Sallah homage to the Sultan in Sokoto…yesterday.

NCC Empowers Telcos to Deactivate Inactive Subscribers Can recover lines if dormancy persists for another 6 months

Emma Okonji

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has empowered telecommunications companies (Telcos) to deactivate inactive subscribers on their networks after six months of inactivity. This is one of the high points of the new guidelines approved for Telcos by the NCC that

would take effect any moment from now.

According to the new guidelines seen by THISDAY, if the inactivity of a subscriber persists for another six months, the subscriber may lose the number, except for a networkrelated fault inhibiting an RGE.

“A subscriber’s line may be deactivated if it has not been used, within six months, for

a Revenue Generating Event (RGE), and if the situation persists for another six months, the subscriber may lose their number, except for a networkrelated fault inhibiting an RGE,” the guidelines stipulated.

To recover their lines, the commission said subscribers must provide “proof of good reason for absence and are at liberty to request for line

EIGHT STATES GET NEW POLICE COMMISSIONERS

and Samuel Titus Musa, CP Kebbi State Command.

Others are Aderemi Adeoye, CP Anambra State Command, Stephen Olarewaju, CP Imo State Command and Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, CP Ogun State Command.

A statement by the Commission said the Chairman, Dr. Solomon Arase, a retired Inspector-General of Police, said the postings as recommended by the acting Inspector General of Police was on the average, fair and commended the IGP for the inclusion of women.

Arase advised that the acting IGP should consider the disadvantaged geo-political zones while forwarding subsequent proposals for commission's ratification.

The Commission also commended the acting Inspector General of Police for adhering to its latest policy on gender sensitivity in his recommendation.

The Commission, however, advised that the InspectorGeneral, in his subsequent proposals, should include more officers of North-east and South-east geo-political zones that are yet to record the benchmark of 15 per cent as decided at its last plenary meeting.

IG Summons Officers over infraction

The acting Inspector General of Police has summoned the policemen detained by the Edo State Police Command for running over a man

in handcuffs to the Force Headquarters in Abuja

The team of policemen, with their official vehicle, ran over a handcuffed middle-aged man, dragging him through the road in Ekpoma, Edo State.

The incident caused apprehension in the area.

A statement yesterday by Force spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, said the erring officers are expected to report to the Force Headquarters on Monday.

The statement read, “The acting IGP has condemned the disturbing incident where a police team ran a vehicle over a citizen on Thursday, June 29, 2023, at Ekpoma, Edo State.

“The IGP has, therefore, directed the erring policemen, who have been in detention in Edo State, to report to the Force Headquarters Abuja on Monday for further action.”

He urged residents to be calm, assuring them that the Force would not olerate unprofessional conduct from its men.

The university town of Ekpoma in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State was on Thursday evening, thrown into confusion as a team of policemen with their official vehicle (a black sienna space wagon car), ordered a middle-aged man in handcuff to lie on the road and subsequently ran over him with their vehicle.

A trending video of the incident which surfaced yesterday showed where a crowd gathered watching the

handcuffed man on the road in front of the police vehicle, before the driver moved, crushing and dragging him for more than 100 meters, while ignoring cries from the crowd for them to stop.

The incident generated uproar from the crowd that quickly dispersed after gunshots from the policemen.

Responding, the Spokesman of the Edo State Police Command, Mr. Chidi Nwabuzor, in a press statement, said the policemen have been arrested and that Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Dankwara has called for calm.

The statement reads in part: "Edo State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that it’s aware of the trending video in the social media that shows some Police officers with a Sienna Vehicle used for patrol that ran over a young man who was handcuffed.

"In light of the above, CP Mohammed Adamu Dankwara has condemned the action of the policeman that he saw in the trending video, and he described it as barbaric, inhumane and unprofessional. He therefore gave a marching order to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Ekpoma to identify, arrest, and bring them to the State Police Headquarters Benin for brief and debrief. The officers had been arrested, and they are with the State Criminal Investigation Department.”

parking.”

The commission however said on credit alert while on call, telcos would be expected to send “a single short-beep to the call initiator, two minutes, and at 30 seconds to termination of the ongoing call.”

NCC added that low credit announcement to be played while the call is being originated in a situation where the call cannot last up to 30 seconds.

The commission said the new guidelines were in accordance with section 57 of the NCC Act to allow stakeholders to make contributions to the policy.

The new NCC guidelines, titled, ‘Draft Quality of Service Business Rules’, stipulate the minimum quality and standards of service, associated measurements, and key

performance indicators for measuring the quality of service.

In the document, NCC directed telcos to attend to customers within 30 minutes upon arrival at any of their service centres across the country.

“For customer care centres, waiting time to be physically attended to by relevant staff at customer care centres is 30 minutes. The licensee shall provide means of measuring the waiting time, starting from the time of arrival at the premises,” according to the document.

The commission also said telcos must ensure that customers could speak to a customer care representative within five minutes when they call a telco’s helpline.

“Lines should not be more

than three times; maximum number of rings before a call is answered by either an IVR machine or a live agent should not be more than five; and where a customer decides to speak to a live agent, the maximum duration allowable on the queue/IVR should be five minutes before answer,” NCC said.

“In exceptional cases where a live agent may be unavailable within five minutes to answer the call, a customer should be given an option to hang up to be called back within a maximum time of 30 minutes. Customer care lines that can be accessible through 21 free access numbers and if one number, then it should accommodate multiple other network calls at the same time,” NCC further said.

SUPPORT TINUBU TO TACKLE INSECURITY, POVERTY, SHETTIMA PLEADS

WITH SULTAN,

N’WEST

LEADERS

has pervaded the North-west region - and he is taking farreaching measures to address the situation.

"I urge our political leaders to unite in order to confront the common challenges of insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment in the region."

While conveying the President's felicitations, the Vice President, in a release issued by the Director of Information in his office, Mr Olusola Abiola, emphasised the importance of peace and unity, noting: "There can never be peace without development, there can never be development without peace."

He added that the Tinubu administration, in acknowledgment of the role of the traditional institution, remains committed to giving it the necessary support to contribute to the nation’s progress. Shettima reaffirmed the Tinubu government’s loyalty to traditional institutions in the country.

IRABOR: I’M LEAVING MILITARY STRONGER THAN I MET IT

by the federal government of Nigeria using the AFN in collaboration with the NPF, other security agencies, and critical stakeholders were in different stages of gestation.

“We were encouraged to pursue these measures in addition to other initiatives to reinvigorate the national security architecture to deliver critical national security functions. I make bold to say that I’m leaving the armed forces of Nigeria today, bigger, stronger, and more capable to deliver on its constitutional mandate and national security functions.”

He said the military under his watch had significantly curbed the threat of terrorism and piracy, among others.

Irabor said, “In more specific terms, we have significantly curtailed the threats of terrorism, insurgency, piracy, sea robberies, vandalism of critical national assets and kidnappings, and military aid to civil authority.

"We successfully work in conjunction with other security agencies and stakeholders to deliver a physical security environment that is amenable

for Law and Order, critical democratic processes, as well as human security and national development.”

He urged the citizens to be proud of the military and refrain from denigrating the service, adding that the military stood as a beacon of hope for the country.

Irabor said, “Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military, to whom too many security concerns seem to now be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility but as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the armed forces to national security, unity, and stability. Our military stands as a beacon of hope, strength, and resilience in an increasingly complex world.”

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) delivered on its constitutional mandate "as a defender of the Nigerian state, territories, and people in addition to providing a bulwark for unbroken democratic evolution.

“In other words, the AFN has been a foremost national institution in ensuring the

security and stability of the nation," said Irabor.

He noted that despite the current challenges, he remained very proud of the patriotism, dedication, hard work and sacrifices of the officers, men and women of the AFN which is propelled by "love for country."

The former CDS said: "Going forward, our thinking and national security approach must be so mighty that no potential aggressor will be tempted to risk his own destruction. There is a saying that "old soldiers never die, they just fade away.

"While my time in uniform has come to an end, the lessons, friendships, and values I have gained during my years of service will remain with me always. Farewell, my fellow warriors, and may you continue to serve our nation with honour, courage, and unwavering dedication.

"Throughout my years of service, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated, bravest, courageous, and selfless men and women I have ever known. Your unshakeable commitment

to our nation, our values, and our mission has been a constant source of inspiration. The bonds we have forged in the face of adversity are unbreakable, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve with each and every one of you.

“The friendship and unity that exists within the armed forces, you cannot find it anywhere and that is why you shouldn’t play politics with the military because, from the 774 LGA of this country, everyone is represented. There is no commander that goes to war with those he claims are his kinsmen.

"Without doubt, the nation should be proud of its military to whom too many security concerns seem now to be consigned. I therefore state with a sense of responsibility, that as a nation, we should avoid the deliberate or inadvertent inclination to denigrate the contributions of the AFN to national security, unity, and stability. To do so will be to effectively undermine the Nigerian state.

“After 37 years of unblemished service to the AFN and the nation and

Sultan Pledges Support

On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto thanked the VP for the Sallah homage and prayed to God to grant him wisdom and strength to discharge tasks assigned to him as the nation’s number two citizen.

He commended the federal government for the bold steps taken so far to address challenges confronting the nation, noting: "We need to acknowledge some issues are so bad to some people but we must take decisions to enable us see the benefit later. It is better to take certain decisions now, no matter the hardship. The gains of the future are more important."

The Sultan also commended the new government for the successes so far recorded: "It is barely a month since your swearing in and you have done a lot within one month.

"We need to conform with the normal standard of

having served as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the past 29 months, there is valid justification for the mixed emotions of great submission, reflection, humility, gratitude, and of course, relief."

Other dignitaries that attended the pull-out ceremony included Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oboriewori; the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; former defence chiefs, Admiral Ibrahim Ogohi, Alexander Ogomudia, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyin Pentirin; the immediate past service chiefs - Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya (Army), Vice Admiral Awwal Gambo (Navy) and Air Marshal Oladayo Amao (Air Force).

Irabor was appointed CDS in January 2021 and retired alongside others on June 19, following the appointment of new service chiefs by President Bola Tinubu.

The pull-out ceremony is part of the military tradition to honour retiring generals. The event usually involves a March Past by the officers of the Nigerian Army, among others.

reaching out to everybody because communication is very important. We are here as your communicators because we discuss, we go and tell people that policy is important and changing policy is important for us to move forward. We must always take people along to know what we are doing and why we are doing it. And at the end of it, when things are better, they will say thank God.”

Sultan Abubakar III pledged the support of the Sultanate to the federal government's policies and programmes, assuring: "We support you 100% all of the time and we give you our word on this. We will do whatever it takes to maintain peace and stability in our country Nigeria."

Other dignitaries that joined the Vice President for the Sallah homage were Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and his deputy, Idris Gobir; the Senator representing Sokoto North senatorial District, Aliyu Wamakko; the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; the APC Deputy National Chairman (North), Senator Abubakar Kyari; and Speaker of Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bodinga, among others.

Speaking earlier at a brief reception for the Vice President at the Government House, Governor Aliyu expressed gratitude for the visit, describing the gesture by Shettima as a show of "deep love for Sokoto State and its people."

He described the vice president as a man of patience, tolerance and courage, assuring him of the State's support for the success of the Tinubu administration.

Shettima charged Governor Aliyu to provide purposeful leadership while admonishing him to maintain cordial relationships with leaders across the State.

Addressing journalists shortly after paying Sallah homage to the Sultan, Shettima assured that more measures would be taken to safeguard the lives and properties of Nigerians.

He also assured that the federal government would create more job opportunities for Nigeria's teeming youths.

Order NDA to Respect Court Ruling on Illegally Dismissed Cadets, Parents Urge President Tinubu

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The parents of the nine cadets of the 67 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in the centre of a controversial dismissal have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to instruct the Minister of Defence

and the service chiefs to respect the court judgement reinstating their children to the academy.

The parents, led by Alhaji Mohammed Ibrahim Daura, the Maradin Daura of Katsina State, lamented that more than a month after the court judgement and years after the National Assembly

Appeal Court Acquits Obi, Ex-NIMASA Boss

The Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos has quashed the conviction of former Acting Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Calistus Nwabueze

Obi.

Delivering judgement yesterday in the Appeal filed by Obi in suit Nos.CA/LAC/CV/917/2019, CA/LAC/CV/917A/2019 and CA/LAC/CV/917B 2019, the Court of Appeal presided over by Justice Ngozi Nwosu-Iheme voided the judgement of Justice Mojisola Olateregun of the Federal HighCourtinLagos,deliveredonMay

23, 2019

TheCourtofAppealalsodischarged andacquitted Obi, Messrs. Global Seal Investments Ltd and Grand Pact Ltd on all eight counts of theft, conversion, fraud and money laundering.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had in April 2016 arraigned and prosecuted him on eight count charges of stealing, conversion and money laundering amounting to

N136 million alongside another NIMASA staff, Alu Dismass.

Obi, was appointed the acting Director General of NIMASA by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, but was accused of corruption by the EFCC, which also prosecuted him.

The EFCC had accused the duo of conspiring to convert the sum of N136 million belonging to NIMASA to their own use, a crime which the commission said was contrary to Sections 15 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

Obi and Dismass pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and were subsequently granted bail in the sum of N5 million, with sureties in like sum.

They later filed a no case submission after the EFCC had closed its case against them, however, the trial judge, Mojisola Olatoregun, dismissed their submission and ordered them to open their defence.

Bonga Oil Spill Victims, Communities Threaten to Occupy Shell Facilities

Sylvester Idowu in Warri

There is palpable tension among oil workers in Shell facilities in the Niger Delta as a group under the aegis of Concerned Bonga Oil Spill Victims and Impacted Communities (CBOSIC), yesterday, issued a fresh threat to occupy facilities of the Shell Exploration And Production Company Ltd (SNEPCO).

The moves followed the expiration of an earlier 14-Day ultimatum and seven days notice given to the company to address their demands.

A statement signed by President of the group, Mike Tiemo, and Secretary, Gbigbi Nelson, issued in Warri, Delta State, said they were ready to take their destiny in their own hands and in lawful manner.

CBOSIC said that having duly informed all security agencies in Nigeria in line with the relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, they would proceed to occupy Shell facilities on a peaceful protest march from July 18th 2023.

The group had on May 20, 2023, demanded that Shell pays the sum of $3.6 billion to all the impacted communities and victims of the Bonga Oil Spill.

The incident had occurred on December 20, 2011 while an oil tanker was being loaded at the

recommendation, the NDA had refused to implement the court ruling.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna State had on May 18, 2023 ordered the NDA to pay the dismissed cadets all their entitlements since their dismissal in 2019.

The court said the action of Major General I.M. Yusuf and the NDA respectively to withdraw the cadets from the academy after graduating from and participating in the Passing-Out Parade of the 67th regular course of the NDA was unconstitutional, unlawful and arbitrary and amounted to conviction without trial and/or fair hearing.

It also pronounced that the NDA should immediately reinstate

all the dismissed cadets, pay them their accrued entitlements and award them their degree certificates, having completed their studies and having participated in the academic convocation and in the 67th Passing Out Parade of the academy held on October 5, 2019.

While briefing the press, Daura appealed to President Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, and the service chiefs to investigate the matter to ascertain his facts saying, they have everything at hand to show that the children were innocent.

“I had earlier written a petition to the Minister of Defence and all the service chiefs, but unfortunately, we do not know who frustrated the investigation in NDA. That is why I am appealing to the authorities

concerned to re-investigate and find out the truth behind the dismissal of our children.

“Because, we know and have evidence to prove that the person behind our children’s problems, especially my son, was Lt. Col. Yusuf Dodo, who was the Academy Adjutant of the NDA. When the problem started, it was not an issue of dossier or party, and we presented the issue to the National Assembly and court. So, if they want to know the truth, they should investigate him, because he was the brain behind everything.

“He was later appointed by former President Buhari to be his ADC. The service chiefs and the Minister of Defence should investigate him and make him answer for his action. We have

evidence to support the investigation,” Daura said.

He lamented that two years after the National Assembly resolutions and almost two months since the court judgement, the NDA has not reinstated their children who are still at home when they are supposed to be serving the country like their mates with whom they graduated.

“These children have suffered enough, they should be allowed to go back and complete the NDA course which they have passion for and serve the country they believe in. It is not easy to sacrifice our children to defend the country. Now they have finished their degree in military training, but unfortunately, they were wrongly dismissed from the Nigerian Army,” he stressed.

THINKING INVESTMENTS…

company’s Bonga oil field, 120 kilometres off the Delta coast. It is estimated that 40,000 barrels of crude oil leaked during that time.

The group further said that they have written a letter to Shell notifying the company about their plans to occupy their facilities from July 18th 2023.

The letter titled, ‘Re: Pay Compensation Of $3, 600, 191,206.00 To Impacted Communities And Victims Of Bonga Oil Spill Within 14 Days’, reads; “Thank you for your letter of 22nd June 2023. We were very clear and unambiguous in our demand letter of 20th May 2023 that we do not believe in litigation with the Shell group.

“The Shell group concocted a ‘Mystery Spill’ to avoid liability from the outset of the Bonga Spill incident. Whatever has happened or happening in the courts does not concern us in CBOSIC.

“All we are saying is enough of taking undue advantage of the weak regulatory institutions, corrupt Judicial system and a federal government that cannot take the well-being of its citizens as priority to continue to pollute, devastate our land and oppress our people.

“If Nigeria was a serious country the Shell group would have been expelled long time ago. Why was it that the Shell group could not challenge the United States regulatory authority in the Gulf of Mexico spill?

Gov Yusuf: I Have No Regret for Demolitions in Kano

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said that he has no regret whatsoever on the demolition exercise and recovery of public properties that were illegally acquired and distributed to sacred cows by the immediate past administration.

In a press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Hisham Habib, the governor was said to have made

the declaration when the Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero paid a Sallah homage to him at the Government House as part of Eid Kabir celebrations.

“Your Highness, it is important for the emirate council to note that we embarked on the demolition exercise to bring back public properties that were illegally acquired and we will ensure that all such properties are restored back for the interest of the good people of Kano,” Yusuf said.

The governor appreciated the

Emir and members of the emirate council for the visit which is first of its kind since his assumption of office and enumerated achievements of his administration in the last 31 days in the areas of payment of NECO fees for 55,000 secondary schools students, restoration of streets lights and minimising the cases of phone snatching in Kano metropolis.

Others include resumption of screening for the award

of foreign scholarship for Kano indigenes with first class degrees, prompt payment of salaries and pensions and evacuation of thousands of tons of refuse in the metropolis.

Earlier, the Emir said the visit was to felicitate with the governor on Eid Kabir and assured his readiness to offer as advice that will be of importance to the development of the state and called on government and well-to-do individuals to assist the less-privileged in cushioning the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

Kefas Bans Logging of African Rosewood in Taraba

Wole Ayodele in Jalingo

Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, has imposed a total ban on the logging of African Rosewood popularly called Madrid in the state.

In a statement released in Jalingo, the state capital, yesterday and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Yusuf Sanda, Governor Kefas also directed the Task Force on the Suspension of Mining Activities in the State to enforce the ban.

Besides banning the felling of the trees, the governor extended the ban to the processing and sales of the highly sought after wood in the state.

The statement in part said, “The Executive Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas has imposed an immediate total ban on the felling, processing, and sales of the African Rosewood, popularly called Madrid in the state.

“The Task Force on the Suspension of Mining Activities in Taraba State has been charged with the

responsibility of enforcing the ban as one of its terms of reference.”

The governor, however, enjoined the good people of the state to support and cooperate with the Task Force in enforcing the ban in order to save the fragile habitat of the state from unregulated over exploitation and destruction.

Over the years, environmentalists have been raising the alarm over the degradation being caused to the environment by the massive felling of the African Rosewood

in Taraba State.

Thousands of the trees have been reportedly felled in the state in the past eight years while a big chunk of the revenue generated from the trade ends in private pockets rather than government coffers.

Meanwhile, the state is already witnessing the negative implications of the Madrid business as windstor ms and thunderstorms have continued to wreak havoc in several parts of the state with attendant loss of lives and property.

L-R: Group Chairman, Odu’a Investment Company Limited, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru; Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji and Group Managing Director, Odu’a, Adewale Raji, during a courtesy visit by the Odu’a Board to the governor in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State...yesterday

Alaba Market Demolition: Uzodinma, Kalu Broker Peace with Lagos Govt

Dike Onwuamaeze

The Chairman of South-east Governors’ Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma,

along with the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and leading Igbo businessmen, yesterday held a meeting with the Lagos State

Glo Identifies with Nigeria’s Rich Cultural Heritage at Ojude Oba Festival

Nigeria’s telecommunications giant, Globacom, at the 2023 Ojude Oba Festival emphasised its resolve to continue supporting and amplifying the cultural values that bind Nigerians together.

In a goodwill message read on behalf of the Chairman, Dr. Mike Adenuga, Jr., Chief Commercial Officer of Globacom, Mr. Yomi Ogunbamowo, stated that the company was determined, more than ever, to continue to take the lead in the promotion of Nigeria’s cultures and traditions with a view to showcasing them to the world at large and conserving them for posterity.

Globacom disclosed that it had made vast investments by constantly upgrading its telecommunications infrastructure to enable Nigerians to continue to communicate seamlessly with loved ones and business associates within and outside the country, while felicitating with the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru

Kayode Adetona, for the success of the 2023 edition of the festival.

In its address, on the theme of the 2023 festival, Ojude Oba: A Lesson In Religious Harmony, the telecommunications giant opined that it underpins the basis of the nation’s existence as a religiously pluralistic entity.

“The religious liberality which is one of the hallmarks of the success of the Yoruba race is a major feature of this festival which has become a heritage not only to the Ijebu, but to the entire Yoruba nation in Nigeria and in the Diaspora,” it said.

According to the company, “The natural tendency for religious tolerance among the Ijebus and indeed Yoruba generally, has made Ojude Oba to evolve into a social event uniting all Ijebu sons and daughters regardless of religious inclinations, political persuasions or social class,” adding.

Two Killed in Awka as Rival Cult Groups Clash

David-Chyddy Eleke in Awka

About two persons suspected to be cultists were yesterday gunned down in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during a clash by rival cult groups.

An eyewitness, Mr. Ike Odi, said the attack took place at about 11a.m. at Ukwuoji Bus Stop, along Zik’s Avenue. He said that the hoodlums numbering about five invaded the area in a tinted glass car and shot their victims and thereafter shot indiscriminately into the air before they escaped.

“We were all there when it happened and immediately gunshots started going up in the air, everyone scampered for safety and the cultists used the opportunity to escape,” Odi said.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Of ficer, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, could not confirm the killing but admitted that there was shooting in the area.

He said: “There is no information like that before me. Police operatives have intensified patrols within Awka follow ing the sound of gunshot at Ukwuoji Bus Stop in Awka.

GPC Energy and Logistics Gets ISO Certifications

GPC Energy & Logistics has been awarded three ISO Certifications. The firm has also appointed three additional female directors just as it celebrated World Logistics Day on June 28, 2023.

The MD/CEO of GPC, Elvis Okonji, said: “These three ISO Certifications (ISO 14001:2015, ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018) plus our ‘A’ rating by DataPro are testaments to how far we have come and will energise us to do more, while the appointment of three additional female directors will drive our growth.

“World Logistics Day is celebrated on June 28 every year to honour the work of the hard working professionals in the logistics sector; it plays a huge role in the progress of the economy, especially in a country as large as Nigeria, because everything that you order online reaches you through a vast network of distributors, shippers, and transporters who take care that you receive the correct item on time and in perfect condition,

Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu, that resolved the conflicts generated by the demolition of buildings in the Alaba International Market, Lagos.

The Imo State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Declan Emelumba, confirmed to THISDAY yesterday that the meeting, which was attended by large number of Igbo businessmen in Lagos State, amicably settled all differences that led to the demolition of market stalls and reassured the Igbos that they are free to go about their legitimate businesses in Lagos without any fear.

The meeting, which took place in Government House, Alausa, Ikeja, also resolved the rancor that trailed the outcome of 2023 general elections that brought bad blood in the relationship between the Igbos and their Yoruba neighbours in Lagos State.

The yesterday’s meeting with the

governor of Lagos State, was a follow up to a crucial private conversation Uzodinma, Kalu and the Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mbah, held with select businessmen from the South-east on Thursday’s night in Ikoyi, Lagos, to evaluate current events in the country as they affect Igbo people and to seek ways to propagate the shared interests of the Igbos in Lagos State.

Governor Uzodinma had pledged to Igbo businesspeople during Thursday’s meeting that he would find immediate solution to the conflict between the Lagos State Government and Igbo community within 24 hours.

Some of the Igbo leaders that participated in the private conversation on Thursday were the former President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Mr. Sam Ohuabunwa; retired Major General Umahi; the President of Ohanaeze in Lagos

State, Mr. Sunday Osai; a member of Igbo Intelligentsia and Nzuko Umunna, Mr.. Chris Maduka and the Chairman of Alaba Amalgamated Traders Association.

Uzodinma said, “Appoint between 15 and 20 persons to go with me and sit with the governor of Lagos State to resolve this matter on Friday before I will return to Abuja.”

Ohuabunwa, who was among the delegates that met with Governor Sanwo-Olu, told THISDAY yesterday’s night that the Lagos State Government agreed to set up a technical committee that would revisit the demolitions in the Alaba Market to establish that only the buildings blocking canal (waterway) were demolished.

He said: “The Lagos State Government also said that there was no targeting of Igbos in the state but assured that the state

government is out to ensure that all those who live and work in the state will do their business in a safe environment and without any let or hindrance as long as they keep to the law.”

He also described the meeting with the governor of Lagos State as a fence mending meeting that was very reassuring. “It was a meeting that achieved so much beyond the demolition and brought some reassurance and healing to any grievances or misunderstanding emanating from the election.

“It was more or less a healing and conciliatory meeting. The two governors of Lagos and Imo states were happy and everybody was in a good mood that we have nipped in bud any potential danger or flashpoint that could have caused further deterioration. The outcome of the meeting was worth all the trouble,” Ohuabunwa said.

PRESERVING CULTURE. . .

L-R:

Education

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi

in Adamawa Commend UNICEF for Interventions

regardless of the distance or weather.

“Pioneers and explorers such as Vasco Da Gama and Christopher Columbus played a valuable role in finding new trade routes; innovations such as the steam engine helped to reduce the time required to ship goods; modern preservation methods ensure that products do not get spoiled during transport, which makes it possible for consumers to enjoy goods produced in any part of the world.”

Though the first World Logistics Day was celebrated in 2019, the links that make up the modern world of logistics have been in place for centuries for as long as people began trading with each other.

Expected to strengthen the board and bring more diversity and inclusivity to the Board, the new directors are ‘Lolade Ayo- Braimoh (Non - Executive Director); Hajiya Rakiya Abdulkadir (Non-Executive Director); and Hadiza Kubura Abdullahi (Non-Executive Director).

United Nation Children Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has been commended by critical stakeholders in the education sector of Adamawa state for its continuous support and interventions which have improved the living standards of children over the years.

The commendation was made by teachers and school children during a recent field visit by a team of UNICEF Officials and Journalists from the Bauchi Field Office to some schools in Jada and Guyuk Local Government Areas of the state.

The visit was to observe the impact of the training to curb

the incidences of stigmatization, non attendance of school, non adherance to hygiene during menstrual periods and other harmful practices.

The training for the stakeholders was funded by the Netherlands Directorate-General for International Cooperation Accelerated Sanitation and Water for All programme ll (DGIS-ASWA II) in conjunction with UNICEF.

Teachers, male and female school children were trained on the need to adhere to best practices, especially on personal hygiene of female school children relating to menstruation during school hours and even at home in the state.

One of the outcomes of the training was that, perceptions on the primitive and negative beliefs on menstruation by females in the society have been changed as it was discussed in the open not as it used to be in the past.

One of the trainees said that, “ But with the UNICEF intervention, stakeholders are now on the same page and discussing the issue freely without any strings attached”.

The outcome according to the stakeholders has become a win-win situation for the growth of Education in the area.

Another trainee said that, “Now, young girls are making money as a result of training

from the new entrepreneurship opportunity owning to their abilities to manufacture reusable menstrual pads locally which is cheaper and can be reused for up to six months.”

During a one day field visit to Tsohon Tikke Primary school, one of the schools which benefitted from the training by UNICEF, stakeholders narrated to the visiting team of Reporters, how the intervention had changed their world views about menstruation completely.

Musa Umar, Head Teacher of the School, noted that the contributions of the partners, especially UNICEF can never

Ebonyi State NHIA Targets 80% of Informal Population

In order to boost participation in the health insurance coverage, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Ebonyi State has embarked on a street and market campaign on the benefits of the scheme.

Speaking on the sensitisation programme in Abakaliki, the State Coordinator of NHIA, Dr. Kenneth Ogbu, said that 80 per cent of the informal population were expected to be reached under

the campaign.

He identified such groups to include market women, mechanics, artisans, motorcyclists, tricyclists, families and groups.

According to Ogbu, the authority was embarking on strategic marketing in order to sensitise Ebonyians on its ‘Group Individual Family Social Health Insurance Programme-g, (GIFSHIP-g)’.

The NHIA coordinator explained that the GIFSHIP-g was a programme designed to

accommodate those not initially covered by other NHIA platforms to enable them also access affordable healthcare.

“It’s because we learnt that the majority of the people in Ebonyi State are not aware of this programme, especially the market women, that’s why we are going to the markets and to the streets for them to embrace the package,” the coordinator emphasised.

Ogbu further stressed that the

package also accommodated retirees, elderly and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, pointing out that medical treatment was free while patients will only pay 10 per cent of the cost of the drugs prescribed for their treatment.

On the ch oice of hospitals, he said that the beneficiaries were allowed to choose any hospital of their choice provided those hospitals were accredited by NHIA.

Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Managing Director, Adron Home and properties, Adetola Emmanuel King and His Majesty Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, during the Ojude Oba Festival.. yesterday

Stakeholders

In Army Shake-up, Lagbaja Approves Appointment of New GOCs, Corps Commanders

approved a second round of appointments and redeployments

A statement signed by Nwachukwu, said the move was towards ensuring administrative

It said having assumed command, the 23rd Chief of approved the appointment and and Brigadier Generals amongst

NA formations and units in the country.

redeployment include some of Defence and Army Headquarters, Corps Commanders, Commandants of NA Training Institutions, Brigade Commandseveral others.

Notable among the new

General VU Okoro from Department of Army Operations to Headquarters 2 Division as the from Defence Intelligence Agency to Headquarters 82 Division as

redeployed to 81 Division as GOC from HQ 2 Division will assume Command as the Commander Army Headquarters Abubakar is redeployed from Headquarters 7 Division / 3 Division NA as GOC and HAVEN.

The newly appointed Corps GO Adesina, who has been redeployed from Defence Headquarters to Headquarters

ICSAN Lauds Electricity Act, Seeks more Power for States on Critical Sectors

Omolabake Fasogbon

ON PEACE MISSION…

and Compliance to Headquarters Infantry Corps as Corps Comfrom DICON to Headquarters Nigerian Army Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as the new Corps Commander.

EL Ugwuoke is appointed Corps Commander Nigerian Army Ordinance Corps from AHQ Department of Logistics and Brig

Commandant Nigerian Army

Abbas Calls for Renewed Efforts on Climate Action

-

deen Abbas, yesterday called on parliaments across the climate action as the world marks the International Day of Parliamentarism. In a statement signed

and Publicity, Mr. Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas said the International Day of Parliamentarism, which marks the anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), is a day that calls for anywhere in the world.

He said the 2023 theme: ‘Parliaments for the Planet’, which focuses on climate action, was apt as the world

Release Nnamdi Kanu for Peace, Reconciliation, Muoka Appeals to FG

Mary Nnah

General Overseer of The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement, Pastor Lazarus Muoka, has appealed to the federal government to release the detained Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

He made the appeal during the two-day international crusade titled, ‘God that does what no man can do, organised by the Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement at the Oshodi Apapa Expressway Lagos.

Muoka said since the detention of Kanu peace has not

reigned in the country especially that his release would bring the needed relative peace and reconciliation in Nigeria.

According to him, the release of Kanu will give the agitators a sense of belonging and embrace peace for a better Nigeria, noting that before his incarceration the had witnessed relative peace and progress.

“There is a need for the federal government to release Nnamdi Kanu. I appeal and pray that God Almighty will touch those in charge to do the needful, for there to be peace, unity and progress in country.”

battles climate change.

“The Nigerian Parliament, which is a member of the IPU, would continue to work assiduously with other parliaments around the world to address the issue of climate change through legislation.

“Over the years, the Nigerian parliament has played a key role on issues related to addressing climate change.

The Institute of Chartereddescribed the newly signed Electricity Act by the federal government as a step in the right direction that will engender investment and

The institute further urged the government to consider transferring critical sectors to the concurrent list such that states and local governments can be empowered to perform

President and Chairman

Owokalade, during a press conference in Lagos, recently, stated that empowering the states on key sectors will stimulate economy activities, break the monopoly of nefarious investors, improve service

delivery and ultimately, boost the socio-economic, growth and development of the country.

Commending the new electricity act, he stressed that it will drive more private sector involvement in electricity generation, transmission and distribution while fostering healthy competition.

Owokalade, who also commended government’s boldness on subsidy removal government to be consistent and make its policy clear enough to guide and attract private investors.

He said, “The boldness of government to remove subsidy is commended, though we know the initiatives come with huge consequences because of the heavy dependence of every Nigerian household on fuel.

Avoid Stepping on Banana Peels, Nwaka Counsels Deputy Speaker, Kalu

Ugwu-Nwogo in Umuahia

A former third republic Nwaka, has advised the Deputy

Kalu, to avoid stepping on the proverbial banana peels. He gave the advice in a congratulatory message he addressed to Kalu following his emergence as the number Green Chamber of the National Assembly.

Nwaka expressed delight at the political height Kalu has attained, saying that if he sidesteps the banana peels strewn along would hold his head high at the end of the day.

Climate change poses a great threat to mankind, hence, the need to take concerted action to contain it.”

“According to the United Nations, the theme for this year’s commemoration of the International Day of Parliamentarism, ‘Parliaments for the Planet’, is designed to mobilise parliaments and parliamentarians to act on the climate emergency.”

He urged the 10th National Assembly members from Abia

hands with the state governor and together uplift their state.

“At the end of the day what matters really is not the political party one belongs to but the ability of all of you working together in harmony to attract democracy dividends to our state in general and your respective constituencies,” Nwaka said.

However, Nwaka, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), encouraged Kalu and other Abia federal lawmakers to work in harmony with the Abia Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, in order to attract democracy dividends from the centre.

He said that Kalu has demonstrated his knack for networking, citing the apparent effortless ease with which he networked with politicians of diverse political leanings thereby earning the support and trust of his colleagues

ACF Plans Partnership with Govt to Explore Economic Potentials of Rivers Niger, Benue

John Shiklam in Kaduna

Amnesty Office

Uncovers 1,370 BVN-linked Bank Accounts Traced to Ex-agitators

Ndubuisi Francis

The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) yesterday stated that it had uncovered (BVNs) of 513 ex-agitators linked to 1,370 accounts. This came as the Interim Administrator of the PAP, sponsoring 75 pilots and aircraft of its aviation training scheme. (Media) to the Interim Coordinasanitary steps carried out on the PAP database exposed certain

with multiple accounts linked to their BVNs.

had multiple accounts linked to their BVNs. In total, 513 on the payment list linked to their BVNs.

“Other anomalies were that of certain accounts not linked to their BVNs; this group had a total of 2601 accounts.

“To rectify those irregularities, a portal was created by PAP log in, and those with multiple accounts linked to their BVNs in order to have their payments regularised.

The Chairman of the Arewa Chief Gabriel Aduku, has said that the forum will partner with relevant authorities to explore the economic potentials of rivers Niger and Benue.

Aduku recalled that the exportation of agricultural produce was done through the rivers during the colonial era, regretting that at the discovery of crude oil, attention was shifted from agricultural activities.

He said as soon as the is inaugurated, it will advise the government to consider the economic potentials of the two rivers.

Aduku said with technology, a lot could be done for the rivers to work for the “I will bring up to the forum, how rivers Benue and Niger serve this country.

“We met it when Yola was functioning as a port and goods Yola up to Liverpool,” he said.

According to him, “There were cotton, groundnuts, and others for export. The same thing came through Baro, down

“There was the Royal Niger Company...they were established along the rivers.

“All these disappeared when we got independence. The land that produced these things is still fertile, especially in Zaria, and today the population is increasing.”

Aduku noted that all these were abandoned because of the discovery of crude oil.

He said, “Rivers Niger and thoroughly used. We need to use it for economic advantages.

“Technology today can help us to do a lot to make those rivers work for Nigeria. There are a lot of things that can be done under water; people live under water.

Juliet Akoje in Abuja

Emmanuel

L-R: Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mbah; Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum and Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, during a private conversation with selected businessmen from the South-east to evaluate current events in Lagos....yesterday. Abiodun Ajala

Gov Otti Suspends Principals of All State-Owned Nursing/Midwifery Training Institutions

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the suspension of the Principals of all state-owned Nursing/ Midwifery training institutions, pending investigations and directives.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko, also suspended the Director of Nursing in the Ministry

FOR ENDURING CULTURE…

A PRESERVING LEGACY…

Runsewe Commends Ijebu National Museum, Presents Plaque to Curator, Wanda Ibru

Charles Ajunwa

The Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe, yesterday commended the Curator of Ijebu National Museum, Wanda Ibru, for doing a brilliant job together with her committee members in sustaining the rich cultural heritage of the Ijebus in a well secured in-house museum.

Runsewe, who presented a plaque to Ibru, during a tour of the Ijebu National Museum, said a country without history would find it difficult to make progress.

He called on other states across the country to take a cue from the Ijebu National Museum, saying each state should be able to tell their own story to tourists and cultural critics.

“What we are trying to do now with this in-house museum, is to encourage other states to take a cue from it so that they can have their own museums and when people come to their states, they have stories to tell tourists and cultural critics. For me, this is absolutely commendable and that is why I gave a plaque today (yesterday) to the Ijebu National Museum for doing a great job. For reminding us, if you don’t know where you are coming from it will be difficult to make progress. The younger ones today can see what happened in 53 with Tv, the sculpture of the Oba which they change from time to time to look very unique. For me, I must commend the Curator and the committee members for doing a brilliant job and sustaining this museum. What we need to do now is to link up this museum

with other international museums. I’m sure in another few years, they will be thinking of expanding the museum.

“But I have one recommendation, every year they have Ojude Oba, it will be nice to pick something from that celebration and put it in the museum. It’s maybe drum this year, it could be dress of one of the dancers, it could be anything so that it can be brand identity of the Ijebus. “

Commenting on this year’s Ojude Oba, Runsewe said, “Today, we are talking of experience, celebrating life with culture and royalty of a people that believe in their cultural brand. Now both the Ijebus home and abroad have come out in their numbers. Yesterday (Thursday) I went to the immigration desk, and they informed me that over

2,500 disaporans arrived for this year’s Ojude Oba. That is to tell us that this is a cultural content we must take seriously.

“Today, Ogun State is one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria. You hardly hear of any kidnapping or violent crimes. So, if we have this kind of festival we need to promote and make sure it’s well preserved and promoted globally. We need to make sure that it cements a new future for our great country.

“Yesterday (Thursday) we all heard Mr. President telling us his relationship with the Awujale who, of course, is the oldest serving monarch in the history of mankind. Both leaders have come a long way. Today, nobody is talking about religion or any other thing. We are talking about celebrating the people.

Over 300 Players Ready for Gov Diri’s Scrabble Prize

Olusegun Samuel in Yenagoa

Former World and African champions are among top Nigerian players that will slug it out at the third edition of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship.

The two-day event hosted by the Bayelsa State Scrabble Association (BYSA) in Yenagoa, the state capital, is slated for July 8 and 9 at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall.

The governor’s tournament

for the Nigerian contingent to the World Scrabble Championship holding in the United States from July 15.

Expected to participate in the Masters category are former world champion, Wellington Jighere, current African champion, Enoch Nwali, his compatriot and defending champion of the tournament, Nsikak Etim, among other top-rated players such as Emmanuel Umujose, Eta Karo as well as Oshevire Avwenaghagha, who won in

Chairman of the BYSA, Mr. readiness to host the third edition with over 300 players from across the country expected to participate.

He stated that this edition would be more competitive as only four categories would feature, namely masters, opens, veterans and students from Bayelsa secondary schools.

He said: “The Bayelsa Scrabble Association is ready for the third edition of the governor’s national scrabble championship.

Preparations are on top gear to deliver a hitch-free championship.

“We look forward to receiving former world, African and national champions among over 300 participants in the masters, opens, veterans and students categories. This edition promises to be more competitive as participants will compete in just four categories.

“The star prize remains N500,000 for winner of the masters category. There are also prizes for top winners in the other categories and up to 50 consolation prizes.

of Health, Nwosu Dorathy Njideka.

He said the two suspensions

On Thursday, Governor Otti suspended Permanent Secretaries, Head of Service and appointed an acting Head of Service, Lady Joy Maduka, a Director from the Ministry of Education.

COREN Gets Washington Accord Provisional Signatory Status

Funmi Ogundare

The Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has been given the Washington Accord Provisional Signatory Status.

The Washington Accord is programmes which deal with the practice of engineering at the professional level.

The President of COREN, Prof. Sadiq Abubakar, who in Lagos recently, explained that the COREN’S Washington Accord (WA) Provisional Signatory would increase Nigeria’s global engineering ranking, translating into economic and technological boom for the nation.

Abubakar said the signing of COREN took place on June 14, 2023 at the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) meetings in Taiwan and made Nigeria the second African member after South Africa.

He said, “COREN was admitted to become a Provisional Signatory of the Washington Accord on June 14, 2023, making Nigeria the 2nd African member of the Accord.” saying quality, productivity and mobility of Nigerian engineers would be improved upon and internationalised without threat of brain drain.

COREN – registered engineers to include, technology transfer, improved foreign exchange, improved engineering education quality in Nigerian universities.

He added that it will also help engineering graduates “meet the demands of the industry both in – country and abroad”.

The President said similar arrangements were being pursued by COREN under the Sydney and Dublin Accords for Nigerian Technologists and Technicians to capture the artisans.

“Entry into these Accords would create great opportunities for Nigerian Engineering Professionals,” he said.

Abubakar said the new dawn to the engineering industry would enable it to bring all stakeholders together to harness the gains of existing laws in the country that recognises COREN registered engineers.

This, he noted, will help them take the lead in the local content policy including handling of government contracts and taming quackery.

from journalists, he assured that measures were in place to ensure that Nigerian engineers exported abroad as expatriates returned to use the skills at home.

Praise Concert to Project Nigeria’s Culture Globally

Nigeria has been described as a country full of creative talents and rich cultural potentials that are yet to be wholly harnessed.

Nigerian gospel artiste, Chigozie Wisdom said Nigeria is losing a lot of economic opportunities due as it’s unable to tap from the creative and entertainment sector.

Chigozie, who is the convener of the concert of Praise Over Nigeria’ insisted that more should be done by all stakeholders to project Nigeria’s riches for national prosperity.

She stressed that the national and global concert holding virtually, was conceived to showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and great talents through praise.

“This is a programme that brings together Nigerians from all over the world through the social media space to carry a praise

He said an agreement had been reached with South Africa to allow Nigeria handle exportation of all West African expatriates and also sign a jurisdiction agreement. nation for 60 days. The previous editions featured notable artistes including BJ Sax, Laolu Gbenjo and Bukola Bekes, amongst others.

“As patriotic citizens my team and I are just playing our roles to contribute to the growth of Nigeria.”

According to her, this year’s edition which begins August 3 would be headlined by Yadah, Tope Alabi, Tosin Alao and others.

L-R: Director General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Segun Runsewe; Curator, Ijebu National Museum, Wanda Ibru (Yeye Boyejo); Olori Adekunbi Runsewe; and Dr. Oskar Ibru (Otunba Boyejo of Ijebuland)...during the NCAC boss visit to Ijebu National Museum, Ogun State...yesterday

L-R: Son of the Honoree, Mr. Femi Mulele; the GMD, Cavalli Group, Mr. Emmanuel Odemayowa; Daughter of the Honoree, Mrs. Aramide Mulele-Lawal, MD, Expert Bridge, Mr. Olusegun Lawal, and COO, Global Property Partners, Mr. Olaolu Oluwarinde, at the Official Unveiling of the Abimbola Heritage Apartments, Victoria Island built by the Cavalli Group and named in honour of the late Chief (Mrs) Frederica Abimbola Omololu-Mulele, recently

The Children’s Day may have come and gone, but its memories continue to linger. I remember that Civil Society Organizations speakers who spoke at the webinar were Ms. Chiemelie Asogwa, a the University of Ibadan.

The webinar focused on the imperative of investing in children. It was amazing to see how well all three speakers spoke about investing in children. Mrs. Chinwe Okaro, a mother, lawyer, and child development expert, gave a wonderful presentation. She stated that the school and the family have roles to play in the education of children, but the school should not usurp the role of parents as the primary educators of their children. Instead of usurping the parental role in a child’s upbringing, the school should partner with the parents to ensure that the child receives integral human development.

The school has an important role in investing in the development of the pupils in sports and recreational activities. The school should also be concerned about the nutritional value of the students’ food consumption. In addition, the school can ensure that the children are out that the government should invest in school pupils through their parents. For instance, families could have incentives like tax breaks and support in the expenses of child upbringing and education, so they could spend more quality time with the children rather than on making money to cater for the children. The country currently enjoys the Universal Basic Education scheme, while the Child’s Rights Act and government agencies are in place for the protection of Nigerian children. Nigerian society should take a cue from the Western world, where the population is too low to run their society, and that is why they have opened their Nigeria should learn from this and protect and promote the family so that we have a viable population size.

She highlighted that the human dignity curriculum used by the Foundation for African Cultural Heritage helps teach children to realize have the instinct to say ‘No’, but when it is explained to them and they go back on their ‘No’ and perform the given task. She asserted that the true heroes of Children’s Day are the neglected children, some of whom are consequences of insecurity and abduction. She also emphasized that failed leaders are the result of bad or inadequate investment in them during their childhood. Therefore, those who failed to invest positively in the leaders of today are the ones who failed us. It is important to have a society where children are not a threat to us, and this can only be achieved when we are intentional about the investments we make in children.

Miss Mujeebah Opatola, an undergraduate, orator, mental health enthusiast, and volunteer, was the second speaker. She emphasized that while school is important, it is not everything. School teachers guide students to have good grades and be knowledgeable, but character development is not the school’s primary focus. It is the duty of parents to personally observe their children, listen to them, and provide them with what they need to thrive emotionally, physically, and socially. She noted that parenting is unique to each child, and a prototype parenting

methodology cannot be blindly applied to all children. Parents need to examine each child as if conducting a laboratory experiment, trying to understand and infer from their observations. By doing so, they will be able to nurture the child’s development in a way that is unique to that child. She also emphasized the importance of parents’ investment in the child’s skills, talents, and abilities. She stated that if a child is happy and allowed to thrive in areas that come naturally to them, they will reciprocate by being dutiful to the parents for enabling their happiness in those areas. She discouraged the act of comparison and emphasized true selves and full potential, not just focusing on good grades alone. Practical approaches to life can be gained through positive exposure.

Chimelie, a Basic six pupil and a World Peace Enthusiast, pointed out that money is absolutely important for parents to cater to the needs and therefore encouraged the government to build more schools where children should be supported, whether they are intelligent or not. There should be provision for all children.

The webinar ended on a high note with the participants actively taking part and making contributions, highlighting the fact that children are the leaders of tomorrow and that everyone needs to invest in them. Children are the future leaders of society. By investing in their education, skills, and overall development, we are equipping them to take on leadership roles and contribute positively to their communities and the world at large. Children are the building blocks of human capital. Investing in their health, education, and social well-being enhances their potential to become productive members of society. They will acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to economic growth and innovation. Investing in children from disadvantaged backgrounds can break the cycle of poverty. Quality education, nutrition, healthcare, and support systems can provide them with the tools to overcome socio-economic barriers and achieve their full potential.

Investing in children promotes social stability by fostering equality and reducing disparities. When children have access to quality education and opportunities, regardless of their background, it helps create a more equitable society, reducing social unrest and inequality. Investing in children’s health and well-being ensures a healthier and happier population. Proper nutrition, healthcare, and emotional support contribute to their physical and mental well-being, leading to healthier lifestyles and reduced healthcare costs in the long run. Investing in children fosters creativity, innovation, and progress. By providing them with a quality education that encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity, we nurture their potential to become future inventors, scientists, artists, and entrepreneurs. Investing in children’s education and skills development is crucial for maintaining global competitiveness. As the world becomes more interconnected, societies that prioritize education and skill-building for their children will be better equipped to adapt to the changing economic landscape and stay competitive in the global marketplace.

Therefore, investing in our children is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in the future of society. By providing them with the necessary resources, support, and opportunities, we empower them to become responsible, productive, and compassionate individuals who can shape a better world for themselves and future generations.

Mrs

Alli

writes from Lagos

Who wins the next edition of Prosperity Cup Football Tournament? asks Werepere Appah

In the words of Kailash Satyarthi, “The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm and courage of the young people.” These words have built a strong conviction amongst the sponsors and organizers of the “Prosperity Cup” – The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament.

The Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament aka Prosperity Cup formally called Restoration Cup conceptualized during the tenure of Governor, Henry Seriake Dickson has prominently placed Bayelsa State on the local and international maps. The tournament whose sole tourists as well as football scouts and academies to Bayelsa State may be described as an exuberant activity where intense competition becomes natural while obeying the rules of the game.

Aside academic exploit, youth involvement in sports have been seen to foster unity as well as major breakthroughs across the globe. Despite the numerous achievement of the Douye Diri led government in the sport sector, the Governor is best from the youth through the Prosperity Cup Tournament.

Sen Douye Diri a sportsman, Pan-Ijaw activist, trained teacher and the driving force behind the is without doubt amongst the few leaders who still believe that encouraging youth involvement in sports is a major factor in national develop-

empowerment to international levels has made positive impact in the lives of the youths and helped in making the Bayelsa youth identify with the goals of the Prosperity Government.

One Important aspect of the Prosperity cup continuous contribution of the Deputy Governor, Sen Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo and The Bayelsa Commissioner for Sports, Mr Igali in advocating for more private sector involvement in grassroots football development and lucrative rewards and endorsement for excelling footballers to encourage excellence amongst the youth. It’s no coincidence that both Bayelsa State owned football teams, The Bayelsa United and Bayelsa Queens are winning and doing exploits in the Douye Diri led Prosperity Government.

Similarly Ono Akpe, the Director-General of the Prosperity Cup can also be described as a shining example of a “ passionate man” who also believes that young people should be at the forefront of global change and empowerment.

of the Governor’s Cup Mr Ono Akpe just like Governor Douye Diri declared his resolve to stop at nothing to see young talented players make the best out of their careers.

Previous editions have produced Ewoama FC of Brass Local Government Area (2015), Peretorugbene FC of Ekeremor (2018), Okolobiri FC of Yenagoa (2019), Eternal Grace Ministry (EGM FC) also of Yenagoa (2022) as champions respectively of the Bayelsa Governor’s Football Tournament. This tournament has seen so many unknown names and faces turn great players.

Thus, it is safe to concur with the words of Eduardo Galeano that, “Good soccer players need not to be titans sculpted by Michelangelo. Your ability is much more important than shape, and in many cases, skill is the art of turning limitations into virtue.”

We can say with certainty that a lot has been achieved with this competition as several players discovered from this competition now CUP winner, Okardi Inikurogha, who won the Ewoama FC of Brass where he also emerged as the MVP is now in France. Here in Bayelsa, about seven players are currently with Bayelsa United. The likes of Christian Mizo, Endurance, Ebedebiri, Bob Philip, all featured in the competition.

Also Tarabina, who won the second edition with Peretorugbene is now playing for Bayelsa United. The likes of Egah Saviour, Prince Ebiobowei, Onyesom Precious, Noel Nestor, Victory Benaingba and others who have gone abroad, equally played in the previous editions. The 2022 edition alone had a total of 210tional Scouts from France, South Africa, Australia and Eastern Europe.

The 4th edition of the tournament managed by Red Sapphire in support of Governor Douye and second scouting programs led by Mr Vincent Onyema, Mr Passi Gerald and FIFA Agent Ojo Paul Omamomo amongst others.

of 214 teams cut across all sectors of the eight

local government areas of Bayelsa State with 24 are playing for Prosperity. This year’s edition of the Prosperity cup was kick started on the June Yenagoa with the Governor, Senator Douye Diri

The tournament is expected to come to climax in late June qnd early July with various qualifying stages ranging from the round of and fourth place overall winners acquiring cash million respectively as well as consolation prizes and trophies.

Football according to Gary Linekar, “is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.” In this edition various sponsors/supporters such as Linekage Assurance, Century Oil, Swiss Royal Grill, FIDO Waters, Ayalla Group, Aqualina Waters, DSTV, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, Bayelsa State Football Association, Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, Ministry of Information, Strategy and Orientation, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy scouts who have pledged their unwavering support to the Prosperity Cup Football Tournament due to the quality and value placed by football lovers on the competition are waiting patiently to see who the next “GERMANS” of the Prosperity Cup Football Tournament will be.

Appah is a Public Commentator

AS THE WORLD BECOMES MORE INTERCONNECTED, SOCIETIES THAT PRIORITIZE EDUCATION AND SKILLBUILDING FOR THEIR CHILDREN WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO ADAPT TO THE CHANGING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE AND STAY COMPETITIVE IN THE GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

Investing in our children is not only a moral imperative but also an investment in the future of society, argues Haleemah Alli

Gov. Uba Sani, Save GSS Pambegua

When news broke last year that Kubau local government had requested the Kaduna State government to allow it to use the land belonging to Government Secondary School, Pambegua to build 1,000 housing units for low income earners and civil servants, our happiness knew no bounds. Although, the proposed housing units are to be built on land belonging to Government Secondary School Pambegua, nobody raised any alarm. However, the whole idea for this capital- intensive project has taken a suspicious dimension in recent times. sought and obtained an approval for 51 hectares for the project from the minis-

After an independent surveyor was hired and the land measured, an additional 23 hectares were found belonging to the poor people of the community. lands would be sold to interested parties. This is to say, the idea of engaging a mortgage company to build the housing units as planned by the local government has been shelved. This led to protest by the people of Anguwa PTA, SBMC and other associations in the community also opposed the idea of selling the land belonging to the school. The school is overcrowded and needs expansion.

the Pambegua Housing units. Pambegua is one of the fastest growing communities in Kaduna State. The community is in question can be used to expand infrastructure such as: building of additional classes, library and laboratories to accommodate the ever-increasing student population of the community and neighbouring hamlets. By selling the land, the governthe need arises.

There is no gainsaying the fact that there was never a time the immediate-past administration of Governor Nasir El-Rufai allocated school land for housing estate. Evidence abound on how he demolished many structures built within school

how Kubau local government got approval for the aware about the development nor endorsed it. We of the school and other people whose farms were a sham housing project.

Adamu Abdullahi Pambegua, Kaduna state. Chairman, Pambegua Old Students Association (POSA)

Tinubu and the Pension Relief Bill

Apension is a retirement fund for an employee paid

When such an employee has reached a certain age or in old age, an annuity is paid to the employee which is calculated by the terms of the pension. The pension industry in Nigeria currently operates using the Contribufunds to be privately managed exclusively by licensed custody of pension assets on trust on behalf of contributors. The Pension Relief Act is a proposed bill designed to promote advanced collection of pension fund by workers who have participated in contributory pension scheme for a period of 10 years and desire to collect its contributory pension fund for project, business or any other purposes. The act will serve as a bailout for aged workers, sick workers, impaired workers and displaced workers both in private and public sector who may need such fund for progression. The bill is designed to strengthen the existing Pension Reform Act 2004 that make provision for workers

THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER EDITOR YEMI ADEBOWALE DEPUTY EDITOR AHAMEFULA OGBU MANAGING DIRECTOR ENIOLA BELLO DEPUTY MANAGING DIRECTOR ISRAEL IWEGBU CHAIRMAN EDITORIAL BOARD OLUSEGUN ADENIYI EDITOR NATION’S CAPITAL IYOBOSA UWUGIAREN

THE OMBUDSMAN KAYODE KOMOLAFE

THISDAY NEWSPAPERS LIMITED

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF/CHAIRMAN

to gain access to their contributory pension scheme after 35 years of service or at retirement age of 60. The Pension Relief Act is an arrangement which allows an employee who have participated in pension contributory scheme for a minimum of 10 years pension fund. The passage of this bill by the Tinubu administration and the 10th National Assembly led by Senate President Godwin Akpabio will foster national unity and workers support for the new administration.

Pedro Ukokobili, Abuja

In Praise of Kailani

Dr Mohammed Kailani is an achiever.

of the Confederation of APC support group worked side by side with APC Presidential Campaign Councilpaigns that made the victory of President Tinubu possible. He contributed immensely in strategizing and mobilizing the grassroots there when the debates and deliberations about whether Bola Tinubu should run for the Presidency or not, and through the epic general elections. Kailani is today recognised as one of the heroes behind the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He never for once who feigned loyalty to a political cause or his political party because he is always true to his creed. Among his peers he stood firmly as a man of his words. He single-handedly pulled his resources together to form his organization to campaign for the President. He rented a multi-million naira property in the city centre of Abuja which he used as the headquarters of the campaign to fight the Tinubu cause. He wants the President to succeed so that the mantra of change and renewed hope will add up to giving the country a new deal.

Musa Wada, Abuja

RingTrue

The Butcher of Kano Called Abba Yusuf

Pictures coming out of Kano State are depressing. Pictures of fully and partially demolished structures cluttering this once dry-eyed state. Now, tears are flowing uncontrollably; tears that may never dry. Thousands affected directly and indirectly are wailing and asking for justice. Scores of buildings have been completely or partly demolished by the vindictive Governor Abba Yusuf in the last three weeks. It is shocking that this confused governor also demolished Duala Hotel and all the structures within the premises, a property partly owned by the Kano State Government. The location was assigned to a private firm under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement by the Ganduje administration. So, Yusuf simply demolished a property belonging to the government. What madness! The whole of Kano is now looking like a war zone.

Governor Yusuf who emerged on the platform of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) is on a vendetta mission. He is out to destroy everything with links to former governor Abdullahi Ganduje. And he is callously doing it. For me, his demolitions amount to settling political scores with Ganduje. The people of Kano State voted for Yusuf with the hope that he would bring further development to the state. They want him to push out peopleoriented programmes. These positives are not happening. Unfortunately, Governor Yusuf is now a source of sorrow to thousands of residents of this state with his absurd demolitions.

I shed tears when I saw the pictures of hundreds of shops demolished at two shopping plazas – the one near Sani Abacha Stadium and another one on IBB Road - and the wailing of the shop owners. Affected owners and tenants are devastated and struggling to recover. Rents and goods have gone down the drain no thanks to calamity Abba Yusuf.

Ibrahim Muhammad, who was a vendor of women’s wears in one of the demolished plazas, recounted the distressing incident in which his shop was broken into and valuable merchandise stolen: “Some of them broke in from behind, while others removed doors, windows, and other building materials. They seized the opportunity presented by the demolition to pillage our stores.”

Abdussalam Abdullahi, who was operating a shop selling boxes, shared a similar experience: “We were not informed that our location was among the areas slated for demolition. To our surprise, criminals

broke into our shop and made off with our products, facing no opposition from the authorities.”

Governor Yusuf claims the structures he demolished were built on public facilities “immorally plundered and sold by the Ganduje administration.” Mr. Governor, these public facilities were legally allocated to the investors. The facts are there. It was a lawful government that assigned the land, in whatever form of arrangement, to the developers. So, the law should be followed if such allocations are to be revoked.

This is not the first time public facilities will be legally allocated or concessioned to investors for development in this country. It is not the first time government houses will be allocated to occupants. In fact, Governor Yusuf’s godfather, Rabiu Kwankwaso, as governor, allocated public properties to private developers. A good example here will be the buildings opposite BUK old campus allocated by Kwankwaso to private developers during his tenure.

I’m happy that Ganduje has challenged Kwankwaso on the sale of government land while he governed the state. He alleged that the policy was introduced when he was Kwankwaso’s deputy. Ganduje said: “I stand to be challenged that the Kwankwaso administration in which I served as deputy

A Word for Acting Customs CG

The newly appointed acting comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, assumed office this week with a promise to “build on the solid foundation” laid by his predecessor, Hammed Ali. The solid foundation associated with Ali during his tenure has to do with ineptitude and corruption in the Customs. I sincerely hope Adeniyi is not planning to build on these negatives.

Allegations of corruption in the NCS under Ali were massive. In 2021, I remember seeing the Vice-Chairman, 9th Senate Committee on Customs and Excise, Francis Fadahunsi, calling for the removal of Ali because of corruption. This Senator is a retired Assistant Comptroller General of Customs and surely knew what he was saying.

Back then, the Senator remarked: “Massive corruption is going on under Ali’s watch and the country is losing so much money due to this. Concerning the

seizure and disposal of contraband goods, Ali has not rendered any returns in the past six years. The amount estimated from these runs into trillions of Naira. He has also not made any public auction according to the Auction Sales Code.

“The CG has not audited his accounts in the past six years. If he (Ali) says he has done that, let him publish the audited report. Let him also publish what he has made on the auction of seized goods since he resumed. That should be subjected to a forensic audit. He has never told us what he made from overtime cargoes and containers.”

My dear Adeniyi, you are aware of the above quotations. So, you should not be talking about sustaining Ali’s legacy of corruption. Adeniyi, you have been appointed to reform the NCS, fight corruption and increase revenue collections. A corruption-free Customs can remit at least N10 trillion into the federation account yearly. But this has not been the case. Corruption in the NCS has left Nigeria’s borders porous.

governor began the sales of government properties in the state. If I am to call out names of senior government workers and politicians that bought government houses, we can spend the night counting. Kwankwaso and I introduced that policy; we sold houses, most of them to workers, some to politicians.

“This is nothing new. I worked in Abuja. I resided in a government house and at last, the federal government sold it to me. They are saying that we have sold government houses not knowing that his father in politics, his grandfather in politics, was the one who started selling government houses.”

Honestly, it is unfair to demolish buildings legally acquired by indigenes and investors from the Ganduje Government. There is no justification for these heartless demolitions. Forget about stories that the structures were illegally built and approved by the Ganduje administration or stories that they were government assets illegally allocated. Forget about Governor Yusuf’s claim that the demolitions are part of the fulfillment of his campaign promise to restore the urban development master-plan of the city. It’s a ruse aimed at justifying the sordid demolitions. In any case, the governor should have taken owners of the structures to court if he truly believes in the rule of law.

The developers got land allocations from the government, fulfilled all the conditions of the law and developed the structures. Based on the rule of law, Governor Yusuf is supposed to first notify the developers about these so-called illegal acquisitions, set up a commission of inquiry and let them defend their acquisitions. He can then proceed to court with the report of the inquiry commission. Yusuf has to be fair to the developers. They ought to have been given fair hearing on how they came about their properties. The principle of fair hearing is clear and sacred all over the world. It is a shame that the Kano governor commenced demolitions before setting up a commission of inquiry. He just got up and started demolishing buildings.

I need to go back to the demolition of Daula Hotel, so that we can all understand that Governor Yusuf messed up big time. Lamash Properties Limited, the developer of the old Daula Hotel, was invited by the state’s government, alongside other companies sometime in 2020 to bid for the redevelopment of the old Daula Hotel under a Public Private Partnership (PPP)

arrangement.

Its bid, like every other bid was submitted, went through all the processes, including going before the State Executive Council, after which the firm won. It was issued the letter of award and signed a PPP contract agreement with the Kano State Government and Lamash began work on the project. The land is the equity contribution of the Kano State Government, making it a part owner.

But Governor Yusuf went there on June 4 with bulldozers and destroyed all the buildings on the land, including the already completed 90-room 5-star Daula Boutique Hotel, the 90 per cent completed malls as well as ongoing residential apartments. Is there any sense in this? Lamash Properties is owned by Aliyu Abubakar. His only offence is that he backed Ganduje during the 2023 elections in Kano State.

Hundreds of indigenes of Kano, including women in the puddle were on the streets of Kano on Wednesday to protest the devilish demolitions by Yusuf. Some of the placards carried by the demonstrators read: “Your action Governor Yusuf is sending investors away, stop this bad action”, “Your demolition action is political”, “the demolition is vendetta”, “we did not vote for you to demolish structures” and “Kwankwaso also allocated land to people.”

One of the leaders of the protesters, Zahradeen Baba, stated: “It is unfortunate that within six days in office, the perceived messiah (Abba) became a source of sorrow to many residents and indigenes of Kano State, who acquired land from the Ganduje administration, when the governor ordered the demolition of properties worth over N226 billion within three weeks in office. Governor Yusuf is using people’s hard-earned assets to settle political scores with the previous administration, which is a bad development.

“Some of those who lost their lives to this demolition are people who voted for Governor Yusuf during the last elections. Is this the best way to reward them for voting for Abba Yusuf? We call on the Governor to also compensate the families of those who lost their lives to this reckless demolition even though their loss is irreparable. Mr. Governor, these are enough reasons for you to revert to governance instead of political vendetta.”

The good news is that a Federal High Court sitting in Kano has restrained the state government from further demolition of some structures located along BUK road. The applicant, Saminu Muhammadu, succeeded in getting the court to restrain Governor Yusuf and his agents from the planned demolition of his property on BUK road or revoking the land titles. Some of those whose buildings have been demolished are in court pleading for justice. Owners of marked buildings should also go to court. One thing is certain: They will all get justice.

Governor Abba’s spiteful and anarchic demolitions are sending negative signals to potential investors. Score have lost their investments. Nobody would want to put money in this state again. Thousands have also lost jobs to the demolitions. This is definitely not a government of the people, for the people of Kano State.

Few days back, the governor ordered Kano State’s accountan t-general, Abdulkadir Abdusalam, to stop the salaries of 10,800 workers employed by Ganduje. He said an investigation would be carried out to establish the authenticity of the workers’ engagement. “Those illegally recruited will be removed,” declared Abba. What nonsense! For Governor Abba, it’s all about obliterating everything done by Ganduje. If Abba continues this way, his end won’t be palatable.

Adeniyi

Yusuf

IFEYINWA EJEZIE

As District Governor, Rotary Will Deliver More Impactful Projects

Ifeyinwa Rita Ejezie, fondly called Ify, is the District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, covering all the Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States. Ify, who is also the National Vice Chairman of the Association of Securities Dealing House of Nigeria (ASHON), is a Stockbroker and Commodity dealer. In this interview with THISDAY, Ejezie speaks about the role and impact of Rotary in Nigerian communities and around the world, and also outlined the main plans of her one-year tenure

You are taking over as the District Governor of Rotary International District 9110, howdoesthatmakeyoufeel?

I am looking forward to this assignment, I am looking forward to doing more good in communities in Lagos and Ogun States which our District covers. I feel blessed by God for giving me the opportunity to lead a group of passionate Rotarians, almost 5,000 people, it is an enormous responsibility that I do not take for granted.

In Rotary, we are given at least three years preparation time because you begin as District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND), you then become a District Governor Nominee (DGN), a District Governor-elect (DGE) and finally you take up your responsibility. I believe this Rotary structure gives enough time for reflection, for learning and planning. It is the execution part that happens when you eventually become District Governor.

Tell us about Rotary, your District and its major impact on communities and in the world?

Rotary is the largest NGO in the world, comprising of group of business and professional persons who came together for the purpose of doing good in the world. My District 9110, like I said is made up of Rotary Clubs in Lagos and Ogun States. We have been had in the forefront of fighting Polio and eradicating it in Nigeria. In addition, we also embark on various projects in what we refer as our seven areas of focus. These are Peace building and Conflict prevention, Disease prevention & treatment, Water, Sanitation & Hygiene, Basic Education & Literacy, Community, Economic Development, Maternal & Child health and protecting our environment.

Knowing that the governments are not able to do all that is needed for people to be able to live quality lives, Rotary has always filled in the gaps. For the People of Lagos and Ogun States, I can only reassure them that during my tenure as the District Governor there will be a continuation of our delivering on humanitarian services. Our over 140 clubs across the two states would be encouraged and supported as applicable to either individually or jointly deliver impactful projects across the states.

What inspired you to join the organisation called Rotary?

My contact with the Rotary family actually started far back in my university days. I was a Rotaract. In Rotary we have Interact for secondary school pupils and Rotaract for University and young adults, so I joined a Rotaract Club. There,Ilearntthebeautyofcaringandreaching out to your community through a platform and touching people’s lives. Joining that organisation taught me that there was more to life than looking after yourself alone. And when one saw how people’s faces light up when you touch their liveswithapositiveproject,itwasjustsomething that then became a part of me.

Tell us a bit about your self

I can proudly refer to myself as a pan Nigerian. I was born to a well-lettered father and an educationist mother from Ihiala Anambra State, Chief and Mrs Michael Ejezie in Kaduna State. I have Diploma from the Ahmadu Bello University, HND in Business Administration from Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, MBA from ESUT Business School and MSC in Corporate Governance & Finance from Liverpool John Moore University, UK.

I have more than three decades of professional and distinguished career in Nigerian financial system cutting across banking, financial management, stock-dealing, capital market and business management advisory services. Currently, I am Fellow, Chartered Insitute of Stcokbrokers. Fellow, Pensions Institute of Nigeria, Fellow, Certified Institute of Public Administrators, Ghana, Associate Member, Nigeria Institute of Management, Associate, Chartered Institute of Bankers, Associate Member, Institute of Chartered Economists of NigeriaandAuthrorisedCommodityTraderwith the Lagos Commodity and Futures Exchange to mention but a few

I am an active member of the Association of Securities Dealing Houses of Nigeria (ASHON), where I held the position of Public Relations Officer from 2017-2021 and currently serving on the Executive Governing Council as National Vice Chairman of the association.

In Rotary, I was Club President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi Metro in 2011-2012 and made history. As

President, I led my club to emerge the Overall Best Club in District 9110. The Club also emerged the Overall Best Donor/Contributor to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International that same year.

I have marshalled for The Rotary Foundation over the years and contributed over $23,000 to the Foundation and hopes to be a second level Major Donor by Rotary year 2022-23 while aspiring to be an AKS Member (commit to donating $250,000) by 2023-24 as District Governor.

Interesting, so as a Chartered Stockbroker, Commodity Trader who works in the financial services industry, how will these impact on your role as District Governor?

I actually started my career as a banker before becoming a stockbroker and commodity trader. The different things I have done professionally haverequireddifferentskillsetsthoughtheyare related.ImustconfessthatIwastrulyinspiredby the trajectory of our Past Rotary International

VicePresident(PRIVP_YinkaBabalola,asterling Rotarian who became District Governor when he was still a full-time staff at Shell Nigeria. Iapproachedhimatthetimeonhowheintended to manage, but he told me it was all about setting your priorities right and staying focused. You will not believe it that year, he emerged as the Best District Governor in Nigeria and was also honoured at our Rotary International Convention. That to me was something remarkable that I could emulate as a thoroughbred professional in Rotary.

Therefore, my experiences as a banker, which include being an early riser, teambuilding and financial discipline, as a Stockbroker which involves having excellent analytical skill and the ability to distill complex information and Commodity Trader, which involves having discipline and integrity will all combine to make me a better District Governor.

So, you are invariably saying you are prepared for your new role?

Yes, I will say you cannot be 100 per cent prepared because in life you learn every day and you discover new things. But I must say that my passion for service, the encouragement of District leaders who believe in my abilities over the years and the various trainings both locally and across borders by Rotary International have prepared me for this position. I will also add that my passion for philanthropy, my professional and social contacts all gave me the confidence to aspire for this position and so we are ready to do good more in the world.

In Rotary, you cannot do it alone. You do everything in collaboration with those who are going to work with you. Presidents of clubs, Chairmen and members of district committee and other past leaders are going to give you all the support. Once you’re given all the needed support and you have a plan, everything will work out well.

What are your major plans and activities for your one year in office?

Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris, almost a century ago, stressed that Rotary would need to change with a changing world. “The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again”. So, it’s a good time to reflect and see what, if any, change we should make to make the organisation grow. I’d like to explore new fundraising opportunities, grow our membership and promote the great work of our club. Growing membership is critical too, for the future of the club. We seek a younger, more diverse demographic who are committed to Service Above Self. Finally, our clubs do tremendous work but we don’t shine the light enough on our achievements. The plan will be to increase our social media presence and promote ourselves more! We do so much but are not telling our stories, so we will increase our media engagement. This has the potential to attract new members as well as garnering support (financial and otherwise) for our organisation.

We want to put Rotary in the hearts and minds ofpeople.Rotaryismuchmorethatthefour-way test that so many people know We will also be driving home our avenues of service, which talks of service, integrity, leadership, fellowship and diversity.

Talking of diversity, you know Rotary is one of the few organisations that takes diversity seriously. We have a whole Diversity, Equity and Inclusion handbook that guides our operations. I tell you, if you are not a Rotarian, you are missing a lot.

Ejezie

I will say you cannot be 100 per cent prepared because in life you learn every day and you discover new things. But I must say that my passion for service, the encouragement of District leaders who believe in my abilities over the years and the various trainings both locally and across borders by Rotary International have prepared me for this position

Ferdinand Ekechukwu - 08035011394

Email: ferdi_adthisday@yahoo.com

Davido’s Growing List of Baby Mamas

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Social media is still agog, Davido is still trending. The gist has will most likely continue until the singer comes up with his own side of the story. To think that when Chioma (his wife) was mourning, David was moaning, like someone alluded, appears extremely hilarious. He has become the butt of jokes online. which made it look as much. Imagine a post

expecting a Child for singer, Davido”. Brown, had in an Instagram live session last Tuesday, explained that she had no idea Davido was married. Messages sent from the Instagram account of the lady claimed the screenshot messages, which have since

some reason, insisting that her social media account was hacked. She would later tender evidence in the form of pictures and videos and further screenshots of her conversation relationship showing she has been in touch with the music star concerning the pregnancy.

ing pictures of her and Davido together. She

she shared a video of her backstage while the singer performed at one of his shows in

of the unfolding drama, fans have dug up old song where Davido mentioned a certain more.

a dent on Davido who is known to have four other baby mamas and only recently completed the marriage rites of his long-term girlfriend and special one, Chioma, as a seal their only-child-son, Ifeanyi, last year. But as woman right at this moment pregnant with

backing her claims of being pregnant for Bay has also accused Davido, born David

Royal Roots Cinemas Join the Pack

revealed on her social media handle that she the singer got pregnant.

shared evidence of her alleged correspondence about her pregnancy. Taking to her instagram story, Ivanna questioned how many baby mamas Davido has, wondering if they are up to a soccer team.

In another post, a bit witty Ivanna expressed disappointment as she cautioned women to be

Millions of his fans appear disappointed that he still comes home with the same manhood to Chioma who is pregnant too.

What happened to condoms and contracepthe allegations but instead appears unbothered as he shared on his Instastory poster of his

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

from bottom to top. But cinema was not a part of the value chain that we were interested in

recently as he joins the league of top cinema exhibitors in the country.

The event was graced by well-meaning Roots, radio, and television stations owner, had further explained reason for setting up the cinema,

our movies, and we were schemed out of a big chunk of the market since we were not screened in major cinemas.” To be sure, the impact was better-half. “Thereafter, I said to myself and to the journey of owning a cinema started, and a

lot of our journeys have always been like that.” strangers in the media value chain and have at various times held positions in the eco-system ofrespectively, run Royal Roots Communication

With vast industry experience spanning entertainment and growth from airing a radio Cuisine, and becoming major stakeholder in the

content creation and production powerhouses, some of the works from the stable of Royal Roots

romantic drama starring Kehinde Bankole, language full length feature co-produced with

Soul Sistas. The company has delivered on loads of other kinds of programming. It produced Cooking Reality show, amongst others.

Incidentally, in a couple of weeks from now, Royal Roots will commission its Cinemall, a construction the last four years. It will be an addition to the burgeoning number of screens report noted. cinema and a mall, is located in the plush suburb supermarket, saloon, beauty shops, boutique, bakery, fast food, (and) pharmacy and games arcade.”

‘Almajiri’

the Movie, a Compelling Drama

Chave been trending on various social media channels and handles since it hit cinemas generating tremendous

on true-life events, the movie, directed by Toka McBaror expertly helmed the project, ensuring its artistic and cinematic excellence. collaborated to bring this thought-provoking drama that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by children in the northern region of children, who are often subjected to extreme poverty, leading them to roam the streets in search of basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. The feature highlights the plight of these children and draw attention to the issues they face, such as chronic illness, physical and drug addiction.

ensemble cast brings their talent and expertise to portray the characters and capture the essence of the story authentically. With its powerful message and stellar performances, conversations about the pressing social issues

L-R: Actor/Producer, Francis Onwochie, Group Managing Director, Royal Roots Communication Network, Greg Odutayo, his wife, Debbie Odutayo, and movie producer/director, Tade Ogidan at the soft-launch of Royal Roots Cinemas...recently

Anita Davido Ivanna

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Segun Arinze in scene from the movie...

Voting Opens for ‘Hello Mr Right’

The second season of Hello Mr Right, the popular dating show on StarTimes, is now in its voting stage, where the viewers get to decide who will win the show by voting for their favourite couple.

The show, sponsored by Colgate, Indomie, Lush Hair, Chef Panda, Callertunez and 9mobile, is a matchmaking and dating show where potential matches get to choose dates from among other participants.

The show is hosted by the hilarious social media content creator, KieKie, and co-hosted by Shine Begho and Oyindamola. Hello Mr Right also features the handsome actor, Bolanle

Ninalowo, as a relationship mentor who gives advice and tips to the contestants.

The fourth episode will air on Saturday on ST Nollywood Plus at 8pm and ST Novela E at 7:50pm. Viewers can also catch-up on StarTimes-ON app anytime.

The contestants have been engaging in match and enjoy free romantic dinner dates, thrilling viewers with drama, romance, and comedy in between.

The viewers have the power to decide who will win the show by voting for their favourite couple via SMS and online.

“To vote via SMS, MTN users can text their favourite couple’s unique number to 50017. The

viewer will receive Hello Mr. Right’s theme song as their caller tunes for a week. You can vote for a couple up to one hundred times a week, powered by CallerTunez. To vote online, viewers should log on to StarTimes-ON app and visit the Hello Mr Right zone,” Yemi Ogundeji, Head of Production, StarTimes Nigeria said.

The most exciting part of the show is the ‘Cash-out or Cash-big’ option, which allows the couples to take instant cash prizes ranging from N10,000 to N250,000 Naira, or enter a public vote to win a N5 million cash prize and another N5 million worth of prizes as the ‘perfect couple’. So far, over three couples have chosen Cash-big option, hoping to be the ultimate couple.

Tunde, Wunmi Obe’s 25 Years Marriage

Veteran entertainment couple Tunde and Wunmi Obe are celebrating their silver jubilee anniversary. The celebrity duo took to twitter to share messages on each other as they celebrate this milestone in their love journey. In a post on his twitter handle, Tunde gushed over their union, as he recalls the promise made by his wife to spend time with

him till they both grow old.

“Well, here we are…oh! Please continue to manage me like that. I love you to the moon and back sweetheart”, he wrote. Wunmi, in her post wrote: “25 years today on this amazing marital journey. I won’t lie, even I didn’t think we’d make it this far. But here we are today. Still standing… together. Happy Anniversary sweetheart. I love you.”

The music couple who simply go by the acronym ‘TWO’ shared beautiful pictures celebrating their love. Fans of the couple and other Nigerians congratulated them,

Ono Mccaulay Set to Revamp the Magic Industry

Ono Ovedje Mccaulay, Co-CEO of Hype Media is a name that has recurred severally in the entertainment circle and music career of a lot of A-list Nigerian artistes. With a weighty resume and track records of achievements, he is presently pushing a new agenda, Magic Entertainment with the need to revamp

the magic industry as a form of entertainment. The course of his career path has seen him work with 2Baba, Timi Dakolo, Terry G, Terry the Rapma, VectorthaViper, Erigga, Sexy Steel, Solidstar, Davido, Bred, VitoRali working as projects manager and talent manager respectively.

Shedding more light on this course he expressed that, “Magic has always been a part of our culture here in Africa before and Nigeria isn’t left behind. How beyond explanation; seeing something being done in one’s very eyes yet it can’t

be processed. Magic and modernity are rarely regarded as belonging together.

“Evolutionism regarded magic as quintessentially unmodern although psychologists and romantic artists have sometimes declared magic to be a human universal. Hence, I would say Magic is an act though witnessed and seen but unexplainable. The act itself took the front seat of major elite circles as a means to thrill, hold guests, spectators excitements but with the ultimate goal of entertainment.”

with some of their followers urging their colleagues and other celebrities to look up to them. Tunde and Wunmi Obe got married on the 26th of June, 1998.

Tunde Obe had announced earlier in the year that 2023 will make it 35 years of their friendship and 25years of marriage. He said that people always ask ‘how did you do it’? I think the easiest way to answer this question is that people stay together because they want to! If you really want to separate from someone, is perfect#TWO”.

‘Music Business Academy for Africa’ Returns Beer with Us Festival is Back

The Music Business Academy for Africa Programme is now accepting applications for its third edition. The programme aims to train and nurture the continent’s future music business leaders, artists, and executives.

Godwin Tom, the founder of Music Business

Academy for Africa and Managing Director, Sony Music Publishing, Nigeria/West Africa said that before now, there was nowhere to learn about the business when he first started out in this industry.

“So, I, like many of my peers, had to make so many mistakes, and it took me years to realize I had been doing so many things wrong. The 2023 Edition of the MBA for Africa program themed, ‘Bridging the Gap’ is an initiative of the company that focuses on connecting people to information and opportunities within and outside of Africa,” he said.

He further added that this year, the MBAA is unveiling a French and Swahili version of the programme in order to further its theme across the African continent. It is in partnership with Music Ally, a global music business knowledge and skills company. “The Music Business Academy for Africa continues to go from strength to strength. The educational model with its practical formation of its alumni is second to none, and the impact on the African music industry is very real. Music Ally stands proudly alongside in support of its mission,” he said.

The programme, slated to run for 9 months from July 2023 to March 2024, will teach seven modules covering key areas such as Management, Marketing, and A&R with a curriculum developed in partnership with Professor Carlos Chirinos from the NYU Music Business Programme.

Achievas Entertainment Limited has announced the triumphant return of the highly acclaimed Beer with Us Festival (BWUFEST). Following the resounding success of its inaugural edition, the festival is back, bigger and better than ever before.

The organisers in a statement this week declared: “Mark your calendars for December 27, 2023, as the 2023 edition of BWUFEST takes center stage at the captivating Landmark Beach Oniru in Lagos. Prepare to be captivated by an unparalleled lineup of sensational performances, featuring the hottest acts of the moment, surprise artists, and a host of remarkable DJs.”

Chiori Daniel Cole and Paul Cole Chiori, executives at Achievas Entertainment, an extraordinary showcase. “The maiden edition left music and beer enthusiasts astounded, with performances by Asake, Seyi Vibez, and Ghanaian sensation Black “Building upon that success, we are determined to create an even more elecwith surprises that will keep everyone

talking,” said Chiori Daniel Cole.

As preparations for the festival are in full swing, Achievas Entertainment is committed to upholding its reputation for excellence by utilizing all necessary resources to produce a top-quality show. Excitement continues to mount as BWUFEST aims to become the most talked-about music festival in Nigeria, leaving a positive and indelible impact on the music scene.

Ferdinand Ekechukwu

Tosin Clegg

Tosin Clegg

Tosin Clegg

Ninalowo and KieKie

Tunde and Wunmi Obe

Ono Mccaulay

Sobowale

Chiori Daniel Cole

UBA’s Unique Braille Account Opening Form

Charles Ajunwa writes that the visually impaired in Nigeria have

started getting the inclusion

deserved with the launch of UBA’s Braille account opening form

The people living with disabilities and guests from all walks of life congregated at the corporate headquarters of the United Bank for Africa (UBA), Marina, Lagos, on Tuesday for the launch of the UBA Braille Account Opening Form; a first of its kind initiative in the Nigerian and African market specifically designed to cater to the financial needs of the visually impaired.

The imposing UBA Building which has 18 floors with additional floors for car parks was built to accommodate both the able bodied and physically challenged, which aligns with the bank’s policy of inclusivity and sustainability in doing business.

There was an air of excitement and high expectations as guests and bank staff walked into the Amphitheatre, venue of the official launch of Braille Account Opening Form. The bank staff who strategically positioned themselves on the 15th floor of the UBA Building paid special attention to the visually impaired who beamed with smiles throughout the event.

Braille is a system of touch reading and writing for blind persons in which raised dots represent the letters of the alphabet. The dot patterns were assigned to letters according to their position within the alphabetic order of the French alphabet of the time, with accented letters and w sorted at the end. Today, there are braille codes for over 133 languages.

UBA’s Executive Director, Finance and Risk Management, Ugo Nwaghodoh, in his opening address said the bank continues to look for ways to make the physically challenged and others comfortable in their life-long relationship with the financial industry. He said, “In our quest to drive all-encompassing financial inclusion, we decided to support the visually impaired by developing a Braille Account Opening Form and these special customers now have the same opportunities available to our customers. The ultimate benefit is to ensure that everybody has the right to select and choose the kind of account they want to operate, and this account opening form will go a long way to ensure this.”

According to him, “Approximately 26 million people in Africa are visually impaired and out of that about20 millionof them havelowvision and approximately six million have total loss of vision and getting them fully involved in the banking system is a bit of a challenge. The system doesn’t allow for them to be fully integrated, recognising the need to achieve inclusion particularly for this category of people, the United Bank for Africa through its Sustainability Team has developed the BrailleAccountOpeningForm. Wewilldomore but this is just the first step in that direction. “This is particularly an emotional event for me because we have quite a number of categories of challenged people who don’t have access to banking services or where they do, they have harrowing experiences in banking services. So, what we set out to do, is first of all to pull this category of people into the banking system to show that UBA cares and that UBA is here to serve, and that service culture is part of why we are doing this. The sustainability initiatives that we are putting in place means that we have to pull all of them in. Today, they all now have freedom. They can read and open their Braille accounts by themselves, they can make choices and onboard with a lot of ease and peace.”

On what informed the innovation, he said, “It’s basically the need to pull them into the banking system. So, if you had watched a blind person in the process of trying to open an account, it’s not a pleasant thing to see. They sit down there and somebody is reading out the contents of their account to them and it could take so long and such a horrendous experience for them to do this. Based on that,

we thought we can make this easier for the customers because we are always thinking of how we can make things easier for the customers. We can make the on-boarding process easier for those that are visually impaired and indeed, one of the things we are doing going forward, is to also make sure that we think about them and build in things that enable them to go through the entire banking life circle with ease.”

Message of Freedom

Visually impaired multi-award winner, Nigerian musician, producer, and songwriter, Cobhams Asuquo, was in high spirits when he mounted the stage to unveil the UBA Braille AccountOpeningForm.Hisjoyknewnobounds as he held the scissors to cut the tape.

Asuquo,whiledemonstratingonhowtheUBA Braille Account Opening Form works together with Rejoice Okeke, a student of Pacelli School for the Blind and Partially Sighted Children, Lagos, said the Braille account opening form opens a variety of accounts that are available and created in UBA.

“Ordinarily, I would just tell someone I want to open a current or savings account. I may not have had this information if someone was reading it for me. Now, I’m reading this for myself, this is really incredible. I’m so excited to have total control and I can actually afford myself a laugh when I’m feeling the form and not just concentrating on someone to do me the service. This really is freedom in my hands, this is inclusivity in action.”

Apart from endorsing the UBA initiative, Asuquo who enrolled into Pacelli School of the Blind in 1991, said before now they had been at the mercy of the temperament of the reader.

An emotionally moved Asuquo, expressed gratitude to the staff and management of UBA for coming up with the Braille Account Opening Form initiative.

“I’m thankful to UBA for brazing the trail and taking this bold step and showing that it can be done. What then happens if we are able to hold others accountable and say, if UBA can do it why can’t you? What you have done is not for UBA alone, it’s a strong message to others in the financial sector to say, we can do this thing and it takes people working tirelessly, people devoting their time and energy and people realising that banking is more than collecting people’s money. It should be done

with humanity and I feel especially touched that this has happened. I’m looking forward to collaborations with persons with disabilities on many different levels.

“On my way here, I checked on a map for UBA House, I discovered that it was wheelchair accessible and that made me smile because I’m happy to have that freedom, it’s something to cherish.

“Thank you UBA for amplifying this much needed cause, I endorse this 100 per cent and I believe it is a much needed first-step that will lead to so many others.”

Commendations Galore

Rejoice Okeke, who was so excited to be part of the launch, said “I feel so glad for the great work UBA is doing for the visually impaired. I’m so excited because it’s so difficult for us the visually impaired to open bank accounts. So, as we have gotten the Braille method it will be so easy for us to open UBA accounts with ease. So, I appreciate the work of UBA and I say a big thank you to them.

“I will tell my friends and schoolmates that UBA has done a great job and I’m confident they will open new accounts with UBA.”

On her part, Reverend Sister Christiana Ekechukwu, who accompanied the blind students from Pacelli School, said the launch of UBA Braille Account Opening Form has given the children confidence. “Many of them are happy, they are asking ‘is it only this UBA branch?’ And I said, any of their branches. They asked, ‘is it only this bank starting it?’ I said they are just starting it and other banks will follow. That’s to show you how happy they are. It’s a good step they have taken and it has also made the children feel among not just depending on people when money is involved.

“If there is any word more than to say ‘thank you’ I would have used the word. But since there’s no other word, I’m saying ‘thank you’ to them and telling them too to move forward as they have promised because one thing with challenged children is when you make a promise to them you keep it so that they will not get stuck along the way and not feel bad.”

For past Chairman, Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind (ANWAB), Ogie Eboigbe, UBA deserved commendation. “I’m very happyatwhathashappenedtoday.Representing the blind and the disabled community, this is one of the things we have been looking for a long time…So, we have been fighting for this

inclusion all the time. Yes, people talk about inclusion in financial services. Bill Gates was here last week talking about inclusion – they aretechnicallytalkingabouttheunder-banked. For the disability community, it’s a big step that UBA has taken and I’m sure it will make other people very happy. I’m also glad they said that they are going to move it to other countries. I hope it will help the blind people in the African continent. The whole of Africa is disadvantaged when it comes to taking care of people who are disabled in many ways. I hope UBA will make a lot of noise about this to let other banks in Nigeria know that this is the way to go.”

Boardmember,ANWAB,andformernational president of Nigeria Association of the Blind, David Okon, said he was more than excited at the launch. “I feel great because today UBA is starting what we have been clamouring for years. As the former head of Association of the blind in Nigeria, I have tried with the help of the association to see how we can make financial services inclusive in the country.

As we speak, the Nigeria Association of the Blind has a project funded by Disability Right Funds (DRF) and that project is supposed to work with banks to make financial services inclusive to the blind and persons with disabilities. That programme has slowed down so much because we didn’t receive the cooperation we needed from financial institutions especially from the regulatory body, Central Bank of Nigeria.

“With UBA leading the space now, dictating the pace I’m sure we are going to do it. So we are grateful to UBA and hope that we will be able to work with them to make it far bigger than they have started.”

Former Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Persons Living with Disability, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, commended UBA for taking the giant step in financial services for the physically challenged especially the visually impaired. “This is an amazing project. This goes to show that government cannot do it all. We commend UBA for coming up with this project.”

Until now, this unique and special section of the society has been disadvantaged, but with this ground-breaking initiative, UBA has fully demonstrated its unwavering commitment towards providing an excellent user experience for all its customers, regardless of their individual abilities or disabilities.

L-R: Past Chairman, Anglo-Nigerian Welfare Association for the Blind, Ogie Eboigbe (ANWAB); Tutor, Pacelli School for the Blind, Christiana Ekechukwu; Board Member, ANWAB, David Okon; Chairman, ANWAB, Barbara Wey; Official, Ministry of Education, Grace Abimbola; Former Assistant to the Lagos State Governor, Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal; Executive Director, UBA, Ugochukwu Nwaghodoh; musician/producer, Cobhams Asuquo; and Executive Director, UBA, Alex Alozie, during the launch of Braille Account Opening Form held in Lagos...recently

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TIPS OF THE WEEK

What is a Catalytic Converter and Why are Thieves Stealing Them?

What is a catalytic converter and why is it so valuable? A catalytic converter is a device used in the exhaust system of vehicles to reduce harmful emissions. It contains a matrix of materials coated with certain catalysts (like platinum, palladium, and rhodium) that promote chemical reactions converting harmful compounds into less harmful ones.

monoxide (a poisonous gas) into carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides (which contribute to smog and acid rain) into nitrogen and oxygen, and unburned hydrocarbons (which contribute to smog) into carbon dioxide and water.

Winner of The Voice Nigeria Season 4 Drives Home a Brand New JAC SUV

WNigeria Season 4, Pere Jason, has been officially presented by the Managing

The official presentation, which was done at the weeks after the show ended, was witnessed by contestants of the show- Marrz and Queen Jasper. to Pere, expressed his admiration of Pere’s gift and affirmed that he was a deserving winner. “It’s an honour not only for us to participate in finding out talents but rewarding people that work hard to develop theirs.”

Season 4.

This partnership was greeted with much team. The two brands share this vision to continue providing a platform with international relevance for more talents and prepare them for the global stage.

That promise of an exceptional season by the platform was delivered, as the season’s four Niyola brought their A-game and helped the talents improve their vocal dexterity and stagemanship as artistes.

After 21 weeks of practising, rehearsing, performing and self-appraisals with several contestants from auditions, the blinds, battle rounds, knockouts to live performance shows, a winner finally emerged at

Mr. Pere Jason, on Sunday, May 21, 2023, was announced the winner of the competition after dazzling both the audience and coaches with his incredible voice and breathtaking performances. He received the highest votes, outshining the other top two competitors, and was rewarded with Music Group.

Aside from these, he was handed an award admiration and excitement of the viewers.

Speaking of his win, all he could say was, “Thank you, Jesus,” as he got emotional about the title which was bestowed upon him.

were on hand to make a dummy presentation of the vehicle.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 Grand Edition Comes in Matte Black, Gold-colour Accents

With the Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Grand Edition,” Mercedes-Benz is highlighting the exceptional status of the performance off-roader, which has been part of the legendary off-road family’s portfolio since 2002.

Limited to 1,000 units globally, the special model with gold-colored details creating an exciting visual contrast, the automaker said in a statement. They emphasise the particular design elements that trace the direct lineage of the modern off-road vehicle icon to the first G model from 1979.

“The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is now also undoubtedly regarded as an automotive icon and demonstrates its unique position among performance off-road vehicles partly through its powerful drive, AMG-specific driving programs. The exclusive interior and extensive equipment further underscore the singular and special nature of this strong-spirited we are celebrating the success story of the G 63, which is far from over,” said Michael Schiebe, Gold Magno. In addition, the Affalterbach emblem of the performance brand is emblazoned on the the front and rear bumpers, the optical underride

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Grand Edition” protection in the front, the Mercedes star in the spare wheel inlay and the spare wheel ring are also finished in this color. The expressive special model is fitted with 22-inch AMG forged wheels with a cross-spoke design in Tech Gold with a matte black central locking nut and a Mercedes star also in Tech Gold. This color tone is again used in the side graphics of the “Grand Edition.” Also included breathable outer layer of tear-resistant synthetic fiber fabric and anti-static flannel inner fabric, it protects the vehicle from dust and scratches in

the garage.

Expressive special model: Golden detailing even in the interior

The interior of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 “Grand Edition” is also defined by the contrast of black are greeted by “AMG” emblems on the black door sill trims, which have illuminated borders. The seats are finished in G Manufaktur black nappa leather with contrasting gold stitching. Plaques with a gold AMG logo and gold edging are set into the backrests.

The catalytic converter was States market in the 1975 model year to comply with tightening regulations on auto exhaust emissions. It was developed in Act of 1970, which set standards to reduce pollutants released by passenger vehicles.

After its introduction in thelytic converters spread gradually worldwide, driven by tightening emission standards in various countries. However, the pace depending on the region.

In Europe, for example, catalytic converters didn’t become widespread until the late 1980s and early 1990s, as leaded petrol, which is incompatible with catalytic converters, was still commonly used. In other parts of the world, the adoption of catalytic converters came even later.

-

duced in Malaysia in the year 1994. We later fully phased out leaded petrol in 1999, which allowed for the use of catalytic converters in vehicles without the issue of the lead in the fuel deactivating the catalyst.

Leaded petrol is incompatible with catalytic converters because the lead in the fuel can coat the catalyst materials. This coating essentially “poisons” the catalyst and prevents it from facilitating the chemical reactions that reduce harmful emissions.

The lead interferes with the catalyst’s ability to promote reactions that convert carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides into nitrogen and oxygen, and unburned hydrocarbons into carbon dioxide and water. That’s why the introduction of unleaded petrol was a crucial step in the widespread adoption of catalytic converters in vehicles.

Anyway, due to their high value and increasing prices for these metals, thieves can sell stolen catalytic converters to scrap metal dealers. Removing a catalytic converter from the underside of a car can be relatively quick, especially for experienced thieves, making it an attractive target.

(Source:Paultan.org)

L-R: Managing Director of Elizade Autoland (authorized distributor of JAC vehicles in Nigeria), Mr. Demola Ade-Ojo, presenting a JAC SUV to the winner of The Voice Nigeria Season 4, Pere Jason, at the head office of JAC Nigeria, Lagos… recently

Ford Unveils New Mustang Gt4 At Spa

Ford’s iconic Mustang® brand is further expanding its legendary status with the formal debut today of the Mustang GT4 at the CrowdStrike 24 Hours of Spa at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit in eastern Belgium.

A statement issued by Ford said the Mustang GT4 is the latest in the Blue Oval’s motorsports 2024 Mustang Dark Horse™, just like its sibling continues an uninterrupted tenure in the SROAnd like the Mustang GT3, it receives a bold, colorful livery adapted from Troy Lee Designs’ liveries for the Mustang GT3 and SuperVan 4.2. Troy Lee is recognized as one of the premier motorsports livery designers in the world.

“The Mustang GT4 is a key member of our motorsports lineup. It’s placement between the Mustang GT3 and soon-to-be-unveiled Mustang Dark Horse R keeps the brand in competition at all levels of on-track performance and is an important part of our customer racing program. With this new Dark Horse model, we’ve upped the game

and are ready to challenge an entire world of competitors,” said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director, Ford Performance Motorsports.

The introduction of Mustang Dark Horse in 2022 was the precursor to a broader launch of a family of Mustang racecars debuting this year. These include the new Mustang GT4, the recently revealed Mustang GT3, as well as the upcoming Mustang Dark Horse R and more. All will carry on the standing of Mustang as Ford’s most raced and most successful nameplate, racing at legendary tracks around the world from Daytona to Bathurst, featuring accessibility ranging from the heights of professional GT racing all the way to consumer track days. Mustang truly will be racing everywhere.

With the new Mustang GT4, Ford Performance further expands its robust partnership with Multimatic, who will build every Mustang GT4. The Ford Coyote-based V8 race engines in the Mustang GT4, developed fully in-house by Ford Performance, will be assembled by Ford in Dearborn, Michigan.

“We’re proud to work with so many great partners on these race vehicle programs. It’s also special to be able to do all of the engine work for the Mustang GT4 fully in-house. We’ve got a great team, and I’m excited for Mustang fans to see the Mustang GT4 in action,” said Christian Hertrich, Motorsports powertrain manager, Ford

BMW Celebrates 50 Years, Announces Electrification of Plant Rosslyn

Fifty years ago, Plant Rosslyn was the BMW Group’s first foreign facility, and has since become a mainstay of the global production network.

To mark its silver jubilee, Milan for Production, has now announced the electrification of Plant Rosslyn. Speaking in South Africa, he said: “From 2024 we will manufacture the BMW X3 as a plug-in hybrid for global export in South Africa. An investment of 4.2 billion rand (over 200 million euros) will ready Plant Rosslyn for electromobility.” The investment will be accompanied by specialist training for more than 300 employees at the plant.

Partners with South Africa for 50 years

The investment announced today will electrify yet another site in the BMW Group production network, in line with the global BMW iFACTORY master plan for production of the future. It marks a further step in advancing the development of efficient, digitalised, resource-friendly production.

Plant Rosslyn has produced more than 1.6 million vehicles to date and exported them to more than 40

countries worldwide, including 14 nations in Africa. Its production portfolio has included the BMW 1800 SA and BMW 2000 SA as well as the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series. For decades it was a cornerstone of BMW 3 Series production, and it has been manufacturing the BMW X3 since 2018 – the best-selling BMW. Its establishment marked the start of BMW’s globalisation. Today, the BMW Group sells vehicles in more than 140 countries around the world and operates manufacturing facilities in 15.

Blueprint for social responsibility

Management of BMW South Africa, emphasised that the BMW Group does more than just make cars in the country: “In South Africa we have not just set up a plant that offers employment and contributes to the country’s industrialisation; for the last 50 years, we have also demonstrated the meaning of social responsibility.”

The BMW Group considers itself a responsible corporate citizen and also announced today that it would be donating more than 1.5 million euros to

Another Talk on Handheld and Handsfree

If you missed the opening of my piece on the same topic, you do not have to worry. For some reasons, I have chosen to run through some parts of the same piece from the beginning. I know this might sound boring to those who read it last week. But I need my readers to trust me as it is a deliberate ploy by me to refresh the memory of my readers, including

Remember, I once told you that what inspires me to piece together these information even when I am sharing the views of others is simply to avert the kind of tragedy that occurred during the just concluded Sallah celebration? I must confess the courage to watch the litters of dead bodies, including children.

These innocent victims before departing for their trip, prayed for journey mercies. Some sowed seeds or gave alms to the less privileged as a way of seeking heaven’s divine direction and protection. Those married hugged and kissed loved ones with promises that they will see them soon after the celebration. Despite all these preparations and spirituals, almost all ended their dreams and aspirations because of the blunder of one man.

Yes, I mean the blunder or mistake or the friend Ckn has it that the tragedy struck when a truck belonging to Dangote Industry which was heading to Benin from Lagos lost its brake and rammed into a fully loaded bus killing all its passengers. The report further says a KIA car, as well as a Toyota Hiace bus were all involved in this multiple crash. I hear there were children too or just a child; an innocent child who died

SAFE DRIVING

with

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

all because of the blunders of an adult.

The blunder that led to this crash is equal to the blunder we adult commit daily all in the name of modernisation and advancement in technology. In the real sense, it is the sheer abuse of modern technology and irresponsible behaviour by some who indulge in showing consequence on other road users.

One of such blunders are the continuous and and even walking. What is your rating on the Federal Road Safety Corps in the daily battle to curb the craze called driving and phoning?

I am talking about the enforcement against the use of phones while driving which carries the paltry sum of N4,000 and a four penalty-point. Its failure to fully address this resulted in the birthing of the novelty called emotional evaluation

I do not know if you are a believer in the school of thought that supports the use of hands

free? Are you aware that our laws prohibit the use of hands free or handheld, as well as the use of in-built bluetooth. A friend once ‘yabbed’ me saying I should wake up to the reality of the new age and improvements in technology, only because I cautioned him against its use. that they were using hands free and as such are not liable. There are others who would say sorry, “I wasn’t using my mobile phone but was using the Google Map to locate my destination.” who went bizarre calling the Corps all names including unlettered for daring to arrest her for using Google map which as the law says is a component of the mobile phone.

Some would even argue that they merely checked to know who was calling while there are those who would say they were merely holding the phone in their hands. Those in this category forget of the potential danger it portends. One lately

that “after all, the vehicle was not moving.”

What you are about to read this week again is not my piece but a culled piece that I believe would shed better light on this argument by the recalcitrant drivers who would rather break the law and risk the life of a loved one. One thing I know which is constant with all mobile phone manufacturers is the warning on the need to This is similar to what car manufacturers also do with respect to the use of seat belts as well as car restraint cautioning that the airbag has the potential of hurting or killing. While phone

manufacturers place theirs on the manual, car manufacturers place theirs on the front passenger mirror as well as the drivers warning on the dangers of being killed by an airbag in case of usedLastappropriately.

week, I shared an opinion from some experts in the United Kingdom, as well as snippets of some from experts from Germany. Today, I wish to run the last part of the German experience hoping the diehard phone users on wheels will learn. A similar study was conducted in Germany on their driving behaviour especially with regards to use of smartphones. The report reminds us of the leading cause of death for those between the ages of 15–29, according to the World Health Organization.

This study investigated one of the primary reasons for the high fatality rate amongst Young Novice Drivers (YNDs); their use of smartphones while driving. It gathered responses from a representative sample of YNDs on their behaviour while driving using an updated version of the ‘Behaviour of Young Novice Drivers Scale’.

Survey responses totalled 700 YNDs situated throughout Germany. From these responses, the report examined the prevalence of certain driving behaviours that are described as ‘distracting’ and compared these driving behaviours to the The responses report that music-related activities (e.g. changing music on a smartphone) are most common amongst YNDs. Speaking on the phone is seldom-reported, although more males than females indicated engagement in this behaviour.

L-R: United States Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. William Steven; Head of Service, Lagos State Government, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde; and Director Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Nwamaka Onyemelukwe, at the 247th Anniversary of the US Independence held at the residence of the United States Consulate General to Nigeria in Lagos, supported by Coscharis/Ford… recently

Celebrating 50 years of BMW Group at Plant Rosslyn, South Africa

Performance.

The Mustang GT4 race car also features Multimatic DSSV dampers, a Holinger dog-ring gearbox, paddle

body panels, as well as a unique aero package developed to meet GT4 category targets.

TRAVEL AND LEISURE

TThe Festival Hotel Conference Centre & Spa in Lagos is now being managed by Premium Swiss Hospitality PSH, a highly reputable company with head office in Zurich, Switzerland. This followed a Management Agreement signed by both companies- the Chief Executive Officer of UPDC Plc., Mr. Odunayo Ojo and President/Founder, Premium Swiss Hospitality, PSH, Mr. Shousha Moshen, on Wednesday June 21, 2023 at the Festival Hotel.

Festival Hotel is owned by UPDC Plc., a bluechip real estate company with specialty in asset development for sale through direct investments and joint ventures.

The company also has a strong presence in facilities management- provision of building and operation maintenance for commercial and residential properties across several states in Nigeria -and hospitality, having 95% stake in UPDC Hotels Limited which owns Festival Hotel, a 471 room hotel with 9 conference rooms and a banquet hall.

Premium Swiss Hospitality PSH, according to the President/Founder Premium Swiss Hospitality PSH, Mr. Shousha Moshen, who signed the Management Agreement. “We are Swiss rooted, with huge cultural diversity.”

Moshen said the company was established in 2015, and boasts a specialized team in the hospitality industry, with experience spanning across 25 years. They have regional offices in Cairo, Egypt – Middle East & North Africa; Lagos, Nigeria – West Africa; and Nairobi, Kenya – East Africa.

He said, “It’s an honour for us to manage the second largest hotel in Lagos and the fourth largest hotel in Nigeria. We are very proud to do that as Premium Swiss Hospitality PSH, Zurich, Switzerland.

He stated that they have a strong presence in Africa and in Nigeria and that their expertise would increase the quality and standards of hotels in Nigeria.

He recalled the rich history of Festival Hotel, which dates back to 1977, adding that they are proud to be part of nice story of the hotel and their partnership with UPDC Plc., “one of the biggest companies in Nigeria,” saying

that with their know-how, they would move the hotel forward and elevate its standards.

Premium Swiss Hospitality, he said has a huge portfolio of 60 hotels and that they have two in Lagos, Festival Hotel and Champion Hotel that would be opened on July 1, 2023, among others.

He said they are in the market with an international team.

“Teamwork undoubtedly improves workplace culture. The effect of having a great team is the only reason we are where we are today.

“We aim to achieve continuous improvement in the quality of our service. Premium Swiss Hospitality is a true epitome of quality.”

The Chief Executive Officer of UPDC Plc., Mr. Odunayo Ojo said the signing of the Management Agreement was historic for UPDC Hotels, and its offshoot, Festival Hotel, as well as for UPDC Plc., the parent company, “because it marks the beginning of

a new era in the history of this hotel; a new dawn has come to this hotel.”

The hotel, he recalled, has gone through many transitions. “UPDC acquired this hotel in 2001 as Durbar Hotel, which was one of the historic hotels in the country and over the years, UPDC has tried to bring the hotel to life under different administrations and different companies, but today, we are celebrating the official signing of a Management Agreement with Premium Swiss Hospitality, Zurich Switzerland. This is an association we are very proud of, an association that we believe will take this hotel to its next level.

Mr. Ojo also introduced the hotel’s new manager, Mr. Yemi Dada, adding that the hotel has received new investment from its shareholders that would boost its rebirth after the downtime caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses.

“We are celebrating the rebirth of this hotel,

Premium Swiss Hospitality to Manage Festival Hotel, Lagos NIHOTOUR Holds 2023 Gastronomy Festival

giving that since the pandemic when the hotel was shut down, we have been repositioning this hotel, reoperationalising this hotel for better performance. The idea is that the hotel has now received some new investment from its shareholders. We have brand new infrastructure installed, from power to water to ambience to the upgrade of the rooms. The hotel is poised for a new beginning and that is one of the things we’re celebrating today. We want to tell the whole world that the Festival Hotel is open for business and this is not business as usual. This hotel can compete with any other local or international hotel anywhere we can find around here.”

The Premium Swiss Hospitality, Zurich Switzerland team at the signing ceremony also included the Regional Director for Africa, Mr. Samuel Okeniyan, the Financial Controller, Mr.Korede Balogun, and the Legal Adviser, Nigeria, Mr. Chuks Nwokeji.

Tourism stakeholders beamed with happiness as the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR) held another successful international tourism event in Abuja. In the past, NIHOTOUR, charged with the responsibility of building capacity for professionals in the travel industry in the country, had struggled with performance. Critics said there was nothing to write home about the “sleeping” tourism institute.

NIHOTOUR with campuses in six geo-political zones in the country was the less known of the two tourism parastatals.

NIHOTOUR has now introduced an annual Gastronomy Festival to celebrate Nigerian food and drinks among other innovations.

NIHOTOUR said they are desirous of celebrating Nigeria’s food and beverages from across the length and breadth of the country.

The tourism school stated that the Gastronomy Festival was conceptualised to expose culinary professionals to emerging global best practices, especially processing, presentation and packaging, especially Nigerian traditional delicacies.

Interestingly, NIHOTOUR is a million miles away from its previous rankings. On its third edition, the Gastronomy Festival got bigger and better. Heads of MDAs, including those of the National Theatre, Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), National Orientation Agency, and the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), graced the occasion.

The Director General of NCAC, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe joined a lineup of resource persons including Mr. Peter Igho, formerly of the Nigerian Television Authority, to deliver a paper during NIHOTOUR training.

Titled, “Tourism Communication: Bridging the Public

and Private Sector Communication Gap,” Runsewe urged Travel and Tourism journalists under the aegis of ANJET to help bring the sectors together in order to make Nigeria a preferred tourism destination in Africa and by so doing Tourism can contribute to the nation’s economy.

Apart from training, the festival added more features and was able to attract businesses and destinations even from far-flung countries like Trinidad & Tobago and Spain.

Senegal was one of the exhibitors that leveraged on the 2023 Gastronomy Festival in Abuja even though they were the least likely one to excel in a food fest.

Embassy of China was busy making more friends. Chinese envoy alongside other individuals and organisations that have excelled in tourism, were bestowed with awards by NIHOTOUR.

Senegal’s performance at the exhibition remained unrivalled. The embassy of Senegal in Abuja wooed visitors and delegates with its Jollof rice.

Ambassador of Senegal Nicolas Auguste Nyouky brought in a top chef from Senegal, perhaps someone from Wollof and upped Senegal’s Jollof best. Basically, the team ensured the focus was on Senegal destination.

They were keen on promoting Senegal as a tourism destination, handing out promotional material from Senegalese Tourism Promotion Agency to visitors which highlighted must-visit City of Dakar, Saint Louis, Island of Karabane among other attractions.

There were a lot of achievements for both delegates and visitors.

The Gastronomy Festival is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Africa with public exhibition and free tasting of arrays of cuisine

from over 300 ethnic groups in Nigeria and the international community.

With the theme “Culinary Arts: The Gateway to Growing Tourism Destinations,” 2023 Gastronomy Festival attracted businesses and destinations around the world.

Chinese food was available and delightful. A crowd waited patiently to be served at the Embassy of China’s booth.

A celebrated Spanish chef Alex Marugan was one of the top chefs from around the world that added flavour to the event. The Embassy of Spain in Nigeria actually brought in Marugan to Abuja to share best practices and emerging global trends of culinary arts with some select culinary schools in Nigeria.

On its third edition, the President of the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), in his goodwill message, said the Gastronomy Festival has broken the barriers which politics and business had failed to do in the past. He noted that chefs have united Nigerians and their cousins from the West African sub-region.

The Director General of NIHOTOUR, Mr. Nura Sani Kangiwa was happy. He also said this year’s Gastronomy Festival doubled the number of its participants. He honoured the best NIHOTOUR campus and outstanding staff of the apex tourism school charged with capacity building.

Lagos Campus emerged the Over-all Best NIHOTOUR Campus of the Year 2023. The Lagos Campus Coordinator, Mrs. Chinyere Uche-Ibeabuchi received the prize, an all-expense paid trip to Tunisia.

The SERVICOM Unit Head in NIHOTOUR Abuja Office, Mrs. Gemma Simon, emerged the ‘Best Staff of the Year’ winning a trip to Tunisis while Mr. Haladu Habu Wakili, a staff at the Registry Unit, NIHOTOUR Abuja, emerged the ‘Most Dedicated Staff- of the-Year-2023’ winning an all-expense trip to Senegal.

Justina Uzo

L-R: President/Founder, Premium Swiss Hospitality, PSH, Mr. Shousha Moshen and UPDC Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Odunayo Ojo, exchanging signed documents for Management Agreement between UPDC Plc and Premium Swiss Hospitality at the Festival Hotel, Conference Centre & Spa… recently.

DG, NIHOTOUR, Nura Sani Kangiwa (2nd from left) tasting Jollof rice at Senegal stand while the Ambassador of Senegal, Nicolas Nyouky (left) and others watch during the Gastronomy Festival

Bennett Oghifo

Jennifer Nnoruga

From Jenifa’s Diary to YouTube Queen

Jennifer Nnoruga is a versatile and talented actress who has featured in many Nollywood movies and series. She rose to fame with her role as Amina in Jenifa’s Diary and since then, she has been a notable face adorning Nollywood channels on YouTube, where she impresses her audience with her acting charisma and delectable poise. In this interview with Chinedu Ibeabuchi, she reveals how she got into acting, overcame her challenges and improved her skills and what exciting projects she is working on or looking forward to. She also throws a clue about her love life

What inspired you to pursue a career in acting?

The inspiration to pursue a career in acting was born from a delightful experience when I took on a movie role from a friend. Immersed in the shoot, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment, leading me to make a personal commitment to explore acting further upon completing my university studies.

How did you land your breakthrough role in Jenifa’s Diary, and what was it like working with Funke Akindele and Nosa Rex?

The story of my acting breakthrough is amusing. During a movie audition in 2018, unknown to me, the film set was within the vicinity. It wasn’t until Mr Peter Momoh, the production manager, approached me and informed me about their casting needs that I became aware of the production. I, along with others approached by Mr. Momoh, jotted down our names and contact details on a sheet of paper. To my astonishment, I received a call from him sometime later, offering me a notable role in Jenifa’s Diary series. It was a fantastic experience working alongside the legendary Funke Akindele and Nosa Rex, from whom I learned a great deal.

How do you prepare for each role, and what are some of the challenges you face as an actress?

As an actress, my preparation involves thoroughly reading the script and conducting research, particularly for stories that deviate from the norm or pose challenges. I encountered challenges relating to self-esteem during the early stages of my acting career, struggling with frequent auditions and subsequent rejections, which took a toll on my confidence and morale. However, I have succeeded by staying committed through perseverance, patience, and time. Another challenge in the film industry is securing a breakthrough. You may have been featured in numerous movies, yet little recognition. But consistency is key, and it has worked for me.

Which of your roles has been the most rewarding and why?

If I were to choose one project, I would select Speechless Affection on YouTube. This film did not only garner a larger following on my Instagram but also received remarkable reviews from viewers on YouTube and various Instagram pages.

Nollywood movies are widely watched on YouTube. And your face seems to pop up in several Nollywood content on the streaming platform. What’s the most amazing feedback you have gotten from YouTube fans?

With movies like Speechless Affection, One Mistake, Forbidden Passion, As I am, Her lucky Day, The Secret, Milestone and others that I featured in and many of them gaining huge viewership on YouTube, I am glad I can entertain and make people happy. One feedback that keeps ringing is when an enthusiastic fan saw me one day and called me the ‘YouTube Queen of Nollywood.’ It’s amazing how entertainment

I encountered challenges relating to self-esteem during the early stages of my acting career, struggling with frequent auditions and subsequent rejections, which took a toll on my confidence and morale. However, I have succeeded by staying committed through perseverance, patience, and time. Another challenge in the film industry is securing a breakthrough. You may have been featured in numerous movies, yet little recognition. But consistency is key, and it has worked for me

has been a major driver in putting Nigeria in a positive light on the global stage.

How do you balance your professional and personal life? I balance my personal and professional life by allocating specific time for each. After extended periods of intense work without breaks, I make it a point to take a few days off to recharge.

What are some of the values and principles that guide you as an actress and as a person? The values and principles that serve as guiding beacons in both my acting career and personal life involve fostering a mindset of continuous improvement and embracing setbacks and failures as opportunities for growth.

How do you cope with the pressure and expectations of being a rising star in Nol-

lywood?

Rather than competing with others, I focus on surpassing my previous accomplishments.

What are some of the skills or qualities that you have learned or improved on as an actress?

Learning how to evoke genuine emotions and shed tears on set has been a skill that I have continually developed and refined.

What are some of the current or upcoming projects that you are working on or excited about?

Recently, I completed filming for a project titled Babington by Wale Adenuga Productions (WAP). I eagerly anticipate the series premiere on

television, as it presents significant challenges and rewarding moments. This project deviated from my usual roles, making it more exciting. Before now, my usual roles were playing the girlfriend, fiancée, wife, or close friend roles in a movie.

Tell us about your love life. How would you describe that aspect of life?

I am single, not searching but open to meeting new people.

How would you rate Nollywood on a global stage?

I rate Nollywood 7 out of 10. This assessment is based on the industry’s position as the largest film industry in Africa, considering factors such as the sheer volume of movies produced annually and the industry’s value, revenue, and overall popularity.

Jennifer Nnoruga

POLITY

Gbenga Daniel’s Guilt of Infidelity

Femi Ogbonnikan

At a time like this, the exchange of salvos in Ogun State in the past one week aren’t palatable, given the level they have degenerated. At the centre of this unnecessary dust is theformer governor Gbenga Daniel, now a Senator representing Ogun East, who is doing everything possible to dispel the stigma of infidelity he has had to grapple with since he has been suspected of anti-party activities.

He is doing so with malicious gusto, subtle blackmail, and pugnacious hypocrisy. In particular, the deluge of reactions that followed his statement in a recent interview about the cause of the perceived frosty relationship between him and Governor Dapo Abiodun is becoming increasingly pugnacious. So much so that people are now beginning to smell the rat. But he appears to be enjoying the media frenzy. And he is sure to continue to savour the cacophony of protests among the APC stakeholders until he gets the attention of President Bola Tinubu whom he claimed to have stood behind during the presidential primaries in the run-up to the last election.

Essentially, that is the primary reason for throwing the mud at the governor who gave him the shelter when he needed it most. The second motive is to also cover up his anti-party activities to ward off the image of a betrayer. Either way, once you are found guilty of infidelity, you cannot earn people’s trust.

The problem with infidelity is not so much about flirting around but the absence of trust. In and out of office, OGD has a huge deficit of trust. While in office, he relished improper use of raw power so much that he literally alienated himself from everyone that matters in the state, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo on whose crest he rode to power in 2023. He fell out of favour because of impunity and executive recklessness that characterized his tenure.

By the time he left office, people had become so dissatisfied with the arbitrariness of the administration that the people collectively resolved never to have anything to do with the PDP again. That resolution still subsists, which is largely

responsible for the party’s abysmal performance in successive elections since 2011. It is also the reason for his decision to perch with the APC latching on to the simplicity and generosity of Governor Abiodun to actualize his senatorial ambition. As it is impossible for mere mortals to read the depth of the human heart, Abiodun conceded everything to Daniel to fly the senatorial ticket of the party. For those who do not know, that generous concession was at the instance of a revered monarch in the state, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona. But we all know that sometimes an

undeserved preferment can be very beguiling. Now, only God knows what would be running in the minds of the likes of Dr Babatunde Ipaye, Senator Lekan Mustapha, and others whose ambitions were sacrificed to please the monarch to allow his intervention to prevail.

In the last couple of days, concerned stakeholders have been kicking over the unwarranted outburst aimed at smearing the good image of the governor. In the interview granted to a national newspaper, Senator Daniel claimed that Abiodun fell out with him because of his support for Tinubu. According to him, the current victimization meted out on him in the APC is to punish him for standing behind Tinubu when the governor led the state chapter of the party to support former vice president Yemi Osinbajo.

What a funny outburst! Ordinarily, should that be the priority now in the face of a mirage of problems confronting the state and the nation as a whole? Why will anyone with a genuine sense of purpose be dissipating his energies on a pre-election matter that had already been won and lost? This is laughable. It only shows a lack of vision or an idea of what to offer the electorate. As a former governor, Daniel had offered the best he could give to the state. But whether or not the state could be said to be better for it, the rest is left to prosperity to judge. As for his current election into the Senate, let no one expect anything unusual. Like his other retired colleagues, the best we can expect is for him to be in the hallowed chamber to hibernate, enjoy full leisure of perquisite of the office and take his retirement benefits for the next four years. Thereafter, the electorate can then decide with their votes whether they can trust him again with a return ticket.

In the meantime, there is another media report where he was quoted as saying in his movement of embattled lucidity that his commitment is to lift the people out of poverty. Asked to comment on the allegation of anti-party activities, he retorted: “I am an elder, I have to absorb so much and I am already tolerating the allegations against me. Whatever he said, let us agree it is so.

Benjamin Kalu: When Talent Must not Be Buried

Ben Benson-Okoli

“You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed. Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest.”

Those were the words with which that rich man dismissed his unimaginative and indolent servant as recorded in the book of Mathew – one of the biggest lessons that underscores the principle of investments, be it of human or material capital. The servant in question, had what actually looked like a solid and impenetrable argument on the face of it. But it took the superior reasoning of his master to puncture it.

Few credible assessor of the Nigerian political development today, would miss the similarity between where the South East is today and that unfortunate servant, as told in that popular biblical story. In fact, many, who liken the era of the last eight years or so as the darkest for the zone in the political evolution of Nigeria have enough examples to play with in this regard. Few will doubt the fact that the zone is holding the shortest end of the stick in the present political era – unprecedentedly so.

Of course, the jury is still out and may be for a long time to come as to the reason for this situation. In fact there are legions of reasons to pick from for this parlous outcome. It only depends on where the assessor is coming from. For instance, one of the easiest and most oft-stated factors many cite, is that Ndigbo have not invested in the All Progressives Congress (APC) the party in power at this period. In other words, they denied the party political capital by consistently snubbing it during elections, such that no presidential candidate of the party has got any appreciable showing in terms of votes.

But on the flip-side, how well has the party itself treated the area? This was a zone that provided its its own political muscle that helped in lifting the party to national consciousness. So, how come that it was only the position of the Organising Secretary that the APC saw fit to gift the South East, an area that provided one of the strongest of the legs of the Nigerian tripod?

This was a party that had Ogbonnaya Onu, collapsing an entire All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP), he led at that time and Rochas Okorocha, coming with his own faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) into the new party. Yet, all they got for the entire sacrifice was that inaudible and nondescript position, despite making up with some equally

big names that came out of the South East politics.

So, what would have been the attraction to lure the area and their people from their comfort zone to move to the uncharted waters that the APC provided as an option, when their leaders who tested the waters were so wantonly disregarded? Or is it that the people concerned are so blind that they could not see or deaf that they could not hear? These are the big questions also begging for answers in the narratives.

In other words, it might actually be apposite to argue that the APC was the first to fail the test – the first to bury the talent. Nobody knows how it would have turned out if the party had not buried the capital the South East brought in at that initial stage by rewarding the zone adequately. So, there is enough blames to go round for those who would venture into the argument with a clear head.

It is against this backdrop that new political arrangement in Nigeria today must be appreciated. Clearly APC seems to have moved from what looked in the past like a permanent position of denying Ndigbo everything in an apparently obvious mutual political tit-for-tat that was the imprimatur of the President Buhari’s eight years. President Bola Tinubu seems to be thinking differently. By insisting that the Igbo must have a representation not only in the leadership of the National Assembly and more recently in the distribution of Service Chiefs – a road Buhari vehemently refused to travel, certainly signifies some sort of a new beginning.

What is required is a concomitant, corresponding and commensurate response. That is where Benjamin Kalu comes in. As Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, he has assumed the position of not only the highest ranking Igbo man in government, but the arrowhead of South East politics in terms of engagements at the nation’s political table. Whatever must be done with the buried coin, on both sides of the divide from henceforth, he is expected to take the lead.

Luckily, in character and learning, he is coming well-equipped for the job. Beyond being a lawyer, an intellectual and deep thinker, it is evident that he has also honed his skills as a politician with the needed charisma and appealing public personage as well as uncommon eloquence that has put him in good stead as fit for purpose.

Further proof that he is no greenhorn, lies in the trajectory of his gradual, but meticulous rise in his individual and job experience. The last two decades, saw him move from Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to the Governor on Mellenium Development Goals (MDGs) and International Relations, in Abia State to building a political superstructure in which he played the role of a mobiliser in various capacities through rare inter-personal relationship skills.

His strong passion and commitment to his Bende people in the same state, especially in the area of human capital develop-

Kalu

ment, such as heavy investment in scholarships for students, giving business grants and offering employment opportunities through his Benjamin Kalu Foundation, have since paid off in the manner he has consistently been rewarded with political dividend he is harvesting today.

Beyond the shores of Nigeria, his mobilisation ability was no less in place as he put it into use when he became the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the diasporas, controlling about six provinces in South Africa, apart from leading the campaign for Nigerians abroad to be given the right to vote in elections.

Benson-Okoli Esq., a journalist and lawyer, writes from Johannesburg, South Africa

Ogbonnikan wrote from Abeokuta, Ogun State

Gbenga Daniel

POLITY

Isoken, the story of Isoken Nwabunka

Soni Irabor

The book entitled Isoken, is a book that takes one into an unprecedented world of a would be unsuspecting young lady, who was born into affluence but within a few years, saw herself thrown into the deep end of poverty.

She was born to very happy polygamous family. Her father, a medical doctor was not only well to do he had everything going well for him. Her mother, an industrious lady could do the most unique and unusual of businesses. The difference was that she was not as well read as her medical doctor polygamous husband. This did not deter her. What she could not achieve in education she could in her exceptional gift at doing business. Isoken meanwhile was doing well in school. She had an elder brother in Anthony. They were the only two from her mother to her father. There were other siblings from another wife and they lived well and happy together under one roof.

Isoken was held close to her mother who seized every opportunity to instill in her a remarkable sense of industry and self-reliance, independence that was to pay off well, later in life.

It is pertinent to note that Isoken had no reason not to be like any other child from a well to do family her tender age, since she had everything going well for her at that time in Benin. After all she was the daughter of a medical doctor who was good at his job, influential and had a stable polygamous family. Her mother too, had a natural inclination to be self-reliant. Her business thrived and the children did not lack anything.

Isoken is a story like no other. It is told in a simple straight forward manner. However, it is that bare-it-all simplicity that holds one spellbound in a compelling flow, until suddenly, the author pauses and takes you into another world. This she achieves through the eyes of somebody else who continues telling the story about the main character Isoken, from his or her perspective. I was to find this unique and refreshing in the course of the story.

Let’s join her in her journey through life. Isoken was only eight years old when tragedy struck. The pillar of the family, her lovely father, died suddenly and things took a drastic turn from a happy well to do family to one of struggle for survival. In a short time, everything changed from bad to worse. She was now left with just her mother and her brother, Anthony. Her step mother soon left with her half

brothers and sisters.

It was as if her mother knew what was going to happen so she hit the ground running as she made sure Isoken and her brother did not stop schooling. Things went on well for a short while. Well, let’s not get too deep into the story as it is not in my place to deny you the joy of savouring the twists and turns in this suspense laden narrative.

Isoken is a story of survival in the struggle of a very young independent woman who saw her loved ones, that would have nurtured her through the adventures of life, drop out of the race over time or fate threw major responsibilities on her young shoulders at a tender age. How did she cope? What became of her other siblings? Did she finish school? When she was growing up, girls her age and naivety were thrown into the deep end of

the struggle for survival as they were tempted with all kinds of false promises. But not Isoken. How did she conquer this vicious encounter and temptation? What became of her very business oriented industrious pillar of Isoken’s family, her mother?

It is pertinent to observe that the author’s ability to weave in and out of this type of narrative without losing the flow, shows how deeply well organised she became in her adult life. How did she meet her husband, Dr Godwin Nwabunka, a PhD holder when she was still trying to understand the demands of life?

The most compelling aspect of this beautiful narrative is how she turned out from a promising little school girl to a street hawker in Benin; to a struggling no nonsense young lady in Lagos; who could hawk fire extinguishers, cosmetic and car spare parts! Arguably, a man’s job. She combined all these mixed qualities with being a young unspoilt lady in a promiscuous society that has hardly been a level playing field for the youth, especially the female youth. Later, she became a proud mother of brilliant children she didn’t want to see experience her type of upbringing. And a dutiful wife to a caring, doting husband and father.

I observed that there were other tellers of this same story. Who are they? I should let you know that the author’s ability to hold you spellbound is entirely her own. She is gifted at telling her story. It also exposes her steadfast nature of a never-give-up spirit. I have been so tempted to delve deeper into playing the ‘Amebo’ just to enjoy revealing the tell-tale juicy part of how she bridged the academic gap between her husband’s PhD status and her secondary school certificate status. You will not believe what this woman did!

Anyway, enough of that. Get yourself a copy. On a critical note, I saw some minor typos, quite negligible. However, I should mention one important fact. The school Isoken attended is actually IGUOBAZUWA not Igbobazuwa. I recommend Isoken the Book to every Academic Institution for the simple reason that it is a first-class, first-hand reference book to anyone who is SME inclined. And there are many of us. This book is simply unique!

I recommend it to every discerning mind because it is a book that teaches us how to survive in a harsh business environment like Nigeria. It is a story that takes you through the stark realities of disappointment, betrayal and trust in an unprecedented, unpredictable maneuvers through the quick sands of life, not knowing where to step your foot. Yet, Isoken survived it all without a scratch! Phew! I rest my case. I recommend it to all.

L-R: Customer Finance, Engie Energy Access, Azeez Amoo presenting a prize cheque of $500 to Farook Ajose and Ayodeji Abatanthe; 3rd category winners of the TID Hackathon by Engie Energy Access held in Lagos …recently

L - R: Group CEO/Founder of Kuda Technologies Limited, Mr. Babs Ogundeyi; Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking at Access Bank Plc, Mrs. Iyabo Soji-Okusanya; Managing Director/CEO, Access Bank Plc. Mr. Roosevelt Ogbonna; and Group CEO/Co-Founder of Kuda Technologies Limited, Mr. Musty Mustapha during a meet-and-greet at the Kuda Technologies head office in Yaba, Lagos... recently

L-R; HRH.The Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona; Director, Mainstream Strategic Business Unit, Grand Oak Ltd. Busuyi Olofin; Marketing Manager, Gbemileke Lawal; Senior Brand Manager, Schnapps, Adebowale Bojuwade; and Activation Manager, Benson Oluwafiropo Grand Oak Limited during the presentation of Seaman’s Schnapps, The Original Number 1 prayer drink to The Awujale of Ijebuland ahead of Ojude Oba festival in Ijebu ode Ogun state….yesterday

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, eTranzact International Plc, Niyi Toluwalope; and the Director General , National Productivity Centre, Dr Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha during the presentation for the conferment of the National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award held in Abuja.... recently

Isoken

MAFC wants 36 states Assembly to amend relevant laws” What was this sub-editor thinking? The assemblies will amend both relevant and irrelevant laws—that is the essence of an amendment. So, a rewrite: RMAFC wants state assemblies (take note of the changes) to amend laws

“Imo: Anyanwu enters agreement with Okorocha to return varsity, other loots—Imo govt” Is this not better: Anyanwu, Okorocha agree to return varsity, loot (which is uncountable)? By the way, can a person loot the entirety of an institution? This is absolute language savagery! ‘Reverse varsity ownership’ should have been classical! For readers who may not know, Anyanwu is the PDP governorship candidate in the upcoming election.

“Nasarawa Assembly: Fight to finish as two factions clash over speakership position” Get it right: fight to the finish

“As of (at) September, last year, Nigeria had about 20 million out-of-school children….”

“A hearty congratulations sir, Rear Adm. E. I. Ogalla on your appointment as Chief of Naval Staff” ‘Congratulations’: plural—therefore, delete ‘A’

“CSOs slam Tinubu over (for) silence on corruption”

“…said others appointed include (included)….”

“Funeral arrangements are as follows (follow)…”

Wrong: wake keep; right: wake-keep

DAILY Independent of May 30 failed a simple phrasal verb test: “End-term report card: Buhari lashes at critics” Collocation information: Buhari lashes out at critics—he

did not flog them!

Of course, the inside pages, naturally, were also not left out: “The Honourable Minister for (of) Power….” But, Commissioner for Power…Niger State Government, take note!

‘Fight to Finish’ Wrong “R

“NDLEA arrests two over (for or in connection with) trafficking at Lagos Airport”

Daily Trust equally contributed four howlers to the pool of improprieties: “It will be recalled that Bamigbetan regained his freedom on the payment of a whooping (whopping) ransom of N15 million.”

“…has given a firm assurance that his govern- ment will stop at nothing to (at) reducing the menace to the barest minimum in the state.”

“…and like (as) Governor Sanwo-Olu said, eternal vigilance should be the watch word (watchword).”

“I misled Middle Belt to vote for Tinubu” Politics Today: I misled Middle Belt into voting for Tinubu

“…he has been able to repay back N20 billion.” Delete ‘back’ and move forward!

“Osuntokun scores Buhari low in education” My amiable and humanistic former lecturer scored Buhari low on (not in) education. An aside: Prof., thanks for all the biros you gave to us during lectures almost three decades ago in UNILAG. I remember it all as if it were yesterday! God will continue to prosper you. I also fondly recollect another fine gentleman, the late Dr. Hakeem Haruna of History Department, for his unique didactic methodology. May his soul continue to rest in peace.

Still on Daily Independent: “ABUAD: It can stand with world class (world-class) universities”

“ABUAD students on life in the campus” Special Report: ABUAD students on life on campus—or, simply, ABUAD students on campus life, especially for headline purposes

“Tinubu has no solution to Nigeria’s crisis” Definitely, Nigeria has more than one crisis: therefore crises.

Now, the final entry from Daily Trust: “… creative people to interact at (in) the corridors of power”

The Guardian of May 28 contained a surfeit of lexical falsehoods: “One military personnel was also killed in the encounter.” ‘Personnel’ (plural) is a collective noun that cannot be used for just an individual.

“…Amaechi said that (otiose) his purported suspension was an act of political witchhunting.” Conscience, Nurtured by Truth: political witch-hunt

“Time for leaders to close rank (ranks)…”

“Otu assures on welfare” Who did the governor assure? ‘Assure’ compulsorily takes an object.

“Uzodinma seeks on leadership training” Yank away ‘on’!

Still on THE GUARDIAN under focus: “… the military lobby intensively for deployment into (in) the zone.”

“To bring this to the attention of the decern- ing (discerning) investors, the Jigawa State Government is organising the first Economic and Investment Summit.” (Full-page advertorial)

Lastly from THE GUARDIAN Law Report: “Courts are not permitted to suo motu raise issues, resolve same (the same) without hearing from parties”

THISDAY, THE SATURDAY NEWSPAPER of May 27, circulated a few errors right from its Front Page: “The good news came few (a few) hours before President Buhari….”

“…after overrunning three terrorists camps (terrorists’ camps) in the riotous….”

The next four blunders are from a full-page advertisement in the Saturday newspaper under review: “I duff (doff) my hart (hat) for

Of Two Icons of Private Radio: Dokpesi and Ekisola

Ofcourse,likesomepeople,Iwasina short space of unbelief when the news filtered in that Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi was gone - on the inauguration day, 29 May, 2023. Yes, I understand that no one will escape the homecall notice when it pleases the Almighty, but recollecting the way the man was built - a massive ‘concrete’ of flesh, ambition, vision, innovation, dare-devilry, indefatigable appetite for work, logic, preparation and strategic offensive shock-ability - it was difficult to imagine Dokpesi lying supine somewhere, helpless, hopeless and motionless.

Here is a man who could not be held down by gargantuan obstacles that would have wasted most souls…he braved the odds gamely, swatting off hindrances, cynicism, dithering hesitance with flourishing swag of his arms, and penetrating acuity of his mind as strategies tumbled out… you just knew he had spent quality time musing, thinking and preempting all likely moves and countermoves against his next enterprise. He didn’t seem like one death could pull down so suddenly, and brusquely. I mean, he was only 71, and still ebullient despite the scars and vestiges of countless battles and pulverizing counter measures by people who saw him as a threat.

Today, we choose to remind us of the incredible legacies of this charming man of many parts, and a master of living life to the hilt… and in the second part of this article, the glorious epiphany of his redoubtable lieutenant who just stepped into the septuagenarian orchard. Let us proceed.

“When Raypower started test transmission late December of 1993 on 100.5 frequency modulation, the country was in the throes of anguish, threats and general unrest as a result of the annulment of the 12th of June, 1993 presidential election barely six months earlier. It was such a moment, in hindsight, that it was foolhardy to grant a broadcast license to a private citizen, for the first time, and be unwary of dire consequences of misuse or sabotage or whatever evil machinations enemies of a discredited military junta could whip up. Obviously, Dokpesi must have been seen as an apple of Maradona’s eye who was above reproach...with

absolute confidence that the experiment would not boomerang. That was in 1992.

Unfortunately, the new year (1994) ushered in a new Sheriff who perceived danger all around him, and lashed out as he deemed appropriate. The infant outfit, still doing “testing testing”, was declared an “illegal station” on January 15, 1994 under the vehement gaze of Gen. Sani Abacha. Exactly nine months after, ostensibly finessed by the diplomatic skills and charm offensive of Dokpesi, the station received the “all-clear” signal on August 15. The work-starved professionals swung into action, and launched commercial broadcasting on that cool first day of September, 1994.

The miracle of Raypower of the 90’s was not squeezed into reality by some magic, luck or some dodgy government patronage. The greatness of Raypower is carved by an admix of unassuming talents strangely infused with the capacity for industry, diligence, resourcefulness, dare-devil determination to tread where normal people would run mad...and the unNigerian ability to work, sacrifice, deposit all that the pioneer staff had or could muster...as if it was their personal business which must rise and soar, even as the world was coming to end!

When it comes to bold innovations and bravura in pulling chestnuts out of a broiling furnace, your best partner is Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi. You may not like his style or distrust his ambition, no one can dismiss the incredible attainments of the Aghenebode (Edo) high chief in the entertainment world of Nigeria. Born in Ibadan, Oyo State, on October 25, 1951 the Ray of Raypower FM, stormed big business with a loud splash - launched the first shipping line this side of the world with pioneer billionaire, Chief MKO Abiola, Gen. Shehu Musa Yar’Adua and Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, still in his 20’s! Nearer home, and relevant to us, are his forays into broadcasting and entertainment. As usual, it was with the biggest splash late in the century that Dokpesi, a first class graduate (received his doctorate degree in Marine Engineering at age 26), seized our hearts and dance steps with the commencement of broadcast signals of Raypower 100.5 FM on September (1), 1994. He practically combed out a modern production city-village out of

the rustic wasteland of Alagbado, on the outskirts of Lagos State...

And trust the hard-nosed businessman, while simple men and women would pursue means of calming their opponents’ nerves, the doctor of engineering from University of Gdansk, Poland, pushed in the screw-driver - and what a giant one. Large of frame and awesome in gait, Dokpesi revealed himself usually in the expansiveness of his projects. The concept, planning, financing, acquisitions and man-power outlay of African Independent Television, AIT, about two years after Raypower, in 1996, literally took away the breath of everyone, most especially veterans who wrote the scripts of Nigerian broadcasting. Dokpesi tore the scripts into shreds, and wrote a sparkling new script - Nigerian broadcasting and entertainment have never been the same again.

If still in doubt, ask countless Nigerian artistes, promoters, actors, producers, award organisers and sundry practitioners of show-business how their lives and professional exertions would have ended if not for the sometimes effusive and bewildering interventions of Dokpesi’s media muscle. Surely, Nigerian entertainment owes Raymond Alaegho Dokpesi endless pearls of accolades...”.

OLUSESAN EKISOLA WALTZES INTO 70

Life is unceasing…relentless…often complex. Barely one month after the demise of Dr. Raymond Dokpesi, his co-dream maker and Man Friday in the trenches of cultivated imagination that produced the glorious emergence of Nigeria’s private broadcasting turned 70 years old. This is a tribute to a living legend…the ultimate wingman in magical creative enterprise. Here we go:

“Broadcaster par excellence, founding General Manager of OGBC 2 FM, pioneer General Manager of Raypower FM, Managing Director of DAAR Communications, and now Publisher/CEO of the Kalahari Media - Mr. Olusesan Ekisola was 70 on 26th of June, 2023.

I met his voice long before I met his person… and I was mesmerized…and even as an adult, I’ve not need “cured” of the “virus” - his enigmatic and wit-drooling conversations, and “caressing” of his listeners with wisecracks, anecdotes and

(to) a brother that is more of value than gold.” Preferably: I take off my hat to….

“Your deligence (diligence) in business is wonderful….”

“Many residents of the state have agreed to endure in order to enjoy a safe and secured (secure)“Sometomorrow.” parts of Maiduguri was (were) no go area (no-go areas) to any sane mind as people are (were) picked up for slaughter. The laws operating in those areas were different from any other parts (part) of the state (or other parts of the state).”

Finally from THISDAY COVER under review: “….the deployment of more troops to (in) states was belated.”

THE NATION ON SUNDAY of May 28 displayed slothfulness and crankiness: “To stem this abuse by some judges, the CJN said that he has (had) directed that before any judge can (could) travel abroad, he or she (sic) must obtain permission from the head judge.” My comment: instead of ‘he or she,’ use ‘they’—which is the acceptable form.

Still on last Tuesday’s edition of Leadership: “…Wike opened up on the crisis in Rivers State and his grouse with (about) Governor Rotimi Amaechi….”

“If we have problems, probably there might be one reason or the other (one reason or another) the governor is not happy.”

“As two-time governor of Lagos, you shone like star (a star).”

“To their dubious chicanery, your voice resonate (resonates) distinctly….” Also note that the last word in the extract is useless! (This and the preceding blunder are from a full-page congratulatory advertorial by one of the governors (name withheld!) in honour of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu).

polished knockabouts.

We (hardy Lagos boys exposed for the first time to some nightly freedom) used to love jumping out of our boarding house, occasionally, around 1977-1978 at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State… our destination and object of such confounding nocturnal escapade was to go clutch around the inner perimeter fence of the new Gateway Hotel, Ibara, and watch Ekisola and some other DJs from the then rave radio station, OGBC…blasting the night away with infectious music and adlibs. Quick disclaimer: these were wonderful moments I won’t recommend now as a responsible parent! Dangerous childish indulgence.

One of the smartest things the recently late media mogul and angel investor, Dr. Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi, did in birthing Raypower 105 FM was his ability to turn to his vision the hearts of some of the best voices and minds on radio, led by the young-looking ‘headmaster’ at the then high-flying new FM station of Ogun State, OGBC-2, self-styled ‘the ultimate in style’.

It was the astonishing mixture of a swashbuckling salesman and bohemian jolly fellow that was Dokpesi - with the vast experience and easy conviviality of Ekisola that ‘conjured’ the amazing appetite and panache of other brilliant folks which cooked what turned out as the golden dawn of private radio in the annals of Nigerian broadcasting - and even more staggering, the offshoot and sustenance of 24-hour live broadcasting…nonpareil!

All of that massive miracle was by a small troop of “never-say-die” dream merchants with the incomparable grandmaster and peerless professional, Olusesan Ekisola in the front column…deep inside the rugged, rustic trenches of Alagbado.

On Monday, 26 June, in Ijebu-Ode, family, friends and fans celebrated his 70th birthday inside the revered innards of the Cathedral of Our Saviour, Ita Ọlọwajọda, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

Ahoy! Sail on, the soul pleaser!”

Bright Osayi-Samuel

Premier League Return on the Horizon

Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel has been impressive with theTurkish giants, Fenerbahce, since joining from QPR in 2021. However, the 25-year-old is now ready to head back to England, where Brentford and Fulham are jostling for his signature

Though he was recently linked with a move to the Scottish side, Glasgow Rangers, but Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel has revealed his ambition to play in the English Premier League amid transfer links to top European clubs.

The Nigerian star’s impressive performance has attracted the interest of Brentford FC and AFC Bournemouth, who will be locking horns in this summer transfer window to secure the services of the Nigerian wing-back.

In an exclusive interview with Soccernet, the former Queens Park Rangers defender, who moved to the Turkish side in 2021, crushed his transfer link to Glasgow Rangers by revealing that his ambition is to play for a Premier League club.

The Nigerian international made a good impression of himself with his abilities when he single-handedly mounted pressure on Guinea-Bissau’s defence to secure a victory for Jose Peseiro’s men’s defence in the second leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

However, the Turkish giants who still enjoy these impressive performances at the Ulker Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium have trashed his early move to Bournemouth during the January transfer window with their persistence to not sell him for a fee lesser than €12 million.

However, Brentford put out the needed sum, satisfying the demand of the Istanbulbased club and the front-runner in the battle to recruit him ahead of the Scottish side, Rangers.

Osayi-Samuel, when asked about his ambition to play in the Premier League, said, “I think everyone knows that my ambition is to play English football, to play in the English Premier League, you know. No disrespect they (Fenerbahçe) have done so much for me

there (in Turkey). But my ambition is to play in the Premier League. So, when I feel that the time is the right time for me to go, I will take it.”

The Nigerian star joined Fenerbahçe for a fee in the region of €508k from QPR, and the 2022-23 Turkish Cup winner will have the best time to cash in on him this summer if European teams seek his services.

Though he was born in Nigeria but moved to England at a young age of nine but playing for Nigeria has always been his dream as he is also qualified to represent England by naturalisation. After waiting endlessly for a callup from the country of his parents, his hope started dwindling. Osayi-Samuel’s patience eventually paid off after he was invited for the Super Eagles friendly against Portugal.

Osayi-Samuel’s expectation of a Super Eagles’ callup was high during the Nigeria’s failed 2022 World Cup campaign but it was not to be. The Okija-born player’s direction was eventually looked at for the friendly against Portugal at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

The 24-year-old could not hide his excitement at first national team call-up, and he has expressed readiness to add his quota to make the team stronger.

“I’m delighted to be here,” Osayi-Samuel had told NFF TV.

“I’ve always said that I’ve always wanted to play for my country so I’m happy to have gotten the opportunity to show what I’m all about.

“I want to do my best, show what I’m capable of, bring my quality into the team and make the team stronger.”

The Okija-born defender has spent a huge chunk of his life abroad, but he is enthusiastic about playing for Nigeria

Osayi-Samuel was born in Nigeria, but he left the country when he was nine years old. The 24-year-old versatile player had stints at Blackpool and Queen Park Rangers before joining Turkish giants Fenerbahce in 2021.

The Okija-born star has made waves in Turkey since his move to Fernarbache.

Osayi-Samuel’s brilliance did not go unnoticed, as he was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the Super Eagles during Nigeria’s international friendly game against Portugal.

The 24-year-old has revealed how Jose Peseiro persuaded him to play for Nigeria.

“I’m delighted to be here, I’ve always said I would like to play for my country and I’m happy to get the opportunity to show what I’m all about,” he said on NFF TV.

“My invitation to the Super Eagles, I knew about it like a month or two months ago, the coach (Jose Peseiro) called my coach because they knew each other and said he wants to know if I’m interested to play for Nigeria.

“And by the time he asked me I already knew my answer, I’m a Nigerian and I’m proud being a Nigerian when the opportunity came to play for the country I’m in.

Osayi-Samuel started his professional career with Blackpool in 2015. He also played for Queens Park Rangers in England before joining Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Super Lig in 2021.

The versatile full-back who can also play as a midfielder has made 21 appearances for Fenerbahçe in all competitions this season.

Osayi-Samuel left English football to join Turkish side Fenerbahce in 2021 for just €560,000.

That move has yielded results for the rightfooted midfielder-turned-defender, as he has grown in leaps and bounds since he moved to the Super Lig.

Osayi-Samuel started his career as a mid-

fielder but at Fenerbahce, he usually features as a right-back or a right wing-back.

The former QPR man is endowed with pace, hitting peak speeds of 29km/h. Osayi-Samuel also has quick feet and great ball control.

He has excelled this season, and the interest from big clubs in England hasn’t gone away as Premier League clubs remain keen. His excellent form might not be a shock to anyone who watched him in England but it might be more of a surprise to learn he has turned himself into one of the Super Lig’s leading right-backs.

A winger by trade, Osayi-Samuel broadly played in his natural position last season, but when Vitor Pereira arrived last summer, the Portuguese manager switched formation to a rough 3-4-3 and needed a right wing-back.

“That’s not usually my position,” OsayiSamuel says. “I’ve been an out-and-out winger. He wanted me to come back as a full-back when we didn’t have the ball. He started teaching me the basics of defending, and from there I started playing as a wingback.”

“There are times when I’m dropping back and I can see the wingers have chances to score, and I’m like, ‘I want to be there’. But I still enjoy it. I’m still learning every day.

“There are obviously places where I have to think a bit more about what I’m doing. I still try to be the same — I try to be confident on the ball, and sometimes I do take risks. Sometimes I try things I’m not supposed to, and if it comes off then nobody complains but if it doesn’t… well, that’s the job of a footballer — it’s about taking risks.”

“I always think if you can play in different positions, it shows how versatile you are. I don’t have any complaints playing fullback.”

Osayi-Samuel of Fenerbahce SK battles for possession with BB Erzurumspor players during the Super Lig match between Fenerbahce and BB Erzurumspor at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey

Finidi Backs NPL Players for Super Eagles Last AFCON Qualifier Match

Hails Naija Super 8 Play offs for enriching clubs

Kunle Adewale

In support of the outcry in some sections that the Super Eagles last Africa Cup of Nations qualifier dead rubber game against Sao Tome and Principe should be prosecuted with players from the Nigeria Premier League, NPL, Enyimba of Aba sweat merchant and Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George has expressed that it would not be a bad idea if about seven home-based players are on parade for the game.

In an interview with THISDAY at the Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom, after he led Enyimba to victory against oriental rival, Heartland of Owerri to qualify for the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos,

“That would be the decision of the head coach, (Jose Peseiro), whatever the decision is going to take he has now till September when the match would take place to decide. The commencement of the league before the match would also inform his decision. If the league has not started it becomes difficult to select home-based players for the encounter.

“I am of the opinion that these home-based players should be given more opportunities in the national team. It would not be a bad idea if five, six or seven NPL players could join the team for the AFCON proper.

On his opinion of the Nigerian league after

working with Enyimba for two years, the former Real Betis of Spain winger said the league was going in the right direction.

“The league still has its shortcomings, but it improved a lot last season. The organisers (Interim Management Committee) should do better next season in terms of funding and officiating.

However, I must commend the referees, they did a good job last season but we still need to take it to the next level where we can say they’ve been very fair. But overall, the league is getting to the level where we want it to be, “ the former defunt Calabar Rovers player expressed.

Reacting to his team’s victory over arch rivals Heartland of Owerri in the Oriental battle in the Naija Super 8 Play offs, Finidi said he was happy with the victory but that Enyimba fell short of the way they play.

“I am happy that we won, but not satisfied with the way we played. We are a team that keeps the ball, but today (last Saturday), we played too many long ball especially in the second half of which I wasn’t satisfied with.

“We lost a little bit of structure, there were some players that were rested, some injured and some players that have not played for the whole season were given playing time today. That might be the reason for the way we played against On what should the Peoples

Elephant’s fans expect at the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner said:” “When it comes to that kind of game we know how to play it. We will prepare very well for it. Hopefully, some of the rested players would have had enough rest and some of the injured ones would have recovered. We hope to do very well in the Lagos finals,” he said.

“ The aim is to go to Lagos and win the competition but the state of the players is also a concern to me as they’ve not rested and recovered well from last season. If you look at the football calendar we’ve been playing from September till date and from the look of things there will be no break. So, I don’t know how and when these players would be well rested. Its something we have to look at. When fixing a tournament of this nature the player that are going to be involved must get at least three weeks rest. But that goes with every team so we just have to get ourselves together and play the tournament.

Asked if the organisers of the league should continue with the Abridged League or the conventional 38-match format, Finidi opted for the latter, but said it would still not be a bad idea if the first six teams could still converge for a Super Six competition to determine the real champion.

“We can still play the 38-match format and

Naija Super 8, Good Test for Heartland

NPL Promotion Quest, Says Obi

Kunle Adewale

Head Coach of Heartland FC of Owerri, Christian Obi has praised the organisers of the Naija Super 8 Play off at the Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom, saying the competition could not have come at a better time for the Naze Millionaires as it serves as a good preparation for the the club ahead of the Nigeria National League, NNL, Super 8 in Asaba.

Speaking with THISDAY after his side narrowly lost to Nigeria Premier League, NPL, champions, Enyimba of Aba in the Oriental derby in Eket,

Obi said, “Inspite of the loss to Enyimba, I am satisfied with what I saw of the players. They played according to my instructions to a large extent, but for lack of concentration which resulted to their goal, “ Obi said.

“The Naija Super 8 Play offs is a test run to the team I want to use in Asaba. The tourney just came at the right time,” he emphasised. The former Super Eagles goalkeeper did not however take the defeat to the Peoples Elephants in good fate as he attributed the loss to some wrong calls from the centre referee.

“ The referee was biased because there were

some calls, he made which he shouldn’t have made. There were many wrong calls against us by the referee, we even had a clear penalty which he overlooked, he may have his own reasons but there was a clear contact and should have been a penalty but he felt otherwise,” the 1985 bronze winning U21 World Youth Championship said.

Heartland left from Eket straight for Asaba where they hope to pick promotion ticket for the NPL next season.

at the end, pick the best six teams and play a kind of play offs. I think that will bring the best out of the clubs that qualify to represent the country in the Champions League and Confederations Cup,” Finidi opined. He however concluded by praising the organisers (Flykite) and sponsors of the Naija Super 8 Play offs for allowing the clubs to make more money with the tournament.

“The Naija Super 8 is good for the clubs economically. There is more money coming in for clubs which is fantastic,” Finidi concluded.

Fans of Nigeria Premier League, NPL, champions, Enyimba of Aba, who are hoping that the Peoples Elephant can do the double by adding the Naija Super 8 Plays-off billed for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on July 7 to 16 may be disappointed as the players have threatened not to turn up for the tournament if their salaries are not paid.

In a telephone chat with THISDAY, a senior player with the Aba-based club who wants to remain anonymous confirmed that the players were being owed four months salary but that the management had promised to clear all their outstanding salaries, though without a time line.

“We have resolved among ourselves (the players) that we won’t turn up for the Naija Super 8 if our outstanding salaries were not paid as most of us now live from hand to mouth and not ready to play on empty stomach,” the player said.

He however debunked the insinuation that the players had refused to train since the victory over Heartland in the Super 8 play off at the Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom.

“We were asked to take time off training after the game against Heartland because we have not really rested well since winning the league,” he expressed.

Meanwhile, Enyimba had been drawn alongside, Remo Stars, Katsina United and wildcard entrant, Sporting Lagos.

Enyimba Players Threaten to Boycott Super 8 Playoffs over Unpaid Salaries

Action during Enyimba versus Heartland at the Naija Super 8 Play offs at the Eket Towship Stadium, Akwa Ibom

Kunle Adewale

Let’s Talk About Premier League’s Greatest African XI

The English Premier League is a global phenomenon.The passion, followership, rivalries, and broadcast reach, have made it the darling of football fanatics across the globe, including investors who key into the business side of the game. Since the rebranding into the EPL in 1992, the league has witnessed an influx of top players from different continents, including some African stars who stamped their authority on the league and drove its popularity among football fans on the continent. Kunle Adewale ex-rays the contributions of African players to the success and popularity of the Premier League, with a special focus on the iconic XI of the lot

Picking the greatest African 11 to have graced the EPL will not be an easy task. As part of celebrations of EPL’s 30th anniversary, SpuperSport, the official EPL broadcast rights owner in Africa, asked the fans to vote for their EPL greatest African XI, out of a 30-man list comprising household names on the continent.

A roll-call of names such as -Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, Mikel Obi, Austin Okocha, Mohammed Salah, Emmanuel Adebayor, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, Yakubu Ayegbeni, Benni McCarthy, Lucas Radebe, Tony Yeboah, Michael Essien, El Hadji Diouf, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, Bruce Grobbelaar, leaves one spoilt for choice. Everyone on the list stamped their authority on the EPL at different intervals.

Though 1994 African Cup of Nations gold medalist, Efan Ekoku is the first Nigerian to ever grace the Premier League after starring for Norwich City in April 1993, it was not until the likes of Nwankwo Kanu, Celestine Babayoro and the likes were exported to the English top flight in the late ‘90s that Nige-

rians started following the English league religiously.

Since then, a lot of African players have made inroads into the Premiership and not only contributed to the league’s popularity and their club’s success but have also won individual accolades and prizes, from Player of the Season to Highest Goal Scorer Award not to talk of several Player and Goal of the Month laurels.

To buttress the importance of these African players to their clubs, some managers of these teams had gone as far as entrusting them with the club’s captain’s band. Sam Allardyce made Austin Okocha the captain of Bolton during the Nigerian’s time with the Trotters. Okocha mesmerised his opponents in the EPL and will always be remembered by the fans for his immaculate dribbling skills and beautiful goals.

Today, Salah is a cult hero at Anfield and he is now Liverpool’s sixth all-time highest goal scorer, ahead of club legends like Robbie Fowler, Kenny Daglish, and Michael Owen. Salah has won a series of notable awards

for his outstanding performance. They include the golden boot, thrice, the Player of the Season in the 2017/2018 season, the Premier League championship in the 2019/2020 season, and the Player of the Month award numerous times.

Yaya Toure was an integral part of the Manchester City revolution. At the peak of his prowess, he was unplayable in the EPL, scoring loads of spectacular goals in his role as a midfielder, with three EPL titles to his name.

The first three African winners of the Premier League were all Arsenal players, perhaps unsurprisingly considering Sir Alex Ferguson’s reservations about recruiting from the continent -with Lauren Etame Mayer and Kanu both clinching the crown in 2002 and 2004.

The former can be overlooked as one of the Premier League’s finest all-time right-backs, but he took to the role remarkably quickly after being converted from a more advanced role by Arsene Wenger and was a starting member of Arsenal’s fabled Invincibles.

Kanu played much more of a fringe role in the Gunners’ successes of 2002 and 2004 with attacking competition again fierce, although he was adored by the club’s fans and, in 2008, was voted 13th in a fans’ list of Arsenal’s finest players.

The Invincibles squad also boasted another African player, with Kolo Toure, sure to be remembered as one of Wenger’s greatest signings. The centre-back forged a commanding partnership with Sol Campbell during Arsenal’s unforgettable 2003-04 season, missing just one match as the Londoners romped to the title.

Toure went on to win the championship eight years later with Manchester City, becoming the first African player to win two Premier League titles with different clubs.

Quinton Fortune of South Africa and Manchester United was part of three titlewinning sides with the Red Devils, although on each occasion he never played enough games to actually get a medal.

In the third of those successes in 2003, the club applied for special dispensation in order for the utility man to get the recognition that his seven years of service surely deserved.

Arguably no team in the history of English football has showcased African footballers as successfully as Chelsea, with Didier Drogba, Geremi Njitap, Michael Essien, Mikel Obi and Salomon Kalou all winning the title before Victor Moses became the continent’s 15th winner.

No African has been more successful in the top flight than Drogba, who not only scored the winning penalty as Chelsea clinched the Champions League in 2012, but who won four Premier League titles over a decade, returning to London to lift the trophy one final time in 2015.

Three of Africa’s Premier League winnersDaniel Amartey, Jeffrey Schlupp, and Mahrez, were unexpected champions in 2016, as part of Leicester City’s miraculous campaign under Claudio Ranieri.

The Algerian however was the stand-out performer of that success, claiming a swathe of individual awards after scoring 17 goals and contributing 11 assists.

With City’s incredible title win this season, Mahrez has now topped the chart for being the most decorated African player in the Premier League with five titles.

There is no doubt that the Premier League has been a platform for some of the best footballers from across the world to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves, and African players have made a huge impact on the league and have been some of the most exciting and talented players to grace the pitch.

Though the Premier League has witnessed many African stars taking the English top flight by storm in recent seasons, the likes of Salah, Mahrez, and Mane have taken Africa’s presence in the Premier League to another level. To date, there are 46 players registered under an African nation on the Premier League’s official site.

Kanu

Diouf

Aubameyang

Okocha

salah Mane

Toure

mikel

Drogba

Radebe

Mahrez

Remo Stars Target Naija Super 8 N25m Prize Money

Kunle Adewale

After comprehensively defeating Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the Naira Super 8 play offs at the Eket Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State and booking their place in the finals in Lagos, Coach of Remo Stars, Daniel Ogunmodede has stated that the next line in the agenda of the Ikenne-based team is to win the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos and consequently the N25 million prize money the overall winner would cart away.

In an interview with THISDAY, the coach of the CAF Champions League qualifier said his team has what it takes to emerge as winners of the maiden edition of the Naija Super 8 slated for July 7 to 14, at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, in Lagos.

“We are going to Lagos with a winning mindset. We want to win all games and we’ve got what it take to achieve it when you consider our structure and philosophy.

Asked how he has been able to get the better of his more illustrious opponent each time the two teams meet, he said:”I have the number of Coach Ogunbote (Shooting Stars’ coach). Though he’s like a father to me and have been in the game for a very long time but I understand his strength and weaknesses and tried to exploit it. And over the years the results have been what it is.

“But today (last Saturday), I think we were just lucky because we’ve not fully recovered from the fatigue of the Super Six, the players were tired and we didn’t do too much to win. Maybe we deserve to win but not with the

Milan Coach Calls Chukwueze to Hasten Transfer Move

kind of wide margin,” he noted.

On the chances of Remo Stars going far in the CAF Champions League, Ogunmodede said though his side are new in the competition they will not be intimidated in anyway.

“ Its our first time in the Champions League, second time in the continent, but unfortunately people still look at us like a rookie but we don’t look ourselves like that because we believe in ourselves with a strong intention to go into any game and win.

“ We draw up our plan, we follow it religiously and wait for the outcome. As a coach, I cannot determine the outcome of a game. I can only map out plans and hope the boys will follow it. Champions League is no different,” an optimistic Ogunbodede said.

Adana Demirspor Trigger Option to Buy Onyekuru

Super Lig club Adana Demirspor have triggered their option to buy outright Henry Onyekuru from Olympiakos, according to matching press reports in the Turkish and Greek press.

Ajansspor is reporting that Onyekuru, who was loaned in from Olympiakos with an option to buy last season, is remaining at Adana Demirspor, who have exercised the buy

option.

The report added that the Nigeria international will attend Mavi imekler’s camp in Düzce Topuk Plateau.

Adana Demirspor have acquired the winger on a permanent basis after activating the option to buy set at 3.5 million euros.

Onyekuru managed to convince Adana Demirspor to sign him on a full deal after

his impressive performances last season, helping the Blue Lightnings qualify for the Europa Conference League.

The former Everton player scored eight goals in 28 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig while registering three assists.

Onyekuru struggled to make an impact at Olympiakos, netting once in 27 games, after his move from Monaco in August 2021.

Rangers Closing on Deal for Super Eagles Forward, Dessers

Glasgow Rangers are closing in on a deal with Cremonese for the signature of Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers.

This is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano who disclosed on his Twitter page yesterday afternoon that Rangers were on the verge of signing Dessers.

Per the report, Rangers and Cremonese have agreed on a final fee for the Nigerian attacker and documents

are being drafted for the conclusion of the deal.

The Light Blues want the former Genk forward to bolster the attacking department despite the arrival of Sam Lammers from Atalanta.

The Scottish giants have been on the trail of the striker for a while and have been said to be finding it difficult to strike a deal with Cremonese due to their insistence on paying his £6.5 million

Coach of AC Milan, Stefano Pioli, has reportedly reached out to Super Eagles star, Samuel Chukwueze, to secure his signature.

The Nigerian winger, who was impressive for Villarreal in the 2022-23 season campaign, has piqued the interest of top European clubs like Real Madrid. AC Milan, Liverpool and a host of other clubs.

Meanwhile, with a recent report from Sky, Pioli has made a direct call to the Nigerian international’s camp, which signifies Milan’s deep interest in securing the services of the Nigerian sensation as they aim to strengthen their squad for the

upcoming season. Chukwueze, born in 1999, has been on Milan’s radar for some time now, and Pioli’s call further highlights the club’s determination to lure him to Italy. The winger, known for his electrifying pace, technical skills, and goal-scoring ability, has impressed both domestically and on the international stage. Notable highlights of his performance included shooting a double past Thibaut Courtois, which drew the curiosity of Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, as well as helping Jose Peseiro’s Super Eagles to their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tickets.

While negotiations are still ongoing, Milan’s keenness to secure Chukwueze’s signature is evident. The club sees him as a valuable addition to their attacking options, offering depth and quality to their wide positions. Milan is still focused on completing the formalities to bring Chukwueze to the San Siro as the discussions progress. More information on this intriguing prospective deal, which might determine Milan’s future success, will be anxiously awaited by fans.

AC Milan has been monitoring some Nigerian players in their bid to bolster their squad for the 2023-24 Serie A season campaign.

Marseille Target Zaidu as Tavares Return to Arsenal

French giants Olympique de Marseille are reportedly eyeing a move for Porto left-back, Zaidu Sanusi to fill the void left by Nuno Tavares, who has returned to his parent club Arsenal after the expiration of his loan term

According to Portuguese sports daily Record via Le Phoceen, the French side are interested in the services of the left-back.

Marseille are short of options at left-back as ex-Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac, who

asking price.

With the relegation of the Gray and Reds to Serie B, the club wants to recoup as much as possible on the former Eredivisie striker to make up the loss that will be incurred from their relegation

Last season, the 4-cap Nigeria international directly participated in thirteen goals (10 goals, 3 assists), including nine in the colours of Cremonese.

Man Utd Goalkeeper, De Gea Set to Become Free Agent

Manchester United goalkeeper, David de Gea’s contract came to an end yesterday with no decision over whether he will remain at Old Trafford.

It is understood the framework of a contract extension that had been agreed was subsequently changed.

This has led to both sides stepping back to reflect on the situation and preferred direction. De Gea is getting married this weekend and face-to-face talks will not resume until after this period is over.

The Spain goalkeeper, 32, has spent 12 years at the club, where he has played in 545 games.

United remain in contact with

De Gea, whose response to the huge amount of speculation around his future was to post a yawning emoji on Twitter earlier this week. Last season, the four-time United player of the year won the Premier League Golden Glove for the second time as he kept 17 clean sheets.

Both De Gea and manager Erik ten Hag spoke confidently at the end of last season about the player staying at the club.

He could still sign a contract but from today, the Spaniard can sign for any other club, having been free to agree pre-contract terms with overseas suitors in January.

United have been wanting De Gea to take a substantial pay cut from the record £375,000-per-week deal he signed in 2019. Even at a reduced level, De Gea’s contract would still put him in the top range of goalkeepers and it is difficult to see him matching those terms elsewhere.

However, if he does opt to leave the club after 12 seasons, during which time he has won five major honours, a record four club player-of-the-year awards and is the last remaining player to have won a Premier League title at United, it will create a problem for Ten Hag.

played at center back for majority of last season and is also capable of being used at left-back, is heavily linked with an imminent move to Atalanta on a free transfer.

Les Phocéens will be competing in the UEFA Champions League next season and could make do with the experience of Sanusi who has logged 24 appearances in the competition

The Super Eagles full-back joined Porto in the 2020/2021

season and has featured consistently for the Portuguese outfit.

The 26-year-old has made 112 appearances in all competition for the Blue and Whites scoring 6 goals and bagging one assist.

With his current contract set to expire in 2027, he is valued at 8 million Euros by Transfermarkt. com.

Porto seem to be preparing for the exit of the Lagos-born defender as they have been linked with another Nigerian

Raptors President, Ujiri Gets Canada’s Highest Honour

Toronto Raptors President, Masai Ujiri is among the dozens of people newly named to Canada’s highest civilian honour.

Governor-General Mary Simon announced 85 appointments to the Order of Canada yesterday, including three companions, 22 officers and 60 members. Some other appointees are actor and writer Dan Levy and Cree artist Kent Monkman according to a Sportsnet report.

The report states that Ujiri was named an officer to the Order of Canada for his “contributions on and off the basketball court,” as both president of an NBA team and as a humanitarian.

Masai who first played

Wilder

Deontay Wilder has revealed talks over fight against Anthony Joshua are progressing well - but the same can’t be said for a clash against Andy Ruiz Jr.

Wilder is pencilled-in to fight Joshua at the end of the year in Saudi Arabia in a historic heavyweight that was supposed to also feature Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, but that will no longer be the case as the undisputed clash has been delayed again. Wilder echoed recent

for the Nigerian national team, D’Tigers in the 1997 Afrobasket in Dakar, Senegal has been involved humanitarian service to different communities since 2003 using the game of basketball as a tool.

He held his first major camp with the Giants of Africa in 2003 in Zaria, Nigeria with coaches from Europe, the USA and Nigeria with very little resources. He has continued to give growth opportunities to young Africans with that programme that trains them basically for life on and outside the basketball court.

When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, the GOA programme could not run because of crowd control but rather than let the months run out wastefully

comments made by Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn about the progression of fight talks.

“That’s looking very promising, very promising,” Wilder told ESNews of facing Joshua. “I also got other offers as well from overseas so nobody need to worry about who I fight because my life is very, very great, understand that. Don’t worry about who I fight cause I could fight anybody in the world, they would love to see

Masai embarked upon building basketball courts across Africa especially in the areas in dire need of sporting facilities.

In 2021, Giants of Africa launched the ‘Built Within’ 100-court initiative and have unveiled 26 basketball facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Rwanda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, and Somalia to date.

To celebrate the organisation’s 20th anniversary, the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival will bring together over 250 youth from 16 countries across Africa to Kigali, Rwanda for a week-long celebration of basketball, education, culture, and entertainment from August 13 to 19.

me come in their country, and love to see me in the States.”

Wilder has claimed Ruiz Jr’s equal purse split demand is something that is getting in the way of their fight being made, adding: “Andy that ain’t so much the case so they got to really think about this situation they in. They talking about a 50-50, you ain’t nobody compared to me bro, you was only a champion for a very short time so stop that.”

Remo Stars’ midfielder Segun Odegbile tries to guide the ball away from Bendel-Insurance players Chukwueze

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed to Tinubu

“Policies after policies are just making life more difficult, and people have a short patience threshold. If they don’t see a difference between the pre-Tinubu government and the Tinubu administration, they will walk away from this administration” –Spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed punching holes in the education loan scheme.

OKEY IKECHUKWU

EDIFYING ELUCIDATIONS

okey.ikechukwu@thisdaylive.com

Tinubu’s First 100 Days in Office

Relax, I am aware that the man has only been in office for one month. From the way he is going, he certainly has a thing or two to celebrate thus far. But there is no real need for such a celebration, which will probably be accompanied by a public holiday this time. It will not add any real value to his performance, or historical track record, as a leader. Tinubu must keep his eyes on the ball. Let us begin to do things differently.

So, before his handlers prance off, in a frenetic pace to make a good impression, and show off their superstar, they should first answer this question: Does this government need to organize a State Event, complete with government officials, sniveling crumbcrunchers, genuine stakeholders and the president’s party members all lined up to reel off his specific and general achievements? I think not. We have had nore than enough of such charades over the years. And this is at all levels of government in Nigeria. Tl

Tinubu can create a new precedent by putting an end to it. There is an Igbo saying that when impropriety, or even an abomination, lasts long enough, it gets absorbed, applied and treated as tradition.

The first person who celebrated his first hundred years in office did so in a faraway country, on another continent. We have tried it, so our name is on the register. Now we need to move on, as a serious people. This pointless national engagement has cost the nation hundreds of billions of Naira in perfectly avoidable expenses for decades. Past governments at all levels have put too much energy, funds, fanfare and needless floodlights and festoons around it. And to what purpose? To tell Nigerians that the person they elected has been working for the first three months after being sworn in? Really? What else was he supposed to be doing? Why was he elected in the first place?

This sham proof of exceptional performance, and capacity to lead, is rarely ever followed through in the remaining 45 months of a 48-month tenure in office. So, let us show some sobriety and maturity here; knowing that the money to be thus squandered can be put to better use in these days of starving citizens, abominable inflation, unaffordable automotive fuel and much more – including trekking under the sun because of high transport fares.

Tinubu should, instead, let his foot soldiers do more work of explaining and justifying all the moves he has made so far. Some of them are clearly unsettling for many people. Even the supporters are unable to present a coherent narrative. Yes, whoever must make an omelet has to break some eggs; but the government must avoid a situation wherein the perception is that eggs are being broken just for the heck of it. The federal Government’s current decisions, actions and policy initiatives are foundational measures on which it is

expected to build. They will make or mar Tinubu’s tenure. That is why their intent and purport should be simplified in the public domain.

A nation in crisis of the worst type, across all frontiers, cannot afford the additional crisis of avoidable confusion and quarrels arising from good but mismanaged, misrepresented, misinterpreted or simply misunderstood good intentions. The dumb-witted attempt to push forward the idea of a salary raise for the president and elected official, for instance, is so silly that it may well be a deliberate “enemy” action. Of all things on which to send a hurried memo to the president at this time? This degree of insensitivity says a lot about the level of disconnect between most managers of agencies of government and the Nigerian reality they are supposed to be dealing with.

With teachers, ASUU, doctors and sundry labour unions on the war path with government, amidst unprecedented rise in transportation and foodstuff for the citizens, the most brilliant idea a presumably serious agency of government can think of is increasing the pay packet of the president?

A president who ordinarily lives at public expense? Ejikwa m ogu o!

While not agreeing pointedly with those who have gone so far as to say that the fledgling Tinubu Presidency has already outdone in three weeks what his predecessor would not have accomplished if he was given another eight years in office, it must be said and noted that the painfully lethargic, somnambulistic and purposeless eight-year tenure of former president Muhammadu Buhari has helped to project the actions of the current president as nothing short of the eighth wonder of the world.

Buhari’s tenure is likely to go down in

history as the period of the greatest spiritual and material damage to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The North, in particular, will take decades to get out of its present bind. The loss of lives, property and means of livelihood, the spate of banditry and general insecurity and the cheerful waste of human capital in an ill-informed insistence on trekking thousands of kilometres to feed cattle will yet rebound. The damage done by Buhari to the APC, national cohesion, service delivery, leadership sensitivity, equity, natural justice, genuine democracy in a plural society and the idea of leadership and responsible self-presentation as leader is immeasurable.

Practically everything that spoke to a better, and greater, humanity, suffered shipwreck under Buhari. That is partly why what is going on at the moment looks, or seems, a bit dizzying for most Nigerians who lived for eight years with a president who did nothing, knew nothing and was bothered about nothing. Tinubu took over from a man who was not on the job at all.

It took Tinubu’s predecessor six months to appoint ministers. It took him practically one year to dissolve the Governing Boards of MDAs, and more years to reconstitute them. He retained most government functionaries for eight years, thereby forcing many carrier officers to either stagnate or retire without deserved fulfilment. That is why the apparent ease and speed with which important decisions and appointments are now being made, as well as the excitement of those who kept telling us that Tinubu would hit the ground running once sworn in, is understandable.

But, let’s get real; and remain real. A leader is supposed to lead, is he not? This leading means, first, designing a comprehensive engagement strategy. It means, second, thinking through the appropriate policies for dealing with various problems. It also means finding and deploying the right type of human capital for implementation. The criteria here must include competence and sensitivity to the existing, and subsisting, sociopolitical realities; two paradigms on which Buhari performed disastrously and delivered miserably. This will then all be capped by a credible compliance system that is driven by cost-effective implementation, monitoring, evaluation, feedback, recalibration and re-engagement – within a self-correcting framework.

It would seem that Tinubu has set out with some kind of broad strategic framework. That framework, whatever it may be and in whatever way it is conceptualized, must run on the path of equity, natural justice and good conscience. It must also note the right type of investment that will lead to national development, instead of merely recording expenditure on all manner of projects; with neither positive impact nor tangible benefit on the people.

I cite as example in this regard one of the very telling decisions of the previous leadership under “investment in education”. The sum of N4.7 billion was approved for

the construction of seven Models Schools in the six geo-political zones of the country and Abuja. This was totally unnecessary. As was pointed out here on May 31, 2019, “To build new model schools is to award building contracts to “reliable” contractors. Construction of the schools will take years, to be followed by the provision of state-ofthe-art amenities; which essentially boils down to a series of procurement contracts.”

Would it not have been better for the federal government to upgrade the over 100 Unity School in the country into Model Schools, with even less financial resources? As said then: “A simple costs-benefits analysis shows that 4.7 billion Naira will go a very long way in rescuing the now-decrepit and derelict Unity Schools in the country and increasing their carrying capacity. It is not right that we should have such huge budgetary provision on record as proof of government commitment to education when it is not”.

With this new APC government, which probably came into office despite the efforts of APC stalwarts to abort it, things must be done differently. Doing things right, and differently in a positive and upbuilding way, is the strongest campaign any party in power can make for itself.

That is why this government should note, in particular, the following observation that was made here four years ago: “The school system is like a “factory” producing human capital for the nation. It needs “factory workers”, as well as facilities and the physical infrastructure housing all activities. Investment that focuses on factory machinery and the premises of our education industry is not the best approach to improving the quality of citizens (or “products”) we turn out. It is not enough for an investor to procure and install fine “machinery.” The equipment will not translate into quality products, or even any products at all, except there are also competent people to handle them”.

We can illustrate this with the example of a man who builds a bakery to the best global standards, “complete with a service and marketing templates that even the Jews would envy, but who fails to train bakers and install an efficient and effective management”. He has invested foolishly, has he not? Every industrialist knows that impressive installed capacity that is accompanied by poor capacity utilization and incompetent staff is a recipe for unmitigated disaster.

That is why we must consciously plan for national development with a holistic template and outlook. It is beyond hitting the ground running, or rolling out several decisions in a hurry. It has more to do with sustainability. The Tinubu government has much to make good, and for several reasons. One thing it can spare Nigerians is the celebration of its first 100 years in office. If anything, it can do first 30 days in office. Now, that will be something.